Stock Watch: Wide receiver edition
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
By Brad Pinkerton 1:27 PM
Here are a few wide receivers whose values are rising or falling based on news from early this week:
MOVING UP
Miles Austin, Cowboys. Austin, a hot pickup last week, will get a chance to prove that his monster Week 5 performance wasn't a one-time fluke. The Cowboys announced Austin has replaced Patrick Crayton as the team's starting flanker. This is a significant boost to Austin's value, but be careful not to label him as the No. 2 option on an explosive offense. He's more like the No. 3 option (behind Jason Witten and Roy Williams) in a pretty good offense.
Michael Crabtree, 49ers. San Fran coach Mike Singletary said there is a "strong possibility" Crabtree will make his 49ers debut in Week 7 as a starter. That would move Josh Morgan to the bench, with Isaac Bruce remaining at flanker. Crabtree is worth a waiver claim, but remember that he's a rookie still learning a run-first offense.
James Jones, Packers. The Packers have named Jones the full-time No. 3 receiver with Jordy Nelson (knee) out indefinitely. Jones, who had 55 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, is worth grabbing in deep leagues, but is mostly likely just a candidate for your watch list as he'll be competing with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver for passes -- that is, whenever QB Aaron Rodgers is able to stay upright long enough to pass.
MOVING DOWN
Anthony Gonzalez, Colts. Gonzalez (knee) reportedly is not likely to play this week, as previously expected. That means Pierre Garcon keeps his fantasy value for at least another week. It's unclear when Gonzalez is expected to return now, but owners desperate for roster space can start thinking about cutting him loose. If you have room, however, Gonzalez has enough upside to stash away for another week or two.
Joey Galloway, free agent. The Patriots cut Galloway, who was a healthy scratch for the last three weeks. He didn't produce much for the Patriots even when active, but should catch on somewhere soon. Still, he's 38 and has clearly lost a step.
HOLDING STEADY
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs. A league source told Profootballtalk.com that Chiefs coach Todd Haley threatened to trade Bowe in a tirade during Sunday's game. There may or may not be any merit to this report, but Haley has been using these kind of motivational tactics with Bowe all season. It should be noted that not only did the Chiefs win Sunday, Bowe also topped 100yards for the first time this season. No need to panic (or get excited) about anything yet.
Donnie Avery, Rams. Avery is day-to-day after tests came back negative on his hip. That's good news, but even if Avery is able to suit up in Week 7, he won't make a good fantasy play against the Colts' stingy pass D. Hopefully Avery will be 100 percent for Week 8's matchup against the Lions. For now, hold on Avery.
By Brad Pinkerton 1:27 PM
Here are a few wide receivers whose values are rising or falling based on news from early this week:
MOVING UP
Miles Austin, Cowboys. Austin, a hot pickup last week, will get a chance to prove that his monster Week 5 performance wasn't a one-time fluke. The Cowboys announced Austin has replaced Patrick Crayton as the team's starting flanker. This is a significant boost to Austin's value, but be careful not to label him as the No. 2 option on an explosive offense. He's more like the No. 3 option (behind Jason Witten and Roy Williams) in a pretty good offense.
Michael Crabtree, 49ers. San Fran coach Mike Singletary said there is a "strong possibility" Crabtree will make his 49ers debut in Week 7 as a starter. That would move Josh Morgan to the bench, with Isaac Bruce remaining at flanker. Crabtree is worth a waiver claim, but remember that he's a rookie still learning a run-first offense.
James Jones, Packers. The Packers have named Jones the full-time No. 3 receiver with Jordy Nelson (knee) out indefinitely. Jones, who had 55 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, is worth grabbing in deep leagues, but is mostly likely just a candidate for your watch list as he'll be competing with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver for passes -- that is, whenever QB Aaron Rodgers is able to stay upright long enough to pass.
MOVING DOWN
Anthony Gonzalez, Colts. Gonzalez (knee) reportedly is not likely to play this week, as previously expected. That means Pierre Garcon keeps his fantasy value for at least another week. It's unclear when Gonzalez is expected to return now, but owners desperate for roster space can start thinking about cutting him loose. If you have room, however, Gonzalez has enough upside to stash away for another week or two.
Joey Galloway, free agent. The Patriots cut Galloway, who was a healthy scratch for the last three weeks. He didn't produce much for the Patriots even when active, but should catch on somewhere soon. Still, he's 38 and has clearly lost a step.
HOLDING STEADY
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs. A league source told Profootballtalk.com that Chiefs coach Todd Haley threatened to trade Bowe in a tirade during Sunday's game. There may or may not be any merit to this report, but Haley has been using these kind of motivational tactics with Bowe all season. It should be noted that not only did the Chiefs win Sunday, Bowe also topped 100yards for the first time this season. No need to panic (or get excited) about anything yet.
Donnie Avery, Rams. Avery is day-to-day after tests came back negative on his hip. That's good news, but even if Avery is able to suit up in Week 7, he won't make a good fantasy play against the Colts' stingy pass D. Hopefully Avery will be 100 percent for Week 8's matchup against the Lions. For now, hold on Avery.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:59 PM
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