Sleepers for the 2nd half of the season (1 Viewer)

[hotlanta]

I'm in first place in my league and always trying to think ahead. Who do you think will turn out to be a Ryan Grant of '07 type player in the 2nd half of the season? It doesn't have to be necessarily contained to RBs.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Tim Hightower - I've read that James' carries are starting to diminish and he could start playing a more prominent role. I know James rarely gets hurt so he won't have the starting job all to himself, but I think he can still do some damage if the carries start to get more towards 60/40. Plus, he reminds me a lot of MBIII.

Ryan Torain - I know Pittman has stepped it up recently, but he's not a long term solution. With Young and Hall not doing a lot this season, I think Shanny gives this kid a shot and he could very well be the Ryan Grant of '07. Then again, we may just be treated to a 4 head RB monster.

Laddell Betts/Alexander - Portis is being way overworked and could break down anytime. Which one of these guys could have value? I'm not sure how long Betts is out, but they have to start using him when he does.

Kevin Jones - same as Portis, Forte is getting overworked and could hit the rookie wall soon. With Chicago moving the ball well this year, he could have some nice sleeper value if Forte goes down or if his carries are reduced.

Cadillac Williams - He could come back and regain his starting job. I'm not sure how close he is to practicing though, but it may be good to keep an eye on him.

Others?

 

[zamboni]

If Hasselback can get healthy (a big if), Engram could once again be nice value down the stretch.

 

[azcards33]

I'm in first place in my league and always trying to think ahead. Who do you think will turn out to be a Ryan Grant of '07 type player in the 2nd half of the season? It doesn't have to be necessarily contained to RBs.Here's what I'm thinking:Tim Hightower - I've read that James' carries are starting to diminish and he could start playing a more prominent role. I know James rarely gets hurt so he won't have the starting job all to himself, but I think he can still do some damage if the carries start to get more towards 60/40. Plus, he reminds me a lot of MBIII.Ryan Torain - I know Pittman has stepped it up recently, but he's not a long term solution. With Young and Hall not doing a lot this season, I think Shanny gives this kid a shot and he could very well be the Ryan Grant of '07. Then again, we may just be treated to a 4 head RB monster.Laddell Betts/Alexander - Portis is being way overworked and could break down anytime. Which one of these guys could have value? I'm not sure how long Betts is out, but they have to start using him when he does.Kevin Jones - same as Portis, Forte is getting overworked and could hit the rookie wall soon. With Chicago moving the ball well this year, he could have some nice sleeper value if Forte goes down or if his carries are reduced.Cadillac Williams - He could come back and regain his starting job. I'm not sure how close he is to practicing though, but it may be good to keep an eye on him.Others?

Josh MorganDonnie AveryAhman GreenKevin CurtisMaurice MorrisDerrick WardJamaal CharlesDelanie Walker (now SFs return man for those of you in leagues that award return yardage)Shaun Alexander

 

[Bri]

IIRC The Betts injury is fairly serious, have to doublecheck though.

I think Hightower has more carries since Boldin has been out. Not a receiving threat, maybe the notion is another player the D has to worry about? Not sure why. Regardless, with Edge around he's got a pretty low ceiling for yardage. Lendale White's role in TEN seems like a fair comparison.

I'm not at all confident in Steven Jackson's ability to stay healthy. It's a gut thing from that groin injury and watching him seem to take more vicious hits than most RBs. I think he likes the big hit really. It's fun to watch but not good for longevity. I had Brian Leonard on survivor teams for this reason, but he's on IR. Pittman was hurt but, getting near ready to come back. I'll make a wacky suggestion of Antonio Pittman.

Chansi Stuckey seems like a decent play here too. Not quite sure if Coles always has some nagging injury or Mangini works an injury report like BB does.

 

[Bri]

Josh Morgan is a good one.

Finally got time due to Johnson's ineffectiveness. I was watching the kids during the last game so I'm not 100% but, I'm fairly sure most of his #s were on one drive. I was thinking "huge day for him" and he didn't really get a whole lot after that drive or before that drive. They've been bringing him along so slowly. He was losing weight and had some medical condition after a terrific preseason. However, even when he's healthy it's been real slow. I'm leery he's a dynasty gem but, he's going to burn us in redraft. Oh so well worth the risk though. Even in limitte play, he still looks like one of the best rookie WRs and the best WR on the niners.

