Fantasy Football Madhouse

OutofmyHead - Fantasy Football Madhouse a Go-Go

By Stan Lisowski

Jay Cutler was sacked 9 times in about 3 quarters of play the past 2 games, having a completion percentage of less than 50%. Not giving us yet a warm fuzzy for Mike Martz's offense.

Tim Hightower is not going away, especially if Beanie Wells keeps accruing the wrath of Coach Wisenhunt for fumbling in the red zone.

Peyton Hillis was ripping it up for Denver a couple of seasons back before his hamstring tear. Now in Cleveland, with Jerome Harrison having fumbling issues and Monterio Hardesty out for the season, don't be surprised if Hillis becomes a viable bench option for your club needing running back depth.

Reminded by the Denver reference is the fact that many scribes are hyping Jabar Gaffney, and probably with good reason. But another wide-out that is definitely worth mentioning is Eric Decker who had 16 catches in the preseason, good for 61 yards per game. Add in Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Stokely and Demaryius Thomas, (when he gets healthy), and Kyle Orton has a lot of people to throw to, making the concerns about their running game a little more tolerable. Oh and don't neglect the bearded Orton as a nice backup QB, especially in weeks 10-14 when he faces the Chiefs twice as well as the Rams.

Mentioned Arian Foster on these pages last time and look what he did to the Cowboys in game 3 of the preseason; just busted them up with 100+ punishing yards. He is going currently in most drafts around the 4th round and right now, with no one really behind him to take carries away, consider that a bargain. Also alerted to the Jacoby Jones deal down the Texans way as well, and the "WR3" for Houston finished up the preseason with 12 receptions, tying him with Andre Johnson for the team lead at the receiver position.

You seen any of the Jets games this year? Mark Sanchez doesn't look so hot, especially considering the slew of pass-catchers he's got. Who do look good is LT, Ladainian Tomlinson, who appears to be reborn behind the New York offensive line. 22 carries for 129 yards ranked him 9th, yes 9th in the preseason for rushing yards per game.

Preseason darling Victor Cruz lit it up for the Giants this summer with 16 catches and a robust 297 yards. How much will he play when the games are for real is the question though, as Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham get Eli Manning's attention 1st and foremost. With Ramses Barden ailing, Cruz probably gets the nod as the WR4.

Just when we yapped about Bernard Berrian for the Vikings, he goes out and tanks his last game, with a very uninspiring effort. Timing wasn't so good as newcomer Greg Camarillo had a great opening game, seemingly very much in tune with #4 at QB. In PPR leagues, keep an eye on the former Stanford Cardinal.

Carson Palmer, never one to pay tight ends very much mind may now need to with the awesomely athletic rookie Jermaine Gresham now starting to get comfortable with the offense. He was targeted early and often in their last game and adds yet another option for the Bengal QB.

Last writing it was made mentioned about Buffalo's rookie CJ Spiller looking explosive at RB for the Bills. And while that observation still is true, it should also be worth noting that for the preseason, Spiller had 122 yards rushing on 26 carries, which isn't bad. Except though, 82 of those yards have come on 4 runs; which leaves him with 40 yards on his remaining 22 carries, or, like 1.8 yards per run. Further reminding us of really how bad the Buffalo offensive line might be.

San Diego's trade for Patrick Crayton may cause some looks to be taken away from Legedu Naanee, the Chargers' slot man and a favorite amongst many as great sleeper material. With Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd there as well, plus under-achiever Buster Davis, the secondary pass options for Philip Rivers become many, quite possibly diminishing any value Naanee had prior to the trade.

TJ Houshmandzadeh is apparently done in Seattle. The Rams could be a landing spot, or Oakland. And really not sure if Willie Parker even winds up anyplace at all after getting cut by Washington this morning.

Dallas needs to get their offensive line healthy and in sync or any aspirations of hosting the Super Bowl becomes just a figment of Jerry Jones ' imagination.

Also with O-line worries are the Eagles. And in both cases for the Cowboys and Philadelphia, it may cause some concern when drafting any of their skill people. No not saying to ignore them; but just understand that each has a tough schedule against the run while any advantageous scheduling setup they have for their wide receivers is negated if neither QB has time to throw.

As a Bear fan, this pains me greatly, but be wary of the Lions this season. Jahvid Best ended the preseason rushing for an 8.6 average. 8.6. Matt Stafford had seemingly great connectivity with Calvin Megatron Johnson, while new acquisitions Nate Burlson and athletic tight end Tony Scheffler add 2 very viable pass-catching options for what appears to be a strong and fast offense.

Stan Lisowski has been writing articles on Fantasy Football for the last 6 years and is an avid fan and participant. His insights and other news that you can use will be featured here on these pages. For those wanting his sporting selections; please refer to both the FREE and PAY portions of www.Playbook.com