By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Have the bye weeks and injuries caused a skid of losses that you hope end this week? Turning your season around, may ride on this week. Who are some value guys out there that you should start or avoid?

Quarterbacks

Start: Philip Rivers

Many think Rivers and the Chargers will struggle with the way they lost on Monday Night. Have the way the Chargers played over the years ever been predictable? Look for this team to come out and play the Packers tough. Rivers has had one of his roughest years, and his botched snap may finally of been the wake up call for 2011.

Start: Jon Skelton

Sometimes teams can come out and give it their all for a game. For a game last week the Rams put on a good performance. One week though is not going to bypass the major deficiences of this team. Often one game fill in quarterbacks can have some success. Heck, undrafted rookie Max Hall got a win for the Cardinals against the Saints last year. Skelton is a big quarterback that had a few starts a year ago. He’ll deliver some key balls and put up decent numbers against a poor Rams defense

Start: Matt Cassel

Cassel has put together a solid run of starts transitioning himself from a borderline fantasy starter, to the zone that you can take a risk with a favorable matchup. This is that week as the Chiefs face the Miami Dolphins. His simple reads seem to be there, and his accuracy has boosted. Having tall targets such as Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin help as well.

Sit: Joe Flacco

Flacco has just been too erratic lately to put him in as a fantasy starter against a top tier defense. The Steelers injuries defensively will bode well for Ray Rice more than Flacco.

Sit: Josh Freeman

New Orleans has been a team that Freeman has torched in the past. Look for this game to be a bit different. New Orleans is coming off a horrible loss, and knows all to well that this game is pivotal for positioning within the division. Freeman has struggled most of the year, in large part to his receivers not separating from cornerbacks.

Running Backs

Start: DeMarco Murray

Keep riding the newly found most productive waiver wire back of the year.

Start: Steven Jackson

St. Louis believes they can get a two game win streak going. They’ll try to ride the success of last week’s victory, which was with the legs of running back Steven Jackson.

Start: Reggie Bush

Though the Dolphins offense lacks spark, Bush is slowly starting to compile fantasy worthy numbers. With Daniel Thomas shaky to play weekly, Bush is getting more and more reps. Look for him to have another outing worthy to be a flex starter.

Sit: Chris Johnson

You want to figure out a week to insert Johnson for a breakout week but it just doesn’t happen. Now he faces one of the top defenses in the league against the Bengals.

Sit: Tashard Choice

This won’t be the week that Choice has an out of no where game.

Wide Receivers

Start: Pierre Garcon

Start: Joshua Cribbs

Start: Victor Cruz

Sit: Antonio Gates

Sit: Torrey Smith

Sit: Darrius Heyward-Bey

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

Zack Cimini writes about the Cuse’ and how they will live up to this years expectations.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/921584-boeheim-and-cuse-ready-to-live-up-to-pre-season-ranking

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.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Seven fantasy games in, it’s now or never to make your last attempt to position yourself for the playoffs. Even if you are in position, keeping an eye on players that could be impactful in the later weeks may prove worth while. Here are some athletes to look at that shined in week seven.

Quarterbacks

Christian Ponder- In his first start, Ponder proved that the Vikings moving forward for 2012 is a smart decision. Displaying the ability to manuever on the run, and air out throws was in view. McNabb on the other hand, could not offset the teams offensive line limitations to be able to create on the run. Ponder provides that, and had a few big plays to off-season acquisition Michael Jenkins.

Carson Palmer- Seeking to add Palmer after his second half performance does not seem like a formidable addition to a fantasy team. The simple fact that Palmer only knew ten percent of the Raiders plays, and rust should be noted. He’ll have a bye week to get in tune with the Raiders playbook and players

Tim Tebow- Even with inaccuracy, Tebow is a fantasy factor due to the amount of yards he is going to get on the ground. His paltry passing yardage numbers will be somewhat offset with his rushing yards. Don’t forget Tebow has had decent passing performances dating back to a year ago.

John Beck- Beck did not do horrible, but lost the head to head matchup with Newton. Beck is in the same category as Rex Grossman from a fantasy stand point. You really won’t be able to anticipate when he is worth starting, but having him on your roster for an emergency may be worth it.

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray- Just check his stats. Hopefully you were able to pick him up before Sunday’s game, when he was noted as a waiver wire pickup.

Marion Barber- The former Cowboy has had a tough start with the Bears. With the team realizing that it’s run blocking is much better than pass protection, Martz is starting to shift his mentality. No more dropping back unnecessary snaps, the team is going to the ground attack. Barber has always been a beast inside the red zone. Maybe there is new fantasy life after Sunday’s performance.

Kregg Lumpkin- The last resort at running back. Tampa Bay is hoping he can be a fill in similar to when the Panthers were forced to a similar situation a few years back. Unlikely, but if you need an option, Lumpkin may be the only choice for you on waivers.

Ryan Torain/Roy Helu- With Hightower done for the year, the Redskins will likely shift to a running back by committee. Normally teams would have a front runner for backup, but not Mike Shanahan. He has already had given fantasy owners teases with both Torain and Helu. Torain has the prior history, but Helu is the young back that may be prime to take over.

Mike Bush- Bush has been fantasy worthy this year just based on the Raiders powerful ground attack. Goal line plunges may now be transformed into a fill in role for the injured McFadden. After McFadden left early in the first against Kansas City, Bush did a fine job with 90 yards and a touchdown.

Wide Receivers

Roy Williams- There has finally been a Williams sighting. For a team that lacks a true number one receiver, Williams has a chance to be a factor if he can stay healthy. A tall target that will have plenty of one on one opportunities, with the way that Matt Forte is rushing the football.

Antonio Brown- He has scattered with performances this year, but there comes a time when that turns into consistency. Against the Cardinals he was getting open with ease, and made some difficult catches. Hines Ward continues to age, and eventually the Steelers are going to lean more in Brown’s direction, if they haven’t already. Look for Brown to have a huge second half of the year.

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.