NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 11/6/06

Hache Man · Sep 12, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Sep. 12, 2006, 3:09 PM

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FFL: Waiver Wire Work Week 2

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, we help you improve your fantasy roster by recommending the best players to add and drop. Here are some players you should consider who are probably available on your league's free-agent list, and others you should cut loose if you need to make extra room on your roster.
TOP ADDS
Chad Pennington, QB, Jets (Owned in 5.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues): This one might seem obvious to more savvy fantasy players, but some may have doubts whether Pennington can continue to play as well as he did in the season opener. While there certainly will be not many 300-yard outings ahead against better opponents, Pennington will at least give you respectable production if you're desperate to replace Trent Green or if you are stuck with Brett Favre or Aaron Brooks. Pennington is throwing with good accuracy and making quick, crisp reads. If he starts to put more consistent velocity on the ball, he should be a safe, but unspectacular fantasy option in the near future.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (36.8 percent owned): His Monday night performance should convince you he is a decent desperation option, and many fantasy owners are searching for at least respectable choices at quarterback. Rivers is already a good game manager, and he is making quick, smart decisions. He has displayed good accuracy so far, and even if his numbers won't jump off the stat sheet at you, he can give you decent totals. He's certainly worth considering in the second week against Tennessee, after the Titans made Pennington look very good. Playing in the AFC West means Rivers could have some good outings in high-scoring affairs. He'll be useful when the matchup is right.
Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons (37.7 percent owned): If you're looking for a very promising flex player or a terrific backup, Norwood isn't going to be available for much longer in many leagues. If you can still add him, consider yourself lucky, and put him on your roster immediately. Norwood carried 10 times for 66 yards in his pro debut and can explode through the defensive front seven any time he touches the ball. If you don't get him now, you may never have him. Norwood doesn't get regular carries, but he makes the most of just about every opportunity.
Reggie Williams, WR, Jaguars (3.0 percent owned): Williams must prove himself now with Jimmy Smith retired, or his career could be headed in the wrong direction for good. While he only finished with 47 receiving yards against Dallas, Williams caught six balls, including a 6-yard TD reception. Williams made the tough grabs that used to turn into drops in the past. He could finally step forward as a dependable target for Byron Leftwich, so take the gamble that he'll finally improve.
Michael Jenkins, WR, Falcons (4.6 percent owned): Here's another previously enigmatic young wide receiver who could be ready to raise his game. The preseason buzz in Atlanta centered around Roddy White, and then the Falcons also acquired Ashley Lelie. Jenkins, however, was Michael Vick's best receiver against Carolina, finishing with three catches for 77 yards, including a 34-yard TD reception. If Vick continues to throw the ball well, Jenkins could emerge as his preferred wide receiver.
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets (0.2 percent owned): He quietly stepped forward as a solid possession receiver in the preseason, and Cotchery caught six passes for 65 yards and a TD in the opener. Cotchery isn't going to be explosive, but he will make a lot of important receptions, especially when the Jets look much worse than they did in the first week and have to play catch-up. Cotchery is a fine add for depth and should certainly get strong consideration in leagues of 12 or more teams.
PRIME CUTS
Aaron Brooks, QB, Raiders (90.2 percent owned): He looked awful in the opener, eventually getting benched, and there could be many more bad performances ahead with a shaky offensive line and a receiving corps that looks like a mess. Brooks held onto the ball too long on Monday and he had a lot of trouble finding open receivers, plus his decision-making skills have always been in question. Don't waste time waiting for him to turn things around.
Jon Kitna, QB, Lions (58.3 percent owned): It's going to be a long season for a guy who was an overachiever at times in the past. He doesn't have the type of offensive support he had when he played well for Cincinnati, and Mike Martz can't perform miracles when he doesn't have a dependable running game or a reliable receiving crew. Kitna can play well statistically at times if he has a good skill position cast, but other than Roy Williams, who will continue to draw extra defensive attention, Kitna doesn't have much help and seems destined to struggle all year long. You can likely add a better second QB in many leagues.
Ron Dayne, RB, Texans (65.6 percent owned): Too many fantasy owners keep waiting for him to somehow rise up and put a completely disappointing career so far behind him. There still is hollow hope that he will at least become a respectable fantasy player or goal-line RB at some point. But it's time some of us stopped thinking he still can be a surprise. He may not even be a factor in Houston, where Wali Lundy and Vernand Morency aren't looking like very promising options, either. The Texans might not find a dependable RB all year long, and with only five TD runs in the last three years, there's no real reason to believe Dayne will suddenly become a reliable short-yardage ball carrier. Don't waste any more time or roster space on a guy who will never emerge as the sleeper some thought he would be.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Redskins (94.6 percent owned): I liked him as a possible sleeper during the summer, but Lloyd did nothing to impress during the preseason, and was shut out on Monday night. The Washington passing game clearly won't scare a lot of defenses, and Lloyd isn't a top option for Mark Brunell. Lloyd does have a tendency to make the pretty catch, and he should have a few decent outings, but he likely won't help you win too many fantasy games.
Jerry Porter, WR, Raiders (85.2 percent owned): Porter fell to fourth on the depth chart at WR recently in Oakland, then he was deactivated on Monday. Porter had been a bust as a starter in the past, and now he is sitting in favor of Alvis Whitted. Don't hang on to him waiting for a sudden improvement or a trade. Even if he is dealt, he'll have to acclimate himself to a new team and he does nothing to inspire much confidence as a starter anywhere else in the future. Joe Jurevicius, WR, Browns (79.2 percent owned): He is expected to miss at least four to six weeks because of broken ribs, and you shouldn't expect much when he returns. Jurevicius was a better fit in Seattle last year, where he was one of a few key pass-catchers in a balanced passing game. He'll be much less effective as a featured target in a much less effective Cleveland passing game if he gets back into the starting lineup when he comes back. Don't hold on to him waiting for late-season production. Cut him now.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 12, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Sep. 12, 2006, 3:09 PM

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FFL: Waiver Wire Work Week 2

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, we help you improve your fantasy roster by recommending the best players to add and drop. Here are some players you should consider who are probably available on your league's free-agent list, and others you should cut loose if you need to make extra room on your roster.
TOP ADDS
Chad Pennington, QB, Jets (Owned in 5.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues): This one might seem obvious to more savvy fantasy players, but some may have doubts whether Pennington can continue to play as well as he did in the season opener. While there certainly will be not many 300-yard outings ahead against better opponents, Pennington will at least give you respectable production if you're desperate to replace Trent Green or if you are stuck with Brett Favre or Aaron Brooks. Pennington is throwing with good accuracy and making quick, crisp reads. If he starts to put more consistent velocity on the ball, he should be a safe, but unspectacular fantasy option in the near future.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (36.8 percent owned): His Monday night performance should convince you he is a decent desperation option, and many fantasy owners are searching for at least respectable choices at quarterback. Rivers is already a good game manager, and he is making quick, smart decisions. He has displayed good accuracy so far, and even if his numbers won't jump off the stat sheet at you, he can give you decent totals. He's certainly worth considering in the second week against Tennessee, after the Titans made Pennington look very good. Playing in the AFC West means Rivers could have some good outings in high-scoring affairs. He'll be useful when the matchup is right.
Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons (37.7 percent owned): If you're looking for a very promising flex player or a terrific backup, Norwood isn't going to be available for much longer in many leagues. If you can still add him, consider yourself lucky, and put him on your roster immediately. Norwood carried 10 times for 66 yards in his pro debut and can explode through the defensive front seven any time he touches the ball. If you don't get him now, you may never have him. Norwood doesn't get regular carries, but he makes the most of just about every opportunity.
Reggie Williams, WR, Jaguars (3.0 percent owned): Williams must prove himself now with Jimmy Smith retired, or his career could be headed in the wrong direction for good. While he only finished with 47 receiving yards against Dallas, Williams caught six balls, including a 6-yard TD reception. Williams made the tough grabs that used to turn into drops in the past. He could finally step forward as a dependable target for Byron Leftwich, so take the gamble that he'll finally improve.
Michael Jenkins, WR, Falcons (4.6 percent owned): Here's another previously enigmatic young wide receiver who could be ready to raise his game. The preseason buzz in Atlanta centered around Roddy White, and then the Falcons also acquired Ashley Lelie. Jenkins, however, was Michael Vick's best receiver against Carolina, finishing with three catches for 77 yards, including a 34-yard TD reception. If Vick continues to throw the ball well, Jenkins could emerge as his preferred wide receiver.
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets (0.2 percent owned): He quietly stepped forward as a solid possession receiver in the preseason, and Cotchery caught six passes for 65 yards and a TD in the opener. Cotchery isn't going to be explosive, but he will make a lot of important receptions, especially when the Jets look much worse than they did in the first week and have to play catch-up. Cotchery is a fine add for depth and should certainly get strong consideration in leagues of 12 or more teams.
PRIME CUTS
Aaron Brooks, QB, Raiders (90.2 percent owned): He looked awful in the opener, eventually getting benched, and there could be many more bad performances ahead with a shaky offensive line and a receiving corps that looks like a mess. Brooks held onto the ball too long on Monday and he had a lot of trouble finding open receivers, plus his decision-making skills have always been in question. Don't waste time waiting for him to turn things around.
Jon Kitna, QB, Lions (58.3 percent owned): It's going to be a long season for a guy who was an overachiever at times in the past. He doesn't have the type of offensive support he had when he played well for Cincinnati, and Mike Martz can't perform miracles when he doesn't have a dependable running game or a reliable receiving crew. Kitna can play well statistically at times if he has a good skill position cast, but other than Roy Williams, who will continue to draw extra defensive attention, Kitna doesn't have much help and seems destined to struggle all year long. You can likely add a better second QB in many leagues.
Ron Dayne, RB, Texans (65.6 percent owned): Too many fantasy owners keep waiting for him to somehow rise up and put a completely disappointing career so far behind him. There still is hollow hope that he will at least become a respectable fantasy player or goal-line RB at some point. But it's time some of us stopped thinking he still can be a surprise. He may not even be a factor in Houston, where Wali Lundy and Vernand Morency aren't looking like very promising options, either. The Texans might not find a dependable RB all year long, and with only five TD runs in the last three years, there's no real reason to believe Dayne will suddenly become a reliable short-yardage ball carrier. Don't waste any more time or roster space on a guy who will never emerge as the sleeper some thought he would be.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Redskins (94.6 percent owned): I liked him as a possible sleeper during the summer, but Lloyd did nothing to impress during the preseason, and was shut out on Monday night. The Washington passing game clearly won't scare a lot of defenses, and Lloyd isn't a top option for Mark Brunell. Lloyd does have a tendency to make the pretty catch, and he should have a few decent outings, but he likely won't help you win too many fantasy games.
Jerry Porter, WR, Raiders (85.2 percent owned): Porter fell to fourth on the depth chart at WR recently in Oakland, then he was deactivated on Monday. Porter had been a bust as a starter in the past, and now he is sitting in favor of Alvis Whitted. Don't hang on to him waiting for a sudden improvement or a trade. Even if he is dealt, he'll have to acclimate himself to a new team and he does nothing to inspire much confidence as a starter anywhere else in the future. Joe Jurevicius, WR, Browns (79.2 percent owned): He is expected to miss at least four to six weeks because of broken ribs, and you shouldn't expect much when he returns. Jurevicius was a better fit in Seattle last year, where he was one of a few key pass-catchers in a balanced passing game. He'll be much less effective as a featured target in a much less effective Cleveland passing game if he gets back into the starting lineup when he comes back. Don't hold on to him waiting for late-season production. Cut him now.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 12, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Sep. 12, 2006, 4:06 PM

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FFL: Week 2 Fantasy Scout

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each Monday afternoon, the Fantasy Scout takes an early look ahead to the coming week and beyond. We give you the early lowdown on players to watch and consider emerging trends that will affect your fantasy strategy, even before the "Monday Night Football" game!
Player Spotlight
New England RB Laurence Maroney could be the best No. 2 RB in the league, and even though he is listed behind Corey Dillon on the depth chart, it's very clear Maroney is the better runner right now. Of course, Dillon's best years appear to be behind him, while Maroney's NFL journey is just beginning, but how long can the veteran hold off the ultra-impressive rookie for more carries? If you don't have Maroney on your roster, get him now. If you have him, don't trade him. Outside of Reggie Bush, Maroney is the most impressive rookie in fantasy football. He came into the NFL labeled as a possibly explosive runner who needed work on his inside running skills. But Maroney has looked like the full package early on, taking on defenders and fighting for extra yardage, while also displaying the vision and quickness that can make him a big threat to opposing defenses on outside runs. Maroney seems to have it all as a runner. He can pound the ball inside and is difficult for tacklers to bring down once he gets past the initial wave of defenders. When Maroney picks up momentum, he can charge into the secondary for some big gainers. So far, Maroney is looking like he could be in the mold of Steven Jackson, with a little less bulk and a bit more quickness. Maroney led the Patriots with 86 rushing yards against Buffalo, including a long run of 27 yards. He carried the ball 17 times, while Dillon had 16 carries. Dillon is still dependable for New England, but Maroney clearly gives the offense more life and is a bigger threat to break loose for big runs. You can't count Dillon out yet, but it might just be a matter of time before Maroney becomes the preferred option. Even if he continues to split reps with Dillon in the near future, Maroney could post very good fantasy numbers quite often, and he is at least looking like a fine flex option for now.
Injury Fallout
Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is expected to miss four to six weeks with broken ribs, robbing the Browns of possibly their best possession receiver. Jurevicius has had an unfortunate injury history in his career overall, even though he managed to steer clear of misfortune during his best year with Seattle in 2005. Even if Jurevicius were healthy now, he seemed to be overmatched as a possible prime target for Cleveland, and was a better fit as a secondary option in Seattle. Without Jurevicius, opposing defenses might continue to pay extra attention to RB Reuben Droughns, who rushed for only 27 yards against the Saints. Opponents might prefer to take their chances against Charlie Frye, who can make some plays to help his team, but the young QB is also prone to making some ill-advised decisions that could cost his team some wins. Braylon Edwards may take some time to round into full form, and Dennis Northcutt simply isn't dependable. While most of the Cleveland offense looks very shaky right now, especially without Jurevicius, who can at least command some extra attention from secondaries, one player might continue to rise. Frye's best target right now appears to be Kellen Winslow Jr., who made a rather happy return to real NFL action on Sunday after a long absence. Winslow caught eight balls for 63 yards, including an 18-yard TD catch. Even if the rest of the offense sputters, it looks like you can count on him for quality production in the weeks ahead. As for Jurevicius, cut him loose and don't look back. He might have trouble posting regularly good numbers when he returns.
Preparing for Changes
There are already published reports that Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, who suffered a devastating blow to the head on Sunday, might not return until after the bye week on Oct. 1. I'm sure all fantasy owners wish him a speedy recovery, as the usually durable Green has served us all well over the years, and it will be good to see him return at some point. In the meantime, the Chiefs have very questionable depth, to say the least, at the quarterback position. Green's fantasy owners are now facing the prospect of at least two weeks without possibly their top QB. Adding Chad Pennington or even Alex Smith looks like viable options, with the latter still being a desperation pickup. If you drafted a solid backup, obviously now is the time to lean on him. If your backup is Chris Simms or Jon Kitna, you'll simply have to hope he can bounce back from his opening-week performances.
If Green isn't back by early October, the Chiefs have only journeyman Damon Huard and rookie Brodie Croyle behind him. Huard did complete 12 of 20 passes for 140 yards and a TD in relief work on Sunday, but he certainly isn't a good fantasy pickup and he would bog down the Kansas City offense if he had to take over for an extended period. He has good size and arm strength, but Huard is limited in his playmaking ability and doesn't make good decisions under pressure. Croyle and practice squad QB Casey Printers simply aren't ready to guide an NFL offense.
Huard would certainly struggle against defenses better than the Bengals, who are overaggressive and often porous. The Chiefs have the Broncos next on the schedule, on the road, and Denver is no doubt in a foul mood after losing their opener at St. Louis. Huard certainly could be in for a long day in a hostile environment. Owners of Larry Johnson are now understandably worried that opposing defenses will key on Johnson often and limit his production. Johnson will certainly be less productive overall given the QB situation, but the offensive line blocked well for him in the opener and he also caught five passes for 80 yards. So you can't consider benching him under any circumstances. Johnson might have to fight harder for his yards, but he could also function as a safety receiver for Huard often and his overall numbers could still be good, but not great.
Unless Kansas City makes a move to acquire another QB, Huard is certain to stifle the production of the offense while he plays. Tony Gonzalez caught 10 balls on Sunday, but he'll likely draw extra defenders as Huard might lock onto him too often. Still, you can't bench him for a lesser player just yet. He could post decent totals when the Chiefs play from behind. Huard also doesn't inspire much confidence as a deep passer, so the value of Eddie Kennison certainly takes a hit. Don't hesitate to bench him in the near future.
Reality Strikes
After the bad news about Domanick Davis sank in, rookie Wali Lundy became a hot sleeper pick. But on Sunday, it became more apparent why Lundy slipped to the sixth round of the NFL Draft this year. He simply didn't show much in a loss to Philadelphia. Lundy rushed for only 32 yards on 11 carries, even with a respectable Houston passing game opening up some running room.
Lundy simply isn't going to challenge defenses on a consistent basis as a starter. He has good vision and quickness, but he's not tough to tackle, isn't very elusive, and looked tentative at times. Lundy finished with minus-one receiving yards on two receptions. Vernand Morency didn't look any better, with 13 rushing yards on five carries. New acquisition Ron Dayne was deactivated.
The Houston RB situation simply looks like a mess right now. Lundy doesn't appear to be capable of challenging defenses on a consistent basis, and Morency doesn't run with authority. Dayne has been a regular tease throughout his career to fantasy leaguers, so we can't assume he wins the job at some point, either. This is a bad situation that might not get better any time soon. Keep Lundy on your bench for now, but don't expect much, and don't waste roster spots on Morency or Dayne.
Fantasy Scout's Notebook
? Illusion of the day on Sunday? Ahman Green rushing for 110 yards against Chicago. He padded his stats in garbage time, and he could be much less effective against the Saints next week.
? Jacksonville WR Reggie Williams is finally showing some signs of promise. He finished with six catches for 47 yards and a TD against Dallas, making some difficult grabs on passes he used to drop. His mettle will truly be tested against the Steelers next week.
? Jamal Lewis did an admirable job of playing through his hip issues Sunday. Now that play has started for real, Lewis seems determined to stay on the field. He could post quality numbers again when he faces Oakland next week. ? 49ers rookie tight end Vernon Davis caught a 31-yard TD pass in the opener, but he also lost a fumble. While he will suffer some rookie doldrums and might disappear against some better opponents, he should perform rather well when the matchup is right. He's looking like a quality starter for the second week against the Rams, who still must prove that their defensive success in the opener was no fluke
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 12, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/11/06)

