DSD Fantasy Falafel
                                                    Fantasy Football Week 4

                                    By: Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick

 

September 24, 2008 - In Buckhalter We Trust

Wow. Are the Patriots that bad? Or is Ronnie Brown that much of a beast? Either way, I hate myself for letting him rot on my bench last week. After his 5 touchdown performance, Brown gets the start every week for the next month no matter what. Anyway, less fat and more meat! Your three pick-ups of the week are:

1. Rudi Johnson, Not Past His Prime

Rudi Johnson will turn 29 in a week. But he was able to handle his business last Sunday. 14 rushes for 83 yards and 3 receptions for 48 yards; plus a trip to the end zone. Pretty solid week for someone who had only four touches in the first two weeks combined.

Last year was a rough one for Johnson in Cincinnati; but before that, he had three consecutive seasons with 12 TDs and 1,300+ yards. Johnson knows how to run the ball. And he hasn't quite hit the dreaded 30-years old mark yet. So he is definitely worth an add to your roster.

2. Brandon Lloyd Is Finally Figuring It Out

It appears that Brandon Lloyd is the new Bernard Berrian in Chicago. Tied with rookie RB Matt Forte, Lloyd leads the Bears with 13 receptions (for 216 yards), including 124 yards and a TD last week versus the Bucs. What I like here is how Chicago is averaging 326.7 yards of total offense per game and 174.7 of those yards are coming through the air.

Lloyd's receptions have increased each week (from 2 to 5 to 6) and it looks like he is starting to click with the new offense under Kyle Orton. This week in Philly won't be his best outing. But the following weeks (at Atlanta and Detroit) should secure Lloyd a third wideout spot on your team.

3. Can Buckhalter Fill Westbrook's Cleats?

Anyone watching the Eagles last weekend had to notice Brian Westbrook limping off the field. And while seeing #36 get a little dinged up is nothing new, fantasy owners should take notice. The docs are calling this one an ankle sprain. But if Westbrook misses time on the field, Correll Buckhalter becomes an instant starter. If nothing else, Buckhalter is an automatic handcuff for any Westbrook owner.

In Westbrook's absence on Sunday, Buckhalter had 10 rushes for 43 yards and 6 receptions for 44 yards (and a TD). A running back who can run the ball and make catches out of the backfield? Sounds familiar. Philly plays the Bears on Sunday (a team that is giving up just 71.3 yards per game on the ground) but a dynamic position like RB in Philly should be able to carve out at least 60 all-purpose yards and some serious looks in the red zone. Nab Buckhalter today, just in case all is not well with Westbrook.

Alright, guys. That's a wrap. Speaking of wraps, I should try to get some free food out of this Deli gig. Maybe if I go 3-for-3 this week, my editors will pitch in and score me a tasty sandwich. Or not. Yeah, that's cool too. You just think about that and let me know. Meanwhile, I'll keep my eyes on the stat sheet and finger on the pulse of the waiver wire. Good luck this week. Come back next week for another serving.

- Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick

 

 

 

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