MillerTime: Is Javon Ringer worth picking up? And should I hang on to Kendall Hunter?
If he’s somehow still available, snatch him up faster than Kris Humphris’ inevitable “rebound” making the blogosphere rounds. Ringer received a career-high 14 carries last week due to Chris Johnson’s continued ineffectiveness and did not disappoint, racking up 60 yards with five receptions for 42 yards in the passing game. At 4-3, Tennessee is right in the middle of the of the playoff hunt. The Titans don’t have the luxury to endure Johnson’s struggles, meaning Ringer could be in line for increased action. With a solid front five paving the wave, Ringer could be a second-half steal.
Hunter’s value, on the other hand, is almost nonexistent. After Frank Gore’s shaky start, Hunter was targeted as the new primary back heading into San Francisco’s matchup with Philadelphia. Unfortunately for Hunter, Gore blew up in the second half, and has now posted four consecutive 100-yard games. Unless Gore goes down, Hunter doesn’t warrant a roster spot.
KC John: Jackie Battle over Darren Sproles this week?
What, a Jackie Battle question from a dude in Kansas City? Get out of here!
But yes John, I like Battle over Sproles this week. In the past three games, the Chiefs’, um, “chief” back has 54 carries for 265 yards and a touchdown. The yardage total, while impressive, is almost inconsequential, as the amassment of touches is the imperative figure. Despite the record-breaking exploits from Jamaal Charles last season, Thomas Jones finished the year with more carries than the All-Pro rusher. Once Charles went down, many believed Todd Haley would continue to handcuff his backfield, hampering the fantasy prospects of Battle, Jones and Dexter McCluster.
Yet Battle has broken from the pack, with Jones receiving just 24 carries in the aforementioned three-game span. Going against a porous Dolphin defense in Week 9, feel free to utilize Battle over the reception-machine Sproles.
Slammin’ Salmon: Is this the weekend Mike Williams turns the corner?
Depends which Mike Williams we are talking about. Tampa Bay’s Mike Williams has strung together two solid performances, hauling in 12 receptions for 134 yards. Going against a susceptible secondary in New Orleans, expect Tampa Bay’s Mike Williams to continue his success.
As for Seattle’s Mike Williams? He’s currently stuck with the dimwitted duo of Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst…so yeah, don’t envision Seattle’s Mike Williams to turn the corner anytime soon. (Speaking of receivers with the same names, I know he’s been dealing with injuries, but what the hell happened to Philadelphia’s Steve Smith? Just two years after surpassing 1,200 receiving yards, the USC product has just 63 yards on the season. Worse, why does Philadelphia’s Steve Smith outrank Carolina’s Steve Smith in the return results from a Google search? Feel like leading the league in yards, as well as being a four-time Pro Bowl, ought to account for merit, no?)
DJ: Is Victor Cruz legit?
Why don’t people trust Cruz? The man has almost 500 yards in just six games, yet no one is really to believe he’s the real deal. For you Doubting Thomas (or in this case, Doubting DJs), Cruz should see an extended amount of targets with Hakeem Nicks likely out this Sunday. Also helping Cruz in his endeavor will be the Patriot defense, which is conceding a league-high 336.4 yards per game this season.
Mark: AJ Green or Steve Johnson this week?
Green, hands down. Johnson is having a respectable season (39 receptions, 439 yards, four touchdowns), but is going against Revis Island, a sure sign for fantasy failure.
Formidable foe aside, I would still favor Green over the Buffalo wideout. The rookie out of Georgia has at least four receptions in every contest this season, is on pace for nearly 1,200 yards, and has found the end zone five times. Opposing defenses may soon decipher the weaknesses in the Bengal offense, but there’s no denying Andy Dalton’s affinity with his deep threat. Going forward, Green is a low No. 1 receiver. Speaking of Green, I loved how Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman called the receiver “overrated” this week after the Seahawks lost to the Bengals. Sherman’s serenade may have held some weight if, you know, Green hadn’t scored a touchdown with 63 yards against him. Reminds me of the time an opponent talked smack to our co-ed intramural basketball team after we beat his squad in the championship. Um, not that I played co-ed basketball or anything…
Jon Baldwin: Am i a good start this week after my performance Monday night?
Two Kansas City questions in one mailbag! Somewhere the Nigerian Nightmare is smiling.
I briefly touched on Baldwin in yesterday’s Fantasy Fever, mentioning the Chiefs’ need for a complementary receiver for Dwayne Bowe to emerge. Baldwin, a first-round selection this season, has the physical tools to fill that void. Once his on-the-field awareness improves, Baldwin could be a solid No. 3 WR/flex option. I’d hold off on implementing him into your starting lineup, but definitely keep an eye on Baldwin.
BB: My options at QB this week are Big Ben and Tim Tebow. Which is the lesser of two evils?
In case you missed the Detroit-Denver game, or haven’t gone on the Internet, or avoided Sportscenter and every sports-related talk show, Young Master Tebow didn’t do too well against the Lions last week. Still, from a fantasy perspective, the former Heisman winner remains a respectable fantasy option thanks to his prowess in the ground game. The Broncos take on one of the worst defenses in football in Oakland, giving Tebow the platform to bounce back from his atrocious performance.
Meanwhile, Roethlisberger has been proficient in the passing game this season, but a battle against a stout Ravens secondary is enough to discourage employing the Pittsburgh field general this week. Although it might be a gamble, go with Tebow.
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