Tuesday October 12th, 2004 Page updated at 5:40pm
FantasyFootball Grab Bag For Week 6
By: David Bachman
Fantasy Football Editor For WagerOnFootball.com

Week 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14  .15 . 16 . 17

The Psychic Friends Fantasy Football Network would have been forced out of business. Crystal balls are now considered useless. Even that amazing superfreak Nostradamus would have had to consider another line of work.

That's how unpredictable this past week was in Fantasy Football.

Amid bye weeks and injuries to some of the biggest studs in the league, owners are left to depend on statistics and weak opponents to determine which players have the best chance to succeed. It's all a part of being a coach and general manager. And while these strategies remain the best course of action, this week proved there are never guarantees when owners set their lineups.

This weeks MVP

Daunte Culpepper is your 2005 NFL and Fantasy Football MVP……..well so far anyway. In leading the Minnesota Vikings to a win over the Houston Texans Culpepper threw for 396 yards marking the third time in four games that he has passed for over 300 yards and he added an amazing 5 touchdown passes, already the second time he's done that this season. He has a tendency to fumble the ball but he didn't have a single turnover this past weekend. In fact he's only thrown 1 interception this year and if he keeps playing like this he will have a realistic shot at breaking several of Dan Marino's single season passing records. But no Most Valuable Player discussion is complete without mentioning the reigning league MVP Peyton Manning. Manning didn't have a particularly big game against the Raiders (16/26 198 yards) but he threw three touchdown passes which brings his league-leading total to 14. Manning hasn't had his bye week giving him one more game played than Culpepper, but the Colts are currently 4 - 1 and Manning is well on his way to throwing for 4,000 yards and over 35 TD's. If that doesn't get you on the ballot, nothing will. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb and Chiefs RB Priest Holmes are the other MVP candidates but both were idle this week and now have a long way to go if they want to catch either Culpepper or Manning.

A couple guys in Texas are doing The Texan Two-Step

David Carr and Andre Johnson are legitimate top 10 fantasy players at their positions, absolutely no question about it. This Texan duo just keep on getting better and better and their most recent performances give us a glimpse into the future. 372 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions from Carr and 12 receptions, 170 yards and 2 touchdowns from Johnson. Big time numbers by anyones standards. Culpepper/Moss, Manning/Harrison and McNabb/Owens are the cream of the crop right now but Carr/Johnson isn't very far behind. These two are going to be together for a long time and its going to be exciting to see just how good they will be.

Tight End is making me Happy

Good tight ends are hard to come by which is why we covet Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap and Jeremy Shockey and why we loved Shannon Sharpe, Wesley Walls and Ben Coates. But Heap has missed a lot of time because of an ankle injury and Gonzalez and Shockey have underachieved. Luckily there have been a group of young tight ends that have stepped up in a very big way. At the top of the list is Eric Johnson who despite being a game-time decision because of bruised ribs had another career game for the 49ers catching 13 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Statistically he's the best at his position this year and he's quickly becoming one of the top fantasy options in the game. Antonio Gates is also having a big year and kept things going with a solid Week 5 performance. His 8 receptions, 93 yards and 2 touchdowns helped give the San Diego Chargers a surprising win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and as the team's best receiver he will have a lot of opportunities to produce. And finally Daniel Graham, who's 1-yard touchdown catch against the Dolphins brings his season total to 5 in 4 games. Graham was coming off what many considered a disappointing season but he's turned things around and he's having a breakout year. Now I'm not ready to group these players with the likes of Gonzo, Heap and Shockey but they are certainly making names for themselves and its time to give them the recognition they deserve.

"Where The Heck Were You?"

Moe Williams-MIN: 0 carries 0 yards

Tom Brady-NE: 7/19 76 yards 2 TDs 1 INT

Roy Williams-DET: 3 rec 18 yards

Terry Glenn-DAL: 2 rec 24 yards

DeShaun Foster-CAR: 5 carries 18 yards

Laveranues Coles-WAS: 3 rec 25 yards

Rod Gardner-WAS: 1 rec 9 yards

Alge Crumpler-ATL: 1 rec 24 yards

Jacksonville Jaguars defense: 0 sacks 0 turnovers 34 points allowed.

"Where The Heck Did You Come From?" - Our picks for players to add to the watch list !!!

Tim Rattay-SF: 38/57 417 yards 2 TDs 0 INTs

Reuben Droughns-DEN: 30 carries 193 yards 4 rec 18 yards 1 TD

Marcus Robinson-MIN: 9 rec 150 yards 2 TDs

Derick Armstrong-HOU: 6 rec 101 yards 1 TD

Mewelde Moore-MIN: 20 carries 92 yards 12 rec 90 yards

Jessie Chatman-SD: 11 carries 103 yards 1 TD 1 rec 17 yards

Wayne Chrebet-NYJ: 8 rec 90 yards

Ken Dilger-TB: 3 rec 60 yards 1 TD

Steve Christie-NYG: 4/4 FGs 2/2 XPs

The Training Room

Here is a preview of all the major injuries which occurred during Week 5 action.

Tim Carter, WR, NYG - Hip injury - Status unknown.
Corey Dillon, RB, NE - Sprained Ankle - Status unknown.
A.J. Feeley, QB, MIA - Concussion - Status unknown.
Jay Fiedler, QB, MIA - Rib injury - Status unknown.
DeShaun Foster, RB, CAR - Broken Collarbone - Out extended period of time.
Travis Henry, RB, BUF - Sprained Ankle - Status unknown.
Olindo Mare, KIK, MIA - Strained Calf - Status unknown.
Deuce McAllister, RB, NO - Sprained Ankle - Surprise return to lineup / ankle appears healthy.
Julian Peterson, LB, SF- Torn Achilles Tendon - Season is over.
Chris Simms, QB, TB - Shoulder injury - Status unknown.
Roy Williams, WR, DET - Sprained Ankle - Status unknown.

Week 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13 . 14  .15 . 16 . 17

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