Fantasy Football News 11/15/06

[Hache Man]

Sick Numbers
Football players throwing up on or around the field is certainly nothing new—I consider it part of the immense charm of the sport, especially compared to baseball or basketball—but it's always interesting to see how each specific "incident" is spun. When Donovan McNabb puked during the Super Bowl, it was seen as a sign that he was somehow less than ready to thrive on the sport's biggest stage.

Meanwhile, when McNabb throwing up during a game against the Bucs earlier this season, it was seen as … well, basically just as someone puking. At the other end of the spectrum is Steve Smith, who spent nearly as much time throwing up into a trash can on the sidelines Monday night as he did abusing Tampa Bay defenders, leading to a sort of quasi-heroic effort that was, at the very least, pretty amusing (to everyone but Smith, probably).

Smith, who explained afterward that he caught some kind of a virus from his sick children, racked up 149 yards on eight catches against the Bucs, including a 36-yard touchdown. Given how impressive he was against Tampa Bay and how amazing a flu-ridden Michael Jordan was against the Jazz while barely being able to stand upright in the NBA Finals years ago, I'm now giving serious thought to throwing up multiple times during the writing of each of my columns.

While you try to get that mental picture out of your head—seriously, good luck with that—here are some other notes from around football …

* Clinton Portis was initially expected to miss about a month following hand surgery Monday, but in an unexpected twist the Redskins are reportedly on the verge of placing him on season-ending injured reserve. Coach Joe Gibbs had hinted all along that the team being out of playoff contention could lead to not rushing Portis back and it was later reported that Portis' actual return timetable would be closer to six weeks than a month.

Whether he's officially placed on IR or not, it's clear that Portis' 2006 fantasy value has completely dried up. It's also clear that Ladell Betts will be given a chance to be a true No. 1 running back for the next seven games. He may lose some goal-line touches to T.J. Duckett, but Betts is a good bet to be among the top dozen fantasy backs for the remainder of the season.

He's a perfect fit for offensive coordinator Al Saunders' attack because of his receiving skills, has little standing in the way of 20-plus touches per game, and is playing for a big contract as a pending free agent. It's a perfect situation to set up a second-half breakout for the guy my RotoWorld colleague Gregg Rosenthal smartly pegged as the new Chester Taylor.

* After sitting out the past eight games following a Week 1 concussion, Trent Green has finally been cleared to begin practicing. Coach Herm Edwards will surely want to see how Green looks in practice before making a decision about who'll be the starter in Week 11 and beyond, but he indicated Tuesday that an official announcement may not come until game time either way.

While Edwards may want to keep things secret for as long as possible—or maybe just delay what will be a tough decision—it should become fairly obviously by Friday or so whether or not Green has a chance to start. Whether Green gets the nod or Edwards sticks with Damon Huard for a while longer, neither quarterback is a great fantasy play with matchups against Oakland and Denver looming next on the schedule.

In fact, in terms of the pass defenses they'll face the Chiefs' schedule is relatively tough throughout the rest of the season, including a season-ending four-game stretch with dates against Baltimore, San Diego, Oakland, and Jacksonville. In other words, while the Green-or-Huard decision is an interesting story with possible playoff implications, the potential fantasy impact is relatively minimal.

Two-Minute Drill: Coach Jon Gruden indicated Tuesday that Bruce Gradkowski will remain the starter despite pressure from Tim Rattay and Luke McCown … After doing well at the goal line in Week 10, Brad Hoover reportedly may get most of the Panthers' short-yardage work going forward … Following five catches for 61 yards Sunday, Randal Williams has officially been named the Raiders' starting tight end … Hurting for receivers with Amani Toomer out, the Giants reportedly worked out David Boston and Peter Warrick this week … Much like last season, talk of the Colts resting their starters down the stretch has already begun … New England signed 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde Tuesday, but it sounds like he'll be the Patriots' third quarterback rather than backing up Tom Brady.

Red Zone: Willis McGahee (ribs) was pleased to be "walking upright" Tuesday, but reportedly has little chance to play in Week 11 and could miss several more games … Tiki Barber's thumb injury caused him to cancel an autograph session, but he plans to play in Week 11 … Not only is Orlando Pace out for the season—potentially giving Marc Bulger's fantasy value a big hit—he's facing six months of recovery for a torn triceps muscle … Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Week 11, but is reportedly hoping to take on a limited role … Aaron Brooks (shoulder) officially made himself "available" to play this week and told reporters he expects a quarterback change to happen by Saturday.

[Hache Man]

	Ronnie Brown out of practice, questionable
	Ronnie Brown - RB - MIA - Nov. 15 - 4:50 p.m. ET
	Ronnie Brown sat out practice Wednesday because of his groin pull, although Daunte Culpepper was back in pads for the first time in weeks. Brown was on the sideline on a stationary bike. It's not surprising that the Dolphins would rest Brown early in the week. He was later listed as questionable, and his owners will just have to watch practice reports this week. He finished last week's game, which is a good sign.Nov. 15 - 4:50 p.m. ET Source: Palm Beach Post

[Hache Man]

	Droughns in walking boot
	Reuben Droughns - RB - CLE - Nov. 15 - 1:17 p.m. ET
	Reuben Droughns' sprained foot is in a protective boot Wednesday. He's listed questionable for Week 11. Perhaps this explains his terrible second half against the Falcons last week. Droughns is averaging only 3.1 yards-per-carry on the season and wouldn't be a good option against Pittsburgh if he plays. If Droughns sat out, Jason Wright and Jerome Harrison would likely split carries.Nov. 15 - 1:17 p.m. ET

[Hache Man]

	Mason, Heap questionable for Week 11
	Derrick Mason - WR - BAL - Nov. 15 - 6:29 p.m. ET
	Derrick Mason (questionable, calf) and Todd Heap (questionable, ankle) both missed at least a portion of Ravens 11-on-11s Wednesday. Both are solid plays this week at New Orleans. The Ravens' local newspapers did not make mention of Mason's injury, so he's likely expected to return to practice later this week. Heap's ongoing ankle troubles are a bit of a concern but he has yet to miss a game.Nov. 15 - 6:29 p.m. ET