Ryan Torain – Ryan Torain came into the game in relief of Tim Hightower and ripped off a 123 yard, 19 carry game against the Rams. With his performance he likely earned himself a timeshare if not the lead back role in this offense. We all knew coming into the season that Shannahan loves RBBC’s and this year will prove no different, especially once Roy Helu gets up to speed. Torain has been a WMFL favorite since his days in Denver with Shannahan, but his uphill running style means he is always going to be a considerable injury risk. Despite the RBBC scenario, Mike Shannahan is known for churning out productive runners and Torain is worth a waiver claim this week. If he earns the starting job he will be a solid flex play with RB3 upside. Torain is available in 76 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Johnny Knox – Johnny Knox finally got a start over a healthy Roy Williams and while his three receptions for 48 yards is decidedly unspectacular this is a fantasy notable change of the guard. Knox’s role and targets should continue to increase as the season progresses. Knox is a bye week filler only for now but with an increased role he has a chance to sniff flex value in deeper leagues and flex2 value in shallower formats. Knox is available in 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Steve Breaston – Steve Breaston finally showed up to the tune of four receptions for 91 yards. The four receptions were only one less than he had all season and the 91 yards tops his total from the first three weeks of the season. With Matt Cassel learning that the Chiefs have no run game to speak of we project Breaston to be a solid fantasy contributor the rest of the way. Dwayne Bowe is one of the better receivers in the NFL and Breaston is the direct beneficiary of the extra attention that will be given to Bowe’s side of the field leaving Breaston one on one against most packages. Breaston has full fledged 1,000 yard receiving potential but is still nothing more than a flex in deeper leagues. Breaston is available in 88 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Greg Little – Colt McCoy has been vocal about wanting to get his best wide receiver more involved in the gameplan and we can see that trend starting to emerge following a healthy six receptions for 57 yards against the Titans. Little was targeted eight times in the loss and we hope to see his role grow going forward. Right now he is little more than a high upside bench stash, but has the chance to emerge with WR3 value by seasons end. Little is available in 92 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Michael Crabtree – Michael Crabtree finally showed up this season with five for 68 yards. Alex Smith really holds Crabtree back from having any serious fantasy value and he should be viewed as nothing more than a bye week filler at this point. Crabtree is available in 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Victor Cruz – With Manningham fresh off an injury and running bad routes Victor Cruz had a big day in the form of six receptions for 98 yards. We do not expect him to steal Manningham’s job permanently but he has performed welll enough to gain the trust of both Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin. Cruz is an option in deeper leagues and looks like a decent bye week filler option. Cruz is available in 63 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Preston Parker – Preston Parker showed up on Monday Night Football to the tune of five receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Through four games Parker has one more reception than Mike Williams and his 223 receiving yards leads the Buccaneers. He has become one of Josh Freeman’s favorite targets and should be added in deeper leagues. Parker is available in 96 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Stevan Ridley – Stevan Ridley – Stevan Ridley proved this past Sunday that he is a better running back than BenJarvus Green-Ellis. This is not new news, but after his week four performance Ridley needs to be rostered in all leagues. Ridley’s 9.7 yards per carry surpasses anything BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been able to muster in his entire career. With Danny Woodhead also banged up Ridley’s role is destined to grow. Ridley is available in 78 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
