Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001

Who are the one-week wonders?

Don’t rush to sign these players just yet; they may let you down later

By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor

Most of the time, these perceived answers are really not full-season answers at all. But these fantasy owners panic, thinking that losing the first game is a sign that the end of their season is imminent. Silly people, I tell you.

So, to help you steer clear of these fantasy pretenders, I’ve done a little research and will guide you through my thoughts on this year’s crop of pretenders.

• Eagles FB Cecil Martin —Week One stats: no rushing yards, six receptions for 40 yards and two TD receptions. Martin has been described in our publication as an underrated receiver out of the backfield, and he sure took a few steps forward in the Eagles’ game vs. the Rams. But I’d be wary of pass-catching fullbacks. While Philadelphia doesn’t have a knockout set of wide receivers, meaning Martin could get more catches, gauging the amount Martin will catch will be tough. Add to that the fact that RB Duce Staley looked great in Week One catching the ball, and you have the ingredients for a big fantasy letdown. Plus, Martin won’t be taking many carries away from Staley. Summary: Keep an eye on Martin but don’t jump early.
• Rams TE Ernie Conwell — Week One: five catches for 49 yards, one TD. Conwell might be the player on this list you take a chance on. Conwell has been a Ram since before Dick Vermeil coached the team to the Super Bowl, and he’s played well enough to hang on through two coaching changes (to Vermeil and to Mike Martz). Conwell, when he’s been healthy, has put up solid numbers in the Rams' high-flying offense. Nevermind the fact that the Rams have great receivers — Conwell has found a way to stay involved in the offense. Also, keep in mind that the Rams felt highly enough about Conwell’s abilities that they let TE Roland Williams sign on with the Raiders as a free agent. Summary: Take a shot.
• Colts WR Jerome Pathon — Week One: eight receptions for 93 yards, one TD. Pathon could put up solid numbers through the first few weeks, but check back with him after the return of rookie WR Reggie Wayne. Wayne missed the Week One game with a sprained ankle and should return in the next week or so. Once Wayne gets his rhythm down, he should reclaim the starting WR spot opposite Marvin Harrison, which he was penciled into during training camp. Summary: Take a shot, but be ready to cut the cord.
• Bears WR Marty Booker — Week One: nine receptions for 49 yards. If the Bears’ running game doesn’t produce, the Bears will be forced to throw more often than they’d like. But Booker has some stiff competition for catches with Marcus Robinson and David Terrell expected to dominate in the passing game. Summary: Tread lightly.

There were several fantasy pretenders on the other extreme of the spectrum — guys such as Titans RB Eddie George, Steelers RB Jerome Bettis, 49ers WR Terrell Owens (who didn’t score a TD but caught several passes), etc., who were somewhat disappointing in Week One. They’ll bounce back, don’t worry. And don’t jump on the bandwagon of too many of these pretenders. While they could be in the midst of a career year, signing too many of them could be taking too big a risk that could cost your team later.

The Archives
2001 - 2002 Season