Ok guys...this is my situation. I have P.Manning as my QB, but we all know he has a bye. My back up was Big Ben, but my dumb azz didn't realize they both had bye's the same week when drafting. With not much on the table to choose from I narrowed it down to Jason Campbell and the surprise pick Cleo Lemon from Miami. Reason Lemon is even a consideration is because I heard on the radio this morning from a very respectuful fantasy host that Lemon should have a very big day against the Browns pass defense as this was his sleeper pick of the week! That has me thinking now.........I need your advice whether to start Campbell at Green Bay or Lemon at Cleveland. I need you fantasy experts to help me out! Thanks fellas.......
FANTASY HELP WEEK 6......
- Thread starter RIGHT SIDE
- Start date
I think it depends on the rest of your team. You really dont know what Lemon might get you. It is a risky play but I like it. However Campbell may be the safer play, but I dont see him putting up a huge day against a good GB defense.
I say take the gamble pending the rest of your team and your record.
I say take the gamble pending the rest of your team and your record.
GBay's pass defense has actually been pretty shaky latey.....close to 250-270 yds a game given up! Plus, Santana Moss is back! Definitly Campbell is the safer play, but wanted to see what you fellas had to say.....
I really don't have much to lose as this team for this league is off to a terrible start. I'm in last place and playing the first place team! I have a lot of underachieving players on this team! On paper they look great...just not producing. I've never had any success at fantasy for some reason. Now, wagering is another story!
I really don't have much to lose as this team for this league is off to a terrible start. I'm in last place and playing the first place team! I have a lot of underachieving players on this team! On paper they look great...just not producing. I've never had any success at fantasy for some reason. Now, wagering is another story!
Last edited:
- Mar 19, 2006
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Packer secondary stinks..
Packer "D" allowing 226 yards per game thru the air
Campbell is just about ready to have the reins turned loose..
He is the play and there is no question about it..
good luck..hope ya get the upset win..
Packer "D" allowing 226 yards per game thru the air
Campbell is just about ready to have the reins turned loose..
He is the play and there is no question about it..
good luck..hope ya get the upset win..
Here is Draftsharks if it helps.
Week 6 Player Rankings
*** QBs ***
1. QB Tom Brady, NEP vs DAL
300 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Dallas has the 12th ranked pass defense but they'd be 4th if you took out that weird shootout vs. the Giants in the opener. Dallas also ranks 6th allowing only 58.4% completions by QBs. We're trying to find a reason not to project Brady with 300 yards & 3 TDs. We failed.
2. QB Carson Palmer, CIN vs KCC
280 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
With all their struggles on defense the Bengals are the only NFL team with a 100% success rate in the red zone (7 TDs, 3 FGs in 10 trips). Chad Johnson (ankle) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) should be fine after the bye.
3. QB Eli Manning, NYG vs ATL
255 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
These two teams met last October and Manning threw for 180 yards & 2 TDs. It was a Tiki Barber/Warrick Dunn-fest that day but those guys won't be heard from here. Eli has a TD pass in 35 of his past 38 starts, all INTs aside. It's a love-hate fantasy relationship with him - and we're gettin' warm fuzzy again.
4. QB Tony Romo, DAL vs NEP
275 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The last time these two teams met in 2003 it was Dallas 0, New England 12. Bet your bottom dollar it won't be like that this time. Dallas is shooting for 6-0 for the first time since 1983 when they started 7-0. Thanks to Romo they've scored 176 points in their first 5 games, the most in franchise history since 1968 (193 points).
5. QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA vs NOS
225 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The Saints only mustered up one sack vs. Carolina after a 13-day rest; though that was one more than they had in their first 3 games combined. Seattle will miss WR Deion Branch (foot) for 2-3 games but they still Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, and might even use Seneca Wallace as a wingback we were told.
6. QB Brian Griese, CHI vs MIN
270 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
We sorta recklessly jumped on the Griese wave (he has a wave?) and it's working out. Griese averages 20-22 fantasy points per game depending on your league, good for 8th in the NFL. Last week he raised his passer rating from 68.3 in his first start to 97.8 on the road in Green Bay. "Great job by Brian Griese," Lovie Smith said. "It all starts with the quarterback leading our offense."
7. QB Brett Favre, GBP vs WAS
265 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
From the "What If" Dept: Back in 2002 Favre played the Redskins and LB LaVar Arrington ripped his knee backwards, knocking him out of the game. Favre was on crutches and wouldn't be on this 242-game consecutive start streak if not for a miraculously-timed bye week. He was able to get the swelling down and play in their next game. Back to present: Washington has only allowed 2 TD passes, tied for 1st in the NFL with the Titans and Jags.
8. QB Kurt Warner, ARI vs CAR
265 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Even with Matt Leinart under center over half the time this season, the Cardinals are still 2nd in red-zone TDs at 92.3% (9 TDs in 13 trips). We don't have to tell you Warner is still a talented laser-shooter. If he stays healthy the numbers will come - sometimes in huge fantasy-freaky bunches. Carolina allowed the creaky Saints to convert 8 of 16 on 3rd downs last week.
9. QB Donovan McNabb, PHI vs NYJ
230 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 15 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The Jets have the 25th ranked pass defense. FOX reports Eagles LT William Thomas (knee) was limited Wednesday and was limping afterwards. They really need him back. LG Todd Herremans had arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage and is expected to miss the Jets game. Brian Westbrook (abdomen) and L.J. Smith (groin) are reportedly feeling better - but we gotta say, something just feels strange about this matchup to us.
10. QB Jeff Garcia, TBB vs TEN
215 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Tennessee rocked Joey Harrington's world last week and will probably rough up Garcia a little bit too. But he's most effective when things get frenetic. The Titans play a two-deep zone that might allow Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard to sneak underneath for slant-ins.
11. QB Matt Schaub, HOU vs JAX
225 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 10 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Jacksonville ranks a stifling 5th against fantasy QBs, having only given up 2 TD passes. Only 6 teams have allowed less red-zone trips (11). But we sorta like Schaub in this one because 1) The Jags have never faced him, and 2) The Jags will force them to pass.
12. QB Philip Rivers, SDC vs OAK
240 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Rivers looked damn sharp in Denver (13-of-18 for 270 yards & 2 TDs) and didn't turn the ball over despite the crowd noise. Wait a minute, there was no crowd noise - the Invesco crowd inexplicably started filing out in the 3rd quarter. Oakland is playing better defense than Denver but this should be a productive day for Rivers.
13. QB Drew Brees, NOS vs SEA
230 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Brees played Seattle in 2002 when he was a Charger and passed for 332 yards & 3 TDs. They were the 27th ranked pass defense then, and they're the 17th ranked unit now. And Brees' surrounding cast isn't like that Chargers team. Conventional wisdom suggests Brees tanks again but at this point we're dumbfounded. It could go either way. Only Brett Favre throws more often than Brees.
14. QB Derek Anderson, CLE vs MIA
225 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Miami is one of only 4 teams to allow more than 10 red-zone TDs this year. LB Zach Thomas (concussion) returned last week and came away looking strong with 9 total tackles: he'll be a thorn in Cleveland's side. Anderson (3 INTs last week) is erratic but he has 4 TD passes in the last two weeks against Baltimore and New England. He'll do in a pinch.
15. QB Vince Young, TEN vs TBB
165 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Young is not delivering as expected after 4 games (only 4 total TDs) and last week made us doubt him for the first time since early in his rookie season. Young threw 3 INTs vs. Atlanta and didn't hit a pass longer than 16 yards. The good thing is Tampa never even sniffed Peyton Manning's cologne last week, and the Titans' offensive line is just as good.
16. QB Daunte Culpepper, OAK vs SDC
215 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Even after his 5-TD game vs. Miami (2 pass, 3 rush), Culpepper's still too new to rate. But for what it's worth, in his only career meeting vs. San Diego in 2003 he threw for 370 yards & 4 TDs. He should generate palpable fantasy numbers in this one. The offensive line is rested and LG Robert Gallery's shoulder is healing.
17. QB Steve McNair, BAL vs STL
200 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Jared Gaither likely will make his first career NFL start at left tackle and rookie Marshal Yanda will play at right tackle. If center Mike Flynn (knee) can't go, Chris Chester makes his first start at center and rookie Ben Grubbs will start at right guard. Whew! The Rams have the 14th ranked pass defense. Still a solid home matchup for McNair if you're in a bye pinch.
18. QB David Garrard, JAX vs HOU
190 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 25 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
In his last two games vs. Houston, Garrard has thrown for a chunky 506 yards with 1 TD pass and 84 rushing yards. That's what you're hoping for here: 180-210 yards and a TD, run or pass. Garrard is the 18th or 19th best fantasy QB in points per game. Houston is 13th against fantasy QBs.
19. QB Damon Huard, KCC vs CIN
210 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Huard's shoulder injury tested out much better than originally feared (or hoped, if you're a disgruntled Chiefs fan). He's going to start vs. Cincinnati. "Right now, unless he has a setback, he's going to play," said Herm Edwards. "And that's good for us."
20. QB Jason Campbell, WAS vs GBP
200 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Packers CB Al Harris (back) is starting to fade and really needs a bye. CB Charles Woodson (hip/foot) is in the same boat. On the flip side, Redskins WR Antwaan Randle-El is doubtful with a high hamstring pull.
*** RBs ***
1. RB Ronnie Brown, MIA vs CLE
125 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 50 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
With the fate of their offense in the hands of Meadowlark, err, Cleo Lemon, Brown?s workload will increase. He?s rushed for at least 112 yards over the past 3 games, averaging 4.9, 8.9 and 5.0 ypc in each of those contests respectively while scoring a total of 4 TDs. He?s also had 5 or more receptions in 4 of his last 5 games.
2. RB Willis McGahee, BAL vs STL
120 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
McGahee, who has rushed for 75 or more yards in every game this season, faces the league?s 5th worst defense with 148 rushing yards allowed per game. The Rams have allowed 8 rushing TDs in 5 games this year. He?ll run behind an offensive line that will start 3 rookies but he'll get 25 touches to make his money.
3. RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SDC vs OAK
120 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
HC Norv Turner finally decided to run the ball with the NFL?s #1 back behind the one of the best offensive lines in the league. Last week, the team ran the ball a season-high 37 times and averaged 9.7 yards per offensive touch. That was the 9th highest total of any team this season. He faces a Raiders defense that he?s shredded for 100 yards 7 times in 12 career matchups.
4. RB Reggie Bush, NOS vs SEA
70 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Bush has been distracted all season and now we?ve learned why: Lloyd Lake, who was alleged to have made improper payments to Bush while the star tailback was at Southern California, has agreed to meet with NCAA investigators. Bush touched the ball 30 times last week so you gotta keep plugging him.
5. RB Edgerrin James, ARI vs CAR
110 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
James has developed into a great option as your #2 back. He leads the NFC with 442 total yards. Teams are averaging nearly 30 rushing attempts per game against Carolina. Kurt Warner will rely on James to stabilize the offense but they?ll have to overcome Carolina?s defensive front of Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker.
6. RB Adrian Peterson, MIN vs CHI
100 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Peterson is lethal when he lines up in the power-I formation behind RB Tony Richardson. He leads all NFL rookies with 383 rushing yards. He has an outside shot at becoming the first rookie to lead the NFL in rushing since Barry Sanders in 1989. Chicago?s run defense has been tough enough for top-10 status but they have allowed 4 rushing scores.
7. RB Larry Johnson, KCC vs CIN
105 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Johnson hasn?t scored, in well, forever. The richest player in Kansas City history is averaging only 3.3 yards on 84 rushes. In total, his 103 touches and 374 total yards in 5 games has yielded a pitiful 3.63 yards per touch. He gets a shot at redemption against the Bengals door-knob (everyone gets a turn) defense surrendering 152 rushing yards per game this year.
