Chris Wesseling

Slingbox's Waiver Wired

Baldwin Brothers

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Prior to Monday night's breakout game against the Chargers, Chiefs first-rounder Jonathan Baldwin was known primarily for trashing his teammates and coaches after leaving Pitt and mangling his hand in a training-camp fight with Thomas Jones' gun show. Finally healthy and in game shape after two months on the sideline, the athletic play-maker put on a show in front of the Arrowhead faithful with 82-yard breakout game highlighted by a leaping 39-yard touchdown.

The timing of Baldwin's breakout was interesting, as SI.com's Peter King touched on the Chiefs rookie in his Monday morning review of Michael Holley's new book War Room: The Legacy of Bill Belichick and the Art of Building the Perfect Team. Belichick advised Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff against his blockbuster trade for Julio Jones because Baldwin is "just as good." Another member of the Belichick tree, Chiefs GM Scott Pioli, ended up pulling the trigger on the physical downfield threat.

Along with Seattle slot receiver Doug Baldwin, who has topped five receptions and 70 yards in three of his last four games, Jonathan headlines this week's waiver pickups.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 9. Full writeups of each player are below.

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Along with Seattle slot receiver Doug Baldwin, who has topped five receptions and 70 yards in three of his last four games, Jonathan headlines this week's waiver pickups.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 9. Full writeups of each player are below.

Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel
Sam Bradford
Christian Ponder
Tarvaris Jackson
Andy Dalton

Running Backs
Javon Ringer
Roy Helu
Chris Ogbonnaya
Donald Brown
Kevin Faulk
Kendall Hunter
Chris Ivory
Tashard Choice

Wide Receivers
Jonathan Baldwin
Early Doucet
Emmanuel Sanders
Doug Baldwin
Lance Moore
Braylon Edwards
Titus Young
Leonard Hankerson
Ben Obomanu

Tight Ends
Brent Celek
Heath Miller
Jake Ballard
Zach Miller

Defense/Special Teams
Raiders
Texans
Falcons

Quarterbacks

Matt Cassel, Chiefs - I’ve never been a believer in Cassel, but rookie Jonathan Baldwin gives the Chiefs offense a different dimension and the schedule is made-to-order for fantasy success. Already a respectable 15th in fantasy points over the past five weeks, Cassel has dream matchups against the Dolphins (third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs), Broncos (most) Patriots (second-most) over the next three weeks. He’s a borderline QB1 for the next month.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Sam Bradford, Rams - Bradford has finally ditched his walking boot, though his status is still up in the air for an attractive matchup against the Cardinals’ burnable secondary in Week 9. Even if he ends up sitting out again, Bradford is well worth a roster stash with Brandon Lloyd emerging as a viable go-to receiver and Steven Jackson providing a stable ground attack. This offense has a chance to make waves in the second half of the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Christian Ponder, Vikings - Ponder’s 102.7 passer rating and 8.4 yards per attempt against the Panthers are both season-highs, as he continues to show an aggressive streak and a strong enough arm on mid-level throws. Fantasy’s No. 13 QB in just over two starts the past three weeks, Ponder has the entire Vikings offense on the rise heading into the Week 9 bye. He has a host at high-end QB2 value in the second half.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12- and 14-team leagues.

Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks - After a disastrous September, T-Jax has established career-highs of 319 and 323 yards in two of his past three games. The return of Sidney Rice, emergence of Doug Baldwin and improved offensive line play have helped turn Jackson’s season around. Over the past five weeks, he’s been top-12 in fantasy points per game.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Andy Dalton, Bengals - Dalton is a fine young quarterback, but he’s feasted on low expectations and an unbelievably easy schedule thus far as fantasy’s No. 22 QB. His darkhorse Rookie of the Year status is about to take an uppercut to the jaw with matchups looming against the Steelers (27th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs), Ravens (31st-most), Browns (30th-most), Steelers again and Texans (28th-most) after squaring off with the Titans in Week 9. Dalton is only an option in two-quarterback leagues going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Brady Quinn, John Skelton, Matt Flynn, Vince Young, Shaun Hill

Quinn may get the call in a few weeks if Tim Tebow can’t turn himself into a quarterback. … An accuracy-challenged Skelton isn’t better than Kevin Kolb, and it’s not even close. But those in two-quarterback leagues may have to take the plunge if Kolb’s turf toe keeps him out this week against the Rams.

