“Aww man! I knew I should have played Dwayne Bowe over Kenny Britt this week!” We’ve all said something or thought something like this before in frustration of watching one of our top players being lost to injury during the game and costing us a win. But rather than complaining about it, the wise manager will already be thinking about their next move to replace said player and improve their squad.
It’s not easy to replace players of the caliber of a Jamaal Charles or Kenny Britt, and I actually know a manager who had both on his team, which is killer… But again, wisdom says look forward and do what you gotta do. So here goes with Week 4′s Cho Knows!
Quarterbacks – Week of the Obvious
Kevin Kolb (AZ) - I think people are beginning to jump ship on this guy a bit too quickly. He has a stud WR in Fitzgerald and when Beanie is playing, a pretty good run game. Not only that, remember that Arizona’s defense is suspect and will result in the need to throw often coming from behind. These are good ingredients for QB success. Owned in just over 80% of leagues, he’s worth an add.
Josh Freeman (TB)
Consistency
- This guy has been consistent throughout his young NFL career in terms of fantasy football stats. If you’re the type of guy that wants to know what he’s going to get in week in and week out, he’s your man. He’ll get you about 15 fantasy points a game, and honestly, check out last year’s QB rankings. You’ll be surprised to find Freeman in the top ten. Like Kolb, he’s owned in just over 80% of leagues.
Cam Newton (CAR) – I mentioned last week, while everyone was still so high on Newton, that owners needed to temper expectations going forward. This proved very true this past week, although it wasn’t as if the rookie had a horrible game. He’s still worth an add if he’s somehow sitting on your Free Agency.
Wide Receivers – “Britt”-le Knee & Young Guns
Nate Washington (TEN) - Losing Kenny Britt (who I believe would have been a top-5 WR if he remained healthy) is a huge loss for any team. But the loss of Britt highlights another wide receiver in Tennessee who hasn’t gotten much love. Washington has been having the best year of his career, and I don’t see it dropping off too much with the loss of Britt. After Britt went down, Washington showed that he could still hold his own. He’s not one of the “young guns” that I’ll be mentioning later, but he’s a quality WR that could be a good WR3 play for the rest of the year, especially with good matchups.
Eric Decker (DEN)
Double Decker Supreme
- This may be your last shot at picking this guy up. I mentioned him in my previous post, but this past week seals it for me. With Eddie Royal out, and even with Brandon Lloyd back in, Decker managed double-digit targets en route to a good day. I think he’s here to stay in the Denver passing game, and Decker definitely should be started as a WR3 in 10-team leagues.
Malcom Floyd (SD) - I know that Vincent Jackson is the big name, and yes, he is the big target. However, I think people are dropping Floyd too quickly. He got through last week, and as long as he’s healthy, he’s going to be an active part of the passing game, especially if Gates is out for several weeks (as it seems he will be). Don’t expect MONSTER numbers, but playing aside VJax, I can see some good games in his future.
Torrey Smith (BAL) - I mention Smith last because it would be irresponsible of me to at least say something about the rookie that made the biggest splash in Week 3. However, I don’t see him even being an immediate starter. Yes, he had 3 Td’s, but this was without Lee Evans, and it wasn’t against a very good secondary. I’m sure they’ll try to get him more involved, but this team is still run through Ray Rice, and I believe it has room for one good fantasy WR, which of course in this case is Boldin. Pick him up if you have the space, but don’t give up any proven players to pick up Smith.
Running Back – It’s All Speculation
Dexter McCluster/Thomas Jones (KC) - Both are still worth an add if you’re hurting. It’s clear that Jones got the majority of touches, but McCluster showed that he’s the more explosive player. Again, I’d go with McCluster here, but only because I’m much more of an upside guy. KC would be smart to get the ball in McCluster’s hands more.
Monterio Hardesty (CLE) - Hillis is definitely still a beast, but I see Cleveland getting Hardesty, who they drafted last year in the 2nd round, much more involved. In fact, it looks like they’re looking to make a RB committee. Hillis owners will not be happy, but those who pick up Hardesty may have a little to cheer about. He could be a good flex option going forward.
Kendall Hunter (SF) - I know Anthony Dixon is ahead of him on the depth chart, but with Gore struggling so badly, you just have to think that San Francisco will want to see what this young man can do. At this point, Hunter is probably a deep league add, but I’d monitor the situation closely and take a shot on him.
Tight End – A Lot of Depth This year has quite a bit of depth at TE. With Gates hurting you may be one of those owners looking for a decent replacement.
Benjamin Watson (CLE) - Benjamin has had his share of success, and he is now in a situation in Cleveland where his QB McCoy trusts him and is targeting him an awful lot. You could do a lot worse than Watson, and I think he has decent upside as long as his young QB keeps looking his way.
Jermaine Gresham (CIN) - Dalton has been establishing good rapport with WR Green and also with TE Gresham. Gresham is not a spectacular add, but he is serviceable for a bye-week fill-in. He could end up being more if QB Dalton begins to hit his stride throughout the season.
James Casey (HOU)
Casey Open
-Who? Owen Daniels is still the main pass-catching TE, but Casey showed what he can do this past week against New Orleans. don’t expect those types of numbers every week, but there’s no reason that Casey can’t continue to have some moderate success. He’s a great blocker, and he’ll be in the game enough to have chances to make some plays.
Alright, I hope you guys have a good Week 4. If you’d like to comment or ask me any questions feel free to do so.