8. RB Kenny Watson, CIN vs KCC
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Rudi Johnson has been unofficially ruled out for Sunday?s tilt in Kansas City. Watson is a speedy and shifty tailback, the kind that causes problems for the Chiefs, who have allowed 126 rushing yards per game. Watson?s averaging 5.2 ypc this season.
9. RB Clinton Portis, WAS vs GBP
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Portis is still sharing carries with Ladell Betts but the numbers are in his favor. He has 49 carries in Washington's past 3 games compared to Betts' 21. He also has 3 TDs during that span while Betts has zero. The Packers defensive line, anchored by Aaron Kampman, is pretty stout against the run. The weak link, however, is LB Brady Poppinga, and teams are starting to run towards his side to get chunks of yards.
10. RB Shaun Alexander, SEA vs NOS
75 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Seattle?s ground game is a shade above terrible and the loss of FB Mack Strong doesn?t help. Leonard Weaver, an undrafted free agent, takes over as the lead blocker for Alexander. He starting to show signs of slowing down and it?s clear that he doesn?t have the speed, stamina and chutzpah to handle the ball 25-30 times a game. Still a great matchup.
11. RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG vs ATL
80 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jacobs returned from his knee injury to rush for 100 yards and stupid holding penalty last week wiped out a potential multi-TD game last week. Look for the Giants to use the platoon approach once again, but with a little more tilt toward Jacobs since Derrick Ward's ankle is sore. Atlanta?s top DTs Rod Coleman and Jonathan Babineaux are both out with injuries.
12. RB Ahman Green, HOU vs JAX
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
HC Gary Kubiak told reporters after practice Wednesday that Green "looked good. He took his normal reps and that was a positive for him, so I feel real good about him.? He's fine. Start him.
13. RB Marion Barber, DAL vs NEP
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Barber faces a stiff challenge against the Patriots defense that has allowed just 1 rushing score all year. Buffalo limited Barber and Julius Jones to 69 yards on 20 carries and 0 TDs after the dynamic duo averaged 110 yards and 1 TD per game prior. Barber plays with a nasty streak which gives him the edge against the Patriots defense.
14. RB Sammy Morris, NEP vs DAL
65 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Morris has the ability to slice through the Cowboys defensive line and the receiving ability to neutralize their LBs corps. He?s blossomed into a solid fantasy starter while Laurence Maroney nursed a groin injury. Alert: Maroney might be OK to return. We'll work the Weekly Updated List starting Friday.
15. RB Laurence Maroney, NEP vs DAL
55 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Stay tuned. ESPN's John Clayton thinks Maroney is a go. We're crossing our fingers.
16. RB Earnest Graham, TBB vs TEN
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Bucs running game suffered a shot to the kidneys when Cadillac Williams went down for the year. Now with Michael Pittman out for an extended period of time, the team will turn to Graham. The ex-Florida star has played well carrying 36 times for 147 yards and 3 TDs in limited action. The club signed Zack Crockett and Kenneth Darby to help a bit. Graham is a savvy start if you?re in a bye week pinch.
17. RB Fred Taylor, JAX vs HOU
45 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He hasn?t sniffed the end zone all season and has just 1 game above the 50-yard watermark. Not good. Greg Jones is starting to siphon a few carries as well. We still think Taylor will pound one in vs. Houston. Just a hunch.
18. RB Correll Buckhalter, PHI vs NYJ
45 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Westbrook isn?t 100% and the Eagles will utilize Buckhalter in different situations. He?s a decent flex-start considering the number of starting RBs taking the week off.
19. RB DeShaun Foster, CAR vs ARI
80 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Panthers have major issues at QB with Jake Delhomme out for the year and the possibility that David Carr might not play. That leaves Matt Moore (who?) and greybeard Vinny Testaverde as possible starting options. That means Foster and DeAngelo Williams should see their numbers called often.
20. RB Jason Wright, CLE vs MIA
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 35 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Wright had 15 carries for 59 yards and 4 receptions for 43 yards while pitching relief for an injured Jamal Lewis last week. Lewis might not suit up so Wright should get 12+ carries at the very least. We'll know more soon.
21. RB Brian Westbrook, PHI vs NYJ
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 40 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Westbrook practiced a full turn on Wednesday but is sporting an elaborate wrap around his midsection. The Eagles call it an abdominal strain, but everyone knows it was a small tear. "I feel a lot better than after the bye week," he said. "This is an injury that takes time to heal." He?s averaging 7.3 yards every time he touches the ball ? but that?s when he was healthy. We'll know more tomorrow.
22. RB Thomas Jones, NYJ vs PHI
70 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The number of carries, much like his yardage output, continues to shrink each week. "I'm here to play football," he said. "As far as the number of carries the past couple of weeks, that's up to the coaches." Philly has the 6th ranked run defense, including just 2 TDs allowed through the first month of the season.
23. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX vs HOU
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
After 3 games with rushing totals in the 30s, MJD had a breakout game with 82 yards last week. It also marked the return of his trademark: The big play. His 52-yard TD was awesome, just awesome and truly left us speechless. The Texans have progressively allowed more and more rushing yards per game since Week 1. We've been hard on this kid but there is hope.
24. RB Dominic Rhodes, OAK vs SDC
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He?s rusty but might get 12-15 carries against the Chargers. LaMont Jordan is hurt and Justin Fargas isn't a feature back. "He reminds me of (Atlanta's) Warrick Dunn a little bit, but a lot bigger than Warrick and a little more explosive," FB Justin Griffith said of Rhodes.
25. RB Brian Leonard, STL vs BAL
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Leonard, who whipped out a 100-yard rushing effort last week, faces a Ravens defense that has stifled opposing RBs to 66 yards per game while allowing just 1 rushing score in 20 quarters of action. Decent rookie back who gets a bad matchup.
26. RB LenDale White, TEN vs TBB
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
White?s yards per carry average isn?t great (less than 3.5) but he gets a chance to do some damage against Tampa?s defense that is ranked 22nd against the run. Note: Chris Brown did steal a goal-to-go TD last week for the first time this year.
27. RB Derrick Ward, NYG vs ATL
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
It's hard to fathom that a guy who ranks second in the NFC with 409 rushing yards is going to the second-best back on his team. But the Giants will utilize a platoon between Ward, who has a bad ankle, and Brandon Jacobs against the Falcons this weekend. The Falcons have the 21st-ranked rushing defense, so look for the Giants to hammer them on the ground.
28. RB Cedric Benson, CHI vs MIN
60 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Benson has been disappointing, rushing for 65 yards or less in 4 of 5 games this season. His 2 TDs are kind of a saving grace but the Bears rush offense appears to be stuck in the mud. He did pop off a 24-yard TD against the Vikings the last time he faced them. The Vikings feature the leagues #1 ranked rush defense, allowing just 62 yards per game and zero rushing scores on the year.
29. RB DeShawn Wynn, GBP vs WAS
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Wynn leads all NFC rookie RBs with 3 TDs. Brandon Jackson returned to practice and is ready for 10 touches on Sunday. Green Bay?s backfield is a muddled mess but Wynn has a chance to score any given week.
30. RB Chester Taylor, MIN vs CHI
45 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
HC Brad Childress told reporters this week that Taylor will be on the field at the same time as Adrian Peterson. He?ll be used as an outlet receiver to ward off Chicago?s strong upfield push and open lanes for Peterson. He?s a decent spot-start at flex despite the Bears feisty defense.
31. RB Warrick Dunn, ATL vs NYG
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Wake us when the Falcons discover their ground game. We might be asleep for a while now that both starting tackles Gandy and Weiner are out.
32. RB Ron Dayne, HOU vs JAX
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
See Ahman Green. Dayne might get 8-12 touches, or at least line up in goal-to-go situations.
33. RB Justin Fargas, OAK vs SDC
45 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He destroyed the Dolphins last week for 179 rushing yards, and has averaged 6.1 yards per carry this year. He will get more carries with LaMont Jordan hobbling, but Fargas will have to split touches with Dominic Rhodes.
34. RB Jamal Lewis, CLE vs MIA
45 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Miami?s defense had allowed a league-worst 199 rushing yards per game but they limited the Texans to 74 yards on the ground. He?s wearing a boot on his foot and will be a game-time decision according to HC Romeo Crennel. Stay tuned.
35. RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR vs ARZ
25 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Worth a look in an awful bye week.
Week 6 Player Rankings
*** QBs ***
1. QB Tom Brady, NEP vs DAL
300 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Dallas has the 12th ranked pass defense but they'd be 4th if you took out that weird shootout vs. the Giants in the opener. Dallas also ranks 6th allowing only 58.4% completions by QBs. We're trying to find a reason not to project Brady with 300 yards & 3 TDs. We failed.
2. QB Carson Palmer, CIN vs KCC
280 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
With all their struggles on defense the Bengals are the only NFL team with a 100% success rate in the red zone (7 TDs, 3 FGs in 10 trips). Chad Johnson (ankle) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (knee) should be fine after the bye.
3. QB Eli Manning, NYG vs ATL
255 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
These two teams met last October and Manning threw for 180 yards & 2 TDs. It was a Tiki Barber/Warrick Dunn-fest that day but those guys won't be heard from here. Eli has a TD pass in 35 of his past 38 starts, all INTs aside. It's a love-hate fantasy relationship with him - and we're gettin' warm fuzzy again.
4. QB Tony Romo, DAL vs NEP
275 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The last time these two teams met in 2003 it was Dallas 0, New England 12. Bet your bottom dollar it won't be like that this time. Dallas is shooting for 6-0 for the first time since 1983 when they started 7-0. Thanks to Romo they've scored 176 points in their first 5 games, the most in franchise history since 1968 (193 points).
5. QB Matt Hasselbeck, SEA vs NOS
225 Pass Yds, 3 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The Saints only mustered up one sack vs. Carolina after a 13-day rest; though that was one more than they had in their first 3 games combined. Seattle will miss WR Deion Branch (foot) for 2-3 games but they still Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, and might even use Seneca Wallace as a wingback we were told.
6. QB Brian Griese, CHI vs MIN
270 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
We sorta recklessly jumped on the Griese wave (he has a wave?) and it's working out. Griese averages 20-22 fantasy points per game depending on your league, good for 8th in the NFL. Last week he raised his passer rating from 68.3 in his first start to 97.8 on the road in Green Bay. "Great job by Brian Griese," Lovie Smith said. "It all starts with the quarterback leading our offense."
7. QB Brett Favre, GBP vs WAS
265 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
From the "What If" Dept: Back in 2002 Favre played the Redskins and LB LaVar Arrington ripped his knee backwards, knocking him out of the game. Favre was on crutches and wouldn't be on this 242-game consecutive start streak if not for a miraculously-timed bye week. He was able to get the swelling down and play in their next game. Back to present: Washington has only allowed 2 TD passes, tied for 1st in the NFL with the Titans and Jags.
8. QB Kurt Warner, ARI vs CAR
265 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Even with Matt Leinart under center over half the time this season, the Cardinals are still 2nd in red-zone TDs at 92.3% (9 TDs in 13 trips). We don't have to tell you Warner is still a talented laser-shooter. If he stays healthy the numbers will come - sometimes in huge fantasy-freaky bunches. Carolina allowed the creaky Saints to convert 8 of 16 on 3rd downs last week.
9. QB Donovan McNabb, PHI vs NYJ
230 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 15 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
The Jets have the 25th ranked pass defense. FOX reports Eagles LT William Thomas (knee) was limited Wednesday and was limping afterwards. They really need him back. LG Todd Herremans had arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage and is expected to miss the Jets game. Brian Westbrook (abdomen) and L.J. Smith (groin) are reportedly feeling better - but we gotta say, something just feels strange about this matchup to us.
