Fantasy Scene
Mike McMahon
Last season, there wasn't a bigger surprise in the NFL than Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson.
The second-year player out of Oregon State came out of nowhere to throw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns. For those fantasy owners who plucked him off the waiver wire early in the season, he was a dream come true.
Now, less than a year and a hefty contract extension later (3 years, $24 million), Anderson's confidence is shot. Last week against Baltimore, he tossed three picks and now has five on the season. Today could be the make it or break it time for Anderson. Speculation is that if he struggles, even in the Browns' first possession, then head coach Romeo Crennel will quickly turn the reins over to second-year QB Brady Quinn.
"I've got to calm down so I don't lose it," Anderson said after last week's butcher job. "We haven't done anything. There is nothing to hang your hat on right now. I'm just frustrated because I expect more out of myself and I expect more out of everyone else on the team."
If Quinn is inserted, he needs to be picked up in all leagues. The Notre Dame product is going to be taking over an offense that boasts a stud wideout who is just waiting to explode (Braylon Edwards), and one of the more dynamic tight ends in the league in Kellen Winslow. Donte Stallworth provides some speed at the other receiver spot, and the Browns' offensive line is capable of providing adequate protection.
The stage is set for Quinn to be the savior.
Week 4: Stud, Dud, and Sleeper
Stud: Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Deuce McAllister carried the ball just twice in Week 3. Bush had 148 total yards last week and two touchdowns, and with the absence of Jeremy Shockey (hernia) and Marques Colston (knee), Bush is only going to get more touches. He's a must-start every week, and one of the bigger surprises of the season.
Dud: Brett Favre, New York Jets
It's clear at this point that Favre doesn't yet know the playbook. Of course, this doesn't bode well for the Jets' wideouts either, especially owners of Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery. Favre has been hobbled in practice all week with a gimpy ankle, but should still start against an underrated Arizona Cardinals squad. Regardless, don't expect big things.
Sleeper: Chad Ocho Cinco, Cincinnati Bengals
Yes, that is his official name now. His identity crisis aside, Johnson (I meant Ocho Cinco!) has finally overcome all of his issues that hampered the receiver at the start of the season. Ocho Cinco (am I really writting this?) was wearing a harness on his shoulder the last three weeks and has finally taken the apparatus off.
"My time will come," he promised. "Once I break out, I really break out."
Quick Outs
Do yourself a favor, never, ever, start an Oakland Raider (at least not this season). It will do you no good. ... Marc Bulger is heading to the bench in favor of Trent Green in St. Louis. But, don't consider Green, even as a backup. The Rams offense has been anemic, and it isn't going to get any better. ... Pittsburgh's Willie Parker is going to miss tomorrow's game with Baltimore due to some knee pain. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall is going to start, and you should consider adding him to your roster. He's a powerhouse, and if the Steelers are in the red zone, he'll be given every chance to punch his way in for six. ... Bobby Engram is back for the Seahawks next week (they have a bye this week). Engram is going to be the 'Hawks top target. Deion Branch looks as if he will return in Week 5 also, but leave him on the waiver wire. I wouldn't trust a speedy wideout who is coming off ACL surgery. Engram was the top target last year, and is going to get a boat load of looks right away. ... Saints' tight end Jeremy Shockey is going to miss the next 4-6 weeks with sports hernia surgery. As for replacements, there aren't a lot of options. The Saints will likely just give more snaps to Reggie Bush rather than replace Shockey's looks with a backup tight end.
Mike McMahon is an Eagle-Tribune sportswriter. E-mail him at mmcmahon@eagletribune.com.
