You could have easily slept through the morning slate of games Sunday, as fantasy studs such as Peyton Manning (Colts), Tom Brady (Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Packers) and Philip Rivers (Chargers) carved up huge wins, sprinkling fantasy pixie dust on the usual recipients. Yawn.
Thankfully, the afternoon packed some intrigue and some potential fantasy wind shifts.
Jets fans have been awaiting the Shonn Greene show, and the third-round pick didn’t disappoint. Does he supplant Thomas Jones? No way, but Greene might be worth watching in Weeks 12 through 14 when the Jets play the Panthers, Bills and Buccaneers.
Miles Austin (Cowboys) made the jump from one-hit wonder to fantasy free-agent gold. Lee Evans (Bills) seems to be the favorite target of backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sidney Rice looks like the man in Minnesota, and Ricky Williams (Dolphins) continues to smoke . . . on the field.
We also saw the Brett Favre (Vikings) we’re used to (key fumble and interception), and the Jay Cutler (Bears) vengeful locals hoped he would become.
There was some morning intrigue. San Francisco’s offense deserves careful consideration after one-time golden boy Alex Smith dusted himself off the bench and was, well, golden. With Michael Crabtree finally in the mix, Vernon Davis finally showing his potential and Frank Gore recovering from injury, a switch back to Smith could make Gore owners nervous. Of course, Smith never used to throw to Davis, so go figure.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Miles Austin, Cowboys, WR Six catches, 171 yds, two TDs
Owen Daniels, Texans, TE Seven catches, 123 yds, TD
Vernon Davis, 49ers, TE Seven catches, 93 yds, three TDs
Carson Palmer, Bengals, QB 20-of-24, 233 yds, five TDs
Ricky Williams, Dolphins, RB Nine carries, 80 yds, three TDs; two catches, 12 yds
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Matt Cassel, Chiefs, QB 10-for-25, 97 yds, one TD, three INTs
Jay Cutler, Bears, QB 26-of-37, 251 yds, one TD, three INTs
Frank Gore, 49ers, RB 13 carries, 32 yds; two catches, 15 yds
Jamal Lewis, Browns, RB 15 carries, 47 yds
Pierre Thomas, Saints, RB Eight carries, 30 yds; one catch, 14 yds
