Underrated or Over Inflated?

In fantasy sports we talk a lot about “Sleepers and Busts,” but more often than not, what we are talking about are players who are either overvalued or undervalued. Guys who are being drafted too soon or too late in drafts relative to their likely fantasy production.

Welcome to the first in our preseason over and under articles. If you play in leagues that use Individual Defensive Players (IDP) then you already know that the Defensive Lineman position is the hardest to fill: too few top end performers, too few surprise performers each season.

In 2009, only 7 DL’s had double-digit sacks, and over the last decade the trend has been a dozen players or less with 10 or more sacks. There’s no reason to believe that won’t hold true in 2010.

The sack is the hallmark of the fantasy Defensive Lineman. Of the 7 who hit double-digit sacks last year, 6 of them were the top scorers at DL. The lone exception was Dwight Freeney who somehow managed an amazing 13.5 sacks in only 9 starts.

With all of this in mind let’s take a look at guys not named Jared Allen, Justin Tuck, Julius Peppers or Trent Cole who may surprise or disappoint in 2010.

Here are 5 over and 5 under, Defensive Linemen heading into 2010:

–Undervalued–

Calais Campbell, ARI – Campbell was a nice surprise in 2009, with 6.5 sacks lined up alongside Darnell Dockett. This kid is a beast at 6-foot-8. His size is among many reasons why I believe the third year DL will breakout in 2010.  Campbell could very will have had 10+ sacks in 2009, but he let several quarterbacks slip from his grasp, and he’s said that still weighs on him. A good sign. The Cardinals also added first round nose tackle Dan Williams which boosts Campbell’s value. The Cardinal have a friendly schedule this year, and they will spend more time on defense with Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin gone.  A healthy Campbell should see 50 tackles and 10+ sacks. Bank it.

Justin Smith, SF – I have Smith ranked as the 13th best defensive lineman heading into 2010. Coincidentally that was his final resting spot in 2009. In 2008, he finished 8th best. Despite that, he is being drafted around 10 picks later than his numbers warrant. Smith averages about 6 sacks a season and 40+ solo tackles. He is a very dependable DE in terms of performance, just like…

Alex Brown, NOS – Brown hits N’awlins from Chitown this season. He’s always been a guy who flies under the fantasy radar despite being a model of fantasy consistency; averaging 6 sacks per season, and an average fantasy finish of 24th over the last 5 seasons. He’s being drafted 30th overall, but aside from his historical 24th place average, Brown’s peripheral numbers trend upward in even numbered years (he ranked 18 and 14th in 2008 and 2006). Wink, wink: it’s an even numbered year. He’s now on a team better suited to fantasy production at his position. All signs point to an above average season, but even at his average, he’s undervalued.

Tyler Brayton, CAR – Brayton is one of two undervalued Panthers defensive ends. In a part time role for Carolina, he finished 2009 with 5 sacks, and ranked 28th overall in fantasy points for his position. Three spots ahead of Alex Brown, above. He finished 40th overall in 2008, and had 4.5 sacks. The departure of Julius Peppers to the Chicago Bears should mean more playing time. Right now he’s not even being selected in fantasy drafts.

Charles Johnson, CAR - While all eyes are on Everette Brown in Carolina, Johnson is the likely starter with Brown (in the words of our friend, Ryan Sitzmann at IDPGuru.com) focusing “on a nickel rushing role,” and “replacing Tyler Brayton on passing downs.” This gives the Panthers and fantasy owners a nice trio of rotating defensive ends, with Brayton and Johnson being undervalued and Brown…

–Overvalued–

Everette Brown, CAR – Brown is going to be a solid fantasy performer, perhaps starting as early as 2011. But as he enters his sophomore 2010 season, he doesn’t even have the starting DE job for the Carolina Panthers. He could win it outright before all is said and done, but at the moment it looks like he’ll only play in selected packages. Yet, he’s the 15th DL off the board–that’s like a Dwight Freeney price tag. That’s price gouging even if he does get the starting nod.

