By Zack Cimini

Not many players in the past have been considered fantasy worthy from the Oakland Raiders. Definitely not mentionable in drafts were any Raiders wide receivers. That will now change as the Raiders new head coach is trying to move things back to where they were in the Rich Gannon era.

Even though the Raiders have been losing games they’ve fought well in most losses, especially last season. Displays of working towards the future were evident with the blossoming of running backs Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. As a receiving threat, Zach Miller, was the only player that put up respectable numbers for his position at tight end. Part of the problem there were the inept and underperformers behind center. Jamarcus Russell hopefully shook off his first good stretch of action as he is going to need to perform in a hurry. If not, the Raiders signed experienced savvy veteran Jeff Garcia. Garcia has been able to step in with any team over the last four to five years and do well. We expect Garcia to see action at some point this year. Due to the fact that he finds his way onto the field one way or another.

Who will catch the balls thrown by either Garcia or Russell? Well the Raiders obviously just spent their first round pick on speedster Darrius Heywood-Bey. Not often though can rookie receivers come in and demonstrate consistent play, although being a top ten receiver you’d expect Bey to be able too. Currently Bey is listed as the Raiders third receiver but will likely jump over Javon Walker. Walker who was once a Pro Bowl caliber receiver just a few short years ago has stumbled to where did he go land.

The Raiders other starter is going to be the name no one has heard and will surely be on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues. If you’re in a dynasty league, hopefully you either snatched him up last season or in this off-seasons fantasy draft. Chaz Schilens, at 6’4 and 230 pounds has the speed and physical tools to be a pleasant surprise at receiver. Here is an athlete that didn’t begin playing football until his junior year of high school. Even at that he was able to attract the attention of several division one schools and found himself at San Diego State. Quietly he had solid seasons there and snuck into the draft as a 7th round pick by the Raiders last season.

Instantly he jumped over the Raiders fourth round pick last year in Arman Shields, and began to find his way onto the field during the regular season. Some highlights of last year include a three reception 78 yard performance against the Ravens, as well as starting the last two games of the season in which he caught a touchdown in each. He creates separation with ease (4.38 forty) and has great leaping ability (43 inch vertical leap). This will already be combined by Heywood-Bey whose speed and status will create enough nightmares for defenses.

These two could be a dynamic tandem grouped together for awhile. As long as the Raiders can consistent quarterback play expect Schilens to easily get between 800- 1,000 yards and six to eight touchdowns. He will no longer be a sleeper after this season. He is already off to a great impact start that we anticipated. In limited action he totaled five catches for 52 yards in week one’s preseason action. Russell seems to already have chemistry with him and they even drew a 47 yard pass interference penalty as well.

Sportsbook.com’s College Basketball Top 10

With the NCAA Men’s basketball season underway, here is how the Sportsbook.com’s Top 10 with odds to cut down the nets next April:

1. UNC 6-1

The Tar Heels are absolutely loaded with All-American candidates headed by C Tyler Hansbrough (18.9 pts, 7.9 reb). Sophomore guards Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington both averaged double figures as freshmen and might be the best backcourt in the country.

2. UCLA 6-1

The Bruins are loaded and ready to make a run at their third consecutive Final Four appearance. Freshman C Kevin Love is a beast and should make an immediate impact on the low blocks. He’ll team with one of the top point guards in the nation Darren Collison (12.7 ppg, 5.7 ast) and swingman Josh Shipp (13.3 ppg).

3. Memphis 7-1

As usual, coach Calipari will have plenty of athletes at his disposal. Center Joey Dorsey is a beast on the boards (9.4 reb) and is complimented nicely with junior guard Chris Douglass-Roberts (15.4 ppg). Keep an eye on a couple of freshman guards in Jeff Robinson and Derrick Rose. Both are perfect for the Tigers offense and will contribute from day 1.

4. Kansas 10-1

Despite his intentions of entering the NBA early last season, swingman Brandon Rush (13.8 ppg) will return due to offseason knee surgery. With Rush, there is no shortage of perimeter talent on the Jayhawks roster including Mario Chalmers (12.2 ppg), Russell Robinson (7.2 ppg) and Sherron Collins (9.3 ppg). The frontcourt is a bit thin although Darrell Arthur is coming off and impressive freshman campaign.

