Its week 7 of the NFL season this weekend, and whether you're standing atop or looking up the standings of your fantasy league, there is still time to add players that can make (or break) your season. Here are 5 players worth a look as we near the midpoint of the season.
In case you've been living under a rock the past 24 hours, the Oakland Raiders finalized a blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Bengals that will land them (potentially) their franchise quarterback. With Jason Campbell out of the picture for the remainder of the season, Palmer looks to be their go-to guy... especially given the high price they paid to get him. Given the Raiders talented, and speedy, receiving corps of Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore, and the suddenly performing Darrius Heyward-Bay, Palmer should have the tools to put together a solid season. Especially if he returns to his 2005-2006 form, where he was one of the leagues most promising quarterbacks. Even if he can't, with a running back like Derren McFadden to help take pressure off of the passing game, Palmer should still be a viable option at the incredibly valuable quarterback position.
2. Eric Decker, WR, Denver Broncos
| Seriously, one of the first google images that comes up |
Decker is hardly a newcomer to 'must add' lists. After putting up weeks with 11, 22 and 17 points this season, he's most likely owned in your league. However, after a miserable -4 yard, 0 point performance, a week 6 bye and a monumental shift at quarterback, now might be a good time to buy low on the former Golden Gopher standout. Although he will have a new quarterback in Tim Tebow (something I think could actually benefit him) Decker is now the number 1 option in Denver after the Broncos shipped out Brandon Lloyd to the Rams earlier this week. The shift from slot receiver to go-to guy should increase his targets, and thus receptions, significantly. While he's not a sure thing week in and week out on a struggling Denver team, it is clear he and Tebow are the young cornerstones of this franchise. And speaking of Tebow...
3. Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos
Ok, this is hardly shocking... there's really not much to be said here. You've obviously heard the news that Tebow will be starting his first game of 2011 this Sunday. Add that it will be against a porous Miami Dolphins defense, it is enough to put him into 'starter' conversation. Despite what critics say, Tebow can be an effective quarterback at the NFL level. More importantly, he has a fantastic fantasy skill set. His unique combination of arm strength, intelligence and power, between the tackles, running should put up solid points the remainder of the season. Especially since he is one of the few quarterbacks that can reliably pound the ball into the endzone from the 5 yard line. However, as is always the case with rookie quarterbacks, expect some growing pains. He will turn the ball over, he will make some wrong decisions... but when he's on, he could win you a game.
4. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders
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| The look of a star |
After a rather pedestrian start to his career, the former 7th overall pick in 2009 is finally starting to perform. In fact, over the past 3 weeks he has put up 11, 15 and 8 points. Add in the news of Carson Palmer coming to Oakland, and Heyward-Bey has some serious upside. Although it may take a couple weeks to get adjusted to each other, Bey is worth a pickup now. Especially since Palmer has good arm strength, and if there's one thing Heyward-Bey can do, its run down the field.
5. Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings
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| Fun Fact: Ponder was 4 1/2 when Brett Favre made his first NFL start |
Ponder is easily the biggest question mark of this list. Obviously the Vikings believe in him after taking him 12th overall in last years draft... but can he be a productive quarterback this early in his career? Given the team he inherits, dont think it will be easy. A weak offensive line, little depth at receiver and a tough introduction to the NFL against the defending champion Packers should temper peoples expectations for the immediate future. Moreover, Donovan McNabb didn't play horribly this season, he just wasn't good. It isn't a given that Ponder can do much more with the same pieces around him. He does, however, have the skill set that could make him a good starting quarterback in this league. He is incredibly intelligent (he graduated in 2 1/2 years with a finance degree and a 3.73 GPA), surprisingly athletic and (contrary to preseason reports) appears to have more than adequate arm strength now that he is fully healed from his elbow injury that hampered him his senior season. He did show some promise at the end of last weeks Bears game, especially with his comfort in getting the ball to Percy Harvin. If Ponder can adjust quickly to the next level, the talent is there to become a viable fantasy option in 2011.
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