Fantasy Football News 11/9/06

[Hache Man]

Broken Ribs Knock McGahee Out
New York's injury-ravaged season continued Wednesday, as the Giants lost Amani Toomer for the remainder of the year with a partially torn ACL. Toomer leads the team in receptions (32) and ranks second in receiving yards (360), but most of that is due to one huge game (12 catches, 137 yards, two touchdowns) way back in Week 2. In the six games since then, Toomer averaged just 2.5 catches and 30 yards.

However, while his loss isn't actually as devastating as it might first appear, losing Toomer does put the Giants' receiver depth to the rest. Plaxico Burress sat out Week 9 with back problems and had to skip practice Wednesday when the injury flared up again, and Sinorice Moss is still trying to recover from a groin injury that has limited the first-round pick to a grand total of one catch as a rookie.

With Toomer out, Moss still a non-factor, and Burress iffy to play in Week 10, Tim Carter could get an awful lot of Eli Manning's targets against Chicago. Of course, the Giants' passing game is anything but "normal" in that Jeremy Shockey and Tiki Barber may simply take up the lack with more touches, meaning Carter's value could remain limited regardless of how many receivers are sidelined. Keep an eye on Moss if he ever gets healthy, but otherwise it figures to remain the Burress-Shockey-Barber show.

While Manning tries to figure out exactly how many times he can dump the ball off to Barber out of the backfield before the Bears make him look downfield to someone, here are some other notes from around football …

* The news on Willis McGahee got worse Wednesday, as it was revealed that he has two "cracked" ribs in addition to the "broken" rib that was already expected to keep him sidelined in Week 10. Now McGahee is likely out for several weeks and reportedly could miss up to a month of action, potentially putting him out of commission into the all-important fantasy postseason.

McGahee's fantasy stock obviously plummets, but the news does make Anthony Thomas more than a one-week fill-in pickup. Thomas figures to be Buffalo's every-down back until McGahee returns, simply because the Bills don't have any other legitimate options for touches beyond Shaud Williams in some third-down situations. That makes Thomas a must-grab in all leagues and a decent RB2 option with a favorable matchup against Houston in Week 11.

* Earlier this week coach Dennis Green hinted that Larry Fitzgerald would have his snaps limited this week even if he returns after missing three games with hamstring problems. However, after watching Fitzgerald get through a pain-free practice Wednesday—which Green said included several great catches—he seems to have backed off that stance considerably.

Instead, Fitzgerald now seems likely to suit up against Dallas and resume his role as co-No. 1 receiver alongside Anquan Boldin. That's bad news for Bryant Johnson, who loses whatever limited fantasy value he had while not fully taking advantage of Fitzgerald's injury. However, it's good news for Boldin, who has faced increased defensive attention with Fitzgerald out, and for Matt Leinart, who has struggled quite a bit after a quick start.

* It's baby steps, but the Seahawks are creeping closer and closer to a healthy offense. Coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday that he hopes to have both Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander participating in individual drills at practice Friday, even telling reporters to "get there early." Both players remain doubtful for Week 10, but their chances of returning together in Week 11 against San Francisco remain intact … for now at least.

Two-Minute Drill: Through eight ganes, Chad Johnson is on pace to be targeted 30 fewer times than he was in 2005, which explains most of his decreased production … Joseph Addai has quietly taken over as the clear No. 1 back in Indianapolis, with 35 carries over the past two weeks compared just seven for Dominic Rhodes … With Bernard Berrian (rib) out for several weeks, Mark Bradley's window of opportunity has finally opened up again in Chicago … Steve Smith's absence from practice Wednesday was due to a death in the family rather than an injury … Being questionable to suit up didn't stop Burress from ripping the Bears' secondary: "We can throw the ball on these guys and make some big plays … I don't know why everyone is acting like they are exceptional corners."

