But forgiveness goes only so far. Personally, I'm losing my patience with Cam Newton, who hit a new low on Sunday.
Darren McFadden, DeMarco Murray, and Steven Jackson have offered little to nothing of redeeming value for the owners who invested premium picks in them.
Lingering injuries have sapped the fantasy value from Greg Jennings and Hakeem Nicks, but what are Jordy Nelson's and Dez Bryant's excuses? Dante Rosario delivered more fantasy value in his one start than Antonio Gates has in the Chargers' four other games combined.
And then there's the incredible shrinking Chris Johnson. How foolish were we to believe the preseason blabber about the triumphant return of CJ2K? After five games, the Titans' "workhorse" has rushed for 4, 17, 24 (twice!), and 141 yards, and added a whopping 84 total receiving yards. No touchdowns, natch.
To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important.
Catch 'em while you can
Alex Green, RB, Packers. The second-year back was pressed into service after Cedric Benson went out with a foot injury. Green ran well, and he could get a chance to do more if Benson can't go in Week 6. Though you won't want to start him against the mighty Texans defense, he's a valuable handcuff with solid upside.
Randall Cobb, WR, Packers. James Jones collected two touchdowns, but Cobb led the team with 82 yards and a TD of his own. With both Greg Jennings (groin), Jermichael Finley (shoulder), and Benson dealing with injuries, Cobb should continue to play an integral role in the Green Bay offense.
Don't be fooled
William Powell, Alfonso Smith, LaRod Stephens-Howling, RBs, Cardinals. Beanie Wells is already on injured reserve. Now Ryan Williams is out for the season with a shoulder injury. One, or probably all, of the above will now carry the load for one of the league's most inept rushing teams. It's best just to avoid this mess completely.
Josh Gordon, WR, Browns. Before you wade into the Cleveland passing game with this rookie, take a deep breath and ask yourself why. Because he scored twice on his only two catches of the game? Because he's caught nine passes in five games? Because Brandon Weeden is his quarterback? No, no, no.
Devery Henderson, WR, Saints. Every year about this time, I remind you not to be sucked in by another impressive performance by Henderson. It doesn't matter that Lance Moore and Jimmy Graham are dinged up. Henderson is as unreliable as they come. Trust me on this.
Follow Ladd Biro at the Fantasy Fools blog, fantasy-fools.blogspot.com, on Facebook, and @ladd_biro on Twitter.
