By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

It’s almost fantasy football playoff time. Has your team been over hyped by yourself like the Eagles were by Vince Young? Do you still believe you can make a run only if you sneak into the playoffs? If you’re going to do it, now is the time. Go out and perform the proper moves to bolster your teams chances.

Quarterbacks:

Tim Tebow-

As bad as Tebow is throwing the football, he is overcoming those horrendous numbers with fantasy numbers with his legs. This past week he ran for ninety yards with a touchdown. Better than most starting running backs. Tack on the minimal points he gets with his arm, and he is like starting a top five running back in the quarterback position. That is until he starts to fumble or throw interceptions.

Alex Smith-

His teams steady play has surged Smith’s confidence week by week. Mistakes have been limited, and he is producing enough. Not jump out the room fantasy numbers, but he will deliver over 200 yards with a touchdown or two. If you’re struggling with a turnover prone starter, maybe you want to look at Smith as an option. Former quarterback and head coach, Jim Harbaugh, coaches to Smith’s strengths and will continue to.

Matt Leinart-

This is the chance Leinart has been waiting for. Will he be ready? He should. The former first round pick, has been in the NFL for many years now. Things did not work out in Arizona obviously, and he has been rather quiet as a backup for Houston. Now in his second year there, he’ll get a chance again to show he can be a starter. He was shaky in the preseason, but has the weapons around him to be able to continue to get this team some wins. If not, rookie TJ Yates may be looked upon to take over.

Running Backs:

Lance Ball- The Broncos are going to give enough carries each week to tally the total an unordinary amount. With Knowshown Moreno out for the season, Ball steps in with McGahee to get plenty of looks.

Mike Bush- By now the fact that Bush isn’t owned by majority owners is crazy. He should have been picked up weeks ago. When McFadden returns healthy, you can expect Bush to get a few more carries than he was before. An impact back, that is making the most of his one year deal. Can you say Mike Turner cash in 2012?

Chester Taylor- Give Beanie Wells credit for trying to fight off a knee injury. You can tell though he isn’t close to being healthy. After having some fantasy worthy weeks, Wells has become a non factor. His past three to four games his yards per carry have dipped tremendously. Taylor is a veteran that doesn’t offer much, but he is the Cardinals second back.

Wide Receiver

DeNarius Moore-

It’s been awhile since Moore did something fantasy worthy, and it came in a big way. Two big touchdown catches against the Chargers, show that Moore will continue to be the deep threat with Palmer. The rookie is dynamic, and stretches the field better than Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Davone Bess-

Matt Moore is doing better and better each week. Brandon Marshall and tight end Anthony Fasano are garnering almost all of Moore’s looks. With the running game improving, you’d think someone else would get involved in the pass catching department. With Henne, Bess was a catch receiving monster. Look for Miami to get Bess re-involved now that Moore is doing better.

Johnny Knox-

Right now the Bears offense has completely transformed. A lot of it has to do with Matt Forte’s MVP type year, but it also has to do with adjustments by play caller Mike Martz. Jay Cutler is not getting drilled as much, and the passing game is showing positive output from it. Earl Bennett has had two successful weeks after returning from injury. Teams will gear to limit him and upcoming weeks, and Knox will be the one to benefit from that.

Ed Dickson-

It goes from one extreme to the other with the Ravens. Losses unexpectedly, too thrilling wins over conference contenders. It’s been that case because the offense is never in sync. One week, Ray Rice can be the explosive receiver. The next it’s Anquan Boldin or rookie Torrey Smith. This past week, Flacco could not count on either so had to force feed Dickson. Sooner or later, this team has to be cohesive all over offensively. Can they get it together and be an offensive fire power by January?

By Vidur Malik

notjustagame23@gmail.com

The Oakland Raiders once again made noise by signing a former Cincinnati Bengal, this time wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

There are a few ways you can analyze this acquisition, and you could make a case for it being both a good and bad decision.

Let’s start with why it could be good. The obvious reason is that Houshmandzadeh and new Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer played together with the Bengals. The chemistry they developed there should make Houshmandzadeh’s move easier and should also give Palmer – who is also learning his new team’s system – a dependable target to throw to. Also, the Raiders’ receiving corps is made up mostly of fast receivers who are downfield threats but might not have the greatest hands. Houshmandzadeh is a possession receiver who can give Palmer a target over the middle of the field while guys like Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore look to beat defenses with the deep ball.

