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Sifting through the gems and duds
Published November 3, 2009
There are several disappointments in the NFL this season, and they might not be worth keeping on your fantasy team any longer.
On the other hand, there are some surprises who are worth picking up.
Sophomore jinxes follow all kinds of players, and this season it seems like Chicago’s Matt Forte and Houston’s Steve Slaton have fallen victim to the bug.
Forte was projected to have a breakout season and be one of the top running backs in the league after running for 1,238 yards last year and eight touchdowns. He added another 477 yards with 63 receptions and four scores.
But the going has been tough for the Tulane product this year.
In seven games this year, his best effort was a 121-yard rushing day with a score against Detroit. His other big effort came Sunday in the Bears’ win against Cleveland when he scored twice and gained 90 yards.
Could it be the beginning of something good for Forte and Chicago?
Stay tuned and hang on to him, or start looking for someone more productive.
Slaton got one carry for a yard gain in the Texans’ win against Buffalo on Sunday. But it was his fifth fumble of the year that ended his day when he caught a pass and was stripped of the ball.
For Slaton, that has been his main problem — holding on to the leather. Last year, he lost two fumbles all season long.
The former West Virginia Mountaineer was replaced by Ryan Moats, who went on to score three touchdowns and gain 126 yards on 23 carries. So things have gotten a bit more dicey for Slaton, and his starter status is questionable as Houston travels to Indianapolis on Sunday.
If there are any gems left in your fantasy league, they are few and far between.
But it seems like Michael Crabtree of the 49ers, Miles Austin of the Cowboys and Austin Collie of the Colts might be worth a look-see.
Crabtree has 11 grabs in two games since ending his contract squabble — not bad for a player who just walked in and got one week of work before being thrown into the fire.
Things are only going to get better for the former Red Raider.
The Dallas Cowboys have found their own gem in Austin. A Monmouth product, Austin has scored for the third straight game. His 482 yards and 21 grabs are an indication the Cowboys now have another strong weapon to go with Tony Romo and company.
With Peyton Manning at quarterback for the Colts, anyone is a target and he’s found a couple of new ones this year in Collie and Pierre Garcon. But it is Collie who’s made the most of his opportunity after starter Anthony Gonzalez went down with an injury early on in the year.
Up until Sunday, Collie had scored in three consecutive games, but was kept out of the end zone against San Francisco. He still had six catches for 66 yards.
Joel Luna is the sports editor for The Facts. Contact him at 979-237-0160 or at joel.luna(at)thefacts.com.
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