Ed Barkowitz: Fantasy owners might find Kolb worth keeping in reserve

PUTTING DONOVAN McNABB back into the lineup was an easy decision for Eagles coach Andy Reid. McNabb is his No. 1 quarterback and his team's undisputed leader.

But the two games Kevin Kolb started while McNabb sat with a rib injury certainly raised some eyebrows, both for traditional observers and fantasy fans. Kolb wasn't perfect, but he did become the only quarterback in history to throw for 300 yards in his first two career starts.

"It hasn't sunk in yet and probably won't until after the season," he said before returning to practice this week as McNabb's backup. "But initially, I was kind of shocked. I didn't think [I did] anything special. I played a decent game, but the victory over the Chiefs was the most important thing."

Ah, yes. The victory over the Chiefs.

That was 2 weeks ago when Kolb paid strong dividends to anyone sage enough to scoop him up and start him. Kolb posted 327 passing yards, threw two touchdowns and ran for another. The performance had Kolb's phone buzzing.

"A few of my friends said they got me [before] the Kansas City game," he chuckled. "They called me and said, 'You did good for me.' But I know zilch about fantasy football. It's crazy. They say it's a blast."

It sure is a blast when you pick up a guy off the waiver wire and he scores three touchdowns. It's not such fun when you are waiting for Clinton Portis to score his first touchdown.

Kolb might be headed back to the Eagles' bench, but he should be owned in all leagues of 10 or more. McNabb has now missed time in four of the last five seasons and the Eagles didn't dial down the playbook when Kolb was forced into action. In other words, he's a suitable handcuff and a better fantasy backup than Trent Edwards.

AP watch

 

Season total. . . 412

Last week's yards. . . 55

Games played. . . 4

100-yard games. . . 1

To average 2,000. . . 132.3

This week. . . at Rams

Rams average

rush yards allowed. . . 135.0

 

Three up

 

mediocre last week, but give him another chance on Sunday. And on Monday, dial up the Frank Gore owner and offer a trade. The Niners could be looking at splitting carries among the running backs after their Week 6 bye when Gore (ankle) could get back into the lineup.

* Knowshon Moreno, RB,

Broncos: The matchup against the Patriots isn't ideal, but Moreno deserves consideration simply because he'll be the primary back. I love him this week.