The Rookie Blitz- Week 6 in Review

Mark Sanchez: The 5th overall pick in the draft disappointed in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo.  Sanchez was 10-29 for 119 yards and five interceptions.  Consider this:  the Jets rushed for 338 yards; there is simply no excuse for Sanchez to not make the minimal plays necessary to win against an atrocious Bills squad.  Sanchez has really struggled recently and overall, his numbers show that he is still a work in progress.  He is tied for the league-lead with 10 interceptions; his 56.7 quarterback rating only tops JaMarcus Russell and Derek Anderson.  From here moving forward, keep Sanchez as a reserve unless you are in desperate need of a quarterback.

Michael Crabtree: The Santa-Rosa-Press-Democrat reported Monday that Michael Crabtree will replace Josh Morgan in the starting lineup Sunday against Houston.  While Crabtree is a great talent, consider him as a high-reward flex option for now.  Keep an eye on Crabtree’s production as he may quickly become the #1 target for 49er’s quarterback Shaun Hill.

Johnny Knox: The Bears speedy wide-out had a nice game against Atlanta Sunday night.  Knox had three receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. Knox has scored in four straight games for Chicago (3 receiving TD, 1 Special Team TD) while making himself available as a constant target for Jay Cutler.  Knox’s aptitude for finding the end-zone makes him an attractive fantasy option; keep him as a high-end #3 receiver for the time being.

Sammie Stroughter: The Oregon State star had his first breakout game of the season in Sunday’s loss to Carolina.  Stroughter took a kickoff back 97 yards to tie the longest return in Buccaneer’s history.  He also caught three balls for 65 yards.  If Stroughter had a better quarterback, then a fantasy owner should be tempted to add him as a flier, but he has Josh Johnson throwing him the ball, so let Stroughter dangle on the waiver-wire until further notice.

Brandon Tate: The Patriots WR has been on the non-football-injury-list with a knee injury all season.  He could be ready to return this week with the release of exiled Wide Receiver Joey Galloway and the news of Julian Edelman’s broken arm.  If Tate is able to return, he is worth taking a flier on because of the Potency of the Patriot’s offense.

Knowshon Moreno: The Denver feature-back rushed 18 times for 44 yards in Denver’s Monday night win against San Diego.  Moreno will remain Denver’s feature back, although Correll Buckhalter has played well and taken some of Moreno’s snaps.  The Broncos are on a bye Week 7, but consider Moreno a #2 option Week 8 against Baltimore who has given up back-to-back 100 yard games.

Percy Harvin: Minnesota’s emerging star had two receptions for 10 yards before leaving the game with a nagging shoulder injury.  Viking Head Coach Brad Childress recently said Harvin’s shoulder was no worse than last week and he is going through the treatment process. Keep a close eye on Harvin’s status this week. When healthy, consider him as a flex option for Week 7 against Pittsburgh.

Hakeem Nicks: The Giant’s rookie had five receptions for 114 yards Week 6 against New Orleans. Nicks looked very comfortable in the offensive scheme as he continually outplayed Saint defensive backs on his path to a career day.  Nicks has scored in three straight games and should be considered as a strong #3 wide receiver Week 7 against an Arizona secondary that is ranked 31st in pass defense.

Mike Thomas: The Arizona standout had a nice game against St. Louis catching seven balls for 52 yards. After Jacksonville’s Week 7 bye, the next opponent on their radar is the Titans and a defense that recently came off a 59-point shellacking to New England. Knowing how terrible the Tennessee secondary is, Thomas might be worth adding as a low-end flex option.

Jeremy Maclin: With Kevin Curtis out for the 3rd straight game, the expectation was that Maclin would have another good game Week 6. That was not the case though as he had one catch for six yards. The Eagles love to spread the ball around and unfortunately for fantasy owners, Maclin didn’t get the looks Week 6. With the Eagle’s unpredictability on the offensive side of the ball, Maclin could have another big day, so consider him a #3 receiving option against Washington Week 7.