FantasytFootball News 11/1/06

[Hache Man]

Tiki the Setup Man
Tiki Barber didn't rack up big touchdown totals early in his career, but over the past two seasons he found the end zone a combined 21 times (while producing nearly 4,500 total yards). However, Barber's yards-to-touchdowns ratio has fallen off the face of the earth this season, as he's failed to score even once despite piling up 957 total yards in seven games.

Even with Brandon Jacobs clearly established as the Giants' goal-line tank, it's somewhat fluky for Barber not to have found the end zone when he's averaging 4.6 yards per rush, 8.3 yards per catch, and touching the ball an average of 26 times per game. At some point you've got to think he'll get in from 20 yards out on a screen pass or break a long run, but the bad news is that it sounds like any touchdowns will have to come from long distance.

Barber said Tuesday that his job to be "a setup man for Brandon Jacobs." When asked specifically about his role at the goal line, Barber said: "If it's outside of five yards I still have the ability to say I want to be in there. Once it gets inside the two-yard line, that's Brandon's territory." Those aren't exactly the words Barber's fantasy owners wanted to hear and it gets even worse.

Barber told reporters that he's "trying to go the whole season" without scoring a touchdown, before opining that "maybe I'll lead the league in rushing without a touchdown." "The Setup Man" is halfway there, with an NFL-leading 715 yards on the ground to go with zero points, and every other running back in the league with at least 325 yards has scored.

For the third straight season, Barber's all-around numbers are staggeringly good. He already has four 100-yard games on the ground, including the 185-yard outburst in Week 6. He's on pace for 420 touches and nearly 2,200 total yards, both of which would rank among the best of all time. However, Barber ranks behind at least a half-dozen backs in terms of fantasy production (depending on your specific league scoring system), while Jacobs has managed to be a top-30 back despite a grand total of 54 touches.

While the New York media decides whether to focus more on Barber's impending retirement or lack of a single touchdown during the season's final two months, here are some other notes from around football …

* Damon Huard is 4-2 as a starter and ranks third in the NFL with a 100.4 quarterback rating, behind only Peyton Manning (107.9) and Marc Bulger (101.3). However, coach Herm Edwards made it clear that Trent Green will get his job back when he's ready to return, forcefully telling reporters Sunday that "if Green is healthy, he'll start." The issue, of course, is when Green will be healthy.

He's expected to begin practicing in some capacity later this week, which would put him on track for a potential Week 10 return at Miami. That would give Huard one more chance to change Edwards' mind going up against the Rams in St. Louis Sunday, which is a favorable matchup. It's not surprising that Edwards would hand Green his old job back, but that doesn't necessarily mean he won't be on a short leash.

If Huard comes up with yet another good performance this week and then Green struggles upon his return, it's going to be very difficult for Edwards to leave Huard on the bench. He's completed 65 percent of his throws while being picked off just once in 188 passes, and is coming off back-to-back wins over San Diego and Seattle. If Green wants to keep his job down the stretch, he'll have to jump back into the lineup rolling. In other words, don't ditch Huard just because Green returns.

* Minnesota's rush defense has been second-to-none, but New England exposed the Vikings' pass defense Monday night, with Tom Brady throwing for 372 yards in a blowout. The Vikings may be able to correct that problem—although pass coverage is never going to be a strength for their linebackers and tight end Ben Watson did much of the damage—but one thing they have no solution for is Brad Johnson's meltdown against the Patriots.

Normally a risk-averse, manage-the-game quarterback, Johnson let it fly with disastrous results, getting picked off three times on ugly plays before being yanked in the third quarter. Coach Brad Childress said Tuesday that Johnson will remain the starter in Week 9 because he's not "a short-hook guy," but scolded Johnson for the turnovers. Childress quoted Popeye when explaining why he pulled Johnson, saying: "That's all I can stands and I can't stands it no more." No word on whether or not any spinach was consumed.

Childress' self-described "non-negotiable" intolerance for turnovers is understandable, but the Vikings don't really have any choice but to stick with Johnson. Brooks Bollinger replaced him Monday night, but had a turnover of his own and was mediocre at best in significant action with the Jets last season. The No. 3 quarterback is Tarvaris Jackson, who the team traded up in the draft to grab in the second round, but he's a rookie from a Division I-AA school and underwent knee surgery last month.

Two-Minute Drill: Shawne Merriman dropped the appeal of his four-game suspension Tuesday and will begin serving it immediately, but with Shaun Phillips (neck) likely back by next week at the latest the Chargers will probably play just one game without both their stud pass rushers … If you've never heard of new Philadelphia cornerback "William James" you're not alone, because the guy the Eagles signed Tuesday is actually former Giants starter Will Peterson with a new name.

Red Zone: Despite a bye week to get healthy, Santana Moss (hamstring) is questionable for Week 9 … Meanwhile, the New York Daily News reports that Sinorice Moss (groin) may be headed for season-ending injured reserve … Coach Brad Childress said Tuesday that it's "hard to tell" when Marcus Robinson (back) will be ready to practice again … With Verron Haynes (knee) placed on injured reserve, Najeh Davenport has little competition as Willie Parker's backup for the remainder of the season.

[Hache Man]

IDP Nation
'He's playing to not lose instead of to win.'

Ka-boom.

That's the sound of my head exploding every time I hear this ridiculous cliché.

Yes, I get what it really means. But wouldn't it be easier just say 'he needs to be more aggressive?'

More often than not, it's ex-athletes who say this useless hyperbole.

They're the same jerks who always scream to 'go for it!' on fourth and one, regardless of the game situation.

They know nothing of game strategy and that there's a good and bad time to go for the gusto.

As an IDP owner you're hopefully hung in there this season. You've been aggressive on the waiver wire, but have also had the patience to stick with your stars long enough to see them perform (yes, those owners that heckled Larry Johnson in week four can officially he handed a big, fat plate of crow).

There's plenty of luck in fantasy football, but unless you're the unluckiest guy in the world, you've done enough (thanks to rotoworld, of course) to be at least 4-4 headed into the stretch run.

So now what? Play, as the meatheads would say, 'not to lose'. Think long-term and get your points from your IDPs. Get at least 4-5 tackles per player per week. If someone gives up on Jonathan Vilma on his bye, swipe him up and hope he returns to form.

In this run of 2-3 games before the playoff chase you can certainly lock up a playoff spot with a few strong weeks. But if you take the big chance this early, you could also drop to something like 4-7 and be out just like that. So take it easy for now. It will pay off later in the season.

Defensive Line - Start

Michael Strahan, DE, NYG (v. HOU)
Whether it's David Carr or Sage Rosenfels at quarterback, he'll be dodging Matthias Kiwanuka Michael Strahan all game long. Expect big games from both of them.

Aaron Kampman, DE, GB (@BUF)
Kampman has been great this season and he'll keep it up this week against Buffalo.

Mark Anderson, DE, CHI (v. MIA)
Could this rookie be Chicago's answer to Robert Mathis? He's an undersized pass-rusher who has a knock for getting to the quarterback (8.5 sacks in 7 games). He could be in double-digits after this week's game against Miami.

Sit

Justin Smith, DE, CIN (@BAL)
Baltimore may have found its running game with Brian Billick calling the plays. With Smith going against Jonathan Ogden, I'd sit him down for a week. He might post some decent tackle numbers, but it's unlikely he'll sack the quarterback.

Jared Allen, DE, KC (@STL)
Allen is purely a hit-and-miss type of guy, and he's definitely a miss going up against Orlando Pace.

Kyle Vanden Bosch, DE, TEN (@JAX)
Jacksonville pounded Philadelphia with their running game last week, and they'll likely do the same against the Titans. KVB will be back, just not this week.

Linebacker - Start

Daryl Smith, MLB, JAX (v. TEN)
Go grab this guy right now. He's in Mike Peterson's spot and should be grabbing 6-8 tackles per week in his absence.

Teddy Lehman, MLB, DET (v. ATL)
I'm squarely out on a limb on this pick. He's activated from the PUP and will supposedly get the starting the middle against Atlanta. Maybe he can finally stay healthy and be the leader for Detroit's defense.

James Farrior, ILB, PIT (v. DEN)
Denver found its running game last week and should give Mike Bell and company a lot of carries against Pittsburgh. Farrior is Pittsburgh's best linebacker, so his numbers should be nice.

Sit

Derrick Johnson, SLB, KC (@STL)
I'm just not a big fan of this guy. Yes, he might be a good player to have but he isn't the best fantasy linebacker. The Rams went back to airing it out last week and could try it again against KC's secondary. If so, Johnson will be lucky to get four tackles.

Tedy Bruschi, ILB, NE (v. IND)
Indianapolis shredded Denver's defense through the air last week, and they'll likely try to same tactics against the Patriots. Bruschi has never been a great fantasy linebacker anyway, so bench or cut him.

Kirk Morrison, MLB, OAK (@SEA)
Seattle's offensive featuring Seneca Wallace and Maurice Morris isn't likely to scare many opponents. But they've had some success in the air, which is where they'll likely go this week against Oakland.

Defensive Back - Start

Roy Williams, SS, DAL (@WAS)
Call it a gut feeling. Roy has had a tough season but he seems to always show up big against Washington. Look for a sack, an interception or some sort of big play.

Chris Hope, SS, TEN (v. JAX)
Whoever plays at quarterback won't matter. Jacksonville will pound the football against the Titans, and Hope should clean up on quite a few tackles.

Sean Taylor, FS, WAS (v. DAL)
Lost in the Tony Romo performance against Carolina was the way Dallas pounded the football against the Panthers. Taylor will be up in run-support and could deliver some big hits.

Sit

Ed Reed, FS, BAL (v. CIN)
I've officially given up on this guy. He hasn't made any big plays, and his tackle numbers just aren't big enough to justify a start. Hopefully you traded him away before his stock totally hit rock bottom.

