Saturday, October 3, 2009

WEEK 4: LATE WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS



ABOVE: DOLPHINS RECEIVER DAVONE BESS IS A SOLID PICKUP

If you're a little late getting to your waiver wire this week to fill in some bye-week holes or simply improve your roster, here are some players that are probably still under the radar on your waiver wire:
Miami Dolphins receiver Davone Bess and tight end Anthony Fasano; Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace; and Cleveland Browns back Jerome Harrison

Many national fantasy football experts are giving new Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne little respect, expecting the Dolphins' season and their fantasy football players to head south with Chad Pennington out for the season.

DON'T BELIEVE IT.

A friend of mine who covers the Dolphins said this coming Monday morning NFL fans nationwide will know Chad Henne. Last week he struggled a bit, thrown into the game after Pennington went down. But he is prepared to start this week and will showcase his rifle arm, ala Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens.
As a result tight end Anthony Fasano, nothing to write home about this season, will have his offensive numbers rise. Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. will also become fantasy football relevant. But the biggest turnaround will be with Bess.
Bess is expected to become the second coming of Wes Welker, a big and quick receiver operating out of the slot. As a result of Henne taking the snaps now, Bess will become a huge factor in point-per-reception leagues with an increase in his receptions and yardage. I am told 10 receptions for 80-90 yards and a TD are possible this weekend.

The Steelers' Mike Wallace has taken a back seat as a No. 3 receiver behind Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. But expect one or both of those players to get double teamed against San Diego, leaving Wallace with one-on-one coverage and the potential for some big gains.

With Browns back Jamal Lewis expected to be out this week, many experts believe backup James Davis, starting in his place, will reap the benefits. But Jerome Harrison, who will split duties with Davis, is actually the better play because he can catch as well as run.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

FANTASY FOOTBALL: WEEK 3 PLANNER UPDATE-PATS ADVICE

Be advised A., its raining in Foxboro and B., receiver Wes Welker is inactive for the second straight week. Viable alternatives for Welker if they are still available in your waiver wire are Jacksonville's Mike Sims-Walker and Chicago's Johnny Knox.

My hunch this week is that the Patriots will run the ball more than they have this season. The player to reap the benefits of this is back Laurence Maroney. I activated Maroney in two of the leagues that I have and expect 15-25 points from him.

FANTASY FOOTBALL: WEEK 3 PLANNER-WESTBROOK OUT

Brian Westbrook is officially inactive, making Eagles backup RB LeSean McCoy a viable option today against Kansas City.

Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is also out. Most sites are saying play Kevin Kolb at your own risk with Jeff Garcia and Michael Vick active. I say play Kolb because he should light up the Chiefs with Garcia and Vick playing limited roles at best.

And speaking of the Chiefs, according to the KC Web site, receiver Dwayne Bowe is inactive. Receiver Bobby Wade becomes a viable replacement and should be targeted at least 8-10 times.

Also, be advised Tenn. kicker Rob Bironas is hurt and is listed as questionable.