Hache Man
"Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak"
Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 5 New Articles Added 10/9/06)
Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 5 New Articles Added 10/9/06)
Oct. 10, 2006, 4:04 PM
<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT>
Week 6: Waiver Wire Work
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Scott --><!-- lastName = Engel -->
By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
Each week, we help you improve your fantasy outlook by recommending the best players to add and drop. Here are some players you should consider who are probably available on your league's free-agent list, and others you should cut loose if you need to make extra room on your roster.
TOP ADDS
Damon Huard, QB, Chiefs (owned in 6.2 percent of ESPN.com leagues): What will it take for some fantasy owners to be convinced he should be added at least as a backup? He has scored 33 points in ESPN leagues in the past two weeks and has thrown two TD passes in each of the past two games, and he has not been intercepted yet. There is still no definitive timetable for the return of Trent Green, and Huard is getting good pass protection while making the right decisions and managing games well. He certainly is no fantasy superstar, but Huard's experience has been a plus since he took over as a starter. With many teams looking shaky at QB (Dallas, Miami, Detroit, etc.), Huard can at least give you respectable numbers. And the Chiefs are in no apparent rush to push Green back into action with Huard playing adequately.
Travis Henry, RB, Titans (30.9 percent owned): He left Buffalo when it became apparent that Willis McGahee was ready to take over as the primary runner, and in his second season with the Titans, the move finally appears to be paying off for Henry. At least temporarily, he has supplanted Chris Brown as the starter, after Brown expressed unhappiness with the organization in the preseason, and then posted disappointing numbers to begin the season. Henry was a major part of a near-upset at Indianapolis last week, as he rushed for 123 yards. Henry injured his ankle, but it's not serious, and he is not expected to miss any playing time. Henry is a good short-term add, but rookie LenDale White (59.8 percent owned) should eventually become the starter, and he's the necessary handcuff to acquire if you are able to add Henry as a starter.
Noah Herron, RB, Packers (0.2 percent owned): Mike McCarthy has maintained that Ahman Green remains his starting running back, and the Packers are hopeful he will be able to return after the bye this upcoming week. While McCarthy and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski praised Herron for rushing for 106 yards against the Rams, they ideally wanted to have Green on the field to run through more of the open holes that were paved by the offensive line against St. Louis. Herron had only two runs of only 10 yards or more, and it's clear the coaching staff doesn't view Herron as their ideal starter. "Some of those 12-yard runs could be 40-yard runs," Jagodzinski told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "We left some yards out there." Herron could share some carries with Green if and when he returns, but for now, even though they wish Herron could be more explosive, he's their safest choice. Vernand Morency, the first choice to replace Green, was benched because of fumbling issues, and Green continues to be an injury risk. Herron is certainly worth adding, because he should continue to get work in Green Bay out of sheer necessity.
Bryant Johnson, WR, Cardinals (4.1 percent owned): He seems like the obvious add now that Larry Fitzgerald is going to miss two to five weeks because of a hamstring injury. But that doesn't make him an instant fantasy starter. But Dennis Green has yet to fully confirm Johnson will start, and he still might be considering Troy Walters (0.2 percent owned). Johnson dropped a pass in the end zone in Sunday's loss to Kansas City, and hasn't done much when he has been needed to start in the past. He was mostly ineffective when replacing an injured Anquan Boldin at times over the past two seasons. "That's something we'll look at over the next couple of days," Green told the Arizona Republic about how he will replace Fitzgerald. You should add Johnson, but only for reserve depth. Even if he does start this upcoming week, you wouldn't want to use him against Chicago.
Wes Welker, WR, Dolphins (6.0 percent owned): He doesn't start for the Dolphins, but it doesn't matter. He has quickly become much more than just a special teams standout. Welker is emerging as the Dolphins' most dependable receiver. Chris Chambers isn't getting open often enough, Marty Booker isn't reliable, and tight end Randy McMichael has been inconsistent. Welker hasn't scored yet, but it seems to be just a matter of time before he finds the end zone. His nine catches against the Patriots were a definite sign that he will be a featured part of the Miami passing game, especially with Joey Harrington now starting. Harrington is healthier than Daunte Culpepper, and that means more completions, especially to Welker, who seems to shake off man coverages and find open holes in zones. Welker makes tough catches and has breakaway quickness. Grab him now, before his fantasy production rises.
PRIME CUTS
Jon Kitna, QB, Lions (65.5 percent owned): He's not going to hold onto his job for much longer, and even if he does, the results will continue to be sporadic. Kitna threw three interceptions against the Vikings on Sunday, and lost a fumble. Yes, Kitna did have a pair of two-TD games prior to the disaster against the Vikings. And he does have two rushing scores. But the Lions are 0-5 and Kitna always seems to make mistakes that costs his team chances to win. Trade him if you can get anything for him, if not, just get rid of him. There's been no official announcement, but I know we'll see Josh McCown warming up soon.
