I'll post the total rankings here if you want. Hopefully this doesn't get me in trouble.
1. QB Peyton Manning, IND vs HOU
300 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Manning has 25 TD passes in 10 career games vs. the Texans. CB Dunta Robinson (two INTs in two weeks) can't cover both Harrison and Wayne. Jake Delhomme went 27 of 41 for 307 yards and 3 TDs against Houston - Manning will do the same.
2. QB Carson Palmer, CIN vs SEA
275 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The Seahawks have allowed an NFC-low 1 TD pass so far and match up extremely well with... just kidding: Start Palmer every week and get ready to polish your trophy in January.
3. QB Tom Brady, NEP vs BUF
270 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Buffalo's defense just can't get off the field, first and foremost. They're ranked 31st with 47 first-downs allowed and 31st with 68:39 allowed in time-of-possession. Let's just pray that Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris don't bang in a few early scores, then the defense pops another one, or Tom Terrific could take an early exit in a 31-7 whitewash.
4. QB Jake Delhomme, CAR vs ATL
250 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Atlanta has faced two semi-sluggish offenses in Minnesota and Jacksonville and still rank a lowly 26th in yards allowed per play (5.9). Carolina gets OL Jeremy Bridges back (from a 2-game suspension) and is at full strength up front. In his past 4 division games Delhomme is 4-0 with a 103.5 passer rating, 7 TDs and 1 INT. He's on a roll so ride him while you can.
5. QB Jon Kitna, DET vs PHI
245 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
FS Brian Dawkins (neck) and SS Sean Considine (knee) will play but they need a bye week badly. CB Lito Sheppard is out for at least 2 more weeks. Even though he's played about 2 less quarters than other QBs (concussion last week) Kitna ranks in the top-10 in most passing categories. We still can't believe he plays - and settles - for $2.6 million per year.
6. QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA vs CIN
240 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Bengals CB Johnathan Joseph, their best pure cover guy, is very questionable with a wrist injury. We don't have to tell you how bad the Bengals defense looked in Cleveland: it was like their week 1 performance in Baltimore was a dream. They gave up 554 yards and 51 points. Even if they shave back half that total in Seattle it's a good day for Hasselbeck.
7. QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT vs SFO
230 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The 49ers are surprising 5th in the NFL allowing only a 55.1% completion rate after facing Matt Leinart and Marc Bulger. That's a tribute to Mike Nolan (and new CB Nate Clements). However, Roethlisberger is sporting a 101.7 QB rating and has a relentless running game that will draw peeks from DBs, then Bam! Need proof? Ben is ranked 4th with 9 pass plays of 20+ yards.
8. QB Drew Brees, NOS vs TEN
225 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Last chance for Brees before the Bust tag adheres to his forehead. It's at home, on Monday night, against the 3rd-youngest team in the league. Brees faced the Titans as a Charger in 2004 and posted a 149.3 passer rating with 3 TDs & 0 INTs.
9. QB Jay Cutler, DEN vs JAX
230 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 25 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Check this out: Peyton Manning leads the NFL with 600 passing yards. Jay Cutler is 4th with 573. But it gets better: Cutler has lost 55 yards to penalties, so he'd actually be leading the league with 628 after 2 games. Also in each of his first 7 career starts Cutler has at least 1 TD pass.
10. QB Tony Romo, DAL vs CHI
235 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Interesting stat: Tony Romo?s 3,172 yards in his first 12 starts is the 2nd most ever behind Kurt Warner at 3,213. Chicago is playing their usual brand of smashmouth defense but they can bend a little - only 4 teams have allowed more red-zone trips than Chicago's 7 (Buffalo, Oakland, Cleveland, and NYG).
11. QB Donovan McNabb, PHI vs DET
245 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 15 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
FOXSports.com reports: "Donovan McNabb's continued poor play may soon force coach Andy Reid to consider benching his five-time Pro Bowl quarterback." Hay Caramba! Are we there already? We're not that close to writing him off yet, not with Detroit in town. Yes, they're 2-0 and holding opposing QBs to a 59.7 passer rating - but who have they faced? Josh McCown and Tarvaris Jackson?
12. QB Vince Young, TEN vs NOS
155 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 35 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Tennessee is 25th in the red zone with 3 TDs in 8 trips. However, New Orleans is last in Team Defense Efficiency according to Pro Football Weekly (don't ask, we just thought it sounded pertinent). This game has the makings of a wild one, especially with the Titans defense exerting so much emotion against their hated rivals the Colts last week.
