Fantasy Football News 12/04/06

[Hache Man]

The Morning After

Perhaps it was a little later than we all anticipated, but Reggie Bush finally made his rookie debut this week in New Orleans.

Yes, we all know this is actually the 12th game of Reggie's career, but this is the week fantasy owners all saw when he went late first/early second round.

Bush came through with 168 total yards of offense and 4 TDs and gave New Orleans a resounding 34-10 thumping of San Francisco.

Going into the game Bush had just 2 TDs (one rushing, one punt return) and under 800 total yards. But he showed all the moves everyone expected after going to New Orleans with the #2 overall pick.

Could this be the start of something big?

Deuce McAllister still was the workhorse at running back, carrying the ball 26 times to Bush's 10.

However, could this start a change in the Big Easy? Is this the time that New Orleans starts the slow transition from one back to another, much as they did with McAllister and Ricky Williams?

Until this week Reggie has been no better than a RB2 in PPR leagues (thanks to 73 receptions) and a RB3 otherwise.

Perhaps now is the time that he can be mentioned along with the second-tier running backs like Steven Jackson, Tiki Barber, Rudi Johnson and others?

I'd rank him about even with Brian Westbrook in Philadelphia, with a little higher upside and less of an injury history.

Box score notes

Kevin Jones continues to impress me. He had just 56 yards rushing against New England, but contributed another 86 yards on 5 catches in the passing game.

As far the Lions are concerned, there are no other running backs on their roster (just look at the box score against Miami.)

He's a top 10, maybe even top 8 guy to have in point per reception leagues. And has done so pretty quietly.

Who else can you name that is up to 1100 total yards with less hype?

It goes to show you that you aren't sunk if you can't draw a sandwich pick in your draft. Guys like Jones are there every year. Swipe them up.

While LT blows everyone away, Antonio Gates is quietly reaping the rewards of his record-breaking season.

He doesn't have the 13 TDs of 2004 but he leads San Diego is receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs. He surely was the first tight end taken off of everyone's board, but he's justifying that position with solid numbers every week.

Apparently he's Philip Rivers' and LT's favorite receiver.

Congratulations Ladell Betts, you're now officially an NFL starter for another 4 weeks.

Betts stomped Atlanta's defense early and ran for 155 yards in Washington's 24-14 loss. If Washington hadn't given up the lead early in the third quarter, maybe Betts could have gotten to 200+ yards.

Al Saunders loves to run the ball to the outside with sweeps and toss plays, and Betts is clearly the guy over T.J. Duckett. Duckett may swipe a goalline carry here or there, but there's no controversy here.

Betts has 52 carries in his last two games. He had 89 the entire season to that point.

It took nearly five years, but welcome to the good life in the NFL Ladell.

Vince Young helped Tennessee pull a huge upset against Indianapolis thanks to hitting 12 different receivers (OK, 10, I shouldn't count Jason David and Marlin Jackson.)

That combined with another steady performance from Travis Henry (20 carries, 93 yards) put Tennessee in position to win the game, and Rob Bironas came through in true Matt Bryant-style.

I still can't figure Young out.

He's like a cross between Michael Vick and Steve McNair. This week he went 15-for-25 for 163 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. He also ran 9 times for 78 yards.

Not impressive numbers, but enough for a QB2. Maybe one day he'll be able to mature like McNair did and go onto much bigger and better numbers.

Henry and LenDale White is a whole other story. Seven weeks ago, Tennessee was 0-5 and we all expected the Titans to have a smooth transition from Henry to LenDale, and White would own the job by the end of the season.

Suddenly they've won 5 of 7 and while they aren't in the playoff chase, Jeff Fisher isn't the type of guy to just throw up the white flag.

White may still get some looks, but it doesn't appear that the Titans are ready to show the door to Henry just yet.

I'm not sure who bothered to get the shovel, but someone apparently decided to dig Marcel Shipp out of his grave.

This guy hadn't had a TD since 2002 (2002!) and had three (three!) carries this season, and then breaks out with 3 TDs in one game?

Huh?

Hopefully no one had Shipp against them this week in their fantasy league. That type of performance could ruin a weekend.

Brings back memories of Mario Bates.

While I wouldn't quite sprint to grab him off your waiver wire, Edgerrin James hasn't ever been the greatest goalline runner, and Shipp could be a nice give to have on the bench in case of injuries, or as a handcuff if you own James. Something tells me most owners didn't already have him on their roster.

Shanahan Corner

Corey Dillon had his stock rise Sunday with 3 rushing TDs on just 9 carries, while Laurence Maroney had just 4 carries and 14 yards. He also went down with some sort of mysterious injury. Knowing New England's KAOS-esque secrecy of injuries, Maroney could be a fixture as 'questionable' for the rest of the career as a Patriot.

While he still has more upside than Dillon, Sunday's performance has to put Dillon at a 60-40 split.

Jerious Norwood had his second big game as a pro, and could soon be injecting himself into a three-way split at running back in Atlanta.

Three ways? Well, one still has to count Michael Vick more as a running back than a quarterback. Norwood, Vick and Warrick Dunn combined for 253 rushing yards this week against Washington.

That being said, there aren't many leagues that count Vick as a RB. So still give Dunn the benefit of the doubt, with a 75-25 split.

