Matchups are key to 2nd-, 3rd-tier players
In most leagues, the next three weeks will determine who gets tickets to the playoff dance. The byes are over. Your divisional opponents loom. Remember, play your stars no matter the matchups, but use matchups (specifically, defensive yards per attempt and touchdowns allowed for both running and passing) as the deciding factor when choosing between second- and third-tier players. For further assistance, check the Matchup Meter posted every Friday on my free website, www.rotoaction.com.
First, two quick notes on players previously touted here. Jake Delhomme (day-to-day, right hand) has eight TD passes in his last three games, but the yards per passing attempt (YPA) were consistently sub-par before Sunday. David Carr may prove to be the rare exception to the rule of outstanding YPA translating to touchdown passes, although his YPA has cratered to below six in each of his last two games after seven straight games above eight.
Buy
Julius Jones (RB, Cowboys): The former Notre Dame speedster was drafted for his playmaking ability and is about ready to return from his broken shoulder blade. Jones should get a long look at feature back and is worth a free agent flyer given the chance he has to make an impact come fantasy playoff time. Before getting extensive action, Jones must prove he can protect his QB from blitzers.
Clarence Moore (WR, Ravens): The Ravens’ beat writers noted to me on Sunday that the 6-foot-6 Moore is now the first read on most red-zone passing attempts. Who knows when Todd Heap will be back. Don’t expect many yards given the Ravens’ passing woes, but Jamal Lewis has proven to be lacking as a goal-line runner (converts 25 percent of goal-to-go runs since 2003, well below average).
Jeb Putzier (TE, Broncos): The ex-collegiate wide receiver has seemingly secured a starting job in the Broncos’ TE-friendly offense (Shannon Sharpe led the Broncos receivers with eight TDs last year). Putzier is 16th in the NFL in yards per catch, 16 for 292.
Sell
Edgerrin James (RB, Colts): James should be started in every league. But he has greater perceived than actual value in leagues that heavily factor touchdowns, due to scoring only five times. James has been thrown for losses on three of his last seven goal-to-go carries and has converted a worse-than-miserable 16 of his last 82 goal-to-go runs.
Kevan Barlow (RB, Niners): With the two TDs against Carolina, Barlow now has a semi-respectable six scores. But all those TDs have come in the first half of games and he’s averaging only 3.1 yards per carry after intermission (minus 13 yards on five second-half carries Sunday). Barlow has yet to prove he can withstand the physical rigors of being an NFL feature back.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, Steelers): People are talking about him as a league MVP so there has to be an owner in every league oblivious to the fact the Steelers are the most run-oriented team in the NFL (152 runs and just 58 passes the last three weeks).
Hold
Derrick Mason (WR, Titans): Quick, who leads the NFL in receptions? Plus, Mason’s been targeted 91 times, which ties for third best (with Andre Johnson) in the NFL (behind Laveranues Coles and Chad Johnson). The inviting pass defenses of the Texans, Colts, Chiefs and Raiders await.
Jermaine Wiggins (TE, Vikings): Yes, Nate Burleson takes a big hit once Randy Moss returns as planned in Week 12 or 13, but Wiggins’ value should remain steady. The workman-like ex-Patriot has five games (out of seven) with five or more receptions and the tight end has always been Daunte Culpepper’s second favorite red-zone read.