Ratings
5 = He should start for your team
4 = He’s a viable starting option
3 = Pick him up
2 = Consider picking him up
1 = Don’t move yet, but keep him on your radar
Running back
Laurence Maroney, Patriots
Even before the injury to Fred Taylor, there’s no denying which New England tailback has the most talent. It’s Maroney – and he showed it on Sunday. He carried 16 times for 123 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard scamper for a score. If Maroney finally plays like he is capable of, he could be a major fantasy contributor the rest of the way – even in a loaded Patriot backfield. New England travels across the pond this weekend to play Tampa Bay in London.
Rating: 3.5
Josh Cribbs, Browns
The guy really can do it all. He had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Pittsburgh this past Sunday and led the Browns in rushing with 45 yards. He’s not a reliable week-to-week starter, but if you’re in a jam, this is a guy who could deliver an explosive game any given week.
Rating: 2.5
Quarterback
David Garrard, Jaguars
If Mike Sims-Walker is playing, Garrard has a legit target at wideout, as Jacksonville is slowly becoming more reliant on the pass. Garrard was 30-of-43 passing for 335 yards on Sunday against St. Louis. He didn’t throw a touchdown and he had two interceptions, but Garrard, who is also a threat with his legs, scrambled four times for 31 yards. He’s a solid QB2 in just about any format. The Jags are on a bye this week before traveling to winless Tennessee to take on the Titans.
Rating: 4
Wide Receiver
Hakeem Nicks, Giants
As predicted, it’s been someone else every game for the Giants at wide receiver. Steve Smith and Mario Manningham have dominated headlines for the last month in Giant World, but it’s tough to ignore Nicks’ last three games; he’s averaged 72 yards per contest and scored a touchdown in all three. The Giants host Arizona Sunday night.
Rating: 3.5
Tight End
Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings
Four catches for 48 yards and two touchdowns against the Ravens. That’s production. Shiancoe now has five scores on the year. If he’s available in your league, pick him up. If he’s not, trade for him. The Vikings have two tough games – at Pittsburgh and at Green Bay – before their bye, but then they host Detroit in Week 10 and Seattle in Week 11. He’s viable starting option for now and will be a must-start soon enough.
Rating: 5
Defense
New England
The Patriots shut out Tennessee and forced five turnovers on Sunday, en route to a 59-0 mauling. The weather certainly played a factor, but New England figures to play a host of games in similar conditions. That won’t be the case this week in London, but last I checked, Tampa Bay isn’t exactly good at scoring points.
Rating: 5
Kicker
Mason Crosby, Packers
Crosby drilled four field goals this past weekend - albeit against the Lions. But the competition certainly doesn’t get any harder; the Packers play Cleveland on Sunday.
Rating: 5 |
