From time to time throughout the season certain players will create quite a buzz about themselves. When these players are still available in most leagues it can create a frenzy. Since the conclusion of week 9, two names have been spreading through the fantasy grape vine. Roy Helu and Jake Ballard, ever hear of em? I'm sure you have -- In week 9 we saw Helu break out for 146yds of total offense, Ballard caught 4 passes for 67yds and a TD. Sounds like some waiver wire hero's right? Not so fast......
In week 10 Roy Helu faces off against the Miami Dolphins. Hey the dolphins are terrible, great match up right? i say wrong. Since week 1 the dolphins defense has actually been a fantasy killer. Backs are averaging just 50yds a game and in that same span, they've allowed only 3 rushing TD's (one of which was a QB sneak from Mark Sanchez). Add that to the fact that Mike Shanahan has a tendency to give up on backs early and i could see him having a pretty bad week. i know everyone is dying to jump on a player after a good game, and I'm not telling you not to grab Helu. What i am saying is, if you have a decent squad don't go running out to grab a player just because you hear his name a lot.
Jake Ballard has actually seen fairly decent production since the beginning of the season. There are certainly better options at TE but Ballard is only owned in 42% of yahoo leagues and after last weeks game against New England he won't be there for long. I would like to give a word of caution to potential owners however. The giants schedule is absolutely brutal from here on out and while he fared well against the Patriots (32nd in pass defense), i have no reason to think that will continue. With games against the 49er's, Saints, Packers, Jets, and Cowboys(twice) it just doesn't look good for him. Let us not forget his 5 games under 60yds, only one of which he caught a TD in, and I'm not buying. Once again i am not saying don't pick him up (although i wouldn't unless desperate), all I'm saying is be weary of the big guy and don't play fantasy football with knee-jerk reactions.- -Mike
Yeah but there's a reason owners would be looking at the waiver wire in the first place, because what they've got ain't getting it done. some names floating around free agency these days are joe addai and ryan grant. So if you're in a position of need i'd be more willing to gamble on a Helu or Ben Tate.
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