Before we all pencil in Joseph Addai as a first-round pick next season, let's slow things down on that bandwagon just a touch. Yes, Addai beat Rhodes 16-12 in the battle for carries, but Rhodes got the almighty TD at the goalline.

I'm not saying Addai isn't the preferred guy, but let's not just quite yet start shoveling dirt on Rhodes' career.

To be diplomatic, let's give Addai a 55-45 edge (no pun intended) for now.

I'm also not ready to annoint Reggie Bush as the 'man' in New Orleans just yet. Yes, his 4 TDs will get the headlines (yes, I note the irony that it did in this column), but Deuce McAllister also had a nice game with 26 carries and 136 yards.

Bush is hard to ignore, and he certainly is the preferred guy in PPR leagues, and also just for teams that need a little more upside (in other words, the ones that are up against Tomlinson in the playoffs).

I loves me some upside, so let's give Reggie the edge, say 60-40.

Did things for the Jets just get a lot more clear? Cedric Houston blew everyone away this week with a 22-carry, 105 yard, 2 TD performance. Leon Washington, aka, this generation's Billy Ripken, had 7 carries for 40 yards and a TD as well.

And Kevan Barlow? Yea, I never heard of him either.

I still like Washington by a slight edge, but Houston change a lot of people's minds this week.

I'll give Washington 50, Houston 49, and that other guy 1.

Apparently a lot has changed at the QB situation in Cleveland with Charlie Frye's injury, but the RB situation continues to stay cloudy.

Reuben Droughns had a nice performance with 70 yards and a TD, but Jason Wright contributed 25 rushing yards and 70 yards receiving. Droughns has never been known as a guy who catches a lot of passes (just 21 catches this season), so Wright should continue to get looks in passing situations.

Jerome Harrison was nowhere to be found, he was inactive in week 13.

Give Droughns a slight edge over the pack, 50-35-15.

After an Emmitt Smith-like load of carries, maybe Chester Taylor's body finally has succumbed to the hits he's taken.

Taylor left Sunday's game with a rib injury, and Ciatrick Fason came through with 75 yards on 11 carries. Depending on Taylor's injury, there could be plenty of work for Fason and Mewelde Moore.

If Taylor is healthy, he's the guy for Minnesota, but if not, give Fason the 60-40 edge over Mewelde.

Ron Dayne is back!

In his second-best rushing performance since 2001, Dayne rushed for 95 yards on 18 carries against Oakland. Wali Lundy, however, was the recipient of Houston's only offensive TD.

So why not jump on the bandwagon at this point?

Give Dayne a plurality of 45-35-20 over Lundy and Samkon Gado.

Fred Taylor (19 carries, 76 yards) and Maurice Jones-Drew (5 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD) continue to do their best Abbott & Costello routine, and seem to make each other better as the weeks go along. Jacksonville's run game shows no sign of letting up.

They might be the only RBBC that each guy is worth a start each week, with all apologies to New England.

Still, Taylor is the lead guy at this point, and we'll give him a 60-40 advantage as he looks very fresh going down the stretch.

And the coin must have come up tails this week as Tatum Bell (23 carries, 133 yards) got his first extended look since week 10. He's healthy again and playing well. Look for him to keep the job

Mike Bell (4 carries, 12 yards) disappointed owners for the second straight week, though his performance last week against Kansas City could have a lot to do with Tatum getting the workload this week.

As for their split? It's the Shanahan corner, of course it's heads or tails, 50-50.

Editor's Note: Rocco DeMaro will be back next Monday with the Morning After. Special thanks to Jason Matheny for a great job pinch-hitting.

[Hache Man]

Late Game Recaps

Jaguars 24, Dolphins 10
Game Recap by: Gregg Rosenthal

The Big Story

In a game with major playoff implications, fifth-year pro David Garrard played the best game of his career while Joey Harrington combined solid passing yardage with backbreaking mistakes. Jacksonville's two-headed monster of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew unsurprisingly outshone Miami's two-headed nightmare of Sammy Morris and Travis Minor in a decisive Jaguars victory.

Beyond The Box Score

I've had my doubts about David Garrard (16/22-229-2-0, 6-24-0), but Sunday proved he belonged. The Dolphins got pressure on Garrard, but he wouldn't go down. His running ability gave him time to find Matt Jones (6-128-2) and Reggie Williams (5-42-0) down the field. He made a number of difficult strikes, especially to Jones, who dominated Miami's man coverage. Jones looks so fluid, versatile, and explosive, it's hard to understand why more of these games haven't occurred this season.

The biggest knock on Joey Harrington (27/42-267-1-2) throughout his career has been that he feels the pass rush. That was the case against the Jaguars. With Marcus Stroud healthy and a weak Miami running game unable to support him, Harrington was harassed and didn't step into his throws. His interceptions came from frenzied decisions. Harrington faces a tough schedule down the stretch.

I benched Chris Chambers (8-121-0) in our NBC league and it's going to cost our team a playoff spot (despite an 8-5 record, don't ask). Who thought Chambers would have his best day of the season against the best pass defense in the AFC? Chambers was targeted deep often for the first time in a while, although Harrington and him mostly connected on shorter throws. Marty Booker (5-61-1) continued his steady play and was a more frequent target in the red zone than Chambers.

