Many of you have reached the halfway point of your fantasy football seasons. That said, it’s time to assess where your team is headed. To make the playoffs, at the very least you will need a .500 record, so there is no waiting around anymore. Players sitting on your bench in the last couple weeks won’t help you win. Trade your depth on the bench for solid starting talent and ensure you make the playoffs.
Pickups and plays of the week:
Kevin Curtis (WR) – The leading Eagles receiver from 2007 is slated to start in his first game back from a sports hernia. Curtis could become a strong second or third WR for fantasy owners down the stretch, being featured in Philadelphia’s pass-heavy offense, in which he had 1,110 yards and caught six touchdowns last year.
Josh Morgan (WR) – The rookie wide out replaced Bryant Johnson as the starter last week and responded with 86 receiving yards and a TD. He looks like a strong start as the 49ers face Seattle on Sunday night.
Marc Bulger (QB) – Who would have thought that St. Louis would get back on track? The Rams, who have won their past two games, look to be a good upset pick against New England, and Bulger should reap the benefits. His new rookie receiver hook-up, Donnie Avery, should be a solid play as well.
Injuries and solutions:
Reggie Bush (RB) – He tore the meniscus in his left knee, and after having arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this week, is expected to miss up to a month. This comes as a huge blow to Bush owners, as he is the co-leader in touchdowns, with eight. For this week’s game against the Chargers, to be played in London, Deuce McAllister is expected to receive the starting duties, making him the appropriate replacement add.
Are they injured or not?
Brian Westbrook (RB) – He participated in full practice Thursday and it looks like he will play this week against Atlanta. For those of you who picked up Correll Buckhalter, make sure you hold on to him for a week or two just in case Westbrook re-injures his ribs.
Marques Colston (WR) – Last week, Colston was supposed to return to action. He did play but was unproductive and was eventually benched late in the game. However, he should be ready to go this week, so feel free to give him the start against a weak San Diego pass defense.
Anquan Boldin (WR) – After sitting for three weeks with facial injuries, Boldin returned to practice and is looking like a game-time decision. I’d wait this one out one more week; even if he does start, he’ll most likely have limited playing time.
Larry Johnson (RB) – No, he’s not injured, but he certainly won’t be playing this week and is in danger of missing significant time from his “nightclub incident.” At this point it may be wise to ignore the Kansas City running back situation altogether, but if you are in a deep league or desperate, the immediate pick-up is Kolby Smith.
Have any roster problems that were not 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 byes: Green Bay, Minnesota, Denver and Chicago.
Mat Adams is a mathematics junior and a Mustang Daily sports columnist. He can be reached at madams03@calpoly.edu.