13. QB Marc Bulger, STL vs TBB
260 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
We're in week 3 and the Rams will try their 3rd different combination of offensive linemen. It's not Orlando Pace's absence that crippled them so much as losing his replacement, two-time Pro Bowler Todd Steussie. Bulger has a sore knee and sore ribs but if he stays upright he can still wing it. He hit Torry Holt for two long TDs when these two teams met in '04.
14. QB Jason Campbell, WAS vs NYG
220 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: In his only career start vs. NYG last year (just the 7th start of his pro career) Campbell posted a career-best 96.2 rating with 220 yards & 2 TDs. He also ran for 30 yards. And the 2006 Giants defense was much more cohesive and healthy than this year's version. We like Campbell more and more, Cooley more and more, and when both Portis and Moss are healthy, look out.
15. QB Josh McCown, OAK vs CLE
240 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: This is actually somewhat conservative, given the Browns have allowed 10 - count 'em - 10 TD passes in two weeks. The only downside here is that McCown is completely beat up (toe, foot, finger) and could be pulled for Daunte Culpepper if some balls get away from him early. Wanna gamble this week? Here's your guy.
16. QB Brett Favre, GBP vs SDC
230 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
He hasn't faced them in a while but Favre is 4-0 career vs. San Diego with a 100.7 passer rating with 10 TDs vs. 4 INTs. San Diego has to get themselves motivated after being dressed down on national TV. The longest play they've given up is 34 yards so far, but they're allowing QBs to complete 68.5%. The Pack can't run, which makes Favre all the more appealing if INTs don't count in your league.
17. QB Eli Manning, NYG vs WAS
235 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Manning is 2nd in the NFL with 14 red-zone attempts (behind McNabb with 15) and that's the key to his value. With Brandon Jacobs out they'd rather throw to Plaxico Burress than run it down there. Eli has at least 1 TD in each of the last 4 vs. Washington. RT Kareem McKenzie and RG Chris Snee are so underrated. The Redskins secondary didn't allow one 20+ yard completion vs. the Eagles, but Manning will throw 35 times and make a solid day of it.
18. QB Matt Leinart, ARI vs BAL
220 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Leinart has has 200+ yards or at least 1 TD pass in all 13 career starts. He's never seen Baltimore before but his coach Ken Whisenhunt did many times when he was in Pittsburgh. This is a winnable game for Arizona: DE Trevor Pryce (wrist) is out, LB Ray Lewis (triceps) isn't 100%, and CB Samari Rolle has a chronic ankle problem.
19. QB Kelly Holcomb, MIN vs KCC
220 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Holcomb is expected to start and Vikings fans should not throw in the towel yet. He has a 64.6% completion rate and knows this Eagles-based playbook. Watch him make some unknown like Bobby Wade come alive with 7 or 8 catches.
20. QB Chad Pennington, NYJ vs MIA
210 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The Dolphins get CB Andre' Goodman (shoulder) back but overall the Jets always match up with Miami. Pennington hasn't been picked off by them in his last 4 meetings - tossing 8 TDs and averaging a workmanlike 198 passing yards. We're assuming his ankle is OK but if something changes we'll let you know.
*** RBs ***
1. RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SDC vs GBP
100 Rush Yds, 2 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Chargers are 7-1 when LT surpasses 100 yards rushing in interconference games. Unfortunately, he?s been held to fewer than 50 rushing yards in each of his first two games this season and is averaging fewer than 2.0 ypc. The Packers defense has shown signs of weakness defending the run.
2. RB Travis Henry, DEN vs JAX
120 Rush Yds, 2 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Henry gets a cream-puff matchup against the Jaguars suddenly poor rush defense. Opposing teams have rushed an average of 37 times per game for a healthy 4.9 ypc. Jacksonville held Atlanta to 82 rushing yards on 25 carries last week but with Henry averaging 134 yards per contest, this matchup is a no-brainer.
3. RB Frank Gore, SFO vs PIT
90 Rush Yds, 2 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Gore has rushed for 100 yards in each of his last 3 games against AFC teams, however, the Steelers have allowed just 3 RBs to crack the 100-yard mark in their last 50 games. Opposing teams have jogged the rock just 38 times for a total of 148 yards in 2 games against the Steelers. This will be a tough matchup but look for another multi-TD game.
