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.