Week 7 ~ Start'em

As I take a look at the match-ups for Week 7, I see several players that either have under-performed so far this season, have benefited from injuries, have increased their roles as the season progresses, or simply have a great defensive match-up to take advantage of...

I will not bore you with the typical starters as you should be well aware of who they are, but let's look at either the failing studs, or the great back-ups on the majority of fantasy teams who are dealing with either an game-time injury decision or a bye-week dilemna.

QUARTERBACKS:

Drew Brees: The decision to include Brees in this group is mostly due to his failure to date to generate the points worthy of where most fantasy GMs drafted him. He had his best week of the season this past Sunday and should have an even better one as the Saints slowly get out of their own way. The key to Brees success should be attributed to the likes of Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, and Devery Henderson, however, I believe the key is in the health and speed of savvy veteran David Patten. Look for Brees to capitalize on the faltering defense of the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints won't run up the score, but should win, giving Brees a 250+ YD game with upwards of 3 TDs (more likely two and a pick, but who's counting those when he has done squat to date?)

Damon Huard: Damon is posed to have his best week this year. Gonzalez and Bowe are carrying their own loads while the workhorse, Larry Johnson, is coming into form... (that is what he gets for holding out). Last week Huard showed that he can be effective even in this offense as long as the defense keeps giving him opportunities through turn-overs. I expect L.J. to be tremendous this week with over 100 YDs and 2 TDs, lightening the responsibility for Huard to carry the team... In the end, Huard could crest the 300 YD mark and 3 TDs against an on-again, off-again defensive at Oakland.

Chad Pennington: He has the potential for 300 YDs and 2-3 TDs every game... the difference is whether or not Thomas Jones gets out of the backfield and the defense does their part to get it done fast and furious and get the offense back on the field. NYJ go to CIN to try and win one on the road. The CIN defense is all over the place which can result in either a huge day for a QB or several turn-overs that help CIN to slaughter someone. CIN is hungry for a win, but that doesn't mean that this group of individuals learn the true meaning of the word team.

Brian Griese: Brian proved last week that he can still get it done... sure they didn't win, but he had a great fantasy week. Chicago goes into Phillie against a injury-plagued defense that should work to his advantage. Berrian seems to be the WR of last year, getting 10-12 receiving attempts a game and the tandem of Clark and Olsen makes any QB feel more confident about their offensive potential.

Jeff Garcia: Who hasn't done well against the Detroit Lions? With that in mind, it appears safe to start Garcia and expect good production out of him. They have lost 66% of their starting RBs (Cadillac Williams, Michael Pittman) but still have two serviceable RBs in Earnest Graham (the power) and Michael Bennett (the speed and hands). Galloway continues to defy age, staying as speedy as the best in the league with sure hands and a willingness to go down the middle if needed. Garcia should see over 200 YDs and I expect at least 2 TDs in the air...don't be surprised if he puts one in on the ground too.

RUNNING BACKS:

Lawrence Maroney: It is finally time to get the value of this player at the pick you likely took him at. New England does face a tough front 3 or 4, but beyond the defensive line, the MIA D/ST is suspect. They have a great, young corp. of defensive backs but nothing that should prevent Maroney from cresting the 100 YD mark for the first time this year. Expect the Patriots to use the run game towards the latter part of the game, making all Maroney owners nervous till the end, but if the Pats do what they have done all ready this season to every other opponent, the late third and all of the fourth quarter will be Maroney's.

Rudi Johnson: Thank goodness he is back, for my fantasy teams' sake as well as for the CIN Bengals sake. I expect Rudi to get at or above 22 carries which usually equates to 100 YDs+ and at least a TD. Rest assured that it will be slow at first, especially when CIN faces a NYJ D/St that hasn't found their identity yet and the tandem of Chad and T.J. All in all, it should be a fairly productive day for Johnson who is playing at about 90%.

Brandon Jacobs: It appears to be the "return of the injured" for most of my RB Start'ems. Jacobs has had to solid performances in the past two weeks assuring owners that it is now or never to insert him into your starting line-up. Derrick Ward will still see some carries, but more on third down than any other time. Jacobs is going to help to continue the Giants winning ways. No one more than Eli appreciates his return.

Nejah Davenport: If you are facing bye-weeks and need another running back that will put points up on the board, Nejah is a good candidate this week. Denver has shown that they are struggling to stop the run and Willie Parker can't do it all... Like the last three weeks, Davenport will see the third and short and goalline opportunities that can prove profitable for fantasy owners.