10. QB Jeff Garcia, TBB vs TEN
215 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Tennessee rocked Joey Harrington's world last week and will probably rough up Garcia a little bit too. But he's most effective when things get frenetic. The Titans play a two-deep zone that might allow Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard to sneak underneath for slant-ins.
11. QB Matt Schaub, HOU vs JAX
225 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 10 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Jacksonville ranks a stifling 5th against fantasy QBs, having only given up 2 TD passes. Only 6 teams have allowed less red-zone trips (11). But we sorta like Schaub in this one because 1) The Jags have never faced him, and 2) The Jags will force them to pass.
12. QB Philip Rivers, SDC vs OAK
240 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Rivers looked damn sharp in Denver (13-of-18 for 270 yards & 2 TDs) and didn't turn the ball over despite the crowd noise. Wait a minute, there was no crowd noise - the Invesco crowd inexplicably started filing out in the 3rd quarter. Oakland is playing better defense than Denver but this should be a productive day for Rivers.
13. QB Drew Brees, NOS vs SEA
230 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Brees played Seattle in 2002 when he was a Charger and passed for 332 yards & 3 TDs. They were the 27th ranked pass defense then, and they're the 17th ranked unit now. And Brees' surrounding cast isn't like that Chargers team. Conventional wisdom suggests Brees tanks again but at this point we're dumbfounded. It could go either way. Only Brett Favre throws more often than Brees.
14. QB Derek Anderson, CLE vs MIA
225 Pass Yds, 2 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Miami is one of only 4 teams to allow more than 10 red-zone TDs this year. LB Zach Thomas (concussion) returned last week and came away looking strong with 9 total tackles: he'll be a thorn in Cleveland's side. Anderson (3 INTs last week) is erratic but he has 4 TD passes in the last two weeks against Baltimore and New England. He'll do in a pinch.
15. QB Vince Young, TEN vs TBB
165 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Young is not delivering as expected after 4 games (only 4 total TDs) and last week made us doubt him for the first time since early in his rookie season. Young threw 3 INTs vs. Atlanta and didn't hit a pass longer than 16 yards. The good thing is Tampa never even sniffed Peyton Manning's cologne last week, and the Titans' offensive line is just as good.
16. QB Daunte Culpepper, OAK vs SDC
215 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Even after his 5-TD game vs. Miami (2 pass, 3 rush), Culpepper's still too new to rate. But for what it's worth, in his only career meeting vs. San Diego in 2003 he threw for 370 yards & 4 TDs. He should generate palpable fantasy numbers in this one. The offensive line is rested and LG Robert Gallery's shoulder is healing.
17. QB Steve McNair, BAL vs STL
200 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 20 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Jared Gaither likely will make his first career NFL start at left tackle and rookie Marshal Yanda will play at right tackle. If center Mike Flynn (knee) can't go, Chris Chester makes his first start at center and rookie Ben Grubbs will start at right guard. Whew! The Rams have the 14th ranked pass defense. Still a solid home matchup for McNair if you're in a bye pinch.
18. QB David Garrard, JAX vs HOU
190 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 25 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
In his last two games vs. Houston, Garrard has thrown for a chunky 506 yards with 1 TD pass and 84 rushing yards. That's what you're hoping for here: 180-210 yards and a TD, run or pass. Garrard is the 18th or 19th best fantasy QB in points per game. Houston is 13th against fantasy QBs.
19. QB Damon Huard, KCC vs CIN
210 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Huard's shoulder injury tested out much better than originally feared (or hoped, if you're a disgruntled Chiefs fan). He's going to start vs. Cincinnati. "Right now, unless he has a setback, he's going to play," said Herm Edwards. "And that's good for us."
20. QB Jason Campbell, WAS vs GBP
200 Pass Yds, 1 Pass TDs, 0 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs
Packers CB Al Harris (back) is starting to fade and really needs a bye. CB Charles Woodson (hip/foot) is in the same boat. On the flip side, Redskins WR Antwaan Randle-El is doubtful with a high hamstring pull.
*** RBs ***
1. RB Ronnie Brown, MIA vs CLE
125 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 50 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
With the fate of their offense in the hands of Meadowlark, err, Cleo Lemon, Brown?s workload will increase. He?s rushed for at least 112 yards over the past 3 games, averaging 4.9, 8.9 and 5.0 ypc in each of those contests respectively while scoring a total of 4 TDs. He?s also had 5 or more receptions in 4 of his last 5 games.
2. RB Willis McGahee, BAL vs STL
120 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
McGahee, who has rushed for 75 or more yards in every game this season, faces the league?s 5th worst defense with 148 rushing yards allowed per game. The Rams have allowed 8 rushing TDs in 5 games this year. He?ll run behind an offensive line that will start 3 rookies but he'll get 25 touches to make his money.
3. RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SDC vs OAK
120 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
HC Norv Turner finally decided to run the ball with the NFL?s #1 back behind the one of the best offensive lines in the league. Last week, the team ran the ball a season-high 37 times and averaged 9.7 yards per offensive touch. That was the 9th highest total of any team this season. He faces a Raiders defense that he?s shredded for 100 yards 7 times in 12 career matchups.
4. RB Reggie Bush, NOS vs SEA
70 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Bush has been distracted all season and now we?ve learned why: Lloyd Lake, who was alleged to have made improper payments to Bush while the star tailback was at Southern California, has agreed to meet with NCAA investigators. Bush touched the ball 30 times last week so you gotta keep plugging him.
5. RB Edgerrin James, ARI vs CAR
110 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
James has developed into a great option as your #2 back. He leads the NFC with 442 total yards. Teams are averaging nearly 30 rushing attempts per game against Carolina. Kurt Warner will rely on James to stabilize the offense but they?ll have to overcome Carolina?s defensive front of Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker.
6. RB Adrian Peterson, MIN vs CHI
100 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Peterson is lethal when he lines up in the power-I formation behind RB Tony Richardson. He leads all NFL rookies with 383 rushing yards. He has an outside shot at becoming the first rookie to lead the NFL in rushing since Barry Sanders in 1989. Chicago?s run defense has been tough enough for top-10 status but they have allowed 4 rushing scores.
7. RB Larry Johnson, KCC vs CIN
105 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Johnson hasn?t scored, in well, forever. The richest player in Kansas City history is averaging only 3.3 yards on 84 rushes. In total, his 103 touches and 374 total yards in 5 games has yielded a pitiful 3.63 yards per touch. He gets a shot at redemption against the Bengals door-knob (everyone gets a turn) defense surrendering 152 rushing yards per game this year.
8. RB Kenny Watson, CIN vs KCC
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Rudi Johnson has been unofficially ruled out for Sunday?s tilt in Kansas City. Watson is a speedy and shifty tailback, the kind that causes problems for the Chiefs, who have allowed 126 rushing yards per game. Watson?s averaging 5.2 ypc this season.
9. RB Clinton Portis, WAS vs GBP
85 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Portis is still sharing carries with Ladell Betts but the numbers are in his favor. He has 49 carries in Washington's past 3 games compared to Betts' 21. He also has 3 TDs during that span while Betts has zero. The Packers defensive line, anchored by Aaron Kampman, is pretty stout against the run. The weak link, however, is LB Brady Poppinga, and teams are starting to run towards his side to get chunks of yards.
10. RB Shaun Alexander, SEA vs NOS
75 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Seattle?s ground game is a shade above terrible and the loss of FB Mack Strong doesn?t help. Leonard Weaver, an undrafted free agent, takes over as the lead blocker for Alexander. He starting to show signs of slowing down and it?s clear that he doesn?t have the speed, stamina and chutzpah to handle the ball 25-30 times a game. Still a great matchup.
11. RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG vs ATL
80 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jacobs returned from his knee injury to rush for 100 yards and stupid holding penalty last week wiped out a potential multi-TD game last week. Look for the Giants to use the platoon approach once again, but with a little more tilt toward Jacobs since Derrick Ward's ankle is sore. Atlanta?s top DTs Rod Coleman and Jonathan Babineaux are both out with injuries.
12. RB Ahman Green, HOU vs JAX
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
HC Gary Kubiak told reporters after practice Wednesday that Green "looked good. He took his normal reps and that was a positive for him, so I feel real good about him.? He's fine. Start him.
13. RB Marion Barber, DAL vs NEP
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Barber faces a stiff challenge against the Patriots defense that has allowed just 1 rushing score all year. Buffalo limited Barber and Julius Jones to 69 yards on 20 carries and 0 TDs after the dynamic duo averaged 110 yards and 1 TD per game prior. Barber plays with a nasty streak which gives him the edge against the Patriots defense.
14. RB Sammy Morris, NEP vs DAL
65 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Morris has the ability to slice through the Cowboys defensive line and the receiving ability to neutralize their LBs corps. He?s blossomed into a solid fantasy starter while Laurence Maroney nursed a groin injury. Alert: Maroney might be OK to return. We'll work the Weekly Updated List starting Friday.
15. RB Laurence Maroney, NEP vs DAL
55 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Stay tuned. ESPN's John Clayton thinks Maroney is a go. We're crossing our fingers.
16. RB Earnest Graham, TBB vs TEN
60 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Bucs running game suffered a shot to the kidneys when Cadillac Williams went down for the year. Now with Michael Pittman out for an extended period of time, the team will turn to Graham. The ex-Florida star has played well carrying 36 times for 147 yards and 3 TDs in limited action. The club signed Zack Crockett and Kenneth Darby to help a bit. Graham is a savvy start if you?re in a bye week pinch.
17. RB Fred Taylor, JAX vs HOU
45 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He hasn?t sniffed the end zone all season and has just 1 game above the 50-yard watermark. Not good. Greg Jones is starting to siphon a few carries as well. We still think Taylor will pound one in vs. Houston. Just a hunch.
18. RB Correll Buckhalter, PHI vs NYJ
45 Rush Yds, 1 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Westbrook isn?t 100% and the Eagles will utilize Buckhalter in different situations. He?s a decent flex-start considering the number of starting RBs taking the week off.
19. RB DeShaun Foster, CAR vs ARI
80 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Panthers have major issues at QB with Jake Delhomme out for the year and the possibility that David Carr might not play. That leaves Matt Moore (who?) and greybeard Vinny Testaverde as possible starting options. That means Foster and DeAngelo Williams should see their numbers called often.
20. RB Jason Wright, CLE vs MIA
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 35 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Wright had 15 carries for 59 yards and 4 receptions for 43 yards while pitching relief for an injured Jamal Lewis last week. Lewis might not suit up so Wright should get 12+ carries at the very least. We'll know more soon.
21. RB Brian Westbrook, PHI vs NYJ
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 40 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Westbrook practiced a full turn on Wednesday but is sporting an elaborate wrap around his midsection. The Eagles call it an abdominal strain, but everyone knows it was a small tear. "I feel a lot better than after the bye week," he said. "This is an injury that takes time to heal." He?s averaging 7.3 yards every time he touches the ball ? but that?s when he was healthy. We'll know more tomorrow.
22. RB Thomas Jones, NYJ vs PHI
70 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The number of carries, much like his yardage output, continues to shrink each week. "I'm here to play football," he said. "As far as the number of carries the past couple of weeks, that's up to the coaches." Philly has the 6th ranked run defense, including just 2 TDs allowed through the first month of the season.
23. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX vs HOU
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
After 3 games with rushing totals in the 30s, MJD had a breakout game with 82 yards last week. It also marked the return of his trademark: The big play. His 52-yard TD was awesome, just awesome and truly left us speechless. The Texans have progressively allowed more and more rushing yards per game since Week 1. We've been hard on this kid but there is hope.
24. RB Dominic Rhodes, OAK vs SDC
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He?s rusty but might get 12-15 carries against the Chargers. LaMont Jordan is hurt and Justin Fargas isn't a feature back. "He reminds me of (Atlanta's) Warrick Dunn a little bit, but a lot bigger than Warrick and a little more explosive," FB Justin Griffith said of Rhodes.