5. Tennessee 12-1

Tennessee won’t have a problem putting points on the board as Iowa transfer Tyler Smith (14.9 ppg) joins fellow forward Wayne Chism (9.1 ppg) in the frontcourt. Chris Lofton (20.8 ppg) leads a talented group of guards which includes JaJuan Smith (15.2 ppg) and Ramar Smith (10.7 ppg).

6. Georgetown 15-1

Four starters return from last year’s Final Four team including 7’2” Roy Hibbert (12.9 ppg). Forward DaJuan Summers (9.2 ppg) had an impressive freshman year and could explode. The backcourt is loaded with returning starters Jessie Sapp (9.1 ppg) and Jonathan Wallace (11.4 ppg) joined by freshmen difference makers Chris Wright and Austin Freeman.

7. Louisville 15-1

The Cardinals are absolutely loaded and have a balanced attack but will need to stay healthy to take it to the next level. Forward Terrance Williams was the team’s leading scorer and will play alongside Edgar Sosa (11.4) and Jerry Smith on the perimeter. Up front, any combination of Juan Palacios (8.9 ppg), David Padgett (9.5), Derrick Caracter (8.9 ppg) and Earl Clark (5.9 ppg) can compete with any frontcourt in the country.

8. Indiana 20-1

Senior Forward D.J. White (13.8 ppg, 7.3 reb) is a legit All-American candidate. JUCO AA Jamarcus Ellis should make an immediate splash from the small forward spot. Another newcomer, Eric Gordon is one of the top freshmen in the country and should light it up from day 1.

9. Michigan State 20-1

All five starters return including All-American shooting guard Drew Neitzel (18.1 ppg). Point guard Travis Walton is a steady floor leader and small forward Raymar Morgan (11.7 ppg) is a dependable second scoring option. Freshmen Durrell Summers, Kalin Lucas and Chris Allen should all add much needed help off the bench.

10. Duke 35-1

The Blue Devils are set on the perimeter with returning starters Greg Paulus (11.8 ppg), Gerald Henderson (6.8 ppg) and Jon Scheyer (12.2 ppg). The frontcourt, on the other hand, is another matter. Freshman Kyle Singler is expected to contribute immediately and is definitely talented enough to start. Either Lance Thomas or Brian Zoubek, both sophomores, will need to become more of a factor if the Devils expect to make a run come March.

http://ff.connextra.com/sportingbetUSA/selector/click?client=sportingbetUSA&placement=Notjustagame_Sportsbook_txtlink

Its the same feeling. Time to ponder the waiver wire. Make those perfectly unperfect moves that maybe..just maybe will give your team that extra push to stop suffering those six point fantasy losses.

Quarterbacks

Brian Griese
The Bears fledgling running game has made them have to utilize the arm of quarterback Brian Griese. He is coming along nicely since becoming starter. By utilizing his tight ends in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark, Griese has gave his receivers more of a chance to beat teams deep. The more and more snaps that Devin Hester gets on offense will also make Griese a strong considerate for fantasy football.

Damon Huard
Clearly Huard is better than Brody Croyle. He’s more experienced and has a stronger presence in the pocket. Do not expect Huard to lose this job. It definitely will not be given to Brody Croyle. As long as Huard keeps Tony Gonzalez involved in the passing attack, he’ll be fine.
Vinny Testaverde
It was thought of as sort of a joke but Testaverde did a damn god job last week for the Panthers. Previously the Cardinals defense had done a good job of shutting offenses down. For Testaverde maybe the youth came out of him for a week. He is still in the midst of barely joining the team. He may have been playing more unconscious than anything, which helps a veteran from thinking too much on plays. If the Panthers can keep the tandem of DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster strong, and receiver Steve Smith healthy, than Testaverde can do more than a suitable job for the Panthers.

