Andy Reid has named Michael Vick the starting quarterback over Kevin Kolb. Kolb is fine, so this is strictly a performance issue. Andy Reid has watched the tape and believes Vick can help them win right now. Fantasy-wise I think we can feel a little more confident that Vick can be a QB1 even though I believe Kolb would have done that as well, but that really isn’t the point. Vick will be inconsistent like he always has been, but his rushing ability will keep him from having stink bomb games like it always has.
Vick has been good for Desean Jackson, in 6 quarters he has targeted him 14 times for 8 receptions, 165 yards and 1 TD. In that same time he has targeted Jason Avant 14 times, Jeremy Maclin 10, and Brent Celek 8. From what we’ve seen so far, Celek has been the odd man out. That’s not to say it’s impossible for him to start looking his way, but it’s not the best news for Celek owners and in a lesser way, Maclin owners.
I do think this move helps LeSean McCoy because Vick takes the linebackers attention away from the running back. They essentially have to account for two explosive RBs. That of course is a dynamic that Kolb did not have, and now the Eagles have a way of compensating for their poor offensive line. This is another reason Reid probably chose Vick; with his escapability, the o-line’s flaw won’t be as detrimental.
Vick will be a good fantasy QB, but the chances are he won’t be a high end QB unless he’s playing a team like the Lions. Defensive coordinators will once again figure out ways to stop him. So I see this as a pretty good time to sell high. Especially to a Kolb owner (I’ll take him!). Of course if you have a QB that is slacking like Flacco, he is very much worth keeping. So do some figuring and see how you can make this move work for you.
In other news Larry Johnson has been cut. This means that Shanny has quite a bit of confidence in Keiland Williams to step in when Portis is injured. I would grab him, especially in PPR leagues. He grabbed 4 passes last Sunday against the Texans. I would feel good about swapping LJ for KL.
Reggie Bush is hurt again, this time with a broken fibula. He should be back in 4-6 weeks while DeShawn Wynn takes over for him. Wynn is not the same player as Bush and most of his receptions will go to the many receivers and Pierre Thomas. Wynn is the guy to own if you want to backup PT.
And while you’re here, check out my weekly post over at The 5th Down.