25. RB Brian Leonard, STL vs BAL
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Leonard, who whipped out a 100-yard rushing effort last week, faces a Ravens defense that has stifled opposing RBs to 66 yards per game while allowing just 1 rushing score in 20 quarters of action. Decent rookie back who gets a bad matchup.
26. RB LenDale White, TEN vs TBB
65 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
White?s yards per carry average isn?t great (less than 3.5) but he gets a chance to do some damage against Tampa?s defense that is ranked 22nd against the run. Note: Chris Brown did steal a goal-to-go TD last week for the first time this year.
27. RB Derrick Ward, NYG vs ATL
55 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
It's hard to fathom that a guy who ranks second in the NFC with 409 rushing yards is going to the second-best back on his team. But the Giants will utilize a platoon between Ward, who has a bad ankle, and Brandon Jacobs against the Falcons this weekend. The Falcons have the 21st-ranked rushing defense, so look for the Giants to hammer them on the ground.
28. RB Cedric Benson, CHI vs MIN
60 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Benson has been disappointing, rushing for 65 yards or less in 4 of 5 games this season. His 2 TDs are kind of a saving grace but the Bears rush offense appears to be stuck in the mud. He did pop off a 24-yard TD against the Vikings the last time he faced them. The Vikings feature the leagues #1 ranked rush defense, allowing just 62 yards per game and zero rushing scores on the year.
29. RB DeShawn Wynn, GBP vs WAS
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 20 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Wynn leads all NFC rookie RBs with 3 TDs. Brandon Jackson returned to practice and is ready for 10 touches on Sunday. Green Bay?s backfield is a muddled mess but Wynn has a chance to score any given week.
30. RB Chester Taylor, MIN vs CHI
45 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 25 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
HC Brad Childress told reporters this week that Taylor will be on the field at the same time as Adrian Peterson. He?ll be used as an outlet receiver to ward off Chicago?s strong upfield push and open lanes for Peterson. He?s a decent spot-start at flex despite the Bears feisty defense.
31. RB Warrick Dunn, ATL vs NYG
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Wake us when the Falcons discover their ground game. We might be asleep for a while now that both starting tackles Gandy and Weiner are out.
32. RB Ron Dayne, HOU vs JAX
50 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
See Ahman Green. Dayne might get 8-12 touches, or at least line up in goal-to-go situations.
33. RB Justin Fargas, OAK vs SDC
45 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 15 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
He destroyed the Dolphins last week for 179 rushing yards, and has averaged 6.1 yards per carry this year. He will get more carries with LaMont Jordan hobbling, but Fargas will have to split touches with Dominic Rhodes.
34. RB Jamal Lewis, CLE vs MIA
45 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 10 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Miami?s defense had allowed a league-worst 199 rushing yards per game but they limited the Texans to 74 yards on the ground. He?s wearing a boot on his foot and will be a game-time decision according to HC Romeo Crennel. Stay tuned.
35. RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR vs ARZ
25 Rush Yds, 0 Rush TDs, 30 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Worth a look in an awful bye week.
*** WRs ***
1. WR Chad Johnson, CIN vs KCC
120 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Chiefs beat writer Jason Whitlock reports "Ty Law has taken to playing soft, off coverage in an attempt to keep people in front of him, and that means the pickings are easy in front." You never want to make it easy for Chad. He was wearing a walking boot last week (during the bye) for a sore ankle but it's a non-issue now. CB Benny Sapp (ankle) and S Greg Wesley (knee) aren't 100%.
2. WR Larry Fitzgerald, ARI vs CAR
120 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Fitzgerald is turning it on, shooting for his 3rd game in a row with 120+ yards - including 19 catches for 256 yards in his last 2. Fitzgerald has also scored in two straight games vs. the Panthers. CB Ken Lucas slammed his shoulder on the turf in New Orleans and couldn't practice yesterday.
3. WR Donald Driver, GBP vs WAS
115 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Washington will play press coverage and force Driver to fight his way into those patented slant-in routes. CBs Carlos Rogers and Shawn Springs have been joking about how they are both trying to grab Brett Favre's NFL-record 278th INT and might get a little overeager and bite on play-fakes.
4. WR Randy Moss, NEP vs DAL
110 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Moss is the original Cowboy-killer: In 6 career games vs. Dallas (including playoffs) Moss has 29 catches for 675 yards and, gulp, 10 TDs. Cowboys CB Anthony Henry is out with a high ankle sprain. Uh oh.
5. WR Plaxico Burress, NYG vs ATL
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Burress faced Atlanta in 2002 (as a Steeler) and caught 9 passes for 253 yards and 2 TDs in a crazy 34-34 tie. One of his catches was a 44-yarder where he landed at the 1-yard line, just missing a 3rd score. Burress is fighting his ankle with cortisone and winning: He leads the NFC with 7 TDs this season.
6. WR Terrell Owens, DAL vs NEP
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Owens refused to do all the pre-Patriots blabbing with reporters this week which is a sign that Wade Phillips & Jason Garrett really have him focused. New England is one of only 4 teams that haven't given up a 40+ yard catch so far. Patriots CB Asante Samuel is a little banged up (foot) and Ellis Hobbs is only 5'9. If Garrett calls Owens' number enough this could be a 150-yard day.
7. WR Joey Galloway, TBB vs TEN
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Galloway only ranks 59th in the NFL in targets (counting RBs & TEs too) with a lowly 27, yet he ranks 30th overall with 306 receiving yards. Get him the ball! Bucs HC Jon Gruden knows he has to throw at Titans CB Nick Harper and get him flustered. Harper gave up early pass plays of 17 and 37 yards to Marques Colston a few weeks ago but the Saints stopped attacking him. Gruden won't stop.
8. WR Braylon Edwards, CLE vs MIA
85 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Dolphins SS Donovin Darius is back from injury and will try to make sure Edwards doesn't hit that skinny post against them. CB Michael Lehan, a career part-timer, has been forced into action and his technique is very poor. In his last 4 games Edwards has a woo-hoo 426 receiving yards and 4 TDs! What a great addition to the fantasy hobby this kid is.
9. WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, CIN vs KCC
80 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
T.J. now has 6+ catches in 29 of his last 44 regular-season games. He's 2nd in the NFL with 39 catches despite an early bye and 1 less game than most receivers. Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain actually shut T.J. down (3-29-0) a couple years ago at Arrowhead, got in his face all day.
10. WR Steve Smith, CAR vs ARI
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Smith had 8 catches for 119 yards & 2 TDs when these teams met in October 2005. One of his TDs was a 65-yarder where Cardinals CB Eric Green busted up his shoulder because he got turned around and lost his balance. David Carr (back) is not a lock to start which means rookie Matt Moore or 43-year old Vinny Testaverde might play. Stay tuned.
11. WR Bobby Engram, SEA vs NOS
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Seahawks reporter Danny O'Neil says Bobby Engram will replace Deion Branch in the starting lineup... Presumably, Engram will move to the slot when the Seahawks go to three-receiver formations. Hasselbeck will have to adjust to Engram's expanded role in the Seahawks offense. "Half the routes I throw to Bobby I can throw with my eyes closed," Matt Hasselbeck said.
12. WR Patrick Crayton, DAL vs NEP
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Crayton has 3 TDs in his past 3 games and should have had a 4th if not for a blatant drop at Chicago. He's been dealing with a dislocated pinky but it's fine now. Keep plugging Crayton as your WR3 or flex until he gives you a reason not to.
13. WR Marques Colston, NOS vs SEA
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Colston reportedly tweaked his back last Saturday before the Panthers game but he didn't look hurt in the game. Drew Brees only targeted him 7 times to Devery Henderson's 9 (who dropped 3 of them). Look for Colston to get back on track early vs. the gambling Seattle pass defense, who ranks 27th with 833 yards allowed to WRs this year.
14. WR Vincent Jackson, SDC vs OAK
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Jackson has 3 or more receptions in 11 of his last 12 games and is averaging 17.2 ypc during that span: 39 catches for 672 yards. Norv Turner is figuring out that he has a baby Burress on his hands, calling his number in the red zone. Jackson's shoulder injury doesn't seem to be an issue but we'll update it several times up to Sunday morning.
15. WR Torry Holt, STL vs BAL
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Holt was held out Wednesday with that lingering knee problem. It's probably not going to stop him this season but you can bet he'll get scoped again in January. Tough matchup but you can't bench him. Gus Frerotte can get the ball out quick.
16. WR Bernard Berrian, CHI vs MIN
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Berrian has a team-leading 3 drops so far and left last week's game at Green Bay early with a toe injury. He didn't practice Wednesday but they expect him to get in some reps today or tomorrow (no walking boot, we're told). Vikings S Dwight Smith was limited Wednesday with a hamstring injury that has bothered him since week 2.
17. WR Roddy White, ATL vs NYG
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
White's been targeted 33 times so far, compared to 24 for Michael Jenkins and 21 for Joe Horn. The Giants secondary is tightening up a bit thanks to benching Corey Webster for rookie Aaron Ross. They've climbed from 25th vs. fantasy WRs to 15th in the last two weeks. A little birdie told us Roddy White was the focus of some trick plays in Wednesday's practice.
18. WR Dennis Northcutt, JAX vs HOU
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Northcutt isn't sexy but this season some people are just trying to field a full lineup. The ex-Brown scored a TD last week and registered a blip on radar. He's been targeted 24 times this year, almost more than Matt Jones, Ernest Wilford, and Reggie Williams combined (26).
19. WR Chris Chambers, MIA vs CLE
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Browns have allowed 15 TD passes so far and last year they only allowed 20 all season. They rank 31st in pass defense. Browns safety Brodney Pool (thigh) is questionable. Surely Chambers can spring free a couple times.
20. WR Laveranues Coles, NYJ vs PHI
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Coles has a little soreness in his knee but should be fine. He's scored 4 of the Jets' 7 TD receptions this year. Eagles safety Quintin Mikell has filled in respectably for Brian Dawkins (neck) and has to do it again this week. He's only 5'10 so the Jets want to get Coles isolated on him in the red zone.
21. WR Kevin Curtis, PHI vs NYJ
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
If the Eagles have Brian Westbrook and L.J. Smith healthy they could enter the red zone several times and give Curtis a great chance to score. The Jets are also 31st in red-zone TD% with 12 scores allowed in 16 trips. CB Darrelle Revis can run but he'll be startled at Curtis' under-the-radar speed.
22. WR Ronald Curry, OAK vs SDC
55 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: The Chargers rank 31st in the league having allowed 919 yards to WRs this year. Only Buffalo has given up more, and they have an excuse after losing 5 defensive starters. Curry caught only one pass in the week 4 win over Miami but Culpepper only completed 5 passes in the game. The bye week should have cured whatever was ailing them that day.
23. WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ vs PHI
50 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Eagles CB Lito Sheppard has been out since Week 1 with an MCL injury but might return for this one. "We'll see how he does [in practice]," Andy Reid said. Cotchery is on pace for 1300 yards but has yet to score. He only had 4 catches for 31 yards last week as all 3 of Chad Pennington's INTs were intended for him.
24. WR Ike Hilliard, TBB vs TEN
45 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: In the last 2 games Ike has been targeted more than Galloway (17-10) and has more receptions (15-5). He has a sore ankle but practiced Thursday.
25. WR Santana Moss, WAS vs GBP
85 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Moss has been off the practice or game field since Sept. 24 but he returned to a full-pads practice Wednesday and looked great per local media reports. Redskins Insider's Jason La Canfora writes, "Santana practiced fully and everyone seems of the same mind that he will play Sunday (imagine that!)." Both Packers CBs - Harris & Woodson - are sore and showing a little age at times. Get Moss back in your lineup.
