Here we are again football fans! Lots to talk about in fantasy football this week. Braylon Edwards is now a New York Jet, Michael Crabtree finally signed with the San Francisco 49ers, Donovan McNabb returns this week and so on. If you’ve been following my column, you will notice that I’m starting to heat up, and I hope you have been smart enough to take some good advice from me. Two weeks ago I predicted the rebirth of Matt Forte, and last week the same with Steve Slaton. Hmm, I’d say it’s looking good, so let’s see what I can give you for week 5.
Quarterback:
Flash
Donovan McNabb, Eagles vs Tampa Bay
Don’t be afraid of a little McNabb rust fantasy owners. In McNabb’s only game so far this year he put up 3 TDs against the Panthers, who even they have a better defense then the Bucs. The Philadelphia Eagles running game will get a boost as well with Brian Westbrook returning so that will open plenty of avenues for McNabb. There is nothing he’d like to do more then show his team and the Philly fans he’s back and healthy. Anything short of 3 TDs from McNabb this week would be shocking!
Matt Schaub, Texans at Cardinals
If anything this is set to be a high scoring affair. Believe the hype, this is the dream showdown between Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. I go with Schaub over Warner here because he has a running game to help open things up and an offensive line that can buy him some time. You know Andre would love to upstage Larry so let’s say hes good for some action which means Schaub is up for some too!
Peyton Manning, Colts at Titans
Unless the NFL is fixing games, this one should be easy. I rarely put Manning here because really, who benches him anyway? But this week he’s a true flash! The Titans have been miserable on defense, and last week David Garrard, yes that David Garrard,\ took them for 3 TDs through the air. If thats the case why can’t Manning get 5? Ok maybe not 5, but 3 should be money in the bank.
Crash
Matt Ryan, Falcons at 49ers
This 49ers defense appears to be for real. Yes, they shut out the Rams last week, but that’s alot more then the Packers did. This Niners defense sports one of the best defenders in the league today in Patrick Willis, and although I normally like Matt Ryan, I just don’t see this as a game where he will go off. This game seems more likely to be won on the ground, so I avoid Ryan this week.
Joe Flacco, Ravens vs Bengals
Flacco does decent things, but it seems the Ravens are more content in scoring on the ground. The Bengals secondary actually has some players on it and beating them with the pass has been no lock for QBs. Although Flacco has progressed nicely, I don’t see this as one of his better macth ups.
Chad Henne, Dolphins vs Jets
We are not playing Buffalo anymore fellas. This is what Chad Henne will be saying in the huddle this week when Rex Ryans defense comes to town. I put Henne on the list because after last weeks decent effort some people may want to play the “fantasy guru” card and try and make a bold move. I highly recommend you don’t.
Sleeper Pick: Derek Anderson, Browns
Handle With Care: Tony Romo, Cowboys
Running Back:
Flash
Brandon Jacobs, Giants vs Oakland
How on Earth can I recommend Jacobs, who got an F grade in my quarter report? Simple friends. Eli Manning is still in limbo after a freak injury last week, and the Raiders stop the run like a rock stops a tidal wave, not at all. Jacobs has the ability to have big games, he just needs the rock, and when the Giants see how much room he will have against this poor defense, he should be busy all day.
Adrian Peterson, Vikings at St. Louis
Duh? Start Peterson, really? I know most of you are thinking it, but the last two weeks I was a little gun shy with Peterson, and was right in doing so. Peterson had 2 tough games against the 49ers (who seem to have his number) and the Packers. This week it is the Rams, the NFCs favorite doormat. This will be a game that Brett Favre will not have to win on his own, so Peterson should be back in the groove. Start him this week and watch him go!
Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers at Detroit
I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t see last weeks 166 yard, 2 TD performance as a flash in the pan. Willie Parker is still iffy with a toe injury and I feel pretty good about the match up the Steelers get this week. Rashard could use some work, and this is the place to get it. The Lions do not play any type of defense well and may be without its best player, LB Ernie Sims. Even if anything else, garbage time should still get him prodcutive numbers, in my opinion anyway!
Crash
Stephen Jackson, Rams vs Minnesota
It seems to be my safety valve to tell you not to play running backs against the Vikings defense, so why stop. Jackson has gotten some decent yardage this year but has not reached the end zone, so going against the number 1 defense in football probably won’t be the cure.
Kevin Smith, Lions vs Pittsburgh
I really like what Smith does. He catches a good amount of passes and has found the end zone a few times this year. However I don’t like what is in store for him this week with the Steelers coming to town. They can be very stingy with RBs, and even though Smith is sometimes fearless, doesn’t mean that the Steelers will suddenly forget how to play defense, plus there is a possibility that Troy Polamalu can be back this week.
Cedric Benson, Bengals at Baltimore
I like what Benson has done this year with 367 yards rushing and a few trips to the end zone, but the Ravens are finding that swagger again on defense. Althought they lost last week to the Patriots, the Ravens did not give up much on the ground. Benson is very much improved from what he was in Chicago, but it’s not going to be so easy here. He missed practice with a hip injury, so keep an eye on him over the next few days.
