What do Derrick Mason (Ravens), Brent Celek (Eagles), Peyton Hillis (Broncos), Antonio Bryant (Buccaneers), Greg Camarillo (Dolphins) and Koren Robinson (Seahawks) each have in common? All of them had more than 100 receiving yards in Week 9 and all of them are free agents in most fantasy leagues.
So does that mean rush out and grab them? Probably not. They look more like the beneficiaries of a perfect storm.
Consider: Donald Driver (Packers) took advantage of the increasing coverage on Greg Jennings to go for 136 yards and a touchdown, his first 100-yard day since Nov. 22, 2007.
Mason? Although Joe Flacco appears to be a serviceable quarterback, Mason is coming off a one-catch performance against the ghastly Raiders.
Celek? He had eight catches for 83 yards all season before going for six grabs and 131 yards.
Hillis? You’ve seen this before . . .
The Broncos have long been a headache for fantasy owners. The vaunted rushing game was always lucrative, but the run-by-committee system of the past few years has made their appeal wane. Now it’s the passing game’s turn.
While Jay Cutler did top 300 yards in Week 9, his two touchdowns against three interceptions is scary. What kills fantasy owners is Brandon Marshall getting two catches for 26 yards against a Dolphins secondary ranked 25th against the pass. Eddie Royal goes off after weeks of mediocrity, and Tony Scheffler continues to sit. Sell ’em if you can or hold out that Denver can find balance through its running game.
Hit the ground running: Tim Hightower (Cardinals) might have just put the fork in the backfield discussion and is available in most leagues. With Larry Johnson’s days surely numbered in Kansas City, Jamaal Charles could be worth a stash on your bench. Ray Rice (Ravens) continues to surprise — this week he went for 154 yards. Cedric Benson (Bengals) should be monitored considering he got 104 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals 24 carries, 104 yards, TD
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs 18 carries, 106 yards, fumble
Owen Daniels, TE, Texans 11 receptions, 133 yards
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens 17 completions, 248 yards, two TDs
Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals 22 carries, 109 yards, TD
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Earnest Graham, RB, Bucs 19 carries, 62 yards; five catches, 29 yards, one completion, 3 yards, TD; two fumbles lost
Greg Jennings, WR, Packers three catches, 79 yds
Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns 19 carries, 49 yards
Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos two catches, 26 yards
Matt Schaub, QB, Texans 11 completions, 139 yards, interception, injured knee
