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After a nail-biting Week 4, here are three unheralded medal-earners (started in less than 15-percent of Y! leagues) projected to finish in fourth place who ended up setting the fantasy pace:
Y! Percent started: Zero-percent
Death, taxes and Mike Shanahan cheap-shots to the breadbasket. These are life's consistencies.
In a development that should surprise no one, Lucifer, the epitome of fantasy evil, once again burned those who stupidly trusted him (Yours truly included). Sunday in St. Louis a supposedly "banged up" Tim Hightower, who Shanny nearly pulled last week in Dallas due to "balance concerns," was benched in the second quarter, replaced by a stronger, faster and clearly motivated Torain.
The back-up seized the moment.
On 19 carries, "The Train" chugged his way to a game-high 135 yards on 19 carries, including a 20-yard TD gallup. Shanahan, impressed by Torain's effort, said the back played like he was "possessed." It was his fourth 100-yard game in his past eight appearances.*Expect him be the lead locomotive when Washington faces division rival Philadelphia, the most-generous run defense in virtual pigskin, after its Week 5 bye.
Recall Torain was a highly effective back in eight starts last season totaling five touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry and 93.9 total yards per game. At 6-foot-1, 220-pounds he is a powerful upright runner that is also blessed with excellent cut-back ability, a skill that excels in Shanny's zone-blocking scheme. Last season, he netted 3.3 yards after contact per attempt, the third-best mark among RBs with at least 300 snaps.*Comparatively, Hightower and Roy Helu have posted just 2.1 and 2.4 yards after contact per attempt, respectively, so far this year.
Yes, the fourth-year back is more delicate than your grandmother's fine China. He's played in only 14 games in just over three years in the league. However, because of his workload spike in an above average rushing offense, he's worth shelling out roughly $40-45 for in FAAB bidding this week. Hightower and Helu will continue to be involved in the loose committee, particularly on third downs, but it's evident Shanny is enamored with Torain. Profit-turning opportunists (Hightower keepers would likely pay handsomely for No. 46 via trade) and owners with sketchy backfields should be too.
Y! Percent started: Four-percent
When Kenny Britt's knee buckled last week against the Broncos the heat on Cook*increased immediately. The incredibly athletic, yet numbers elusive, tight end had to step up to fill the massive downfield void.
Sunday in Cleveland he did.
Despite grabbing just two passes, Cook posted top-three numbers at his position, finishing with 93 yards and a touchdown, the score on an impressive 80-yard catch and run up the left sideline. His resulting 15-point output in standard leagues was his second-best fantasy performance in his three-year career.
At 6-foot-5, 250-pounds, Cook is a terrific blend of size, speed and athleticism — a poor man's Jermichael Finley. Over the years, only his route-running inconsistency and the Titans' dodgy play at quarterback have prevented him from becoming a starting staple. But given Matt Hasselbeck's stellar play, Tennessee's struggles on the ground and with Britt no longer in the picture, the former Gamecock likely won't be a chicken little moving forward. Mike Munchak and company, in order to take pressure off Chris Johnson and the offensive line, desperately need him to become an object of dependability.
For fantasy purposes, view Cook as a borderline TE1 in 12-team leagues moving forward. Antonio Gates owners, frustrated by their star's vexing foot problems, should submit a strong $10-$12 bid for the Titan this week.
Y! Percent started: One-percent
Riddle me this. Riddle me that. Against the Raiders, The Riddler racked the stats …
In one of my few dead-on prognostications this week, the Patriots, very unbalanced in their first three games, tilted the scales establishing a solid power-run game in Oakland. The one-two punch of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Ridley proved problematic for a Raiders front line routinely gashed this season. Both backs performed well, but it was the rookie who showcased more explosiveness. Overall, he averaged an insane 9.7 yards per carrying, finishing with 100 total yards and a touchdown.
Bill O'Brien stressed last week, the LSU product is still a player in development. However, it's clear, based on his performance in Week 4, he's the best rusher pound-for-pound currently on New England's roster. It's not a matter of if, but when, Ridley officially*overtakes The LawFirm on the depth-chart. Bill Belichick will likely remain dedicated to a committee backfield, but expect the youngster's role to continue to grow. He's definitely worth flexing in Week 5 against an*underachieving*Jets defense.
With a terrific schedule down the homestretch — New England faces KC, Indy, Philly, Washington and Denver in Weeks 11-15 — Ridley could evolve into a back-end RB2 in deeper formats. He certainly has the talent and the offensive environment couldn't be friendlier.
For those that didn't invest at the ground floor prior to Sunday, be prepared to slap the leather hard this week. More than likely a $30-plus bid will win his services.
Honorable Mentions: Andy Dalton, Cin, QB (two-percent started), Ryan Succop, K, KC (one-percent), Laurent Robinson, Dal, WR (zero-percent)
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