Article #3 9/08/07

Welcome to the second edition of The Edge.  Our goal in this weekly column is to give you an edge in the world of fantasy football.  Unlike most fantasy football analysts, we have developed a statistical model (which is easy to use and free for download at www.ihavetheedge.com) that we use as the basis for our recommendations and analysis.  This model allows you to put in your own scoring system which could change your decision dramatically.

 “Edge Weekly Sleepers” are the players not found in the top five, and most likely not in the top 10, by various prognosticators.  The goal of the “Edge Weekly Sleepers” pick is to find someone on your bench or maybe even someone available as a free agent to be scoring near the Top 5 for that position in that week.

QUARTERBACK

Jon Kitna, Detroit

Jon did great against Oakland, who had one of the best pass defenses last year. This week he is matched up against Minnesota who was not a very good pass defensive team last year. The Minnesota defense played well against Atlanta, but that’s Atlanta, and we’re talking about a possible second showing of Mike Martz’s “Greatest Show on Turf.”

David Garrard, Jacksonville

The Falcons’ atrocious offense will give Garrard plenty of opportunities. With Leftwich gone, Garrard doesn’t have to look over his shoulder. He played efficiently in week one, throwing for 200 yards and a touchdown. Garrard’s legs are a bonus as he tacked on 24 yards on the ground.

RUNNING BACK

Chris Brown, Tennessee

He was a free agent in three of my leagues. With 175 yds against Jacksonville, you should pick him up if he’s still available. This week he will be going against the Colts whose defense looked very good against the Saints. However, last year the Colts ranked 32nd in the run, whereas the Jaguars were 4th. This is a new year with only one game down, so one point is not a trend, but let’s be prepared for the trend.

DeShaun Foster, Carolina

Foster nearly cracked 100 yards in week one on only 17 carries. He will be matched up against Houston in week two. Houston only allowed three points in week one, but allowed 4.2 yards per carry to Kansas City which had to abandon the run due to an early deficit.

WIDE RECEIVER

Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay

Given how well the Colts picked away at the Saints secondary, perhaps Tampa Bay will have that luck this week. Jeff Garcia is no Peyton Manning, but we think Joey could be an “Edge Sleeper” this week.

Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh

One of our sleeper picks for the entire 2007 season, Santonio caught a long touchdown in week one. If week two against Buffalo remains a little closer game than week one against Cleveland, Holmes will continue to get opportunities. Buffalo surrendered 300 yards passing to Denver in week one.