Sleeper Watch

No funny business. I’m getting straight to the point for a change. Sleeper of the week is Mewelde Moore. That is, only if you check the waiver wire and Derrick Ward (New York Giants RB) isn’t sitting out there. Odds are high he will be gone, gobbled up, history. Then again, if you’re in a league with a bunch of newbies and you get to this article early enough, you might have won the running back lottery for Week two. I think Ward is gonna be a star.

Enough about Ward, lets get back to Mewelde Moore. You think I’m kidding about Moore, don’t you? It’s okay, I get that a lot. But I’m not kidding. Moore is a worth a good look this week if you’re pinched due to the early season injuries at running back. It’s true that Moore didn’t dress down Sunday (no one is saying why that I can find except that is wasn’t due to injury). As such, Moore didn’t record any stats. You’re going to have to go with a little faith on this one.

If, however, you have no faith and absolutely can’t live without stats, roll back to 2005. Moore was a sophomore in the league and was getting some decent playing time. He maintained a 4.3 yard rushing average (on 155 carries) and caught 37 passes – two for touchdowns. Fantasy veterans out there should be nodding about now saying, “Oh, yeah, I do remember that guy. He was a great sleeper that year.” So what happened? Well, this is the Vikings organization we’re talking about. Bad management, bad coaching, constant running back by committee scenarios… you get the idea.

Amazingly, Moore has managed to stay with the Vikings and now is on the verge of getting another shot.

Selling points for Moore:

• Chester Taylor is injured, moving Moore up to the number two back position.
• Minnesota is playing Detroit, who gave up plenty of yardage to Oakland’s running backs last Sunday, especially through the air.
• Moore is young and wicked fast, a great receiver out of the backfield.
• Moore has lots to prove this week. This is possibly one of his last shots to get his talent noticed. He has to be fired up after being set down last week.

But what about that Peterson guy? True, he will undoubtedly get the start this weekend but he will not be a one man show. He’s been groomed to share the load and Childress has been committed to bringing him along slowly. Translation - Moore will get his opportunities. Good luck!

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