Fantasy Football News 2007

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

OK, now it's time to panic
What was a troubling game or two can no longer be written off as insignificant and those hopes that a struggling player will bounce back are fleeting.

By the end of this week, almost one-quarter of the season will be gone ? and more than that much of the typical fantasy regular season. At some point, you have to accept that a player is what he is and not what you hoped for. Here are some, beginning with the worst.

The Rams. The offense is a mess and every one of the highly drafted players is taking a hit, starting with quarterback [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=369"]Marc Bulger[/URL]. Last week's three-interception debacle was the worst, of course, but do not look for him to do much better against the high-flying Cowboys. The infection has spread to [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=412"]Torry Holt[/URL], who has one 100-yard game in his last 13.

And sure, [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"][URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4428"][URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL][/URL][/URL] finally hit 100 yards but, after the team announced he would miss this Sunday's game, there is little reason for hope. His replacement is rookie [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4172"]Brian Leonard[/URL]. But the offensive line is a mess and three out of their next four are against Dallas, Baltimore and at Seattle. Good luck with that.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=26"]Lee Evans[/URL]. He was kind of a sneaky pick among the fantasy cognoscenti after his strong 2006 but can't we all just put ourselves out of misery now? He has five catches for 28 yards this year. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"][URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=469"][URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL][/URL][/URL] nearly matched him in three plays last week. And with rookie [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4220"]Trent Edwards[/URL] poised to take over, the only hope is that defenses fall asleep on Evans. They would be completely justified.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3138"]Matt Leinart[/URL]. This guy is supposed to be used to the spotlight, but he looks more like a deer in the headlights. Another poor game against the Steelers will open the door to a quarterback controversy but there is hope because he still is so young.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1315"]Larry Johnson[/URL]. He will be rapping about his offensive linemen before much longer, although he has one more difficult game against the Chargers before things get easier. His carries have gone from 10 in Week 1 to 16 to 24, though his yards per carry have gone from 4.3 to 1.8. Still, with the lighter schedule looming, trade for him.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3596"]Maurice Jones-Drew[/URL]. The Jaguars' early bye week might help Jones-Drew because the Jaguars appeared almost ready to move on without him after a costly fumble last week. Whatever magic the pint-sized back had last year is gone and he just gets engulfed on every touch. Use this early bye to see if you too can get by without him.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=2265"]Willis McGahee[/URL]. Not a total waste and playing the Browns should give him at least one first of the year, either 100 yards or a rushing TD. But if you were expecting a star, adjust yourself way down. He is a modest start only ? rarely a star.

Around the league
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It is a little early in the season to get fired up about an individual matchup, but one of the most intriguing this week is Denver at Indianapolis. The Broncos lead the league with only 81.3 passing yards allowed per game, thanks to cornerbacks [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1925"]Champ Bailey[/URL] and Dre Bly. Sitting [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1493"]Peyton Manning[/URL], [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1496"]Reggie Wayne[/URL] or [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1502"]Marvin Harrison[/URL] is not an option, obviously. And the Colts also have turned into more of a running team, where the Broncos have struggled.

Remember that bye weeks also will be a factor for the next seven weeks. It is an obvious reminder but be sure to adjust your lineups accordingly, especially with kickers and defenses where you might not have much depth.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Matchups: Don't Give Up Yet
After three weeks of action, we're getting to the point where injuries are becoming significant and dramatically affecting matchup analysis. Not only are players like Deuce McAllister and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] out of fantasy lineups, but offenses are missing stud left tackles like Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden, while defenses have seen difference-makers like Tommie Harris and Lance Briggs go down.

The impact these players have on the performance of the teams is as much, if not more, than losing a skill position player. Take Pace, for example. In the first nine weeks of the 2006 season, when Pace was healthy, Marc Bulger averaged 6.8 yards per pass and threw only one interception while averaging 24 fantasy points per game. Pace went down for the year in Week 10. Over those last eight weeks, Bulger averaged 5.6 yards per pass, threw seven interceptions, and averaged 19 fantasy points per game. That's bigger than the difference between Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.

While it's pretty much impossible to quantify the effects that losing one specific player will have on a particular offense or defense, these are things to keep in mind as you set your matchups for the week and try to determine how a player is affected by the team he's actually facing, not the team he would've faced at the beginning of the campaign.

FONT SIZE="+1">Quarterback

The most fascinating matchup of the week is Peyton Manning against the Broncos. Manning's been death from above for the Broncos since Reggie Wayne emerged as his secondary target in 2002. Including the playoff games and ignoring a Week 17 performance where Manning only played one drive, Manning's averaged over 26 fantasy points per game against the Broncos. However, the Broncos defense has changed; previously, Manning would pick on whichever cornerback was across from Champ Bailey.

Now, though, the very effective Dre' Bly is across from Bailey, not Roc Alexander. Furthermore, through three weeks, the Broncos pass defense has been otherworldly, albeit against middling passing offenses. Should you bench Manning this week? It seems almost impossible, but if you play in a deep league and have a very good quarterback behind him with an excellent matchup (e.g. Tony Romo vs. St. Louis or even Jeff Garcia vs. Carolina), I'd consider benching Manning this week. Against great pass defenses, Manning averages only 17 fantasy points per start -- still a decent number, but numbers in line with Tom Brady's performance last year with no receivers as opposed to the usual dominance of Manning.

The Arizona quarterback situation is all a mess with Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner splitting time last week. While it's possible we may see the Warner Package again this week from the Cardinals, it doesn't really matter who gets the bulk of the playing time when the Cardinals are up against a Steelers pass defense that has pulverized opposing quarterbacks this year. Leave them on your bench.

The bloom is coming off the rose of Derek Anderson, and with Baltimore rolling into town, well, expect much bloom to be removed forcefully and at great velocity. Anderson has no place in your lineup this week.

The Kansas City offense has shown little to nothing this season, and Damon Huard is rumored to be on the hotseat. With that being said, Huard's up this week against a porous Chargers secondary, and with the Chargers at home, expect the Chiefs to be trailing for most of the game. If Huard doesn't get benched, he's likely to have 300+ yards while throwing 40 + attempts. Identifying and playing those quarterbacks in proper weeks are hidden ways to pick up points in fantasy.

While the Giants put it together for a half last week and were able to come back and defeat Washington, the reasons why had more to do with Joe Gibbs' and Al Saunders' collective chutzpah than a great performance from the secondary. The Redskins ran their screen- and sweep-based offense without allowing for the fact that the Giants are effective at tackling out in the flat and are good in pursuit, but struggle with passes in the middle of the field and counter plays.

The Eagles are one of the best teams in the leagues at matching their gameplan to the opposition's defensive weaknesses, and they also love to get the ball to their receivers in short-distance situations and allow them to exploit poor tackling; Donovan McNabb had the highest yards after catch average in the league for passes he threw in 2006, and he was second in 2005. Expect the Eagles to exploit the Giants secondary with short passes, and while McNabb won't put up the numbers he did last week, 300 yards is entirely possible.

FONT SIZE="+1">Running Back

You can also expect Brian Westbrook to put up a big game against the Giants, either through the air, on the ground, or if the Eagles want to break the Giants' fans hearts again, in the return game. Ignoring his return numbers, Westbrook's averaged 24.5 points against the Giants since 2003. Of course, Westbrook is a must-play every week, but expect huge things out of him.

While we at Football Outsiders expected the Oakland pass defense to be swell this year, we weren't as sanguine about their ability to stop the run. With that being said, they've been far worse than we expected so far, as they've had the worst rush defense in football through three weeks. Expect Ronnie Brown to exploit that in much the same way he exploited the Jets' leaky run defense last week.

The second-worst rush defense in the league has been Detroit, who should be better considering the amount of money being paid to their defensive tackles, Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding. They go up against Cedric Benson and the Bears this week, and with Brian Griese arising to the starter's chair, expect the Bears to play it conservatively this week and pound the ball with Benson. He's a good play.

The other struggling rush defense is Buffalo, who were manhandled by the Patriots last week. The Jets don't offer the same downfield threat, but the struggles open up possibilities for Thomas Jones, who finally had his big game last week in the defeat of Miami. He's likely to see 100 yards again on Sunday.

As good as Minnesota's run defense was last year, it's been even better through three weeks this season. This week's unlucky victim is the Packers cavalcade of backs, who already are splitting time to begin with. None of them are worth a play on your roster this week; bench DeShawn Wynn, Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson, Edgar Bennett, Dorsey Levens, Darrell Thompson, Eddie Lee Ivery...just make sure no running back with GB in his team name is in your lineup this week.

Not to dump on Cleveland's surprisingly potent offense through three weeks, but Jamal Lewis' matchup against his old mates in Baltimore isn't likely to be a pretty one. Expect Lewis to put up one of his 15-carry, 48 yard specials.

FONT SIZE="+1">Wide Reciever

While I did mention my reservations about playing Peyton Manning or the Arizona crew this week at quarterback, I can't say the same about playing their wideouts. We're not sure how either team will cover the assorted weaponry of their quarterbacks, so it's entirely possible that Marvin Harrison could have a big game while Reggie Wayne gets shut out, or Dallas Clark has a big game while Harrison and Wayne both put up pedestrian numbers. Play your wideouts as you normally would in those situations, and hope for the best.

Has everyone gotten off the Lee Evans bandwagon yet? Fortunately, I'm sure you all listened to the emergency exit and evacuation procedures when you hopped on, so everyone should be ok. Evans represents one of the great buy low, sell high opportunities in fantasy history at the moment, and that starts right now, as he's up against a Jets pass defense that has looked very iffy the first three weeks of the season.

While Darnelle Revis is going to be a very good corner in the league someday, those who have played opposite him have looked absolutely awful. The Jets don't match up their corners regularly against a specific wideout, so even with Trent Edwards behind center, get Evans in there. He had two 90+ yard games against the Jets last year, and averaged 18 points in the two matchups.

Of course, the Buffalo secondary hasn't looked very good either. While Terrence McGee is likely to be back this week, it's not as if he's, say, Nate Clements. Watch out for big days from Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles.

The Giants will also be struggling with the Eagles receivers this week. The wideout best-positioned to benefit from that is actually [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL], the best short-yardage receiver the Eagles have. Expect Curtis to operate over the middle and put up, oh, half the yardage he did last week while still being effective. Remember how I said Evans was one of the great buy low, sell high opportunities in history? Curtis will join him after this week.

The Dallas pass defense has been pretty stout the last couple of weeks, even without Terence Newman in a full-time role. As Newman returns to health, the Cowboys defense will get even stouter, and that does not bode well for the decaying remains of the Rams offense. Keep Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce out of your lineup this week.

FONT SIZE="+1">Tight End<?font>

Smart starts: Matt Schobel (PHI), Jeff King (CAR), Heath Miller (PIT)

Avoid: Visante Shiancoe (MIN), David Martin (MIA)

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Updates Galore
There are a whole bunch of important injury situations to update heading into the weekend, so I'll try to keep today's rambling introduction somewhat brief. However, I can't let the week come to a close without first pointing out two amusing things that I stumbled across. First, new Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt made a funny at former coach Dennis Green's expense Thursday when asked what it's like to have Anquan Boldin at his disposal.
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"He is what we thought he was," Whisenhunt said, channeling Green's press-conference blowup following last season's loss to the Bears. As a Minnesotan perhaps I'm just used to Brad Childress' humorless media briefings, but I definitely like Whisenhunt more after hearing that. Second, because Daily Dose has essentially become home to daily updates on random stuff that [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=35"]Roy Williams[/URL] does to amuse me, I feel it's now my duty to defend him against recent criticism.

As usual Williams has been talking a big game leading up to the Lions' Week 4 matchup against the Bears, which has predictably rubbed a lot of people (including Brian Urlacher) the wrong way. However, Orch Dork made it clear Thursday that he respects the Bears and is merely having some fun. Plus, as the Detroit Free Press points out, it would probably be difficult to take Williams' trash-talking seriously if you actually got to look at him while he did it.

Here's the scene as described in Friday's newspaper: "Williams was dressed in a bright red t-shirt with a gold championship belt slung over his shoulder, like a boxer. The belt was for a video-game football competition among his teammates. 'This is the Madden belt,' Williams boasted. 'I'm the Madden champion.' Williams said he soon would win the championship belts for dominoes, spades, and tonk too, and be the 'undisputed, unanimous' champ of the locker room."

While Williams cements his status as a slightly less crazy version of Clinton Portis?that's meant as a compliment, although it admittedly does still leave an awful lot of room for crazy?here are some other notes from around football ?

* Brandon Jacobs' chances of playing this week seemingly improved quite a bit Thursday, as he reportedly took part in most of practice before stopping towards the end because his sprained knee "got kind of stiff." At this point Jacobs looks likely to be a game-time decision, although the picture should become clearer depending on whether or not he practices Friday. "I feel good, I feel like I can go," Jacobs said. "But that doesn't necessarily mean I'll get the chance to go."

Meanwhile, Derrick Ward was reportedly somewhat limited in that same practice Thursday because of an ankle injury. Coach Tom Coughlin said afterward that he expects Ward to play in Week 4, but his own status means far less than Jacobs' in terms of protecting Ward's potential fantasy value. If Jacobs sits out, Ward is a solid RB2 play. If Jacobs plays, even on a limited basis, Ward is suddenly a very iffy option.

* With both Rod Coleman and Jonathan Babineaux out for the Falcons, whoever starts at running back for the Texans in Week 4 will have a very nice matchup. It's looking more and more like that person will be Ron Dayne after coach Gary Kubiak said Thursday that Ahman Green figures to be a game-time decision. Green agreed with Kubiak's assessment, saying that he'll know what the plan is "when I wake up in the morning that day." Barring a change, Dayne is a nice RB2 play.

* Plaxico Burress visited an ankle specialist earlier this week and was told that he has what the Giants are calling "a serious sprain to his right ankle." The team issued a statement Thursday saying that "the best prescription for this injury is rest," but the plan is reportedly for Burress to play through the injury while cutting down on his practice time. As Burress put it Thursday when asked about his status: "There's no question, I will play."

* Rudi Johnson has officially been ruled out for Monday night's game, with Kenny Watson set to start in his place against the Patriots. The Bengals don't figure to have much success on the ground and may abandon the running game early, but Watson's receiving skills might make him an even better bet to rack up solid yardage if that happens. DeDe Dorsey will also be in the mix, but expect Watson to see all of the third-down work and the bulk of the carries.

* As expected, Brian Westbrook sat out Thursday's practice after doing the same Wednesday. As of Friday morning no official word has been given on his status for Week 4, but it seems likely that Westbrook will be at best a game-time decision against the Giants. Meanwhile, Correll Buckhalter was removed from the Eagles' injury report after practicing fully Thursday and would carry most of the load if Westbrook can't go. Check back Saturday for a clearer picture.

* It's usually safe to assume that Kellen Winslow will play and play well through whatever happens to be his latest injury, but there's some doubt this week. Winslow missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday after suffering a partially dislocated left shoulder in Week 3. The same injury cost Clinton Portis significant time last season and Winslow's matchup isn't a strong one anyway given that the Ravens have allowed just 31 yards to tight ends through three games.

* After Larry Johnson sat out practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury, coach Herm Edwards said, "I'm not concerned. He's just sore." However, after Johnson sat out Thursday's practice too, Edwards changed his tune slightly. Asked if Johnson would play this week, Edwards said, "I don't know that. I would say he is." A dinged up Johnson isn't a good bet against the Chargers' run defense, so you'll want to check back on his status before setting your lineup Sunday.

Two-Minute Drill: Coach Scott Linehan confirmed Thursday that rookie Brian Leonard is "going to get the starter's carries" in place of [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] (groin) ? Asked Thursday about Kevin Jones' (foot) status, offensive coordinator Mike Martz said that he's not sure about handing him an increased workload because Jones is "still a little rusty" and "we've got to be careful with him" ? According to Pro Football Talk, Tony Romo's agent asked for a Peyton Manning-like $30 million in guaranteed money during contract negotiations and was predictably shot down by the Cowboys ? Brodie Croyle could be close to taking over as the Chiefs' starter after coach Herm Edwards said Thursday that he might replace Damon Huard even if he avoids playing poorly in Week 4 ? Despite signing Byron Leftwich, the Falcons are reportedly considering trading for Andrew Walter ? With the Bengals playing Monday night, T.J. Houshmandzadeh took his usual midweek day off Thursday instead of Wednesday ? Despite a pair of touchdowns last week, the Tampa Tribune doesn't expect Earnest Graham to be a big part of the Bucs' offense.

Red Zone: Anquan Boldin (hip) missed his second straight practice Thursday, but is said to have made significant progress with an eye towards playing in Week 4 ? Coach Mike Shanahan indicated Thursday that Javon Walker (knee) would be a game-time decision this week, but Walker said that he'll "definitely" suit up against the Colts ? Hines Ward (knee) missed practice again Thursday, signaling that he's likely to sit out Week 4 and be replaced by Nate Washington ? Chester Taylor (hip) was limited in practice Thursday, but remains expected to start Sunday ? Calvin Johnson (back) sat out practice Thursday, but coach Rod Marinelli said afterward that he expects Megatron to play this week ? Donald Driver (toe) practiced fully Thursday and appears ready for a solid matchup against the Vikings ? Coach Brad Childress has refused to rule Tarvaris Jackson (groin) out, but all indications are that Kelly Holcomb will make his second start Sunday ? While he was having the torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee repaired Thursday, Deuce McAllister also had a "clean up" procedure done on his right knee.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Week 4 Rankings Update

Note: The Rankings were updated Friday evening.

The running back committee giveth to NFL teams, but it mostly taketh away from fantasy leaguers. Let's be clear: Marion Barber is the exception to the rule. And while Marion the Barbarian's owners should be commended for drafting him, the owners of committee partners in New Orleans, Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Carolina aren't happy.
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The risk of using a committee back will hit home for [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] owners this week. With Chester Taylor likely to return and start, AP's owners have a different player then the every-week fantasy starter they owned during the past few. This week's matchup against the Packers will be a good test of Peterson's value moving forward. If he can light up a solid rush defense while splitting work, he remains a top-15 option. If not, Peterson looks like a matchup play.

It's a numbers game. With fewer touches, there are fewer chances to score fantasy points. That's why it's difficult to rank any committee back among the top-12 options in a given week. Marion Barber has beaten the odds so far, but he needs Wade Phillips to change his usage pattern to keep up his pace. Barber clearly deserves more work, but he's going to be overly reliant on touchdowns until that happens. And if you believe Barber is going to keep up his 27-touchdown pace while coming off the bench, I'll trade him to you for a safer top-ten running back. The same goes for Peterson.

Note:To get detailed stat projections for every player ranked in Goal Line Stand, head to Season Pass.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>Probable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Jon Kitna</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>Probable(finger (right))</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Marc Bulger</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>Probable(ribs)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Chad Pennington</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>Probable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Trent Green</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Steve McNair</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Joey Harrington</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Daunte Culpepper</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Brian Griese</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>David Carr</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Matt Leinart</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Trent Edwards</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Kelly Holcomb</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Kyle Boller</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

QB Notes: [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1813"]Philip Rivers quietly played a fabulous game against the Packers. He was flawless through two and a half quarters and completing passes under pressure. He made some mistakes down the stretch, but it doesn't erase the game. The next step is stretching the field. Facing two Kansas City cornerbacks this week, look for Rivers to find his receivers deep and put up QB1 numbers. ? Matt Leinart isn't an option against the Steelers, especially with Kurt Warner possibly playing in hurry up situations. I watched Leinart's effort against Baltimore closely, and it wasn't that bad. He held on to the ball too long, but I think Warner got the call because Leinart was too content to take underneath routes. Leinart's subsequent pouting while Warner was leading a comeback will not go down as one of Leinart's proudest moments.

Brett Favre was lucky to avoid a couple near-miss interceptions last week, but fantasy owners have to love the aggressive Packers passing game. Playing against Pat Williams and the stout Vikings rush defense is a recipe for 45 pass attempts. ? The Rams should come out throwing this week. Dallas has vulnerabilities in the secondary and that game has all the makings of a shootout. I would give Marc Bulger one more week. ? This is the week to use Chad Pennington. Buffalo's defense is in shambles and their secondary wasn't good to begin with. ? Nate Clements has been worth every penny for the 49ers defense. San Francisco's secondary is greatly improved. Matt Hasselbeck faces his toughest matchup in the NFC West this week, although that's not saying much.

I can't remember a week with so many unappealing matchups for quarterbacks. There is a big drop-off after Pennington. Daunte Culpepper has the motivation this week, but it's a major gamble to use him so quickly. Matt Schaub doesn't have his best offensive weapons. Steve McNair and Matt Leinart aren't guaranteed to finish games. Brian Griese and David Carr are unknown quantities on their new team. Joey Harrington is Joey Harrington, whether he's coming off a good game or not.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>Questionable(abdomen)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Travis Henry</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>LaMont Jordan</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Probable(wrist)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>Questionable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Probable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Carnell Williams</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Ron Dayne</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Kenny Watson</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>DeShaun Foster</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Kevin Jones</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>Probable(hip)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Tatum Bell</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>Probable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Michael Pittman</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Selvin Young</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Jesse Chatman</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Najeh Davenport</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>DeShawn Wynn</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Vernand Morency</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Samkon Gado</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Kenton Keith</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>DeDe Dorsey</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

[/URL]RB Notes: Willis McGahee has been solid for the Ravens, although not spectacular considering their weak schedule. It's a good sign for his owners that he already has nine catches, half his total from last season in Baltimore. They are calling some screens for him. In the good news/bad news department, McGahee is second in the NFL with six carries inside the five-yard line. But he hasn't punched any of them in. Jamal Lewis, who he replaced, also hasn't scored on five chances near the stripe. I wouldn't touch Lewis in his revenge game against Baltimore. ? The Chargers aren't a good matchup for opposing running backs. But I need to be convinced that they are a bad one. Norv Turner is taking a lot of heat, but defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell will ultimately cost the Chargers more games. The new inside linebackers have been average, the secondary is being exposed, and the unit just isn't attacking yet.

Teams are attacking LaDainian Tomlinson with run blitzes on predictable running downs. Defenders are getting into backfield and stuffing Tomlinson, although three running backs have been stopped for no gain more: Rudi Johnson, [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL], and Minnesota's [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]. Maybe that's why Peterson sits out some short-yardage plays. ? The Green Bay running attack continues to confuse, and the entire committee are not options against the Vikings. The Packers may not run 15 times all game and Vernand Morency's return hurts the rest of the group. ? LaMont Jordan gets another good-looking matchup this week. With another 100-yard effort, it will be very difficult for Lane Kiffin to give Dominic Rhodes a huge role upon returning. ? Marshawn Lynch owners finally get a break in the schedule with the Jets coming to town. Trent Edwards doesn't help his value, but it's not like J.P. Losman was lighting up the scoreboard.

If Julius Jones can't get back on track against the Rams, perhaps Wade Phillips will consider benching him. Jones owners can only hope that he continues to get red zone snaps like last week. Barber moves up the rankings, but I'd still take primary rushers with great matchups over him (Brown vs. Oak, Maroney vs. CIN, Benson vs. DET). If you have the option to sit a top-15 running back, then you don't need my help anyway.

It doesn't look like Ahman Green will play, making Ron Dayne a decent low-end RB2 against the Falcons. ? Rudi Johnson's status is uncertain, but the Bengals' move at running back to sign DeDe Dorsey isn't a great sign. You can only wait until Monday night to find out if you own Kenny Watson. ? DeShaun Foster, for whatever reason, always crushes the Falcons. Let's see him back up a big week for once before using him as a RB2. ? Kevin Jones is an option this week against a depleted Bears team, but it's uncertain if he'll see more than ten touches or so.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Chad Johnson</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>Probable(toe)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Marvin Harrison</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Questionable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Javon Walker</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Ronald Curry</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Kevin Curtis</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Deion Branch</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Darrell Jackson</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Mike Furrey</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Reggie Brown</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>Probable(hamstring)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Shaun McDonald</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Bobby Engram</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Questionable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Questionable(heel)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Questionable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Joe Jurevicius</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Bryant Johnson</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Jerry Porter</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Donte' Stallworth</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Joe Horn</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Arnaz Battle</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Andre' Davis</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Keary Colbert</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

For more matchup talk, check out the Fantasy Fix

WR Notes: Mark Clayton had his season high with six targets against Arizona, while Demetrius Williams had his season low of four. Derrick Mason, meanwhile, is one of only two wideouts to get at least 12 targets in each game (T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the other). Mason isn't making big plays, but he's a solid WR3 if he's consistently catching the underneath routes. Let's see if he can playing this angry. ? Brandon Marshall is deservedly getting attention for his huge effort against Jacksonville, although he's consistently made plays all season. With Javon Waker not 100%, Marshall should be featured again this week. He probably won't get deep on the Colts, but Marshall can make big plays after the catch. ? Vincent Jackson, a very similar player to Marshall, also had a standout game last week. Jackson made three very difficult catches, including a diving grab and a touchdown on a play he wasn't particularly open. I love his matchup against the Chiefs.

The Packers pass so much that James Jones and Greg Jennings are solid WR3 options this week against the Vikings. Jones surprisingly led Green Bay in targets last week and Jennings looked healthy. ? Santonio Holmes gets his chance to be a "number one" wideout against the Cardinals, while Nate Washington is a decent emergency WR3 while starting. ? Donald Driver is fully recovered from his foot injury. He has been productive throughout the season, but the great plays he made after the catch against San Diego showed that his speed is all the way back. He looks tough to bring down again and knows how to set up defenders with nifty open field moves.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh leads the NFL in targets. Despite Chad Johnson's huge start, it's becoming increasingly meaningless to call Housh a "number two" receiver. They are both ones. ? Plaxico Burress' injuries are annoying, but you can't bench him until he stops scoring touchdowns. ? [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL] has almost double the amount of targets (30-16) of Reggie Brown. He's quickly become Donovan McNabb's favorite target. This is a good week for Brown to break out of his slump. He's scored three times in four games against the Giants.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Tight Ends[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>Questionable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jeff King</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Probable(toe)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Daniel Graham</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Bubba Franks</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Delanie Walker</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

TE Notes: There was a lot of concern before the season that Norv Turner wouldn't use Antonio Gates enough because he doesn't have a great history with tight ends. Through three weeks, Gates is second in the NFL in receptions. He's not stretching the field quite as much, but that's a tradeoff fantasy owners will gladly take, especially in PPR leagues. ? Todd Heap should be fine after suffering a concussion last week against Arizona. ? Donald Lee and Bubba Franks aren't flashy, but they are consistent. Each Packers has between 4-6 targets. ? David Martin isn't 100%, so check back this week if you need him in a pinch.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>Probable(left quadricep)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Jeff Reed</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Shayne Graham</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jason Elam</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Joe Nedney</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Dave Rayner</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Last Minute Decisions
Welcome to Last Minute Decisions, your final stopping point before setting your lineups Sunday morning. Each week I'll tell you Game-Time Decisions to watch and provide matchup rundowns you won't find anywhere else. Make sure to check Rotoworld early Sunday for the latest news around the NFL, including each team's inactives.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Game-Time Decisions[/SIZE]
www.tampabaybuccaneers.ws www.therx.info www.therx.ws
Arms
Jake Delhomme ? doubtful, look for David Carr to struggle against Bucs
Chad Pennington ? not sure why he's "questionable," he will start @ BUF
Tarvaris Jackson ? could be active backup to Kelly Holcomb against Pack

Wides
Javon Walker ? a game-time decision and risky play against Colts' zone
Plaxico Burress ? expected to play despite missing practice all week long
Anquan Boldin ? listed as doubtful, Bryant Johnson likely to start vs. PIT
Jerricho Cotchery ? highly likely to start, should be in all lineups @ BUF
Calvin Johnson ? Lions say he'll go, check morning inactives on Rotoworld
Greg Jennings ? called probable, but make sure to check back on Sunday
Donte' Stallworth ? expected to start, but barely has been targeted so far
Troy Williamson ? probable, but may not regain starting job immediately
Ike Hilliard ? Bucs' starting flanker expected to play against the Panthers
Tim Carter ? Travis Wilson, Joshua Cribbs to split No. 3 duties in Cleveland
Demetrius Williams, Mark Clayton ? Williams expected to draw start, with
Clayton working primarily on passing downs against Browns

Backs
Brian Westbrook ? betting he'll play, keep him penciled in for night game
Laurence Maroney ? likely to play in must-start matchup Monday night
Ahman Green ? Ron Dayne expected to start; Green likely to be inactive
Chester Taylor ? will return to starting lineup against tough GB defense
Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs ? Ward slated to start, Jacobs likely to sit
Brandon Jackson ? didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, will likely sit
Vernand Morency ? most signs point to Morency playing, starting @ MIN

Ends
Kellen Winslow ? shoulder is partially dislocated but is expected to start
Dallas Clark ? nicked knee Thursday but will certainly play vs. Broncos
Matt Spaeth ? doubtful, Heath Miller could see more targets in red zone

Legs
None of note

[SIZE=+1]Already Ruled Out for Week 4[/SIZE]

Arms
J.P. Losman ? Trent Edwards starting may actually bode well for Lee Evans
Josh McCown ? Daunte Culpepper to make 2007 starting debut at Miami

Wides
Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones ? Andre' Davis to start; don't pick him up
Hines Ward ? Nate Washington to start in favorable matchup at Arizona
Terry Glenn ? remains out indefinitely, worth dropping in deeper leagues
Eddie Kennison ? progressing but uncertain to regain job when he's back
D.J. Hackett ? out until at least Week 9 with severely high-sprained ankle
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] ? time to start thinking about stashing Henry if he's available
Eric Parker ? Rookie Craig Davis needs to step up to keep his starting job
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] (Giants) ? rookie remains out indefinitely w/shoulder injury
Tab Perry ? Glenn Holt currently filling in as Cincinnati's third receiver
Jason Hill ? lingering hamstring has promising 49ers' rookie on the mend
Roy Hall ? Ohio State rookie out at least three weeks with bum shoulder

Backs
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] ? Brian Leonard expected to get 20-25 touches at least
Rudi Johnson ? expected back in Week 6, Kenny Watson to start on MNF
Dominic Rhodes ? will return from suspension in time for Week 6 @ SD
T.J. Duckett ? Kevin Jones taking over as Lions' go-to back on goal line
Michael Bush ? seems likely to go on I.R. with LaMont Jordan cruising
Mike Bell ? backup FB has concussion, can safely be dropped by owners
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1312"]Ricky Williams[/URL] ? will apply for reinstatement on October 2, claims agent

Ends
Vernon Davis ? should be held onto by his owners; expect big second half
L.J. Smith ? return uncertain, Matt Schobel and Brent Celek are filling in

Legs
None of note

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Matchups to Exploit/Avoid[/SIZE]

Bears @ Lions
Game Time: Sunday 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

As you may already know, the Bears enter Sunday's contest extremely banged up. Starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, and weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs, will likely be in street clothes. Pass-rushing DT Tommie Harris is a game-time decision. Free safety Mike Brown is already on injured reserve, and SS Adam Archuleta is playing with a busted hand. The NFL's top passing offense figures to enjoy more success against seventh-round rookie Trumaine McBride and normal nickel man Ricky Manning Jr., who will start on the corners for Chicago. Both Manning and McBride are 5-9, which presents serious matchup problems against Calvin Johnson (6-4/237) and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=35"]Roy Williams[/URL] (6-2/212). The Lions expect Johnson to play, and while he should be checked on Sunday morning, pencil the No. 2 overall pick into your fantasy lineup for now. The Lions' frequent use of four-receiver sets allows their wideouts to catch opposing DBs in man coverage, making it likely that Cal and Roy will get numerous run-after-the-catch opportunities?

