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Must Start:
Larry Johnson:
From top five running back to bye week filler, how the mighty
have fallen. Performances like last week’s 14 touch, 15 yard nightmare
tend to make owners lose faith. Luckily, the Chiefs’ brutal schedule
starts to soften this week when they face Cincinnati. Did you
know that the Bengals are allowing 32 points per game, more than
any other team including the Lions and Brownies?
Willis McGahee: Willis has taken a lot of flack from me over
the weeks. I stand by all of it as he continues to look slow and
boring against some of the worst defenses the NFL has to offer.
It isn’t like Baltimore’s quarterbacks or the coach’s
play calling is helping him either. This week he gets a treat
though, known as the St. Louis “defense”. With a league
worst eight rushing TDs allowed, the Rams are coming apart at
the seams and McGahee will finally get his first rushing score
of the season.
Brandon
Jacobs: Returning from injury, Jacobs rushed 20 times for
100 yards and a touchdown against the Jets last week. Sure, it
was only the Jets, but the Falcons aren’t much better at stopping
the run. It looks like Jacobs will get the majority of the carries,
with Derrick Ward spelling him regularly and playing in passing
situations.
Reggie Bush: Bush is another big name that has disappointed owners.
Even with Duece McAllister suffering a season ending injury, Bush
still hasn’t been able to get it going, scoring only in
Week Three and having combined yardage of 45, 70, 35, and 119
in his four games. Reggie will find room this week against the
Seahawks and will deliver a great performance, rewarding his owners
for their patience.
Earnest
Graham: If you need a guy to plug in due to bye weeks and
injury, Graham is one of the few running backs who might be available
in shallow leagues or will be cheap to trade for in most others.
With Carnell Williams and Michael Pittman out and Zack Crockett
not yet up to speed, Graham will get to carry a full load for
at least one week. He has a limited shelf life with Crockett preparing
to vulture touchdowns, but Graham is a solid start for this week.
Grab A Gatorade:
Brian Leonard:
Still no scores, but he looked outstanding running and catching
against the Cardinals. Going up against the Ravens is a different
matter, even if Baltimore defense is only a shell of its former
greatness. Gus Frerotte is not the answer and the Ravens know
it. They will force the backup quarterback to beat them and we
all know he can’t. Until Bulger returns and the match ups get
easier, Leonard should be on your bench.
LenDale
White: He ran 12 times for 32 yards last week while losing
a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. So far this season,
he has a whopping 3.4 yards per carry and as many fumbles lost
as touchdowns with two of each. Chris Brown is good enough to
at least split carries and even pick up the full load if LenWhale
develops slippery mitts. White needs a lot of carries to wear
down a defense and he isn’t getting them, limiting his usefulness.
Thomas
Jones: He has racked up a grand total of zero touchdowns this
season while the Bills limited him to 55 combined yards two weeks
ago and the Giants held him to 50 yards last game. To make matters
even more worrisome, Leon Washington is chipping into his touches
and the Jets offense is struggling to make anything work. A date
with a Philadelphia defense that has surrendered only two rushing
TDs won’t help.
Cedric Benson: Chicago has already replaced their quarterback,
how long until they do the same with their starting running back?
With over 100 rushes on the season, he is averaging a paltry 3.0
yards per carry and has a measly two touchdowns. Watching him
play, fans have to wonder if he even cares. He shows no passion
or drive. It wouldn’t matter anyway this week as Chicago
faces the #1 rush defense in the NFL. Minnesota hasn’t allowed
a single back to cross the goal line this season and it is unlikely
Benson cares enough to really try.
All Green Bay Backs: One thing remains the same in the injury
riddled and talent deprived Green Bay backfield, none of these
guys are a starting option, even in the worst of bye weeks. The
Packers are averaging 67 rushing yards per game while Brandon
Jackson, Vernand Morency, and DeShawn Wynn all fight for a piece
of this very small and unfulfilling pie.
Wide Receivers
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