Michael Bush Could Garner Large Role

September 19, 2008 at 1:29 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Michael Bush Could Garner Large Role We’ve been telling Michael Bush’s long term owners to stay patient with him. The 6′1″, 260 lb. back from Louisville is dynamic and has first round talent despite being selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Now, as the 2008 NFL season starts to unfold, Bush is starting to look like he could play a huge role in Oakland’s offense.

Our sources are confirming that with starter Justin Fargas out for a few weeks with a groin injury, and rookie Darren McFadden fighting what appears to be turf toe, Bush - who rushed for 90 yards and a TD against the Chiefs in Week 2, will step in and carry the load of necessary. Worst case scenario, he’ll split some time with McFadden, which could still yield some strong results in the stat column. Keeper and dynasty owners who have him, may end up using him - and seasonal owners need to immediately check their waiver wire to see if he’s available.

The Return of the Seahawks - Our sources tell us not to get too excited about the prospects of Koren Robinson and Keary Colbert starting in Seattle, due to the fact that WRs Bobby Engram and Deion Branch could actually return after the team’s Week 4 bye. At that point in the season, there are still cupcake match-ups remaining against the Dolphins, Rams and Cardinals (twice). In other words, the injured vets could end up being huge fantasy factors down the stretch. Adding them now if you have roster space isn’t a bad idea.

Things Looking Up For Julius Jones - For the first time since 2006, Julius Jones rushed for more than 100 yards in a game. Not only that, but he broke away for an impressive 30 yard TD run against the 49ers in Week 2. Our sources tell us that Jones has now earned the trust of the Seattle coaching staff, and his teammates. This means, when Maurice Morris returns from injury, it appears the starting gig will still belong to Jones. Not only that, but he definitely could continue to see 20-25 carries a game, making him someone for fantasy owners to target right now. Remember, the NFC West has some of the worst rushing defenses around, and Jones still has to face St. Louis, San Fransisco (again) and the Cardinals twice.

Forget About Berrian, Rice - Many fantasy websites - including us to a certain extent - were excited about the prospects of Vikings WRs Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian as potential sleeper candidates heading into the 2008 season. Our sources tell us now that Gus Frerotte has taken over the starting gig in Minnesota, not to expect much from either receiver. In addition to an offense that is taking a step backwards due to a bonehead decision by the front office and coaching staff, each receiver is nagged by injuries - Berrian’s toe and Rice’s knee. If you can find an interested owner in your league, take advantage of it.

Ricky’s Done - According to our sources, following Miami’s Week 4 bye, the Ricky Williams experiment will be over. The 31 year old hasn’t done squad through two weeks of the NFL season, and all of the preseason hype surrounding him has more than fizzled (we didn’t buy it anyway). This means that Ronnie Brown’s value is likely to soar starting in Week 5, making him an excellent buy low candidate, as Tony Sparano will still pound the rock a ton. Two back systems work well when both backs are running hard, however, Williams hasn’t held up his end of the bargain, while the 26 year old Brown is getting healthier and healthier since undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL last year.

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