Quarterbacks
1. Tom Brady at IND
2. Tony Romo at PHI
3. Peyton Manning vs NE
4. Carson Palmer at BUF
5. Derek Anderson vs SEA
6. Brett Favre at KC
7. Matt Hasselbeck at CLE
8. Philip Rivers at MIN
9. Drew Brees vs JAC
10. Donovan McNabb vs DAL
11. Ben Roethlisberger vs BAL
12. Jason Campbell at NYJ
13. Jay Cutler at DET
14. Jon Kitna vs DEN
15. Kurt Warner at TB
16. Jeff Garcia vs ARI
17. Damon Huard vs GB
18. J.P. Losman vs CIN
19. Alex Smith at ATL
20. Kellen Clemens vs WAS
NOTES: Check the injury status of Matt Hasselbeck (oblique), Kurt Warner (elbow) and Alex Smith (shoulder).
Hasselbeck was unable to practice on Monday and might be the dreaded game-time decision because oblique injuries are tricky. Warner should be fine after resting his elbow during the bye week. Smith experienced some general soreness on Monday after attempting 43 passes on Sunday. He should be good to go this week, however.
Cutler has a favorable matchup with Detroit, although they have created a lot of turnovers this season.
Losman was named the starter for this week’s game and could put up some good numbers against a suspect Bengals’ defense.
Running Backs
1. Kevin Jones vs DEN
2. Joseph Addai vs NE
3. Brian Westbrook vs DAL
4. LaDainian Tomlinson at MIN
5. Marshawn Lynch vs CIN
6. Willie Parker vs BAL
7. Adrian Peterson vs SD
8. Larry Johnson vs GB
9. LenDale White vs CAR
10. Reggie Bush vs JAC
11. Willis McGahee at PIT
12. Marion Barber at PHI
13. Edgerrin James at TB
14. Maurice Jones-Drew at NO
15. Laurence Maroney at IND
16. Frank Gore at ATL
17. Thomas Jones vs WAS
18. Shaun Alexander at CLE
19. Rudi Johnson at BUF
20. Jamal Lewis vs SEA
21. Clinton Portis at NYJ
22. Earnest Graham vs ARI
23. Fred Taylor at NO
24. Kenny Watson at BUF
25. Ryan Grant at KC
26. Selvin Young at DET
27. Jerious Norwood vs SF
28. Julius Jones at PHI
29. DeShaun Foster at TEN
30. LaMont Jordan vs HOU
31. Ron Dayne at OAK
32. Justin Fargas vs HOU
33. Ahman Green at OAK
34. DeAngelo Williams at TEN
35. Jerome Harrison vs SEA
36. Warrick Dunn vs SF
37. Chester Taylor vs SD
38. Chris Henry vs CAR
39. Michael Bennett vs ARI
40. Travis Henry at DET
NOTES: Check the status of Reggie Bush (ribs), Frank Gore (ankle), Rudi Johnson (hamstring), Kenny Watson (concussion), Ahman Green (knee) and Travis Henry (ribs).
Bush should be fine, his rib injury was described as minor. R. Johnson practiced on Wednesday while Watson did not. As of now it looks like R. Johnson may return and Watson could sit.
Green is probably the riskiest play of the above group because his knee injury appears to be a chronic problem.
Gore is gimpy, but should be able to play through the pain while Henry will probably be another game-time decision.
Kevin Jones is at the top of the list this week because the Lions appear to be more balanced on offense and the Broncos looked awful trying to stop the run on Monday night.
Marshawn Lynch could have a breakout game against Cincinnati this week so you might want to consider playing him over more well known names.
Wide Receivers
1. Randy Moss at IND
2. Reggie Wayne vs NE
3. T.J. Houshmandzadeh at BUF
4. Braylon Edwards vs SEA
5. Terrell Owens at PHI
6. Chad Johnson at BUF
7. Wes Welker at IND
8. Steve Smith at TEN
9. Brandon Marshall at DET
10. Hines Ward vs BAL
11. Larry Fitzgerald at TB
12. Donald Driver at KC
13. Kevin Curtis vs DAL
14. Roy Williams vs DEN
15. Anquan Boldin at TB
16. Patrick Crayton at PHI
17. Chris Chambers at MIN
18. Roddy White vs SF
19. Lee Evans vs CIN
20. Dwayne Bowe vs GB
21. Santonio Holmes vs BAL
22. Reggie Brown vs DAL
23. Joey Galloway vs CAR
24. Marques Colston vs JAC
25. Greg Jennings at KC
26. Jerricho Cotchery vs WAS
27. Laveranues Coles vs WAS
28. Donte Stallworth at IND
29. Marvin Harrison vs NE
30. Deion Branch at CLE
31. Ike Hilliard vs CAR
32. Derrick Mason at PIT
33. Calvin Johnson vs DEN
34. Kevin Walter at OAK
35. David Patten vs JAC
36. Brandon Stokley at DET
37. Joe Jurevicius vs SEA
38. Roydell Williams vs CAR
39. Ronald Curry vs HOU
40. D.J. Hackett at CLE
NOTES: Check the injury status of Santonio Holmes (quad), Laveranues Coles (concussion), Marvin Harrison (knee), Calvin Johnson (back), Deion Branch (foot) and D.J. Hackett (ankle).
Holmes, Branch and Hackett are probably the safest bets to play, although Hackett’s issue was a high ankle sprain, which can be a tricky injury to recover from. By the way, Branch and Hackett would be ranked significantly higher against a poor Browns secondary if they were not both coming off injuries.
Coles has had various injuries all season, but a concussion is obviously a serious issue. He might be a game-time decision.
Harrison should play, but his knee injury has lingered a bit longer than expected. Johnson re-aggravated his back injury last week so his status for this week’s game is unknown.
Chambers is ranked so high because he faces the worst pass defense in the league in Minnesota. Evans could be in store for another big game against a weak Bengals’ defense.
Tight Ends
1. Antonio Gates at MIN
2. Jason Witten at PHI
3. Kellen Winslow vs SEA
4. Dallas Clark vs NE
5. Tony Gonzalez vs GB
6. Heath Miller vs BAL
7. Chris Cooley at NYJ
8. Vernon Davis at ATL
9. Donald Lee at KC
10. Jeff King at TEN
11. Todd Heap at PIT
12. Owen Daniels at OAK
13. Eric Johnson vs JAC
14. Tony Scheffler at DET
15. Robert Royal vs CIN
16. Zach Miller vs HOU
17. Will Heller at CLE
18. Bo Scaife vs CAR
19. Kyle Brady at IND
20. Marcedes Lewis at NO
NOTES: Check the injury status of Todd Heap (thigh), Owen Daniels (ankle) and Kyle Brady (unspecified).
Heap had the bye week to rest so he should be available. Daniels suffered a high ankle sprain so he might not be ready this week. Both players would be ranked slightly higher if they were healthy.
Brady’s injury is not believed to be too serious even though the Patriots won’t release the nature of it.
Robert Royal faces the Bengals, who have allowed big games from opposing tight ends all season. He could be a sleeper this week in deep leagues.
Kickers
1. Nick Folk at PHI
2. Stephen Gostkowski at IND
3. Phil Dawson vs SEA
4. Adam Vinatieri vs NE
5. Rob Bironas vs CAR
6. Jeff Reed vs BAL
7. Nate Kaeding at MIN
8. Matt Stover at PIT
9. David Akers vs DAL
10. Jason Hanson vs DEN
11. Jason Elam at DET
12. Rian Lindell vs CIN
13. Kris Brown at OAK
14. Shayne Graham at BUF
15. Josh Brown at CLE
16. Neil Rackers at TB
17. Mason Crosby at KC
18. John Kasay at TEN
19. Sebastian Janikowski vs HOU
20. Shaun Suisham at NYJ
D/ST
1. Pittsburgh
2. San Diego
3. Tennessee
4. Tampa Bay
5. Kansas City
6. Green Bay
7. Baltimore
8. New Orleans
9. Washington
10. Minnesota
11. Carolina
12. Detroit
13. Oakland
14. New England
15. Dallas
16. Arizona
17. Seattle
18. Denver
19. Philadelphia
20. Atlanta
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Greg's Week 9 Rankings
Tough week for a lot of fantasy's top RB's, with LT at probably the lowest you'll ever see him. Granted it's only 4th, but any week he is not in the top 3 is a surprise... Not as many big fantasy losses with this week's bye teams (Rams, Giants, Dolphins, & Bears) as last week, and only 1 more week until we're through all of the byes (and dare I say it, the stretch run for teams trying to get into the playoffs)... As usual, ranking for all positions are below, along with a few comments at each position.
QUARTERBACK
1 Tom Brady NE (at IND)
2 Peyton Manning IND (vs NE)
3 Tony Romo DAL (at PHI)
4 Carson Palmer CIN (at BUF)
5 Brett Favre GB (at KC)
6 Matt Hasselbeck SEA (at CLE)
7 Ben Roethlisberger PIT (vs BAL)
8 Donovan McNabb PHI (vs DAL)
9 Philip Rivers SD (at MIN)
10 Jeff Garcia TB (vs ARI)
11 Jay Cutler DEN (at DET)
12 Derek Anderson CLE (vs SEA)
13 Drew Brees NO (vs JAC)
14 Jon Kitna DET (vs DEN)
15 Jason Campbell WAS (at NYJ)
16 Kurt Warner ARI (at TB)
17 J.P. Losman BUF (vs CIN)
18 Damon Huard KC (vs GB)
19 Joey Harrington ATL (vs SF)
20 Alex Smith SF (at ATL)
Notes:
Anyone know what the over/under is on combined TD's for Brady/Manning? 7? 8? Could be the most watched regular season game in history... I know Derek Anderson has been ridiculously solid all year, but something tells me he doesn't fare that well against the Seahawks, who have only allowed 5 passing TD's all year... On the flip side, the Browns have allowed a whopping 18 passing TD's, making Hass a great matchup this week... I also like Rivers' matchup against the Vikes this week. He may be forced to throw the ball more because of their rush defense, but another 2-3 TD's is highly likely... And my sleeper QB pick of the week is none other than J.P. Losman, who faces a terrible Cincinnati secondary. 250 yards and 1-2 TD's is entirely possible...
RUNNING BACK
1 Brian Westbrook PHI (vs DAL)
2 Joseph Addai IND (vs NE)
3 Adrian Peterson MIN (vs SD)
4 LaDainian Tomlinson SD (at MIN)
5 Willie Parker PIT (vs BAL)
6 Kevin Jones DET (vs DEN)
7 Edgerrin James ARI (at TB)
8 Larry Johnson KC (vs GB)
9 Reggie Bush NO (vs JAC)
10 Willis McGahee BAL (at PIT)
11 Clinton Portis WAS (at NYJ)
12 Marshawn Lynch BUF (vs CIN)
13 Frank Gore SF (at ATL)
14 Selvin Young DEN (at DET)
15 LenDale White TEN (vs CAR)
16 Thomas Jones NYJ (vs WAS)
17 Shaun Alexander SEA (at CLE)
18 Maurice Jones-Drew JAC (at NO)
19 Rudi Johnson CIN (at BUF)
20 Marion Barber DAL (at PHI)
21 LaMont Jordan OAK (vs HOU)
22 Laurence Maroney NE (at IND)
23 DeShaun Foster CAR (at TEN)
24 Jamal Lewis CLE (vs SEA)
25 Earnest Graham TB (vs ARI)
26 Ryan Grant GB (at KC)
27 Kenton Keith IND (vs NE)
28 Jerious Norwood ATL (vs SF)
29 DeAngelo Williams CAR (at TEN)
30 Julius Jones DAL (at PHI)
31 Fred Taylor JAC (at NO)
32 Justin Fargas OAK (vs HOU)
33 Kevin Faulk NE (at IND)
34 A. Echemandu HOU (at OAK)
35 Michael Bennett TB (vs ARI)
36 Warrick Dunn ATL (vs SF)
37 Chris Henry TEN (vs CAR)
38 Ron Dayne HOU (at OAK)
39 Najeh Davenport PIT (vs BAL)
40 Chester Taylor MIN (vs SD)
Notes:
I left Kenny Watson off the list, as it doesn't appear that he'll be playing this week. As I mentioned earlier, a lot of really tough matchups for the top RB's this week, especially LT/Parker/McGahee, who face 3 defenses that have allowed a TOTAL of 5 Rushing TD's combined this year as well as less than 80 yards rushing per game. Now obviously you wouldn't bench any of these guys, and 1 of the 3 is bound to have a good game, but I'd temper my expectations for all of them... Tremendous matchup for Kevin Jones, who faces a Denver defense on a short week that has allowed a staggering 166 yards on the ground per game. Don't be surprised if Jones gets 30 touches this week... Watch for injury updates in both SF and DEN, as both Gore and Young would be bumped up a few notches each if they are confirmed starters for this week... Like Gusto, I'm not totally sold on Ryan Grant. KC's rush defense isn't actually that bad, allowing only 16.6 fantasy points per game against RB's...
WIDE RECEIVER
1 Randy Moss NE (at IND)
2 T.J. Houshmandzadeh CIN (at BUF)
3 Chad Johnson CIN (at BUF)
4 Reggie Wayne IND (vs NE)
5 Braylon Edwards CLE (vs SEA)
6 Terrell Owens DAL (at PHI)
7 Steve Smith CAR (at TEN)
8 Marvin Harrison IND (vs NE)
9 Wes Welker NE (at IND)
10 Roy Williams DET (vs DEN)
11 Larry Fitzgerald ARI (at TB)
12 Donald Driver GB (at KC)
13 Brandon Marshall DEN (at DET)
14 Joey Galloway TB (vs ARI)
15 Laveranues Coles NYJ (vs WAS)
16 Anquan Boldin ARI (at TB)
17 Roddy White ATL (vs SF)
18 Jerricho Cotchery NYJ (vs WAS)
19 Marques Colston NO (vs JAC)
20 Chris Chambers SD (at MIN)
21 Santonio Holmes PIT (vs BAL)
22 Bobby Engram SEA (at CLE)
23 Deion Branch SEA (at CLE)
24 Lee Evans BUF (vs CIN)
25 Derrick Mason BAL (at PIT)
26 Dwayne Bowe KC (vs GB)
27 Kevin Curtis PHI (vs DAL)
28 Hines Ward PIT (vs BAL)
29 Brandon Stokley DEN (at DET)
30 Patrick Crayton DAL (at PHI)
31 Ronald Curry OAK (vs HOU)
32 Kevin Walter HOU (at OAK)
33 Ike Hilliard TB (vs ARI)
34 Reggie Brown PHI (vs DAL)
35 Donte' Stallworth NE (at IND)
36 Greg Jennings GB (at KC)
37 Antwaan Randle El WAS (at NYJ)
38 David Patten NO (vs JAC)
39 Calvin Johnson DET (vs DEN)
40 James Jones GB (at KC)
Notes:
Even though the Colts have the top ranked pass defense in terms of yards per game, I just can't see them stopping Moss/Welker from putting up big games again this week. The same goes for Wayne/Harrison. I don't know what the Over/Under line is for the game, but unless it is 60+, it's a "lock of the year" to take the Over...
Obviously Roy Williams has a tough matchup against the Broncos, but one surprising fact is that as good as their secondary is, they are allowing the most yards per attempt in the NFL. So while Williams may not catch 7-8 passes, the 4-5 he does catch may result in enough yardage to make him a solid play (especially if he scores a TD as well)... On the other hand, I don't like any of the other Lions receivers this week, which is why the only other one I have ranked in the top 40 is Megatron... I
have to pass along the fact that Gusto has an enormous man-crush on Brandon Marshall, and I do like him this week against the still-terrible Lions defense, allowing just under 27 completions per game. In all honesty, I could hear drool dripping onto the phone when Don was professing his love for Marshall earlier in the week. Don, all you need is a scar running down the front of your face, and you can be "the white Omar"... Finally, I like Lee Evans to have one of his vintage 2nd half of 2006-type games against Cincy this week, with another long TD...