26. WR Dwayne Bowe, KCC vs CIN
85 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Forget the TDs, we like Bowe's yardage consistency in this conservative offense: he's going for his 4th straight game with 70+ receiving yards. Cincinnati ranks 27th vs. fantasy WRs and is one of only 2 teams (with Cleveland) to allow 9 TDs to WRs so far.
27. WR Reggie Brown, PHI vs NYJ
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: NFL Network's Jamie Dukes is getting in on the Brown-bashing too. "The Eagles don't have a front-line, top-notch wide receiver," Dukes said. "Reggie Brown, c'mon!" Hopefully Reggie heard this and will try to prove his critics wrong. Jets FS Eric Smith has been filling in for Erik Coleman (concussion) and didn't protect his corners last week vs. Plaxico Burress.
28. WR Derrick Mason, BAL vs STL
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Mason just added a stomach ailment to his injury collection along with a sore back, knee and ankle. Stomach ailment? "In my neighborhood that's diarrhea," Brian Billick said. Thanks for clarifying that, Mr. B.
29. WR Donte Stallworth, NEP vs DAL
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Stallworth's knee injury is a phony Belichick listing at this point. Keep starting him as he gets hotter and earns Tom Brady's trust.
30. WR Greg Jennings, GBP vs WAS
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jennings sat out Wednesday with a mild shoulder sprain but is expected to play. At least the hamstring stuff has faded out of the picture. Washington ranks 4th against fantasy WRs with only 439 yards given up and 1 TD catch. Jennings is still a must-start WR3 if he's active. Stay tuned to Shark Bites tomorrow for Friday practice details.
31. WR Andre Davis, HOU vs JAX
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Kevin Walter was targeted a whopping 10 times last week (5 catches for 67 yards) to Davis' 6. But Davis caught a 49-yard bomb and was tackled at the 2-yard line. He's the scoring threat. Davis has 266 yards in 3 games and a 40+ yard catch in 3 straight games.
32. WR Anquan Boldin, ARI vs CAR
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Boldin (hip) "went through a rigorous [individual] workout and ran with his teammates" on Wednesday and was happily signing autographs in the parking lot later. Maybe the soreness is finally subsiding. We'd like to think Boldin will suck it up and go vs. the beatable Panthers and help his team go 4-2. The last time he faced Carolina he went off for 10 catches, 162 yards & 1 TD. We'll raise this ranking if news suggests it.
33. WR Nate Burleson, SEA vs NOS
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
We prefer Bobby Engram over Nate Burleson while Deion Branch is out - but that's a personal staff bias against Burleson. The honest truth is Burleson is just as capable of a big day vs. New Orleans. He also returns punts (a league-leading 18 returns) so don't hesitate to use him in a bye-week crunch.
34. WR Sidney Rice, MIN vs CHI
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: We're admittedly gambling here, after all what have we seen from Rice - One amazing TD catch vs. the Packers? If you saw it you'll probably consider popping the rookie into your lineup. With Brandon Marshall, Javon Walker, Roy Williams, Shaun McDonald, Calvin Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Darrell Jackson, and Lee Evans on bye this kid might be worth a shot.
35. WR Drew Bennett, STL vs BAL
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Rams WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring) is out, maybe for the next 2-3 games. In this awful bye week with 6 teams off, Bennett is a no-brainer WR3 or flex no matter who he's playing at this point.
36. WR Muhsin Muhammad, CHI vs MIN
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
In the first two games Muhammad was targeted 8 times, in the last 3 games he's been targeted 20 times. In his last 3 games vs. the Vikings (without Brian Griese) he's caught 15 passes for 171 yards & 0 TDs. Safeties Darren Sharper (hip) and Dwight Smith (hamstring) are playing at less than 100% and Muhammad will look to get physical.
37. WR Amani Toomer, NYG vs ATL
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Toomer only caught 2 passes for 18 yards last year vs. Atlanta. But with the white-hot Plaxico Burress likely drawing safeties all over the field, you could do worse than Toomer as a WR3 or flex this week.
38. WR Bryant Johnson, ARI vs CAR
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Johnson has a sore quad so his status is in question. We also need to know if Boldin (hip) is a go. Johnson could rise up or fall off the Weekly Updated List tomorrow.
39. WR Wes Welker, NEP vs DAL
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Welker has only scored once all year but a mere 11 WRs have more catches than Welker's 27. If he fits your scoring system with all the little 9-yard hook and dart routes, then keep riding him.
40. WR Marty Booker, MIA vs CLE
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
When Cleo Lemon came in last week he targeted Booker on 8 of his first 20 passes. That's a significant eye for one player, for whatever reason, so we'll go with it. Also keep an eye on Ted Ginn as their #3 WR while Derek Hagan is out with a bad hamstring.
41. WR Keenan McCardell, WAS vs GBP
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Antwaan Randle-El (hamstring) is likely out so McCardell and James Thrash will play a lot of snaps. Thrash is younger and quicker but McCardell's name value lures us here. You gotta be reaching to start him but with 6 NFL teams off this week it's not a lunatic play.
42. WR Joe Jurevicius, CLE vs MIA
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
His knee X-rays were negative but he hasn't practiced yet. Tim Carter is on deck to join the Weekly Updated List pending Friday practice info.
43. WR Brandon Jones, TEN vs TBB
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jones (knee) missed Wednesday's practice so we'll check into this. Eric Moulds actually started over Jones last week vs. Atlanta and was targeted 6 times to Jones' 5. We'll update you Friday and could move Moulds into this spot if Jones isn't practicing.
44. WR James Jones, GBP vs WAS
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Packers HC Mike McCarthy on Jones' 2 horrible fumbles last week: "We've moved on. We're fine. We just need to do a better job of protecting the football." Make no mistake, McCarthy is biting his lip. He was freakin' mad. Look for Jones to get a chance to redeem himself. If he doesn't, Koren Robinson could be the new #3 WR if he's reinstated by General Zod this month.
45. WR Keary Colbert, CAR vs ARI
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Charlotte Observer reports an "uncertainty" about David Carr's back injury. Matt Moore? Vinny Testaverde? The good thing is that Moore was looking to Colbert last week and the ex-USC WR looked pretty spry. And if Vinny plays he can the short stuff where Colbert works.
*** TEs ***
1. TE Antonio Gates, SDC vs OAK
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The game?s best fantasy TE has owned the Raiders catching 14 balls for 175 yards and 3 TDs over his last four games.
2. TE Jason Witten, DAL vs NEP
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Patriots have allowed the 12th most fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this season. Just last week, the Pats gave up 4 catches for 49 yards and a TD to TE Kellen Winslow.
3. TE Chris Cooley, WAS vs GBP
55 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Packers have allowed the 9th-most pass plays over 20 yards so far this season (14). WR Santana Moss has practiced this week and is expected back after missing some time with a hamstring injury, he'll open up the seams for Cooley. The Packers have allowed the 3rd most points to opposing TEs so far this season.
4. TE Tony Gonzalez, KCC vs CIN
50 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Gonzalez has caught 15 balls for 140 yards and 1 TD over his last two games against Cincinnati. As if they didn?t have enough defensive troubles already, Bengals DB Johnathan Joseph will sit out this one to serve a 1 game suspension.
5. TE Jeremy Shockey, NYG vs ATL
50 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Shockey has caught 3 TDs over his last 2 meetings against Atlanta. The Falcons have allowed 20 catches to opposing TEs so far this season.
6. TE Desmond Clark, CHI vs MIN
40 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Clark has caught 3 TDs in his last 5 games against Minnesota. Since QB Brian Griese has taken over for Rex Grossman, Clark has hauled in 10 passes for 106 yards and 2 TDs.
7. TE Kellen Winslow, CLE vs MIA
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Dolphins have allowed the 4th least fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this season. Winslow was limited in practice on Wednesday with his shoulder injury but is all but certain to play.
8. TE Todd Heap, BAL vs STL
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Heap has caught an average of 5 passes for 54 yards and 2 TDs over his last 5 games vs. NFC opponents. After missing last week?s game due to a hamstring injury, Heap practiced on Wednesday this week so he should be ready to return to the starting lineup.
9. TE Owen Daniels, HOU vs JAX
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Daniels leads his team this year in receptions (24) and receiving yards (293). Only 6 TEs have been targeted more than Daniels (29) so far this year.
10. TE Ben Watson, NEP vs DAL
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Watson has caught at least 1 TD pass in 4 of 5 games so far this season. Dallas CB Anthony Henry is looking like he could be a game day scratch forcing Jacques Reeves to start at CB. Watson should be able to own Roy Williams underneath given the secondary shifts Dallas will have to make if Henry is out.
11. TE LJ Smith, PHI vs NYJ
50 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: His groin problem "seems to have backed off" per Andy Reid. They are limiting his reps but we heard Smith caught a 30-yard TD in 9-on-7s on Thursday.
12. TE Donald Lee, GBP vs WAS
50 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
WR Greg Jennings sustained a shoulder injury last week and his availability will be in question again this week which could mean additional looks for Lee. The Redskins have only allowed 2 receiving TDs so far this season and have allowed the 4th least fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this season.
13. TE Alge Crumpler, ATL vs NYG
45 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Crumpler has caught 2 TDs in his last 2 meetings against the Giants. New York has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this year, including 4 TDs. His knee is acting up again but he'll be out there.
14. TE Bo Scaife, TEN vs TBB
45 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Scaife has disappointed so far this year only catching 7 passes for 55 yards and a TD. Tampa Bay has allowed the 3rd-least amount of pass plays of 20+ yards (8). There?s always room underneath in the Tampa-2 secondary scheme so look for some cheap dump-offs to Scaife in this one.
15. TE Greg Olsen, CHI vs MIN
45 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Finally 100% healthy, Olsen had his best game as a pro last week catching 4 balls for 57 yards and a TD. The Vikings have surrendered the 10th most fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this year.
*** Ks ***
1. K Steve Gostkowski, NEP vs DAL
14 Points
2. K Matt Stover, BAL vs STL
13 Points
3. K Nick Folk, DAL vs NEP
13 Points
4. K Josh Brown, SEA vs NOS
12 Points
5. K Shayne Graham, CIN vs KCC
11 Points
6. K John Kasay, CAR vs ARI
11 Points
7. K Neil Rackers, ARI vs CAR
11 Points
8. K David Akers, PHI vs NYJ
10 Points
9. K Robbie Gould, CHI vs MIN
9 Points
10. K Nate Kaeding, SDC vs OAK
9 Points
11. K Kris Brown, HOU vs JAX
9 Points
12. K Mason Crosby, GBP vs WAS
9 Points
*** DEFs ***
1. DEF Bears, CHI vs MIN
The Vikings have allowed 12 sacks on the season which is good for 10th most in the league. Minnesota will be getting back incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson. Bears DT Darwin Walker might miss this game after a knee injury sustained last week at Green Bay. Still a good matchup.
2. DEF Ravens, BAL vs STL
The St. Louis Rams have allowed the 7th most sacks so far this season. This rank doesn?t figure to improve as the Ravens' stout pass-rush should take advantage of backup QB Gus Frerotte and a bunch of 3rd-rate linemen. The Rams have allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing DST units so far this year.
3. DEF Cowboys, DAL vs NEP
The Cowboys are 13th in the league in terms of points allowed per game (19.2). DB Anthony Henry might miss this game forcing a secondary shuffle between DB Jacques Reeves and S Roy Williams. New England has allowed the 2nd least fantasy points to DST units so far this season. Dallas is second in the league with a combined 23 sacks and INTs. Look for DeMarcus Ware to get a sack or two.
4. DEF Jaguars, JAX vs HOU
The Jags have allowed a combined 21 points over their last two games and have really tightened up their run defense. WR Andre Johnson is expected to miss another week for Houston. The Jags have been able to play their way - evident by their 5th-best time of possession rank (33:11 minutes per game).
