Fantasy Falafel
2007 Season Week 9

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...

The NBA season has started, people are still talking about the World Series and we're just reaching the halfway point of the NFL season. What a time to be a sports fan! But don't let ESPN's wide range of broadcasting options distract you from what's really important in your life. Namely, fantasy football.

Here are three tips to keep your team on track:

1. Brett Favre's spectacular overtime pass on Monday night was a great play, but the chatter that followed Favre's pass overshadowed a great rushing performance by running back Ryan Grant. Green Bay has had trouble getting its running game together this season (71.3 running yards per game average) and their previous rushing leader, DeShawn Wynn, had his season ended prematurely last week. These aren't encouraging facts for the Pack, but Grant's 104 rushing yards on 22 carries against Denver is very encouraging for cheeseheads and fantasy owners alike. Grant has been named Green Bay's starter for Week 9 and should be a decent option looking forward.

2. After a meager start to open the season, the New Orleans Saints are looking like they intend to win some football games in the second half of the season. Their offense is starting to come together and, as the team improves, so does the fantasy value of WR David Patten. Trailing Marques Colston by only 7 receiving yards, Patten is emerging as a great option for Saints QB Drew Brees. This makes Patten a decent option for fantasy owners who are looking for a bye week Band-Aid.

Patten has totaled more than 100 yards in two of the Saints' last three games and could be dangerous in Weeks 10 and 11 against St. Louis and Houston. Patten was only thrown six balls on Sunday but he made the best of it by snagging five of those passes for catches; earning 109 yards receiving. At over 20 yards per catch, Patten looks pretty dangerous to me.

3. Speaking of New Orleans, it looks like this team is coming together on defense as well. Since its Week 4 bye, the Saints have allowed an average of only 14.75 points per game. New Orleans should keep that hot defensive streak going with upcoming match-ups against Jacksonville and St. Louis. Also, the Saints are averaging 3.3 sacks per game over the past three weeks; good enough for 4th best in the NFL over that period. Interceptions and fumbles are lacking. But, once again, the Saints make a good bye week option if your normal defense is off this week.

Alright, that about does it for this week, sports fans. For those of you who also play Fantasy Basketball, I'll start writing our weekly Deli column as soon as possible to get your team off to a good start. That said, don't lose focus on your NFL team alright? These guys have been with you for eight weeks and I think they deserve some loyalty.

Good luck on Sunday, everyone. As always, I'll see you next week.

- Kool-Aid