Fantasy Sports Review

Things are getting trickier and trickier as we approach the end of the regular season. Back-ups are being given the opportunity to audition for jobs next year, starters are being rested for the playoffs and some players are just plain old cashing it in. But never fear.

For those of you still in the hunt, I am going to wade through the uncertainty to find whatever value there is to be had. Lets get started.

May be available now…
**UPDATE**Dominic Rhodes/LaMont Jordan RB (OAK) - Looks like Fargas is out for the season with a sprained MCL. Rhodes and Jordan will carry the load from this point on. It is anyones guess has to who will get the most work. As good as Jordan was early, maybe he has the inside track. Either way the Raiders have a decent running game and one of these guys could make a decent emergency RB3 starter.

Laurence Maroney RB (NE) - Is it possible that some owner gave up on him? Sure is. Look for him just in case. This week 16 for 104 and a TD. It is clear that the Pats are going to use him more now that the weather is getting trickier. They are at home again next week against Miami and then play the Giants.

Tony Scheffler TE (DEN) - Huge game last Thursday with 7 catches for 100 and a TD. Could be a starter in a pinch.

Lorenzono Booker RB (MIA) - This is pretty much only a mention for deep, points per catch leagues. Three week in a row he has had exactly 6 receptions. Combined that with yards and you could have 10+ as a RB3.

Keep an eye on…
Shaun Hill QB (SF) - Wow he looked pretty decent. Granted it was against the Bengals but he could offer some value as a QB2 down the stretch. He also raises the value of those around him. Notice how Frank Gore went for a buck thirty eight? Tough match-up against Tampa next week but Cleveland to finish out the season.

Darrel Jackson WR (SF) - He had 8 catches for 86 yards. So he is still playing. Again, tough match-up this week but Cleveland to finish.

Notable performances…
Darren Sproles RB (SD) - Check out what the little man did to the Lions; 25 carries for 122 and 2 td’s. Damn! There can’t be much pride floating around that Lions locker room after the third string running back roles up numbers like that.

Roydell Williams WR (TEN) - 4 catches for 94 and 2 touchdowns. The Titans passing game isn’t that consistant so I will keep him down here until I see more.

Greg Camarillo WR (MIA) - 3 for 109 and the game winning TD. Who?

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A few other resources you should check out are Fantasy Football Librarians waiver wire report and the Bruno Boys week 14 waiver wire report

As always I will be updating throughout the week if anyone jumps out at me. Also, I know many of you see things I don’t, feel free to throw down some of your thoughts below in the comments.

If you are reading this post you are either getting ready for the first round of your fantasy football playoffs, are looking for that one players to help put you in the playoffs or you are in a no playoff league. Either way, congrats because you are still in it!

The good thing about fantasy football sleepers and waiver wire pick-up this time of year is that there isn’t much competition for them. You, my friend, get the pick of the litter because half your league either isn’t looking for anyone because they are out of it or some of the other teams in the playoffs may be satisfied to just roll with what they have. You shouldn’t be.

Look this list over and make sure you aren’t missing an upcoming match up that could give you an edge

May be available now…
Ladell Betts RB (WAS) - Portis injured his ankle against the Bills late in the game and didn’t return. The Redskins have a short week and play the Bears at home Thursday night. Not much time for Portis to recover. Betts would be a great start against a Bears defense that gives up a lot on the ground this year.

Chris Brown RB (TEN) - LenDale White suffered a shoulder injury and Brown finished the game with 46 yards and a TD. If White misses this week Brown should be a solid starting at home against a so-so Charger rush defense.

Fred Jackson RB (BUF) - He showed that he could carry the load if Lynch or Thomas miss any more time. If he gets another start next week he will be a great start against Miami.

Bryant Johnson WR (ARI) - Fitzgerald missed Sundays game and now Boldin looks like he is injured as well. Bryant is very good in relief and easily a solid number two or three receiver on any fantasy team if either of Fitz or Boldin are out. Versus Cleveland he had 6 for 56 and a TD. He should’ve had another TD but dropped it.

Amani Toomer WR (NYG) - With the injuries mounting, Burress seems to get less and less effective with each passing week. Toomer is getting more and more looks from Manning. Against the Bears he had 6 for 69 and a TD.

