Friday, November 28, 2003
Backup surprises aren't always just one-time wonders
By John Nemo
Fantasy football columnist
Everyone knows the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year. And this week might be one of your last chances to make those key free agent acquisitions before the playoffs get into full swing. While most big names are long gone, below is a look at some quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends who could be available.
Quarterbacks
How about Billy Volek? The rookie stepped into Steve McNair's cleats last weekend and looked solid, putting up 117 yards and a touchdown in helping Tennessee to a comeback win over Atlanta. Volek could start again this week if McNair's sore calf keeps him out of action, and consider that Tennessee is loaded at wide receiver, still has a decent running game with Eddie George and is averaging around 30 points a week.
At halftime of his team's game this week, Anthony Wright had 37 yards passing. By the end of Baltimore's amazing 44-41 overtime victory against Seattle, Wright had 319 yards passing, 27 rushing and four touchdowns. Gaudy stats for a third-string journeyman making his seventh NFL start. Fantasy football is all about statistical insanity, and last Sunday in Baltimore was a prime example. That said, don't buy into Wright's hype - he's still much more likely to be handing off to Jamal Lewis 30 times a game than throwing for multiple touchdowns.
It was all about the Hasselbeck brothers this Sunday. While Matt threw for five scores in Baltimore, little brother Tim came off the bench in Washington and put up 150 yards passing with a touchdown. Depending on how banged up and woozy Patrick Ramsey feels, the younger Hasselbeck might get another start this week against New Orleans.
Wide receivers
Has there been a bigger one-game wonder in recent memory than Marcus Robinson? The former Bear has either been hurt or invisible the past few seasons. So of course he lights up the Seahawks for seven catches, 131 yards and an unthinkable four touchdowns. A better pickup would be Seattle's Bobby Engram, who grabbed a pair of touchdowns against Baltimore and is thriving in his role as third receiver/punt returner. He has scored three weeks in a row and the Seahawks have a cake schedule (Cleveland, Minnesota, St. Louis, Arizona) ahead.
Tight ends
If you need help at tight end, Boo Williams could be your guy. He replaced the injured Ernie Conwell for New Orleans last week and had nine catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. With Joe Horn still gimpy and Aaron Brooks in constant need of a safety valve over the middle, Boo figures to have some nice games down the stretch. Another guy who might help you at tight end is New England's Daniel Graham. He's scored twice in the past three weeks and the Patriots' passing game seems to be going strong again.
Moves to make
Start him: Eddie George, Titans. Playing on Monday Night Football, with a rookie quarterback likely forced into action and facing one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, George is primed for a big night against the Jets.
Bench him: Rudi Johnson, Bengals. Against a solid Steelers rush defense, there won't be enough good stats to go around for both Johnson and Corey Dillon, who looked excellent last week against San Diego. Pick him up: Najeh Davenport, Packers. He gained 62 yards on 11 carries last week against S.F.
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John Nemo writes Fantasy Fanatic, a nationally syndicated column, every week. Reach him with questions and comments at johnnemo@comcast.net
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