Rex Grossman Is Our Quarterback

We’re in the home stretch this fantasy season, and in almost all leagues this week marks either the final week of the regular season or the first round of the playoffs. Since every year it seems that it’s the unknowns who end up determining fantasy championships, this week’s column is full of options for the especially desperate owner who needs help from an unlikely source.

Chris Redman (QB – ATL)
So let’s start with Chris Redman, who if Matt Ryan is held out again this week, would get the start against the Saints. Say what you will about Redman’s performance in his two games at the helm, he has thrown the ball over 40 times in each contest, and that alone gives him value. He’s also facing a struggling New Orleans secondary, and because the Saints offense will certainly put up points, the Falcons will be forced to throw while playing catch-up. I like Redman for an unexpectedly solid game this week.

You know who else you should start?

Joe Flacco (QB – BAL)
Fantasy owners have rightly shied away from Flacco over the second half of the season, as he’s failed to throw for multiple touchdowns since Week 6. But with the Ravens in desperate need of a win against the awful Lions secondary, I expect big things for him this week.

Shonn Greene (RB – NYJ)
With quarterback Mark Sanchez’s health in question, the Jets, already the most run-reliant offense in the league, should lean on their RB’s legs even more heavily this week. Greene has been getting double digit carries in each of the past two games, and against a weak Bucs run D, that could amount to some solid numbers. Owners in need to a running back to play could get a nice return from him.

Quinton Ganther (RB – WSH)
The Redskins made the surprise announcement on Tuesday that Ganther, not Rock Cartwright, would be their starter this weekend against the vulnerable Raiders run D. Now, it remains to be seen exactly what the carry split will be between these two, but Ganther has averaged 6 yards per carry over the past two weeks, and the Redskins offense has certainly looked much improved in recent weeks. If Ganther gets the carries, solid numbers will follow.

Mike Wallace (WR – PIT)
This is made on the assumption that Hines Ward will be held out of tonight’s game, which is looking more and more likely. If that’s the case, Wallace will be inserted into the starting lineup. The Steelers are in need of a win as they fight for a playoff spot, and Wallace, who hasn’t had more than two catches since Week 9, will be in for a big increase in targets as Pittsburgh attempts to take advantage of his explosivity

Lee Evans (WR – BUF)
Against the awful Kansas City defense, the Bills offense should be able to put up some big points. Terrell Owens will most likely take full advantage of this, but I also like a solid game from the inconsistent Lee Evans. No team has allowed more big passing plays than the Chiefs, and Evens could take full advantage of this fact in a game where there should be plenty of yards to go around.

Kevin Boss (TE – NYG)
This one’s simple. Philadelphia has a very solid defense except for giving up the most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs of any team in the league. In a game where their other options could be held in check, the Giants should lean heavily on Boss, and he should respond with a very solid game.