Horror guru Wes Craven would be the perfect guy to film a movie about the Broncos’ backfield this season. All those injuries, fumbles and faces from the past? Scary.
If writing today, however, Craven could call it “The Hillis Have Eyes.” Peyton Hillis, who won’t scare anyone with his speed, could be a nice bump for fantasy teams that give good rewards for touchdowns.
With the trade deadline over and bye weeks done, you’ll have to look extra hard for quality relief on the waiver wire, especially if you’re sweating injuries to horses such as Clinton Portis (Redskins) and Steven Jackson (Rams).
The Justin Fargas/Darren McFadden mystery in Oakland could be worth solving as the Raiders visit the Broncos in Week 12.
Quarterback shopping? Jeff Garcia (Bucs) has a favorable matchup at Detroit, Brady Quinn (Browns) is home against the Texans and Kyle Orton (Bears) — still available in nearly half of the leagues — should rebound nicely against the Rams.
Matt Hasselbeck (Seahawks) is available and is historically a numbers producer; however, his three-interception effort calls for major caution.
Need a receiver? Nate Washington (Steelers) could be of value against the Bengals. Lance Moore (Saints) had eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Chiefs, giving the undrafted target from Toledo at least six catches and a touchdown in each of his past three games.
Unless you have Drew Brees, however, the Saints are sometimes too much of a good thing — lots of offense, no fixed target. Consider Sunday. Jeremy Shockey, dropped en masse last week, had a respectable six catches for 39 yards Sunday to finally nudge backup TE Billy Miller off the field. Marques Colston was a ghost, and running back Pierre Thomas outshined Deuce McAllister. Reggie Bush’s return, perhaps this week, only makes things stranger.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs 7 catches, 53 yards, 2 TDs
Ryan Grant, RB, Packers 25 carries, 145 yards, TD
Peyton Hillis, RB, Broncos 10 carries, 44 yards, 2 TDs
Dustin Keller, TE, Jets 8 catches, 87 yards
Kevin Smith, RB, Lions 24 carries, 112 yards
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings 3 catches, 46 yards
Plaxico Burress, WR, Giants 3 catches, 47 yards
Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals 11 carries, 35 yards
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers 15-of-26, 159 yards, 2 INTs
Sage Rosenfels, QB, Texans 13-of-18, 192 yards, INT
