Fantasy football: Pre-season Risers and Fallers
by Josh Gaier
The preseason is far from meaningless for fantasy football fanatics, as they search for sleepers to steal and busts to avoid.
Brett Favre – Stock Rising
Despite only playing two drives with the Jets offense, Favre looked to be in midseason form. The Jets have a great arsenal of weaponds for Favre to utilize. He has already found a special connection with Jerricho Cotchery. A possession receiver — and one who is quite similar to his former teammate Greg Jennings — Jerricho Cotchery will be a valuable option for Favre. The Jets are tailoring their offense around Favre, which should only improve his play.
Alex Smith – Stock Falling Drastically
Alex Smith, once thought to have had the 49ers starting quarterback job, is suddenly on the verge of being demoted — maybe even to third string. Although Smith still has a chance to start the opener for the 49ers, Mike Martz’ protege, J.T. O’Sullivan is distancing himself from Smith and fellow quarterback Shaun Hill. with It doesn’t bode well for Smith or his fantasy holders. Even if Smith sneaks out of camp with the starting job, he is no guarantee to finish with it.
Darren McFadden – Stock Rising
“Run DMC” has looked explosive and powerful in his brief NFL career. The Raiders will surely rely heavily on the top draft pick, making him an intriguing pick for all fantasy owners. Asking for an Adrian Peterson-type rookie campaign may be a little ridiculous; however, McFadden should still put up respectable fantasy numbers. Expect him to grind out good yardage on the inside and be a frequent homerun hitter.
Julius Jones – Stock Falling
Jones already has been given the backup role to Marucie Morris, and while Morris and rookie Justin Forsett have looked good so far, the same can’t be said about Jones. Jones is going to struggle to get an adequate amount of carries to be a good selection. Further, he doesn’t fit the bill as the ‘hawks goal-line running back. Jones might be worth holding onto in deeper leagues, but in 10-team leagues, Jones is nothing more than an emergency fill.
Marvin Harrison – Stock Rising Slightly
Many people have Harrison down in the lower teens of their fantasy rankings due to his lingering injury concerns — he missed the last 11 games of the regular season and looked rusty in the team’s lone playoff game. However, Harrison is playing with determination and is back to full health. Despite Harrison being a household name, he is still a sleeper because of his quiet year last year.
Robert Meacham – Stock Rising
Meacham, who showed up to camp overweight last season, spent much of it on the sidelines. The first-round pick never instilled faith in the coaching staff that he was a reliable weapon on the field. However, this year with full health to boast, Meacham has been off to a hot start in the preseason. The Saints are flooded with mediocre receivers with no true No. 2 receiver. Thus, Meacham should see his playing time increase, and he could potentially find a role as the Saints’ No. 2 wideout down the road.
Rex Grossman – Stock Falling Drastically
Many people wouldn’t have even considered Grossman from the get-go, but now that he’s a backup, there is no need whatsoever for any body to have Grossman on his/her team. Kyle Orton was named the starting quarterback, and although injuries or inferior play could prevent him from starting the whole season, Grossman will be riding the bench unless/until that happens. Make a point to release him if you already have him, or stay away if you haven’t had your draft yet.