Cut-N-Go is Fantasy Football FanHouse's weekday roundup of the NFL news with fantasy football impact.The news just keeps getting better for Hakeem Nicks owners. We've been touting Nicks since day one as one the potential big surprises this season at wide receiver and he proved us right, having now scored a touchdown in four consecutive games. After moving into the starting lineup shortly after returning from his early-season injury, he now looks poised to move ahead of Mario Manningham for the No. 2 spot.
While Manningham currently holds down the gig, Newsday reports that he left practice right after stretching in warmups. The story lacks clarity as to whether Manningham left due to his lingering chest injury or because of a lineup change, but Nicks assumed the starting role in Friday's walk-throughs. Regardless of the reason, this bodes very well for Nicks owners who already have a gem on their hands.
Not only has Nicks outplayed Manningham in recent weeks, but he also appears to be gaining favor from quarterback Eli Manning over Steve Smith. Hence, look for Nicks to see an even greater number of targets this week against the Eagles. It will be interesting to see how the Giants come out after two straight losses following the 5-0 start, but I'd guess they'll be gunning with Nicks being the primary beneficiary.
Other Fantasy Notes
• The Associated Press reports that Jerricho Cotchery looks ready to play this week against Miami after missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury. While Cotchery got off to a tremendous start with rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, the addition and reemergence of Braylon Edwards make him a risky play this week. Still, the Dolphins secondary presents a promising matchup, so consider Cotchery a worthy start for a No. 3 wide receiver.
• While the consensus report looked doubtful regarding Darren McFadden's return this weekend given the Raiders have their bye week coming in Week 9, the Contra Costa Times spotted McFadden participating in practice on Friday sporting an elastic brace on his scoped knee. We'll have to see what coach Tom Cable says after practice, but if you are super desperate, McFadden's chances look better than expected to play this week. Given the Raiders' record, they are not exactly in a position to be resting guys for later in the season.
• The fellas at Bleacher Report think it might be time to pick up Vince Young off the waiver wire. Personally, I never liked Vince Young for fantasy purposes even in his prime, but it's hard not to take interest in this story. For one thing, the Titans have decent weapons, so it's hard to imagine Young wouldn't provide an upgrade, but more so it'll be good to see Young back in action after his very public fall from grace. Who doesn't like a good comeback saga?• Our fantasy buddies over at Sports Illustrated's Fantasy Clicks take a self-deprecating look at their top preseason draft picks -- and help bail you out if you listened to them. Man what I wouldn't do to take advantage of that Westbrook trade. (I swear, my Internet froze).
• The Washington Post previews FX's fantasy football sitcom The League with horrible results. This apparently will not end well as the NJ Star-Ledger also claims the show "will leave no one happy." I'm getting excited just to see how bad it becomes before getting the axe.
• The boys at the New York Times' Fifth Down blog are not excited about the Alex Smith start this week against the Colts. I couldn't agree more. Have you ever seen Alex Smith play?
