Efficiency Rating: Another week, another new #1

[Topher Dean]

The obvious challenge in any salary cap game is locating bargain players who solidly contribute while at the same time giving the owner the opportunity to afford the big name no-brainer producers.

Head2Head.com doesn’t really assist patrons in that matter to the detriment of most apathetic owners. The site does publish each week which grouping of players would have netted the most points while staying under the $100M salary cap but it doesn’t provide any analysis when it comes to consistent point makers. That’s where I come in.

The formula used to calculate the efficiency rating is highly classified. What isn’t a secret is that it’s a perfect barometer for gauging the games best values, thus allowing you to splurge on high dollar players.

The top ten through week 10 of the H2H season:

10) Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers (6.5M, 70.25 efficiency rating)

The Big East’s top receiver finally nudges into the top ten after several weeks of consistent play. Britt hauled in 9 passes for 107 yards and a score against Syracuse this past Saturday earning him 25 H2H points. The junior is averaging over 20 points per game and has a salary below 7.0M, which should warrant an immediate plug into the lineup. The trouble is he’s the fourth receiver on this list this week so someone has to be the odd man out unless you’re flexing. Britt faces the conference’s top defense in South Florida this week which should test his staying power on this list.

9) Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas (6.9M, 76.36 efficiency rating)

I asked for 30 and he gave me 20. Not bad, but with what appears to be a now healthy Quan Cosby, Shipley’s numbers could take a hit. Don’t get off this wagon yet because he remains Colt McCoy’s most reliable target. This week they'll head to Lawrence to face Kansas and the Big 12’s worst pass defense. Shipley could be looking at a career day.

8) Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State (12.9M, 81.35 efficiency rating)

This is quite a fall from grace from what could be the NFL prospect among collegiate quarterbacks. Nobody has been more disappointed in Freeman last two performances than me but it seems his lack of supporting cast at wide receiver (you can only get so much out of water-bug Brandon Banks) is catching up with him. It may be time to jump off the ship but I’m giving him one more week against Nebraska at home to redeem himself.

7) Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (11.2M, 81.83 efficiency rating)

The nation’s second best wide receiver came back down to earth after his 50 point performance two weeks ago. Facing an underrated Texas Tech defense he was only able to muster 12 points and was unable to hit pay dirt. He gets Colorado at Stillwater this week which provides a great opportunity to bounce back. With Michael Crabtree on a bye week, Bryant should be in your lineup.

6) Colt McCoy, QB, Texas (17.2M, 83.97 efficiency rating)

The junior quarterback ascends in the rankings this week with a 40 point performance against Baylor. With Cosby back at full health, McCoy has the ability to continue at that level the remainder of the season. Graham Harrell is on a bye this week and without a doubt McCoy should take his spot in your lineups. The Jayhawks this week simply will not be able to stop McCoy and you should expect big numbers once again.

5) Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue (6.9M, 84.77 efficiency rating)

Sheets could get very little going against Michigan State on his way to a disappointing 9 point performance. Sometimes you get what you pay for but in general that’s just not the case with Sheets. He’s capable of a huge game any week and as I’ve said before with him the risk of starting someone on a Big Ten doormat is worth the reward. However, he faces Iowa this a week, a defense of the same mold of Penn State and Ohio State whereby Sheets had more struggles. If you have the trades available, switch him out for a more favorable matchup. If you don’t, keep your fingers crossed as it could be another long day for Sheets.

4) Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut (10.0M, 86.93 efficiency rating)

Brown returns from an off week and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With a chance to recharge his batteries Brown should explode this week against Syracuse. Only Javon Ringer gets more opportunities to tote the rock more than Brown but the junior tailback has the luxury of facing the soft defenses of the Big East.

3) Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech (20.0M, 89.27 efficiency rating)

Harrell races up four spots to #3 with a thrilling 50 point performance in a big victory over Oklahoma State. He may have put a stranglehold on the Heisman with this outburst. Harrell owners shouldn’t despair at his bye week this week because of the abundance of signal callers in the Big 12. Look to Colt McCoy to pick up Harrell’s slack while he rests that gun of his week.

2) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (17.8M, 89.71 efficiency rating)

The Twelfth Man was no match for Sam Bradford. He came. He saw. And he most certainly conquered, going off for 45 against A&M. Like Harrell though, Bradford has a bye this week before gearing up for, you guessed it, Graham Harrell and the undefeated Red Raiders. Is it too early to tell you now who your QB and Flex positions should be that week? I think you know.

1) Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri (5.2M, 90.60 efficiency rating)

To be honest, I really didn’t think Coffman’s foot injury would keep him from playing against Kansas State. Especially considering his brother is the back up quarterback for the Wildcats. Even further considering it was the last home game for the Tigers. To Coffman’s benefit he didn’t lose anything on his rating while several others took a tumble. All indications are Coffman is good to go this week against Iowa State so keep him implemented in your lineups.

Honorable Mention: Juice Williams, QB, Illinois; LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh; Michael Smith, RB, Arkansas; Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State; Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland; Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia; Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech; California Defense/Special Teams; Brandon Banks, WR, Kansas State; Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri;.