Fantasy Football 2011: Wednesday Update Week 8
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By Mr. Destiny
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Percy Harvin is expected to play this week after injuring his ribs again. He will probably be limited in practice to keep him fresh. The emergence of Mike Jenkins as Ponder’s go to guy is actually a very good thing in my opinion. Harvin has never been a true #1 WR and is far better when the defensive focus is on someone else. Ala the Sidney Rice days. If he can stay healthy and Jenkins keep playing well, expect Harvin to finally reach the end zone and up his production. The Vikings also cut Bernard Berrian today so Harvin is the clear cut number two.
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Chris Cooley and Tim Hightower were each placed on the I.R. yesterday which means Fred Davis’ value sky rockets. Davis has outperformed Cooley all season and Beck will take advantage of his athletic TE. At RB, it will be a carousel as far as who is the starter week to week. If you can unload Helu and Torain, I would do so. Nobody wants to play a guessing game week to week and each could carry enough value to help you fill holes on your roster.
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Joseph Addai is expected to be a part of the game plan this week after tweaking his hammy once again. I expect Delone Carter to at minimum share the load this week, with Donald Brown winding up as the odd man out. Carter may even get the start in this game. Both Addai and Carter are decent flex plays against the Titans but it is a crap shoot which will be the better performer overall.
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Peyton Hillis will return to practice today and take over lead back responsibilities. Still, Hillis faces the 49ers solid run defense and shouldn’t be expected to post big numbers in his first week back. Massaquoi and Watson are very questionable this week with concussions so the Niners will be able to focus on Hillis and limit his production.
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Matthew Stafford did practice on a limited basis Wednesday and looks like he will be a go this week at Denver. I am expecting plenty of passing from Stafford this week since Mo Morris and Williams are each serviceable but far from being Jahvid Best. The Lions didn’t get rolling until the second half last week which saw him start to air it out more. Denver does have issues against the run but should be able to handle the Lions backs with more ease.
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Cedric Benson will serve his one game suspension this week, leaving Bernard Scott as the primary ball carrier. Seattle is a better defense than people think but I like Scott’s upside. He is more shifty than Benson and has shown he can carry the load. Scott is a nice sleeper start this week, especially if you’re in a bind.
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Hines Ward is questionable this week, leaving the door open for future stars Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders. Brown was the yardage guy while Sanders picked up the touchdown. I would roll with Brown if you can claim him off waivers. He had 7 catches last week and Ben seems to trust him.
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Braylon Edwards finally returned to practice on Tuesday and could be effective right out of the gate against the Browns. The Ninersshould have plenty offensive opportunities this week which means some good looks for Edwards.
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Legarrette Blount practiced today and seems like he will be ready for week 9. Good thing as the Bucs lost Earnest Graham for the season last week.
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Beanie Wells apparently is telling people he will be ready to go this week. He had better be at full health since the Cards face the Ravens. Even if he is, keep your expectations limited if you are forced to start him. We see this from players all the time where they say they will play but coaches decide otherwise. Keep an eye if he practices on Friday.
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Ovie Mughelli has been placed on I.R. leaving Jason Snelling as the Falcons main fullback. This helps Snelling’s value a bit since the Falcons have shown they aren’t opposed to using the FB out of the backfield in the red zone. While this doesn’t make him a must start every week, it is nice to see some added value.
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