Fantasy Preview: Bargain Players

I’m no expert. But men and women are more alike than we think. We both love value, only we find it in different places. Women boast about the bargain bin jeans that cost 10 bucks. Men brag about nabbing Peyton Hillis off the waiver wire. “Dude, he was undrafted.” I heard that a dozen times last year. It’s the same thing. Or maybe not. A fantasy pick never made me feel fat.

Still, you get my point. We all want value. And more importantly, we want credit for it. All that work better make us look smarter than our friends. Here are a few thrifty picks that mimic the expensive stuff:

Danny Amendola – Hmmm. Did you see what I saw? Looks like Danny could be a playground favorite for Sam Bradford this year. 70 yards on eight passes in limited play. I know the Rams are stacked with receiving options, but Josh McDaniels’ arrival means a stronger air attack this year. I like Amendola in the double digit rounds and slot him in the 3WR.

Felix Jones – Finally, Jones is getting his chance. No doubt he had the talent, just needed his turn (ahem, Marion Barber). Making Papa Jerry proud so far this camp. Going in round 6. A steal!

Jimmy Graham – Shoppers: tight ends are like paper towels. Unless you get the really expensive Brawny or Bounty brands, the rest are a lot alike. Perhaps a ridiculous over-simplification, but I think it works. Save your early picks for RBs and WRs and get a tight end late. With Shockey out in New Orleans, Graham has the potential to take his place. Runner up: Detroit’s Brandon Pettigrew.

Tim Hightower – Once again, Hightower is making the most of an opportunity. With Ryan Torain nursing a broken hand, Hightower is impressing Mike Shanahan. He’s running, he’s blocking, he’s doing all the right things. Hightower could be the starter, and he’s currently going in the 10th round. Yes, the 10th round!

Mike Tolbert – See Ryan Mathews. Norv Turner has admitted he’ll use the tandem bike this year. Mathews will likely land the starting job, but Tolbert will still see considerable time. Look how effective he was last year: 735 rushing yards and 11 TDs. Also, Mathews is a health risk, so I like Mikey.

Shonn Greene – How else will the Jets get the ball down field?

Erin Skelley joins SportsRadio 610 every football season with riveting fantasy knowledge. Follow her on Twitter.