If you’re a fantasy owner suffering from Daunte Culpepper’s implosion in Miami, Shaun Alexander’s subjection to the Madden Curse in Seattle, or Terrell Owens’ three-ring circus in Dallas, you’ve probably been scouring the waiver-wire for possible replacements. With free agents, however, it’s hard to separate legitimate replacements with one-week wonders. Take a look at these guys: they might not win the league for you, but they could be the missing pieces your team needs to get back into contention.
QUARTERBACK:
Bruce Gradowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
I’d love to go with Matt Leinart this week, but the Cardinals play the Bears, so I’m giving the nod to fellow rookie Bruce Gradowski against an average Bengals defense. Gradowski took over for the injured Chris Simms and was one Reggie Bush punt-return- touchdown away from leading the Bucs to their first win of the year. Still, Gradowski threw two touchdown passes and helped the Bucs put up their second-highest point total of the season (21 points) against a 9th-ranked Saints pass defense. This week, Gradowski faces a weaker all-around Bengals defense at home in Tampa. Cadillac Williams, who rushed for 110 yards last week, should be effective against a Bengals defense that is giving up almost 150 yards on the ground per game. Williams’ effectiveness on the ground will open up passing lanes and give Gradowski time to hit Joey Galloway, whom he hooked up with 4 times for 110 yards last week. With six teams on a bye this week, Gradowski should be an adequate replacement for any QB whose team is out of action.
RUNNING BACK:
Leon Washington, New York Jets:
The Jets running game has been anemic at best this year, led by the marvelously inefficient Kevan Barlow, who is averaging less than 30 yards per game. But the Jets could quickly turn things around if Leon Washington can match the kind of performance he had last week against the Jaguars. Washington carried the ball 23 times for 100 yards in a 41-0 loss to Jacksonville. On the season, he has 17 more yards on 14 less carries than Barlow, whom the Jets acquired from San Francisco earlier in the year via trade. The Jets backfield is crowded, with Derrick Blaylock and Cedric Houston also in the mix, but Blaylock hasn’t played in the last three games and Houston is still recovering from an injury. Washington will be tested against a stingy Miami run defense this weekend, but could be the Jets number one back soon if he continues to produce.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Bryant Johnson, Arizona Cardinals:
Despite all the off-season hype, it’s been the same old story for the Arizona Cardinals, who are 1-4 and have lost four in a row. The Cardinals receivers, though, have once again been the lone bright spot for the team, and with All-Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald sidelined for at least two weeks, fourth-year receiver Bryant Johnson should see plenty of action. After Fitzgerald left in the first half in last week’s loss to Kansas City, Bryant stepped in and caught six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Last year, Bryant filled in for injured receiver Anquan Boldin during Week 9 and caught 6 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals are playing the Bears, but always put up good numbers through the air, so look for Bryant to have a good day.
Wes Welker, Miami Dolphins:
If you’re ready to give up on underachieving Chris Chambers and tag him as a bust for the year, take a look at his receiving counterpart, Wes Welker. The third-year wideout leads the Dolphins in catches and yards this year and had his biggest game of the season last week, grabbing nine passes for 77 yards in a loss to the Patriots. Welker’s numbers should only go up; he’s had to deal with the hugely disappointing Daunte Culpepper at QB, and though replacement Joey Harrington isn’t the world’s best passer, he targeted Welker the most of any Dolphins receiver last week. If starting wide receiver Marty Booker, who was listed as questionable on Thursday, does not play on Sunday, Welker’s production should increase even more. Welker and the Dolphins offense shouldn’t have much trouble against a mediocre Jets defense that surrendered 41 points to the Jaguars last week.
LAST WEEKS PICKS:
Damon Huard: 26/38, 288 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs (AFC Player of the Week)
Brad Johnson: 26/34, 201 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Maurice Jones-Drew: 13 rush, 59 yds, 2 TD’s,
Dominic Rhodes/ Joseph Addai: 33 rush, 144 yds, 7 rec, 41yds
Doug Gabriel: 2 rec, 27 yds
Mike Furrey: 3 rec, 41 yd