Sep. 12, 2006, 4:06 PM

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FFL: Week 2 Fantasy Scout

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each Monday afternoon, the Fantasy Scout takes an early look ahead to the coming week and beyond. We give you the early lowdown on players to watch and consider emerging trends that will affect your fantasy strategy, even before the "Monday Night Football" game!
Player Spotlight
New England RB Laurence Maroney could be the best No. 2 RB in the league, and even though he is listed behind Corey Dillon on the depth chart, it's very clear Maroney is the better runner right now. Of course, Dillon's best years appear to be behind him, while Maroney's NFL journey is just beginning, but how long can the veteran hold off the ultra-impressive rookie for more carries? If you don't have Maroney on your roster, get him now. If you have him, don't trade him. Outside of Reggie Bush, Maroney is the most impressive rookie in fantasy football. He came into the NFL labeled as a possibly explosive runner who needed work on his inside running skills. But Maroney has looked like the full package early on, taking on defenders and fighting for extra yardage, while also displaying the vision and quickness that can make him a big threat to opposing defenses on outside runs. Maroney seems to have it all as a runner. He can pound the ball inside and is difficult for tacklers to bring down once he gets past the initial wave of defenders. When Maroney picks up momentum, he can charge into the secondary for some big gainers. So far, Maroney is looking like he could be in the mold of Steven Jackson, with a little less bulk and a bit more quickness. Maroney led the Patriots with 86 rushing yards against Buffalo, including a long run of 27 yards. He carried the ball 17 times, while Dillon had 16 carries. Dillon is still dependable for New England, but Maroney clearly gives the offense more life and is a bigger threat to break loose for big runs. You can't count Dillon out yet, but it might just be a matter of time before Maroney becomes the preferred option. Even if he continues to split reps with Dillon in the near future, Maroney could post very good fantasy numbers quite often, and he is at least looking like a fine flex option for now.
Injury Fallout
Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius is expected to miss four to six weeks with broken ribs, robbing the Browns of possibly their best possession receiver. Jurevicius has had an unfortunate injury history in his career overall, even though he managed to steer clear of misfortune during his best year with Seattle in 2005. Even if Jurevicius were healthy now, he seemed to be overmatched as a possible prime target for Cleveland, and was a better fit as a secondary option in Seattle. Without Jurevicius, opposing defenses might continue to pay extra attention to RB Reuben Droughns, who rushed for only 27 yards against the Saints. Opponents might prefer to take their chances against Charlie Frye, who can make some plays to help his team, but the young QB is also prone to making some ill-advised decisions that could cost his team some wins. Braylon Edwards may take some time to round into full form, and Dennis Northcutt simply isn't dependable. While most of the Cleveland offense looks very shaky right now, especially without Jurevicius, who can at least command some extra attention from secondaries, one player might continue to rise. Frye's best target right now appears to be Kellen Winslow Jr., who made a rather happy return to real NFL action on Sunday after a long absence. Winslow caught eight balls for 63 yards, including an 18-yard TD catch. Even if the rest of the offense sputters, it looks like you can count on him for quality production in the weeks ahead. As for Jurevicius, cut him loose and don't look back. He might have trouble posting regularly good numbers when he returns.
Preparing for Changes
There are already published reports that Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, who suffered a devastating blow to the head on Sunday, might not return until after the bye week on Oct. 1. I'm sure all fantasy owners wish him a speedy recovery, as the usually durable Green has served us all well over the years, and it will be good to see him return at some point. In the meantime, the Chiefs have very questionable depth, to say the least, at the quarterback position. Green's fantasy owners are now facing the prospect of at least two weeks without possibly their top QB. Adding Chad Pennington or even Alex Smith looks like viable options, with the latter still being a desperation pickup. If you drafted a solid backup, obviously now is the time to lean on him. If your backup is Chris Simms or Jon Kitna, you'll simply have to hope he can bounce back from his opening-week performances.
If Green isn't back by early October, the Chiefs have only journeyman Damon Huard and rookie Brodie Croyle behind him. Huard did complete 12 of 20 passes for 140 yards and a TD in relief work on Sunday, but he certainly isn't a good fantasy pickup and he would bog down the Kansas City offense if he had to take over for an extended period. He has good size and arm strength, but Huard is limited in his playmaking ability and doesn't make good decisions under pressure. Croyle and practice squad QB Casey Printers simply aren't ready to guide an NFL offense.
Huard would certainly struggle against defenses better than the Bengals, who are overaggressive and often porous. The Chiefs have the Broncos next on the schedule, on the road, and Denver is no doubt in a foul mood after losing their opener at St. Louis. Huard certainly could be in for a long day in a hostile environment. Owners of Larry Johnson are now understandably worried that opposing defenses will key on Johnson often and limit his production. Johnson will certainly be less productive overall given the QB situation, but the offensive line blocked well for him in the opener and he also caught five passes for 80 yards. So you can't consider benching him under any circumstances. Johnson might have to fight harder for his yards, but he could also function as a safety receiver for Huard often and his overall numbers could still be good, but not great.
Unless Kansas City makes a move to acquire another QB, Huard is certain to stifle the production of the offense while he plays. Tony Gonzalez caught 10 balls on Sunday, but he'll likely draw extra defenders as Huard might lock onto him too often. Still, you can't bench him for a lesser player just yet. He could post decent totals when the Chiefs play from behind. Huard also doesn't inspire much confidence as a deep passer, so the value of Eddie Kennison certainly takes a hit. Don't hesitate to bench him in the near future.
Reality Strikes
After the bad news about Domanick Davis sank in, rookie Wali Lundy became a hot sleeper pick. But on Sunday, it became more apparent why Lundy slipped to the sixth round of the NFL Draft this year. He simply didn't show much in a loss to Philadelphia. Lundy rushed for only 32 yards on 11 carries, even with a respectable Houston passing game opening up some running room.
Lundy simply isn't going to challenge defenses on a consistent basis as a starter. He has good vision and quickness, but he's not tough to tackle, isn't very elusive, and looked tentative at times. Lundy finished with minus-one receiving yards on two receptions. Vernand Morency didn't look any better, with 13 rushing yards on five carries. New acquisition Ron Dayne was deactivated.
The Houston RB situation simply looks like a mess right now. Lundy doesn't appear to be capable of challenging defenses on a consistent basis, and Morency doesn't run with authority. Dayne has been a regular tease throughout his career to fantasy leaguers, so we can't assume he wins the job at some point, either. This is a bad situation that might not get better any time soon. Keep Lundy on your bench for now, but don't expect much, and don't waste roster spots on Morency or Dayne.
Fantasy Scout's Notebook
? Illusion of the day on Sunday? Ahman Green rushing for 110 yards against Chicago. He padded his stats in garbage time, and he could be much less effective against the Saints next week.
? Jacksonville WR Reggie Williams is finally showing some signs of promise. He finished with six catches for 47 yards and a TD against Dallas, making some difficult grabs on passes he used to drop. His mettle will truly be tested against the Steelers next week.
? Jamal Lewis did an admirable job of playing through his hip issues Sunday. Now that play has started for real, Lewis seems determined to stay on the field. He could post quality numbers again when he faces Oakland next week. ? 49ers rookie tight end Vernon Davis caught a 31-yard TD pass in the opener, but he also lost a fumble. While he will suffer some rookie doldrums and might disappear against some better opponents, he should perform rather well when the matchup is right. He's looking like a quality starter for the second week against the Rams, who still must prove that their defensive success in the opener was no fluke
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 13, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>Week 1 was not a great week for first-round picks; four of the first 12 players selected on average in ESPN drafts failed to crack double-digit fantasy points, most notably the Seahawks' Shaun Alexander, who managed only three. While we preach patience, especially with your top draft picks, one first-rounder stands out as a mild worry taking into account his Week 1 performance and health: The Buccaneers' Carnell Williams.
It's not that Cadillac is someone you should be cutting, certainly not because he managed only four fantasy points. Remember, it's only one week, and no matter what happens with Williams looking forward, he's going to do better, beginning in Week 2 against the Falcons. But taking into account all the factors that went into his Week 1 disappointment, there's reason to worry that Williams will be hard-pressed to challenge for top-10 overall status.
For one thing, the back spasms that bothered Williams at the onset of training camp have returned, and there's little doubt that they impacted his performance against the Ravens. Sure, Tampa Bay had to resort to the pass after falling behind early. But before that, Williams managed only 22 yards on eight carries, an average of 2.8. Bad matchup or not, that's a poor rate for such a quick, elusive runner and means his health should be monitored.
Don't forget, Mike Alstott still looms to vulture goal-line carries, and if Cadillac's back becomes a persistent problem throughout the season, the Buccaneers surely won't want him in there for those grueling short-yardage attempts, knowing they could play it safe and go with the tougher, more physical back. I'd argue Alstott could steal a noticeable chunk of Williams' goal-line chances even if the latter stays completely healthy; don't forget that Alstott had seven touchdowns in 2005 despite being handed the ball only 34 times.
Plus, Tampa Bay has one of the toughest schedules of any team in the NFL, and with Chris Simms and the passing game looking rather shaky in Week 1, the Buccaneers could find themselves frequently playing from behind. That would cost Williams even more touches, further limiting the breakout potential so many people saw in him in the preseason. None of those factors should push Williams' value down significantly, but there's a little more downside in him than his fellow first-rounders, so keep an eye on him the next couple games.
<STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
The Williams/Alstott situation brings to light the increasing number of running back-by-committee situations around the NFL, something fantasy owners clearly dread. Though I have my worries about Williams' workload in the coming weeks, I'd hardly put Tampa Bay in that "committee" kind of scenario, but several teams -- the Broncos, Falcons, Jets, Patriots, Saints, Texans and Titans -- fit that description, with situations where the week-to-week rushing attempt totals are proving nearly impossible to predict. Generally speaking, I'm not one to put much stock in running backs sharing carries, but with so many committee situations this season and so many teams demonstrating a high level of success in using that strategy this and last year, it's important to know which ones are indeed "safe" backfields, as those of the Broncos (Mike Anderson/Tatum Bell) and Dolphins (Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams) were in 2005. This season, of the aforementioned seven committees, I'd call four worth considering, either as No. 2 or flex options when the matchups allow. In order, I'd look to the Broncos (Mike Bell/Tatum Bell), who have what appears to be an identical setup to a year ago, with the sturdy Mike stepping into the Mike Anderson role and the speedy Tatum occupying the same role he had in 2005; the Saints (Reggie Bush/Deuce McAllister), who can turn to McAllister at the goal line and yet still get Bush enough scoring opportunities for fantasy by getting him involved in the passing game; the Falcons (Warrick Dunn/Jerious Norwood), who are finally turning to Dunn in the red zone with T.J. Duckett gone, yet still have the speedy Norwood to spell him and serve as insurance; and the Patriots (Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney), who can still rely on the experienced Dillon enough to slowly break Maroney into the role of workhorse back for 2007.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Thomas Jones, RB, Bears
21 carries for 63 yards and 0 TD
One might expect that in a 26-0 game, one so clearly in Chicago's favor, we would have seen a hefty dose of Jones, and against a defense like that of the Packers, he would have managed a much better performance than this. Instead, while Jones managed a healthy 21 carries, he failed to do much with them, averaging a disappointing 3.0 yards per attempt. Not that backup Cedric Benson, once considered the favorite to start in the early preseason, was much better; he got the bulk of the work in garbage time and ran 11 times for 34 yards (3.1 average). Jones could really consider himself lucky; Benson's preseason shoulder problems effectively cost him a starting job that the team practically wanted to hand to him, and it's not like Benson took advantage of a golden opportunity to stake his claim to that same job this past Sunday. Sure, Jones was a fairly consistent, reliable No. 2 fantasy back in 2005, which would seem to portray him as a deserving starter, but the Bears still do seem to consider Benson their future, and as such, Jones is going to spend the entire season looking over his shoulder. Efforts like this aren't going to make much of a case for him to keep his job, and now it's merely a question of whether he or Benson picks up his game more quickly. With another shaky outing or two, or a standout performance by Benson, this could become quite the controversy in Chicago. I have a feeling Benson will be getting a start or two before long.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 13, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>Week 1 was not a great week for first-round picks; four of the first 12 players selected on average in ESPN drafts failed to crack double-digit fantasy points, most notably the Seahawks' Shaun Alexander, who managed only three. While we preach patience, especially with your top draft picks, one first-rounder stands out as a mild worry taking into account his Week 1 performance and health: The Buccaneers' Carnell Williams.
It's not that Cadillac is someone you should be cutting, certainly not because he managed only four fantasy points. Remember, it's only one week, and no matter what happens with Williams looking forward, he's going to do better, beginning in Week 2 against the Falcons. But taking into account all the factors that went into his Week 1 disappointment, there's reason to worry that Williams will be hard-pressed to challenge for top-10 overall status.
For one thing, the back spasms that bothered Williams at the onset of training camp have returned, and there's little doubt that they impacted his performance against the Ravens. Sure, Tampa Bay had to resort to the pass after falling behind early. But before that, Williams managed only 22 yards on eight carries, an average of 2.8. Bad matchup or not, that's a poor rate for such a quick, elusive runner and means his health should be monitored.
Don't forget, Mike Alstott still looms to vulture goal-line carries, and if Cadillac's back becomes a persistent problem throughout the season, the Buccaneers surely won't want him in there for those grueling short-yardage attempts, knowing they could play it safe and go with the tougher, more physical back. I'd argue Alstott could steal a noticeable chunk of Williams' goal-line chances even if the latter stays completely healthy; don't forget that Alstott had seven touchdowns in 2005 despite being handed the ball only 34 times.
Plus, Tampa Bay has one of the toughest schedules of any team in the NFL, and with Chris Simms and the passing game looking rather shaky in Week 1, the Buccaneers could find themselves frequently playing from behind. That would cost Williams even more touches, further limiting the breakout potential so many people saw in him in the preseason. None of those factors should push Williams' value down significantly, but there's a little more downside in him than his fellow first-rounders, so keep an eye on him the next couple games.
<STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
The Williams/Alstott situation brings to light the increasing number of running back-by-committee situations around the NFL, something fantasy owners clearly dread. Though I have my worries about Williams' workload in the coming weeks, I'd hardly put Tampa Bay in that "committee" kind of scenario, but several teams -- the Broncos, Falcons, Jets, Patriots, Saints, Texans and Titans -- fit that description, with situations where the week-to-week rushing attempt totals are proving nearly impossible to predict. Generally speaking, I'm not one to put much stock in running backs sharing carries, but with so many committee situations this season and so many teams demonstrating a high level of success in using that strategy this and last year, it's important to know which ones are indeed "safe" backfields, as those of the Broncos (Mike Anderson/Tatum Bell) and Dolphins (Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams) were in 2005. This season, of the aforementioned seven committees, I'd call four worth considering, either as No. 2 or flex options when the matchups allow. In order, I'd look to the Broncos (Mike Bell/Tatum Bell), who have what appears to be an identical setup to a year ago, with the sturdy Mike stepping into the Mike Anderson role and the speedy Tatum occupying the same role he had in 2005; the Saints (Reggie Bush/Deuce McAllister), who can turn to McAllister at the goal line and yet still get Bush enough scoring opportunities for fantasy by getting him involved in the passing game; the Falcons (Warrick Dunn/Jerious Norwood), who are finally turning to Dunn in the red zone with T.J. Duckett gone, yet still have the speedy Norwood to spell him and serve as insurance; and the Patriots (Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney), who can still rely on the experienced Dillon enough to slowly break Maroney into the role of workhorse back for 2007.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Thomas Jones, RB, Bears
21 carries for 63 yards and 0 TD
One might expect that in a 26-0 game, one so clearly in Chicago's favor, we would have seen a hefty dose of Jones, and against a defense like that of the Packers, he would have managed a much better performance than this. Instead, while Jones managed a healthy 21 carries, he failed to do much with them, averaging a disappointing 3.0 yards per attempt. Not that backup Cedric Benson, once considered the favorite to start in the early preseason, was much better; he got the bulk of the work in garbage time and ran 11 times for 34 yards (3.1 average). Jones could really consider himself lucky; Benson's preseason shoulder problems effectively cost him a starting job that the team practically wanted to hand to him, and it's not like Benson took advantage of a golden opportunity to stake his claim to that same job this past Sunday. Sure, Jones was a fairly consistent, reliable No. 2 fantasy back in 2005, which would seem to portray him as a deserving starter, but the Bears still do seem to consider Benson their future, and as such, Jones is going to spend the entire season looking over his shoulder. Efforts like this aren't going to make much of a case for him to keep his job, and now it's merely a question of whether he or Benson picks up his game more quickly. With another shaky outing or two, or a standout performance by Benson, this could become quite the controversy in Chicago. I have a feeling Benson will be getting a start or two before long.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 13, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Sep. 13, 2006, 1:50 PM

