By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer
With another action-packed fantasy football season in the books, it’s time to look ahead and gauge which players could see a dramatic rise in production.
MATT MOORE (QB-CAR)- Much like Tony Romo, Moore started his NFL career as an overlooked rookie who went undrafted last April. Due to the health issues and overall ineptness of those ahead of him on the depth chart, Moore was given an opportunity to start for Carolina in week 15. Despite the low expectations many had for the disappointing Panthers versus the playoff-bound Seahawks that week, Moore led his team to a 13-10 upset victory. Ranked ninth overall by the 2007 edition of the NFL Draft Bible, the 6’ 3” 195-pound signal caller throws a good deep ball and has the ability to read defenses which has helped him avoid costly errors. Moore could be in line for a starting role next season provided he puts on some weight and develops better accuracy. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff will allow the Oregon State product to battle it out with veteran Jake Delhomme for the top spot at the quarterback position.
NAJEH DAVENPORT (RB-PIT)- This career backup proved to be ready, willing and able to fill in for an injured Willie Parker as he carried the load in Pittsburgh’s 41-24 victory over St. Louis. The 250-pound Jerome Bettis-clone plowed through the Rams defense for 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and displayed tremendous power and surprising speed once he got past the first level of defense. If the former Miami Hurricane continues to pulverize the opposition in the playoffs, he may be looking at more carries next season in a time-share role with the aforementioned Parker.
JUSTIN GAGE (WR-TEN)- Viewed by many as an underachiever going into the 2007 season, the 26-year-old Gage finally established himself as a starter and as one of Vince Young’s go-to guys alongside Roydell Williams. Though not blessed with electrifying speed, the 6’4” wide out specializes in making tough grabs over the middle, as well as breaking tackles after the catch. Look for the former Bear to improve upon his career-best 646 receiving yards (through 15 games) next season as Young develops as pocket passer.
LAURENT ROBINSON (WR-ATL)- If you’re in search of a blossoming player with true superstar potential, then look no further than Laurent Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons. Buried for part of the season behind the fading Joe Horn, the rookie speedster emerged from the shadows this Sunday by recording seven receptions for 114 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown catch in which he clearly burned Arizona’s Antrel Rolle. Entering the 2007 NFL Draft, Robinson was clocked at 4.38 in the forty and amazed talent evaluators with his 39-inch vertical jump. With a year under his belt and a more stable offense around him, this up-and-coming talent has all the tools to develop into a consistent playmaker.
BRENT CELEK (TE-PHI)- With starting tight end L.J. Smith probably on his way out as he assumes free agent status, Philadelphia will be hoping to replace the former Rutgers standout with their 2007 fifth-round pick--Brent Celek from the University of Cincinnati. Following a stellar preseason in which the 6’4” 255-pound tight end showcased superior hands and the skills to gain yards after the catch, Celek had a relatively quiet first year. However, following recent injuries to Smith and Matt Schobel, the promising youngster made noteworthy contributions to the Eagles offense in weeks 15 and 16 by catching five receptions for 85 yards, including a 29-yard pass.
GREG OLSEN (TE-CHI)- The 6’ 6” 252-pound physical specimen entered the league as the most athletic rookie at his position in 2007. So impressive was Olsen in training camp, that Chicago’s coaching staff began drawing up specific plays intended to get the ball into the hands of their prized first-year tight end. Those early plans were scrapped when Olsen suffered a knee injury late in the preseason. Despite showing flashes of his playmaking ability upon his return, including a five-week stretch in which he posted 22 receptions, the Wayne, New Jersey native was often victimized by poor play at the quarterback position along with the fact that he was frequently forced to play second fiddle to veteran tight end Desmond Clark. Ranked first overall among tight ends in the latest edition of the NFL Draft Bible, there’s no doubt that Chicago’s coaching staff will be devising new ways to maximize Olsen’s outstanding leaping ability in 2008.
