Doug's Dynasty Den - Week 5

The Den is back after a one week hiatus, thanks as always for reading. Just wasn't enough guys to fill one column last week. I might have to move this to a bi-weekly schedule, we'll have to see. Comments and suggestions about this column are always welcome: dcoutts@fantasysharks.com

The bye weeks are rearing their ugly heads, and so is the injury bug.  Keep an eye on players that are being released since you may find someone that can help you a couple years down the road, cut loose by an impatient owner. Speaking of the injury bug, there is nothing worse than a guy being a "game time decision", especially when that game time is Monday at 9:00pm. I'm sure I'm not the only one that was burned by Edgerrin James this week (end of rant).

Just to quickly recap the rules for those that might be new to the column: While the idea of this column is to help those of you in dynasty leagues, if you are in a deep re-draft league, you might also find some help here. Most of the guys listed are only worth a free agent bid of a buck or two, depending on how much you have to spend and depending on your team's situation. Defensive guys come and go, so only pay a dollar for those players no matter what. Generally you won't find much to help your team this year, but you never know, injuries happen and early in the season you may be able to sneak someone thru that can end up helping win you a championship!!

Quarterback
Todd Bouman, New Orleans
It is quickly becoming a lost season for the Saints. New Orleans came after this guy when he was a backup in Minnesota, no he's not going to take over for Aaron Brooks, but worth stashing on your bench. A couple years down the road he could be the next Tommy Maddox.

Running Back
Mike Cloud, New England
Ok, so this one's a week late. Don't expect him to punch in two scores every week, in fact, he's pretty much just filling in for Kevin Faulk right now...I'm guessing the available RBs in your league that have a pulse are pretty rare right now.

Wide Receiver
Darnerian McCants, Washington
Is capable of putting up the numbers, and has done so in a limited role thus far. Worth stashing on your bench to see what develops.

Dante Hall, Kansas City
A little strange to be putting him on this list, but I'm seeing that Kansas City likes getting him the ball more often so he could get some more action on offense. No, he's not going to return a kick for a touch every game, but he's an exciting player to watch. The Chiefs have little else at WR anyways.

Tight End
Mark Campbell, Buffalo
Quietly is having a pretty good season, a viable bye week fill in for your squad.

Defense
David Thornton, Indianapolis
Just a tackling machine these past couple of weeks.

Duane Slemons, Cincinnati
Gotta like a guy that can ring up sacks in bunches.

Shaun Ellis, NY Jets
Coming off the bye week so he might be under the radar.

Kenny Holmes, NY Giants
Solid defender that has already had his bye week.

Jay Foreman, Houston
Another guy coming off a bye week, which is nice since if he can give you a consistent 2-4 points per week, you don't need to replace him for the rest of the season.