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT>

FFL: Week 2 Lineup Rankings

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning vs. HOU
2. Carson Palmer vs. CLE
3. Tom Brady at NYJ
4. Donovan McNabb vs. NYG
5. Matt Hasselbeck vs. ARI
6. Kurt Warner at SEA
7. Marc Bulger at SF
8. Eli Manning at PHI
9. Drew Brees at GB
10. Daunte Culpepper vs. BUF
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=200 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=8><SPACER width="8" height="1" type="block"></TD><TD width=300 bgColor=#ecece4>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]We rate players based on possible fantasy production each week, taking into account past production as well as matchups. These are not overall player rankings, but rather a list of who you should start for the upcoming week. Top superstars will rarely get moved out of the prime spots, as they should not be benched unless injured. Most players with an unclear injury or starting status for the upcoming week will not be included. All four major offensive positions and defense/special teams units are ranked. [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>11. Steve McNair vs. OAK
12. Drew Bledsoe vs. WAS
13. Jake Delhomme at MIN
14. Jake Plummer vs. KC
15. Brett Favre vs. NO
16. Michael Vick vs. TB
17. Brad Johnson vs. CAR
18. David Carr at IND
19. Byron Leftwich vs. PIT
20. Charlie Frye at CIN
21. Philip Rivers vs. TEN
22. Chad Pennington vs. NE
23. Charlie Batch at JAC
24. Mark Brunell at DAL
25. Chris Simms at ATL
26. Aaron Brooks at BAL
27. Jon Kitna at CHI
28. Rex Grossman vs. DET
29. Alex Smith vs. STL
30. Damon Huard at DEN
31. Kerry Collins at SD
32. J.P. Losman at MIA

Running Backs
1. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. TEN
2. Shaun Alexander vs. ARI
3. Larry Johnson at DEN
4. Rudi Johnson vs. CLE
5. Tiki Barber at PHI
6. Steven Jackson at SF
7. Ronnie Brown vs. BUF
8. Edgerrin James at SEA
9. Willie Parker at JAC
10. Brian Westbrook vs. NYG
11. Chester Taylor vs. CAR
12. Reggie Bush at GB
13. Reuben Droughns at CIN
14. Jamal Lewis vs. OAK
15. Willis McGahee at MIA
16. LaMont Jordan at BAL
17. Frank Gore vs. STL
18. Clinton Portis at DAL
19. Tatum Bell vs. KC
20. Warrick Dunn vs. TB
21. Julius Jones vs. WAS
22. Deuce McAllister at GB
23. Carnell Williams at ATL
24. Corey Dillon at NYJ
25. Ahman Green vs. NO
26. Fred Taylor vs. PIT
27. DeShaun Foster at MIN
28. Thomas Jones vs. DET
29. Dominic Rhodes vs. HOU
30. Laurence Maroney at NYJ
31. Mike Bell vs. KC
32. Kevin Jones at CHI
33. Wali Lundy at IND
34. Kevan Barlow vs. NE
35. Chris Brown at SD
36. Jerious Norwood vs. TB
37. Travis Henry at SD
38. Joseph Addai vs. HOU
39. Marion Barber vs. WAS
40. Cedric Benson vs, DET

Wide Receivers
1. Chad Johnson vs. CLE
2. Marvin Harrison vs. HOU
3. Torry Holt at SF
4. Larry Fitzgerald at SEA
5. Anquan Boldin at SEA
6. Terrell Owens vs. WAS
7. Santana Moss at DAL
8. Hines Ward at JAC
9. Reggie Wayne vs. HOU
10. Andre Johnson at IND
11. Plaxico Burress at PHI
12. Chris Chambers vs. BUF
13. Randy Moss at BAL
14. Donald Driver vs. NO
15. Roy Williams at CHI
16. Derrick Mason vs. OAK
17. Antonio Bryant vs. STL
18. Darrell Jackson vs. ARI
19. Joe Horn at GB
20. Donte' Stallworth vs. NYG
21. Laveranues Coles vs. NE
22. Terry Glenn vs. WAS
23. Matt Jones vs. PIT
24. Rod Smith vs. KC
25. T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. CLE
26. Muhsin Muhammad vs. DET
27. Lee Evans at MIA
28. Joey Galloway at ATL
29. Javon Walker vs. KC
30. Eddie Kennison at DEN
31. Reggie Brown vs. NYG
32. Troy Williamson vs. CAR
33. Nate Burleson vs. ARI
34. Keenan McCardell vs. TEN
35. Drew Bennett at SD
36. Isaac Bruce at SF
37. Eric Moulds at IND
38. Keyshawn Johnson at MIN
39. Marty Booker vs. BUF
40. Jerricho Cotchery vs. NE
41. Mark Clayton vs. OAK
42. Michael Clayton at ATL
43. Michael Jenkins vs. TB
44. Braylon Edwards at CIN
45. Drew Carter at MIN
46. Amani Toomer at PHI
47. Roddy White vs. TB
48. Bobby Engram vs. ARI
49. David Givens at SD
50. Greg Jennings vs. NO
51. Reggie Williams vs. PIT
52. Eric Parker vs. TEN
53. Ernest Wilford vs. PIT
54. Troy Brown at NYJ
55. Chris Henry vs. CLE
56. Marques Colston at GB
57. Brandon Lloyd at DAL
58. Cedrick Wilson at JAC
59. Kevin Curtis at SF
60. Reche Caldwell at NYJ

Tight Ends
1. Antonio Gates vs. TEN
2. Tony Gonzalez at DEN
3. Todd Heap vs. OAK
4. Jeremy Shockey at PHI
5. Ben Watson at NYJ
6. Alge Crumpler vs. TB
7. Heath Miller at JAC
8. Kellen Winslow Jr. at CIN
9. Jason Witten vs. WAS
10. Randy McMichael vs. BUF
11. L.J. Smith vs. NYG
12. Chris Cooley at DAL
13. Dallas Clark vs. HOU
14. Vernon Davis vs. STL
15. Ben Troupe at SD
16. Jermaine Wiggins vs. CAR
17. Alex Smith at ATL
18. Chris Baker vs. NE
19. Ben Utecht vs. HOU
20. Jeb Putzier at IND
21. Bubba Franks vs. NO
22. Joe Klopfenstein at SF
23. Tony Scheffler vs. KC
24. Marcus Pollard at CHI
25. Leonard Pope at SEA

Defense/Special Teams
1. Chicago vs. DET
2. Pittsburgh at JAC
3. Baltimore vs. OAK
4. Indianapolis vs. HOU
5. San Diego vs. Ten
6. Carolina at MIN
7. Atlanta vs. TB
8. Philadelphia vs. NYG
9. Cincinnati vs. CLE
10. N.Y. Giants at PHI
11. Denver vs. KC
12. Washington at DAL
13. Seattle vs. ARI
14. Dallas vs. WAS
15. Tampa Bay at ATL
16. Miami vs. BUF
17. Jacksonville vs. PIT
18. Detroit at CHI
19. New England at NYJ
20. New Orleans at GB
21. Minnesota vs. CAR
22. St. Louis at SF
23. Kansas City at DEN
24. Buffalo at MIA
25. N.Y. Jets vs. NE
26. Cleveland at CIN
27. Green Bay vs. NO
28. Arizona at SEA
29. San Francisco vs. STL
30. Oakland at BAL
31. Tennessee at SD
32. Houston at IND

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 13, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider (5 New Articles Added 9/12/06)

Sep. 13, 2006, 1:50 PM

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT>

FFL: Week 2 Lineup Rankings

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning vs. HOU
2. Carson Palmer vs. CLE
3. Tom Brady at NYJ
4. Donovan McNabb vs. NYG
5. Matt Hasselbeck vs. ARI
6. Kurt Warner at SEA
7. Marc Bulger at SF
8. Eli Manning at PHI
9. Drew Brees at GB
10. Daunte Culpepper vs. BUF
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width=200 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=8><SPACER width="8" height="1" type="block"></TD><TD width=300 bgColor=#ecece4>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica, sans-serif]We rate players based on possible fantasy production each week, taking into account past production as well as matchups. These are not overall player rankings, but rather a list of who you should start for the upcoming week. Top superstars will rarely get moved out of the prime spots, as they should not be benched unless injured. Most players with an unclear injury or starting status for the upcoming week will not be included. All four major offensive positions and defense/special teams units are ranked. [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>11. Steve McNair vs. OAK
12. Drew Bledsoe vs. WAS
13. Jake Delhomme at MIN
14. Jake Plummer vs. KC
15. Brett Favre vs. NO
16. Michael Vick vs. TB
17. Brad Johnson vs. CAR
18. David Carr at IND
19. Byron Leftwich vs. PIT
20. Charlie Frye at CIN
21. Philip Rivers vs. TEN
22. Chad Pennington vs. NE
23. Charlie Batch at JAC
24. Mark Brunell at DAL
25. Chris Simms at ATL
26. Aaron Brooks at BAL
27. Jon Kitna at CHI
28. Rex Grossman vs. DET
29. Alex Smith vs. STL
30. Damon Huard at DEN
31. Kerry Collins at SD
32. J.P. Losman at MIA

Running Backs
1. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. TEN
2. Shaun Alexander vs. ARI
3. Larry Johnson at DEN
4. Rudi Johnson vs. CLE
5. Tiki Barber at PHI
6. Steven Jackson at SF
7. Ronnie Brown vs. BUF
8. Edgerrin James at SEA
9. Willie Parker at JAC
10. Brian Westbrook vs. NYG
11. Chester Taylor vs. CAR
12. Reggie Bush at GB
13. Reuben Droughns at CIN
14. Jamal Lewis vs. OAK
15. Willis McGahee at MIA
16. LaMont Jordan at BAL
17. Frank Gore vs. STL
18. Clinton Portis at DAL
19. Tatum Bell vs. KC
20. Warrick Dunn vs. TB
21. Julius Jones vs. WAS
22. Deuce McAllister at GB
23. Carnell Williams at ATL
24. Corey Dillon at NYJ
25. Ahman Green vs. NO
26. Fred Taylor vs. PIT
27. DeShaun Foster at MIN
28. Thomas Jones vs. DET
29. Dominic Rhodes vs. HOU
30. Laurence Maroney at NYJ
31. Mike Bell vs. KC
32. Kevin Jones at CHI
33. Wali Lundy at IND
34. Kevan Barlow vs. NE
35. Chris Brown at SD
36. Jerious Norwood vs. TB
37. Travis Henry at SD
38. Joseph Addai vs. HOU
39. Marion Barber vs. WAS
40. Cedric Benson vs, DET

Wide Receivers
1. Chad Johnson vs. CLE
2. Marvin Harrison vs. HOU
3. Torry Holt at SF
4. Larry Fitzgerald at SEA
5. Anquan Boldin at SEA
6. Terrell Owens vs. WAS
7. Santana Moss at DAL
8. Hines Ward at JAC
9. Reggie Wayne vs. HOU
10. Andre Johnson at IND
11. Plaxico Burress at PHI
12. Chris Chambers vs. BUF
13. Randy Moss at BAL
14. Donald Driver vs. NO
15. Roy Williams at CHI
16. Derrick Mason vs. OAK
17. Antonio Bryant vs. STL
18. Darrell Jackson vs. ARI
19. Joe Horn at GB
20. Donte' Stallworth vs. NYG
21. Laveranues Coles vs. NE
22. Terry Glenn vs. WAS
23. Matt Jones vs. PIT
24. Rod Smith vs. KC
25. T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. CLE
26. Muhsin Muhammad vs. DET
27. Lee Evans at MIA
28. Joey Galloway at ATL
29. Javon Walker vs. KC
30. Eddie Kennison at DEN
31. Reggie Brown vs. NYG
32. Troy Williamson vs. CAR
33. Nate Burleson vs. ARI
34. Keenan McCardell vs. TEN
35. Drew Bennett at SD
36. Isaac Bruce at SF
37. Eric Moulds at IND
38. Keyshawn Johnson at MIN
39. Marty Booker vs. BUF
40. Jerricho Cotchery vs. NE
41. Mark Clayton vs. OAK
42. Michael Clayton at ATL
43. Michael Jenkins vs. TB
44. Braylon Edwards at CIN
45. Drew Carter at MIN
46. Amani Toomer at PHI
47. Roddy White vs. TB
48. Bobby Engram vs. ARI
49. David Givens at SD
50. Greg Jennings vs. NO
51. Reggie Williams vs. PIT
52. Eric Parker vs. TEN
53. Ernest Wilford vs. PIT
54. Troy Brown at NYJ
55. Chris Henry vs. CLE
56. Marques Colston at GB
57. Brandon Lloyd at DAL
58. Cedrick Wilson at JAC
59. Kevin Curtis at SF
60. Reche Caldwell at NYJ