Brad Johnson, QB, Vikings (49.5 percent owned): When you can add more dependable and less-heralded guys like Huard, why keep Johnson, who can continue to help the Vikings win, but won't post quality fantasy numbers in the process? The Vikings are a run-oriented team with a shaky wide receiver corps, and Johnson's job is to simply manage the game well and protect the ball and move the offense, which he does adequately. But being dependable for the Vikings doesn't mean Johnson helps fantasy teams much. Johnson has only three TD passes this season, and he has been outscored by Charlie Frye and J.P. Losman in ESPN leagues.
Chris Brown, RB, Titans (69.6 owned): He has rushed for barely 100 yards so far this season, and it's already been announced that Brown will be inactive for a second consecutive game at Washington. Brown was thought to be in line to eventually be overtaken by LenDale White, and his injury history also made him a risk. But now it's poor play that has quickly dropped him out of the starting spot in Tennessee. Brown had an average draft position of 79.2 in ESPN leagues, so it's not like you'll be tossing out a prime draft pick when you cut him. Besides, draft position doesn't mean much anymore by this point of the season.
Joe Horn, WR, Saints (91.7 percent owned): We've come to a point in the season where production means a lot more than reputation. Recently, I recommended benching Horn. Now, you simply have to give up on him when you need to get other important free agents on your roster, especially in leagues of 12 teams or less. Horn hasn't reached the 90-yard mark yet and hasn't scored. You're not going to start him any time soon, so swallow hard, drag down to the "drop" option, and hit submit. Troy Williamson, WR, Vikings (30.6 percent owned): Some of you have already cut him loose, but for those who are still hanging on, you can't wait around anymore for him to produce. You have to win now, and it's clear Williamson isn't capable of helping you do that. He hasn't caught a TD pass yet, and while he continues to get a few deep tosses per game, Brad Johnson hasn't connected with him nearly often enough. Williamson is improving, but it's a slow process that isn't showing up in the box scores. Williamson has only 77 receiving yards in his past three games and should be only on keeper league rosters.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 5 New Articles Added 10/9/06)
Oct. 10, 2006, 4:04 PM
<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT>
Week 6: Waiver Wire Work
<!-- end pagetitle --><!-- begin bylinebox -->
<!-- firstName = Scott --><!-- lastName = Engel -->
By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games
<!-- begin presby2 -->
<!-- end presby2 -->
<!-- end bylinebox -->
<!-- begin text11 div -->
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top><!-- begin leftcol --><!-- template inline -->
Each week, we help you improve your fantasy outlook by recommending the best players to add and drop. Here are some players you should consider who are probably available on your league's free-agent list, and others you should cut loose if you need to make extra room on your roster.
TOP ADDS
Damon Huard, QB, Chiefs (owned in 6.2 percent of ESPN.com leagues): What will it take for some fantasy owners to be convinced he should be added at least as a backup? He has scored 33 points in ESPN leagues in the past two weeks and has thrown two TD passes in each of the past two games, and he has not been intercepted yet. There is still no definitive timetable for the return of Trent Green, and Huard is getting good pass protection while making the right decisions and managing games well. He certainly is no fantasy superstar, but Huard's experience has been a plus since he took over as a starter. With many teams looking shaky at QB (Dallas, Miami, Detroit, etc.), Huard can at least give you respectable numbers. And the Chiefs are in no apparent rush to push Green back into action with Huard playing adequately.
Travis Henry, RB, Titans (30.9 percent owned): He left Buffalo when it became apparent that Willis McGahee was ready to take over as the primary runner, and in his second season with the Titans, the move finally appears to be paying off for Henry. At least temporarily, he has supplanted Chris Brown as the starter, after Brown expressed unhappiness with the organization in the preseason, and then posted disappointing numbers to begin the season. Henry was a major part of a near-upset at Indianapolis last week, as he rushed for 123 yards. Henry injured his ankle, but it's not serious, and he is not expected to miss any playing time. Henry is a good short-term add, but rookie LenDale White (59.8 percent owned) should eventually become the starter, and he's the necessary handcuff to acquire if you are able to add Henry as a starter.