Running Backs

Javon Ringer, Titans - Coach Mike Munchak now insists that Chris Johnson remains the starter, but his crunch-time actions from Week 8 are telling. Ringer played 33 snaps to CJ1K’s 30, taking over as the feature back in the fourth quarter. Munchak also conceded that game momentum will be a factor, and all of the evidence this season points to Ringer as the back most likely to come up with the “hot hand.” Ringer won’t overtake Johnson outright this week, but this is as fluid as a backfield situation gets. He could easily end up as the lead back for the majority of November and December.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Roy Helu, Redskins - Helu didn’t see a single carry against the Bills, but he led the backfield in snaps again while Ryan Torain has managed just 1.55 yards per carry since Week 4. Circling the drain, the Redskins aren’t going to be playing with the lead much the rest of the way. Helu’s snaps should continue to rise, and there’s still a chance that he’ll overtake Torain for early-down work.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Chris Ogbonnaya, Browns - The coaching staff tentatively expects Peyton Hillis (hamstring) to play Sunday against the Texans, but it’s hard to be optimistic after last week’s setback. Until the Browns give a more certain answer on Hillis’ status, Ogbonnaya is worthy of a pickup as a potential three-down back even in a tough Week 9 matchup. Rotoworld won’t rank the underwhelming Ogbonnaya as more than a flex option, but his pass-catching ability is tempting in PPR leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury fill-in.

Donald Brown, Colts - A better passing-down option than Delone Carter, Brown took over as the Colts’ feature back in comeback mode during the third and fourth quarters last week. The former first-round bust has shown signs of improvement in brief glimpses this season. Though he’s worthy of a roster spot as long as Joseph Addai (hamstring) remains sidelined, Brown isn’t going to be more than a risky flex option against the Falcons.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Kevin Faulk, Patriots - It’s time to disabuse fantasy owners of the notion that a 35-year-old role player coming off ACL surgery will become a lineup fixture in PPR formats. Even when healthy and in his prime, Faulk was never more than a borderline flex play. While he did lead all Patriots backs in snaps against the Steelers, that was a game momentum issue with New England playing from behind. Pick him up if it makes you feel like an active owner, but don’t expect reliable value the rest of the way.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper PPR leagues.

Kendall Hunter, 49ers - This is the week that bye-week teams are reduced from six to four, a sign that the end is nigh for the bye. That being the case, it’s time to start dealing away borderline starters to create roster space for stashes such as Hunter, Toby Gerhart, Ricky Williams and perhaps even the Eagles’ Dion Lewis. All it takes is one injury to give each of these backs a shot at high-end RB2 value the rest of the way.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a roster stash.

Chris Ivory, Saints - With Mark Ingram (heel) out, Ivory played six snaps in Week 8 -- and was given the ball on all six of them. Ivory was predictably rusty but showed glimpses of the physicality that made him a coaching staff favorite as a rookie. If Ingram sits out again, Ivory should get a chance at short-yardage work against the Bucs in Week 9.

Recommendation: Worth a look in touchdown-heavy leagues.

Tashard Choice, Redskins - Choice will gain notice in fantasy circles this week because any runner in a Shanahan backfield can surface as a factor at a moment’s notice. Expectations need to be tempered, though. Choice won’t play this week due to a hamstring strain, and he was battling a shoulder injury in Dallas. No longer an effective player, Choice has averaged 2.7 yards per carry this year and 3.4 yards per in his last 22 games going back to beginning of 2010. I’d let someone else waste a roster spot and a waiver claim on Choice.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Curtis Brinkley, Jacob Hester, Taiwan Jones, Thomas Clayton, Danny Ware, Phillip Tanner, Toby Gerhart

The Chargers backfield is up in the air heading into Week 9 against the Packers. Brinkley (concussion) may have a hard time gaining clearance by Sunday. If Ryan Mathews (groin) and Mike Tolbert can’t get back on the field, Hester could end up with a major role. … Jones could see a few carries if Darren McFadden (foot) misses this week’s game. … The Browns were expected to give Clayton a look with Montario Hardesty (calf). … Ware could take on a larger role if Ahmad Bradshaw’s foot injury takes a turn for the worse.

