Content provided in partnership with

Fantasy source

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

PLAY ACTION

by ROB HURTT

There's nothing like a slow start to get fantasy owners tapping the panic button as if it were on a video-game controller.

Owners tend to read too much into early-season performances. Some who drafted Tony Gonzalez undoubtedly were muttering after he was held to 17 yards in the opener. Some Kevan Barlow owners complained about him compiling "only" 90 total yards against Atlanta. Want some advice? Chill out.

Even fantasy veterans need to be reminded that plenty of weeks remain. Don't give too much weight to one or two bad early-season games. If Gonzo puts up that dud in November, his owners would barely notice. Why worry about it now?

Just as you shouldn't get down on an individual player after only a game or two, don't give up if your team still is searching for its first victory heading into Week 3. Remember, the Super Bowl champion Patriots were dismantled by the Bills in Week 1 last season, and an 0-2 start didn't keep the Eagles from contending.

If you're thinking your league isn't like the NFL, you're right. In fantasy, it's easier to correct a slow start. In one league last year, I saw a team start 1-6 before earning a playoff berth by winning the rest of its games. Even if you're sitting on a pair of ugly losses, your team is in much better shape than that one was--and it made the postseason.

In addition to exercising patience with slow-starting studs, owners looking to change their fortunes should spend extra time scanning the waiver wire. Domanick Davis, Marc Bulger, Steve Smith and Javon Walker were some of the 2003 difference-makers who likely went undrafted. Don't miss out on this season's crop. The right addition could be exactly what your team needs.

M@IL BONDING

ROB HURTT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

With such high expectations for the Seattle offense this year, do you see Darrell Jackson or Koren Robinson being a top 10 fantasy receiver?

John Fuqua, Dallas

John: Heading into the season, I pegged Jackson as a top 10 receiver, and his early-season production has done nothing to dissuade me. Jackson is quick, he knows how to break loose from defenders, and Matt Hasselbeck likes to throw to him. Jackson also is more focused after dropping too many passes in 2003. Robinson is a gifted athlete, but his routes are too sloppy and his hands too inconsistent for him to he a No. 1 fantasy receiver.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames.sporting.com/ football].

TSN Games Tip of the week

Matchups are key in determining your Ultimate Salary Cap Football starting lineup. But it takes forward thinking, a handy NFL schedule and knowledge of teams' strengths and weaknesses to make the plan work. After you've spent a few minutes savoring another strong week for your squad, it's important to look at your players' matchups for the next week.

If a player has an unfavorable matchup coming up, other savvy owners will begin to sell him off, decreasing his value. Even a stud wide receiver such as Hines Ward might lose value before Week 3, when the Steelers face the Dolphins and their talented cornerbacks. If you need help determining good matchups for your players, try the Fantasy Source's research tools. Clicking on the Fantasy Source link at the top of your league's page will give you access to the latest player updates, expert advice and in-depth game matchups.--George Winkler

To sign up for Ultimate Salary Cap Football, go to fantasygames, sportingnews.com/football.

STUDS, SLEEPERS & STUMBLERS

Week 3 calls from Fantasy Source experts Rob Hurtt, Roger Kuznia and
George Winkler.

Expert     Stud                     Sleeper

QBs
Hurtt      Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.    David Carr, Hou.
Kuznia     Michael Vick, Atl.       Jake Plummer, Den.
Winkler    Brett Favre, G.B.        Jeff Garcia, Cle.

RBs
Hurtt      Quentin Griffin, Den.    Steven Jackson, St.L.
Kuznia     Priest Holmes, K.C.      Ron Dayne, NYG
Winkler    Domanick Davis, Hou.     Duce Staley, Pit.

WRs
Hurtt      Peerless Price, Atl.     David Terrell, Chi.
Kuznia     Koren Robinson, Sea.     Brandon Stokley, Ind.
Winkler    Torry Holt, St.L.        Rod Gardner, Was.

Defense
Hurtt      Denver                   Washington
Kuznia     Minnesota                Cleveland
Winkler    Denver                   Seattle

Expert     Stumbler

QBs
Hurtt      Byron Leftwich, Jac.
Kuznia     Rex Grossman, Chi.
Winkler    Rex Grossman, Chi.

RBs
Hurtt      Tiki Barber, NYG
Kuznia     Charlie Garner, T.B.
Winkler    Thomas Jones, Chi.

WRs
Hurtt      Plaxico Burress, Pit.
Kuznia     Roy Williams, Det.
Winkler    Keyshawn Johnson, Dal.

Defense
Hurtt      Green Bay
Kuznia     Jacksonville
Winkler    Indianapolis

Fantasy source

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Health

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports