On The Radar–Week 6

Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos. With injuries to Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler which look to keep them both out for Week 6, Stokley becomes a sneaky little play for this coming week.  Not only are the Broncs playing a surprisingly bad pass defense in Jacksonville, but Stokley has had 13 catches over the last two games, and this is a guy who flat out just knows how to get open.  He might not be a long term member of your fantasy team, but he could be someone who could help you over the next couple of weeks to get through your byes.

Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals. Man, after Rudi Johnson was cut, fantasy players flocked to Chris Perry like white on rice, but now they are heading for the hills after he has repeatedly taken one dump in the bed after another.  Even the Bengals are showing signs of frustration and have brought in a known head case in Cedric Benson.  Apparently, at 0-5 the Bengals are going back to their old ways of forgiving arrests in an attempt to finally win a game as they have brought back Chris Henry, and now Benson.  In a five week span earlier this year was arrested for boating while intoxicated AND driving while intoxicated.  Call Guinness, and see if anyone has been able to pull of that feat in such a short period of time.  But, enough about that, there are no points for being a good guy in fantasy football.  Benson did get 10 carries against the Cowboys and didn’t do much with them, but Dallas does have a solid defense.  If you are really in need of a back to put into your lineup, Benson deserves consideration, the guy was a top five pick coming out of college.  The talent is there, maybe getting cut by the Bears got his head straight.  I doubt it, but it is possible.

Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals. With the injury to Anquan Boldin, everyone on the Arizona depth chart moves up a spot, giving Doucet his first chance at seeing real action on the field.  He responded nicely, catching six passes for 42 yards.  The Cardinals third round pick in the 2008 draft, Doucet probably won’t be valuable for too much longer, it largely depends on how long they will be without Boldin.  If he takes advantage of these opportunities, he might be able to find himself with an increased role going forward this season, but he will be buried as long as the combination of Boldin and Fitzgerald are in Arizona.

Rashied Davis, WR, Chicago Bears. Starting receiver Brandon Lloyd missed the Bears game against the Lions and Davis took advantage catching six passes for 97 yards.  You have to take into consideration that the Bears were playing the Lions, and me and you dear reader could possibly torch the Lions defense.  But somehow, the Bears passing game is becoming (can’t believe I’m writing this) somewhat of a threat, and since they don’t have anything that resembles an impact receiver Davis could take this opportunity and turn it into a starting job.

Ted Ginn, Jr, WR, Miami Dolphins. While many people are touting Greg Camarillo as a great addition for this week, it is Ted Ginn who actually has the talent to become a viable fantasy receiver.  Camarillo is a decent possession receiver, but his claim to fame will always be the guy who caught the TD in overtime that gave the Dolphins their first and only win last year.  Ginn has blazing speed, and if Miami is getting their offense straightened out, he could start to live up to what the ‘Fins expected when they drafted him #9 overall.  One problem you can see is that Ginn should be valuable stretching the field, and quarterback Chad Pennington has about as strong an arm as my two year old daughter.  He does have 12 catches over the past two weeks, while having just three in the first two games, so obviously they are looking his way more often.

Mike Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars. Another player who has a chance to take advantage of a team with a lack of good receivers, Walker had a career game with six catches for 107 yards.  He also had five catches the week before, so it seemed like David Garrard was looking his way more.  Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury that hasn’t been diagnosed yet, but might be an MCL sprain which would keep him out of action.  As of this writing he hadn’t had an MRI so his availability for this Sunday is unknown.  He is looking like he could be a low level sleeper later in the season.

Kevin Faulk/Sammy Morris, RB, New England Patriots. I think it is time to break out the BUST tag when talking about Laurence Maroney.  I’ve long thought that his problem is that he is underutilized in New England, and if they gave him 20 carries that maybe he would make the most of it.  But it appears that they are not committed to making Maroney their featured back, so it is time to explore the other options that the Patriots have.  Morris got the most carries against the 49ers, but that hasn’t been a consistent trend for you to follow.  Faulk has been used more as a receiver out of the backfield, although he ran for two touchdowns last week.  Both of these guys should be reserved unless you REALLY need a fill in.

Domenik Hixon/Sinorice Moss, WR, New York Giants. When the suspension to Plaxico Burress came down many fantasy players, including myself, went running for Steve Smith.  Well, after the game, Smith had the third best game of Burress’ replacements.  Hixon got the start in place of Burress and caught four balls for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Moss caught four passes for 45 yards and two touchdowns.  Unfortunately, Hixon is dealing with symptoms of a concussion so his status for this weekend is unknown, but he could have some value if he is able to play.  Moss is further down the depth chart and needs another opportunities that probably can only come from injuries.  Not only that, but Super Bowl hero David Tyree is eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list after Week 6, although I am not sure on the status of his injury.

Dave Orlovsky, QB, Detroit Lions. After Jon Kitna left Sunday’s game with injury, Orlovsky came in, although he wasn’t very effective.  Orlovsky was 13/23 for just 97 yards and a pick.  He really doesn’t have much fantasy value at all, but if you are in a league where you have a quarterback on a bye or injury and all the starters are taken, at least you will have a guy that will be on the field.

Billy Miller, TE, New Orleans Saints. While Jeremy Shockey is still expected to be out another week or two, Billy Miller has been doing an OK job of filling in for him.  He caught for passes for 61 yards against the Saints on Monday night, but I would only pick him up if you are in a 2 tight end league, or are desperate for someone to play TE for a week.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, trades, lineup help) are more than welcome at [e-mail].  I guarantee a response within 18 hours.