It is New Year’s Eve 1961. A group of young men pile into their van, heading to the capital city. The normally four-hour drive takes them over 10, as heavy snow pours down making travelling very difficult. They finally arrive around 10pm “in time to see the drunks jumping into the Trafalgar Square fountain,” one of them later recalled. As young men tend to do on New Year’s Eve, the group promptly participates in all the festivities. But this was a business trip. And they had an important meeting the next day.
On New Year’s Day 1962 at 11am, the young men saunter into a large and impressive building for their presentation. The audience on this day was a man named Dick Rowe and his assistant, Mike Smith. Smith had recognized something in the men when he had seen them a couple weeks prior, and was the one responsible for setting up the meeting. Hung-over and nervous, the four young men stumble and awkwardly work their way through their routine. Not their best work, but they had reason to be optimistic. As the men left, Smith told them that he “saw no problems” and that they should expect to hear from Rowe soon.
A few weeks later, the four young men are back to their normal circuit. They have not heard anything back from Rowe or Smith. They reach out and finally get in contact with Rowe. He tells them that he has decided to pass. In fact, he tells them that “groups with guitars are on the way out,” and that “the Beatles have no future in show business.”
Dick Rowe was the head of Decca Records in 1962. To this day, he is known as “the man who turned down the Beatles.”
It is with the story of the Fab Four and Dick Rowe’s infamous repudiation in mind that I present Week 8: Sneaky Starts. As always, these “sneaky” 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. This is simply a list of players that are coming off of sluggish performances, but, for some identified reason, they have the potential for greatness in Week 8. Be careful before you declare that these players have “no future” in fantasy football.
Carson Palmer Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
Palmer was supposed to be the head of a rejuvenated passing attack in Arizona. Finally, Larry Fitzgerald wouldn’t have to waste his prime years with sub-standard quarterback play. Palmer and his big arm were going to be the answer. Sadly, it has not been that way. Last week, Palmer was especially atrocious. He finished Week 7 with 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions (very lucky to only have two interceptions), with most of this production coming in garbage time. But there are a number of teams on a bye this week and, therefore, there are a number of fantasy owners scrambling to fill spots. Well, there are some reasons to think this may be the week for Palmer to post some of those big numbers. First, he still has good weapons. Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and Andre Ellington are all very good options in the passing game. Secondly, he gets a good match-up. Atlanta gives up the fifth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (20.21) and has allowed the third most passing touchdowns (14) this season. Palmer does not have much long-term value, but look for solid fantasy production in Week 8.
Prediction: 260 yards, two touchdowns, one interception
Joique Bell Running Back, Detroit Lions
Bell began as one of the biggest surprises of the 2013 season. His two touchdowns in Week 1 and his full workload in Week 3 contributed to his being a top 10 fantasy running back for much of this year. Due to a nagging injury and an uncharacteristically healthy Reggie Bush, Bell’s numbers have cooled off considerably. But Bell gave it a go last week and, although he did not receive many touches, he proved to be quite effective when he did get the ball. He averaged seven yards per touch. This week, Bell and the Lions get a Cowboys defense that has been decimated by injuries. Dallas allows the second most receiving yards by running backs (403) and receiving touchdowns by running backs (3). For a Lions team that loves to throw to its backs, this match-up is ideal. Look for Bush to have a monster day and Bell to have solid flex production.
Prediction: 70 total yards, one touchdown
Marques Colston Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
I am going to give the forgotten man in New Orleans one last shot. Let me preface this prediction by saying, Colston might become cuttable if he does not produce this week. I still have no idea how, in a game where Jimmy Graham had zero catches, Colston could manage only one catch for 11 yards. But that’s exactly what happened in Week 6. The week before, he finished with two catches for 15 yards. Pathetic. I know you’re frustrated, but hear me out. Colston is in the top 12 in the league in yards per target. The problem is that he is 60th in targets. Drew Brees is simply not looking his way. This week that all changes. The Bills have allowed the most passing touchdowns this year (15). I know, you’re saying that just means a field day for Graham. However, Buffalo allows the second fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends (4.91) and the second most to opposing wide receivers (33.09). This is the week Marques Colston turns it around.
Prediction: Five receptions, 75 yards, one touchdown