Week 10 Fantasy Picks: Who To Trust

Yeah, Chris Johnson got his 100 yards week 9. Big deal. If a tree falls, but you benched that tree, did that tree really fall? Exactly my point.

It’s difficult predicting the breakout week. Or even believing a breakout player when you see him. Take Tim Tebow, who looks awkward, yet he’s accidentally succeeding. On Sunday, he threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns, while running for another 117 against Oakland. He’s still widely unclaimed (and mocked), yet he’s averaging 23.5 fantasy points over four games. Are you a believer yet? Not me.

Even veteran Eli Manning is making it hard to believe. I don’t think I’ve ever, ever written anything nice about him. Sure, he’s widely taken across all leagues. But he seems to make bad decisions all the time. All the time. And he commits dumb, painful turnovers. But he’s scoring, winning and thriving. Even without Hakeem Nicks. He’s averaging over 21 fantasy points per game this season. Yes, Eli Manning! Are you a believer yet? Not me.

It’s hard to ignore the name behind the numbers. For me, it’s not a bias, but a lack of confidence in their continued success. Tebow won’t continue down this path. Look at how defenses adjusted to Vick’s unorthodox play last year. They caught up. And he’s no Vick. As for Eli – the more you trust him, the more he’ll break your heart. The luck – and overcoming poor decision making – can’t last.

If you own them, good luck. But have a backup plan for the playoffs. I don’t trust them down the stretch. Same goes for CJ, whom I don’t even trust now. But I appreciate the flowers and all his text messages.

Here are this week’s waiver picks:

Laurent Robinson – Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson. In two games, the Cowboys wideout has 10 catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He looked good even before Miles Austin left the game with a pulled hamstring. He looks even better now with Austin out at least two weeks. Available in 82 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Roy Helu – The Redskins running back du jour put on a masterful performance Sunday with 14 receptions for 146 yards, and another 41 on the ground. Only two threats: Tashard Choice, who could be healthy enough to play this week, and Mike Shanahan because he’s Mike Shanahan. Helu should maintain the primary back, even if Choice steals a few carries. But how many times have we guessed the wrong Washington back? Available in 65 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Carson Palmer – Three touchdowns should quiet the critics. The former has-been-turned-starting-QB is looking much, much better after 332 yards and three scores on Sunday. The Thursday matchup against the Chargers bodes well for Palmer. San Diego’s a little soft against the pass, surrendering the ninth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Available in 70 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Earl Bennett – In his first game back after a chest injury, Bennett reeled in five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. I don’t remember him being this good. Do you? Probably a little lucky. Deep leagues only for the slot receiver. Available in 88 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Steve Breaston – Last week, Baldwin. This week, Breaston, who caught seven passes for 115 yards against the Dolphins. Tough choices moving forward, but consider Breaston a decent No. 3 WR. By the way, with Bowe in the mix too, think Killer B’s will catch on in KC? Available in 63 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Antonio Brown – Another impressive performance for Brown, who posted five receptions for 109 yards against the Ravens. What else do you want from him? How is he untaken? Available in 31 percent of Yahoo leagues.

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