LestersLegends.com » Braylon Edwards


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Braylon Edwards could be facing an NFL suspension after getting arrested for a DUI early this morning. Edwards previously had a run-in with the law in the highly publicized incident when he was with the Browns and punched a friend of LeBron James. Edwards has six catches for 54 yards and a TD on the year. He played a good game on Sunday against the Patriots with five catches for 45 yards and a score. Stay tuned to see how Roger Goodell handles the incident. This would be a blow to Mark Sanchez and the Jets, who are already without Santonio Holmes.
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Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Obviously the combo of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams put on a show tonight, but there were a couple of other surprising performances.

No, I’m not talking about Ted Ginn, Jr. actually holding onto the football.  I’m not talking about the gutsy use of Pat White late in the game.  I’m talking about Chad Henne and Braylon Edwards.

Chad Henne had an outstanding game completing 20 of 26 passes (76.9%) for 241 yards and 2 TDs.  He was decisive.  He showed good poise, a strong arm, and good touch.  If he is available in 2 QB leagues, be sure to put in a claim for him.  He looked that good.

The Jets got an encouraging sign in the debut of Braylon Edwards.  He caught 4 passes for 64 yards and a TD.  He nearly had a second score, getting tackled on the 1.  He also drew a pass interference on a deep ball that set up Thomas Jones’ second TD.  If you have Edwards on your fantasy roster, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he’s on a team with a pulse.

A Tale of Two Divas

7 October 2009

It must be Wide Receiver Day in the NFL as a pair of disgruntled WRs are in the news.  First up is Diva Rookie Michael Crabtree.  San Francisco’s 3-1 start and 35-0 drubbing of St. Louis must have made Crabtree realize that the Niners were doing fine without him, and weren’t going to be the first one to blink.  Now that he has missed so much time, it is unlikely that Crabtree will make much of an impact, especially on a team that relies on the running game and defense.  It is good news to those fantasy owners who took a chance on him, and especially to those in dynasty leagues who intend to have him as part of their long-term plan.

In other news, Braylon Edwards punched his ticket out of Cleveland (pun intended).  He is heading to the Jets for Chansi Stuckey, Jason Trusnik, and a couple of draft picks.  Edwards fantasy value takes a jump as he’ll likely be more motivated escaping the misery of Cleveland.  Stuckey could see a slight bump in value, but the real bump should go to last week’s breakout player Mohamed Massaquoi, who had a great rapport with Derek Anderson last week in a loss to Cincinnati.

As far as the QBs go, Mark Sanchez takes a step forward by adding a big play threat, assuming his drops and attitude don’t get in the way.  I don’t see much change from Derek Anderson as Braylon’s heart wasn’t in it.  He didn’t even catch a pass last week.

I’m going to look at the matchups each week and pick five fantasy starters that could be in for a tough week.  Here’s a look at players who could struggle this week.

Quarterback
Matt Schaub
- Schaub opens the season at home against the New York Jets, who look to have much improved defense under Rex Ryan.  The Jets are going to put a lot of pressure on the Texans.  Schaub is dealing with a sprained ankle, and with his injury history, I wouldn’t be surprised if he were knocked out of the game.

Running Backs
Chris Johnson 
- I know it’s tough to bench your #1 pick, but Johnson will have his work cut out for him facing the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers should be fired up to defend their title at home.  Johnson had a nice game against the Steelers at home last year (16 carries for 69 yards, TD), but playing in Pittsburgh is a different story.

Darren McFadden - Many are expecting Run DMC to make a big step forward in 2009.  While I agree with them, I don’t see it happening this week.  The Chargers’ defense was awful last year.  They want to make a statement to the NFL that they’re back.  The Chargers offense is so high-powered that the Raiders will likely being playing from behind, limiting the opportunities for McFadden to showcase his talents.  Finally, it’s not clear how the Raiders are going to split up their carries.  I’d look elsewhere for my RB2.

Wide Receiver
Dwayne Bowe
- Kansas City is a mess.  Facing Baltimore is no way for Todd Haley to get off to a fast start.  Bowe will get plenty of Raven attention, and with either a injured Cassel or a backup QB under Center, I just don’t like Bowe’s prospects.

Braylon Edwards - Braylon is a guy that I expect to bounce back in 2009, but whoever wins the starting gig is going to be under heavy pressure.  If Edwards still has a problem holding on to the football, it could be a long game for the former Wolverine.