5. DEF Chargers, SDC vs OAK
After only allowing 3 points to Denver on the road last week, San Diego will look to regain their 2006 form against the much improved Oakland Raiders. Oakland will likely be without RB Lamont Jordan in this one. Daunte Culpepper will get another start with QB Josh McCown still injured. He'll turn it over a few times.
6. DEF Vikings, MIN vs CHI
The Bears as a team have allowed 17 sacks so far on the season which is 5th most in the league. The Vikings are the best team vs. the run so far this year giving up only 62 yards per game. The Bears have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing DST units so far this season.
7. DEF Patriots, NEP vs DAL
The Patriots have recorded 14 sacks on the season and have already forced 11 turnovers (8 INTs and 3 fumble recoveries). New England is 3rd in the league in terms of time of possession (34:22 minutes per game) so their defense is always fresh and hydrated.
8. DEF Giants, NYG vs ATL
SNEAKY STARTER: This could be Deja vu for the Giants. Falcons RT Todd Weiner and LT Wayne Gandy will both be out in this game. As you may remember, NY recorded 12 sacks against the Eagles who were starting an inexperienced left tackle. Don?t expect a dozen sacks, but Atlanta has given up a total of 18 on the season and overall has allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points to DST units so far this year.
9. DEF Buccaneers, TBB vs TEN
After a bump in the road last week at Indianapolis, the quietly decent Bucs D is home vs. the Titans who rank 24th in total offense. Tennessee has also allowed 2 defensive TDs and has turned the ball over 9 times so far this year.
10. DEF Cardinals, ARI vs CAR
The Cardinals have recorded 14 sacks on the season thus far (good for 7th in the league). QB David Carr has a sore back so Vinny might play with 5 days of playbook review. The Cardinals could have a big day here. Carolina has allowed the 11th most fantasy points to opposing DST units so far this season.
11. DEF Titans, TEN vs TBB
SNEAKY STARTER: The big story here is the loss of yet another RB for the Bucs. Michael Pittman is gone for the foreseeable future with a cracked fibula leaving the workload for Earnest Graham. Tennessee is ranked 3rd in the league vs. the run and could force QB Jeff Garcia into some bad throws as a result.
12. DEF Packers, GBP vs WAS
Nice matchup at home vs. a young QB who will be without a safety valve in Antwaan Randle-El.
1. WR Chad Johnson, CIN vs KCC
120 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Chiefs beat writer Jason Whitlock reports "Ty Law has taken to playing soft, off coverage in an attempt to keep people in front of him, and that means the pickings are easy in front." You never want to make it easy for Chad. He was wearing a walking boot last week (during the bye) for a sore ankle but it's a non-issue now. CB Benny Sapp (ankle) and S Greg Wesley (knee) aren't 100%.
2. WR Larry Fitzgerald, ARI vs CAR
120 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Fitzgerald is turning it on, shooting for his 3rd game in a row with 120+ yards - including 19 catches for 256 yards in his last 2. Fitzgerald has also scored in two straight games vs. the Panthers. CB Ken Lucas slammed his shoulder on the turf in New Orleans and couldn't practice yesterday.
3. WR Donald Driver, GBP vs WAS
115 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Washington will play press coverage and force Driver to fight his way into those patented slant-in routes. CBs Carlos Rogers and Shawn Springs have been joking about how they are both trying to grab Brett Favre's NFL-record 278th INT and might get a little overeager and bite on play-fakes.
4. WR Randy Moss, NEP vs DAL
110 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Moss is the original Cowboy-killer: In 6 career games vs. Dallas (including playoffs) Moss has 29 catches for 675 yards and, gulp, 10 TDs. Cowboys CB Anthony Henry is out with a high ankle sprain. Uh oh.
5. WR Plaxico Burress, NYG vs ATL
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Burress faced Atlanta in 2002 (as a Steeler) and caught 9 passes for 253 yards and 2 TDs in a crazy 34-34 tie. One of his catches was a 44-yarder where he landed at the 1-yard line, just missing a 3rd score. Burress is fighting his ankle with cortisone and winning: He leads the NFC with 7 TDs this season.
6. WR Terrell Owens, DAL vs NEP
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Owens refused to do all the pre-Patriots blabbing with reporters this week which is a sign that Wade Phillips & Jason Garrett really have him focused. New England is one of only 4 teams that haven't given up a 40+ yard catch so far. Patriots CB Asante Samuel is a little banged up (foot) and Ellis Hobbs is only 5'9. If Garrett calls Owens' number enough this could be a 150-yard day.
7. WR Joey Galloway, TBB vs TEN
100 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Galloway only ranks 59th in the NFL in targets (counting RBs & TEs too) with a lowly 27, yet he ranks 30th overall with 306 receiving yards. Get him the ball! Bucs HC Jon Gruden knows he has to throw at Titans CB Nick Harper and get him flustered. Harper gave up early pass plays of 17 and 37 yards to Marques Colston a few weeks ago but the Saints stopped attacking him. Gruden won't stop.
8. WR Braylon Edwards, CLE vs MIA
85 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Dolphins SS Donovin Darius is back from injury and will try to make sure Edwards doesn't hit that skinny post against them. CB Michael Lehan, a career part-timer, has been forced into action and his technique is very poor. In his last 4 games Edwards has a woo-hoo 426 receiving yards and 4 TDs! What a great addition to the fantasy hobby this kid is.
9. WR TJ Houshmandzadeh, CIN vs KCC
80 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
T.J. now has 6+ catches in 29 of his last 44 regular-season games. He's 2nd in the NFL with 39 catches despite an early bye and 1 less game than most receivers. Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain actually shut T.J. down (3-29-0) a couple years ago at Arrowhead, got in his face all day.
10. WR Steve Smith, CAR vs ARI
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Smith had 8 catches for 119 yards & 2 TDs when these teams met in October 2005. One of his TDs was a 65-yarder where Cardinals CB Eric Green busted up his shoulder because he got turned around and lost his balance. David Carr (back) is not a lock to start which means rookie Matt Moore or 43-year old Vinny Testaverde might play. Stay tuned.
11. WR Bobby Engram, SEA vs NOS
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Seahawks reporter Danny O'Neil says Bobby Engram will replace Deion Branch in the starting lineup... Presumably, Engram will move to the slot when the Seahawks go to three-receiver formations. Hasselbeck will have to adjust to Engram's expanded role in the Seahawks offense. "Half the routes I throw to Bobby I can throw with my eyes closed," Matt Hasselbeck said.
12. WR Patrick Crayton, DAL vs NEP
75 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Crayton has 3 TDs in his past 3 games and should have had a 4th if not for a blatant drop at Chicago. He's been dealing with a dislocated pinky but it's fine now. Keep plugging Crayton as your WR3 or flex until he gives you a reason not to.
13. WR Marques Colston, NOS vs SEA
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Colston reportedly tweaked his back last Saturday before the Panthers game but he didn't look hurt in the game. Drew Brees only targeted him 7 times to Devery Henderson's 9 (who dropped 3 of them). Look for Colston to get back on track early vs. the gambling Seattle pass defense, who ranks 27th with 833 yards allowed to WRs this year.
14. WR Vincent Jackson, SDC vs OAK
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Jackson has 3 or more receptions in 11 of his last 12 games and is averaging 17.2 ypc during that span: 39 catches for 672 yards. Norv Turner is figuring out that he has a baby Burress on his hands, calling his number in the red zone. Jackson's shoulder injury doesn't seem to be an issue but we'll update it several times up to Sunday morning.
15. WR Torry Holt, STL vs BAL
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Holt was held out Wednesday with that lingering knee problem. It's probably not going to stop him this season but you can bet he'll get scoped again in January. Tough matchup but you can't bench him. Gus Frerotte can get the ball out quick.
16. WR Bernard Berrian, CHI vs MIN
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Berrian has a team-leading 3 drops so far and left last week's game at Green Bay early with a toe injury. He didn't practice Wednesday but they expect him to get in some reps today or tomorrow (no walking boot, we're told). Vikings S Dwight Smith was limited Wednesday with a hamstring injury that has bothered him since week 2.
17. WR Roddy White, ATL vs NYG
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
White's been targeted 33 times so far, compared to 24 for Michael Jenkins and 21 for Joe Horn. The Giants secondary is tightening up a bit thanks to benching Corey Webster for rookie Aaron Ross. They've climbed from 25th vs. fantasy WRs to 15th in the last two weeks. A little birdie told us Roddy White was the focus of some trick plays in Wednesday's practice.
18. WR Dennis Northcutt, JAX vs HOU
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Northcutt isn't sexy but this season some people are just trying to field a full lineup. The ex-Brown scored a TD last week and registered a blip on radar. He's been targeted 24 times this year, almost more than Matt Jones, Ernest Wilford, and Reggie Williams combined (26).
19. WR Chris Chambers, MIA vs CLE
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Browns have allowed 15 TD passes so far and last year they only allowed 20 all season. They rank 31st in pass defense. Browns safety Brodney Pool (thigh) is questionable. Surely Chambers can spring free a couple times.
20. WR Laveranues Coles, NYJ vs PHI
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Coles has a little soreness in his knee but should be fine. He's scored 4 of the Jets' 7 TD receptions this year. Eagles safety Quintin Mikell has filled in respectably for Brian Dawkins (neck) and has to do it again this week. He's only 5'10 so the Jets want to get Coles isolated on him in the red zone.
21. WR Kevin Curtis, PHI vs NYJ
60 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
If the Eagles have Brian Westbrook and L.J. Smith healthy they could enter the red zone several times and give Curtis a great chance to score. The Jets are also 31st in red-zone TD% with 12 scores allowed in 16 trips. CB Darrelle Revis can run but he'll be startled at Curtis' under-the-radar speed.
22. WR Ronald Curry, OAK vs SDC
55 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: The Chargers rank 31st in the league having allowed 919 yards to WRs this year. Only Buffalo has given up more, and they have an excuse after losing 5 defensive starters. Curry caught only one pass in the week 4 win over Miami but Culpepper only completed 5 passes in the game. The bye week should have cured whatever was ailing them that day.
23. WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ vs PHI
50 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Eagles CB Lito Sheppard has been out since Week 1 with an MCL injury but might return for this one. "We'll see how he does [in practice]," Andy Reid said. Cotchery is on pace for 1300 yards but has yet to score. He only had 4 catches for 31 yards last week as all 3 of Chad Pennington's INTs were intended for him.
24. WR Ike Hilliard, TBB vs TEN
45 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: In the last 2 games Ike has been targeted more than Galloway (17-10) and has more receptions (15-5). He has a sore ankle but practiced Thursday.
25. WR Santana Moss, WAS vs GBP
85 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Moss has been off the practice or game field since Sept. 24 but he returned to a full-pads practice Wednesday and looked great per local media reports. Redskins Insider's Jason La Canfora writes, "Santana practiced fully and everyone seems of the same mind that he will play Sunday (imagine that!)." Both Packers CBs - Harris & Woodson - are sore and showing a little age at times. Get Moss back in your lineup.
26. WR Dwayne Bowe, KCC vs CIN
85 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Forget the TDs, we like Bowe's yardage consistency in this conservative offense: he's going for his 4th straight game with 70+ receiving yards. Cincinnati ranks 27th vs. fantasy WRs and is one of only 2 teams (with Cleveland) to allow 9 TDs to WRs so far.
27. WR Reggie Brown, PHI vs NYJ
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: NFL Network's Jamie Dukes is getting in on the Brown-bashing too. "The Eagles don't have a front-line, top-notch wide receiver," Dukes said. "Reggie Brown, c'mon!" Hopefully Reggie heard this and will try to prove his critics wrong. Jets FS Eric Smith has been filling in for Erik Coleman (concussion) and didn't protect his corners last week vs. Plaxico Burress.
