Week 5: Deep League Pickups
QB Derek Anderson, ---
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This is a one week, blue-light special for any Brees, Cutler, Rivers or Rodgers owners that did not plan in advance for their Week Five bye. Of all the recent quarterbacks inserted into the starting lineup, Anderson has the best matchup, going up against an ordinary Bills defense. Anderson's performance against the Bengals last week won't get him into Canton, but his 26-48, 269 yards, one score and one interception performance was light years better than anything the Browns passers had done so far this year. Though Braylon Edwards remained a non-factor, Anderson had a connection with rookie Mohamed Massaquoi, which should help open things up for Edwards on the other side. Another solid game should give Anderson some job security and he will be forced to throw plenty most weeks, so consider him a bye week option or down the line depth.
RB Justin Fargas, ---
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I was on board with the idea that Michael Bush would carry the heavy lifting for the Raiders on carries between the tackles and on short yardage plays. Through three games, that scenario played itself out, but it was Justin Fargas who received the bulk of the Week Four carries; now with Darren McFadden (knee) expected to miss 2-4 weeks, Huggy Bear should continue to be involved. Simply put, the Raiders' offense is so anemic that one would have to be crazy to include almost any of their players in their fantasy lineup, but they will continue to run so as to avoid too many Jamarcus Russell passes. That is the case even against the Giants, their Week Five opponent. Even if Bush starts, Fargas is in line for 7-12 touches (perhaps even around the goal line if the Raiders manage to find it). Fargas has been solid when given opportunities in the past and makes for a fine depth play and bye week filler in truly deep leagues.
RB Sammy Morris, ---
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None of the Patriots are recommended plays because of the random way they are used, but Morris has been involved more during the past two games (including racking up a touchdown and 56 total yards on 11 touches -- six carries, five grabs -- in week four). Morris was the forgotten back throughout much of preseason, but when healthy, he has been a security blanket out of the backfield during his time in Foxboro (along with Kevin Faulk). Do not be surprised if Bill Belichick continues to rely on his old reliable back more and more as the season progresses, but Morris remains no more than a deep league bye week play or depth option.
WR Austin Collie, ---
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Your fantasy team would be hot this season if you just had the receivers matched up against the Tennessee Titans secondary every week, which is why the Colts' third receiver makes the list as a potential WR3 for owners this week. Collie had six catches entering Week four, but he matched that total against the Seahawks, racking up 65 yards and a touchdown. Peyton Manning is clearly not afraid to look his way against a brutal Titans' pass defense, so Collie has a chance to put up worthy numbers again. The Colts have a bye in Week six and Anthony Gonzalez could return shortly thereafter, which will end Collie's fantasy relevance; only add him for short term need or as a hedge for Gonzalez owners.
WR Hakeem Nicks, ---
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Mario Manningham took advantage of early season playing time and became one of the hottest free agent pick-ups of the season, but his numbers have dipped the past two weeks. To make matters worse, the Giants welcomed back their first round pick Hakeem Nicks and the former North Carolina Tar Heel made his presence felt in a big way, hauling in a 54-yard score. Though he is not expected to enter the starting lineup immediately, Nicks is a big time athlete and has all the tools to be major player for the Giants and fantasy owners down the line. With the Giants' passing game rockin and rollin and what not, Nicks makes for a great depth addition and a potential WR3 play against the Raiders for those owners that like to roll the dice.
