By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Are bye week binds killing you? These are the weeks that you need to rely on that depth that you built up with an all around solid draft, and tweaked weekly with waiver wire additions. It’s not too late to sacrifice a dire need by reaching out for a last minute trade (Oakland Raiders). Here are some athletes to take a look at as fantasy starters this weekend.

Quarterbacks

Kevin Kolb-

Sometimes when the pressure is off, that’s when you see a players talent on the field rise. Kevin Kolb came into Arizona as the newfound post Kurt Warner quarterback. Offered a mega million dollar deal, he has struggled to generate a passing attack for the Cardinals. With the 49ers 5-1, and Arizona 1-4 the chances of the season turning around are slim. This should allow for Kolb to truly develop as the year goes on, and get this team thinking positive for 2012.

John Beck-

Carolina’s defense has not been strong all year. Mike Shanahan plugs in Beck at the opportune time to get away with it. As Rex jumped out the gate to start the year, we all knew it was a matter of time before he came back down to Earth. Shanahan may flip flop quarterbacks with his impatience, but Beck should be able to retain the position.

Tim Tebow-

A fanfare ploy of greatness. Tebow gets to debut in Florida against a decimated Dolphins team. No matter how ugly Tebow starts, there will be a chance for him to make it up in the fourth quarter. Miami is not going to run away from Denver. Probably a low scoring game, but Tebow has been a monster for rushing touchdowns. Seven already in his career. When you can get that type of production from a fantasy quarterback, you take it.

Running Backs

Maurice Morris-

You have to like a guy that has been a consistent veteran. Morris does not do anything flashy, and will not be a high sought after free agent. When his name is called though, he can deliver a 100 yard game with a touchdown. With the Ronnie Brown trade nixed, Morris should receive primary carries to himself Sunday.

Earnest Graham-

With Blount’s injury, the Bucs will turn to veteran Earnest Graham. Though Graham may not get the workload that Blount did with carries, the Bucs will mix it up with more pass plays his way. Graham can be an effective pass catching back. That should be a perfect safety valve for Josh Freeman. With the team traveling to London, the receivers may be a little sluggish down field. It isn’t as if they have been stellar this year anyway.

Marshawn Lynch-

Tavaris Jackson’s pectoral injury likely means Charlie Whitehurst re-enters the picture. Lynch’s work load has been rather embarrassing for a number one back. Seattle just has not been a rushing team this year. With Whitehurst in the lineup, look for Pete Carrol to simplify things a tad. Lynch is coming off his best game of the year versus the Giants, and that led to a win. Look for Lynch to get surpass his season high of nineteen carries vs. Arizona.

Wide Receivers

Mike Sims-Walker-

He is back as a Jaguar. After being a bust with St. Louis, he gets a chance to re-correct his season. Most players have to wait years if they were put in a poor situation. Blaine Gabbert made some nifty down field throws last week versus Pittsburgh. The addition of Sims-Walker bolsters the Jaguars passing attack. This Baltimore defense has been stout this year, but over the last few seasons the Ravens have crumbled defensively in stretches. It’s an old team, and I believe Sims-Walker could pose some problems Monday Night

Nate Washington-

A pleasant surprise due to the amount of years he has already been in the league. Hasselbeck has found Washington to be a very reliable target. As Chris Johnson settles in over the next few weeks, Washington’s value should rise even more.

Percy Harvin-

Harvin has typically had decent games vs. the Packers. Minnesota tends to get in holes early in games. With the way their defense has performed, it’ll likely continue against a ramped up Packers offense. Ponder will get plenty of second half garbage stats, to make fans overlook weaknesses in the first half. Harvin will reap a good percentage of those twelve to fifteen second half pass completions.

Owen Daniels

Since Andre Johnson has missed time, Daniels offensive involvement has risen. Baltimore shut him out for the most part last week. A smart defense is going to figure out you’re number one target. Before that game though, Daniels was averaging near six catches a game. He also caught a touchdown for three straight weeks in games two through four. Facing Tennessee, Daniels should be able to free himself up for a big day and a few big plays down the field.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Quarterbacks

Christian Ponder-

It was a sad way to see McNabb likely go out as a full time starting quarterback. Literally tracked from behind and push sacked by Julius Peppers. Immobile in the pocket to avoid the constant pressure. Faltering to just get out of the end zone to avoid a safety. Ponder came in and even though was running for his life, he was able to do so, and delivered a few key throws. It’s not a matter of if Ponder will do great. It’s the fact that this team knows they have to move on. Ponder is a viable low range fantasy backup quarterback for deep leagues.

