Wide Receivers

Must Start:

Bernard Berrian: I still don’t think Griese has the arm strength to help Berrian flourish, but the Minnesota defense is really good at stopping the run and very bad at shutting down receivers. What Cedric Benson loses, Berrian gains. Muhsin Muhammad wouldn’t be a bad play here either in a pinch.

Dwayne Bowe: The rookie is starting to emerge as this year’s Marques Colston, with three touchdown catches in his last four games. If the Chiefs could get their offense on track, Bowe’s numbers could be huge. He gets to play the Bengals this week and, like that one girl we all loved in high school, no one will go home without scoring. Regardless of which quarterback is trying to get him the ball, realize that they both suck and Bowe will still get his.

Bobby Engram: Injuries to D.J. Hackett and Deion Branch have turned Engram into a #1 receiver. Well, not really. He is still better suited to play the slot, but the Seahawks don’t have much choice for a couple more weeks. The Seattle running game is good enough to keep defenses from focusing on the receivers while not being all that productive. The table is set for a good day from Engram. Nate Burleson gets a little love from us as well, but only equal to his talent, so not all that much. He will see an uptick in action too if you really need a receiver.

Chris Chambers: He started quick out of the gate, with three solid games. Unfortunately, he has disappeared during the last two, catching only four passes for 40 yards over that stretch. Trent Green taking one for the team also decimated Chambers fantasy value. Cleo Lemon has to throw to someone and a perfect match up in Cleveland makes this one of the last times Chambers may be usable for the remainder of the season.

Drew Bennett: With the Colts, Lions, Broncos, and Steelers among the teams on byes this week, finding warm bodies to slot into the receiver position is a little more challenging. With Isaac Bruce out due to a hamstring injury, Bennett gets to be the recipient of Gus Frerotte’s wounded ducks. The Baltimore defense is banged up and the most successful way to beat them is through the air. Whether or not Frerotte is up to the challenge is doubtful, but Bennett has a chance to get a touchdown and some yardage.

Grab Some Pine:

Devery Henderson: Despite having over 100 yards last week, ‘Aints fans remember the pass he dropped much more vividly. His inconsistency has put him into a rotation at the 2nd receiver spot according to Coach Payton. An up and down receiver that is sharing his starting position doesn’t sound like a viable option right now. If he can hold onto the ball, he may get his job back.

Joey Galloway: Following a huge Week Two effort, Galloway has become the invisible man. Something about speed receivers and quarterbacks with weak arms I’m thinking….Until Tampa Bay figures out a way to threaten teams on the ground, Galloway will have a man over the top all day, limiting his downfield opportunities even more than Jeff Garcia’s lack of ability.

Antwaan Randle El: He promised he would play this week, but the team is saying that it isn’t a sure thing. Mark this down as problem number one. The second issue is with the match up. Randle El is good at a great many things. Beating press coverage is not one of them unfortunately and that is about all the Green Bay Packers play. Even at 100%, he is a bench this week.

Jerricho Cotchery: Considering the Jets offensive struggles, Cotchery has been remarkably consistent. Through the first four weeks, he had at least five catches and 54 yards in each, going over 100 yards twice. Last week against the Giants his quarterback looked horrible and that was reflected in Cotchery’s poor stat line. The Eagles are better than the Giants at playing defense, which isn’t saying much. But until Cotchery can get a touchdown, he isn’t worth taking a risk on.

Joe Jurevicius: The Miami defense is actually halfway decent at playing the pass. Jerevicius’ value comes from his red zone looks; his highest yardage output this season is four catches for 44 yards. Against Miami, with a balky knee, and being the third option through the air on his own team, pass on him this week. Unless Cleveland is playing Cincinnati again, Jerevicius is too hit or miss to count on.