Running Backs

Michael Bennett
The trade to the Buccaneers gives Bennett a window he hasn’t had in years. Earnest Graham lived above what the Buccaneers expect from him last week. With Bennett they get a guy that can carry the ball like a Michael Turner. Maybe ten carries a game, but explosive carries that can be long gainers on any one of them. Garcia also likes to hit his backs out in the flat, which will be another plus of adding Bennett.

Kevin Faulk
It seems at some point in the year the Patriots always have to rely on a true veteran of their team to come up big. Troy Brown did it for a long time, and Kevin Faulk will be administered those duties now. Laurence Maroney has been a game time withdrawal the last few weeks. Maybe that was a good thing that the Pats didn’t rush him back, or maybe this injury is going to be on going. The back that was making people forget about Maroney, in Sammy Morris, subsequently had an injury himself in last week’s game. Now Faulk will have to get some amount of carries. He carried twelve times against the Cowboys.

Reuben Droughns
The beat up backfield express continues over at the New York Giants. Derrick Ward has managed to keep his role through injury, but must have had some sort of reduction for those reasons last week. Brandon Jacobs played through his as well, but the bigger factor was Droughns. He carried the load fourteen times for ninety yards and a touchdown. This crowded backfield may be too big, but it is an injury prone one. Jacobs still is the main guy as he’ll get the most touchdowns, but the way they keep getting hurt makes you wonder if Droughns will be the main guy at some point this year.

Wide Receivers

Chris Henry
Before owners of TJ Houzmanzadeh get to used to his outrageous weekly numbers, Chris Henry will be back on the field in a matter of weeks. His eight game suspension will be over, and there is no doubt that the Bengals will want his skills. The Bengals have struggled poorly at running the football, and in years past that hasn’t stopped Henry, Houzmanzadeh, and Chad Johnson from having huge years. Last year alone Henry caught nine touchdowns in only thirteen games. Scoop him up before the buzz breaks on ESPN of stupid talks on whether Henry should play this year or not.

Kevin Walter
Andre Johnson should be en route to becoming a game time decision. While he has been out of action, receivers such as Kevin Walter and Andre Davis have soared on the waiver wire pickup charts. Walter stole the show and completely annihilated his receivers stats this past week with a 160 yard 12 reception day. It’s hard to tell if Walter just had the beat that day, or if Schaub has found a go to guy now. One week it’s Andre Davis, one it’s Owen Daniels, and one its Kevin Walter. Make up your mind Schaub and pick your go to guy.

It’s not a good week to be looking for a waiver wire pickup, but here we go.

Quarterbacks

Jason Campbell
There is probably a 25-30 percent chance Campbell may be available in your league. He can be a guy to backup a strong number one fantasy quarterback. Washington has one of the best one two tandems in the league in rushing the football, so Campbell’s week five numbers are a bit high.

Kurt Warner
He has the starting role for the next six weeks, which could be bad. After Kurt Warner came back in the game following Leinart’s injury his numbers dropped quickly. When he has to move the team in a normal matter it seems that his rust shows. The Cardinals may have to run the hurry up offense often to keep Kurt in a rhythm.

Brody Croyle
This entire offense is in bad shape. Croyle will get a chance to give it a spark. The best thing going for Croyle is Tony Gonzalez and the emerging Dwayne Bowe.

David Carr
The starting job is his in Carolina, and he managed to get the Panthers a close win over the Saints. He is new to this team and must have been dying for this chance this season. With Schaub doing so well, Carr will have a lot to prove as a former number one castoff.

Cleo Lemon
He has always had killer stats in preseason for Miami, which has led him to staying on the Dolphins roster and moving up the ranks. He performed decently in the loss to the Texans, but will need to step up his accuracy.

Running Backs

Kenton Keith
I guess the Colts running backs have become comparable to Denver’s system. Each back just comes in and produces. Keith carried the load at 28 times and looked fantastic. Addai will be week to week, so Keith could get you a little boost if you’re lacking at running back.

Selvin Young
Just keep a watch on Travis Henry’s appeal. His lawyers are working hard on avoiding a suspension this season. That’ll be hard to do with Roger Goodell in the way. Young has had some decent gains in limited duty, and will become the feature back if Henry is indeed suspended.