Maurice Jones-Drew (5-46-1) nearly had one of his quietest games of the season. But in a play that neatly summarizes his rookie year, the stocky UCLA product busted up the middle and through numerous tacklers for a 32-yard score midway through the fourth quarter. The Dolphins had Jones-Drew stopped and surrounded, but he seemingly burrowed through the trash before running to daylight. Fred Taylor (19-76-0) was effective as usual, especially considering the opponent. The RBBC in Jacksonville won't always please fantasy owners, but it's working well.

The Sammy Morris (12-47-0, 3-20-0) and Travis Minor (6-22-0, 3-2-0) show was boring as expected. Look for similarly weak numbers against the Patriots next week. Ronnie Brown probably won't be back until Week 15.

Going Forward

Jack Del Rio told the CBS crew that Matt Jones was going to have a huge day, so the coach knew that Jones is A) fully healthy at last and B) a big part of the game plan. Jacksonville has a difficult schedule in the fantasy playoffs, starting against Indianapolis, but Jones is worth picking up for depth in all leagues.

The Colts matchup makes Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew much stronger RB2 plays next week. They are almost must-starts if you have a flex position.

The Patriots are vulnerable through the air, so Chambers, Marty Booker, and Wes Welker are options next week. Miami will give up on the run early. Chambers are Booker are solid WR3s, while Welker had a big day against them early in the season.


Steelers 20, Buccaneers 3
Game Recap By: Evan Silva

The Big Story

It didn't take much to beat the Bucs on Sunday afternoon. Bruce Gradkowski (20-34-175-0-3, 6-26) was awful. Carnell Williams (11-27, FL, 4-30) had one of his worst games as a professional. Michael Clayton (4-57) dropped a sure score, and then sprained his MCL. Joey Galloway (3-37) didn't make impact plays. Tampa turned the ball over four times and Pittsburgh only turned it over once. This was an easy win for the now 5-7 Steelers.

Beyond the Box Score

Gradkowski was atrocious for the second straight week. The rookie quarterback threw a key interception in the end zone that was picked by Bryant McFadden and another right to Clint Kriewaldt in the fourth quarter. Gradkowski shouldn't be starting in the NFL right now.

Ben Roethlisberger (12-25-198-2-1) did well to compensate without Hines Ward. He picked on Bucs corner Juran Bolden and hit Nate Washington (3-78) for three big plays. Both of Big Ben's touchdowns were to tight ends. Roethlisberger didn't seem to be on the same page with Santonio Holmes (1-18), however, as many of his passes intended for the first-round pick sailed just out of Holmes' reach.

Cadillac appeared to be working on more downs, which is the only good news we can take from his game. Special teamer Earnest Graham (4-35) out-gained Williams on seven less carries to lead Tampa in rushing. Michael Pittman (1-0, 1-7) was not on the field often.

Cedrick Wilson (2-26) left early with a sprained ankle and may very well be sidelined for Week 14, as the Steelers play on Thursday.

Willie Parker (22-61, 1-25) didn't have a run of longer than three yards until well into the second half. This was Parker's second consecutive game without a score. Najeh Davenport (6-8, 2-22) did his work in garbage time.

Going Forward

We're guessing Clayton misses a week at least. He would be replaced by Maurice Stovall at the flanker position. Stovall is worth a look in deep leagues, as his skills are suited for the red zone.

We're also guessing that Ward and Wilson won't available for Thursday night. Holmes may finally get his chance to start. However, he will be in court all week and probably won't practice at all before then. Holmes is not an especially safe WR3 play.

Use Cadillac as a flex in Week 14 at Atlanta. He'll be an easy sit from then on if he doesn't come up big.

Gradkowski needs to be replaced. Look for Jon Gruden to give either Luke McCown (inactive) or Tim Rattay (active, DNP) a shot at some point down the stretch. Watching Gradkowski fail over and over has not only cost the young quarterback his confidence, it's cost the team any morale it might have left. He's outmatched.

Dallas 23, N.Y. Giants 20
Game Recap by Matt Lawrence

The Big Story

After their much publicized release of struggling kicker Mike Vanderjagt earlier in the week, the Cowboys were rescued by new acquisition Martin Gramatica, who came through with a clutch 46-yard field goal in the closing seconds. The win essentially gave the Boys the NFL East Division title over the struggling G-Men.

