Well, we are already a quarter of the way through the regular season... it sure is going quick! Here are The Fantasy Dudes starts for Week 5 in the NFL:



Philip Rivers: Big rivalry game against the Broncos. Rivers should post his best statistics of the season yet.

Arian Foster: He's back!!! Time to get him in your starting line-ups... that means benching Tate (but not dropping him).

Fred Jackson: He has been money this season. Eagles have been terrible against the run, so we like that trend to continue, esp as the Bills are at home.


Darren Sproles: He has been the pick of the backfield at the Saints. A great change of pace when carrying the ball, and electric catching passes too. Brees loves him.

Brandon Lloyd: Broncos will have to play catch-up and Orton will have to pass. Orton has liked Decker of late, but we actually favor Brandon in this one.


Jordy Nelson: In a rematch of last year's NFC playoff game, it should be an all-out air attack and an exciting game to watch. We love Jordy Nelson in this game.

Owen Daniels: With no Andre Johnson, someone needs to step-up. He'll be the man for Schaub.

New York Giants: Hot and cold... but at home this week Vs the traveling Seahawks, they should take care of business.

As always, we'd appreciate your thoughts, so hit us up in the comments section, or send us through an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Here are The Fantasy Dudes Week 5 Waiver Wire targets:


Stevan Ridley: The rookie has looked impressive, and he has, and will, be given plenty of opportunities as the season rolls on.

Ryan Torain: Torain... so hot right now... Torain! Who knows what Shanahan is thinking. Helu could be the next star performer. Despite the 'skins being in a bye week, he is worth adding and stashing.

Matt Hasselbeck: No Britt, no problems. He has thrown the ball well of late, but I guess it helps with CJ in the backfield and now performing. Could be a nice bye week addition.

Jared Cook: See Hasselbeck above. With Britt out, the ball needs to be thrown elsewhere. Cook has been the first player to put his hand up.

Issac Redman: Uncertainty with Mendenhall and Big Ben means that Redman could be in-line to get a lot of work this weekend.


Brandon LaFell: The way Cam Newton is playing, anyone starting that is capable of catching the ball for the Panthers is a fantasy option. It is likely Panthers will have to throw the ball this weekend vs Saints.

Damien Williams: Ok, this one is more of a speculative addition, but on the right matchup, we see Williams doing alright, especially for those in need of a WR during a bye week.

Titans D/ST: Up against the Steelers, whom have been far off their best. Injuries have plagued them, and the Titans have actually played quite well.

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Here are The Fantasy Dudes Week 4 starts of the week:


Quarterback:
Jay Cutler – Yes, I know what you are thinking, but Carolina have been terrible at stopping the pass, and the Bears are at home.
Rex Grossman – Another strong matchup on paper for Rex, we like him to perform again this week.
Matt Ryan – Ok, he's away from home, but it's against the Seahawks. He and Roddy should have a strong showing.
Sleeper: Kyle Orton (If he doesn't perform against the Packers, a team that has given up the most points to QB's thus far, then a tap on the shoulder can't be too far away).



Running Back:
Chris Johnson: He should be a lock, but his form doesn't say that. Readers have asked us if he is worth benching. Not this week, we see him bouncing back.
Stephen Jackson: Injury concerns have abated, at least for this week. Redskins allowed Felix Jones to have a nice outing last week.
LeGarrette Blount: Owners have been looking for that breakout game all season... this should be the week. Colts top ten in points allowed to RB's.
Sleeper: Bernard Scott and James Starks.


Wide Receiver:
Roddy White/Julio Jones - No brainers here... see Ryan above.
Sidney Rice - Came back from injury to the tune of 8 catches and over 100 yards. Given we expect the Falcons to air it out, it will mean Tarvaris and the Seahawks will need to follow suit.
Hakeem Nicks/Mario Manningham/Victor Cruz – The Cardinals are top 10 in giving up points to wide receivers
Denarious Moore - The rookie has impressed so far, and the Pats just can't stop the pass.
Sleeper: Michael Jenkins & Eric Decker


Tight End:
Greg Olsen: Playing against his old team motivation enough? He should know where to find the open spots.
Jermaine Gresham: Injuries have meant that he comes into strong consideration, especially up against the high flying/passing Bills.
Ed Dickson: Flacco will need him against the Jets.
Sleeper: Randy McMichael and Vinsanthe Shiancoe

Kicker:
Robbie Gould: Should get plenty of looks against the Panthers
Connor Barth: Freeman will move the ball against the Colts.

Def/Spec Teams:
Buccaneers: Up against the Colts at home, who are in disarray.
Philadelphia: 49ers have struggled to score all season. Eagles will step it up at home. Turnovers from Alex Smith expected.

