It’s already the halfway point in the NFL season, which means it’s past the halfway point in fantasy football. Owners have to fight through their players’ bye weeks and make a push to end the season strong. Here’s some help for week eight.
Player to add: Rashad Jennings
The Jacksonville running back could be a valuable pickup in the next few weeks. With Maurice Jones-Drew out for at least a couple of weeks with an injury, Jennings is sure to see the bulk of the carries for the Jags. After Jones-Drew left the game Sunday, Jennings carried the ball 21 times, proving the Jags have confidence in the young back and plan to use him. He’s only a temporary fix until Jones-Drew returns, but until then he could be an asset.
Player to Drop: Fred Davis
The Washington tight end will have to sit out the rest of the 2012 season after tearing his left Achilles’ tendon against the Giants on Sunday. Davis and quarterback Robert Griffin III were just starting to get on the same page after a slow start to the season, but that’s all over now. Davis wasn’t having a killer year, but it was solid enough for him to be owned in most leagues.
Player to keep: Maurice Jones-Drew
As mentioned earlier, the Jacksonville running back will be out for at least a couple of weeks with an injury. Jones-Drew hasn’t had his best year, with 414 yards on 86 carries and only one touchdown, but he’s worth the roster spot. He will return this season and will probably return right before fantasy league playoffs start. He’s still an elite back in the NFL and it’s only a matter of time before he really gets going.
Player to keep an eye on: Andre Roberts
The Arizona Cardinal wide receiver has quietly been putting together a solid season. He’s an unknown for the most part, so he’s available in many leagues, but he could be a valuable pick-up. He has had 29 receptions for 389 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Last week against the Vikings he had over 100 yards and one touchdown. He is getting looks, especially in the red zone. Roberts isn’t the most consistent guy, but anyone who needs a wide receiver should have him on their radar.
Lucky to have: Victor Cruz
The New York Giants’ wide receiver has followed up last year’s breakout season with another good one. He’s putting up solid numbers week after week. Last week he caught a 77-yard game-winning touchdown late in the game to beat the Redskins. He’s Eli Manning’s go-to guy, especially when the game is on the line. He already has 50 receptions and seven touchdowns on the year. Anyone who has him is lucky and should start him every week.
Kevin Bingaman can be reached at [email protected]