Tight Ends
1. Antonio Gates vs. TEN
2. Tony Gonzalez at DEN
3. Todd Heap vs. OAK
4. Jeremy Shockey at PHI
5. Ben Watson at NYJ
6. Alge Crumpler vs. TB
7. Heath Miller at JAC
8. Kellen Winslow Jr. at CIN
9. Jason Witten vs. WAS
10. Randy McMichael vs. BUF
11. L.J. Smith vs. NYG
12. Chris Cooley at DAL
13. Dallas Clark vs. HOU
14. Vernon Davis vs. STL
15. Ben Troupe at SD
16. Jermaine Wiggins vs. CAR
17. Alex Smith at ATL
18. Chris Baker vs. NE
19. Ben Utecht vs. HOU
20. Jeb Putzier at IND
21. Bubba Franks vs. NO
22. Joe Klopfenstein at SF
23. Tony Scheffler vs. KC
24. Marcus Pollard at CHI
25. Leonard Pope at SEA

Defense/Special Teams
1. Chicago vs. DET
2. Pittsburgh at JAC
3. Baltimore vs. OAK
4. Indianapolis vs. HOU
5. San Diego vs. Ten
6. Carolina at MIN
7. Atlanta vs. TB
8. Philadelphia vs. NYG
9. Cincinnati vs. CLE
10. N.Y. Giants at PHI
11. Denver vs. KC
12. Washington at DAL
13. Seattle vs. ARI
14. Dallas vs. WAS
15. Tampa Bay at ATL
16. Miami vs. BUF
17. Jacksonville vs. PIT
18. Detroit at CHI
19. New England at NYJ
20. New Orleans at GB
21. Minnesota vs. CAR
22. St. Louis at SF
23. Kansas City at DEN
24. Buffalo at MIA
25. N.Y. Jets vs. NE
26. Cleveland at CIN
27. Green Bay vs. NO
28. Arizona at SEA
29. San Francisco vs. STL
30. Oakland at BAL
31. Tennessee at SD
32. Houston at IND

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Thursday, September 14, 2006

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT> Taking Flight

By Scott Engel
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>In the preseason, it seemed like most fantasy players wanted to steer clear of New York Jets when they drafted. At least on paper, New York looked hopeless, and anyone who called out the name of Chad Pennington on draft day might have elicited some chuckles and looks of pity from his or her league mates. In many leagues, Jerricho Cotchery wasn't even drafted, and some less experienced fantasy players might have never heard of him.
What a difference a first impression during the regular season can make, though. After a fine opener at Tennessee, and with many other quarterbacks suddenly surrounded by question marks, Pennington is a hot fantasy pickup. Cotchery served notice that he can be a dependable possession receiver for Pennington. And while Derrick Blaylock, who is better suited to be a change-of-pace backup running back, did nothing to impress, Kevan Barlow scored in his New York debut, and published reports indicate the former 49er could take over the starting RB job as soon as Sunday's game against New England.
But how many of New York's promising performances will carry through the rest of the season? Pennington can't be counted on for too many 300-yard outings against opponents tougher than Tennessee. While Pennington demonstrated great accuracy and made crisp reads en route to throwing for two TDs and earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, you shouldn't plug him in as a regular starter just yet. He does need to make tougher throws against better opposition more consistently, and the Patriots will certainly present a stiffer test for Pennington this week. He's a fine free-agent addition, but he still has to prove he can post quality numbers on a regular basis.
Cotchery caught six passes for 65 yards, and has clearly earned the confidence of Pennington. But he is inexperienced as a starter and could disappear against teams with quality secondaries. And while Barlow clearly has the most talent and potential of any RB on the Jets' roster, many fantasy owners won't forget that Barlow was a major disappointment as a starter for the 49ers. While Barlow certainly is a good goal-line runner, he won't be dependable for yardage. The Jets' offensive line is still a work in progress, and Barlow will have to scrape and fight his way through traffic very often. He shouldn't be considered anything more than a flex player. <STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
The Minnesota offense also looked much better than expected in the first week of the season. While the Vikings certainly didn't look like a powerhouse unit, the team did operate very efficiently on offense and should offer fantasy players quality production in the weeks ahead. Brad Johnson wasn't a chic QB pick in the preseason, but he demonstrated he can still manage a game well under pressure and can make timely, important throws. His receiving crew doesn't look great individually, but they complement each other well as a unit and Johnson seems very comfortable spreading the ball around. Marcus Robinson is still a threat in the red zone and on third downs, and Travis Taylor runs good routes and makes some key possession catches. Troy Williamson is a definite deep threat, and Jermaine Wiggins is a good option for Johnson on critical downs as well. The Minnesota receiving unit is better as a whole than individually, as only the quickly improving Williamson can actually be considered for regular starting duty among wide receivers from the group, and Wiggins isn't statistically reliable. But Johnson uses them all well, and if you're desperate for QB help, the veteran passer is a decent stopgap starter, especially in larger leagues. Chester Taylor is already looking like a workhorse, and while he isn't going to bust loose for too many long runs, he is yet another receiving option for Johnson and will keep pressure off him. Don't hesitate to start Johnson in a pinch, and Williamson, who has great deep gear and is getting regular downfield looks, is a fine starting choice against the weaker opponents on Minnesota's schedule.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Terry Glenn, WR, Cowboys
4 receptions for 81 yards and 0 TD
While all the talk in Dallas surrounds Terrell Owens and an ongoing quarterback controversy, the always testy Bill Parcells seemingly doesn't have to answer any questions about Glenn during his terse exchanges (news conferences) with the media. While Owens did catch Drew Bledsoe's only TD pass against Jacksonville, it was Glenn who led the Cowboys in receiving yardage. Glenn quietly had a fine preseason and looks like one of the most underrated receivers in the league right now. He caught a 51-yarder against the Jaguars and is still displaying good deep speed at age 32. No matter the matchup, or even if there is a switch from Bledsoe to Tony Romo at some point, Glenn should be a very dependable No. 2 fantasy receiver all season long. Some wide receivers seem to improve later in their careers, and Glenn falls into that category. He's another guy who was simply a boom-or-bust downfield threat earlier in his career, but is now a more trusted source on key downs for his QBs. Glenn won't go over the middle to make the tough catch, but he uses his experience, moves and quickness to get open when it counts. Glenn has a knack for making timely and often pretty grabs, especially near the sidelines. While opposing defenses are trying to contain Glenn, he'll face a lot of single coverages and he knows how to find some soft spots in zone coverages. He should be a regular starter as a No. 2 fantasy wide receiver.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Thursday, September 14, 2006

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT> Taking Flight

By Scott Engel
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>In the preseason, it seemed like most fantasy players wanted to steer clear of New York Jets when they drafted. At least on paper, New York looked hopeless, and anyone who called out the name of Chad Pennington on draft day might have elicited some chuckles and looks of pity from his or her league mates. In many leagues, Jerricho Cotchery wasn't even drafted, and some less experienced fantasy players might have never heard of him.
What a difference a first impression during the regular season can make, though. After a fine opener at Tennessee, and with many other quarterbacks suddenly surrounded by question marks, Pennington is a hot fantasy pickup. Cotchery served notice that he can be a dependable possession receiver for Pennington. And while Derrick Blaylock, who is better suited to be a change-of-pace backup running back, did nothing to impress, Kevan Barlow scored in his New York debut, and published reports indicate the former 49er could take over the starting RB job as soon as Sunday's game against New England.
But how many of New York's promising performances will carry through the rest of the season? Pennington can't be counted on for too many 300-yard outings against opponents tougher than Tennessee. While Pennington demonstrated great accuracy and made crisp reads en route to throwing for two TDs and earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, you shouldn't plug him in as a regular starter just yet. He does need to make tougher throws against better opposition more consistently, and the Patriots will certainly present a stiffer test for Pennington this week. He's a fine free-agent addition, but he still has to prove he can post quality numbers on a regular basis.
Cotchery caught six passes for 65 yards, and has clearly earned the confidence of Pennington. But he is inexperienced as a starter and could disappear against teams with quality secondaries. And while Barlow clearly has the most talent and potential of any RB on the Jets' roster, many fantasy owners won't forget that Barlow was a major disappointment as a starter for the 49ers. While Barlow certainly is a good goal-line runner, he won't be dependable for yardage. The Jets' offensive line is still a work in progress, and Barlow will have to scrape and fight his way through traffic very often. He shouldn't be considered anything more than a flex player. <STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
The Minnesota offense also looked much better than expected in the first week of the season. While the Vikings certainly didn't look like a powerhouse unit, the team did operate very efficiently on offense and should offer fantasy players quality production in the weeks ahead. Brad Johnson wasn't a chic QB pick in the preseason, but he demonstrated he can still manage a game well under pressure and can make timely, important throws. His receiving crew doesn't look great individually, but they complement each other well as a unit and Johnson seems very comfortable spreading the ball around. Marcus Robinson is still a threat in the red zone and on third downs, and Travis Taylor runs good routes and makes some key possession catches. Troy Williamson is a definite deep threat, and Jermaine Wiggins is a good option for Johnson on critical downs as well. The Minnesota receiving unit is better as a whole than individually, as only the quickly improving Williamson can actually be considered for regular starting duty among wide receivers from the group, and Wiggins isn't statistically reliable. But Johnson uses them all well, and if you're desperate for QB help, the veteran passer is a decent stopgap starter, especially in larger leagues. Chester Taylor is already looking like a workhorse, and while he isn't going to bust loose for too many long runs, he is yet another receiving option for Johnson and will keep pressure off him. Don't hesitate to start Johnson in a pinch, and Williamson, who has great deep gear and is getting regular downfield looks, is a fine starting choice against the weaker opponents on Minnesota's schedule.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Terry Glenn, WR, Cowboys
4 receptions for 81 yards and 0 TD
While all the talk in Dallas surrounds Terrell Owens and an ongoing quarterback controversy, the always testy Bill Parcells seemingly doesn't have to answer any questions about Glenn during his terse exchanges (news conferences) with the media. While Owens did catch Drew Bledsoe's only TD pass against Jacksonville, it was Glenn who led the Cowboys in receiving yardage. Glenn quietly had a fine preseason and looks like one of the most underrated receivers in the league right now. He caught a 51-yarder against the Jaguars and is still displaying good deep speed at age 32. No matter the matchup, or even if there is a switch from Bledsoe to Tony Romo at some point, Glenn should be a very dependable No. 2 fantasy receiver all season long. Some wide receivers seem to improve later in their careers, and Glenn falls into that category. He's another guy who was simply a boom-or-bust downfield threat earlier in his career, but is now a more trusted source on key downs for his QBs. Glenn won't go over the middle to make the tough catch, but he uses his experience, moves and quickness to get open when it counts. Glenn has a knack for making timely and often pretty grabs, especially near the sidelines. While opposing defenses are trying to contain Glenn, he'll face a lot of single coverages and he knows how to find some soft spots in zone coverages. He should be a regular starter as a No. 2 fantasy wide receiver.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Sep. 14, 2006, 5:01 PM

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Week 2: 10 Things to watch

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, I provide my list of 10 things I'm watching on game day, so you'll be prepared for some of the week's biggest developments in advance of them happening.
The ever-changing Houston backfield. While we might not see the Texans debut of Samkon Gado in Week 2, Houston most assuredly will have at least one new running back on the active roster in former Bronco Ron Dayne. Gado, acquired Wednesday, wouldn't have enough practice time with his new team to be up to the task of playing, but Dayne should be, perhaps being used in short-yardage and goal-line situations. That'll take away from Wali Lundy's already limited fantasy value, but more importantly, it'll put pressure on Lundy to pick up his performance after a disappointing Week 1 effort. The Texans will keep rotating their running backs until one steps up as the go-to guy, so keep monitoring these three for the next couple weeks to see whether one emerges as a possible flex option.
The return of Ben Roethlisberger. What a long, difficult summer it has been for Roethlisberger. First, his motorcycle accident had him questionable for the start of training camp, then, once his injuries healed, an emergency appendectomy cost him Week 1 of the regular season. Roethlisberger returned to practice on Wednesday, and he's expected to play at Jacksonville on "Monday Night Football" in Week 2. That's not the best of matchups for him, meaning it'd be safer to keep him on your bench to evaluate his progress, but it'll be interesting to see whether he can continue the improvement he displayed in the playoffs last year, when he averaged 200.8 passing yards with seven touchdowns in four games.
Life in Kansas City under Damon Huard. Trent Green's injury might have been devastating to his fantasy owners, but I'd argue it's even more potentially devastating to the Chiefs, assuming it's a long-term thing. Unfortunately, one of Kansas City's weaknesses is in its backup quarterbacks, likely because Green had been so dependable over the years, making the need for a backup in the past irrelevant. It's not that Huard is a terrible quarterback -- we don't know that's a fact, at least not yet -- but I'd be surprised if he's anywhere near as reliable a deep threat as Green. Whether he can make good use of Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker, keeping defensive attention off Larry Johnson, will go a long way towards determining the value of all of your Chiefs looking forward.
Clinton Portis' workload. Portis looked good on Monday night, though his statistics did appear more impressive than his game performance thanks to a brilliant block by Mike Sellers that paved the way for a Portis touchdown. Hey, it's six points for fantasy, and that's all that counts, right? Another week removed from his shoulder injury, Portis should be even stronger in Week 2, and ready to assume a regular workload of 15, 20, maybe even more carries than that. I'm still thinking he needs two or three games to get back to full speed, and even after that T.J. Duckett occasionally could swipe a goal-line carry or two, but I'm curious to see how Duckett and/or Ladell Betts are worked in if at all on Sunday. If they're only minimal factors, it'd be a great sign for Portis' long-term outlook.
The Thomas Jones-Cedric Benson battle. I couldn't have been more disappointed in Jones' Week 1 effort, as Benson did everything he could this preseason to hand Jones back his job, then the veteran did little to prove himself worthy of it facing a soft matchup against the Packers. That's not going to keep him atop the depth chart for long, as Benson's getting healthier and the Bears still seem committed to him in the long term, meaning Week 2 is an important game in which for Jones to shine. He has a nice history against the Lions, at least, but another quiet effort could mean Benson becomes next week's most popular pickup.
Donte' Stallworth's comfort level in Philly. He and Donovan McNabb demonstrated a remarkable level of chemistry in Houston in Week 1, making Stallworth one of the more popular additions of the past week. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm curious to see how the Philadelphia passing game shakes out in these early weeks. Somehow, I have this feeling McNabb might be a Tom Brady-like quarterback in 2006, spreading the ball to several different receivers in most weeks, though the good news is that at least Philadelphia passes more often than New England. There's value in Stallworth, Reggie Brown and L.J. Smith, but will they all get chances, or is Stallworth truly McNabb's preferred target?
The Atlanta defense. The Falcons' pass rush did a fine job giving Jake Delhomme and the Panthers headaches in Week 1, but much of that can be attributed to DE John Abraham, who is questionable for Sunday with a groin injury. Without Abraham, would Atlanta be so successful on the defensive side of the ball? Fortunately, it's an easier matchup against the struggling QB Chris Simms, the banged-up RB Carnell Williams and the shaky Tampa Bay offense in Week 2, but I'd like to see whether the defensive line keeps it up if Abraham plays, or whether this unit goes sour once again if he remains sidelined.
The Rams in red-zone situations. If I'm a Steven Jackson owner, I wasn't at all happy about the Rams' approach near the goal line. Isn't this supposed to be a run-oriented offense? Yet every time the Rams reached the red zone, it wasn't Stephen Davis getting the ball, nor was it Jackson; no, almost every time, it was a passing play. Maybe the Rams have spent the week wondering why they had to constantly settle for the field goal in Week 1, and maybe they don't mind that, but for Jackson's sake, can't they just give him a chance? I'll be watching in Week 2, wondering whether the Rams will have learned ? Or maybe they'll just use Davis in those situations, as us Jackson owners keep fearing.
A brewing quarterback controversy in Denver? Almost immediately after the Broncos's disappointing Week 1 performance against the Rams, local beat writers began suggesting Jay Cutler would overtake Jake Plummer for his job at some point this season. That's certainly possible, as the No. 11 pick overall in the 2006 draft is indeed the future of this team, but if the Broncos plan to contend this season, their best chance is with Plummer under center. Really, Plummer wasn't all that bad as Denver's starter in 2005, going nine games in which he threw for a touchdown and wasn't intercepted, and leading the team to a 27-13 win over the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. He'll keep getting his chances, but it's games like these in which he needs to step up and perform to quiet all the Cutler talk. I think he can do it, but we'll see how he rebounds on Sunday. Laurence Maroney's rapid development. Corey Dillon owners are in a fit of panic after Maroney actually wound up with the better rushing numbers in Week 1. They should be, too, since it's clear Maroney is the Patriots' running back of the future ?The near future. Still, let's not toss Dillon on the trash pile yet, as his experience is still a very valuable asset to a contending team like the Patriots, meaning he won't be merely pushed aside without a fight. Week 2's matchup against the Jets will be a prime indicator of Dillon's role on the 2006 team; the Patriots should be able to mount an early lead, so there should be another 30-plus carries to go around. If Maroney exceeds Dillon in carries for the second consecutive week, or even matches him, then it's time for Dillon's owners to sweat.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Sep. 14, 2006, 5:01 PM