?On the other side, Brian Griese has taken over for Rex Grossman as Chicago's starting quarterback. Griese may lack what Grossman offers in terms of arm strength, but Bob's son is no bum. Griese has thrown at least 19 touchdown passes four times in his eight seasons pro and excels at ball protection. Against the NFL's second-worst pass defense, a two-touchdown day seems likely. And concerns about the downfall of Bernard Berrian's fantasy potential should be minimal. Berrian remains Chicago's best receiver hands down, and if anything should rack up more catches underneath. He may not catch balls over his shoulder as often as he would have with Grossman under center, but his value could escalate in points-per-reception leagues because Griese is accurate and Berrian will continue to create separation from defensive backs on a regular basis.

Packers @ Vikings
Game Time: Sunday 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

After missing workouts on both Thursday and Friday as a result of a shin-injury flare up, Brandon Jackson is likely to be inactive when Green Bay heads to the Metrodome for Sunday's tilt. Vernand Morency is listed as probable and is virtually certain to be the Packers' lead back after a strong week of practice. That doesn't make Morency a usable fantasy player, however. The Vikings boasted the NFL's top defense against the run last season and are off to another fast start, currently ranking third versus the ground game through three weeks. Minnesota has its health and is getting terrific play from linebackers E.J. Henderson, Ben Leber, and Chad Greenway. Morency should be claimed off fantasy waiver wires and monitored to get an idea of his role moving forward, but kept on benches for a near impossible matchup?

?On the other side, Vikings coach Brad Childress' pet project Tarvaris Jackson will spend his second consecutive week on the sidelines. Kelly Holcomb picks up another start, just his second since the 2005 season. Holcomb didn't turn the ball over last week against Kansas City, but was a sitting duck for Tamba Hali (2 sacks) and the just-returned Jared Allen (8 tackles, 2 sacks, FF). Playing against a much better all-around defense this week, the takeaways figure to come. If Green Bay's fantasy defense has been keeping your waiver wire warm, it's time to pick up the Packers and use them against the 34-year-old Holcomb and his pathetic array of pass catchers. No Viking is a good fantasy option in the game.

Bucs @ Panthers
Game Time: Sunday 3:05 CT/4:05 ET

Due to Jake Delhomme's elbow strain, David Carr is slated to start Sunday, which could be a big problem for the 2-1 Panthers. Carr never exhibited quality pocket presence during his starting days in Houston and was a constant drain on Andre Johnson's yard-per-catch. Facing a strict zone defense in Tampa Bay's that is designed to limit YPC, big yardage totals for any of the Panthers' outside receivers may be hard to come by. But for Jeff King, that may not be the case. Athletic tight ends like King have been known to excel against the Tampa 2 scheme, and since Carr did show an affinity for throwing to his tight end as a Texan, we can make an educated guess that King will be on his radar more often than not. Already the ninth-ranked fantasy player at his position through three games, King should be in line for another solid day. The 6-5/253-pound specimen is an emerging weapon in the red zone.

Bengals @ Patriots
Game Time: Sunday 3:05 CT/4:05 ET

The Patriots appear to be playing games with the injury report again. The NFL tried to make changes to thwart teams' abilities to hide injuries from their opponents and the public, but it isn't working too well. Laurence Maroney (groin) was listed as having been limited in practice throughout the week and called "questionable" (50-50) to face Cincinnati when official designations were released Friday. That doesn't mean he's in any danger of missing the contest, however. The Patriots' beat writers have treated the apparent injury as a non-issue, and with the Bengals unbelievably thin at middle linebacker because of injuries to Caleb Miller and starter Ahmad Brooks, Maroney makes for a must start. He's due to break a long one after losing short-yardage carries to Sammy Morris and Heath Evans through the first three games. The yardage is already there. Check the pre-game inactives Monday night and try to have Kenny Watson or Morris in reserve just in case, but Maroney should be fine to start and produce big time?

?On the other side and speaking of Watson, the opportunity will be there for the former Redskin and third-down ace to have a stellar day in points-per-reception leagues. The Bengals would be smart to avoid Vince Wilfork, Adalius Thomas, and the rest of New England's stout starting front seven by testing the Pats through the air. If there is a liability in New England's defense, it's in the secondary with Rodney Harrison still serving out his four-game suspension and free safety Eugene Wilson at less than full health. 50 pass attempts for Carson Palmer seem likely, and Watson will be on the field nearly every down due to Rudi Johnson's crippling hamstring injury. Because the Bengals don't throw to their tight ends often and have no capable option at third receiver currently, Watson will be just behind wideouts Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the pecking order for targets. Count on a ton of catches for the journeyman running back.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Off the Schneid?
Larry Johnson (128 total yards) and LaDainian Tomlinson (154 total yards, TD) snapped out of their funks Sunday, but they did it in very different ways. LJ, buoyed by a suddenly competent passing attack, closed strong with a sturdy second half. Tomlinson, in yet another example that last year is long over, was held to 16 second half yards while the Chargers tried to nurse a lead and failed at home to the Chiefs.
Tampabaybuccaneers.com
Tomlinson started his inevitable climb up the fantasy point totals, but there were some signs for concern. When was the last time you saw Tomlinson get pulled down from behind like Bernard Pollard did? Tomlinson was also slightly limping late in the game. Like Johnson, Tomlinson's biggest worries are his teammates. San Diego's line couldn't protect Philip Rivers, and Rivers is subsequently struggling to keep defenses honest.

Tomlinson and Johnson owners should feel less panicky this morning, but don't assume that the surprises of the 2007 season will slow down. In a world where 65,175 people can chant Marty Schottenheimer's name, truly anything is possible.

[SIZE=+1]Stepping Off the Ledge [/SIZE]

1. Lee Evans put up the perfect game for his owners who benched him. He played well enough (6-79) to begin using him again, but not well enough to make owners regret putting him on the bench.

2. Patrick Crayton's ugly drops on Sunday night last week caused many owners to drop him out right in fantasy leagues after his slow start. Whoops. Crayton didn't drop any passes Sunday on his way to 30 fantasy points, but his feet impressed us the most. Crayton surprisingly made defenders miss in the open field with jukes and broke big plays. His touchdowns were for 37 and 59 yards, helping to curb is rep as a possession receiver. He needs to be owned in all leagues.

[SIZE=+1]Don't Panic [/SIZE]

1. Joey Galloway tends to throw in two-to-three total zeroes throughout every season; that's what he does. He had his first one of the year with one catch for seven yards. He's still the only decent wideout on Tampa's team.

2. Terrell Owens had has many drops as catches (three), but he was overdue for a slow week. The Dallas schedule remains highly favorable.

[SIZE=+1]Some Panic is Acceptable [/SIZE]

1. I wrote before the year that Chad Pennington's job would be in jeopardy if the Jets are under .500 halfway through the year. Fair or not, the Jets are at 1-3 and Pennington needs to start winning or the Jets will think about Kellen Clemens whether it's fair or not.

2. Philip Rivers has put up three ugly games out of four. The Chargers offensive line couldn't protect him despite Kansas City only rushing four defenders all game. Rivers was flustered in the second half, and started missing receivers, especially in the red zone, by huge margins.

3. Marc Bulger's offensive line was terrible Sunday, but so was his decision making and accuracy. He is seeing the pass rush in his face and just looks shell-shocked. It's understandable considering his broken ribs, but it's also understandable if owners bench him until he snaps out of it. And Bulger is taking his wideouts down with him.

4. Cedric Benson has to do better than 50 yards and 3.3 yards-per-carry against the Lions. He's stuck at 3.2 for the season, with a long run of 16 yards. He was benched for a large portion of the first half Sunday. As RB2s go, Benson looks uninspiring.

5. If Reggie Brown can't beat man coverage by Giants CB Sam Madison, he can't beat man coverage by most anyone right now. We'd keep Brown on our roster, but not near the lineup for a while.

[SIZE=+1]An Ode to Consistency[/SIZE]

1. In PPR leagues, both Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery have scored at least ten fantasy points in every game this season. Cotchery sets them up (382 yards), while Coles knocks them down (four touchdowns).

2. Joseph Addai has a touchdown in every game this season. He's scored between 14-20 fantasy points in standard leagues in each game. If the season started over today, my guess is Addai would go second in most leagues and first in a few.

3. Savvy fantasy owners often talk about waiting to draft a quarterback, because a perfectly consistent option will be available late. Matt Hasselbeck is a great example this year. Mostly ignored despite being a veteran in a proven offense, Hasselbeck quietly is keeping fantasy teams happy with 1,032 yards and seven scores, good for QB8 status. That production doesn't win games most weeks, but it keeps you afloat while the skill positions produce huge numbers.

4. Donovan McNabb laughs at your consistency. After a terrible performance by his offensive line Sunday night, McNabb's fantasy point totals for the year: 11, 10, 37, 3. McNabb will play better, but he's not able to avoid pressure as well as he was pre-surgery.

[SIZE=+1]Safety First [/SIZE]

On the flip side, one of the attractive options of drafting a quarterback early is that they are more consistent than most running backs and wide receivers. This year, however, three of the "Big 6" fantasy quarterbacks (Drew Brees, Marc Bulger, and Donovan McNabb) have been massive disappointments.

[SIZE=+1]Not the Same Old Ravens[/SIZE]

Stop fearing the Baltimore defense in matchups, especially through the air. Derek Anderson threw for 208 yards on only 18 attempts. The Ravens are 19th in passing yardage allowed and have two interceptions. They have given up huge plays all year, an indictment of one of the most overrated players in football: Ed Reed.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Have you seen this Man?
[SIZE=+1]Committee Time[/SIZE]

1. Kevin Jones isn't the man quite yet, but he is scoring the touchdowns in the Detroit backfield. Tatum Bell and Jones both wound up with 12 touches, and Jones should start to take the lead position shortly.

2. Maybe Minnesota's [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] doesn't need to start or get a lot of touches to remain a huge fantasy factor. He topped 100 total yards for the fourth straight game on the strength of his third play over 35 yards. He only played 37% of all snaps because of his weaknesses in pass protection, but he's already among the best big play backs in the league.

3. DeShawn Wynn got the start and the bulk of work for the Packers, with Vernand Morency an afterthought and Ryan Grant nearly a late game goat. Of course, it doesn't really matter who's getting the ball when 27 players across the NFL have more rushing yards than the entire Packers team.

4. With Carnell Williams out for the year, it's looking like a committee in Tampa. Michael Pittman rushed 15 times for 90 yards Sunday; Earnest Graham rushed 17 times for 48 yards and scored. The Bucs ran the ball 42 times overall! Look for Pittman to be the more valuable Buc over the course of the season.

5. The quarterback committee is alive and well in Arizona, crushing the fantasy value of Matt Leinart. Leinart owners should either A) pick up Kurt Warner or B) drop Leinart and look elsewhere at QB2.

[SIZE=+1]Yeah, But?.[/SIZE]

Daunte Culpepper scored five touchdowns, three rushing, for a huge fantasy performance. But any game that includes only five completions against a weak secondary is cause for concern ? especially for Ronald Curry owners.

[SIZE=+1]Overuse Alert[/SIZE]

1. Travis Henry hasn't topped 300 carries in four seasons; he's on pace for 344
2. Willie Parker's career high in rushes is 337l he's on pace for 372

[SIZE=+1]Whatever Happened To?[/SIZE]

* Jerious Norwood taking over for Warrick Dunn? Dunn doubled Norwood's rushing total Sunday, and has more than doubled Norwood's workload on the year. Dunn isn't playing that well, but getting the ball matters more.

* DeAngelo Williams taking over for DeShaun Foster? Williams scored the very definition of a garbage touchdown Sunday, but Foster had 15 carries to two for Williams.

* Marion Barber, the touchdown vulture? For one week at least, Julius Jones had more carries (by five) and stayed in for a goal-line score. Of course, Barber still looked like the better player overall, but Jones has played in the red zone quite a bit all year and it finally showed up in the box score.

[SIZE=+1]The Replacements[/SIZE]

1. Trent Edwards had a fantastic first start for the Bills. He plays against Dallas next Monday night, and a big second effort would make J.P. Losman feel very uncomfortable.

2. Brian Leonard looked solid with 58 rushing yards, but couldn't overcome his teammates. He still appeared to be in fullback mode, seeking out defenders to run over.

3. It was as if Mike Martz and Ron Turner changed brains before Sundays Chicago-Detroit game. The Bears turn to Brian Griese and suddenly go pass wacky. Griese's fantasy numbers were solid, but 52 pass attempts, three picks, and a 5.5 YPA doesn't bode well for the Chicago passing attack improving.

4. Ron Dayne did what we expected, minus the touchdown: 17 touches and 74 yards. Andre Davis was the replacement in Houston that made the noise with 117 yards and a score, his best game since he was hitting fantasy sleeper lists while catching passes from Kelly Holcomb in 2003 ? three teams ago.

5. David Carr Wreck: Houston fans can feel your pain, Carolina. That shot of [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] screaming into the phone was actually the receiver commiserating with Andre Johnson.

6. The Steelers missed Hines Ward badly Sunday. While Santonio Holmes stepped up with a career game, Nate Washington and Cedrick Wilson combined for 18 yards. With Ward struggling to get separation all year, Holmes may already be Pittsburgh's "number one" receiver.

[SIZE=+1]Fluke City[/SIZE]

1. I apologize to Ike Hilliard for saying he was done. Three years ago. He's quietly been solid for Tampa this year, and looked spectacular with a 7-catch, 114-yard effort against Carolina. Don't expect him to be a fantasy factor, but we wanted to send our respects.

2. Jerry Porter has only seven catches on the year, but he's making them count with 144 yards and three touchdowns. That will be a tough rate to keep up.

3. In one of my leagues, the scoring system is such that Derek Anderson has outscored Peyton Manning on the season. And only four quarterbacks have outscored Joey Harrington the last two weeks. Which just goes to show, once again, that no one knows anything.

[SIZE=+1]Injury Ward[/SIZE]

As always, Brian Flood has all the injury updates in Season Pass' Injury Crunch. We'll also be updating all day long on our news page.

In Denver's game, both Travis Henry and Joseph Addai struggled to stay on the field, although ultimately the injuries don't look serious. Still, it's a great reminder why Kenton Keith and Selvin Young should be owned in all leagues ? just in case. Each backup put up 80 yards Sunday, showing they'd produce if given the chance.

The other players getting hurt this week ?

Marvin Harrison
LaMont Jordan
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL]
Todd Heap
Isaac Bruce
Carnell Williams

[SIZE=+1]Game Balls[/SIZE]

1. I know he was facing a banged-up Bears defense, but only four incompletions from Jon Kitna is nothing short of remarkable from a usually inefficient quarterback. Kitna is averaging 8.9 YPA with a manageable four picks through four weeks.

2. Has Ronnie Brown arrived? Well, he's faced two of the worst rush defenses in the NFL in successive weeks, but 491 total yards in two games is big league no matter the opponent. Maybe all that talk about Cam Cameron turning Brown into a poor man's LT this offseason wasn't so crazy.

[SIZE=+1]Ridiculously Early MVP Watch [/SIZE]

1. Randy Moss: #1 ranked fantasy wideout, and has a game against the Bengals tonight. (playing tonight)
2. Tony Romo: 1,199 passing yards, 11 TDs, 3 INTs, 71 rushing yards, two rushing TDs
3. Chad Johnson: 442 yards, 3 TDs (playing tonight)
4. Tom Brady: 887 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT (playing tonight)
5. Joseph Addai: 466 total yards, 5 TDs
6. Ronnie Brown: 559 total yards, 5 TDs

[SIZE=+1]Ridiculously Early Bust Watch [/SIZE]

1. Marc Bulger: 756 yards, two touchdowns, four interceptions, QB24
2. Drew Brees: 677 yards, one touchdown, seven interceptions
3. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL]: 290 total yards, one missed game
4. Maurice Jones-Drew: 156 total yards, two lost fumbles
5. Lee Evans: 101 yards
6. Reggie Brown: 81 yards
7. Jerious Norwood: 211 total yards, zero scores
8. Matt Jones: 36 yards

[SIZE=+1]Waiver Watch[/SIZE]

Michael Pittman
Earnest Graham
Justin Fargas
Dominic Rhodes
Daunte Culpepper
Patrick Crayton

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Carr Wreck for Smith's Stats?
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported Sunday that Jake Delhomme will require elbow surgery, but both Delhomme and coach John Fox said Monday that surgery is merely an option if time off doesn't allow the injury to heal on its own. Delhomme called going under the knife a "last-resort type of deal" when asked Monday, but Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported that his injury is much more significant than the "day-to-day" label put forth by the Panthers.

Surgery or not, it certainly doesn't sound like Delhomme will be playing any time soon given that he's yet to throw a pass since the injury, which is news that surely hits [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] pretty hard. Smith spent much of Sunday's game screaming at various teammates and coaches when fill-in starter David Carr struggled to get him the ball on the way to looking about as bad as a 28-year-old former No. 1 overall pick with 75 career NFL starts could possibly look against the Bucs.

In the past teams have gone to great lengths in an effort to stifle Smith's production and they've typically been unsuccessful, but cornerback Ronde Barber indicated after the game that the Bucs didn't even have to do much to shut him down. "He just wasn't getting his opportunities," Barber said. "They weren't giving him opportunities. I don't know the reasons for that. We had some things in to deal with Smith today and to our benefit we didn't have to use them."

In other words, Carr was so awful that the Bucs just sat back and let him take Smith out of the game without their help. While Delhomme is far from great at this point, he's proven capable of helping Smith produce monster numbers on a consistent basis. An extended stretch with Carr at the helm could be disastrous for Smith's fantasy value, although it's difficult to imagine Carr being anywhere close to as helpless against the Saints in Week 5.

While Smith tries to figure out how Andre Johnson managed to rack up 1,147 yards on 103 catches with Carr throwing him the ball last season, here are some other notes from around football ?

* With Cadillac Williams out for the year after suffering a torn patella tendon in Week 4, the Bucs reportedly contacted the quasi-retired Corey Dillon and were turned down. While Williams is a household name, he's averaged a paltry 3.5 yards per carry since his rookie season and was seemingly in danger of losing snaps to Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham even before the injury. Coach Jon Gruden said Monday that Pittman and Graham will now share the workload.

A Daily Dose favorite, Pittman is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield who has recovered from posting some ugly numbers with the Cardinals early in his career to average 4.3 yards on 760 carries spread over six years in Tampa Bay. Pittman gained 90 yards on 15 carries Sunday and will likely be good for at least 10-15 rushes and 3-5 catches per game while starting in place of Williams. He has RB2 upside and shouldn't be left unclaimed in any leagues.

Meanwhile, Graham is also an intriguing player who Gruden has said plenty of good things about over the past few weeks. At worst he figures to see some action on obvious running downs and will likely get nearly all of the goal-line work, which makes him worthy of a pickup in most leagues. At best, Graham could emerge with a true carry split alongside Pittman, which is a combination that is very capable of being more effective than Williams was in the first place.

* Initially feared to be a serious injury when he was carted off the field in the second quarter Sunday, LaMont Jordan received good news Monday when X-rays on his injured back showed no major damage. The Raiders' bye week comes at a perfect time for Jordan, who'll need to heal up quickly to retain his workhorse status with Justin Fargas exploding for 179 yards in Week 4 and Dominic Rhodes returning from his four-game suspension.

* [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 shoulder separation, which includes a tear to the ligaments connecting his collarbone and shoulder blade. The good news is that Smith is expected to avoid surgery, but the bad news is that he's likely out for at least 2-3 weeks and could be looking at more than a month on the sidelines. Trent Dilfer will start in Smith's place after looking awful in relief Sunday, which means that Frank Gore's workload will be on the rise.

Note: I'm going to be doing a "live chat" this afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST, so feel free to stop by and ask some questions.

Two-Minute Drill: With nine catches for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns in another monster game Monday night, Randy Moss is now on pace for 124 catches, 2,020 yards, and 28 touchdowns ? Cedric Benson sat out the final 11 minutes of the first half Sunday after coughing up his third fumble of the season, but gained 47 yards on 10 carries after halftime ? Despite clearly showing that he's the Vikings' offensive best player, rookie [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] was on the field for just 24 of the team's 65 offensive snaps in Sunday's loss ? [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1312"]Ricky Williams[/URL] applied for reinstatement to the league Monday, with his agent saying that he's "extremely excited about the prospect of playing in the NFL again" ? As expected, coach Herm Edwards said Monday that rookie Dwayne Bowe will remain in the starting lineup even after Eddie Kennison (hamstring) returns ? Seattle being comfortable with the recently acquired Charlie Frye as Matt Hasselbeck's backup allowed Seneca Wallace to see action at wide receiver Sunday and make his first career catch ? Coach Lovie Smith said Monday that Brian Griese will remain the Bears' starter despite a poor performance in Week 4.

Red Zone: Despite pulling him from a brutal performance Sunday, Scott Linehan said Monday that Marc Bulger and his two broken ribs will start in Week 5 ? Anquan Boldin sat out Sunday's game and is scheduled to visit a doctor this week regarding the lingering soreness in his hip, putting his status for Week 5 in doubt ? As expected, [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] (groin) has already been ruled out for Week 5, giving rookie Brian Leonard another start after totaling 59 yards on 17 touches Sunday ? Clinton Portis is said to be struggling with knee tendinitis again and didn't practice Monday despite coming off a bye ? Todd Heap's status for Week 5 is in question after suffering a hamstring injury Sunday ? Washington signing 37-year-old Keenan McCardell on Monday is an indication that Santana Moss (groin) isn't likely to play in Week 5 ? Vernon Davis (knee) has been ruled out for Week 5, but reportedly hopes to return in Week 7 following the 49ers' bye ? Eric Parker (toe) is now expected to miss an additional 3-4 weeks, giving rookie Craig Davis more time as a starter ? Javon Walker is uncertain about his Week 5 status, but said Monday that his knee injury "is not a long-term thing" and "every day it gets a lot better."

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Best Buc Available
Earnest Graham or Michael Pittman? It may not be one of the great debates of all time (Frostee/Slurpee, Rushmore/Tenenbaums, Dan/Dave), but it's the best we have this week. It may also reveal what type of fantasy owner you are.
www.tampabaybuccaneers.ws www.therx.ws www.therx.info
On the surface, Graham represents unrealized potential. He had only 52 career carries before this season and has scored three times in the last two weeks. Owners see Graham and hope he's a late bloomer like Derrick Ward.

I'd rather take a known quantity like Michael Pittman. It's not like Pittman has struggled in recent years; he's averaged 5.67 yards-per-carry since 2005 and catches over 40 pass a year as a backup. Graham has five goal-line carries this year to zero for Pittman, which makes it a close call, but Pittman is more likely to maintain value until Week 17. The rumors about [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=2204"]Chester Taylor[/URL] are concerning, but they will probably remain rumors. Pittman and Graham should be grabbed in all leagues.

[SIZE=+1]Running Back[/SIZE]

Corey Dillon, Bucs - The ESPN report that Corey Dillon turned down the Bucs seemed a little convenient for the veteran. No teams have offered Dillon a contract, yet his agent has kept him in the news with apparent hopes of a possible return. I've seen owners take a flier on Dillon in leagues shallow and deep, but I think it's a waste of a roster spot. He'd be a limited player even he returned.

Recommendation: Take a pass

Justin Fargas, Raiders - I've been writing about Fargas on Waiver Wired since he was drafted, and am contractually obligated to mention he's Huggy Bear's son. So that's out of the way.

Fargas is fool's good. The guy runs like his pants are on fire, but his wild style begs for injuries. Oakland's offensive line is playing well, but Fargas has a limited ceiling. He'll either split carries with Dominic Rhodes (back from suspension) or be third on the depth cart if LaMont Jordan gets healthy after the bye week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Dominic Rhodes, Raiders - If I was Lane Kiffin, I'd play Fargas over Dominic Rhodes until Fargas breaks down. But I'm probably not Lane Kiffin, so Rhodes remains a better fantasy option. LaMont Jordan has the bye week to get his back healthy, but the injury is going to mean more carries for Rhodes regardless. Rhodes has below-average talent, so he's only roster filler insurance for the end of your bench.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Pierre Thomas, Saints - Deep leaguers, take note. There are a lot of reasons to believe Thomas will play a significant role for the Saints before the season is up. For example ?

1. Reggie Bush has never carried a full load of carries in the NFL and is an injury risk.
2. Aaron Stecker and Bush have similar styles of play, Thomas could be a changeup.
3. Thomas is a player the Saints may want to develop for the future. They know what they have in Stecker

As lottery tickets go, Thomas is a fun one to stash on your deep roster as a RB6/7.

Recommendation: Worth owning in deep leagues

[SIZE=+1]Wide Receiver[/SIZE]

Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs - Bet against rookie wideouts and you usually win big. Just ask the owners who drafted Robert Meachem, Dwayne Jarrett, Craig Davis, Anthony Gonzalez, and Ted Ginn over the summer. I've been slow to warm to Bowe, but he's proving to be the exception to the rule. It's remarkable because he's playing on a terrible passing offense.

Bowe, like fellow rookie star James Jones, is a YAC monster in the mold of Anquan Boldin. His problems catching the ball at LSU haven't showed up in the pros. He doesn't need a great quarterback because most of his yards come on broken tackles and broken ankles. He's not a good option this week against the Jaguars, but he's worth owning on your bench.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Sidney Rice, Vikings See Dwayne Bowe. Rice should adhere to the rule, not be the exception. Rice made some nice plays Sunday, but he's known as an undisciplined route runner at this stage of the career. He's also playing for the worst passing team in the league.

Recommendation: Stay away

Andre Davis, Texans - Davis' numbers over the last three years combined: 27 catches, three teams. But he's always hung around because he's a great special teamer and there was that chance he could turn his physical skills into a starter-worthy receiver.

Davis made the catch of the season during his 117-yard, one score performance against Atlanta and will get at least one more start in place of Andre Johnson. He faces a collapsing Miami defense this week. Don't expect a huge game, but you could do worse if looking for a spot start.

Recommendation: Bye week fill-in for 12-team leagues

Patrick Crayton, Cowboys - A couple weeks back, I mentioned that Crayton should be picked up in all leagues where impatient owners gave up. So you can guess what I think after he put up 180 yards and two touchdowns. He can remain a WR3 as long as Terry Glenn sits out.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Ike Hilliard, Bucs - Jon Gruden's greatest reclamation project yet? Hilliard hasn't averaged more than 10.1 yards-per-catch in four seasons, but Gruden is helping to make him look like a burner this season with 16.4 YPC on fifteen grabs. Hilliard's production should be depressing for Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall, but it's not likely to keep up. Let someone else bet on Hilliard keeping it up.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deep leagues

[SIZE=+1]Quarterback[/SIZE]

A lot of shaky quarterback situations around the league. Let's take a quick look at those who should be dropped, picked up, and held on to.

Jake Delhomme - From the sound of it, he's not returning anytime soon. I wouldn't hang on unless you have a deep roster or a I.R. spot.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] - He was a borderline asset before his shoulder injury. Look for alternatives.

Matt Leinart - Deep league owners should pick up Kurt Warner to go along with Leinart and see what happens. If you don't have room for an extra quarterback, it's worth looking hard at the waiver wire to see if you can do better than a quarterback splitting snaps.

J.P. Losman - He may not get his job back, and he's not worth hanging on to if he does.

So who to pick up? Here's how I'd rank the likely available options.

Jason Campbell, Redskins - Owners have tired of his inconsistency, but we still see an emerging young player in a good system.

Derek Anderson, Ravens - He gets the Patriots this week, but there are soft spots in the schedule elsewhere. Anderson is a big-play junkie, always going deep. He can stick around as a decent QB2 for a while.

Daunte Culpepper, Raiders - Tie goes to the rushing quarterback. I have my doubts Culpepper can cobble together decent passing stats, but he certainly has the highest ceiling of most quarterbacks available.

Joey Harrington, Falcons- Maybe, just maybe, Bobby Petrino can make this passing game respectable. With the young Falcons receivers making plays on a pass-heavy offense, Harrington should be serviceable with the right matchup. Just don't expect this pace to keep up.

Damon Huard, Chiefs - Holding off the Brodie Croyle era, but the schedule isn't kind unless you need a Week 6 fill-in. Huard gets the depleted Bengals that week.

David Carr, Panthers - Before we bury Carr in Carolina, it's worth pointing out that Tampa's defense has shut down almost every quarterback they've faced this year. Carr has a great matchup this week against New Orleans to kickstart his season. It sounds like Jake Delhomme will be out a while.

Kyle Boller, Ravens - Injured and ineffective is no way for Steve McNair to go through the 2007 season. Boller should get his chance eventually.

Trent Edwards, Bills - I own Edwards in my dynasty league and highly enjoyed his first NFL start. Still, the odds on any rookie quarterback for the Bills putting up consistent fantasy numbers are very slim.

Trent Dilfer, 49ers - Darrell Jackson and Frank Gore owners should be very concerned.

[SIZE=+1]Defense[/SIZE]

Redskins - As Bill Parcells pointed out Monday night, the Lions are among the league leaders in turnovers and sacks allowed. Unless you get negative points for points allowed, that makes the rejuvenated Washington defense a fine pickup this week.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Bulger to Rest Injured Ribs
Coach Scott Linehan said repeatedly earlier this week that the Rams would be sticking with Marc Bulger as their starter despite back-to-back horrible games and a pair of broken ribs, but Linehan has apparently changed his mind. In news that was first reported by Pro Football Talk and has since been confirmed by the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Bulger has been benched for Sunday's game against the Cardinals in favor of Gus Frerotte.

Bulger has reportedly been told that he'll sit "for a week or two," with the hopes that his ribs will heal up with some rest. Frerotte started 15 games for the Dolphins in 2005 with Linehan as his offensive coordinator, passing for nearly 3,000 yards while posting a solid 18-to-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He's potentially a solid QB2 with some risk, because he's 35 years old and has road games against Baltimore and Seattle coming up on the schedule after hosting Arizona.

Going from Bulger to Frerotte is without question a major downgrade, but going from a banged-up, scared-of-contact Bulger to Frerotte might actually be an upgrade. Tory Holt has managed to stay on a 1,000-yard pace despite Bulger's struggles and should put up good numbers catching balls from Frerotte, who was at the helm for what looked at the time to be Chris Chambers' breakout campaign of 82 catches, 1,118 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

Frerotte also looked often to Randy McMichael, who ranked second on the 2005 Dolphins with 60 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns. McMichael is now the Rams' starting tight end, but has gotten off to a modest start with just nine catches for 101 yards and zero touchdowns through four games. While being without Bulger for a little while sounds like bad news for both the Rams and his fantasy owners, time off is for the best given how poor he looked in his current state.

While Bulger and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] race to see if they can get healthy together before the Rams' playoff chances have completely vanished, here are some other notes from around football ?

* Initially diagnosed with a Grade 3 shoulder separation and expected to miss 4-6 weeks, Ed Werder of ESPN reported Tuesday that [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL]'s season could now be in jeopardy. Werder reported that Smith is seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews after an MRI showed serious damage to the tendons in his right shoulder, with season-ending surgery being an option for the former No. 1 overall pick, but the 49ers have denied that claim.

