LenDale White Stays Relevant, Grant Looks Good
December 7, 2008 at 11:16 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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| Since complaining two weeks ago about only carrying the rock once for negative one yard against the Jets, Titans RB LenDale White had his second straight game with more than 20 carries, garnering 99 yards and a TD in Week 14, giving him 14 on the year.
Rising - Deion Branch, Seahawks WR - Some dynasty owners had waiting a very long time for what happened in Week 14 - Deion Branch staying healthy for one full game, and producing. Even with Matt Hasselbeck out, Seneca Wallace found Branch four times for 88 yards and two TDs. As long as Branch stays healthy, he should be a solid WR3 in all leagues.
Rising - Pierre Thomas, Saints RB - It was the Pierre Thomas show in Week 14, as the second year man rushed 16 times for 102 yards and a TD, while also catching a seven yard TD pass. He now has six total TDs in his last four games, and is expected to continue to be a centerpiece of the Saints’ offense moving forward. With his solid play over the last four weeks, Thomas has earned a permanent role in New Orleans’ offense as the eventual full time replacement to Deuce McAllister.
Rising - LenDale White, Titans RB - White’s 14 TDs have gone unnoticed in many leagues this season, due to fantasy owners leaving the big guy on their bench a lot of the time. Over the last two weeks, White has more than 220 yards rushing and three total TDs. He has another great match-up this week against the Texans and is a great starting option. Dynasty owners shouldn’t sleep on the 23 year old’s long term value either.
Rising - Ryan Grant, Packers RB - The Packers’ 25 year old RB has improved his yards per carry average significantly during the second half of the season, and proved that a thumb injury in Week 13 is nothing to worry about, rushing 19 times for 104 yards and a TD. Gone are the days where he rushes 10-15 times for 20-40 yards folks. He has solid match-ups coming up against the Jags, Bears and Lions.
Rising - Torry Holt, Rams WR - Even though this has been an extremely disappointing season for the 32 year old veteran, Torry Holt owners have a couple positive signs to look at. First of all, he did catch five balls for 61 yards in the first half against the Cardinals in Week 14. Secondly, Holt has the Seahawks and 49ers up next - both at home. He could be a solid sleeper option in seasonal leagues, and has shown he can still produce when he wants to, meaning his dynasty value is far from gone.
Rising - Troy Polamalu, Steelers S - After slumping during the middle of the season, Steelers 27 year old strong safety Troy Polamalu has been on fire, intercepting a pass in each of his last four games, while racking up 27 total tackles over that time frame. Expect the ball-hawking Polamalu to be an IDP fantasy force as long as he stays healthy.
Rising - Ed Reed, Ravens S - After dropping off the fantasy radar since his Defensive Player of the Year season in 2004, Ed Reed has finally strung together a few solid statistical performances. Reed returned a fumble for a TD and picked off a pass in Week 14 against the Redskins, while also racking up several solo tackles. If you’re looking for an IDP sleeper, Reed is back on the radar.
Falling - Peyton Hillis, Broncos RB - Well, that was quick. After scoring five TDs in his last four games, and seizing the Broncos featured RB role, the rookie from Arkansas injured his hamstring in Week 14 and will miss the remainder of the regular season. This means his dynasty potential is likely crushed, due to the fact that Mike Shanahan’s crew will simply move on without him. Selvin Young and Tatum Bell are likely to split carries moving forward.
Falling - Lance Moore, Saints WR - The 25 year old 5′9″ WR is still a solid fantasy player, but he’s lost some value upon the return of Reggie Bush. Bush plays a possession pass catcher role in the Saints offense, and Moore’s reception total will suffer with Bush in the line-up.
Falling - Jason Campbell, Redskins QB - Campbell only has one game with more than 232 passing yards since Week 2, and only has five TD passes in his last nine games. While the Redskins offense is sure to eventually improve - don’t consider Campbell a fantasy option any time soon.
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