Beyond the Box Score

The Giants have now dropped four straight contests, while the Cowboys have wheeled off five wins in six games since Tony Romo took over behind center. Dallas now holds a two-game lead for the division with four games remaining.
Marion Barber found the end zone two more times Sunday, increasing his touchdown total to 11 rushing and 13 total on the season. Only Larry Johnson (15) and LaDainian Tomlinson (26) have more. Barber scored on a one-year plunge in the first quarter and again in the fourth on a seven-yard dash to the right side.
New York held Julius Jones to just 24 yards on the ground. He's now failed to get 100 yards in each of his past seven games and has received a season-low in carries (11) in each of the past two contests. New Orleans ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing 133.1 rushing yards per game, so consider Jones a decent RB3 or flex option. However, keep in mind – he's scored just one TD in the past nine games.
Tiki Barber rushed for 90 yards on 23 carries in the contest and added another five receptions for 53 yards through the air. He came through with a clutch 28-yard reception on a dump-off pass in New York's game-tying drive in the fourth quarter. The 10th-year back needs just four receptions to register his eighth straight 50-reception campaign.
Before the game, Barber revealed to Foxsports.com that his right thumb is broken above the knuckle, not sprained. He wore a protective plastic covering over the injury that he suffered four games ago against Chicago. He said he thought the thumb injury would end his season, and his career, when it originally happened. He's got a workman-like 199 yards rushing on 58 carries in three weeks since getting hurt, so it's not affecting his numbers a great deal.
After the contest, coach Bill Parcells said Martin Gramatica would officially be signed the remainder of the season after nailing three field goals, including the game-winning 46-yard with one second left on the clock. Around the league, there were three games decided by field goals in the closing seconds.
Michael Strahan (foot) was on the field about two hours before game-time doing some stretching exercises. The medical staff deemed him not ready to return though. The Giants fell to 1-11 in the past 12 games he doesn't start.
The Giants wore their red home jerseys for the first and only time this season.

Going Forward

The Cowboys will be in the National spotlight next Sunday night against the Saints, in a matchup of two of the hottest quarterbacks in the game. Dallas has four rather good fantasy matchups in the final month though (NO, @ATL, PHI, DET).
With four straight losses, it's officially must-win time for the Giants. They'll travel to Carolina next week and play against the No. 6 ranked pass defense of the Panthers. Drop Manning, Burress and Shockey down a notch for this tough matchup.
Texans 23, Raiders 14
Game Recap By: Evan Silva

The Big Story

Only Oakland could find a way to lose to a team that doesn't complete a pass in the entire second half of a football game. The Raiders are at their worst when given an opportunity to win.

Beyond the Box Score

David Carr (7-14-32-0-0) took five sacks, fumbled three times, lost two, and had one returned for a touchdown by Kirk Morrison. Carr looked scared.

Aaron Brooks (25-42-238-0-2, 3-13) ended his third straight game on an interception. He didn't use his legs to evade the rush like he had in his first two starts since returning from a shoulder injury. All of Brooks' completions were short. Oakland's leading receiver was fullback/committee member ReShard Lee (6-42, 5-57).

Randal Williams (6-46) is showing up and producing but he had two huge fumbles late in the game. Williams may have lost his starting job due to the miscues.

Four catches and 44 yards is a promising effort from Randy Moss these days. He also drew an unnecessary roughness penalty against C.C. Brown in the second quarter to set up Justin Fargas' three-yard touchdown run.

Fargas (14-49-1, 1-9) went nowhere after the early score. ReShard Lee was in the game while Oakland was attempting to come back. Zack Crockett (2-5, 2-19) saw his role diminish. I can't believe we're examining the play of these bums every week. The Raiders need help.

Nnamdi Asomugha is a top-five corner in this league. He had a blanket on Andre Johnson (1-9). Johnson also carried twice for -4 yards. Eric Moulds (1-3) was completely shut down. Owen Daniels didn't have a catch.

Samkon Gado was an active DNP. Wali Lundy (9-33-1, 2-9) started but was replaced by Ron Dayne (18-95, 1-5) in the second half. Dayne broke off big chunks of yardage to set up four second-half field goals attempts. Kris Brown missed one and made three.

Going Forward

Houston's running back carousel is not a fun ride. Lundy has had the most big games over the course of the season but there's a chance he'll be replaced as the starter by Dayne. Pick up Dayne if you are in a deep league or desperate. No Texans back will be of much use during the fantasy playoffs.

There might not be a person in the world more frustrated with David Carr than Gary Kubiak. Drop Carr in fantasy leagues.

Andre Johnson only has a so-so matchup in Week 14 against Tennessee, but if there's one good thing about Carr it's that he keys on Johnson. Bradlee Van Pelt (active, DNP) won't get a shot this season. Johnson will rebound.

Brooks isn't a fantasy option at this point. Moss is a decent WR3 in Week 14 at Cincinnati. Fargas is in a running back by committee and it's too hard to predict who will get the carries in what spots. It was nice to see him execute on the goal line, but he's a poor flex against the surging Bengals

[Hache Man]

Bush's League

Falcons 24, Redskins 14
Game Recap By: Evan Silva

The Big Story

Washington exploded for an early 14-0 lead as Ladell Betts and Santana Moss (7-115-1) each scored touchdowns in the game's first 13 minutes. But when John Abraham applied pressure on Jason Campbell in the second quarter, Campbell panicked and forced a throw that flew right into the hands of Chauncey Davis. The Falcons noticed the rookie mistake and started sending six, seven, and eight men at Campbell. He folded under the pressure.

Beyond the Box Score

Betts (28-155-1, 3-18), who hadn't scored since Week 3, never slowed down. He had more rushing yards (84) in the second half than he did in the first. T.J. Duckett (4-9) had two quality gains on Washington's first drive but barely saw the field after that. Betts got the call inside the ten and scored his touchdown from eight yards out.