Carson Palmer-

Who else wouldn’t want to take a half a season off, and await his destiny? Palmer got what he wanted without his career being jeopardized by spending it in Cincinnati. Only 32, Palmer has the talent around him to put up solid numbers. Look at the athletes he was throwing the football too recently over the years. Terrell Owens is unsigned and hurt, Ocho Cinco can’t even catch a ball with New England, and TJ Housh is unsigned as well. Oakland has fast, young, and hungry receivers that will enjoy the accuracy of Palmer’s arm.

Andy Dalton-

I keep listing Dalton weekly, but somehow owners have not caught on to Dalton. Cincinnati has not had too many broadcasted games, but is quietly 4-2. Dalton has had too make plays to get this team some wins, and is doing just enough with his arm/legs to do so. The chemistry between himself and AJ Green is fascinating with the little time they had to develop with each other.

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray- The rollercoaster adventure of the Cowboys offense is mind boggling. No consistency at all. An area that has lacked proper production has been running back. The team apparently does miss Marion Barber. Felix Jones has been banged up throughout the year, and now will be out for at least the next game. Murray will get the bulk of the carries with Tashard Choice taking the complimentary role.

Bernard Scott-

Though Scott’s value to start for three games took a big hit, one week of starting duties is still something to not overlook.

Ronnie Brown/Maurice Morris

- Brown lands on a new team for the second time this year. LeSean McCoy showed that he did not need a complementary back. Brown at this point in his career can still be a valuable short yardage back. Jahvid Best’s status is currently up in the air after suffering another concussion. That makes Maurice Morris a high value one week play.

Montario Hardesty- Hillis’s status with a nagging injury remains in the air. His decline in production this year has been evident, and Hardesty should see his value per carry rise as the season stretches on.

Wide Receivers

Mike Sims-Walker- With the Rams trading for Brandon Lloyd, someone had to be let go. That player was Mike Sims-Walker who failed miserably in a new environment. With Jacksonville resigning their former number one receiver, it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts. After failing, you’d expect for Walker to be hungrier and to provide a few fantasy standout performances. This does lower the value of the Jaguars other receivers.

Devin Hester- Listed for the second straight week, Hester is finally transferring his ability to blaze past corners into catches. Cutler’s mechanics have been better, so when he goes deep the ball actually has a chance with Hester. Before it was as if they attempted it, but the ball would be miles away from Hester’s tracked destination. This Bears offense is light years ahead of where it was last year. Hester should provide and be a decent week to week performer.

Eddie Royal- Eric Decker stole the show early on in the year. Becoming the most productive receiver for the Broncos, and now becoming their number one. Eddie Royal has been a forgotten player, who once had a stellar rookie campaign. Between Royal and DeMaryius Thomas one is going to have to fill in as the second receiver. Both have been banged up, but expect Royal as the veteran to have the best chance to retain the second receiver spot.

By Vidur Malik

notjustagame23@gmail.com

The numbers that the NFL’s top quarterbacks are putting up this season are almost mind-boggling.

That can only be a good thing for your fantasy team.

But just like actual NFL teams, your squad’s backup quarterback is also extremely important.

Even though Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and the top passers in the league are claimed, you can still acquire a “game manager” quarterback for a rainy day.

The “game manager” term is one a quarterback would probably hate to have, but if he can be an effective one, he can carry his team – and maybe your team – far.

These quarterbacks probably won’t throw more than 20 times a game, and three touchdown passes would be considered a great day for them. But if they do their job well, they won’t throw many interceptions and will give their teams a chance to win every game.

Obviously, these quarterbacks aren’t going to give you 400 yards and four touchdown passes a game like your starter might, but if your star has a bye week or gets hurt, they can be a reliable option for as long as your main guy needs to be benched.

Consider guys like Alex Smith, Jason Campbell and Curtis Painter if you need another quarterback. Chances are they’ll be available in your league, and both have done a great job of limiting turnovers. What they might lack in statistics, they can make up for with mistake-free play.

It might seem strange to pick these guys up, as during the beginning of the season you might have considered them to be among the bottom of the talent pool, but they’ve done a great job of leading their teams down the field. Smith has surprised people with his smart play and is coming off of a great game against Tampa Bay, in which he threw three touchdown passes and had no interceptions. Campbell has been an underrated passer throughout his career and can also run when needed. Though his Colts are winless, Painter has done an admirable job of keeping his team in games and seems to have made a connection with receiver Pierre Garcon, which can give your team points.

All three quarterbacks are going to be in charge for at least the rest of this season, and whether or not you need another quarterback on your team, it would be smart to consider giving them a spot. Having an elite quarterback can go a long way for a fantasy team, but making sure you’ve got a dependable backup is crucial too.  