Corey Dillon
Nobody has yet to sign him but you might think Tampa Bay will. Dillon didn’t want to retire but has not had many seekers. No rumors have really begun but Tampa is trying to work a deal for somebody with Michael Pittman and Cadillac out.

Najeh Davenport
Willie Parker isn’t scoring touchdowns as he was last year. The split year of that happening was in 05’s Jerome Bettis’s touchdowns, and it seems that the Steelers will give that role fully to Davenport now. Do not think Davenport will be a one week wonder and wait for a dual score game again before scooping him up.

Wide Receivers

Donte Stallworth
Some owners grew too impatient with Stallworth and cut him a few weeks ago. With Wes Welker posting solid stats and Randy Moss’s spectacular stats, Stallworth was non existent. Now he is starting to get involved and should balance out Welker’s and Moss’s stats the rest of the way.

Nate Burelson
Maybe he can earn some of the money the Seahawks signed him for in a seven year 49 million contract. Deion Branch is out three weeks and DJ Hackett is slowly returning from one. It’ll be Burelson’s time to earn Holmgren’s respect back along with Bobby Engram.

Anthony Gonzalez
The Colts do not want to rush Marvin Harrison back. With Gonzalez and Manning orchestrating well it seems that even when Harrison comes back, Gonzalez will see some sort of old Brandon Stokely type role.

If you’re hurting in the running back position this week offers some friendly choices to consider adding to your fantasy rosters. The receiver scoop ups are thin, but not as thin as at quarterback. The top five quarterbacks have been dominant over the second and third tier drafted quarterbacks. If you’re struggling bad at the quarterback position it may be time to wheel and deal one of your running backs or receivers.

Quarterbacks

Jake Plummer
Could the snake actually end up on a roster before the trading deadline? Keep your ears open to any rumors. One team that could use him is the Bears. All the Bucs did to get Plummer was give up a 7th round pick. If Plummer wants to play there should be a few teams that could throw away a 6th rounder.

Joey Harrington
This is two solid games in a row for Harrington. His latest was an actual victory for his team. He has already proved one thing that Vick was unable to do, which is getting his receivers involved. Both Roddy White and Michael Jenkins are suddenly potential fantasy receivers worth having on your team.

Daunte Culpepper
All the Raiders had to do is run the football with the Dolphins missing Zach Thomas. It was a great story for Culpepper but did not take away his stats. He only passed for 75 yards on 12 pass attempts. How Culpepper scored 5 TD’s is amazing. He ran for three and threw for two and actually had 28 yards rushing. The Raiders were reluctant to throw the football, and until Culpepper shows any type of passing skills again he is not worth the time on anyone’s fantasy team.

Running Backs

Ron Dayne
Dayne’s going to be involved in the Texans rushing attack almost by default. Ahman Green has been slow in his return from injury and that has left Dayne as the primary runner. He had a nice 25 yard run against the Falcons, but other than that struggled horribly. He is a back that will get carries though, and should get a few short yardage touchdowns.

Justin Fargas
The Dolphins defense made Fargas the hottest jump of any player. Virtually no one had Fargas on their rosters a week ago. Now with Lamont Jordan’s back injury and Dominic Rhodes just set to return from suspension, Fargas has the chance to be the main guy. This week is the Raiders bye week, so it’ll be interesting to hear how Jordan is healing from his back injury.

Mike Pittman
Last week we told everyone to scoop up Earnest Graham because of Cadillac’s injury prone history. His injury was unfortunate and we wish the best for Cadillac. For the Buccaneers they need to keep moving. They’re a 3-1 team and will now rely on Graham and Pittman to share the load. Pittman has higher value just because he is a great pass catcher out of the backfield.

Correll Buckhalter
There seems to be whispers that the Eagles are not discussing all the details surrounding Westbrook’s abdominal injury. Rumors are swirling that he could have a slight tear. Hopefully not as McNabb and the Eagles offense can not function without Westbrook. Buckhalter did a decent job with 100 yards rushing against the Giants. If Westbrook ends up being out a chunk of points can be gained with Buckhalter, but not nearly as much as Westbrook’s totals.