Showing posts with label ones to watch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ones to watch. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
MONDAY MORNING WAIVER WIRE HELP
Ralph Mancini, FFI Sr. Writer
SEARCHING THE SCRAP HEAP
SAGE ROSENFELS (QB-HOU)- The former Miami Dolphin stepped in for a battered Matt Schaub and turned an apparent blowout at the hands of the Tennessee Titans into a edge-of-your-seat thriller by throwing four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. Rosenfels did a fantastic job of spreading the ball among his receivers throughout the game. The 29-year-old signal caller punctuated his performance by sensing pressure by defensive end Travis LaBoy and unleashing a 53-yard bomb to Andre’ Davis temporarily putting Houston ahead 38-36 before opposing kicker Rob Bironas hit a game winning field goal for the Titans. Rosenfels is a fine pick up if Schaub is forced to miss time.
JESSE CHATMAN (RB-MIA)- Subbing for Ronnie Brown who exited the game with a dinged-up knee, Chatman put up serious numbers in garbage time by gaining 73 yards on only seven carries, including a 7-yard score . The hard-charging 5’8” dynamo could fill in quite nicely next week against a Giants defense that gives up significant yardage on the ground.
KENNY WATSON (RB-CIN)- Watson led Cincinnati’s offensive charge by gaining 130 yards on the ground and scoring three touchdowns with his team’s season hanging in the balance. The former Nittany Lion also chipped in with three receptions for 27 yards in the Bengals 38-31 victory over the hapless New York Jets. Regardless of whether Rudi Johnson returns next week, Watson deserves to be on everyone’s fantasy roster as Cincinnati will certainly continue to provide him with touches in the coming weeks. The speedy fifth-year veteran has proven to be a very disciplined runner.
MUSHIN MUHAMMAD (WR-CHI)- The 34-year-old Muhammad is making a resurgence in Chicago by quietly turning into Brian Griese’s favorite receiver in recent weeks. In Sunday’s 19-16 win over Philadelphia, the big wide out not only caught the game-winning touchdown pass, but also recorded a 44-yard reception. Add Muhammad to your fantasy teams and start him next versus the Lions next week.
ARNAZ BATTLE (SF-WR)- On a team in total disarray, Battle is one of the few players showing any sort of promise. In San Francisco’s 33-15 drubbing at the hands of the New York Giants, the former Notre Dame quarterback had six catches for 57 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown grab. Though limited by his underwhelming quarterbacks, Battle has the athletic skills to gain yards after the catch and also do damage on the occasional running play. Battle should put up good numbers in next week’s game versus the New Orleans Saints.
BRANDON STOKLEY (WR-DEN)- The veteran slot receiver is now in Denver’s starting lineup and gives his team a sure-handed option in the passing game who knows how to get open. Expect the Broncos to look to him both deep and an underneath routes.
TONY SCHEFFLER (DEN-TE)- The Bronco is back from a broken foot and has good chemistry with his quarterback Jay Cutler, who’s suddenly short on receiving options with the absence of number one receiver Javon Walker. In 2006, Scheffler caught 11 of his 18 passes in his last four games with Cutler at the helm.
LEONARD POPE (TE-ARIZ)- Previously featured in ONES TO WATCH, Pope did an excellent job acting as Kurt Warner’s safety valve. At 6’ 8”, Pope presents a big target, who can run after the catch. In Arizona’s 22-19 loss to Washington, Pope had three receptions for 35 yards, including a one-yard touchdown catch from backup Tim Rattay in the fourth quarter. The return of wide out Anquan Boldin should open more room for the second-year professional.
ROB BIRONAS (K-TENN)- Bironas made history by setting the all-time record for kicking the most field goals in one game by hitting on eight of them in leading the Titans to victory. Blessed with a booming leg, Bironas kicked a 60-yard field goal last year versus the Colts, as well as a 52-yarder versus the Titans this Sunday.
ONES TO WATCH
CHRIS REDMAN (QB-ATL)- Well, it didn’t take long for newly-anointed starter Byron Leftwich to go down with an injury this week. Although Joey Harrington stepped in to replace the former Jaguar, who suffered a high ankle sprain, it may not be long before coach Bobby Petrino decides to give Redman a try. The former Louisville standout has generally been viewed as a bust from his Baltimore Raven days. Despite all that, Redman seemed to have a good grasp of the offense in the preseason. Stay tuned.