4. RB Adrian Peterson, MIN vs KCC
85 Rush Yds, 2 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
QB Tarvaris Jackson is out and Kelly Holcomb will get the nod. Look for the Vikings to rely on Peterson and Mewelde Moore. Peterson is electric and came within two feet of another receiving TD last week. Peterson is ranked #2 in the NFC in all-purpose yardage (169 rush, 112 rec). His ability to get open in the flat and turn short passes into long gains will cause problems for the Chiefs.
5. RB Rudi Johnson, CIN vs SEA
110 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Johnson logged his first receiving TD of his career and with nobody stepping up as the #3 WR guy, he?s bound to see even more passes thrown his way. The downside with Rudi is that he has fumbled in both games this year. Seattle has allowed just 1 rushing TD in 49 rushing attempts this year.
6. RB Joseph Addai, IND vs HOU
105 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Texans are only giving up 69 rushing yards/game; Addai will be a workhouse as OC Tom Moore looks for ways to keep Houston?s defense honest. He is on pace to carry the ball 344 times this season (118 more than last year) and has accounted for nearly 85% of the Colts rushing attempts this year. In 2 career games against the Texans, he?s rushed for 181 yards on 31 carries for a robust 5.9 ypc.
7. RB Willie Parker, PIT vs SFO
105 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He?s rushed for 100 yards in 5 of his last 6 games and has averaged 5.0 ypc rushing in his last 5 interconference games. The Steelers downfield pass attack has opened up huge running lanes for Parker. Parker is a major stud.
8. RB Steven Jackson, STL vs TBB
90 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 35 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jackson has 118 rushing yards and 0 TDs in the Rams' first 2 games. He is averaging just 3.0 ypc behind a patchwork offensive line. G Richie Incognito will be out this week due to a high ankle sprain. This unit is in disarray. Tampa?s rush defense, ranked 20th overall, has not been consistent however. Jackson is long overdue for a big game.
9. RB Shaun Alexander, SEA vs CIN
100 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Bengals rushing defense is ranked 28th which is a blessing considering they are 5 missed tackles away from being ranked dead last. They?ve allowed an average of 166 yards per game and a league-worst 6.1 ypc. Opposing teams have scored on 6 of 7 red zone visits against the Bengals defense in just 2 weeks. The cast will be an issue but it?s nothing worth benching Alexander over.
10. RB Larry Johnson, KCC vs MIN
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 40 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Through 2 games, LJ has 98 rush yards, 76 receiving yards and zero TDs. Those numbers are good for 29th overall. The Vikings run defense is stout, allowing just 76 yards on the ground per game and no rushing scores in 2 games. Look for the Chiefs to feed him the rock as he has just 26 carries combined. His preseason was the last 2 games. In games with 30+ touches, KC is 11-1.
11. RB Reggie Bush, NOS vs TEN
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Bush has just 65 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards with no TDs (although he came close in Week 2). The team is trying to do too much with Bush and he?s been impatient too. Deuce McAllister missed practice this week with a knee injury so Bush could benefit with 5-7 extra carries.
12. RB Laurence Maroney, NEP vs BUF
110 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
We couldn?t ask for a better fantasy matchup: Maroney against a Buffalo defense allowing 177.5 rushing yards per game. Sure, Sammy Morris is a TD poacher, but Maroney is due. He?s averaged 4.6 ypc in 2 games against the Bills. Opposing teams are averaging 5.5 ypc against the Buffalo Jills.
13. RB Ahman Green, HOU vs IND
75 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Green has been solid so far this year and the Colts run defense has been a notch under the Mendoza line with 200. Look for the Texans to rely more on the ground game this week, especially with WR Andre Johnson out. He has a sore knee but they'll treat it and get him out there.
14. RB Willis McGahee, BAL vs ARI
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
McGahee averaged less than 4.0 ypc and his longest carry was only 9 yards last week. The Ravens simply are not calling his number that often in short yardage and goal-line situations. The Cardinals have given up 3 rushing TDs in 2 games. However, he scored on a TD catch which is a wonderful sign.
15. RB Clinton Portis, WAS vs NYG
90 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Portis has looked solid through the first 2 weeks with a couple of scores and 167 yards. In 2 home games against the Giants, Portis has 256 rushing yards and 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec). He shares carries with Ladell Betts so his value is tainted a little but he?s still an automatic start.