As always, we'd appreciate your thoughts, so hit us up in the comments section, or send us through an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Here are The Fantasy Dudes waiver wire pick-ups for Week 4:



Quarterback:
Rex Grossman: Has been on this list for weeks. Did you see what Flacco and Torrey Smith did to the Rams last week?
Donovan McNabb: Owned in less than 40% of leagues. Up against Chiefs this week.
Chad Henne: Like McNabb, low ownership... if you are in need of a replacement, he is more than serviceable (he just needs to improve his touchdowns)


Running back:
Dexter McCluster: Owned in less than 40% of leagues. He, and not Jones, is the man in the Chiefs backfield.
Monterio Hardesty: A must own for all Hillis owners.
Kendall Hunter: Its Frank Gore... of course he'll go down at some point
Alfonso Smith: Beanie Wells himself said he was good to go... oh wait, he didn't play... thanks Beanie! Alfonso got the bulk of carries in his absence. With Wells around, his value is limited, but watch this space should anything happen.



Wide receiver:
Nate Washington: We mentioned him last week, and we hope you took our advice then. With Britt out the season, Washington is now the man at the Titans. He should be owned immediately. Some love should also go out to Damien Williams, who will now step up to number 2 WR on the depth chart.
Michael Jenkins: The new Santana Moss for Donovan? 9 catches for almost 100 yards in week 3 is a strong sign of things to come, especially if Harvin were to miss any time.
Victor Cruz: Strong showing last week. Worth a look in deeper leagues so long as Manningham is out.


Tight end:
Visanthe Shiancoe: Catch production isn't great, but he did haul in a touchdown in week 3. Perhaps that will get him going.
Ed Dickson: Will be needed by Flacco against the J E T S, JETS JETS JETS!

Kicker:
Jason Hanson: The number 1 kicked in the game in terms of fantasy points. He needs some respect.
Connor Barth: Should see plenty of looks this week against the Colts.

D/ST:
Redskins: Their D has improved this season, and face the Rams this week... a team that really struggled to get it going against the Ravens.
Buccaneers: Colts up on deck. With uncertainty at the QB position, they should have a field day.

As always, we'd appreciate your thoughts, so hit us up in the comments section, or send us through an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Here are The Fantasy Dudes waiver wire pick-ups for Week 3:

QB:


Cam Newton - Have you seen his production? He'll come back down to earth when he faces a decent secondary
Matt Hasselbeck - Denver on deck at home. He's still got it.
Mike Katta - Only a short term fix, but if you're a Vick owner, he is worth a look whilst Young is out

RB:


Ben Tate - Still available in 40% of leagues. Will continue to see a number of carries whilst Foster works his way back (we aren't sold on him)
Cadillac Williams - Given the SJax injury cloud, he is a must add, especially as a handcuff.
Tashard Choice - With an injury to Jones, Choice should be given first crack at filling in ahead of Murray.

WR:


David Nelson - Now second on the depth chart behind Steve Johnson. Massive upside with Fitzpatrick at helm.
Eric Decker - 8 catches and close to 200 yards, including 2 TD's over past two games. If Lloyd misses more time, he'll be the go to guy for Orton.
Nate Washington - See Hassellbeck above. 13 catches thus far this season, with favorable matchup this week.

TE:
Fred Davis - 11 catches, 200 yards and a TD thus far... hello, pick him up (Cooley is no longer the man in Wash)
Ed Dickson - A soft week 2, but we still maintain that he will do well this season.

D/ST:
Cardinals - Up against Seattle this week.
Titans - A sneaky play against Denver at home.

K:


Jason Hanson - Plenty of opportunities with Stafford running the show.
Dan Bailey - The rookie has impressed thus far, and should get some looks against the Skins.


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Jamaal Charles out for the season... fantasy owners who picked him to lead their teams are now pulling their hair out, and have no doubt let loose with a curse or two. Seasons are ruined, and many people actually have money on the line, so costly indeed. What makes it even worse? If fantasy owners didn't have his backup Thomas Jones... it is likely some other owner vultured him in the draft, hence leaving you with nothing, whilst strengthening other teams.

With the lockout during the offseason, this was always likely to occur, as players received less time to fine tune their skills. Just look at Chris Johnson... his stats barely resonate to a top fantasy running back (he will pick things up, so don't fret). Will Charles be the last? No, of course not... just look at Arian Foster Knowshon Moreno. What is our suggestion? Handcuff your key players, particularly running backs. If you have some spare spots on your roster, then handcuff other fantasy owner stars. Who knows, it may actually work out for you.

Here are the starting running backs in the league, along with their handcuffs. Those we highlighted in orange are the ones that you want to target:


Should you have any questions at all, please feel free to hit us up in the comments section below.

Start'em:

Santana Moss: The 'Skins are up against the defensively challenged Cardinals, who Cam Newton and Steve Smith lit up last week. I'm going out on a limb and predicting a good day from the Redskins' QB/WR corps.

Peyton Hillis: We saw what Brandon Tate did to the Colts last weekend. I expect an improved performance from the big guy this weekend.

Nate Burleson: The Lions take on a banged up Chiefs D at home.

Mario Manningham: The Rams will focus attention on Hakeem Nicks, leaving Mannigham to see plenty of plays. The Rams D struggled against the Eagles.


Sit 'em:

Cam Newton: The Cardinals are one thing, the defending Super Bowl Packers? No chance he replicates even close to his Wk 1 performance.

Matt Cassell: I don't like this matchup against the Lions. Not one bit.

Chad Ochocinco: Clearly not a focal point of the Pats offense.

