What To Make of Miles Austin's Big Day

Wow. I didn't see that coming.

Miles Austin had a gigantic game on Sunday. The 1.3% of fantasy owners that started him are carrying themselves around the way a dog does when he's got a giant stick in his mouth, this week.

In my league, he was picked up at 12:48PM Sunday and lifted my buddy B-Ru to a win over a team he would have beaten anyway. Still, B-Ru took a gamble and walked away with a big prize.

A 45 point prize to be exact. A 10 catch, 250 yard, 2 Touchdown prize.

Ok, so Austin had a huge week, but what now? What can we expect from here out? Let's break this down, shall we?

Here's what we know:

• Austin got playing time because Roy Williams was out with a rib injury.
• The Cowboys are on bye week this week.
• Roy Williams is expected to be able to play next week.
• Tony Romo has yet to really "connect" with any of his receivers this season, though has slightly with Jason Witten.
• Patrick Crayton, the Cowboys current number two receiver, has had a case of the dropsies for the better part of three years.
• There's no question that what Austin did last week impressed the coaching staff and his fellow teammates, most important of which is his Quarterback, Tony Romo

So what do we make of all this?

The chances Austin finds himself the number one receiver on this team are pretty minimal. With that being said, I'd expect to see him get increased playing time and targets.

Roy Williams has been virtually useless for this Dallas team, outside of Week 1 and Patrick Crayton has been something of a let down himself.

Austin is still available in over 60% of ESPN leagues. If yours is one of them, I'd definitely consider Austin worth an add. Many owners may be shying away from him because he is on Bye this week or because they want to see what role he'll play with Roy Williams back. Don't bother waiting for that or, chances are, you'll miss out.

Even in 10 team leagues, if you've got someone giving you mediocre production with little upside (think Torry Holt, et al) add Austin and see what happens. At this point, we're probably talking about your 5th or 6th receiver. I'd be surprised if many owners are getting more upside from that spot as it is.

PCB Scout

Questions? Comments? Random nonsense? Email me: pcbscout(at)gmail.com

WR Watch: Week 5

Miles Austin - Cowboys: 10 catches - 250 yards 2 touchdowns
The preseason sleeper woke up and had a career game against the Chiefs.  He should move in as Romo's second favorite receiver which means more targets, though don't expect many more 10 catch games.

Chris Henry - Bengals: 3 catches - 91 yards
He has been a non-factor thus far, but finally showed up with a big 73 yard catch.  There are too many targets in Cincinnati, but at least keep an eye on Henry.

Mike Wallace - Steelers: 2 catches - 52 yards 1 touchdown
It is hard to get excited about a Steeler #3 wideout, but he is putting up decent numbers.

Eddie Royal - Broncos: 10 catches - 90 yards
He finally came up big in PPR leagues, but his value is steal shaky with a conservative Bronco offense and a slightly above average Orton throwing to him.  Nevertheless, he has been cut and is worth a look if you can snag him.

Donnie Avery - Rams: 5 catches - 87 yards 1 touchdown
Avery is the real-deal, but the Rams aren't.  Still, they can improve a bit as the season progresses and Avery will be the man in St. Louis.

Hakeem Nicks - Giants: 4 catches - 49 yards 1 touchdown
Nicks has the knack for finding the end zone, but with Manningham and Smith playing well, starting him would be a roll of the dice unless a starter is injured.

Jeremy Maclin - Eagles: 6 catches - 142 yards with 2 touchdowns
He showed his big-play ability by scoring on deep passes of 51 and 40 yards while starting in place of Kevin Curtis.  Good bye Kevin Curtis.

Austin Collie - Colts: 8 catches - 97 yards 2 TD's
He's has surpassed Garcon in fantasy value and could keep Gonzales out of the starting line if he continues to play well.

Josh Morgan - 49ers: 4 catches passes 78 yards
Back-to-back solid games for Morgan makes him a viable low-end fantasy receiver.

Cowboys' Austin Catches TD In Loss

Dallas Cowboy #3 WR, Miles Austin, caught a TD for the second straight week, finishing with 3 catches for 45 yards and the 1 TD. That follows up his 4 catch 127 yard and 1 TD performance last week. Ausitn has big-play potential and will take catches from others, likely Crayton, though Crayton did very catching 7 passes for 87 yards. He might be a better fantasy WR for your roster than Crayton. Sin City Scout