As we reported earlier today, KC RB Priest Holmes informed Chiefs’ President Carl Peterson on Wednesday that he intends to report to training camp on Saturday. What does this mean for fantasy football? Well, we aren’t too sure just yet — no one is.
Holmes’ neck injury was thought to be pretty severe not too long ago, almost too severe to ever consider playing on. Now all of the sudden the runner is cleared to play and he wants to report to camp. Holmes, now 33, has the odds stacked against him on this one, as far as being able to come in and make a fantasy impact in 2007 — but our advice is to grab him if you are a Larry Johnson owner (and you have the roster spot to burn). Stranger things have happened in this league, so grab him and hate on Priest later.
Breaking News just came in that Falcons’ running back Warrick Dunn will miss up to six weeks (which will likely be all of training camp) due to a herniated disc. The runner underwent surgery and will need the time off to recover. At 32 years of age, this may be the end of Warrick Dunn as an every-down back. The Falcons rushing attack was already looking like a RBBC entering training camp, but this news gives Jerious Norwood the clear advantage as far as 2007 carries are concerned. Even if Dunn gets back in time for week one (which is likely the case), missing that amount of time at Dunn’s age usually leads to injury and some non-productive play. Take advantage of Norwood’s solid draft value while it lasts!
Probably the question we see most these days is, what do I do if Michael Vick is my starting quarterback?
Many want to know if they should trade a stud WR for a QB so that they can fill the position, and others ask us if they should ship off one stud WR for a QB/WR combo. While both would work, we recommend a different approach.
There are a ton of upside QBs out there this year, and many can be had at a discount (right now before they end up proving their fantasy worthiness).
My advice to all Vick owners would be to use some of your roster depth (without touching much of your line-up) and go after a QB like Rex Grossman. Cashing in one of your stud WR for a QB will fill one hole, sure, but it will then create another void in your line-up.
QBs like Rex Grossman, Jay Cutler and Ben Roethlisberger all have great upside entering 2007 and may actually outscore what Vick would have done at week 16’s end. Now, Grossman and Roeth may be your cheapest options, while Cutler could cost you your WR3 and some. The point is, salvage the position through smart means and do not take your team apart in order to get QB security. These three guys can do real well for you, especially Cutler, and you may not actually miss a beat at week 16’s end. Just try to get them now before their values increase!