TIGHT END
1 Antonio Gates SD (at MIN)
2 Tony Gonzalez KC (vs GB)
3 Jason Witten DAL (at PHI)
4 Dallas Clark IND (vs NE)
5 Heath Miller PIT (vs BAL)
6 Kellen Winslow CLE (vs SEA)
7 Vernon Davis SF (at ATL)
8 Chris Cooley WAS (at NYJ)
9 Jeff King CAR (at TEN)
10 Donald Lee GB (at KC)
11 Tony Scheffler DEN (at DET)
12 Todd Heap BAL (at PIT)
13 Alge Crumpler ATL (vs SF)
14 Eric Johnson NO (vs JAC)
15 Visanthe Shiancoe MIN (vs SD)
15 Zach Miller OAK (at HOU)
16 Bo Scaife TEN (vs CAR)
17 L.J. Smith PHI (vs DAL)
18 Chris Baker NYJ (vs WAS)
20 Kyle Brady NE (at IND)
Notes:
Gates may put up better #'s than most WR's this week in an extreeeemely favorable matchup against the Vikes. Another multiple TD game is very likely... Ranked a close 2nd is Tony Gonzalez, who faces a GB defense that is one of two teams that allow double digits in fantasy points to TE's this year (Denver is the other). Both of these guys are in line for big weeks... Yes, Vernon Davis definitely shut me up a bit last week, although I still think he is highly overrated. Nonetheless, he has a favorable matchup in Week 9 against the Falcons... And finally, THIMB favorite Tony Scheffler has a nice matchup against the Lions, and another TD this week might push him into the Top 10 very shortly...
KICKER
1 Stephen Gostkowski NE (at IND)
2 Adam Vinatieri IND (vs NE)
3 Nicholas Folk DAL (at PHI)
4 Matt Stover BAL (at PIT)
5 Kris Brown HOU (at OAK)
6 David Akers PHI (vs DAL)
7 Josh Brown SEA (at CLE)
8 Phil Dawson CLE (vs SEA)
9 Rob Bironas TEN (vs CAR)
10 Shayne Graham CIN (at BUF)
11 Jason Elam DEN (at DET)
12 Jason Hanson DET (vs DEN)
13 Mason Crosby GB (at KC)
14 Jeff Reed PIT (vs BAL)
15 Matt Bryant TB (vs ARI)
16 Nate Kaeding SD (at MIN)
17 Neil Rackers ARI (at TB)
18 Morten Andersen ATL (vs SF)
19 Ryan Longwell MIN (vs SD)
20 John Kasay CAR (at TEN)
DEFENSE
1 DST Chargers SD (at MIN)
2 DST Seahawks SEA (at CLE)
3 DST Vikings MIN (vs SD)
4 DST Steelers PIT (vs BAL)
5 DST Titans TEN (vs CAR)
6 DST Texans HOU (at OAK)
7 DST Redskins WAS (at NYJ)
8 DST Lions DET (vs DEN)
9 DST Patriots NE (at IND)
10 DST Cowboys DAL (at PHI)
11 DST Bills BUF (vs CIN)
12 DST Bengals CIN (at BUF)
13 DST Ravens BAL (at PIT)
14 DST Raiders OAK (vs HOU)
15 DST Falcons ATL (vs SF)
16 DST Buccaneers TB (vs ARI)
17 DST Colts IND (vs NE)
18 DST Chiefs KC (vs GB)
19 DST Jaguars JAC (at NO)
20 DST Packers GB (at KC)
As always, comments are welcome!
QUARTERBACK
1 Tom Brady NE (at IND)
2 Peyton Manning IND (vs NE)
3 Tony Romo DAL (at PHI)
4 Carson Palmer CIN (at BUF)
5 Brett Favre GB (at KC)
6 Matt Hasselbeck SEA (at CLE)
7 Ben Roethlisberger PIT (vs BAL)
8 Donovan McNabb PHI (vs DAL)
9 Philip Rivers SD (at MIN)
10 Jeff Garcia TB (vs ARI)
11 Jay Cutler DEN (at DET)
12 Derek Anderson CLE (vs SEA)
13 Drew Brees NO (vs JAC)
14 Jon Kitna DET (vs DEN)
15 Jason Campbell WAS (at NYJ)
16 Kurt Warner ARI (at TB)
17 J.P. Losman BUF (vs CIN)
18 Damon Huard KC (vs GB)
19 Joey Harrington ATL (vs SF)
20 Alex Smith SF (at ATL)
Notes:
Anyone know what the over/under is on combined TD's for Brady/Manning? 7? 8? Could be the most watched regular season game in history... I know Derek Anderson has been ridiculously solid all year, but something tells me he doesn't fare that well against the Seahawks, who have only allowed 5 passing TD's all year... On the flip side, the Browns have allowed a whopping 18 passing TD's, making Hass a great matchup this week... I also like Rivers' matchup against the Vikes this week. He may be forced to throw the ball more because of their rush defense, but another 2-3 TD's is highly likely... And my sleeper QB pick of the week is none other than J.P. Losman, who faces a terrible Cincinnati secondary. 250 yards and 1-2 TD's is entirely possible...
RUNNING BACK
1 Brian Westbrook PHI (vs DAL)
2 Joseph Addai IND (vs NE)
3 Adrian Peterson MIN (vs SD)
4 LaDainian Tomlinson SD (at MIN)
5 Willie Parker PIT (vs BAL)
6 Kevin Jones DET (vs DEN)
7 Edgerrin James ARI (at TB)
8 Larry Johnson KC (vs GB)
9 Reggie Bush NO (vs JAC)
10 Willis McGahee BAL (at PIT)
11 Clinton Portis WAS (at NYJ)
12 Marshawn Lynch BUF (vs CIN)
13 Frank Gore SF (at ATL)
14 Selvin Young DEN (at DET)
15 LenDale White TEN (vs CAR)
16 Thomas Jones NYJ (vs WAS)
17 Shaun Alexander SEA (at CLE)
18 Maurice Jones-Drew JAC (at NO)
19 Rudi Johnson CIN (at BUF)
20 Marion Barber DAL (at PHI)
21 LaMont Jordan OAK (vs HOU)
22 Laurence Maroney NE (at IND)
23 DeShaun Foster CAR (at TEN)
24 Jamal Lewis CLE (vs SEA)
25 Earnest Graham TB (vs ARI)
26 Ryan Grant GB (at KC)
27 Kenton Keith IND (vs NE)
28 Jerious Norwood ATL (vs SF)
29 DeAngelo Williams CAR (at TEN)
30 Julius Jones DAL (at PHI)
31 Fred Taylor JAC (at NO)
32 Justin Fargas OAK (vs HOU)
33 Kevin Faulk NE (at IND)
34 A. Echemandu HOU (at OAK)
35 Michael Bennett TB (vs ARI)
36 Warrick Dunn ATL (vs SF)
37 Chris Henry TEN (vs CAR)
38 Ron Dayne HOU (at OAK)
39 Najeh Davenport PIT (vs BAL)
40 Chester Taylor MIN (vs SD)
Notes:
I left Kenny Watson off the list, as it doesn't appear that he'll be playing this week. As I mentioned earlier, a lot of really tough matchups for the top RB's this week, especially LT/Parker/McGahee, who face 3 defenses that have allowed a TOTAL of 5 Rushing TD's combined this year as well as less than 80 yards rushing per game. Now obviously you wouldn't bench any of these guys, and 1 of the 3 is bound to have a good game, but I'd temper my expectations for all of them... Tremendous matchup for Kevin Jones, who faces a Denver defense on a short week that has allowed a staggering 166 yards on the ground per game. Don't be surprised if Jones gets 30 touches this week... Watch for injury updates in both SF and DEN, as both Gore and Young would be bumped up a few notches each if they are confirmed starters for this week... Like Gusto, I'm not totally sold on Ryan Grant. KC's rush defense isn't actually that bad, allowing only 16.6 fantasy points per game against RB's...
WIDE RECEIVER
1 Randy Moss NE (at IND)
2 T.J. Houshmandzadeh CIN (at BUF)
3 Chad Johnson CIN (at BUF)
4 Reggie Wayne IND (vs NE)
5 Braylon Edwards CLE (vs SEA)
6 Terrell Owens DAL (at PHI)
7 Steve Smith CAR (at TEN)
8 Marvin Harrison IND (vs NE)
9 Wes Welker NE (at IND)
10 Roy Williams DET (vs DEN)
11 Larry Fitzgerald ARI (at TB)
12 Donald Driver GB (at KC)
13 Brandon Marshall DEN (at DET)
14 Joey Galloway TB (vs ARI)
15 Laveranues Coles NYJ (vs WAS)
16 Anquan Boldin ARI (at TB)
17 Roddy White ATL (vs SF)
18 Jerricho Cotchery NYJ (vs WAS)
19 Marques Colston NO (vs JAC)
20 Chris Chambers SD (at MIN)
21 Santonio Holmes PIT (vs BAL)
22 Bobby Engram SEA (at CLE)
23 Deion Branch SEA (at CLE)
24 Lee Evans BUF (vs CIN)
25 Derrick Mason BAL (at PIT)
26 Dwayne Bowe KC (vs GB)
27 Kevin Curtis PHI (vs DAL)
28 Hines Ward PIT (vs BAL)
29 Brandon Stokley DEN (at DET)
30 Patrick Crayton DAL (at PHI)
31 Ronald Curry OAK (vs HOU)
32 Kevin Walter HOU (at OAK)
33 Ike Hilliard TB (vs ARI)
34 Reggie Brown PHI (vs DAL)
35 Donte' Stallworth NE (at IND)
36 Greg Jennings GB (at KC)
37 Antwaan Randle El WAS (at NYJ)
38 David Patten NO (vs JAC)
39 Calvin Johnson DET (vs DEN)
40 James Jones GB (at KC)
Notes:
Even though the Colts have the top ranked pass defense in terms of yards per game, I just can't see them stopping Moss/Welker from putting up big games again this week. The same goes for Wayne/Harrison. I don't know what the Over/Under line is for the game, but unless it is 60+, it's a "lock of the year" to take the Over...
Obviously Roy Williams has a tough matchup against the Broncos, but one surprising fact is that as good as their secondary is, they are allowing the most yards per attempt in the NFL. So while Williams may not catch 7-8 passes, the 4-5 he does catch may result in enough yardage to make him a solid play (especially if he scores a TD as well)... On the other hand, I don't like any of the other Lions receivers this week, which is why the only other one I have ranked in the top 40 is Megatron... I
have to pass along the fact that Gusto has an enormous man-crush on Brandon Marshall, and I do like him this week against the still-terrible Lions defense, allowing just under 27 completions per game. In all honesty, I could hear drool dripping onto the phone when Don was professing his love for Marshall earlier in the week. Don, all you need is a scar running down the front of your face, and you can be "the white Omar"... Finally, I like Lee Evans to have one of his vintage 2nd half of 2006-type games against Cincy this week, with another long TD...TIGHT END
1 Antonio Gates SD (at MIN)
2 Tony Gonzalez KC (vs GB)
3 Jason Witten DAL (at PHI)
4 Dallas Clark IND (vs NE)
5 Heath Miller PIT (vs BAL)
6 Kellen Winslow CLE (vs SEA)
7 Vernon Davis SF (at ATL)
8 Chris Cooley WAS (at NYJ)
9 Jeff King CAR (at TEN)
10 Donald Lee GB (at KC)
11 Tony Scheffler DEN (at DET)
12 Todd Heap BAL (at PIT)
13 Alge Crumpler ATL (vs SF)
14 Eric Johnson NO (vs JAC)
15 Visanthe Shiancoe MIN (vs SD)
15 Zach Miller OAK (at HOU)
16 Bo Scaife TEN (vs CAR)
17 L.J. Smith PHI (vs DAL)
18 Chris Baker NYJ (vs WAS)
20 Kyle Brady NE (at IND)
Notes:
Gates may put up better #'s than most WR's this week in an extreeeemely favorable matchup against the Vikes. Another multiple TD game is very likely... Ranked a close 2nd is Tony Gonzalez, who faces a GB defense that is one of two teams that allow double digits in fantasy points to TE's this year (Denver is the other). Both of these guys are in line for big weeks... Yes, Vernon Davis definitely shut me up a bit last week, although I still think he is highly overrated. Nonetheless, he has a favorable matchup in Week 9 against the Falcons... And finally, THIMB favorite Tony Scheffler has a nice matchup against the Lions, and another TD this week might push him into the Top 10 very shortly...
KICKER
1 Stephen Gostkowski NE (at IND)
2 Adam Vinatieri IND (vs NE)
3 Nicholas Folk DAL (at PHI)
4 Matt Stover BAL (at PIT)
5 Kris Brown HOU (at OAK)
6 David Akers PHI (vs DAL)
7 Josh Brown SEA (at CLE)
8 Phil Dawson CLE (vs SEA)
9 Rob Bironas TEN (vs CAR)
10 Shayne Graham CIN (at BUF)
11 Jason Elam DEN (at DET)
12 Jason Hanson DET (vs DEN)
13 Mason Crosby GB (at KC)
14 Jeff Reed PIT (vs BAL)
15 Matt Bryant TB (vs ARI)
16 Nate Kaeding SD (at MIN)
17 Neil Rackers ARI (at TB)
18 Morten Andersen ATL (vs SF)
19 Ryan Longwell MIN (vs SD)
20 John Kasay CAR (at TEN)
DEFENSE
1 DST Chargers SD (at MIN)
2 DST Seahawks SEA (at CLE)
3 DST Vikings MIN (vs SD)
4 DST Steelers PIT (vs BAL)
5 DST Titans TEN (vs CAR)
6 DST Texans HOU (at OAK)
7 DST Redskins WAS (at NYJ)
8 DST Lions DET (vs DEN)
9 DST Patriots NE (at IND)
10 DST Cowboys DAL (at PHI)
11 DST Bills BUF (vs CIN)
12 DST Bengals CIN (at BUF)
13 DST Ravens BAL (at PIT)
14 DST Raiders OAK (vs HOU)
15 DST Falcons ATL (vs SF)
16 DST Buccaneers TB (vs ARI)
17 DST Colts IND (vs NE)
18 DST Chiefs KC (vs GB)
19 DST Jaguars JAC (at NO)
20 DST Packers GB (at KC)
As always, comments are welcome!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 9
As you probably have already seen in your league, this week's batch of potential Waiver Wire pickups are pretty poor. Nonetheless, here are this week's players:
QUARTERBACKS
J.P. Losman, BUF, Slightly Recommended – Losman replaced rookie Trent Edwards (sprained wrist) in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Jets and tossed an 85-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans late in the game to seal the win for Buffalo. Coach Dick Jauron has yet to name a starter for this week’s juicy matchup againstCincinnati New England , opening the door for Edwards. Losman has a strong arm, is very mobile and has a knack for making big plays, especially to the speedy Lee Evans. Losman would fall in the recommended category in deeper leagues if we knew for sure that he was the starter for this week. But since Jauron has yet to make an official announcement, he is only slightly recommended. Keep in mind the Bills face four lousy defenses over their remaining nine games.
Reggie Brown, PHI - Highly Recommended. Brown had a big game against the Vikes on Sunday, with 8 catches for 105 yards, giving him 17 receptions in his past 3 games. Brown owners may have dropped him earlier in the year. If he is on your WW, you know what to do....
Anthony Gonzalez, INDY - Not Recommended. Gonzalez once again started in place of Marvin Harrison, but he was not able to duplicate the numbers he put up in his last game, with only 1 catch for 16 yards. With Harrison almost definitely back this week for the showdown against the Pats, I wouldn't bother with Gonzalez...
Isaac Bruce, STL - Slighly Recommended. While I wouldn't necessarily put a claim in for Bruce, seeing that the Rams are on a bye this week, I do think he has a few more decent games left in him this season. If you have an empty spot on your bench and want some veteran depth, pick him up and stash him away for next week...
Jacoby Jones, HOU - Not Recommended. Jones has a decent game against the Bolts on Sunday, but with Andre Johnson due back either this week or Week 11 following the bye, I don't believe he'll be getting many looks after Johnson/Walter/Davis...
TIGHT END
Visanthe Shiancoe, MINN - Recommended. Shiancoe had a nice game last week against the Eagles, with 5 catches, 50 yards, and a TD. I wouldn't recommend him as anything more than a #2 TE, but he could be a decent bye week fill-in...
Justin Peelle, MIA - Slightly Recommended. Depending on the status of David Martin's groin injury, Peelle is also a decent bye week fill in after catching 6 passes for 42 yards against the Giants last week. Look for Lemon to focus a lot on his TE's the rest of the year...
Joel Dreessen, HOU - Not Recommended. Even though Dreessen caught a 28 yard TD pass last week, that was only his 2nd reception of the season. If Daniels is out this week (high ankle sprain), Dreessen may get more looks, but there should be better options for your team...
Mike Vrabel, NE - Recommended. Just making sure you were still reading! When is he going to be TE eligible in fantasy leagues? 10 career receptions, 10 career TD's. Could there be another one against the Colts this week???
QUARTERBACKS
J.P. Losman, BUF, Slightly Recommended – Losman replaced rookie Trent Edwards (sprained wrist) in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Jets and tossed an 85-yard touchdown pass to Lee Evans late in the game to seal the win for Buffalo. Coach Dick Jauron has yet to name a starter for this week’s juicy matchup against
Alex Smith, SF, Slightly Recommended – In his first start since September 30, Smith was forced to throw 43 passes as the 49ers were blown out by the Saints, 31-10. Smith’s completion percentage was low (51 percent) and he finished with just 190 yards and a touchdown, although he did manage to rush four times for 16 yards. Frank Gore (ankle) is gimpy, Darrell Jackson (quad) missed Sunday’s game and has been MIA all season, the team lacks speed on the outside and the offensive line has underachieved. So while Smith’s return can be seen as a good thing, the 49ers have a lot of work to do in order to turn things around. One of the big positives from Sunday’s game was Smith’s work with his talented tight end Vernon Davis, who caught six passes for a team-high 71 yards and scored a touchdown. The schedule does get easier for
David Carr, CAR, Not Recommended – Carr took over for Vinny Testaverde (Achillies) in the second half of Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis and did not play well, throwing a lot of short passes and finishing with 103 yards on 16-of-23 attempts. Carr did add some value as a runner with five carries for 21 yards, but failed to lead the team to any points in the second half. Carr will probably start this week because Testaverde was seen hobbling around in a protective boot on Monday, but that doesn’t mean you should pick up Carr. It appears that Carr has never really gotten over the beating he took for five seasons in
Joey Harrington, ATL, Not Recommended – Harrington will start the next few games while Byron Leftwich recovers from a high ankle sprain. Harrington began the season as the starter and did not look all that bad, but he did not make many plays either. Much like David Carr, Harrington seems to be negatively affected from his days in
Ryan Grant, GB, Slightly Recommended – Grant exploded for a career-high 104 yards on 22 carries in Monday’s 19-13 overtime win at
LaBrandon Toefield, JAC, Slightly Recommended – Toefield was used extensively in short yardage situations during last week’s win at
Andre Hall, DEN, Not Recommended – Travis Henry (ribs) missed Monday’s game against
Adimchinobe Echemandu, HOU, Not Recommended – Echemandu ran for a team-high 62 yards on just 10 carries in Sunday’s 35-10 loss at San Diego. Ahman Green (knee) missed the game and the team is starting to get concerned with what seems to be a chronic problem. Ron Dayne started in Green’s place and recorded a team-high 17 carries, but he totaled just 47 yards and has limited upside. The Titans cut Samkon Gado last week so they appear to be high on Echemandu, who hadn’t received a carry since 2004. Despite his anonymity, Echemandu would have gotten a recommendation based on Green’s health concerns and Dayne’s general ineffectiveness. However, Echemandu suffered a hamstring injury in the game on Sunday and is scheduled to have an MRI this week. Hamstring injuries tend to linger and with the Texans playing so poorly on offense, it’s probably best to pass on Echemandu.
WIDE RECEIVERReggie Brown, PHI - Highly Recommended. Brown had a big game against the Vikes on Sunday, with 8 catches for 105 yards, giving him 17 receptions in his past 3 games. Brown owners may have dropped him earlier in the year. If he is on your WW, you know what to do....
Anthony Gonzalez, INDY - Not Recommended. Gonzalez once again started in place of Marvin Harrison, but he was not able to duplicate the numbers he put up in his last game, with only 1 catch for 16 yards. With Harrison almost definitely back this week for the showdown against the Pats, I wouldn't bother with Gonzalez...
Isaac Bruce, STL - Slighly Recommended. While I wouldn't necessarily put a claim in for Bruce, seeing that the Rams are on a bye this week, I do think he has a few more decent games left in him this season. If you have an empty spot on your bench and want some veteran depth, pick him up and stash him away for next week...
Jacoby Jones, HOU - Not Recommended. Jones has a decent game against the Bolts on Sunday, but with Andre Johnson due back either this week or Week 11 following the bye, I don't believe he'll be getting many looks after Johnson/Walter/Davis...
TIGHT END
Visanthe Shiancoe, MINN - Recommended. Shiancoe had a nice game last week against the Eagles, with 5 catches, 50 yards, and a TD. I wouldn't recommend him as anything more than a #2 TE, but he could be a decent bye week fill-in...
Justin Peelle, MIA - Slightly Recommended. Depending on the status of David Martin's groin injury, Peelle is also a decent bye week fill in after catching 6 passes for 42 yards against the Giants last week. Look for Lemon to focus a lot on his TE's the rest of the year...
Joel Dreessen, HOU - Not Recommended. Even though Dreessen caught a 28 yard TD pass last week, that was only his 2nd reception of the season. If Daniels is out this week (high ankle sprain), Dreessen may get more looks, but there should be better options for your team...
Mike Vrabel, NE - Recommended. Just making sure you were still reading! When is he going to be TE eligible in fantasy leagues? 10 career receptions, 10 career TD's. Could there be another one against the Colts this week???
Monday, October 29, 2007
FF Upgrades/Downgrades after Week 8
Below is a list of player upgrades/downgrades in fantasy football value following Week 8 of the NFL season (excluding Monday Night's GB-DEN game).
UPGRADES
QUARTERBACKS
-------------------
Kellen Clemens, NYJ - Clemens was officially named the starter on Monday by coach Eric Mangini after Clemens replaced Chad Pennington late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Buffalo. Pennington has played poorly for most of the season and no longer has some of the necessary skills to be an effective starting quarterback. He was downgraded in this column a few weeks ago so we're actually surprised it took so long for Mangini to make the switch. Clemens on the other hand has some nice skills, including a strong arm and good mobility. And Clemens has some weapons to work with in Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery and Thomas Jones so there is some potential for decent numbers. However, one has to assume that Clemens will suffer some growing pains as is usually the case with young quarterbacks. So temper your expectations initially, but the future does seem to be bright for Clemens.
RUNNING BACKS
-------------------
Brandon Jacobs, NYG – Jacobs ran for a career-high 131 yards in Sunday’s 13-10 win over Miami and has three 100-yard games since returning from a knee injury in October. For the season, Jacobs is averaging a nifty 5.6 yards per carry, third among running backs with at least 50 carries. Jacobs is a big, bruising tailback, but has quick feet and can make people miss as well. The one concern with Jacobs’ game is his receiving skills or lack thereof. Jacobs has only four receptions this season and dropped several passes in Sunday’s game against Miami, although the weather and field conditions did not help. The bottom line is that Jacobs appears to be healthy and considering how well the Giants have run the ball in the Tom Coughlin era, think of Jacobs a top-10 back the rest of the way.
Chris Henry, TEN – Henry only had four carries in Sunday’s win over Oakland, but finished with 48 yards and scored a touchdown. LenDale White had 27 carries on Sunday and is clearly the team’s number one option right now in the running game. However, Tennessee’s primary backup Chris Brown (ankle) missed his second straight game and Henry has been productive in his absence, scoring in each of the last two weeks. Henry, the team’s second round pick, has good size (5-11, 230) and ran a 4.4 in the scouting combine back in April. The major problem with Henry is the fact that he is extremely raw, never starting in high school or college. Even so, Henry is the upside play over Brown. And considering how much the Titans rely on the run, even a backup has a lot of value.
Jesse Chatman, MIA – Chatman was a hot waiver pickup last week after Ronnie Brown tore his ACL. In Chatman’s first start on Sunday against the Giants, Chatman played extremely well, running the ball 16 times for 79 yards and catching three passes for 21 yards. Chatman, a stocky back with a low center of gravity, showed elusiveness and a nice burst on Sunday in poor conditions against a strong defense. The concern right now for Miami is at the quarterback spot as Cleo Lemon struggled again on Sunday, although Eli Manning also had an off day in the sloppy weather. There are some rumors that rookie John Beck will start at some point soon because of the team’s awful record. While Beck has upside, it could be tough for Chatman to find a lot of running room as defenses would presumably force a young quarterback to beat them. With that said, Chatman looked legit in his first start and has showed some promise.
Jerome Harrison, CLE – Harrison is technically the third string running back on Cleveland, but he has outplayed backup Jason Wright over the last few games. Harrison had five carries for 32 yards at St. Louis on Sunday while Wright finished with four rushes for just 19 yards. Wright started for Jamal Lewis two weeks ago before the team’s bye and was not as effective as Harrison (Wright – 20 carries for 59 yards, Harrison - 8 carries for 57 yards). Speaking of Lewis, he returned against St. Louis from his foot injury and ran for 61 yards on 17 carries, certainly not eye-popping numbers. If you take out Lewis’ 216-yard game from earlier this season, he has been fairly ineffective with 227 yards on 67 carries (3.4 avg.). If healthy, Lewis won’t be benched anytime soon, but Harrison looks like a better play than Wright at this current time and could start seeing more snaps if Lewis doesn’t run better.
WIDE RECEIVERS
-------------------
Braylon Edwards, CLE – Despite Edwards’ amazing play so far this season, he is still not considered an elite fantasy receiver by many. That type of thinking needs to change, however, because Edwards is a star. He scored two more touchdowns in Sunday’s win at St. Louis and finished with 117 yards. For the season, Edwards has nine touchdowns and has looked unstoppable at times. Quarterback Derek Anderson has played much better than expected and seems to be comfortable throwing jump balls to the tall and athletic Edwards. Two years removed from an ACL injury, Edwards is finally healthy and showing off his size/speed combination, which helped make him the third overall pick in 2005. The only thing that could possibly hold back Edwards outside of an injury would be if the Browns decided to insert rookie Brady Quinn into the starting lineup. But with the way Anderson has played this season that seems highly unlikely. Consider Edwards a top-5 wide receiver moving forward and do not hesitate to start him over bigger names like Steve Smith or Torry Holt.
Marques Colston, NO – Colston finally had the breakout game fantasy owners had been waiting for, scoring three times in Sunday’s win at San Francisco. Colston, who finished with eight catches for a season-high 85 yards, has been banged up for most of the season with knee and back injuries. While Colston is probably not completely healthy, Drew Brees has made it easy for him and the other Saints’ receivers with eight touchdown passes and completion percentage of nearly 72 percent over the last three games. Colston deserves to be upgraded because he is the number one target on an offense that is explosive. It’s unlikely that Colston is available on the waiver wire in your league but he might be someone to target in a trade, although this probably is not the week to try it coming off a huge game.
TIGHT ENDS
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Greg Olsen, CHI – Olsen had another productive outing in Sunday’s loss to Detroit, catching six passes for a team-high 59 yards and grabbing Brian Griese’s lone touchdown of the game. Olsen missed time early in the season with a knee injury, but has looked great over the last four games. Over that span, Olsen has 19 receptions for 227 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Desmond Clark is still in the mix for the Bears, but he is an aging player with limited upside while Olsen is extremely athletic and probably the second fastest tight end in the league behind San Francisco’s Vernon Davis. Olsen still has a lot to learn, he wasn’t used much at the University of Miami, but he should be considered one of the better tight end options in fantasy football for the second half of the season.
DOWNGRADES
QUARTERBACKS
-------------------
Jon Kitna, DET – The Lions are playing some good ball right now despite the fact that Kitna has failed to throw a single touchdown pass since September 30. In Sunday’s win at Chicago, Kitna did manage to put up respectable yardage numbers, however, with 268 on 24-of-35 pass attempts. Detroit looked like a version of the run-and-shoot earlier this season, but they appear to be switching to a more conventional offense with Kevin Jones running well. Over the last two games the Lions have run the ball a total of 52 times while attempting 55 passes, a significant change from the first month of the year. Another reason to downgrade Kitna is the fact that he has been sacked 32 times already this season and if he stays on that pace, he probably won’t make it through a whole season. The Lions have a bunch of talented playmakers so don’t be too alarmed, but Kitna’s value is not what it was at the beginning of the season when the team was putting the ball in the air 35-45 times a game.
Daunte Culpepper, OAK – Culpepper is one or two bad games away from being on the bench. He struggled again in Sunday’s loss at Tennessee, fumbling four times (three lost) and tossing an interception. Culpepper was also sacked five times on Sunday and 12 in the last three games, a sign that he probably does not have the mobility he once had or at the very least making bad decisions by not getting rid of the ball quick enough. JaMarcus Russell, the #1 overall pick, suited up for the first time on Sunday as the third-string quarterback and while he probably won’t play within the next few games, the team could opt to start Josh McCown until Russell is ready later in the season. The Raiders are a run-heavy team anyway and the schedule gets tougher for them so Culpepper is not viable option at this point.
Vince Young, TEN – If it were not for Young’s lingering quad injury, there would be no excuse for the terrible game he played in Sunday’s 13-9 win over Oakland. Young threw for just 42 yards and had seven carries for a measly 11 yards. The only positive in Sunday’s performance was that Young protected the ball with no turnovers. In fairness to Young, the team does not have many playmakers at wide receiver and lacks team speed in general. However, Young did okay in his rookie season with the same set of wideouts so one has to wonder if he is completely healthy or not. The bottom line is that Young’s rushing statistics have been below average so his passing numbers would have to dramatically improve in order to justify a roster spot outside of a keeper/dynasty league.
RUNNING BACKS
-------------------
Thomas Jones, NYJ – Jones is a pretty good runner, but the Jets are one of the worst teams in the league right now and their quarterback situation is in flux. Jones finished with 70 yards on 16 carries and caught five passes for 34 yards, but he still has not scored a touchdown this season. As mentioned earlier, Kellen Clemens relieved an ineffective Chad Pennington on Sunday and will start this week against Washington. Clemens is a talented youngster and might be able to open things up for Jones. But it's also just as likely that Clemens will struggle due to inexperience and Jones’ statistics will probably suffer as a result. Jones won’t go the whole season without a score, but at this point it looks like 4-5 touchdowns would be a stretch.
