I thought I would introduce a new in-season article this year in which I discuss a few players who’s fantasy value has either gone up or down depending on their performance, role changes, injury concerns, etc. from the previous week. I will try to get this article out every Thursday for your reading pleasure.
Stock Up
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LDT Ndamukong Suh – Part of being a good fantasy football owner is admitting when you made a wrong judgment. I will admit, I thought Suh was the MOST overvalued fantasy lineman heading into this year’s fantasy season. He’s still not going to be an elite option in shallow leagues, but in deeper leagues and especially DT-required leagues, Suh is turning into a solid option. He’s been fighting through constant double teams on his way to 9 total tackles and 2 sacks. Pretty solid numbers for a defensive tackle. |
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RDE/ROLB Chris Kelsey (BUF) – Coming into the regular season, I wasn’t exactly sure how well Kelsay’s skills were going to translate from being a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 standup linebacker. However, he’s played very well so far and is putting up above-average tackle numbers for players in his role. He’s classified as DE in some leagues and therefore is a great value play. |
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ROLB James Harrison – Harrison looks to have regained his 2008 form. He’s had 3 sacks so far this season and has put up a very solid 20 total tackles. These above-average tackle totals are what really separate Harrison from other speed-rushing outside linebackers such as DeMarcus Ware. Harrison has averaged 93 total tackles over the last three seasons compared to Ware’s 75. He’s probably not available on your league’s waiver wire, but if he is grab him. If you own him, start him. |
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ROLB Clay Matthews (GB) – I have one word for this guy: beastly. This is no aberration folks. Matthews is the real deal and could very well end up leading the league in sacks this season (he’s on pace for 40 sacks!). If for some odd reason, he’s still available in your league, GRAB HIM NOW. |
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LCB Zack Bowman – The Bears switched Bowman to left cornerback this season in hopes of him getting more action. This signals to me that Chicago feels that Bowman is ready to take the reigns from solid, but aging veteran Charles Tillman as the Bears number one cornerback. Bowman has out-tackled Tillman 16 to 12 so far this season and looks to be a strong play in CB-required leagues. |
Stock Down
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RDE Will Smith (NO) – After 13.5 sacks last season, “The Fresh Prince” has failed to register a sack yet this season. Looking back to 2009, it’s pretty clear that Smith played over his head and that the probability of him putting up the same level of numbers this season is low. I would expect 7-9 sacks this year with decent tackle production; making him a solid DL2 option. |
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MLB Rolando McClain (OAK) – McClain has been to slow to adapt to the NFL style and speed of play. He hasn’t been shedding blocks and has been on his heels quite consistently throughout games. In last week’s game against the Rams, he wasn’t exploding at the point of attack. He’s only worth dropping in very shallow leagues at this point, but I wouldn’t be afraid to bench him this week. |
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MLB Kirk Morrison (JAX) – Kirk “Return of the Mack” Morrison has been a major disappointment to fantasy owners this season and unfortunately I expect his subpar production to continue. Morrison is not playing in nickel packages and is perhaps only the 3rd best linebacker talent-wise in Jacksonville behind Daryl Smith and Justin Durant. Moving forward, he’s probably only going to have LB3 value at most and I would rather own Daryl Smith at this point in the season. |
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FS Reed Doughty (WASH) – With his 14 total tackles last week, Doughty may be one of the more popular DB waiver wire pickups. However, he shouldn’t be. Kareem Moore is finally ready to play and will share snaps with Reed Doughty and possibly Chris Horton. Expect Doughty’s playing time to be severely reduced as Moore is better in coverage than Doughty and will probably become the starter within the next couple of weeks. |
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FS Brandon Meriweather (NE) – I had Meriweather labeled as a bust months ago, but even I didn’t expect him to get benched. But that’s exactly what has happened last week when he was riding the pine in favor of James Sanders. Meriweather will more than likely re-enter the starting lineup sooner rather than later, but the writing is on the wall. With an increased presence at strong safety in Patrick Chung, Meriweather is set up for a down year. There are too many good DB options on the waiver wire to hold on to Meriweather in shallow leagues. |
As always thanks for reading and for your comments! You guys have been keeping me busy! I’m looking forward to your questions, comments, and derogatory remarks.
Last Updated: September 23, 2010
