Fantasy Football News 11/21/06

[Hache Man]

Hasselbeck Set to Return
Shaun Alexander's long-awaited return to the lineup didn't go particularly well Sunday, so the Seahawks will try it again this week with Matt Hasselbeck. Coach Mike Holmgren said Monday afternoon that Hasselbeck could have played Sunday and added Monday night that he will indeed take over for Seneca Wallace as the Week 12 starter against Green Bay.

Barring a mid-week setback in practice—which remains a possibility with a knee injury—Wallace will return to the bench after going 2-2 in four starts. He played well for the most, but was very inconsistent, posting a 76.2 quarterback rating, competing 58.2 percent of his throws for an average of 6.6 yards per attempt, and compiling an 8-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

It wasn't quite Damon Huard filling for Trent Green, but it wasn't bad for a 26-year-old getting his first real chance to play in the NFL. Wallace also rushed a dozen times for 122 yards, showing off Michael Vick-like mobility on numerous other plays, and will certainly garner some trade interest from teams in need of a new starter this offseason. Despite that, there's clearly zero quarterback controversy in Seattle.

Hasselbeck won't be looking over his shoulder unless the knee injury starts acting up again and is safe to put back into your fantasy lineup unless the situation changes later in the week. He has a good matchup against Green Bay Monday night, but follows that up with a tough trip to Denver in Week 13 before back-to-back favorable opponents in Arizona and San Francisco.

While Alexander and Hasselbeck try to get healthy together while holding off the 49ers in the NFC West—how much would you have bet against reading that sentence back in September?—here are some other notes from around football …

* The Packers were dangerously close to looking at Ingle Martin as their Week 12 starter when it was announced Monday that Aaron Rodgers will miss the remainder of the season with a broken foot suffered while subbing for the injured Brett Favre Sunday. Luckily Favre—whose elbow injury knocked him out of a game for just the sixth time in his career—is expected to be healthy enough to make his billionth start in a row against Seattle Monday night.

Of course, that just means Martin is one play away from being under center, which is why Green Bay reportedly worked out quarterbacks Todd Bouman, J.T. O'Sullivan, and Bradlee Van Pelt Monday. Jeff George is surely waiting by the phone. You'll want to keep close tabs on Favre's status throughout the week, but the extra day of recovery should give him an added chance to be ready for what is a favorable matchup against Seattle.

* Kevin Jones has already been ruled out for Thursday's game against Miami and could end up missing several weeks if the injury he suffered in Week 11 ends up being classified as the dreaded high ankle sprain. Arlen Harris will start in Jones' place against the Dolphins and has enough versatility to fit into offensive coordinator Mike Martz's schemes, but likely won't get a ton of touches in the already pass-happy attack.

However, if you're desperate for a RB2 or Flex play—or simply want to have someone to root for while watching games on Thanksgiving, which is an underrated factor—there are worse options than Harris. He rushed 10 times for 40 yards Sunday, including a one-yard touchdown on his third straight carry at the goal line, and also caught a six-yard pass. With Jones, Shawn Bryson, and Brian Calhoun all sidelined, Aveion Cason is the only snap-stealing threat.

* Handed a starting job for the first time in 2005, LaMont Jordan had a breakout season and was one of the best fantasy running backs in football, totaling nearly 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. His 2006 campaign got off to a slow start in a sickly Oakland offense, was bogged down by nagging injuries, and now may be over. Jordan tore a knee ligament Sunday and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

He'll reportedly be able to avoid surgery, which gives Jordan some chance to return for the final game or two, but given the Raiders' place in the standings it seems likely that they'll just shut him down at some point. Justin Fargas will pick up the bulk of the carries in Jordan's place—just as he did in Weeks 7, 8, and 11—but figures to struggle to gain much more than three yards per carry running behind a horrible, banged-up offensive line.

Two-Minute Drill: Coach Andy Reid is expected to announce a decision between Jeff Garcia and A.J. Feeley Wednesday, but is reportedly leaning toward going with Garcia against the Colts … In a performance typical of how the entire season has gone, Reggie Williams and Matt Jones combined for two catches Monday night … Speculation has started about the Jets potentially benching Chad Pennington at some point … Despite a key drop Sunday after returning from injury, coach Lovie Smith indicated that Bernard Berrian will retain his starting job over Mark Bradley … Coach Gary Kubiak said Monday that Wali Lundy and Samkon Gado will continue to split carries "right down the middle," which makes neither of them good RB2 plays … If Sunday's game against Carolina was any indication, Steven Jackson is going to be facing a lot of eight-man defensive fronts with Orlando Pace out for the season.