Michael Vick (8-16-122-2-0, 5-29) stayed cool despite getting down early to find Alge Crumpler (2-62-1) and Michael Jenkins (4-43-1) for TDs. Atlanta scored its first two touchdowns via the air but was obviously more successful on the ground. Warrick Dunn (21-87) didn't break a long run but still had his best game since Week 6. Jerious Norwood (9-107-1) shook three would-be tacklers, Carlos Rogers twice, on his 69-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Brandon Lloyd (2-26) isn't physical enough to fight through a jam. Chris Cooley (2-12) had his worst game with Campbell under center. Antwaan Randle El (2-14) is a $31 million gadget player.

Going Forward

Disgruntled Santana Moss owners have likely been scrambling for options recently. Now they can stick him back into their lineups as a WR3 or flex every week. He may be inconsistent during the stretch run but Moss' explosiveness makes him a risky sit at any point.

Other teams will likely see how Atlanta shut Campbell down in the second half and continue to send several rushers after him. Campbell probably won't be a good fantasy QB over the last four games.

Michael Jenkins has the size always to be a solid red-zone option. He's Atlanta's No. 1 receiver but not worth counting on in fantasy leagues because he's so inconsistent.

If this game doesn't tempt Falcons coach Jim Mora to split carries between Norwood and Dunn, maybe nothing will. Mora is certainly a loyal coach, but Norwood is too good to keep on the sidelines. He should be cutting Dunn's work in half next week. If Rotoworld was setting the lineup, Norwood would be Atlanta's starting running back.

Betts is an every-week RB2, especially in points-per-reception leagues. He doesn't come out on any downs.

Chargers 24, Bills 21
Game Recap by: Gregg Rosenthal

The Big Story

LaDainian Tomlinson topped 100 rushing yards and scored at least two times for the sixth straight game, bringing his total to 26 touchdowns on the season. On a cold, blustery day that didn't encourage consistent passing, Tomlinson led the Chargers on a 13-play, 80-yard, 8:06 minute scoring drive in the fourth quarter to ice Buffalo's playoff hopes. San Diego has the inside track to a bye in the AFC at 10-2.

Beyond The Box Score

It's been over a year since Willis McGahee (16-26-1, 1-1-0) called himself the best running back in the league. It was hard not to think about that statement watching Tomlinson slice and dice the Bills, while McGahee could barely stay on the field. McGahee went to the locker room early, possibly after re-aggravating his ribs injury. He returned, but was lifeless other than a short touchdown. Anthony Thomas played on many third downs, catching four passes.

None other than Ron Jaworski said J.P. Losman (21/37-184-2-2, fumble lost) was making impressive progress lately. So I watched Losman closely Sunday hoping to see the new J.P. I'll say this: the old J.P. wouldn't have rallied the Bills for 21 second-half points in the past. Of course, Losman looked like his old self during the entire first half. At one point, I counted four straight passes that could have been intercepted. Losman was highly inaccurate and bothered by the San Diego pressure before settling down in the final 30 minutes.

Philip Rivers (17/29-160-1-0) is finally treating Antonio Gates (7-90-1) like a number one receiver. Gates busted Buffalo's zone defense up the middle repeatedly. Despite all the talk about a down year, Gates is one pace for almost 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns and is peaking the right time.

Two pass rushers were dominant in this game. Aaron Schobel had four tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. He's playing as well as any defensive end in the NFL and deserves a Pro Bowl spot. Shawne Merriman returned from his steroid suspension with a bang: 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Buffalo had no answer for him.

Going Forward

Keenan McCardell was carted off the field with a calf injury and didn't return. He spoke with the media after the game and wasn't sure about his status for next week. Vincent Jackson picked up snaps for McCardell but didn't make a catch. Only consider picking up Jackson in deep leagues. Drop McCardell in most redrafts.

The Bills continue to play far better pass defense than run defense, like most Tampa 2 teams. That makes their next two opposing runners, Cedric Houston and possibly Ronnie Brown, good fantasy plays.

Willis McGahee is looking shaky, but the Jets are a solid matchup for him next week. This isn't the same Jets rush defense as the beginning of the season, but we'd still use Willis as a RB2.

The Chargers play a steadily tough schedule in the fantasy playoffs. That makes Eric Parker unattractive as a WR3 option.

Cardinals 34, Rams 20
Game Recap By: Evan Silva

The Big Story

Despite a good game Sunday, Edgerrin James (26-115) has reached a new fantasy low. He has now lost goal-line carries to special teamer Marcel Shipp. Arizona dusted Shipp off and he scored three touchdowns, all from inside the ten-yard line. The Cardinals are so sold on Shipp as their short-yardage back that they kept giving him the ball even after he was stuffed on a fourth-and-goal at the Rams' one early in the second quarter. And Shipp responded to Arizona's confidence with touchdown runs of six and nine yards in the second half. Shipp's seven carries Sunday gave him ten on the season.

Beyond the Box Score

Matt Leinart (15-24-186-1-0) wasn't spectacular but didn't turn the ball over. He noticed 6-3/220-pound Larry Fitzgerald (5-46-1) in single coverage against 5-9/185-pound Rams corner Tye Hill in the red zone during the second quarter. Fitzgerald was easily able to get in front of Hill and box him out for the 11-yard score.

Marc Bulger called out his teammates after the game. Thing is, Bulger (27-45-314-2-3) wasn't that great himself. The Rams' offense was sloppy, and Bulger threw an interception directly to Adrian Wilson with a chance to narrow the 17-10 deficit late in the first half. Shipp scored one of his three TDs plays later. St. Louis was never in contention again.

