You guys didn't think we'd let the week wind down without squeezing yet another article with Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray in the title did you? Murray's name has been fantasy gold this week, so you better believe we are going to take advantage of that. Going up against the Eagles Defense, I get the inkling that we could see Murray's name pop up several times on search engines after Week 8.
But I digress. Here are this week's Risers and Fallers as we head into the weekend.
RISERS
QUARTERBACK
John Beck - WAS: Even though the Redskins lost in Week 7 against the Panthers, Washington still got exciting by what they saw out of Beck. Beck not only showed off his arm (279/1/1), but his mobility as he was able to extend plays by running around in the pocket and running a score in the endzone. Unfortunately, Beck's value takes a serious hit now that Santana Moss is out for the next month and longer with a broken hand. But for Week-7 purposes, Beck deserves this week's Riser award.
RUNNING BACK
DeMarco Murray - DAL: I got a lot of compliments in last week's Brass Knuckles Report regarding my analysis of Murray. I'm not right all the time. So when I am, you better believe I am going to toot my own horn. Murray decimated an already crappy Rams rushing defense. I was high on the kid, but I never thought he would put up 253 rushing yards. The touchdown was icing on the cake. I know the Eagles made the Redskins' running backs look like jokesters, but one game does not a strong rushing defense make. I think Murray will have another strong day in Week 8.
WIDE RECEIVER
Marques Colston - NO: Colston has been on fire over the last two weeks, averaging 7 receptions and totaling 3 touchdowns. Having missed Weeks 2 and 3, while being on a limited snap count in Week 4, Colston's chemistry with Drew Brees is clearly back. Colston gets to do more damage against the Rams in Week 8. St. Louis gives up 28 fantasy points a game. I expect the entire Saints offense to put up huge stats this week.
TIGHT END
Fred Davis - WAS: Once John Beck took over, it was fantasy points galore for Davis, who racked up 6 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers. With Chris Cooley (IR) out of the way and Santana Moss out for the next several weeks, expect Davis' numbers to keep him at TE1 status. He's the best receiving option the team has right now.
FALLERS
QUARTERBACK
Matt Cassel - KC: Coming off back-to-back games of 250+ passing yards and a 5:0 TD:INT ratio in the same span, I strongly recommended Cassel as a legit starting option against the Raiders last weekend. Oh how wrong I was. Cassel must have decided over the team's bye that two good games was enough for the season because his 50% completion percentage was the worst of the season. Those two interceptions didn't help either. Now I can't recommend Cassel as anything more than a desperation option against a Chargers Defense that has held up well against fantasy quarterbacks this year.
RUNNING BACK
Beanie Wells - ARI: You may have a differing opinion, but this is the last year I will be drafting Wells in any of my leagues. After a disappointing 2010, Wells has already missed one game because of a hamstring injury. And he is now likely to miss Week 8 because of a knee sprain (As of this writing, Ken Whisenhunt has stated that Wells is far from being ruled completely out after returning to practice Thursday). Taking out the first two weeks of the season, Wells' fantasy numbers have been pretty inconsistent. It doesn't help that Kevin Kolb hasn't panned out as well as originally hoped. And add the continuing injury concerns, I can honestly say that Wells will no longer be in Team Brosh's 2012 plans.
WIDE RECEIVER
Reggie Wayne - IND: When Peyton Manning was under center, the Colts front office looked like geniuses. Now that Manning is out, it's clear that Bill Polian relied too heavily on Manning over the years, making the offense, and defense, look like a laughing stock. As for Reggie Wayne owners, the end appears to be nowhere in site. Outside of Week 1, Wayne has yet to tally more than 80 yards and has gone scoreless in the last 6 games. Thinking that Manning could continue to be an iron man, while ignoring the back up quarterback position, will be Polian's downfall for 2011.
TIGHT END
Marcedes Lewis - JAX: While other owners continued to push Lewis higher in their rankings, I took his name off all my draft boards going into the Summer. Lewis had a great 2010 with 10 touchdowns. But considering his total output from 2006-2009 didn't come close to that one year, you have the makings of a one-year wonder. The sudden release of David Garrard didn't help either. So until Blane Gabbert takes that next step to becoming a complete quarterback, Lewis will continue to flounder in mediocrity.