28. WR Derrick Mason, BAL vs STL
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Mason just added a stomach ailment to his injury collection along with a sore back, knee and ankle. Stomach ailment? "In my neighborhood that's diarrhea," Brian Billick said. Thanks for clarifying that, Mr. B.
29. WR Donte Stallworth, NEP vs DAL
80 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Stallworth's knee injury is a phony Belichick listing at this point. Keep starting him as he gets hotter and earns Tom Brady's trust.
30. WR Greg Jennings, GBP vs WAS
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jennings sat out Wednesday with a mild shoulder sprain but is expected to play. At least the hamstring stuff has faded out of the picture. Washington ranks 4th against fantasy WRs with only 439 yards given up and 1 TD catch. Jennings is still a must-start WR3 if he's active. Stay tuned to Shark Bites tomorrow for Friday practice details.
31. WR Andre Davis, HOU vs JAX
75 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Kevin Walter was targeted a whopping 10 times last week (5 catches for 67 yards) to Davis' 6. But Davis caught a 49-yard bomb and was tackled at the 2-yard line. He's the scoring threat. Davis has 266 yards in 3 games and a 40+ yard catch in 3 straight games.
32. WR Anquan Boldin, ARI vs CAR
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Boldin (hip) "went through a rigorous [individual] workout and ran with his teammates" on Wednesday and was happily signing autographs in the parking lot later. Maybe the soreness is finally subsiding. We'd like to think Boldin will suck it up and go vs. the beatable Panthers and help his team go 4-2. The last time he faced Carolina he went off for 10 catches, 162 yards & 1 TD. We'll raise this ranking if news suggests it.
33. WR Nate Burleson, SEA vs NOS
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
We prefer Bobby Engram over Nate Burleson while Deion Branch is out - but that's a personal staff bias against Burleson. The honest truth is Burleson is just as capable of a big day vs. New Orleans. He also returns punts (a league-leading 18 returns) so don't hesitate to use him in a bye-week crunch.
34. WR Sidney Rice, MIN vs CHI
70 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: We're admittedly gambling here, after all what have we seen from Rice - One amazing TD catch vs. the Packers? If you saw it you'll probably consider popping the rookie into your lineup. With Brandon Marshall, Javon Walker, Roy Williams, Shaun McDonald, Calvin Johnson, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Darrell Jackson, and Lee Evans on bye this kid might be worth a shot.
35. WR Drew Bennett, STL vs BAL
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Rams WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring) is out, maybe for the next 2-3 games. In this awful bye week with 6 teams off, Bennett is a no-brainer WR3 or flex no matter who he's playing at this point.
36. WR Muhsin Muhammad, CHI vs MIN
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
In the first two games Muhammad was targeted 8 times, in the last 3 games he's been targeted 20 times. In his last 3 games vs. the Vikings (without Brian Griese) he's caught 15 passes for 171 yards & 0 TDs. Safeties Darren Sharper (hip) and Dwight Smith (hamstring) are playing at less than 100% and Muhammad will look to get physical.
37. WR Amani Toomer, NYG vs ATL
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Toomer only caught 2 passes for 18 yards last year vs. Atlanta. But with the white-hot Plaxico Burress likely drawing safeties all over the field, you could do worse than Toomer as a WR3 or flex this week.
38. WR Bryant Johnson, ARI vs CAR
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Johnson has a sore quad so his status is in question. We also need to know if Boldin (hip) is a go. Johnson could rise up or fall off the Weekly Updated List tomorrow.
39. WR Wes Welker, NEP vs DAL
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Welker has only scored once all year but a mere 11 WRs have more catches than Welker's 27. If he fits your scoring system with all the little 9-yard hook and dart routes, then keep riding him.
40. WR Marty Booker, MIA vs CLE
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
When Cleo Lemon came in last week he targeted Booker on 8 of his first 20 passes. That's a significant eye for one player, for whatever reason, so we'll go with it. Also keep an eye on Ted Ginn as their #3 WR while Derek Hagan is out with a bad hamstring.
41. WR Keenan McCardell, WAS vs GBP
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Antwaan Randle-El (hamstring) is likely out so McCardell and James Thrash will play a lot of snaps. Thrash is younger and quicker but McCardell's name value lures us here. You gotta be reaching to start him but with 6 NFL teams off this week it's not a lunatic play.
42. WR Joe Jurevicius, CLE vs MIA
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
His knee X-rays were negative but he hasn't practiced yet. Tim Carter is on deck to join the Weekly Updated List pending Friday practice info.
43. WR Brandon Jones, TEN vs TBB
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Jones (knee) missed Wednesday's practice so we'll check into this. Eric Moulds actually started over Jones last week vs. Atlanta and was targeted 6 times to Jones' 5. We'll update you Friday and could move Moulds into this spot if Jones isn't practicing.
44. WR James Jones, GBP vs WAS
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Packers HC Mike McCarthy on Jones' 2 horrible fumbles last week: "We've moved on. We're fine. We just need to do a better job of protecting the football." Make no mistake, McCarthy is biting his lip. He was freakin' mad. Look for Jones to get a chance to redeem himself. If he doesn't, Koren Robinson could be the new #3 WR if he's reinstated by General Zod this month.
45. WR Keary Colbert, CAR vs ARI
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Charlotte Observer reports an "uncertainty" about David Carr's back injury. Matt Moore? Vinny Testaverde? The good thing is that Moore was looking to Colbert last week and the ex-USC WR looked pretty spry. And if Vinny plays he can the short stuff where Colbert works.
*** TEs ***
1. TE Antonio Gates, SDC vs OAK
70 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The game?s best fantasy TE has owned the Raiders catching 14 balls for 175 yards and 3 TDs over his last four games.
2. TE Jason Witten, DAL vs NEP
65 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Patriots have allowed the 12th most fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this season. Just last week, the Pats gave up 4 catches for 49 yards and a TD to TE Kellen Winslow.
3. TE Chris Cooley, WAS vs GBP
55 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
The Packers have allowed the 9th-most pass plays over 20 yards so far this season (14). WR Santana Moss has practiced this week and is expected back after missing some time with a hamstring injury, he'll open up the seams for Cooley. The Packers have allowed the 3rd most points to opposing TEs so far this season.
4. TE Tony Gonzalez, KCC vs CIN
50 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Gonzalez has caught 15 balls for 140 yards and 1 TD over his last two games against Cincinnati. As if they didn?t have enough defensive troubles already, Bengals DB Johnathan Joseph will sit out this one to serve a 1 game suspension.
5. TE Jeremy Shockey, NYG vs ATL
50 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
Shockey has caught 3 TDs over his last 2 meetings against Atlanta. The Falcons have allowed 20 catches to opposing TEs so far this season.
6. TE Desmond Clark, CHI vs MIN
40 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: Clark has caught 3 TDs in his last 5 games against Minnesota. Since QB Brian Griese has taken over for Rex Grossman, Clark has hauled in 10 passes for 106 yards and 2 TDs.
7. TE Kellen Winslow, CLE vs MIA
65 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
The Dolphins have allowed the 4th least fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this season. Winslow was limited in practice on Wednesday with his shoulder injury but is all but certain to play.
8. TE Todd Heap, BAL vs STL
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Heap has caught an average of 5 passes for 54 yards and 2 TDs over his last 5 games vs. NFC opponents. After missing last week?s game due to a hamstring injury, Heap practiced on Wednesday this week so he should be ready to return to the starting lineup.
9. TE Owen Daniels, HOU vs JAX
60 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Daniels leads his team this year in receptions (24) and receiving yards (293). Only 6 TEs have been targeted more than Daniels (29) so far this year.
10. TE Ben Watson, NEP vs DAL
55 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Watson has caught at least 1 TD pass in 4 of 5 games so far this season. Dallas CB Anthony Henry is looking like he could be a game day scratch forcing Jacques Reeves to start at CB. Watson should be able to own Roy Williams underneath given the secondary shifts Dallas will have to make if Henry is out.
11. TE LJ Smith, PHI vs NYJ
50 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
SNEAKY STARTER: His groin problem "seems to have backed off" per Andy Reid. They are limiting his reps but we heard Smith caught a 30-yard TD in 9-on-7s on Thursday.
12. TE Donald Lee, GBP vs WAS
50 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
WR Greg Jennings sustained a shoulder injury last week and his availability will be in question again this week which could mean additional looks for Lee. The Redskins have only allowed 2 receiving TDs so far this season and have allowed the 4th least fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this season.
13. TE Alge Crumpler, ATL vs NYG
45 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Crumpler has caught 2 TDs in his last 2 meetings against the Giants. New York has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this year, including 4 TDs. His knee is acting up again but he'll be out there.
14. TE Bo Scaife, TEN vs TBB
45 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Scaife has disappointed so far this year only catching 7 passes for 55 yards and a TD. Tampa Bay has allowed the 3rd-least amount of pass plays of 20+ yards (8). There?s always room underneath in the Tampa-2 secondary scheme so look for some cheap dump-offs to Scaife in this one.
15. TE Greg Olsen, CHI vs MIN
45 Rec Yds, 0 Rec TDs
Finally 100% healthy, Olsen had his best game as a pro last week catching 4 balls for 57 yards and a TD. The Vikings have surrendered the 10th most fantasy points to opposing TEs so far this year.
*** Ks ***
1. K Steve Gostkowski, NEP vs DAL
14 Points
2. K Matt Stover, BAL vs STL
13 Points
3. K Nick Folk, DAL vs NEP
13 Points
4. K Josh Brown, SEA vs NOS
12 Points
5. K Shayne Graham, CIN vs KCC
11 Points
6. K John Kasay, CAR vs ARI
11 Points
7. K Neil Rackers, ARI vs CAR
11 Points
8. K David Akers, PHI vs NYJ
10 Points
9. K Robbie Gould, CHI vs MIN
9 Points
10. K Nate Kaeding, SDC vs OAK
9 Points
11. K Kris Brown, HOU vs JAX
9 Points
12. K Mason Crosby, GBP vs WAS
9 Points
*** DEFs ***
1. DEF Bears, CHI vs MIN
The Vikings have allowed 12 sacks on the season which is good for 10th most in the league. Minnesota will be getting back incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson. Bears DT Darwin Walker might miss this game after a knee injury sustained last week at Green Bay. Still a good matchup.
2. DEF Ravens, BAL vs STL
The St. Louis Rams have allowed the 7th most sacks so far this season. This rank doesn?t figure to improve as the Ravens' stout pass-rush should take advantage of backup QB Gus Frerotte and a bunch of 3rd-rate linemen. The Rams have allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing DST units so far this year.
3. DEF Cowboys, DAL vs NEP
The Cowboys are 13th in the league in terms of points allowed per game (19.2). DB Anthony Henry might miss this game forcing a secondary shuffle between DB Jacques Reeves and S Roy Williams. New England has allowed the 2nd least fantasy points to DST units so far this season. Dallas is second in the league with a combined 23 sacks and INTs. Look for DeMarcus Ware to get a sack or two.
4. DEF Jaguars, JAX vs HOU
The Jags have allowed a combined 21 points over their last two games and have really tightened up their run defense. WR Andre Johnson is expected to miss another week for Houston. The Jags have been able to play their way - evident by their 5th-best time of possession rank (33:11 minutes per game).
5. DEF Chargers, SDC vs OAK
After only allowing 3 points to Denver on the road last week, San Diego will look to regain their 2006 form against the much improved Oakland Raiders. Oakland will likely be without RB Lamont Jordan in this one. Daunte Culpepper will get another start with QB Josh McCown still injured. He'll turn it over a few times.
6. DEF Vikings, MIN vs CHI
The Bears as a team have allowed 17 sacks so far on the season which is 5th most in the league. The Vikings are the best team vs. the run so far this year giving up only 62 yards per game. The Bears have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing DST units so far this season.