Torry Holt (7-115-1) got off the snide, scoring for the first time since Week 6. Isaac Bruce (5-75-1) caught his TD deep in garbage time. Kevin Curtis (1-16) was barely heard from. Joe Klopfenstein caught four short passes and totaled 31 yards.

Leinart spread the ball around, hitting seven different receivers, but it came at the expense of Anquan Boldin (2-32), who did not make much of an impact. Leonard Pope (2-20) is starting. Bryant Johnson (2-38) has been one of the league's better third receivers this season.

Steven Jackson (21-96-0, 9-69) is unstoppable in the receiving game. It's like defenses don't account for him when he slides out of the backfield. He's usually not tackled until he gets into the secondary. But Jackson had a bad drop on a forced throw by Bulger during the fourth quarter that was picked off. He was also stuffed on the goal line with less than a minute remaining.

Going Forward

Bulger's decent fantasy stats were not indicative of how poorly he played Sunday and his inability to stay comfortable in the pocket. Week 14 presents a mismatch for Todd Steussie and St. Louis' porous offensive line as they host Bears rush ends Alex Brown, Adewale Ogunleye, and Mark Anderson. Bulger can be benched for a better option.

Don't go nuts picking up Shipp. He's worth a look in deep and TD-heavy leagues but won't get many carries except around the goal. Shipp is a burden on Edge, not an emerging fantasy stud.

Boldin will turn it around, just like Holt did Sunday. Leinart and the Cardinals play three of their final four games against weaker pass defenses.


Bears 23, Vikings 13
Game Recap by: Scott Morrow

The Big Story

Following his second straight three-interception performance, the howls for the job of Rex Grossman (6-19, 34 yards, 3 INT) will only get louder. It may not matter, however; Chicago's defense and special teams saved the day once more. Devin Hester's fourth touchdown of the season and an interception return by Ricky Manning, Jr. put the Bears out in front, and Brad Johnson's putrid performance (11-26, 73 yards, 4 INT) got him benched.

Beyond the Box Score

The ten combined turnovers in this game were a season high for 2006. Bears KR Rashied Davis fumbled the opening kickoff, Grossman and Johnson exchanged interceptions on their teams' second possessions, and for a while it looked like neither team wanted to win this one. The Bears have committed 18 turnovers in their last five games.

Hester, the second of Chicago's second-round picks this season, continued his bid to make the Pro Bowl. The smooth-moving rookie broke a pair of tackles and slipped through four Vikings defenders during his 45-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and it accounted for the Bears' only points until late in the third. Kick-return duties also went to Hester later in the game.

Manning undercut a slant route before running in a 50-yard touchdown of his own. Johnson then threw his fourth interception on his very next pass, and that was enough for Vikings coach Brad Childress. Backup Brooks Bollinger (7-9, 70 yards) came in and gave Minnesota a spark, but later injured his shoulder while being sacked by left end Adewale Ogunleye. Rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson (3-4, 35 yards, FL) subsequently received his first professional playing time.

Chester Taylor (17-99-0) continued to expose Chicago's struggling run defense, but missed most of the second half after injuring his ribs. Backups Ciatrick Fason (11-75-1) and Mewelde Moore (3-13-0, 5-51-0) split snaps after Taylor's exit; the former was powerful while slashing through the Bears' one-gap defense. Fason's only real miscue was being tackled for a safety while he attempted to bounce outside of his own end zone.

Going Forward

Owners of Taylor should go ahead and pick up Fason for insurance. Moore will continue to serve as the team's third-down back regardless of Taylor's situation, but Fason would likely take the majority of carries if Taylor were to miss Week 14.

Cedric Benson (9-60-1) had what was arguably his best performance of the season, breaking tackles while running inside and flashing his deceptive speed to hit the corner. He had just three less carries than Thomas Jones (12-32-0), and Chicago's backfield may finally be headed towards the timeshare that many have predicted of it.

If Jackson, a second-round pick in this April's draft, gets the nod in Week 14, the values of his surrounding cast may not change much. No member of Minnesota's receiving corps has been a strong fantasy option this season, and the team figures to continue pounding the ground game no matter who starts behind center.

N.Y. Jets 38, Green Bay 10
Game Recap by Matt Lawrence

The Big Story

Led by Chad Pennington and Cedric Houston, the Jets scored on their first five possessions and took a 31-0 lead into halftime against the Packers. With snowy-December conditions abound at Lambeau Field, Green Bay never got it together offensively and fell to 1-5 at home this year.