16. RB Cadillac Williams, TBB vs STL
90 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Williams needed just 2 games to surpass his TD total from 2006. He faces a Rams defense has struggled to stop the run for 2 straight seasons. Opposing teams have scored 3 TDs against the Rams on 6 red-zone trips this year. The rib injury isn?t an issue anymore.
17. RB Jamal Lewis, CLE vs OAK
90 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
After averaging fewer than 70 yards per game over the past 3 seasons, can we trust Lewis? 200-yard outing in Week 2? Sort of. Since his big year in 2003, Lewis had never topped 116 yards in a game. However, he?s running with new passion. Oakland?s defense is 26th against run with opposing RBs averaging 4.9 ypc. They are also the only team to allow double-digit trips inside the red zone (5 TD, 4 FG) this year.
18. RB Thomas Jones, NYJ vs MIA
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jones is off to a slow start and he faces the Miami Dolphins defense, which is ranked 31st against the run and has allowed 178.5 yards per game, including at least one 20+ yard run. He has a minor calf ailment but it?s nothing to worry about. Leon Washington hasn?t been a factor at all.
19. RB Marshawn Lynch, BUF vs NEP
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 35 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Lynch is an excellent cutback runner but against the Patriots' disciplined he might best suited for the passing game. New England has checked opposing RBs to just 2.9 ypc after 2 games. He leads all AFC rookie RBs with 37 rushing attempts. We have a feeling he'll notch nice numbers in come-from-behind action.
20. RB Brian Westbrook, PHI vs DET
55 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 35 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Westbrook tweaked his knee during Monday's loss to Washington and had an MRI on Wednesday. Check back tomorrow for more updates.
21. RB Derrick Ward, NYG vs WAS
75 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Ward ranks 3rd in the NFC with 179 rushing yards and will fill in for Brandon Jacobs for at least 1-2 more games. His beefy 6.4 ypc average has been a pleasant surprise. The Redskins have not allowed a single rushing score in 40 attempts this year. In fact, they?ve allowed just 1 TD in 7 red-zone visits.
22. RB Edgerrin James, ARI vs BAL
70 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Arizona?s offensive line has been one the top surprises this year. They sprung Edge loose for a 17-yard TD in Week 2, which was his longest scoring run in 3 years. In 2 games James has 50 carries for 220 yards, an average of 4.4 yards. That puts him on pace for 400 carries, 1,800 yards rushing and 16 TDs. Baltimore LB Ray Lewis is still nursing a triceps injury but will play.
23. RB Marion Barber, DAL vs CHI
65 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Touchdowns... touchdowns... touchdowns. What more do you want? He?s gaining the upper hand in Dallas and could move to #1 on the depth chart with another strong outing. The Bears have limited RBs to an eye-covering 2.4 ypc average. However, the Cowboys have the offensive firepower to move the ball downfield and into the red zone, where Chicago has allowed 3 such TDs this year already.
24. RB Lamont Jordan, OAK vs CLE
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
We knew a healthy LaMont was just too good to be true. From our Shark Bites section this week: ?His back was listed as questionable 4 times and in those 4 games he only had 40 carries for a measly 92 yards. That's 2.3 per carry. We're not saying he'll tank this Sunday, but you pay us to dig up stats... so there it is. If Jordan practices Friday and/or is listed as probable he's a must-start vs. Cleveland.?
25. RB DeShaun Foster, CAR vs ATL
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Look for Foster and DeAngelo Williams to split carries once again but with a high level of success combined. Falcons LB Keith Brooking and DT Jonathan Babineaux often get swallowed up in zone-blocking and are not strong run defenders.
26. RB Ronnie Brown, MIA vs NYJ
50 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Brown, who went for over 100 yards against the Jets in 2 games last year, has averaged only 11 carries in Miami's first two games this year. His beefy 5.0 ypc against the Jets is very intriguing but new HC Cam Cameron hasn?t figured out a way to use him effectively. "We need to run the ball more, we need to run the ball better," Cameron said.