Red Zone: Marques Colston (ankle) is reportedly "day-to-day," which is amazing given how ugly his injury looked at the time … Coach Mike Shanahan indicated Monday that Tatum Bell (toe) will start in Week 12 if he's "ready to go" … After taking part in the Chiefs' walk-through Monday, teammates expect Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) to suit up this week … Coach Romeo Crennel is reportedly hopeful that he'll have Reuben Droughns (foot) back against the Bengals … Hines Ward may miss some practice time after hyperextending his knee Sunday, but said he expects to play this week … Coach Nick Saban said Ronnie Brown's injured groin is "no worse for the wear" after a tough game Sunday, making him likely to suit up for a favorable matchup against Detroit's banged up front seven Thursday … Byron Leftwich is scheduled to undergo ankle surgery Tuesday and apparently could return by the end of the season, but it would clearly be in a backup role at this point.

[Hache Man]

Waiver Wired: Best Week Ever
This is a great week to own a high waiver pick. The avalanche of big-name injuries Sunday will lead to opportunities for lesser known players. While the wire won't cure all your team's ills, there is useful depth available to help fill roster holes before the stretch run. I've already received many emails about waiver priority, so here's how I rank likely targets at each position this week. Full writeups of each player are below.

Running Backs

1. Justin Fargas
2. Samkon Gado
3. Cedric Houston
4. Jason Wright
5. Vernand Morency
6. Arlen Harris
7. Damien Nash

8. T.J. Duckett

Note:DeAngelo Williams, Mike Bell, and Jerious Norwood would trump this list.

Quarterbacks

1. Charlie Frye
2. Aaron Brooks
3. Joey Harrington
4. Jason Campbell
5. Alex Smith
6. A.J. Feeley/Jeff Garcia

Wide Receivers

1. Santonio Holmes
2. Arnaz Battle
3. Devery Henderson
4. Mark Bradley
5. Ronald Curry
6. Terrance Copper

Running Backs

Justin Fargas, Raiders - Justin Fargas, this is your moment. With LaMont Jordan out for the season, Fargas will get his first (and probably last) opportunity to be a feature NFL back. When he was a waiver darling earlier in the season, I remained skeptical that anyone could have value behind Jordan. After Fargas averaged 2.4 yards-per-carry over the last five weeks, including two games with negative yardage, most owners gave up.

That's the good news! A real live starting NFL running back is probably available on your wire. Fargas earned 20 touches against the Chiefs and can probably expect a similar workload as long as he stays healthy. After a tough game at San Diego this week, Fargas faces inviting matchups against Houston, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Fargas has a tendency to run as fast as he can straight ahead on most runs, but he could be a reasonable flex option those weeks. He's hungry to prolong his career and is running hard. At this stage of the season, it's not going to get much better than that.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Samkon Gado, Texans - Just in case you missed him last week. Gado is splitting carries with Wali Lundy and appears to be the designated goal-line back in Houston. He flashed some of the skills against the Bills that Fantasy Nation fell in love with last season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Cedric Houston, Jets - I've been banging the drum for Houston since he was the best Jets running back on the field back in Week 4. Finally recovered from knee surgery, Houston once again shined in the running game against the Bears. It showed a lot of confidence in Houston by Eric Mangini to bench Kevan Barlow just a week after his best game as a Jet. Houston already appears to have passed Barlow on the depth chart and Leon Washington could next.

The Jets are likely to rotate their running backs, so Houston's numbers are going to be inconsistent. But in a week with flashier options, Houston is a great waiver pickup that may slip under the radar. He could provide 10-15 touches a week down the stretch and quality depth for your fantasy bench. With a great schedule, it wouldn't be a shock if Houston went on a run like Washington did earlier in the season.

