Fantasy Football Collective

PICK'EM UP

Joe Flacco – this high flying Raven has looked extremely poised in the pocket and recently delivered
Pittsburgh a tough matchup in Week 4. Look to Mighty Joe Flacco to put up some impressive numbers against a tough Tennessee D. Even though he won’t be a top 5 QB this week, his schedule for the rest of the season isn’t too bad; plus he has a defense that will keep giving him the ball.

Deion Branch – Now this has been my man since the beginning of this season. I would do a player spotlight on him if it weren’t for Brandon Marshall’s godly performances. Anyway, Branch is going to be one of Hasselbeck’s main targets for the remainder of the season, so long as the duo remains healthy. Last season Branch had 4 touchdowns and over 600 yards in 11 games—which comes down to pretty good numbers on a weekly basis. Call this a high-risk/high-reward play, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed--he'll come out with 50 or more yards and a TD this week.

Donte Stallworth- Here’s my second risky call since it's an early pickup. Stallworth was one of the premier acquirements by the Browns in the off-season, so plan on the Browns to have Quinn or Anderson throw to him early. Of course, with the quad problem still a mystery, there’s the chance that Stallworth could either perform poorly or bust entirely. He's come back after this bye week so pickup with caution, but do so also knowing that he has the potential to be the spark that ignites the Brown’s passing game once again. 

Bobby Engram- I don’t need to say much here: Engram will be the deep ball man for the Hawks the rest of the season. If Julius Jones can keep plowing the field, expect Engram to go deep several times this year, ending each long ball with a score.

Deuce McCallister – Deuce has got the juice! Did you see that leap into the endzone? Do you remember those explosive first steps that guaranteed the Saint’s nearly 4 yards per every carry. If not, pick him up and see for yourself when he gets 15-20 carries against an ailing Minnesota D-line which may lose Shaun Ellis for at least one game.

Rudi Johnson – I’ll concede that Johnson is older, and highly-prone to nicks and injuries. However, don’t forget that this guy has a lot on the line if he doesn’t perform well this week. I’ve owned Johnson from day 1, expecting the vet to get the opportunity to show what he can do. Well now he has his chance, and I don’t think Rudi wants a rookie to outplay him. With Johnson and Williams in the mix, and Kitna hurting a bit, I think Johnson will see the ball 3-5 times in the passing game, and at least 15 times on the ground. 

Anthony Fasano – Okay, let’s keep this short: he’s not consistent but he’s definitely worth a pick up since (when he does get the ball) he makes about 60-80 yards a game. If you’re in a deeper league, pick him up already!

Matt Prater – I cashed in big last week when I dropped Gostkowski for buckin’bronco Prater.  Sure he missed a measly 28-yarder, but that didn’t stop him from nailing TWO 50+ yard field goals later in the game. He has a mule’s leg, and a powerhouse offense to boot. If he’s available, pick him up and listen to your league vurse the fact that you made one of the biggest pickups of the year. 

WILD CARD

Brady Quinn – I would not pick up the guy, but I wouldn’t drop him either.  However, I have the feeling that (should the possible “savior” play) he’ll do well enough to bench Anderson for the rest of the year and maybe even get Edwards to catch the ball.

DROP'EM

Derek Anderson – bench him, drop him, I don’t care.  Just don’t play this highly-overrated disaster. During draft time I remember saying, “You’re gonna regret it.” Now I’m hearing “you were right” almost daily. Take my word for it: you’re gonna regret it if you play this guy.

Jon Kitna - I own Calvin Johnson.  I want Kitna gone.  Does that say enough?  No?  Fine: Kitna's hurting and he doesn't make smart decisions.  Look at his % and ints if you don't believe me.

Randy Moss – oh poor, poor Randy. I can’t say much than trade this guy for someone else. Don’t go cheap either, but seriously Randy is not going to have the greatest impact for the rest of the season. He’s not a drop, but he’s definitely a trade consideration. 

Vincent Jackson - Chambers and Gates are the go-to men and Vincent Jackson does not look very fast on the field this year.  I doubt he'll break out any more than he has thus far.

Michael Bush – Okay, I just dropped this guy. “What?!” you say? Well, I look at it this way: Fargas and McFadden are on the verge of returning to this run heavy offense. Even if only one of the original starters return, Bush is still looking at a lot of time spent splitting carries. Now imagine when both Fargas and McFadden return. Do you think Bush is going to still receive 10-15 carries a game? No. If you have someone like Deuce or Rudi left in your league, you’re better off dropping Bush now (he’s on a bye for this week) and receiving immediate return from these other upside backs. This, I would say, is my third risky call of the week.

Kevin Smith – I don’t like the way he runs and I don’t believe he’s a number one back. At least for this season, Smith looks like he’ll remain the number 2 back (if Rudi even shows a glimmer of his former self). Most commentators suggest that Smith is the future and you’d be a fool to drop him. I think you’d be wistful to believe that Smith has (1) an offense conducive to his abilities, and (2) the type of power an NFL back needs to make an impact. Drop him or trade him, but don’t waste a week benching him.

Denver Defense - Hands down these guys are great for opposing offenses.  So get rid of 'em!

-Ted E. Recio, tederecio@gmail.com