27. RB Cedric Benson, CHI vs DAL
70 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Cowboys rush defense has played well in spurts yet opposing teams are averaging 4.3 ypc. They?ve kept RBs out of the end zone through 8 quarters of action. Benson struggled against San Diego?s 3-4 schemes with 42 yards on 19 totes in Week 1. Dallas' DeMarcus Ware, Marcus Spears and Chris Canty will pose a significant matchup problem in a similar scheme.
28. RB LenDale White, TEN vs NOS
70 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The scales of fantasy justice will tip in favor of White over Chris Brown. The Saints rank 22nd against the run in allowing 125.5 yards a game in their first two games. The Titans rank #1 with 211 rush yards per game. White sat out Wednesday with a sore foot but so far our two sources have said he's fine.
29. RB Tatum Bell, DET vs PHI
60 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Detroit averages 28 points per game but their ground game needs help as they are ranked 26th overall with 82 yards per game. The Eagles have the 8th-toughest rush defense in the league with an average of 88 yards allowed per game. Kevin Jones is expected to return and could see 15-20 plays but he's a game-time decision and not worth the risk. Bell could still get ya some flex numbers if you can start 3 RBs.
30. RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR vs ATL
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 35 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
It would not shock us if Williams approaches 100 all-purpose yards this Sunday. Strange things tend to happen when the Panthers and Falcons play.
31. RB Fred Taylor, JAX vs DEN
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Denver?s run defense has been soft and Maurice Jones Drew hasn?t lived up his to preseason hype. While the Broncos have allowed just 1 rushing score in 9 quarters of action this year, opposing RBs are enjoying great success with an average of 5 yards per rush. Denver is the only team in the league to allow 4 runs greater than 20 yards in length.
32. RB DeShawn Wynn, GBP vs SDC
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: No Packers RB has gone over 50 yards rushing in a game this season. Wynn is the flavor of the minute in the Packers backfield, which is chock full of potential-but-yet-to-breakout candidates. The Chargers run defense is good but they have some injury issues to deal with.
33. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX vs DEN
60 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Jaguars do not have a rushing TD to their credit this year and Drew is not getting the red-zone carries he had last year. That being said, it wasn?t until week 3 in 2006 that he popped loose and perhaps the same will hold true this year. RBs are averaging 5.1 ypc against the Broncos this year. Drew's neck/shoulder injury is reportedly nothing.
34. RB Warrick Dunn, ATL vs CAR
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
In 2 games against the Panthers with 20+ carries, Dunn has totaled 266 all-purpose yards and 1 TD. Meanwhile, Jerious Norwood waits in the shadows. It's annoying but we're trying to stay calm.
35. RB Deuce McAllister, NOS vs TEN
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
McAllister has 10 carries in each of his first 2 games after averaging 16 carries per game last year. Injury alert: Deuce might have some issues with his right knee as he missed Wed. practice.
*** WRs ***
1. WR Steve Smith, CAR vs ATL
135 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Stevie saves his best work for division rivals: In his past 14 division games, Smith has 97 catches for 1,299 yards and 10 TDs, plus an end-around TD run. Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall is actually playing his best football - but that just means he'll get cocky and talk himself right out of the game.
2. WR Chad Johnson, CIN vs SEA
120 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Seahawks were unable to sack Matt Leinart but he didn't make them pay. Carson Palmer will embarass these short cornerbacks if he has time. Chad is scoring at will and currently leads the NFL with 304 receiving yards. He also averages 15.1 yards-per-catch vs. NFC opponents.
3. WR Roy Williams, DET vs PHI
115 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Eagles CB Lito Sheppard (knee) remains out and his replacement, Will James got burned by Santana Moss badly. Moss came within one Jason Campbell overthrow of topping 160 yards. Safety Brian Dawkins is questionable with a neck stinger.
4. WR Randy Moss, NEP vs BUF
110 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Bills CB Terrence McGee (ribs) is banged up and 5'11 corner Ashton Youboty is filling in for injured CB Jason Webster. Buffalo only had one sack on Ben Roethlisberger so you know Tom Brady will have all day. The only thing slowing down Moss this Sunday is a big early lead and the resulting 2nd-half sideline cheerleading he might be doing.
5. WR Marvin Harrison, IND vs HOU
110 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Harrison has 3 consecutive 100-yard games vs. the Texans and averages 7.3 catches in those 3 games. In fact, he has 5 TDs in his last 5 meetings with Houston. CB Dunta Robinson usually takes turns on Harrison and Wayne, which means the struggling DeMarcus Faggins has to mark Harrison a little bit. That's when Manning will pump-fake widly.
