If you picked up a fantasy football magazine at your local newsstand back in June or July, those publications are sorely out of date now. And while many of you have already had your fantasy drafts, keep in mind that it's wise to use online sources like this one to keep up with injuries and other transactions that will have a direct impact on your fantasy team and lineup.
The NFL stands for "Not For Long" with good reason. Players' fortunes rise and fall in an instant. Look no further than Atlanta, where Joey Harrington has taken over for Michael Vick. Who saw that coming? OK, the Feds. But who else?
There are several other players who have earned unexpected starting nods that could have an immediate fantasy impact. UPDATE! looks at five surprises who may still be available in your league's free agent pool:
Comment: In a move that stunned many in Jacksonville and beyond, coach Jack Del Rio released QB Byron Leftwich last week, and named Garrard the starter. Both players have battled injuries over the last few years, but Del Rio liked Garrard's chances to stay healthy and lead his team to wins on a consistent basis.
Comment: This was supposed to be a RBBC situation along with rookie Brandon Jackson, but with Jackson suffering a concussion in practice recently, Morency has emerged as the No. 1 RB on the Packers' depth chart. With Brett Favre leading this offense, there is always the potential for TDs, so it might be worth plugging Morency in as a third RB in deep leagues.
Comment: Maurice Stovall has moved ahead of Mark Clayton as the No. 2 WR spot opposite Joey Galloway in Tampa. Michael Clayton has never lived up to his hype anyway, and while Stovall is still a risky fantasy option, he does have the potential for Jeff Garcia to find him in the end zone.
Comment: The Broncos acquired Graham in the off-season as insurance for the injured Tony Scheffler, and coach Mike Shanahan has named Graham the starter for the time being as Scheffler's foot heals. Anyone in this offensive system is a must-play in the fantasy world. Stephen Alexander will be Graham's backup, at least for Week 1.
Comment: The Cowboys drafted Folk out of Arizona in the sixth round of April's NFL Draft to compete with Martin Gramatica, but with Gramatica winding up injured, Folk will was named the starter to (literally) kick off the season.
Mike Farley is author of the blog I Miss Football Season
The NFL stands for "Not For Long" with good reason. Players' fortunes rise and fall in an instant. Look no further than Atlanta, where Joey Harrington has taken over for Michael Vick. Who saw that coming? OK, the Feds. But who else?
There are several other players who have earned unexpected starting nods that could have an immediate fantasy impact. UPDATE! looks at five surprises who may still be available in your league's free agent pool:
DAVID GARRARD
Jacksonville Jaguars, QB
Comment: In a move that stunned many in Jacksonville and beyond, coach Jack Del Rio released QB Byron Leftwich last week, and named Garrard the starter. Both players have battled injuries over the last few years, but Del Rio liked Garrard's chances to stay healthy and lead his team to wins on a consistent basis.
VERNAND MORENCY
Green Bay Packers, RB
Comment: This was supposed to be a RBBC situation along with rookie Brandon Jackson, but with Jackson suffering a concussion in practice recently, Morency has emerged as the No. 1 RB on the Packers' depth chart. With Brett Favre leading this offense, there is always the potential for TDs, so it might be worth plugging Morency in as a third RB in deep leagues.
MAURICE STOVALL
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR
Comment: Maurice Stovall has moved ahead of Mark Clayton as the No. 2 WR spot opposite Joey Galloway in Tampa. Michael Clayton has never lived up to his hype anyway, and while Stovall is still a risky fantasy option, he does have the potential for Jeff Garcia to find him in the end zone.
DANIEL GRAHAM
Denver Broncos, TE
Comment: The Broncos acquired Graham in the off-season as insurance for the injured Tony Scheffler, and coach Mike Shanahan has named Graham the starter for the time being as Scheffler's foot heals. Anyone in this offensive system is a must-play in the fantasy world. Stephen Alexander will be Graham's backup, at least for Week 1.
NICK FOLK
Dallas Cowboys, K
Comment: The Cowboys drafted Folk out of Arizona in the sixth round of April's NFL Draft to compete with Martin Gramatica, but with Gramatica winding up injured, Folk will was named the starter to (literally) kick off the season.
Mike Farley is author of the blog I Miss Football Season