With week 9 approaching it has probably hit you that you are now half way through your fantasy football season. From now on every place on your roster is important; especially the bench.
Today I would like to discuss a few players that are bothering you; whether its picking them up, dropping them, trading them or leaving them on your bench. I hope to provide some help for these important decisions.
Your bench is now more important than ever. As we have seen, even the best players can have poor fantasy football days. So, the reason these positions start becoming more important is because a good or a bad match up can be the difference between scoring an extra 10 points a week; for some leagues points for is the tiebreaker. Sit back and if your player is mentioned, think about his role on your team.
Quarterbacks
Colt McCoy(CLE) Verdict: Trade or Drop him
I very much doubt you will be able to trade anyone on the Browns' offence right now. McCoy was doing very well up until week 6. He hit mid-teen points total consistently. However, with the lack of a running-game, defences have been able to stop McCoy from throwing the ball. With two meetings with Baltimore and Pittsburgh still left, get rid of McCoy.
Carson Palmer(OAK) Verdict: Bench him for now.
We have not seen what Palmer can do at Oakland. Hue Jackson seems very confident that Palmer can do something special and with the addition of TJ Houshmandzadeh you should be optimistic. After all, with a running game as good as Oakland's; receivers should be open more often. Heyward-Bey can stretch the field and Boss and 'The Housh' have possession potential. Keep him on your bench for the next two weeks and then decide whether to dump him or not. I think he can do a job but then again I am bias.
Running-Backs
Ryan Torrain(WAS): Verdict: Trade Him
He is a starting running back for an NFL team. His value is no stronger than it is now. TRADE HIM. I do not see Torrain doing anything special. In fact, unless you have Fred Davis I would look to get rid of all redskins' players. His next four matches are against the 1st (SF), 4th (MIA & DAL) and 7th (SEA). Trade him and try to get something for him.
Knowshon Moreno(DEN): Verdict: Drop Him
Moreno started last week. He had 14 carries for 69 yards. Moreno would be a great asset receiver out of the back field; yet John Fox keeps making Tebow throw the ball deep. Moreno gets hurt often and the Broncos offence looks horrible. Also, remember that anything in the red zone Tebow will probably run in himself. To me, he is not worth a place on your bench because McGahee will be back soon and then he will go back to being useless. If you want to keep him until McGahee is back then I would understand.
Peyton Hillis(CLE): Verdict:Bench Him
I know what your thinking, he is hurt and has been for a long time. Yes, Hillis does have hamstring issues. Yes, he has not be a fantasy football star this season. However, I am betting that you took him high in your draft. You should also look at the fact that without Hillis the Browns have been horrible. My main reason not to drop him is this: if there is anybody who could come back to bite you, its Hillis. If your in the deciding match to go into the playoffs and you are against Cleveland's star player, you and I both would swallow slowly and loudly. Leave him on your bench.
Wide Receivers
Mike Williams (TB): Verdict: Trade Him
Does anyone remember last season when Mike Tomlin said he wanted to make Mike Wallace into a possession receiver. Not smart. This is exactly what has happened to Mike Williams. The Tampa Bay, rookie sensation of last year has changed. He has not had one 100 yard game and only had 1 touchdown. Unless the Bucs finally decide to use this champion in the red zone and stretch the field, he is merely a possession guy and not one that seems to be making catches in the red zone. What is worse is that Blount looks to be healthy again. I say trade him or trade him soon.
Plaxico Burress(NYJ): Verdict: Bench Him
Anyone who has just caught 3 touchdowns should be kept in your bench. Sanchez will need a huge target like Plaxico and the more he becomes a part of this offence, the more he will make a difference. His lack of yards is an issue, this is why he should be kept on your bench.
Eric Decker (DEN): Verdict: Trade him
If John Fox believes Tim Tebow will ever be a good pocket passer then he is nuts. Simple fact. I like Tebow, such a great guy but his recent form shows he is not an NFL QB. He could be the best wild cat QB in the game but that is to be seen. Decker is Denver's best receiver. Fact. However, a receiver is only as good as the man throwing him the ball (look at Brandon Marshall).
Tight Ends
Jared Cook(TEN): Verdict: Drop Him
Drop him with confidence. This guy has had a poor season considering his hype. He has had one game above 2 receptions, two games above 50 yards and only 2 touchdowns. With all of Tennessee's offensive problems with CJ2K not being able to run the ball and Kenny Britt hurt, we are all waiting for Cook to become a factor. Waiting, waiting and waiting. Don't wait until the end of the season.
Scott Chandler (BUF): Verdict: Bench or Trade Him
Oh Scott Chandler. Why is he always projected so lowly each week? because he is too much of a gamble to start. Look at the facts. He has only one game with more than 2 receptions. He has one game above 50 yards, (this was week1). He does have boom ability and his two games with two touchdowns are appealing. If you badly need a tight end then put him on your bench. If you have a legitimate tight end like Jermichael Finley, Jimmy Graham, Owen Daniels or a Patriots tight end then I say get rid of him.
Defences/ Special Teams
This section is done differently. Here we will discuss which defences should be chucked and which must be owned. You do not want to necessarily waste a bench spot with a defence.
Tennessee Titans: Verdict: Drop them
Yes, I have this defence on my roster for one of my leagues. I think that this defence could be a lot better than it seems especially with Cortland Finnegan. However, the Titans have been so erratic recently. They still have to play the Bills, Saints, Panthers, Falcons and the Bengals. These teams are offensively good and like to score points with few mistakes. Do not rely on the Titans.
Philadelphia Eagles: Verdict: Keep Them
The Eagles have had a slow start. They are not great at stopping the run. However, they have great punter returners in Desean Jackson and their pass defence looked legitimate against Dallas. Have faith in the Eagles, I believe they will pay off drafting them quite highly.
Cincinnati Bengals: Verdict: Keep Them, Pick them up
I am very surprised to see the Bengals only owned in 67% of leagues. The Bengals D has scored four touchdowns in the past three games. They have had double-figured scores for 4/8 weeks. Although they have to play Pittsburgh and Baltimore twice; they do get games against the Browns, Rams and Cardinals. This defence is better than people give them credit for and I wish I had them.
Kansas City Chiefs: Verdict: Maybe pick them up?
If you do want two defences. If you hold a defence like the Saints or Giants, then the Chiefs are a good pick up. Watching them against the Chargers we saw them stop the run and finally put some pressure on Phillip Rivers. Rivers still blew this defence for over 350 yards but in the right match up, they are worth a start in my opinion.
I hope this insight helps. Please seriously start looking at your bench and what positions you truly need. The waiver wire will become hotter and hotter as the season starts to end. Think about who your waiting on and good luck.
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