6. WR Javon Walker, DEN vs JAX
105 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Jags roughed up Joey Harrington and his receivers last week pretty good (7 sacks) but the fact is, Harrington posted a 93.8 QB rating. And Roddy White caught 4 passes for 81 yards. Due to injuries the Jags might have to re-shuffle safeties and end up playing 35-year old Aaron Glenn at right corner.
7. WR Donald Driver, GBP vs SDC
105 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Driver put up 8 catches for 122 yards & 1 TD vs. the Chargers in 2003, several of the catches on current Chargers CB Quentin Jammer (doesn't it seem like everybody burns Jammer?). Driver's averaging a meager 9.9 yards per catch so far but give him a break - his foot is just now back to 100%.
8. WR Reggie Wayne, IND vs HOU
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Titans roughed up Wayne pretty good (shoulder, chest) but he hasn't missed a pro football game since 2001 and won't miss this one. A year ago this week Wayne caught 6 passes for 135 yards & 0 TDs in a 43-24 win over Houston.
9. WR Santana Moss, WAS vs NYG
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Moss has three different 3+ TD games in his career and two were against the Giants. Uh oh. He also has 3 games vs. the Giants with 5+ catches and in those three contestst he averaged 128 yards per game. The Giants have surrendered 80 points so far. CB Corey Webster is a rare LSU bust player.
10. WR Deion Branch, SEA vs CIN
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Branch bounced back last week with 7 catches for 122 yards, living up to his 6-year $39 million contract (not to mention his 5th round fantasy ADP). The logic is here isn't rocket science. If Joe Jurevicius and Braylon Edwards can catch 4 TDs vs. Cincinnati, Branch can surely catch one.
11. WR Chris Chambers, MIA vs NYJ
90 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Chambers is lining up on the strong side and working off picks from his tight end, something he's never done before. In past years he was alone on the weak side working the sidelines. His big plays are down but his catches and targets are way up. Chambers is also 10th with 201 receiving yards. Jets CB Andre Dyson is playing on a sore foot.
12. WR Terrell Owens, DAL vs CHI
80 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
In 4 career meetings with the Bears, Owens averages 10.25 catches per game (!) for 565 yards and 2 TDs. 10 catches? Oh wait, one of those games was his NFL-record 20-283-0 smackdown he laid on them 6 years ago as a 49er. Owens vs. Bears CB Charles Tillman is must-see TV.
13. WR Anquan Boldin, ARI vs BAL
80 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Last week the Ravens secondary was flawless for most of the game but Ed Reed and Samari Rolle let Jerricho Cotchery work the middle a few times and he made them pay. Anquan Boldin works the same deep curls and seams as Cotchery for his team. In his only career meeting vs. the Ravens in 2003 Boldin had 6 catches for 95 yards.
14. WR Ronald Curry, OAK vs CLE
80 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Curry will face 5'10/192-lb rookie CB Eric Wright (UNLV), a player we really like - but boy was he lost in the Ohio Shootout II last week. Curry only caught 2 passes for 12 yards last week but we think he'll bounce back hard. The Browns also only have one healthy safety right now, Sean Jones.
15. WR Torry Holt, STL vs TBB
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Holt has topped 100 yards in all 4 career meetings with Tampa. In those 4 games he has 35 catches for 567 yards and 3 TDs. He seems to execute against a pure cover-2 better than any wideout in football. Strange stat: Isaac Bruce has more targets (22) than Holt (16) after two games.
16. WR Marques Colston, NOS vs TEN
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
RCB Cortland Finnegan was limited Wednesday because of a hamstring issue. He's Pacman Jones' replacement, if he can't go they gotta dig deep and re-shuffle. Colston's been targeted a healthy 18 times in two weeks and that number could go up if Devery Henderson's really gonna get benched.
17. WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, CIN vs SEA
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
T.J. now has 6+ catches in 27 of his last 42 regular-season games. He's also been targeted 27 times in two weeks, more than any player in football except Javon Walker (28). T.J. is sitting out every Wednesday for his knee and we'd be lying if we said it didn't bother us a little - but he's never had his knee scoped before so we'll buy Marvin Lewis' "resting my veterans" thing.