Noah Herron, RB, Packers (0.2 percent owned): Mike McCarthy has maintained that Ahman Green remains his starting running back, and the Packers are hopeful he will be able to return after the bye this upcoming week. While McCarthy and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski praised Herron for rushing for 106 yards against the Rams, they ideally wanted to have Green on the field to run through more of the open holes that were paved by the offensive line against St. Louis. Herron had only two runs of only 10 yards or more, and it's clear the coaching staff doesn't view Herron as their ideal starter. "Some of those 12-yard runs could be 40-yard runs," Jagodzinski told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "We left some yards out there." Herron could share some carries with Green if and when he returns, but for now, even though they wish Herron could be more explosive, he's their safest choice. Vernand Morency, the first choice to replace Green, was benched because of fumbling issues, and Green continues to be an injury risk. Herron is certainly worth adding, because he should continue to get work in Green Bay out of sheer necessity.
Bryant Johnson, WR, Cardinals (4.1 percent owned): He seems like the obvious add now that Larry Fitzgerald is going to miss two to five weeks because of a hamstring injury. But that doesn't make him an instant fantasy starter. But Dennis Green has yet to fully confirm Johnson will start, and he still might be considering Troy Walters (0.2 percent owned). Johnson dropped a pass in the end zone in Sunday's loss to Kansas City, and hasn't done much when he has been needed to start in the past. He was mostly ineffective when replacing an injured Anquan Boldin at times over the past two seasons. "That's something we'll look at over the next couple of days," Green told the Arizona Republic about how he will replace Fitzgerald. You should add Johnson, but only for reserve depth. Even if he does start this upcoming week, you wouldn't want to use him against Chicago.
Wes Welker, WR, Dolphins (6.0 percent owned): He doesn't start for the Dolphins, but it doesn't matter. He has quickly become much more than just a special teams standout. Welker is emerging as the Dolphins' most dependable receiver. Chris Chambers isn't getting open often enough, Marty Booker isn't reliable, and tight end Randy McMichael has been inconsistent. Welker hasn't scored yet, but it seems to be just a matter of time before he finds the end zone. His nine catches against the Patriots were a definite sign that he will be a featured part of the Miami passing game, especially with Joey Harrington now starting. Harrington is healthier than Daunte Culpepper, and that means more completions, especially to Welker, who seems to shake off man coverages and find open holes in zones. Welker makes tough catches and has breakaway quickness. Grab him now, before his fantasy production rises.
PRIME CUTS
Jon Kitna, QB, Lions (65.5 percent owned): He's not going to hold onto his job for much longer, and even if he does, the results will continue to be sporadic. Kitna threw three interceptions against the Vikings on Sunday, and lost a fumble. Yes, Kitna did have a pair of two-TD games prior to the disaster against the Vikings. And he does have two rushing scores. But the Lions are 0-5 and Kitna always seems to make mistakes that costs his team chances to win. Trade him if you can get anything for him, if not, just get rid of him. There's been no official announcement, but I know we'll see Josh McCown warming up soon.
Brad Johnson, QB, Vikings (49.5 percent owned): When you can add more dependable and less-heralded guys like Huard, why keep Johnson, who can continue to help the Vikings win, but won't post quality fantasy numbers in the process? The Vikings are a run-oriented team with a shaky wide receiver corps, and Johnson's job is to simply manage the game well and protect the ball and move the offense, which he does adequately. But being dependable for the Vikings doesn't mean Johnson helps fantasy teams much. Johnson has only three TD passes this season, and he has been outscored by Charlie Frye and J.P. Losman in ESPN leagues.
Chris Brown, RB, Titans (69.6 owned): He has rushed for barely 100 yards so far this season, and it's already been announced that Brown will be inactive for a second consecutive game at Washington. Brown was thought to be in line to eventually be overtaken by LenDale White, and his injury history also made him a risk. But now it's poor play that has quickly dropped him out of the starting spot in Tennessee. Brown had an average draft position of 79.2 in ESPN leagues, so it's not like you'll be tossing out a prime draft pick when you cut him. Besides, draft position doesn't mean much anymore by this point of the season.
Joe Horn, WR, Saints (91.7 percent owned): We've come to a point in the season where production means a lot more than reputation. Recently, I recommended benching Horn. Now, you simply have to give up on him when you need to get other important free agents on your roster, especially in leagues of 12 teams or less. Horn hasn't reached the 90-yard mark yet and hasn't scored. You're not going to start him any time soon, so swallow hard, drag down to the "drop" option, and hit submit. Troy Williamson, WR, Vikings (30.6 percent owned): Some of you have already cut him loose, but for those who are still hanging on, you can't wait around anymore for him to produce. You have to win now, and it's clear Williamson isn't capable of helping you do that. He hasn't caught a TD pass yet, and while he continues to get a few deep tosses per game, Brad Johnson hasn't connected with him nearly often enough. Williamson is improving, but it's a slow process that isn't showing up in the box scores. Williamson has only 77 receiving yards in his past three games and should be only on keeper league rosters.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>