Fantasy Falafel
2007 Season Week 6

By: Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick

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If you're into fantasy football, then Kool-Aid is your man. This man has served in the trenches of statistical warfare, wrestled with the demons of the injured reserve and solved the mystery of the split backfield. After years of fantasy football experience Kool-Aid decided that it was time for him to impart his knowledge to the rest of the football universe. Each week he combs the league for the best match-ups and waiver wire pick-ups so you can be ready by kick-off. Soak up the wisdom in Kool-Aid's analysis below and if you're still thirsty for knowledge drop him a line at fantasyfalafel@gmail.com.

Now, on to your regularly scheduled Fantasy Falafel...

 

As they say in Brazil, I won this week by the graca de Deus. Losing to my own dad was not something I really wanted to think about. Luckily he'll be the one taking a picture of himself watching his precious Vikings while wearing one of my beloved Niners jerseys. Sounds like Christmas has come early for ol' Kool-Aid. If you aren't in a fantasy league with any of your family members you should really consider it. It adds to the level of shame/pride you each week during the season. This is pretty much the reason why everyone plays fantasy football in the first place. Speaking of first place, let's get you there with these Week 6 pick-ups!

1. This just in: pretty boy Matt Leinart is no longer quite as pretty. Chicks seem to dig guys more when they're hurt. But I'm guessing you didn't find it so sexy when Matt went on the injured reserve. On the other hand, the older, more distinguished look is starting to look a whole lot better. Kurt Warner will be the starter in Arizona for the next 6-8 weeks, which means he won't have to split snaps with a guy half his age. In the last three weeks Warner has averaged 193.3 yards per game while tallying 4 TDs and only 1 interception. As an added bonus Anquan Boldin has missed the last two games and is expected to play soon, if not this week, which gives Warner even more appeal. Warner's best year was in 1999 with the Rams. He's 36 but don't think about that right now, just grab him.

2. Sorry to keep talking about Pops but growing up my dad tried to teach me lessons about life, respect, being a man and all that. I distinctly remember him telling me not to kick people when they're down. But seriously, fantasy is cutthroat and I think it's time we threw the Mr. Nice Guy act out the window. The Falcons offense is hurting -- they have only managed to score 69 points all season -- and is facing a pretty decent New York Giants defense this week. The thing that makes the Giants defense really appealing for this week is that they score good points (46 in the standard Yahoo scoring system) but are not a premiere defense, which has left them available in most leagues.

New York actually has 17 sacks, 5 interceptions, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 touchdowns in their first five games. Their only real downside is that they have allowed 118 points. Luckily, that's where Atlanta comes in. The Giants should be able to keep the struggling Falcons to under 20 points while also rocking Joey Harrington's world with a couple of sacks and a pick. If you're looking to pick up a defense this week then the Giants are your boys.

3. Ok, I really don't want to be that guy who jumps on bandwagons but Greg Olsen has some potential if you need a TE. Last week against Green Bay Olsen caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown with Brian Griese at the helm. Those stats could be a fluke, but Olsen did catch more passes than any other Bear last week and that's a good sign of things to come. Olsen is a great athlete and could be a good pickup if he continues to develop a good relationship with Griese. The next week should be a good indication of Olsen's potential. If he hits it big he might get picked up in a lot of leagues, which means he won't be available if you're hurting at TE.

Chicago plays the Vikings at home this week. Not only will emotions be running high -- since the two teams are Midwest rivals -- but also the Vikings defense has allowed 75 yards per game to opponent tight ends. This spells great things for Olsen. If you need him, get him.

Is it just me or is fantasy football flying by? Be sure you take a moment to stop and smell the roses. Relish in your victories and try to remember that beating someone in fantasy football really makes you better than them as a person. But if you lose, don't sweat it. It's just fantasy football. Good luck as always, I'll see you next week.

- Kool-Aid