Recommendation:Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jason Wright, Browns - Ah, the benefit of low expectations. No one expected Jason Wright to get consistent yardage against the Steelers, so his 18-carry, 74-yard effort looks positively explosive. Wright, like Reuben Droughns, is a grinder. Rookie scat back Jerome Harrison continues to struggle, so Wright will once again get the majority of carries this week if Droughns is out. As I write this, the severity of Droughns' injury is unknown. If Wright starts against the collapsing Bengals this week, he makes a fantastic one-week pickup that could be inserted into your RB2 spot. Cincinnati can't stop anyone. Droughns' uncertain status makes Wright less of a sure bet than other options listed here long-term, but he's a great short-term fix.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Damien Nash, Broncos - The Mastermind says that he rested Tatum Bell Sunday night in order to use him on Thanksgiving night. He also said Bell practiced all week, when the NFL injury report said he didn't. Don't trust Mike Shanahan.

I trust my eyes, and I saw the best Broncos rushing performance in a month Sunday night. Shanny agrees. "We were better today. We have improved over the last couple of games."

I don't' necessarily expect Tatum Bell to get his starting job back. Shanahan says Tatum Bell will be the guy when he starts cutting decisively, but his injured toes may prevent that for a while. Nash was a load picking up 52 yards on 10 carries, while adding three catches for 36 yards against San Diego. Mike Bell was also solid and worked around the goal-line. Since Mike Bell should be owned in all leagues, we'd pick Nash up if you have room for a flier. He may need another injury to be a fantasy starter, but there is plenty of upside.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Vernand Morency, Packers - The former Texan returned to Green Bay's lineup Sunday, mostly for third down duty. Ahman Green's worst two games of the season are his last two, in which he's averaged 2.3 yards-per-carry. The Packers head to Seattle Monday night, where the Seahawks have been giving up big plays in bunches. Pick up Morency as a reserve to stash for December this week before he goes off on national television.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

T.J. Duckett, Falcons - Duckett ripped off an 18-yard run on his first carry against the Bucs Sunday. That's the good news. The bad news is that it came in the second half. Duckett stayed in for a few more plays, but Ladell Betts still got most of the carries against the Bucs. It would make sense for Washington to give Duckett more work down the stretch, but their handling of their costly acquisition has hardly been logical. Until further notice, he's still the backup on a bad offense. Only consider picking him up in deep leagues.

Recommendation:Worth owning in deep leagues

Arlen Harris, Lions - Harris' previous claim to game was scoring three times (on 34 carries) during a game in 2003. He also once started a game when Marshall Faulk was active, albeit injured. Harris may not be talented, but he knows Mike Martz's system. The last guy I wrote that about was Mike Furrey, and he's converted from a safety to a fantasy starter. Harris is suited to be a role player (think Tony Fisher) but he will be forced into the starting lineup on Thanksgiving and possibly beyond.

Yet another Hofstra alum, Harris' biggest problem is his schedule. Miami, New England, and Minnesota are all very strong rush defenses. Maybe Kevin Jones should rest until the fantasy playoffs. Let someone else chase carries with Harris. He'll probably split time with Aveion Cason and Mike Martz will abondon the run.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Jerious Norwood, Falcons - Maybe you are lucky enough to be a shallow league where Norwood's owner got impatient after his two-yard effort Sunday. Maybe Jim Mora hasn't noticed that Warrick Dunn is averaging 3.2 yards-per-carry since Week 6 and will stick with the veteran as the Falcons continue to sink. Maybe Mora should think about getting the ball in the hands of a rookie averaging 6.5 yards per carry on the year.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

DeAngelo Williams, Panthers - I've written about Williams ad naseum in this space, so you know the drill. While DeShaun Foster's elbow injury doesn't look serious, he should be everyone's top waiver pickup if available.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Aveion Cason, Lions - Often confused as the lead singer of "Smack That," Cason is the former Cowboys and Cardinals backup who isn't Troy Hambrick. Detroit will be without their top three players at tailback on Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean you want to pick up their backup running back. Arlen Harris should start.

Recommendation:Don't bother

John Kuhn, Steelers - If Najeh Davenport misses any time, Kuhn will become Willie Parker's backup. Plus he's got the Rocco Demaro Pittsburgh seal of approval.

