Fantasy types get a bad rap. And I get it. We often cheer for hated players on rival teams. We agonize – I mean really agonize – over game-time decisions. We watch games that are otherwise meaningless (which is also a good thing). And if the score is tight, our quarterback taking a knee is like taking a knee to the gut.
Texans fans took a knee to the gut on Monday when they heard Matt Schaub’s fate: OUT FOR THE SEASON. I realize his prognosis isn’t conclusive yet, but all signs look bad.
Schaub is not on my roster. But he’s on my hometown team, and that’s more important to me. Maybe if I lived in New York or Boston where playoff appearances have rhythm and repetition, I wouldn’t take it so hard. But this is Houston. And we’ve never been good. Mediocrity is our high point.
All eyes are now on Matt Leinert who, I hope, is cancelling his bye-week Cabo vacation. He has a playbook to learn. If he can just protect the ball, the Texans have a chance. Of course, if Rick Smith calls me – you know, one GM to another – I might recommend scouting the wire for another option. Always good to have options. But too bad the Texans play in a 32-team league. That’s like a super crazy deep fantasy league. Not a lot of waiver options for his shopping cart.
Fantasy implications here: all receivers are demoted, naturally. Even Andre. Owen Daniels’ value remains about the same. Arian is good too. And you’ll pass on Leinert until he proves something.
The Texans will be fine, I keep telling myself. They just need Schaub in time for the Super Bowl.
Here are a few replacements to help with your injured or vacationing players.
Carson Palmer – I love starting the list with “I told you so.” Against the Chargers, Palmer posted 299 yards and two TDs. His schedule only gets better with Minnesota, Miami and Green Bay – all generous against the pass. Available in 59 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Harry Douglas – Poor Julio Jones was sent back to the bench with a hammy injury. Douglas wasted no time, nabbing eight catches for 133 yards against New Orleans. Look for Douglas to continue enjoying playing in Roddy White’s shadow. Available in 96 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Tim Tebow – Just two lousy passes against KC, yet he still tallied over 19 points. How? I dunno. But I did find a Tim Tebow-shaped potato chip. And that’s the only sign I need to continue starting him. I know, I know. This cannot last. No way. But play him until he fails. Or the chip breaks. Or I need a snack.
Kendall Hunter – Hunter filled in for a gimpy Gore with 40 yards and a touchdown last week. Gore is expected to play but Hunter is poised to gain more carries, and perhaps the lead role if Gore continues to ache… or he just needs a little rest with the playoffs approaching. If you don’t need him now, he’s a good one to stash for late season help. Available in 77 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Denarius Moore – What happened to Darrius Heyward-Bey? Moore has quickly become Palmer’s favorite with five catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns against San Diego. This week’s matchup is yummy too. Minnesota is yielding the second most points to opposing wide receivers. And yeah, I know – two Raiders on this list. Available in 39 percent of Yahoo leagues.
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