Sammy Morris
Even through the first three weeks of the season, it looked like the Patriots were running the ball better when Morris had the carries. His performance Monday night can’t be taken as a dazzling performance. He was playing against a Bengals team that had only three healthy linebackers. What is not going to go away is the fact that the Patriots usually have Morris over Maroney in short yard goal line situations.

Wide Receivers

Michael Jenkins
Is it true, two touchdowns from a Falcons receiver? Has that ever happened under Mike Vick? Running the football well is something the Falcons can not do without Vick, and that has forced the Falcons to adjust their play calling. For the past two weeks that’s meant a lot of short routes to gain small chunks of yardage. Harrington has shown to be comfortable in this new change, and it is showing by the week.

Mushin Muhammed
Before Griese’s fourth quarter meltdown he was having a decent game. Bernard Berrian had nearly 100 yards and Mushin Muhammed 50 with a touchdown. Due to the lack of a ground game, the Bears are going to have to get use to involving these two receivers. Berrian was drafted in every league but is not necessarily Griese’s number one target as he was with Grossman.

Take a gander at this weeks slim pickings. Scoop them up and add much needed depth to fulfill your void.

Quarterbacks

Kurt Warner
This time share idea could turn over to Warner’s job if he plays like he did against the Ravens. He absolutely performed to perfection against the Ravens top notch defense. If this team gets rolling and Leinart struggles like that again, Warner is going to be the main guy.

Kellen Clemens
Pennington may have threw for two touchdowns but not much else was shown. He only passed for 124 yards and is not showing the commanding abilities a quarterback needs to have. They did win, but with New York fans already rooting for Clemens it is just going to take a string of losses for the roar to get loud.

Brian Griese
The ex Pro Bowler is now the Bears starter. This sentence has been written with the Dolphins and Bucs. As long as he can get this offense to function on a non turnover level, who knows if he’ll start to excel again. Not worth picking up until he shows that quarter or half, that makes you think aw, maybe.

Running Backs

Earnest Graham
He scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter thanks to Cadillac Williams fumbling at the start of the quarter. Cadillac has a history of nagging injuries. Graham is already making a contribution but may have peaked this last week. If you have the spot, consider it.

Samkon Gado
Green is once again down. Last week the Texans were forced out of running the ball effectively by the Colts. It’s a stretch to think Gado can be a out of nowhere spark again, but it could happen. The running backs available on the waiver wire are thin, and Gado is on that list.

Reuben Droughns
The temporary goal line carrier scored two touchdowns last week. He is also an ex thousand yard rusher. No one knows how Brandon Jacobs will be when he returns. Jacobs is a big back and more susceptible to re injuring himself with all of that weight.

Aaron Stecker
Everyone expects the show to be all Bush’s now with McAllister done for the season. Not exactly. Bush has never carried the load even in college. Stecker will be worked in, just not on the same ratio scale as McAllister.

Wide Receivers

Roddy White
There is an actual receiver now worth picking up that is a Falcon. Shocking but true. White missed week one with an injury but has stepped it up in a big way weeks two and three.

Reggie Brown
People that have become numb dumb have lost their patience on Brown. He has been limited to nothing but he is coming off a great previous year. It did not happen out of luck. McNabb struggled the first few weeks and it just so happened that Kevin Curtis lit up the show in week three.

Bobby Engram
The old time vet is doing it again. With Shaun Alexander struggling a bit, the air attack is going to pick up. Hasselbeck is spreading the ball well and Deion Branch and Bobby Engram have become the main threats.

Dwayne Bowe
Though the Chiefs offense has struggled mightily, Bowe has been one shining offensive rookie. His confidence is gaining and you have to figure the Chiefs will get it together somewhat offensively. Larry Johnson has too much talent not to break out, and Herman Edwards is one of the best coaches in the league.

Spotlight: Steve Smith
He has started the season off slowly but is also buried behind Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. Both are doing well as is Eli Manning. If this offense decides to spread the football out, Smith could be a viable option. Also, Burress is struggling with an ankle issue. If a starting role occurs Smith is a wonderful option to consider.