The Rookie Blitz: Week 14 in Review
Posted on 15. Dec, 2009 by Brandon LaClair in Columns
Jeremy Maclin: The Eagles emerging wide receiver tore plantar fascia tissue along the bottom of his foot and could be lost for the season. There isn’t an exact timetable on his prognosis for this season, but do not expect him to play Week 15 against the 49ers.
Michael Crabtree: Crabtree finally broke out, fittingly, on primetime television. He had his best performance of the season catching five passes for 67 yards. Crabtree has caught at least three passes in every game this season and has officially cemented himself as the #1 receiving option. The team travels to Philadelphia Week 15 and coming off his big game, should be considered a strong #2 receiver.
Johnny Knox: The Bears’ rookie finally broke out of a 10 week slump against Green Bay while hauling in five balls for 83 yards and a touchdown. This was the first game Knox has gone over 44 yards receiving since Week two against Pittsburgh. Knox is far too inconsistent to consider as a starting option; keep him as a flex option if you don’t have any better alternatives.
Hakeem Nicks: Nicks was superb while hauling in four balls for 110 yards and a touchdown. Nicks got the starting nod over a struggling Mario Manningham and should continue to fill that role through the rest of the season. Considering his new starting job, it’d be wise to keep Nicks as a low-end #2 receiver as his productivity will amplify with the increased playing time.
Knowshon Moreno: Denver’s rookie stud rushed for below 80 yards for the first time in four games as he gained only 63 yards on 23 carries. In what should be semi-final matchups for fantasy owners, you can trust Moreno as your #2 back especially this week against an Oakland rush defense ranked 30th in the league.
LeSean McCoy: The rookie Eagle had his 2nd straight game in which he struggled mightily rushing for 28 yards on 10 carries. We have two concerns here for owners relying on McCoy; first, McCoy may have hit a rookie wall; second, Brian Westbrook may return Week 15. Westbrook’s return isn’t imminent, but likely. If Westbrook does return, McCoy should be considered no higher than a flex option. If he doesn’t return, give McCoy another shot as the #2 option as his upside is too great to keep reserved.
Kenny Britt: Britt failed to score in his fourth straight week, but did manage to gain 75 yards on two receptions. Commonality amongst owners was to start the budding star while his touchdown streak was in full swing; now that the streak is over, keep Britt as a flex option until further notice.
Austin Collie: While scoring touchdowns in two straight weeks, Collie production has been limited as he has been held under 46 yards receiving in five out his last six weeks. In turn, this leaves fantasy owners in a quandary as to put Collie in your lineup. The Colts head into Week 14 with an undefeated record, which means they may rest key starters for the playoffs. It is our assertion that Collie’s playing time and productivity will remain the same as the team may sit key starters such as Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. Keep Collie as a solid flex option while the touchdown streak is alive.
Beanie Wells: Wells struggled in the 1st half Monday night, but came alive in the 2nd half; finishing with 79 yards rushing on 15 carries. Wells had more carries than Hightower only because Hightower fumbled the football early in the game. Both of the Cardinal backs should have their share of carries as the team takes on Detroit Week 15. Detroit stinks on every level defensively and the Arizona offense as a whole should light them up. Consider Wells a low-end #2 or a high flex option for this contest.
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