2011 Fantasy Football Week 2: Domenik Hixon to Start If Hakeem Nicks Is Out

Expect Hixon To Start If Nicks Is Out

Below you will find a quick write-up I put together on Hakeem Nicks status for Week 2 against the Rams. Domenick Hixon has been with the Giants for a few years now, and with Victor Cruz struggling in the slot, I figured Hixon was a likely option to start opposite Mario Manningham.

That said, I was hoping to find some clarification on this situation, so I tracked down Giants’ beat-writer from the Star-Ledger Mike Grafolo for more. Grafolo responded with a yes, when I asked him if Hixon would start, if Nicks was out.

Just two years ago Hixon started seven games for the Giants and posted 43 receptions for over 500 yards. While Hixon would be nothing more than a WR-3 in deep leagues this week, he is worth a waiver pickup.

Nicks’ knee injury is reported to be nothing serious long term, but knee problems can give you trouble, and if Nicks should have trouble in practice next week, Hixon could see more playing time this year.

Again, while Cruz is a nice talent and has shown flashes of greatness in preseason, he’s failed to get much done in the regular season, and it’s getting to the point where I could see Manning shying away from trusting him with more than maybe three targets in a game. Hixon is a steady veteran, and unless Cruz can turn things around, look for Hixon to have some value.

Follow Mike Grafolo On Twitter – http://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo

Read Mike Garafolo’s Work – http://www.nj.com/giants/

News On Twitter

RB Jeremiah Johnson active, Moreno Likely Out

The Broncos have activated running back Jeremiah Johnson off the practice squad, which should be a clincher that Knowshon Moreno will be inactive this week.

Fantasy Outlook: Not sure if Johnson will see a carry but may see time on special teams. Willis McGahee will get the bulk of the work with Lance Ball mixing in. Moreno shouldn’t be in lineups this week, as he’s battling a hamstring injury.

Tweet - Johnson activated from Practice Squad

Hakeem Nicks Questionable For Monday Night

The Giants top receiver Hakeem Nicks was limited once again in practice on Saturday and its listed as questionable coming into the teams’ Monday Night game against the Rams.

Fantasy Outlook: Look to another option this weekend as Nicks will be limited, and because this is a game on Monday, it’s likely that your bench options will be used up on Sunday, or your roster will be locked by the start of games in the morning. Nicks is a top-five receiver when healthy, so let’s hope the Giants sit him this week, and get him ready for Week 3.

Tweet - Nicks Limited In Practice

Sean Lee Best Inside Linebacker Of The Jerry Jones Era?

Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas believes Sean Lee can be a special player and should end up being the besting inside linebacker of the Jerry Jones era, thus far.

Fantasy Outlook: OK, this isn’t news but the buzz around Sean Lee is legit, and this kid is ready to rock and roll for a huge IDP season. Lee will be the inside linebacker to start weekly and should be viewed as a LB-2, as he will play all three downs.

Hopefully, you noticed that Lee had the green dot on the back of his helmet (sideline communication), which is always a sign that he’s considered one of the important linebackers on the field. MacMahon has a nice article on Lee, and I recommend you read it as well as listen to the podcast on the page.

Tweet – Lee Top Inside Linebacker

Bills Top Wide Receiver Batting Groin Injury

Steve Johnson missed practice on Thursday after irritating a previous groin injury that started back in the preseason.

Fantasy Outlook: Johnson has a nice matchup against the Raiders this week, so hopefully he will be a go for the game. Keep your eye on his situation before the opening games on Sunday to see if he’s active or not, as he’s set to be a solid WR-2 this week.

Tweet – Johnson Misses Practice

Update - Johnson practiced on Friday, is a go for this weekend.

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