Just when we thought everything figured out, Joey Harrington leads the Atlanta Falcons to a win while throwing no interceptions, Ron Dayne proves he can still run and the Arizona Cardinals handled the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half to win.
There were many good performances by players currently available on the waiver wire list so pay attention and act quickly as they might be gone by Tuesday. Here are a few players worth taking a look at for Week 5 and beyond, in the newest edition of Work the Wire, the Waiver Wire.
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QUARTERBACKS
Joey Harrington ( Atlanta Falcons) -- When you consider picking up Harrington, you already know what you might be getting into. His track record is not good, to say the least. But let's forget the past for a moment and just look at this season.
Harrington is completing over 70 percent of his passes and has not thrown an interception since the first week. What's more important though is that the Falcons receivers are actually holding onto the ball this season.
It's clear Harrington feels comfortable in the Falcons offense he's starting to look a little bit like that quarterback that was once drafted third overall.
Looking at the rest of Atlanta's schedule, the Falcons really don't face any elite defenses the rest of the way. Before the team's bye in week 8, the Falcons will play Tennessee, the New York Giants and New Orleans.
At this point, consider Harrington a good spot start in shallow leagues and a decent start in deeper leagues.
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RUNNING BACKS
Michael Pittman/ Earnest Graham ( Tampa Bay Buccaneers) -- According to reports from Yahoo, Carnell Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in the Buccaneers 20-7 over Carolina. We at Bruno Boys don't pretend to be doctors, but that sounds serious and Williams himself acknowledged as much after the game.
Thus, Pittman and Graham step in and there's not much doubt that coach Jon Gruden will use a two-back system. Pittman will technically be referred to as the start, but both backs will likely get 15 or more carries.
As for which one to pick up, well it's a tough one. Pittman is a between-the-tackles runner who does not possess any speed whatsoever. Graham on the other hand has some moves and is adept at catching passes as well. Until we see a full game with this set up, it's anybody's guess as to how it will shake out, but for now it appears Pittman will garner the goal line carries while Graham will be the team's runner between the 20s.
Correll Buckhalter ( Philadelphia Eagles) -- It should come as no surprise that Brian Westbrook is injured again. In his absence, Buckhalter rushed for 103 yards on 17 carries in the Eagles' embarrassing lost to the New York Giants.
Buckhalter has proven before that he's a capable runner multiple times before so he is not a bad start in deep leagues and is a good backup or spot starter in regular leagues.
You will need to keep your eye on Westbrook though. The Eagles have a bye this week and it appears Westbrook will try to give it a go the following week. Still, knowing his injury history, it wouldn't be shocking if Buckhalter saw more playing time.
Justin Fargas ( Oakland Raiders) -- This is a tough one. Fargas ran wild against the Dolphins, gaining 179 yards on 22 carries. Fargas has received at least five carries in each game this season so it's clear that the Raiders want to get him the ball.
What's tricky is the other running backs on the roster. LaMont Jordan left the Miami game with an injury is questionable for week 6. Oher running back Dominic Rhodes will be eligible to play for the first time after sitting out the first four games while serving his suspension for steroids.
At this point, Fargas remains an option only in deeper leagues and even then he's not the best start. Pay close attention to Jordan's injury and what the Raiders say about Jordan before you consider playing Fargas.
Dominic Rhodes ( Oakland Raiders) -- Finally eligible to play after a four-game suspension, Rhodes will get plenty of playing time and his value goes up if Jordan is still hurt when week 6 rolls around.
The Raiders didn't sign Rhodes to watch him sit on the bench, and he's proven with his time in Indianapolis that he is a capable running back.
As stated above, you should pay close attention to what the Raiders say in interviews and if Jordan will be healthy enough to play. However, Bruno Boys have some inside information about Jordan, and reports indicate that he could barely walk after Sunday's victory in South Beach.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Jenkins ( Atlanta Falcons) -- The former first-round draft pick looks like he may finally have turned a corner. He's caught six passes in each of the last two weeks and looks like he's developing a nice rapport with Harrington.
Similar to Harrington, you should know what you're getting into if you decide to sign Jenkins. But the talent is there and it's probably easier catching passes from Harrington than Michael Vick.
Since the Falcons don't face an elite defense the rest of the way, Jenkins is a good candidate to start while one of your other receivers is on bye. It would be nice to see some more consistency out him before he warrants consideration as a regular fantasy option.