Beyond the Box Score

Chad Pennington put together three touchdown drives of 70 yards or more in the second quarter, and connected with Jerricho Cotchery and Chris Baker for scoring passes in the blowout. It was just his second two-TD game since Week Two. He finished the game 25-for-35 passing for 263 yards and has very attractive matchups vs. Buffalo and Minnesota the following two weeks.
Coach Eric Mangini started Cedric Houston in the Jets backfield and the second-year back responded with a career-high 105 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. He added three catches for 24 yards and seems to have emerged as the Jets latest primary back. With Kevan Barlow and Derrick Blaylock healthy inactives, Leon Washington pitched in with 40 yards rushing and a touchdown as the team's third-down back.
Jerricho Cotchery was Pennington's main receiving target most of the night, racking up nine catches for 99 yards and a score. He caught his 12-yard touchdown on a 3rd down-and-nine play as safety Nick Collins appeared to lose his footing on the play. Laveranues Coles was held to three catches for 28 yards.
Ahman Green registered his fifth 100-yard game in 10 contests this season with a 14-carry, 102-yard performance. With the Packers down so much early, they basically abandoned the run in the second half. Noah Herron caught a career-best seven passes for 51 yards as the third-down back, mostly in the third and fourth quarters.
Brett Favre needs just 152 yards passing to rack up his 15th straight 3,000-yard passing season. He went 24-for-47 for 214 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in the loss, and now needs just nine TDs in his final four games to tie Dan Marino for the all-time TD record (420).


Going Forward

At 7-5, the Jets are smack dab in the middle of playoff contention. They have four winnable games remaining on the schedule against Buffalo, Minnesota, Miami and Oakland. Expect a big game from Cedric Houston against the anemic Bills run defense next Sunday - they are allowing 135 rushing yards per game.
In the Packers next three games, they play against three of the weaker pass defenses in the NFL. Favre should finish his 16th season in grand style with matchups against San Francisco, Detroit and Minnesota the next three contests.


Saints 34, 49ers 10
Game Recap by: Gregg Rosenthal

The Big Story

Reggie Bush enjoyed his coming out party with a monstrous four touchdown effort. Bush played with newfound toughness and confidence, breaking tackles and ankles with the sort of moves people grew accustomed to at USC. The rookie led the Saints with 131 receiving yards and the next closest Saint only had 18, largely because Joe Horn left the game early with a groin injury.

Beyond The Box Score

Deuce McAllister (26-136-0, 1-4-0) had a great day in his own right, but saw Bush (10-37-3, 9-131-1) vulture his scores in a reversal of fortune. That won't happen often.

Only one of Bush's runs was from the goal-line, a reward for a nasty 14-yard run where Bush juked half the San Francisco team, then dragged the other half to the one-yard line. It was a revelation to see Bush run with such power. Later, Bush fumbled the ball on a 74-yard catch out of bounds with no defenders near him. He made up for it with another highlight reel ten-yard score two plays later. While Bush can't do this every week, his use in the red zone is a good sign for the fantasy playoffs. He aggravated a minor shoulder injury late in the game, but returned quickly.

Joe Horn (1-18-0) left the game early after re-aggravating his groin injury. We expected Devery Henderson (2-14-0) or Terrance Copper (no catches) to step up, but the Saints weren't successful stretching the field. Drew Brees (17/28-186-1-0) was happy to throw check downs instead of chase Dan Marino's record.

Frank Gore (13-40, 5-28) had his worst game of the season in a surprising place. The 49ers oddly went to a lot of gadget plays and direct snaps early in the game instead of having Gore test the NFL's 28th ranked rush defense. Mike Nolan ruined San Francisco's season last week when he didn't trust Gore (or Maurice Hicks) to go for a fourth-and-inches late in the game against the Rams. Sunday's play-calling was even more curious.

Alex Smith (14-28-171-1-3) appears to be hitting a wall. He connected with Antonio Bryant (4-79-1) on a long score in the third quarter, but it was too late. Smith only had 32 yards on 4-of-12 passing in the first half. Smith hasn't topped 175 yards or thrown for two scores since Week 6. The lack of quality depth at receiver and offensive line for San Francisco has Smith playing scared.

Vernon Davis (1-21-0) busted a big play up the seam, and forced another long pass interference. But he doesn't appear ready to be a consistent weekly option. He's only worth picking up as a TE2 with some upside.

Going Forward

Drew Brees has carried many a fantasy team this year, but next week's matchup against the Cowboys will test him. Devery Henderson isn't an option and Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush look like flex plays - not RB2s. I'd play Bush over Deuce in points-per-reception leagues, but not in standard scoring.

Like most players averaging over 18 yards a catch, Antonio Bryant is tough to count on. But a matchup against the Packers next week offers his owners a chance to roll the dice as a WR3.


New England 28, Detroit 21
Game Recap by Matt Lawrence

The Big Story

Powered by three rushing touchdowns from Corey Dillon and 305 passing yards from Tom Brady, the Patriots erased an eight-point, fourth quarter deficit Sunday and came back to top the Lions 28-21 in Week 13.