Hold Off: Steve Slaton, Lance Ball

Slaton is still no better than third on the depth chart in Miami. … Willis McGahee plans to play in Week 9, which would send Ball back to the bench.

Cut Bait: Keiland Williams, Bernard Scott, Danny Woodhead

The Lions hope Jahvid Best can return in Week 10, leaving Williams as the third-stringer. … Scott can be dropped in 10-team leagues with Cedric Benson returning from suspension. … Woodhead appears to have lost his job to Faulk.

Wide Receivers

Jonathan Baldwin, Chiefs - Drawing comparisons to Vincent Jackson as a big, physical downfield threat, the first-rounder was inactive for the first month and a half after injuring his hand in a locker room fight with Thomas Jones. Finally healthy, Baldwin put on a sensational show in front of the home crowd on Monday Night Football, adding a much-needed big-play threat to the Chiefs offense. Baldwin is in the slot for now, but the Chiefs will have to give some thought to moving him outside in a swap with Steve Breaston. Either way, the athletic Baldwin is a must-add with fantastic fantasy matchups against the Dolphins, Broncos and Patriots the next three weeks.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Doug Baldwin, Seahawks - A top-25 fantasy receiver over the past five weeks, Baldwin has at least five receptions and 70 yards in three of his past four games. Tarvaris Jackson’s slot receiver has been fearless over the middle and offers better than advertised run-after-catch ability. With Seattle’s passing game on the rise, Baldwin should be owned in all PPR formats.

Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues.

Early Doucet, Cardinals - On pace for a respectable 64/821/6 line, Doucet has made the most of his limited snaps this season. With Larry Fitzgerald drawing the coverage away, Doucet has gained WR3 value as a top-35 fantasy receiver over the past five weeks. Week 9 offers an ideal matchup against the Rams’ subpar corners, but Kevin Kolb’s turf toe injury tempers expectations.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Lance Moore, Saints - Drafted this summer as a potential WR3 sleeper, Moore has been remaindered by the emergence of Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham. He drew a team-high 10 targets against the Rams, corralling seven of them for 74 yards. Moore is skilled enough that he’s worth a look in deeper leagues to see if he can use that performance as a springboard to PPR value.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.

Braylon Edwards, 49ers - Edwards returned to his starting job in Week 8 and saw seven of Alex Smith’s 24 targets. Smith doesn’t generate more than 200 yards per week in a run-oriented offense, so expect Edwards’ production to be spotty even if he does added a much-needed playmaking element on the outside.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a roster stash.

Titus Young, Lions - Young’s 66-yard performance in Week 8 was artificially boosted by blown coverage on a 41-yard touchdown. With Nate Burleson disappearing over the past month, though, the Lions could look to expand the more explosive Young’s role during the bye week. In a shot-gun heavy offense, the rookie is worth a look in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers - Antonio Brown has emerged as the more valuable of the two 2010 draft picks, but he’s already owned in the majority of fantasy leagues. Just as talented -- if not more so -- Sanders is coming off back-to-back five-catch games as the Steelers continue to move to more of a spread look on offense. Hines Ward (ankle) is expected to practice Wednesday, and Sanders is now getting his checked out. He’s a talented roster stash going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Leonard Hankerson, Redskins - The third-round rookie out of Miami saw his most extensive action of the season against Buffalo, seeing four targets. With Santana Moss out a month, Hankerson has the most ability and fantasy upside of a sorry group of Redskins receivers. There’s WR3 potential here if Hankerson can leapfrog Anthony Armstrong and Terrence Austin to start opposite Jabar Gaffney.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a roster stash.