CHRIS HENRY (RB-TENN)- Buried behind lead backs Lendale White and Chris Brown to start the season, Henry has had little opportunity to showcase the skills that made him a second round pick out of the University of Arizona until this Sunday. Against the Texans, Henry was impressive in gaining 57 yards on 11 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown run. The 6’ 0” 228 pounder brings good size and 4.4 speed to the table, which complements the inside, short-yardage strengths of White.
MAURICE MORRIS (RB-SEA)- As Shaun Alexander’s disastrous season continues, coach Mike Holmgren may begin carving a larger role for longtime backup Maurice Morris, who produced 42 yards on 10 carries against the Rams. Although he has never performed against tougher defenses, Morris has significantly less mileage on his wheels than the aforementioned Alexander.
GLENN MARTINEZ (WR-MIA)- The 25-year-old journeyman is Denver’s third receiver and despite only recording one catch for 11 yards against the Steelers, Jay Cutler did look deep for the former Detroit Lion. Look for him to get more looks in the coming weeks with the cannon-armed Cutler behind center. Martinez also runs back kickoffs and punts.
DEREK HAGAN (WR-MIA)- The recent trade of star wide out Chris Chambers has given the 23-year-old Hagan a chance to establish himself as Miami’s top receiver. In this Sunday’s loss to New England, the 6’ 2” receiver led his team with 4 catches for 56 yards. In his short tenure in the NFL, Hagan has showed the potential of becoming a strong receiver capable of making receptions over the middle. He may also develop into a solid end zone option.
WILL HELLER (TE-SEA)- The fifth-year veteran could be looking at a bigger role as the 35-year old Marcus Pollard trudges along with a bum knee this year. In this week’s win versus the Rams, Heller recorded three receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown. Unlike fellow Seattle receivers, the 6’ 6” tight end presents a huge target on short yardage and goal line plays.
SEARCHING THE SCRAP HEAP
SAGE ROSENFELS (QB-HOU)- The former Miami Dolphin stepped in for a battered Matt Schaub and turned an apparent blowout at the hands of the Tennessee Titans into a edge-of-your-seat thriller by throwing four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. Rosenfels did a fantastic job of spreading the ball among his receivers throughout the game. The 29-year-old signal caller punctuated his performance by sensing pressure by defensive end Travis LaBoy and unleashing a 53-yard bomb to Andre’ Davis temporarily putting Houston ahead 38-36 before opposing kicker Rob Bironas hit a game winning field goal for the Titans. Rosenfels is a fine pick up if Schaub is forced to miss time.
JESSE CHATMAN (RB-MIA)- Subbing for Ronnie Brown who exited the game with a dinged-up knee, Chatman put up serious numbers in garbage time by gaining 73 yards on only seven carries, including a 7-yard score . The hard-charging 5’8” dynamo could fill in quite nicely next week against a Giants defense that gives up significant yardage on the ground.
KENNY WATSON (RB-CIN)- Watson led Cincinnati’s offensive charge by gaining 130 yards on the ground and scoring three touchdowns with his team’s season hanging in the balance. The former Nittany Lion also chipped in with three receptions for 27 yards in the Bengals 38-31 victory over the hapless New York Jets. Regardless of whether Rudi Johnson returns next week, Watson deserves to be on everyone’s fantasy roster as Cincinnati will certainly continue to provide him with touches in the coming weeks. The speedy fifth-year veteran has proven to be a very disciplined runner.
MUSHIN MUHAMMAD (WR-CHI)- The 34-year-old Muhammad is making a resurgence in Chicago by quietly turning into Brian Griese’s favorite receiver in recent weeks. In Sunday’s 19-16 win over Philadelphia, the big wide out not only caught the game-winning touchdown pass, but also recorded a 44-yard reception. Add Muhammad to your fantasy teams and start him next versus the Lions next week.
