Week One is over in the NFL. For fantasy owners, it’s a time to evaluate all the draft picks they made, and try to steal a couple of sleepers off the waiver wire. Looking at the performances from last week and the matchups in the following weeks, here are five guys who could really help bolster your team.
Mike Bell (Saints RB) – 143 yards on 28 carries will get any running back some notice in the NFL. Those were Mike Bell’s stats from Week 1. Do I think he will repeat that this season? No. Did he have that performance against the worst team in football? Yes, but adding Bell could be a good move. With Drew Brees at quarterback, the Saints offense has been excelling for the last couple seasons and so has the run game. Pierre Thomas was a big pick in drafts but with his health being an issue, Bell could be a valuable short term running back in deep leagues, especially teams who drafted Thomas. According to NFL.com, Bell was available in 70 percent of all leagues early Tuesday morning.
Brent Celek (Eagles TE) – There are a lot of new faces at the tight end position, and if you have not gotten one of the premiere options, Celek is a decent option. He is a poor blocker but has very good hands and knows how to get open. On Sunday, he had six receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. As the number one tight end option for Philly, he will get an opportunity to make some plays.
Percy Harvin (Vikings WR) – I am throwing Harvin into the mix because he has a nice match up going into Week 2. Harvin tallied 11 points in Week 1 and faces the Lions next. Detroit just gave up six passing touchdowns and 45 pts to the Saints last week. Harvin could see even more action if Berrian is out. He has been fighting a hamstring injury and didn’t play last game. Harvin is a reserve in most leagues but with Berrian’s health unknown and the matchup, Percy could be a good start this week.
Earl Bennett (Bears WR) – Bennett might not look like a great option this week but now is a good time to pick him up. He is the No. 2 receiver for the Bears, Hester is No.1, Cutler had an absolutely awful game, throwing four interceptions but I expect Cutler to play much better as the season goes and Bennett will keep getting chances to produce. The two were also teammates at Vanderbilt and have a good connection. Playing the Steelers this week, I would keep Bennett on the bench but if he is available, pick him up for the following weeks.
Mark Sanchez (Jets QB) – Being a Jet fan, the temptation was too much to resist. Sanchez looked great in his debut. He threw for 272 yards, adding a TD and an interception. Sanchez is a free agent in most leagues and there are a lot of things going his way for a decent fantasy year. The Jets have a good running game with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones. Washington will also but a good target for Sanchez down field like we saw in Week 1. The offensive line is entering its second year together and really looks locked in. Sanchez also showed he could handle pressure, completing most of his passes on third downs. Good protection, a solid running game, and good decision making should make Sanchez a reliable No. 2 QB in most leagues.
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