18. WR Joey Galloway, TBB vs STL
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
In his last 5 games going back to last year Galloway has 22 catches for 466 yards (21.2 average!) with 4 TDs. And 2 of those scores have been from 60+ yards out. Man oh man, we just raised his Rest of Way ranking 4 more notches. What a fantasy value pick!
19. WR Lee Evans, BUF vs NEP
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Last year after two games Lee had 4 catches for 44 yards & 0 TDs. This year after two games Lee has 4 catches for 22 yards & 0 TDs. Last year in week 3 he went for 8 catches for 107 yards & 0 TDs on the Jets. Bonus: Rookie S Brandon Meriweather might have to start at free safety because Eugene Wilson (ankle) is hurt.
20. WR Calvin Johnson, DET vs PHI
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Calvin's only been targeted 16 times - less than 29 other players in the league - because he's not "starting." Imagine what he'll do when Mike Furrey officially gives up the #2 job. The Eagles are all banged up and coming off a short practice week.
21. WR Laveranues Coles, NYJ vs MIA
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The last time these two teams met in New York, Coles had 5 catches for 106 yards & 2 TDs (one from 58 yards out!) and the Jets survived a 14-point 4th-quarter rally. Coles also has 9 career TDs vs. the Dolphins, his most vs. any opponent. Start him.
22. WR Isaac Bruce, STL vs TBB
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Bruce is a DS Sleeper who might pan out. We get the suspicion that Torry Holt (knee) isn't quite right because Bruce is running some of Holt's patented streaks and posts - while Holt does all the curls and comeback routes, then hitting the turf quickly. Keep using Bruce as your WR3.
23. WR Larry Fitzgerald, ARI vs BAL
45 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Last year after two games Larry had 13 catches for 185 yards & 0 TDs. This year after two games Larry has 10 catches for 107 yards & 0 TDs. He scored in week 3 last year... but that was at home vs. St. Louis.
24. WR Hines Ward, PIT vs SFO
45 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Nate Clements will be stuck on Ward like a window decal, but you just know Ward will shake him inside the 10. No fancy stats here, just start your best players.
25. WR Braylon Edwards, CLE vs OAK
90 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Edwards set career high for receptions (8), receiving yards (146) & tied his career-high with 2 TDs last week. 'Atta boy, Braylon. Raiders safety Michael Huff holds his own against big, rumbling tight ends but Edwards could give him fits on the post.
26. WR Santonio Holmes, PIT vs SFO
85 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Holmes gets to face 49ers CB Walt Harris, who is being attacked a lot and is running tired in the 2nd half. No one will throw at Nate Clements on the other side (who should be on Hines Ward mostly). Holmes' 17.3 average per catch in his first 18 career games (min. 40 catches) ranks 6th highest all-time. He's a star.
27. WR Plaxico Burress, NYG vs WAS
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Is it the back spasms or the ankle? Hopefully it's all just boo-boo coachspeak. Burress was supposedly banged up all summer and came out with a vengeance - 4 TDs in two games. On the flip side, he's only been targeted 13 times so far, 36th among WRs.
28. WR Reggie Brown, PHI vs DET
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Lions have poor communication in the secondary after losing S Daniel Bullocks while rookie Gerald Alexander is struggling. They've given up 50 receptions, 4th most in the league. Reggie's a staff fave who's under a lot of pressure at Draft Sharks. This matchup is as good as any he'll get.
29. WR Bernard Berrian, CHI vs DAL
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Dallas ranks 31st in pass defense and is one of 6 teams that have given up 8+ pass plays of 20+ yards. Wade Phillips said CB Terence Newman (foot) "might play" and we'd almost rather they did rush him out there. Berrian would blow his doors off.
30. WR Derrick Mason, BAL vs ARI
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Mason has a whopping 24 targets and has really made us believe in him as a pro. It's easy for a wideout to throw in the towel when you're over 30, have pulled down over $25 million in your career, and your team lacks a gunslinger QB to keep you awake. Mason's a poor man's Joey Galloway.
31. WR Brandon Marshall, DEN vs JAX
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Marshall could have a field day vs. the Jaguars secondary, which is being re-shuffled due to injuries and offseason defections. We didn't think they'd miss safety Deon Grant (went to Seattle) but they do. A buddy of ours in Denver got to attend a Broncos practice recently and said, "Marshall dominates Champ Bailey in practice so bad that Bailey just starts laughing." Marshall has 15 targets to Brandon Stokley's 8 so far.