Clinton Portis, WAS – Portis had another rough game in Sunday’s 52-7 loss at New England, carrying the ball 11 times for just 27 yards. The only bright spot for Portis was that he was effective as a receiver with five receptions for 54 yards. Over the last three games, Portis has rushed the ball 49 times for only 134 yards (2.7 avg.) with a long run of 13 yards. While Portis was once a great running back, one has to wonder if all the punishment he has taken over his career has finally caught up with him. Part of the abuse Portis has taken stems from the fact that he has always played the game like a power back even though he is really a speed back. And coach Joe Gibbs appears to be too loyal to Portis, barely using backup Ladell Betts, who is a productive player and could keep Portis fresh. In all fairness to Portis, the Redskins’ offensive line has been a mess all season and the team’s wide receivers have been injured or ineffective. But it’s time to significantly downgrade Portis if not for the team’s poor play, but because of his own shortcomings as well.
WIDE RECEIVERS
-------------------
Vincent Jackson, SD – Jackson failed to catch a pass in Sunday’s 35-10 win over Houston and has not done much over the last few games. Philip Rivers did only attempt 11 passes on Sunday, but newly-acquired Chris Chambers was able to contribute with 35 yards and a touchdown in his first game. Jackson is a big, physical receiver with good speed, but he has struggled with drops for most of the year and now Chambers is vying for looks. Jackson is capable of a big game here and there, but at this point he looks like the fourth option in San Diego’s passing game.
TIGHT ENDS
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Desmond Clark, CHI – As mentioned in the upgrade portion, Greg Olsen has become a bigger part of the Bears’ offense over the last four games while Clark has become less of a factor. On Sunday, Clark caught just one pass for 11 yards and Olsen grabbed six passes for 59 yards with a touchdown. Clark was a solid tight end last year, scoring six touchdowns, and throughout his career, but is 30 years old and not nearly as athletic or talented as Olsen. While Clark won’t be completely disregarded in the offense, it would be surprising if he did not receive less looks moving forward.
UPGRADES
QUARTERBACKS
-------------------
Kellen Clemens, NYJ - Clemens was officially named the starter on Monday by coach Eric Mangini after Clemens replaced Chad Pennington late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Buffalo. Pennington has played poorly for most of the season and no longer has some of the necessary skills to be an effective starting quarterback. He was downgraded in this column a few weeks ago so we're actually surprised it took so long for Mangini to make the switch. Clemens on the other hand has some nice skills, including a strong arm and good mobility. And Clemens has some weapons to work with in Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery and Thomas Jones so there is some potential for decent numbers. However, one has to assume that Clemens will suffer some growing pains as is usually the case with young quarterbacks. So temper your expectations initially, but the future does seem to be bright for Clemens.
RUNNING BACKS
-------------------
Brandon Jacobs, NYG – Jacobs ran for a career-high 131 yards in Sunday’s 13-10 win over Miami and has three 100-yard games since returning from a knee injury in October. For the season, Jacobs is averaging a nifty 5.6 yards per carry, third among running backs with at least 50 carries. Jacobs is a big, bruising tailback, but has quick feet and can make people miss as well. The one concern with Jacobs’ game is his receiving skills or lack thereof. Jacobs has only four receptions this season and dropped several passes in Sunday’s game against Miami, although the weather and field conditions did not help. The bottom line is that Jacobs appears to be healthy and considering how well the Giants have run the ball in the Tom Coughlin era, think of Jacobs a top-10 back the rest of the way.
Chris Henry, TEN – Henry only had four carries in Sunday’s win over Oakland, but finished with 48 yards and scored a touchdown. LenDale White had 27 carries on Sunday and is clearly the team’s number one option right now in the running game. However, Tennessee’s primary backup Chris Brown (ankle) missed his second straight game and Henry has been productive in his absence, scoring in each of the last two weeks. Henry, the team’s second round pick, has good size (5-11, 230) and ran a 4.4 in the scouting combine back in April. The major problem with Henry is the fact that he is extremely raw, never starting in high school or college. Even so, Henry is the upside play over Brown. And considering how much the Titans rely on the run, even a backup has a lot of value.
Jesse Chatman, MIA – Chatman was a hot waiver pickup last week after Ronnie Brown tore his ACL. In Chatman’s first start on Sunday against the Giants, Chatman played extremely well, running the ball 16 times for 79 yards and catching three passes for 21 yards. Chatman, a stocky back with a low center of gravity, showed elusiveness and a nice burst on Sunday in poor conditions against a strong defense. The concern right now for Miami is at the quarterback spot as Cleo Lemon struggled again on Sunday, although Eli Manning also had an off day in the sloppy weather. There are some rumors that rookie John Beck will start at some point soon because of the team’s awful record. While Beck has upside, it could be tough for Chatman to find a lot of running room as defenses would presumably force a young quarterback to beat them. With that said, Chatman looked legit in his first start and has showed some promise.
Jerome Harrison, CLE – Harrison is technically the third string running back on Cleveland, but he has outplayed backup Jason Wright over the last few games. Harrison had five carries for 32 yards at St. Louis on Sunday while Wright finished with four rushes for just 19 yards. Wright started for Jamal Lewis two weeks ago before the team’s bye and was not as effective as Harrison (Wright – 20 carries for 59 yards, Harrison - 8 carries for 57 yards). Speaking of Lewis, he returned against St. Louis from his foot injury and ran for 61 yards on 17 carries, certainly not eye-popping numbers. If you take out Lewis’ 216-yard game from earlier this season, he has been fairly ineffective with 227 yards on 67 carries (3.4 avg.). If healthy, Lewis won’t be benched anytime soon, but Harrison looks like a better play than Wright at this current time and could start seeing more snaps if Lewis doesn’t run better.
WIDE RECEIVERS
-------------------
Braylon Edwards, CLE – Despite Edwards’ amazing play so far this season, he is still not considered an elite fantasy receiver by many. That type of thinking needs to change, however, because Edwards is a star. He scored two more touchdowns in Sunday’s win at St. Louis and finished with 117 yards. For the season, Edwards has nine touchdowns and has looked unstoppable at times. Quarterback Derek Anderson has played much better than expected and seems to be comfortable throwing jump balls to the tall and athletic Edwards. Two years removed from an ACL injury, Edwards is finally healthy and showing off his size/speed combination, which helped make him the third overall pick in 2005. The only thing that could possibly hold back Edwards outside of an injury would be if the Browns decided to insert rookie Brady Quinn into the starting lineup. But with the way Anderson has played this season that seems highly unlikely. Consider Edwards a top-5 wide receiver moving forward and do not hesitate to start him over bigger names like Steve Smith or Torry Holt.
Marques Colston, NO – Colston finally had the breakout game fantasy owners had been waiting for, scoring three times in Sunday’s win at San Francisco. Colston, who finished with eight catches for a season-high 85 yards, has been banged up for most of the season with knee and back injuries. While Colston is probably not completely healthy, Drew Brees has made it easy for him and the other Saints’ receivers with eight touchdown passes and completion percentage of nearly 72 percent over the last three games. Colston deserves to be upgraded because he is the number one target on an offense that is explosive. It’s unlikely that Colston is available on the waiver wire in your league but he might be someone to target in a trade, although this probably is not the week to try it coming off a huge game.
TIGHT ENDS
--------------
Greg Olsen, CHI – Olsen had another productive outing in Sunday’s loss to Detroit, catching six passes for a team-high 59 yards and grabbing Brian Griese’s lone touchdown of the game. Olsen missed time early in the season with a knee injury, but has looked great over the last four games. Over that span, Olsen has 19 receptions for 227 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Desmond Clark is still in the mix for the Bears, but he is an aging player with limited upside while Olsen is extremely athletic and probably the second fastest tight end in the league behind San Francisco’s Vernon Davis. Olsen still has a lot to learn, he wasn’t used much at the University of Miami, but he should be considered one of the better tight end options in fantasy football for the second half of the season.
DOWNGRADES
QUARTERBACKS
-------------------
Jon Kitna, DET – The Lions are playing some good ball right now despite the fact that Kitna has failed to throw a single touchdown pass since September 30. In Sunday’s win at Chicago, Kitna did manage to put up respectable yardage numbers, however, with 268 on 24-of-35 pass attempts. Detroit looked like a version of the run-and-shoot earlier this season, but they appear to be switching to a more conventional offense with Kevin Jones running well. Over the last two games the Lions have run the ball a total of 52 times while attempting 55 passes, a significant change from the first month of the year. Another reason to downgrade Kitna is the fact that he has been sacked 32 times already this season and if he stays on that pace, he probably won’t make it through a whole season. The Lions have a bunch of talented playmakers so don’t be too alarmed, but Kitna’s value is not what it was at the beginning of the season when the team was putting the ball in the air 35-45 times a game.
Daunte Culpepper, OAK – Culpepper is one or two bad games away from being on the bench. He struggled again in Sunday’s loss at Tennessee, fumbling four times (three lost) and tossing an interception. Culpepper was also sacked five times on Sunday and 12 in the last three games, a sign that he probably does not have the mobility he once had or at the very least making bad decisions by not getting rid of the ball quick enough. JaMarcus Russell, the #1 overall pick, suited up for the first time on Sunday as the third-string quarterback and while he probably won’t play within the next few games, the team could opt to start Josh McCown until Russell is ready later in the season. The Raiders are a run-heavy team anyway and the schedule gets tougher for them so Culpepper is not viable option at this point.
Vince Young, TEN – If it were not for Young’s lingering quad injury, there would be no excuse for the terrible game he played in Sunday’s 13-9 win over Oakland. Young threw for just 42 yards and had seven carries for a measly 11 yards. The only positive in Sunday’s performance was that Young protected the ball with no turnovers. In fairness to Young, the team does not have many playmakers at wide receiver and lacks team speed in general. However, Young did okay in his rookie season with the same set of wideouts so one has to wonder if he is completely healthy or not. The bottom line is that Young’s rushing statistics have been below average so his passing numbers would have to dramatically improve in order to justify a roster spot outside of a keeper/dynasty league.
RUNNING BACKS
-------------------
Thomas Jones, NYJ – Jones is a pretty good runner, but the Jets are one of the worst teams in the league right now and their quarterback situation is in flux. Jones finished with 70 yards on 16 carries and caught five passes for 34 yards, but he still has not scored a touchdown this season. As mentioned earlier, Kellen Clemens relieved an ineffective Chad Pennington on Sunday and will start this week against Washington. Clemens is a talented youngster and might be able to open things up for Jones. But it's also just as likely that Clemens will struggle due to inexperience and Jones’ statistics will probably suffer as a result. Jones won’t go the whole season without a score, but at this point it looks like 4-5 touchdowns would be a stretch.
Clinton Portis, WAS – Portis had another rough game in Sunday’s 52-7 loss at New England, carrying the ball 11 times for just 27 yards. The only bright spot for Portis was that he was effective as a receiver with five receptions for 54 yards. Over the last three games, Portis has rushed the ball 49 times for only 134 yards (2.7 avg.) with a long run of 13 yards. While Portis was once a great running back, one has to wonder if all the punishment he has taken over his career has finally caught up with him. Part of the abuse Portis has taken stems from the fact that he has always played the game like a power back even though he is really a speed back. And coach Joe Gibbs appears to be too loyal to Portis, barely using backup Ladell Betts, who is a productive player and could keep Portis fresh. In all fairness to Portis, the Redskins’ offensive line has been a mess all season and the team’s wide receivers have been injured or ineffective. But it’s time to significantly downgrade Portis if not for the team’s poor play, but because of his own shortcomings as well.
WIDE RECEIVERS
-------------------
Vincent Jackson, SD – Jackson failed to catch a pass in Sunday’s 35-10 win over Houston and has not done much over the last few games. Philip Rivers did only attempt 11 passes on Sunday, but newly-acquired Chris Chambers was able to contribute with 35 yards and a touchdown in his first game. Jackson is a big, physical receiver with good speed, but he has struggled with drops for most of the year and now Chambers is vying for looks. Jackson is capable of a big game here and there, but at this point he looks like the fourth option in San Diego’s passing game.
TIGHT ENDS
--------------
Desmond Clark, CHI – As mentioned in the upgrade portion, Greg Olsen has become a bigger part of the Bears’ offense over the last four games while Clark has become less of a factor. On Sunday, Clark caught just one pass for 11 yards and Olsen grabbed six passes for 59 yards with a touchdown. Clark was a solid tight end last year, scoring six touchdowns, and throughout his career, but is 30 years old and not nearly as athletic or talented as Olsen. While Clark won’t be completely disregarded in the offense, it would be surprising if he did not receive less looks moving forward.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Instant Accountability - Week 8
So this week went a little better than last week in the Start/Bench department. Although the starts were pretty poor, I was close to perfect on the bench side. Gusto faired even better, going almost perfect with his start predictions. Below is a summary of all the games played so far, along with our initial predictions, followed by the actual results...
Indianapolis 31, Carolina 7
Start: DeAngelo Williams, CAR - Any potential value Williams had this week was negated by the fact that Foster was active and got the majority of the carries in a losing effort to the Saints. Those in PPR leagues at least got 8 points from him...
Prediction: 24 carries, 102 yards, 0 TD's.
Actual: 5 carries, 14 yards, 6 catches, 11 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Dallas Clark, INDY- Ahh, one I got right... Despite the fact that Harrison was inactive, Clark delivered as I promised, with just 2 catches for 22 yards...
Prediction: 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD's.
Actual: 2 catches, 22 yards, 0 TD's.
Detroit 16, Chicago 7
Start: Mushin Muhammed/Bernard Berrian, CHI - Did I say bench all Detroit WR's and start Chicago's WR's? I meant the other way around... The Lions are now 5-2, had a balanced attack on offense, and may actually make the playoffs this year. Mediocre games for both Muhammed/Berrian - the other Adrian Peterson and Greg Olsen both had more catches than them...
Prediction: 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD for Berrian, and 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD for Muhammed.
Actual: 4 catches, 45 yards, 0 TD's for Berrian, and 2 catches for 22 yards and 0 TD's for Muhhammed...
Bench: All Detroit WR's - See comments above. I'll give myself a half point for this one though, as Megatron and Furrey had poor games.
Prediction: 1 TD, no receiver with more than 4 catches...
Actual: Williams, McDonald combined for 14 catches, 141 yards, Megatron/Furrey combined for 5 catches, 88 yards. No TD's for any of them...
Cleveland 27, St. Louis 20
Start: Marc Bulger, STL - Given the way the Rams offense has performed this year, Rams' fantasy owners had to breathe a sigh of relief, even in a losing effort. Then again, with the thumb injury suffered by him in the 2nd half....
Prediction: 315 yards passing, 3 TD's, 1 INT.
Actual: 310 yards passing, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Bench: Jason Wright, CLE - Lewis did end up getting the start, but even with the favorable matchup, none of Cleveland's RB's did anything of much significance...
Prediction: 14 carries, 42 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 30 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 4 carries, 19 yards rushing, 1 reception, 7 yards, 0 TD's.
Pittsburgh 24, Cincinatti 13
Start: Heath Miller, PITT - At least I had the yardage about right... This turned out to be the Hines Ward/Willie Parker/Santonio Holmes show today, with over 300 total yards and all 3 TD's between them...
Prediction: 5 catches, 50 yards, 2 TD's.
