By Anthony Voelpel
Want to know what kind of week it was in fantasy? Well, wonderboy Tony Romo threw five picks, Gus Ferrotte led the league in points, backups Kenton Keith and Najeh Davenport led all running backs, and Kurt Warner is back at the helm for the Cardinals. It’s becoming more unpredictable than college football Saturdays to tell who’s going to blow up and who’s going to show up. Here were the major storylines of Week 5.
Running Backs:
With Joseph Addai out with shoulder and back injuries, it was Kenton Keith who came in and ran for a over 100 yards and 2 TDs. Yes, Kenton Keith, who prior to this game has had just 23 carries..
Najeh Davenport stole some carries from Willie Parker during there 21-0 victory over the Seahawks. Parker got off to a slow start (10 carries, 17 yards) but still finished with 100 yards. Davenport on the other hand doubled his alter back in touchdowns with two on the day (as compared to Parker’s one on the season). Look for Davenport around the goal line more often.
Not only is Mike Turner the most talented backup running back, he could be the best overall backup in the league. He got some carries on Sunday and took big advantage of them, going for a 147 and a score, beating out all-world fantasy player Tomlinson in points.
Quarterbacks:
Bad news for Matt Leinart owners, it looks likes he’s going to be out at least 4 weeks. If you’re playing in a two quarterback league, Kurt Warner doesn’t look like a bad start at all, especially with Boldin coming back from injury next week.
As funny as this may sound, Gus Ferrotte could be the best thing that’s happend to the St Louis Rams since Trent Green got injured back in 1999. In replace of injured Mark Bulger, Ferrotte threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Granted he also threw three picks, he still led the Rams to the most points they scored all season (and someone finally threw Holt a TD pass).
Although Romo threw 5 picks at Buffalo, he still made a semi comeback with two scores and a W for the Cowboys. Meanwhile, under the radar Derek Anderson continues to shine and Phillip Rivers finally had a productive week.
Vince Young, Jon Kitna and Matt Schaub all had dazzling weeks…for opposing fantasy defenses.
Wide Receivers:
Good thing I drafted Lee Evans, really. I thought I was getting a steal in the fourth round and it turns out to be the worst pick in draft history.. His value is so low he’s not even trade worthy and I’m sure when I drop him, no one would even pick him up. Ted Ginn Jr’s stock is rising steadily as he is racking up return yards and mixing in some catches as well. Hopefully Cleo Lemon can start distributing the pigskin better than Trent Green was.
I’m sure fantasy owners of Donte Stallworth finally cracked a smile. It only took him five weeks, but Stallworth finally got on the board with a touchdown. I’m surprised it took so long but look for him to make progress with Moss starting to attract more double teams.
Pick ’em up for Week 7:
WR’s Joey Porter or Ronald Curry at San Diego, RB Najeh Davenport (he has a bye but if he’s available, grab him immediately).
RB Michael Turner (if you have nobody else to start) at Oakland, WR Patrick Crayton vs Dallas, WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr at Cleveland, Washington and Indy defense.
Bench ’em for Week 7:
Bobby Engram vs New Orleans, Leon Washington at Philly, DeAngelo Williams at Arizona, Jamal Lewis vs Miami, Brain Griese at Minnesota, Drew Brees at Seattle, Kelly Holcomb at Chicago.
Nobody expected Kenton Keith to put up such staggering Week 5 numbers.