ARNAZ BATTLE (SF-WR)- On a team in total disarray, Battle is one of the few players showing any sort of promise. In San Francisco’s 33-15 drubbing at the hands of the New York Giants, the former Notre Dame quarterback had six catches for 57 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown grab. Though limited by his underwhelming quarterbacks, Battle has the athletic skills to gain yards after the catch and also do damage on the occasional running play. Battle should put up good numbers in next week’s game versus the New Orleans Saints.
BRANDON STOKLEY (WR-DEN)- The veteran slot receiver is now in Denver’s starting lineup and gives his team a sure-handed option in the passing game who knows how to get open. Expect the Broncos to look to him both deep and an underneath routes.
TONY SCHEFFLER (DEN-TE)- The Bronco is back from a broken foot and has good chemistry with his quarterback Jay Cutler, who’s suddenly short on receiving options with the absence of number one receiver Javon Walker. In 2006, Scheffler caught 11 of his 18 passes in his last four games with Cutler at the helm.
LEONARD POPE (TE-ARIZ)- Previously featured in ONES TO WATCH, Pope did an excellent job acting as Kurt Warner’s safety valve. At 6’ 8”, Pope presents a big target, who can run after the catch. In Arizona’s 22-19 loss to Washington, Pope had three receptions for 35 yards, including a one-yard touchdown catch from backup Tim Rattay in the fourth quarter. The return of wide out Anquan Boldin should open more room for the second-year professional.
ROB BIRONAS (K-TENN)- Bironas made history by setting the all-time record for kicking the most field goals in one game by hitting on eight of them in leading the Titans to victory. Blessed with a booming leg, Bironas kicked a 60-yard field goal last year versus the Colts, as well as a 52-yarder versus the Titans this Sunday.
ONES TO WATCH
CHRIS REDMAN (QB-ATL)- Well, it didn’t take long for newly-anointed starter Byron Leftwich to go down with an injury this week. Although Joey Harrington stepped in to replace the former Jaguar, who suffered a high ankle sprain, it may not be long before coach Bobby Petrino decides to give Redman a try. The former Louisville standout has generally been viewed as a bust from his Baltimore Raven days. Despite all that, Redman seemed to have a good grasp of the offense in the preseason. Stay tuned.
CHRIS HENRY (RB-TENN)- Buried behind lead backs Lendale White and Chris Brown to start the season, Henry has had little opportunity to showcase the skills that made him a second round pick out of the University of Arizona until this Sunday. Against the Texans, Henry was impressive in gaining 57 yards on 11 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown run. The 6’ 0” 228 pounder brings good size and 4.4 speed to the table, which complements the inside, short-yardage strengths of White.
MAURICE MORRIS (RB-SEA)- As Shaun Alexander’s disastrous season continues, coach Mike Holmgren may begin carving a larger role for longtime backup Maurice Morris, who produced 42 yards on 10 carries against the Rams. Although he has never performed against tougher defenses, Morris has significantly less mileage on his wheels than the aforementioned Alexander.
GLENN MARTINEZ (WR-MIA)- The 25-year-old journeyman is Denver’s third receiver and despite only recording one catch for 11 yards against the Steelers, Jay Cutler did look deep for the former Detroit Lion. Look for him to get more looks in the coming weeks with the cannon-armed Cutler behind center. Martinez also runs back kickoffs and punts.
DEREK HAGAN (WR-MIA)- The recent trade of star wide out Chris Chambers has given the 23-year-old Hagan a chance to establish himself as Miami’s top receiver. In this Sunday’s loss to New England, the 6’ 2” receiver led his team with 4 catches for 56 yards. In his short tenure in the NFL, Hagan has showed the potential of becoming a strong receiver capable of making receptions over the middle. He may also develop into a solid end zone option.
WILL HELLER (TE-SEA)- The fifth-year veteran could be looking at a bigger role as the 35-year old Marcus Pollard trudges along with a bum knee this year. In this week’s win versus the Rams, Heller recorded three receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown. Unlike fellow Seattle receivers, the 6’ 6” tight end presents a huge target on short yardage and goal line plays.
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