Pierre Thomas: The Saints face a difficult matchup against the Bears in Wk 2.

Shonn Greene: We saw the Jags hold CJ2K for next to nothing in yards last week.

With week one in the books, we now look ahead to week two, in particular, the waiver wire. For fantasy rookies out there, or even seasoned veterans, the waiver wire is vitally important. Over the course of a football season, injuries occur, booms and busts happen, hence, it is highly likely that a successful team come fantasy playoff time will have its fair representation of waiver wire pickups... to illustrate this case, players such as Blount, Hillis, Manningham, and none other than Michael Vick were all available on the wire at some point. So here are your options for deeper leagues after week one:



Quarterback: Cam Newton, Chad Henne, Rex Grossman

Running back: Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham, Darren Sproles


Wide receiver: Jordy Nelson (we are big on him this season), Devery Henderson, Jacoby Jones, Early Doucet



Tight end: Fred Davis, Ed Dickson, Jermaine Gresham

Kicker: David Akers, Robbie Gould, Ryan Lindell

D/ST: 49ers, Texans, Bills

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Breakouts:

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: 123 total yards, 1 TD. Huge in upset of Browns.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles: 137 total yards, 1 TD. Likewise.

Matt Stafford, QB, Lions: 305 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT. I believe.

Kenny Britt, WR, Titans: 136 yards 2 TD. Vince who?

Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: 107 yards, 1 TD. Dominant in blowout of rival.

Cam Newton, QB, Panthers: 374 total yards, 3 TD, 1 INT. First player to throw for over 400 yards in first game.

Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins: 305 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT. Pretty sure he has the starting job for Wk 2..

NFC North: 3 Wins, 1 Loss. Kicked their Southern brethren's butts.

Busts:

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers: 45 yards, 0 TD. Out Rice-d.

Shonn Green, RB, Jets: 23 total yards, 0 TD. We were expecting a bit more.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys: 66 total yards, 0 TD. Likewise.

Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: 49 total yards, 0 TD. All that fuss..

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Bucs: 15 yards, 0 TD. I repeat – 15 yards. Out Best-ed.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers: Out-done by his teammates.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Vikings: 39 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Not a good start. At least the Vikes are in a easy Division. Oh wait..

NFC South: 0 Wins, 4 Losses. Did we    underestimate their harder 2011 schedule? Poor start for the much hyped Division.

The Fantasy Dudes recently sat down to discuss where we saw each division ending up this season. Although this was based on their actual predicted team performance for the upcoming 2011-2012 season, it certainly has implications for fantasy teams i.e. those teams that have been predicted to do well should expect to have players on their team with solid fantasy performances. Here is where we have each division ranked:

AFC East
The Pats defense looks better, and Brady still has enough toys to get the job done. We don't see Burress replacing Edwards effectively, and we believe the Jets will struggle on offense, despite the change at wide receiver.

New England Patriots
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins
Buffalo Bills

AFC North
The Steelers have the perfect blend of experience and talent. The lockout and limited training camp shouldn't affect a team like Pitt who didn't change anything over the offseason. Baltimore yet to show that they are better than their fierce rivals, which needs to start with Flacco.


Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals

AFC South
With Peyton Manning possibly out for an extended period of time, it now opens the window for Schaub, Johnson, Foster & co. Will be interesting to see how their new 3-4 defensive scheme works. Can Mario Williams find his feet at OLB? Jaguars lost the heart of their team when they released Garrard days before opening kickoff.

Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC West
The Chargers won't start as slowly as last year, and have V-Jax for the entire season (touch wood!). They should have too many offensive weapons for the rest of this Division. We don't expect their special teams to be as poor this season. The problem with all of these teams lies with their defense!

San Diego Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders

NFC East
One of the most intriguing divisions of the NFL. This will likely go right down to the wire. The Eagles retooled on the defensive end (secondary), and have a full season ahead with Michael Vick at the helm. Plenty of weapons should be enough for them to clinch this division. The 'boys will fight hard, and assuming they remain healthy, will be tough to beat... the worry is their leakage of points!

Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Washington Redskins

NFC North
The reigning Superbowl champions should have no problems picking up where they left off last season. They are fantastic on both sides of the ball, and will be tough to stop them moving the chains, especially with Finley back in. Detroit will see a huge improvement this season (we like them from a fantasy perspective), and should see off the Bears.

Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears
Minnesota Vikings

NFC South
As per the NFC East, this is one of the toughest divisions. Whilst we don't expect the Falcons to be as flawless as they were at home last regular season, Matty Ice should be able to lead them to the division title. Saints will look to bounce back from their shock loss to the Seahawks in last year's playoffs, but they will need Brees to lead the charge as we have less faith in their running game with Bush gone. Tough year expected for Cam Newton!

Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers

NFC West
Just like last season, this one could be a coin flip. The rejuvenated Rams, with Bradford at the helm should finish on top. If only the Niners had a decent QB, they would certainly challenge... but they don't. None of these teams will challenge come playoff time unfortunately.

St. Louis Rams
San Francisco 49ers
Arizona Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks

As always, we'd appreciate your thoughts, so hit us up in the comments section, or send us through an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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