Fantasy Football: Settling Mid-Week Issues

So we thought we would take this opportunity to address a few more of the mid-week challenges facing many owners. There are a few issues that need to be tackled, and many of them have been sent over to us in email form. Want to get in on the action? Send an email to [e-mail]. 

Issue One - Running Back Problems 

One of our readers is struggling with a running back situation. Willie Parker is still uncertain, Buckhalter is taking a back seat to Westbrook again, and Felix Jones is still on the shelf. Tough times here. Our reader is pretty deep, still having been able to pull together Peterson, Leon Washington, and Dominic Rhodes. The question is what to do with Buckhalter, and should they look for another fill-in. 

Right now, Buckhalter's value is strictly tied to the availability of Westbrook. I hate saying that he should be dropped just for that reason alone. He has marginal trade value (but only to that one owner of Westbrook), but he has ability to make a difference in a given week. We'd look at this two potential ways. Because there are backs that can be started here, especially this week, Buckhalter isn't going to score points from the bench.

Option one would be to back up Peterson. We've seen what happens when good backs go down, and Peterson's backup Chester Taylor has proven that he can do the job in an increased role. That way, you don't end up in the same position as Westbrook's owner if Peterson were to take a fall.

Option two would be to explore grabbing another starting back, especially given that Rhodes will not be the full-time player once Addai is back and the health of Willie Parker. I like option two at this point, because you would then have a guy that's working as a primary. Where can you find that? Kolby Smith is the likely winner of the job in Kansas City, and he will face a soft AFC West schedule. Other guys that could be available include Kevin Smith (doing an admirable job in Detroit), Justin Fargas (the primary ball carrier, despite Darren McFadden), and Kevin Faulk (with Sammy Morris likely out another couple weeks).

Kolby Smith is tough, because it's likely that L.J. is back this week. He just has to prove that he deserves the job.

Want a quick hitter for this week? Look for Ricky Williams to have a solid game against the Broncos. He'll find the end zone again.

Issue Two - Jason Witten's Availability

The same reader is concerned about Witten being available with the broken ribs this week. All indications are that Witten will be on the field for the Cowboys and should be ready to take on his normal role. Nerves and preparation are a part of the equation here, though.

My gut tells me that Witten is on the field, and it's likely not going to be necessary to pick up a safety in this case. If you do need to explore the option, look to Zach Miller in Oakland, Bo Scaife in Tennessee, Marcedes Lewis in Jacksonville, and Greg Olsen in Chicago.

Olsen is getting harder and harder to find on waivers, but he's still there in some leagues because he is coming off a bye. It's hard to argue with his production in that Chicago offense, and he should be in for a fine week this week against Detroit.

The key for Witten will be how he comes off practice on Thursday. Check that status first, then make a move accordingly. We'd recommend these same tight ends for those that need help filling the bye week blues, especially with Gates among the missing.

Issue Three - Too much depth at Wide Receiver?

Another reader is concerned that they have too much depth at wide receiver. Given they start Roethlisberger at quarterback, making a deal might be the right way to go. The reader starts Boldin, Marshall, and Jennings as top-three wide receivers. They're looking to unload Jennings, but only for the right player.

By most scoring, Jennings is listed in the top-20 of all players. The key is getting comparable value. The question was asked with regards to Kurt Warner. Is this comparable value? Yes. In many cases, Warner is ranked in the top-15 of all players, and near the top in quarterbacks. The larger question remains, though. Does he have the ability to sustain this over 16 games? My feeling is no. Yes, he has the talent, but at the end of the day I'm not sure I believe in Arizona.

The Cardinals do have the benefit of an easier schedule, especially with getting to face both Seattle and San Francisco. Warner, though, hasn't put together a full season in a while. He was in a time-share for the first half of last season with Leinart. In some capacity, just because of the dollars involved, Leinart will be that team's quarterback (I firmly believe this). To me, his age and other factors prevent me from calling him a safe buy the rest of the way.

Others can disagree, but it's what we're going with here.

Who would I target? I'd aim high initially. Aaron Rodgers is the first name that comes to mind, and it's not an entire reach. He faces similar soft pass defenses, as the Bears, Lions, and Vikings are all in the bottom-third of the league in passing defense. You won't lose the production of Jennings with how many of the touchdowns went his way, either.

Beyond Rodgers, I'd look to attract a buy-low guy like Peyton Manning, who looked much better against the Titans than he has all season. Wait for Tony Romo to get back to health, as he now has a new toy in his offense. Jay Cutler may not get that much love because of the Broncos defensive struggles, but they'll need to put up points to stay in games.  

Kyle Orton, I feel, should be fine the rest of the way as well. He's been good this first half, and I'd keep him in the back of my mind as well. I believe in him more than I do Warner. Orton was on the verge of proving he could do the job, then the Bears decided that Rex Grossman and pals deserved many more chances than they should ever have received. 

There are always more issues to resolve, but our pitchers are empty. Send us your questions and we'll be more than happy to sit around the 'Table and help you out.