Sleeper Pick: Jerome Harrison, Browns
Handle With Care: Julius Jones, Seahawks
Wide Receiver:
Flash
DeSean Jackson, Eagles vs Tampa Bay
Jackson is becoming the Eagles money man down the field, and this week McNabb is back to unload the big gun. The Bucs defense does little to scare many, and I mentioned earlier that McNabb was a great start as well. Last week with the Giants I told you if Eli, then why not Steve Smith and I was perfect, so this week play McNabb/Jackson as your combination platter.
Andre Johnson, Texans at Arizona
Once again I hyped the QB so I will hype his main target. In the battle of the “peoples champ” WR duel between Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson, I give the nod to Johnson. This game has the feel of a big time shoot out, and Johnsons advantage is he is THEE man while Fitz has teammates at WR that contribute. Johnson towers over the cards smaller corners, and is due for one of those Andre type days.
Braylon Edwards, Jets at Dolphins
This is not a joke! Edwards wanting out of Cleveland has finally come true and here are some huge pluses you may want to consider. First the Jets GM went on the record and said, “We made this deal for Edwards so he can play. He’s coming in here and will be ready right away”. So he is getting high praise from his new club. Second is that it is a Monday night game so you can bet he will be busting hard to make some big plays and show the fans he wasn’t the cancer in Cleveland. Third is the possible conduct infraction that he has caused. If Edwards is going down with a suspension you know he will go down, ummm swinging. Call it a hunch but I think Edwards gets alot of looks and a fresh start will do him a world of good.
Crash
Roy Williams, Cowboys at Kansas City
I just can not understand what the Cowboys did here? This guy is no numnber 1 WR and his brutal stats have showed us that. Just 11 catches this year and 1 TD? As bad as I think the Chief defense is, I dont think it’s this bad. Williams got his wish out of Detroit, but you can bet that Dallas is trying to find a way to give him back.
Santana Moss, Redskins at Carolina
Moss scored last week, so if you follow his career you know it’s let down time. This offense continues to be bad, and the Panthers are desperate for a win. This will most likely be another snoozer, so you may have to wake Moss up as well as any poor soul who will bare witness to this game.
Santonio Holmes, Steelers at Detroit
Forget what I say about match ups. Holmes is in the midst of a severe slump and since week 1 looks like a blocking dummy. The Steelers seem to have very little use for him in this offense and there are too many talented players who actually show up in Pittsburgh to be ignored. Holmes seems to have played himself right out of favor in this offense, so I’d advise Ward, or Heath Miller, or Mike Wallace or the water boy or anyone else before Holmes.
Sleeper Pick: Nate Washington, Titans
Hanlde With Care: Steve Smith, Panthers
Defense
Flash
Eagles vs Tampa
Giants vs Oakland
Vikings at St Louis
Crash
Cardinals vs Houston
Titans vs Indianapolis
Bucs at Philadelphia
Now we turn our attention to the waiver wire gems for this week. I know it looks like slim pickings, but in going through all my leagues I have found some decent ball players still out there to be had, so keep an eyes on these guys coming up:
Nate Washington, WR, Titans
Washington finally seems to be getting into a groove and has touchdonws in 3 straight games. It can be tough with a team that likes to run the ball, but Washington is trying to earn his free agent bucks. I say give him a look.
Derek Anderson, QB, Browns
Last weeks 2 TD effort and OT loss seems to be enough to buy him a few weeks as the starter. This week is not a scary match up against the struggling Bills, and don’t worry about them losing Braylon Edwards, he hasn’t caught a pass in 2 weeks anyway.
Merceds Lewis, TE, Jaguars
If you are in a TE league then look at this guy. He is finally filling into form and was very productive last week. David Garrard and this offense have found some life lately and Lewis seems to be getting some play.
Josh Cribbs, WR/Returner, Browns
Maybe the dealing of Braylon Edwards will finally give Cribbs a chance at some true looks. If your league gives points for KR/PR production then he can be a bonus if he gets some time on offense. This guy has amazing speed and is a great playmaker, all the Browns have to do now is get him the ball. Monitor this guy over the next few weeks.
Good luck in week 5 everyone, and don’t forget to catch my contest “Beat The Shark” again this Friday as we have another lovely female contestant going one on one in picking NFL games. You can see this and many other great stories Friday at www.CamelClutchBlog.com.
If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at phillyphan1971@yahoo.com
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Our sister site CamelClutchBlog.com features numerous fantasy football blogs, news, and tips throughout the week. CamelClutchBlog.com also features a variety of NFL blogs including recaps, previews, picks, and videos. Check out all of the fantasy football and NFL news and blogs you missed this week on CamelClutchBlog.com.
Our sister site CamelClutchBlog.com features numerous fantasy football blogs, news, and tips throughout the week. CamelClutchBlog.com also features a variety of NFL blogs including recaps, previews, picks, and videos. Check out all of the fantasy football and NFL news and blogs you missed this week on CamelClutchBlog.com
Hello again loyal readers and fantasy football people. Well here we are in Week 4 of the 2009 NFL season ( seems to be going fast huh? ). Ok so here’s where we seperate the true draft gurus from everybody else playing as the bye weeks are now in effect.