Smith seemed optimistic about his return timetable when asked early Monday, going so far as to say that he hoped to be back in "a few weeks," but then changed his tune after being able to throw just one pass on the sidelines before leaving the practice field in pain. Surgery or not, with Smith out the 49ers will turn to 35-year-old Trent Dilfer, who was brutally bad in relief Sunday. With a matchup against the Ravens coming in Week 5, the 49ers figure to lean extremely hard on Frank Gore.

Smith put together a solid first full season as a starter last year, playing all 16 games and throwing for 2,890 yards while posting a 16-to-16 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 74.8 quarterback rating as a 22-year-old. With an upgraded receiving corps he looked capable of taking the next step this season, perhaps emerging as a dependable QB2 in fantasy terms, but a slow start followed by a potentially season-ending injury is a major setback to say the least.

* I participated in my first "live chat" Tuesday afternoon and by far the most-asked question was whether or not there's any truth to rumors about Tampa Bay going after Chester Taylor. Blogging on the Tampa Tribune's website, Roy Cummings wrote Tuesday that the Bucs were interested in acquiring Taylor and Bryant McKinnie. While certainly a juicy rumor, a deal of that magnitude has almost zero chance of happening during the season and didn't pass the sniff test anyway.

Despite that, the rumor began to pick up steam throughout the afternoon and there were no fewer than 50 variations of "Is Taylor going to Tampa Bay?" submitted during the 90-minute chat. A few hours later Cummings posted a new blog entry, saying that the Vikings "have apparently come to their senses" and "are no longer talking about a deal" involving Taylor and McKinnie. I'd question whether the Vikings were ever "talking about" such a deal, but it's a moot point now.

However, various sources are reporting that the two sides did discuss a trade that would send Mewelde Moore to the Bucs for a draft pick. However, the Vikings are said to have asked for a first-day selection while the Bucs offered merely a sixth-round pick, seemingly making a deal unlikely. Whatever the case, it seems clear that the Bucs are interested in adding some help at running back following Cadillac Williams' season-ending knee injury.

Until they do, Michael Pittman will start and Earnest Graham will also see significant action, including goal-line work. Along with trying my best to lessen the Taylor hysteria, I spent much of Tuesday's chat session touting Pittman as a strong pickup and potential RB2. The Bucs acquiring someone like Moore would change that because his skill set is similar to Pittman's. Meanwhile, the Vikings will continue to start Taylor over Adrian "I'm better than Taylor" Peterson.

Two-Minute Drill: After benching Cedric Benson for nearly an entire quarter while calling 60 pass plays in Week 4, coach Lovie Smith said Tuesday that the Bears plan to increase Benson's workload because he's "the type of back who needs a lot of carries" ? With 31 catches on 34 targets, Randy Moss leads the NFL in catch percentage by a wide margin over a slew of possession receivers, which is amazing for someone averaging 16.3 yards per grab ? Jason Campbell explained Monday that Chris Cooley's involvement in the passing game is down significantly because he's used more as a blocker due to the offensive line's injuries ? Working Devin Hester into the offensive game plan consistently may prove difficult given that he's fumbled once for every eight times that he's touched the ball through 20 career games ? As if Tim Couch needed another nail in the coffin containing his football career, the NFL suspended him for six games Monday for violating the league's steroids policy.

Red Zone: According to the Arizona Republic, an examination of Anquan Boldin's injured hip "revealed no new problems" and he's hoping to practice this week, but his status for Week 5 remains in question ? Team president Bill Polian said Monday that both Marvin Harrison (knee) and Joseph Addai (shoulder) could have returned to Sunday's game if necessary, but neither player is a lock to suit up for Week 5 at this point ? According to the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers not working out any quarterbacks Tuesday is a sign that they think Jake Delhomme (elbow) can avoid surgery ? Hines Ward (knee) is considered day-to-day for Week 5 after being inactive Sunday ? Coach Herm Edwards said Tuesday that Eddie Kennison (hamstring) has a chance to rejoin the starting lineup alongside rookie Dwayne Bowe in Week 5 ? Santana Moss has yet to test his injured hamstring by running, seemingly making it unlikely that he'll be able to play Sunday.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Quarterblowback
You might have noticed a few NFL teams panicking this week. Some of last year's elite clubs, such as the Bears, Chargers and Saints, are struggling to find their way. And a few clubs around your league undoubtedly are also up in arms. Either they have a roster full of players who stink or they're realizing they do not have a very good club.

So what's a losing team supposed to do? Usually, a quarter of the way into the season, it is time to blame the quarterback. That's what has happened in Chicago; the Bears will have trouble getting back to the Super Bowl because they do not have a great option at quarterback and Brian Griese scarcely looks like much of an improvement over Rex Grossman.

The quarterback obviously has a huge effect on the rest of the team and with clubs such as San Francisco, Buffalo, Arizona, Carolina, Baltimore, St. Louis, Minnesota having problems, there is a large group of would-be fantasy stars whose immediate futures looks cloudy. The dreaded quarterback issue becomes a problem for you too.

What is the fantasy owner to do? At quarterback, the issue is pretty clear. If you're that desperate, you can play Griese; you obviously will not play Grossman. And if Kurt Warner winds up pushing Matt Leinart aside, then you might think about playing Warner. Right now, neither is a good start. And whenever the next quarterback shift hits in a different city, making a decision about the new starter usually is fairly straightforward.

But what should you do with [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] or Torry Holt? How do you figure out what their quarterback problems man for you? And what does Chad Pennington's inability to get the Jets ahead in games mean to Thomas Jones' inconsistent value?

The first thing is that if a team is having quarterback problems, that means the team isn't very good to start with. And if the team isn't good, you get inconsistent production from the starters and that adds risk to your lineup. The Ravens very well might go on the road this week and have a big game against the 49ers, but you certainly can't count on Derrick Mason or Mark Clayton with the way the offense has been going.

Then understand that backups are backups for a reason. You especially never know what you will get from a second-string quarterback who has barely gotten any time with the starters in practice. David Carr was horrible last week against the Bucs and the Panthers got only a junk-time TD, but Carr was a starter for five seasons so he ought not remain this bad for long. On the other hand, Trent Dilfer looks better suited to be a TV talking head than an NFL starter now and an extra week of practice won't fix it.

And then there are situations that are, in a sense, beyond a player's control. Gregg Rosenthal has said repeatedly on this site that if the Jets fall out of contention, Kellen Clemens will get the call. That isn't necessarily because Pennington is so bad, just that the Jets need to see what Clemens can do. So when that day comes, you will have to figure out what to make of Laveranues Coles or Jerricho Cotchery. Maybe a stronger arm helps those receivers' numbers. Or maybe the inexperienced guy throws more picks and short-circuits more scoring drives.

Any way you look at it, quarterback moves introduce uncertainty and can mean some sleepless nights if you're trying to figure out what they mean and whether they will work. Let's get to some of other players whose value is moving this week.

ON THE WAY UP

Giants defense. The 12 sacks and three points allowed against the Eagles and no TDs for six quarters were sensational, but I'm not quite ready to buy into this. The Giants' talent still is subpar in a lot of places and schemes, especially by a new coordinator against his old team, will carry the team only so far. Assuming the Jets are smart enough to give their line some help, chances are the Giants will not be in the backfield so often. And all it takes is one team to find a blueprint to slow down the rush and then the weak secondary will be exposed again.

Joey Harrington. Do not be too eager to play him this week against the Titans, but his two solid games in a row have given the Falcons' offense some life and quieted talk about rushing Byron Leftwich into the lineup. He is throwing to his wide receivers who -- surprise, Michael Vick! -- are actually OK and getting comfortable in coach Bobby Petrino's system. The Titans defense is better than you think, but Harrington has plenty of good matchups this season to be a good spot starter.

Earnest Graham/Michael Pittman. These guys are the no-brainer pickups of the week after Carnell Williams, if Graham was not already unavailable after getting two TDs two weeks ago. But here's my take anyhow: When you have two backs who will roughly split time, take the one who will get the TDs.

Both players have an equal chance to break big plays and pick up yards, but Graham appears to be the main scorer. If Pittman clips along at 60 yards a game, he will be a lot more valuable to the Bucs than to you.

Selvin Young/Kenton Keith. It is a big week for former undrafted free-agent running backs and both of these guys are hot pickups. Both also will be good starters if the well-known guys they back up (Travis Henry, Joseph Addai) can't go.

Henry seems the iffier prospect, but he and Addai both look less and less likely to make it through the season healthy. So if you don't go after them for this week, pick up them for further down the line. Or jump back on them if they get one start and are released again.

Greg Jennings. He went from an injured afterthought to an almost must-start in two weeks. He has TDs in both of his games back and with the Packers playing so well (and running so poorly), the good receiving numbers should continue for the foreseeable future.

Donald Driver already was on the never-bench list and Jennings is just about there. As long as Brett Favre continues to throw as well as he is, don't sit him.

Dallas Clark. Clark already is first among tight ends in TDs and things could get even better if Marvin Harrison can't play. The Colts are doing a great job lining Clark up as a wide receiver and creating mismatches against the defense so Clark's role figures to increase. Rookie Anthony Gonzalez and Aaron Moorehead also figure to play more, but Clark is the one on the way to a standout season after a previously marginal career.

TAKING A DIVE

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]. He was the big-play threat again for the Vikings last week with 112 rushing yards but had just 12 carries thanks to Chester Taylor's return. Peterson is such a dynamic threat that it seems obvious he would get more than 12 rushes, but the Vikings apparently still are worried about his pass blocking. And because they often play from behind, that will remain a concern with Peterson. That means not enough of Peterson when the Vikings return from a week off and just enough of Taylor to make him worth a play if you are desperate.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL]. He had two phenomenal weeks to open the year but has just six catches for 42 yards in the last two and has to deal with poor ol' David Carr at quarterback, perhaps for a while. Of course, as Aaron Gleeman pointed out in Tuesday's Football Daily Dose, Andre Johnson somehow wound up with 103 catches last year in Houston, with Carr throwing most of them. Of course, only five of those catches were for TDs and if Smith's TD total drops, he will not be a top-three receiver he could be with Delhomme.

Torry Holt. You could have made a lot of money if you had predicted a couple of weeks ago that Smith and Holt would be driving people nuts this week. The Rams, as we've widely discussed, are such a mess that even the reliable Holt has seen his numbers drop off. He is on pace for a 92-catch season, but his yards have tailed off since Week 2 and he has had just one 100-yard day in his past 14 games. If you're still fielding reasonable offers for Holt, take them.

Donovan McNabb. What we learned from the Eagles' meltdown against the Giants is that McNabb is far from a safe play and might never be a safe play again. The Eagles are loaded with offensive problems, not all of which are fixable over a bye week, and have just one offensive TD outside of the Lions game. The risk in bailing on McNabb is that he turns in games like he had against the Lions. For now, count on those games as being the exception as the Eagles fall into the inconsistent team category.

Shaun Alexander. This is a one-week downgrade only as Alexander does not appear to be running with much passion at the moment and should expect to get hammered by the physical Steelers defense this week; the Seahawks rarely seem to do well against more physical defenses.

But after that, as always seems to happen for Seattle, the schedule gets easy. Five of the following six games are against teams ranked 18th or worse against the run. That is the time for Alexander to get healthy and the time to go after him in a trade is following this weekend.

LaMont Jordan. A back injury was almost too predictable for Jordan and his strong early season run (second in the league with 424 rushing yards) appears to be just about over. Not only could his injury sideline him for an extended period, but the Raiders also are getting Dominic Rhodes back after the bye and Justin Fargas is proving his worth too. I'd rather have Rhodes than Jordan right now.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Coping with the injury bug
This had better be the tail end of a long wave of injuries. Because if players keep going down at this rate, we'll be out of serviceable starters in about three weeks.

The last two weeks have seen supposed stars go down at a decimating pace. Just ask anybody who was banking on [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] or Brian Westbrook how last weekend went. Injuries always tend to go in cycles, and we hopefully are mired in the worst of it.

How you are able to withstand, or avoid, this onslaught easily might determine how your season works out. If none of your guys are hurt, consider yourself lucky. If you just lost Marvin Harrison and Carnell Williams, you're working the waiver wire and hitting the trade market.

Filling in for those missing stars is not just about picking up the next guy on the depth chart. Sometimes the second-stringers turn into stars, but just as often they are on the bench for a reason. Now is a time to examine your roster and start making trade offers if you have a bunch of extra points in reserve every week.

Some of the latest injury situations to take advantage of ? and that could have you making lineup moves until kickoff of Week 5.

Cadillac Williams The Bucs will fill in with Earnest Graham and Michael Pittman splitting carries, but the good news is they are used to Williams being hurt. Graham already has three touchdowns the last two weeks and appears to be the short-yardage back. Pittman is more of a big-play threat, but the TD guy is more valuable given equal time.

Marvin Harrison The player to watch is tight end Dallas Clark, who is one TD away from matching his 2004 career high of five. The Colts have been especially good this year at lining up him wide to create mismatches. Minus Harrison, rookie Anthony Gonzalez will have to step up after being quiet most of the season. Reggie Wayne becomes the clear No. 1 receiver, but he already was a must-start in every league.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL]. His shoulder injury could be debilitating for a struggling offense. Trent Dilfer played last week like a guy who had not been on the field since 2005. He needs quite a bit of work to get this offense moving, but for now, the passing game looks shot with tight end Vernon Davis out and receiver Darrell Jackson doing little. That allows defenses to gang up on Frank Gore, who soon might be wishing he had a supporting cast as good as what Larry Johnson has in Kansas City.

Joseph Addai. If you have Addai and did not already have Kenton Keith, you had better hope you still can grab him. Keith already has shown decent potential, and while he might not be as good a play as Addai, especially against a strong defense such as the Buccaneers, he is far better than what else you might find out there.

LaMont Jordan. The injury question always was a matter of when, not if. Jordan has been playing well and will have a week off to recover, but he also will have to contend with Justin Fargas coming off a career game and Dominic Rhodes returning from suspension. Rhodes is the one to jump on.

Travis Henry. We're all used to picking up no-name Broncos running backs, and there will be a mad stampede for Selvin Young, Mike Bell and Cecil Sapp. Some combination of that crew would replace Henry, with Young probably the first choice. Bell has been the forgotten man since a preseason move to fullback, but if the Broncos think they need long-term help at tailback, he easily could slide back over. Young looks talented enough to thrive against a defense struggling like the Chargers'.

Marc Bulger. The Rams could do us all a favor and put Bulger out of his misery for a week or two and allow his ribs and the offensive line to heal, turning things over to capable backup Gus Frerotte. The Rams took another hit to their line last week and also lost receiver Isaac Bruce on top of previous injuries to Jackson and star left tackle Orlando Pace. The offense is completely overmatched even in what should be a favorable matchup against the Cardinals.

Brandon Jacobs. He has been somewhat forgotten but could return as soon as this week for the suddenly resurgent Giants. He would face the Jets, Falcons, 49ers and Dolphins during October, all of which will give up big rushing numbers. Don't be shy about trying to trade for him.
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Santana Moss. Depending on how well Moss' groin healed during the Redskins' week off, Antwaan Randle El could turn into a great start against the Lions. The bigger worry is this is the kind of injury that has plagued Moss throughout his career and a possible reason why the Redskins have signed Reche Caldwell and Keenan McCardell since the start of the season.

Bob Sanders. Wait, who let a defensive player in here? The value of the safety to the Colts run defense has been well-documented and the Broncos ran for 223 yards Sunday with Sanders missing significant time. Start any of your backs against the Colts whenever Sanders is out.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

More Work for Bush
As expected, coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that Reggie Bush's role in the running game would increase with Deuce McAllister lost for the season with a knee injury. Some had suggested that Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas might split McAllister's old workload, but that never seemed especially likely and Payton confirmed that "Reggie will get more carries" while also adding that his role in the passing game may be diminished to some extent.

"Stecker will be involved and Thomas will be involved, but you'll see Reggie get more handoffs," Payton said. "We'll still have to monitor how many runs, but you'll see him more from the running back position. From a numbers standpoint, maybe not as many receptions and some more carries, 18-20." An increased workload is almost never a bad thing, but there are two ways to look at Bush potentially swapping some catches for carries.

The first is that 18-20 carries per game, along with what will surely still be plenty of targets in the passing game, would make Bush a strong bet to increase his overall fantasy value. On the other hand, through this point in his career most of his production has come as a receiver. Bush was the second-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 catches and is currently on pace for 85 grabs after totaling 88 receptions as a rookie, but he's averaged just 3.5 yards on 184 carries.

Toss in the fact that Bush hasn't been an every-down back since high school and there's at least some reason to think that McAllister's injury won't be entirely positive for him. Of course, 18-20 carries at even 3.5 yards per pop still adds up to 63-70 yards, more goal-line work is key, Bush suggested Wednesday that the increase in carries might help him find a rhythm, and there's no way that Payton will be able to help himself from throwing to him at least a few times per game.

While Bush potentially begins a transition from play-maker to running back, here are some other notes from around football ?

* As discussed in this space yesterday, Ed Werder of ESPN reported Wednesday that [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] was seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews and could be facing season-ending shoulder surgery to repair torn tendons connecting his collarbone to his shoulder blade. It didn't take long for the 49ers to publicly deny Werder's report, making it clear that Smith has torn ligaments rather than torn tendons and never actually visited Andrews.

Instead, the team simply sent Andrews a copy of Smith's records for review, in part because he's friendly with trainer Jeff Ferguson. Andrews then confirmed the initial diagnosis that Smith won't require surgery, agreeing that the shoulder should heal on its own. Between Werder's report on Smith and John Clayton's report on Eli Manning last month, it's safe to say that everyone should probably take ESPN reporting on the shoulders of quarterbacks with big grains of salt for a while.

* Living up to the promise that he'd return from a knee injury sooner than expected, Brandon Jacobs practiced fully Wednesday and looks likely to play in Week 5 against the Jets. Jacobs figures to start, but the Giants may work him back into the mix somewhat cautiously and coach Tom Coughlin makes it sound like Derrick Ward will still see a decent amount of action. For now, Ward's fantasy value plummets and Jacobs can be considered a solid Flex/RB3 option.

* Asked Wednesday about his chances of playing Sunday after sitting out Week 4 with a sprained knee, Hines Ward said: "So far, so good. I'm way ahead of schedule." While that might be true, coach Mike Tomlin seemingly showed a different view of Ward's status when he called him "questionable to say the least at this point." If Ward practices Friday, you can probably count on him suiting up. If he doesn't, prepare to go with another option at wide receiver.

* Ahman Green was limited in practice Wednesday, with coach Gary Kubiak indicating afterward that he'll likely be a game-time decision in Week 5. "With Ahman, I would say it's very encouraging what we saw today," Kubiak said. Green might not normally be worth taking a risk on given his uncertain status, but whether Green or Ron Dayne starts at running back for the Texans they'll have a great matchup against the last-ranked Dolphins run defense.

* Anquan Boldin's chances of suiting up this week seemingly took a hit Wednesday when coach Ken Whisenhunt said that he won't be allowed to play through a hip injury if he doesn't practice first. Toss in Whisenhunt telling reporters that he doesn't know whether Boldin's injury is a tear or a strain and it's obvious that the Cardinals aren't sure what to make of his status. "We don't want to have any setbacks," Whisenhunt said. "We want to make sure the soreness goes away."

Two-Minute Drill: Despite a slow start caused in part by Jesse Chatman's presence, through four games Ronnie Brown leads all NFL running backs in catches (20 catches), receiving yards (248), and yards per carry (5.2) ? On pace for 1,416 rushing yards after a rough first season in Arizona, coach Ken Whisenhunt said Wednesday that Edgerrin James looks "like a reborn guy" and "a completely different player" ? Coach Herm Edwards revealed plans for Larry Johnson to sit out practice each Wednesday, calling it "The Curtis Martin Rule" of resting a running back midweek ? With Dwayne Bowe cemented in the starting lineup, Samie Parker will head to the bench once Eddie Kennison (hamstring) returns, most likely this week ? Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that he hopes to get Vernand Morency more involved in the offense going forward, mostly like as a third-down back.

Red Zone: Marvin Harrison (knee) and Joseph Addai (shoulder) both sat out practice Wednesday, with reports differing on whether Harrison has a "strain" or a "bruise" ? Laurence Maroney (groin) was limited in practice Wednesday, just like he was last week before sitting out Monday night's game ? Andre Johnson (knee) sat out Wednesday's practice and looks likely to miss another game ? Meanwhile, Jacoby Jones (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis, making it possible that he'll be a game-time decision Sunday ? With the Bengals on their bye, Rudi Johnson (hamstring) is expected to heal up enough to return in Week 6 ? Kellen Winslow practiced Wednesday, but coach Romeo Crennel said afterward that his partially dislocated shoulder "is something he's going to have to deal with all year" ? Adding to the Rams' many injury problems is that Isaac Bruce missed Wednesday's practice with a strained hamstring ? On the PUP list and not eligible to return until Week 7, Chris Perry (ankle) worked out on the sidelines during practice Wednesday ? Javon Walker (knee) missed practice Wednesday after saying Monday that he was unsure about his status for Week 5.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Week 5 Rankings
Two weeks is a long time in fantasy football; just ask Ronnie Brown owners. It has taken that long for Brown to go from Jesse Chatman's tag team partner to the number one fantasy back in the league. It's coming a year late, but the Ronnie Brown we've all been waiting for has arrived.

I can already see the emails coming ? Brown only dominated against the Jets and the Raiders. But that's what multi-purpose backs do; they crush the weaklings. 418 total yards and four scores in two weeks is a statement. Cam Cameron, unlike Brown's former coordinators, knows how to use Brown's impressive skills in the passing game. Brown hasn't gained less than 36 receiving yards in a game this season and should set a career high in receiving yardage this week.
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Cameron has stated that Brown is hitting the hole more decisively and he's running over defenders at the end of runs. He doesn't have breakaway speed, but there just aren't many backs that can excel in receiving and short-yardage like Brown.

There are still some concerns surrounding Brown, primarily Miami's poor offense and a fantasy playoff schedule that includes Baltimore and New England. I wouldn't consider selling high on Brown until mid-November when the playoffs get closer. Until then, enjoy the ride and email last year's Ronnie owner to rub it in.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jon Kitna</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Trent Green</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Chad Pennington</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>David Carr</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Gus Frerotte</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Joey Harrington</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Leinart</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Steve McNair</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Trent Edwards</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Brian Griese</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Trent Dilfer</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Note:For projections of all our ranked players, head to Season Pass. We help you make decisions at your flex positions, in addition to Evan Silva's Running Back report, Jason Matheny's IDP Nation, and tons of unique stat features. Check it out.

QB Notes: Jay Cutler is like Jason Campbell, only better. He makes a handful of unbelievable throws a week, but still isn't accurate enough to be a top-shelf NFL starter. The yards are there for fantasy leaguers and the touchdowns should follow. His aggressive style should do well this week against San Diego's secondary, whether Javon Walker is healthy or not. ? I went back to watch Joey Harrington's last two games and was amazed at the protection he was getting. Carolina and Houston got absolutely no pass rush and Harrington happily got rid of the ball quickly into tight spots. He still can't go deep, but Bobby Petrino is making this passing game competent. This week is a great test for Harrington. If Atlanta can block Tennessee's line, they can block anyone.

Buffalo is very excited about Trent Edwards, and with good reason. He had an ideal matchup for his first start against the Jets, but played composed for a rookie. Impressing Mike Tanier is a great sign. Fantasy Nation can scout Edwards on Monday Night Football, and deep keeper league owners should think about picking him up. ? Philip Rivers isn't an option against the Denver pass defense. ? Tampa's defense has been a revelation this season. We'll see how far they've come this week against the Colts. I expect the Bucs to limit big plays, if nothing else.

If the Jets couldn't stop Trent Edwards and Trent Green, they aren't likely to slow down Eli Manning. ? It's a strong week to use Vince Young. The Falcons don't really do anything that well on defense and there should be big plays available in the passing game. ? It was difficult to rank quarterbacks after the top-12 this week. David Carr is a reasonable option just because the Saints are so poor. Matt Schaub may not light up the scoreboard just because Houston will focus on the running game. Drew Brees has a decent chance to bounce back because Carolina's defense is not rushing the passer well. Gus Frerotte is passable, but I wouldn't bang your head against the wall trying to pick him up.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Watch practice reports</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Travis Henry</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Fully expected to start</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>Watch practice reports</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Ahman Green</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Game-time decision</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Likely to start</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Kevin Jones</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>DeShaun Foster</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Michael Pittman</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Ron Dayne</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Top 20 if starting</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>34</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>Top 20 if starting</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>35</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>36</TD><TD>Aaron Stecker</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>37</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Tatum Bell</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>DeShawn Wynn</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Najeh Davenport</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Selvin Young</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Outside chance he'll start</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Kenton Keith</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Outside chance he'll start</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Vernand Morency</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Should see more work</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

RB Notes: Joseph Addai's status is uncertain this week, although he was seen standing and laughing on the sideline late in last week's win. Tony Dungy says Addai is playing quicker this season, and he appears to have lost some weight. He doesn't break huge plays, but he made Denver defenders look silly last week with an array of moves in the open field. If Addai somehow sits out, Kenton Keith is a top-15 option. Defenses make it too easy on Colts running backs, and Keith also played well in an 80-yard effort against Denver. ? Carolina's revamped running game is having success with a zone-blocking scheme, just like in Oakland. DeShaun Foster is quietly playing improved football, averaging over five yards-per-carry and breaking more tackles than we've seen. DeAngelo Williams owners should be concerned that Foster is seeing the same amount of pass targets as Foster. Williams may turn this into a committee by the end of the year, but Foster is the lead back and better option right now.

Denver's rush defense is a mess right now. They made wholesale changes in Week 4 and it looked like a panic move. This is the perfect matchup for Norv Turner and LT2 this week. They should be relentless attacking Denver's soft middle. ? It's easy to see why Mike Shanahan talks so dreamily of Selvin Young. He is a tackle-breaking machine, and will stay involved in the offense even if Travis Henry is healthy. Henry looks unlikely to play 16 games, so Young owners have a great lottery ticket. ? It will be interesting to see how Jon Gruden divides the carries this week. I expect Tampa to run in high volume after the Colts defense showed signs of their 2006 problems last week. Losing Rob Morris and possibly Bob Sanders will hurt.

Ahman Green looks like a game-time decision. With Miami's defense giving up 200 yards-per-game, whoever starts for Houston will be a good RB2 option. We'd rank Dayne at the same spot as Green if he starts. ? Sean Payton's recent comments indicate that Aaron Stecker may not be the answer that many Deuce McAllister fans were hoping for. ? Brandon Jacobs looks to be on track to start this week after practicing fully Wednesday. Even if the touches are split with Derrick Ward, Jacobs will get the short-yardage carries against a sagging Jets defense. Ward remains a decent option, similar to backs like Julius Jones and Kevin Jones who get less carries than average. It's the first week I'd consider using Kevin Jones, as he looks likely to top 15 touches.

LenDale White didn't practice Wednesday, so keep an eye on him. ? Kansas City's revived defense will be no pushover for Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, who are looking like shaky plays.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=35"]Roy Williams[/URL]</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL]</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Marvin Harrison</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>Could miss game</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Javon Walker</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Status Uncertain</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Deion Branch</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Shaun McDonald</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Mike Furrey</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Questionable(back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Brandon Jones</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Andre' Davis</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Bobby Engram</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Darrell Jackson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>Status Uncertain</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Michael Jenkins</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Joe Jurevicius</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Roydell Williams</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Donte' Stallworth</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Dennis Northcutt</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

WR Notes: Javon Walker isn't sure whether he'll play this week, so he's off the rankings for now. Look for Brandon Marshall to step up with a solid game against a Chargers secondary that is prone to giving up big plays. ? Michael Jenkins has caught six passes in each of the last two weeks. He's made a number of leaping grabs lately, and has passed Joe Horn in terms of fantasy relevance, although he's still a lower-tier receiver. Roddy White, meanwhile, is on pace for 1,200 yards. Most encouraging have been his improvements on shorter crossing routes. White is beating press coverage, and has developed into more than a one trick (go deep, Roddy!) pony. That's essential considering Joey Harrington doesn't like to stretch the field.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] isn't helping himself with at least four drops over the last two weeks. Despite the presence of David Carr, Smith remains a must-start every week. He should bounce back against the Saints. ? With the Bucs likely to focus on the running game and the Colts defense excellent at preventing big plays, it doesn't look like a great week to use Joey Galloway. ? Anquan Boldin's status is currently a mystery. We'll rank him as if he's starting. ? Dwayne Bowe's strong run is likely to end against the Jaguars. I'm not ranking Eddie Kennison until he shows something, but his return doesn't particularly help Bowe. ? Santana Moss doesn't look likely to play, so he's not on the rankings. Antwaan Randle El gets a bump. ? Drew Bennett will hit the rankings roughly where Isaac Bruce is ranked if Reverend Ike can't play.


[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Tight Ends[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Status Uncertain</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jeff King</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Eric Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Daniel Graham</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL]</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Quinn Sypniewski</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Bubba Franks</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

TE Notes: Life has few certainties: Death, taxes, and Dallas Clark going too early in fantasy leagues. At least until this year. Clark is currently the number one fantasy tight end in standard scoring leagues, and his career year isn't about to slow down with Marvin Harrison less than 100%. Clark has more targets than Reggie Wayne and Harrison for the season, and the Colts are calling plays for him that many fantasy owners expected to go to Anthony Gonzalez. Clark even beat Champ Bailey deep last week, the ultimate sign that he's playing out of his mind. Look for another solid game against the Tampa zone defense. ? The loss of Michael Vick hasn't hurt Alge Crumpler much. While he's seeing a lower percentage of Atlanta's targets, the Falcons pass-heavy style balances that out. Crumpler appears to be getting in shape during the season, so I wouldn't be surprised if he has a big second half. Maybe he'll come up with another open-field move than running people over.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jeff Reed</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Jason Elam</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>John Carney</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Joe Nedney</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Dave Rayner</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Offense Awakening?
Well, last week we learned that Peyton Manning, not the skill level of the Broncos second cornerback, is the dominant variable in the case of Manning vs. Denver defensive secondary. Instead of using the injured Marvin Harrison or well-covered Reggie Wayne, Manning took advantage of a Broncos team that struggled to cover tight ends and threw primarily to Dallas Clark, who had a huge game operating versus linebackers that just could not cover him. This week, Manning goes up against a Tampa Bay pass defense that has been a revelation the first four weeks, ranking third in the league according to our DVOA metric, which tracks performance while accounting for both opponent and situation. While Manning's still worth starting this week, don't be surprised if Tampa and the loss of Marvin Harrison dampens his numbers some.

[SIZE=+1]Quarterback[/SIZE]

The best pass defense in the league through four weeks? Pittsburgh, who shut down the somehow-juggernaut that was the Cleveland Browns attack in Week 1. Of course, that was with the now-departed Charlie Frye at quarterback. The arrival of Mike Tomlin has re-awakened Ike Taylor's ability at corner, and while they weren't able to put away Arizona last week, expect them to shut down the Seattle passing attack at home. Leave Matt Hasselbeck on your bench.

An even more shocking defensive turnaround has been that of Kansas City, which has remained in games almost solely due to a pass defense that's been the second-best in football. While it's not entirely likely that the well-aged combination of Ty Law and Patrick Surtain will be able to keep up this level of play for the rest of the season, there's no reason to think that David Garrard will be a really worthwhile start this week.