If things go smoothly, Houshmandzadeh should fit in well with the Raiders, and might make a significant contribution in the season’s second half.

On the flipside, this pickup might make the Raiders’ issues on offense even more confusing. If both he and Palmer have to learn the offense, does that mean there are even more liabilities on the team? Will both players take time to get to full speed? In that case, Houshmandzadeh might not get many game reps, allowing critics to question his signing.

It could go either way. Just like skeptics asked whether Palmer would be effective after being away from the game for a while, the same questions could be brought up for Houshmandzadeh.

From a fantasy perspective, it’s probably best to hold off on picking up Houshmandzadeh for a while. More importantly than his own performance, look at Palmer’s play to see whether he is improving from the horrendous three-interception performance he had in his Raider debut against Kansas City in week 7. If Palmer plays well, or at least mediocre, that should give Houshmandzadeh some opportunities.

There are a lot of if’s when it comes to whether Houshmandzadeh will become the Raiders’ new weapon. You’ve got to factor in both his play and the play of his quarterback, so if you want to add him to your team, you should wait a few weeks. Because of his style, he could become a red zone threat or a key third-down guy, so the potential is there, but potential doesn’t get you fantasy points. Take a wait-and-see approach with Houshmandzadeh.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Week eight did not necessarily have a week full of fantasy studs. Thus making this weeks waiver wire crop quite slim. Yet, there are a few names out there that should grab your attention.

Quarterbacks

Carson Palmer

Due to his atrocious second half against the Chiefs, fantasy owners may have bypassed Palmer for a waiver wire claim. Palmer has had a little more time to get acclimated during the bye week. The team is doing all it can to ensure he feels comfortable. They even worked out former teammate TJ Houshmanzadeh.

Matt Cassel

The funk he was in early on in the season seems a long time ago. Losing Jamaal Charles seems to have put more pressure on Cassel, but he is playing better. Kind of a weird outcome. Part of that has to do with the way the coaching staff has simplified things for Cassel.

Running Backs

Tashard Choice- Choice gets a chance to cause havoc in the Redskins backfield. Mike Shanahan obviously does not like what he has seen from Torain and Helu. Expect Choice to get as much of an opportunity as Shanahan would to a new back in his system.

Curtis Brinkley-

The former Cuse’ running back has come along ways since his collegiate days. Surviving gunshot wounds right after being picked up by the Chargers a few years back, he made the most of his action Monday night against the Chiefs. Mike Tolbert is a big back, so his hamstring injury may be prevalent for quite some time. Running back Ryan Matthews can’t seem to hang onto the football. Brinkley is a quiet sleeper option in deep fantasy leagues.

Javon Ringer- He has been listed several times this year, and I’ll list him once again. Chris Johnson just can’t seem to erase his post getting paid struggles. Maybe now that there is noise that Ringer will share duties or take over, Johnson will finally wake up.

Wide Receivers

Laurent Robinson-

The Cowboys receivers have been anything but sure handed. Dropped balls, fumbles, and injuries have plagued them all year. Dallas may have to resort to the way they have in prior years. Airing the football out constantly to make up for a defense that is going to give up points. That should bode well for all receivers, including Robinson.

Jonathan Baldwin-

Baldwin showcased that he is a physical specimen at 6’4. He had no problem shielding defenders and out leaping them Monday. If Cassel keeps delivering the football down the field, than Baldwin can be a sneaky pickup for the remainder of the season.

Titus Young- Teams are starting to gear up to stop Calvin Johnson and the Lions tight ends. That’s freeing up other playmakers, including Young. A speedster while at Boise State, he is having the same impact as a Lion. Getting down the field for Stafford bombs, has been the only primary catches he has made. Fantasy points can be ten points each connection. Young can fill a void if you’re truly struggling in that department.