 

[Jagerbomber]

If Hasselback can get healthy (a big if), Engram could once again be nice value down the stretch.

What is the latest on Hasselbeck anyway?

 

[Bri]

If Hasselback can get healthy (a big if), Engram could once again be nice value down the stretch.

What is the latest on Hasselbeck anyway?

when I looked yesterday it was still the knee/back thing

 

[PatrickT]

Laurent Robinson will be back this week. Both he and Harry Douglas are worth keeping an eye on as defenses start trying to scheme White out of games. Our playoff schedule isn't so hot, tho.

 

[Ruffrodys05]

Steve Slaton.....forget about Ahman Green, he won't last. Slaton will completely take over as a full time back for the Texans.

 

[zamboni]

I also like Mike Walker if he can get back to 100%.

He looked really good a few weeks ago on MNF, and with Matt Jones out for a bit (and probably in the doghouse), and none of the other guys showing much, I think Walker could do well down the stretch. Plus, with the Jax DEF not being as good as originally advertised, Garrard may have to throw more than in the past.

 

[Power Monster]

Keep an eye on Bear WRs- Lloyd when healthy, Olson, Davis and possibly Desmond Clarke.

 

[Texasmouth]

Im not sold that Shaun Alexander has anything left in the tank...at all.

I like Kevin Curtis. Coming off injury but that offense is going to be really solid with all the pieces back in place. I think adding a great possession guy like Curtis just opens more up. He will probably have 5-7 receptions a game.

Avery- St Louis is on a mini streak and it looks like the offense is starting to pick up a little steam. He is good for a long bomb a game.

 

[BIGGjohnny]

FATDALE White

Kevin Snurtis

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I also like Mike Walker if he can get back to 100%. He looked really good a few weeks ago on MNF, and with Matt Jones out for a bit (and probably in the doghouse), and none of the other guys showing much, I think Walker could do well down the stretch. Plus, with the Jax DEF not being as good as originally advertised, Garrard may have to throw more than in the past.

Jerry Porter? They sure did pay him a lot. We may get a chance to see him unleashed over the next few weeks.

 

[beavers]

MJD and Fred Taylor. I guess MJD isn't a sleeper but should really light it up in the next few weeks. Buy low opportunity for Taylor.

 

[Ripleys]

Portis over worked? Has he ever broken down in his career? NO. Fluke shoulder injury from the preseason tackle, and broke a bone in his hand the same year, but neither had anything to do with being over worked or broken down. He's the #1 RB in the NFL and FF, and I can tell you, SA is worthless.

 

[bcr8f]

Lendale White is not a sleeper. MJD?

Come on. Will Franklin(KC) just needs to beat out Darling, Harry Douglas, Avery or Hixon if available.

 

[Sleeperz]

Steve Slaton.....forget about Ahman Green, he won't last. Slaton will completely take over as a full time back for the Texans.

I was thinking the same thing. If Green can stay healthy, he will cut into Slaton's playing time. But, I don't believe for one second that Green will take over and get the majority of the carries even if 100% healthy. Give a few more games, he will be off the field with another injury again.Donnie Avery should be, at the very least, a borderline WR3 second half of the season with major upside. The Rams look like a completely different team now that Linehan is gone. If Bulger can stay on track and Holt gets more involved, I think Avery could be a great play for the second half. Their schedule is extremely WR friendly the rest of the way.Ryan Torain will get his chance, its inevitable. What he does when given the chance is what its all about. Pittman is playing really well, but I don't believe he is the long term answer, I don't think Shanahan does either. If Torain looks good in his coming out party, the upside is tremendous, especially when you look at their remaining schedule.I have a feeling Tim Hightower is going to get better and better as the season moves on. I dont think James will ever vanish but they need to get Hightower the ball more and they know it, which is the first step.Shaun Alexander would only amount to something if Portis missed games. And even then, I don't think he has "it" anymore. He could surprise if he had a complete workload, but he just isn't the same back he was years agn another note, those who think Portis is being overworked and will slow down, should check out what he did last year. He averaged 3 less carries per game over the entire season, that's it. As a matter of fact, he averaged 23 carries/game from week 9 on and had some of his better games at season's end. His career carries/game are just over 20. He is a machine.

