Rising Value – Week 2

I know this comes a little late this week, so I will take that into consideration while I make these suggestions, but here are some players who are likely still available and have good value going forward.

Quarterback

Joe Flacco – Here is a guy no one expected much from last year, a rookie on a notoriously weak passing team without much in the way of new offensive weapons, yet if not for Matt Ryan, he is my Offensive Rookie of the Year. Now going into this season, Flacco again was passed over for other QBs, and if week 1 is any indication, he will again shatter expectations. Flacco was able to complete 60% of his passes for over 300 yards and 3 TDs in a game where his defense faltered and the pressure was on to elevate his team to a win.

Mark Sanchez – Going back to Flacco and Ryan, here is a rookie quarterback who jumped right out of the gates. Maybe colleges are finally preparing QBs enough to come in and make an instant impact, or maybe there have just been a select few unique guys the past couple of years. Either way, Sanchez’s week 1 performance is enough to pick him up in 12 team leagues, or 2 QB leagues.

Consider this week – Shaun Hill, Kerry Collins

Runningback

Mike Bell – was able to capitalize on the absence of Pierre Thomas, and rushed for 143 yards, good for second most amongst all rushers in week 1. With Thomas looking like he is still banged up, and coach Peyton talking like Bell has earned carries the rest of the season, Bell is both a great pickup for this week, and a strong add for the rest of the season. He should be owned in leagues of all sizes.

Michael Bush – Darren McFadden was just named the starter, but for the game, Justin Fargas was not active and Bush carried the ball 12 times for 55 yards, plunging in one TD from the goal line after big gains from McFadden. It is yet to be revealed if Bush will receive the goal line work or if McFadden was just tired for the play, but Bush provides excellent depth and can be a plug in several weeks this season.

Consider this week – Knowshon Moreno, Darren Sproles

Wide Receiver

Mario Manningham – After seeing his stat line, 3 catches for 58 yards, 1 TD, I was not overly impressed with Manningham. However, when I watched his sideline balance and poise while avoiding would-be tacklers on his TD catch and run, I can’t help but think that the Giants will reward him for his hard work. While he may not duplicate the yardage and TD this week, his value will only be on the rise going forward.

Terrell Owens – With just 3 targets in week 1, TO owners are probably down on him right now, and possibly panicked by his comments this week about the loss to NE. TO is a force, and was a Pro Bowler with many different quarterbacks, so there is no need to fear Trent Edwards’ limitations. If you can low-ball a TO owner in a trade, make it happen. This guy is going to come back, and come back with a vengeance.

Consider this week – Joey Galloway, Percy Harvin