The Observer, October 5, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 6
Fantasy Tips: Week 5
In the year of the underdog and massively devastating injuries to key players, there have been many unknown players that have been turned to as a replacement. Here are some players whose names have been mentioned that may or may not be a quality pick up, in a fantasy sense.
QB
Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills – The Bills will be giving Edwards another shot at leading the team to victory after news that J.P. Losman is not 100 percent. If he is able to produce against a substantially better Dallas defense, there might be a QB controversy in Buffalo. His high completion percentage bodes well for future success, but his performance this Sunday will be telling of his near future. In the end, Losman will return as the starting QB. BENCH.
RB
Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneerss – With Carnell Williams now out for the season, Graham will now be receiving most, if not all, the carries for the Bucs. Scoring three TDs in the past two weeks without many goal line carries means good things for Earnest. With a nose for the endzone, his fantasy stock is high, but underappreciated because of the lack of yards. The yards will improve and the touchdowns will continue. PICK UP.
Sammy Morris, New England Patriots – Lawrence Maroney is the worst second pick I have ever made. I am ashamed to say it, but I was one of the many who were duped into thinking that he was going to have a breakout year and that the passing game would open up gaping holes for him. Incorrect. Taking advantage of opportunity, Sammy Morris has reaped major benefits. If he is available in your league, get him. PICK UP.
WR
Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys – Don't be so hasty. Two touchdowns and 184 yards is a great week, but look at the big picture. Besides week four, Dallas faces very tough secondaries and defenses, and so far this season he has only been able to prey on the weak. Against the harder defenses, Romo looks more to his TE for safe completions and Owens as the deep/big play threat. Crayton will have a good game against the Bills but will struggle to produce for many weeks after. BENCH.
K
Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots – This kid must be having fun hitting 19-yard kicks five times a game. When the Pats decided to let Adam Vinatieri leave via free agency, they must have decided, "We are going to put together the most potent offense in the league so that we never have to kick field goals." So far so good. The Moss, Stallworth, Welker trio has been putting up insane numbers, mostly due to Brady's ability to throw the ball far and Moss's ability to get underneath it. Simple enough. And hitting five extra points a week is decent, but there are much better kickers out there. BENCH.