Ndamukong Suh, DET – Suh is going to be an awesome addition to the Detroit Lions defensive line. He’s going to be one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles for years to come. So far in early drafts he’s being selected as the 11th defensive linemen overall. How overvalued is he? He doesn’t even rank in the Top 50 fantasy DLs. Fantasy owners are jumping on his high draft selection and drooling over the thought of the next Jared Allen. Wrong answer. First, he’s a rookie. Rookie lineman take at least one season to truly get the hang of the game at this level. Second, he’s a defensive tackle. He’s the guy that holds up the offensive linemen so his defensive ends (Cliff Avril, Kyle Vandenbosch) can slip through and hopefully sack the quarterback. DT’s are generally fantasy black holes. Last season only two even scored in the top 25: Jonathan Babineaux (17th) and Jay Ratliff (20th). So don’t be the guy that buys the big name rookie to watch him stink up your fantasy bench. Bonus Bust: Gerald McCoy, TB– Another rookie defensive tackle who should not be drafted.

Hayneworth could walk away from Washington

Derrick Morgan, TEN – Morgan offers a lot of promise as a fantasy DE…in a season or two. See Suh above about the rookie learning curve. Unlike Suh, Morgan is a defensive end, meaning he will score points. I currently have him ranked 49th at his position. However, he’s being drafted immediately after Suh, as the 12th DE off the board. On a good day that’s at least 30 DEs too early. Bonus Bust: Jason Pierre-Paul, NYG — A rookie like Morgan, though not as skilled and not guaranteed a starting job in 2010.

Albert Haynesworth, WAS – The big man is being snagged 34th at the DL position. he had one notable fantasy season in 2008 with the Tennessee Titans, but he’s a DT, so his opportunities are limited, and he has not fared well in Washington. Add to that a defensive scheme change for the Redskins from 4-3 to 3-4, and that spells fantasy disaster. Let someone else buy the name.

Dwight Freeney, IND - Speak of the devil. Freeney had 13.5 sacks last season, but I’m calling him overvalued? The 30 year -old DE has started all 16 games only twice in 8 seasons– and not since 2006. Despite his sweet sack total in 2010, he ranked at 20th best for his position. In 2008, also 20th. 2007, 80th. And 2006, his last full season, 54th. He hasn’t had a top 10 finish since 2005, when he ranked 9th. Yet his Defensive Lineman ADP is 14th. You’re paying for the name, when it’s production you want to pay for.

The Cardinals are hoping to school the competition this year.

After two wildly productive years in the desert, the Arizona Cardinals are in for a year of question marks and fresh challenges. Gone are the shotgun arm of QB Kurt Warner, and the sure hands of wide receiver Anquan Boldin. The team will now look to their former first round pick, Matt Leinart to lead the way. Young receiver Early Doucett will have to step up as well. With Warner’s pass heavy attack a thing of the past, the team will have to squeeze more out of their running game then they’ve seen in recent years.

Division: NFC West – Projected Finish: 2nd Place

Strength of Schedule - #32 = Best. The Cardinals are the fortunate benefactors of this years easiest schedule…at least on paper. This could help fantasy production, but it remains to be seen how much it well help overall.

QUARTERBACK

Leinart has his back to the wall in 2010

When the Cardinals drafted Matt Leinart in 2006 they expected big things in a hurry. Instead aging QB Kurt Warner stepped in and brought the team a Superbowl appearance and a couple of divisional titles.  Last year Leinart started one game and threw three picks against no touchdowns. Not exactly inspiring or fantasy viable. However they are in perhaps the NFL’s worst division with the easiest schedule, so if Leinart can’t make it happen this year the bust label is all but a forgone conclusion. I currently have him ranked 29th.

Remember, one time fantasy stud Derek Anderson is just waiting for the coaches to get frustrated with Lienart and give him a chance. Anderson likes to throw a lot and so do the Cards. Leinart will need a strong camp.

Sadly, this summer neither Cardinal QB has done nothing to inspire the coaches or the team with their performances. A trade for a third option may be looming.

RUNNING BACK

The Cardinals are blessed with two very skilled tailbacks, but so far neither has exploded into fantasy threats as expected. Though both have shown sparks of brilliance here and there. It seems apparent that both will have to step up in 2010 and Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells is expected to be the primary benefactor. However, Tim Hightower should not be discounted. The two were fairly even in fantasy production in 2009, but Hightower had the better numbers overall. I have them ranked at 17th and 40th respectively but I fear Wells may be too high and Hightower too low, making Hightower a likely sleeper this year and Wells a potential overreach in drafts.