On the flip side, some of the worst pass defenses in the league remain likely to be carved up again this week. The Jets, 31st in the league, go up against a Giants offense that's been surprisingly effective so far this campaign. Eli Manning has looked like a new quarterback, limiting his mistakes and overthrows while effectively finding second and third receivers and putting throws in the proper spots with consistent footwork. He's a good start versus the Jets.

The game most likely to be an offensive explosion this week? Carolina at New Orleans, where the 32nd and 29th-ranked pass defenses matchup in a game both need to win. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL]'s numbers in his last four games against New Orleans: 31 catches, 395 yards, 6 touchdowns. Not even David Carr can get in the way of that. Meanwhile, in the one meaningful game he played against the Panthers last year, Drew Brees threw for 349 yards and a score. Both these offenses are scuffling, but they'll get back on track in a big way this week. Make sure Brees is in your lineup again, and if you need a bye week quarterback, get Carr in there. Honest.

[SIZE=+1]Running Back[/SIZE]

For years now, pundits have predicted the collapse of the Miami Dolphins defense because of old age. For years, they've avoided the collapse. Through four weeks, though, the Dolphins appear to have finally hit the wall -- their rush defense ranks 31st in the league. Whether its because of aging defensive tackles, the absence of Zach Thomas due to concussions, or the "suck" that Jason Taylor attributed to himself last week, they're in rough shape.

They go to Houston this week, where they play the ascending Texans. The only problem is that Ahman Green is questionable and has barely practiced all week. Monitor the situation on Sunday -- if Green's out, insert Ron Dayne into your lineup. For those of you who doubt the power of matchups...remember Ron Dayne's big game as a Texan? Right! Against the Colts, who had the 31st-ranked run defense in football last year.

We've harped repeatedly on how great a matchup anyone versus the Rams are. That's no exception this week. Get Edgerrin James in against the 29th-ranked run defense in football. With Gus Frerotte at quarterback and the Rams likely to be behind, the Cardinals will be pounding the ball in the second half.

While Kansas City's pass defense has been superb, we can't say the same about its rushing defense. 28th in the league isn't anything to crow about. That means...yes, it's OK, fantasy owners...return Maurice Jones-Drew to your lineup. This is precisely the week where he'll return to fantasy prominence. Fred Taylor is also a good start.

While Cleveland pulled off an upset last week by defeating and scoring 27 points against the Baltimore defense, Jamal Lewis had about the game you'd expect. 64 yards on 23 carries is nothing special, with Lewis' saving grace being that he scored on a plunge when the Browns were up 14 points. That's the advantage of being ahead. Lewis moves from the second-ranked rush defense in football to the third- in New England. I suspect the Browns won't be ahead this week. Keep Lewis on your bench.

The other surprising part of the Texans season has been their excellent rush defense, fifth in the league in 2007 after being 26th a year ago. That spells trouble for Ronnie Brown, coming off back-to-back weeks against porous rush defenses. Because of the mediocrity surrounding Brown, he's even more sensitive to the defense facing him than other players. Brown's not likely to put up big numbers this week.

[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers [/SIZE]

Indianapolis has stifled #1 wideouts through the first four weeks, to the tune of second-best in football. That's something to think about in playing Joey Galloway this week. Galloway hasn't played the Colts in several years, so there's no player-specific data really relevant to the discussion, but check Bob Sanders' status on Sunday before putting Galloway in.

Where Tampa's defense has excelled isn't in stopping a team's star wideout (where they rank only 19th), but in keeping their #2 guy off the scoresheet (where they're first in football). The problem with that this week is that it's hard to define Indy's second guy. Will it be Marvin Harrison? Reggie Wayne? Dallas Clark? Keep all of them in your lineup, assuming Harrison goes.

Meanwhile, return the New Orleans and Carolina receivers to your lineup. Well, just [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] on the latter. And maybe Drew Carter. For New Orleans, get Devery Henderson back in the fold this week as a third wideout. The Panthers' safeties have really struggled, and Henderson's the perfect deep threat to take advantage of that.

Get your Giants and Jets in too. Not only Plaxico, but Amani Toomer, Jerricho Cotchery (who is rapidly becoming the Jets' #1 target), and Laveranues Coles. There are catches to be had in the Meadowlands this week.

[SIZE=+1]Tight End[/SIZE]

One guy to leave out this week? Ben Watson, who's struggled to find catches in the midst of the Patriots' aerial attack. Cleveland's very good at defending against tight ends and very bad at defending wideouts of all types -- that means much more Wes Welker than Watson.

Miami, for all its shortcomings this year, has done a much-improved job of defending against tight ends. That could spell the end of a nice run for Owen Daniels, who's been Matt Schaub's favorite target post-Andre Johnson.

Your recommended play at tight end is Jet Chris Baker, who goes up against the Giants. We don't need to explain this one again.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Henry Facing Likely Suspension
News broke Thursday night that Travis Henry allegedly tested positive for marijuana last month and faces a potential suspension from the league. Henry was previously suspended four games in 2005 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, which likely means that any new suspension would carry quite a bit of weight. Henry reportedly would have cycled out of the league's rehab program in Week 3, which indicates that the latest test took place before then.

Henry has reportedly taken legal action in an attempt to prevent the league from suspending him and the Denver Post reports that he could potentially continue to play while the matter is being sorted out. That could keep him in the lineup for this week at least, but with the Broncos on their bye in Week 6 that would seemingly give the NFL plenty of time to get things settled. In other words, go get Selvin Young in any league where he's not already on a roster.

An undrafted rookie, Young used an impressive preseason to move ahead of Mike Bell and Cecil Sapp on the depth chart behind Henry. He's played sparingly thus far while Henry has racked up big numbers, but Young is averaging a whopping 9.2 yards on 15 carries and has also caught five passes for 57 yards. Toss in coach Mike Shanahan saying last month that Young "is a starter in this league" and he could be the latest product of the Broncos' running-back factory.

As of Friday morning there's no official word on Henry's status, so it's too early to cut bait on him or project big things from Young. With that said, it seems likely that Henry will be facing at least some kind of suspension and there's speculation that he could be forced to sit out the remainder of the season. If that's the case, Young suddenly vaults into clear-cut RB2 territory, which is a saving grace for Henry owners who were smart enough to use the all-important handcuff.

While Henry's nine children and their nine different mothers fret about his future, here are some other notes from around football ?

* As Gregg Rosenthal noted Wednesday over at Pancake Blocks, through four weeks rookie Marshawn Lynch is surprisingly tied for the NFL lead by carrying the ball or being targeted via pass on 43 percent of the Bills' offensive plays. That puts him even with LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson, which is interesting company to say the least. Part of the reason that Lynch's big workload had gone unnoticed is that Buffalo ranks dead last in offensive plays per game.

The Bills have run just 198 offensive plays, while Tomlinson's Chargers are at 248 and Johnson's Chiefs are at 223. In other words, not all 43 percents are created equal, because Tomlinson (106) and Johnson (95) lead Lynch (86) by a healthy margin in "looks." Along with the Bills' offense rarely being on the field, Lynch hasn't done a whole lot with those touches, averaging just 3.8 yards on 80 carries and catching a grand total of five passes.

Lynch has been the target on just six of Buffalo's 95 throws thus far, but coach Dick Jauron said Thursday that he hopes to increase his role in the passing game going forward. There was a time not so long ago when Jauron was hinting at a carry split between Lynch and veteran backup Anthony Thomas, so the fact that he's clearly the team's workhorse this early is a great sign. The Bills' offense almost can't help but improve at least somewhat, so Lynch's numbers should rise.

* On Wednesday the 49ers squashed an ESPN report claiming that [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] would require season-ending shoulder surgery and Smith said Thursday that he hopes to begin practicing again on October 21. Most sources reporting on Smith's status initially quoted a 4-6 week recovery timetable, but Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported Thursday that he'll be out for at least 3-4 weeks, which would make an October 21 return possible.

Trent Dilfer will replace Smith as the starter, but the 49ers' offense figures to revolve heavily around Frank Gore. The good news is that Gore figures to see his workload increase, perhaps significantly. The bad news is that he also figures to see the number of defenders crowded around the line of scrimmage increase, perhaps significantly. Gore has averaged 19 touches per game thus far, but that number could easily jump into the 22-25 range until Smith returns.

* Brandon Jacobs is officially healthy again, with the Giants removing him from their injury report Thursday less than a month after he was diagnosed with a sprained knee. The Giants' running game has a strong matchup against the Jets' porous, undersized defense Sunday, with Derrick Ward's uncertain health status adding to Jacobs' projected fantasy value. Ward was limited in practice Thursday, which means that Jacobs could see close to a full workload in his return.

Two-Minute Drill: After totaling 37 touches through four games, coach Bobby Petrino said Thursday that he hopes to get Jerious Norwood more involved in the offense going forward, but we've heard that before with little change ? It hasn't done a whole lot for David Carr, but the Arizona Republic suggests that wearing gloves might be behind Kurt Warner's strong play thus far ? As expected, Larry Johnson returned to practice Thursday after taking a non-injury day off to rest up for the Week 5 matchup against Jacksonville ? Similarly, DeShaun Foster got back on the practice field Thursday after taking Wednesday off to rest ? Coach Sean Payton said Thursday that he's encouraged by the process rookie Robert Meachem has made, but isn't ready to activate him on game days ? Coach Joe Gibbs said Wednesday that Reche Caldwell is now ready to be active on game days and he could see a decent-sized role in Week 5 with both Santana Moss (groin) and Brandon Lloyd (shin) banged up.

Red Zone: Joseph Addai (shoulder) missed Thursday's practice, with coach Tony Dungy saying afterward that Friday "is probably the day we'll decide" if he'll play in Week 5 ? Laurence Maroney (groin) was once again limited in practice Thursday, all but guaranteeing that he'll be a game-time decision for the second straight week ? Initially expected to miss 4-5 weeks following knee surgery on September 13, Terry Glenn has reportedly begun the rehab process ? Plaxico Burress sat out Thursday's practice, but that's part of the Giants' plan to deal with his ankle injury and he's expected to play in Week 5 ? Todd Heap (hamstring) missed his second straight practice Thursday, making it likely that he'll be a game-time decision Sunday ? Hines Ward (knee) missed practice again Thursday and will need to get on the field Friday in order to play this week ? Brandon Jackson (shin) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game, making it likely that DeShawn Wynn will start again ? Derrick Mason (back) missed practice Thursday, which is seemingly a bad sign given that he participated fully in Wednesday's workout ? Javon Walker (knee) looks likely to be a game-time decision Sunday after skipping another practice Thursday.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Week 5 Rankings Update

The rankings below were updated Friday night. Starters such as Addai and Henry, who are game-time decisions, are ranked as if they will start. Their backups have notes about their rank if the starters sit. The rest of the column was posted Wednesday morning.

Two weeks is a long time in fantasy football; just ask Ronnie Brown owners. It has taken that long for Brown to go from Jesse Chatman's tag team partner to the number one fantasy back in the league. It's coming a year late, but the Ronnie Brown we've all been waiting for has arrived.

I can already see the emails coming ? Brown only dominated against the Jets and the Raiders. But that's what multi-purpose backs do; they crush the weaklings. 418 total yards and four scores in two weeks is a statement. Cam Cameron, unlike Brown's former coordinators, knows how to use Brown's impressive skills in the passing game. Brown hasn't gained less than 36 receiving yards in a game this season and should set a career high in receiving yardage this week.

Cameron has stated that Brown is hitting the hole more decisively and he's running over defenders at the end of runs. He doesn't have breakaway speed, but there just aren't many backs that can excel in receiving and short-yardage like Brown.

There are still some concerns surrounding Brown, primarily Miami's poor offense and a fantasy playoff schedule that includes Baltimore and New England. I wouldn't consider selling high on Brown until mid-November when the playoffs get closer. Until then, enjoy the ride and email last year's Ronnie owner to rub it in.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jon Kitna</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>May not have Harrison</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Probable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>Probable(foot)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>No Santana Moss</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Trent Green</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Chad Pennington</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>David Carr</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Gus Frerotte</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Joey Harrington</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Leinart</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Steve McNair</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Trent Edwards</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Brian Griese</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Trent Dilfer</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

Note:For projections of all our ranked players, head to Season Pass. We help you make decisions at your flex positions, in addition to Evan Silva's Running Back report, Jason Matheny's IDP Nation, and tons of unique stat features. Check it out.

QB Notes: Jay Cutler is like Jason Campbell, only better. He makes a handful of unbelievable throws a week, but still isn't accurate enough to be a top-shelf NFL starter. The yards are there for fantasy leaguers and the touchdowns should follow. His aggressive style should do well this week against San Diego's secondary, whether Javon Walker is healthy or not. ? I went back to watch Joey Harrington's last two games and was amazed at the protection he was getting. Carolina and Houston got absolutely no pass rush and Harrington happily got rid of the ball quickly into tight spots. He still can't go deep, but Bobby Petrino is making this passing game competent. This week is a great test for Harrington. If Atlanta can block Tennessee's line, they can block anyone.

Buffalo is very excited about Trent Edwards, and with good reason. He had an ideal matchup for his first start against the Jets, but played composed for a rookie. Impressing Mike Tanier is a great sign. Fantasy Nation can scout Edwards on Monday Night Football, and deep keeper league owners should think about picking him up. ? Philip Rivers isn't an option against the Denver pass defense. ? Tampa's defense has been a revelation this season. We'll see how far they've come this week against the Colts. I expect the Bucs to limit big plays, if nothing else.

If the Jets couldn't stop Trent Edwards and Trent Green, they aren't likely to slow down Eli Manning. ? It's a strong week to use Vince Young. The Falcons don't really do anything that well on defense and there should be big plays available in the passing game. ? It was difficult to rank quarterbacks after the top-12 this week. David Carr is a reasonable option just because the Saints are so poor. Matt Schaub may not light up the scoreboard just because Houston will focus on the running game. Drew Brees has a decent chance to bounce back because Carolina's defense is not rushing the passer well. Gus Frerotte is passable, but I wouldn't bang your head against the wall trying to pick him up.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Travis Henry</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Practiced. Game-time decision, but looks like he'll play</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Expected to sit, but game-time decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>Game-time decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Ron Dayne</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Kevin Jones</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Workload Rising</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>DeShaun Foster</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Michael Pittman</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Probable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Aaron Stecker</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Selvin Young</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Would be ranked 15 if starts</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Kenton Keith</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Would rank 18 if he starts</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Tatum Bell</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>DeShawn Wynn</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>Probable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Najeh Davenport</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Vernand Morency</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Brandon Jackson</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Questionable(shin splints)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

RB Notes: Joseph Addai's status is uncertain this week, although he was seen standing and laughing on the sideline late in last week's win. Tony Dungy says Addai is playing quicker this season, and he appears to have lost some weight. He doesn't break huge plays, but he made Denver defenders look silly last week with an array of moves in the open field. If Addai somehow sits out, Kenton Keith is a top-15 option. Defenses make it too easy on Colts running backs, and Keith also played well in an 80-yard effort against Denver. ? Carolina's revamped running game is having success with a zone-blocking scheme, just like in Oakland. DeShaun Foster is quietly playing improved football, averaging over five yards-per-carry and breaking more tackles than we've seen. DeAngelo Williams owners should be concerned that Foster is seeing the same amount of pass targets as Foster. Williams may turn this into a committee by the end of the year, but Foster is the lead back and better option right now.

Denver's rush defense is a mess right now. They made wholesale changes in Week 4 and it looked like a panic move. This is the perfect matchup for Norv Turner and LT2 this week. They should be relentless attacking Denver's soft middle. ? It's easy to see why Mike Shanahan talks so dreamily of Selvin Young. He is a tackle-breaking machine, and will stay involved in the offense even if Travis Henry is healthy. Henry looks unlikely to play 16 games, so Young owners have a great lottery ticket. ? It will be interesting to see how Jon Gruden divides the carries this week. I expect Tampa to run in high volume after the Colts defense showed signs of their 2006 problems last week. Losing Rob Morris and possibly Bob Sanders will hurt.

Ahman Green looks like a game-time decision. With Miami's defense giving up 200 yards-per-game, whoever starts for Houston will be a good RB2 option. We'd rank Dayne at the same spot as Green if he starts. ? Sean Payton's recent comments indicate that Aaron Stecker may not be the answer that many Deuce McAllister fans were hoping for. ? Brandon Jacobs looks to be on track to start this week after practicing fully Wednesday. Even if the touches are split with Derrick Ward, Jacobs will get the short-yardage carries against a sagging Jets defense. Ward remains a decent option, similar to backs like Julius Jones and Kevin Jones who get less carries than average. It's the first week I'd consider using Kevin Jones, as he looks likely to top 15 touches.

LenDale White didn't practice Wednesday, so keep an eye on him. ? Kansas City's revived defense will be no pushover for Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, who are looking like shaky plays.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Probable(toe)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Marvin Harrison</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Not expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Deion Branch</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Shaun McDonald</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Mike Furrey</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Brandon Jones</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Questionable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Andre' Davis</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Bobby Engram</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Darrell Jackson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Game-time decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Would rise if Mason is out</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Drew Bennett</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Bryant Johnson</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Would rise if Mason is out</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Michael Jenkins</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Joe Jurevicius</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Ike Hilliard</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Roydell Williams</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Donte' Stallworth</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Dennis Northcutt</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

WR Notes: Javon Walker isn't sure whether he'll play this week, so he's off the rankings for now. Look for Brandon Marshall to step up with a solid game against a Chargers secondary that is prone to giving up big plays. ? Michael Jenkins has caught six passes in each of the last two weeks. He's made a number of leaping grabs lately, and has passed Joe Horn in terms of fantasy relevance, although he's still a lower-tier receiver. Roddy White, meanwhile, is on pace for 1,200 yards. Most encouraging have been his improvements on shorter crossing routes. White is beating press coverage, and has developed into more than a one trick (go deep, Roddy!) pony. That's essential considering Joey Harrington doesn't like to stretch the field.

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] isn't helping himself with at least four drops over the last two weeks. Despite the presence of David Carr, Smith remains a must-start every week. He should bounce back against the Saints. ? With the Bucs likely to focus on the running game and the Colts defense excellent at preventing big plays, it doesn't look like a great week to use Joey Galloway. ? Anquan Boldin's status is currently a mystery. We'll rank him as if he's starting. ? Dwayne Bowe's strong run is likely to end against the Jaguars. I'm not ranking Eddie Kennison until he shows something, but his return doesn't particularly help Bowe. ? Santana Moss doesn't look likely to play, so he's not on the rankings. Antwaan Randle El gets a bump. ? Drew Bennett will hit the rankings roughly where Isaac Bruce is ranked if Reverend Ike can't play.


[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Tight Ends[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>Probable(flu)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>Probable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Questionable(hamstring)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jeff King</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Eric Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Daniel Graham</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Quinn Sypniewski</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Probable(toe)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Bubba Franks</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

TE Notes: Life has few certainties: Death, taxes, and Dallas Clark going too early in fantasy leagues. At least until this year. Clark is currently the number one fantasy tight end in standard scoring leagues, and his career year isn't about to slow down with Marvin Harrison less than 100%. Clark has more targets than Reggie Wayne and Harrison for the season, and the Colts are calling plays for him that many fantasy owners expected to go to Anthony Gonzalez. Clark even beat Champ Bailey deep last week, the ultimate sign that he's playing out of his mind. Look for another solid game against the Tampa zone defense. ? The loss of Michael Vick hasn't hurt Alge Crumpler much. While he's seeing a lower percentage of Atlanta's targets, the Falcons pass-heavy style balances that out. Crumpler appears to be getting in shape during the season, so I wouldn't be surprised if he has a big second half. Maybe he'll come up with another open-field move than running people over.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jeff Reed</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Jason Elam</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>John Carney</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Joe Nedney</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Dave Rayner</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Mason Looks Likely
Will Travis Henry be active Sunday afternoon against San Diego? Probably, yeah. Is he a lock, or even a good bet to carry a full workload? Maybe not.

The Broncos need a win against the Chargers. It's a divisional matchup with the reigning division champs. The Bolts (1-3, 0-1) are still the most talented and deepest team in the AFC West, while Denver (2-2, 1-0) is a young club with something to prove. So the Broncos will want their best players on the field Sunday. They paid him a ton of money, but really; who's to say Henry is the Broncos' best running back?

"(He's) like a third- or fourth-year guy; nothing seems to faze him. I can see him as a starter. He is a starter in this league."

- Broncos coach Mike Shanahan (who um, might know a thing or two about running backs) in his Monday press conference heading to Week 3. Young proceeded to gain 144 yards on 14 touches (10.3 yards-per-touch average) the following two Sundays.

"He hasn't really exceeded my expectations. You're just hoping that he can hang onto the football, and that as the game goes on he can stay halfway fresh."

- Shanahan in the exact same press conference about Henry.

Now, I wouldn't mistake Shanahan for a straight shooter, but his comments here are telling. Rumors ensued the week following that Young might take on more of the Broncos' running back pie going forward.

It'll be a few weeks before we see Young start a game -- the Broncos are on a bye in Week 6 -- but the undrafted rookie from Texas was already on his way towards cutting into Henry's workload substantially. An equal carry split against the Chargers appears likely as the Broncos give Young a taste of what will be a grueling second-half stretch and Henry prepares for a year-long layoff from the game.


[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Game-Time Decisions[/SIZE]

Arms
Chad Pennington ? Will start despite missing parts of practice all week.
Steve McNair ? Expected to play after practicing without limits on Friday.

Wides
Marvin Harrison ? Signs point to Marv sitting out Colts' afternoon game.
Plaxico Burress ? Despite not practicing all week, is highly likely to start.
Anquan Boldin ? Hip injury lingering, expected to keep him out @ Rams.
Santana Moss ? Doubtful; even if he's active he won't play many snaps.
Calvin Johnson ? Limited all week; Cal could be limited on game day too.
Derrick Mason ? Expect Mason to start in afternoon matchup with Niners.
Donte' Stallworth ? Should start; seems finally to be picking up offense.
Ike Hilliard ? Week 4 line (4-114) more than likely a fluke for aging vet.
Craig Davis ? Questionable, Malcom Floyd will start @ DEN if Davis can't.
Aaron Moorehead ? Expected to start, but doesn't separate consistently.
David Patten ? Practiced Friday, so he should resume fourth WR duties.

Backs
Joseph Addai ? Looks like Colts won't take any risks before Week 6 bye.
Travis Henry ? Doubt to-be-suspended back will see a full load if he's up.
Laurence Maroney ? Guessing he'll start; won't know for sure until 11 ET.
Ahman Green ? Is expected to miss game vs. Miami; Ron Dayne to start.
Brandon Jackson ? Unlikely to play or contribute much even if he's active.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] (Bears) ? Calf injury may limit his touches Sunday night.
Derrick Ward ? Probable, but Brandon Jacobs is set to regain starting job.
T.J. Duckett ? Even if he's active, Duckett's role should be minor @ WAS.
Mike Bell ? Could regain fantasy relevance if he switches back to tailback.

Ends
Kellen Winslow ? Probable to start, be on this list the rest of the season.
Todd Heap ? Didn't practice at all during the week, availability in doubt.
Daniel Wilcox ? Ankle/foot still bugging him; Quinn Sypniewski may start.

Legs
Olindo Mare ? Probable; disappointing so far but improvement inevitable.

[SIZE=+1]Already Ruled Out for Week 5[/SIZE]

Arms
Marc Bulger ? Worth hanging onto if possible; could be back by Week 7.
Jake Delhomme ? Listed as doubtful but probably out for several weeks.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] ? Has separated shoulder but appears to be making progress.
J.P. Losman ? May be back around Week 7; Trent Edwards starts on MNF.

Wides
Andre Johnson ? Still isn't practicing; not a good sign for Week 6 chances.
Javon Walker ? Called doubtful but is out; injury shouldn't end his season.
Hines Ward ? Nate Washington gets start at flanker after 2-catch Week 4.
Terry Glenn ? Use Patrick Crayton @ BUF; Glenn's timetable is uncertain.
Isaac Bruce ? Has strained hammy; Drew Bennett to start against Arizona.
D.J. Hackett ? Hackett won't be able to return until Week 9 at the earliest.
Eric Parker ? Recovery behind schedule and Chargers missing him badly.
Jacoby Jones ? Probably will play in Week 6 after practicing some this week.
Peerless Price ? Will go on I.R.; Josh Reed to take over as Bills No. 2 WR.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] (Giants) ? Still battling shoulder injury, return date unknown.
David Givens ? On PUP list, no new news regarding his potential to return.
Rod Smith ? Doesn't look ready to come off PUP lwhen eligible in Week 7.
Koren Robinson ? Will add another dimension to Packers when reinstated.
Roy Hall ? Rookie likely out a few more weeks due to separated shoulder.

Backs
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] ? Didn't work at all this week and still seems a ways away.
Carnell Williams ? Michael Pittman to start against Bob Sanders-less Colts.
Deuce McAllister ? Reggie Bush to be primary and feature back for Saints.
Brian Calhoun ? Placed on I.R. again, faces a battle to make Lions in 2007.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1312"]Ricky Williams[/URL] ? Can be reinstated soon; is worth a look in deep leagues.
Priest Holmes ? No word on whether he has any shot to return in Week 7.

Ends
Vernon Davis ? Should be back after Week 6 bye; Delanie Walker filling in.
L.J. Smith ? Eagles hope he'll return in Week 6, but may still not be 100%.
Ben Utecht ? Contract-year player's injuries will limit his '08 market value.
David Thomas ? Promising sophomore went on injured reserve Wednesday.

Legs
Josh Scobee ? John Carney a decent play at Arrowhead while it's still warm.

[SIZE=+1]Week 5 Matchups to Exploit/Avoid[/SIZE]

Cardinals @ Rams
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

It's another brutal week for injuries in the NFL. There aren't as many this week as there were in Week 1, but more key players will likely be sidelined than ever before. For Arizona, Anquan Boldin is doubtful, and set to replace him is usual third receiver Bryant Johnson. Johnson became overrated during a 2006 season in which he played a prominent role under Dennis Green. Now, he's rarely being used, and despite starting last week, was actually out-produced by special teamer Jerheme Urban, he of 13 career catches. Since he'll take over Boldin's flanker spot, Johnson will draw the Rams' best corner, Fakhir Brown, who is fresh coming off a four-game suspension. The Cards should be able to run to keep the chains moving Sunday and feature Larry Fitzgerald in the passing game. While Johnson should play a lot of snaps and catch a few passes, the feeling here is that you can do better?

?On the other side, Isaac Bruce will sit this one out with a strained hamstring. Drew Bennett starts at right side receiver for Bruce, and will primarily go against former Eagles nickel back Roderick Hood. Gus Frerotte will be throwing Bennett passes. Bennett has been active for three games so far this season, and the Rams are devoted to getting him the ball in the end zone. A truly amazing statistic: the Rams have been in the red zone six times since Week 2 against San Francisco. Bennett has been targeted every time the Rams have been inside the 20. With an injured Marc Bulger throwing to him, though, Bennett failed to actually score. Frerotte has proven himself a capable replacement QB in the league and could probably be starting for several teams (Baltimore, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami). He will only help St. Louis' cause, as he's healthier than Bulger and will take care of the football. Look for the Rams to finally move the ball and Bennett to finally score a touchdown on Sunday.

Dolphins @ Texans
Game Time: Sunday 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

If you expected a big day for Ron Dayne against Atlanta last week, you were just like me: Disappointed. Dayne had a flex-worthy stat line, but I was fully anticipating one score at least. The former Heisman Trophy winner is expected to get another shot this Sunday against the Dolphins' last-ranked rush defense, a unit that is not only struggling badly to stop anyone, but may be without arguably its two best players: MLB Zach Thomas (concussion) and WLB Channing Crowder (ankle). Both are game-time decisions, and the Dolphins lack any semblance of linebacker depth. Dayne had a tough time in short yardage last week, but that has notoriously been the strength of his game. Expect Ahman Green (knee) to be inactive and Dayne to get on the scoreboard against the 'Fins.

Bucs @ Colts
Game Time: 3:05 CT/4:05 ET

When the Colts were struggling so mightily against the run last season, many pinpointed that one weakness as the reason they couldn't win the AFC Championship. Two personnel changes made the difference. Indianapolis installed Rob Morris at strong-side linebacker, and Bob Sanders joined the lineup at free safety after a long, injury-induced layoff. The Colts went on to beat Kansas City, Baltimore, New England, and finally Chicago in Super Bowl XLI. This week, the Colts will be without both players. Rocky Boiman, a lanky journeyman, steps in for Morris at the SAM while special teamer Matt Giordano will take Sanders' place. Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham are supposed to split carries, but Pittman is the lead back and starter until proven otherwise. Count on Pittman as an RB2-type play, especially in points-per-reception leagues?

?On the other side, there's likely no player that stands to benefit more from the expected absence of Marvin Harrison than Dallas Clark. With Harrison in a baseball cap for over half of last Sunday's bout with Denver, Clark went off, catching six balls for 76 yards and scoring twice. Because rookie Anthony Gonzalez has yet to step up and take over the Brandon Stokley role in Indy, Clark is having the best year of his career in a contract season. The Bucs have been tough against tight ends so far due to the addition of Cato June, but Clark will be in line for a ton of targets, and the 6-3/252-pound former Iowa Hawkeye is much more athletic and crafty than any tight end the 5-11/227-pound June has covered to date. A combination of Marcus Pollard, Eric Johnson, Randy McMichael, and Jeff King would make most defenders look good.

Cowboys @ Bills
Game Time: Monday 7:30 CT/8:30 ET

Patrick Crayton was most likely either the first or second player taken off waivers in your league this week. His outstanding seven-reception, 184-yard, and two-score performance against St. Louis put him back on the radar after a slow start. Well, Crayton is here to stay as a nearly every-week WR3, and is close to a must play Sunday night against the Bills. Buffalo is already near the bottom of the NFL in pass defense, and will be without two starters (RCB Ashton Youboty and FS Jim Leonhard) against the league's best-rated offense. Crayton will see time against a slew of borderline NFL-caliber players, frontlined by 169-pounder Jabari Greer. The Cowboys really don't have a whole lot to lose by going Jimmy Johnson on the Bills. Coach Wade Phillips may be looking for a bit of revenge against the organization that fired him following a playoff birth and the devastating and unforgettable Music City Miracle.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

The Hangover
The New Orleans Saints know drama. When they inspire, they do it with historic panache. When they collapse, they do it completely. Drew Brees is the symbol of this year's frustration; he's gone from NFL Man of the Year to the Biggest Fantasy Bust of the 2007.

Larry Johnson and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] owners might not agree, but chew on these Brees numbers: 5.2 YPA (dead last in the NFL), 1 TD, 9 INT, and two fumbles lost.

All the drops by Saints receivers Sunday were scapegoated because they came late in the game. And while Brees had plenty of bad luck (two touchdowns called back, a tipped pick, dropped passes) he also made some terrible throws like he has all season. Brees missed open receivers and was lucky that more passes weren't picked off. The Saints offense got the ball in field goal range with a chance to win the game and they moved the ball one yard. The offense is all dinks and dunks, perhaps because of Brees' limitations.

The Fox commenters Sunday mentioned that Brees' arm strength appeared off, a growing belief around the league. That same arm, which lifted an entire region of fans and fantasy owners with such a magical ride last year, looks tired.