7. DEF Patriots, NEP vs DAL
The Patriots have recorded 14 sacks on the season and have already forced 11 turnovers (8 INTs and 3 fumble recoveries). New England is 3rd in the league in terms of time of possession (34:22 minutes per game) so their defense is always fresh and hydrated.
8. DEF Giants, NYG vs ATL
SNEAKY STARTER: This could be Deja vu for the Giants. Falcons RT Todd Weiner and LT Wayne Gandy will both be out in this game. As you may remember, NY recorded 12 sacks against the Eagles who were starting an inexperienced left tackle. Don?t expect a dozen sacks, but Atlanta has given up a total of 18 on the season and overall has allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points to DST units so far this year.
9. DEF Buccaneers, TBB vs TEN
After a bump in the road last week at Indianapolis, the quietly decent Bucs D is home vs. the Titans who rank 24th in total offense. Tennessee has also allowed 2 defensive TDs and has turned the ball over 9 times so far this year.
10. DEF Cardinals, ARI vs CAR
The Cardinals have recorded 14 sacks on the season thus far (good for 7th in the league). QB David Carr has a sore back so Vinny might play with 5 days of playbook review. The Cardinals could have a big day here. Carolina has allowed the 11th most fantasy points to opposing DST units so far this season.
11. DEF Titans, TEN vs TBB
SNEAKY STARTER: The big story here is the loss of yet another RB for the Bucs. Michael Pittman is gone for the foreseeable future with a cracked fibula leaving the workload for Earnest Graham. Tennessee is ranked 3rd in the league vs. the run and could force QB Jeff Garcia into some bad throws as a result.
12. DEF Packers, GBP vs WAS
Nice matchup at home vs. a young QB who will be without a safety valve in Antwaan Randle-El.
From another site
Quarterback
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Kurt Warner - ARI
Barring injury, Warner will be the Cardinals starting QB for the rest of the season. Warner has not started a game yet this year, but he's played extensively in each of the team's last three games completing 43-of-69 for 580 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT. He even rushed for his first TD since the 2004 season last week and second of his career. Warner faces a Panthers defense that picked off Drew Brees twice last week and didn't allow a passing TD, but did allow 252 yards on 29-of-47 passing. In the Panthers first four games, they didn't record an interception but allowed 5 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD and 237 yds/gm. Joey Harrington shred them for 361 yards and 2 TDs and Matt Schaub 227 yards and 2 TDs. Warner may get Anquan Boldin back into the lineup this week as an added bonus. Bottom line, Warner has played well this season and the glass is looking more half full than half empty.
Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
Admittedly, it's not much of a stretch to run with Hasselbeck in your lineup in most leagues. That said, he'll be without both starting receivers and he is coming off a miserable performance against a strong Steelers defense (13-of-27 for 116 yards, 1 INT). On the positive side, Hasselbeck has a much better matchup against an ailing Saints pass defense this week and the game is at home. The Saints are allowing 220 yards, 2 TDs and 0.5 INTs per game to opponents. They did a nice job against the Panthers last week, but that was David Carr and this is Matt Hasselbeck. Big difference. In the previous two games, Vince Young produced 164 passing yards and 2 TDs while Jeff Garcia threw for 243 yards and 2 TDs despite completing only 10 passes.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Derek Anderson - CLE
Anderson has thrown for 200+ yards in four straight games since taking over the starting job from Charlie Frye in week two. He's thrown 10 TDs against 7 interceptions, but he's completed just 53% of his passes in those starts and he's made some poor decisions at times leading to turnovers in situations where they were in a position to put points on the board. Such was the case last week against the Patriots, perhaps the best defense in the league right now. Anderson threw for 287 yards, 2 TDs and 3 interceptions. This week's opponent is the Dolphins and it's at home. The Dolphins are allowing 180 yards and 1.2 TDs per game -- hardly great numbers, but they're ranking in Fantasy points allowed was skewed by Daunte Culpepper's 5 TDs (3 rushing) against them in week 4. Last week, Matt Schaub produced 294 yards, no TDs and an interception against them. The Dolphins' Achilles heel has been their run defense, but with Zach Thomas back last week and Ron Dayne starting for the Texans, they fared much better in that department leading to Schaub throwing more than expected. Look for similar results here. Jamal Lewis isn't 100%, but likely to start. If he gets going early, it could limit Anderson's production, but chances are the Browns will get Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow involved throughout the game and Anderson will remain productive and put up 200+ yards for a fifth straight week.
Brian Griese - CHI
The Vikings are a difficult team to run against, and let's face it, Cedric Benson hasn't been terribly impressive so far as the Bears featured back either. In the last two games, the Vikings have allowed 344/2/0 to Brett Favre and 206/1/0 to Damon Huard. In week two, the Lions Jon Kitna and J.T. O'Sullivan produced a combined 393/2/3. Griese's #1 target Bernard Berrian isn't completely healthy this week, so that hurts a little, but look for the Bears to open up their attack in this matchup and for Griese to be productive enough to be a reasonable gamble as your starting QB in leagues with 12 teams or more. In his two starts, he has produced 286/2/3 and 214/2/1.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Cleo Lemon - MIA
With Trent Green sidelined for this week and perhaps much longer, if not permanently, following a bad concussion last week, Lemon gets the starting nod this week against the most porous pass defense in the league. Cleveland is allowing 272 passing yards, 3 TDs and 0.6 INTs per game and opponents are completing over 60% of their passes against them. Lemon completed 15-of-27 for 151 yards and an interception last week against Houston. Lemon is certainly no ringer considering his lack of experience as a starter and because he'll be in a noisy, road game environment. It's still a great matchup. Steve McNair has not been very productive this year but he put up 307 yards and a TD against Cleveland in week 4 and the Raiders Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown combined for 226 yards and a TD in week 3. The other three QBs were more experience and savvy, but Carson Palmer produced 401-6-2, Tom Brady 265-3-0 and Ben Roethlisberger 161-4-0.
If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Brodie Croyle - KC *** check on Damon Huard's injury status first ***
Earlier in the week it was reported that Brody Croyle would make his first NFL start this week against the Bengals because Damon Huard has been ruled out due to a shoulder contusion suffered last week against the Jaguars. Huard has not been ruled out, as of Wednesday, and the team is awaiting further tests on his should. So, be sure to check on Huard's status before making the call either way with Croyle or Huard, but know this -- the matchup this week is extremely favorable for the Chiefs passing game as the Bengals have allowed an average of 257 yards, 2.8 TDs and 1.5 INTs per game. The low mark of opposing QBs was Steve McNair (along with Kyle Boller) in week one. The Ravens combined for 222 yards, 0 TDs and 2 INTs. Since then, Derek Anderson produced 328/5/1, Matt Hasselbeck 248/3/2 and Tom Brady 231/3/1. The Bengals will also be without starting corner Jonathan Joseph, who was suspended by the league for one game.
Quarterback
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Kurt Warner - ARI
Barring injury, Warner will be the Cardinals starting QB for the rest of the season. Warner has not started a game yet this year, but he's played extensively in each of the team's last three games completing 43-of-69 for 580 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT. He even rushed for his first TD since the 2004 season last week and second of his career. Warner faces a Panthers defense that picked off Drew Brees twice last week and didn't allow a passing TD, but did allow 252 yards on 29-of-47 passing. In the Panthers first four games, they didn't record an interception but allowed 5 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD and 237 yds/gm. Joey Harrington shred them for 361 yards and 2 TDs and Matt Schaub 227 yards and 2 TDs. Warner may get Anquan Boldin back into the lineup this week as an added bonus. Bottom line, Warner has played well this season and the glass is looking more half full than half empty.
Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
Admittedly, it's not much of a stretch to run with Hasselbeck in your lineup in most leagues. That said, he'll be without both starting receivers and he is coming off a miserable performance against a strong Steelers defense (13-of-27 for 116 yards, 1 INT). On the positive side, Hasselbeck has a much better matchup against an ailing Saints pass defense this week and the game is at home. The Saints are allowing 220 yards, 2 TDs and 0.5 INTs per game to opponents. They did a nice job against the Panthers last week, but that was David Carr and this is Matt Hasselbeck. Big difference. In the previous two games, Vince Young produced 164 passing yards and 2 TDs while Jeff Garcia threw for 243 yards and 2 TDs despite completing only 10 passes.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Derek Anderson - CLE
Anderson has thrown for 200+ yards in four straight games since taking over the starting job from Charlie Frye in week two. He's thrown 10 TDs against 7 interceptions, but he's completed just 53% of his passes in those starts and he's made some poor decisions at times leading to turnovers in situations where they were in a position to put points on the board. Such was the case last week against the Patriots, perhaps the best defense in the league right now. Anderson threw for 287 yards, 2 TDs and 3 interceptions. This week's opponent is the Dolphins and it's at home. The Dolphins are allowing 180 yards and 1.2 TDs per game -- hardly great numbers, but they're ranking in Fantasy points allowed was skewed by Daunte Culpepper's 5 TDs (3 rushing) against them in week 4. Last week, Matt Schaub produced 294 yards, no TDs and an interception against them. The Dolphins' Achilles heel has been their run defense, but with Zach Thomas back last week and Ron Dayne starting for the Texans, they fared much better in that department leading to Schaub throwing more than expected. Look for similar results here. Jamal Lewis isn't 100%, but likely to start. If he gets going early, it could limit Anderson's production, but chances are the Browns will get Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow involved throughout the game and Anderson will remain productive and put up 200+ yards for a fifth straight week.
Brian Griese - CHI
The Vikings are a difficult team to run against, and let's face it, Cedric Benson hasn't been terribly impressive so far as the Bears featured back either. In the last two games, the Vikings have allowed 344/2/0 to Brett Favre and 206/1/0 to Damon Huard. In week two, the Lions Jon Kitna and J.T. O'Sullivan produced a combined 393/2/3. Griese's #1 target Bernard Berrian isn't completely healthy this week, so that hurts a little, but look for the Bears to open up their attack in this matchup and for Griese to be productive enough to be a reasonable gamble as your starting QB in leagues with 12 teams or more. In his two starts, he has produced 286/2/3 and 214/2/1.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Cleo Lemon - MIA
With Trent Green sidelined for this week and perhaps much longer, if not permanently, following a bad concussion last week, Lemon gets the starting nod this week against the most porous pass defense in the league. Cleveland is allowing 272 passing yards, 3 TDs and 0.6 INTs per game and opponents are completing over 60% of their passes against them. Lemon completed 15-of-27 for 151 yards and an interception last week against Houston. Lemon is certainly no ringer considering his lack of experience as a starter and because he'll be in a noisy, road game environment. It's still a great matchup. Steve McNair has not been very productive this year but he put up 307 yards and a TD against Cleveland in week 4 and the Raiders Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown combined for 226 yards and a TD in week 3. The other three QBs were more experience and savvy, but Carson Palmer produced 401-6-2, Tom Brady 265-3-0 and Ben Roethlisberger 161-4-0.
If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Brodie Croyle - KC *** check on Damon Huard's injury status first ***
Earlier in the week it was reported that Brody Croyle would make his first NFL start this week against the Bengals because Damon Huard has been ruled out due to a shoulder contusion suffered last week against the Jaguars. Huard has not been ruled out, as of Wednesday, and the team is awaiting further tests on his should. So, be sure to check on Huard's status before making the call either way with Croyle or Huard, but know this -- the matchup this week is extremely favorable for the Chiefs passing game as the Bengals have allowed an average of 257 yards, 2.8 TDs and 1.5 INTs per game. The low mark of opposing QBs was Steve McNair (along with Kyle Boller) in week one. The Ravens combined for 222 yards, 0 TDs and 2 INTs. Since then, Derek Anderson produced 328/5/1, Matt Hasselbeck 248/3/2 and Tom Brady 231/3/1. The Bengals will also be without starting corner Jonathan Joseph, who was suspended by the league for one game.