Actual: 2 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Kenny Watson, CIN - I'm going to give this one to myself, as the fumble offset the 23 rushing yards that he got over my prediction... Decent game overall, although I'm sure Marvin Lewis was not too happy about the fumbles...
Prediction: 17 carries, 65 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 20 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 19 carries, 88 yards, 5 catches, 26 yards, 0 TD's, 2 Fumbles (1 lost).
New York Giants 13, Miami 10 (via London)
Start: Brandon Jacobs, NYG - Ugly game in England, but despite not hitting my prediction of 2 TD's, Jacobs put up almost exactly what I had expected from him this week. Big game for him in another win for the Giants...
Prediction: 24 carries, 130 yards rushing, 2 catches, 17 yards receiving, 2 TD's.
Actual: 23 carries, 131 yards rushing, 2 catches, 6 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Jesse Chatman, MIA- Did better than I had expected, with 100 total yards of offense in the overseas slop-fest. Chatman may be a servicable fantasy RB after all...
Prediction: 14 carries 40 yards rushing, 1 catch, 7 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 16 carries, 79 yards rushing, 3 catches, 21 yards receving, 0 TD's.
Tennessee 13, Oakland 9
Start: Ronald Curry, OAK - Culpepper was mediocre again with no #1 target for him, and no WR's had more than 4 catches or 50 yards. I still like Curry, but he's never going to be a must start simply because of the QB....
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards & a TD.
Actual: 3 catches for 45 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Vince Young, TENN - I'm just glad this game wasn't televised here! What a dog of a game for all players except LenDale White and Chris Henry (who probably wasn't started in most leagues anyways... Young can safely be dropped in all leagues, as it appears that the Curse of Madden strikes again...
Prediction: 150 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INT's, 30 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Actual: 42 yards passing, 0 TD's, 0 INT's, 11 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Philadelphia 23, Minnesota 16
Start: Kevin Curtis, PHI- McNabb did have a big game, as I had expected, but it was Reggie Brown that was the beneficiary, not Curtis. Brown, Curtis, and Greg Lewis all caught receptions of 30 or more yards, but none of them went for TD's. I think I got a little overzealous with this prediction...
Prediction: 6 catches, 150 yards, 2 TD's..
Actual: 3 catches, 75 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Chester Taylor, MINN - Now that Peterson has officially been named starter, Taylor doesn't belong on your roster unless you own A-Pete. Only 7 touches for 37 yards total for Taylor this week...
Prediction: 9 carries, 32 yards rushing, 2 catches, 15 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 6 carries, 19 yards rushing, 1 catch, 18 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
So my predictions for this week looked like this:
Starts: 2-5
Benches: 5.5 - 1.5
Total: 7.5 - 6.5 (at least I'm over .500 this week)...
Buffalo 13, NY Jets 3
Start: Lee Evans, BUF - It appeared that Evans was going to end up with a subpar game, until he caught an 85 yard TD late in the game to seal the victory against the hapless Jets. The Bills are starting to show some signs of life, upping their record to 3-4. Too bad they have another game against the Pats in a few weeks. Gusto and I will be in Buffalo for the game, and will try to get some updates after the game...
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards with a touchdown.
Actual: 5 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD.
Bench: Chad Pennington, NYJ - Jets fans got what they wanted, as this was finally the day where Chad Pennington got benched. The Kellen Clemons era didn't really start out with a bang though, as he only completed 5 passes (out of 12) for 67 yards and 2 INT's. Looks like the Jets may be headed towards a 2-14 season!
Prediction: 220 yards with 1 TD and 2-3 INT's.
Actual: 106 yards with 0 TD's and 0 INT's.
New England 52, Washington 7
Start: Laurence Maroney, NE - As a longtime Pats fan, I can't say that I have gotten tired of these F*** You clinics the Pats have been putting on all season. The stage is now set for the showdown between us and the Colts next week, which is sure to be ridiculously overhyped. And oh by the way, nice call by Gusto here, as Maroney had his best game of the season...
Prediction: 100 yards from scrimmage and at least 1 TD.
Actual: 112 yards from scrimmage, 0 TD's.
Bench: Clinton Portis, WAS - Portis' rushing numbers were poor (11 carries, 27 yards), but he actually had a pretty strong game catching the ball, with 5 receptions/54 yards, or a total of 81 yards of offense. Considering that they lost 52-7, Portis owners should be happy with his performance...
Prediction: 60 yards rushing and 0 TD's.
Actual: 27 yards rushing, 54 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Prediction: Combined 65 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and 0 TD's.
Actual: Over 100 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Don's final totals:
Starts: 5-1
Benches: 2-2-2
Total: 7-3-2
Indianapolis 31, Carolina 7
Start: DeAngelo Williams, CAR - Any potential value Williams had this week was negated by the fact that Foster was active and got the majority of the carries in a losing effort to the Saints. Those in PPR leagues at least got 8 points from him...
Prediction: 24 carries, 102 yards, 0 TD's.
Actual: 5 carries, 14 yards, 6 catches, 11 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Dallas Clark, INDY- Ahh, one I got right... Despite the fact that Harrison was inactive, Clark delivered as I promised, with just 2 catches for 22 yards...
Prediction: 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD's.
Actual: 2 catches, 22 yards, 0 TD's.
Detroit 16, Chicago 7
Start: Mushin Muhammed/Bernard Berrian, CHI - Did I say bench all Detroit WR's and start Chicago's WR's? I meant the other way around... The Lions are now 5-2, had a balanced attack on offense, and may actually make the playoffs this year. Mediocre games for both Muhammed/Berrian - the other Adrian Peterson and Greg Olsen both had more catches than them...
Prediction: 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD for Berrian, and 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD for Muhammed.
Actual: 4 catches, 45 yards, 0 TD's for Berrian, and 2 catches for 22 yards and 0 TD's for Muhhammed...
Bench: All Detroit WR's - See comments above. I'll give myself a half point for this one though, as Megatron and Furrey had poor games.
Prediction: 1 TD, no receiver with more than 4 catches...
Actual: Williams, McDonald combined for 14 catches, 141 yards, Megatron/Furrey combined for 5 catches, 88 yards. No TD's for any of them...
Cleveland 27, St. Louis 20
Start: Marc Bulger, STL - Given the way the Rams offense has performed this year, Rams' fantasy owners had to breathe a sigh of relief, even in a losing effort. Then again, with the thumb injury suffered by him in the 2nd half....
Prediction: 315 yards passing, 3 TD's, 1 INT.
Actual: 310 yards passing, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Bench: Jason Wright, CLE - Lewis did end up getting the start, but even with the favorable matchup, none of Cleveland's RB's did anything of much significance...
Prediction: 14 carries, 42 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 30 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 4 carries, 19 yards rushing, 1 reception, 7 yards, 0 TD's.
Pittsburgh 24, Cincinatti 13
Start: Heath Miller, PITT - At least I had the yardage about right... This turned out to be the Hines Ward/Willie Parker/Santonio Holmes show today, with over 300 total yards and all 3 TD's between them...
Prediction: 5 catches, 50 yards, 2 TD's.
Actual: 2 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Kenny Watson, CIN - I'm going to give this one to myself, as the fumble offset the 23 rushing yards that he got over my prediction... Decent game overall, although I'm sure Marvin Lewis was not too happy about the fumbles...
Prediction: 17 carries, 65 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 20 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 19 carries, 88 yards, 5 catches, 26 yards, 0 TD's, 2 Fumbles (1 lost).
New York Giants 13, Miami 10 (via London)
Start: Brandon Jacobs, NYG - Ugly game in England, but despite not hitting my prediction of 2 TD's, Jacobs put up almost exactly what I had expected from him this week. Big game for him in another win for the Giants...
Prediction: 24 carries, 130 yards rushing, 2 catches, 17 yards receiving, 2 TD's.
Actual: 23 carries, 131 yards rushing, 2 catches, 6 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Jesse Chatman, MIA- Did better than I had expected, with 100 total yards of offense in the overseas slop-fest. Chatman may be a servicable fantasy RB after all...
Prediction: 14 carries 40 yards rushing, 1 catch, 7 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 16 carries, 79 yards rushing, 3 catches, 21 yards receving, 0 TD's.
Tennessee 13, Oakland 9
Start: Ronald Curry, OAK - Culpepper was mediocre again with no #1 target for him, and no WR's had more than 4 catches or 50 yards. I still like Curry, but he's never going to be a must start simply because of the QB....
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards & a TD.
Actual: 3 catches for 45 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Vince Young, TENN - I'm just glad this game wasn't televised here! What a dog of a game for all players except LenDale White and Chris Henry (who probably wasn't started in most leagues anyways... Young can safely be dropped in all leagues, as it appears that the Curse of Madden strikes again...
Prediction: 150 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INT's, 30 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Actual: 42 yards passing, 0 TD's, 0 INT's, 11 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Philadelphia 23, Minnesota 16
Start: Kevin Curtis, PHI- McNabb did have a big game, as I had expected, but it was Reggie Brown that was the beneficiary, not Curtis. Brown, Curtis, and Greg Lewis all caught receptions of 30 or more yards, but none of them went for TD's. I think I got a little overzealous with this prediction...
Prediction: 6 catches, 150 yards, 2 TD's..
Actual: 3 catches, 75 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Chester Taylor, MINN - Now that Peterson has officially been named starter, Taylor doesn't belong on your roster unless you own A-Pete. Only 7 touches for 37 yards total for Taylor this week...
Prediction: 9 carries, 32 yards rushing, 2 catches, 15 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Actual: 6 carries, 19 yards rushing, 1 catch, 18 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
So my predictions for this week looked like this:
Starts: 2-5
Benches: 5.5 - 1.5
Total: 7.5 - 6.5 (at least I'm over .500 this week)...
Buffalo 13, NY Jets 3
Start: Lee Evans, BUF - It appeared that Evans was going to end up with a subpar game, until he caught an 85 yard TD late in the game to seal the victory against the hapless Jets. The Bills are starting to show some signs of life, upping their record to 3-4. Too bad they have another game against the Pats in a few weeks. Gusto and I will be in Buffalo for the game, and will try to get some updates after the game...
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards with a touchdown.
Actual: 5 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD.
Bench: Chad Pennington, NYJ - Jets fans got what they wanted, as this was finally the day where Chad Pennington got benched. The Kellen Clemons era didn't really start out with a bang though, as he only completed 5 passes (out of 12) for 67 yards and 2 INT's. Looks like the Jets may be headed towards a 2-14 season!
Prediction: 220 yards with 1 TD and 2-3 INT's.
Actual: 106 yards with 0 TD's and 0 INT's.
New England 52, Washington 7
Start: Laurence Maroney, NE - As a longtime Pats fan, I can't say that I have gotten tired of these F*** You clinics the Pats have been putting on all season. The stage is now set for the showdown between us and the Colts next week, which is sure to be ridiculously overhyped. And oh by the way, nice call by Gusto here, as Maroney had his best game of the season...
Prediction: 100 yards from scrimmage and at least 1 TD.
Actual: 112 yards from scrimmage, 0 TD's.
Bench: Clinton Portis, WAS - Portis' rushing numbers were poor (11 carries, 27 yards), but he actually had a pretty strong game catching the ball, with 5 receptions/54 yards, or a total of 81 yards of offense. Considering that they lost 52-7, Portis owners should be happy with his performance...
Prediction: 60 yards rushing and 0 TD's.
Actual: 27 yards rushing, 54 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
San Diego 35, Houston 10
Start: Philip Rivers, SD - Usually 130 yards would lead to a definite miss in this column, but the 3 TD's saved Gusto on this pick, with Gates/Chambers catching all but 3 of the yards in a laugher against the Texans...
Prediction: 250 yards with 2-3 TD's.
Actual: 130 yards passing, 3 TD's, 4 carries, 5 yards rushing.
Bench: Ahman Green, HOU - As noted in Don's late game injury update, Green was a surprise scratch this week. Echemandu/Dayne carried the load, combining for 27 carries, 109 yards in a losing effort to the resurgent Chargers...
Prediction: 40 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Actual: DNP
New Orleans 31, San Francisco 10
Start: Drew Brees, NO - Can the Saints make the playoffs? No one would have uttered those words 3 weeks ago, but it looks like the 2006 Saints team is back. Monster game for Brees, who completed passes to 9 different Saints in a whitewashing of the 49'ers and 4 TD's, 3 of which were caught by Colston, who I had traded for this week (thanks Maillet!).
Prediction: 220 yards with 2 TD's and 0 INT's.
Actual: 336 yards, 4 TD's, 0 INT's.
Bench: Darrell Jackson, SF - Although DJax was getting some early love this week by myself, as well as KC Joyner of ESPN.com, all Jackson owners knew that he had been named out for this game prior to Sunday....
Prediction: 3 catches for 35 yards.
Actual: DNP
Jacksonville 24, Tampa Bay 23
Start: Ike Hilliard, TB - After a number of strong weeks, Hilliard appeared to be an afterthought today, with just 3 catches for 23 yards. Garcia threw the ball 41 times, but only completed 19 of them against a good Jacksonville defense...
Prediction: 5-6 receptions for 80 yards.
Actual: 3 catches, 23 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Dennis Northcutt, JAX - Gusto's one gimme for the week. You have to give Quinn Gray credit for not turning the ball over and winning the game, but the Jags are going to need more than 100 yards passing each game. Northcutt didn't catch a pass, and carried the ball once for 5 yards...
Prediction: 3 catches for 45 yards.
Actual: 0 catches, 1 carry, 5 yards.
So Don's #'s going into Monday night look like this:
Starts: 4-1
Benches: 2-1-2
Total: 6-2-2
I'll be back on Tuesday with a wrap up of Green Bay - Denver, along with our Weekly Waiver Wire recommendations... GO SOX!!!
Green Bay at Denver
Start: Tony Scheffler, DEN - If he hadn't caught the early TD this would have been a miss for Gusto, but the TD saved this pick...
Prediction: 4-5 catches for 55 yards, 1 TD.
Actual: 3 catches, 28 yards, 1 TD.
Prediction: Combined 65 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and 0 TD's.
Actual: Over 100 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Don's final totals:
Starts: 5-1
Benches: 2-2-2
Total: 7-3-2
Injury Update for Late Games (Week 8)
AHMAN GREEN (knee) will not play in the game at San Diego. This is somewhat of a surprise as Green practiced this week. RON DAYNE will start and receive most of the work.
MATT SCHAUB (hip) will start at San Diego. Not a great matchup for him, but he is available for you if you need him.
FRANK GORE (ankle) is active for the game against New Orleans. He may not be 100 percent, but has a good matchup this week.
DARRELL JACKSON (quad) will not play in the game against New Orleans. Jackson missed a lot of practice time this week and has not done that well this season anyway.
MAURICE JONES-DREW (knee) will play in the game at Tampa Bay. Jones-Drew has done well lately, but is not 100 percent and faces a tough defense this week.
BEN WATSON (ankle) is inactive for the game against Washington. KYLE BRADY will see more playing time as a result.
SAMMY MORRIS (chest) is inactive for the game against Washington. LAURENCE MARONEY is fairly healthy right now and will receive the bulk of the carries.
MATT SCHAUB (hip) will start at San Diego. Not a great matchup for him, but he is available for you if you need him.
FRANK GORE (ankle) is active for the game against New Orleans. He may not be 100 percent, but has a good matchup this week.
DARRELL JACKSON (quad) will not play in the game against New Orleans. Jackson missed a lot of practice time this week and has not done that well this season anyway.
MAURICE JONES-DREW (knee) will play in the game at Tampa Bay. Jones-Drew has done well lately, but is not 100 percent and faces a tough defense this week.
