Re: Fantasy Football News 2007
Week 7 Rankings Update
Note: These rankings were updated Friday Night. The notes are written Wednesday and Thursday.
Buried beneath the
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] headlines was the sorry, confused state of his opponent last week: the Chicago Bears. In the span of six games, the Chicago Bears have transformed from the best young unit in the league to a group that is consistently poor across the board.
Chicago can't stop the pass (29th in YPA allowed), can't stop the run (28th in yards allowed), and have given up 34 points or more three times in four games. Fantasy owners of Chicago's defense don't mind because of
Devin Hester (You are ridiculous!), but this is suddenly a squad that opposing teams should be eager to see on the schedule.
The Eagles take a crack this week. I watched Good Donovan have a mostly accurate afternoon against the Jets, spitting darts like it was 2006. His protection was much improved, and the Eagles focused on the running game like late last season.
Reggie Brown looked relevant and
Brian Westbrook looked like an MVP candidate. Expect more fireworks this week against the Bears.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 7 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>Tony Romo</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Chad Pennington</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Jon Kitna</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Marc Bulger</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Probable(ribs)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Kyle Boller</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Brian Griese</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Byron Leftwich</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Game-time Decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Daunte Culpepper</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Game-time Decision</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Cleo Lemon</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Trent Dilfer</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Tarvaris Jackson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Trent Edwards</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Tim Rattay</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
Note: For projections of all players ranked here, check out
Season Pass package.
QB Notes: I hate changing quarterbacks just for the sake of it, but
Chad Pennington is fighting himself at this point. His performance against the Eagles included uncharacteristic accuracy problems and he's making mental errors. The Bengals defense, however, is so bad that I would still use Pennington this week in his effort to save his job. ?
Vince Young will be motivated to destroy the Texans if he plays, but it's hard to imagine using him in fantasy leagues at less than 100%. Young actually has a much-improved completion percentage this year, but the Titans just can't stretch the field. Losing
Brandon Jones doesn't help.
Kerry Collins looked like his old self when he played last week ? he rifles the ball when given time, and crumbles when pressure is on him. I'm reading
The GM by Tom Callaghan currently (recommended), and Ernie Accorsi uses the word "fragile" to describe Collins in the nicest way possible. Collins may actually improve the Tennessee passing yardage, but he won't help them win.
Jeff Garcia is getting surprisingly good protection, and his mobility helps buy him extra time in the pocket.
Donald Penn is winning raves at left tackle and might be an upgrade on
Luke Petitgout in the passing game. Garcia still throws pop flies sometimes when he tries to go deep, but they work.
Joey Galloway adjusts, while defenders often overrun the plays. I had my doubts, but Garcia is having a Pro Bowl season under Jon Gruden. He's a great play this week.
Carson Palmer is playing worse than 2006, when he was freshly returning from an ACL injury. The offensive talent just isn't as good in Cincy as people think. The starting wideouts are great, but there is no depth. They don't have a receiving tight end, their running game is stagnant, and the starting tackles are hurt or benched. RT
Levi Jones' collapse is a huge factor. Palmer is still my top quarterback this week because the Bengals should be able to pick on New York's struggling secondary. Look for a lot of points in that game. ? I'd hate to use
Marc Bulger in his first week back, but there just aren't that many safe options at quarterback. You could do worse. ?
Drew Brees' game against the Seahawks was encouraging. The Saints will continue to throw the ball so much that he's bound to put up 200+ yards a game. ?
Kyle Boller is a decent bye week solution, but his young offensive line is struggling. Look for Baltimore to focus on the running game.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 7 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>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Probable(abdomen)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>Probable(foot)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>LaMont Jordan</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>Practiced all week</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Travis Henry</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Probable(thigh)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>Questionable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Probable(wrist)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Kenny Watson</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Expected to carry load</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Kevin Jones</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Ahman Green</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Earnest Graham</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Rudi Johnson</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Doubtful(hamstring)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Michael Bennett</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Kevin Faulk</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Not likely to play</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Najeh Davenport</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Justin Fargas</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Tatum Bell</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Leonard Weaver</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Kenton Keith</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Reuben Droughns</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Selvin Young</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Samkon Gado</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Greg Jones</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Chris Henry</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
RB Notes: As one of
LenDale White's biggest supporters this offseason, I'm underwhelmed when I watch him on tape. He's easily outdistanced his Average Draft Position in fantasy leagues, but he's running heavier than last season. He works well in short-yardage and will score, but he's one-dimensional until he loses some pounds. With
Chris Brown possibly out this week, White gets another chance to carry the load against a sagging Houston rush defense. Let's see if he can finally top 70 rushing yards. Incidentally, the Titans ran some sets last week with White as a fullback for Brown. It tells you what they think of White's blocking, which is fierce on passing downs. ? The bye week did
Brian Westbrook and the Eagles coaching staff some good. Westbrook was the focus of a more balanced offensive approach, similar to what they did down the stretch last season. He's a top-five back moving forward.
