Roy Helu, RB, WAS - Shanahan made his move to see what Helu can do, and Helu didn't disappoint. He set a Redskins' franchise record with 105 receiving yards on 14 catches and also posted 41 rushing yards on 10 carries. The rookie from Nebraska has the explosive step to pop some big plays and is a good fit in Shanahan's running scheme. For now, the starting job is Helu's. Let the fantasy feeding frenzy begin.
Ben Tate, RB, HOU - Many of you who own Arian Foster have already handcuffed Ben Tate. For those that haven't, run, don't walk to the waiver wire and do that now. Tate is a more than capable back-up, and in fact, he is starting to warrant fantasy starts in deeper leagues with desperate owners just cashing in on Tate mop-up duty from Foster. Tate finished the day on Sunday with 115 rushing yards and a TD. This is his second 100+ rushing yard performance in his last 3 games, so as you can see, Tate's mop-up duty hasn't been all that bad.
Chris Ivory, RB, NOR - It should be noted Ivory led the Saints in carries on Sunday with 15. He converted those 15 carries to 67 yards. The injury to Mark Ingram has given Ivory some more opportunity, and it remains to be seen how that will develop in the coming weeks. However, there are many fantasy teams really hurting at the RB slot for any kind of production, so we wanted to bring the Ivory situation to your attention.
Julio Jones, WR, ATL - Having missed the last three weeks, some fantasy teams have dropped Jones due to roster space issues. After week 9, they are regretting that move as Jones exploded for a huge day posting 131 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Their loss is your gain, so if Jones is floating on your waiver wire, go ahead and reel him in.
Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK - Any time you get a switch at QB, you have to keep a close eye on all the WRs to see which one the new QB favors. Ford has been given new life with Palmer and finished the day with 5 receptions for 105 yards and a TD.
Torrey Smith, WR, BAL - The rookie from Maryland is starting to make a name for himself and establish a role in the Baltimore offense. After a monster week 3 performance (152 yards and 3 TDs), Smith cooled off for a few weeks. Now he is starting to get more integrated into the offense and has posted back to back weeks of 9 targets. He caught the game winning TD on Sunday Night and ended the day with 5 receptions for 71 yards and a TD. His fantasy stock is starting to go up, so now is the time to buy.
Laurent Robinson, WR, DAL - Despite having the deck stacked against him with star WRs Dez Bryant and Miles Austin playing on the same team, Robinson scored his second TD in consecutive weeks. He also leads Dallas in 100+ yard receiving games with two (Austin - 1; Bryant - 0). Make what you want to out of that, but it is clear Robinson has a role in the offense. Depending on what develops from Austin's hamstring injury (forced him to leave the game in the 2nd quarter), Robinson may get even more involved in the Cowboys' offense.
Carson Palmer, QB, OAK - Palmer was dropped in many leagues after a horrendous appearance in week 7. In fairness to Palmer, he had only joined the team a few days earlier and only knew a handful plays. Basically it was the real-life version of Tecmo Bowl without unstoppable Bo Jackson lining up behind you. After the week 8 BYE, Palmer got his first real shot as the Raiders signal caller. To be honest, he surpassed expectations at this point and posted 332 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs. His completion percentage was a little low (19 for 35), but that will increase as he gets more familiar with the offense. It will also help when star RB Darren McFadden returns to help keep opposing defenses honest.
Show 'em the Door (a.k.a. Drop)
Note: This advice is intended for redraft leagues only.
Jason Campbell, QB, OAK - Campbell broke his collarbone in week 6 and is out for at least 6 weeks.
David Garrard, QB, JAX - In a surprise move, the Jaguars cut Garrard just before the start of the season. You should too.
Rex Grossman, QB, WAS - Grossman came out of the gates firing, but he has really struggled since, highlighted by a 4 INT game in week 6.
Chad Henne, QB, MIA - Henne is dinged up and that is more than enough reason to drop him. He wasn't all that impressive prior to his injury, but now he just isn't worth the hassel.