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 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.

notjustagame23@gmail.com

The Raiders have an offense ranked ninth in football. Ranking higher than teams such as Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Yet numerous players on their team are available in the majority of fantasy leagues.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/877397-key-in-on-raiders-athletes-for-waiver-wire-additions

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Double digit comebacks and continued offensive explosions keep occurring. Equating to a high amount of points being scored, and fantasy points being racked up quicker than Victor Cruz realizing he was not touched. More importantly with defenses struggling, teams are able to get production from receivers all across their depth charts. There are plenty of receivers included on this weeks waiver wire addition to help with your depth issues.

Quarterbacks:

Andy Dalton:

His second half versus Buffalo was a complete reversal. He showed the poise and had his teammates believing in the comeback. A double digit come from behind win, and solid stats to back it up. Dalton still would be ranked near the bottom of fantasy quarterbacks, but he is showing that he has valuable upside. If you’re in a tight bind with depth at quarterback, you may want Dalton for end of the season insurance.

Jason Campbell:

Entering week four, Campbell quietly was in the top ten for quarterback rating. He has also been fearless with his downfield throws and has been doing this with an injured group of receivers still sidelined. As they start returning, the Raiders are going to be even more explosive offensively. Campbell finally is able to run an offense where he has a familiarity with being in it a year ago. The first time in his career he has not had to relearn a new offensive system.

Alex Smith:

How crazy have the times become, that Alex Smith may actually be a fantasy factor? Alex Smith. It seems like he has been in the league for fifteen years, but he was only drafted in 2005.At 3-1 the 49ers have done it largely because of Smith. Frank Gore finally showed something vs. the Eagles, but the first few weeks it was Smith carrying the offense. Mistakes have declined for Smith, as he is taking what the defense gives him.

Kolb Struggling While Learning New Cardinals System

 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/877775-kolb-struggling-while-learning-new-cardinals-system

Running Backs:

Ryan Torain: Torain once again has re-entered the waiver wire sweepstakes. An explosive week four after no carries all season. Washington is going to run the football, it’s just a question of who will be doing it. Green arrows on Torain and put three red ones next to Tim Hightower.

How does Tim Hightower Fare Now?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/876017-shanahan-does-it-again-where-does-tim-hightower-fit-now

Isaac Redman: Pittsburgh’s offense just seems like it needs to be re-tweaked. Big Ben’s nimbleness is not quite there, and the support of a running game definitely isn’t. Rashard Mendenhall has not been able to break lose, while Redman seems to be delivering when on the field.

Derrick Ward: The carousel of backfield injuries keeps rotating for the Texans. With Ben Tate’s groin injury, the majority of the work load will refocus in the hands of Arian Foster like a year ago. Ward has missed a few weeks himself, but is expected to return next week. How responsive Foster’s hamstring is will determine if Ward will get eight to ten carries or not.

Stevan Ridley: New England’s backfield never truly has had a consistent fantasy back in quite awhile. BenJarvus Green-Ellis had his brief moments, but always had the worry of Fred Taylor/Danny Woodhead/Kevin Faulk. Plus the Patriots would rather run their short yardage passing game over running. Rookie, Stevan Ridley was a high pick for Bellichick in the third round. His workload Sunday led to a solid day as he filled in for injured back Danny Woodhead.

Top Seven Fantasy Busts Heading Into Week Three

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/873636-fantasy-football-the-7-biggest-busts-of-the-season-entering-week-4

Wide Receivers

Key In On Raiders Athletes for Waiver Wire Additions

 http://bleacherreport.com/articles/877397-key-in-on-raiders-athletes-for-waiver-wire-additions

Darrius Heyward-Bey:

The first round pick is starting to show signs that he can be a force at wide receiver. He needs to stay healthy, but if so his speed complements the cannon arm of Jason Campbell. Sunday he was targeted seven times by Campbell and had his second career 100 yard receiving game.

Laurent Robinson:

One positive for Dallas is that they are scoring a high amount of points each week. It’s almost all riding on the arm of Tony Romo. Luckily from a fantasy standpoint, receivers do not have to worry about Romo’s errant mistakes. Robinson should still have fantasy value even when Miles Austin returns. This offense is just too explosive to not have three main receivers as fantasy weapons.

