Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Braylon Edturds is an Idiot

Braylon Edwards was arrested again, this time for a DUI last night.  The Jets have benched him for this week, although he'll probably play for a little while.  In court today he asked why he was pulled over for illegal tinting when he wasn't driving as if he was drunk.  Seriously, Braylon?

Fantasy Impact: Edwards gave his fantasy owners something to smile about last week with a solid game, but you knew he had to screw it up somehow to make it up to you for drafting him.  Considering he's not going to start, he's going to be very risky to use because it's unsure how long they will keep him on the bench.  It's best to go with a safer option this week.

Vick = Starter

The Eagles announced that QB Michael Vick is the permanent starting QB of the Philadelphia Eagles.  This comes as a shock to many as Reid said repeatedly that Kevin Kolb wouldn't lose his starting job, but there are a number of factors that played into this decision.  Kolb had 2 300 yard games last season as the fill-in starter while McNabb was hurt, and that gave many people, myself included, confidence that he had turned the corner in his young career.  However, he didn't look very good in the preseason, and he was off to a horrid start in week 1 prior to his concussion.  Vick looked fast in spring training, and his almost comeback at GB was impressive.  He then looked excellent in week 2 against Detroit, mostly passing, and he's clearly outplayed Kolb ever since live football started this season.  The NFC East looks pretty open this year, and Vick is going to give the Eagles the best chance to win this season.

Fantasy Impact: Michael Vick is immediately a QB1.  He has the best surrounding offensive system in his career with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Brent Celek.  LeSean McCoy is a dangerous weapon behind him, and he's also an asset in the passing game.  Toss in Vick's rushing ability now that his speed has returned, and you have a very valuable fantasy commodity.  His big arm bodes well for DeSean Jackson's big play ability, and he's showing improved accuracy as well early on in the year.  He also helps McCoy much like Vince Young did for Chris Johnson last year.  When you have a running QB, it creates something else for the D to think about.  First up?  A poor Jacksonville defense.  Kevin Kolb can be dropped immediately in all but dynasty leagues.

Week 3 Waiver Wire

2 weeks in, and it's time to check out who this week's hot pickups should be:

QB:

Michael Vick - Those who grabbed him last week got gold.  If he's still out there, you have one last chance to grab a QB1.  Andy Reid did the smart thing and announced Vick as his starting QB for the rest of the year, so he's worth a #1 waiver claim if he's still out there, even if he's just trade bait.

Josh Freeman - Much like Sam Bradford last week, if you have a blah backup QB and Freeman is out there, grab him.  He's not going to be anything more than a QB2, but he has solid upside with Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow as his primary targets, especially since the running game has been anything but good so far.

RB:

Marshawn Lynch - He started off the season 3rd on the depth chart, but he mysteriously started and led the team in carries last week.  The Bills state they won't trade Lynch, but you don't showcase a 3rd string RB, crazily enough against a team interested in him, unless you're full of shit.  Lynch is up for trade, and he's probably going to land somewhere.  It may be tomorrow, it may be just before the trade deadline, but Lynch is likely to be traded unless he's shockingly the starting RB for the Bills again.  Regardless of what nonsense is going here, pick him up.

Keiland Williams - Sleeper.  Larry Johnson was just cut, and Portis is a poor bet to play 16 games.  Williams has ascended to the backup spot, and he's clearly worth an add in all leagues now.  There's a very good chance that he starts at least one game this year.

Jason Snelling - If you were a smart Turner owner, you'd own him already.  If not, you're probably going to have competition.  Snelling had a monster week 2 after Turner's groin injury, and he's going to be a popular add.  A healthy Turner is clearly not going to give up carries, but Snelling is the perfect RB5 as a high upside backup who is an injury away to solid fantasy value.

Mike Tolbert - Same exact situation as Snelling, although he was a far less obvious backup.  Mathews owners will have the same sort of competition as Tolbert was very impressive in his absence.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Similar situation to Snelling and Tolbert, but he'd probably have more competition for carries.  Still, he's the clear early-down backup and worth stashing as an RB5.

WR:

Demaryius Thomas - No brainer here.  Thomas put on a clinic in limited time last week, showing why he was the first WR drafted this year.  He's a huge target with 4.4 wheels, and it looks like he's finally healthy.  He might not start right away, but he's got a chance to do some damage this year once he does, and there's no question he will sooner than later if he stays healthy.

Louis Murphy - Murphy should probably be owned already as the #1 target, even if it is the Raiders passing game.  Campbell has looked lost so far, so if Gradkowski becomes the starter, Murphy could post good fantasy numbers.  Grab him just in case as he could become starter worthy.

Golden Tate - Purely a speculative add, but the Seahawks WR group is in flux, and I still love Tate's talent.  He flashed it on a 52 catch last season.  He reminds me a bit of Steve Smith from the Panthers with his smaller size but big heart fighting for balls in the air (hee hee).  He's a good stash if you have a spot.

TE:

Aaron Hernandez - Hernandez is a monster after the catch with surprisingly shifty open-field moves.  He's on the field a lot more than fellow rookie TE Rob Gronkowski, and with 146 yards through two games, he's been very impressive.  Add him as a TE2, and if you're unhappy with your TE1, you could give him a shot.