If you’re observant one thing you’ll notice is that past the “Waivers” section I almost completely ignore receivers. Earlier on in the season you can make the argument for stashing wideouts because legitimate studs emerge from the embers on a regular basis. As the Fantasy season unwinds, however, the game changes.
Heading in to the Playoffs we want big producers- CEO’s, not Middle Management. The reality of the NFL is that as a receiver if you haven’t emerged by now as a focal point of your teams offense the odds are stacked against you doing so down the stretch. There will always be a few standouts worth grabbing but by and large I’m going for backup running backs.
The collective workload of a season takes its toll on all players but probably none more so than running backs. Injuries start to pile up like crazy and non-contending teams, though they won’t admit it, often err on the side of caution and sit their questionable starters in order to avoid long term injuries. Every season we see studs come out of the woodwork this time of year; players we’ve never even heard of. If you’re going to unearth a big time producer in Fantasy from here on out it’s almost certainly going to be a running back.
My first column here at Razzball was entitled “Ditch the Snuggie.” I rant and rave constantly about the idiocy of stashing marginal receivers, backup tight ends, and quarterbacks you’re not going to play. I’m telling you right now you need to take a look at your roster and purge it of these types of players. In a vacuum I know it might seem stupid to drop players that are well known for no-name backup running backs but cagey moves like that win you leagues.
Worth a Waiver Claim
Fred Jackson – As I said last week he shouldn’t be on Waivers but you never know…. Marshawn Lynch is looking more and more irrelevant under Perry Fewell.
Jason Avant – I can’t see DeSean Jackson playing next week. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Jeremy Maclin might be the best Eagles receiver in 2010. Avant has been getting his looks as it is but with Jackson out the targets should increase even more, particularly on the deep balls.
Antonio Bryant – He’s still floating around out there on Waivers in a lot of leagues. At this point you have to grab him He’s still floating around out there on Waivers in a lot of leagues. At this point you have to grab him if you can.
Jerious Norwood – Yes……finally he’s relevant. Looks completely healthy right now, played great on Sunday (including a touchdown), and Michael Turner got hurt. To top it all off Matt Ryan looks like he’ll be out next Sunday which means Chris Redman will be dumping it off a lot- even better for this scatback/PPR monster.
Lex Hilliard – I know he didn’t bust out but I don’t care. In deeper leagues especially you have to jump all over the opportunity to grab him. He will be relevant down the stretch as his touches increase. Plus Ricky Williams isn’t 100% healthy himself.
Chris Brown – I hate to even put him on this list but he’s getting goal line carries on an explosive offense. He could become a viable flex starter if this continues as crazy as that sounds. But knowing Gary Kubiak I have no clue how this might play out; Ryan Moats’ days in Houston may not be numbered…
Worth Grabbing in Free Agency (after Waivers clears)
Sammy Morris – Got a lot of touches against New Orleans. Unfortunately Maroney looks like he’s going to retain the goal line touches going forward but if he coughs the football up you never know… the job was Morris’s earlier in the season.
Willie Parker – He got some touches against the Ravens. I don’t see him being that productive unless Mendenhall goes down but he was a starter before so you can’t totally write him off- especially not now that he’s getting fully healthy.
Maurice Morris – Kevin Smith had a good game but Morris is still worth stashing because he’s talented and Smith’s been injured this season.
Chris Jennings – I still think he’s going to take over for Jamal Lewis by the end of the season.
Darren MacFadden – He is looking pretty healthy coming off injury. Downside is the backfield is crowded in Oakland and there’s not much to go around in the first place. But if anyone’s going to emerge as the feature guy it’s him. He’s just a superior athlete.
Deep Sleepers/Stashes (Drop your Snuggies to pick them up)
Quinton Ganther – Who the…….? He’s the backup to Rock Cartwright. I even considered putting him on my list of Free Agents to snag and I would have if Portis wasn’t coming back potentially down the road.
Kenneth Darby – Steven Jackson was his usual dominant self on Sunday. But with the Rams completely out of contention you have to question whether they’ll roll Jackson out there should he aggravate his back or accrue another injury. In PPR especially this could be a good stash.
Kahlil Bell – Matt Forte’s just not that good. Sorry Bears fans, I know how angry you are after finding out Cutler’s not good either. Don’t be surprised if the Bears start to feed this young stud the rock at some point.
Eldra Buckley – I’m not just putting him in here because he scored a touchdown. The touches haven’t been there for him but if McCoy continues to be the only back his odds of getting fatigued increase exponentially. As an Eagles fan clearly I don’t want him to get injured or anything but you never know….
Tyrell Sutton – Should DeAngelo Williams or Jonathon Stewart get hurt you’re going to love this guy you’ve never heard of- tons of speed/playmaking ability.
Rashad Jennings – Not going to be a factor unless Maurice Jones-Drew gets hurt. If that happens, however, you’ll be glad you own Rashad Jennings.
Ryan Moats – It’s evident now that Slaton’s won his starting job back. Moats has once again become a stash. The good part is he showed that he can be productive when given an opportunity.
Brandon Jackson – Betting against Ryan Grant staying healthy… I’ll let you do the Math.
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