The Fantasy Freak

It is time fans. TJ Houshmandzadeh is due for the monster game everyone was accustomed to seeing from him the last few seasons. Granted 54 catches for 512 yards and 3 TD isn’t bad for most receivers 8 games through the season. But if you’re a TJ owner you were certainly expecting a bit more after seeing 12 TDs last season.  So far in ‘08 he has caught touchdowns in only 2 of his 8 games, only had more than 8 catches in 1 game,  and only gone for over 100 yards receiving in 1 game.  This week at home vs. Jacksonville the Fitzpatrick to TJ tandem goes off as the Bengals win their first game of the season. 10+ catches, 135+ yards, and minimum 1 TD. Make it so!

TJ

OK, scroll down to your bench players, see that guy named Grant?  Highlight him and get him activated…

Seriously, if your like many frustrated owners trying to decide if they should really start Fred Jackson or Chris Perry over your 2nd round pick, let the Freak enlighten you…..

We think this is the week he breaks out…

Scratch that, we know this is the week, and now so do you…..

No reason what so ever, just woke up with a feeling and they are usually right on the money….like when I put $500 on the LA Dodgers the other night, doh!

He might suck the rest of the year too, but we have a gut feeling he goes off this week against the Bob Sanders-less Colts, and then you can trade his ass next week and thank me later for reminding you to get him off your bench this week.

Get him off your bench, this is the week!

Time to get down and dirty with some really deep sleepers.  If your singing the “Bye Week Blues” then you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some potential strong plays based on match-ups and Freak magic, and these guys are deep and available in 95% of the leagues out there.  Time to shock and awe your league with your amazing skills, we think one of these guys will be the talk of the message boards on Monday, and you’ll already have them locked up!

Stephen Cooper, The Chargers

After a 4 game suspension (he like to party), everyone forgot about him.  But with back to back 7 solo games and a sack for good measure he is back with a vengeance.  Look for him to be in the middle of all the action against a run heavy conservative Bills offense.

Donnie Avery, The Rams:

Who?  OK, I know what your thinking….The Rams?  True, they have not scared anyone this year, but Avery has shown big play glimpses, he kind of reminded me of Steve Smith on that 3rd down catch to win the game last week and I think he will carry that into week 7 and possibly explode against a banged up Cowboys secondary, and heck we ain’t to proud to take 4th quarter garbage stats in a blowout either.

Shaun McDonald, The Lions:

Unless you missed it Roy Williams got traded and the Lions suck!  We know this is a reach but if your in a  deep league, you need real sleepers, not obvious plays.  You don’t need us to tell you LJ is out, so go grab Charles.  If you do, you missed out on him already.  Anyway, simple opportunity alone makes McDonald a decent gamble.

We couldn't resist. He's baaaack.....

What’s a JAG? Just Another Guy. They might be in your flex spot, or on your bench, or even in your free agent pool. Here are a few that could have great week 5’s…

Matt Cassel, QB, NE: Sure he has many Pats fans on tilt, but an extra week to work on timing with Moss and Welker plus an extra week for the coaching staff to maximize the best way to use his QB skill set should see at least 2 TDs and 250 yards vs the 49ers this week.

Deuce McAllister, RB, NO: Reggie Bush is a pimp…receiver. Deuce will get at least 17 carries vs. a stingy Minny defense on Monday night, and should produce 75 yards rushing with a catch or two and a TD. Plus did we mention he plays on Monday night?

Kevin Walter, WR, Hou: Coming off a great week 4 and playing 2nd fiddle to the frequently double covered Andre3000, the Texans are without their QB Schaub this week.  Playing against the Colts who are coming off the bye, the Texans offense will be on the field plenty, and most likely playing behind all game, so Walter will be targeted frequently by a quick triggered QB Sage Rosenfels.

Bo Sciafe, TE, Tenn: A solid week 1 then 3 stinkers. Playing on the road vs the Ravens, Titans QB Kerry Collins who will be looking to get rid of the ball quickly, and Sciafe could have as many catches as his last 3 games combined (7).

Kevin Walter

WR: Steve Smith (NYG): Smith is speedy and Plax is out so he will be targeted.

WR: Steve Breaston (AZ): If Boldin is out obv.

RB: Fred Jackson (BUF): 10-12 carries spelling Lynch, plus 3 or 4 catches and maybe even a 4th Qtr TD.

LB: Gerald Hayes (AZ): Buffalo runs it alot and Hayes will go off for 10 tackles easy.

LB: Stephen Tulloch (TEN): Sweet 2nd year player has the starting MLB job against rush heavy Ravens.

DB: Brian Williams (JAX): Strong safety with a good matchup plus Sunday Night TV game.

Steve Smith (NYG)