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Bye weeks are something to worry about now. Just adding depth is not the sole reason to consider a waiver wire pickup. If you’re in a bye week jam, you may want to look at picking up one of these players.

Quarterbacks

Donovan McNabb

Throw out week one and McNabb has become an efficient game manager. Understanding his role as a quarterback that takes the backseat to Adrian Peterson has clicked in McNabb’s head. He has the best back in football and utilizing AP constantly is going to continue to open up pass plays for McNabb. There are a lot of teams in the hole to start the year, so this could be the year multiple teams at 9-7 make the playoffs. The Vikings have showed they can play with just about everyone, but cohesiveness needs to continue to be the key. McNabb can make a few plays a game with his legs and do enough with his arm to make him an option in deeper leagues as a number two quarterback.

Running Backs

Bernard Scott- Benson will likely serve his three game suspension at some point. When that happens the twenty five carries a game Benson is getting will all be his. Scott has been a comparable fantasy backup to Benson, and should have no problem filling in a few games. If you’re looking for that extra lift to help your team out for a few weeks, why not go Scott’s way?

Jonathan Dwyer- Dwyer stole the show from Redman. For a team that has struggled with the running game all year, there might be a mix up with the way Dwyer performed. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops.

Jackie Battle- Surprise, surprise. The Kansas City Chiefs realized McCluster could not be a split carry back, and a new back sprung from the Chiefs backfield. It seems to be a pattern for the Chiefs over the years. Holmes went down, in came Larry Johnson, down went Johnson in came Jamaal Charles. Now Battle.

Donald Brown- When Addai went done the team did not solely rely on Delone Carter. Brown hardly used all year, was used for eight carries. It looked as if the Colts had rode off the former first rounder. With the passing game revived with Painter under center, maybe the rushing attack will re-establish itself as well.

Kendall Hunter- The 49ers offense has shifted under Harbaugh. Alex Smith isn’t necessarily doing anything special. He is delivering timely key throws, but his statistics have been ordinary. The team is pounding the run and living off it very well. Hunter has shown great ability as Gore’s backup. With Gore fighting through injuries, you could find a steal in Hunter if Gore goes down for a length of time.

Wide Receivers

James Jones- How many Packers receivers caught a ball Sunday? The zone Aaron Rodgers is in has not been seen in a long time. Each week a new Packer could catch fire at receiver. Jones has shown before that he can be a big time performer. It’s the consistency to catch the ball that has limited him. The Packers resigned him for a reason, and for the first time this season he showed why. Only owned by 13% of Yahoo owners, Jones is going to be a hot pickup this week.

Devin Hester-

Hester seems to be one of the few receivers for Chicago that has been able to avoid injury. Cutler is starting to look more and Hester’s direction. You’d think that big plays would eventually happen with the Bears passing game involving Hester. Forte is too much of a threat rushing and out of the backfield, for another player not to emerge.

Chaz Schilens- Oakland needs that reliable big target that is different from the speed receivers they possess. That may be Schilens. Schilens was a waiver wire commodity a few years ago, and has fought off injuries the last few years. Sunday he made the game winning touchdown catch, and could see his involvement rise over the next few weeks.

Jason Hill- He could be a one week wonder, as seventy four of his yards came on one play. Jacksonville’s offense is upgraded with Gabbert at the helm over McCown. It is the transition as a rookie with Gabbert that worries fantasy owners on utilizing a Jaguar receiver. It may take another month or two, but Gabbert should establish himself as the other rookie quarterbacks have.

Doug Baldwin- You write him off once, twice, but not three times. Unheralded Baldwin has had a couple of impact games already this year. Instead most people discounted it for the simple fact that he is a Seahawk. The Seahawks offense is starting to do some things, and Baldwin has solidified that he is the most viable Seahawk fantasy wideout.

Jason Avant- I had Avant listed as a waiver wire pickup weeks back. There is no reason for Avant not to be considered as a depth filler on your fantasy team. With the way the Eagles have struggled defensively, the offense is going to need to put up points every week. That means more passes for Mike Vick, and balls spread out amongst the Eagles star receivers. Avant did struggle at securing the ball, but he is a veteran that will advance from it.

Devin Aromashadu-

McNabb has always been a quarterback that likes to air it out deep a few times a game. Minnesota does not really have too many weapons that can do that. Aromashadu is the one that can, and you can expect him to be targeted. As long as AP keeps establishing the offense, Aromashadu could have a few big games this season.

By Vidur Malik

notjustagame23@gmail.com

One of the most baffling cases of low production from a fantasy superstar has been that of Chris Johnson.

He was probably among the top three picks in your draft, and with a new contract in the books going into the season, it was easy to assume he would run like the 2,000-yard rusher he was a few years ago.

