This weekend marks the last of bye weeks. Barring injuries, your top players will be playing every week. As I’ve mentioned in previous weeks, you’re running out of time to address roster needs. Excess in one position will not help you make the playoffs if you lack in another. Your pickups from here on out should reflect more starting-job upside than week-to-week match-ups.
Pickups and plays of the week:
Jamaal Charles (RB) – A season-ending injury to Kolby Smith and suspension for Larry Johnson have opened the door for the Kansas City rookie. Last week, Charles made the most of his opportunity, rushing for 106 yards on 18 carries. On Sunday, he’ll run against San Diego, which has had trouble stopping the rush all year. There is definitely long-term upside with Charles, as the Chiefs face Oakland, Denver and San Diego in weeks 13 through 15. Other RBs to consider are Ray Rice, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Ryan Torain.
Greg Camarillo (WR) – Two weeks ago, it was Ted Ginn Jr. grabbing 175 yards receiving. Last week, it was Camarillo catching 11 passes for 111. Camarillo is most likely sitting among free agents and I recommend giving him a look this week against Seattle if you need a bye-week starter.
Injuries and solutions:
Matt Schaub (QB) – A torn MCL should keep Schaub out for the next four weeks. It comes at an unfortunate time, as he and the Houston offense were on a role prior to Sunday, winning three straight. The replacement is Sage Rosenfels. I’d consider him a solid pickup and play this week against Baltimore.
Kyle Orton (QB) – About halfway through Sunday’s contest against the Lions, Orton suffered an ankle injury that was initially thought to keep him out for a month. However, Orton feels optimistic and is not ruling out playing this week. Since he hasn’t practiced all week and is walking with a limp, though, he probably won’t play. This means the replacement will be Rex “Train Wreck” Grossman, who should only be considered in extremely deep leagues.
New starting gigs:
Brady Quinn (QB) – Derek Anderson’s inconsistency and crowd cheers for Quinn finally got noisy enough for the Browns to make the move. For those of you that are in need of QB help, Quinn is definitely worth a look, but don’t expect miracle results.
Tim Hightower (RB) – The big news out of Arizona last week was that this rookie took over starting duties in Arizona, tallying 108 yards and a TD on 22 carries. Hightower has been useful all year, scoring in six of Arizona’s eight games. The starting gig only increases his value and he can now be considered a must-start.
Have any roster problems that weren’t addressed? Since I can’t look at specific roster needs, I’d be happy to give any advice on your potential pick-ups, trades and sit-start decisions through e-mail. Good luck this week. Here are the last bye-week teams: Cincinnati, Dallas, Tampa Bay and Washington.
Mat Adams is a mathematics junior and a Mustang Daily sports columnist. He can be reached at madams03@calpoly.edu.