We have passed the halfway mark in the regular season in most fantasy leagues. You might be feeling frustrated by your team and record, but you always can make some moves to win games. Do not give up hope, because every week new players burst onto the scene like Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery. Avery is an explosive player who has made some big plays in the past two weeks. If your team’s record is under .500, make some moves, take some chances, or juggle your lineup. The Saints, Chargers, Niners and Panthers have byes this week. So, Coach Singletary will keep his pants on for now. For NFL Week 9, here are some obvious and not-so-obvious plays that will help you maximize your roster.
START ‘EM
Kurt Warner, Cardinals. Many fantasy owners benched Warner in last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Big mistake. That fatal decision cost me a fantasy win in a very competitive league. For Week 9, Warner is the No. 1 quarterback play. He has a great matchup against an improving Rams team, but the big advantage for him is that this game is indoors on the turf. Wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston should be running all over the field against the Rams.
Michael Turner, Falcons. One of the big question marks each week for the Falcons is whether or not they will be able to run the football. The news that rookie offensive tackle Sam Baker is out for an indefinite period of time is not good for Falcons’ fans. The road trip to the West Coast is another concern for Turner owners. However, the absolute terribleness of the Raiders’ defense outweighs any of these factors. Also, Turner is due for a big game. The prediction is the Falcons jump out to an early lead, and Turner has about 30 carries for 125 yards.
Earnest Graham, Buccaneers. The Buccaneers’ offense took a big step backwards last week against Dallas. They had all kinds of trouble moving the football. Look for head coach Jon Gruden to try and establish the missing-in-action running game against the Chiefs. With Warrick Dunn’s back still an issue, Graham should get plenty of opportunities to score points this week.
Jamal Lewis, Browns. Play Lewis against the vaunted Ravens’ run defense? Are you kidding? In the NFL, when everyone thinks they know something, the exact opposite happens. Yes, this week the Ravens’ defense finally gives up over 100 yards to Lewis on the ground. Also, you can count on Lewis scoring at least one touchdown in a short-yardage situation.
Plaxico Burress, Giants. Do not listen to the reports of Plaxico’s demise. Clearly, he has some off-the-field personal or family issues he needs to resolve, but this guy is a competitor. The bigger the game, the better Burress plays. The Steelers were able to hold the Giants to field goals in the red zone, but this week Burress is halfway out of head coach Tom Coughlin’s doghouse. Look for at least two Eli Manning-to-Burress fade routes into the end zone.
SIT ‘EM
Matt Cassell, Patriots. The Colts are favored this week at home against the Patriots. Do Vegas oddsmakers have some inside information? Patriots look like the much stronger team especially on defense. The problem for Cassell owners is that on the road this year Cassell and the Patriots have been a totally different team. Use another quarterback option this week.
Brad Johnson, Cowboys. If you own Tony Romo and picked up Brad Johnson to play while Romo is out, you need to admit the mistake before its too late. Against some other teams, starting Johnson this week might be an option. Starting him against the Giants is punishable by jail time. I almost feel badly for Johnson that he has to start the game in real life. The Giants pass rush is an overwhelming force. Backup Brooks Bollinger probably will see some action this Sunday.
Santana Moss, Redskins. Moss was incredible last week against the Lions, but his tweaked hamstring makes me nervous. He made huge plays that helped propel Washington to a win. Even with the great statistics from that game, Moss owners know that he is up and down – just check out his weekly fantasy point totals. His matchup this week against the Steelers’ defense is more evidence that this is a week to sit Moss.
Reggie Wayne, Colts. Reggie Wayne is the Colts’ only deep threat in the passing game. Marvin Harrison is struggling and Anthony Gonzalez is a solid possession receiver, but Gonzalez does not garner any extra attention from defensive coordinators. Other teams are free to double Wayne and take him out of the game. In this heated rivalry game, I predict a low-scoring contest with a minimum of fantasy points to go around.
Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. Gonzalez is the second ranked tight end in fantasy football, so you almost have to play him this week. However, do not count on him to have a big game against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s defense is strong in the middle of the field. Derrick Brooks and their safeties will be matching up with Gonzalez all day. Plus, the Bucs have the extra benefit of having prepared and played against the Cowboys’ Jason Witten last week. Their defensive schemes to stop the tight end should carry over against Gonzalez.
Last Week. For the second week in a row, I had seven picks correct and three misses. My best pick last week was to sit Brandon Jacobs against the Steelers’ defense. With a great goal-line stand, the Steelers kept Jacobs out of the end zone. As starters, Frank Gore and Jake Delhomme came through with big games. I missed on Matt Ryan, but go ahead and start him this week against the Raiders.
Fantasy Questions? Need line up advice? Leave a comment below or e-mail your questions to me at jck.bender@gmail.com. Good luck this week!
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