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Must Start: The Top 15
1. Steve Smith @ NO –
The wife says I’m getting to be a bit too…how did
she say it…”verbose” with the column these days.
Fair enough. Let’s see if we can’t strive for a bit
more pithiness the rest of the way, shall we? Smith is good. The
Saints aren’t. Start him. Short and sweet enough for you,
hon?
2. Marvin Harrison v. SD –
All you need to know about Marvin: He’s scored more times
than any other receiver (twelve) and is just eight yards shy of
yet another 1,000-yard season. Easy one.
3. Chad Johnson @ DET –
Johnson practically INVENTED “verbose.” Less talking
and more walking, please, C.J. The end zone is that-a-way.
4. Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Boldin
@ HOU – Can’t go wrong here, especially facing
the bottom-feeding Texans. Gun to my head? Fitzgerald. I think
they both score, however.
5. Joey Galloway @ NE –
Turns out the fountain of youth IS in Florida. Not that you’d
notice walking around Tampa/St. Pete. Anyone for the earlybird
special?
6. Chris Chambers v. NYJ –
359 yards and three scores in his last two tilts. In a “what
have you done for me lately” league, he’s got the
perfect answer: plenty. Ride the wave.
7. Torry Holt v. PHI –
Hampered by poor quarterback play…but only a little. Still
one of the most productive wideouts in the game and overdue for
a trip to six-point land. He gets there this Sunday.
8. Santana Moss v. DAL –
Think the Cowboys remember him? Let’s hope for their sake
the intervening three months haven’t dulled the memory of
a flabbergasting fourth quarter in Week 2.
9. Eddie Kennison @ NYG –
Warming up at just the right time, for you AND the Kansas City
faithful. Give him the start against Gotham’s wobbliest
pass defense (222 yards/per).
10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh @ DET –
Need directions, Chad? Ask your bud, Mr. Houshmandzadeh. He’s
found paydirt four times in the past three weeks. The most consistent
running mate in the business he might very well be.
11. Reggie Wayne v. SD –
Though most of you would argue it’s this guy. The per game
numbers are almost identical, folks, so before you go e-mailing
me your opinion on the matter, come up with something original.
12. Plaxico Burress v. KC –
If Wayne needs a primer on how to go from second banana to main
man (think ’06), he could do worse than asking Plax for
advice. Think Pittsburgh misses the former Spartan?
13. Hines Ward @ MIN –
I doubt Mr. Ward does. With Burress sharing touches last season,
he nabbed only four TD passes. He’s at ten and counting
this season, good enough for a must-start against the Vikes in
the Twin Cities.
14. Antonio Gates @ IND –
I’m not sure ANY player is more of a must-start at his position
than Gates. His 996 receiving yards are good for ninth in the
league…amongst WIDE RECEIVERS!
15. Randy Moss v. CLE –
How far have the Raiders’ fortunes fallen? His plummeting
stock should give you some indication. Two catches for 18 yards
with Tui at the wheel.
I’m running on empty, friends. If you have questions about
receivers (or any other players) not specifically mentioned, feel
free to e-mail me before game time on Saturday. I should be able
to answer provided you keep the questions to a minimum. Oh, and
nothing about kickers, please. Pick one. ANY one.
Best of luck, folks!
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