WIDE RECEIVER

• Larry Fitzgerald – Usually the consensus number one fantasy WR. This year I move him to #10 just because of the team changes, and poor QB options.
• Steve Breaston – From 1000 yards in 2008 to 700 in 2009, both seasons only three TDs. He’s just not fantasy viable.
• Early Doucett - Out with the Boldin, with the new. Doucett is heading into that magical 3rd year. This is his time to step up and shine. He’s worth a later round flier.

TIGHT END

Tight End has long been a fantasy black hole in Arizona. Veteran Anthony Becht and 4th year pro Ben Patrick aren’t striking fear into the hearts of anyone. They combined for 3 TDs in 2009. Don’t expect that to change in 2010.

KICKER

Neil Rackers is out in Arizona, and 10 year veteran, Jay Feeley is in. Feely’s played the last two season’s with the New York Jets, and ended 2009 tied for seventh place in fantasy points at the position. The desert may be hell, but as the song goes, “hell ain’t a bad place to be.”

DEFENSE

From a fantasy perspective, the Cardinals weren’t that bad last year; 13th overall in fantasy points. This season they could improve upon those numbers playing against some weaker teams. For IDP players the names you want to know are: Linebackers – Daryl Washington. Defensive Backs – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Adrian Wilson, and Kerry Rhodes. Defensive Linemen – Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell.

2010 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

Wk	Date	Game	Stadium	Time (ET)
1	Sep 12	ARI @ STL	Edward Jones Dome	4:15 PM
2	Sep 19	ARI @ ATL	Georgia Dome	1:00 PM
3	Sep 26	OAK @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM
4	Oct 03	ARI @ SD	Qualcomm Stadium	4:15 PM
5	Oct 10	NO @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:05 PM
6	Bye
7	Oct 24	ARI @ SEA	Qwest Field	4:05 PM
8	Oct 31	TB @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM
9	Nov 07	ARI @ MIN	Mall of America Field	1:00 PM
10	Nov 14	SEA @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM
11	Nov 21	ARI @ KC	Arrowhead Stadium	1:00 PM
12	Nov 29	SF @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	8:30 PM
13	Dec 05	STL @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM
14	Dec 12	DEN @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM
15	Dec 19	ARI @ CAR	Bank of America Stadium	1:00 PM
16	Dec 25	DAL @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	7:30 PM
17	Jan 02	ARI @ SF	Candlestick Park	4:15 PM

COACHING STRATEGY

Intense is my middle name!

OFFENSE

You can’t get much better in the coaching department than the guys who learned under Bill Cowher, Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm. Head coach Whisenhunt took over in 2007 and the team went 8-8 and 2nd in the division, in 2008, 9-7 when they won the divisional title and went to the Superbowl. Last year saw his team go 10-6 with another divisional title before they lost to the eventual Superbowl champs in the NFC Divisional playoff.

Whisenhunt faces new challenges this season, but he has way of keeping his team competitive. I expect a drop-off in 2010, but nothing horrendous.

DEFENSE

On the other side of the ball, things only got better this off-season with the additions of rookie DT Dan Williams, and LB Daryl Washington. Both should improve their line upfront from day one. Grabbing veteran LB Joey Porter is a big boost, as well as stud DB Kerry Rhodes. But the team will need them both with the loss of veterans Karlos Dansby to the Dolphins, Antrel Rolle to the Giants and Betrand Berry to retirement. Defensive coordinator Bill Davis uses a leaning two-gap, 3-4 scheme.

Can Derrick Morgan be a viable fantasy lineman in 2010?

UPDATED: August 24, 2010

The Defensive Lineman position is the shallowest Individual Defensive Player (IDP) spot to draft for. While there is a fair amount of consistency at this position year to year (this year’s Top 5 is basically the same as last year’s), the position depth is quite limited. That fact alone may be a solid argument for passing over top Linebackers and grabbing a Jared Allen or Justin Tuck with your initial IDP draft picks.

With linemen their weekly production is less consistent than with linebackers. Where tackles are fairly reliable week to week, sacks, which is what lineman are noted for, are significantly rare, and hard to predict. While getting a player with consistent yearly sack totals is a solid goal, I tend to look for those with consistent solo tackles.

One important bit of advice in drafting linemen is to aim for defensive ends over defensive tackles. Tackles tend to get less fantasy production opportunities. The majority of Linemen on this list, especially the top 25 are defensive ends. These are the playmakers.