 

[zamboni]

I also like Mike Walker if he can get back to 100%. He looked really good a few weeks ago on MNF, and with Matt Jones out for a bit (and probably in the doghouse), and none of the other guys showing much, I think Walker could do well down the stretch. Plus, with the Jax DEF not being as good as originally advertised, Garrard may have to throw more than in the past.

Jerry Porter? They sure did pay him a lot. We may get a chance to see him unleashed over the next few weeks.

We've been waiting for years for this guy to get unleashed and he still hasn't done so. He may have the measurables, but even when healthy, he's just not that good.

 

[3C's]

Lendale White is not a sleeper. MJD?

Come on. Will Franklin(KC) just needs to beat out Darling, Harry Douglas, Avery or Hixon if available.

Mark Bradley started last week. He could be a sleeper but I don't think anyone besides Bowe and Gonzo will get much.

 

[beavers]

Lendale White is not a sleeper. MJD?

Come on. Will Franklin(KC) just needs to beat out Darling, Harry Douglas, Avery or Hixon if available.

You must have missed this part of my quote:

I guess MJD isn't a sleeper...

The subtitle of the thread is asking about who could help win a championship. I see MJD and FT as great buy low opportunities right now.

 

[Gopher State]

I like A. Green for the Texans.

The coaching staff seems to be making a point to keep the rookie fresh buy give Green a large share of the carries, plus Green seems to be getting more goal line carries

Not to worried about the health of Green, since he's not getting all the carries.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I also like Mike Walker if he can get back to 100%. He looked really good a few weeks ago on MNF, and with Matt Jones out for a bit (and probably in the doghouse), and none of the other guys showing much, I think Walker could do well down the stretch. Plus, with the Jax DEF not being as good as originally advertised, Garrard may have to throw more than in the past.

Jerry Porter? They sure did pay him a lot. We may get a chance to see him unleashed over the next few weeks.

We've been waiting for years for this guy to get unleashed and he still hasn't done so. He may have the measurables, but even when healthy, he's just not that good.

I hear you. I think as a waiver wire guy though, the upside is worth the risk. He has shown flashes, and with Garrard running out of options he may get a chance to see 5-7 balls per game.

 

[tex]

Lendale White is not a sleeper. MJD?

Come on. Will Franklin(KC) just needs to beat out Darling, Harry Douglas, Avery or Hixon if available.

Mark Bradley started last week. He could be a sleeper but I don't think anyone besides Bowe and Gonzo will get much.

I would agree with Bradley except for the fact that he needs a QB to get him the ball. Right now that is not the case.

 

[Big_Russel]

I have a feeling Sammy Morris is going to pay big dividens down the stretch.

 

[Sabertooth]

I'll throw a name out there. James Jones. He's languishing on many a waiver wire. He's a talent. Anybody that has seen him in action in Green Bay can see that.

Another name to keep an eye on is Justin Fargas. He did it last season and even with DMC there, he got a ton of carries. He may not have great value in a PPR but in a close game last week he got the Lion's share.

Kevin Jones and Kevin Smith are also good ones.

Who is Gore's backup now? Is it Robinson?

 

[PatrickT]

Keep an eye on Bear WRs- Lloyd when healthy, Olson, Davis and possibly Desmond Clarke.

Was thinking the same thing and trying to figure out who to drop to get him. Or, more importantly, WHEN to drop someone for him. Now that they've found their QB, Lloyd could really make some noise when he gets back.

 

[drew726]

I'll throw a name out there. James Jones. He's languishing on many a waiver wire. He's a talent. Anybody that has seen him in action in Green Bay can see that. Another name to keep an eye on is Justin Fargas. He did it last season and even with DMC there, he got a ton of carries. He may not have great value in a PPR but in a close game last week he got the Lion's share. Kevin Jones and Kevin Smith are also good ones. Who is Gore's backup now? Is it Robinson?

Foster

 

[NeverEnough]

Possibly Benson

 

[acjohnson83]

Steve Slaton.....forget about Ahman Green, he won't last. Slaton will completely take over as a full time back for the Texans.

Mind if I ask what your reasoning is for that? Why won't Green last... injury? His 4.6 YPC this year?seems like a perfect back to spell their rookie for 10+ carries a game.

 

[Butters]

Another name to keep an eye on is Justin Fargas. He did it last season and even with DMC there, he got a ton of carries. He may not have great value in a PPR but in a close game last week he got the Lion's share.