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Week 2: 10 Things to watch

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, I provide my list of 10 things I'm watching on game day, so you'll be prepared for some of the week's biggest developments in advance of them happening.
The ever-changing Houston backfield. While we might not see the Texans debut of Samkon Gado in Week 2, Houston most assuredly will have at least one new running back on the active roster in former Bronco Ron Dayne. Gado, acquired Wednesday, wouldn't have enough practice time with his new team to be up to the task of playing, but Dayne should be, perhaps being used in short-yardage and goal-line situations. That'll take away from Wali Lundy's already limited fantasy value, but more importantly, it'll put pressure on Lundy to pick up his performance after a disappointing Week 1 effort. The Texans will keep rotating their running backs until one steps up as the go-to guy, so keep monitoring these three for the next couple weeks to see whether one emerges as a possible flex option.
The return of Ben Roethlisberger. What a long, difficult summer it has been for Roethlisberger. First, his motorcycle accident had him questionable for the start of training camp, then, once his injuries healed, an emergency appendectomy cost him Week 1 of the regular season. Roethlisberger returned to practice on Wednesday, and he's expected to play at Jacksonville on "Monday Night Football" in Week 2. That's not the best of matchups for him, meaning it'd be safer to keep him on your bench to evaluate his progress, but it'll be interesting to see whether he can continue the improvement he displayed in the playoffs last year, when he averaged 200.8 passing yards with seven touchdowns in four games.
Life in Kansas City under Damon Huard. Trent Green's injury might have been devastating to his fantasy owners, but I'd argue it's even more potentially devastating to the Chiefs, assuming it's a long-term thing. Unfortunately, one of Kansas City's weaknesses is in its backup quarterbacks, likely because Green had been so dependable over the years, making the need for a backup in the past irrelevant. It's not that Huard is a terrible quarterback -- we don't know that's a fact, at least not yet -- but I'd be surprised if he's anywhere near as reliable a deep threat as Green. Whether he can make good use of Eddie Kennison and Samie Parker, keeping defensive attention off Larry Johnson, will go a long way towards determining the value of all of your Chiefs looking forward.
Clinton Portis' workload. Portis looked good on Monday night, though his statistics did appear more impressive than his game performance thanks to a brilliant block by Mike Sellers that paved the way for a Portis touchdown. Hey, it's six points for fantasy, and that's all that counts, right? Another week removed from his shoulder injury, Portis should be even stronger in Week 2, and ready to assume a regular workload of 15, 20, maybe even more carries than that. I'm still thinking he needs two or three games to get back to full speed, and even after that T.J. Duckett occasionally could swipe a goal-line carry or two, but I'm curious to see how Duckett and/or Ladell Betts are worked in if at all on Sunday. If they're only minimal factors, it'd be a great sign for Portis' long-term outlook.
The Thomas Jones-Cedric Benson battle. I couldn't have been more disappointed in Jones' Week 1 effort, as Benson did everything he could this preseason to hand Jones back his job, then the veteran did little to prove himself worthy of it facing a soft matchup against the Packers. That's not going to keep him atop the depth chart for long, as Benson's getting healthier and the Bears still seem committed to him in the long term, meaning Week 2 is an important game in which for Jones to shine. He has a nice history against the Lions, at least, but another quiet effort could mean Benson becomes next week's most popular pickup.
Donte' Stallworth's comfort level in Philly. He and Donovan McNabb demonstrated a remarkable level of chemistry in Houston in Week 1, making Stallworth one of the more popular additions of the past week. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm curious to see how the Philadelphia passing game shakes out in these early weeks. Somehow, I have this feeling McNabb might be a Tom Brady-like quarterback in 2006, spreading the ball to several different receivers in most weeks, though the good news is that at least Philadelphia passes more often than New England. There's value in Stallworth, Reggie Brown and L.J. Smith, but will they all get chances, or is Stallworth truly McNabb's preferred target?
The Atlanta defense. The Falcons' pass rush did a fine job giving Jake Delhomme and the Panthers headaches in Week 1, but much of that can be attributed to DE John Abraham, who is questionable for Sunday with a groin injury. Without Abraham, would Atlanta be so successful on the defensive side of the ball? Fortunately, it's an easier matchup against the struggling QB Chris Simms, the banged-up RB Carnell Williams and the shaky Tampa Bay offense in Week 2, but I'd like to see whether the defensive line keeps it up if Abraham plays, or whether this unit goes sour once again if he remains sidelined.
The Rams in red-zone situations. If I'm a Steven Jackson owner, I wasn't at all happy about the Rams' approach near the goal line. Isn't this supposed to be a run-oriented offense? Yet every time the Rams reached the red zone, it wasn't Stephen Davis getting the ball, nor was it Jackson; no, almost every time, it was a passing play. Maybe the Rams have spent the week wondering why they had to constantly settle for the field goal in Week 1, and maybe they don't mind that, but for Jackson's sake, can't they just give him a chance? I'll be watching in Week 2, wondering whether the Rams will have learned ? Or maybe they'll just use Davis in those situations, as us Jackson owners keep fearing.
A brewing quarterback controversy in Denver? Almost immediately after the Broncos's disappointing Week 1 performance against the Rams, local beat writers began suggesting Jay Cutler would overtake Jake Plummer for his job at some point this season. That's certainly possible, as the No. 11 pick overall in the 2006 draft is indeed the future of this team, but if the Broncos plan to contend this season, their best chance is with Plummer under center. Really, Plummer wasn't all that bad as Denver's starter in 2005, going nine games in which he threw for a touchdown and wasn't intercepted, and leading the team to a 27-13 win over the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. He'll keep getting his chances, but it's games like these in which he needs to step up and perform to quiet all the Cutler talk. I think he can do it, but we'll see how he rebounds on Sunday. Laurence Maroney's rapid development. Corey Dillon owners are in a fit of panic after Maroney actually wound up with the better rushing numbers in Week 1. They should be, too, since it's clear Maroney is the Patriots' running back of the future ?The near future. Still, let's not toss Dillon on the trash pile yet, as his experience is still a very valuable asset to a contending team like the Patriots, meaning he won't be merely pushed aside without a fight. Week 2's matchup against the Jets will be a prime indicator of Dillon's role on the 2006 team; the Patriots should be able to mount an early lead, so there should be another 30-plus carries to go around. If Maroney exceeds Dillon in carries for the second consecutive week, or even matches him, then it's time for Dillon's owners to sweat.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Sep. 14, 2006, 3:02 PM

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Cockcroft: Week 2 Statbook

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, the FFL Statbook provides you with hot and cold players, historical statistics and trends to exploit, and weather reports as you consider your weekly player matchups.

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">RIDE THE HOT STREAK</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The players listed below -- three each at QB, RB and WR and one TE -- are performing well enough of late to be must-starts regardless of the matchups.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals (@SEA): Had 4 catches for 62 yards (15.5 AVG), 1 TD in Week 1; had 11 catches for 144 yards (13.1 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Reggie Bush, RB, Saints (@GB): In his NFL debut in Week 1, he had 22 touches for 119 YDS; he also had 19 ATT, 102 rushYDS (5.4 AVG) in the preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Laveranues Coles, WR, Jets (NE): Had 8 catches for 153 yards (19.1 AVG) in Week 1; and had 12 catches for 90 yards (7.5 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Frank Gore, RB, 49ers (STL): He was fantasy's leading scorer in Week 1, with 16 ATT, 87 rushYDS, 2 TD and 6 REC, 83 recYDS; averaged 5.4 yds/att in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (NYG): Completed 24 of 35 passes for 314 passYDS, 3 TD, 1 INT in return from hernia surgery; had 112.7 rating in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Willie Parker, RB, Steelers (@JAC): Has 100+ rushYDS in 3 straight regular-season G; has 129 ATT, 605 rushYDS, 2 TD in his last 7 G (postseason included). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Donte' Stallworth, WR, Eagles (NYG): Had 6 REC, 141 recYDS, 1 TD in Week 1; has 55 REC, 763 recYDS (13.9 AVG), 7 TD in his last 11 regular-season G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Michael Vick, QB, Falcons (TB): Had 140 passYDS, 2 TD, 0 INT and ran 7 times for 48 rushYDS in Week 1; had 2 passTDs and averaged 12.4 yds/run in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals (@SEA): Completed 23 of 37 passes for 301 passYDS, 3 TD in Week 1; had 381 passYDS, 3 TD, 1 INT in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Browns (@CIN): Had 8 catches for 63 yards (7.9 AVG), 1 TD in Week 1; had 7 catches for 59 yards (8.4 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: Deuce McAllister might have gotten more carries than Bush (22-14) in Week 1, but if you throw in Bush's eight receptions, the Saints duo actually received an identical number of touches. That's a trend I expect to continue, meaning Bush still should get enough chances to rack up fantasy points except against the toughest of matchups. ... This Najeh Davenport talk in Pittsburgh is ridiculous. He just joined the team and isn't the sturdiest of backs, so I hardly think he's enough of a goal-line threat to diminish Parker's appeal. Parker's still a must-start, solid No. 2 option. ... Stallworth and Winslow displayed remarkable chemistry with their quarterbacks in Week 1, and who's to say that's a trend that won't continue? Either way, at worst they're each No. 2 in line on their teams. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">AVOID THE COLD SPELL</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The players listed below -- three each at QB, RB and WR and one TE -- have struggled enough recently that they should be avoided whenever possible.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Derrick Blaylock, RB, Jets (NE): Had 19 carries for 36 yards (1.9 AVG), 0 TD in Week 1; had 25 carries for 93 yards (3.7 AVG), 0 TD in 3 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Aaron Brooks, QB, Raiders (@BAL): He completed 6 of 14 passes for 68 yards and 0 TD and was sacked 7 times in Week 1; had 2 INT, 5 sacks in the preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Mark Brunell, QB, Redskins (@DAL): He completed 17 of 28 passes for 163 yards and 0 TD in Week 1; had 45.7 completion PCT, 0 TD, 1 INT in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Michael Clayton, WR, Buccaneers (@ATL): He had 3 catches for 34 yards (11.3 AVG) in Week 1; and had 2 catches for 32 yards and 0 TD in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Reuben Droughns, RB, Browns (@CIN): Had 11 carries for 27 yards (2.5 AVG), 0 TD in Week 1; had 21 carries for 81 yards (3.9 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Joey Galloway, WR, Buccaneers (@ATL): He was held without a catch and was targeted only 3 times in Week 1; had 2 catches for 28 yards in the preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>J.P. Losman, QB, Bills (@MIA): He completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards and 0 TD in Week 1; had 2 TD, 2 INT and was sacked 9 times in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Wali Lundy, RB, Texans (@IND): He had 11 carries for 32 yards (2.9 AVG) and 2 catches for minus-1 yards in Week 1; Samkon Gado acquisition hurts his value. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Samie Parker, WR, Chiefs (@DEN): He had 2 catches for 24 yards (12.0 AVG), 0 TD in Week 1; had 4 catches for 68 yards (17.0 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Alex Smith, TE, Buccaneers (@ATL): He had 2 catches for 18 yards (9.0 AVG) and 0 TD in Week 1; had 1 catch for 9 yards in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: I still won't touch any of those Jets runners, not in Week 2 and probably not in any week of the season. Blaylock looked like the go-to guy on paper in Week 1, but his underwhelming numbers mean it easily could be Kevan Barlow's turn as the featured back in the near future. ... If Brooks couldn't get any protection from his offensive line against the Chargers, he's not going to get any more help against the Ravens this week. ... Steer clear of the entire Tampa Bay passing game until Chris Simms proves he can make effective use of his receivers. The Buccaneers travel to Atlanta this week, and based on the amount of pressure the Falcons put on Jake Delhomme in Week 1, I'm not expecting a rebound for Simms and Co. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">HISTORY LESSON</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The following players have tremendous recent track records against their scheduled opponents, making them more appealing fantasy options for this week.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks (ARI): Has 467 rushYDS, 9 TD in last 3 G vs. ARI; has 150 ATT, 797 rushYDS, 66 recYDS, 14 TD in 8 career G vs. ARI. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Tiki Barber, RB, Giants (@PHI): Has 5 consecutive 100-yard efforts and 6 of 7 vs. PHI; has 166 ATT, 943 rushYDS, 396 recYDS, 3 TD in his last 8 G vs. PHI. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (@NYJ): Has 8-2 career record vs. NYJ, including 5-0 @Jets; Has averaged 209.3 passYDS with 10 TD, 3 INT in 9 career GS vs. NYJ </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Chris Chambers, WR, Dolphins (BUF): Had 15 REC, 238 recYDS, 1 TD vs. BUF on 12/4/05 @Dolphin; has 43 REC, 610 recYDS, 6 TD in 9 career G vs. BUF. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Alge Crumpler, TE, Falcons (TB): He had a career-high 118 recYDS vs. TB on 11/14/04; has 15 REC, 241 recYDS, 3 TD in his last 5 G vs. TB. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Corey Dillon, RB, Patriots (@NYJ): Had 142 rushYDS, 3 TD in 2 G vs. NYJ in 2005; has 115 ATT, 431 rushYDS, 9 REC, 63 recYDS, 5 TD in last 5 G vs. NYJ. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Lee Evans, WR, Bills (@MIA): Had 5 REC, 117 recYDS, 3 TD vs. MIA on 12/4/05 @Dolphin; has 12 REC, 292 recYDS, 5 TD in his last 3 G vs. BUF. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Torry Holt, WR, Rams (@SF): Has three consecutive 10-catch, 100-receiving yard games vs. SF; has 82 REC, 1,188 recYDS, 4 TD in 14 career G vs. SF. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals (CLE): Has 3 consecutive 100-yd G vs. CLE, scoring a TD in each; and has 681 rushYDS, 80 recYDS and 6 TD in 7 career G vs. CLE. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Thomas Jones, RB, Bears (DET): Has 85 ATT, 387 rushYDS, 116 recYDS, 4 TD in his last 4 G vs. DET; averaged 106.3 rushYDS in 7 home G in 2005. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Peyton Manning, QB, Colts (HOU): He's a perfect 8-0 vs. HOU, with a passing TD in each; has averaged 262.9 passYDS with 19 TD, 4 INT in the 8 G vs. HOU. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (NYG): Has wins in 7 consecutive starts vs. NYG; had 574 passYDS, 5 TD, 0 INT and 9-42-1 rushing stats in last 2 GS vs. NYG. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rod Smith, WR, Broncos (KC): Has 100-plus recYDS in 8 of his 16 career G vs. KC; has 19 REC, 234 recYDS, 2 TD in his last 3 G vs. KC. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles (NYG): Has 4 straight 100-yard scrimmage G vs. NYG; has 75 ATT, 374 rushYDS, 20 REC, 223 recYDS, 6 TD in last 5 G vs. NYG. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: Worried about Shaun Alexander? Don't be. He regularly torches the shaky Arizona defense, and I expect he'll do it again in Week 2. ... Brady's career numbers against the Jets might not be overwhelming, but those are remarkably efficient rates. At the very least, it means he won't hurt you, and don't overlook that he has passed for two touchdowns apiece in his last four games against the Jets at Giants Stadium. ... Jones needs a bounce-back effort if he wants to hold off Cedric Benson for his starting job in Chicago, especially considering he has regularly excelled against the division-rival Lions. ... Westbrook should be a regular contender for eight receptions a game, which more than makes up for the fact that he rarely runs the ball even 15 times a contest. The Eagles will find ways to get him to contribute in an important division game. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">WEATHER REPORT</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">Up-to-the-minute conditions can be found on The Weather Channel's Web site.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rain in the forecast (40 percent chance or worse): No games. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Cold temperatures (40 degrees or lower): No games. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Hot temperatures (80 degrees or higher): Redskins at Cowboys and Steelers at Jaguars could push 90, and Bills at Dolphins should be in the low 80s. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Weatherproof games (safest playing conditions): Panthers at Vikings (Metrodome), Texans at Colts (RCA Dome) and Buccaneers at Falcons (Georgia Dome). </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">KICKERS IN DOMES</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">Because kickers are, as a whole, fairly unpredictable, weather can play a big part in determining which ones to use each week. Those who kick in domes are safest from the elements and therefore least likely to hurt you, making the names below more attractive plays. Statistics listed are career numbers (G: games, FGpct: field-goal percentage; XPTpct: extra-point percentage; ppg: points per game).</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Kris Brown, Texans (@IND): 23 G, 79.4 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 5.22 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Matt Bryant, Buccaneers (@ATL): 7 G, 75.0 FGpct, 90.9 XPTpct, 6.71 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>John Kasay, Panthers (@MIN): 37 G, 87.5 FGpct, 97.1 XPTpct, 6.95 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Michael Koenen, Falcons (TB): 10 G, 50.0 FGpct, -- XPTpct, 0.30 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Ryan Longwell, Vikings (CAR): 24 G, 86.3 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 7.96 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Adam Vinatieri, Colts (HOU): 16 G, 94.4 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 8.88 ppg. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Sep. 14, 2006, 3:02 PM

