Michael Bush, Caddy, Benson Showcased In Week 17…
December 29, 2008 at 12:01 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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| Week 17 of the NFL season provided an opportunity for some struggling veterans to redeem themselves and finish strong statistically, while it also provided an opportunity for some young potential stars to shine. Guys like Torry Holt, Terrell Owens, Marques Colston, Clinton Portis and Steven Jackson improved their season totals, while guys like Michael Bush, Andre Caldwell, Cedric Benson and others proved that they could have some value heading into 2009.
Rising - Michael Bush, Raiders RB - After tallying only four yards on four carries in his previous seven games, second year RB Michael Bush was the Raiders’ featured back in Week 17, carrying the rock 27 times for 177 yards and two TDs, including a 67 yard run. The 6′2″, 245 lb. Bush has extreme talent, but has lacked the opportunity to shine this season due to the presence of Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. The 24 year old Bush is a versatile rusher with power and speed. The Raiders will likely try and deal him this off-season, which would improve his value greatly. He’s someone to watch carefully this off-season, as his Week 17 performance certainly put him back on the map.
Falling - Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers RB - There’s good news and horrible news when it comes to Cadillac Williams’ Week 17 performance. The 26 year old, who battled back from a torn patellar tendon in his right knee this offseason, led the team with 78 rushing yards and two TDs on 12 carries in Week 17, giving him four TDs in only six games this season. Unfortunately, Williams may have torn his patellar tendon in his left knee. If this is the case, Williams faces a long road back yet again, and may miss all of 2009. This would make him not fantasy roster worthy at all heading into next season.
Rising - Cedric Benson, Bengals RB - 26 year old former NFL cast-away Cedric Benson ended up finishing the 2008 season very strong, totaling 171 rushing yards in Week 16 against Cleveland and 111 rushing yards and a TD in Week 17 against the Chiefs. Since joining the Bengals in Week 5, Benson totaled 747 rushing yards after earning the starting gig from Chris Perry. Even though Benson isn’t the fastest, nor the most powerful back in the league, he was impressive considering the team he played for was absolutely inept offensively. Expect Benson to look around at the free agent possibilities this off-season, but his best bet for fantasy success is to stay in Cincy. Still, his final two performances definitely helped his chances of staying relevant in 2009.
Rising - Jermichael Finley, Packers TE - The 21 year old 6′5″ rookie TE from Texas, who caught 76 passes in his final season with the Longhorns, didn’t do much during his rookie season in Green Bay. However, he caught two passes for 29 yards and a score in Week 17, and was targeted several times by Aaron Rodgers. Finley is in a great position to potentially be a breakout fantasy TE one day. Not only does he play for one of the league’s top passing offenses, and the man in front of him is Donald Lee - a player who can easily be beaten out. Add in the comparisons to future hall-of-famer Tony Gonzalez from head coach Mike McCarthy and QB Aaron Rodgers, and Finley is definitely someone to keep an eye on as a potential sleeper heading into next season.
Rising - Torry Holt, Rams WR - Even though the 32 year old veteran didn’t reach the 90 catch mark for the first time in six seasons, he actually ended up having a pretty solid statistical season considering how horrible the Rams were this year. He had four or more catches in 11 games, including four or more in each of his last four games. His six catches for 90 yards in Week 17 were each season-highs, giving him 64 balls for 796 yards and three scores on the year. There’s a chance Holt could be released this off-season, which would actually be good for his fantasy value. Regardless of what happens, we believe there’s a good chance Holt could regain his form in 2009.
Rising - Steven Jackson, Rams RB - After battling a serious groin injury for most of the season, the 25 year old beast was able to battle back and finish with respectable totals after garnering 518 ground yards in his last five games. He finished the season with 1,043 rushing yards, 379 receiving yards, 40 receptions and eight total TDs, in only 11 full games. Remember, in 2007 he garnered similar digits in only 12 games. If Jackson can stay healthy in 2009 and play a full 16 contests, 1,500 yards rushing 10 TDs, 60 catches and 500 receiving yards should be his minimum digits. He’s a top five pick in all leagues next year.
Rising - Marques Colston, Saints WR - Like Jackson, Colston also battled injury issues in 2008, but finished very strong, giving his long-term owners solid hope for big digits in 2009. He caught 22 balls for 306 yards and four TDs in his last five games. While teammate Lance Moore is likely still in the picture as a solid option for Drew Brees, it’s clear heading into 2009 that Colston is his number one guy and still has immense potential to be an elite fantasy receiver for years to come.
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