Apparently we have bye weeks again this year. Who knew this was still in the league bylaws. Without revealing all my flaws, let’s just say week 6 presents a little challenge for me. Truth be told, I enjoy this time of year. Not week 6, in particular. No, especially not week 6; it’s a doozie. But I like digging deep for a nameless scrub week to week and finding ways to squeak a win.
Over the last week, I’ve received a few texts, tweets and e-mails from the doomed and the desperate. Really desperate. Think Indianapolis Colts. So what’s a poor fool to do? I’ve got an idea but it requires some planning and some empty bench space.
Game the System
You have to be smarter, starting now. Your best bet, and my favorite strategy, is thinking ahead. Sounds obvious, but what I mean is thinking about your lineup and your waiver moves when you’re not competing for the same picks as the rest of your league. Don’t wait until week 8 to pick your week 8 defense. Get them on their bye or against a strong opponent, when no one else wants them. Sneaky, sneaky, I know. Someone give me an Eric Foster fist pump for that.
And if you think that’s smart, check out these super smart pickups:
Smart Pickups
Stevan Ridley – Running back roulette is back. And Belichick is the dealer. Ridley is the new back in New England, and put all your money on him. For now. Until Belichick changes his mind. The rookie RB ran for 97 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. For BenJarvus Green-Ellis owners, I recommend stashing him on your bench. Be ready to dust him off when Belichick is bored with Ridley. Available in 85 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jacoby Jones – The fantasy community was dealt another blow this weekend with Andre Johnson crumbling down. The most obvious choice in Houston is probably the best one. Jones knows the playbook and loves running to the end zone for his mama (almost, but not exactly, his quote). His stats aren’t good enough to include, but he’s the next man up in a formidable offense. This weekend, Jones faces the silver and black. Raiders fans scare me more than their defense. Available in 75 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Ryan Torain – As if Belichick’s fickleness wasn’t enough, say hello to Mike Shanahan. Hightower owners are reeling. Two lousy points. Torain, meanwhile, ran for 135 yards on nine carries. My take, claim Torain at your own risk. He’s likely the starter in week 6 (remember, think ahead), so if you’re on a bye, he’s the smartest play of the Redskins potpourri of backs. But don’t count on this love to last. Available in 76 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Isaac Redman – Mendenhall’s hammy is hurting, and Mewelde Moore is also down. Enter Redman. (Isn’t that a song?) In limited action, the third-year back has 107 yards and one score. No one saw this coming, so he’s largely available (88 percent).
Preston Parker – The Tampa wideout could be a nice filler during the byes. Shined on Monday Night Football with 70 yards and a TD. Faces a generous San Fransisco pass defense this week. Available in 94 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Other Notes
Chris Johnson – For crying out loud, it’s about time. I was SO close to dumping him at the nearest fire station or hospital and surrendering my rights to the state. But 101 yards on 23 carries will allow Johnson to remain a part of the Skelley fantasy family. It’s a shame Kenny Britt’s injury is to thank for CJ’s increase in production. Love the Steelers matchup this week if Foster’s performance is any indicator. Tennessee defense should dominate, placing the pigskin in the money mogul’s hands.
Matt Schaub – If you have the Texans QB, yeah, it’s a bear market. But he’s a steady producer (except for last week). I still put him in my top 12 this week. Come on, he plays the Raiders.
Tony Romo – I hate to say this, but the city of Dallas was right. In reality or fantasy, you’re rolling the dice with Romo.
Can’t get enough of Erin Skelley? Want more, more, more? Listen to her on SportsRadio 610 on Friday and Sunday mornings. Follow her on Twitter.
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