BEN WATSON (ankle) is inactive for the game against Washington. KYLE BRADY will see more playing time as a result.
SAMMY MORRIS (chest) is inactive for the game against Washington. LAURENCE MARONEY is fairly healthy right now and will receive the bulk of the carries.
Injury Update for Week 8
Below is an injury update for today’s early games. Their replacement is listed as well if applicable.
MARVIN HARRISON (knee) was ruled out on Saturday for those that did not hear the news. Rookie ANTHONY GONZALEZ will start in his place and is a good option in all formats.
KELLY HOLCOMB will start at quarterback against Philadelphia. TARVARIS JACKSON (finger) will serve as Minnesota’s emergency quarterback. Holcomb is only a minor upgrade over Jackson, but Holcomb is a better downfield passer and has had some success in the past.
CHESTER TAYLOR (groin) will play in the game against Philadelphia, but he’ll back up ADRIAN PETERSON for the first time this season. There does not seem to be many reasons to use Taylor this week unless you are thin at the running back spot.
RUDI JOHNSON (hamstring) is inactive again for the game against Pittsburgh. KENNY WATSON will start, but may not play as well as last week facing a strong Steelers’ rush defense.
STEVEN JACKSON (groin) is active for the game against Cleveland. BRIAN LEONARD will obviously lose carries as a result, but one would assume Jackson won’t take on the full load in his first game back.
JAMAL LEWIS (foot) is active for the game at St. Louis. JASON WRIGHT will be in the mix, but Lewis should see most of the work. Lewis could fare well against a suspect Rams’ rush defense.
DERRICK WARD (ankle) is inactive for the game in London against Miami. BRANDON JACOBS was going to see most of the work anyway, but now RUBEN DROUGHNS figures to be a minor factor, possibly at the goal line.
PLAXICO BURRESS (ankle) is active for the game in London against Miami. Burress doesn’t practice much during the week anymore, but has not missed any games due to his nagging ankle injury.
CHRIS BROWN (ankle) won’t play in the game against Oakland. CHRIS HENRY will serve as LENDALE WHITE’S primary backup.
VINCE YOUNG (quad) will start against Tennessee. Not a big surprise here as coach Jeff Fisher proclaimed Young to be ready earlier in the week.
TATUM BELL is inactive for the game against Chicago. Bell is not injured, but has fallen out of favor in Detroit. KEVIN JONES will start again and T.J. DUCKETT will get some carries as well.
MARVIN HARRISON (knee) was ruled out on Saturday for those that did not hear the news. Rookie ANTHONY GONZALEZ will start in his place and is a good option in all formats.
KELLY HOLCOMB will start at quarterback against Philadelphia. TARVARIS JACKSON (finger) will serve as Minnesota’s emergency quarterback. Holcomb is only a minor upgrade over Jackson, but Holcomb is a better downfield passer and has had some success in the past.
CHESTER TAYLOR (groin) will play in the game against Philadelphia, but he’ll back up ADRIAN PETERSON for the first time this season. There does not seem to be many reasons to use Taylor this week unless you are thin at the running back spot.
RUDI JOHNSON (hamstring) is inactive again for the game against Pittsburgh. KENNY WATSON will start, but may not play as well as last week facing a strong Steelers’ rush defense.
STEVEN JACKSON (groin) is active for the game against Cleveland. BRIAN LEONARD will obviously lose carries as a result, but one would assume Jackson won’t take on the full load in his first game back.
JAMAL LEWIS (foot) is active for the game at St. Louis. JASON WRIGHT will be in the mix, but Lewis should see most of the work. Lewis could fare well against a suspect Rams’ rush defense.
DERRICK WARD (ankle) is inactive for the game in London against Miami. BRANDON JACOBS was going to see most of the work anyway, but now RUBEN DROUGHNS figures to be a minor factor, possibly at the goal line.
PLAXICO BURRESS (ankle) is active for the game in London against Miami. Burress doesn’t practice much during the week anymore, but has not missed any games due to his nagging ankle injury.
CHRIS BROWN (ankle) won’t play in the game against Oakland. CHRIS HENRY will serve as LENDALE WHITE’S primary backup.
VINCE YOUNG (quad) will start against Tennessee. Not a big surprise here as coach Jeff Fisher proclaimed Young to be ready earlier in the week.
TATUM BELL is inactive for the game against Chicago. Bell is not injured, but has fallen out of favor in Detroit. KEVIN JONES will start again and T.J. DUCKETT will get some carries as well.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Start or Bench? (Week 8)
After last week's poor showing by both of us, we guarantee that our picks will be better this week! As usual, we'll start with the 1PM games (unless noted, I'll be covering the 1PM games each week, with Gusto handling the others...).
Indianapolis at Carolina
Start: DeAngelo Williams, CAR - With DeShaun Foster surprisingly missing practice on Wednesay, Williams would be in line for a big game against the Colts on Sunday. Look for the Panthers to try to establish the run early in order to keep Peyton & Co. off the field as much as possible. And with the Colts ranked only 21st in YPC (4.2), Williams would be my sleeper of the week if Foster is inactive...
Prediction: 24 Carries, 102 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Dallas Clark, INDY - I am going to look pretty foolish if Clark has another strong performance, but as mentioned in my rankings, Carolina is extremely stingy against TE's this year, and with Harrison seemingly healthy again, I don't see Clark getting as many looks as he has thus far...
Prediction: 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD's.
Detroit at Chicago
Start: Mushin Muhammed/Bernard Berrian, CHI - I know, I'm taking the easy way out here. Muhammed has shown signs of life with Griese at QB, and Berrian has been decent all year. I like both guys to put up big games against the woeful Detroit pass defense this week...
Prediction: 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD for Berrian, and 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD for Muhammed.
Bench: All Detroit WR's - Kitna owners are beginning to see that with Kevin Jones back and healthy, the game plan for the Detroit offense is shifting more towards a run-based attack. And when they do pass, it is usually a dump off to Jones; last week, Kitna completed 16 passes total, 6 of which went to Jones. Chicago's run defense is allowing over 130 yards a game, and I see the Lions running the ball as much as possible this week, so temper any expectations for Detroit WR's.
Prediction: 1 TD, no receiver with more than 4 cat ches...
Cleveland at St. Louis
Start: Marc Bulger, STL - Bulger, as well as the entire Rams team, have been utter disappointments this season. But with SJax back this week, Bruce healthy again, and Bulger back at full strength, I like the Rams of old to make a reappearance at home this week against a Cleveland defense that ranks last in the league in Total Yards per game (418.8). If the Rams don't put up big numbers this week, it's safe to jump ship on all of them...
Prediction: 315 yards passing, 3 TD's, 1 INT.
Bench: Jason Wright, CLE- Provided that gimpy Jamal Lewis is out again this week, Wright would get another start at RB. Two reasons why I wouldn't start him this week:
1. This game has all the makings of a shootout, which would limit his attempts.
2. It sounds as if Jerome Harrison will get a handful of carries as well, also limiting his attempts.
Wright is a decent receiver out of the backfield, so he'd be an okay option in a PPR league. But in non-PPR leagues, I'd sit him...
Prediction: 14 carries, 42 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 30 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Pittsburgh at Cincinatti
Start: Heath Miller, PITT- This matchup looks like another shootout, and with Pittsburgh likely to have a lot of red zone opportunties, look for Miller to catch more TD's this week. I wouldn't be surprised if he duplicated his numbers from last week...
Prediction: 5 catches, 50 yards, 2 TD's.
Bench: Kenny Watson, CIN- I don't think Watson will be awful this week, but after a monster game last week against the Jets, expectations are high for Cinci's new #1. Pittsburgh's run defense has been terrific this year, but Palmer will be able to spread the field enough that Watson will put up okay yardage #'s. And considering how many teams are on a bye this week, you might have to start him anyways...
Prediction: 17 carries, 65 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 20 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
New York Giants at Miami (via London)
Start: Brandon Jacobs, NYG- 2nd week in a row that Jacobs has worked his way onto the "Start" list... I still feel like owners are a little gun shy with him due to injuries, Derrick Ward, and even Reuben Droughns. But if Jacobs gets the start this week (check for injury updates on Sunday), I can see him having a career week against the hapless Dolphins.
Prediction: 24 carries, 130 yards rushing, 2 catches, 17 yards receiving, 2 TD's.
Bench: Jesse Chatman, MIA- Gusto and I debated Chatman's merits at length already, so I don't have anything more to add, other than the fact that Miami is going to be so far behind in this game that the only way Chatman is going to get yards is by catching passes. And considering that he has 21 receptions in his career (48 games), I don't see that happening either...
Prediction: 14 carries 40 yards rushing, 1 catch, 7 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Oakland at Tennessee
Start: Ronald Curry, OAK - Tennessee has been very strong against the run this year, allowing under 60 rushing yards per game. This will force the Raiders to throw more often than usual, and if Daunte has anything left in him, look for Curry to catch a couple of long passes this week.
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards & a TD.
Bench: Vince Young, TENN - Young returns to face a Raiders secondary that ranks 11th in the NFL in yards per game, and 7th in receptions allowed per game (18.7). Because their run defense is so poor, look for Tennesse to pound the ball with LenDale White as much as possible, which will limit the number of attempts for VY. If Young punches one in himself this week, he may have more points rushing than passing...
Prediction: 150 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INT's, 30 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Philadelphia at Minnesota
Start: Kevin Curtis, PHI - As noted in my rankings column, although I'm not a big Curtis fan (too many ups and downs week to week), the Vikings' pass defense is horrifically bad, and McNabb is going to have a field day with them. In leagues that reward long TD's, Curtis may be the start of the week, as he is likely to have another 50+ yard TD, if not two...
Prediction: 6 catches, 150 yards, 2 TD's.
Bench: Chester Taylor, MINN - This one was by process of elimination. Besides Adrian Peterson, Minnesota may have the worst fantasy team in the NFL! Their QB is horrible, which makes the WR/TE's unownable as well. Taylor is still splitting carries with Peterson, but something tells me Philly blows them out this week, which will cut down the # of carries even further...
Prediction: 9 carries, 32 yards rushing, 2 catches, 15 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Buffalo at NY Jets
Start: Lee Evans, BUF
As documented this week, THIMD is high on Evans for the second half of the season and Sunday’s opponent is a favorable matchup for him. The speedy Evans has not scored this year, but should this week against a Jets’ pass defense that allows 240 yards per game and has given up 11 touchdowns for the season.
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards with a touchdown.
Bench: Chad Pennington, NYJ
Pennington will start again this week despite his season-long shaky play. Pennington did okay last week at Cincinnati, but made a couple of crucial mistakes, including an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the final minute of a close game. Pennington could post decent numbers against a poor Bills secondary, but he is just as likely to get pulled for Kellen Clemens, who has become a fan/media favorite in New York.
Prediction: 220 yards with 1 TD and 2-3 INT's.
Washington at New England
Start: Laurence Maroney, NE
Even though the Redskins have a good rush defense, Maroney is long overdue for a big game. Maroney was not listed on this week’s injury report, a sign that he might be completely over the groin injury that forced him to miss three games. He did play last week at Miami, but wasn’t needed much because Tom Brady continued his mind-boggling pace. With Sammy Morris (chest) not expected to play, count on Maroney shouldering the load and playing well.
Prediction: 100 yards from scrimmage and at least 1 TD. Bench: Clinton Portis, WAS
Portis scored two touchdowns last week, but don’t be fooled – he’s not running the ball well right now. Portis’ long run of the season is only 19 yards and he has 38 carries for 107 yards (2.8 avg.) over the last two games. The Redskins have some offensive line injuries and the passing game is struggling so that has hindered Portis as well. New England has a very strong rush defense and if the game gets out of hand, as been the case with every Patriots’ game this season, Portis will struggle to produce.
Prediction: 60 yards rushing and 0 TD's.
Indianapolis at Carolina
Start: DeAngelo Williams, CAR - With DeShaun Foster surprisingly missing practice on Wednesay, Williams would be in line for a big game against the Colts on Sunday. Look for the Panthers to try to establish the run early in order to keep Peyton & Co. off the field as much as possible. And with the Colts ranked only 21st in YPC (4.2), Williams would be my sleeper of the week if Foster is inactive...
Prediction: 24 Carries, 102 yards, 0 TD's.
Bench: Dallas Clark, INDY - I am going to look pretty foolish if Clark has another strong performance, but as mentioned in my rankings, Carolina is extremely stingy against TE's this year, and with Harrison seemingly healthy again, I don't see Clark getting as many looks as he has thus far...
Prediction: 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD's.
Detroit at Chicago
Start: Mushin Muhammed/Bernard Berrian, CHI - I know, I'm taking the easy way out here. Muhammed has shown signs of life with Griese at QB, and Berrian has been decent all year. I like both guys to put up big games against the woeful Detroit pass defense this week...
Prediction: 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD for Berrian, and 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD for Muhammed.
Bench: All Detroit WR's - Kitna owners are beginning to see that with Kevin Jones back and healthy, the game plan for the Detroit offense is shifting more towards a run-based attack. And when they do pass, it is usually a dump off to Jones; last week, Kitna completed 16 passes total, 6 of which went to Jones. Chicago's run defense is allowing over 130 yards a game, and I see the Lions running the ball as much as possible this week, so temper any expectations for Detroit WR's.
Prediction: 1 TD, no receiver with more than 4 cat ches...
Cleveland at St. Louis
Start: Marc Bulger, STL - Bulger, as well as the entire Rams team, have been utter disappointments this season. But with SJax back this week, Bruce healthy again, and Bulger back at full strength, I like the Rams of old to make a reappearance at home this week against a Cleveland defense that ranks last in the league in Total Yards per game (418.8). If the Rams don't put up big numbers this week, it's safe to jump ship on all of them...
Prediction: 315 yards passing, 3 TD's, 1 INT.
Bench: Jason Wright, CLE- Provided that gimpy Jamal Lewis is out again this week, Wright would get another start at RB. Two reasons why I wouldn't start him this week:
1. This game has all the makings of a shootout, which would limit his attempts.
2. It sounds as if Jerome Harrison will get a handful of carries as well, also limiting his attempts.
Wright is a decent receiver out of the backfield, so he'd be an okay option in a PPR league. But in non-PPR leagues, I'd sit him...
Prediction: 14 carries, 42 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 30 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Pittsburgh at Cincinatti
Start: Heath Miller, PITT- This matchup looks like another shootout, and with Pittsburgh likely to have a lot of red zone opportunties, look for Miller to catch more TD's this week. I wouldn't be surprised if he duplicated his numbers from last week...
Prediction: 5 catches, 50 yards, 2 TD's.
Bench: Kenny Watson, CIN- I don't think Watson will be awful this week, but after a monster game last week against the Jets, expectations are high for Cinci's new #1. Pittsburgh's run defense has been terrific this year, but Palmer will be able to spread the field enough that Watson will put up okay yardage #'s. And considering how many teams are on a bye this week, you might have to start him anyways...
Prediction: 17 carries, 65 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 20 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
New York Giants at Miami (via London)
Start: Brandon Jacobs, NYG- 2nd week in a row that Jacobs has worked his way onto the "Start" list... I still feel like owners are a little gun shy with him due to injuries, Derrick Ward, and even Reuben Droughns. But if Jacobs gets the start this week (check for injury updates on Sunday), I can see him having a career week against the hapless Dolphins.
Prediction: 24 carries, 130 yards rushing, 2 catches, 17 yards receiving, 2 TD's.