Roddy White WR (ATL) - Not sure if he would be available but if he is he could be worth a shot this week against the Saints. He has been surprisingly consistent this year despite the rotating QB’s. He went 10 for 146 and a TD versus the Rams. He play a bad Saints passing defense next Monday at home.

Justin Gage WR (TEN) - He posted 5 for 64 and a TD. Four solid weeks in a row means he could be considered for a WR3 spot this week against San Diego.

Dallas defense - Not only are they playing better and better each week but They get to play Detroit this week. I’m not sure they are going to be available this late but just in case.

Trent Edwards QB (BUF) - He could be worth a start in deeper leagues. He had 257 against the Skins. Next up, Miami.

Keep an eye on…
Luke McCown QB (TB) - Word on Garcia is all over the place. Reports on his injury vary greatly. If it is serious and he misses more time, McCown would a decent option in deeper leagues. He had a solid game against the Saints throwing for 313 and 2 TD. Tampa next three games are against Houston, Atlanta and San Fran. Very good match-ups!

Gus Freotte QB (STL) - Likes to throw interceptions but he does have some great players to get the ball to. He went for 311 yards and 2 TD’s against Atlanta. If Bulger can’t go again this week, he gets another start this week he will play against a soft Bengals defense.

Chris Redman/Byron Leftwich/Joey Harrington QB (ATL) - Deep league special. Who know who will play this week but whoever does should be able to have success against the Saints on Monday night (just ask Luke McCown).

Sage Rosenfels QB (HOU) - Schaub went down and he did alright. Keep an eye on the situation. He doesn’t have the greatest match-up this week in Tampa Bay but he does have a few good receivers to throw to.

Aaron Rodgers QB (GB) - It looks like Favre will start this week but at least keep an eye on the situation because you never know. Rodgers isn’t Favre but it is a pretty goo offense to be at the head of.

Notable performances…
Leon Washington RB (NYJ) - 10 carries for 68 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 catches for 35 yards.

Roydell Williams WR (TEN) - Decent performance against Houston with 5 for 74 and a TD.

Sidney Rice WR (MIN) - He has three touchdowns in his last four games. Quietly, Sidney and Tavaris are developing a connection in Minnesota.

A few other resources you should check out are Fantasy Football Librarians waiver wire report and the Bruno Boys week 14 waiver wire report.

Here are some waiver wire and sleeper picks that I didn’t see on the Bruno Boys week eight waiver wire report. I play in some deeper leagues so I need to look a little deeper than most.

Mostly it is just a list with a mix of slightly unknown guys who had big days and injury replacements. Some of these guys could help you out now or just provide you with some depth and/or upside on your bench. Check them out:

May be available now:
**UPDATE** Kelly Holcombe QB (MIN) - T-Jack has a broken finger, dwindling pride and may miss this week. Chances are Holcombe won’t win the week for you but if you are desperate for a bye week replacement in a deeper league keep an eye out.

**UPDATE** Maurice Hicks/Micheal Robinson RB (SF) - Frank Gore said he will play but the bottom line is he is day to day. Hicks is second on the depth charts but they weren’t afraid to use Robinson last year either. If Gore can’t go either one of these guys would make a solid bye week replacement with a great match-up at home against the Saints.

**UPDATE** Tony Scheffler TE (DEN) - 5 catches for 50 yards and a TD against Pittsburgh. Those are pretty decent number for a tight end. Bye week replacement?

Lee Evans WR (BUF) -Only here because it is possible that some really disgruntled owner may have given up on him. Looks like he is starting to come alive.

Eric Johnson TE (NO) - In six games he’s had five or more receptions in four of them. With the Saints slowly coming around he could be useful on a bye week.

Arnaz Battle WR (SF) - Solid outing on Sunday, 6 catches for 57 and a TD, with two good match-ups on the way New Orleans and Atlanta.

Jesse Chatman RB (MIA) - If Ronnie Brown misses any time you could have yourself a serviceable starting running back. 7 for 73 and a TD isn’t to shabby in relief.

Roydell Williams WR (TEN) - 5 for 124 isn’t to bad in an offense that doesn’t pass a whole lot.