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Cockcroft: Week 2 Statbook

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, the FFL Statbook provides you with hot and cold players, historical statistics and trends to exploit, and weather reports as you consider your weekly player matchups.

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">RIDE THE HOT STREAK</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The players listed below -- three each at QB, RB and WR and one TE -- are performing well enough of late to be must-starts regardless of the matchups.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals (@SEA): Had 4 catches for 62 yards (15.5 AVG), 1 TD in Week 1; had 11 catches for 144 yards (13.1 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Reggie Bush, RB, Saints (@GB): In his NFL debut in Week 1, he had 22 touches for 119 YDS; he also had 19 ATT, 102 rushYDS (5.4 AVG) in the preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Laveranues Coles, WR, Jets (NE): Had 8 catches for 153 yards (19.1 AVG) in Week 1; and had 12 catches for 90 yards (7.5 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Frank Gore, RB, 49ers (STL): He was fantasy's leading scorer in Week 1, with 16 ATT, 87 rushYDS, 2 TD and 6 REC, 83 recYDS; averaged 5.4 yds/att in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (NYG): Completed 24 of 35 passes for 314 passYDS, 3 TD, 1 INT in return from hernia surgery; had 112.7 rating in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Willie Parker, RB, Steelers (@JAC): Has 100+ rushYDS in 3 straight regular-season G; has 129 ATT, 605 rushYDS, 2 TD in his last 7 G (postseason included). </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Donte' Stallworth, WR, Eagles (NYG): Had 6 REC, 141 recYDS, 1 TD in Week 1; has 55 REC, 763 recYDS (13.9 AVG), 7 TD in his last 11 regular-season G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Michael Vick, QB, Falcons (TB): Had 140 passYDS, 2 TD, 0 INT and ran 7 times for 48 rushYDS in Week 1; had 2 passTDs and averaged 12.4 yds/run in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals (@SEA): Completed 23 of 37 passes for 301 passYDS, 3 TD in Week 1; had 381 passYDS, 3 TD, 1 INT in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Browns (@CIN): Had 8 catches for 63 yards (7.9 AVG), 1 TD in Week 1; had 7 catches for 59 yards (8.4 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: Deuce McAllister might have gotten more carries than Bush (22-14) in Week 1, but if you throw in Bush's eight receptions, the Saints duo actually received an identical number of touches. That's a trend I expect to continue, meaning Bush still should get enough chances to rack up fantasy points except against the toughest of matchups. ... This Najeh Davenport talk in Pittsburgh is ridiculous. He just joined the team and isn't the sturdiest of backs, so I hardly think he's enough of a goal-line threat to diminish Parker's appeal. Parker's still a must-start, solid No. 2 option. ... Stallworth and Winslow displayed remarkable chemistry with their quarterbacks in Week 1, and who's to say that's a trend that won't continue? Either way, at worst they're each No. 2 in line on their teams. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">AVOID THE COLD SPELL</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The players listed below -- three each at QB, RB and WR and one TE -- have struggled enough recently that they should be avoided whenever possible.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Derrick Blaylock, RB, Jets (NE): Had 19 carries for 36 yards (1.9 AVG), 0 TD in Week 1; had 25 carries for 93 yards (3.7 AVG), 0 TD in 3 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Aaron Brooks, QB, Raiders (@BAL): He completed 6 of 14 passes for 68 yards and 0 TD and was sacked 7 times in Week 1; had 2 INT, 5 sacks in the preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Mark Brunell, QB, Redskins (@DAL): He completed 17 of 28 passes for 163 yards and 0 TD in Week 1; had 45.7 completion PCT, 0 TD, 1 INT in preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Michael Clayton, WR, Buccaneers (@ATL): He had 3 catches for 34 yards (11.3 AVG) in Week 1; and had 2 catches for 32 yards and 0 TD in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Reuben Droughns, RB, Browns (@CIN): Had 11 carries for 27 yards (2.5 AVG), 0 TD in Week 1; had 21 carries for 81 yards (3.9 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Joey Galloway, WR, Buccaneers (@ATL): He was held without a catch and was targeted only 3 times in Week 1; had 2 catches for 28 yards in the preseason. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>J.P. Losman, QB, Bills (@MIA): He completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards and 0 TD in Week 1; had 2 TD, 2 INT and was sacked 9 times in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Wali Lundy, RB, Texans (@IND): He had 11 carries for 32 yards (2.9 AVG) and 2 catches for minus-1 yards in Week 1; Samkon Gado acquisition hurts his value. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Samie Parker, WR, Chiefs (@DEN): He had 2 catches for 24 yards (12.0 AVG), 0 TD in Week 1; had 4 catches for 68 yards (17.0 AVG) in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Alex Smith, TE, Buccaneers (@ATL): He had 2 catches for 18 yards (9.0 AVG) and 0 TD in Week 1; had 1 catch for 9 yards in 4 preseason G. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: I still won't touch any of those Jets runners, not in Week 2 and probably not in any week of the season. Blaylock looked like the go-to guy on paper in Week 1, but his underwhelming numbers mean it easily could be Kevan Barlow's turn as the featured back in the near future. ... If Brooks couldn't get any protection from his offensive line against the Chargers, he's not going to get any more help against the Ravens this week. ... Steer clear of the entire Tampa Bay passing game until Chris Simms proves he can make effective use of his receivers. The Buccaneers travel to Atlanta this week, and based on the amount of pressure the Falcons put on Jake Delhomme in Week 1, I'm not expecting a rebound for Simms and Co. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">HISTORY LESSON</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">The following players have tremendous recent track records against their scheduled opponents, making them more appealing fantasy options for this week.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks (ARI): Has 467 rushYDS, 9 TD in last 3 G vs. ARI; has 150 ATT, 797 rushYDS, 66 recYDS, 14 TD in 8 career G vs. ARI. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Tiki Barber, RB, Giants (@PHI): Has 5 consecutive 100-yard efforts and 6 of 7 vs. PHI; has 166 ATT, 943 rushYDS, 396 recYDS, 3 TD in his last 8 G vs. PHI. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Tom Brady, QB, Patriots (@NYJ): Has 8-2 career record vs. NYJ, including 5-0 @Jets; Has averaged 209.3 passYDS with 10 TD, 3 INT in 9 career GS vs. NYJ </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Chris Chambers, WR, Dolphins (BUF): Had 15 REC, 238 recYDS, 1 TD vs. BUF on 12/4/05 @Dolphin; has 43 REC, 610 recYDS, 6 TD in 9 career G vs. BUF. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Alge Crumpler, TE, Falcons (TB): He had a career-high 118 recYDS vs. TB on 11/14/04; has 15 REC, 241 recYDS, 3 TD in his last 5 G vs. TB. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Corey Dillon, RB, Patriots (@NYJ): Had 142 rushYDS, 3 TD in 2 G vs. NYJ in 2005; has 115 ATT, 431 rushYDS, 9 REC, 63 recYDS, 5 TD in last 5 G vs. NYJ. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Lee Evans, WR, Bills (@MIA): Had 5 REC, 117 recYDS, 3 TD vs. MIA on 12/4/05 @Dolphin; has 12 REC, 292 recYDS, 5 TD in his last 3 G vs. BUF. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Torry Holt, WR, Rams (@SF): Has three consecutive 10-catch, 100-receiving yard games vs. SF; has 82 REC, 1,188 recYDS, 4 TD in 14 career G vs. SF. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals (CLE): Has 3 consecutive 100-yd G vs. CLE, scoring a TD in each; and has 681 rushYDS, 80 recYDS and 6 TD in 7 career G vs. CLE. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Thomas Jones, RB, Bears (DET): Has 85 ATT, 387 rushYDS, 116 recYDS, 4 TD in his last 4 G vs. DET; averaged 106.3 rushYDS in 7 home G in 2005. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Peyton Manning, QB, Colts (HOU): He's a perfect 8-0 vs. HOU, with a passing TD in each; has averaged 262.9 passYDS with 19 TD, 4 INT in the 8 G vs. HOU. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles (NYG): Has wins in 7 consecutive starts vs. NYG; had 574 passYDS, 5 TD, 0 INT and 9-42-1 rushing stats in last 2 GS vs. NYG. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rod Smith, WR, Broncos (KC): Has 100-plus recYDS in 8 of his 16 career G vs. KC; has 19 REC, 234 recYDS, 2 TD in his last 3 G vs. KC. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles (NYG): Has 4 straight 100-yard scrimmage G vs. NYG; has 75 ATT, 374 rushYDS, 20 REC, 223 recYDS, 6 TD in last 5 G vs. NYG. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>TRISTAN'S TAKE: Worried about Shaun Alexander? Don't be. He regularly torches the shaky Arizona defense, and I expect he'll do it again in Week 2. ... Brady's career numbers against the Jets might not be overwhelming, but those are remarkably efficient rates. At the very least, it means he won't hurt you, and don't overlook that he has passed for two touchdowns apiece in his last four games against the Jets at Giants Stadium. ... Jones needs a bounce-back effort if he wants to hold off Cedric Benson for his starting job in Chicago, especially considering he has regularly excelled against the division-rival Lions. ... Westbrook should be a regular contender for eight receptions a game, which more than makes up for the fact that he rarely runs the ball even 15 times a contest. The Eagles will find ways to get him to contribute in an important division game. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">WEATHER REPORT</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">Up-to-the-minute conditions can be found on The Weather Channel's Web site.</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Rain in the forecast (40 percent chance or worse): No games. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Cold temperatures (40 degrees or lower): No games. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Hot temperatures (80 degrees or higher): Redskins at Cowboys and Steelers at Jaguars could push 90, and Bills at Dolphins should be in the low 80s. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Weatherproof games (safest playing conditions): Panthers at Vikings (Metrodome), Texans at Colts (RCA Dome) and Buccaneers at Falcons (Georgia Dome). </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c9c9c9" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR style="COLOR: white; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2969ad"><TD width="100%">KICKERS IN DOMES</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #acacac"><TD width="100%">Because kickers are, as a whole, fairly unpredictable, weather can play a big part in determining which ones to use each week. Those who kick in domes are safest from the elements and therefore least likely to hurt you, making the names below more attractive plays. Statistics listed are career numbers (G: games, FGpct: field-goal percentage; XPTpct: extra-point percentage; ppg: points per game).</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Kris Brown, Texans (@IND): 23 G, 79.4 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 5.22 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Matt Bryant, Buccaneers (@ATL): 7 G, 75.0 FGpct, 90.9 XPTpct, 6.71 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>John Kasay, Panthers (@MIN): 37 G, 87.5 FGpct, 97.1 XPTpct, 6.95 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Michael Koenen, Falcons (TB): 10 G, 50.0 FGpct, -- XPTpct, 0.30 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white"><TD>Ryan Longwell, Vikings (CAR): 24 G, 86.3 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 7.96 ppg. </TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #dedede"><TD>Adam Vinatieri, Colts (HOU): 16 G, 94.4 FGpct, 100.0 XPTpct, 8.88 ppg. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Sep. 14, 2006, 4:13 PM