Bench: Jesse Chatman, MIA- Gusto and I debated Chatman's merits at length already, so I don't have anything more to add, other than the fact that Miami is going to be so far behind in this game that the only way Chatman is going to get yards is by catching passes. And considering that he has 21 receptions in his career (48 games), I don't see that happening either...
Prediction: 14 carries 40 yards rushing, 1 catch, 7 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Oakland at Tennessee
Start: Ronald Curry, OAK - Tennessee has been very strong against the run this year, allowing under 60 rushing yards per game. This will force the Raiders to throw more often than usual, and if Daunte has anything left in him, look for Curry to catch a couple of long passes this week.
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards & a TD.
Bench: Vince Young, TENN - Young returns to face a Raiders secondary that ranks 11th in the NFL in yards per game, and 7th in receptions allowed per game (18.7). Because their run defense is so poor, look for Tennesse to pound the ball with LenDale White as much as possible, which will limit the number of attempts for VY. If Young punches one in himself this week, he may have more points rushing than passing...
Prediction: 150 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INT's, 30 yards rushing, 0 TD's.
Philadelphia at Minnesota
Start: Kevin Curtis, PHI - As noted in my rankings column, although I'm not a big Curtis fan (too many ups and downs week to week), the Vikings' pass defense is horrifically bad, and McNabb is going to have a field day with them. In leagues that reward long TD's, Curtis may be the start of the week, as he is likely to have another 50+ yard TD, if not two...
Prediction: 6 catches, 150 yards, 2 TD's.
Bench: Chester Taylor, MINN - This one was by process of elimination. Besides Adrian Peterson, Minnesota may have the worst fantasy team in the NFL! Their QB is horrible, which makes the WR/TE's unownable as well. Taylor is still splitting carries with Peterson, but something tells me Philly blows them out this week, which will cut down the # of carries even further...
Prediction: 9 carries, 32 yards rushing, 2 catches, 15 yards receiving, 0 TD's.
Buffalo at NY Jets
Start: Lee Evans, BUF
As documented this week, THIMD is high on Evans for the second half of the season and Sunday’s opponent is a favorable matchup for him. The speedy Evans has not scored this year, but should this week against a Jets’ pass defense that allows 240 yards per game and has given up 11 touchdowns for the season.
Prediction: 5 catches for 80 yards with a touchdown.
Bench: Chad Pennington, NYJ
Pennington will start again this week despite his season-long shaky play. Pennington did okay last week at Cincinnati, but made a couple of crucial mistakes, including an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the final minute of a close game. Pennington could post decent numbers against a poor Bills secondary, but he is just as likely to get pulled for Kellen Clemens, who has become a fan/media favorite in New York.
Prediction: 220 yards with 1 TD and 2-3 INT's.
Washington at New England
Start: Laurence Maroney, NE
Even though the Redskins have a good rush defense, Maroney is long overdue for a big game. Maroney was not listed on this week’s injury report, a sign that he might be completely over the groin injury that forced him to miss three games. He did play last week at Miami, but wasn’t needed much because Tom Brady continued his mind-boggling pace. With Sammy Morris (chest) not expected to play, count on Maroney shouldering the load and playing well.
Prediction: 100 yards from scrimmage and at least 1 TD. Bench: Clinton Portis, WAS
Portis scored two touchdowns last week, but don’t be fooled – he’s not running the ball well right now. Portis’ long run of the season is only 19 yards and he has 38 carries for 107 yards (2.8 avg.) over the last two games. The Redskins have some offensive line injuries and the passing game is struggling so that has hindered Portis as well. New England has a very strong rush defense and if the game gets out of hand, as been the case with every Patriots’ game this season, Portis will struggle to produce.
Prediction: 60 yards rushing and 0 TD's.
Houston at San Diego
Start: Philip Rivers, SD
Rivers is not a great quarterback, but he has some serious weapons to work with and Houston’s pass defense is below average. Chris Chambers was acquired via trade during the team’s bye week and while he is probably a little overrated, he does have speed and this will help open up Antonio Gates in the middle of the field. Look for Rivers to make a couple of big plays to LT and company.
Prediction: 250 yards with 2-3 TD's.
Bench: Ahman Green, HOU
There are so many reasons to not like Green this week. The most obvious being he is old and slow. The other being San Diego’s seventh-ranked rush defense. Finally, this game could easily turn into a blowout, which will limit the number of opportunities for Green. Stay away from Green unless your options are players like Justin Fargas or Aaron Stecker.
Prediction: 40 yards rushing and 0 TD's.
New Orleans at San Francisco
Start: Drew Brees, NO
Brees has put together two straight fantasy-friendly games, both wins by New Orleans, and appears to have shaken off his poor play from earlier in the season. Reggie Bush has been running the ball better lately too, which has helped open things up for the entire offense. Marques Colston does not seem to be 100 percent with a back injury, but Brees has done a good job spreading the ball around lately so Colston is only a minor concern. Even though the 49ers’ secondary is solid, Brees should be productive enough to start.
Prediction: 220 yards with 2 TD's and 0 INT's.
Bench: Darrell Jackson, SF
Jackson’s numbers have been very bad this season, especially over the last two games. DJax has just two catches for six yards in each of the last two games. He did manage to grab a short touchdown last week, his first of the season, but that came with 16 seconds left in a blowout loss to the Giants. The Saints defense has played better recently and with San Francisco not getting strong quarterback play, it’s hard to envision Jackson catching more than a few passes.
Prediction: 3 catches for 35 yards.
Jacksonville at Tampa Bay
Start: Ike Hilliard, TB
Surprisingly, it’s time to hop on the Ike Hilliard bandwagon. Hilliard’s career has been a disappointment since being selected seventh overall in the 1997 draft. However, he is playing his best ball in years with four consecutive productive games. With the steady Jeff Garcia at quarterback, Hilliard is getting plenty of catches and yards, although Hilliard might not be your guy in touchdown heavy leagues. Despite the fact that Jacksonville has a strong defense, expect another solid game in terms of receptions and yards.
Prediction: 5-6 receptions for 80 yards.
Bench: Dennis Northcutt, JAX
Northcutt is Jacksonville’s leading receiver this year, but that is not saying much. Northcutt, who has only one touchdown, has not recorded more than 75 yards or five catches in any game this season. With an inexperienced Quinn Gray starting this week against a pretty tough defensive unit, things do not look good for the Jags passing game.
Prediction: 3 catches for 45 yards.
Green Bay at Denver
Start: Tony Scheffler, DEN
Scheffler is another guy that THIMD is high on after he caught five passes for 50 yards with a touchdown in last week’s win over Pittsburgh. Scheffler is one of the most talented receiving tight ends you’ve never heard about and has developed a nice rapport with Jay Cutler (they entered the league together as rookies in 2006). Scheffler appeared to injure his leg last week, but practiced on Wednesday. Check to see if he practices on Friday, always an indicator if someone will play or not.
Prediction: 4-5 catches for 55 yards with 1 TD.
Bench: Green Bay’s running backs
DeShawn Wynn, Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson and Ryan Grant have been the worst quartet of running backs in the NFL this season. All four have been injured at some point and don’t bring much to the table anyway. Morency is probably the most talented of the bunch, but he can’t stay healthy and doesn’t have a great instincts. Wynn has been fairly productive, scoring four touchdowns, so start him if you have to choose a guy on a team that is pass heavy to begin with.
Prediction: Combined 65 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and 0 TD's.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Random Thoughts From Around the NFL
Why are the Giants and Dolphins playing in London this weekend? I suppose the NFL wants to make the game of American football a global one, but I am not sure I understand the choice of location. Then again, I have no suggestion for a spot overseas either. One thing is for sure, Miami was robbed of a home game and they need all the help they can get at 0-7 and no more Ronnie Brown.
Does Randy Moss have a shot at Jerry Rice’s record of 22 receiving touchdowns? Sure he does, but Rice was more impressive as he did it in only 12 games during the strike-shortened 1987 season. Also, the 49ers tossed 42 touchdown passes that season between Joe Montana, Steve Young and the great Bob Gagliano (joking) while Tom Brady will probably throw closer to 60 touchdowns. Randy Moss is a beast, but Jerry Rice’s 1987 season is one of the greatest in NFL history. By the way, Rice rushed for a touchdown that year too.
Speaking of Randy Moss, if he catches 17 touchdowns this season, which is a strong possibility, he will become the first player in league history with 17+ receiving TD’s in three different seasons. I guess that fourth-round pick the Patriots gave to Oakland was worth it?
When will Eric Mangini wake up and realize that being loyal to underachieving veterans like Chad Pennington will only get you fired? The Jets are 1-6 and going nowhere fast. I would have inserted young but talented Kellen Clemens into the starting lineup weeks ago. Putting in Clemens might get the same bad results, but the fans will be happy and Mangini can use an inexperienced Clemens as the excuse for the team’s poor record.
Do not be concerned with Willie Parker having scored only one touchdown in six games this season. Good players that get the ball often will eventually score. Don’t forget, Steven Jackson had just two touchdowns after six games last season and he finished with 16 TD’s.
Kenny Watson is a nice player, but boy it must be fun to play against the Jets. Last week Watson ran for a career-high 130 yards and scored three touchdowns against the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS.
Is it me or does Indianapolis look like a version of the Patriots in recent years (balanced offense, solid defense, ugly wins) and New England like the Colts (explosive passing game, record-setting performances, big wins)?
Priest Holmes returned to the field on Sunday after missing roughly two years with a serious head/neck injury. Holmes ran for just nine yards on four carries, but it’s nice to see such a great player and real good guy wind down his career on his own terms, not because of an injury.
Outside of Antonio Gates, Jason Witten is the best receiving tight end in the league. No disrespect to Tony Gonzalez or Kellen Winslow, but Witten is a monster right now and Tony Romo helps too.
Santana Moss has been one of the biggest fantasy disappointments this season. Moss’ play has been shaky and he isn’t fully healthy from a groin injury, which is less than ideal for a player that depends so much on speed and quickness.
Why were the Saints favored by nine points over the Falcons last week? Okay, Atlanta stinks and New Orleans was playing at home. But 1-4 teams should not be favored by more than a touchdown. Of course the Saints won by just six points in a competitive game.
Anquan Boldin was probably a fine quarterback in high school, but why did coach Ken Whisenhunt feel the need to use Boldin on a crucial 2-pt conversion in the final minute of Sunday’s 21-19 loss at Washington? Boldin had Larry Fitzgerald wide open in the back of the end zone, but threw a terrible pass that got intercepted. Even if the pass was not picked off, the ball would have fallen short of Fitzgerald anyway. I love when coaches get cute at key points in the game.
Does Randy Moss have a shot at Jerry Rice’s record of 22 receiving touchdowns? Sure he does, but Rice was more impressive as he did it in only 12 games during the strike-shortened 1987 season. Also, the 49ers tossed 42 touchdown passes that season between Joe Montana, Steve Young and the great Bob Gagliano (joking) while Tom Brady will probably throw closer to 60 touchdowns. Randy Moss is a beast, but Jerry Rice’s 1987 season is one of the greatest in NFL history. By the way, Rice rushed for a touchdown that year too.
Speaking of Randy Moss, if he catches 17 touchdowns this season, which is a strong possibility, he will become the first player in league history with 17+ receiving TD’s in three different seasons. I guess that fourth-round pick the Patriots gave to Oakland was worth it?
When will Eric Mangini wake up and realize that being loyal to underachieving veterans like Chad Pennington will only get you fired? The Jets are 1-6 and going nowhere fast. I would have inserted young but talented Kellen Clemens into the starting lineup weeks ago. Putting in Clemens might get the same bad results, but the fans will be happy and Mangini can use an inexperienced Clemens as the excuse for the team’s poor record.
Do not be concerned with Willie Parker having scored only one touchdown in six games this season. Good players that get the ball often will eventually score. Don’t forget, Steven Jackson had just two touchdowns after six games last season and he finished with 16 TD’s.
Kenny Watson is a nice player, but boy it must be fun to play against the Jets. Last week Watson ran for a career-high 130 yards and scored three touchdowns against the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS.
Is it me or does Indianapolis look like a version of the Patriots in recent years (balanced offense, solid defense, ugly wins) and New England like the Colts (explosive passing game, record-setting performances, big wins)?
Priest Holmes returned to the field on Sunday after missing roughly two years with a serious head/neck injury. Holmes ran for just nine yards on four carries, but it’s nice to see such a great player and real good guy wind down his career on his own terms, not because of an injury.
Outside of Antonio Gates, Jason Witten is the best receiving tight end in the league. No disrespect to Tony Gonzalez or Kellen Winslow, but Witten is a monster right now and Tony Romo helps too.
Santana Moss has been one of the biggest fantasy disappointments this season. Moss’ play has been shaky and he isn’t fully healthy from a groin injury, which is less than ideal for a player that depends so much on speed and quickness.
Why were the Saints favored by nine points over the Falcons last week? Okay, Atlanta stinks and New Orleans was playing at home. But 1-4 teams should not be favored by more than a touchdown. Of course the Saints won by just six points in a competitive game.
Anquan Boldin was probably a fine quarterback in high school, but why did coach Ken Whisenhunt feel the need to use Boldin on a crucial 2-pt conversion in the final minute of Sunday’s 21-19 loss at Washington? Boldin had Larry Fitzgerald wide open in the back of the end zone, but threw a terrible pass that got intercepted. Even if the pass was not picked off, the ball would have fallen short of Fitzgerald anyway. I love when coaches get cute at key points in the game.
Quick Rockies Rant...
So from what I've read today as well as what I heard on the radio on the ride to work (Mike & Mike), everyone seems to be taking the stance of "don't count out the Rockies yet, now that they're past Beckett". Seriously? I haven't heard anyone say this yet, so I'll take ownership for it; out of the 80 or so NL pitchers that started 15 or more games this year, Ubaldo Jimenez was the 11th worst in terms of walks per 9 innings (4.06). Here were the guys ahead of him:
Player BB/9
Rick VandenHurk 5.29
Byung-Hyun Kim 5.17
Noah Lowry 5.02
Kyle Davies 4.60
Doug Davis 4.44
Scott Olsen 4.33
Kip Wells 4.31
Carlos Zambrano 4.20
Tim Redding 4.07
Matt Albers 4.07
If you take out Zambrano, the combined record for the players above this year was 69-91. Facing a ridiculously patient Sox lineup, how does this bode well for the Rox tonight? I still don't believe the Sox'll sweep them, but it would take a near miracle collapse by Schilling for us to lose tonight...
Player BB/9
Rick VandenHurk 5.29
Byung-Hyun Kim 5.17
Noah Lowry 5.02
Kyle Davies 4.60
Doug Davis 4.44
Scott Olsen 4.33
Kip Wells 4.31
Carlos Zambrano 4.20
Tim Redding 4.07
Matt Albers 4.07
If you take out Zambrano, the combined record for the players above this year was 69-91. Facing a ridiculously patient Sox lineup, how does this bode well for the Rox tonight? I still don't believe the Sox'll sweep them, but it would take a near miracle collapse by Schilling for us to lose tonight...
What the F*** were you thinking?
This column is basically Gusto and I discussing some of our ranking differences for the current week via email. We hope to have this in Podcast format in the near future...
(Greg): Let's start with Quarterbacks. Overall, we only disagreed on 3 guys; Rivers (10th you, 20th me) Cutler (11th you, 19th me) Garcia (17th you, 9th me) 10th for Rivers? Seriously? That game is going to look like this: 1st Down: Handoff to LT 2nd Down: Handoff to LT 3rd Down: Screen Pass to LT for the 1st down... In the first 4 weeks, Rivers attempted over 30 passes a game. Then, after Norv realized that he had LT on his team, Rivers threw 18 and 21 passes the next two games. I can't see him throwing the ball more than 20 times max this week. No way he's a top 10 fantasy QB this week...
