On The Radar–Week 9
Ryan Moats, RB, Houston Texans. We often say that opportunity and injury change player’s fantasy value in a big hurry and Moats’ day on Sunday was a perfect example of that. Once relegated to the bench with little value, Moats came into the game early on Sunday and ran wild. He carried the ball 23 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Moats also hauled in two passes for an additional 25 yards. It was quite a surprise that Slaton was given such a fast hook after his latest fumble and he wasn’t brought back into the game at all. Now the question is what does the future hold for the Texans backfield? Without hearing anything official, I am going to say that Slaton is back in there next week, but I believe that Moats will now at least get a handful of carries in each game, and if he continues to play this well he could be more and more involved. I wouldn’t freak out and drop someone great for Moats, but if you are in a league with no starting runners in free agency, I would make a move on the guy just in case this is a long term thing.
Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets. Another guy who could stand to get a good bump in value with the injury to Leon Washington would be Keller. He is an extremely talented tight end, who just hasn’t had the type of season that I expected when the year started. Keller is on pace to match last year’s numbers, but I expected a nice increase from him in 2009, what with young quarterbacks often favoring the tight end and just a natural progression and maturity in his game. He showed that flash last week with eight catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, and I see big things from Keller in the second half. Be careful who you let go for him, but I would certainly try to find a spot for him on my roster if your tight end spot has been giving you trouble this year.
Malcom Floyd/Legedu Naanee, WR, San Diego Chargers. Earlier in the week the Chargers finally cut ties with Chris Chambers after an unproductive partnership that lasted two and a half seasons. Floyd now steps in as the number two guy, with Naane as the number three, and it will be interesting to see how these guys respond to their new roles. At 6′5″ and 225 pounds, Floyd seems to be more of the big play guy, the red zone target, and perhaps the all or nothing type fantasy receiver. He had a few good games at the end of last year, but so far this year hasn’t had more than three catches in a game and has just one touchdown. Floyd could blossom into a nice downfield threat for the Chargers, but I’m still a little skeptical on him. Naanee, on the other hand, has been more of a possession type receiver, and could also see an increase in his fantasy value with more playing time. I haven’t seen too many Charger games this year, but Naanee has impressed me with his hands in the limited action that I have been able to catch. He seems to run fairly crisp routes, and has made a few impressive catches. His best game this year was a five catch, 49 yard effort in the opening week, and you could see more of those in the future now that Chambers is gone from San Diego. I don’t think I would make a move on either right now unless you are in a league that forces you to play four or more receivers, but I honestly think I have more confidence in Naanee to be a more consistent producer than Floyd, but it could go either way. How’s that for walking a tightrope!
Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle Seahawks. Another opportunity to improve his status with a roster is Forsett. The Seahawks parted ways with Edgerrin James, giving Forsett the backup running back job. If he is able to succeed, Forsett could play himself into an even bigger role, because the current starter, Julius Jones, hasn’t had even a decent game in well over a month. However, Forsett hasn’t done much with the opportunities that he has been given, and has especially had trouble holding on to the football as he has lost three fumbles in just 19 carries. If I were to choose between Forsett and Moats short term I would choose Moats, but long term I like Forsett’s chances of getting an opportunity to show what he is capable of doing. How he handles that chance remains to be seen.
Spencer Havner, TE, Green Bay Packers. Ok folks, let’s keep this one under control. I know Havner has three touchdowns in the past two weeks on four catches, but this guy barely made the team. He was a special teamer or a backup linebacker. Sure he has been more involved in the offense, but you can not expect this to continue. This is a case of a guy not being accounted for a few times and scoring a few lucky touchdowns. Havner is not a pass catcher, and if you are hanging your hopes on him you will be disappointed.
Kevin Boss, TE, New York Giants. It hasn’t been a very good season for Boss, but for one week he certainly got the defense’s attention. The Giants’ tight end brought in three passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in what was his best game of the season. During their Super Bowl run a couple of years ago, it looked like Boss would step right into the role that Jeremy Shockey held for years in New York. A season and a half later it is obvious that Boss does not have the skills of his predecessor, and honestly doesn’t seem to be a part of the game plan. He had only topped 50 receiving yards in one game before this past Sunday, and he hasn’t had more than four catches in a game. Boss is a bye week replacement at best, and likely shouldn’t be on a roster unless you are in a league with more than 12 teams.
Matt Moore, QB, Carolina Panthers. Moore got into the game on Sunday, and I guess that signfies that if something were to happen to Delhomme (which is possible), or if Jake is benched (also possible), it seems that the Panthers would go to Moore instead of A.J. Feeley. However, this guy is only useful information if you are in a two quarterback league and every other quarterback is taken. I suppose Moore could be succesful, but you have almost no experience to go by when assessing how he might do in the NFL. Also, the Panthers have little or no good options at wide receiver past Steve Smith, so it doesn’t bode well for Moore to put up good numbers even if he gets in the game.
I welcome your comments and questions at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I can help you with roster questions, who to start/sit, etc. I guarantee a response within 18 hours. Also, don’t miss the Fantasy Football Tonight podcast every Tuesday night at 10pm EST with myself and Jeff Mans. We will cover all the latest and greatest in fantasy football, and there is always some crazy things being discussed outside the world of football as well. Please join us, to listen go to www.blogtalkradio.com/fantasy-football-tonight . If that isn’t enough of Jeff and I for you, you can also now join us on the Fantasy Sports Channel on Blog Talk Radio for the Midnight Oil show. We will give you another hour leading into the weekend starting on Friday at midnight EST. Go to www.fsc.fm to listen.