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Week 2: Waiver Wire Work

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, we help you improve your fantasy roster by recommending the best players to add and drop. Here are some players you should consider who are probably available on your league's free-agent list, and others you should cut loose if you need to make extra room on your roster.
TOP ADDS
Chad Pennington, QB, Jets (Owned in 5.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues): This one might seem obvious to more savvy fantasy players, but some may have doubts whether Pennington can continue to play as well as he did in the season opener. While there certainly will be not many 300-yard outings ahead against better opponents, Pennington will at least give you respectable production if you're desperate to replace Trent Green or if you are stuck with Brett Favre or Aaron Brooks. Pennington is throwing with good accuracy and making quick, crisp reads. If he starts to put more consistent velocity on the ball, he should be a safe, but unspectacular fantasy option in the near future.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (36.8 percent owned): His Monday night performance should convince you he is a decent desperation option, and many fantasy owners are searching for at least respectable choices at quarterback. Rivers is already a good game manager, and he is making quick, smart decisions. He has displayed good accuracy so far, and even if his numbers won't jump off the stat sheet at you, he can give you decent totals. He's certainly worth considering in the second week against Tennessee, after the Titans made Pennington look very good. Playing in the AFC West means Rivers could have some good outings in high-scoring affairs. He'll be useful when the matchup is right.
Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons (37.7 percent owned): If you're looking for a very promising flex player or a terrific backup, Norwood isn't going to be available for much longer in many leagues. If you can still add him, consider yourself lucky, and put him on your roster immediately. Norwood carried 10 times for 66 yards in his pro debut and can explode through the defensive front seven any time he touches the ball. If you don't get him now, you may never have him. Norwood doesn't get regular carries, but he makes the most of just about every opportunity.
Reggie Williams, WR, Jaguars (3.0 percent owned): Williams must prove himself now with Jimmy Smith retired, or his career could be headed in the wrong direction for good. While he only finished with 47 receiving yards against Dallas, Williams caught six balls, including a 6-yard TD reception. Williams made the tough grabs that used to turn into drops in the past. He could finally step forward as a dependable target for Byron Leftwich, so take the gamble that he'll finally improve.
Michael Jenkins, WR, Falcons (4.6 percent owned): Here's another previously enigmatic young wide receiver who could be ready to raise his game. The preseason buzz in Atlanta centered around Roddy White, and then the Falcons also acquired Ashley Lelie. Jenkins, however, was Michael Vick's best receiver against Carolina, finishing with three catches for 77 yards, including a 34-yard TD reception. If Vick continues to throw the ball well, Jenkins could emerge as his preferred wide receiver.
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets (0.2 percent owned): He quietly stepped forward as a solid possession receiver in the preseason, and Cotchery caught six passes for 65 yards and a TD in the opener. Cotchery isn't going to be explosive, but he will make a lot of important receptions, especially when the Jets look much worse than they did in the first week and have to play catch-up. Cotchery is a fine add for depth and should certainly get strong consideration in leagues of 12 or more teams.
PRIME CUTS
Aaron Brooks, QB, Raiders (90.2 percent owned): He looked awful in the opener, eventually getting benched, and there could be many more bad performances ahead with a shaky offensive line and a receiving corps that looks like a mess. Brooks held onto the ball too long on Monday and he had a lot of trouble finding open receivers, plus his decision-making skills have always been in question. Don't waste time waiting for him to turn things around.
Jon Kitna, QB, Lions (58.3 percent owned): It's going to be a long season for a guy who was an overachiever at times in the past. He doesn't have the type of offensive support he had when he played well for Cincinnati, and Mike Martz can't perform miracles when he doesn't have a dependable running game or a reliable receiving crew. Kitna can play well statistically at times if he has a good skill position cast, but other than Roy Williams, who will continue to draw extra defensive attention, Kitna doesn't have much help and seems destined to struggle all year long. You can likely add a better second QB in many leagues.
Ron Dayne, RB, Texans (65.6 percent owned): Too many fantasy owners keep waiting for him to somehow rise up and put a completely disappointing career so far behind him. There still is hollow hope that he will at least become a respectable fantasy player or goal-line RB at some point. But it's time some of us stopped thinking he still can be a surprise. He may not even be a factor in Houston, where Wali Lundy and Vernand Morency aren't looking like very promising options, either. The Texans might not find a dependable RB all year long, and with only five TD runs in the last three years, there's no real reason to believe Dayne will suddenly become a reliable short-yardage ball carrier. Don't waste any more time or roster space on a guy who will never emerge as the sleeper some thought he would be.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Redskins (94.6 percent owned): I liked him as a possible sleeper during the summer, but Lloyd did nothing to impress during the preseason, and was shut out on Monday night. The Washington passing game clearly won't scare a lot of defenses, and Lloyd isn't a top option for Mark Brunell. Lloyd does have a tendency to make the pretty catch, and he should have a few decent outings, but he likely won't help you win too many fantasy games.
Jerry Porter, WR, Raiders (85.2 percent owned): Porter fell to fourth on the depth chart at WR recently in Oakland, then he was deactivated on Monday. Porter had been a bust as a starter in the past, and now he is sitting in favor of Alvis Whitted. Don't hang on to him waiting for a sudden improvement or a trade. Even if he is dealt, he'll have to acclimate himself to a new team and he does nothing to inspire much confidence as a starter anywhere else in the future. Joe Jurevicius, WR, Browns (79.2 percent owned): He is expected to miss at least four to six weeks because of broken ribs, and you shouldn't expect much when he returns. Jurevicius was a better fit in Seattle last year, where he was one of a few key pass-catchers in a balanced passing game. He'll be much less effective as a featured target in a much less effective Cleveland passing game if he gets back into the starting lineup when he comes back. Don't hold on to him waiting for late-season production. Cut him now.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 14, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 2 New Articles Added 9/13/06)

Sep. 14, 2006, 4:13 PM

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Week 2: Waiver Wire Work

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Each week, we help you improve your fantasy roster by recommending the best players to add and drop. Here are some players you should consider who are probably available on your league's free-agent list, and others you should cut loose if you need to make extra room on your roster.
TOP ADDS
Chad Pennington, QB, Jets (Owned in 5.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues): This one might seem obvious to more savvy fantasy players, but some may have doubts whether Pennington can continue to play as well as he did in the season opener. While there certainly will be not many 300-yard outings ahead against better opponents, Pennington will at least give you respectable production if you're desperate to replace Trent Green or if you are stuck with Brett Favre or Aaron Brooks. Pennington is throwing with good accuracy and making quick, crisp reads. If he starts to put more consistent velocity on the ball, he should be a safe, but unspectacular fantasy option in the near future.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (36.8 percent owned): His Monday night performance should convince you he is a decent desperation option, and many fantasy owners are searching for at least respectable choices at quarterback. Rivers is already a good game manager, and he is making quick, smart decisions. He has displayed good accuracy so far, and even if his numbers won't jump off the stat sheet at you, he can give you decent totals. He's certainly worth considering in the second week against Tennessee, after the Titans made Pennington look very good. Playing in the AFC West means Rivers could have some good outings in high-scoring affairs. He'll be useful when the matchup is right.
Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons (37.7 percent owned): If you're looking for a very promising flex player or a terrific backup, Norwood isn't going to be available for much longer in many leagues. If you can still add him, consider yourself lucky, and put him on your roster immediately. Norwood carried 10 times for 66 yards in his pro debut and can explode through the defensive front seven any time he touches the ball. If you don't get him now, you may never have him. Norwood doesn't get regular carries, but he makes the most of just about every opportunity.
Reggie Williams, WR, Jaguars (3.0 percent owned): Williams must prove himself now with Jimmy Smith retired, or his career could be headed in the wrong direction for good. While he only finished with 47 receiving yards against Dallas, Williams caught six balls, including a 6-yard TD reception. Williams made the tough grabs that used to turn into drops in the past. He could finally step forward as a dependable target for Byron Leftwich, so take the gamble that he'll finally improve.
Michael Jenkins, WR, Falcons (4.6 percent owned): Here's another previously enigmatic young wide receiver who could be ready to raise his game. The preseason buzz in Atlanta centered around Roddy White, and then the Falcons also acquired Ashley Lelie. Jenkins, however, was Michael Vick's best receiver against Carolina, finishing with three catches for 77 yards, including a 34-yard TD reception. If Vick continues to throw the ball well, Jenkins could emerge as his preferred wide receiver.
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets (0.2 percent owned): He quietly stepped forward as a solid possession receiver in the preseason, and Cotchery caught six passes for 65 yards and a TD in the opener. Cotchery isn't going to be explosive, but he will make a lot of important receptions, especially when the Jets look much worse than they did in the first week and have to play catch-up. Cotchery is a fine add for depth and should certainly get strong consideration in leagues of 12 or more teams.
PRIME CUTS
Aaron Brooks, QB, Raiders (90.2 percent owned): He looked awful in the opener, eventually getting benched, and there could be many more bad performances ahead with a shaky offensive line and a receiving corps that looks like a mess. Brooks held onto the ball too long on Monday and he had a lot of trouble finding open receivers, plus his decision-making skills have always been in question. Don't waste time waiting for him to turn things around.
Jon Kitna, QB, Lions (58.3 percent owned): It's going to be a long season for a guy who was an overachiever at times in the past. He doesn't have the type of offensive support he had when he played well for Cincinnati, and Mike Martz can't perform miracles when he doesn't have a dependable running game or a reliable receiving crew. Kitna can play well statistically at times if he has a good skill position cast, but other than Roy Williams, who will continue to draw extra defensive attention, Kitna doesn't have much help and seems destined to struggle all year long. You can likely add a better second QB in many leagues.
Ron Dayne, RB, Texans (65.6 percent owned): Too many fantasy owners keep waiting for him to somehow rise up and put a completely disappointing career so far behind him. There still is hollow hope that he will at least become a respectable fantasy player or goal-line RB at some point. But it's time some of us stopped thinking he still can be a surprise. He may not even be a factor in Houston, where Wali Lundy and Vernand Morency aren't looking like very promising options, either. The Texans might not find a dependable RB all year long, and with only five TD runs in the last three years, there's no real reason to believe Dayne will suddenly become a reliable short-yardage ball carrier. Don't waste any more time or roster space on a guy who will never emerge as the sleeper some thought he would be.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Redskins (94.6 percent owned): I liked him as a possible sleeper during the summer, but Lloyd did nothing to impress during the preseason, and was shut out on Monday night. The Washington passing game clearly won't scare a lot of defenses, and Lloyd isn't a top option for Mark Brunell. Lloyd does have a tendency to make the pretty catch, and he should have a few decent outings, but he likely won't help you win too many fantasy games.
Jerry Porter, WR, Raiders (85.2 percent owned): Porter fell to fourth on the depth chart at WR recently in Oakland, then he was deactivated on Monday. Porter had been a bust as a starter in the past, and now he is sitting in favor of Alvis Whitted. Don't hang on to him waiting for a sudden improvement or a trade. Even if he is dealt, he'll have to acclimate himself to a new team and he does nothing to inspire much confidence as a starter anywhere else in the future. Joe Jurevicius, WR, Browns (79.2 percent owned): He is expected to miss at least four to six weeks because of broken ribs, and you shouldn't expect much when he returns. Jurevicius was a better fit in Seattle last year, where he was one of a few key pass-catchers in a balanced passing game. He'll be much less effective as a featured target in a much less effective Cleveland passing game if he gets back into the starting lineup when he comes back. Don't hold on to him waiting for late-season production. Cut him now.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Sep. 15, 2006, 11:29 AM

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Carroll: Steve Smith's stock dropping

By Will Carroll
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
So have you panicked yet? We all have moments of weakness where we go off plan and think we see holes in our teams. Have you made the "Green Error," thinking that the grass is always greener under another running back's cleats? Have you fallen for the "Week One Wishcasting," multiplying some unknown wide receiver's performance by 16 and ignoring all the research you did heading into the draft? Have you had "Clicker's Envy," missing out on a waiver claim and just knowing that this was the guy who would have won you the league? There are an infinite number of errors, but at least you won't get blindsided by the worst possible way to lose your fantasy league -- not understanding the effects of injuries. You'll have to find another excuse for losing this year with the Carroll Injury Report available.
Let's get to it:
? My question is not whether Trent Green will return, it's if he should. Green was unconscious for eight minutes after the hit with some reports that he was having trouble breathing early in the "nap." Assuming that Green has no setbacks and returns later this month, the concern then becomes taking another hit and suffering another concussion. There have been studies that show NFL players almost by definition recover more quickly from head trauma. In fact, it may be one of the skills they have that allows them to play at this level. In the study I did for Pro Football Prospectus 2006, concussions are by far the most under-reported injuries in football. Green can return -- he's not showing amnesia or any balance/motion effects after the injury. However, at 36, behind a porous line and with a family at home, it could be a tough decision for the Greens.
? It will be a tough decision for Bill Cowher. Does he go with the QB who looked so good in Week 1 or does he go with the one that looked so good in last year's Super Bowl? Just two weeks after an appendectomy, Ben Roethlisberger is ready to play. He returned to practice this week and showed no problems, making all his throws and moving well, according to team sources. The concern is how he'll hold up under contact. Doctors have cleared him to play, but Cowher wants to know that Big Ben feels comfortable in the moment. "Game time decision" is often just a smoke screen, but this one is true. Be ready to go either way this Sunday morning after you've checked out the Fantasy Med Check on ESPN Motion.
? Steve Smith continues to miss practice, hoping that rest and treatment will get him back on the field sooner rather than later. If you drafted Smith in the top rounds of your draft, I'm sure whatever sooner is won't be soon enough. Smith is still listed as a game time decision with Drew Carter likely to line up opposite Keyshawn Johnson. The Panthers are hoping that Smith will be able to go on Sunday in a limited fashion, but using him in any fashion is risking a setback. Adding adrenaline to the mix isn't going to help Smith heal. Having a player healthy for 10-12 weeks is often better than a subpar 16 weeks, even from a fantasy points basis. I remain skeptical of Smith's ability to return to an elite level. Sitting around The Fantasy Show set yesterday, Matthew Berry asked me if I'd deal Steve Smith for Randy Moss. My answer was yes, I'd rather have Moss at this stage.
? The Redskins' running back this week will be Clinton Portis, though I'm sure we'll see a bit more Ladell Betts than normal. Portis had some minor soreness in his injured shoulder after the Monday game, though it didn't appear to be anything serious. The Redskins planned to hold him out of most contact drills this week to allow him to heal a bit further, so you can't read too much into the "did not practice" tag hung on Portis this week. Expect a little bit more than what you got out of Portis last week. If it means anything to you, I'm starting him in my long-term local fantasy league.
? Carnell Williams won't be facing the Ravens' rushing defense every week, but he wasn't facing them when his back first started hurting. He missed the first practice of training camp and then the problem appeared to go away. During Week 1, however, Williams took a shot that compressed his spine and restarted the pain-spasm cycle. This one can be contained, but if this continues to happen in-game, Williams' value takes a hit and Michael Pittman becomes a decent backup. Back injuries have a broad range of effects on players, from nothing to career-ending. The MRI taken on Williams this Monday was inconclusive, so there's not much to go on. This is an injury to monitor closely each week.
? Brian Westbrook is an elite-level back when healthy. The problem is that he's seldom healthy enough to hold that status. While it was a foot problem that held him back in the preseason, it's a knee problem that is costing him practice time. Reports from Philly indicate that Westbrook is showing a noticeable limp and inflammation despite being listed as probable. This indicates that Westbrook will get the start, but not carry as much of the load, a bit of a change from earlier this week when it looked like Westbrook would not only get the bulk of carries but also return punts. Any injury to Westbrook adds value to Ryan Moats, who should already be handcuffed to Westbrook.
? The Titans can't seem to make a decision. They're the guy who always needs a couple more minutes when ordering at a restaurant. Sure, they have a lot of options to choose from but none of them is great. Kerry Collins or Billy Volek? I'll just have a salad. The running back situation is even more muddled, especially if LenDale White can get healthy (and motivated.) Chris Brown and Travis Henry split duties with Brown getting more carries, but Henry finding the goal line. Henry's carries were limited by his health and the turf toe has gotten so bad that he's been walking around the Titans' facility in a protective boot. Don't expect more from Henry than last week and don't count on him always getting into the end zone, saving his point value.
? Bumps and Bruises: Tedy Bruschi should play this weekend, despite the cast on his wrist. Maybe he'll use it like Cowboy Bob Orton used to ? How did Joe Jurevicius go from missing four to six weeks with broken ribs to just one? His ribs aren't broken, according to an MRI. Instead, he has a cartilage injury that will make this a matter of pain tolerance ? Has everyone sent a bunch of the ESPN Smack Cards? They're almost as awesome as being able to say, "Hey Paul, your team sucks and you're ugly" in a national column ? T.J. Hardtospell is listed as probable while not practicing. That's the only encouraging news regarding his heel, so he's a very risky play this week. See everyone at my chat this afternoon and then on Sunday. I'll do the ESPN Radio Fantasy Focus with Eric Karabell around 8:30 a.m. ET, then the Fantasy Football Med Check for ESPN Motion later that morning. And as always, love the feedback on "The Fantasy Show."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Sep. 15, 2006, 11:29 AM

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Carroll: Steve Smith's stock dropping

