Who's Hot & Who's Not!

Posted by Kurt on Sep 23, 2009 in Fantasy Football

5 Who are Hot & 5 Who are Not!

Now that we are officially through a few weeks of the regular season we are getting exactly what was expected in the fantasy world, a few surprise performers and quite a few duds who are leaving their owners with headaches and anxiety, in just a few weeks time. 

Mario Manningham, Eli's best weapon?

 Who’s Hot:

1. Mario Manningham: Last years draft faller “Super Mario” has been lighting up his opportunity on the field, with all the injuries suffered in the Giants WR core and no true No.1 (although Steve Smith is emerging) WR on the roster, Manningham is making a huge case for targets on a regular basis. Through two games he has posted 13 rec, 208 yards and 2 TD’s, leaving defenders picking up their jocks and rival WR’s jealously dropping their jaws with incredible catches….Last year his stock had fallen because of character (lying about smoking weed) not talent, go get him while you can!

2. Chris Johnson: If you didn’t see the game against the Texans, go watch it immediately! Everyone knows Chris Johnson is an elite talent, but what he did against the Texans last week speaks volumes of the value he is staking in fantasy circles. Johnson posted a sickening 16 attempts for 197 yards and 3 total TD’s, he also had two plays of 91 and 69 yards for TD’s. This guy is incredibely explosive and loves the ball in his hands, he could be taken first overall next year if he continues to play like he did in week two.

3. Dallas Clark:  Dallas Clark always proves his worth as a receiver, but with Gonzalez out Clark is the beneficiary of most of Peyton Manning’s targets. Against the Dolphins, Clark put up some huge numbers posting….7 rec for 183 yards and an 80 yard TD on the first play of the game. For as long as Gonzo is out, he and Wayne will see almost all of those targets in the passing-game for the Indianapolis Colts.

4. Adrian Peterson: There is a reason why Peterson is the no-brainer choice for fantasy drafts, it’s because he is almost unstoppable. Through two games of the season Peterson has a handle on the rushing lead early, with Minnesota in Peterson’s hands they should be primed for more rushing yards with a healthy offensive line. This guy is a true weapon on offense and should be used extensively for fantasy owners, difficult match-up or not!

5. Joe Flacco: Two games into the regular season Joe Flacco is establishing himself as a dynamic QB in the pocket, with no true elite WR on the roster Flacco continues to impress the critics with his outstanding athletic ability, whether it’s in the pocket or on the run, this kid can get it done. The Ravens seem to be content with letting this kid throw the ball, so he should be a good play against weaker secondaries as the year goes on.  

Sophomore slump for Slaton?

Who’s Not:

1. Steve Slaton: Through two games in the regular season Slaton is finding it hard to get much going on the ground for the Texans, he has fumbled three balls in two games and seems to have his coach in dire straights to fix the problem. I am not writing Slaton off, but the sophomore slump could be a very real possibility for the younger back in his second year.

2. Matt Forte: Another elite RB in his second year, Matt Forte through two games is having difficulty getting things going early in the season. That is not to say he won’t, but so far his production (against tough defenses) hasn’t been up to par considering his draft position. I wouldn’t go selling the farm on these sophomore kids, but owners will need to hope for better production in the next few weeks of the season.

3. Brandon Marshall:We all saw this coming, but there was very optimistic owners after seeing him on the field in week 1. Temper your expectations with Marshall this year after his tumultuous off-season and learning curve in McDaniels offense. Fantasy owners should pray for a trade at the deadline…like Roy Williams to Dallas last year!….Come-on Jets!

4. LaDanian Tomlinson:Yes, it’s true, Ladanian is again sent to watch on the sidelines while Darren Sproles continues where he left off last season (PPR Stud!). It’s sad to say, but if Tomlinson doesn’t start looking healthy soon he might just be replaced in the near future. Tomlinson was looking to get back on top of the rushing podium this year until the opening game of the season against the Raiders, Tomlinson was injured early on (missing week 2) and seems to be questionable following up a week three match-up against the Dolphins. Hopefully owners handcuffed their aging star with Sproles!

5. Pittsburgh’s running-game: For owners who are currently pulling out their hair on Sundays, I have to admit that they (Parker & Mendenhall) look terrible! The best running-back on that team looks like Mewelde Moore, no one envisioned that scenario again to start the season. Parker and Mendenhall are getting stood up way to often at the line of scrimmage, they need to improve this area of their game quickly, or it could be a long season for a power-running team.  Hopefully Mendenhall will feel more comfortable in the back-field in the next coming weeks of the season, they need him to step up and become the franchise back they thought they were getting in the draft.

I understand that it’s only week 3 coming up, but it’s definitely nice to see production out of your elite players, let’s face it..it’s should be harder to draft (or predict) your depth players over your starters. Since we are only a few games in, let’s see how these players start reacting to the criticism of bad production, hopefully they jump to the front of the line sooner rather than later.

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