Two rookies who could make an impact this year; Derrick Morgan for the Tennessee Titans and Brandon Graham for the Philadelphia Eagles. They barely sneaks into my top 50, but it would be wise to keep an eye on both, and perhaps stash them in dynasty leagues.

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*Scott will likely play OLB position in 2010, so IF he retains his DL eligibility (as he does in Yahoo and ESPN leagues) he is a solid DL pick. If your league lists him only as a LB, then he does not rank in the Top 50.

Top 50 IDP Linebacker Rankings

Top 50 IDP Defensive Back Rankings

Welcome to Top Fantasy Football’s Week 17 edition of “IDP Starts & Sits” brought to you by “The IDP Guru.”

This will be the final installment of “IDP Starts & Sits” for the 2009 season. It’s been a great ride and I’ve had a blast recommending players and answering all of your questions. FYI, I will continue to write articles during the off-season. These articles will focus on the effects of IDP free agent signings, changes in defensive schemes, IDP rookies and their potential fantasy impact, etc. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you may have and thanks for all your support!

Most leagues are over with and the league championship has already been decided. But, for you owners who are in 17 week leagues, I’m here for you with some great IDP Start/Sit advice.

But before I get started with my recommendations, here is something I stumbled upon when doing my research for today. If you like to laugh, it’s definitely worth a look: Congresswoman Corrine Brown – Go Gata (With Subtitles).

Anyways, here are my IDP Waiver Wire recommendations for Week 17:

Starts

*The IDP Guru’s Start of the Week*

MLB Stephen Tulloch - Tulloch has been one of the most consistent tackling fantasy linebackers in the league this year. And with both starting WLB Keith Bulluck and SLB David Thornton out for the year, Tulloch has little competition for tackles. He has the Seahawks this week who have surprisingly given up the second most fantasy points to opposing linebackers over the last 7 weeks. Tulloch is a must-start this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Every Week Starters:
Jared Allen
Julius Peppers
Elvis Dumervil
Justin Tuck
Trent Cole
Mario Williams
Robert Mathis – INJURED (OUT)
Andre Carter
Dwight Freeney – WATCH PLAYING STATUS
Will Smith
Brian Orakpo

1. LDE Mathias Kiwanuka -With Osi Umenyiora being regulated to playing only in third- down passing situations, Kiwanuka has become the Giants starting LDE. In those two games in which he’s started, he’s posted 13 total tackles (11 solo) and he should be able to post some nice tackle numbers this week against Adrian Peterson and the Vikings.

2. LDE Calais Campbell – Campbell has been a solid DL3 this year and slightly upgrades to a DL2 this week against the Packers, who have done a much better job of protecting the quarterback the last six to eight weeks, but are still susceptible to giving up sacks.

3. RDE Vonnie Holliday – Holliday has quietly registered three sacks in his last four games and he has a nice matchup this week against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have one of the worst pass-blocking offensive lines in the league. I can see Holliday having a couple of solo tackles and a sack this week.

LINEBACKERS

Every Week Starters:
Patrick Willis
James Harrison
Jon Beason
Barrett Rudd
London Fletcher
D.J. Williams
Curtis Lofton
Kirk Morrison
Brian Cushing
David Harris
David Hawthorne
James Laurinaitis
Karlos Dansby – INJURED (PROBABLE)
Clint Session – WATCH PLAYING STATUS
Paul Posluszny
Jonathan Vilma

1. MLB Jasper Brinkley – Rookie Jasper Brinkley has played well since taking over for the injured MLB EJ Henderson two weeks ago (click here to see how Henderson was injured). From the games I’ve watched, Brinkley seems to be around the ball quite a bit. He has a very good matchup versus the Giants this week and should be a great end of the season filler.

2. LILB James Farrior - Compared to his fantasy production last year, Farrior is having somewhat of an off-year. However, he provides good value this week because of his matchup against the Dolphins. Inside linebackers tend to put up great fantasy numbers against Miami and Farrior is the Steelers most consistent tackler. He should be a safe play for 7-9 total tackles this week.

