Romo, oh Romo. Where art thou good Tony Romo?
That’s the question many fantasy owners have asked themselves come December, when fantasy titles are won. Like a tempting, flirty girl, Romo often looks like a trophy quarterback for much of the year, but then turns into a tease, denying you that score when it counts.
So why would we give Romo another shot this season?
Let’s start with his new coach. We have more confidence in Jason Garrett’s ability to keep the Cowboys on track late in the season than we did Wade Phillips. Just look at last year under Garrett, when Dallas went 3-2 down the stretch, when they normally flounder, and did not turn in an offensive dud in the mix.
There’s also the schedule. The Cowboys won’t face any weather dilemma’s until Week 17 on the road against the Giants. The only outdoor game before then is Week 15 at Tampa Bay, which is not known for its harsh climate. During this indoor trek, Dallas faces Arizona tomorrow, then the Buccaneers and at home against the Eagles before traveling to face the Giants. The Cardinals, Bucs and Giants rank in the bottom third of the league against the pass, and the Eagles are in the middle of the pack.
And don’t forget the newfound running game. DeMarco Murray has supplied a backfield threat lacking during Romo’s tenure — no disrespect to the less explosive Marion Barber, but a little disrespect to overrated and often-injured Felix Jones.
With these things in mind, we give Romo one more chance, and hope maybe this time, he won’t break our heart.
BIG WEEKS
Roy Helu, RB
Redskins, vs. Jets
We cross our fingers and hope Mike Shanahan’s “genius” doesn’t blind him from the fact Helu is by far his best back.
Jonathan Stewart, RB
Panthers, at Buccaneers
Last week, DeAngelo Williams racked up the points. Law of Averages dictate this week it will be Stewart, against one of the league’s worst run defenses.
Nate Washington, WR
Titans, at Bills
Even if QB Matt Hasselbeck throws a few more INTs, Washington should rack up some yards against a weak Bills defense.
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals, at Steelers
Looks to have regained his early-season form — TDs in two of the past three games.
Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos, at Vikings
His numbers haven’t been what we envisioned, and he makes us sweat every week by not scoring until late, but this week he will get less resistance from the Vikings — and might even complete a pass or two.
SMALL WEAKS
Michael Turner, RB
Falcons, at Texans
If Turner’s sore groin allows him to play, we don’t like the matchup vs. a tough Houston run defense.
Steve Jackson, RB
Rams, at 49ers
With so many injuries, the Rams have become a one-trick offense. Problem is, they trick no one, because Jackson is their only offensive weapon. Doesn’t help that no one runs on the Niners.
Philip Rivers, QB
Chargers, at Jaguars
Jags’ problem is offense, not defense. That’s bad news for Rivers, who apparently went color-blind in the offseason — he can no longer tell different jersey colors apart.
Dwayne Bowe, KC
Chiefs, at Bears
Hasn’t scored double-digit fantasy points since Week 5. It will be a few weeks before soon-to-be starting QB Kyle Orton is up to speed, rendering Bowe irrelevant for much of the remainder of the fantasy season.
Reggie Wayne, WR
Colts, at Patriots
Sure, he’s facing the league’s most generous fantasy pass defense, and he had a breakout game last week vs. the Panthers. But a reminder: Zero TDs in Weeks 2-11. Plus, Wayne now has a new QB. Worse, that QB is Dan Orlovsky.
dloftis@nypost.com
