Week 10: Deep League Start 'em
As we approach week 10 of the NFL regular season, here is another set of players that could have a positive impact on your fantasy team if you are in a deep league and in need of a quality start. Here is a glance at eight position players who may give you the boost you need on a depleted roster filled with the last round of bye weeks.
QB Chad Henne, ---
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The Wildcat offense is having another successful season as the Miami Dolphins have proven they can run the ball on opposing offenses on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, the solid run offense usually spells trouble in terms of fantasy points from the QB position. However, this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I believe Dolphins QB Chad Henne will have a solid game and should take his share of deep shots down the field to Ted Ginn Jr.
In his last three games, Henne has completed 53.8 percent of his passes, thrown for 542 yards and two touchdown passes. Although these numbers are average at best, the Buccaneers and their 30th ranked defense come to Miami just waiting to get feasted on. The Buccaneers have given up 664 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns in their three games on the road this season. Expect Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to get their rushing statistics and add two touchdown passes and 200 yards from Henne in what should be an easy win for the Dolphins.
QB Alex Smith, ---
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Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers face a weak Chicago Bears team at Candlestick Park during week 10. Smith has played fairly well since taking over for opening day starter Shaun Hill in the second half of the team's October 25th game against the Houston Texans. In two-and-a-half games this season, Smith has completed 63 of 99 passes for 690 yards, 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.
The injury-plagued Chicago Bears defense has been flat out awful this year. In their last three games the Bears have surrendered 92 points and have yielded 10 passing touchdowns. With the 49ers offense slowly looking better and better each week and considering Smith has a firm grip on the starting job, look for him to throw for 250-300 yards and two touchdowns. RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, and WR Michael Crabtree could all score in what could be a high scoring game.
RB Ladell Betts, ---
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With Clinton Portis out with a concussion, the Redskins are calling on RB Ladell Betts to fill his void. The Redskins host Denver week 10 and without Portis and TE Chris Cooley, they could be offensively challenged against one of the best defenses in the AFC. Betts is projected to carry the ball 15 times for 70 yards, catch 3 passes for 25 yards and has a little less than a 50/50 chance of scoring a touchdown.
I only suggest picking up Betts if you are out of options due to bye weeks or injuries. The Denver defense should not have a problem stifling the Redskins' offense, as QB Jason Campbell and Todd Collins have struggled this season.
RB Fred Jackson, ---
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The Buffalo Bills' offense has been anything but spectacular this season, but one bright spot has without question been RB Fred Jackson. Since the return of Marshawn Lynch, Jackson's role has been reduced from starting running back to 3rd-down and kick-returner. Jackson and the Bills travel to Tennessee to play a hot Titans team, and if QB Vince Young can keep up the scoring, Jackson could see plenty of touches on Sunday with special teams.
Expect Lynch to get the bulk of the carries and Jackson to gain 100-120 all-purpose yards. Jackson is projected to rush 10 times for 33 yards, catch 1-2 passes for 10 yards and gain 80 yards on special teams.
WR Danny Amendola, ---
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The chances of Danny Amendola being available in your league are very high. Amendola has not been a consistent fantasy point producer this year, but the dynamic kick returner has found his way onto the field and has actually been targeted by St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger.
Amendola suffered a concussion during the team's week 8 game versus the Detroit Lions, which caused him to miss most of the game. With Drew Brees and the high-octane New Orleans Saints coming into town, Amendola should resume kick return duties and could rack up another 3-4 receptions and 200+ all-purpose yards now that he has returned from the concussion. If the Saints score enough, Amendola may touch the ball 10 times this Sunday. In PPR and yardage leagues, Amendola could be just what the doctor ordered.
