Fantasy Wednesday Likes This Calvin Johnson Better
By Matt Snyder
Possible Starters
These are the guys on your fantasy roster that you either should start or consider starting.
- RB – Jahvid Best – I was a little bit down on Best before last week, and my hesitation turned out to be warranted. He managed 84 all-purpose yards while battling turf-toe, but lost a fumble and failed to get in the end zone. The Rams rank in the bottom third of the league in run defense, so Best could have a bounce-back game if he’s healthy. Keep an eye on the injury reports as we get closer to Sunday. Week 5 outlook: fair.
- WR – Calvin Johnson – After a string of sub-par fantasy weeks, Calvin finally put up elite numbers. His 20.80 fantasy points was good for second among wide receivers last week, thanks to 88 yards and two scores. I don’t think we can count on two touchdowns every week, but finding the endzone is a must for CJ. He finally put up the type of numbers that the Lions (and your fantasy team) needs out of him. The Rams rank 22nd is pass defense, so we could be in for another strong week from Megatron.Week 5 outlook: start him.
- QB – Shaun Hill – Hill had a solid week against Green Bay (24.54 points) and is now the number twelve quarterback in fantasy scoring this year. The Lions will continue to look to the air, and he’s a good option if your starter has a bye this week.Week 5 outlook: good bye week replacement
- K – Jason Hanson – Hanson’s four field goals and two PATs vaulted him to the top spot among week four kicker. He came up short on a 55-yarder with the wind in his face, but later nailed a 52-yarder. He showed he still has the leg, but there’s really no need to rush out and pick him off the waiver wire unless you’re in need of a new kicker. Week 5 outlook: fair.
Reaches
These were lineup spots that should be filled by someone else.
- WR – Nate Burleson – You can keep an eye on the injury reports (last listed as questionable), but I would stay away even if he’s healthy. Week 5 outlook: poor.
- TE – Brandon Pettigrew – Pettigrew dropped a lot of balls, but still ended up with 9.1 points on 91 yards receiving. Hill continues to target his tight ends at a high frequency (21 total targets in week four) so either one may be a viable option. Week 5 outlook: fair.
- TE – Tony Scheffler – Scheffler didn’t end up with as many yards as Pettigrew did, but he was still targeted ten times, and his 63 receiving yards had him as on of the top 15 TE point-getters. I’m at the point where I’d be comfortable starting either Lion TE (as long as you don’t have another strong option).Week 5 outlook: fair.
- DEF – Detroit – Two interecptions and two fumble recoveries were nice, but this group can still give up points in bunches. They came up with 10 fantasy points against the Packers, but the potential downside outweighs any possible positive. Week 5 outlook: poor.
| Player | Position | Price | Earnings | E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jahvid Best | RB | $237.81 | $94.80 | 39.86% |
| Brandon Pettigrew | TE | $103.87 | $40.65 | 39.14% |
| Tony Scheffler | TE | $89.23 | $34.65 | 38.83% |
| Jason Hanson | K | $82.86 | $26.00 | 31.38% |
| Calvin Johnson | WR | $185.12 | $57.35 | 30.98% |
| Kevin Smith | RB | $72.02 | $6.00 | 8.33% |
| Nate Burleson | WR | $119.15 | $3.75 | 3.15% |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | $220.09 | $3.80 | 1.73% |
Well, Jason Hanson made his hundred field goals, and Calvin found (and wore) his Megatron suit, so they both became decent buys. We’ve reached the 25% mark of the season, so anyone with an E/P higher than that is a good buy. I still especially love the TE’s as buys, but Best, Johnson, and Hanson should be on your radar, if they’re not in your portfolio.
I’ll keep Kevin Smith on the watch list for this week. He hasn’t really been much of a part of the offense, but if he’s active again and he somehow manages to find the end zone, his price could jump. I don’t really expect him to score, but you’ll be ready if he does.