After putting up atrocious numbers in the first three weeks of the season, during which he rushed for 98 yards on 46 carries and no touchdowns, he somewhat redeemed himself by gaining 101 yards on 23 carries in a 31-13 win over the Cleveland Browns in week 4.

Does this mean Johnson is getting back to form? Will he be a big-play threat for the rest of the season?

At this point, it’s tough to confidently say yes to both those questions. That’s obviously not the news you want to hear if he’s on your team, but after seeing what he’s done in the first four weeks of this season, you should make sure you’re confident in the other running backs on your team or pick some up off the waiver wire.

The Titans are going up against the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers this week, so Johnson may be able to go over the 100-yard mark again. The Steelers gave up 155 rushing yards to Texans running back Arian Foster, who gained 5.2 yards per carry in Houston’s 17-10 win. With Johnson’s speed, he could very well run for a similar yards-per-carry average, so there’s a good chance he’ll do well this week.

But the fact that we even have to question whether he will have a big day is cause for concern. In years past, this would never have been an issue. There are very few players in the league who are threats to score at any given moment in a game, and Johnson is still one of them, so you might not want to give up on him just yet, but keep an eye out for other backs if you want to upgrade your overall production at that position.

Stevan Ridley of the New England Patriots could be a good option. He rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries in a win over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, so there’s a good chance he’ll continue to get carries. You might also want to consider Roy Helu of the Redskins and Ricky Williams of the Ravens if you really need an addition.

One quarter of a season is not enough time to declare a player’s season over, but it is enough time to get a sense of whether you should be worried about a player’s production. Johnson is way too talented to be replaced, but it would be smart to consider adding running backs to your team in case he puts together another string of bad games.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

September has concluded. The next four weeks of October are pivotal to either sustain your lead atop your fantasy league, or to start climbing back in the race. At the end of the month will you be haunted or the one causing the chaos?

Here’s a look at some athletes that should be automatics to start and others to sit.

Quarterbacks

Start: Matt Hasselbeck

Hasselbeck may be the only quarterback that can make ten completions fantasy worthy. Without Kenny Britt he has found a way. Utilizing veteran Nate Washington and tight end Jared Cook. As long as Chris Johnson continues to improve, Hasselbeck is a solid number two fantasy quarterback.

Start: Matt Cassel

Cassel should be playing basketball. When he is hot, he can be as consistent as they come at delivering your Chiefs fantasy receivers 100 yard games. When he is not, he’ll throw for under 100 yards with a pair of picks. Cassel looks to be charting back upward, so he could be a waiver wire addition consideration after this week.

Sit: Mark Sanchez

Sanchez was definitely rattled by harassed blitzes from the Ravens. Each of the past two years, Sanchez has struggled to respond when faced with adversity during the regular season. The Jets will look to control this game with the ground game. I don’t think Sanchez will have over twenty attempts in this one. Rex Ryan wants to keep his defense and the Tom Brady dink and dump offense off the field.

Sit: Ryan Fitzpatrick

Running Backs

Start: Marshawn Lynch

The New York Giants somehow win with a formula of Eli turning the ball over, and the defense giving up chunks of yards. Maybe they’re just fortunate. The opportunistic defense will force turnovers, but they offset that with allowing running backs to rush all over them.

Start: Jahvid Best

Though he has been quiet this year, Best thrives in divisional games. With teams needing to key in on the passing attack more, Best should start to see his production rise. He has it in him, and should be a top seven fantasy back heading into next year.

Sit. Joey Addai

I really like the way Addai has ran the football the past few games for the Colts. The team has fed off of its veterans but just can’t sustain the effort in the 4^th period. There comes a point when veterans use to winning hit that loser wall. This team is 0-4 and reality will set in. This team and front office will want to see where the youth lies with this team. Bring in Delone Carter, who will get more and more carries as the season goes on.

Sit: Mark Ingram

Wide Receivers

Start: AJ Green

Green gets an actual favorable match up this weekend. He has been quite a surprise on an offense not expected to do much. Rookie Andy Dalton has found a way to deliver the football, and the team remains balanced with Cedric Benson rushing the football. Green should have another solid game to pad to his stats.

Start: Mike Williams

Williams has had a tough time adjusting to defenses this season. Teams are not letting him beat them all day with intermediate routes. Josh Freeman is finding other targets such as Preston Parker and Arrelious Benn. Look for Williams to get back on track this week, with his best game of the year.

Start: Titus Young

Teams may find a way to gear up and stop Megatron. All that’s going to do is divide up more throws Young’s way. Even though Johnson typically posts great numbers against the Bears, I’m going with the Contrarian view that Young will be the Lions leading receiver.

Sit: Plaxico Burress

Sit: Marques Colston