The Fantasy Football Geek Blog

Brandon’s take: In terms of your running backs, if you can afford to wait a few weeks, then Selvin Young has the better long term value. With Travis Henry’s injury and suspension troubles, it’s only a matter of time before Selvin Young takes over the majority of the carries in Denver. While Grant will start, he still won’t put up the numbers that Selvin Young could put up once he’s playing more. In terms of wide receivers, Shaun McDonald seems to be one of Kitna’s favorite targets, so go with him. Finally, definitely drop the Miami defense and pick up the Titans… that’s a no-brainer!

Matt’s take: I’m just baffled that you still have the Miami defense on your team, especially with the Titans D available. Tennessee’s a top-3 fantasy defense right now, while Miami is absolutely dead last, no question. McDonald’s an OK pickup, but Calvin Johnson’s finally healthy and the rookie will involved in more plays during the second half, meaning McDonald’s Happy Meals will be fewer and further between (OK, that was a bit of a stretch).

Brandon’s take: Honestly, I don’t see much value for Michael Bush this season as long as Justin Fargas is healthy. The team is already pretty deep at the position and Bush hasn’t played yet, so trying to fit him into the plan this season could be tough. Maybe in the last few games of the season they’ll need to test Bush to see how he’ll factor into their plans next season, but don’t expect a whole lot.

Matt’s take: If you’re in a keeper league he’s an interesting pickup; otherwise, don’t bother.

Brandon’s take: Jacobs is a must here. Even if he gets "shut down", I expect him to get more fantasy points than the other two running backs you mentioned. As for the second one, I’d go with Cedric Benson (ugh). As I mentioned in my Studs/Duds article though, this should be the last chance for Benson this season. If he fails you again, he should find his rightful place on your bench for the remainder.

Matt’s take: Jacobs obviously gets the #1 spot; don’t think too hard about the Giants’ matchup. Don’t forget that Eli and Plax can rack up the points too, so for all we know it could be the Cowboys who are playing from behind while the Giants run Jacobs to kill the clock (that’s not my prediction, but I wouldn’t be surprised). Benson and Foster both suck, to be frank, and both have decent matchups. The only difference between them is the number of carries they’re likely to receive, and the advantage there is Benson’s, so he’s the guy to go with. Even though you know as well as I do that you’ll be cursing his name on Sunday.

Brandon’s take: If you’re looking for undervalued players, receivers might be the place to start. As long as David Carr doesn’t play, Steve Smith is a player that is heavily undervalued at this point I believe. Vinny seems to have decent chemistry with him, so when he starts, Smith is a solid play. Other players you might target are those coming off injuries, such as Deion Branch and Andre Johnson. There’s a chance that the owners have given up hope on these players, but they should both be back in full force by week 11. The other positions will be tougher to find a undervalued player at this point in the season, but if you’re willing to risk it, you could always try to trade most of your "depth" (and probably one good player) for a star player like Joseph Addai to make your team a competitor come playoff time.

Matt’s take: It’s all about your team’s needs. Look at your bench for player value that’s being wasted there. As long as you’re willing to risk putting yourself in a situation where your starter’s hurt and you don’t have a decent backup for him, you can turn that value on your bench into fantasy points by improving where you’re weak. Just don’t get into the mindset that you have to make a trade, or you’ll end up doing something you regret.