Kevin Roberts is a graduate of Concordia University in Wisconsin, where
he majored in Communications. He is a Green Bay native and loyal fan to
the Packers. He is also the writer for the NFL Power Rankings of Sportscolumn.com.
RB Chris Johnson had an off week, but don't get too worked up about it.
The
offensive rookies have continued to impress this season, but aside from the
running back position, have struggled with consistency of late. Matt Ryan
stays steady as the only playable rookie quarterback, and Jordy Nelson is
the only receiver outside the top ten who warrants a look. With four catches in
mop-up duty against Dallas, he could vie for more catches in coming weeks. Keith
Rivers and Kevin Smith drop out of the top ten in favor of New
England’s JerodMayo and Seattle’s John Carlson. Rivers
has been unable to come up with big plays, and Smith has given way to Rudi
Johnson.
This is what you
can expect. If the ground game gets going and Michael Turner can keep
the defenses on it’s toes, Ryan will be able to hit Roddy White once or
twice a game for big gains, and possibly a score or two. This offense will
continue to be inconsistent, but Ryan is a playable quarterback in deep
leagues, depending on the defense he plays in any given week.
It
was no secret that McFadden wasn’t at full strength, but even with Michael
Bush getting the majority of the carries, he still managed 17 touches. Not
bad for a guy who’s hurting and wasn’t expected to play a ton. McFadden
projects only as well as the Raiders offense, especially with Bush in the same
backfield. However, another 164-yard effort like he had in week two will change
that outlook severely.
Johnson
can do it all, but unfortunately the Titans either don’t agree, or just don’t
care. Lendale White has gotten all the red-zone carries that matter on
his way to four scores in three games;.however, Johnson has potential as a
receiver, and gets enough carries that he can help you in yards.
Forte
is becoming the Brian Westbrook of the Chicago Bears. While no one is
ready to compare the two, Forte has definitely taken over as Chicago’s main, if
not only, source of offense. He is a guarantee source of yards and a solid bet
at a score each week.
While
it’s clear Marion Barber is the guy, Jones is still the top
kick-returner, and the number one guy in spot duty. To make it simple: He’s a
bigger version of Darren Sproles. If Jones can start getting involved
more in the offense, he could have a huge impact in rushing and receiving.
Until that happens, though, it’s a waiting game.
Stewart faced a
mountain of a line in Minnesota last Sunday, but still managed to score. He
won’t be playing against that good of run defenses every game, so he remains a
solid option as a RB2. He has yet to catch a pass on the season, so if his carries
start dipping, you may want to shy away. However, he also possesses good
kick-returning skills, so remains a two-dimensional player if your league
rewards for returns.
Jackson
came back down to earth a bit against the Steelers, only managing 40 yards on
five catches. But that shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Until Kevin Curtis
can make a return to the line-up, Jackson will continue to be Donovan
McNabb’s go-to guy, as well as the Eagle’s main punt returner.
Ever
since Brandon Marshall returned to duty, it has been very clear who the
number one receiver in Denver is. Regardless, Royal is definitely the number
two man. He’s merely suffering from being overshadowed by the aforementioned
Marshall. Jay Cutler is too good to not make used of Royal for much
longer.
John
Carlson, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Season Stats: 12 rec., 168 yds., 0 TD
Last
Week: 2 rec., 38 yds., 0 TD
If
you think the additions of Koren Robinson and Keary Colbert are
going to save Seattle’s offensive woes, you belong scouting for the St. Louis
Rams. Carlson is easily Seattle’s safest and most reliable receiver right now,
and aside from last week, has been Matt Hasselbeck’s go-to guy as of
late. He’s only going to get better, and Hasselbeck should begin to rely on him
heavily.
If
you compare them, Mayo and Keith Rivers aren’t exponentially different.
But right now, Mayo plays for a better defense, is getting more tackles, and
appears to have more upside in the play-making department. This is all
potential-based, and don’t be shocked to see both players rotate in and out of
the rankings. For now, though, Mayo is in the top 20 in tackles in the league,
and is a startable linebacker in IDP leagues.
e’
The
offensive rookies have continued to impress this season, but aside from the
running back position, have struggled with consistency of late. Matt Ryan
stays steady as the only playable rookie quarterback, and Jordy Nelson is
the only receiver outside the top ten who warrants a look. With four catches in
mop-up duty against Dallas, he could vie for more catches in coming weeks. Keith
Rivers and Kevin Smith drop out of the top ten in favor of New
England’s JerodMayo and Seattle’s John Carlson. Rivers
has been unable to come up with big plays, and Smith has given way to Rudi
Johnson.
This is what you
can expect. If the ground game gets going and Michael Turner can keep
the defenses on it’s toes, Ryan will be able to hit Roddy White once or
twice a game for big gains, and possibly a score or two. This offense will
continue to be inconsistent, but Ryan is a playable quarterback in deep
leagues, depending on the defense he plays in any given week.
It
was no secret that McFadden wasn’t at full strength, but even with Michael
Bush getting the majority of the carries, he still managed 17 touches. Not
bad for a guy who’s hurting and wasn’t expected to play a ton. McFadden
projects only as well as the Raiders offense, especially with Bush in the same
backfield. However, another 164-yard effort like he had in week two will change
that outlook severely.
Johnson
can do it all, but unfortunately the Titans either don’t agree, or just don’t
care. Lendale White has gotten all the red-zone carries that matter on
his way to four scores in three games;.however, Johnson has potential as a
receiver, and gets enough carries that he can help you in yards.
Forte
is becoming the Brian Westbrook of the Chicago Bears. While no one is
ready to compare the two, Forte has definitely taken over as Chicago’s main, if
not only, source of offense. He is a guarantee source of yards and a solid bet
at a score each week.
While
it’s clear Marion Barber is the guy, Jones is still the top
kick-returner, and the number one guy in spot duty. To make it simple: He’s a
bigger version of Darren Sproles. If Jones can start getting involved
more in the offense, he could have a huge impact in rushing and receiving.
Until that happens, though, it’s a waiting game.
Kevin Roberts is a graduate of Concordia University in Wisconsin, where
he majored in Communications. He is a Green Bay native and loyal fan to
the Packers. He is also the writer for the NFL Power Rankings of 