Three words Jim Bob Cooter. Why do I begin this week’s edition of Through The Wire with the name of the Lions newly promoted Offensive Coordinator? Not because I feel his advancement will have any sort of positive impact upon the Lions offense. No, not at all, but for two very specific reasons, that are completely unrelated to football.
1. His birth name isn’t Jim Bob. It’s is in fact James Robert Cooter. To this I say he chose the Jim Bob life. That says a great deal about a person.
2. He’s a creep who likes to get a little silly, by breaking into woman’s bedrooms and stripping down to his tightie whities.
So now that I’ve been given my medium to express my feelings of appreciation for all that is The Coot, let’s move on to more pressing matters.I not going to do what everybody thinks I’m going to, and that’s talk about the Arian Foster injury and freak out man. Instead I’m going to quite simply state that I’m rooting for injuries at this point. So Arain Foster’s torn Achilles, good for business. On that note, here are your Week 8 wavier wire adds.
Arian Foster Replacement Spectacular
Alfred Blue – He was technically the fill in the first three weeks while Foster was sidelined. He had a huge game in week three when he ran for 139 yards and a TD. So he’s proven he’s capable of a big game. Problem is the Texans upcoming schedule isn’t exactly welcoming. In week 8 they face the Titans top 5 run D, followed by the bye, a mid-grade matchup at Cincy, and then a date with the Jets top ranked unit. If you’re in a deep league or need some RB depth scoop him up, but don’t expect too much.
Chris Polk – He was second in the depth chart behind Foster the past few weeks, but it looks like Blue gets first crack. You can put in a claim as a consolation prize, or as a cuff incase Blue falls flat, but I’m not too gassed about the Houston offense.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick – Here’s a question for you, what’s the difference between Eli Manning, Matt Ryan, and Ryan Fitzpatrick? Oh about 2 fantasy points. That’s right Fitzy isn’t nearly as bad as you think, and he’s been pretty damn consistent as well, never scoring below 14 points in any game this year. Onto week 8 where “Bearded Marino” and his Jets brethren look to rebound as they travel to Oakland. To call the Raiders defense subpar would be an understatement. Expect a decent return from all players afflicted with the Jets offense this week.
Running Back
Darren McFadden – As long as Greg Hardy doesn’t kill Run DMC or any other people in his way/talking to him/occupying space, McFadden could be in for an increased roll going forward. After the former Raider, and not Fantasy darling Christine Michael, took over for Joseph Randle, he went HAM! Racking up 162 total yards and a TD on 29 carries and two receptions. Jason Garrett already said that McFadden’s role will increase, and at this point I wouldn’t be shocked if he overtakes Randle as the Boys primary back. Worth an add if only due to his ability to contribute in the running and passing game. There’s good upside here.
Wide Receivers
Nate Washington – Welp, it looks like DeAndre Hopkins has been supplanted as the top option in the passing game for the Texans. Sometimes garbage time just shows you something. Every so often a star emerges from the strangest of places, the darkest corners of the waiver wire, but that time is not now. Washington is an illusion, like a cliched oasis in a desert scene from a movie. He is just a mirage.
Robert Woods – With both Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin on the sidelines Woods ran wild at Wembley grabbing 9 of 13 targets for 84 yards and a score. With a bye this week much of Woods’ value is dependent upon the health and availability of the receiving duo in week 9. The news around Harvin isn’t good, with stories of possible retirement floating, and Watkins sulking and hurt, Woods is a risk worth taking. After a storied career at USC things just haven’t clicked in the pros thus far, looks like he could be getting his shot sooner rather than later.
Tight Ends
Eric Ebron – One of my only real mistakes this season has been my falling in love with Crockett Gillmore way back in week 3. He is obviously a gimp and I was way off on his breakout. Well, I never learn my lesson, for I stand before you today advocating for another tight end with big breakout potential. Obviously Ebron was a first round pick, with huge expectations coming into the league, after a disappointing rookie season the UNC standout looks ready to take the next step. In five starts this season, the tight end has only laid one stinker in week 4 against Seattle, where he was injured. He has some very solid matchups upcoming after the week 9 bye, with Green Bay (twice), Oakland, and Philly on the calendar. If you’re struggling for tight end points, add Ebron.
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