My, how the season flies. For many leagues we are approaching the
halfway mark of the regular season. Even though you only have 5
games out of the way, your season may be hanging in the balance
if you were off to a shaky start. Depending on the size of your
league and your playoff format, these may be the most crucial weeks
of the year to either pull of a trade or just looking to salvage
some respect. On a personal note, I have finally made it out of
the doghouse, which I had been sitting in for the pat two years.
At 4-1, I am looking to go 4-4 the rest of the way to virtually
put me in the playoffs, which is a place I haven't been to in a
while. Hopefully, you guys are in good positions as well, since
football is very tough to watch when your fantasy football team
is stinking it up. Here are my BAWM for the week.
Remember; always play your studs, unless of course injury is
a concern. Good luck this week!
Best
QB Daunte Culpepper vs. Detroit
Looking for him to snap out of his funk? This is the week. Detroit's
D + 2 starting rookies in the secondary = Big day for Daunte.
QB Drew Brees vs. Kansas City
I guess I have developed a pattern of choosing the QBs who play
against this team. Until they prove me wrong, I will continue
to do so.
RB Garrison Hearst vs. Seattle
Even though there are shared carries in San Fran, Hearst should
have a very productive game against the soft run defense of Seattle.
RB Deuce McAllister vs. Washington
Deuce should be on the loose this week and continue his awesome
campaign. Ricky Williams sure isn't Wally Pipp, but Deuce has
definitely played the part of Lou Gehrig for the Saints.
WR Jimmy Smith vs. Tennessee
He has been pretty quiet so far this year, a possible consequence
of his hold out, but look for him to make some noise this week.
WR Curtis Conway vs. Kansas City
He is Brees' main target and should be looked upon a lot in a
game that could possible turn into a shootout.
TE Kyle Brady vs. Tennessee
He looked good last week and should continue to be productive
against the weak defense of the Titans.
TE Wesley Walls vs. Dallas
He looked uncomfortable with the splint on his fractured finger
last week, but a he could see some opportunities, as the Giants
TEs did last week.
Average
QB Joey Harrington vs. Minnesota
Very rarely would I recommend starting a rookie QB, but it worked
last week with Ramsey and should work again for Harrington against
one of the worst teams against the pass. Both teams however are
coming off the bye.
QB Mark Brunell vs. Tennessee
A rookie picked this team apart last week, so look for this veteran
to have a field day. The Titans are still Kearse-less and have
a banged up secondary.
RB Antowain Smith vs. Green Bay
He is coming off of a horrible performance last week, however
in addition to the loss Vonnie Holliday, the Pack suffered another
defensive injury losing Pro Bowl DE Joe Johnson last week. Smith
should be able to have some more room this week.
RB James Stewart vs. Minnesota
If he could produce half of what the last running back did against
this poor excuse of a defense, it would be a big day. Remember
Alexander?
WR Tory Holt vs. Oakland
The Raider's D has been very stingy against the run this year,
so look for the Rams to pass and pass often, especially if they
have play from behind, which is a likely possibility.
WR Rod Gardner vs. New Orleans
He has been a disappointment since everyone thought he would be
the #1 guy on a pass happy offense. Look for him to gain some
respect this weekend against a suspect secondary.
TE Mikhael Ricks vs. Minnesota
Look for him to be involved in Detroit's passing game this week
as he has been in the past.
TE Frank Wycheck vs. Jacksonville
He struggled against this team last year, however he has been
the Titan's most consistent offensive player and is coming off
a productive 9 catches for 79 yards.
Worst
QB Tim Couch vs. Tampa Bay
"There's no crying in football". He is better off that
the game is in Tampa, because he would definitely hear the boos
this week.
QB Jeff Garcia vs. Seattle
Seattle's rush defense may be like Swiss cheese, but their passing
defense is better coupled with San Fran's inability to move the
ball through the air. They will be pounding the running backs
all day.
RB Priest Holmes vs. San Diego
Just because he is a stud, doesn't mean he will not face tough
match-ups like this. San Diego will not stop him, but will hope
to contain him.
RB Ricky Williams vs. Denver
See comments above. Prime time in Invesco will have fans riled
up.
WR Donald Driver vs. New England
While he has become Favre's favorite target, the team's defensive
woes may cut into the offensive chances that Green Bay may have.
WR Amani Toomer vs. Atlanta
He is coming of a productive week and remains the focal point
of their passing game, but the loss of Shockey will shrink the
room he will have to roam.
TE Alge Crumpler vs. New York Giants
Without Vick coupled with the recent lack of a running game, the
Falcons will be forced to try and throw the ball downfield, which
is not Crumpler's game.
TE Itula Mili vs. San Francisco
Should continue to stay invisible in this one.
