Week 7: Start 'Em
Same old story last week, some injuries (like Donnie Avery and Sammy Morris), some guys go off like Thomas Jones and then there are the guys who just out and out stunk last week, like Julius Jones, Steve Smith (who was slightly banged up but still had 5 targets), Kellen Winslow, and Nate Washington among others. With 6 teams on bye this week (
QB Matt Cassel, ---
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Matt Cassel is learning the hard way that it's a lot easier to be a quarterback in the NFL when you have Randy Moss and Wes Welker as your receivers. Cassel got off to a slow start in Kansas City, dealing with an injury early on. He came back from injury in week 2 and had a decent first game, passing for 241 yards and 1 touchdown vs. 2 interceptions. While he hasn't been very good (leading the Chiefs to only 2 victories), he has 2 passing touchdowns in 3 out of 5 games and hasn't thrown an interception since week 2. Although the Chiefs won their first game of the season last week, Cassel wasn't at his best. Look for him to bounce back this week when he faces the San Diego Chargers.
RB Laurence Maroney, ---
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Can it really be possible that Laurence Maroney might finally get a real chance to be a fantasy starter? Last week with Fred Taylor already out with an injury and Sammy Morris going down in the first quarter, Maroney stepped up and carried the ball 16 times for 123 yards and 1 touchdown to go along with 3 catches for 10 yards. Maroney makes a good start, especially as he faces Tampa Bay this week. Tampa has had trouble stopping the run all season, especially last week when they allowed a season worst 262 yards and 3 touchdowns. So follow Morris's injury status this week and if he is out, then Maroney should be in your line-up.
RB Ricky Williams, ---
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With Ronnie Brown healthy, I'm not sure many people would have expected me to say that starting Ricky Williams is a good idea. Well it is, and here is why. Even though Ricky is splitting carries with Brown, he has rushed for over 50 yards in 4 out of 5 games, to go along with 11 catches for 132 yards and has scored a touchdown in 3 out of 5 games. The Dolphins lead the league in rushing attempts per game (36.6) and yards per game (177), so do not worry as there is plenty to go around. It seems it doesn't matter who the Dolphins play and if they are winning or losing, they will run the ball as often as they can. Look for another solid week from Ricky Williams.
WR Miles Austin, ---
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Miles Austin has been waiting for 3 seasons to show the Cowboys what he can do on the field, but for 3 years he has waiting patiently behind other players. With TO gone, Roy Williams hurt and Patrick Crayton being Patrick Crayton (not very good), Miles Austin was finally given his shot 2 weeks ago vs. the Kansas City Chiefs and he didn't disappoint. Austin came close to matching his career totals by catching 10 balls for a Cowboys record 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime. Even if Roy Williams is back this week, Austin will be staying in the starting line-up and Romo will continue to look to him to make big plays. Get Austin in your line-up this week.
WR Austin Collie, ---
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When Anthony Gonzalez went down in week one, that shifted the depth chart for the Colts -- moving Pierre Garcon to take over Marvin Harrison's spot on the outside and Austin Collie moved into the slot position that Brandon Stokley held. Garcon has been more of the boom or bust receiver depending on the big play, while Collie has been more of a possession receiver making him a great start in point per reception leagues. It took Collie a few weeks to get going, but over his last 2 games he has 14 receptions for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns as he gains Peyton Manning's confidence. This week the Colts face the St. Louis Rams, who can't seem to stop very much these days. Until Gonzalez comes back from injury, Collie should be a good start (especially in PPR Leagues).