3. WLB Geno Hayes – Hayes has really started to come into his own the last few weeks of the season. He’s registered a sack in each of the last two games and is starting to put up some nice tackle numbers. His matchup against the Falcons isn’t a good one, but the last time he played them he went 9-0-0. I have a gut feeling Hayes may reproduce a similar stat line this week. If you’re feeling a little risky, Hayes could be a great play.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Every Week Starters:
Eric Weddle – INJURED (QUESTIONABLE)
Charles Woodson
Troy Polamalu – INJURED (QUESTIONABLE)
Darren Sharper
Tyvon Branch
Antoine Bethea – WATCH PLAYING STATUS
Yeremiah Bell
Oshiomogho Atogwe – INJURED (PLACED ON IR 12/9)
Dashon Goldson
Bernard Pollard
Bryan Scott – INJURED (OUT)
Brian Dawkins

1. SS Mike Brown – I recommended Mike “Michelle” Brown last week and he really came through (13 total tackles). He has a fantastic matchup against the division rival Denver Broncos this week. I’m expecting another great game with Brown this week.

2. SS Chinedum “Nedu” Ndukwe – I expect a big game out of Ndukwe this week. He has a fantastic matchup against the Jets. This is a must-win game for the Jets and, with that being said, they are going to run the ball a ton with Thomas Jones. The Bengals will put 8 in the box (including Ndukwe) to stop him and force pretty boy Sanchez to actually make a play.

3. RCB Ronde Barber – Barber is having a pretty quiet year due to his lack of interceptions (zero). However, his tackles numbers are actually up slightly this year and he has a great matchup against Roddy White and the Falcons. I can see Barber producing some decent tackles numbers this week. If you have a good lead in your league and are looking to play it safe, Barber is a good play. He hasn’t had less than 4 solo tackles since Week 7.

Sits

*The IDP Guru’s Sit of the Week*

MLB DeAndre Levy – With Larry Foote possibly out for another game, Levy may once again slide into the starting MLB position. With that being said, I would typically recommend him. However, he’s facing the Bears this week who have given up the second least fantasy points to opposing linebackers the last seven weeks. Levy is a great dynasty pick but I would sit him this week.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

1. LDE Chris Kelsay – Kelsay has put up respectable numbers this season. But, I just don’t like the matchup against the Colts. Even with Curtis Painter under center, the Colts do an extremely good job of protecting the passer. Kelsay may have a difficult time getting to the quarterback this week.

2. RDE Greg Ellis – Ellis has managed 7 sacks this year even though he’s been hobbled by injuries for a majority of the season. He finally seems to be healthy, but the matchup this week against the Ravens is piss poor. I wouldn’t start Ellis this week.

LINEBACKERS

1. Nic Harris – Many people will be jumping on the waiver wire to pick up Harris after his 12 tackle performance last week filling in for WLB Bryan Scott. I think that given the right matchup, Harris could be a great pickup. However, the Colts are the absolute worst matchup an opposing fantasy linebacker can have. Be aware of falling into this potential trap!

2. WLB A.J. Hawk - Hawk has performed well this year from a strict football standpoint (he was just named as a NFC Pro Bowl alternate). However, his fantasy numbers have slowly been declining every year. He’s just not as productive, fantasy-wise, as he use to be. And his matchup against the Cardinals is not a good one.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1.  SS Dawan Landry – Landry has performed fairly well this year. He’s posted 82 total tackles along with 4 INTs. However, I wouldn’t really recommend any safeties who are playing Oakland. The Raiders just don’t control the ball enough and, when they do, they have a difficult time getting into the secondary. Leave Landry on your bench this week.

2. SS Adrian “Big Name” Wilson – Remember when Adrian Wilson use to be, hands-down, the best fantasy DB in the game? Well, I do. In 2005, he had 109 total tackles, 8 sacks, 1 INT, and 9 PDs. He was a beast to say the least. However, after a defensive scheme change, Wilson’s fantasy production has been greatly reduced. He has had a slight resurgence the last 7 games and consequently many people are playing Wilson as the DB1 he used to be four years ago. Don’t be fooled by the recent production and the big name. Wilson is still a DB2 at very best and he has a horrible matchup this week against the Packers. I would be somewhat apprehensive about starting Mr. Wilson this week.

I hope you found this article to be helpful and enjoyable!

Please feel free to leave comments, questions, or derogatory remarks!

Thanks!

Ryan Sitzmann (The IDP Guru)

If you liked this article, make sure to check out my blog: The IDP Guru

Let’s take a look at a few guys who should be pretty useful the rest of the way.

