Fantasy Football: Week 9 Value Picks
Added on Nov 04, 2011 by Scott in
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Hard to believe but we’re already past the half-way point of the fantasy football regular season. By now, most owners know whether their rosters are equipped to contend or in desperate need of life support. A slew of injuries and the always frustrating bye weeks are making the 2011 campaign challenging, to say the least. Cam Newton, Steve Smith, Adrian Peterson, Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew owners take note. Here are your Week 9 value picks.
Matt Cassel (vs. MIA) – Cassel is hardly a sure thing, but he has been relatively productive during Kansas City’s four-game winning streak, eclipsing 250 yards three times and throwing six touchdowns against four interceptions. He’ll face a Dolphins secondary ranked 27th versus the pass that just allowed 349 yards to Eli Manning. With Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston and the emerging Jonathan Baldwin, Cassel has plenty of options to post decent numbers. Start him if you need him.
Michael Bush (vs. DEN) – If you’ve kept Bush on your bench for all these weeks waiting for the obligatory Darren McFadden injury to occur, congratulations, because now is the time for your patience to pay dividends. The Broncos have actually held up fairly well to opposing running backs. Only the aforementioned McFadden and Ryan Mathews have surpassed 100 yards. However, Bush is a legit number one back when given the majority of the carries and has scored four touchdowns in his last four meetings versus Denver.
Doug Baldwin (@ DAL) – If you’re desperate for wideout help you could do a lot worse than Baldwin. He leads Seattle in receptions, yards and is tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns with two. He’s been especially good with Tarvaris Jackson under center and Jackson is scheduled to start on Sunday. The Cowboys are stout against the run, but susceptible to the pass. Since the Seahawks can’t run and could be playing from behind, Baldwin makes a serviceable option as a number three receiver.
Brent Celek (vs. CHI) – Celek hasn’t been relevant in fantasy, or the Eagles offense, since 2009. But with defenses employing deep safeties to prevent DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin from beating them over the top, Michael Vick is having to rely on Celek between the hashes to move the chains. After posting only nine catches in his first five starts, Celek has exploded for 11 grabs and a pair of touchdowns in his last two. The Bears rank dead last versus tight ends, which makes Celek even more appealing. He still poses a risk, but the matchup is extremely favorable.
Texans D/ST (vs. CLE) – The Browns have scored over 17 points just once this season. In their last two games, they’ve managed 16 total. Injuries to Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty leave them only one healthy running back, Chris Ogbonnaya. The Texans rank in the Top 6 in all major defensive categories, including points allowed. They’ve also been extra stingy at home having yet to yield an opposing offense to total over 300 yards. Start them with confidence.