[SIZE=+1]Stepping Off the Ledge [/SIZE]

1. As a Patriots fan, I've frequently said that guys like Donte' Stallworth and Ben Watson will have a few random big games, but it's anyone's guess when they will arrive. Congratulations to those who guessed Cleveland! That was a logical one in retrospect. Just don't expect it to happen again next week.

2. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] had a passable fantasy day despite only 17 pass attempts from a banged-up David Carr. The Panthers made getting Smith the ball a priority, even if it took until the fourth quarter to see results.

In a shocker, Smith almost was playing with his old buddy Jake Delhomme again. After David Carr left the game, Delhomme surprisingly warmed up. John Fox wouldn't rule out a possible return at halftime. Carr wound up returning after a halftime back recalibration, which sounds like fun.

[SIZE=+1]Don't Panic [/SIZE]

1. There are all sorts of reasons to explain Larry Johnson's 14-touch, 15-carry game. Here's a short list: The opponent (Jacksonville), the teammates (offensive line and quarterback), and the difficulty of maintaining two careers (rapping and playing). Whatever the reason, the old LJ wouldn't have suffered this type of game

We still think he's a great buy-low candidate with two games left against Oakland and Denver. He gets the Bengals next week.

2. Matt Hasselbeck was shut down by the Steelers, like many quarterbacks before him. He may have lost Deion Branch for a while, and the Seattle running game has been average. But Seattle's system is the key, and they have competent receivers who can fill in. The next two games are home against the Rams and Saints. Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will bounce back.

3. Owning Vince Young means accepting days like he had Sunday. But we're a little surprised that Young is so hesitant to run the ball. He's been held under 30 rushing yards three times this year; that only happened three times in his last ten starts last year. Pocket passing is great, but running scores points.

4. Don't draw huge conclusions from the quiet numbers Detroit's receivers put up in Washington. That's what happens when Jon Kitna only throws for 106 yards. The Lions offense was due for a slowdown, although they certainly don't look like the same squad when they play on grass. Just like Mike Martz's old offense.

[SIZE=+1]Some Panic is Acceptable [/SIZE]

1. Thomas Jones finished with 36 yards on 13 carries against the Giants and hasn't broken a play over 12 yards all year. Leon Washington's yards-per-carry average (2.9) indicates it may be an offensive line issue, but Jones isn't someone who makes plays on his own. He looked like a solid RB2 before the two, but should be seen as a flex play now.

2. Matt Leinart's lost second season may already be over. He could be ready to play again by December, but the Cardinals probably hope that Kurt Warner will be playing too well then to pull him.

3. Kevin Jones didn't have a single touch in the first half Sunday, and Tatum Bell still only wound up with four touches on the game. Jones was productive in the second half, and it appears this committee will finally end.

4. It's hard for a backup running back to be a bust, but Ladell Betts qualifies so far this season. Owners were expecting a Clinton Portis injury or committee, and neither has happened. Even worse, Betts is averaging only 2.7 yards-per-carry on the season and has six catches.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Matchup Proof
[SIZE=+1]Quietly efficient [/SIZE]

1. David Garrard has slowly improved each game this season. Zero interceptions and an 8.3 YPA indicates some big games could be ahead.

2. Like Ronnie Brown, Heath Miller is having the season many fantasy owners expected last season. He's the TE7 with 17 catches, 241 yards, and two scores. Ben Roethlisberger may want to think about throwing to him more. Miller has caught 17 of the 18 passes sent his way. Kellen Winslow, for comparison, had 12 targets on Sunday alone.

3. Ben was without his best two receivers Sunday, and still managed to throw for 202 yards on only 22 attempts, with four incompletions. Roethlisberger has proven to be one of the most consistent fantasy quarterbacks all year, never too high or low. He's the opposite of the 2006 Ben.

4. Jason Campbell's top two wideouts in the second half Sunday were Keenan McCardell (signed last week) and James Thrash. He still wound up with 248 yards, two scores, and four incompletions.

[SIZE=+1]The Yin and the Yang [/SIZE]

There was plenty of good and bad in Reggie Bush's first start of the season. He set a career high with 30 touches and had nine catches, looking good running inside early. But Bush was shaken up in the second quarter, and didn't look the same thereafter. He didn't average four yards-per-touch despite all the catches and Julius Peppers and Chris Draft pulled him down from behind. 119 total yards is nice, but where are the big plays?

[SIZE=+1]Beating the Odds[/SIZE]

Logic tells you that running backs can't thrive on a winless team with a below average offense. But logic also wouldn't expect Ronnie Brown to suddenly flip a switch in Week 3 of his third season and turn into the robo-monster we've expected all along. (Robo-monster was a typo, it was supposed to say roto, but I like it.) 153 total yards and five catches is practically a quiet game for Ronnie these days.

[SIZE=+1]Committee Time[/SIZE]

1. News of Derrick Ward starting for the Giants spread before pregame, causing many owners to put Brandon Jacobs on the bench. But despite an early fumble, Jacobs wound up getting twenty carries to 13 for Ward, out-gaining Ward 100-56. Both scored touchdowns and New York looks to have one of the better one-two punches in the league.

2. LenDale White and Chris Brown split work nearly evenly, but neither cracked 35 rushing yards.

[SIZE=+1]Vulture Alert[/SIZE]

1. Reggie Bush put up 119 total yards, but Mike Karney scored on a goal-line plunge. Aaron Stecker also scored a touchdown that was called back by penalty for measure.

2. Willie Parker put up 102 yards, but Najeh Davenport replaced him on the goal line. The Hamper added another one later in the game. FWP is pace for the least filling 1,600-yard rushing season in history, with only one score and 43 receiving yards on the season.

3. Mike Sellers had two scores Sunday, Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts had zero.

4. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] of the Bucs had two catches for six yards Sunday. Both were for touchdowns.

[SIZE=+1]Fluke City[/SIZE]

1. Devery Henderson exploded for 101 yards and was open on a few more plays, but he still didn't play that well. One drop led to an interception, another prevented a possible score, and Henderson threw one more in for good measure. It wouldn't surprise me if the Saints bench him soon for Lance Moore.

2. In one run, Artose Pinner had only one less yard for the Falcons than Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood combined for in 16 attempts.

[SIZE=+1]So much for Consistency[/SIZE]

Through three weeks, no receiver was more consistent than Chris Chambers. The last two weeks, no receiver resembled the 2006 version of Chris Chambers more than Chris Chambers. He combined four catches, 40 yards and a big loss of confidence from his owners.

[SIZE=+1]The Replacements[/SIZE]

1. Ron Dayne versus the sluggish Miami Defense wasn't the panacea we made it out to be on Fantasy Fix Live. 45 total yards was a big disappointment, although a touchdown avoided a disaster.

2. The Cleo Lemon era, part II has started in Miami. With Trent Green likely to miss a few weeks, Lemon will keep the seat warm for John Beck. Sunday wasn't exceptional, with 151 yards and nine points in three plus quarters.

3. After Jamal Lewis hurt his foot, Jason Wright stepped in and did his best Jamal Lewis impression on the ground: 15 carries for 59 yards. But Wright matched Lewis' receiving output for the year with four grabs. Wright has been an ordinary back as a pro, but he'll still be a hot waiver pickup if Lewis' injury is serious.

4. Don't hurry back, Laurence! Sammy Morris cranked out another ho-hum 100 yards.

5. Byron Leftwich replaced Joey Harrington and somehow made Harrington's ridiculous 2.8 YPA in 31 attempts look competent. The Falcons aren't ready for a real defense on the road.

6. It's the system. Despite a slow start (17-for-47 to start the game), Kenton Keith wore down the Tampa defense to finish with 158 total yards and two scores. There was little flash in his game, but the difference between Joseph Addai and Keith was minimal. At least for one week.

7. Michael Pittman started for the Bucs, but hurt his ankle early in the game. Earnest Graham replaced him and finished with 11 rushing yards on six carries. It would be a huge surprise if Tampa doesn't bring in reinforcements through a trade shortly.

8. Larry Fitzgerald in three games with Anquan Boldin healthy: 15 catches, 192 yards. Larry Fitzgerald in two games without Anquan Boldin: 20 catches, 259 yards, one score.

[SIZE=+1]The New Triplets [/SIZE]

Who needs Andre Johnson? Owen Daniels, Andre Davis, and Kevin Walter have combined for 30 catches for 514 yards over the last two weeks. Andre' Davis' second life might be strong enough to keep Jacoby Jones on the bench when all the Texans are healthy. And Gary Kubiak is fast gaining a reputation for making chicken salad out Houston Texans.

[SIZE=+1]Injury Ward[/SIZE]

Some of the players featured in Brian Flood's Week 6 Injury Crunch:

Trent Green
Michael Pittman
Deion Branch
Jamal Lewis
Damon Huard
Matt Leinart
Joe Jurevicius
Vincent Jackson

[SIZE=+1]Matchup Proof[/SIZE]

1. Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards are matchup proof. Safely among the best receiver combinations in the league, the two combined for ten catches, 159 yards and a score in a tough matchup against the Patriots. Winslow had a ridiculous 14 targets. Many of those yards game while the Browns furiously tried to catch up, but that's the same way Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald racked up numbers throughout the Denny Green era. It still counts in the box score.

Oh, and Derek Anderson is still a top-five fantasy quarterback.

[SIZE=+1]Ridiculously Early MVP Watch [/SIZE]

1. Tom Brady: 1,383 yards, 16 TD, 2 INT
2. Randy Moss: 551 yards, 7 TD
3. Ronnie Brown: 712 total yards, 5 TD
4. Tony Romo: 1,199 passing yards, 11 TDs, 3 INTs, 71 rushing yards, two rushing TDs
5. Plaxico Burress, 410 yards, 7 TD
6. Joseph Addai: 467 total yards, 5 TDs, one missed game
7. Antonio Gates, 40 catches, 489 yards, 3 TD

[SIZE=+1]Ridiculously Early Bust Watch [/SIZE]

1. Marc Bulger: 756 yards, two touchdowns, four interceptions, two missed games
2. Drew Brees: 929 yards, one touchdown, nine interceptions
3. Larry Johnson: 374 total yards, 0 scores
4. Lee Evans: 101 yards
5. Thomas Jones: 351 total yards, 0 scores
6. Mark Clayton: 81 yards
7. Reggie Brown: 81 yards
8. Laurence Maroney, 252 yards, two missed games
9. Jerious Norwood: 238 total yards, zero scores

[SIZE=+1]Waiver Watch[/SIZE]

Cleo Lemon
Kenton Keith
Jason Wright
Nate Washington
Kurt Warner
Brodie Croyle
Dennis Northcutt
Lance Moore
Nate Burleson
Andre Davis
Kevin Walter

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Brenda Warner is back!
As you can see, my empire is slowly expanding here at Rotoworld. At first relegated to news, I have now added both the NBCSports.com $100,000 Fantasy Challenge and half of the Waiver Wired column to my arsenal. I will write about quarterbacks and wideouts this week, while Gregg tackles running backs, tight ends, and team defense. I fully expect that Gregg will start adding the videos I'm producing to the front page, as long as I start wearing more than just underpants and a leather hood.

In the meantime, here are some quarterback and wide receiver waiver options:

[SIZE=+1]Quarterback[/SIZE]

Kurt Warner ? Matt Leinart fractured his collarbone on Sunday, and should be out for most of the remaining fantasy season. Warner, who has been solid in limited action, will now take over for the Cardinals. He is capable of putting up QB1 numbers, and is this week's top waiver option at quarterback.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Trent Edwards ? In real life, Edwards showed an aware presence in the pocket, the ability to get the ball into tight spaces and was adept at checking down in Week 5. Unfortunately, it didn't translate into fantasy points. Edwards has a bye this week, so the Bills have a big decision to make at quarterback. After the team's bye, they face the Ravens, but then three teams in the bottom eight in terms of points allowed to fantasy quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Worth owning in dynasty leagues, bye-week fill-in if maintains the starting job.

Cleo Lemon ? Trent Green suffered a Grade 3 concussion on Sunday, and will likely be out until after the fantasy season. Lemon will take the reins until rookie John Beck is ready to start. Lemon led an efficient attack on Sunday, but his time appears limited. Still, Lemon faces the Browns in Week 6, a team that has allowed the most points to fantasy quarterbacks all season. You could do worse.

Recommendation: Bye week fill-in, especially in deeper leagues.

Brodie Croyle ? Croyle lost out on the competition for the starting job to Damon Huard, but now that Huard is injured, Croyle gets a chance to show he deserves the gig. A Week 6 match-up against the Bengals makes him a decent fantasy start for owners desperate for a quarterback. If he plays well, the job should be his long-term.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 2QB leagues

Kellen Clemens ? While Chad Pennington remains the starter for now, The New York Daily News reports that his status as a starter is a "legitimate issue." Clemens had a decent game in Week 2, but he shouldn't be owned until he actually has the job. The AFC East has some tasty matchups and Clemens has quality receivers, so it's not a bad spot for him.

Recommendation: Worth watching in deeper leagues.

Brian Griese ? Griese has thrown for two touchdowns in each of his two starts, and looked much more composed in his second start for the Bears. Griese, who attempted 52 passes in his first start, faces the Vikings this week. Minnesota is great at stopping the run but is vulnerable through the air. Griese seems destined to be throwing more of his trademark dink-and-dump passes this week.

Recommendation: Bye week fill-in for Week 6

[SIZE=+1]Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

Dennis Northcutt ? Northcutt scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 5, and also flashed a bit of his big play ability catching a 40-yard pass from David Garrard. He squares off against a Houston defense that has only allowed scores to [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] and Michael Jenkins this year, albeit multiple times for each. Northcutt has turned his career around in Jacksonville and has been consistent.

Recommendation: Worth owning in deep leagues

Lance Moore ? Lance Moore hasn't seen much action, but he looks good when involved. The Saints keep reiterating that they want him to be more involved in their offense, and it's quite possible he could take the starting gig away from Devery Henderson, who continues to drop way too many passes. Despite the Saints' struggles, that makes him an inviting flier.

Recommendation: Worth owning in deep leagues

Bobby Engram/Nate Burleson ? Deion Branch owners have to be frustrated that Branch will miss games against the Saints and Rams, who allow a ton of fantasy points to wide receivers. The Seahawks' passing game struggled mightily against the Steelers this week, but both Engram and Burleson have the potential to put up good numbers for the next couple weeks. Engram has been highly consistent this year, while Burleson is more likely to make big plays.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Nate Washington ? Filling in for the injured Hines Ward, Washington caught five passes for just 26 yards. His time as a starter has likely come and gone, as the Steelers have a Week 6 bye and Ward is expected to return afterward. With just eight catches for 104 yards on the season, Washington shouldn't be on most fantasy radars.

Recommendation: Pass.

Andre' Davis/Kevin Walter ? Both Davis and Walter were targeted ten times in Houston's victory over Miami. Both managed to put up solid yardage, and Davis just missed scoring a touchdown. This week they face Jacksonville, who has allowed just one passing touchdown this year. Still, because of their consistent yardage, both can be considered until Andre' Johnson returns. Jacoby Jones may come back this week, and could steal some touches.

Recommendation: Bye week fill-in for 12-team leagues.

Ike Hilliard - Hilliard leads all Tampa Bay receivers with 23 catches. He has only put up over 60 yards once, though, and faces a tough Week 6 match-up against a Tennessee secondary that has allowed just one passing touchdown this season and kept all Indianapolis receivers out of the endzone. Things look a lot better for Hilliard in Week 7 against the Lions. Also, like any old man is prone to be, Hilliard was a little banged-up in Week 5. Make sure to check his status during the week.

Recommendation: Bye week fill-in, especially in PPR leagues

Bryant Johnson ? Johnson filled-in admirably for an injured Anquan Boldin, catching six passes for 80 yards. Boldin is expected back next week, though, and the Cardinals have a tough match-up anyway.

Recommendation: Not worth a claim

Drew Bennett ? Bennett filled-in for Isaac Bruce and caught two passes, one of them just happened to be a touchdown. That's not a surprise for Bennett, who has been a red-zone target for the Rams all season. If Isaac Bruce misses another game, and Baltimore CB Samari Rolle is out, Bennett makes a solid start in Week 6.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Anthony Gonzalez ? The rookie filled in admirably for Marvin Harrison, but Harrison is expected back after the team's Week 6 bye.

Recommendation: Only roster-worthy as piece of mind for Harrison owners.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Five Picks, No Upset
My fear is that I may have jinxed both the Bills and Gregg Rosenthal when I instant messaged the latter following the Cowboys' failed two-point conversation Monday night and said, "What a loser, you were off by a point." Then, in one of those awkward moments that can't happen face to face but seems to occur all the time via IM, he didn't respond and I watched the Cowboys kick the game-winning field goal after recovering an onside kick with less than 20 seconds left. "Or not."

While I give Gregg semi-credit for being damn close with a pretty gutsy prediction, here are some other notes from around football ?

* I spent much of last week touting Michael Pittman as a strong pickup and potential RB2 option following Cadillac Williams' season-ending knee injury, which looked good when Pittman got seven touches in the first 22 minutes of game action Sunday. Unfortunately, the Pittman bandwagon that I was driving came to a screeching halt when he went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter.

No official word on his status has been given as of Tuesday morning, but there's speculation that he suffered a fractured fibula and coach Jon Gruden indicated Monday that Pittman could miss 6-8 weeks while calling the injury "a pretty good sprain." With both Williams and Pittman out, the Bucs are left with Earnest Graham as their starter and Kenneth Darby as his backup. In other words, those rumors about Tampa Bay shopping for a running back figure to pick up steam.

If the Bucs fail to bring in a veteran like Mewelde Moore or LaBrandon Toefield to take third-down duties and split carries, Graham looks likely to get close to a full workload. He's not nearly as versatile as Pittman, but the former undrafted free agent out of Florida has averaged 4.1 yards on 88 career carries and has pretty good size for a potential goal-line role. At this point I'd probably bet on a trade, but in the meantime Graham is someone to target.

* Despite pulling him in favor of Byron Leftwich down a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter Sunday, coach Bobby Petrino said Monday that Joey Harrington remains the starter. "It's in our best interest and gives us our best chance to succeed to stay with Joey," Petrino said. "He knows what we want to do, what we want to execute." I'm far from the biggest Harrington fan and he was awful Sunday, but Leftwich was as bad and has been with the team for under a month.

Petrino is likely right that Harrington gives the Falcons the best chance to win, but that could change very soon if Leftwich can get more familiar with the offense. In other words, despite all the glowing stories written about Harrington last week, he's likely one more bad performance from losing the job for good. Fortunately for Harrington he has a favorable matchup against the Giants in Week 6, although a torn ACL means that he won't have Wayne Gandy protecting his blind side.

Meanwhile in Atlanta, after being held to four yards Sunday, Alge Crumpler accused Petrino of having an "agenda" that includes favoring young players while phasing out veterans, said that the Falcons have "the worst offense in the NFL" once they cross the 50-yard line, and complained that the team is no longer getting him the ball in a position to "make plays." "I'm scratching my head," Crumpler said. "I'm trusting, but 1-4 makes you think about a lot of things."

* Coach Cam Cameron announced Monday that Trent Green suffered a Grade 3 concussion Sunday, which is the most serious kind. Cameron shied away from talking about whether or not Green was considering retirement, but indicated that he's not expected to play for at least several weeks. Cleo Lemon will get the start this week and has a relatively good chance to succeed with a road matchup against the Browns' horrible pass defense.

Lemon's athleticism and arm strength make him an intriguing player and he looked good in a spot start against the Colts in Week 17 of last season, but the odds are that he'll be on a short leash as Green's replacement. Second-round pick John Beck is waiting in the wings and he's already 26 years old thanks to going on a two-year Mormon mission, which means that the timetable to work him into the mix is much different than with most rookie quarterbacks.

* Picked off five times in two games, the New York Daily News reported Monday that Chad Pennington's starter status is a "legitimate issue." I've been very unimpressed with Pennington this season and his 71.2 completion percentage is misleading given that the majority of his throws are high-percentage dump-offs. His lack of arm strength keeps the Jets from stretching the field and he's floated far too many passes on mid-range routes. Let the Kellen Clemens Watch begin.

Two-Minute Drill: Kevin Jones got most of the second-half snaps Sunday and said afterward that he'll ready for a full workload when the Lions return from their Week 6 bye ? Frank Gore had a modest game Sunday, but touched the ball on exactly half of the 49ers' offensive plays ? Mike Karney stole a touchdown from him in Week 5, but coach Sean Payton said Monday that Reggie Bush will get plenty of goal-line chances ? Coach Andy Reid said Sunday that rumors of him potentially stepping down "couldn't be any further from the truth" ? Michael Turner gained 147 yards on 10 carries Sunday, including a 74-yard touchdown, but it all came in garbage time ? James Jones had a pair of costly fumbles Sunday night, but the rookie also showed why he's a Daily Dose favorite with five catches for 61 yards ? Ashley Lelie was on the field for exactly one play Sunday ? Priest Holmes (neck) said Sunday that he's "about 90 percent ready to go," but remains unlikely to play this season ? General manager A.J. Smith said Monday that Michael Turner won't be traded this season ? Despite three interceptions Sunday, coach Romeo Crennel said Monday that Derek Anderson's starting job is secure.

Red Zone: Marc Bulger's (ribs) status for Week 6 is undecided, which indicates that he's unlikely to suit up against the Ravens ? Meanwhile, [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] (groin) has already been ruled out for Sunday's game, giving a third straight start to rookie Brian Leonard ? Santana Moss (groin) and Antwaan Randle El (hamstring) are both hoping to play in Week 6 ? Todd Heap (hamstring) sat out Sunday's game, but coach Brian Billick indicated Monday that he has a good chance to return in Week 6 ? Josh McCown (toe) isn't ready to return despite a Week 5 bye, meaning that Daunte Culpepper will get the start Sunday against the Chargers ? [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] (shoulder) threw prior to Sunday's game and is expected to be active when the 49ers return from their Week 6 bye ? X-rays on Greg Jennings' injured shoulder came back negative and coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that he "should be fine" ? Tarvaris Jackson (groin) practiced Monday following the Vikings' bye and is expected to start in Week 6 against the Bears ? It won't make headlines, but losing Pro Bowl center Tom Nalen for the season with a torn biceps will hurt the Broncos' running game.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Top 24 Backup Running Backs
Running back injuries have descended upon the 2007 season like a plague of Canadian Soldiers (insert Kenton Keith joke here). Eleven starting running backs from Week 1 have already missed a game this season, with Jamal Lewis, LaMont Jordan, and Travis Henry possibly joining the list soon.

Owners of Sammy Morris and the aforementioned Mr. Keith will tell you about the importance of handcuffs, but not all backups are created equal. The offensive system makes all the difference. For this week's Waiver Wired, let's recap all the backups, and rank which ones are worth owning. You can use the ranks to decide if swapping backups is worth the waiver move. Teams that have committees where both runners are owned like Jacksonville, Dallas, and Lions aren't listed.

For a vastly superior view the backfields in the league, you can check out Evan Silva's Running back report on Season Pass. For waiver picks at quarterback and wideout, click on the <A href="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/column.asp?sport=NFL&columnid=64&articleid=29182" target=_new>other half of Waiver Wired.</B>

[SIZE=+1]Top 24 Handcuffs[/SIZE]

1. Patriots: Sammy Morris - Laurence Maroney's difficulties staying healthy could keep Morris in a significant role all season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

2. Colts: Kenton Keith - Joseph Addai has never been asked to be a primary back for a complete season, dating back to college. Don't dump Keith just because Addai is likely to return after the team's bye.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

3. Broncos: Selvin Young/Andre Hall - Could Andre Hall get into the mix once Travis Henry is suspended? Anything and everything (Cecil Sapp, Mike Bell) is possible in Denver. Young is taken in most leagues, but Hall is well worth a roster spot over many handcuffs.

Recommendation: Young - Should be owned in all leagues; Hall ? should be owned in 12-team leagues.

4. Chargers: Michael Turner - He won't have flex value, but that's not the point of a handcuff. There's little doubt Turner would be a top-10 fantasy back if he gets the chance.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

5. Rams: Brian Leonard - The Rams offense isn't as explosive as some of the ones listed below. But [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] isn't close to returning, making Leonard a serviceable RB2/flex play in the meantime.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

6. Bengals: Kenny Watson - Solid running back, excellent offense. Watson will be a useful RB2/flex if Rudi misses any more game time.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

7. Redskins: Ladell Betts - Owners drafted Betts hoping for more than a handcuff, but that's what he's become. Despite the slow start, Betts is worth hanging on to in all leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

8. Bears: [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] ? The "other" AP is averaging 5.8 yards-per-touch on the season; Cedric Benson is averaging 3.27. Peterson is also a better blocker. He's available in a ton of leagues, and is among our favorite running backs to increase in value over the second half.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

9. Texans: Ron Dayne - He's looked sluggish this season, but his red zone work and Ahman Green's injuries still make him a valuable RB4/5.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

10. Steelers: Najeh Davenport - Prototypical handcuff, with some vulture potential thrown in. Don't expect many two score weeks, but Davenport needs to be owned in all leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

11. Eagles: Correll Buckhalter - The Eagles have tried to replace him for years, but never find anyone better. Philly's diminished offense knocks him down the rankings, but Brian Westbrook's injury troubles make him worth owning.

Recommendation:Should be owned in all leagues

12. Packers: Vernand Morency - No one knows who the backup or starter is in Green Bay. I suspect the Packers want to run a two-back committee, with Morency playing the third-down/reserve role. That could leave Brandon Jackson on the outside looking in when he gets healthy. Owners can consider cutting bait in shallow leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

13. Browns: Jason Wright - Most weeks, Wright would be ranked towards the bottom of this list. But this is Waiver Wired, and Wright could be a fine one week pickup with a date with the Dolphins on the docket. Jamal Lewis' status is uncertain.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

14. Dolphins: Jesse Chatman - Ronnie Brown hasn't topped 300 carries in a season before, so Chatman is worth hanging on to in all leagues. Miami's offensive line is playing better this year.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

15. Raiders: Dominic Rhodes ? The revamped Raiders offensive line faces their biggest challenge yet: making Dominic Rhodes look good. Since Justin Fargas played so well in Week 5, Rhodes may have a challenge to be LaMont Jordan's backup.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

16. Ravens: Musa Smith - The Ravens running game has survived nicely without Jonathan Ogden. Smith would be a solid option if Willis McGahee ever gets hurt.

Recommendation:Should be owned in 12-team leagues

17. Jets: Leon Washington - If special teams touchdowns counted, Washington would be more valuable than Thomas Jones. But they don't, and Washington's meager production indicates that he wouldn't be better than a flex option even as a starter.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

18. Seahawks: Maurice Morris - Mike Holmgren says he wants to get Morris more involved after Shaun Alexander's recent struggles. Morris was serviceable last season when given a chance, but Seattle's offensive line problems limit his ceiling.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

19. Saints: Aaron Stecker - It's going to take a Reggie Bush injury for Stecker to matter. Even if that happens, Pierre Thomas would probably split the load on a below-average offense. You could consider dropping Stecker for names listed above.

Recommendation: Worth owning in deep leagues

20. Cardinals: Marcel Shipp - Remember when we were worried about Shipp cutting into Edgerrin James' workload? He has three carries this season. Shipp would probably share the job with J.J. Arrington if James gets hurt.

Recommendation: Worth owning in deep leagues

21. 49ers: Michael Robinson - A terrible offensive line and a possible jobshare if Frank Gore was hurt make Robinson one of the least attractive handcuff options.

Recommendation: Only worth owning in deep leagues

22. Chiefs: Michael Bennett - If LJ can't get yards for the Chiefs, Michael Bennett won't either. And no, I'm still not buying a Priest Holmes comeback.

Recommendation: Only worth owning in deep leagues

23. Bills: Anthony Thomas - Marshawn Lynch is having trouble scoring points, so the A-train wouldn't be a great option if he gets the chance.

Recommendation: Only worth owning in deep leagues

24. Bucs: Kenneth Darby - Tampa is likely to acquire more talent at running back, which would knock this seventh-round pick (who had some moments in training camp) down the depth chart.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deep leagues

Note: The Jaguars, Titans, Cowboys, Lions, Falcons, Vikings Panthers, and Giants were not listed because they have two runners likely owned in all leagues.

[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends[/SIZE]

Here's how I'd rank the likely tight ends available this week in fantasy leagues.

1. Desmond Clark
2. Greg Olsen
3. Donald Lee
4. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL]
5. Quinn Sypniewski

[SIZE=+1]This Week's Team Defense [/SIZE]

1. Bucs (probably dropped before Colts game)
2. Giants
3. Cardinals

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Making Lemonade
Good luck filling out your lineup this week.

Maybe you have avoided the litany of injuries and bad play that hammered quarterbacks last week. Maybe you even avoided drafting a bum like Larry Johnson and love having Sammy Morris these days.

But if those problems didn't nail you, the off weeks will. And this week is one of the worst, with six teams spending the day like you and I -- in front of the TV. Along with Week 8, it is one of two weeks this season with so many players sidelined.

That makes starters even tougher to find and it is why I can guarantee you that many otherwise intelligent people are debating Cleo Lemon and Brodie Croyle. Any time the Colts' starters (whether that's Joseph Addai or Kenton Keith) are not available, it is a big hit. The other big loss this week is the Steelers -- and, apparently, the Bills' defense.

A problem for one person, of course, is an opportunity for somebody else. If you're going up against the guy who had Peyton Manning, be happy if that owner is scrambling to grab David Carr. Of if your opponent started the season with a quarterback duo of Jon Kitna and Marc Bulger, your odds of winning this game went up a few dozen percentage points.

And the quarterback problem is not limited to the injured guys going down. We're still wondering if Donovan McNabb can be any good, if Derek Anderson really is for real or when Philip Rivers will start playing as consistently as Eli Manning. Even Tony Romo is a question mark following his Monday night meltdown, especially with the Patriots coming to town. Thanks to this dreaded six-team off week, Tom Brady and Carson Palmer might be the only solid bets this year.

You hardly every want to make an outlandish trade to solve a one-week lineup problem, but with all of the quarterback issues, making a trade for this week, with the long term in mind, would be justified. Again, the problem is who are you going to trade for? Going after Peyton Manning or Palmer will cost you the rest of your team and almost everybody else has injury or job-security problems.

No, free agency is easiest way to go. And the whole thing could turn into a week-by-week proposition where you are picking up Gus Frerotte, dropping Matt Leinart, adding Brian Griese for every game. With so much up in the air, this week, let's go to a quarterback-by-quarterback analysis with a verdict on their value.

Cleo Lemon. I'm one of the few who thinks Lemon could have something to offer. You don't bounce around the NFL for four seasons without having some talent and Dolphins coach Cam Cameron is familiar with it from when the two were together in San Diego. Lemon did OK in one start last year and his bigger problem will be winning rather than talent. This week against the Browns could be a close-to-the-vest affair, followed by games against New England and the Giants. Even if Lemon is good, if he does not win, rookie John Beck will get his shot. Verdict: Pick him up for curiosity in deep leagues.

David Carr. You have to hand it to Carr for knowing how to get hit hard; his ability to get hammered forced the Panthers to go to Matt Moore for a while on Sunday and raises questions about how long Carr can last. With regular practice and without having to look over his shoulder, he could be a marginal starter in good matchups as long as he is healthy. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] is the star whose value suffers the most, however. Verdict: His relative job security makes him worth a pick.