Red Zone: Chester Taylor (calf) is listed as questionable, but said Wednesday that he'll "certainly play" in Week 10 … Shawne Merriman is serving his suspension, but the Chargers appear likely to have pass-rushing bookend Shaun Phillips (calf) back in the lineup this week … Ray Lewis (knee) is far from guaranteed to play in Week 10 after coach Brian Billick called him the Ravens' "biggest question mark" … Despite being listed as questionable, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Thursday that Bobby Engram (thyroid) "will not play" Sunday … Ashley Lelie (groin) didn't sound overly concerned about leaving practice early Wednesday, saying it was done as a precaution … Laveranues Coles (calf) is questionable, but had the bye week to get healthy and has yet to miss any time with the season-long injury … Jerious Norwood's (knee) chances of playing Sunday look iffy after the Falcons activated Marlion Jackson from the practice squad for backfield depth.

[Hache Man]

McGahee in Trouble
Willis McGahee (RB, BUF)
McGahee's sore rib injury has gotten progressively worse the past few days. He's gone from one fractured rib and two bruised ones to three fractured ribs. He's listed as out indefinitely, which in all likelihood means the season in his case. Depending on the extent of the fractures, the two 'bruised ribs' that were fractured after further testing) suggest they aren't clean breaks and he maybe he could return but it's not likely. The healing process is roughly 4-6 weeks, meaning he'd be back for a just couple of games. In a comparison of similar injuries, Tampa Bay TE Dave Moore missed four weeks with one fractured rib.

His position may have helped get him back on the field quicker, a luxury McGahee doesn't have at running back. The danger of playing with fractured ribs or returning too soon is a possible punctured lung. Additionally, rib injuries are slow healers because the player feels pain with almost every movement of the torso, thus maintaining conditioning is difficult.

Josh Reed (WR, BUF)
Reed spent Sunday and Monday night in the hospital with a bruised kidney. The Bills medical staff played this one smart and didn't take any chances, sending him to the hospital on Sunday. Luckily for Reed, the hit to his lower back didn't lacerate the kidney, a much more serious condition. Officially, the Bills indicate he won't play this week and the following week is in doubt too. Depending on the severity of the bruise, Reed could miss the rest of the season. If that were the case, Buffalo would have been a bit 'stronger' in their statement regarding his condition. Odds are he'll return this season, the only question is when.

Shaun Alexander (QB, SEA)
The Seahawks have been without Alexander for six weeks due to a fracture in his left foot. The latest CT scan indicates he's healing but it sounds like he's not 100% yet. It doesn't help Alexander owners that Maurice Morris is doing a solid job as his replacement. This has led to an even more cautious approach to his recovery. Seattle expects him to practice next week and play in a limited role in week 11.

Rodney Harrison (DB, NEP)
The shoulder injury to Harrison will have a double impact on fantasy owners. In IDP leagues, the loss of Harrison, most likely for a good chunk of the season, will be costly. His loss reduces the defensive backfield depth and leadership for the Pats. Teams that have the Pats as their team defense could see an increase in giving up passing TDs. For the record, he has a fractured right shoulder blade. Back in 1999, Harrison had a fractured left shoulder blade. He missed ten out of the 11 remaining games. The secrecy involving the Patriots makes it tough to compare the severity of this year's injury and the one in 1999.

Amani Toomer (WR, NYG)
The Giants have lost veteran wideout Amani Toomer for the rest of the season with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He suffered the knee injury on Sunday but the tear wasn't discovered until Tuesday. The tear must have been significant enough that the Giants didn't consider trying to get him back by the end of the season with a knee brace.
Matt Hasselbeck (QB, SEA)
The Seahawks believe this will be the last week on the sidelines that Hasselbeck will miss as their starting QB. If he indeed does return November 12, he will have missed four weeks with a grade 2 medial collateral sprain (MCL) to his right knee. The key to his return next week is how well the knee holds up in practice. Though he's not a running QB, look for Hasselback to be rusty when he returns. His owners would be wise to sit him the first week he's back until he shows he can handle live action without a problem.
Chris Simms (QB, TB)
It didn't come as a surprise this week with the announcement Simms will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing a splenectomy in early October. Simms had held out hope of returning late in the season but his placement on the injured reserve list this week ends that speculation.