Gibril Wilson, SS, NYG (v. HOU)
He hasn't been healthy, and just hasn't been effective this season. He's normally a solid starter but I can't recommend him until I see a little more this season.

Adam Archuleta, SS, WAS (v. DAL)
You know things aren't going well when he's possibly headed for the bench in favor of Troy Vincent. Even if he does start, that tells you he isn't playing well.

Bye Weeks - Arizona, Carolina, New York Jets, Philadelphia
The byes are almost over, thank goodness. It's the final week of roster decisions, on who to keep and who to throw away. IDP Nation, as always gives you a cheat sheet that tells you who is worthy of a roster spot.

Defensive Line
Arizona - Bertrand Berry (deep leagues only)
Carolina - Julius Peppers
New York Jets - None
Philadelphia - Trent Cole (deep leagues only)

Linebacker
Arizona - Gerald Hayes, Karlos Dansby (deep leagues only)
Carolina - None
New York Jets - Jonathan Vilma
Philadelphia - Jeremiah Trotter

Defensive Back
Arizona - Adrian Wilson
Carolina - Chris Gamble (CB-required leagues only)
New York Jets - Justin Miller (CB-required leagues only), Kerry Rhodes
Philadelphia - Michael Lewis, Brian Dawkins (deep leagues only), Lito Sheppard (CB-required leagues only)

Hits and Misses

Last week: 6-9 Overall: 73-62

Defensive Line:
Last week: 3-3 Overall: 29-16

Hits
Charles Grant - 5 tackles, 1 PD (Start)
Kyle Vanden Bosch - 5 tackles, 1 assist, 2 sacks, 1 FF (Start)
Dwight Freeney - 3 tackles, 1 assist, .5 sacks (Sit)
Misses
Bertrand Berry - 2 tackles, 1 assist, 1 PD (Start)
John Henderson - 1 tackle, 2 assists, .5 sack, 2 PD (Sit)
Jared Allen - 3 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD (Sit)

Linebacker:
Last week: 2-4 Overall: 20-27

Hits
Keith Brooking - 7 tackles, 2 assists (Start)
Leroy Hill - 6 tackles, 2 assists (Start)

Misses
Brian Simmons - 2 tackles, 1 assist (Start)
A.J. Hawk - 7 tackles, 2 assists (Sit)
Al Wilson - 4 tackles, 2 assists, 1 PD (Sit)
Chris Draft - 5 tackles, 1 assist (Sit)

Defensive Back:
Last week: 1-2 Overall: 24-19

Hits
Ken Hamlin - 10 tackles, 1 assist (Start)

Misses
Antoine Winfield - 3 tackles (Start)
Kevin Kaesviharn - 2 tackles, 1 PD (Start

[Hache Man]

	Bush, Horn expected to play in Week 9
	Reggie Bush - RB - NO - Nov. 1 - 8:10 p.m. ET
	Reggie Bush (ankle) and Joe Horn (groin) are expected to play in Week 9, despite being listed as questionable on the injury report. Both missed portions of Wednesday's workout, but Bush told the AP that he intends to return for practice Thursday. Saints coach Sean Payton says Horn is "fine" and not expected to miss the game versus Tampa Bay. Left tackle Jammal Brown's status is less certain.Nov. 1 - 8:10 p.m. ET Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

[Hache Man]

	Darrell Jackson sits out practice
	Darrell Jackson - WR - SEA - Nov. 1 - 6:50 p.m. ET
	Darrell Jackson (probable, knee) missed practice Wednesday. Jackson is coming off offseason knee surgery and was reportedly getting treatment. The Seattle News Tribune reports Jackson was walking without a limp at the team's training facility and should play Monday night. Still, it's a situation to keep in mind due to his history of knee trouble.Nov. 1 - 6:50 p.m. ET Source: Seahawks Insider Blog

[Hache Man]

	Santana Moss misses practice
	Santana Moss - WR - WAS - Nov. 1 - 5:47 p.m. ET
	Santana Moss (questionable, hamstring) missed practice Wednesday. This is a situation to monitor closely. Moss has a very difficult matchup with Dallas, who shut him down in Week 2. We'd avoid using Moss if possible even if he suits up.Nov. 1 - 5:47 p.m. ET

[Hache Man]

	Leftwich probable, sharp at practice
	Byron Leftwich - QB - JAC - Nov. 1 - 5:39 p.m. ET
	Byron Leftwich is listed as probable on the Week 9 injury report. He practiced Wednesday. Deon Grant told ESPN Radio's Mike Dempsey that Leftwich definitely looked healthier this week. "He was so sharp. I wish I had a camera out there, he was so strong out there, he was leading receivers." While Jack Del Rio may not name a starter until Sunday, Leftwich looks like the guy. We wouldn't hesitate to use him in fantasy leagues against the Pacman-less Titans.Nov. 1 - 5:39 p.m. ET Source: Jaguars.com