Beyond the Box Score


Laurence Maroney left Sunday's game after just the second series and did not return. He finished with just four carries for 14 yards before departing. The Patriots initially said he got his wind knocked, but it's likely the injury is more serious. The CBS crew mentioned Maroney taking a blow to the head, so it sounds like he may have suffered a concussion. We'll fill you on his status in the next couple days.
Corey Dillon benefited by Maroney's absence with touchdown runs of six yards, four yards and two yards. He only got nine rushes on the day, but sure made the most of them. In 39 regular season games with New England, he's now got 34 rushing touchdowns. If the rookie has to miss any time, Dillon would get the brunt of carries in New England's backfield. Kevin Faulk pitched in with eight catches for 59 yards as a receiving back Sunday.
Lions QB Jon Kitna put together his 12th straight game with at least 200 yards passing Sunday, finishing with 314 yards through the air. The 10-year vet went over 3,000 yards for the sixth time in his career. He hooked up with Mike Furrey nine times for a career-high 123 yards and a touchdown. Look for big games from both next Sunday as the Lions host the weak Minnesota secondary. Kitna threw some terrible interceptions, but that's par for the course for him. The Lions have showed no willingness to remove him.
With Roy Williams double-teamed and ineffective most of the game, the Lions tried to use backup quarterback Josh McCown extensively at wide receiver. He did catch two passes for 15 yards, but also was flagged for an offensive pass interference call in the second half. Although Williams was held to just three catches for 50 yards, he did surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his three-year career. Mike Williams got some playing time, but didn't do much with it.
Kevin Jones returned from a one-game absence and racked up 142 total yards, including 86 through the air on five receptions. He missed Thanksgiving's game against Miami with a sprained ankle, but looked sharp today. The Lions have three difficult matchups in their final four games, so don't expect a lot from Jones down the stretch. Minnesota, Dallas and Chicago all rank in the top-eight against the run.
Tom Brady had a typical Tom Brady-game, hooking up with eight different receivers and throwing for an impressive 305 yards in the win. Reche Caldwell continues to emerge as his favorite wide receiver threat – he came through with a season-high eight catches for 112 yards. Brady will continue to spread out the wealth to everybody, while Caldwell has already compiled a career-high in receiving yardage (577 yards).
Mike Vrabel sealed the win with his second interception of the game in the final minute, registering his first career two-INT performance. He was tackled by Lions WR Mike Williams and came down awkwardly on his right leg before watching the final snaps from the bench. He'll be evaluated throughout the week but shouldn't miss any time.


Going Forward

New England takes on Miami, Houston, Jacksonville and Tennessee to wind out their season. The Patriots were held to just 211 total yards against Miami earlier this season, so keep that in the back of your mind. The Texans and Titans represent their best two matchups.
The Lions pass attack of Kitna, Williams and Furrey are all great fantasy options the next two weeks. Detroit takes on Minnesota and Green Bay, who entered Week 13's play ranked No. 30 and 31 against the pass.


Browns 31, Chiefs 28
Game Recap By: Evan Silva

The Big Story

Charlie Frye's season may have ended Sunday, as it is feared that he broke his wrist. Frye (11-13-122-1) had gotten off to a very strong start, finding Braylon Edwards (3-36-1) for a 23-yard touchdown to put Cleveland up 7-0 early and leading the Browns to a game-tying drive just before the close of the first half. However, his replacement became the big story. Derek Anderson, who came into the game without a single pass attempt in the NFL, engineered Cleveland to 14 unanswered points in the second half and the game-winning drive in overtime. Phil Dawson connected from 33 yards seven-and-a-half minutes into the extra frame to give the Browns their fourth win of the season.

Beyond the Box Score

Not to be forgotten is the performance of Trent Green (24-32-297-4-1), who showed expert efficiency before Cleveland got key stops late. Green made marvelous use of Tony Gonzalez (9-105-2) and the streaky Eddie Kennison (7-117-1) to allow for the Chiefs to get a big lead in the first place.

Kellen Winslow (1-26) caught his only pass from Anderson but was outdone by Steve Heiden (5-27-2) in the red zone. Both of Heiden's fourth-quarter scores came from within six yards of the goal line. Edwards' touchdown catch was thrown by Frye and he did not make big plays while Anderson was under center. Joe Jurevicius (6-75) remained strong throughout.

The Chiefs for once didn't feature Larry Johnson (28-110, 2-26) when inside the red zone. Maybe it was in an effort to lessen his workload. Coach Herm Edwards has caught flack in the media for allowing L.J. to get on a Jamal Anderson-like pace for carries. Michael Bennett (3-14, 4-33) saw some quality action and produced.

Reuben Droughns (14-70-1, 5-48) surprisingly started over Jason Wright (11-25, 2-70). Wright took a short pass for 54 yards late in the game but did little else. Jerome Harrison was inactive.

Going Forward

It's possible Jurevicius will become Anderson's go-to target while Frye is out. At 6-5, Jurevicius is at the 6-6 Anderson's eye level. Heiden could be in store for one more decent game but isn't as talented as Winslow. Anderson and Winslow should develop more of a rapport in practice this week.

Don't think Anderson will be a fantasy sparkplug for the stretch run. Pick him up if you're seriously desperate or play in a two-QB league.

Wright will remain a part of Cleveland's running back committee for the foreseeable future. The Browns' schedule from here on is grueling and Droughns is far from a lock for a solid finish.

Green probably won't have another game like this the rest of the year. His wide receivers are too inconsistent. As the Chiefs feel pressured to make the playoffs, expect Edwards to get back to milking the clock.

Tennessee 20, Indianapolis 17
Game Recap by Matt Lawrence

The Big Story

Like last week, the Titans found themselves down early against a Manning-led team, but somehow squeaked out another thrilling, against-all-odds comeback. Trailing 14-0, Tennessee capped a nine-play, 33-yard drive with an improbable 60-yard field goal in the final seconds to give them the 20-17 victory over Indianapolis (10-2).

Beyond the Box Score