Braylon Edwards
Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Braylon Edwards had a terrible case of the dropsies last year.  After dominating the league in 2007 with 80 catches for 1289 yards and 16 TDs, he had just 55 catches for 873 yards and 3 TDs.  Talk about a disappearing act.  2009 isn’t exactly getting off to a great start either.  He has dealt with some minor injuries in training camp.  If the Browns are going to claw their way up to mediocrity, they are going to need Edwards to stay healthy and focused.  Edwards will have to be a bigger factor in their passing game as he had more than four receptions four times, and more than five receptions just once. 

Kellen Winslow, Jr. is gone, and the Browns running game is far from formidable.  You don’t know if Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson will be the QB, or if it even matters.  I would take Braylon Edwards as a WR 3, but there are many of wideouts that I would prefer on my team. Braylon is going in the 6th-8th round in fantasy leagues as around the 20th WR.  I’m predicting 65 catches for 950 yards and 6 TDs.

The Browns were almost everyone’s darling last year before returning to hard times.  The good news is they have some pieces in place.  Brady Quinn looked good at QB before getting hurt.  Derek Anderson is a capable QB, but they may look to move him.  Jamal Lewis took a step back and will turn 30 this year.  Jerome Harrison made some plays, but he can’t handle a full load.  The Brwons will likely look to pick up a back in the draft.  Braylon Edwards needs to work on his drops.  He has the ability, and if he can fix that problem he’ll likely be one of the best fantasy values next year.  Donte Stallworth did not pay off for the Browns next year.  They need to bring in a WR via the draft or free agency to challenge for the starter spot.  Even if Stallworth is able to perform, they’ll still need a solid third WR.  Kellen Winslow is solid at TE, but he too had an off year.  It’s a pretty common theme for this team unless your name is D’Qwell Jackson.

Speaking of Defense, their top free agent priority is LB Andra Davis.  He was second on the team with 90 tackles.  Safeties Sean Jones and Mike Adams are also top priorities. 

KFFL Free Agent Tracker:

QB Ken DorseyNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
QB Bruce GradkowskiNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
RB Jason Wright UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
TE Darnell Dinkins UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
PK Jason RedaNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
P Mike DragosavichNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
OG Seth McKinney UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
OT Eric YoungNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
DL Louis Leonard ERFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
LB Andra Davis UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
LB Willie McGinest UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
LB Antwan PeekNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
CB Terry CousinNew player news! UFA (Cut) Cleveland Browns Free Agent
CB Travis Daniels UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
CB Daven Holly UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
SS Steve Cargile Signed Cleveland Browns New York Giants
SS Sean Jones UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent
FS Mike Adams UFA Cleveland Browns Free Agent

Yesterday I gave you the Sell High Candidates.  Today I flip it up and give you the Buy Low ones.  These are guys who have started off slow.  Now is the time to pluck them from your competition before their value increases.

Peyton Manning - How often is it that Peyton Manning has more INTs than TDs after three games?  How about only 3 TDs in three games?  There are about a dozen QBs who have had better starts than Peyton.  If you can somehow package a RB or a WR with little brother Eli and snag Peyton, why wouldn’t you?  How about Aaron Rodgers?  You have to be more confident in Peyton’s ability to score big throughout the year.  This could be a great year to own him since they aren’t running away with the division.  They likely won’t be closing shop in Week 16 this year.  He has the bye week to continue to get healthy and work out his kinks.  You need to strike now before he gets hot.

Joseph Addai - You probably should have tried to get him a week ago, but he’s has less than 200 total yards and 3 TDs right now.  If you can acquire him for Sell High candidate Michael Turner, I say do it now.    Once Saturday gets healthier Addai will be ripping it up again.

Laurence Maroney - He’s done absolutely nothing.  He is averaging 22.3 yards per game.  Why would yo even consider him?  He finishes stong.  Nine of his twelve career TDs have come in the second half, with six of them coming in December.  If you can get him for bargain bin value, why wouldn’t you?  Even if he doesn’t rebound, he likely won’t cost you much.  If you have guys on bye early at RB you can afford to stash him on your bench.

Braylon Edwards - He has 73 yards in three games.  That’s pathetic.  That’s slightly better than what Maroney produced.  His QB situation is a mess, but eventually they are going to have to get him involved if they want to turn this thing around. 

Chad Ocho Cinco - He’s also off to a slow start.  I’ve told you already not to trust Ocho.  However, if you can acquire him as your third WR, don’t you think he’s worth the risk?  He still has a great QB throwing to him with a great WR opposite of him.


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