We're back this Thursday from 7-8 with our live fantasy web chat. I'll be joined by Danielle Santoro and fantasy football guru Todd Prinz to answer all of your questions. So stop on by whas11.com Thursday from 7-8 to chat us up. In the meantime here's the guru's latest blog:
The Talent Agency: Evaluating Free Agents
Looking at prospects - Keep an eye on them, but don't get them yet
Dolphins QB Chad Henne: Monday night, Henne threw for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns against a Jets pass defense that had previously allowed on average 177 passing yards and only 1 passing touchdown. Unlike Pennington, his big arm was able to utilize Ginn's deep speed for a 53 yard touchdown. That score was set-up with the play-action. Miami's effective running attack makes their play-action passing extremely dangerous. Henne will able to throw a few bombs a game and allow Ginn to go get it. Finally, Henne put on an exhibition last night. He made throws on the run, showed touch on screen passes, and made tough throws with eight-man blitzes coming right at him. He is better fantasy backup than Derek Anderson, Trent Edwards, Marc Bulger, Shaun Hill, Jamarcus Russell, Jason Campbell, Jake Delhomme, and Kerry Collins.
Bringing them in for a work out - Snag them if you're in deeper leagues
Giants WR Hakeem Nicks: The Tar Heel product was selected in the first round to help fill the void left by Plaxico Burress. Hakeem's college production suggested that it was a possibility. He caught 1222 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008. Sadly for Nicks, Steve Smith has already filled that position, but there still might be a vacancy left by Toomer. After missing a few weeks due to injury, Nicks had 103 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns against the Chiefs and Raiders. In these games, he has been explosive after the catch and displayed great hands. He could compete for Manningham's starting spot, but at the very least will probably rotate with him.
Cowboys WR Miles Austin: With Roy E. Williams sitting out with bruised ribs, Austin got the starting nod and he definitely made the most of the opportunity. He was able to snag 10 receptions for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns. His reception yardage is a Cowboy's record and his 60 yard reception iced the game. Regardless, Austin has a lot going against him though. He might unseat Patrick Crayton, but he won't unseat Williams. They gave up too much to the Lions to throw in the towel on Roy. Also factor in that the Chiefs corners are truly woeful. Their poor tackling allowed the two, long touchdown receptions by Austin. The previous two weeks, they allowed 149 yards with a touchdown to DeSean Jackson and 134 yards with 2 touchdowns to Steve Smith. Finally, Austin dropped at least 2 touchdowns in the end zone. He has been with the team for four years and only had 354 yards and 3 touchdowns before this season. Pick him up if you have space at the end of the bunch, but wait to play him.
Getting the name plate for their locker- Pick them up if you have room
Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw: The Giants running game has been dominate the last few years. New York has been in the top 10 in rushing since 2004 when they were 11th. The difference this year is that Brandon Jacobs isn't the most effective runner for the G-men. The Giants' true rushing weapon, Ahmad Bradshaw, has been averaging 75 yards rushing per game, 14 yards receiving per game, and 6.5 yards per carry. Against the Raiders, Bradshaw had 110 rushing yards, 55 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns. He is an excellent flex and can fill-in for a starter on bye.
Pushing them on to the playing field- Swipe them unless you're team is loaded
Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin: Against Tampa, the Eagles seemed like they decide to showcase Maclin against the Bucs' leaky secondary. He caught 6 receptions for 142 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. There are a few reasons that I like Maclin better than Miles Austin. The main one is that Maclin is probably a starter now. With the trade deadline approaching, the Eagles are supposedly shopping Kevin Curtis, the guy who entered the season as Philly's #2 wide receiver. The second one is that the Cowboys can actually run the ball effectively. Philadelphia's offense is reliant on airing it out with an occasional sprinkle of the run. The final one is that he is probably the most explosive player in this year's draft who can catch. Sorry Daruis Heyward-Bay. That was cheap shot, but you can go cry on your guaranteed $23.5 million. That should soothe your sorrow.
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