On the Radar: Week 11

Tatum Bell, RB, Denver Broncos

The last time we saw Bell he was (allegedly) stealing the luggage of the man who came to Detroit to replace him, and I thought at the time that we could wave “bye-bye” to Bell’s career.

However, funny things happen when an NFL team is struck by injury. And the Broncos' backfield has been destroyed. After losing rookie Ryan Torain last week, coach Shanahan’s options were becoming incredibly limited so Bell was brought it. It was only two years ago that Bell had a 1,000-yard rushing season for the Broncos (and a 915 yard year before that), so it isn’t like he has to go and learn a brand new system.

Bell’s transition COULD be flawless and the way the Broncos have a history of running the ball, Bell is a guy that I would feel comfortable taking a chance on. In fact, I did. I picked him up (or put in a waiver claim) on him in every league that I am in. Be careful and don’t go dropping someone valuable for him, but if you have a unproductive player on your roster I would give him the boot for Bell.

Shaun Alexander, RB, Washington Redskins

If Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are unable to go, you just might see Shaun Alexander as the starting running back this week for the Washington Redskins as they play the Cowboys. Portis and Betts both have sprained knees, and from what I am reading I am pessimistic that Portis will see the field this week.

Things could change, it is only Wednesday, but if I had to bet right now, I would bet that Portis will sit. Alexander hasn’t been with the team for very long so how excited should you be?

Mildly at this point. He obviously has the pedigree as a former MVP that he is very capable of putting up some great stats. However, his ending in Seattle did nothing to instill any confidence that he had anything left in the tank. Was it because he felt slighted at the way he was treated? Or is this guy really through?

We certainly might find out this week. If you have someone who is injured or are in desperate need of a runner, Alexander might be worth the risk.

Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Remember him? The first guy to ever run for 100 yards in his first three NFL games, Cadillac has fallen so far off the map I think he is near Jupiter. He was activated from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform, that always makes me laugh) list, but it is too soon to tell what his role might be.

Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn seem to have a monopoly on most of the carries but they are both dinged up, but if they are unable to go there is an outside CHANCE that he might be able to help you.

Derrick Ward/Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants

The Giants’ rushing attack seems to come in phases. They usually start the game with bruising Brandon Jacobs, next you get a dose of Derrick Ward, and in the fourth quarter when the defense is all tired, they get quick and agile Ahmad Bradshaw. Of course, they don’t go away from Jacobs completely, he is where the bread is buttered, but these backups get more touches than your average second stringer.

Plus, Ward is a pretty good pass receiver out of the backfield, and Bradshaw will get you some return yards. I wouldn’t drop a every week starter for them, but if you are scouring your free agency looking for a back, I would grab Ward first, then Bradshaw.

Ricky Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins

After rushing for EXACTLY 16 yards for three consecutive weeks, Williams busted out with his first 100-yard game of the season. Of course, it helped that 51 came on one carry, but yards are yards no matter how you get them. I’m still not too excited about Ricky, he is a league suspension for marijuana waiting to happen and Ronnie Brown is obviously the workhorse in Miami.

That was the first game in three weeks that Williams had over 10 carries, and he’s only had more than 12 once all season. If you are really in a bind you can do worse, but I would not be running to the waiver wire for Ricky Williams.

Jason Hill, WR, San Francisco 49ers

I’m not sure the 49ers' offense is consistent enough to produce any starters besides Frank Gore, but with Shaun Hill now at quarterback perhaps there won’t be as many turnovers.  With new coach Mike Singletary it will be interesting to see who gets a chance, but in his two games Hill is getting a shot. 

After not catching a pass over seven games, Hill has now caught ten in the last two after grabbing seven in Week 10. This is his second year, but his first real action so we shall see how it unfolds.  He is someone that I would monitor in the next week or two.   Rookie Josh Morgan has been ruled out for Week 11, leaving the door open that much more for Hill.

Brandon Jones, WR, Tennessee Titans

Quick, name a receiver on the Titans...oh, sorry time is up. You might think Justin Gage, but he only has 17 catches this year. Well Brandon Jones has 16 over the past three games (including eight in Week 10), and could possibly be emerging as a possible receiving threat for the Titans.

Now, don’t get too excited about him, last week was the first time that Kerry Collins threw for over 200 yards so it isn’t like there are plenty of stats to go around. Jones has had these little production spurts before in his career, so it could just be a false alarm.

But keep an eye on him in the coming weeks, perhaps Tennessee might have something here.

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens

The knock on Heap has always been in his ability to stay healthy. However, this year he has been in good shape most of the year, but has only mustered 18 catches to this point. So why is he here? Well five of his catches and both of his TDs came in Week 10. Has Joe Flacco finally found his safety valve?

Heap has always been one of the more talented pass catching tight ends, but has never really shown the ability to stay healthy for a whole season, although he had a couple really good seasons in 2005 and 2006.

That is why this little breakout game should pop up on your radar. I’m not saying go run right out and get him, but one more good game and I would seriously consider it.

Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets

Keller has been on this list before but he has yet to show the consistency I thought he would at the beginning of the season. Brett Favre is not playing like the Hall of Fame Brett, he is playing more like his evil alter ego “Mr. Turnover” making the Jets want to run the ball more.

However, Keller had a spectacular game in Week 10 and hopefully that will show the Jets enough that they will start to work him more into the game plan. With the TE position incredibly thin, Keller could be a nice sleeper down the stretch.

Shaun Hill, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Hill showed some signs of ability on Monday Night (shovel pass to the wrong team aside), but I am yet to think that he is worth owning in fantasy. He made a nice showing for himself last season winning all three games he played before suffering a season ending injury. He is the best quarterback on the 49ers roster, however that is like saying ”

Andrew Walter, QB, Oakland Raiders

I am absolutely not recommending picking up Walter—I just feel the need to include those who are playing. Here is my thought on Andrew Walter: This might be the one time that I would recommend playing no one or picking up a backup and praying for injury. This guy has no chance of making an impact in an NFL game and shouldn’t even be on the Raiders’ roster.

As always your comments and questions (adds/drops, trade advice, lineup questions, etc.) are welcome at [e-mail]. I guarantee an answer within 18 hours.