Brodie Croyle. I have hammered the Chiefs as much as anybody, but I have a feeling that if Croyle starts this week, he will stay there for a while unless he is truly awful. And games against the Bengals and the Raiders will help him get off to a good start before a bye week and two weeks of practice. The Chiefs think Croyle can be a franchise-type quarterback and, in this QB hungry environment, that makes him worth a selection. Verdict: Go after somebody with more of a track record first.

Byron Leftwich. He will get a shot sooner or later if the Falcons keep losing, but his long windup seems to have gotten more exaggerated during his time off. He now seems to have about a six-second release and he was nowhere close to accurate in relief of Joey Harrington last week. I don't like Leftwich in this, or any other, offense. He would not have much time to throw behind a depleted offensive line and is not the kind of rally-around leader the Falcons need. Verdict: Skip him, even if you have Harrington.

Joey Harrington. You can't talk about Leftwich without talking about Harrington, who seems to be playing himself out of another job. It is hard to believe that Harrington can be effective in more than very short stretches and because he is not a proven winner, he better string together a bunch of those short stretches very soon. Verdict: You're nuts if you're planning more than week at a time with him.

Kurt Warner. He is the top quarterback pick of the week thanks to Matt Leinart's broken collarbone. Grab him while you can and he is playing well enough to be a decent start against Carolina. But Warner's injury history is terrible and he has not played in more than 10 games since 2001 with the Rams. Verdict: Be sure to get another backup as well because Warner will not last.

Brian Griese. Back-to-back two-TD games turned Griese into a decent play and, if you think about it, it makes sense. The Bears are not the run-dominant team they were last year so Griese will need to average about two TD passes for them to have a chance to win. That will not happen every game but in the right spots, like against Minnesota this week, he is a very solid play. Verdict: He should be good enough to win with enough help on the rest of your team.

Gus Frerotte. At least he threw three TD passes in his first start and got the Rams 31 points -- almost double their previous season-to-date total. Of course, he also threw three interceptions to contribute to the loss. But the Rams can learn something from the Bears. Griese had a similar rash of interceptions in his first start and neither he nor Frerotte had played any meaningful snaps in almost two years. So let Frerotte settle in for a week and watch the picks drop. Verdict: There isn't a pass defense to be scared off the next three weeks against Baltimore, Seattle and Cleveland.

Chad Pennington. The moment of truth is coming for Kellen Clemens after Pennington threw five interceptions the last two weeks in helping the Jets to a 1-4 record. The Eagles are 8-0 under coach Andy Reid after a week off and another Jets loss would put huge pressure on Pennington, who is not much of a fantasy play anyhow. A bigger arm would at least make Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery better downfield threats. Verdict: Grab Clemens if you also have Pennington.

Trent Edwards. Perfect for a dink-and-dunk offense, Edwards is fifth in completion percentage and tied for 25th at 6.4 yards per attempt. That is down in Chad Pennington and Tarvaris Jackson territory -- though at least it is better than Drew Brees. Edwards has just one TD pass in two games and while he seems likely to keep playing as long as the Bills are competitive, he will not throw many TDs. Verdict: Play him only if you get points for completions.

Trent Dilfer. When can [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] get back? Dilfer's two-game stats: 24-of-52 for 254 yards, three picks, one TD and 10 points. Smith was not exactly playing well, but he was not this bad. And now the 49ers hope Smith can get back after the team's off week. Verdict: Don't get near Dilfer if Smith isn't ready.

 

[lupus]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

vq

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Not So Fast, My Friend
With the Broncos on their bye, Travis Henry was excused from practice Tuesday so that he could fly to New York to submit a hair sample and take a lie-detector test as part of challenging his positive drug test. The Denver Post reports that Henry's challenge "could take up to five weeks, including appeal time" and Adam Schefter of NFL Network suggests that it'll probably be at least a month before Henry potentially has to miss a game.

Assuming for a moment that the NFL wins their legal case against Henry, they must then issue a suspension and fight off an appeal, which will surely add significantly to the process. In other words, he's probably not going anywhere for a while and the Selvin Young train might have to go back into the station. For all coach Mike Shanahan's praise of Young and all the talk of him as the replacement, Henry has 80 percent of the carries that have gone to a Broncos running back.

For now, Young remains no more than an elite handcuff and Henry retains his RB1 status. Henry has averaged 21.4 touches and 110 total yards through five games, which ranks him 13th among all fantasy running backs despite reaching the end zone just once. Young has also played very well, averaging 8.6 yards per touch, but the fact that he got just one carry Sunday despite Henry's uncertain status makes it clear that he's not challenging for the starting job at this point.

While the Henry saga drags on much to the delight of his fantasy owners, here are some other notes from around football ?

* Two weeks ago Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that Jake Delhomme would require elbow surgery, which the Panthers promptly denied. Delhomme insisted that he planned to play through the pain and was even seen throwing on the side after fill-in David Carr went down with a back injury during Sunday's game. However, the team announced Monday that Delhomme will indeed undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, which is typically reserved for baseball pitchers.

That leaves Carr as the full-time starter, although his status is somewhat uncertain given that he needed a chiropractic adjustment and multiple pain-killers to get back into Sunday's game. With only undrafted rookie Matt Moore behind Carr on the depth chart, the Panthers scrambled for a veteran quarterback and came up with Vinny Testaverde, who signed Wednesday. He'll likely begin as the No. 3 man, but seemingly won't have a difficult time rising past Moore.

Signing the 43-year-old Testaverde is surprising enough given that his last extended action came in 2005 with the Jets and included a 59.4 quarterback rating in six games, but more amazing is that Testaverde actually had to choose between offers. He reportedly turned down a chance to back up 36-year-old Kurt Warner in Arizona because it was too far from his Florida home. When [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] is hoping that Carr stays healthy, needless to say that his fantasy stock is hurting.

* With Testaverde spurning their offer, the Cardinals turned to Tim Rattay as their new backup. Rattay presents no real challenge to Warner, who has a firm grasp on the job for the remainder of the season after Matt Leinart and his fractured collarbone were placed on injured reserve Tuesday. Trusting Warner again is likely a pretty big leap of faith for many fantasy owners, but he's in a position to put up good numbers throwing to Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.

The Cardinals weren't expected to be quite as pass-happy as they were under former coach Dennis Green, but they're actually throwing slightly more often this season, ranking fifth in the league with 36.2 attempts per game. Toss in the fact that Warner has been fantastic in spot duty, completing 62.3 percent of his passes and compiling a 102.3 quarterback rating while Leinart struggled, and there's plenty of opportunity for him to emerge as a viable QB1 option.

* Damon Huard left Sunday's game with a shoulder injury and was initially expected to miss Week 6, but an MRI showed no major damage and he's back in the mix to start against the Bengals. Coach Herm Edwards made it clear Tuesday that he'll go with Huard as long as he's reasonably healthy, which means that the Brodie Croyle era will likely have to wait a while longer. "We'll see where Damon is," Edwards said. "If he can go and he feels good, then he'll go."

Two-Minute Drill: Lee Evans said Tuesday that J.P. Losman (knee) should reclaim the Bills' starting job over rookie Trent Edwards once he's healthy, which isn't surprising given that Losman was at the helm while Evans racked up big numbers in the past ? After destroying Winston Justice in Week 4, Wayne Gandy's season-ending injury means that Osi Umenyiora gets another juicy matchup Monday night against undrafted rookie Renardo Foster ? With rumors swirling that they're interested in trading for Tatum Bell, Mewelde Moore, LaBrandon Toefield, or Reuben Droughns, the Bucs worked out Ciatrick Fason, Kevan Barlow, Eric Shelton, Shaud Williams, and Tony Fisher before signing Zack Crockett ? Brad Smith has officially passed Justin McCareins on the Jets' depth chart, starting in a three-receiver set Sunday ? Coach Mike Holmgren said Monday that Maurice Morris will see his workload increase going forward, but he remains little more than a solid handcuff for Shaun Alexander.

Red Zone: Coach Tony Dungy said Monday that both Joseph Addai (shoulder) and Marvin Harrison (knee) could have played in Week 5 if it had been a playoff game, so they figure to be ready to go when the Colts return from their bye ? Plaxico Burress aggravated his ankle injury Sunday, but it didn't stop him from racking up 124 yards and he's expected to continue playing through the pain Monday night ? On Tuesday general manager Bruce Allen denied reports that Michael Pittman has a fractured fibula, but he's expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks anyway ? Meanwhile, the Bucs officially ended Chris Simms' season Tuesday by placing him on injured reserve ? After aggravating his hamstring injury Sunday, coach Herm Edwards said Tuesday that Eddie Kennison likely won't play in Week 6 ? With Deion Branch (foot) out for several weeks and D.J. Hackett (ankle) not ready to return, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson get a value boost for the next couple games ? Coach Brad Childress wouldn't confirm it when asked Tuesday, but Tarvaris Jackson (groin) is expected to start against the Bears in Week 6.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Where's Torry?
One of the questions that shows up most often in my e-mailbox and chat sessions is whether or not Torry Holt is going to "turn things around." It's an interesting question for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that Holt has produced at least five catches and 50 yards in every game and is on pace for a 90-1,100-10 season. Of course, that would be his fewest catches since 2001 and his lowest yardage total since gaining 788 yards as a rookie in 1999.

The real question is probably whether or not Holt is going to get back to being the fantasy monster he was from 2000-2005, and the answer is "probably not." He's 31 years old, showed major signs of slowing down last season while failing to top 1,300 yards for the first time in six years, and underwent knee surgery during the offseason. Toss in Marc Bulger's broken ribs and Holt's chances of re-emerging as a top-five fantasy receiver aren't looking especially good.

The good news is that while he's no longer a truly elite WR1, he remains a consistent fantasy producer and continues to play through pain. Holt sat out Wednesday's practice to rest his surgically repaired knee, with coach Scott Linehan calling it "just something we need to manage" and "not serious enough to keep him from playing." Holt should be good to go against the Ravens in Week 6 as long as he practices by Friday, but he won't be the 2000-2005 version.

While Holt tries to prove me wrong with one good wheel and Gus Frerotte, here are some other notes from around football ?

* Jamal Lewis seems likely to sit out Week 6 after missing practice and wearing a protective boot on his injured foot Wednesday. Coach Romeo Crennel said afterward that Lewis "is working to get back" and "if he can play he's going to play," but it looks like Jason Wright will start against the Dolphins. Miami's run defense has been horrible this season and Wright gained 102 total yards on 19 touches after replacing Lewis early in Sunday's game, so he's a solid Flex/RB3 play.

* Despite sitting out back-to-back games with a sprained knee and attending his stepfather's funeral Tuesday, Ahman Green is expected to return in Week 6. He practiced fully Wednesday, meaning Ron Dayne's stint as the starter lasted all of 31 carries. Unfortunately for Green, he's returning to face a very tough matchup against the Jaguars' run defense, which has allowed 46 yards per game on the ground since being torched for 282 rushing yards by the Titans in Week 1.

* Laurence Maroney was limited in practice Wednesday, which means that his status Sunday will likely come down to a game-time decision for the third straight week. Because the Patriots play the Cowboys in one of the late-afternoon games and a groin injury has sidelined Maroney for back-to-back games, it'll be very risky to wait out his status unless you have Sammy Morris handcuffed to him or can quickly fill your lineup with another running back who plays a late game.

* Anquan Boldin sat out practice Wednesday, but reportedly "went through a rigorous workout and ran with his teammates." Boldin has missed two straight games with a hip injury and likely needs to practice at least once in order to be active Sunday, with the newspaper suggesting that could come Thursday. Boldin's would-be replacement, Bryant Johnson, also sat out Wednesday's practice with a quadriceps injury, so Larry Fitzgerald could be a busy man against the Panthers.

* Despite coming off a bye, LaMont Jordan was unable to complete a full practice Wednesday when his back problems flared up again. "Day by day he'll feel good, but then all of a sudden he won't," coach Lane Kiffin said. Jordan still has time to work his way into the starting lineup, but with Justin Fargas coming off a 179-yard game and Dominic Rhodes back from suspension the Raiders may choose to play it safe. Fargas and Rhodes split first-team reps Wednesday.

* Like Jordan in Oakland, Rudi Johnson was unable to practice Wednesday despite coming off a bye week. Johnson's hamstring injury forced him to sit out Week 4, with Kenny Watson totaling 63 yards on 15 touches in his place, and Carson Palmer said Wednesday that he expects Watson "to play a great deal" again this week against the Chiefs. Watson should remain owned in all leagues and would be a solid Flex/RB3 option if Johnson sits out again.

* Judging from Hard Knocks' coverage of the Chiefs essentially ignoring him during training camp, Priest Holmes' chances of playing this season seemingly hit "miniscule" once he was placed on the PUP list. However, coach Herm Edwards indicated Wednesday that Holmes still has some chance to return in Week 7. "We'll see," Edwards said. "He's getting better, I know that. We've go to make a decision next week. He's been working since training camp."

Two-Minute Drill: Despite getting banged up a bit Sunday, Clinton Portis is absent from the Redskins' injury report ? Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that he's "moved on" after benching rookie James Jones for a pair of fumbles in Week 5 ? With J.P. Losman (knee) returning to practice Wednesday and rookie Trent Edwards playing relatively well in two fill-in starts, the Bills have a big decision to make during their bye week ? Judging from the coverage in various New York newspapers, Chad Pennington's starter status is beginning to be questioned and calls for Kellen Clemens are growing louder ? Tampa Bay was said to be interested in former second-round bust Eric Shelton, but instead signed his old Louisville backfield mate, Lionel Gates, to the practice squad Wednesday ? Meanwhile, B.J. Askew said Wednesday that he expects to see some action at running back with Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman out, although the fullback seems unlikely to get much more than goal-line work.

Red Zone: Marc Bulger (ribs) is expected to sit out Sunday's game, but reportedly has a chance to return in Week 7 ? [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] (groin) might also have a chance to suit up in Week 7 after doing some light running and conditioning Wednesday ? Chad Johnson (ankle) is absent from the Bengals' injury report and practiced fully Wednesday ? Santana Moss (groin) practiced fully Wednesday and looks good to go in Week 6 ? Meanwhile, Antwaan Randle El (hamstring) is hoping to play Sunday, but coach Joe Gibbs said Wednesday that it'll take a "miracle" for him to start against the Packers ? Coach Herm Edwards announced Wednesday that Damon Huard (shoulder) will start Sunday "unless he has a setback" ? Jacoby Jones (shoulder) returned to practice Wednesday and could play in Week 6, but Andre Johnson (knee) missed practice and seems likely to sit out another game ? Brandon Jackson (shin) returned to practice Wednesday and has been removed from the injury report, further crowding Green Bay's backfield ? Brian Westbrook (abdomen) and L.J. Smith (groin) practiced fully Wednesday after using the Eagles' bye to rest up, but Smith remains less than 100 percent healthy.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Week 6 Rankings
[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Steve McNair</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Cleo Lemon</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Brian Griese</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Chad Pennington</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Joey Harrington</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Daunte Culpepper</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>David Carr</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Gus Frerotte</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Tarvaris Jackson</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Note: For projections for all the players listed here, head to Season Pass. Use the projections to help decide your flex spots. ? Also, I usually include my game notes from the tapes I watch during the week in Goal Line Stand. For space reasons, I'll be posting them throughout the day over at Pancake Blocks.

QB Notes: Dallas is playing surprisingly effective pass defense despite the injuries to Terrence Newman and Anthony Henry this year. They are seventh in YPA allowed and sixth in FootballOutsiders' pass defense stats. Yes, the Patriots are the toughest matchup Tony Romo has faced. But the Dallas defense is also the toughest matchup New England has faced during a cupcake schedule. You shouldn't bench either quarterback, but don't expect this score to be in the thirties.

Eli Manning had a weak effort against the Jets last week. New York had him mentally scrambled, and they day wouldn't have looked pretty if Plaxico Burress didn't embarrass Andre Dyson after the catch. Eli has been among the most consistent quarterbacks this year, so we'll give him a pass. You have to start him against the Falcons on Monday night. ? Jason Campbell's receivers could struggle in Green Bay, but there just aren't many good options this week after the top 11. ? Drew Brees is struggling, but the Saints' propensity to throw 45 times a game keeps his yardage afloat. ? Derek Anderson is no longer a fluke. He isn't particularly accurate and he throws too many picks, but his YPA is sky high because the Browns are so aggressive throwing down the field. Miami's secondary doesn't scare me, making Anderson a solid QB1 this week.

A trio of mediocre options has fine matchups if you need help this week: Brian Griese against the Vikings, Steve McNair against the Rams, and Cleo Lemon against the Browns. I think Lemon can be a serviceable QB2 throughout the season and Cleveland's secondary hasn't solved their problems. ? I think Matt Schaub's impressive streak without Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones hits a major speed bump this week against a motivated Jaguars defense. ? Joey Harrington has been much better at home, but this matchup could get ugly. Osi Umenyiora will line up across from an undrafted rookie making his first career start at left tackle. ? Here's how pass-wacky the Ravens have been this season: Steve McNair is ninth in the league in pass attempts despite missing one game and parts of two others. Here's how lame the Ravens passing game has been: Steve McNair's completions are averaging 8.95 yards. That's like playing with an entire team of Peerless Prices.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jason Wright</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Kenny Watson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>DeShaun Foster</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Ahman Green</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>DeShawn Wynn</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Vernand Morency</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Justin Fargas</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Dominic Rhodes</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Ron Dayne</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Maurice Morris</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Aaron Stecker</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Kenneth Darby</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

RB Notes: With six teams off, including many good runners, the rankings fell off a cliff after the top-12. Thomas Jones has been dreadful, but he should get all the carries in a decent matchup. Maurice Jones-Drew, Marion Barber, and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] are all splitting carries, but their big-play ability or scoring potential keep them slotted as solid RB2s in a rough week. Jones-Drew woke up last week, but there were still some signs for concern. Fred Taylor continues to get more consistent carries, and Greg Jones again took some snaps near the goal line. Houston has done a solid job against the run this year, but Taylor is overdue to break a long gainer. ? Maybe Jason Wright has improved since his weak showing as a rookie, but I know the Cleveland offensive line certainly has. Wright has surprisingly held off Jerome Harrison in Cleveland, which has to mean something. The Miami rush defense is improved with Zach Thomas back in the
lineup, but Wright still makes a decent RB2 if he starts because he'll get the ball. NFL Network's Rich Eisen said Lewis was unlikely to play on Wednesday's show, but you'll want to follow his progress all week.

Rudi Johnson is another player whose status is up in the air. For now, we're ranking Kenny Watson as if he'll start. You know to play Rudi if he's a go. ? Sammy Morris is a must-start if Laurence Maroney sits, but the 4PM start for the Cowboys-Patriots game could cause some difficult decisions. I don't see Morris as a great option if he's coming off the bench against a good rush defense. While the Patriots like to use Morris in short-yardage, the designation as a "goal-line back" is overrated. Plenty of Patriots will get a taste near the end zone, including Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans, Mike Vrabel, and possibly Mosi Tatupu. Of course Maroney might start, might be out this week or might be out for another month for all we know. I'm not speculating, but the reality is that no one knows the severity of his injury.

If last week was any indication, the Giants could have the most productive running back committee in the league. Derrick Ward's versatility should help keep him relevant even in Brandon Jacobs gets twenty carries a game. Ward has turned into one of the best receiving backs in the league and the Giants don't lose much in short-yardage when Ward is in the game; he's 235 pounds and doesn't go down easy. There's a chance, however, that Ward misses this game, so check practice reports closely. Jacobs also looked sharp in his first week back except for his fumble, showing patience and versatility on some strong runs to the outside. ? The Leonard Leap won't be as easy to pull off this week against the Ravens. Baltimore has shown some decline against the pass, but their run defense is strong as ever. ? Five games in, the Packers running game may have settled on a rotation: Deshawn Wynn and Vernand Morency splitting the workload evenly. Brandon Jackson is back this week, but I don't expect him to be a major factor moving forward unless the other backs slip up. ? Mike Holmgren wants to get Maurice Morris the ball more now that the backup is healthy. Holmgren has never really involved his reserve runners that much, so this may just be a motivational ploy for Shaun Alexander. Or it's another sign of Alexander's decline.

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Chad Johnson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL]</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL]</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ronald Curry</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Bobby Engram</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Drew Bennett</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Dennis Northcutt</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Andre' Davis</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Bryant Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Jerry Porter</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Donte' Stallworth</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Joe Jurevicius</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Brandon Jones</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Reggie Brown</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Ike Hilliard</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Keary Colbert</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Bobby Wade</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Michael Jenkins</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Roydell Williams</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

WR Notes: Tampa is below average defending number one receivers this year, but they are the top team in the league at stopping number two options, according to FootballOutsiders. That makes Brandon Jones a reasonable option if you're in a pinch. ? Derrick Mason leads the league in receptions, but is averaging only 8.5 yards-per-catch. That makes him a top-ten must start in PPR leagues, and a borderline WR2 must weeks in standard leagues. I had my doubts about Mason keeping up his pace, but he's still been targeted at least 12 times in every game this season. Consistency like that is hard to find.

You would expect the Browns to stop number one receivers better than secondary receivers because of the presence of Leigh Bodden. But they've been equally awful against all receivers, so I wouldn't hesitate to use Chris Chambers or Marty Booker in a pinch this week. ? I don't love Santana Moss' matchup against the Packers physical corners, but I had a hard time ranking him below 20, especially with Antwaan Randle El iffy to play this week.

Nate Burleson is Seattle's best big-play receiver with Deion Branch and D.J. Hackett out of the lineup. And the Saints are prone to giving up big plays. That makes Burleson a fine WR3 this week, even if he's been inconsistent this year. ? Considering Baltimore's struggles against number two receivers, Drew Bennett is a reasonable option this week. ? Dennis Northcutt has only one game this season with less than four catches and 50 yards. If you are in a PPR league, that's valuable consistency for your bench or bye week.

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Tight Ends[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jeff King</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Eric Johnson</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL]</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Matt Schobel</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Bubba Franks</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Shayne Graham</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>John Carney</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Dave Rayner</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

QBs suddenly hot commodities
Remember that quaint notion back in the preseason that good quarterbacks were a dime a dozen? That you'd be able to pick up a serviceable starter if you did not draft one?

Turns out that idea was just about as bulletproof as a starting backfield of [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] and Larry Johnson.

The importance of the quarterback, in fantasy and in reality, is obvious, especially after an injury-packed Week 5 left the position in tatters. With six teams off this week, and with the latest round of players sidelined, plenty of owners will be forced to decide between starting the likes of Gus Frerotte and Cleo Lemon.

Matt Leinart was the top player to go down last week, but at least his injury cleared the way for Kurt Warner, who had been playing better than Leinart anyhow. Trent Green, Damon Huard and David Carr also were injured; none are great, and their replacements are worse. Jake Delhomme's season officially ended Monday with news of his pending elbow surgery. And Chad Pennington and Joey Harrington are in serious jeopardy of losing their starting roles at any time.

And so we're left trying to decide whether to start quarterbacks such as David Garrard. Sure, he is winning games for the Jaguars, but he has thrown one touchdown pass and no interceptions in each of his starts. That's OK, but it won't help you beat the guy with Tom Brady.

Whereas wide receiver injuries have garnered so much attention in recent weeks, with guys like Anquan Boldin, Andre Johnson and Hines Ward out, the real problem is with the players throwing them the ball.

Two reliable starters ? Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger ? are off this week as well as one expected to be reliable (Jon Kitna). At least Carson Palmer will return, but the list of sure things is pretty much limited to Brady, Palmer and, usually, Tony Romo and Brett Favre. Even supposedly dependable guys such as Matt Hasselbeck throw up ducks like the 116-yard, zero-TD game he had last week. And all of those young quarterbacks we have been waiting on ? Jay Cutler, [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL], Leinart, Philip Rivers ? have had trouble.

If you do not have a sure thing at quarterback and cannot swing a trade, stay on top of free agency and weekly matchups. You'll have to figure out that Frerotte (at Baltimore) and Derek Anderson (vs. Miami) are not bad plays this week or muster the courage to start Daunte Culpepper or Brian Griese.

And if you have an every-week starter (or better, two of them), do not let them go cheaply. Make sure to demand a ransom in trade because you will find quarterback-desperate owners in your league. But as the first five weeks have shown, what we thought was reliable quickly can go by the wayside.

Around the league:

One of the NFL's top clich?s is that every team thinks its bye week comes at the perfect time. That is not the case for the Denver Broncos. The NFL has an extra week to work through the issues around Travis Henry's potential one-year suspension, making it more likely that Henry has played his last game.

You should plan to play on without Henry, who did not go out on a high note with 65 rushing yards in a blowout loss to the Chargers. NFL lawyers are not exactly known for botching cases, so they likely will find a way to get Henry off the field before the Broncos play again in Week 7 if Henry deserves it. Selvin Young seems to be the probable replacement.

Mike Bell, Cecil Sapp and Ahmad Hall all are worth pickups as well, in case the rotation does not turn out as expected. That has happened before in Denver (see Olandis Gary, Reuben Droughns and Quentin Griffin), but the Broncos do like to have one featured runner. Grab any back you can and then see how things play out.

Things can't get much worse for Larry Johnson after having 14 touches for 15 total yards in the Chiefs' loss to the Jaguars. But they are about to start to get much better. Up next for the Chiefs are the Cincinnati Bengals, who were running out of linebackers before their week off and who are allowing a league-worst 5.33 yards a carry and 152 rushing yards a game. And with questions at quarterback again, what will the game plan be? Expect about 40 carries from Johnson, assuming the Chiefs stay close enough to stick with him.

The week off did come at a good time for several other backs: the Bengals' Rudi Johnson, the Eagles' Brian Westbrook and the Raiders' LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes. The first three are battling injuries, and Rhodes is coming off suspension. Johnson and Westbrook should be ready to return after missing last week, but the Raiders' situation is unclear. Jordan might not be over his back injury. Try not to play Rhodes or Justin Fargas without further word about how they will split time.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Return of the Old Favre?
Last week, most of the e-mail I received disagreeing with my matchup selections revolved around two players: Matt Hasselbeck and Ben Watson, both of whom I'd recommended fantasy owners to sit. Hasselbeck had a miserable day?about as miserable as Watson's was great.

Of course, no one's perfect, least of which me. The best I can do is provide the information me and the rest of the gang at Football Outsiders have gathered and present my informed opinions. One thing we do know, which isn't an excuse by any means, is that tight end performance in fantasy, along with wide receiver performance, is much less affected by fantasy matchups than quarterbacks or running backs. It's something to keep in mind if you're wavering on a couple of moves each week.

[SIZE=+1]Quarterback[/SIZE]

The number-one pass defense according to DVOA (our metric which accounts for opponent and down and distance) through the first five weeks season, believe it or not, has been the Tennessee Titans. Cortland Finnegan has not only replace Pac-Man Jones at cornerback, he's surpassed him; in addition, whether you like him or not, Albert Haynesworth has been the best defensive tackle in football this season.

The result is a pass defense that was the only one this season to hold Peyton Manning below a 100 QB rating. Are they for real? They're not this good, but they are someone who you'll want to keep your starting quarterback away from. This week, Tennessee will head to Tampa Bay; while Jeff Garcia has no running back of note to hand the ball off to, Tampa's best bet to win this week will be to run the ball on the Tennessee front seven, not throw the ball. Keep Garcia out of your lineup this week.

The other surprise in the top five of pass defenses is at #4; the Washington Redskins, last year, had the dead-worst pass defense in football. Again, they're not likely to keep up this pace, but they're way better than the worst defense in football. Expect Brett Favre's numbers to be quieted some this week, with a multi-interception game likely.

Two pass defenses, meanwhile, stand out on the dire side. While the Jets even used their first-round pick on a cornerback, Darnelle Revis, he's struggled to keep up with the game following a lengthy holdout. Meanwhile, fellow corner David Barrett has been equally awful, and Andre Dyson's struggled to stay on the field. Throw in a mediocre group of linebackers in pass coverage and a defensive line that's struggled to get pressure and you have the worst pass defense in football, a year after the Jets, ironically, had the worst rush defense in football. The beneficiaries of this largesse in Week 6 will be Donovan McNabb and the Eagles. McNabb should be in your lineup, warts and all.

The other awful pass defense is that of the Saints, who went the alternate route this offseason by shoring up their cornerback spot with a free agent. Unfortunately, Jason David's been equally as awful as incumbent Fred Thomas, and Mike McKenzie's returned to the patchy form that matched his 2003-2005 seasons, as opposed to his revival year of 2006. That means a big week for, ironically, Matt Hasselbeck, even without Deion Branch. While I'm hesitant to say this game will be a shootout because of Drew Brees' sudden inability to find the strike zone, I would still take the over on points scored in this one.

[SIZE=+1]Running Back[/SIZE]

This one's easy. Find whatever running back Minnesota and Baltimore are up against and don't play them. Fantasy owners of Cedric Benson are already sick of Benson's fumbleitis and struggles to break big gains. That won't change against the Vikings this week. Benson and Thomas Jones averaged only 73 yards in two games against the Vikes last year. Keep Benson on the bench.

Baltimore, meanwhile, looks forward to eating Brian Leonard for lunch. Ask Kellen Clemens how much fun it is to be a rookie against the Baltimore defense. Then remember the pass defense for the Ravens has only been average this year. Leonard's not a starting running back this week.

Miami's rush defense has absolutely been gashed this season. At 31st in the league, they're not getting any better or younger. Make sure Jamal Lewis or Jason Wright is in your lineup this week as a second back or in a flex role.

As mentioned previously, Kansas City's defense has the weird split of being great against the pass and terrible against the run. That bodes well for Rudi Johnson or Kenny Watson, who's looked pretty bad for most of the season, but is in line for a big game this week.

Another slow starter who I like this week is Willis McGahee, up against the 27th-ranked rush defense of St. Louis. At home, Baltimore's likely to be leading most of the way here, which could mean a big day for McGahee all around.

[SIZE=+1]Wide Receiver[/SIZE]

With Deion Branch out and my projection of a big game for Seattle, well, someone has to catch those passes. That task falls to Seattle's secondary receivers. The primary beneficiary will be Bobby Engram, who's an excellent below-the-radar starter this week in deeper leagues. If Engram's still on the waiver wire, nab him and stick him in a wideout slot. He won't disappoint. It could also mean chances for Nate Burleson or even Ben Obomanu, but expect Engram to be the primary target.

Meanwhile, the Eagles will take every opportunity to find bad matchups for the Jets and exploit them to their advantage. That makes both Reggie Brown and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL] suggested starts this week.

While Al Harris was a shutdown corner in 2005 and 2006, he began to slip in the latter stages of last season, and this year, he's been a far cry from his previous levels of performance. Green Bay's DVOA against #1 receivers this year is 30th in football. That could bode well for whichever of Washington's wideouts is healthy enough to start. If Santana Moss or Antwaan Randle El are able to make it into the lineup this week, you'll want to get them in yours.

[SIZE=+1]Tight End[/SIZE]

Start: Randy McMichael, STL; Owen Daniels, HOU; Reggie Kelly, CIN
Avoid: Bo Scaife, TEN; Chris Baker, NYJ; Jeff King, CAR

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

You've Got a Friend
The "James, Taylor fight at practice" headline on the Minneapolis Star Tribune's website threw me for a loop when I saw it Thursday, because he never seemed like much of a fighter while singing "Carolina In My Mind" and "Sweet Baby James." Turns out though, the story was actually about Erasmus James punching Vikings teammate Chester Taylor in the eye and Taylor responding by throwing a chair at James.

