Fantasy Quick-Hitters: Pierre’s knee, Boldin’s hammy, and more
Pierre Thomas practices, but Week 1 status still uncertain. Whoa! This is a surprise, as everything had been pointing to Thomas sitting out this week. The day after is crucial with knee injuries, so we’ll see if it flares up or if he’s able to go on Friday. If he goes, he’d be a solid start against a bad Lions defense.
Anquan Boldin doesn’t practice, but says he’ll play. Hammys are fickle, so use caution when inserting Boldin in your lineup. Steve Breaston looks like a solid WR2/flex play in Week 1 against a suspect 49ers defense.
Jonathan Stewart not listed on injury report. I expect that he’ll still be limited, but this is a great sign for Stewart owners (and not such a great sign for DeAngelo Williams owners).
Malcom Kelly named starting WR2 in Washington. This has been the general consensus for a couple of weeks now, but it still bears watching. Kelly is big, but isn’t terribly fast. Still, big receivers can thrive in the WCO due to their ability to overpower smaller DBs on slants, so Kelly could be a worthwhile pickup in big PPR leagues.
Antonio Bryant practices fully on Wednesday. The Bucs have downgraded at QB, so I wouldn’t expect Bryant to post the kind of numbers that he did last season, but the top 20 is certainly within reach.
Steven Jackson to be used like Brian Westbrook. This is good news for owners who have Jackson in PPR leagues. He’s a versatile pass catcher and the Rams would be smart to try to get him the ball in space so that he can avoid the constant pounding inherent in between-the-tackles rushing.
I don’t know if I’d call Leftwich a downgrade from the extremely overrated Jeff Garcia. It’s certainly not an upgrade, but I’d call it a wash my self.
I did, and would, call it a downgrade. Anthony, what do you think?
I’d call it a downgrade.
I could be wrong KINGGS, but I think this is one of those times as fans where we say a player was overrated, sucks, etc. now that they’re off the team. Garcia (while limited) was effective (when healthy) as a Buc – especially two years ago.
Leftwich is the stronger-armed version of Joey Harrington. He’ll show you flashes of potential that will make you say to people, “You know what? This guy isn’t that bad.” Then the pull-your-hair-out inconsistencies and turnovers start to happen and you realize why he’s been bounced around the league.
Leftwich’s slow, long-wind up limits what offenses can do. He’s a pocket passer who takes too long to get rid of the ball…from the pocket. Garcia at least moves around the pocket well and is instinctive. I’m not the biggest fan, but the guy always makes do with what he’s got.
If you don’t want to stab yourself by midseason after watching this guy every week, KINGGS, then I’d be shocked. I know I wanted to stab myself when he was in Atlanta for half a year…the same year Harrington was there. I’m surprised I’m still breathing.
Tampa might have a problem at QB. Who is the O.C. this week ?