FANTASY FOOTBALL TIPS WEEK 9

October 30, 2005 8:00 PM ET

Barber Delivering Close Shave
With Julius Jones performing poorly through the first five games (3.6 yard average) and nursing a high ankle sprain since then, he's left the door open for a challenger. Over the past two games, fourth-round pick Marion Barber has begun to distinguish himself as a very capable runner. Two games ago, he ran for 95 yards against a good Seattle run defense. Last week, Barber's 28-yard touchdown was awfully impressive, featuring a plethora of broken tackles. The rookie finished with a whopping 127 yards and two touchdowns. We have ample evidence that high ankle sprains have a lengthy healing period, but after watching Barber, Jones might suddenly be feeling better. Only one-third of Fanball Commissioner leagues have Barber on a roster, so most of you still have the option of picking him up. And you should.

Second-half Sleeper
It's a pity that Chicago receiver Mark Bradley left Sunday's game with a potentially-serious knee injury because the Bears' passing game looked downright vibrant while he was on the field. Bradley showcased his amazing speed and appeared to be on the verge of a breakthrough game. But even without Bradley, there's reason for optimism in the Windy City. Kyle Orton has started to turn the corner. Since the team's week-four bye, he's thrown at least one touchdown in every game, and has just one interception in that time. With Thomas Jones running well, defenses can't key on the passing game, which is giving Orton some breathing room. Muhsin Muhammad scored last week, and it won't be the last time. He's one of my favorite second-half sleepers.

Johnson Exposed
It looks like Daunte Culpepper's season is in jeopardy after Chris Gamble turned his knee into a Slinky on Sunday. That leaves opens up a variety of variables for the Vikings on your roster. Obviously, Culpepper hadn't played particularly well, but Brad Johnson represents a significant downgrade. Johnson's arm just doesn't have enough zip to spark a downfield passing game, and dump-off passes don't equate to fantasy points. Don't believe me? At halftime of last week's game, head coach Mike Tice said, "the short passing game is what Brad is good at."

Unless Culpepper comes back earlier than I expect, it's time to bail on virtually every Viking. With Johnson under center, none of the receivers are going to be reliable, with the possible exception of tight end Jermaine Wiggins, whose routes run right through Johnson's sweet spot. The running game will suffer because opposing defenses will play close to the line of scrimmage, knowing that Johnson's arm won't beat them deep.

Cut the Cards
Anquan Boldin's season is probably over after suffering a knee injury on Sunday; the team suspects it's an injury similar to the one that cost him eight weeks at the start of last season. Some would suggest that Boldin's absence will help Larry Fitzgerald, but I don't see it that way. Without a competent quarterback or running game, defenses will double and triple down on Fitzgerald. The best hope for Fitzgerald is that Bryant Johnson can step up and provide a solid second receiving option in order to free up Fitzgerald. But that might take a few games. Johnson might be worth a pickup, himself, but expect no more than spot fantasy duty for him.

Giant Giants
I've got nothing but respect for Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, so when I see his defense get lit up, I take notice. New York entered last week's game with a long string of futility against Washington. But the Giants manhandled the Redskins, putting up 36 points on Sunday, doubling the Redskins' points allowed per game average. If the Giants can post solid points against the Redskins, they can do it against anyone. Put Eli Manning, Tiki Barber, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey in your starting lineup, and leave them there for the rest of the season.

Samkon and De Lineup
Green Bay's dearth of running backs has created an opportunity for one of those midseason no-name pickups of a player that nobody had heard of on draft day. Because of season-enders to Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport, Tony Fisher started last week's game—but he's a third-down back and little more. That's left Green Bay as desperate for a runner as Jillian Barberie is for a herpes cure. Enter the one and only Samkon Gato. Huh? After joining the team less than two weeks ago, the new Nigerian nightmare got his feet wet on Sunday, and should see more time as soon as this week. If you've got a free roster spot, Gato could be a nice second-half sleeper pick.

Tale of Two Tight Ends
Sunday's Chiefs-Chargers tussle featured fantasy football's two premier tight ends. Or so we thought in August, anyway. It's been a tale of two seasons for these two, as Antonio Gates has been every bit as good as hoped, while Tony Gonzalez has been one of fantasy football's biggest busts. After missing week one, Gates has been incredibly consistent, scoring or topping 80 yards in every game but one. Meanwhile, Gonzo posted his first touchdown and first 80-yard effort of the season in response to Gates' big day. Gonzo has the excuse of being forced to block while LT Willie Roaf was out from weeks two through six, and some of the blame surely lies with Trent Green, who has mirrored Gonzo's futility. But even combining those two issues doesn't fully explain away his problems. I'm of the belief that things will get better for Kansas City. Their remaining schedule is highly favorable, including seven games against teams that rank 20th or worse against the pass. Alternately, they've only got one team left on the schedule that ranks in the top half against the pass. Whoever drafted Gonzo is feeling pretty frustrated right now, and you can capitalize.

Simms Card
Sometimes when a new quarterback takes over, a new preferred receiver will emerge as well. A great example is in Tennessee where Steve McNair looks for tight ends first, and Billy Volek is more comfortable with receivers. It's possible that we'll see something similar in Tampa Bay. While he was upright for five and a half games, Brian Griese had target lock for Joey Galloway, who caught 31 balls for 500 yards and four touchdowns. Michael Clayton, meanwhile, languished with just 19 receptions for 223 yards and no touchdowns. But Clayton holds some interest for me. First, let's not forget that he had a great rookie year last year, so there's some talent there. Second, his nagging shoulder injury is behind him. He was much more involved in the passing game this week—Chris Simms' first start of the year. Simms could switch receiving affinities, so I'm optimistic that Clayton can bounce back.