Bernard Berrian (WR, CHI)
The banged up Bears will be without Berrian for 2-4 weeks due to bruised ribs. He suffered the injury in last Sunday's game during the first series. X-rays were negative but his difficulty breathing and moving this week led to the 2-4 week projection. Unlike Willis McGahee of the Bills who has three fractured ribs, Berrian could return in a couple of weeks if the rib ailment responses to treatment.
Greg Jennings (WR, GB)
Jennings suffered a relapse of the mid-ankle sprain that has plagued him since October 22. Jennings is having some problems getting in and out of his cuts while running routes. There is some speculation he's not helping the ankle by continuing to play on the ankle rather than giving it a couple of weeks rest to heal. He's questionable for this week.

Rod Smith (WR, DEN)
The Broncos have listed Smith as questionable with a separated shoulder. The injury occurred during last weekend. While the Broncos are being coy about his status, we do know it's an A/C (anterior clavicular) sprain. Look for the Broncos to wait until the end of the week before making a decision on his status for this week.
Michael Strahan (DE, NYG)
The Giants have lost Strahan to a Lisfranc ligament sprain in his right foot. This is similar injury to the one Brian Westbrook suffered late last season. The medical team's projection says he'll miss 2-4 weeks. Westbrook is a good example of how long he'll miss, about two months, depending how quickly he responds to treatment. He's done for the regular season but could return for the playoffs if the Giants don't place him on injured reserve in the meantime.

Curtis Martin (RB, NYJ)
The Jets made it official this week when they placed him on the PUP list and he's done for the season. While this may leave the door open that he could return in the future, he has a bone-on-bone condition in his knee and his career is over.

[Hache Man]

Studs, duds for second half
You've already seen your share of midseason reviews and report cards, which are useful if you're wondering why your team is 3-6 and how many horrible players you have. But we're in the business of trying to help you by telling you what will happen.

So here are some players who will win second-half awards and help you reach the postseason:

MVP:

This is ludicrous to even put up for debate because of how well LaDainian Tomlinson is playing and how well he should continue to roll. Yes, San Diego has two games left against Denver, but even the Broncos are starting to give up points now. Chiefs running back Larry Johnson and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning figure to stay in the mix, but they won't carry your team as often as Tomlinson.

QUARTERBACK:

I'm keeping the faith in Jake Delhomme, who has two good receivers in Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson and whose team's running game has struggled. The Panthers' second-half schedule does not look so difficult and their only potential bad-weather games are in Weeks 12 and 13 at Philadelphia and Washington. Except for your playoff weeks, look for the Lions' Jon Kitna to also be a star. But Week 15 at Green Bay and Week 16 at home vs. Chicago (unless the Bears have clinched home field) will be tough.

Bust: Donovan McNabb. OK, he will not single-handedly ruin your team as Mark Brunell has and you still can trade him high. When you put him on the block, mention that McNabb had at least three total TDs in four of the first seven games and at least two in each of those seven. Don't mention how he looked against the Bucs and Jaguars and do not bring up the Eagles' tough second-half schedule.

RUNNING BACK:

If the 49ers have figured out anything, they should have learned that they need to run Frank Gore into the ground both to keep the offense moving and to keep their defense off the field, especially on the road. The 49ers do not have a matchup that scares you until Week 17 at Denver — by which time your fantasy season will be over — and Gore could be a prime second-half player.

Others to key on are the Rams' Steven Jackson, who needs to be a vital part of their offense, and the Bengals' Rudi Johnson, who had 10 of his 12 TDs last year in November and December and will be getting his linemen back healthy soon. Detroit's Kevin Jones has a few more weeks to run at a high level before a December schedule that includes New England, Minnesota, at Green Bay, Chicago and Dallas.

