Fantasy Wednesday Would Have Benched Donovan McNabb Too

Fantasy Wednesday extends an open invitation for all opposing coaches to insert their terrible backup QB’s in crucial situations. Thank you, Mr. Shanahan, for justifying “Wrecks” Grossman’s nickname.

Start ’em

• QB – Matthew Stafford – Maybe he was still a little rusty because I expected more out of Stafford upon his return… nah, just kidding. Matt reminded us of why we were so high on this offense after the preseason. Yeah, they were good under Shaun Hill, but they trusted Stafford to make plays when they needed it, and he delivered. Big time. His 200 yards passing and four TD’s were good for 25 points, second best of any QB in week 9. No concerns going forward here.
• RB – Jahvid Best – He didn’t score and he split carries with Kevin Smith, but Jahvid Best was still a big part of the offense. He managed 71 yards of total offense due to his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. I’m a little bit nervous about the lingering toe injury, and the fact that Kevin Smith actually played well, but he should still be worth a start unless you have two other dynamite options.
• WR – Calvin Johnson – The best part of the game was that Stafford and Johnson found a way to hook up nine times for 100 yards and three scores. Calvin was criticized early in the year for not making plays, but half of the responsibility rests on the QB. Stafford wanted to find CJ, and did, and CJ made the plays. The performance was tops in the NFL among receivers.
• TE – Brandon Pettigrew – Only eight yards, which was a departure from the norm, but he scored. Brandon only had two receptions, but he was targeted five times. The drops are frustrating, but the QB’s continue to look for him. He won’t be a top flight TE, but he’s still a good start in twelve team leagues.
• K – Jason Hanson – He only had one FG attempt, but he nailed it. He’s still a top ten or twelve fantasy kicker.

Consider it

• WR – Nate Burleson – It wasn’t a good week for Nate, only 2.7 points, but he caught seven balls. He’s not a great option by any means, but he’s the type of player that could run into a good week every now and then. That’s all you can ask for if you’re looking this deep for a guy.
• DEF – Detroit – I can’t believe I’m doing this, but you can now consider starting Detroit’s defense. They’re seventh in fantasy points among defenses through eight weeks. They get pressure, they get sacks, they force turnovers. I’m still nervous that they’ll give up a ton of points, but they haven’t been a bad play most weeks.

Just don’t do it

• TE – Tony Scheffler – He had zero catches and only one target against the Redskins. Both Detroit QB’s have seemed to prefer to throw to Pettigrew. I’d keep Scheffler out of your starting lineup for now.

AthleteXchange

Calvin Johnson went all nuts over the Redskins and vaulted himself to the top of the Lions “buy” list. Best’s value as a hot stock is starting to diminish, but I wouldn’t sell him out of your portfolio just yet.

Keep an eye on Kevin Smith. He’s nowhere near being a good play yet, but he had a very good showing on Sunday. If he starts taking more carries from Best, he could turn into a sleeper stock.