Peter Anthony Crisafi was at a crossroads. He was too lazy to work for a living. He had hopes of playing cards for a living, but one requirement for that lifestyle would be an ability to play cards well. Crisafi did not possess that ability. He could play a little pool, but could he make enough money at his local pool hall to live on? Soon enough, people would recognize him as a hustler and he wouldn’t even be able to get a game.
He would have to travel around the country hustling unsuspecting people. One problem: he only played well on his home turf, Flambonis in New York City. Crisafi attributed his stellar play to this one special house cue. For some reason, it performed like it was made for him. The answer.
Crisafi, as legend has it, stole his favorite cue from his favorite place and hit the road. He cut the cue in half and jointed it so that he could take it apart and put it back together. This move solved Crisafi’s problem. Now, he was able to hide the cue as he entered new establishments and, once assembled, his cue would appear like any humble house cue. (At this point in time, 99.9% of pool players used house cues. A custom cue was a dead give away of a hustler.) Crisafi became known as “Sneaky Pete,” a pool hustler who disguised his special cue and snuck up on unsuspecting marks.
It is with Peter Anthony Crisafi in mind that I present to you “Sneaky Starts: Week 7.” These players are intentionally off-the-wall and under the radar. Please do not take these recommendations to mean that these players merit a start in all leagues and all formats. They do not. Like Crisafi’s cue, if you find yourself at a crossroads, use these players as a secret weapon and a way sneak up on your opponent.
Nick Foles, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Uh-oh. We may have a quarterback controversy brewing in Philly. Despite what the coaching staff has been saying about Michael Vick being the starter once he returns from injury, how can the play of young Nick Foles be ignored? Simply put, he has been outstanding in his limited opportunity this year. Last week against a pretty solid Tampa Bay defense, Foles threw for 296 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions, and he ran for a score.
Two weeks ago coming off the bench in relief, he threw for 197 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. One of the more impressive things about Foles, other than the sheer numbers, is that he spreads the ball around. Four receivers had six targets last week. If he had enough attempts to qualify at this point, Foles would be fifth in the NFL in completion percentage (67.2). Week 7 should bring more of the same. Foles and the Eagles take on a very soft Dallas pass defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (23.39). This unit also ranks third in both total yards per game (413.2) and pass yards per game (308.2). This game has all the makings of a shoot-out: play ‘em if you got ‘em.
Prediction: 335 passing yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions
Brandon Jacobs, Running Back, New York Giants
Look for the Brandon Jacobs comeback to continue for at least one more week. Last week, the ancient Jacobs looked surprisingly spry. He totaled 22 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Nice! Jacobs should continue to see the bulk of the work with David Wilson and Da’Rel Scott both out. This week the Giants take on a Minnesota Vikings defense that has proven to be susceptible to the run. They have allowed the fourth most rushing touchdowns (6), the second most yards per game (418) and the most fantasy points by opposing running backs (23.88). Look, this is still Brandon Jacobs. Let’s not go too crazy, but if you need someone with a decent floor, you could do worse than Jacobs.
Prediction: 70 yards, one touchdown
Terrance Williams, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
To wrap-up this unintentional NFC East-exclusive “sneaky starts,” we go back to one of our favorites. It should be becoming clear to all that Terrance Williams is the third best option in the Dallas passing attack, behind Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Head coach Jason Garrett sounded like he agrees for the moment when he said, “I thought Miles (Austin) looked ok…but he’s a work in progress coming back.” While game circumstances quieted everyone’s production last Sunday, Williams was able to eek out a decent fantasy day by finding the end zone.
In the last three weeks, Williams has totaled 13 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns. And here comes another prime match-up. (Side note: Until further notice, anyone playing against a NFC East defense has a great match-up. They’re all terrible). The Eagles allow the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers (34.97), allow the most yards per game (420.2) and allow the second most pass yards per game (314.5). Again, play ‘em if you got ‘em.
Prediction: Six receptions, 75 yards, one touchdown