Last week for millions of Jewish people like me, we went to temple to atone for our sins during Yom Kippur.
Now, one week later, I stand before the Fantasy football congregation asking for forgiveness. Not because I suggested playing Ryan Swope last week (who went off for four touchdowns). And no, not for the fact we overvalued the weekly performances we expected from Nick Harwell, Robert Herron or Bryan Burnham.
This atoning is squarely at Wake Forest receiver Chris Givens, whom we have discounted too many times to count, and yet again this weekend shredded Virginia Tech.
Chris, if you are reading this, send me a jersey, I will be happy to sport it around Long Island (even though my alma mater beat you in the opener).
Now with the atoning out of the way, here is a recap of Week 7 and then a look ahead to Week 8.
Last Week's Starts:
Nick Toon, Wisconsin vs. Indiana: DNP injury. Grade Incomplete
Kenny Stills, Oklahoma vs. Kansas: 8 receptions, 74 yards, TD. Grade A-
Ryan Swope, Texas A&M vs. Baylor: 11 receptions, 206 yards, 4 TD. Grade A+
Marqise Lee, USC vs. California: 4 receptions, 81 yards, TD. Grade A-
Robert Herron, Wyoming vs. UNLV: 2 receptions, 16 yards. Grade F
Nick Harwell, Miami Ohio vs. Kent State: 3 receptions, 1 yard, fumble. Grade F
Bryan Burnham, Tulsa vs. UAB: 5 receptions, 35 yards. Grade D.
Overall Grade: Solid B
Last Week's Sits:
Derek Moye, Penn State vs. Purdue: DNP injury. Grade Incomplete
Damarlo Belcher, Indiana vs. Wisconsin: 2 catches, 20 yards. Grade A+
Hubert Anyiam, Oklahoma State vs. Texas: 4 catches, 46 yards. Grade A-
Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest: 7 catches, 149 yards, TD. Grade D
Chris Givens, Wake Forest vs. Virginia Tech: 7 catches, 140 yards, TD. Grade D
Mike Willie, Arizona State vs. Oregon: 5 catches, 79 yards, TD. Grade D
Overall Grade: C+
Start Em! Wide Receivers (BCS)
Juron Criner, Arizona vs. UCLA: This is a complete shot in the dark. Criner has struggled all year, however with a week to prepare for a new coaching staff and another week removed from his appendectomy, I expect Criner to live up to his preseason standards in this one.
T.J. Moe, Missouri vs. Oklahoma State: Moe also has had a slow start to the season, but against Iowa State he found the end zone, and in what may end up being a shootout, the Mizzou offense will look to its most consistent playmaker to move the ball and keep up.
La'Rod King, Kentucky vs. Jacksonville State: This is just a hunch, but Jacksonville State will not keep the game close against the Wildcats. They do not have anyone to match up with King, who has four scores in 2011, and is a sure bet to find another score out there.
All 120
Chleb Ravenell, Western Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan: Ravenell is clearly the second option for the passing attack, but in a game which will see the Eagle defense fail to stop the WMU passing attack, Ravenell is a solid third WR option for you. He is also coming off a week in which he scored, so let's go two-for-two.
Cody Hoffman, BYU vs. Idaho State: Apo is the best weapon going for the Cougars, and much like King of Kentucky, no one on Idaho State can matchup with him. Expect a six-catch, 100-yard, TD game for the talented wideout.
Geraldo Boldewijn, Boise State vs. Air Force: Here is a sleeper play. Boldewijn debuted with two scores in his first game, but was held to one catch in his second outing against Colorado State. Watch him perform a repeat of his debut and get back into the end zone.
Ryan Balentine, Southern Mississippi vs. SMU: Balentine is another sleeper pick for this week as his team is coming off a bye and their best weapon, Kelvin Bolden, seems to have found his groove. Regardless, Balentine is a playmaker with insane speed and in what should be a high-scoring game with SMU, Balentine will shine.
Sit Em! Wide Receivers (BCS)
Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern vs. Penn State: I love Ebert and have him on my best Fantasy team as the guy is a PPR machine. The problem is this week he may not see as much open space against Penn State. There are safer options to play, but if you lack that opportunity, he is a decent play.
Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee vs. Alabama: With Matt Simms at quarterback Tennessee has no shot against Alabama. While he may sneak in for one long gainer, the chances he has a bust out day are slim. It is a shame because with Justin Hunter out, he was on his way to having an all-American type of season for the Vols.
Jermaine Kearse, Washington vs. Stanford: I said bench Kearse a few weeks back and it paid off, as he failed to find the end zone. Since then he has improved in that area a bit, but to me remains a risky option when the Huskies take on Stanford.
All 120
Darius Johnson, SMU vs. Southern Mississippi: Johnson is an explosive playmaker with big-play ability, however my problem with him against USM is that he will be the key guy the Eagles want to stop. And with plenty of other options (including a now-healthy Cole Beasley) he is not sure to get his looks. Johnson has also struggled to find the end zone so far this season, only scoring four times.
Deon Long, New Mexico vs. TCU: Long has had a solid season for UNM, but given the fact he is the only true weapon on offense, a good defense like TCU should be able to take him away. He does not catch many balls and is a home run hitter. Something unlikely to happen for the 0-6 Lobos against the Horned Frogs.
