Sleeper Watch

An 0-4 start has proved quite disappointing for the Green Bay Packers in what could be Brett Favre’s last year in the NFL. Yet in spite of the team’s poor record, Favre has been very successful for fantasy football owners this year. In addition, the injury to Javon Walker has given several young receivers great opportunities to prove themselves.

But another aspect of the Packers’ offense has not been so beneficial for fantasy football owners: their running game. They are averaging only 73.8 rushing yards a game, which is 28th in the NFL, and their leading rusher, Ahman Green, has only 206 yards on the year.

But another injury, this time to Green, could prove to be of great benefit to those of us who spend our weekends tracking our fantasy football teams. With Green questionable to play in week 5 (and according to the news it looks more like doubtful), the stage is set for Najeh Davenport to break out.

Over his career, Davenport has averaged 4.9 yards a carry, and despite never being a full-time starter, he has scored five career touchdowns.

With the likely starting role for week 5 in his grasp, Davenport could likely make a large contribution to the Packers’ effort this week, perhaps giving them their very first win. Green Bay will be facing a New Orleans defense which gives up 130 rushing yards a game, a mark that is third-worst in the NFL.

If you are in a need of a bye-week filler for your running back corps, Davenport is a player you should seriously consider. NFL.com reports that he is only owned in 50% of all of their leagues, so if you happen to be in the right league and Davenport is a free agent, you should go grab him and start him this week. If you are an owner whose bench proudly boasts Davenport’s presence, you should give him your starting nod this week.

 
Daniel Gilford is a weekly columnist for the Cafe and an aspiring young writer. He currently attends St. Petersburg College, and when neglecting his homework can be found posting in the forums as danleroi22.