(Don): I think Rivers is an average quarterback, but there are a few reasons I ranked him #10. First, Rivers is playing against Houston, which is 20th in pass defense and made Kerry Collins and Roydell Williams look pretty good last week. Rivers has a new toy in Chris Chambers, which will help stretch the field, as well as open up the middle for Antonio Gates to work his magic. LT, Gates, Chambers and VJax are one of the most talented quartets in the NFL and probably could make you or I look good at quarterback. Rivers is at his best when the Chargers have the lead and he doesn't have to shoulder the load. He flourished in those type of situations last year. Coming off a bye week, I see the Chargers getting the lead early and Rivers making a couple of big plays. Put him down for about 250 yards and 2-3 TDs with no INT's. What's up with you having Jay Cutler at #19 below guys like Cleo Lemon and Sage Rosenfels/Matt Schaub? Cutler looked pretty good against a tough Steelers defense last week. And I don't think the Broncos will play with the lead much this year. Rosenfels is a clown and Schaub has two TD passes in the last five games. With a first name like Cleo, I don't have to say much about him. What gives with these controversial rankings?
(Greg): Good argument for Rivers, except that you forgot that Chambers is one of the most overrated wideouts in the NFL! Last year he was targeted 153 times, but only caught 59 passes? Horrific... Plus, he doesn't seem all that bright, which would make it tough for him to grasp the Bolts' playbook in 2 weeks (even with Norv as HC). I will be shocked if Rivers puts up those #'s... The reason I had Cutler so low is because the Packers have a very underrated pass defense, allowing just under 20 completions per game. And one solid game makes us quickly forget that he was on the Waiver Wire in most leagues going into the game, as he has been very mediocre all year, not to mention the fact that Marshall's status may be up in the air due to his DUI, and Henry's ribs are obviously still an issue, as he didn't practice on Wednesday... I had the great combo of Sage/Schaub ahead of Cutler simply due to the fact that they'll be so far behind early, it wouldn't surprise me to see them throw 40 passes on Sunday. My guess would be something like 250 yards passing, w/2 TD's & 2 INT's, which is more than what Cutler will have.... Moving onto RB's, I'll assume that ranking Jamal Lewis was a typo - 16th? He hasn't been ranked that high since Week 1 of the 2004 season! And I'm surprised to see your expectations being so low on SJax. Yeah, he'll be a bit limited in his first game back, but against Cleveland? Behind Maroney, Jesse "I'm no Ronnie Brown" Chatman, and career underachiever Cedric Benson? C'mon Gusto, I used to respect your opinion! By the way, Sox game starts in 20 minutes - prediction? I'm going to say 6-1 Sox....
(Don): Good point about Chambers' awful percentage last year. But I can counter that in two ways. First, the Dolphins had some awful QB's throwing to him last year so who's to say that a high number of the passes thrown his way were uncatchable by even Jerry Rice of 1987. Also, Chambers doesn't have to be a good receiver to stretch the field. He has good speed and defenses have to respect that, thus opening up the field for Gates. You're right about Cutler, he has been mediocre for most of the season and one game doesn't suddenly mean everything. And the Packers do have a strong pass defense with Al Harris and Charles Woodson. But Cutler is talented kid and has some weapons, even without Javon Walker. Brandon Marshall is a freak, and oh by the way he will play this week so don't worry about the DUI, Brandon Stokley is a solid possession receiver and Tony Scheffler is a great pass-catching tight end. Like I said, the Broncos aren't as good this season as some thought so they'll be playing from behind and I like Cutler this week and moving forward. I don't care how many times the Texans throw the ball on Sunday, Rosenfels/Schaub won't put up better numbers than Cutler. Especially if it's Rosenfels. His fourth-quarter garbage numbers won't happen again against a rested Chargers defensive unit. On to that felon Jamal Lewis. No doubt he is a shell of his former self, but I like him this week against a terrible St. Louis squad. They are tied for 2nd worst in rushing TD's allowed this year. Assuming Lewis is acutally healthy and plays the entire game, I see about 80 yards and a touchdown. I might have SJax too low, but how effective is this guy going to be in his first game back since tearing his groin? I've never played RB in the NFL, but I assume coming back from a serious groin injury will limit some things for SJax early on. I want to see him play a week before I rank him in the top 20. Plus, the Browns have only given up 3 rushing TD's all season, which is very good. Don't hate on Jesse Chatman, he is a solid runner. Very stocky with a low center of gravity. The Giants DEF is strong, but I think he'll do fine this week. Cedric Benson is a stiff, but did you see what Earnest Graham did against the Lions? They made him look like a hero. If Benson can't run against Detroit, I'm done with him. Maroney will bust out this week, mark my words. He's finally healthy and Tom Brady is due for an average game for him of 250 yards and three TD's. Why do you have Addai at #4? Didn't you see the way they used him and Kenton Keith on Monday? Tony Dungy is a smart coach because there is no need to give Addai 90 percent of the carries like earlier in the season. Expect about a 65-35 split this week and moving forward. Jumping to WR, Marvin Harrison at #9 looks too high to me. Harrison is not completely healthy and has just one touchdown this year anyway. Reggie Wayne is the man over there now and Dallas Clark to a certain degree too. And why do you have a San Francisco WR at #30 (DJax)? I had a tough time putting Arnaz Battle at #40, but he has completely outplayed your boy DJax this year. That passing game is awful.
Not so many questions next time, this thing is freakin' huge.
(Greg): I'll let you have the last word on the QB's, as this thing is getting to be novel-length.... Chatman won't have strong #'s because they'll be down 21-0 before they reach London! As for Addai, I'd probably drop him a bit after Dungy's comments about more of a split, but I wouldn't drop him out of the top 10 this week... I can't see Maroney busting out this week, especially considering that the Skins are only allowing 3.5 YPC, along with only 3 rushing TD's this year... As for Harrison, I think he is back at full strength this week, and the Colts want to make a statement before next week's game against the Pats. As I noted in my rankings, I am not high at all on Clark this week, so I expect Harrison to get more looks than usual... And yes, I ranked DJax 30th this week. I had him in my top 40 last week as well, and he rewarded owners with a TD (we won't talk about the fact that he only had 2 catches for 6 yards). I think he is starting to show some signs of life, although he was downgraded to Questionable this week, which would have a big impact on his ranking... If he plays, I could see 5 catches for 60 yards and a TD this week, which would be perfectly acceptable for your #3... Where's the love for Torry Holt - 12th? I know he is having a tough year, but with Bulger back, SJax back, and a horrible Cleveland pass defense, he'll definately be in the Top 10 this week... And Greg Jennings at 25? If Dre Bly and Champ Bailey don't play, I have no problem with that ranking. But if they do play (both are expected to), he is going to be blanketed all night...
(Don): The Skins have a good rush defense, but the Pats can do whatever they want.
If they want to feature Maroney and the running game, they'll be successful. And I think they might this week. I'd take action on DJax putting up those type of numbers this week. He hasn't done that all season. And his TD last week came in the final minute during garbage time. Yeah, I probably have Torry "Big Game" Holt too low. I'd bump him into the top 10. Although I am worried about him for the entire season because of that nagging knee injury. Greg Jennings is ranked at #25 because the Packers have no running game and Favre seems to like him. Jennings caught Favre's record tying and breaking TD's this season. Champ and Dre are nasty, but Jennings will be productive enough.
I never answered your question about a Sox prediction for tonight. But I
will say Boston in 6 games.
(Greg): On that note, we'll call it a night... Go SOX!!!
(Greg): Let's start with Quarterbacks. Overall, we only disagreed on 3 guys; Rivers (10th you, 20th me) Cutler (11th you, 19th me) Garcia (17th you, 9th me) 10th for Rivers? Seriously? That game is going to look like this: 1st Down: Handoff to LT 2nd Down: Handoff to LT 3rd Down: Screen Pass to LT for the 1st down... In the first 4 weeks, Rivers attempted over 30 passes a game. Then, after Norv realized that he had LT on his team, Rivers threw 18 and 21 passes the next two games. I can't see him throwing the ball more than 20 times max this week. No way he's a top 10 fantasy QB this week...
(Don): I think Rivers is an average quarterback, but there are a few reasons I ranked him #10. First, Rivers is playing against Houston, which is 20th in pass defense and made Kerry Collins and Roydell Williams look pretty good last week. Rivers has a new toy in Chris Chambers, which will help stretch the field, as well as open up the middle for Antonio Gates to work his magic. LT, Gates, Chambers and VJax are one of the most talented quartets in the NFL and probably could make you or I look good at quarterback. Rivers is at his best when the Chargers have the lead and he doesn't have to shoulder the load. He flourished in those type of situations last year. Coming off a bye week, I see the Chargers getting the lead early and Rivers making a couple of big plays. Put him down for about 250 yards and 2-3 TDs with no INT's. What's up with you having Jay Cutler at #19 below guys like Cleo Lemon and Sage Rosenfels/Matt Schaub? Cutler looked pretty good against a tough Steelers defense last week. And I don't think the Broncos will play with the lead much this year. Rosenfels is a clown and Schaub has two TD passes in the last five games. With a first name like Cleo, I don't have to say much about him. What gives with these controversial rankings?
(Greg): Good argument for Rivers, except that you forgot that Chambers is one of the most overrated wideouts in the NFL! Last year he was targeted 153 times, but only caught 59 passes? Horrific... Plus, he doesn't seem all that bright, which would make it tough for him to grasp the Bolts' playbook in 2 weeks (even with Norv as HC). I will be shocked if Rivers puts up those #'s... The reason I had Cutler so low is because the Packers have a very underrated pass defense, allowing just under 20 completions per game. And one solid game makes us quickly forget that he was on the Waiver Wire in most leagues going into the game, as he has been very mediocre all year, not to mention the fact that Marshall's status may be up in the air due to his DUI, and Henry's ribs are obviously still an issue, as he didn't practice on Wednesday... I had the great combo of Sage/Schaub ahead of Cutler simply due to the fact that they'll be so far behind early, it wouldn't surprise me to see them throw 40 passes on Sunday. My guess would be something like 250 yards passing, w/2 TD's & 2 INT's, which is more than what Cutler will have.... Moving onto RB's, I'll assume that ranking Jamal Lewis was a typo - 16th? He hasn't been ranked that high since Week 1 of the 2004 season! And I'm surprised to see your expectations being so low on SJax. Yeah, he'll be a bit limited in his first game back, but against Cleveland? Behind Maroney, Jesse "I'm no Ronnie Brown" Chatman, and career underachiever Cedric Benson? C'mon Gusto, I used to respect your opinion! By the way, Sox game starts in 20 minutes - prediction? I'm going to say 6-1 Sox....
(Don): Good point about Chambers' awful percentage last year. But I can counter that in two ways. First, the Dolphins had some awful QB's throwing to him last year so who's to say that a high number of the passes thrown his way were uncatchable by even Jerry Rice of 1987. Also, Chambers doesn't have to be a good receiver to stretch the field. He has good speed and defenses have to respect that, thus opening up the field for Gates. You're right about Cutler, he has been mediocre for most of the season and one game doesn't suddenly mean everything. And the Packers do have a strong pass defense with Al Harris and Charles Woodson. But Cutler is talented kid and has some weapons, even without Javon Walker. Brandon Marshall is a freak, and oh by the way he will play this week so don't worry about the DUI, Brandon Stokley is a solid possession receiver and Tony Scheffler is a great pass-catching tight end. Like I said, the Broncos aren't as good this season as some thought so they'll be playing from behind and I like Cutler this week and moving forward. I don't care how many times the Texans throw the ball on Sunday, Rosenfels/Schaub won't put up better numbers than Cutler. Especially if it's Rosenfels. His fourth-quarter garbage numbers won't happen again against a rested Chargers defensive unit. On to that felon Jamal Lewis. No doubt he is a shell of his former self, but I like him this week against a terrible St. Louis squad. They are tied for 2nd worst in rushing TD's allowed this year. Assuming Lewis is acutally healthy and plays the entire game, I see about 80 yards and a touchdown. I might have SJax too low, but how effective is this guy going to be in his first game back since tearing his groin? I've never played RB in the NFL, but I assume coming back from a serious groin injury will limit some things for SJax early on. I want to see him play a week before I rank him in the top 20. Plus, the Browns have only given up 3 rushing TD's all season, which is very good. Don't hate on Jesse Chatman, he is a solid runner. Very stocky with a low center of gravity. The Giants DEF is strong, but I think he'll do fine this week. Cedric Benson is a stiff, but did you see what Earnest Graham did against the Lions? They made him look like a hero. If Benson can't run against Detroit, I'm done with him. Maroney will bust out this week, mark my words. He's finally healthy and Tom Brady is due for an average game for him of 250 yards and three TD's. Why do you have Addai at #4? Didn't you see the way they used him and Kenton Keith on Monday? Tony Dungy is a smart coach because there is no need to give Addai 90 percent of the carries like earlier in the season. Expect about a 65-35 split this week and moving forward. Jumping to WR, Marvin Harrison at #9 looks too high to me. Harrison is not completely healthy and has just one touchdown this year anyway. Reggie Wayne is the man over there now and Dallas Clark to a certain degree too. And why do you have a San Francisco WR at #30 (DJax)? I had a tough time putting Arnaz Battle at #40, but he has completely outplayed your boy DJax this year. That passing game is awful.
Not so many questions next time, this thing is freakin' huge.
(Greg): I'll let you have the last word on the QB's, as this thing is getting to be novel-length.... Chatman won't have strong #'s because they'll be down 21-0 before they reach London! As for Addai, I'd probably drop him a bit after Dungy's comments about more of a split, but I wouldn't drop him out of the top 10 this week... I can't see Maroney busting out this week, especially considering that the Skins are only allowing 3.5 YPC, along with only 3 rushing TD's this year... As for Harrison, I think he is back at full strength this week, and the Colts want to make a statement before next week's game against the Pats. As I noted in my rankings, I am not high at all on Clark this week, so I expect Harrison to get more looks than usual... And yes, I ranked DJax 30th this week. I had him in my top 40 last week as well, and he rewarded owners with a TD (we won't talk about the fact that he only had 2 catches for 6 yards). I think he is starting to show some signs of life, although he was downgraded to Questionable this week, which would have a big impact on his ranking... If he plays, I could see 5 catches for 60 yards and a TD this week, which would be perfectly acceptable for your #3... Where's the love for Torry Holt - 12th? I know he is having a tough year, but with Bulger back, SJax back, and a horrible Cleveland pass defense, he'll definately be in the Top 10 this week... And Greg Jennings at 25? If Dre Bly and Champ Bailey don't play, I have no problem with that ranking. But if they do play (both are expected to), he is going to be blanketed all night...
(Don): The Skins have a good rush defense, but the Pats can do whatever they want.
If they want to feature Maroney and the running game, they'll be successful. And I think they might this week. I'd take action on DJax putting up those type of numbers this week. He hasn't done that all season. And his TD last week came in the final minute during garbage time. Yeah, I probably have Torry "Big Game" Holt too low. I'd bump him into the top 10. Although I am worried about him for the entire season because of that nagging knee injury. Greg Jennings is ranked at #25 because the Packers have no running game and Favre seems to like him. Jennings caught Favre's record tying and breaking TD's this season. Champ and Dre are nasty, but Jennings will be productive enough.
I never answered your question about a Sox prediction for tonight. But I
will say Boston in 6 games.
(Greg): On that note, we'll call it a night... Go SOX!!!
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