I'm curious about Fargas. The FBG Top 250 forward isn't high on him. They have him below the likes of Rudy Johnson and Ricky Williams. But he got 28 carries last week. I'd think if Fargas got 15+ touches a game going forward that he could be pretty valuable. Any insight on Fargas?

 

[WiDDoW_MaKeR]

Caddy is practicing today. I grabbed him this morning as well.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Possibly Benson

This is mine..strictly as a FF playoff guy though. Plays Jax, Phi, @ Pit, Bal (yikes) after the Texans. But he has matchups against Indy and Cleveland in the FF playoffs.Despite his poor track record he has actually looked fairly decent on what is admittedly a terrible team. Wouldn't completely shock me to see 100 and a score in Houston this week.

 

[azcards33]

I'm gonna give you the name of the one player that can singlehandedly win your matchup for you this week, and it's - Chris Henry of the Bengals

dude's been targeted more and more since his return and he's gonna catch at least 1 TD against the Texans soft pass D

 

[Ruffrodys05]

Steve Slaton.....forget about Ahman Green, he won't last. Slaton will completely take over as a full time back for the Texans.

Mind if I ask what your reasoning is for that? Why won't Green last... injury? His 4.6 YPC this year?seems like a perfect back to spell their rookie for 10+ carries a game.

It's probably unfounded but I have no faith that Green will stay healthy, so yes, it's an injury thing. He has been a disappointment for the last few years and I just think he will disappoint again this year.I actually see Green lasting a few weeks thus giving Slaton a lesser workload during that time, but eventually Green will get dinged and thus concede the major bulk of the carries to Slaton during the fantasy football playoff run.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I like A. Green for the Texans.

The coaching staff seems to be making a point to keep the rookie fresh buy give Green a large share of the carries, plus Green seems to be getting more goal line carries

That is incorrect.

 

[Steel Town]

I think Slaton is going to be big for teams down the stretch. Even when splitting carries, he is producing for fantasy owners. There is no way to predict the health of Ahman Green. I just think Slaton is flat out better, and the Texans are still able to play into a wildcard spot. If they are to do so, the will need Slaton to be more involved.

Marshawn Lynch is another guy I am trying to land. The Bills schedule is fairly soft, and I like the way the team is playing. He has yet to have his breakout game, and could be had for the right price.

I will echo the MJD comments. I expect him to see more carries with the Taylor concussion, and if he makes the most of them, I see that breakdown being more like 65/35 in favor of MJD going forward.

Now for some stretches...

What about Javon Walker? He finally showed up on Sunday, and appeared to be playing harder and with some conviction. His skillsets are still there and Russell has shown signs of being a strong qb. He could be a good waiver wire addition to teams right about now.

Kevin Curtis. Looks to be back from injury, and the Eagles seem to have the most success when the downfield passing game is clicking. Curtis could be that guy to get them over the top.

LaMont Jordan. Sammy Morris looked great on MNF, but we have no real info on the injury. If he misses time, I think Jordan will be the beneficiary.

Mewelde Moore. Tomlin likes this guy - they both were in Minny together. He has stated that when Parker is healthy Moore will continue to get looks. I question Parker's ability to stay healthy...the guy "stepped in a hole" and reaggravated the knee, I think a sharp cut or a bad angle impact will have the same effect.

I also like the Bengal receivers to rebound. Housh has remained somewhat consistent through the Fitzpatrick era, but hasn't scored many tds. Looks like Fitz is gaining some confidence and is finally throwing the ball downfield. I think Housh finishes strong. I also think Ocho Cinco can be productive for teams in the 2nd half of the season.

 

[B Will]

If addai stayed injured, somehow.. Rhodes would be a key contender to help you to a Championship.

When RUDI goes down. Kevin Smith

I agrree with Slaton.

Somehow, they're all on my team

 

[zamboni]

When RUDI goes down. Kevin Smith

If the situation holds like it did this past weekend, Kevin Smith already is the main guy.

 

[thammond]

If Hasselback can get healthy (a big if), Engram could once again be nice value down the stretch.

What is the latest on Hasselbeck anyway?

when I looked yesterday it was still the knee/back thing

So how about Hasselbeck? Is he worth tying up a roster spot now hoping for a top 10 QB for the playoffs?