I must reluctantly admit that weeks like the one we just saw in the NFL make me feel more like a witch doctor than a skilled practitioner schooled in the sweet science of fantasy.
Who could predict an unknown receiver by the name of Donnie Avery would get more fantasy points than Terrell Owens and the lowly Rams would spank a dysfunctional Cowboys team that is playing tighter than Jerry Jones’ surgically altered face?
And who in their right mind might guess that noodle-armed Kyle Orton would be two dropped TD passes and a fumble away from having five passing touchdowns against the Vikings? Not I.
But even if the NFL is only slightly less unstable than the New York Stock Exchange, it doesn’t mean Dr. Fantasy can’t give your team a second opinion.
Jonesin’ for a suspension
You might feel sorry the NFL slapped a three-game suspension on Jags wide receiver Matt Jones because the big man was enjoying a breakout season. With Jones out, keep an eye on Jerry Porter on the waiver wire and bump up running back Maurice Jones-Drew’s value slightly.
Singletary takes San Fran
As a player, Samurai Mike may have stopped teams cold as he once “sang” in the “Super Bowl Shuffle,” but the 49ers team he is now coaching has nothing resembling a “big and bold” defense like the ’85 Bears. Don’t bother picking up the 49ers defense.
Microscope on the Bears
Devin Hester: It’s been a topsy-turvy year for Hester. He’s gotten much better at receiving but regressed a lot as a return man. He’s still just a borderline starter.
Matt Forte: He may not be racking up the yards, but scoring TDs is still his forte. (You knew that was coming, right?)
The D: The injury report may read longer than “War and Peace,” but the bye week may be just what the doctor ordered. Don’t give up on them.
———-
D.R. SMITH IS A REDEYE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR.