Peyton Manning, QB, IND - Unless you are in some sort of keeper league, you should give up hope that Manning will return. It's over! You just have to come to grips with that.
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC - Charles' season is done no thanks to a season ending knee injury suffered in week 2.
Earnest Graham, RB, TAM - It was a very brief fantasy ride with Graham, but unfortunately he tore his Achilles in week 7 and is out for the rest of the year.
Jamie Harper, RB, TEN - Give this up. Harper just isn't going to pay off at this point.
Jerome Harrison, RB, DET - Jahvid Best can only hold out so long before he succumbs to injury, but Harrison won't be the answer. You have better be in a very deep league if you are hanging onto Harrison.
Dexter McCluster, RB, KC - The Dexter McCluster experiment at RB is failing. Despite being given plenty of opportunity with the season ending injury to Jamaal Charles, this situation is just not working out.
Isaac Redman, RB, PIT - Redman blew his chance to shine in week 5 as the show was stolen by Jonathan Dwyer. With Dwyer in the mix and Mendenhall set to return, Redman's fantasy value has tanked.
C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF - Fred Jackson has looked like a super star, and Spiller has been a non-factor. If you are in a non-ppr league, he should already be long gone. If you are in a PPR league, you had better be in a real deep one if you think you need to take a chance on Spiller. He isn't worth much in most leagues.
Derrick Ward, RB, HOU - Foster is back and playing well, and Ben Tate has proven that he can carry the load for Houston when Foster is limited by injury. Ward doesn't have a lot of opportunity at this point. You can let him go.
Carnell Williams, RB, STL - The shelf-life on Williams was short, and his usefulness fantasywise has expired. Unless you own Steven Jackson, it is best to let Williams go at this point.
Danny Amendola, WR, STL - Amendola is out for the year with a torn tricep.
Kenny Britt, WR, TEN - The music Britt and his fantasy owners were making has come to an abrupt stop no thanks to a season ending knee injury suffered in week 3.
Austin Collie, WR, IND - Without Peyton Manning, Collie is just another WR that you don't need to bother with.
Braylon Edwards, WR, SF - Edwards has struggled and is now out due to meniscus surgery. He isn't expected back until mid-season at the earliest, and it will take time to ramp back up to the speed and timing of the NFL. Use your valuable roster spot on someone else with better upside.
Donald Jones, WR, BUF - We know that Jones had his first career 100 yard game in Week 3, but we think you should put him back out there on the waivers unless you have a better option.
Mario Manningham, WR, NYG - Manningham is another WR that much was expected from in the preseason. However, he is become overcome by events. Victor Cruz has been playing very well with the time he has been given. Right now, there are more exciting options out there on the waivers in most leagues.
David Nelson, WR, BUF - It is hard to believe in Nelson. He had some nice games when the Bills were on fire, but we just don't see Nelson being a consistent threat. We also don't see the Bills offense as being prolific enough to support more than one fantasy WR. Cut Nelson loose.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, NE - Tom Brady has been throwing for a bazillion yards every week, but hardly any of it gets to Ochocinco. Cut him loose please.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, JAX - Sims-Walker has had plenty of opportunities, and none of them worked out. Now he is on IR.
Hines Ward, WR, PIT - Time has passed Ward by and the team has way too many great options at WR to use Ward on a consistent basis. You should look for a better option.
Roy Williams, WR, CHI - In most leagues, you can find a better option.
Chris Cooley, TE, WAS - Cooley has been surpassed by Fred Davis. Cooley has little value in almost all formats.
Jeff King, TE, ARZ - We didn't realize that anyone owned this guy.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX - Lewis was primed for a great season until the team stuck him with a rookie QB and a journeyman to start the season. The departure of David Garrard marked the end of Lewis' fantasy prospects in 2011.
Tony Moeaki, TE, KC - Moeaki is out of the year with a season ending injury.