Recommendation:Worth a look for Parker owners

Quarterbacks

Aaron Brooks, Raiders - Reputations are hard to shake. Aaron Brooks will forever be known as the guy who throws backwards passes to linemen and soul-crushing interceptions. He did little to help that rep Sunday after getting intercepted in the end zone with less than a minute remaining. Fantasy football exists in a vacuum, though, and Brooks' crunch-time woes are off-set by his early numbers in the box score.

I'm the last remaining Brooks apologist in the world, but the man made a lot of impressive plays Sunday against the Chiefs. Despite losing Lamont Jordan and Robert Gallery, the Raiders offense showed a heartbeat for the first time since Andrew Walter wasn't muttering to himself after every play.

Brooks extended plays while buying time in the pocket and delivered a handful of lasers to lesser players like Alvis Whitted, Randal Williams, and Ronald Curry while Randy Moss and Jerry Porter exchanged exit strategies on the sideline. On any other team, Brooks would be a great pickup for the stretch run. On the 2006 Raiders, he's an intriguing QB2 option with matchups against San Diego, Houston, Cincinnati, and St. Louis on the docket.

Recommendation:Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Charlie Frye, Browns - Frye got the memo about his careless play and has survived two straight weeks with no interceptions and .67 completion percentage. More importantly, Frye faces the scuffling Bengals secondary that has given up 950 yards in the last two weeks. 950! Frye is a great one-week pickup because of the matchup.

Recommendation:Great one-week pickup

Joey Harrington, Dolphins - If I know one thing about Joey Harrington, this is a man you do not want to cross. Steve Mariucci, Tony Siragusa, and Dre' Bly have all tried to take him on, and their careers haven't been the same since. Harrington will step on Ford Field Thursday with a single-minded vengeance unseen since Marky Mark in The Departed. 65,000 Lions fans and Matt Millen are going to pay.

Fantasy Nation has been slow to warm to Harrington despite his sweet new haircut. He's still available in 65% of fantasy leagues despite topping 200 yards in five of six starts. While Harrington's yards-per-attempt and TD/INT ratio is actually worse in Miami than Detroit, his attempts are sky high. Look for the Dolphins to continue their bombs-away approach against the Lions' suspect defense. Bonus points for making the early Thanksgiving game interesting.

Recommendation:Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jeff Garcia/A.J. Feeley, Eagles - Does it really make a difference who starts for Philadelphia? Because Andy Reid won't hesitate to let Garcia's pop-gun shoot out 48 pellets in 45 minutes, the answer is yes. Reid has too strong an offensive history to ignore completely.

I hope Feeley gets the nod because Garcia is toast. He can't throw the ball downfield and he's not accurate short. Feeley lost the backup job in San Diego this season to Charlie Whitehurst, and had to be packaged with a draft pick just to acquire Cleo Lemon a year ago. That's usually not a good sign for your career, but Feeley has a history under Reid in a similar spot and has age on his side. If nothing else, the Eagles have the most semi-famous backup quarterback significant others in the NFL.

If Garcia gets the nod, he'd be among the bottom five quarterback in my rankings each week. If Feeley gets the call, he'll probably be among the bottom seven.

Recommendation: Only in emergency

Jason Campbell, Redskins - Considering Campbell didn't have a running game or Santana Moss to help his first start, his final numbers look impressive. He's a 'toolsy' quarterback with a big arm and hardly seemed overwhelmed by his first start. I mentioned last week that he could be attractive in Week 15 and 16 against the Saints and Rams and he looks like a safer bet now.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep/QB2 leagues

Alex Smith, 49ers - It's usually not a good sign when the starting running back gets more yards than the starting quarterback for two weeks running, but the 49ers are making it work. Smith has learned how to not lose and faces a great schedule the next month: St. Louis, New Orleans, Green Bay, and Seattle. I'd still look elsewhere until Smith learns how to put up stats to go with the W's. The return of Vernon Davis would help.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Wide Receivers

Santonio Holmes, Steelers - He's going to be a player. Holmes dropped his first catch of the entire season in Week 11, but converted a key third-and-20 on a fourth quarter drive that he finished off with a 20-yard score. There are grumblings in Pittsburgh that Cedrick Wilson is soft. Holmes is now playing more snaps than the veteran., and it wouldn't be a surprise if Holmes starts this week and evolves into a consistent WR3 the rest of the way. He has sneaky speed that will complement Hines Ward well in years to come.