Andre Davis ( Houston Texans) -- Until Andre Johnson is healthy enough to play again, it looks as if Davis will be the Texans No. 1 receiver.
Davis has only played when since Johnson's injury, but he's played well, catching nine passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.
With the way Matt Schaub is playing, Davis is a decent start in deeper leagues and worth a look in regular leagues.
Bobby Engram ( Seattle Seahawks) -- The veteran has stepped up as the Seahawks' No. 2 receiver and has been consistently producing since week 1. His numbers are not big as he catches 4-5 passes a game, but he has scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and Engram is a sure-handed receiver, something Seattle hasn't been too familiar with in recent years.
For now, Engram would make a decent third receiver in regular leagues and is a good option in deeper leagues.
Ike Hilliard ( Tampa Bay Buccaneers) -- Hilliard has reestablished himself with the Buccaneers this season and was particularly good against the Panthers, catching seven passes for 114 yards.
Since Michael Clayton has decided not step up, Hilliard has become Tampa Bay's No. 2 receiver. It's also become clear that Jeff Garcia has no problem throwing to him despite his tendency to drop passes.
Still, Hilliard is only worth a look in deeper leagues as his performance against Carolina was closer to a high-water mark than an average day. He is a player to keep your eye on as he'll face a tough test next week against the Colts.
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KICKERS
Dave Rayner ( Kansas City Chiefs) -- Now that the Chiefs have demonstrated that they can move the ball, and score, against a tough defense like the Chargers, Rayner is worth picking up. He had 12 points against San Diego, connecting on all three field goals and both extra points.
Thus far, he has only missed one kick and has a long of 49 yards.
He's always been a good kicker from long distances and is a good option in any league.
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STILL AVAILABLE
Dwayne Bowe ( Kansas City Chiefs) -- The receiver has now caught touchdowns in three consecutive weeks and is quickly bucking the trend that rookie receivers can't produce. His 168 receiving yard effort led all wideouts in Week 4.
His size (6-2, 221) presents tough matchups for undersized cornerbacks. It's nice to see that Damon Huard has developed a nice rapport with Bowe, but the best thing is that the Chiefs love to throw to him in the red zone.
If he is still available, he's worth picking up and starting in any league.
------------------------------------------------------------
Original Story:
http://www.mvn.com/nfl-fantasy.
There were many good performances by players currently available on the waiver wire list so pay attention and act quickly as they might be gone by Tuesday. Here are a few players worth taking a look at for Week 5 and beyond, in the newest edition of Work the Wire, the Waiver Wire.
------------------------------------------------------------
QUARTERBACKS
Joey Harrington ( Atlanta Falcons) -- When you consider picking up Harrington, you already know what you might be getting into. His track record is not good, to say the least. But let's forget the past for a moment and just look at this season.
Harrington is completing over 70 percent of his passes and has not thrown an interception since the first week. What's more important though is that the Falcons receivers are actually holding onto the ball this season.
It's clear Harrington feels comfortable in the Falcons offense he's starting to look a little bit like that quarterback that was once drafted third overall.
Looking at the rest of Atlanta's schedule, the Falcons really don't face any elite defenses the rest of the way. Before the team's bye in week 8, the Falcons will play Tennessee, the New York Giants and New Orleans.
At this point, consider Harrington a good spot start in shallow leagues and a decent start in deeper leagues.
------------------------------------------------------------
RUNNING BACKS
Michael Pittman/ Earnest Graham ( Tampa Bay Buccaneers) -- According to reports from Yahoo, Carnell Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in the Buccaneers 20-7 over Carolina. We at Bruno Boys don't pretend to be doctors, but that sounds serious and Williams himself acknowledged as much after the game.
Thus, Pittman and Graham step in and there's not much doubt that coach Jon Gruden will use a two-back system. Pittman will technically be referred to as the start, but both backs will likely get 15 or more carries.
As for which one to pick up, well it's a tough one. Pittman is a between-the-tackles runner who does not possess any speed whatsoever. Graham on the other hand has some moves and is adept at catching passes as well. Until we see a full game with this set up, it's anybody's guess as to how it will shake out, but for now it appears Pittman will garner the goal line carries while Graham will be the team's runner between the 20s.
Correll Buckhalter ( Philadelphia Eagles) -- It should come as no surprise that Brian Westbrook is injured again. In his absence, Buckhalter rushed for 103 yards on 17 carries in the Eagles' embarrassing lost to the New York Giants.
