Saturday, September 29, 2007

Not-so-obvious fantasy football players to start; some guys to be wary of in Week 4

There are the obvious players you should start this week on your fantasy football roster. But there are some guys I'm starting for the first time in the eight fantasy football leagues I'm in because I believe they will make an impact that will help lead me to victory. There are also some injury replacements to be aware of and some you should be wary of in week 4.

Alge Crumpler is a tight end you usually start no matter who the opponent might be. But I'm sitting him this week on one of my teams in favor of tight end Owen Daniels from Houston. The Texans are hurting at receiver this week with both Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones out and that means more looks for Daniels over the middle.
Arizona backup wide receiver Bryant Johnson's stock rises this week since he is expected to get the start over injured Anquan Boldin. But a receiver I like for a breakout game is Buffalo's Lee Evans, a guy who has been a huge fantasy bust so far. The Bills should fall behind the Jets early and Evans is the only real deep threat backup QB Trent Edwards (who I believe is an upgrade from J.P. Losman) has to throw to on the team.
Also, Oakland QB Daunte Culpepper is expected to start for the injured Josh McCown. Culpepper should light it up against his fomer team the Dolphins with an opportunity to solidify his chances to be a permanent starter. And play everyone on the Chicago Bears this week, including the inconsistent Muhsin Muhhamad, because new QB Brian Griese is giving the Bears a new lease on life.
On the injury front, keep an eye on Chiefs back Larry Johnson who had a full practice on Friday but is still bothered by a hamstring injury. He will start. But coach Herm Edwards said that backup Michael Bennett will replace him at the slightest sign of problems with the hammy.
With Giants receiver Plaxico Burress banged up, this could be a breakout week for Amani Toomer, especially if Burress doesn't play at all.
GUYS TO AVOID DEPT.: A lot of fantasy football owners this week were excited about beating their competition and picking up backup running backs Brian Leonard and Kenny Watson off the waiver wire. Leonard is replacing Rams starter Steven Jackson (groin injury) and Watson is is expected to replace Bengals starter Rudi Johnson (strained hamstring). Don't expect the backups to be a savior, at least for this week. Leonard still has the same beat up offensive line that Jackson had to deal with and he goes up against the Cowboys in Dallas. Watson will have to face the stingy Patriots defense.