Hot Pickups – Week One
James Starks – James Starks despite being the favorite to emerge as the Packers starting running back is sitting unowned in 47 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Yahoo has changed its rankings to reflect the fact that this is a clear 50/50 worksplit with the Packers likely to hand Starks the job if he puts up a fight due to the fact that Ryan Grant is a 29 year old running back in a contract year and they view Starks as their franchise running back of the future. Starks has the opportunity to emerge as a clear-cut RB2 if and when the Packers decide to anoint him feature back. It may be sooner than later. Starks is a solid flex2 and a flex option against softer run defenses as long as the workload split remains 50/50.
Jonathan Stewart – Jonathan Stewart is somehow available in 31 percent of Yahoo! leagues despite being a year removed from back to back 10+ TD seasons. Despite Williams getting paid feature back money Stewart is still the superior talent and the goal-line back. He has top-5 talent written all over him but it now appears that he may not get the opportunity to be a feature back in 2011 which has led him to fall in drafts and still be available in many leagues. Another 1,000 yard rushing, 10 TD season seems to be in the works. Take advantage if you are one of the lucky ones with Stewart still on your waiver wire.
Darren Sproles – Darren Sproles is seemingly flying way under the radar in fantasy leagues. Despite joining a more explosive offense and assuming the Reggie Bush role, Sproles is being overlooked in many fantasy leagues. He is a stronger asset in PPR leagues but Sproles, unlike Bush, is an effective running back as well. The RB to own in New Orleans is Mark Ingram but Sproles should get 10-12 touches per week and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Sporles is currently available in 55 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Davone Bess – Davone Bess does not get a lot of fantasy love outside of PPR leagues but after averaging just under five receptions a game for 50 yards last season, you could do a lot worse as a bye week filler. Bess is likely to fly of the wire over the next couple of weeks, so if you have a weaker bye week filler Bess may be someone you want to target. Bess is currently available in 45 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Nate Burleson – Burleson is a top vertical threat and has the talent to take full advantage of the fact that Calvin Johnson will get double and even triple teamed at times. As long as Stafford and Burleson stay healthy, a 10+ TD season is in the works for the former Seahawks player. He is a solid flex2 with flex upside. Burleson is currently available in 55 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Willis McGahee – McGahee though an unsexy option at this point in his career is a good bet for a 10+ TD season as a member of the Denver Broncos. The Broncos were doing everything in their power to land a new feature back to replace KnowShown Moreno but failed to pony up the cash to get a deal done. Moreno will have one last shot at being a feature back but has already lost his goal-line duties to Willis McGahee. Coach Fox loves him some veterans and I would not be surprised if a 60/40 timeshare emerges in Denver. Let us all remember that McGahee is an excellent receiver and is also the goal-line back so it is possible that McGahee finishes with more fantasy points than Moreno when the 2011 campaign is all said and done. McGahee is currently available in 45 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Lee Evans – Evans despite his pending career rejuvenation in Baltimore is still available in 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Evans will become the deep threat that Joe Flacco has so sorely needed these past few years. Mason is a timeless wonder but Evans though he may not be as prolific as Mason was at his age may prove to be the superior deep threat. Evans is a intriguing flex option and a excellent flex2. Six to eight receiving touchdowns is a distinct possibility.
Honorable Mention: Jerome Simpson, Brandon Gibson, Eddie Royal, Steve Breaston, Delone Carter