Randall Cobb:

Even though Donald Driver returned to action Sunday, he has clearly reached the last leg of his career. This team wants to be explosive, and is loaded with weapons. Cobb had a sixty one yard play Sunday, and needs on field action to add even a higher dimension for the Packers. It’s a crowded receiving group, but injuries are bound to happen. Scoop Cobb now in fourteen team leagues, and monitor in ten or twelve team leagues.

Arrelious Benn

Defenses have figured out a way to limit Mike Williams. It has led to an offense that has struggled a bit to find a main offensive weapon. Sooner or later a quarterback of Josh Freeman’s caliber is going to find new ways to generate offense. Benn made a couple of big plays Monday Night. One would of been a 60 yard touchdown if he did not step out of bounds.

Victor Cruz:

A dominating performance with three touchdowns last preseason saved Cruz from being a likely preseason casualty cut. Now he has made the most of his playing time with early season injuries to Manningham and Nicks. Expect the Giants to have a formidable three receiver fantasy impact as they did a year ago with Steve Smith.

Steve Breaston:

As bad as Matt Cassel has been to start the year, there is no possible way he was going to perform like that for sixteen games. He has had the same pattern of awful games as a Chief, only to bounce back when least expected. If Cassel can have eight to ten games with over 250 yards passing, it’ll make Breaston a flex option and borderline number three receiver plug. That’ll be dependant on your other receivers matchups. Breaston learned behind Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald for years, and can be a bright spot for the Chiefs. With the running game in sharp decline, more emphasis will have to be put on the passing attack.

Jared Cook:

Matt Hasselbeck continues to surprise on how well he has handled the switch to the Titans. A true veteran that should bolster and improve upon his weekly performances with Chris Johnson re-emerging. Cook made a few big catches Sunday, and should see his targets rise with Britt out for the year.

Alert, alert. The Carolina Panthers have a wide receiver worth picking up off the waiver wire? Yes someone besides Steve Smith has fantasy relevancy. It might be the first time since Mushin Muhammed teamed with Smith that you could say that. Week one went rather unscaved as far as injuries to top players. Week two did not fare so well. Waiver wire pursuits will be hot this week, as there are plenty of solid athletes to consider. I hope you all enjoyed some of the highly rated start players and sleeper starters that proceeded to have great weeks, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon LaFell, and Nate Washington.

Here’s a look at who you should be reacting to their week two’s success by adding them to your fantasy football roster.

Quarterback

Ryan Fitzpatrick- It isn’t often to include a player on the waiver wire in back to back weeks. I will in the case of Fitzpatrick. Buffalo is probably the least marketable sports city franchise in the NFL. Seven touchdowns in two weeks and he is doing it with extreme efficiency. Neither game has he thrown for over 300 yards, but he makes big plays when needed. People were laughing when the Bills decided they had no reason to pursue a quarterback in the draft or via free agency. How’s a 2-0 start look?

Andy Dalton- How rookies are faring so well with no extended reps via training camp is mind boggling. Maybe there is some truth to over training mentally. These guys are out there just gunning and playing on instinct and it’s working. Dalton delivered the ball timely, and has found the Bengals new and improved investment at wide receiver in rookie AJ Green.

Matt Hasselbeck- I for one do not believe in Hasselbeck at all at this stage in his career. The back issues he has had, and the overall tendency of the Titans to play hot and cold. This week the team was hot, and you just can’t discount the top talent around Hasselbeck. Chris Johnson’s only going to motor back up once he gets himself back into shape. At receiver, Kenny Britt is legitimately now a top five fantasy worthy receiver.

Jason Campbell- With Washington Campbell showcased adequate capabilities. He just never could muster the proper backing from the front office. Campbell has new life, and in his second year as a Raider may be able to build this team up to new heights. True speed with every receiver will play to Campbell’s strengths, and having the backfield he does will open up the plays down the field to hit those fast targets.

Mike Kafka- I just wrote an article on Mike Vick’s chances of playing all sixteen games. It’s hard for any starting quarterback to make it through the year, let alone a guy that scrambles and moves around like Vick. For all Vick owners that drafted him highly, you’re likely extremely weak with your current fantasy backup quarterback. Depending on the diagnosis of Vick, Mike Kafka may have to be your starter for a few weeks. The Eagles are loaded, and Kafka looked rather comfortable in it. Vince Young shouldn’t be ready and even if he is, Kafka may be appointed anyway.