32. WR Wes Welker, NEP vs BUF
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Welker is tied for 8th among WRs with 14 catches. We're starting to realize that no one man can cover Welker for short distances. He reminds us of O.J. McDuffie or Peter Warrick, two splendid possession receivers when they were healthy.
33. WR Drew Carter, CAR vs ATL
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Atlanta gives up 14.5 yards per catch, 3rd worst in the league - and they've faced the Vikings and Jags? The last time Carter faced them he caught 5 passes for 62 yards and only played 20-25 snaps. Now he's playing 35-40.
34. WR Arnaz Battle, SFO vs PIT
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
We left Darrell Jackson off the Week 2 rankings because of his "tweaked" back... We saw him leaving the field a lot in the 2nd half vs. the Rams. Meanwhile Battle is healthy and is matching Jackson in targets (13) and catches (7) anyway. Plus Battle has scored a TD on an end-around.
35. WR Jacoby Jones, HOU vs IND
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: The "Next Marques Colston" is on the starting block... actually we'd just be happy if he was the "Next Marcus Robinson" -- 4 or 5 catches with a 7-yard TD off a jump ball.
36. WR Ruvell Martin, GBP vs SDC
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: James Jones suffered a hamstring injury two hours ago in practice Thursday. He limped off the practice field. Greg Jennings is already doubtful. Ruvell Martin could have a big day.
37. WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ vs MIA
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Cotchery is a famous gym rat who seems to get really wide open when the game hits the 4th quarter. In fact, in his first 2 games Cotchery has posted 8 of his 13 catches the 2nd half. He ate Baltimore up last week. Cotchery also leads the NFL with 117 yards after catch. He has a shoulder injury but should be OK.
38. WR Dennis Northcutt, JAX vs DEN
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Northcutt's averaging almost 15 yards per catch and seems to be the only Jaguars WR fighting off the jam. Both Ernest Wilford and Matt Jones, who are twice Northcutt's size, are getting pushed off their routes. Disturbing.
39. WR Bobby Wade, MIN vs KCC
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Wade had a sore ankle from August 25th up until last week. He's 100% and ready to go. Troy Williamson has a sore hamstring and might only play 20 snaps if at all. Kelly Holcomb can throw the football into tight spaces, something that Tarvaris Jackson couldn't do.
40. WR David Patten, NOS vs TEN
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Patten only has 11 targets but that's because he's been rotating in and out. He didn't even play in three full series vs. Tampa Bay and still caught 2 passes for 66 yards. His 58-yarder off a crossing route was the team's best play of the year so far. Sean Payton will use him more often on Monday night.
41. WR Roydell Williams, TEN vs NOS
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Roydell Williams caught a TD vs. the Colts and even though he doesn't "start" he spells Eric Moulds liberally. He'll be fired up at New Orleans on Monday night. Williams grew up in Louisiana and played countless games in the Superdome at Tulane.
42. WR Nate Burleson, SEA vs CIN
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
We're taking it nice and slow with Burleson, giving him a little love here and there, careful not to get burned like we did last year. We ranked him last week and he caught a TD. Many of you reported starting him as your WR3, so that's good. Let's not jinx it. If you lost Andre Johnson (knee) or James Jones (hamstring) Nate can probably help out for a couple weeks.
43. WR Shaun McDonald, DET vs PHI
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
This is totally unconfirmed but a person near the Lions organization just told us Mike Furrey has some "puffiness" in his knee from training camp that still won't go away. McDonald, their 4th receiver on paper, is having a field day on nickel and dime corners and having the most fun he's had in years. He also leads the NFC with 10 1st-down receptions. If Andre Johnson stung you and you need to hire a temp, try McDonald out for one game.
44. WR Joe Jurevicius, CLE vs OAK
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He caught 2 TDs last week which automatically gets you a spot in our Weekly Rankings. We're a little skeptical against the rock 'em-sock'em Raiders CBs but at least Joe never sees double-teams with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow out there.
45. WR Roddy White, ATL vs CAR
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Roddy averages a juicy 15.9 yards per catch over his young career and it would be up around 18-19 if he hadn't dropped 4 bombs from Michael Vick last year. So far this year Roddy hasn't dropped one of the 11 passes thrown his way (3 incompletions not his fault) and he's the most dynamic pass-catcher they have.
