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Friday, March 30, 2001
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Week Nine fantasy tips
By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor and XFL analyst
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Well, here we are, with two weeks to play in the
regular season. Do you know where your XFL fantasy team is? Chances are this has been a
fantasy season full of guessing and hoping. For the most part, that has been my XFL
fantasy season. I’ve done decently in the leagues I’m in, but I’m not
leading, which I guess you folks should hope, since I’m saying I’m the authority
on the subject. Hey, even the best-informed have bad years, right? Well, anyway,
here’s this week’s fantasy tips, which you’ll all probably take with a
grain of salt after the last few sentences.
- Stay away from any of the New York/New Jersey Hitmen offensive players. They play
against the red-hot Chicago Enforcers’ defense, which has really turned its game
around lately, moving to 3rd in turnover margin. Plus, QB Wally Richardson is
hurt, and probably won’t play this week, and even if he does, his knee is sprained.
- I’m having a hard time deciding whether L.A. Xtreme QB Tommy Maddox or Enforcers RB
John Avery should be the league’s MVP. Given Maddox’s fiery leadership
qualities, I’d have to put him slightly ahead of Avery at this point. Check back if
the Enforcers make the playoffs.
- The Birmingham Bolts will try their third quarterback, Graham Leigh, after Jay Barker
was knocked out of last week’s game with a concussion. WR Stepfret Williams caught
nine passes for 152 yards last week with Barker and Leigh throwing to him. Of course,
these guys will face the solid Orlando Rage defense.
- Look for the Rage to push its running game this week. Head coach Galen Hall is concerned
about the fact that the running game is ranked last in the league, and will try to force
RBs Brian Shay, Derrick Clark and Michael Black to get into a rhythm heading into the
playoffs.
- Xtreme PK Jose Cortez has now hit 15 of his last 16 field-goal attempts.
- Memphis Maniax RB Rashaan Salaam has lost precious time with a bruised shoulder,
especially if he is to catch Avery for the league rushing title. Avery is 205 yards ahead
of Salaam with two games to play.
- Do I need to tell you to pick up Las Vegas Outlaws TE Rickey Brady? I’ll give you
guys the benefit of the doubt on that one. But if you can’t get Brady, try and get QB
Ryan Clement. He’s thrown three TD passes in two consecutive games.
- Avery Watch 2001: Avery is officially listed as doubtful for this week’s game
against the Hitmen, but I’ve got to believe he’s going to play. The Enforcers
need a win this week to remain alive in the playoff hunt. Against the Hitmen in Week Four,
Avery was sidelined with internal bleeding in his thigh, so there’s no trend I can
look toward this week, except that Avery seems to always be hurt when he’s scheduled
to face the Hitmen.
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