What to expect from Ryan Moats, and more

It was a brutal week for me! Bye weeks finally caught up to me. In a few leagues, I maxed out my points, but it wasn’t enough to deal with teams who still had their studs going. For example, in my NFL.com Experts league, I lost by nine points this week. Had I not dropped Nick Folk for Matt Prater I would have tied my opponent but would have lost anyway; every player on my bench was on a bye, and that’s used for breaking ties.

In the end, it is what it is. In representing KFFL this year, so far I’m doing well. I’m either in first or battling for first. In four leagues I have a combined record of 23-9 and some close losses, so I like where I’m sitting near the halfway point. Just remember, you need to assess your team to determine how true a shot you have for the playoffs. I say that because it will help decide how risky you get in all facets of the game: waivers, trades, who to start (do you get conservative or become a risk taker?) and any other area you feel needs tweaking.

Time to dive into this Moats?

We still have bye weeks. That makes the waiver wire that much more important, but I’m confident my teams have turned the corner as most of my players have wrapped up their byes. This week’s fantasy darling will be Houston Texans RB Ryan Moats. He thrilled us, and the 2 percent that started him, they look like geniuses.

In Week 6, Moats was one of my listed players in my waiver wire queue in one league. This was because of the bye week and I needed a body. It was that bad; I was hoping for a miracle and just wanted someone who would see some touches. I wound up with Jason Snelling – but what about the owner this past week who did what I did but picked Moats up and started him? He’s laughing as he does his victory dance all over you then takes your woman for good measure! Unless it’s me, odds of the latter happening are unlikely! My try at humor may be lame, but my point, never leave a starting slot open or assume the scrub is just a scrub. RESEARCH!

We knew starting running back Steve Slaton was struggling with fumbles, and after that fifth lost fumble (seventh overall), Moats saw his opportunity and took advantage. For the record, I’m thrilled for Moats, after the heartbreaking incident in which the cop stopped him and prevented him from making it to the hospital during a family emergency. That incident kept him from seeing his mother-in-law before she passed.

Moats and others to target

Moats ran it up, 23-126-3, to earn more playing time. While we don’t know if it is Coach Speak or reality, head coach Gary Kubiak stated he would think of a running back committee using Slaton, Moats and Chris Brown. Slaton and Moats are mirrors of each other, whereas Brown is the short-yardage specialist. I believe the team still wants Slaton to succeed so most of the playing time will go to him. When Slaton does fumble I can see them shift to Moats regardless of what the situation is. That’s what makes it difficult for fantasy owners. You don’t know how much production Moats may see any given week. It’s all up to Slaton’s play or fumbles. Moats finally showed us his potential, though it took years of waiting. He is in his fifth season and has been nothing but a disappointment until now. Was last week a mirage or a preview of what to expect of his true talent? Obviously the safe answer is somewhere in the middle, but also the right answer as he’s in an offense that suits his skills.

Are we sure Jamaal Charles is the answer?

Kansas City Chiefs RB Kolby Smith should see a shot to be the between-the-tackles runner. Let’s be frank here: If Jamaal Charles was the answer for the Chiefs, wouldn’t he already be eating into Larry Johnson’s carries? He isn’t, and we want to believe the grass is greener on the other side of the ball, thus our love for Kolby Smith. Smith at least brings some hope to fantasy owners.

New England Patriots WR Sam Aiken is out there as well, and while he’s technically the No. 3 wideout right now, Julian Edelman is questionable heading into this week. However, because the Patriots have shown such a high-powered offense recently, Aiken has value. As the No. 3 the last two games, Aiken has posted 6-96-1 with 10 targets. Just remember with Edelman possibly back, Aiken’s value takes a big hit.

Washington Redskins TE Fred Davis is filling in for Chris Cooley and had a great game in Week 6 (8-78-1) while seeing 10 targets.

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

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Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.