Jerious Norwood: Expect the Falcon's to use the RBs more than ever as Byron Leftwich replaces Joey Harrington this week in New Orleans. The Saints have been susceptible to the run and Norwood has huge, break-away capabilities. Dunn's workload is tapering off and Norwood is going to be the beneficiary. As long as Leftwich doesn't blow it (if he does, likely to a year layoff from the field and a porous offensive line), Norwood should see some very productive opportunities. Again, a great bye-week or injury fill-in.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Bobby Engram: Like Joey Galloway, Engram also continues to defy logic. He is approximately 75 years old in football years, yet still keeps getting it done. Often injured, he is still a great fantasy wide receiver now that Deion Branch is out for the next few weeks. Burleson is good but has poor hand-eye coordination and Hasselbeck throws a tough ball to catch. Expect Engram to be his go-to target against an disgraced STL defense. I expect 100YDs+ and 2 TDs out of Engram this week.

David Patten: Like a Phoenix, David Patten is rising from the ashes. Long dismissed as run-down and injured, David Patten had solid numbers last week and should see equal stats against an Atlanta defense that finds itself truly talented but failing in consistency. Henderson Colston, Copper, and Johnson will keep the defense honest (not to mention Bush) leaving little Davey Patten able to sprint past secondaries and take this team deep.

Patrick Crayton: Patrick has been able to capitalize on the prowess of the offense (J.Jones, M.Barber, J.Witten, T.O.) and the injury to Terry Glenn. Crayton has shown that he is able to carry his portion of the workload and should at the very lest, see opportunities with 20 YDs or less to the endzone. He may not have more than 85 YDS, but should ring up at least 6 PTs with a TD.

Kevin Curtis: The Wayne Chrebet of this error (Some say Wes Welker too, but I consider him more of a Don Beebe, BUF), Kevin Curtis has lightening speed an a willingness to do what it takes to come down with the ball, regardless who is rearing back to take his head off. Westbrook is back, making the PHI offense more viable. I expect Kevin to get some great looks against an injury-plagued and much slower than recent years, Chicago D/ST. This will not be a Detroit Lions statistical day, but should rank in the top 10 WR for this coming Sunday when all is said and done.

Shawn McDonald: Even though I have no faith in Jon Kitna, they Detroit Lions CAN put points on the board. Bearing the blessing of having Ca.Johnson and R. Williams as the No. 1 & 2 wide receivers, Shawn McDonald gets the benefit of having either a safety or a speedy LB when in the red zone. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Detroit offense will stall often, but I expect McDonald to get enough YD and TD attempts to start him in place of your typical starter. Consider him a strong 4th WR or if needed, 3rd WR when facing multiple bye-weeks and injuries

TIGHT ENDS:

Alge Crumpler: He is talented... and Leftwich is a little more mobile than Harrington, at least i the pocket. Byron will be shakey and therefore he should rely on one of the best check-down options in the league...Crumpler! If the Atlanta Falcon's can establish even a remote running game, I expect Alge to have a great day... say 85 YDs and a TD....hold your breath, but it is entirely possible.

Leonard Pope: Tim Rattay will need someone to checkdown to someone as he gets acclimated to the offense... I think Pope will be that guy. Larry Fitgerald is the man on the offense with a depleted offensive line, I don't expect too, too much out of Rattay and the running game, which is why I recommend Pope to start... but ONLY if you are facing a bye-week with your TE or he is injured (a la "Ben Watson").

Chris Baker: The Jets roll into Cincy this week. With the individualistic issues of the defense and the yet to be established run game (two weeks does not make it consistent), I expect that the CIN D/ST will put most of their focus on Coles and Cotchery, as well as clogging up the middle to stop Thomas Jones.... Who's Left? TE Chris Baker. I expect him to get thrown to at least 8 times... let's say he gets 6 of them.. with an average of 14.8 YDs a reception, that puts him in the 88s for YDs and likely getting a look in the redzone if they can get there.

Greg Olsen: He is a future fantasy stud at the TE position...if he stays there... I expect the offense of the Bears to use him like they are utilizing Dallas Clark in Indy... split out... leaving Clark as either a blocker or a in reverse, having Olsen be a decoy and hitting Clark up the seams. Either way, Olsen is getting more looks than Muhsin Muhammad in the last two games and can't anticipate that changing, not when Griese is in.

Heath Miller: The offense of the Steelers is still run if you can, past if you must, however, Hines Ward is back, but not truly at 100% and Santonio Holmes can only do so much by himself (or maybe not, who can tell with the second year players)... I expect that the Denver defense with a solid secondary and a better than average defensive line will be exposed by the ability of the TEs Spaeth and Miller... although Spaeth came out of the gate early, he is more of a blocker than a receiver. Miller on the other hand has shown in the first two years that he can be counted on to bring the ball in and tear up linebackers for YAC.

That's is sports fans... Use it, Lose it, Abuse it, or Ignore it... but THAT is my fantasy Start'em for Week 7. So for all of those who face injuries, game-time decisions, bye-weeks, or the ability to ride the fence and curse yourself out for not playing a back-up over a starter, there is my advice to you!!!!

Statistocrat

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