Halo

RISING

Dez Bryant, Cowboys WR - I’ve constantly jocked the rookie WR since draft day from a dynasty perspective. The future number one WR in Dallas, with a solid QB like Tony Romo, looked like he was long term gold. What I didn’t expect, however, was for him to start producing at a high level halfway through his rookie season. He has 22 catches for 255 yards and four TDs in his last four games, and is looking like a viable starting option each week. Check that, a mandatory starting option each week. The Cowboys are getting blown out, and with Interim Head Coach Jason Garrett now at the helm, expect Bryant to see even more snaps and more targets. Seasonal owners take note, he could be clutch during your playoff run.

Jimmy Graham, Saints TE - Another guy that dynasty owners who have read my stuff often know that I’ve been high on - is Graham, the collegiate basketball project from Miami. New Orleans took him in the third round as what appeared to be an eventual replacement for Jeremy Shockey. My eyebrows raised when he caught all four of his targets in Week 7, and now he hauls in three balls including a score in Week 9. With Shockey nicked up, Graham’s time could be now. I recommend stashing him now in dynasty leagues and considering him a decent flyer TE moving forward in seasonal leagues.

Brian Hartline, Dolphins WR - While his role is still up in the air in terms of starter vs. reserve, the second year man from Ohio State is getting on the field enough to make a consistent impact each week despite the presence of Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess. 14 team leaguers should consider Hartline a solid WR3/flex play in PPR leagues, as he’s caught three or more balls in each game since his Week 1 goose-egg.

Javarris James, Colts RB - He may just be a flash in the pan, as Joseph Addai, Mike Hart and Donald Brown are all still technically on the depth chart in front of him, and the Colts just signed Andre Brown for additional depth, but James scored on each of his two goal line carries in Week 9 against Philly and may have carved out a role for himself moving forward. While he’s not worth an add in any format just yet, keep a close eye on him, as stranger things have happened in the NFL.

Jacoby Ford, Raiders WR - There’s a new Jacoby in town. Ford, not Jones. The speedster made a big impression in Week 9, catching six balls for 148 yards and returned a kick for a score. Not only should return yardage leaguers be excited about his new role on offense, but dynasty owners should snag this guy now. As Oakland improves, there will be an opportunity for a WR on that squad to blossom. So far, Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey haven’t been consistent, meaning Ford is now in the running.

Sidney Rice, Vikings WR - Word is that the 2009 breakout star very well could return in Week 10, just in time to seriously help some owners vying for playoff berths, and his dynasty owners will breath a sigh of relief when he catches his first TD. If he’s available in your seasonal league, snag him now, while long term owners need to get ready to watch his value rise once again.

Pat Angerer, Colts LB - In Week 6, the second rounder from Iowa started in place of an injured Gary Brackett and was extremely active, racking up 11 tackles (four solo), a sack and two passes defensed. In Week 8, he started in place of SLB Phillip Wheeler and judging by his seven solo tackle Week 9 performance, it looks as though he may have won that job. Angerer could be a viable IDP option with upside heading into 2011.

DeAndre Levy, Lions LB - The 23 year old from Wisconsin is finally healthy after battling a groin injury all season. He returned to limited work in Week 8, and recorded four solo tackles against the Redskins. In Week 9 against the Jets, he not only recorded nine solo tackles, but he also displayed solid speed all game, especially when catching Santonio Holmes from behind on a 50-plus yard reception. If he’s available in your league, I’d recommend snagging him.

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