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Mick's Picks :: Week 9
by Scott Mickels
Published: October 31, 2008, 2:16 pm
Make sure to check here every week! Each week I'll help you make those critical waiver wire decisions that can make or break your team. Also, check out the FPM Weekly podcast , to not only hear any changes to my Mick's Picks, but you can hear podcast co-host Matt Ridley, list of his "Ridley's Releases" as well.
Mick's Picks - Week 9 
Ted Ginn Jr., WR, MIA (@ DEN) FPM Spin: At the beginning of the fantasy football season, Ginn Jr. was drafted in about 75-80% of all leagues out there. After Week 3, however, he was waiver wire fodder in most. But now in Week 9, it looks like he's finally starting to hit his stride and become fantasy relevant once again. He had a breakout game last week against a decent Buffalo Bills secondary with 7 catches for 175 yards, but he's still far too inconsistent to rely on in most leagues. He's starting to develop a nice rapport with quarterback Chad Pennington which could turn into more consistent fantasy production down the road. Plus, the fact he faces some soft pass defenses in coming weeks can't hurt his chances either. Still, until he becomes a more reliable option, he's best used or stashed as a #4 receiver. Stats - 27 receptions, 352 yards, 0 TD 
Matt Jones, WR, JAX (@CIN) FPM Spin: The guy is the leading receiver for the Jaguars, but still gets no love from the fantasy football world. Jones has quietly been a very effective fantasy receiver this season as only once has he not managed to catch at least 5 balls in a game. At the same time, he's gained at least 50 yards in all but two games this year. Despite his production, he's still only owned in roughly 50% of all leagues. That could be due to his ongoing appeal of a 3-game suspension stemming from a cocaine charge back in Arkansas that forced him to check into a rehab center. While the NFL considers his appeal, the Jags are practicing him and planning on playing him as usual this Sunday. You should know for sure by Friday whether or not Jones will be allowed to suit up. If not, consider grabbing Mike Walker, who started out the season with a bang before getting hurt, as a consolation. He makes a very intriguing pick-up if Jones isn't available. Provided Jones does see the field though, he has a fantastic match-up against a very weak Bengals' secondary that has allowed six passing touchdowns in the last two games. Jones makes a decent #2 in most leagues. Stats - 38 receptions, 455 yards, 2 TD 
Kolby Smith, RB, KC (vs. TB) FPM Spin: I might be going out on a limb here, but bear with me. With Larry Johnson inactive for disciplinary reasons and rookie Jamaal Charles out with a high ankle sprain, Smith finds himself the starting running back in Kansas City virtually by default. Things don't get any easier this week for Smith who faces a Tampa Bay defense that has yet to give up a rushing touchdown. In fact, Smith has started three games, all against top rush defenses. It remains to be seen how long Charles will be out and if Johnson can keep his act together. If Smith does remain as the starting running back for any extended period of time, things do look brighter with more favorable match-ups coming up with the Saints, Broncos, Raiders and Bengals. Smith shouldn't be played this week unless you're forced to, but for those of you LJ owners and those of you in deeper leagues in a bind at running back because of bye-weeks or injuries, Smith could develop into a nice sleeper down the stretch.
Stats - 25 carries, 54 yards, 0 TD HONORABLE MENTIONSMike Walker, WR, JAX Leon Washington, RB, NYJ Shaun Hill, QB, SF
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