Thomas Jones ran with aggression against the Eagles, darting and weaving through traffic. The Jones revival tour should continue this week at Cincinnati, then against Buffalo. He could be a sell high candidate then because the schedule gets much tougher. ? This week in bowing to
Ronnie Brown's greatness: He's 19-for-23 in converting short-yardage situations this year. Other impressive players include
Joseph Addai (16-fo-18) and
Reggie Bush (11-for-13)
There's a reason why
Earnest Graham was buried on the depth chart for three years. He has no burst in a small area. The Bucs tried their best to run last week, but Graham can't make anyone miss and holes close fast around him. 64% of his runs have gone for three yards or less. Look for
Michael Bennett to split the workload quickly, then take the lead spot until
Michael Pittman is healthy. ? It's hard to predict what the Bengals will do with
Rudi Johnson, but they have to keep
Kenny Watson involved. The Jets are a great matchup, so both runners make for good flex options, but mediocre RB2 plays.
With
Rob Morris out for the year and
Bob Sanders at less than 100%, the Colts run defense is weakened.
Fred Taylor broke a long run against them last year, and the possibility of it this time around makes him a better play than usual. ? We won't know
Laurence Maroney's status until Sunday morning. If he's out,
Kevin Faulk would move into the top-25 at running back. Also keep an eye on the Giants, with
Derrick Ward and
Brandon Jacobs somewhat iffy for this week.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 7 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>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Chad Johnson</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Probable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Marvin Harrison</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Move down five spots if Rattay starts</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Move down five spots if Rattay starts</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Kevin Curtis</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>Probable(hamstring)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>Probable(arm)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Ronald Curry</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Donte' Stallworth</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Reggie Brown</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Bobby Engram</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Ike Hilliard</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Mike Furrey</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Shaun McDonald</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Expected to start</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Darrell Jackson</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Andre' Davis</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Dennis Northcutt</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Antwaan Randle El</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>Questionable(hamstring)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Derek Hagan</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Brandon Stokley</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Roydell Williams</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Lance Moore</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Jerry Porter</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
WR Notes: The Eagles said they would get
Reggie Brown more involved in the offense, and they did against the Jets. I'm willing to close my eyes to the first month and play him as a WR3 against Chicago.
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=378"]Kevin Curtis[/URL] is still the better big play threat. ?
Jerricho Cotchery has been far more efficient than
Laveranues Coles this season. They get identical target numbers, but Cotchery has 157 more yards on the season. Coles remains one of the toughest pass-catchers around, but he doesn't break plays after the catch. ? I keep expecting
Ike Hilliard to slow down, but it hasn't happened. He's been a WR3 in PPR leagues without scoring a single touchdown. And while he's lost a step, he's still four years younger than
Marvin Harrison and knows where to find the holes in zone defenses. If you were ever going to use him, this is the week against Detroit.
Joey Galloway is also a must start. He's inconsistent, but adjusts to
Jeff Garcia's pop flies in the air very well.
I expect
Derek Hagan to have a lot more fantasy value than Ted Ginn this season. Hagan is more likely to fill
Chris Chambers' old role, while Ginn works in as a slot receiver. I'd still take
Marty Booker over Hagan, which makes the second-year player a WR6 type in deep leagues. ? The Patriots love to help their players exact revenge on their former teams. Don't be surprised if
Wes Welker gets a few red zone targets in his return to Miami. ?
Santana Moss was miserable last week, but I'd still use him against the Cardinals. He'll be motivated to put the Packers game behind him and
Antwaan Randle El isn't 100%.
Roddy White benefits from the switch to
Byron Leftwich because the team should go vertical more often. He's got a perfect matchup this week against the Saints, who give up a lot of big plays. ? Not sure who the Raiders will assign Nmandi Asamugha to this week. It's possible the stalwart cornerback will cover
Tony Gonzalez, but
Dwayne Bowe will be in for a long day if not. ?
Daunte Culpepper's struggles in the passing game will limit
Ronald Curry's ceiling this season. ? For now, we're ranking the Seahawks as if
D.J. Hackett won't play. ? Tennessee has four receivers this season between 122-172 yards. That's what happens when you only have number three receivers on the roster.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 7 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>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>7</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>8</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>9</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>10</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>11</TD><TD>Eric Johnson</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>12</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>13</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>Questionable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>14</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>15</TD><TD>Quinn Sypniewski</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>16</TD><TD>Daniel Graham</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>17</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>18</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>19</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>20</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>21</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>22</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>23</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
TE Notes: For what it's worth,
Bo Scaife was suddenly targeted a lot once
Kerry Collins got in to the game last week. He's quietly had a terrible season, but Scaife makes for a reasonable bye week fill-in this week. ? The trade of
Chris Chambers can't hurt
David Martin's value in Miami. He made two tough touchdown grabs last week, but hasn't produced much otherwise this season.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 7 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 BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
[SIZE=+1]
Week 7 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>
Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>
Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>
Shayne Graham</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>
Nick Folk</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>
Matt Stover</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>
Neil Rackers</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>
David Akers</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>
Josh Brown</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>
Jason Hanson</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>
Kris Brown</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>
Robbie Gould</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>
Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>
Jeff Reed</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>
Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>
Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>
Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>
Olindo Mare</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>
Jason Elam</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>
Rob Bironas</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>
Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>
Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>
John Carney</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>
Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>
Dave Rayner</TD><TD>at OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>
Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>
Rian Lindell</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>
Joe Nedney</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>