Chris Henry RB (TEN) - If Chris Brown misses more time Henry could have a few more days like Sunday 11 carries 57 yards and a TD. Possible bye week replacement or deeper league add.

Sage Rosenfels QB (HOU) - Depending on Shaubs status Sage could be a decent add. He threw three picks but threw for 4 TD’s (all in the fourth quarter) and 290 yards. He showed a lot of heart and almost got the win.

Ike Hilliard WR (TB) - If the Buc’s need to move the ball through the air he get a ton of looks. 9 catches for 92 and a TD. I doubt he’s still out there but if he is, go get him.

Zack Miller TE (OAK) - Not a game breaker by any means but I have noticed that C-Pep seems to look to him often. Could be worth a bye week replacement with a good match-up.

Will Heller TE (SEA) - Worth mentioning because he had 2 TD catches.

Muhsin Muhammad WR (CHI) - A touchdown in each of his last two games. With the Chicago offense seemingly starting to heat up through the air he may be worth a bye week start against the Lions next week.

Brandon Stokley/Brandon Marshall WR (DEN) - Two Solid games against a good defense 5 for 70 with a TD for Stokley and 6 for 77 for Marshall. With Walker out for awhile they could be an asset.

Keep an eye on:
**UPDATE** Chris Perry RB (CIN) - The head coach is being a little coy about the whole thing but there is word that Chris could be activated this week. He may not be a game breaker per se’ but when he played he was a decent player in spot duty as a RB3 in a points per catch league over the last few years.

Koren Robinson WR (GB) - Favre mentioned him a few weeks ago and is anxious to get him back. It’s not a bad thing for Robinson to have the QB waiting for your return. Who knows what kind of an impact he’ll have with all the other receivers in the mix but he has the talent to make some big things happen.

D.J. Hackett WR (SEA) - Returned last week from his high ankle sprain. Wasn’t involved in Sundays game but he could begin earning some of that pre-season love he was getting after the bye week.

Chris Henry WR (CIN) - Should be coming back from his suspension after week 8. Could be a situational WR3 down the stretch.

Also, I mentioned it earlier but if you missed it check out the Bruno Boys week six waiver wire report because it lists some of the more obvious picks that I didn’t feel the need to list twice.

Waiver wire picks were a little trickier this week than last but there is some value out there. Here is the Bruno Boys week two waiver wire report.

Also, here are a few more that didn’t make the Bruno Boys list. Depending on your teams needs, here’s a few more that I think you should consider now or at the very least keep an eye on:

Kellen Clemons QB (NYJ) - He didn’t look too bad against the mighty Ravens defense. In fact he almost brought them back to win late before throwing a pick. Pennington could have played in last weeks game but the coach kept him out. I’m sure Mangini was being cautious but with all of the buzz going on about getting Clemons involved, maybe a part of him wanted to see what Clemons could do.

Jeff Garcia QB (TB) - If there is any chance that he is a free agent, grab him now. He looking pretty good after 250+ and two TD’s on Sunday. He also has a pretty favorable schedule throughout the rest of the season if you need him for some spot duty. Next week, he gets the porous Rams defense at home.

Roydell Williams WR (Ten) - Vince Young seems to have picked out a favorite target. He went 4 for 72 with a TD against the Colts and has an upcoming game in prim time against the porous New Orleans defense. Is there any room on your roster?

Roddy White WR (ATL) - He has been Harrington’s favorite target and after playing two very tough defenses thing will start to lighten up.

Joe Jurevicius WR (CLE) - He’s not the only guy on the team but he was the first Anderson looked to early in the redzone during Sundays score-a-thon.

Kevin Jones RB (DET) - If for some reason this guy is laying around on your waiver wire you should consider picking him up. He is expected to play next week against the Eagles. He may not produce right away but could be a pretty valuable guy on the Lions high flying offense down the line.

**Update** Jason Avant WR (PHI) - In two games he has 9 receptions for 109 yards and a TD. Not stellar by any means but McNabb has been looking to him quite a bit in the two games I watched. McNabb has been pretty inconsistent but when he gets it going Avant could as well. If you start three receivers you might want to keep an eye on him.