risk vs. Reward – Week 3
Not a great start. That’s what I’ll call it. Some other terms can be pitiful, horrible, or just plain stupid. I had to set the scale, and a genius is not what I seem.
But don’t worry, if you break it down, I wasn’t quite wrong, but not quite right enough. Bernard Berrian found some receptions and found decent yards against the Chiefs, but he didn’t score. Deuce McAllister looked good for his part, 10 touches for 49 yards. But Coach Payton kept forcing the card on Reggie Bush and the results were the same, Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints offense suffered. Daunte Culpepper never saw the field, but Josh McCown had a decent game and the Raiders nearly beat the Broncos. Close again, but not quite right. The only player number I called that he produced was James Butler, 5 solo tackles. But this is risk versus reward, let’s see if I can get more of the reward this week.
Brandon Jones – WR Tennessee Titans
The Saints’ secondary has been horrible so far this season. The Titans arrive in New Orleans this week with Vince Young looking to remind Reggie Bush who won the Rose Bowl. So far this year Brandon Jones has 6 receptions for 63 yards and 0 TDs. With the opportunity to throw the ball downfield this week, I’m looking for Young and Jones to connect a bit. If you have a starting receiver with a bad combination, Jones could be a one-week wonder.
Lamont Jordan – RB Oakland Raiders
If you’ve been in fantasy football for a couple of years, then you know what it’s like to recruit a guy with high expectations, only to have him produce nothing. Jordan falls into that category. Last year he was predicted to have a great season and it never got off the ground. This year he has shown signs of life with 229 yards on 40 carries with 1 TD and 9 receptions for 89 yards. The Raiders face a Cleveland team this week that allowed 48 points on defense. Look for the Raiders to use Lamont in all aspects of offense and he should find the end zone. You might even have a “top runners” week. If you’ve started like Jones-Drew and have Jordan on the bench, I suggest you go with Jordan. Be sure to follow this week’s injury reports, as of now he’s listed as questionable.
Here is the biggest risk of the week.
Rex Grossman – Chicago Bears QB
As I write this I feel sick to my stomach. Rex is by far the last quarterback I would draft in any league. If he was crazy enough to pick him, then he might have the kind of QB situation on their roster where they need him this week. I’m talking about the owners of Chad Pennington, Trent Green, Phillip Rivers and Brett Favre. Although Favre has been decent and Green has been decent, this could be the week you want to start with Rex over them. Yeah, getting sicker with every word. Favre faces San Diego this week and the Dolphins face the Jets. Not an easy task for Brett or Trent. But Grossman is facing a Cowboys defense that has allowed 587 passing yards, 185 rushing yards and 55 points. He doesn’t seem to be improving on the defensive side of the ball for Dallas, but you can’t deny his offense. That being said, I think this game is a bit more of a scoring thing than people might think. No, it won’t look like the Bengals-Browns game, but a score of 28-24 isn’t out of the question. Look to Chicago to try to exploit a week of secondary coverage and come out passing against Dallas. Man, that was painful.
And finally, if you’re in the IDP league, here’s this week’s waiver cable steal.
Jim Leonhard – FS Buffalo Bills
In IDP leagues I prefer a consistent tackler over a guy who has a chance to take one out and get it back. If you’re lucky enough to have a guy like Adrian Wilson on your roster who does both, great. But if you want to score points on the board week after week, then look for the tackle machines. Leonhard has made 13 tackles and 2 interceptions since he replaced injured starter Ko Simpson. If he continues to play like this, people will start to take notice and take him off the wire. If you need a database, this might be the one you’re looking for. As a junior, Leonhard has averaged just 6 tackles, but all some players need is a chance to start. If he has room, pick him up and watch what he does over the next two weeks. He should stay consistent with tackles because of the amount of Bills defense that will be on the field.