By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer
AARON RODGERS (GB-QB)- The eternal benchwarmer finally took the field last Thursday and outperformed the legendary Brett Favre, keeping his team in the game against the almighty Cowboys. Rodgers was especially impressive at reading coverages and running for first downs when there was nothing open downfield. The young Packer threw for 201 yards and one touchdown. However, until Favre actually misses a start, Rodgers will be of no use to fantasy owners.
JASON SNELLING (ATL-RB)- Word out of Hotlanta is that Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino will be looking to make the rookie back a bigger part of the offensive game plan. After a promising preseason, Snelling has been a forgotten man with only six carries to date. The 232-pound bruiser is very quick at hitting the hole in short-yardage situations and does have decent enough speed to break off some good runs.
SAMKON GADO (MIA-RB)- With Jesse Chatman’s latest injury, recent pick up Samkon Gado should be in line to get some reps in the starting lineup. The 226-pounder has shown signs of being a serviceable power runner in the past, but does have a history of putting the ball on the ground.
WALLACE WRIGHT (NYJ-WR)- As the Jets may have to contend with the reality that Jerricho Cotchery may be out for the remainder of the season, receivers such as Wallace Wright will be given an opportunity to contribute in Gang Green’s regular offense. Known as more of a special teams ace, Wright made two catches for 24 yards versus the Dolphins in week 13. The 6’ 1” wide out is capable of making acrobatic receptions.
AUNDRAE ALLISON (MIN-WR)- The seldom-used rookie showed everyone that Sidney Rice isn’t the only Minnesota rookie who can make plays by scoring on a 103-yard kickoff return versus Detroit. Allison also gained a season-high 52 yards on two receptions. Coming out of East Carolina, the speedster was looked upon as a sure-handed receiver with the ability of producing long runs after the catch. The 6’ 0” 198-pounder is no shrinking violet when it comes to going over the middle to make a catch.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Searching the Scrap Heap, Week 14
By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer
LUKE McCOWN- (TB-QB)- The 26-year-old backup unexpectedly stepped up and took charge of the Buccaneer’s offense, leading his team to a last-minute 27-23 victory versus New Orleans. The Louisiana Tech product looked every bit the gunslinger completing his first 15 passes on his way to putting up 313 yards for two scores and one interception. The 6’3” 212-pound quarterback is known to have a strong arm and very good work ethic. Look for McCown’s solid play to continue if he gets the start next week against Houston. Starter Jeff Garcia is currently suffering form a bruised back.
CHRIS BROWN- (TEN-RB)- Although Brown’s 175-yard performance in week one may seem like eons ago, the former University of Colorado standout has slowly but surely reestablished himself as a key offensive component in Tennessee’s offense since returning from injury two weeks ago. The lanky back finally hit pay dirt this week with a seven-yard scamper versus the Texans. Brown ended up with 46 yards on 11 carries along with two receptions for 11 yards on the afternoon. Look for Brown and LenDale White to continue wreaking havoc with the Chiefs and Jets on their schedule in weeks 15 and 16.
D’ANGELO WILLIAMS- (CAR-RB)- Williams makes a reappearance in STSH as he was at his explosive best with 17 rushes for 82 yards including a 46-yard catch versus the lowly San Francisco 49ers. It’s pretty obvious that Carolina’s offense improves exponentially with a healthy Vinny Testaverde starting at quarterback, which should create more opportunities for Williams. Don’t be surprised to see the Panthers’ coaching staff assign more carries to the 5’9” dynamo, who has quicker feet and better lateral movement than veteran DeShaun Foster.
BRYANT JOHNSON- (ARZ-WR)- Starting in place of a hobbled Larry Fitzgerald, Johnson became Kurt Warner’s go-to wide out with six receptions for 56 yards including a 1-yard touchdown grab in an invigorating win over the high-scoring Browns. At 6’ 3” 216 pounds, the Penn State product is a physical player with enough speed to be more than just a run-of-the-mill possession receiver. Expect Johnson to remain in the starting lineup with Anquan Boldin leaving this week’s game in the third quarter with an unspecified foot injury.
DESMOND CLARK- (CHI-TE)- Clark has reemerged as one of Rex Grossman’s primary targets during the past two weeks with 61 yards on two catches versus the Broncos in week 12, and 76 yards on six receptions with a touchdown in week 13 against the Giants. With fellow tight end Greg Olsen fading into the background, Clark is once again showing the speed, agility and soft hands that made him a very promising athlete a few years back. The 30-year-old veteran should have plenty of chances to continue his resurgence with the Redskins and Vikings on the schedule.
LUKE McCOWN- (TB-QB)- The 26-year-old backup unexpectedly stepped up and took charge of the Buccaneer’s offense, leading his team to a last-minute 27-23 victory versus New Orleans. The Louisiana Tech product looked every bit the gunslinger completing his first 15 passes on his way to putting up 313 yards for two scores and one interception. The 6’3” 212-pound quarterback is known to have a strong arm and very good work ethic. Look for McCown’s solid play to continue if he gets the start next week against Houston. Starter Jeff Garcia is currently suffering form a bruised back.
CHRIS BROWN- (TEN-RB)- Although Brown’s 175-yard performance in week one may seem like eons ago, the former University of Colorado standout has slowly but surely reestablished himself as a key offensive component in Tennessee’s offense since returning from injury two weeks ago. The lanky back finally hit pay dirt this week with a seven-yard scamper versus the Texans. Brown ended up with 46 yards on 11 carries along with two receptions for 11 yards on the afternoon. Look for Brown and LenDale White to continue wreaking havoc with the Chiefs and Jets on their schedule in weeks 15 and 16.
D’ANGELO WILLIAMS- (CAR-RB)- Williams makes a reappearance in STSH as he was at his explosive best with 17 rushes for 82 yards including a 46-yard catch versus the lowly San Francisco 49ers. It’s pretty obvious that Carolina’s offense improves exponentially with a healthy Vinny Testaverde starting at quarterback, which should create more opportunities for Williams. Don’t be surprised to see the Panthers’ coaching staff assign more carries to the 5’9” dynamo, who has quicker feet and better lateral movement than veteran DeShaun Foster.
BRYANT JOHNSON- (ARZ-WR)- Starting in place of a hobbled Larry Fitzgerald, Johnson became Kurt Warner’s go-to wide out with six receptions for 56 yards including a 1-yard touchdown grab in an invigorating win over the high-scoring Browns. At 6’ 3” 216 pounds, the Penn State product is a physical player with enough speed to be more than just a run-of-the-mill possession receiver. Expect Johnson to remain in the starting lineup with Anquan Boldin leaving this week’s game in the third quarter with an unspecified foot injury.
DESMOND CLARK- (CHI-TE)- Clark has reemerged as one of Rex Grossman’s primary targets during the past two weeks with 61 yards on two catches versus the Broncos in week 12, and 76 yards on six receptions with a touchdown in week 13 against the Giants. With fellow tight end Greg Olsen fading into the background, Clark is once again showing the speed, agility and soft hands that made him a very promising athlete a few years back. The 30-year-old veteran should have plenty of chances to continue his resurgence with the Redskins and Vikings on the schedule.
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