Options Aplenty to Replace Injured Branch

October 8, 2007 @ 14:50:49

By Fraser Lovat
Edited by Ryan Dodson

The Associated Press reports Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deion Branch (foot) is expected to miss two games because of a foot sprain. Head coach Mike Holmgren said he hopes to have Branch back Nov. 4.

The Seahawks are 3-2 and second in the NFC West after five weeks. The offense ranks in the bottom half of the league in three categories out of four. They rank in the top half of the league with 220.8 passing yards per game. Branch was the Super Bowl MVP when he won the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. He is leading his team in receptions and receiving yards. In five games he has 22 catches for 343 yards (15.6-yards-per-reception average) and one touchdown with the Seahawks. Besides his teammate Bobby Engram, not many else can compare to what Branch has brought to the offense. Engram has 19 receptions for 275 yards (14.5-yard average) and two touchdowns.

With Branch out backup wide receiver Ben Obomanu could see increased playing time. Obomanu has played in two games in his career, both this season. In those two games he has two receptions for 38 yards (19.0-yard average) and no touchdowns. Other backup wide receiver Courtney Taylor, who is a rookie, has played in two games this season as well. In those two games he has one reception for six yards (6.0-yard average) and no touchdowns.

If you had Branch on your team, then you definitely need someone that can put up equal, or at least good numbers, in the next few weeks.

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter has played in four games this season. In those four games he has only seven catches for 144 yards (20.6-yard average), but three of those catches were for touchdowns. The Raiders have questions at running back, which could mean they could go to the passing game more. This means Porter could see the ball more than he has so far this season. He has showed he can be effective even with minimal touches. Porter is available in 33 percent of casual leagues polled and 30 percent of competitive leagues polled.

Another option at wide receiver could be Houston Texans wideout Andre' Davis. Davis has played in three games this season. In those three games he has 13 receptions for 266 yards (20.5-yard average) with one touchdown. Davis has had a 40-yard catch in each of the three games and is an asset to a fantasy team. Davis also has a good quarterback in Matt Schaub, who has the ability to get him the ball effectively. He's available in 82 percent of casual leagues and 31 percent of competitive leagues.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dennis Northcutt had a solid game in Week 5. Northcutt had four receptions for 73 yards (18.3-yard average) and a touchdown. In four games total this season he has 15 catches for 242 yards (16.l-yard average) and one touchdown. The Jaguars don't have the best quarterback or offense in the league, but they have what it takes to get the job done. If Jaguars quarterback David Garrard can get Northcutt the ball, then Northcutt can move the chains and possibly find the end zone. He's available in nearly all casual leagues and 90 percent of competitive leagues.

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Fraser Lovat
Fraser is a Hot off the Wire Analyst with KFFL and has been with the company since 2007.

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