You'd think that Taylor would have enough on his mind trying to fight off [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] for his starting job, but coach Brad Childress' refusal to actually put the best players on the field has apparently made him confident enough in his job status that he can go around getting into locker-room altercations with guys who have five inches and 50 pounds on him. Taylor got a shiner for his troubles, but the good news for the Vikings is that the entire incident took place on dry land.

While Childress' planned "culture of accountability" fights his supposed "kick-ass offense" to see which can be a bigger joke, here are some other notes from around football ?

* [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] appeared to make significant progress toward his return from a partially torn groin when he reportedly "did some light running and conditioning" at Wednesday's practice, but now the St. Louis Post Dispatch suggests that he might be out until Week 10. The Rams have a Week 9 bye coming up, which could make them hesitant to rush Jackson back before then, and the newspaper reports that his return is "far from imminent."

Rookie fill-in Brian Leonard has a tough matchup against Baltimore this week, but the schedule lightens up with Seattle in Week 7 and Cleveland in Week 8. After struggling some in his first start, Leonard racked up 135 total yards on 23 touches Sunday against the Cardinals. Don't count on many yards per carry against the Ravens, but Leonard is nearly guaranteed 15-plus rushing attempts given the Rams' lack of depth and also plays a sizable role in the passing game.

* The good news for the Cardinals is that Bryant Johnson returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session with a quadriceps injury. The bad news for the Cardinals is that they may need Johnson in the starting lineup again Sunday, because Anquan Boldin missed Thursday's practice. Boldin said afterward that his injured hip is about "80 percent" healthy, but may not allow him to play against the Panthers.

Boldin indicated that he'd likely suit up if this week's game was the Super Bowl, but seems determined to heal completely and lessen his chances of aggravating the injury before returning. If that's indeed the case?and it seems likely given that he's missed back-to-back games and hasn't practiced all week?then Johnson becomes a decent WR3/Flex play. Larry Fitzgerald has dominated the ball in Boldin's absence, but Johnson did catch six passes for 80 yards in Week 5.

* Initially expected to return following the Bengals' bye, Rudi Johnson instead sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday before getting back on the field Friday. A week off not giving his injured hamstring enough time to heal is a big concern and signals that Kenny Watson could get another start Sunday. Carson Palmer said earlier this week that he expected Watson to play "a great deal" in Week 6, so it's possible that Johnson's injury is more serious than was let on.

* Andre Johnson will miss his fourth straight game this week, but ran in practice Wednesday for the first time since spraining his knee and Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported Thursday that the Texans "feel pretty good" about his chances of returning in Week 7. Meanwhile, it sounds like Houston will get Jacoby Jones back from a separated shoulder, although coach Gary Kubiak said that Andre Davis will keep his starting spot for now after producing 266 yards in three games.

* LaMont Jordan was limited in practice Thursday and said afterward that his back injury "is the worst it's been in years," with the San Francisco Chronicle reporting that it "does not sound like his bad back will be ready for Sunday's game." Jordan seems nearly guaranteed to be a game-time decision and the Raiders play a late game, which makes it tough to hold a lineup spot open. Even a healthy Jordan wouldn't be a great bet against the Chargers, so look to another option.

* Jamal Lewis missed practice Thursday for the second straight day and will be a game-time decision in Week 6. The Browns' upcoming bye means that Lewis could get two weeks off if he skipped Sunday's game, but coach Romeo Crennel said Thursday that he won't keep him out of the lineup solely because of that. Lewis is worth watching because he'd have a great matchup against the Dolphins' sub par run defense, but for now it looks like Jason Wright will start.

Two-Minute Drill: Chad Pennington will start Sunday against the Eagles, but New York Newsday speculated Thursday that he could be yanked in favor of Kellen Clemens at the first sign of trouble ? Warrick Dunn blamed a lack of touches when asked Thursday about the decline in his production, but Dunn is actually averaging just one fewer touch per game compared to last season ? According to the Denver Post, the Lions are shopping Tatum Bell around the league now that Kevin Jones is healthy, but the Broncos aren't interested in reacquiring him ? Damon Huard (shoulder) is now a lock to start in Week 6 after being removed from the Chiefs' injury report Thursday ? Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Thursday that he has no plans to lessen Edgerrin James' workload despite an NFC-leading 107 carries ? Previously arrested for allegedly defecating in a woman's dorm room while at the University of Miami in 2002, Najeh Davenport was arrested Thursday after witnesses reportedly saw him hit, choke, and throw the mother of his five-year-old daughter to the ground.

Red Zone: As expected, Torry Holt practiced fully Thursday after taking Wednesday off to rest his surgically repaired knee ? Neither player is 100 percent physically yet, but both Brian Westbrook (abdomen) and L.J. Smith (groin) look likely to play against the Jets after practicing fully Thursday ? Fred Taylor (groin) was limited in practice Thursday and Maurice Jones-Drew's will get a big value boost if The Fragile One is limited or out in Week 6 ? Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported Thursday that David Carr (back) is likely to start in Week 6, with the Panthers prepared to go with newly signed 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde if he can't play ? Todd Heap (hamstring) participated in some of Thursday's practice and looks likely to be a game-time decision in Week 6 ? Santana Moss (groin) looks likely to play in Week 6 after practicing fully Thursday for the second straight day ? Vernand Morency skipped practice Thursday to rest his knee, but is expected to suit up and potentially split snaps with DeShawn Wynn in Week 6 ? D.J. Hackett (ankle) ran on the side during Thursday's practice and there's speculation that he could be ready to return in some capacity as soon as next week.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Week 6 Rankings Update

Note:The Rankings were updated Friday night. LaMont Jordan isn't expected to play and isn't listed.



[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>Probable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Kyle Boller</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Decent spot-starter if he gets call</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Steve McNair</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Game-Time Decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Cleo Lemon</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Brian Griese</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Chad Pennington</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Daunte Culpepper</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Joey Harrington</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>David Carr</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Gus Frerotte</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Tarvaris Jackson</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

Note: For projections for all the players listed here, head to Season Pass. Use the projections to help decide your flex spots. ? Also, I usually include my game notes from the tapes I watch during the week in Goal Line Stand. For space reasons, I'll be posting them throughout the day over at Pancake Blocks.

QB Notes: Dallas is playing surprisingly effective pass defense despite the injuries to Terrence Newman and Anthony Henry this year. They are seventh in YPA allowed and sixth in FootballOutsiders' pass defense stats. Yes, the Patriots are the toughest matchup Tony Romo has faced. But the Dallas defense is also the toughest matchup New England has faced during a cupcake schedule. You shouldn't bench either quarterback, but don't expect this score to be in the thirties.

Eli Manning had a weak effort against the Jets last week. New York had him mentally scrambled, and they day wouldn't have looked pretty if Plaxico Burress didn't embarrass Andre Dyson after the catch. Eli has been among the most consistent quarterbacks this year, so we'll give him a pass. You have to start him against the Falcons on Monday night. ? Jason Campbell's receivers could struggle in Green Bay, but there just aren't many good options this week after the top 11. ? Drew Brees is struggling, but the Saints' propensity to throw 45 times a game keeps his yardage afloat. ? Derek Anderson is no longer a fluke. He isn't particularly accurate and he throws too many picks, but his YPA is sky high because the Browns are so aggressive throwing down the field. Miami's secondary doesn't scare me, making Anderson a solid QB1 this week.

A trio of mediocre options has fine matchups if you need help this week: Brian Griese against the Vikings, Steve McNair against the Rams, and Cleo Lemon against the Browns. I think Lemon can be a serviceable QB2 throughout the season and Cleveland's secondary hasn't solved their problems. ? I think Matt Schaub's impressive streak without Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones hits a major speed bump this week against a motivated Jaguars defense. ? Joey Harrington has been much better at home, but this matchup could get ugly. Osi Umenyiora will line up across from an undrafted rookie making his first career start at left tackle. ? Here's how pass-wacky the Ravens have been this season: Steve McNair is ninth in the league in pass attempts despite missing one game and parts of two others. Here's how lame the Ravens passing game has been: Steve McNair's completions are averaging 8.95 yards. That's like playing with an entire team of Peerless Prices.

[SIZE=+1]Week 4 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>Game-time decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jason Wright</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Rudi Johnson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>Will start, may lose touches to Watson</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>DeShaun Foster</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>Expected to play</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>Questionable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Ahman Green</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Kenny Watson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>Top-15 if Maroney is out</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>DeShawn Wynn</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Vernand Morency</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Justin Fargas</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>Could split carries</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Dominic Rhodes</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>Could split carries</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Ron Dayne</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>Questionable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Maurice Morris</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Greg Jones</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>Could get role if Taylor is out</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Aaron Stecker</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Kenneth Darby</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>RB Notes: With six teams off, including many good runners, the rankings fell off a cliff after the top-12. Thomas Jones has been dreadful, but he should get all the carries in a decent matchup. Maurice Jones-Drew, Marion Barber, and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] are all splitting carries, but their big-play ability or scoring potential keep them slotted as solid RB2s in a rough week. Jones-Drew woke up last week, but there were still some signs for concern. Fred Taylor continues to get more consistent carries, and Greg Jones again took some snaps near the goal line. Houston has done a solid job against the run this year, but Taylor is overdue to break a long gainer. ? Maybe Jason Wright has improved since his weak showing as a rookie, but I know the Cleveland offensive line has. Wright has surprisingly held off Jerome Harrison in Cleveland, which has to mean something. The Miami rush defense is improved with Zach Thomas back in the
lineup, but Wright still makes a decent RB2 if he starts because he'll get the ball. NFL Network's Rich Eisen said Lewis was unlikely to play on Wednesday's show, but you'll want to follow his progress all week.

Rudi Johnson is another player whose status is up in the air. For now, we're ranking Kenny Watson as if he'll start. You know to play Rudi if he's a go. ? Sammy Morris is a must-start if Laurence Maroney sits, but the 4PM start for the Cowboys-Patriots game could cause some difficult decisions. I don't see Morris as a great option if he's coming off the bench against a good rush defense. While the Patriots like to use Morris in short-yardage, the designation as a "goal-line back" is overrated. Plenty of Patriots will get a taste near the end zone, including Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans, Mike Vrabel, and possibly Mosi Tatupu. Of course Maroney might start, might be out this week or might be out for another month for all we know. I'm not speculating, but the reality is that no one knows the severity of his injury. Update: John Clayton thinks Maroney will play this week.

If last week was any indication, the Giants could have the most productive running back committee in the league. Derrick Ward's versatility should help keep him relevant even if Brandon Jacobs gets twenty carries a game. Ward has turned into one of the best receiving backs in the league and the Giants don't lose much in short-yardage when Ward is in the game; he's 235 pounds and doesn't go down easy. There's a chance, however, that Ward misses this game, so check practice reports closely. Jacobs also looked sharp in his first week back except for his fumble, showing patience and versatility on some strong runs to the outside. ? The Leonard Leap won't be as easy to pull off this week against the Ravens. Baltimore has shown some decline against the pass, but their run defense is strong as ever. ? Five games in, the Packers running game may have settled on a rotation: Deshawn Wynn and Vernand Morency splitting the workload evenly. Brandon Jackson is back this week, but I don't expect him to be a major factor moving forward unless the other backs slip up. ? Mike Holmgren wants to get Maurice Morris the ball more now that the backup is healthy. Holmgren has never really involved his reserve runners that much, so this may just be a motivational ploy for Shaun Alexander. Or it's another sign of Alexander's decline.

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Chad Johnson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>Who needs practice?</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Kevin Curtis</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Probable(flu)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Ronald Curry</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Bobby Engram</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>Sneaky play</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Drew Bennett</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Dennis Northcutt</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Andre' Davis</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Bryant Johnson</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Jerry Porter</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Joe Jurevicius</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Donte' Stallworth</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Reggie Brown</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Ike Hilliard</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>Questionable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Brandon Jones</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>Game-time decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Keary Colbert</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Bobby Wade</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Michael Jenkins</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Roydell Williams</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

WR Notes: Tampa is below average defending number one receivers this year, but they are the top team in the league at stopping number two options, according to FootballOutsiders. That makes Brandon Jones a reasonable option if you're in a pinch. ? Derrick Mason leads the league in receptions, but is averaging only 8.5 yards-per-catch. That makes him a top-ten must start in PPR leagues, and a borderline WR2 must weeks in standard leagues. I had my doubts about Mason keeping up his pace, but he's still been targeted at least 12 times in every game this season. Consistency like that is hard to find.

You would expect the Browns to stop number one receivers better than secondary receivers because of the presence of Leigh Bodden. But they've been equally awful against all receivers, so I wouldn't hesitate to use Chris Chambers or Marty Booker in a pinch this week. ? I don't love Santana Moss' matchup against the Packers physical corners, but I had a hard time ranking him below 20, especially with Antwaan Randle El iffy to play this week.

Nate Burleson is Seattle's best big-play receiver with Deion Branch and D.J. Hackett out of the lineup. And the Saints are prone to giving up big plays. That makes Burleson a fine WR3 this week, even if he's been inconsistent this year. ? Considering Baltimore's struggles against number two receivers, Drew Bennett is a reasonable option this week. ? Dennis Northcutt has only one game this season with less than four catches and 50 yards. If you are in a PPR league, that's valuable consistency for your bench or bye week.

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Tight Ends[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Jeff King</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>L.J. Smith</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Eric Johnson</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Bubba Franks</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Shayne Graham</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>at GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>John Carney</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Dave Rayner</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Back Woes
As effectively as the Raiders have run the ball during the early part of the season, one would think that Oakland's backfield might emerge as a significantly valuable source of production. However, the return of Dominic Rhodes from a four-game suspension coupled with LaMont Jordan's recurring back problems in all likelihood means we're headed for an unpredictable and inconsistent second half from a carry-sharing standpoint in Oaktown.

Things have been going great for the Raiders' running game. Line coach Tom Cable brought the zone-blocking scheme from Atlanta, and Jordan picked it up instantly, averaging five yards-per-carry through the first four games. Even ham-fisted third-stringer Justin Fargas has excelled in the system when given the opportunity. The Raiders rank first in the NFL in rushing ? and by a wide margin.

However, it was Rhodes who ran with the first team in the offseason and looked like the most obvious candidate to start at running back for the Raiders in Week 1 before word broke of his impending four-game layoff. Rhodes may be somewhat overrated after his playoff performance for the Colts last year, but he has sufficient experience in Cable's system, is a capable receiver, and a reliable back. Jordan's injury issues mean he cannot measure up to that third standard.

So when Jordan is able to play in a game again, the Raiders may be reluctant to rely on him as an every-down or even lead back in their committee. Because Rhodes is more dependable and it seems that just about anyone can get hot in Cable's scheme, the reinstated running back could simply wind up being too good to pull off the field.

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Game-Time Decisions[/SIZE]

Arms
Chad Pennington ? Will start despite missing parts of practice all week.
Steve McNair ? Game-time decision; start Kyle Boller if McNair misses.
David Carr ? Downgraded to questionable; Vinny Testaverde may start.
Tarvaris Jackson ? Will start but Kelly Holcomb could see action too.
Byron Leftwich ? Questionable but expected to back up on Monday night.

Wides
Torry Holt ? Probable and will start, but may struggle vs. Chris McAlister.
Plaxico Burress ? Despite not practicing all week, is highly likely to start.
Anquan Boldin ? Hip injury lingering, expected to keep him out vs. CAR.
Laveranues Coles ? Sudden TD machine fully expected to start vs. PHI.
Greg Jennings ? Probable and slated to start despite sprained shoulder.
Santana Moss ? Probable; almost certain to play but has tough matchup.
Derrick Mason ? Expect PPR monster to start against Rams' shaky DBs.
Vincent Jackson ? Probable, but in for tough test vs. Nnamdi Asomugha.
Donte' Stallworth ? Should start; has found his niche in offense, finally.
Joe Jurevicius ? X-rays came back negative on knee but status uncertain.
Antwaan Randle El ? Not expected to play; likely to struggle if he does.
Bryant Johnson ? Considered probable to start in place of Boldin Sunday.
Ike Hilliard ? Questionable w/ bum shoulder; weak play even if he's up.
Brandon Jones ? Didn't practice all week; Roydell Williams should start.
Jacoby Jones ? Set to resume punt return duties, but only a fourth WR.
Bernard Berrian ? Expected to start against MIN after practicing Friday.
Derek Hagan ? Hagan not likely to be active due to strained hamstring.
Justin McCareins ? Has fallen behind Brad Smith on Jets' depth chart.

Backs
Rudi Johnson ? Listed as probable, but expected to share carries at KC.
LaMont Jordan ? Doubtful; Dominic Rhodes, Justin Fargas to split the load.
Laurence Maroney ? Appears set to start after missing last two contests.
Fred Taylor ? Don't count on Taylor playing after missing Friday workout.
Derrick Ward ? Lingering ankle injury may mean he's limited vs. Falcons.
Vernand Morency ? Brandon Jackson will be a healthy scratch Sunday.
Derrick Ward ? Returned to practice Friday; may be limited on game day.

Ends
Kellen Winslow ? Probable to start, be on this list the rest of the season.
Todd Heap ? Fully expected to play vs. STL after missing Week 5 game.
L.J. Smith ? May be limited in return from bothersome groin ailment.
Marcus Pollard ? 35-year-old with knee troubles far from a fantasy option.

Legs
Olindo Mare ? Probable; disappointing so far but Saints staying with him.

[SIZE=+1]Already Ruled Out for Week 6[/SIZE]

Arms
Marc Bulger ? Worth hanging onto if possible; should be back by Week 7.
Matt Leinart ? Broken collarbone landed him on I.R.; Kurt Warner starting.
Jake Delhomme ? Went on injured reserve following Tommy John surgery.
Trent Green ? Not sure why the Dolphins would let him take the field again.
Josh McCown ? Daunte Culpepper has high-upside matchup at San Diego.
Chris Simms ? Betting he'll only net a second-day pick in offseason trade.

Wides
Andre Johnson ? Still not practicing, Andre may be sidelined until Week 11.
Deion Branch ? He's expected to be out until Week 9 with mid-foot sprain.
Terry Glenn ? Still seems to be weeks, even months from playing again.
Isaac Bruce ? Has strained hammy; Drew Bennett to start against Ravens.
D.J. Hackett ? Bobby Engram is an intriguing option against New Orleans.
Eddie Kennison ? Re-injured hamstring, Samie Parker to start in meantime.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] ? Eligible for reinstatement in Week 8; worth claiming now.
Eric Parker ? Recovery behind schedule and Chargers missing Parker badly.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] (Giants) ? Still battling shoulder injury, but is getting closer.
David Givens ? On PUP list, Titans not counting on him to play in second half.
Rod Smith ? Veteran not expected to see the field for Denver this season.
Koren Robinson ? Will add another dimension to Packers once reinstated.
Dante Hall ? Marques Hagans takes over as St. Louis' punt return man.
Tab Perry ? Antonio Chatman Cincy's third receiver until [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL]'s return.

Backs
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] ? Didn't work at all this week and still seems a ways away.
Jamal Lewis ? Downgraded to OUT on Saturday.
Michael Pittman ? Out at least a month; Earnest Graham an every-down back.
Chris Perry ? Has seemingly good chance of being activated in Week 7.
Brian Calhoun ? Placed on I.R. again, faces a battle to make Lions in 2007.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1312"]Ricky Williams[/URL] ? Can be reinstated soon; is worth a glance in deep leagues.
Michael Bush ? Signs point to him possibly being activated in near future.
Priest Holmes ? Little word on whether he has a shot to return in Week 7.

Ends
Daniel Wilcox ? Ankle/foot still bugging Wilcox, but Todd Heap set to return.

Legs
Josh Scobee ? John Carney still starting, Scobee may be candidate for I.R.

[SIZE=+1]Week 6 Matchups to Exploit/Avoid[/SIZE]

Redskins @ Packers
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

Antwaan Randle El had an outstanding first half last week against the Lions. The former Steeler rang up seven catches for 100 yards through the first two quarters before a hamstring pull knocked him out for the second half. But before jumping on the Randle El bandwagon (he's surprisingly had a decent season so far), consider Washington's Week 5 opponent and the fact that his stepping up was mostly out of necessity. The Redskins were without Santana Moss (groin) and forced to start James Thrash of Stinkston and Trash infamy at split end. This week, the 'Skins get back Moss, and Randle El is a game-time decision. He did not practice at all during the week and coach Joe Gibbs said Wednesday that it'll be a "miracle" if Randle El plays Sunday. Throw in the fact that Randle El has never fared well against press coverage, which Green Bay utilizes more than any team in the NFL, and he's an easy sit, even if your only alternative is Nate Burleson?

?On the other side, DeShawn Wynn's apparently low tolerance for pain and discomfort seems to be wearing thin on the Packers' coaching staff, but there is little doubt who the starter in Green Bay is currently. The Pack will go so far as to deactivate second-round pick, and now fourth-stringer, Brandon Jackson despite getting the rookie back at full strength from a two-week shin injury. Among the members of Green Bay's RBBC, Wynn has the best makeup to be an effective short-yardage back, while also performing on third downs. He'll probably miss a few snaps because of cramping or a bruise or some minor ailment, but Wynn makes a strong flex play against a Redskins defense that will be without strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) and is banged up at left defensive end, where Phillip Daniels is dealing with a separated shoulder. The Packers aren't close to consistent on the ground, but Wynn will be a good bet for a score as he gets the majority of carries for the Pack.

Dolphins @ Cleveland
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

The Browns are calling Jamal Lewis (foot sprain) "questionable" on the injury report, but seeing as he was unable to participate in practice at all during the week and remains in a protective boot, Lewis is probably closer to doubtful in reality. The other reality is that Lewis' injury could be one that sidelines him multiple weeks; the more up-front Seahawks immediately announced Deion Branch would miss at least two games when his foot was diagnosed as sprained. At least for this Sunday, Jason Wright is almost sure to start, and although coordinator Dom Capers' unit is almost back at full health with the return of LBs Channing Crowder and Zach Thomas, Miami's rush defense is still ranked 31st in the league and awful until proven otherwise. It's a great week to use Wright, who has flashed in limited duty before, as a fantasy flex?

On the other side, with Trent Green out indefinitely while recovering from a concussion that may very well end his career, Cleo Lemon has taken over as Miami's interim starter. Lemon appeared in four contests last season and did not help Chris Chambers' cause, as the wideout caught only six passes during those games. However, Chambers is playing a new position in coach Cam Cameron's offense and has been getting the ball on shorter patterns. That could be a recipe for a newfound chemistry between he and Lemon, whose bread and butter is the quick outlet pass. As the "X" receiver under Cameron, Chambers is supposed to get more run-after-catch opportunities. With Browns LCB Leigh Bodden (groin) still hurting and in the midst of a major down year, Chambers should get by him after at least one of several short receptions.

Rams @ Ravens
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET

Steve McNair missed both Thursday and Friday's workouts due to a bad back, which the Ravens believe may be a product of his previously injured groin. By whatever means McNair acquired the new ailment, his status for Week 6 will come down to a game-time decision. We won't know who it'll be until about 12 ET Sunday, but it's time to get fired up about a potential start for Kyle Boller. The Ravens have a full complement of receivers with Todd Heap (probable, hamstring) returning to the starting lineup and Mark Clayton beginning to round into shape. If Boller gets the start and carves up the hapless Rams as he should, the Ravens might be inclined to hand him the reigns on a full-time basis. McNair poses little threat to defenses in any facet of the game, and the installation of Boller would significantly boost the fantasy values of all Ravens pass catchers, including Willis McGahee?

?On the other side, a lost season continues for St. Louis. This will most likely be Gus Frerotte's last start before Marc Bulger returns to face Seattle in Week 7, but the Rams are unlikely to have [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] back prior to their Week 9 bye. Torry Holt admits his knee problems won't be going away anytime soon, and Isaac Bruce is already out with a strained hamstring. It looks like CB Samari Rolle (illness) will return to the starting lineup for the Ravens, which makes Drew Bennett a less intriguing play than the 6-5 wideout would've been against 5-9 nickel back Corey Ivy. The matchup is one to avoid for any Rams players, excluding Holt unless you have another top 20 option?

Saints @ Seahawks
Game Time: 7:15 CT/8:15 ET

It'll be Bobby Engram's time to step up for the next two weeks. Coach Mike Holmgren announced Thursday that the usual slot receiver will take over as his new starting flanker, a featured position. According to Football Outsiders, the Saints are the NFL's easiest team to beat with No. 1 receivers, and that's the role Engram will be playing until Branch returns in Week 9. If Engram is still somehow lingering on your waiver wire, he's an ideal start on Sunday Night Football.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

All Day
If you love football, I strongly recommend going to NFL.com to watch the four minute, eleven second highlight reel of [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]'s Sunday. It's like one of those Youtube greatest hits tapes with cheesy graphics set to Braveheart ? except it was Peterson's greatest hits from one day. In Chicago. With no passing game supporting him.

Peterson's transformation from damn good to greatness can be summed up by broadcaster Brian Baldinger's evolving commentary throughout the game.

After the first touchdown (67 yards): "The Best back to come into this league since LaDainian Tomlinson taking over."

After the 73-yard score: "Now, this is what the league is finding out: That this guy is the best running back in this league right now."

After 35-yard score: "How anyone passed on [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] ? The Arizona Cardinals had a chance for him. He's got the Rookie of the Year sewn up."

By the time Peterson was finished, the Chicago Bears had replaced their strong safety and that talk about last week's Packers win saving their season was exposed as wishful rhetoric. Green Bay has a three game lead in the NFC North and Chicago is in last place.

Piling on the Bears is focusing on the negative, though, and Peterson's performance was pure joy. It's why we play fantasy football; why we love fantasy football. While Peterson was silencing 62,174 fans in Chicago, thousands of owners were at home just happy to be along for the ride. All Day.

[SIZE=+1]Stepping Off the Ledge [/SIZE]

1. Thomas Jones ran with aggression from the first snap, posting 130 yards against a previously stout Eagles rush defense. Now if only Jones could learn to punch it in around the goal-line. He's fourth in the NFL with 13 carries inside the ten-yard line, but still hasn't scored.

2. Willis McGahee had a surprising amount of difficulty against the Rams as Baltimore's young offensive line got pushed around. But the league's fourth-leading rusher gave his owners sweet relief with his first score of the season. McGahee leads the NFL with 15 carries inside the ten, but dances too much near the stripe. Must be in the water in Baltimore.

3. Larry Johnson also ended his scoreless skid on Sunday. While it's a concern he didn't top four yards-per-carry against the Bengals, Herm Edwards is back to working LJ like it was 2006. Johnson finished with 31 carries Sunday. Michael Bennett had two. Patient Johnson owners should be rewarded with four favorable matchups in the next five Chiefs games.

4. Reggie Brown and Chris Cooley both more than doubled their receiving yardage on the season in one game. Brown's six catches for 89 yards were coming eventually, but it's a good reminder for owners to grab him in leagues he's available. Donovan McNabb also kept up his Good Donovan/Bad Donovan season going with a fine outing against the Jets.
[SIZE=+1]Year of the Tight End. Again.[/SIZE]

Tight ends just keep getting better. In points-per-reception leagues, five of them (Gates, Gonzo, Witten, Clark, and Winslow) are averaging 14.5 fantasy points-per-game or better. No one averaged that much last season, and only Gates did it in 2005. In the past, I always recommended playing wideouts over tight ends in flex spot. But this five-pack produce like high-end WR2s or better, while guys like Ben Watson, Heath Miller, and Owen Daniels haven't disappointed as late-round picks.

[SIZE=+1]Don't Panic [/SIZE]

1. Santana Moss had an all-time terrible game. He dropped at least three passes, and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. One of his drops would have gone for 40 yards. Another tipped in the air and was intercepted. Then, in a rare move, Moss took himself out of the game halfway through the fourth quarter despite being healthy.

It was a stinker, but Moss is a quality player on an improving offense. There is risk because of his injury history, but we'd buy low.

2. Dwayne Bowe against the Bengals looked like a winning matchup, but Jeff Webb and Tony Gonzalez stole the show. Rookies are going to have slow games, but Bowe's consistent play still makes him a decent WR3.

3. Laveranues Coles caught exactly one pass for only the third time in his career, and may not be playing at full strength (Is he ever?). And while Coles' buddy Chad Pennington could lose his job, Kellen Clemens will still look for Coles in the red zone. He's their designated goal-line receiver to the consternation of Jerricho Cotchery owners everywhere.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

All Day
If you love football, I strongly recommend going to NFL.com to watch the four minute, eleven second highlight reel of [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL]'s Sunday. It's like one of those Youtube greatest hits tapes with cheesy graphics set to Braveheart ? except it was Peterson's greatest hits from one day. In Chicago. With no passing game supporting him.

Peterson's transformation from damn good to greatness can be summed up by broadcaster Brian Baldinger's evolving commentary throughout the game.

After the first touchdown (67 yards): "The Best back to come into this league since LaDainian Tomlinson taking over."

After the 73-yard score: "Now, this is what the league is finding out: That this guy is the best running back in this league right now."

After 35-yard score: "How anyone passed on [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] ? The Arizona Cardinals had a chance for him. He's got the Rookie of the Year sewn up."

By the time Peterson was finished, the Chicago Bears had replaced their strong safety, and all that talk about last week's Packers win saving their season was exposed as wishful rhetoric. Green Bay has a three game lead in the NFC North and Chicago is in last place.

Piling on the Bears is focusing on the negative, though, and Peterson's performance was pure joy. It's why we play fantasy football; why we love fantasy football. While Peterson was silencing 62,174 fans in Chicago, thousands of owners were at home just happy to be along for the All Day ride.

[SIZE=+1]Stepping Off the Ledge [/SIZE]

1. Thomas Jones ran with aggression from the first snap, posting 130 yards against a previously stout Eagles rush defense. Now if only Jones could learn to punch it in around the goal line. He's fourth in the NFL with 13 carries inside the ten-yard line, but still hasn't scored.

2. Willis McGahee had a surprising amount of difficulty against the Rams as Baltimore's young offensive line got pushed around. But the league's fourth-leading rusher gave his owners sweet relief with his first score of the season. McGahee leads the NFL with 15 carries inside the ten, but dances too much near the stripe. Must be in the water in Baltimore.

3. Larry Johnson also ended his scoreless skid on Sunday. While it's a concern he didn't top four yards-per-carry against the Bengals, Herm Edwards is back to working LJ like it was 2006. Johnson finished with 31 carries Sunday. Michael Bennett had two. Patient Johnson owners should be rewarded with four favorable matchups in the next five Chiefs games.

4. Reggie Brown and Chris Cooley both more than doubled their receiving yardage on the season in one game. Brown's six catches for 89 yards were coming eventually, but it's a good reminder for owners to grab him in leagues he's available. Donovan McNabb also kept up his Good Donovan/Bad Donovan season going with a fine outing against the Jets.

[SIZE=+1]Year of the Tight End. Again.[/SIZE]

Tight ends just keep getting better. In points-per-reception leagues, five of them (Gates, Gonzo, Witten, Clark, and Winslow) are averaging 14.5 fantasy points-per-game or better. No tight end averaged that much last season, and only Gates did it in 2005. In the past, I always recommended playing wideouts over tight ends in flex spots. But this five-pack produces like high-end WR2s or better, while guys like Ben Watson, Heath Miller, and Owen Daniels haven't disappointed as late-round picks.