Running Back

Daniel Thomas- Looks like Miami was all talk in the way they stated they would run Bush as a work horse back. Miami hardly ran the ball vs. New England with Thomas injured. Week two with Thomas healthy the Dolphins tried to get the ground game going, and did so by utilizing Thomas to a much more proportioned work load than Bush. Thomas tallied over one hundred yards rushing but did cough the football up twice.

Mike Bush- There is three reasons to pick up Bush and retain him. Darren McFadden’s injury history. Darren McFadden’s inconsistency. Jason Campbell’s rollercoaster starts that causes the Raiders to run the ball as high as any team in the NFL.

DeMarco Murray- Look for the diagnosis on Felix Jones seperated shoulder. The extent of time out shouldn’t be long at all. Even if Jones is limited, things will bode well for Tashard Choice and rookie DeMarco Murray

Dexter McCluster- He has Jamaal Charles characteristics, but is a tad bit more undersized. With Thomas Jones on the down side of his career, it’ll be interesting to see how this split works out. Le’Ron McClain could also factor into the mix. Kansas City’s offense looks like it is in a world of hurting. Cassel has had these woes before and dug himself out. He better wake up quick.

Wide Receiver

Brandon LaFell- No one imagined Cam Newton throwing for nearly 1,000 yards in his first two starts. The exponential raise of every Panther offensively has sky rocketed. He is turning Steve Smith back into a top fifteen fantasy wide receiver. LaFell seems to be playing his role solidly, and is a great depth filler to add to your fantasy roster.

DeNario Alexander- With the Rams changing the offensive system, it has opened it up more for stretching pass plays down the field. Alexander torched the Giants broken down secondary, and seems to be Bradford’s new found favorite target.We will have to see how Mike Sims-Walker typical scattered play affects Alexander for when Walker shows up.

Eric Decker- He did it as a special teams threat in week one with a return touchdown. Week two he got the start to fill in for injured receiver Brandon Lloyd and made the most of it. Denver is going to have to find a way to get Decker on the field after the way he lit up the Bengals secondary. A high impact involvement will not just happen for one week for Decker.

David Nelson- Extra motivation after being undrafted in a lockout made Nelson even hungrier. Roster moves happen all the time, and Nelson has made the most of it. Nelson has been targeted a ton the first two games. His start should not be a fluke since he has caught the ball fourteen times in the first two games.

Titus Young- Here is a guy that just makes an impact wherever he goes. The Boise State alum, jumped on board for the Lions and made a great contribution week two. Catching five balls for nearly ninety yards. Being that this was during an onslaught blowout, chances are Young(as the Lions third receiver) won’t get near this amount of yards for quite awhile. It is intriguing though to see that Young can step in and contribute.

Preston Parker- It looks as if Parker is gaining some ground ahead of some of the mediocre young receivers behind Mike Williams. Parker led all Buccaneers and was really the only factor at wideout, as Mike Williams was shut down. One thing with Josh Freeman is if you’ve got his trust, he will find you consistently.

Nate Washington- Kind of a forgotten veteran. Washington pops up here and there but never grabs your attention fully. Firmly as the Titans second option at receiver he has re-blossomed with a slight fantasy pulse. After two solid games now, you can pick him up as your fifth receiver and at worse start your waiver wire carousel at wideout.

Jerome Simpson- In extreme deep leagues Simpson is worth scooping up. It’s not likely Andy Dalton will have too many games where he has a field day from a yardage stand point. In standard leagues, just keep you eye on him.

Get out the air horn and belt out at the same time, CAM NEWTON IS THE REAL DEAL. What a show he put on, in an all out treasure performance. It’ll go down as the debut of debuts. No matter what sport in the next ten to fifteen years, when a rookie’s first game is underway, Newton’s will be at the top of the bar. Play after play, throw after throw, Newton stayed undeterred, calm, and poised. Delivering rocket throws with his ahem, non accurate arm.

