By Ryan Lester, LestersLegends.com
There were some unusual heroes on Sunday. There always are. Let’s take a look at them and see if they are worthy of your fantasy rosters.
Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins
Henne burned the Pats for 335 yards and a pair of scores. You can’t use him in the fantasy playoffs in a standard league, but with Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Houston up the next three weeks he is useful in two-QB leagues.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Oakland Raiders
Gradkowski torched the Steelers for 308 yards and 2 TDs. While I think he’s the right man for the Raiders right now, he’s not the right man for your fantasy team.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns
Quinn has been the butt of almost as many jokes as Charlie Weis. He tossed 3 TDs without an INT. His lines from the past four games should be enough for you to stay clear.
Week 10: 99 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTS
Week 11: 304 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 12: 100 yards, o TDs, o INTs
Week 13: 271 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Smith topped 300 yards for the first time in his career. He tossed multiple TDs for the third straight week. With ARI, PHI, and DET in the fantasy playoffs, he’s worth adding as a bench player and spot starter. He could be the perfect fill-in for Peyton Manning or Drew Brees in Week 16 if their teams are pulling starters.
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Correll Buckhalter, RB, Denver Broncos
Buckhalter had 113 yards in 12 carries and 15 yards on three receptions. Knowshon Moreno is the feature back though so unless he goes down, Buck isn’t really worth a roster spot heading into the fantasy playoffs. Their tough schedule of the Colts, Raiders, and Eagles up the next three weeks cements it.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Jerome Harrison, RB, Cleveland Browns
Chris Jennings was the chic pick when Jamal Lewis was put on the IR, but Harrison was the more effective back by a mile. It was only his second big game of the year. He’s probably worth a roster spot, but would be a big risk to use.
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Sam Aiken, WR, New England Patriots
Aiken has 171 receiving yards the past two weeks, but he only caught one pass this week. Even though it went for an 81-yard score, I can’t trust him in the fantasy playoffs (CAR, BUF, JAX).
Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins
Bess has been heavily targeted this season, and he actually could be looked at for the fantasy playoffs (JAX, TENN, HOU).
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins
Hartline had a TD in each of his past two games. He doesn’t get enough looks to rely on down the stretch.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Louis Murphy, WR, Oakland Raiders
Murphy torched the Steelers for 128 yards and two scores, but a glance at his game log and you can see why he has no business being on your fantasy team.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Devin Thomas, WR, Washington Redskins
It’s nice that Thomas was able to show off his potential, which could make him a nice sleeper next year, but you can’t count on him down the stretch.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins
Davis grabbed five balls for 53 yards and a score. It was his second straight game with a TD. He’s a nice option for the fantasy playoffs (OAK, NYG, DAL).
Ruling: Get ‘em.
Zach Miller, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Miller had 51 yards coming into this week. He caught three passes for 74 yards against Houston. Nothing to see here.
Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.