[SIZE=+1]Don't Panic [/SIZE]

1. Santana Moss had an all-time terrible game. He dropped at least three passes, and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. One of his drops would have gone for 40 yards. Another tipped in the air and was intercepted. Then, in a rare move, Moss took himself out of the game halfway through the fourth quarter despite being healthy.

It was a stinker, but Moss is a quality player on an improving offense. There is risk because of his injury history, but we'd buy low.

2. Dwayne Bowe against the Bengals looked like a winning matchup, but Jeff Webb and Tony Gonzalez stole the show. Rookies are going to have slow games, but Bowe's consistent play still makes him a decent WR3.

3. Laveranues Coles caught exactly one pass for only the third time in his career, and may not be playing at full strength (Is he ever?). And while Coles' buddy Chad Pennington could lose his job, Kellen Clemens will still look for Coles in the red zone. He's their designated goal-line receiver to the consternation of Jerricho Cotchery owners everywhere.

[SIZE=+1]Stop calling him number two[/SIZE]

T.J. Houshmandzadeh has more targets than Chad Johnson (72-60), more touchdowns (7-3), and more fantasy points (92-76). Housh also has more catches (47) than any receiver in football. If he keeps up his pace, Houshmazilli will record more catches than any receiver in NFL history. With the way Cincy's defense is playing, anything is possible.

[SIZE=+1]Some Panic is Acceptable [/SIZE]

1. The broadcasters in the Redskins game speculated that Clinton Portis wasn't fully healthy. He played his guts out, but was very slow moving to the outside. He doesn't make anyone miss these days and only looks comfortable on inside carries. There is still plenty of value here, but some missed games seem likely before the year is up. Ladell Betts was still barely used.

2. Tarvaris Jackson hit a 60-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of Minnesota's win. Other than that play, he completed 8-of-22 passes for 76 yards.

3. Sunday was a worst-case scenario for Rudi Johnson owners. If Rudi was only going to get four carries (for eight yards), why even make him active for Sunday's game? Johnson owners have to worry that Kenny Watson, who has nearly double Johnson's yards-per-carry on the season, is not going away.

4. Chad Pennington is only expected to get one more start to turn around his season or else he could lose his job. But the game is against the Bengals, so he'll probably play well.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

For Real
[SIZE=+1]They're real and they're spectacular [/SIZE]

1. Derek Anderson isn't going away. I remember watching a sequence in the preseason where he butchered a clock management situation at the end of a half. He tried to run for a touchdown, came up short, and ran out time. Decisions like that gave Charlie Frye the starting job for a few quarters.

With the exact same scenario Sunday, Anderson passed up a decent chance at a touchdown and smartly threw the ball away. The Browns kicked a field goal. That play was indicative of Anderson's composed day.

He didn't take sacks, he managed the clock, and he threw aggressively when the plays were there. Brady Quinn is going to have to wait. The Browns have a playoff race to attend to.

2. Braylon Edwards scored three more times. Although he wasn't targeted much overall, he's turning into a Randy Moss-like red zone target. Edwards wasn't even that open for his scores, but few are better at mid-air acrobatics.

3. Kevin Walter put up 12 catches and 160 yards against the vaunted Jaguars secondary in a performance that probably did few fantasy owners any good.

[SIZE=+1]Bad Beats [/SIZE]

1. Jason Campbell watched his teammates drop six passes, including one that turned into an interception.

2. Brett Favre had two touchdowns taken away on bogus calls. A James Jones score was called back on a poor holding call. Bubba Franks was ruled out of bounds on one near-score, but appeared to be pushed out. Favre did have some luck, as the Redskins dropped a few more possible interceptions. Favre struggled badly to throw the ball deep all day; his wideouts combined for 58 yards.

[SIZE=+1]An Ode to Consistency[/SIZE]

1. Derrick Mason had his lowest reception total of the season: five! He gained 79 yards Sunday, meaning he's gained between 76-85 yards in every game but one this season.

2. Owen Daniels has at least 55 yards in every game since Week 2.

3. David Garrard has now thrown 136 passes this season without an interception.

4. Jeff Garcia has thrown 144 passes this season without an interception. His completion percentage has remained over 60 in all six of his starts.

5. Brian Westbrook has at least 130 total yards and five catches in every game this season.

6. Ronnie Brown has put up over 150 total yards in four straight games and leads the NFL in the category by 100 yards on the season.

[SIZE=+1]Yeah, But?.[/SIZE]

Chris Chambers had a solid day statistically, but his effort was embarrassing on a couple long passes. Perhaps he was frustrated that Cleo Lemon overthrew him a few times, but it was shameful to see Chambers fail to outrun single coverage or dive for some close passes. The 0-6 Dolphins season is wearing on him.

[SIZE=+1]Committee Time[/SIZE]

1. Jason Wright got the touchdown and most of the carries for the Browns, but Jerome Harrison looked like the better player coming off the bench. The third-down back showed great speed with 72 total yards on nine touches. If Jamal Lewis can't get healthy during Cleveland's bye, Harrison may cut into Wright's workload.

2. The biggest surprise in the Jaguars game? Jacksonville only called 20 runs in a 37-17 rout.

For the first time in a long time, Fred Taylor wound up with fewer carries than Maurice Jones-Drew. It took Taylor's groin tightening for MoJo to double Taylor's carries, but perhaps Drew's 184 total yards and two scores will make Jack Del Rio think twice about returning him to a bench. After a slow start, Drew is back to 5.7 yards-per-carry on the season and 5.67 for his career. Imagine if they just gave him the ball more.

[SIZE=+1]Wrong Year to invest in Rams[/SIZE]

On one poorly constructed team, I drafted [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL], Marc Bulger, and Torry Holt. If only I had known that six short weeks later, the following players would lead the team in the key fantasy positions.

Passing: Gus Frerotte: 208 yards, five interceptions
Rushing: Travis Minor: 40 yards
Receiving: Marques Hagans: 74 yards

The Greatest Show on Turf!

[SIZE=+1]Ugly Numbers[/SIZE]

1. Brian Griese hasn't looked pretty and he hasn't won, but he knows how to fill up a box score. In three starts, he's put up 881 yards, seven scores, six picks, been sacked nine times, and fumbled three more. Add it all up, and you have a Bears team with no identity and a lot of surprisingly happy Griese owners.

2. Cleo Lemon was unsettled early in his first start of the year, barely completing a pass while the Browns built a 24-3 lead. But with a huge assist from Ronnie Brown, Lemon led Miami to 28 points in the final 31 minutes, including four touchdowns (two running, two throwing). He may only get a few more starts until John Beck takes over, but he's competent.

[SIZE=+1]The Replacements[/SIZE]

1. Gus Frerotte threw five interceptions against Baltimore and missed his receivers deep when they are open. Expect Marc Bulger to return to the lineup next week.

2. Earnest Graham has been Tampa's primary rusher the last seven quarters and has 42 rushing yards to show for it. There's a reason why he never got a chance to play in four seasons. Look for Tampa to make a trade Tuesday.

[SIZE=+1]Injury Ward[/SIZE]

As always, Brian Flood has all the details in our Season Pass Injury Crunch column. We'll be tracking the following players on the news all week?

Kurt Warner
Vince Young
Todd Heap
Sammy Morris
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] (TB)
Brian Leonard
Chris Brown
Samie Parker

In the interest of space and time, the ridiculously early MVP Watch and ridiculously early Bust Watch will be over at Pancake Blocks, where I'll also take a look at the late games. Thanks for stopping by.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Starting Over
Late last night, while you were tucked safely in bed, the Chiefs traded RB Michael Bennett to Tampa Bay. What Kansas City got in return was unknown at the time of writing, but hopefully Tampa didn't part with too much considering Bennett lacks instincts and is injury-prone. Those qualities also make Bennett undesirable for fantasy purposes, but he now finds himself on a team where he has a chance to be an equal part of a committee with Earnest Graham. His contribution should be minimal at first, but slowly increase as he learns the Bucs' offense. The question is, will Bennett stay healthy long enough to learn Tampa's playbook? Desperate owners in deeper leagues should gamble that he will.

Bennett isn't the only player whose fantasy value is affected by this deal. Kolby Smith should now be targeted as a handcuff for Larry Johnson owners, and while he certainly shouldn't be owned, this trade could be evidence that Priest Holmes is close to playing again. The one-time single-season touchdown record holder is worth monitoring but shouldn't be considered until he actually suits up.

In the meantime, here are some more possible free agents to consider:

[SIZE=+1]Quarterback:[/SIZE]

Brian Griese ? Griese has thrown seven touchdowns in three games since taking over for Rex Grossman. The Bears' running game is on life support, and as a result Griese has twice thrown more than 45 passes in two of his games. He faces a tough Week 7 match-up in Philly, but Tony Romo owners should definitely be considering Griese to fill-in during Week 8.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Kyle Boller ? Steve McNair will not be ready to return against Buffalo's suspect pass defense in Week 7, making Boller a serviceable bye week replacement. The Ravens refuse to acknowledge there's a quarterback controversy in Baltimore, but if McNair struggles in his Week 9 return against the Steelers, Boller could take over and would have good match-ups against Cincinnati and Cleveland in Weeks 10 and 11.

Recommendation: Great bye week fill-in.

"Mister" Cleo Lemon ? Lemon made quite an impact in his first week as a starter, accounting for four touchdowns against the Browns. The key words in that last sentence were "against the Browns." Lemon faces the Patriots this week, and hopefully you are not so desperate that you have to start him. He is worth monitoring, though, as the Giants present a favorable Week 8 opponent. Then comes a bye, and a possible change to John Beck at quarterback.

Recommendation: Watch him against New England to determine if he'll make a good Week 8 fill-in.

Kellen Clemens ? Chad Pennington was terrible in Week 6, but coach Eric Mangini insists that he hasn't lost his job yet. The Jets have solid match-ups against the Bengals and the Bills, so Clemens' time probably won't come for a few more weeks.

Recommendation: Only worth a look in 2QB leagues until he has the job

Vinny Testaverde ? Vinny put together a truly amazing Week 6 performance considering he had only been with the Panthers for days. Carolina has a bye this week followed by a tough match-up at Indianapolis in Week 8. Vinny hasn't even secured the starting job, so he isn't the answer to your quarterback woes at this point.

Recommendation: Not worth consideration at this point.

Tim Rattay ? Seems like a nice guy, but God forbid you have Tim Rattay on your fantasy team.

Recommendation: Don't even think about it.

[SIZE=+1]Running Backs[/SIZE]

Jerious Norwood ? In the off-season, Norwood was a favorite to start over Warrick Dunn. A slow start resulted in many impatient owners dropping him, as he is now available in almost half of all fantasy leagues. Norwood flashed a bit of his insane speed on Monday night, scampering 64 yards for a touchdown, and is poised to start taking carries away from Old Man Dunn. Norwood should be owned in all leagues, with a doubt.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Kenny Watson ? Rudi Johnson is banged up, and with four rushes for eight yards in Week 6, is not contributing to the Bengals' offense. As his backup, Watson has averaged 4.7 yards a rush over the past two weeks.

It was rumored that Johnson re-injured his hamstring in Week 6, but he denies it. Still, the injury could linger and the Bengals might limit his workload to keep him healthy. Watson has emerged as his primary backup, and is still available in 50% of leagues. He shouldn't be as long as Johnson's health is in question.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Kevin Faulk ? Laurence Maroney was inactive for a third consecutive game in Week 6, and Sammy Morris left the game with a chest injury. Maroney seemed very close to returning on Sunday, but there's no guarantee that he or Morris will be ready for Week 7.

Faulk could conceivably get a start against Miami, and should see significant playing time even if only Morris ends up inactive. The problem is, you won't know it until Sunday at gametime. He is nothing more than a speculative pickup in deep leagues; we'd only grab him if you need help in Week 7.

Recommendation: Worth a gamble for owners in deeper leagues.

Andre Hall ? If Travis Henry is suspended for the rest of the season, there's a strong chance that Hall would take his place and Selvin Young would continue as a change-of-pace back. Any running back in Denver bears consideration, so Hall makes an attractive gamble for owners with the roster space to wait for the mess in Denver to be sorted out.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deep leagues

Leonard Weaver ? Shaun Alexander continues to struggle in Seattle, and Leonard Weaver looked solid in Week 6, gaining 93 yards on just seven touches. Maurice Morris carried the ball just once, and the 'Hawks looked Weaver's way when the game was on the line. If nothing else, Weaver showed he is capable of being Seattle's third-down back. Expect him to have a bigger role in Seattle's offense going forward, but he will still take a back seat to Alexander.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deep leagues, especially for Alexander owners.

Chris Perry ? Perry is eligible to come off the PUP list this week, and with Rudi Johnson ailing, he has a chance to become involved immediately. He has likely fallen behind Kenny Watson on the depth chart, but should become more involved as he returns to full health. Unfortunately, that isn't a given with Perry, making him a risky long-term investment.

Recommendation: Keep an eye on.

Reuben Droughns ? Rueben Droughns rushed 14 times for 90 yards and a touchdown in Week 6, although most of his touches came in garbaged time. Droughns' playing time was mostly a result of both Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward being banged up. Still, Droughns got a goal-line carry in the first half, and Rotoworld's own Evan Silva speculates that Droughns was possibly being showcased for a trade. We'll find out soon enough. Ward was able to return to the game and preliminary reports are that Jacobs' injury is not serious, meaning Droughns can't be counted on to contribute in Week 7.

Recommendation: Not worth owning

Jerome Harrison ? Harrison turned nine touches into 72 yards in Week 6, providing a noticeable spark off the bench. Jamal Lewis has a foot injury, and isn't a sure thing to return after Cleveland's Week 7 bye. Harrison may have earned himself a more even split with Jason Wright if Lewis can't go. A week 7 bye makes Harrison less attractive for now.

Recommendation: Only worth consideration in the deepest leagues.

Mewelde Moore ? Moore is one of the hottest names being mentioned as we approach the always-titillating NFL trade deadline. Don't count on a move, but Moore could end up with decent value if he lands in a place where could start as a third-down pack with the potential to earn Moore carries. Do you see what I did there? Do you?

Recommendation: Not worth consideration unless he's actually moved.

Travis Minor ? Brian Leonard bruised his ribs on Sunday, and Minor briefly filled in and picked up 43 yards. Leonard will be fine for Week 7, and Travis' role should once again be Minor. How about that one? You like that?

Recommendation: Stay away.

Pierre Thomas ? Thomas scored a touchdown in Week 6, but it came on the recovery of a blocked punt in the endzone. He was not otherwise involved in the Saints' offense. With Aaron Stecker injured, though, Thomas could step into a backup role to Reggie Bush starting next week. Keep an eye on Stecker. If he's hurt, Thomas is a fun pickup in deep leagues with a decent ceiling.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deep leagues

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Path Cleared for Priest?
Rumored to be interested in seemingly every veteran third-string running back in the entire league after losing both Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman to serious injuries, the Bucs have reportedly settled on Michael Bennett as Earnest Graham's new backfield partner. According to the Kansas City Star, the Bucs will send an undisclosed draft pick to the Chiefs for Bennett, who totaled 99 yards through six games while backing up Larry Johnson.

It's unclear what type of role Bennett will have in Tampa Bay, but at worst he figures to see third-down work and steal a chunk of Graham's carries. He's worth grabbing in most leagues, although any potential payoff likely won't come for a couple weeks as he works his way into the team's plans. Perhaps more intriguing is what the trade of Bennett means for Priest Holmes, who suddenly appears to have a clear path to rejoining the team.

Holmes is eligible to return from the PUP list this week and could see the practice field as soon as Wednesday. When asked Monday about Holmes' status, coach Herm Edwards said that he'd "like to see him practice first" before making any plans. The Chiefs will have three weeks to active Holmes or lose him for the season, so they'll be forced into a decision soon enough. In the meantime, rookie Kolby Smith figures to serve as Johnson's backup.

Holmes is obviously a huge name and the prospect of his return will no doubt get fantasy owners excited, but the chances of him emerging with a role big enough to produce a fantasy impact are slim. Even if Holmes proves himself fit enough for the active roster after two years off, there are few backup jobs in football that involve less of a workload than coming on in relief of Johnson. Holmes is worth a flier in deep leagues, but don't go making any big plans for him quite yet.

While we wait to see if any more significant moves take place before today's 4:00 p.m. EST trading deadline, here are some other notes from around football ?

* After sitting out three straight games with a hip injury, Anquan Boldin is expected to return in Week 7 against the Redskins. Unfortunately the Cardinals have seen both Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner go down with injuries since the last time Boldin was on the field, so he'll have Tim Rattay trying to get him the ball Sunday. Rattay's presence, along with Washington's excellent pass defense, downgrades Boldin to a WR2 option in his first game back.

There remains some concern that the torn ligament in Warner's non-throwing elbow will sideline him for a significant length of time, but John Clayton of ESPN reported Monday that he's expected to return following the Cardinals' bye in Week 8, which would mean just one missed start. Given Rattay's three-interception relief appearance Sunday and his likely struggles against the Redskins, a speedy return from Warner is key for the value of Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.

* Coach Scott Linehan said Monday that Marc Bulger will return to the starting lineup in Week 7 after sitting out back-to-back games with broken ribs. Bulger's return might be too little too late for the Rams, but he figures to be a low-level QB1 for his fantasy owners assuming that the ribs are truly healed. If instead he comes back at less than full strength and shies away from contact again, then Bulger is no better than an iffy QB2 who presents a big implosion risk every week.

It sounds like Bulger may have Isaac Bruce to throw to after Linehan said Monday that he's "real optimistic" about his odds of suiting up following two missed games. Bruce's return will be crucial if the Rams are without Drew Bennett, who left Sunday's game with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Week 7. Unfortunately, [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] likely won't be returning alongside Bulger and Bruce, with Linehan classifying his chances of playing Sunday as "very outside."

* Vince Young spent most of the second half on the sidelines Sunday after injuring his quadriceps on a scramble, with Kerry Collins coming on in relief as the Titans lost on a last-second field goal. Early speculation was that the injury could sideline Young for multiple games, but coach Jeff Fisher said Monday that he's "day-to-day" with what the team is calling a strain. "He has a quad strain and he's going to have to work through it," Fisher said. "He's been a quick healer."

Note: I'll be hosting my weekly "live chat" today at 2:00 p.m. EST, so feel free to stop by and ask questions about the trading deadline, suggested waiver-wire moves, injury updates, or random things that have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with football. Click here for details.

Two-Minute Drill: After thriving again Monday night despite ongoing ankle problems that keep him from practicing, Plaxico Burress has at least one touchdown in all six games and is on pace for 1,350 yards ? Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that the Jets are shopping Chad Pennington, but coach Eric Mangini said Monday that those rumors are "ludicrous" and he's not considering replacing Pennington with Kellen Clemens ? Tatum Bell confirmed Monday that he's requested a trade, but the Lions reportedly have no plans to deal him despite Kevin Jones reclaiming the starting job ? Coach Dick Jauron isn't expected to officially name a starting quarterback until Wednesday, with Trent Edwards and J.P. Losman splitting reps during Monday's practice ? The Vikings reportedly continue to shop Mewelde Moore, dropping their asking price to a fourth-round pick after the Bucs turned to down their earlier offer of a third rounder ? Expect to hear more complaints about the Falcons' offense from Alge Crumpler after he was held to a single nine-yard catch while dropping several other passes Monday night.

Red Zone: According to the Baltimore Sun, Todd Heap "probably won't" play Sunday after aggravating his hamstring injury in Week 6 ? [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] (shoulder) reportedly experienced forearm soreness after throwing 100 passes over the weekend, but remains expected to return in Week 7 ? Chris Brown is likely to be limited in practice this week after leaving Sunday's game with an ankle injury, potentially giving LenDale White a big value boost in Week 7 ? Javon Walker (knee) took part in some of Monday's practice and said afterward that he expects to play in Week 7 ? Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported Monday that Trent Green (concussion) intends to play again this season, but at 0-6 the Dolphins are better off figuring out what they have in Cleo Lemon and John Beck ? Joseph Addai (shoulder) and Marvin Harrison (knee) both returned to practice Monday following the Colts' bye ? Brandon Jones is expected to miss 2-3 weeks after undergoing knee surgery Monday, giving Roydell Williams a value boost ? Calvin Johnson (back) returned to practice Monday following the Lions' bye.

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Forget me nots
With fantasy season fatigue setting in, now is the time to scour the waiver wire for top-end talent. Players coming back from injury or suspension can often slip through the cracks because they don't top most free agent scoring lists. Here are a couple names I was surprised to see available in my leagues.

* D.J. Hackett was a supersleeper WR3 heading into the season and is almost ready to return.

* Vernon Davis was the next great thing at tight end until a knee injury.

* [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] is the best third receiver in the league.

These three players are floating around in many leagues because owners couldn't afford to use a roster spot on inactive players. Now's the time to get them back; it's like adding a free mid-to-late round draft pick.

Note: Patrick Dahl took care of the heavy hitting this week with his look at quarterbacks and running backs. Here are the pass catchers ?

D.J. Hackett, Seahawks

Remember him? Hackett had a chance to be Seattle's number one receiver to before suffering a high ankle sprain in the season opener. Most owners understandably cut bait (Hackett is available in 86% of leagues), but it's time to pick him up.

Seattle faces St. Louis this week, and there's an outside chance Hackett will play. With Deion Branch out, Hackett would immediately be a big contributor. Seattle has a Week 8 bye, but Hackett's talent is worth stashing before someone else does. He has similar talent and value to Ronald Curry of the Raiders, but is playing for a better team. Expect WR3 stats for the second half of the season.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL], Bengals

So the Bengals are imploding. The locker room is a mess and there are accusations of selfishness everywhere. Sounds like a great time to add [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] to the mix!

Henry should be the best third receiver in the NFL when he returns. That will make him a borderline fantasy asset, but one worth using in the right matchup. The Bengals are racking up yards, but Carson Palmer is not having a great year. His ineffective tackles and lack of a third receiver are the main reasons why. Henry will solve one of those problems.

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Koren Robinson, Packers

Koren Robinson's ninth life is right around the corner. While we're pulling for the guy, it's hard to imagine any fantasy value here. The Green Bay passing game has shown signs of slowdown the past few weeks, and Robinson would have to displace James Jones just to be a third receiver.

Recommendation: Stay away

Kevin Walter, Texans

The second best white wide receiver in the league named Kevin is on fire. His 160-outing against the jaguars matched his production for all of last year. As long as Andre Johnson stays out and Andre Davis draws number one receiver attention, Walter is a decent WR3 for a few weeks.

While doing some rare research for this column, I looked at the leading wide receivers over the last three weeks. The list is a good reminder that reality is far wackier than the boldest projections.

1. Larry Fitzgerald ? 356 yards
2. Kevin Walter ? 304 yards
3. Patrick Crayton ? 303 yards
4. Dwayne Bowe ? 280 yards
5. Braylon Edwards ? 274 yards
6. Donte Stallworth ? 250 yards

Recommendation: Worth owning in 12-team leagues

Reggie Williams, Jaguars

All those rumors about Williams getting cut in training camp are a distant memory now. Williams is settling into the second receiver role in Jacksonville with Ernest Wilford failing to top two targets in a game since Week 1. With Matt Jones also in the mix, I'd still stay away from the whole group.

Recommendation: Stay away

Reggie Brown, Eagles - I'd rather own [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL], but Brown is still a WR4/5 in fantasy leagues despite the slow start. Grab him if someone got impatient in your league.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jeff Webb, Chiefs - He'd been an option if the Chiefs play Cincinnati every week. That's unlikely to happen.

Recommendation: Stay away

Ike Hilliard, Bucs - The new Dennis Northcutt of the NFC, and we mean that in the best way possible. If you are looking for five catches and 50 yards for your PPR WR3 spot in a bye week, Ike is your man. He has more yards this season than Laveranues Coles, Ronald Curry, and Vincent Jackson. Long live Jon Gruden's home for wayward veterans.

Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues

Lance Moore and David Patten, Saints - A lot of owners will see David Patten's big game and pick him up, but the Saints offense would need to be all the way back for him to maintain value. Let's see them do it for a few weeks. We'd still rather take Moore over the course of the season. Both of these guys are WR6/7 types for deep leagues.

Recommendation: Moore is worth a shot in deep leagues

Ben Obomanu, Seahawks - With D.J. Hackett returning soon, Obomanu's value will probably wane. We'd still take Nate Burleson for Week 8 if we had to choose.

Recommendation: Keep an eye on

[SIZE=+1]Tight Ends [/SIZE]

Vernon Davis, 49ers - Dropped in nearly half of all fantasy leagues because of his injury, Davis still possesses top-ten tight end upside. San Francisco just doesn't have another threat that run like Davis after the catch and they will get him the ball. He has a good shot to return this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Greg Olsen, Bears - Adapting to the league faster than we expected. Few tight ends have better big-play potential.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Donald Lee, Packers - His consistent season should only improve with Bubba Franks hurt.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

 

[Hache Man]

Re: Fantasy Football News 2007

Standing Pat
The fantasy world finally slowed down a little bit last week and some of the results we saw actually made a some modicum of sense.

The names of running backs playing well were no surprise: LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, even Reggie Bush. Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Carson Palmer did well at quarterback with [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] and T.J. Houshmandzadeh filling their customary spots as star wide receivers.

It's as if the first five weeks of hand-wringing poor performances had never happened. And if you had just dropped into the fantasy season this week, you might have thought this had been of the rosiest seasons ever.

It was only one week. And not everything made sense of course. Derek Anderson remains one of the top-producing quarterbacks. For the most part, pulses slowed down and, outside of an expected Kurt Warner injury, we also mostly made it through the week without any more major losses.

So if you ever wanted to sit back and not fret over your entire roster, this is the first such week of the season. If you rolled up the points, you probably have a legitimately good team. That running back duo of L.T. and Maurice Jones-Drew finally paid the big dividends you have been waiting for.

The problem would be if you didn't do as well as you had hoped. Even if squeaked through to a 5-0 record to start the season, if you got squashed last week for reasons other than having all of your guys on byes, your team really might not be that good. Now that you'll be going up against Larry Johnson, Bush and other players who are producing like they should, coming across lucky victories will be tougher.

That said, a bunch of good players were off in Week 6 so you might have been playing without Reggie Wayne and Willie Parker. So it is the rare time when you can let real NFL teams take center stage with their trades and other player movement.

An advice column about not doing anything seems a little counterintuitive but you probably know that not making moves is sometimes your best move. The reason to shake up your roster is if you still haven't gained any traction from players you expected to be good. The fantasy world is about as it should be, for now. It will, of course, not stay that way.

Even if I would not advocate big changes this week to most people, that does not mean there is not some player value movement going on. Here are some players rising and falling, although in keeping with the week's theme, none of them likely will be season-makers:

MOVING UP

David Garrard. I never have been a big Garrard fan, but after a while, you can't ignore the obvious. And Garrard has been putting up simple, solid, consistent stats. He will not wow you, but you don't have to worry about a Gus Frerotte-esque six-turnover game either. The Jaguars did drop 37 points last week and Garrard threw more than one TD pass for the first time. If that continues, he will have some real value.

DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers can have their supposed quarterback controversy during their week off, but the real movement ought to come at running back. DeAngelo Williams continues to show more potential than the pedestrian Deshaun Foster and after last week's 121-yard game, including a 75-yard run, Williams should emerge as the nominal starter. Foster also needed replay to overturn what would have been his fifth fumble and the Panthers can not afford that type of turnover risk.

Reggie Brown. Finally, life! Brown had six catches for 89 yards in by far the best game of what was supposed to be a breakout season. The Eagles' offense is still shaky -- they scored only one TD against the soft Jets last week -- and [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL] has four of the team's six TD catches. We'll take anything out of Brown at this point, even if the future remains murky. Against the Bears this week (see below), Brown is as good of a play as he has been since the start of the season.

Kevin Faulk. Make sure this guy is not available in your league. Sammy Morris is sidelined, possibly for several weeks. And while Laurence Maroney ought to be able to play, Maroney's durability always is in question. Faulk will have a significant role every week and in a game such as this week's against a bad run defense in Miami, he might be better than a lot of other third running backs out there.

D.J. Hackett. The Seahawks seem strangely confident that Hackett will be able to play after being sidelined since the season opener because of a severely sprained ankle. Given that Hackett barely has practiced since then, assuming he could walk right back into the lineup seems like a stretch. Still, the Seahawks had high hopes for him before the season, No. 1 receiver Deion Branch is injured and Hackett likely is available in many leagues. If the Seahawks were smart, however, they'd sit him another week and give him the off week to rest as well.

Ashley Lelie. Hard to upgrade a guy with zero catches? It also will be hard for the 49ers not to improve their offense heading into this week's game against the Giants. QB [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] sounds like he has a good chance of returning and the 49ers spent most of their week off trying to find ways to improve the league's worst offense in yards gained and second-worst in scoring. And the 49ers sound like they want to play Lelie more. He is the team's only player who can stretch the field and simply popping a big play or two should open more room underneath for Frank Gore and others to work.

MOVING DOWN

Cleo Lemon. Sure, he accounted for four total TDs last week against the Browns, but he can not help but go down in value. I wouldn't play him in a difficult spot this week against the Patriots, plus he lost his most dynamic wide receiver in Chris Chambers. The Chambers' trade also hints that the Dolphins already are thinking hard about next year -- and that means John Beck. If Lemon can't beat the Patriots or Giants the next two weeks (good luck, Cleo), it might be time for a Beck.

Vincent Jackson. He can't help but be hurt by the addition of Chambers, even if it helps the team. Jackson has not lived up to the hype as a possible No. 1 receiver, with just two TDs in six games and still being plagued by inconsistent play. Jackson should hit career-highs for catches and yards in the next few weeks, but Chambers will grab more of the team's scoring chances. If you already were tied of waiting for Jackson to come around, this will not help.

Earnest Graham. Getting some serious competition obviously is not good news for Graham, even though he could remain close to a goal-line back. He averaged just 2.4 yards a carry on 36 attempts over the past three weeks and does not appear to have every-down talent. But newcomer Michael Bennett is not exactly an ox. I would feel good about Graham's TD chances this week against Detroit and if Tampa Bay's offense becomes more consistent, he still could land as a regular scoring threat.

Bears defense. Depending on your league, it might be time to sit the Bears defense. If you also get special teams points, that means Devin Hester and that means they stay in your lineup. Hester already has three more return TDs this season. But if it's just defense, sit the Bears down for a while. They have allowed at least 34 points in three of their past four and their two games before their off week are against the potentially explosive Eagles and the Lions, who already scored 37 on Chicago.

Chris Brown. Things have not gone Brown's way since he opened the season with 175 yards. He has just 125 yards in four games since with only one TD to LenDale White's three. Now he is nursing an ankle injury and the Titans are talking about activating rookie [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] for the first time. Henry might have be one of the worst second-round picks, but if he is getting an opportunity, that means Brown isn't.

Giants running backs. All three of the Giants' runners had decent games against the Falcons, but the top two -- Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs -- can't seem to get or stay healthy. Ward keeps having problems with a sprained ankle and Jacobs has a sore ankle and shoulder, on top of his knee injury earlier this season. Both guys should be able to play this week, but I worry about their long-term durability.