Throughout all of his summer interviews and predraft interviews he answered questions appropriately but with emphasis on getting better each time. Those workouts and hard work advanced his weaknesses that were just on display in college eight months ago, to near flawless execution. Was it a mixture of the Cardinals attacking too much with pressure, and leaving the secondary exposed? Maybe. Newton though made plenty of tough throws and right reads. Right reads being key. As many rookies overlook wide open receivers consistently.

It was an amazing start to week one, and owners are for sure to scurry their way to right click and add plenty of players. At the top being Newton. Who else should be looked at.

Quarterbacks

Cam Newton-
Newton possesses all the attributes you could want. A younger 2001 Daunte Culpepper. Slimmer, faster, and possibly a better arm. He already shows the natural pocket presence that leads you to believe he will only get better. If you already had Newton as a fantasy player, all you were expecting was 200 yard games POSSIBLY, and additional points from rushing. Not anymore. He’ll obviously tail off in some games, but he is going to be a monster for years to come.

Ryan Fitzpatrick- Why he continues to not get his proper credit is beyond me. He did well last year by dropping back and putting the team on his shoulders week after week. He blossomed over the 2010 season and has the Bills believing. Four touchdowns and proper management of every drive at Kansas City was very impressive.

Mark Sanchez- Only 64% owned in Yahoo leagues, Sanchez showcased a solid week one outing. He may not have too many 300 yard passing games, but he should see an increase in the touchdown category. He has too many weapons to throw to and should be a viable backup fantasy quarterback at the least. With Shonn Greene performing bust like in the regular season again, the Jets might have to rely on Sanchez’s arm more than they thought.

Running Backs

Cadillac Williams- Steven Jackson’s exit after an galloping touchdown run, makes room for this waiver wire pickup. Cadillac Williams has been through his fair share of injuries over the years, but hasn’t lost his toughness. He stepped in well with nearly ninety yards rushing and fifty receiving. He is likely available in the majority of leagues and is worth stashing on your bench if you’re thin on backs.

Jacquizz Rodgers- You can already see the funk of the Falcons offense, resulting in some changes. One that likely will happen is finding a way to get Rodgers on the field and more touches. He is the scat back type that offenses love to mix in. Watch for increased plays from Rodgers over the next few weeks. He did some damage as a pass catching receiver Sunday.

Delone Carter- Whispers were circling just a week ago when Carter eclipsed Donald Brown on the depth chart. It seems that there are some big changes ahead for the Colts, not just in the loss column. Carter could end up overtaking this job before long.

Derrick Ward- Dependant on if Arian Foster’s hamstring injury lingers, Ward could be a decent impact guy. The Texans love to rush the football, so the top two backs always have great fantasy value.

Wide Receivers

Jason Avant- Avant just keeps staying productive as an Eagle. With the Eagles loving to throw the football, Avant has always had fantasy value. This year there are many variables to see that increase. The Eagles are more explosive, and the concerns with the athletes above Avant on the roster chart.

Jason Hill- Luke McCown is going to be the typical Jay Fiedler type at quarterback. Handing the football off enough not to lose the game and drive his coaches crazy. With an effective ground game as the Jaguars have, it’ll create openings for McCown to deliver some throws. Hill didn’t catch a touchdown but caught enough passes to warrant waiver wire attention.

Jabar Gaffney- Gaffney is a journeyman that keeps on handling his business. Could the decision to start Rex Grossman last season truly of been the proper call? Grossman seems to have found his niche with the Redskins, which boosts all Redskins receivers up a tad from a week ago.

Brandon LaFell- Newton’s yardage average was assumed to be near 200 yards a game at best. Was his four hundred yard game above average? Clearly. But teams will go back to doubling Steve Smith like they did years ago. When that happens, LaFell will become an increased target.

Randall Cobb- Cobb could be a one week wonder. Based on what we have all seen from special teams super studs the last few years, you’d have to expect for Cobb to get on the field more. Even with all the Packers receiving weapons, Cobb poses as a fantasy worthy pickup in deeper leagues.

Ed Dickson- Joe Flacco has always been very comfortable with his tight ends. Todd Heap was the main guy for the start of Flacco’s career. Now it’s Dickson, who even though has been a Raven, really never got involved as a pass catching tight end. Those doubting Dickson being effective as a fantasy worthy tight end may want to reshift, as he can be this years Mercedes Lewis.