At the beginning of this season, if someone would have told you the Tennessee Titans would be 10-0, you would have laughed and laughed. As you laughed, they continued onward toward their prediction of how the Titans will miraculously spearhead their way through the AFC and emerge into the Super Bowl. This may be a rare scenario, but in an odd way, this was my reaction when a friend of mine suggested that the Titans would be the AFC breadwinner.The only point where this prophesy went wrong, is that it all would be led by highly touted quarterback Vince Young. As we all know, the Titans began on a roller coaster ride in the Vince Young theme park. First it was the pressure that was finding its way to Vince Young’s core. Then there was the alleged suicide debacle that consumed the entire organization. Next, the Jaguars pass rush took its toll on the quarterback and he then found himself on the injured reserve with a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Enter Kerry Collins. The former Penn State stud steps in at 36 years of age and performs at a very high level. Playing within himself and not taking too many chances, Collins propelled the Titans enough to gain the confidence of Jeff Fisher and secure a starting spot even once Vince Young returned from injury. In 9 starts this season, Kerry Collins has amassed only 8 passing touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 59% completion rate, and a quarterback rating of 82.0. This may seem lackluster, but they are 10-0.
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If you’re already at the top of your league like I am then don’t forget to breathe, the end is not far off… However, don’t get over confident and screw it up now! Here’s another running-back-focused view on fantasy football picks, this one’s for Week 11:
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Getting rocked in your Fantasy League? It’s not too late to start digging yourself out, even just by picking up a few free agents. Here are a few of our recommended RB pick-ups:
Deuce McAllister, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
McAllister is available in about 55 percent of leagues polled.
In Week 4, he rushed 20 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. He also had one reception for another 10 yards.
After seeing spot duty during the first three weeks, McAllister was a big factor in Week 4 and showed some signs of the McAllister of old. While his knees may never be the same, he was utilized 21 times, including seven plays within the red zone.
Le’Ron McClain, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens
McClain is available in about 56 percent of leagues polled.
Entering Monday night, McClain, a fullback, is seeing an average of 18 rushing attempts per game so far this year. He is averaging 76 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 1.5 receptions and 14 receiving yards per game through two games.
McClain’s 260-pound frame is a load to bring down, and he figures to be a weekly element within their conservative offense. The run-first mentality used to protect rookie quarterback Joe Flacco works in his favor for weekly touches.
Michael Bush, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
Bush is available in 55 percent of leagues polled. However, keep in mind the Raiders have Week 5 off.
In three games, Bush is averaging 14.7 rushing attempts, 64.3 rushing yards, 0.33 rushing touchdowns, 2.67 receptions and 28.3 receiving yards per game.
This one is a bit volatile, as running back Justin Fargas (groin) missed the last two games with a groin injury and could be back after the team’s Week 5 bye. Rookie Darren McFadden (toe) has also been limited the past two weeks due to a toe injury.
The Raiders are a run-first team, though, so Bush could still be involved enough for someone who needs backfield depth.
Tim Hightower, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Hightower actually gave way to starter Edgerrin James for two touchdowns inside the 5 last week but still plunged into the end zone from one yard out. He has found paydirt in three of his four games this season.
The rookie is still averaging 1.25 plays per game inside the 5 – a more consistent pace than James’ average of 0.50.
The goal line threat would be a capable bye week substitute. He’s available in only 29 percent of polled leagues.
Rudi Johnson, Running Back, Detroit Lions
In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers he rushed for 83 yards and caught three passes for 48 yards, with a score, as the Lions rode the hot hand.
The Lions were not afraid to use Rudi exclusively when he was performing well, even with apt rookie Kevin Smith in tow. Johnson looks to be back in playing shape and picking up the Lions’ playbook.
Even if he splits time with Smith, the Lions are aiming to go back to a run-first philosophy to try to be competitive early in games, meaning Johnson could see a legitimate number of touches.
Johnson is coming off a bye, so be sure to look for his name on the waiver wire. The vet is available in 24 percent of leagues polled.
The point spread, e.g. NFL point spread, also goes by the names of the spread and the line. It is used by books to handicap the favorite team. The person setting the initial odds (the opening line) predicts that a team will win by a certain number of points. The corresponding number of points is the point spread of the opening line.
The favorite team is denoted by a minus sign (e.g. -3.5). Conversely the underdog is denoted by a plus sign (e.g. +3.5).
In order to win when you bet on the favorite team, that team has to win and it has to do so by more points than the point spread. Should you decide to bet on the underdog, the way you win is if the underdog wins, ties or loses by less points than the point spread.
Even if you don’t bet, knowing how to read NFL odds and spreads is useful during and leading up to the season, especially when picking your players for fantasy football.
Fun Fact: When the Jets acquired Bret Favre, their super bowl odds went from 80/1 to 40/1!