IDP is too often neglected, so we’ll start there first:

Please make the bad colors go away, they're hurting my head

David Hawthorne, LB, SEA – A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Hawthorne would be filling in for Lofa Tatupa for the remainder of the season. If you listened to me, you got another great 30 point performance from him in his second full start of the season. If you didn’t, bad dog, no bone. He’s still available in 96% of ESPN and 80% of Yahoo leagues. Go grab him now. I’ll wait.

Robaire Smith, DL, CLE – Over his last four games he has 21 solo tackles, eight assists and a sack. He’s not Jared Allen, but he can help you if you’re week at the DL position. He’s on bye this week.

Calais Campbell, DL, ARI – Here’s another kid that’s coming on. In his last three games he has nine solo tackles, two pass deflections, and two and a half sacks.

Jairus Byrd, DB, BUF - Byrd is the word in Buffalo these days, with two interceptions in each of his last three games, and 7 interceptions in his last four games. he’s also thrown in 10 solo tackles and eight pass deflections in those four games. The rookie is making the most of the injuries endured by the Bills secondary.

Tracy Porter, DB, NOS – Since coming off their bye week, Porter has come alive, averaging about 6 solo tackles a game to go with six pass deflections, and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a TD. His next match up is against Marc Bulger and the Rams. Hmmm.

Leon Hall, DB, CIN - In Hall’s last four games he’s racked up 24 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and seven pass deflections.

Now it’s time to get offensive:

You put your left foot in your pull your left foot out...

Malcom Floyd, WR, SDC – I have also mentioned Floyd over the last few weeks. he has been quietly sneaking into the Chargers pass game, and he’s taller than the goal post, so he makes a big target for Rivers. You didn’t think they cut Chris Chambers for nothing did you? See my Floyd prediction in this weeks Team Defense Start Sit.

Louis Rankin, RB, SEA – The Edge has lost his edge, and Julius Jones, can’t go two feet without tripping over his own. Enter upstart, Rankin, who was cut by the Raiders who were swimming in RBs. Since signing with the Seahawks practice squad, Rankin has made the defense miserable. He will now backstop Jones, and given the chance…

Donnie Avery, WR, STL - Yes, that same under-productive sleepwalker who has done nothing all season for those who took a chance on him. He doesn’t play on the greatest offense, but he is the team’s best target. And he has put together a couple decent games of late. Add to that a week of rest and another week removed from his preseason injury and I think he’ll do better than a lot of people expect down the stretch. He has some nice match-ups in the remaining weeks.

Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN – Berrian has sort of become the odd man out in Vikingville, with rookie Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice getting all the love and receptions. But most of that has to do with missing time to gel with Brett Favre early on. They’ve been connecting better of late, and they had an off week to work on their timing. A lot of owners have written him off this season as evidenced by his 75% ownership in most leagues. With him on a bye week, even if he’s on someone’s team, a desperate owner may give him away for a bye week filler…Just sayin’

Fred Davis, TE, WAS – My cohort Ray Tannock did a great piece on this kid earlier this week, and I agree. He makes a nice second half steal. Go read his article on Dazzling Davis.

Josh Morgan, WR, SF - Yes, I’ve been pushing this kid for weeks and the season’s big sleeper has been doing the big sleep. Opposing secondaries are going to be busy focusing on Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, and guess who’s gonna get the deep balls? Give Alex Smith a chance. His first full game came against the Colts. The Titans should give us a better measure of how things will play out.

Alex Smith, QB, SFO - I had no QB’s on the list, but bye weeks are over after next week. That said, Smith faces the woeful Titans secondary followed by the Bears at home the next two weeks, so if you need a fill-in…He could put up tres TDs both weeks.

Sorry Shaun, my zen master ways have defeated you!

Here’s a final two for you return league guys:

Danny Amendola, WR, STL – I was remiss in leaving him off my prior KR/PR list, but Danny’s been getting more involved in the pass game as well as his return duties of late. He could be a nice surprise going forward.

Courtney Roby, WR, NO – Over the last three games, since the team came off their bye week, Roby has been averaging about 8 fantasy points per game in most leagues with return yardage. If I told you a player would get one catch all game, but it would be for a touchdown, you’d probably play him. Eight points is 8 points, any way you score it.

Alright bastiches, I’m outta here. See you with the RB Starts in week 10!