Fantasy Football Fix August 9th 2010

Fantasy Football Fix August 9th 2010

Ryan Grant has proven to be one of the most prolific single-season rushers that the Green Bay Packers have ever had, but still this true workhorse is still getting no fantasy love. He is in line to be the unquestioned feature back once again and is a low-end RB and a high value RB2.

Injury update: Demmaryius Thomas and Eric Decker of the Broncos; Michael Jenkins of the Falcons; Beanie Wells was carted off the field with a rib injury.

Mike Williams of the Seattle Seahawks is impressing as a red-zone target, and the fact that he is impressing the Seahawks QB of the future means all the more. That also means he is currently running with the 2’s, but we wouldn’t bet against him making the final roster as former USC coach Pete Carroll tabbed him as one of his personal reclamation projects.

With James Starks still on the mend Quinn Porter is impressing Packers coaches and is trying to unseat Brandon Jackson as Ryan Grant’s primary backup. Starks is still who we are targeting in dynasty leagues, but Porter may make an impact this year.

Matthew Stafford is reportedly looking “astounding” in drills and we expect a big jump from him this year much like Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Stafford now has two legit TE’s, two legit RB’s, one of the best WR’s in the game and a solid #2 to dissuade teams from triple-teaming Calvin Johnson.

Greg Olsen is looking good in red-zone drills and may be a solid sleeper this year. I am not sure I take a chance on him in a league with less than 14 teams but he may emerge as the Bears top red-zone option and that would invariably lead to solid TE1 value.

Ryan Torain is currently ahead of Willie Parker on the Redskins depth chart and their are rumblings that he may not even make the team. From being a former Torain fantasy owner I can tell you that Shannahan loves Torain and his ability to maintain his speed out of cuts, he is perfectly suited for the zone-blocking scheme Shannahan uses and has excellent hands to boot. Dynasty league owenrs may want to stash him on the bench because he will be given every opportunity to prove himself over this next year and show that he has the ability to be the Redskins running back of the future.

Deon Butler continues to impress Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. He has been one of the most improved players from last season and has made a number of outstanding plays including one pictured here. We see him as more ideally suited for the slot but he has the speed to become factor on the outside with T.J manning the slot.

As expected Johnny Knox and Devin Hester have will start preseason as #1 and #2 respectively on the Chicago Bears depth chart. This is reminder again, the fact that Devin Aromashadu is being drafted before both Knox and Hester will be corrected, so take advantage now while the opportunity is still available. As reported here and by some of the top fantasy football sources like Rotoworld, Johnny Knox is in line to be Mike Martz’ featured player.

Brandon Jacobs takes the first snap in practice. This should not be news but with all the hoopla surrounding the possibility that Ahmad Bradshaw may take over as the feature back (not happening) this became newsworthy. Jacobs will rush for over 1000 yards and have 10+ rushing touchdowns and Bradshaw should amass over 1100 yards from scrimmage and 4+ all purpose touchdowns.

ESPN’s 12-team PPR mock gives insight on how drafts may change if you are in a PPR league as opposed to a standard league. I don’t agree with half of the picks, but what do I know? This is ESPN.

ESPN Top 200

Is it Harry Douglas time in Atlanta? It might be according to ESPN Insider fantasy analyst Eric Karabell. He makes a good case as due to the recent injury to Michael Jenkins this highly touted former 3rd round pick could be ready for a breakout season. The Falcons do not have anyone to push him hard for a spot so Douglas should be put on your sleeper radar.