Busts: DeShaun Foster has not been good enough for the Panthers and will see his playing time drop if rookie DeAngelo Williams can do anything coming off his ankle injury. Chester Taylor's workload does not come close to that of Larry Johnson or Edgerrin James, but Taylor has already surpassed his career high in carries. He is a major injury risk, along with Green Bay's Ahman Green. And don't get too excited about the Ravens' Jamal Lewis, who has had two good games but is averaging just 3.3 yards a carry in them.

WIDE RECEIVER:

The Colts' Marvin Harrison started what will be a big second half last week with his best game of the season: 145 yards and two TDs. Some owners had started to grumble about Harrison not having had a 100-yard game since Week 2, but it would be ludicrous to think Harrison would not turn things around. The Bengals are finding out what it's like when Chad Johnson is not happy and will make sure he does not repeat his two-TD first half of the season. Also, trade for the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald if you can.

Busts: Darrell Jackson has been the Seahawks' best big-play threat, but his second-half success depends on when quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returns. Don't count on the Eagles' Reggie Brown to score another five TDs if Donte Stallworth comes back to do much of anything. The Bears' Bernard Berrian failed to build on a strong start and now has a rib injury that could ruin much of the rest of his season.

TIGHT END:

Antonio Gates is the obvious pick, but there is a whole pack of tight ends who look poised to play well. Dallas' Jason Witten is emerging as one of new quarterback Tony Romo's favorite targets, Tony Gonzalez finally is in the flow of the Chiefs' offense and, if the Ravens average 30.5 points as they have the last two weeks, Todd Heap will be a huge player.

Bust: Owen Daniels. His five TDs were great if you happened to play him, but do not expect him to double that. He is averaging fewer than three catches a week in an inconsistent offense and, if he isn't scoring, has almost no value.

DEFENSE:

One of the reasons the Bengals are 4-4 is that their defense, which led the league with 44 turnovers last year, is on pace for just 28. If a turnaround comes, it will mean many more turnovers. The Jaguars also are tightening down and have allowed only one junk-time TD the last two weeks.

Bust: The Giants are running out of players. If they get back players such as Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan and Sam Madison, they still could get back to being a good play. And the more the season gets away from the Steelers, the more their once-vaunted defense will get beat up and disinterested.

KICKERS:

OK, just kidding. If you don't have Robbie Gould, Nate Kaeding or Jeff Wilkins, just be sure to have somebody kicking in warm weather or indoors.

Busts: There are plenty of kickers who never will be near anybody's lineup, but among those that are, Ryan Longwell, Dave Rayner and Josh Brown likely will drive you nuts.

BREAKTHROUGH PLAYERS:

Jason Campbell. The assumption among many fantasy owners is that the Redskins' offense will go in the tank once Campbell gets playing time. Well, why should the Redskins be so much worse off than the Cowboys are under first-time starter Tony Romo? We might know less about Campbell's prospects than any player since Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard. But once he starts, take a chance on him.

Also be aware of Bills QB Craig Nall, Vikings RB Mewelde Moore (if Taylor gets hurt), Bears WR Justin Gage, Broncos WR Brandon Marshall, Giants RB Brandon Jacobs and, as always, Bears RB Cedric Benson.

[Hache Man]

	Joe Horn is back at practice
	Joe Horn - WR - NO - Nov. 9 - 6:22 p.m. ET
	Joe Horn (questionable, groin) returned to practice Thursday. Horn missed practice all last week, the Ravens game, and Wednesday's workout, so things are looking up. He'll likely start opposite Marques Colston against a Steelers defense that won't have Ike Taylor in the first-team lineup. Just make sure Horn works Friday before using him.Nov. 9 - 6:22 p.m. ET

[Hache Man]

	Plaxico returns to practice
	Plaxico Burress - WR - NYG - Nov. 9 - 4:56 p.m. ET
	Plaxico Burress (questionable, back) returned to practice Thursday. "He did OK," coach Tom Coughlin said. Look for Burress to play Sunday night. The Bears cornerbacks will be motivated after hearing Plaxico say they weren't anything special on Wednesday.Nov. 9 - 4:56 p.m. ET