Bye weeks are officially over, most trade deadlines have passed or will this week, and you’ve got a stretch run and playoffs to think about.
It’s time to dance with the girl you brought to the party. Of course, there is the outside chance of grabbing a bench player or backup that might feature heavily due to an injured starter or hapless teams giving guys a look, but if you’re holding out for that kind of fortune, it might be time to focus on fantasy basketball.
Take Justin Forsett, the 5-foot-9 running back who just popped onto everyone’s radar screen after he went for more than 100 yards and a touchdown Sunday after Julius Jones went down.
Now you have to figure out if he’s a rising star or a shooting star.
Another name that jumps out, one still available in the majority of leagues, is former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. Rumors of his arrival in Houston were shot down, but he is reportedly on the radar of Pittsburgh and Washington, although the latter seems unlikely after Ladell Betts’ performance Sunday.
Johnson remains a gamble, but an interesting stash on your bench if you have the room. If a deal with Houston did go through, Johnson could be quite an addition in that system.
Why focus on running backs when the NFL is leaning on them less and less? Don’t forget the weather. As winter nears, ugly games usually turn into ground wars instead of air shows.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Ladell Betts, Redskins, RB 26 carries, 114 yds., TD
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs, RB 18 carries, 103 yds., TD
Chris Johnson, Titans, RB 26 carries, 132 yds., two TDs; nine catches, 100 yds
Brandon Marshall, Broncos, WR Five catches, 134 yds., two TDs
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers, RB 24 carries, 96 yds., two TDs
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Marques Colston, Saints, WR Two catches, 17 yds.
Greg Jennings, Packers, WR Four catches, 45 yds.
Marshawn Lynch, Bills RB Nine carries, 37 yds.; four catches, 18 yds.
Heath Miller, Steelers, TE Four catches, 26 yds.
Alex Smith, 49ers, QB 16 completions, 118 yds., interception