Ben Obomanu, Seahawks - The last time the Seahawks had two 100-yard receivers in the same game was in 2004 against the Cowboys, when Darrell Jackson and Jerry Rice pulled off the feat. Obomanu made the most of his four targets in a surprise start, but Big Mike Williams (hamstring) is expected to return this week. Obomanu is a poor bet to sustain WR3 production as the third or fourth option in Seattle’s passing attack.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Laurent Robinson, Greg Salas, Denarius Moore, Damian Williams, Earl Bennett

Robinson has my attention because he’s always been an injury-prone player with plenty of talent. Fantasy leagues just can’t count on any consistency as the fourth option in the passing game. … Salas is worth a look in PPR leagues if Bradford makes it back this week. … It wouldn’t suprise me if Moore emerges as Carson Palmer’s top receiver. … Bennett should return to his slot duties, but his ceiling is low.

Hold Off: Eddie Royal, Jason Avant

Royal isn’t going to see 13 targets again this season. … Avant will be back down below 50 yards again in Week 9.

Cut Bait: Michael Jenkins, Robert Meachem, Nate Burleson

The majority of Jenkins’ production has come in two-of-eight games. He’s not worth carrying through the bye week in 12-team leagues. … Burleson is on pace for just 500 yards.

Tight Ends

Brent Celek, Eagles - Celek’s season-best 7/94/1 line was the result of a perfect storm against a tight-end friendly Dallas defense that lost coverage linebacker Sean Lee early in the game. Even if Michael Vick prefers his downfield receivers, there’s reason to believe Celek could keep rolling for one more week. The Bears’ Cover-2 defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, making Celek an interesting matchup gamble for the second straight game.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Jake Ballard, Giants - It’s time to give Ballard credit as a lumbering Kevin Boss clone with decent pass-catching skills. His average of 9.0 fantasy points over the past five weeks ranks fifth among tight ends, and he hasn’t been held under 55 yards in three straight games. Even if he lacks upside, Ballard could be a consistent borderline TE1 going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Heath Miller, Steelers - Miller is coming off a season-best nine targets, seven catches and 85 yards against a Patriots defense concentrating on stopping the big play, so there’s plenty of potential for point-chasing. The Week 9 matchup is also forbidding against the stingiest tight-end defense in the NFL (Ravens). On the bright side, Miller has been a top-five fantasy tight end over the past three weeks as his passing-game role increases with the offensive line solidifying. He has a shot at borderline TE1 status going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Zach Miller, Seahawks - Seattle’s passing game has been downright frisky in Tarvaris Jackson’s last few games, and Miller draws a tight-end friendly Dallas defense that was carved up by Celek in Week 8. He’s only a desperation matchup play this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Visanthe Schiancoe, Ben Watson, Ed Dickson

Schiancoe, Watson, and Dickson offer similar production to Celek and Heath Miller, but the matchups aren’t quite as good this week.

Hold Off: Scott Chandler, Marcedes Lewis, Tony Scheffler, Donald Lee

We’ve been down this road with Chandler before. He’s not going to find the end zone every week, so there’s an ongoing risk of a goose egg. … Lewis has no value because Blaine Gabbert is the NFL’s worst quarterback. … Scheffler remains behind Brandon Pettigrew.

Cut Bait: Rob Housler, Evan Moore

Defense/Special Teams

Texans - Even without Pro Bowler Mario Williams, this continues to be a top-10 fantasy and NFL defense. The Texans have held their last two opponents to an average of just 161 yards per game, and Week 9 brings an inviting matchup against a Browns offense lacking playmakers.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Raiders - Coming out of their bye week against Tim Tebow in the Black Hole, one could make the case that the Raiders are the No. 1 fantasy defense play for Week 9. Tebow has been sacked an average of 6.5 times the past two weeks, and he’s coming off a fumble-six, a pick-six, and two more fumbles against the Lions. His elongated motion and failure to read defenses in a timely fashion leave him as a fantasy defense’s dream matchup.

Recommendation: Should be owned as a matchup play.

Falcons - Curtis Painter has three interceptions to zero touchdowns over the past two games, mustering just 17 points of offense against the Titans and Saints. The Falcons defense has improved of late, holding its last two opponents under 20 points.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter.

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Chris Wesseling is a senior football editor and Dynasty league analyst for Rotoworld.com. The 2011 NFL season marks his fifth year with Rotoworld and his third year contributing to NBCSports.com. He can be found on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
Email :Chris Wesseling

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