Week 5: Player Downgrades
Some downgrades are for the here and now, some are for the long haul. Adjust your planning accordingly...
QB Russell Wilson, ---
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The hope was the mobile 5-foot-11 quarterback with a knack for winning would produce enough on the ground to offset not being in a volume passing system like much of his fellow signal callers. Yeah, that hasn't happened - and the passing yardage totals haven't approached even basic levels of acceptance. Wilson threw for 160 yards in Week 4 against the Rams. That's only noteworthy because it represented his season-high and the output came with three interceptions. He's thrown for four touchdowns -- that includes the infamous Golden Tate score -- and rushed for 80 yards on the season. Seattle is filling up wins, so there is no reason to expect a change in approach with Wilson under center. We can also asusme that at some point the Seahawks might look for more and turn to Matt Flynn. We like Wilson's spirit and effort, but put it altogether and fantasy owners can turn to another quarterback for their QB2 or bye week needs.
RB Andre Brown, ---
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Are we overreacting due to Brown's relative inactivity last week? Perhaps, but no more so than those that declared him the Giants' top running back after his strong two-game stretch with Ahmad Bradshaw watching from the wings. No doubt he looked the part for those snaps, but don't forget that this is the same runner who's been cut more than Sylvester Stallone during all the Rocky movies. That's not to say guy can't improve, but let's not forget Bradshaw's been the Giants workhorse, a role he reclaimed last week. Let's also not forget the Giants spent a first-round pick on David Wilson, who remains supremely talented (though is currently suffering through some sort of lack of confidence spell on anything other than a kickoff). Hold Brown, especially if you own Bradshaw, but lower your expectations . No matter what happens, you'll always have Week 4 against Carolina to look back on.
RB Daniel Thomas, ---
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Thanks for nothing Reggie Bush. That's what many a Daniel Thomas owner surely was muttering to themselves last week when their guy went from potential starter to back bencher as Bush returned from injury sooner than expected. It also meant another week for exciting rookie Lamar Miller to learn the Dolphins system and become more comfortable with the NFL game. Once the Dolphins feel the speedy runner from the U is ready for more, that means even less for the plodding Thomas (who is averaging 3.2 yard per carry compared to Miller's 5.5). Should Bush actually miss game action in the future, look for Miller to get the call, making Thomas expendable if roster space is needed elsewhere.
WR Laurent Robinson, ---
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The paltry production - 9 receptions for 134 yards - is enough of a reason to jettison the Jaguars' touted free agent signing, though since the season nis still young and quarterback Blaine Gabbert still learning, we could justify holding Robinson. The spate of concussions, the latest suffered in Week 4, eliminates that argument in all but the deepest of leagues. We saw Robinson make big plays last season in the Cowboys' potent attack, but that's not happening in Jacksonville right now and may not this year. Move on.
WR Golden Tate, ---
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You know how the former Golden Domer received oodles of attention after catching the Green Bay defensive back in his arms and then was credited for a touchdown - his second of the game - because the Packer also had the ball? Well, some level of karma showed up in Week 4 as Tate caught only one pass for seven yards against the Rams. Beyond one game, the reality is that as long as Russell Wilson remains the quarterback, the Seahawks will not be putitng up much in the way of passing game production. Factor in the likely free agents options available - Domenik Hixon, Andre Roberts, James Jones an of course, Brian Hartline - and there is minimal reason to keep Tate on your roster.
WR Wes Welker, ---
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Consider this a pre-emptive downgrade with a heavy dose of sell-high advice. Welker's entry in this article will only cause confusion if not read carefully - or those that haven't paid attention to what's happening with the Patriots offense. Early in the season the productive slot target became more of a bystander as New England turned more and more to tight end Aaron Hernandez on routes normally assigned to the diminutive wide receiver. Then a high ankle sprain took Hernandez out in Week 2 and Welker reemerged, hauling in 22 receptions for 366 yards over the last three games. Hey, if his role stayed intact, those numbers could remain and Welker's status as a PPR fiend would remain. Don't bet on it. Hernandez is improving to the point where projecting a return by at least Week 6 seems fair. When that happens, the Welker downgrade is official and his trade value drops. Wait if you want and certainly use Welker in Week 5 if Hernandez remains sidelined - just don't forget this proactive warning.
TE Jermichael Finley, ---
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This entry is more about season-long projections rather than simply Week 5, more about venting over expectations yet to be met. The Packers' passing attack should have its way against the Colts' suspect back-7 and with Greg Jennings potentially sitting out, Aaron Rodgers could look his tight end's way more. That thought would have sent Finley's weekly value soaring in previous seasons, but now just evokes shrugs. There is nothing to sneeze about catching four passes a game (something Finley has done in three straight games), but the breakout performance has yet to materalize. He has yet to top 60 receiving yards this season, he has yet to find the end zone since the season opener. Talented, no doubt, but the longer Finley goes without a high-end TE1 outing, the harder it is to keep assuming he'll turn one in.