Recommendation:Worth owning in all leagues

Terrance Copper and Devery Henderson, Saints - It's impossible to separate these two, so why try. The key thing to know here is that the Saints offense is humming against soft backfields and Drew Brees is not afraid to look at his young receivers. This week, the Saints get a Falcons secondary that is struggling just as badly as the Bengals were last week.

Copper is the team's starter if Marques Colston is out, but reportedly has an ankle injury that could sideline him this week. If you have waiver picks early, Henderson is the safer bet. Henderson is a fine deep threat who has inconsistent hands. Both put up huge numbers against the Bengals and would make find one-week pickups against Atlanta if you need a WR3. If Colston returns from injury, all bets are off.

Recommendation:Short-term fix

Mark Bradley - - His speed is back. Chicago's future starter may have to play behind Bernard Berrian for the rest of this season, but he's bound to steal snaps and dull Berrian's value. Fully recovered from ACL surgery, Bradley is worth a look in deep leagues in case Berrian re-injures his ribs. He's another big-play threat, but it's hard to imagine a third receiver in Chicago being a weekly option.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Marty Booker + Wes Welker, Dolphins - Great one-week options against Detroit on Thanksgiving. Welker continues to be consistent enough to remain on all PPR rosters.

Recommendation:Worth owning in deep leagues

Randy Moss, Raiders - Has he hit bottom yet? After only one catch in two weeks, there are going to be fantasy owners who decide to cut bait. He's still worth a flier in any format. I can't believe I just had to write that about Randy Moss.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Ronald Curry, Raiders - Curry was Aaron Brooks' favorite receiver Sunday with five catches and 85 yards. It was interesting that Brooks barely looked at Randy Moss, which could make Curry a viable option down the stretch. Curry has all the talent in the world, but hasn't showed the consistency necessary this season to be a fantasy option. He's worth a look in deep leagues.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Arnaz Battle, 49ers - Battle has been renting a spot in Waiver Wired all season, but he'll graduate off the list if he puts together another solid game. Battle has four or more catches in five of the last six weeks and has become Alex Smith's most reliable target. The 49ers have a great schedule coming up, so Battle can be a reasonable WR3/4 for the next month.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Tight Ends

Randal Williams, Raiders - Oh, desperate Tony Gonzalez owners, we feel your pain. Williams is a former undrafted player from New Hampshire who didn't have a catch for the first three seasons of his career. Before the last two weeks, he had compiled a total of 178 receiving yards. Williams the last two weeks: 102 yards! I can't really say I know that much more about him, but Aaron Brooks has improved the Raiders offense and Oakland faces a weak San Diego safety group this week.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

Ben Utecht, Colts - Don't look now, but Ben Utecht could crack 500 yards this season. Finally free from former "Flying Bens" partner Ben Hartsock, Utecht is doing a capable job as the slow backup tight end on the Colts that defenses simply refuse to cover because Harrison and Wayne are on the outside.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Brandon Manumaleuna, Chargers - The poor man's Bubba Franks, circa 2003. He'll catch a touchdown occasionally on a high scoring team.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

Daniel Graham, Patriots - The poor man's Brandon Manumaleuna.

Recommendation:Worth a look in deep leagues

[Hache Man]

	Report: Garcia likely to start against Colts
	Jeff Garcia - QB - PHI - Nov. 21 - 12:42 p.m. ET
	The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that QB Jeff Garcia is likely to start against the Colts. Coach Andy Reid has yet to announce anything official and QB A.J. Feeley reportedly hasn't even heard one way or another, but the newspaper reports that "all indications" are that Garcia will get the nod.Nov. 21 - 12:42 p.m. ET Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

[Hache Man]

Donovan McNabb - QB - Eagles

Eagles placed Donovan McNabb on injured reserve, officially ending his season. They signed LB Torrance Daniels to take his roster spot.

Based on the quarterbacks who tore their ACL last season, McNabb has a decent chance to be ready for training camp snaps. Keeper league owners shouldn't expect a top-five quarterback performance next season, especially early. Nov. 21 - 3:27 p.m. ET