Garrett Hartley, K, NO - Hartley is done for the season with an injury.
Nate Kaeding, K, SDG - Kaeding is out of the season with an ACL tear to his left knee.
Ben Tate, RB, HOU - Many of you who own Arian Foster have already handcuffed Ben Tate. For those that haven't, run, don't walk to the waiver wire and do that now. Tate is a more than capable back-up, and in fact, he is starting to warrant fantasy starts in deeper leagues with desperate owners just cashing in on Tate mop-up duty from Foster. Tate finished the day on Sunday with 115 rushing yards and a TD. This is his second 100+ rushing yard performance in his last 3 games, so as you can see, Tate's mop-up duty hasn't been all that bad.
Chris Ivory, RB, NOR - It should be noted Ivory led the Saints in carries on Sunday with 15. He converted those 15 carries to 67 yards. The injury to Mark Ingram has given Ivory some more opportunity, and it remains to be seen how that will develop in the coming weeks. However, there are many fantasy teams really hurting at the RB slot for any kind of production, so we wanted to bring the Ivory situation to your attention.
Julio Jones, WR, ATL - Having missed the last three weeks, some fantasy teams have dropped Jones due to roster space issues. After week 9, they are regretting that move as Jones exploded for a huge day posting 131 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Their loss is your gain, so if Jones is floating on your waiver wire, go ahead and reel him in.
Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK - Any time you get a switch at QB, you have to keep a close eye on all the WRs to see which one the new QB favors. Ford has been given new life with Palmer and finished the day with 5 receptions for 105 yards and a TD.
Torrey Smith, WR, BAL - The rookie from Maryland is starting to make a name for himself and establish a role in the Baltimore offense. After a monster week 3 performance (152 yards and 3 TDs), Smith cooled off for a few weeks. Now he is starting to get more integrated into the offense and has posted back to back weeks of 9 targets. He caught the game winning TD on Sunday Night and ended the day with 5 receptions for 71 yards and a TD. His fantasy stock is starting to go up, so now is the time to buy.
Laurent Robinson, WR, DAL - Despite having the deck stacked against him with star WRs Dez Bryant and Miles Austin playing on the same team, Robinson scored his second TD in consecutive weeks. He also leads Dallas in 100+ yard receiving games with two (Austin - 1; Bryant - 0). Make what you want to out of that, but it is clear Robinson has a role in the offense. Depending on what develops from Austin's hamstring injury (forced him to leave the game in the 2nd quarter), Robinson may get even more involved in the Cowboys' offense.
Carson Palmer, QB, OAK - Palmer was dropped in many leagues after a horrendous appearance in week 7. In fairness to Palmer, he had only joined the team a few days earlier and only knew a handful plays. Basically it was the real-life version of Tecmo Bowl without unstoppable Bo Jackson lining up behind you. After the week 8 BYE, Palmer got his first real shot as the Raiders signal caller. To be honest, he surpassed expectations at this point and posted 332 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs. His completion percentage was a little low (19 for 35), but that will increase as he gets more familiar with the offense. It will also help when star RB Darren McFadden returns to help keep opposing defenses honest.
Show 'em the Door (a.k.a. Drop)
Note: This advice is intended for redraft leagues only.
Jason Campbell, QB, OAK - Campbell broke his collarbone in week 6 and is out for at least 6 weeks.
David Garrard, QB, JAX - In a surprise move, the Jaguars cut Garrard just before the start of the season. You should too.
Rex Grossman, QB, WAS - Grossman came out of the gates firing, but he has really struggled since, highlighted by a 4 INT game in week 6.
Chad Henne, QB, MIA - Henne is dinged up and that is more than enough reason to drop him. He wasn't all that impressive prior to his injury, but now he just isn't worth the hassel.
Peyton Manning, QB, IND - Unless you are in some sort of keeper league, you should give up hope that Manning will return. It's over! You just have to come to grips with that.
