Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is putting together the kind of season that can carry a fantasy team. Which begs the question: Is he more valuable than unanimous No. 1 LaDainian Tomlinson?
My answer: He’s close, but the years of injury free seasons Tomlinson has put together makes him a little more trustworthy.
That strange question isn’t the only one. Is Derek Anderson a better player than Carson Palmer on a weekly basis? If you have Wes Welker, Braylon Edwards and Steve Smith, and just two WR spots, does Smith ever break your lineup?
With the byes almost over, some players that owners took in the first two rounds are going to be shown the bench on a regular basis. How do you play Rudi Johnson now that Kenny Watson is putting up such big numbers?
It’s hard to part with guys like Johnson and Smith, and, to an extent, Shaun Alexander. But if your roster doesn’t have much depth, don’t be afraid to trade or, even drop, a guy you took in the first or second round for a player who is hot or in a favorable spot. It’s a risky proposition, but, of course, no guts, no glory.
What’s up with Larry Johnson?
Answer: The Chiefs running back is out for at least Sunday’s game, but a report out of Denver is saying he’s done for the season with a broken foot. Where there’s smoke there’s fire, so plan accordingly. Kansas City’s run game isn’t great, and Priest Holmes is everyone’s favorite pickup this week. But if you remember, in my fantasy preview way back in August I threw out a name to watch: Kolby Smith. With Priest Holmes just recently back from a two-year layoff, expect Smith to bust out and Holmes to break down. The rookie out of Louisville has just two catches for 21 yards this season, but he was impressive in training camp and there had to be a reason beyond Holmes that the Chiefs dealt Michael Bennett.
Why can’t Chris Henry stay out of trouble?
Answer: Just as I was about to endorse Henry and tell people to grab him off the waiver wire, he goes and gets in trouble again. The Bengals wideout allegedly was involved in an altercation with a parking attendant just days before being re-instated to the league after his eight-game suspension. I still would pick up Henry if you need WR help and you have an open spot. Hopefully this is just a blip on the radar and he straightens up because even if Chad Johnson’s back Sunday, Henry should put up good numbers (he scored nine TDs in 11 games last season) and help the Bengals’ offense in the process. The other Chris Henry, who I told people to pick up two weeks ago, is also in hot water after failing a drug test. Like a third Henry — Travis — this most likely won’t end well.
How bad were the Ravens Monday night?
Answer: Monday night’s shellacking at the hands of the Steelers has been a long time coming. Baltimore had been picking up easy wins by squeaking by teams like San Francisco, St. Louis and the Jets. Remember the Ravens lost to a bad Cincy team the opening week. Steve McNair looks downright putrid and he has infected the rest of the offense. The only player really worth playing anymore is Willis McGahee, who should play Sunday despite a concussion, and Derrick Mason, and only Mason if you get points for receptions. I used to think Kyle Boller could step in and make this offense respectable, but after seeing him two weeks ago in Buffalo I don’t think he’s the answer either. The Ravens are a burning ship, and I’d jump off as soon as possible.
Where were these Saints in the first four weeks?
Answer: It seemed that it took a nice, warm cup of Starbucks to wake up New Orleans, which started picking up steam with a dominating win at Qwest Field four weeks ago. Since that game, the Saints are averaging a little more than 30 points per game and guys like Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Marques Colston have all become must-starts again. I told you weeks ago to either trade for Brees or hang on to these Saints because it was just a matter of time before they busted out and hopefully now they’ve repaid you. In the weeks ahead, the Saints play the Rams, Texans, Falcons and Cardinals.
I have a number of Patriots, who should I play this Sunday?
Answer: So you have Tom Brady. If you don’t have a solid backup, pick up Cleo Lemon who should have a nice day against a poor pass defense like Buffalo. And I hate to say it, but Alex Smith should throw a couple of touchdowns against a beat up Seahawks defense on Monday night. Laurence Maroney should be easy enough to replace, but if you do need help pick up Raiders RB Justin Fargas. As for wideouts, play all your Steelers and, if he’s still out there, grab D.J. Hackett and play him with confidence with Deion Branch likely out again.
Didn’t get your question answered? Send all questions to aswaney@heraldnet.com.
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