Injuries, injuries, injuries. That's the name of the game right now in fantasy football, with a bevy of fantasy contributors out indefinitely. Donovan McNabb joined a growing list that includes Fred Taylor, Corey Dillon, Thomas Jones, Priest Holmes… the names go on and on. With players dropping left and right, free agent pickups are at a premium heading into the playoffs. Picking up a spot starter at running back can provide a huge boost for any owner on the fringe of earning a postseason berth — just ask owners who were victimized by the notorious Samkon Gado or Greg Jones. It could be you this time around, with Adrian Peterson or Heath Evans doing the damage.
Possibly the most exciting development of last week was the glorious return of Mike Alstott; yeah, he's been playing this season, but really had done little of significance (he equaled his season touchdown total against the Redskins with two). Surprisingly, other than Alstott and the Giants' Brandon Jacobs, there haven't been too many short-yardage touchdown machines this year. Whatever happened to Zack Crockett and his seven-touchdown seasons?
Either way, in the words of my pal, Wes, Mike Alstott "is a great man."
That's my story and I'm sticking to it …
Player of the Week
Samkon Gado, RB Green Bay Packers
25 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns, four catches for five yards and one touchdown.
Yeah, Shaun Alexander had another huge week and probably deserves to remain in this spot, but Gado's performance was considerably much more unexpected (although he was in The Herald's Smart Starts), and he was the sparkplug in a Green Bay victory — and that has been rare this season. Thus, Gado gets the nod.
Mailbag
Dear Fantasy Man,
Blast! I must return quickly to contemplating how to off that vile woman, so I'll get right to the point. The fat man assigned me to this "fantasy football" association, and I'm told the winner receives gifts of a sexy party and six pounds of plutonium. I shall not fail in my attempts for world domination. I structured my team around Isaac Bruce, but that dimwitted guttersnipe hurt his toe earlier this season. Then I started employing Joe Jurevicius, and he did a fine job. Now both men are vying for the final spot on my roster. Hang on a moment … go away, Dog! Damn you, you fool! Burn in hell! … Sorry about that. Anyhoo, could you tell me which one should represent me in the upcoming competition? Thank you so much. When the world is mine, your death shall be quick and painless.
Stewart Gilligan Griffin aka "Snake"
Dear Snake,
Wow, somebody likes his family guy a little bit, I guess. Kinda creepy actually, but cool?
If this is the final spot on your roster — meaning you won't be playing either very much — I would go with Bruce. Yes, he's had an injury-riddled season thus far, but he definitely has a chance to come back and potentially be a big part of the Rams' offense. And for the last guy on your roster, having someone with potential is key. Jurevicius is a decent backup option, but if you're fairly confident in your starters at wideout, keep Bruce and send Jurevicius packing. If you need someone to contribute right now, though, I would go with Jurevicius.
Herald Smart Starts
QB- Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
After an off-week in his first start back, Warner rebounded with a very good game against Detroit. With a trip to St. Louis ahead, he's a nice play once again.
RB- Greg Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
With Fred Taylor's constant iffy health, Jones should be a solid play week in and week out. He's big, he runs hard and the Jaguars like to run the football.
RB- Tatum Bell, Denver Broncos
At some point, I have to believe Mike Shanahan is going to wake up and make Bell the feature back in Denver. Even while splitting time with Mike Anderson, though, he still gives you home-run potential.
WR- Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
He's been a huge bust this season, just like any other Texan. But, if he's still on your roster, he's likely to see plenty of balls against Kansas City — Houston will be down early and often.
WR- Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys
He's due for a big game, and he's going against a Detroit pass defense that gave up more than 300 yards to the Cardinals a week ago.
TE- Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
Cooley's quickly becoming veteran Mark Brunell's safety blanket. He's developing into one of the top tight ends in the league.