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC - Charles' season is done no thanks to a season ending knee injury suffered in week 2.
Earnest Graham, RB, TAM - It was a very brief fantasy ride with Graham, but unfortunately he tore his Achilles in week 7 and is out for the rest of the year.
Jamie Harper, RB, TEN - Give this up. Harper just isn't going to pay off at this point.
Jerome Harrison, RB, DET - Jahvid Best can only hold out so long before he succumbs to injury, but Harrison won't be the answer. You have better be in a very deep league if you are hanging onto Harrison.
Dexter McCluster, RB, KC - The Dexter McCluster experiment at RB is failing. Despite being given plenty of opportunity with the season ending injury to Jamaal Charles, this situation is just not working out.
Isaac Redman, RB, PIT - Redman blew his chance to shine in week 5 as the show was stolen by Jonathan Dwyer. With Dwyer in the mix and Mendenhall set to return, Redman's fantasy value has tanked.
C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF - Fred Jackson has looked like a super star, and Spiller has been a non-factor. If you are in a non-ppr league, he should already be long gone. If you are in a PPR league, you had better be in a real deep one if you think you need to take a chance on Spiller. He isn't worth much in most leagues.
Derrick Ward, RB, HOU - Foster is back and playing well, and Ben Tate has proven that he can carry the load for Houston when Foster is limited by injury. Ward doesn't have a lot of opportunity at this point. You can let him go.
Carnell Williams, RB, STL - The shelf-life on Williams was short, and his usefulness fantasywise has expired. Unless you own Steven Jackson, it is best to let Williams go at this point.
Danny Amendola, WR, STL - Amendola is out for the year with a torn tricep.
Kenny Britt, WR, TEN - The music Britt and his fantasy owners were making has come to an abrupt stop no thanks to a season ending knee injury suffered in week 3.
Austin Collie, WR, IND - Without Peyton Manning, Collie is just another WR that you don't need to bother with.
Braylon Edwards, WR, SF - Edwards has struggled and is now out due to meniscus surgery. He isn't expected back until mid-season at the earliest, and it will take time to ramp back up to the speed and timing of the NFL. Use your valuable roster spot on someone else with better upside.
Donald Jones, WR, BUF - We know that Jones had his first career 100 yard game in Week 3, but we think you should put him back out there on the waivers unless you have a better option.
Mario Manningham, WR, NYG - Manningham is another WR that much was expected from in the preseason. However, he is become overcome by events. Victor Cruz has been playing very well with the time he has been given. Right now, there are more exciting options out there on the waivers in most leagues.
David Nelson, WR, BUF - It is hard to believe in Nelson. He had some nice games when the Bills were on fire, but we just don't see Nelson being a consistent threat. We also don't see the Bills offense as being prolific enough to support more than one fantasy WR. Cut Nelson loose.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, NE - Tom Brady has been throwing for a bazillion yards every week, but hardly any of it gets to Ochocinco. Cut him loose please.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, JAX - Sims-Walker has had plenty of opportunities, and none of them worked out. Now he is on IR.
Hines Ward, WR, PIT - Time has passed Ward by and the team has way too many great options at WR to use Ward on a consistent basis. You should look for a better option.
Roy Williams, WR, CHI - In most leagues, you can find a better option.
Chris Cooley, TE, WAS - Cooley has been surpassed by Fred Davis. Cooley has little value in almost all formats.
Jeff King, TE, ARZ - We didn't realize that anyone owned this guy.
Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX - Lewis was primed for a great season until the team stuck him with a rookie QB and a journeyman to start the season. The departure of David Garrard marked the end of Lewis' fantasy prospects in 2011.
Tony Moeaki, TE, KC - Moeaki is out of the year with a season ending injury.
Garrett Hartley, K, NO - Hartley is done for the season with an injury.
Nate Kaeding, K, SDG - Kaeding is out of the season with an ACL tear to his left knee.
