Okay, it's getting closer to mid-season, and it's time that we of the Clowntown Clan all face the inevitable truth: there are some NFL players that should be downgraded, traded, and even dumped (since their untimely demise is inevitable). With that in mind, it's time to name names, and here are a few of the most popular players who are on my personal "hit list."
Philip Rivers and his high powered offense face New England this week. Normally I would not rank Rivers low on the QB scale (especially this season) with his performance over the first three weeks, but his past vs. New England is nothing to write home about. Sure Rivers has thrown some TDs against the NE defense, but he also tends to toss as many (if not more) interceptions. Let's put it this way: San Diego in general has faltered vs. New England and I would not put too much credit towards Rivers this week Demons. He struggled against Oakland last week and I think he will see a tough defensive force in Week 6.
Willis McGahee did score a TD in his Week 3 game, which was crappy for the Gougers (who had him riding the splinters), but what does it really tell us? McGahee is an injury prone back who has Le'Ron McClain poised to jump at any opportunity to take his job and shove it. The ground game in Baltimore appears to be by committee, so McGahee will be limited in his fantasy capacity if his carries are reduced. McClain is a power back and has been productive. Until McGahee steps up his game (as he has the potential and talent to do), he is a bust for Clark.
Reggie "bush league" Bush--the Vikings special teams coordinator must be on the hot seat this week after the electrifying 2nd year speed demon out of USC returned two punts for TDs on Monday night. Despite his production on special teams, however, Bush is averaging less than three yards per carry over the last two games. The Saints offensive line is struggling and the re-emergence of Deuce McAllister will limit any goal line production. With Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey likely to return from injury in the next week or so, the Maulers (aka Molesters) should be aware that his receptions will see a drastic decline. Bush is terribly overvalued (always has been, always will be, for that matter).
Michael "the burner" Turner seems to be setting a disturbing trend. He is highly productive vs. mid-to-low level defenses, but totally ineffective when he faces strong defenses that attack the ground game -- namely Tampa Bay and Carolina so far. In Week 6 he will be up against the mean, lean Chicago defense that will shut him down and ruin the Brew Crew's week if this trend continues. There is always the chance that Turner will extend his playing to the level of potential that the Crew is banking on. Reluctantly, I have to say that he might not be the best choice this week.
Larry Johnson has been really hot and cold all season and this is a trend that will continue all year based on the weak offensive line and poor QB play. The Chiefs are on a bye Week 6 and the Nonads may also want to bench LJ in Week 7 against the Titans. In week 5, Johnson was held to just two yards on seven carries by the tough Panthers front. His Week 4 explosion against Denver (198 yards, 2TDs) was more of an "oops" than the norm, since the Broncos have been prone to giving up big plays all year. One positive is that LJ faces the Broncos again in week 14 (first week of our fantasy playoffs). The 28 year old Penn State product is a top notch work horse playing in one of the worst offensive situations in the NFL as the Chiefs are averaging only 13 points a game. Based on the severely limited offense surrounding him, Johnson will be the focal point of all defenses he faces, making him more of a week to week match-up play for the Nonads.
Brian Westbrook--a consensus top 3 pick in the preseason, it's the same old song and dance as B-west could be slowly becoming the next Fragile Fred. Westbrook suffered fractured ribs in the Week 5 game versus Washington and appears to be a game time decision for this week's match-up at San Francisco. He also missed the week 4 game against Chicago with a sprained ankle. The Eagles have a bye in Week 7, so it might wise for the Boozers to give Westbrook two weeks to rest. When healthy he's a fantasy stud, but now might be the time to target an alternative before Westbrook's value plummets if he misses considerable time -- depending on the severity of the rib injury. The Eagles may regret investing $21 million over three years on their often injured 29 year old running back, and I'm guessing that the Boozers already have an alternative stashed away...but if he doesn't, he should run like a man on fire to the waiver wire and pray someone - antone - is still available.
Amani "zoomer" Toomer--with Plaxico Burress suspended for the week 5 matchup against the Bengals, the Blues might have been salivating at the chance for 100 yards and a TD. Instead, Domenik Hixon and Sinorice Moss turned in huge efforts with each reaching the end zone. Although Toomer leads the team with 31 targets, the production has been average (about 60 yards per week for the past three games). The 34 yard old WR is as steady as they come, but the Giants are a run first team with the three headed monster of Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw. The Giants defense has also been spectacular, so far only allowing an average of 12 points per game -- which has limited the need for the Giants to throw the ball excessively in the 2nd half. Toomer is at best a last option at this point and unless Plax gets another suspension, he should be on the bench most weeks unless the Blues are in a very deep heap of crap (which they seem to be).
John Carlson--at 6'6" and 255 lbs, this rookie out of Notre Dame seems to present a great defensive mismatch for most defenses. However, his production is likely to decline dramatically now that the Seahawks are getting healthy at receiver. Bobby Engram and Deion Branch returned to the lineup in week 5 versus the Giants, which will severely limit the potential targets going forward for Carlson (held without a catch on Sunday against the Giants). Unless the injury bug hits the Seattle WR corps again, the Boozers should understand that Carlson will likely be no better than a BYE week fill in.
And there you have it....some honest skinny from the Commish (who doesn't always get it right, but always makes it interesting). Here's hoping I'm way off target and you all beat the hell out of each other.
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