Westbrook Could Be Falling, McGahee Returns
September 21, 2008 at 9:56 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
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| In yet another crazy week of fantasy football, several occurrences have contributed to the rise and fall of the value of several players. It appears, at least for the moment, that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook could miss some time with an ankle injury after leaving in the first half of the team’s match-up with Pittsburgh. Willis McGahee returned from knee surgery to rush for 64 yards and a TD.
Rising - Dhani Jones, Bengals MLB - The 30 year old journeyman appears to have really found a solid home with the Cincinnati Bengals. After playing the weak side in Philly for most of his career, the former sixth rounder from Michigan has racked up 32 total tackles in three games this season - 19 solo - including eight solo and four assisted against the New York Giants in Week 3. Jones is a solid pick-up for any IDP owner looking for consistent play at LB.
Rising - Antonio Pierce, Giants MLB - After starting the season with only six tackles in his first two games, Giants MLB Antonio Pierce racked up 10 solo tackles and three assisted stops in Week 3. Pierce is absolutely worth a roster spot in all IDP leagues, as he should only get better as the season goes on in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Rising - Willis McGahee, Ravens RB - The 26 year old made his season debut in Week 3, rushing 15 times for 64 yards and a score. He left the game early with an apparent injury to his face, but likely could have returned had it not been a blowout. With second year man Le’Ron McClain toting the rock 17 times for 66 yards and two TDs, it appears that maybe Ray Rice is losing some fantasy luster.
Rising - Amani Toomer, Giants WR - The 34 year old veteran becomes relevant every season. After hauling in six balls for 67 yards and a score in Week 2, and five catches for 64 yards in Week 3, he looks like a very solid WR3 option in points per reception leagues. After the Week 4 bye, he faces the Seahawks, Browns and 49ers - all teams Eli Manning should be able to toss the rock against.
Rising - Chris Perry, Bengals RB - The 26 year old former first round pick is really showing what he’s capable of, carrying the rock 20 times in each of the last two games, rushing for more than 60 yards and a TD in each contest. Look for him to continue his hot streak against the Browns in Week 4.
Rising - Kevin Boss, Giants TE - After being held without a catch in the first two weeks of the season, the 6′5″ target hauled in three catches for 51 yards and a TD. Boss will be on a bye in Week 4, but will be worthy of a pick-up in Week 5.
Rising - T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals WR - Well, Housh is back folks. Not only did he haul in 12 passes for 146 yards and a score in Week 3 against the Giants, but he also faces the horrible Browns secondary next week. In other words, he’s a must start in Week 4.
Rising - Steve Smith, Giants WR - After a modest two catches in each of his first two games, Smith hauled in seven catches for 60 yards. Expect Smith to play an even more significant role as the season rolls on. He’s worth a look in deep seasonal formats and could pay dividends for long term owners who have the foresight to invest in him.
Rising - Correll Buckhalter, Eagles RB - Buckhalter did not look like a 29 year old veteran with two season-ending knee injuries in Week 3. In fact, after Brian Westbrook left the game with an ankle injury, Buckhalter was amazing, leaping over a Steelers defender for a TD in the second quarter. Buckhalter finished with 43 yards rushing on 10 carries and six catches for 44 yards and a TD. Look for him to be very valuable if Westy misses any time.
Rising - Lorenzo Booker, Eagles RB - Booker only rushed five times for 11 yards and caught two passes for five yards in Week 3, but could play a much larger role if Brian Westbrook misses any significant time. Keep an eye on him folks, especially in PPR leagues.
Rising - Steve Slaton, Texans RB - The Texans rookie RB looks like he really could be a featured back, rushing 18 times for 116 yards and a TD, along with four receptions for eight yards against the extremely tough Tennessee Titans defense. Look for Slaton to become a very solid flex option for the remainder of the season.
Falling - Matt Schaub, Texans - Schaub was extremely disappointing in Week 3, throwing for 188 yards and three TDs. Not only that, but he may lose his job to Sage Rosenfels very soon. Don’t start Schaub in Week 4.
Falling - Laurence Maroney, Patriots RB - Maroney didn’t play in Week 4 due to being inactive with a shoulder injury. He’s been a huge bust thus far folks, and with Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk and LaMont Jordan in the picture for a sinking offense, things are not looking up for the 23 year old. For seasonal owners, he’s a borderline drop at this point, but his dynasty owners should still have a little bit of hope left.
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