My man Todd Prinz, who we have dubbed the fantasy football guru, is back with another edition of The Talent Agency: Evaluating Free Agents. Around the newsroom Todd is known as the authoritarian on all things NFL. In our fantasy football league right now he's in second place with a solid 3-1 record. You can catch him each and every Thursday from 7:00-8:00 pm on WHAS11.com's live fantasy football web chat. Enough of my rambling. Here's the latest edition of the guru's Talent Agency: Evaluating Free Agents:
Looking at prospects - Keep an eye on them, but don't get them yet
Titans WR Kenny Britt: Tennessee's secondary has been woefully bad this year as they have already given up 282 passing yards per game and 10 passing touchdowns. This problem has forced Kerry Collins to throw it more as he is averaging 228 passing yards per game and thrown 5 touchdowns. To put in perspective, Collins averaged 167 passing yards per game and threw only 12 touchdowns in 2008. With this need for an increased aerial assault, rookie Kenny Britt has stepped up to the challenge. Through the first four games, Britt is averaging 67 receiving yards per game. He is still probably on most waiver wires, because he has yet to score a touchdown.
Bringing them in for a work out - Snag them if you're in deeper leagues
Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi: With Derek Anderson starting at quarterback, Massaquoi has emerged as possible pickup. The Georgia product was targeted 13 times and had 8 receptions for 148 yards. The Browns will most likely be down in most games, so they'll be chucking the ball around. Also Braylon Edwards still draws double coverage, so Massaquoi will probably be just manned up. I would pick him in 12 person or deeper leagues.
Browns RB Jerome Harrison: Last Sunday, Harrison methodically gashed away 121 rushing yards against a Bengals defense that had been pretty stingy against the run. He also snagged 5 receptions for 31 receiving yards. Against Baltimore, he had 85 total yards so he isn't a one week wonder. Also rookie James Davis has been placed on injured reserve and Jamal Lewis has been inactive the last two games. Their bad luck will allow Harrison the opportunity to become the lead back and at the very least a timeshare buddy with Lewis. I would pick him up in 12 person or deeper leagues.
Getting the name plate for their locker- Pick them up if you have room
49ers TE Vernon Davis: The Under Armour model is starting to become Shaun Hill's go-to guy. Hill has thrown 5 touchdown passes in 2009, and 3 of those have gone to Davis. Vernon is also averaging 52 receiving yards a game. He has been consistent for the first month which is a good indication that he will be consistent for a year.
Pushing them on to the playing field- Swipe them unless you're team is loaded
Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall: The 2008 first round draft pick finally legitimized his high selection Sunday. He smashed a toothless Chargers defense with 165 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns, and 26 receiving yards. Pittsburgh's starter, Willie Parker, is out with a toe injury and already had hamstring troubles before the season began. Mendenhall can steal the starting job with a good showing against the Lions who are allowing 121 rushing yards per game and 3 total rushing touchdowns. Grab him if you can.
Jags WR Mike Sims-Walker: In the last three weeks, Mike Sims-Walker has caught 278 yards and a three touchdown. He also has been targeted on average 10 times a game. He gets the looks and the production. He looks to be the Jags first legitimate #1 receiver since Jimmy Smith had retired. Pick him up if he is still available in any league.
Jags QB David Garrard: Partially due to the emergence of Sims-Walker, Garrard is really becoming a relevant fantasy presence. In the last three games, he has averaged 273 passing yards per game, 31 rushing yards per game, thrown 5 touchdowns, and rushed for a touchdown. Also for the year, he has only thrown 1 interception. He also still has some easy matchups against the Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Titans, and the Texans. Pickup him if you have Jay Cutler, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers who are all on byes this week.
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