Buckhalter has proven before that he's a capable runner multiple times before so he is not a bad start in deep leagues and is a good backup or spot starter in regular leagues.
You will need to keep your eye on Westbrook though. The Eagles have a bye this week and it appears Westbrook will try to give it a go the following week. Still, knowing his injury history, it wouldn't be shocking if Buckhalter saw more playing time.
Justin Fargas ( Oakland Raiders) -- This is a tough one. Fargas ran wild against the Dolphins, gaining 179 yards on 22 carries. Fargas has received at least five carries in each game this season so it's clear that the Raiders want to get him the ball.
What's tricky is the other running backs on the roster. LaMont Jordan left the Miami game with an injury is questionable for week 6. Oher running back Dominic Rhodes will be eligible to play for the first time after sitting out the first four games while serving his suspension for steroids.
At this point, Fargas remains an option only in deeper leagues and even then he's not the best start. Pay close attention to Jordan's injury and what the Raiders say about Jordan before you consider playing Fargas.
Dominic Rhodes ( Oakland Raiders) -- Finally eligible to play after a four-game suspension, Rhodes will get plenty of playing time and his value goes up if Jordan is still hurt when week 6 rolls around.
The Raiders didn't sign Rhodes to watch him sit on the bench, and he's proven with his time in Indianapolis that he is a capable running back.
As stated above, you should pay close attention to what the Raiders say in interviews and if Jordan will be healthy enough to play. However, Bruno Boys have some inside information about Jordan, and reports indicate that he could barely walk after Sunday's victory in South Beach.
------------------------------------------------------------
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Jenkins ( Atlanta Falcons) -- The former first-round draft pick looks like he may finally have turned a corner. He's caught six passes in each of the last two weeks and looks like he's developing a nice rapport with Harrington.
Similar to Harrington, you should know what you're getting into if you decide to sign Jenkins. But the talent is there and it's probably easier catching passes from Harrington than Michael Vick.
Since the Falcons don't face an elite defense the rest of the way, Jenkins is a good candidate to start while one of your other receivers is on bye. It would be nice to see some more consistency out him before he warrants consideration as a regular fantasy option.
Andre Davis ( Houston Texans) -- Until Andre Johnson is healthy enough to play again, it looks as if Davis will be the Texans No. 1 receiver.
Davis has only played when since Johnson's injury, but he's played well, catching nine passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.
With the way Matt Schaub is playing, Davis is a decent start in deeper leagues and worth a look in regular leagues.
Bobby Engram ( Seattle Seahawks) -- The veteran has stepped up as the Seahawks' No. 2 receiver and has been consistently producing since week 1. His numbers are not big as he catches 4-5 passes a game, but he has scored touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and Engram is a sure-handed receiver, something Seattle hasn't been too familiar with in recent years.
For now, Engram would make a decent third receiver in regular leagues and is a good option in deeper leagues.
Ike Hilliard ( Tampa Bay Buccaneers) -- Hilliard has reestablished himself with the Buccaneers this season and was particularly good against the Panthers, catching seven passes for 114 yards.
Since Michael Clayton has decided not step up, Hilliard has become Tampa Bay's No. 2 receiver. It's also become clear that Jeff Garcia has no problem throwing to him despite his tendency to drop passes.
Still, Hilliard is only worth a look in deeper leagues as his performance against Carolina was closer to a high-water mark than an average day. He is a player to keep your eye on as he'll face a tough test next week against the Colts.
------------------------------------------------------------
KICKERS
Dave Rayner ( Kansas City Chiefs) -- Now that the Chiefs have demonstrated that they can move the ball, and score, against a tough defense like the Chargers, Rayner is worth picking up. He had 12 points against San Diego, connecting on all three field goals and both extra points.
Thus far, he has only missed one kick and has a long of 49 yards.
He's always been a good kicker from long distances and is a good option in any league.
------------------------------------------------------------
STILL AVAILABLE
Dwayne Bowe ( Kansas City Chiefs) -- The receiver has now caught touchdowns in three consecutive weeks and is quickly bucking the trend that rookie receivers can't produce. His 168 receiving yard effort led all wideouts in Week 4.
His size (6-2, 221) presents tough matchups for undersized cornerbacks. It's nice to see that Damon Huard has developed a nice rapport with Bowe, but the best thing is that the Chiefs love to throw to him in the red zone.
If he is still available, he's worth picking up and starting in any league.
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Original Story:
http://www.mvn.com/nfl-fantasy.