By Will Carroll
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
So have you panicked yet? We all have moments of weakness where we go off plan and think we see holes in our teams. Have you made the "Green Error," thinking that the grass is always greener under another running back's cleats? Have you fallen for the "Week One Wishcasting," multiplying some unknown wide receiver's performance by 16 and ignoring all the research you did heading into the draft? Have you had "Clicker's Envy," missing out on a waiver claim and just knowing that this was the guy who would have won you the league? There are an infinite number of errors, but at least you won't get blindsided by the worst possible way to lose your fantasy league -- not understanding the effects of injuries. You'll have to find another excuse for losing this year with the Carroll Injury Report available.
Let's get to it:
? My question is not whether Trent Green will return, it's if he should. Green was unconscious for eight minutes after the hit with some reports that he was having trouble breathing early in the "nap." Assuming that Green has no setbacks and returns later this month, the concern then becomes taking another hit and suffering another concussion. There have been studies that show NFL players almost by definition recover more quickly from head trauma. In fact, it may be one of the skills they have that allows them to play at this level. In the study I did for Pro Football Prospectus 2006, concussions are by far the most under-reported injuries in football. Green can return -- he's not showing amnesia or any balance/motion effects after the injury. However, at 36, behind a porous line and with a family at home, it could be a tough decision for the Greens.
? It will be a tough decision for Bill Cowher. Does he go with the QB who looked so good in Week 1 or does he go with the one that looked so good in last year's Super Bowl? Just two weeks after an appendectomy, Ben Roethlisberger is ready to play. He returned to practice this week and showed no problems, making all his throws and moving well, according to team sources. The concern is how he'll hold up under contact. Doctors have cleared him to play, but Cowher wants to know that Big Ben feels comfortable in the moment. "Game time decision" is often just a smoke screen, but this one is true. Be ready to go either way this Sunday morning after you've checked out the Fantasy Med Check on ESPN Motion.
? Steve Smith continues to miss practice, hoping that rest and treatment will get him back on the field sooner rather than later. If you drafted Smith in the top rounds of your draft, I'm sure whatever sooner is won't be soon enough. Smith is still listed as a game time decision with Drew Carter likely to line up opposite Keyshawn Johnson. The Panthers are hoping that Smith will be able to go on Sunday in a limited fashion, but using him in any fashion is risking a setback. Adding adrenaline to the mix isn't going to help Smith heal. Having a player healthy for 10-12 weeks is often better than a subpar 16 weeks, even from a fantasy points basis. I remain skeptical of Smith's ability to return to an elite level. Sitting around The Fantasy Show set yesterday, Matthew Berry asked me if I'd deal Steve Smith for Randy Moss. My answer was yes, I'd rather have Moss at this stage.
? The Redskins' running back this week will be Clinton Portis, though I'm sure we'll see a bit more Ladell Betts than normal. Portis had some minor soreness in his injured shoulder after the Monday game, though it didn't appear to be anything serious. The Redskins planned to hold him out of most contact drills this week to allow him to heal a bit further, so you can't read too much into the "did not practice" tag hung on Portis this week. Expect a little bit more than what you got out of Portis last week. If it means anything to you, I'm starting him in my long-term local fantasy league.
? Carnell Williams won't be facing the Ravens' rushing defense every week, but he wasn't facing them when his back first started hurting. He missed the first practice of training camp and then the problem appeared to go away. During Week 1, however, Williams took a shot that compressed his spine and restarted the pain-spasm cycle. This one can be contained, but if this continues to happen in-game, Williams' value takes a hit and Michael Pittman becomes a decent backup. Back injuries have a broad range of effects on players, from nothing to career-ending. The MRI taken on Williams this Monday was inconclusive, so there's not much to go on. This is an injury to monitor closely each week.
? Brian Westbrook is an elite-level back when healthy. The problem is that he's seldom healthy enough to hold that status. While it was a foot problem that held him back in the preseason, it's a knee problem that is costing him practice time. Reports from Philly indicate that Westbrook is showing a noticeable limp and inflammation despite being listed as probable. This indicates that Westbrook will get the start, but not carry as much of the load, a bit of a change from earlier this week when it looked like Westbrook would not only get the bulk of carries but also return punts. Any injury to Westbrook adds value to Ryan Moats, who should already be handcuffed to Westbrook.
? The Titans can't seem to make a decision. They're the guy who always needs a couple more minutes when ordering at a restaurant. Sure, they have a lot of options to choose from but none of them is great. Kerry Collins or Billy Volek? I'll just have a salad. The running back situation is even more muddled, especially if LenDale White can get healthy (and motivated.) Chris Brown and Travis Henry split duties with Brown getting more carries, but Henry finding the goal line. Henry's carries were limited by his health and the turf toe has gotten so bad that he's been walking around the Titans' facility in a protective boot. Don't expect more from Henry than last week and don't count on him always getting into the end zone, saving his point value.
? Bumps and Bruises: Tedy Bruschi should play this weekend, despite the cast on his wrist. Maybe he'll use it like Cowboy Bob Orton used to ? How did Joe Jurevicius go from missing four to six weeks with broken ribs to just one? His ribs aren't broken, according to an MRI. Instead, he has a cartilage injury that will make this a matter of pain tolerance ? Has everyone sent a bunch of the ESPN Smack Cards? They're almost as awesome as being able to say, "Hey Paul, your team sucks and you're ugly" in a national column ? T.J. Hardtospell is listed as probable while not practicing. That's the only encouraging news regarding his heel, so he's a very risky play this week. See everyone at my chat this afternoon and then on Sunday. I'll do the ESPN Radio Fantasy Focus with Eric Karabell around 8:30 a.m. ET, then the Fantasy Football Med Check for ESPN Motion later that morning. And as always, love the feedback on "The Fantasy Show."
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Sep. 15, 2006, 5:10 PM

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FFL: Week 2 Matchups

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Every week, we preview all of the upcoming games from a fantasy perspective. To help you with lineup decisions, we give you matchups to exploit, some key starting choices and advice on whom to leave on your bench.
Arizona at Seattle: The Cardinals' passing game was their featured attraction of Week 1, but they should run the ball better this week against a Seattle defensive line that didn't play up to its potential against Detroit. Edgerrin James will post respectable numbers, and you can expect him to score again. Kurt Warner won't be as highly productive as he was last week, but you can look for more than one TD pass as the ground game takes some pressure off him. Shaun Alexander will be a major factor as the Seahawks use the running game to try to control time of possession. Matt Hasselbeck will throw more than one TD pass as he attacks a vulnerable Arizona secondary, and Nate Burleson should challenge the Cardinals' defensive backs with more than one downfield reception. Burleson should shine, as it's too early for Deion Branch to be a factor in the offense. Start and Smile: Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Nate Burleson Watch and Worry: Seahawks defense/special teams
Buffalo at Miami: The Dolphins should rebound from a sloppy opener, as Daunte Culpepper takes quick drops and hits Randy McMichael and Marty Booker with short possession throws. The Miami passing game should be efficient, and Chris Chambers will get open for a short TD reception even if his yardage numbers are disappointing. Ronnie Brown will be the crux of the Miami offense en route to another big statistical day in which he scores more than once. Miami's defense should dominate at home, and Willis McGahee could become a nonfactor as the Bills fall behind and have to pass often in the second half. McGahee should score early, but you won't like his yardage numbers. That means turnovers for the Dolphins defense, but it also means Lee Evans will post good numbers while Buffalo plays catch-up. Start and Smile: Daunte Culpepper, Ronnie Brown, Marty Booker, Randy McMichael, Lee Evans Watch and Worry: Willis McGahee
Carolina at Minnesota: The Vikings should continue to run the ball well, as the Panthers will be without MLB Dan Morgan (concussion). Chester Taylor will have another solid outing, as he bangs the ball up the middle and catches some swing passes from Brad Johnson. It won't be an outstanding statistical day for Johnson, though, as the Carolina secondary limits deep target Troy Williamson, and Johnson could have trouble finding open receivers quite often. Jake Delhomme should perform better this week, and Keyshawn Johnson should be more of a presence in the passing game than he was in the first week. A solid passing game should open up some wide running lanes for DeShaun Foster in the second half, and he should deliver good yardage totals even if he doesn't score. Start and Smile: Chester Taylor, Jake Delhomme, Keyshawn Johnson Watch and Worry: Brad Johnson, Troy Williamson
Cleveland at Cincinnati: The Browns will come at the Bengals with heavy doses of Reuben Droughns, as they try to keep the potent Cincinnati offense off the field as much as possible while trying to exploit what still is an unreliable Bengals run defense. Droughns will take pressure off Charlie Frye, who will lock on to Kellen Winslow Jr., which is good for his tight end's numbers, but also means sacks and turnovers for the Bengals defense as Frye can't depend on his wide receivers. Braylon Edwards could get loose for a score, but he won't catch too many balls overall. The Bengals can run the ball very effectively also, and Rudi Johnson will have another very good outing as Cincinnati tries not to overwork Carson Palmer yet. The Bengals QB will post adequate, but not outstanding totals. Start and Smile: Reuben Droughns, Kellen Winslow Jr. Rudi Johnson, Bengals D/ST Watch and Worry: Charlie Frye, Dennis Northcutt
Detroit at Chicago: The Detroit offense will look lifeless again. The Bears front four will bottle up Kevin Jones early, and Jon Kitna will be forced into many adverse passing situations, which means sacks and turnovers for a Bears defense that will rule the day. Roy Williams could pad his totals late in the game during some futile drives to get on the scoreboard, but Mike Furrey will prove he wasn't worth a free agent pickup after a decent opener. The Lions will also be physical up front, and Thomas Jones will have to work hard for his yardage. Rex Grossman won't be able to move the ball consistently, and Chicago will have to build their lead via defense and the foot of Robbie Gould. This won't be a pretty one to watch, and the final box score won't look too good, either. Start and Smile: Bears D/ST Watch and Worry: Jon Kitna, Kevin Jones, Rex Grossman
Houston at Indianapolis: The Texans will throw often, as they won't get enough production out of their running game. Wali Lundy will be stuffed early and often, and Samkon Gado won't be a statistical factor yet even if he gets involved often in the offense this week. David Carr will put the ball up a lot, which means more than one TD pass but also more than one interception. Andre Johnson will have a big statistical day and will score at least once. Peyton Manning will easily throw at will against the Texans, as he will get great protection. Look for his tight ends to get involved, and Dallas Clark will be a good starter this week. RBs Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai will finish with adequate numbers as the Colts also run the ball effectively in the second half. Addai should also add some decent receiving numbers. Start and Smile: Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark Watch and Worry: Wali Lundy, Samkon Gado
Kansas City at Denver: Jake Plummer will rebound this week with at least two TD passes, as the Broncos put an ugly opener behind them. Javon Walker won't make more than few possession grabs, but Rod Smith will continue to show that age is no deterrent to him. Tatum Bell will celebrate being named the starter with some long runs in the second half. Larry Johnson will get lots of carries, but won't finish with outstanding rushing numbers, as the Denver defense focuses on him heavily in the first half. Damon Huard will be conservative early, but will make some costly turnovers when the Chiefs fall far behind and have to play catch-up in the second half. Start and Smile: Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell, Rod Smith Watch and Worry: Eddie Kennison
New England at N.Y. Jets: The Jets will come down from their opening week highs, as their running game won't challenge the Patriots. Evan if Kevan Barlow scores, his yardage totals will be disappointing. Chad Pennington will be forced into several third-and-long situations, and expect him to struggle. Laveranues Coles will make a lot of grabs, but Pennington is a big risk for more than one turnover. Tom Brady will overcome his lack of established WRs and will still spread the ball around well enough and throw more than one TD pass. Laurence Maroney will deliver some highlight-reel type runs, and expect the great-looking rookie to find the end zone. Start and Smile: Tom Brady. Laurence Maroney, Laveranues Coles Watch and Worry: Chad Pennington
New Orleans at Green Bay: Even though the Saints will be without fullback Mike Karney (calf), they should run the ball well. Reggie Bush will have a very big day and is major threat to score on a long run or reception. Deuce McAllister should score from short range. Drew Brees won't have to throw enough to have an outstanding statistical day, but look for him to hook up with Joe Horn for a score. Ahman Green will prove that last week's 100-yard outing was an illusion created in garbage time. Brett Favre will have to throw a lot, and that could mean more than one TD pass, but expect more than one interception, also. Expect rookie Greg Jennings to catch one of the Favre scoring tosses. Start and Smile: Reggie Bush, Joe Horn. Donald Driver Watch and Worry: Ahman Green
New York Giants at Philadelphia: Eli Manning could have his first disappointing statistical outing of the season against an Eagles defense that looks a lot better than it did last year. Expect Manning to get intercepted more than once, as Amani Toomer fails to get open enough and Manning forces the ball in the direction of Plaxico Burress when under pressure. Tiki Barber, however, will still be unstoppable, and Jeremy Shockey will score. Donte' Stallworth might be the most overrated player in fantasy football right now. The Giants will quiet him and prove Stallworth is still Mr. Inconsistency. But Donovan McNabb will locate other receivers enough to finish with good totals. Start and Smile: Tiki Barber, Donovan McNabb Watch and Worry: Eli Manning, Amani Toomer, Donte' Stallworth.
Oakland at Baltimore: This looks like the mismatch of the week on paper. But the Raiders should score once or twice even if they get blown out, and Randy Moss should catch one TD pass. LaMont Jordan will have disappointing yardage totals again, but he could finish with respectable fantasy totals as he scores on a short TD run, even if it's while playing catch-up. Baltimore should dominate with the defense and the running game, and Steve McNair won't have to get overworked. He'll likely throw more than one TD pass, especially to old partner Derrick Mason, but don't look for outstanding yardage numbers. The Ravens simply won't need him to air it out because Jamal Lewis will pick up large chunks of yardage and the defense will score at least once. Start and Smile: Jamal Lewis, Derrick Mason Watch and Worry: It's obvious you will worry about any Raiders that you start.
St. Louis at San Francisco: The Rams will concentrate on stopping Frank Gore early, but he'll fight for his yardage and will still finish with decent totals and a TD. Alex Smith will play conservatively, and you shouldn't look for a repeat of his opening week performance. He should still find WR Antonio Bryant for a score. The 49ers will have a lot of trouble containing Steven Jackson, who will rumble into the San Francisco secondary often and should be good for more than one TD run. Marc Bulger will have time to throw, and Torry Holt will catch a TD pass, while Isaac Bruce will catch a few key passes, also. Start and Smile: Antonio Bryant, Steven Jackson, Torry Holt Watch and Worry:
Tampa Bay at Atlanta: Injuries are still an issue on the Tampa Bay offensive line, and Chris Simms will be in for a long day without much support in the game or consistent pass blocking. But Joey Galloway should bounce back statistically as he stacks up some numbers when the Buccaneers simply try to get on the scoreboard late in the game. The Falcons will carve up a Tampa Bay defense that spends too much time on the field. Warrick Dunn should have a very good day, and Jerious Norwood should perform well enough to be a quality flex option this week. Michael Vick will also rip off a few sizable runs in the second half. Start and Smile: Warrick Dunn, Jerious Norwood Watch and Worry: Chris Simms, Michael Clayton
Tennessee at San Diego: Kerry Collins will continue to look rusty, and the Chargers will stifle Chris Brown early, forcing the Tennessee QB into passing situations that will lead to sacks and turnovers. Collins will be hit often, and Drew Bennett won't get the ball enough. LaDainian Tomlinson will have a huge day, and Philip Rivers will continue to manage the offense well. Rivers should be good for two TD passes, one to veteran Keenan McCardell, and another to the always dependable Antonio Gates. Of course, the Chargers defense will dominate a weak opponent for the second consecutive game. Start and Smile: Philip Rivers, Keenan McCardell Watch and Worry: Kerry Collins, Chris Brown, Drew Bennett
Washington at Dallas: With his job being threatened and top Washington cover corner Shawn Springs (abdomen) unlikely to play, Drew Bledsoe should throw more than one TD pass en route to a good statistical day. The Redskins might be focused on containing Terrell Owens, but Terry Glenn should burn them with a few long gains. The Cowboys will have trouble containing Santana Moss again, and Clinton Portis should finish with good fantasy totals as he finds the end zone again. Mark Brunell should be good for at least one TD pass, but don't look for very good yardage totals. Start and Smile: Drew Bledsoe, Terry Glenn, Santana Moss Watch and Worry: Brandon Lloyd Pittsburgh at Jacksonville: The Jaguars are battling injuries on the defensive line, and the Steelers should be able to move the ball on offense. Willie Parker will fight for some tough yardage early, but should break loose for some long runs in the second half. Hines Ward isn't in top form because of hamstring problems, but he remains a dependable target and should find the end zone. Meanwhile, Byron Leftwich will have trouble finding open receivers and will suffer through a night of big hits and incompletions. Fred Taylor won't find much open running room and will finish with mediocre totals. Start and Smile: Willie Parker, Hines Ward Watch and Worry: Byron Leftwich, Fred Taylor
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Sep. 15, 2006, 5:10 PM

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FFL: Week 2 Matchups

By Scott Engel
ESPN Fantasy Games

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 10px" vAlign=top>
Every week, we preview all of the upcoming games from a fantasy perspective. To help you with lineup decisions, we give you matchups to exploit, some key starting choices and advice on whom to leave on your bench.
Arizona at Seattle: The Cardinals' passing game was their featured attraction of Week 1, but they should run the ball better this week against a Seattle defensive line that didn't play up to its potential against Detroit. Edgerrin James will post respectable numbers, and you can expect him to score again. Kurt Warner won't be as highly productive as he was last week, but you can look for more than one TD pass as the ground game takes some pressure off him. Shaun Alexander will be a major factor as the Seahawks use the running game to try to control time of possession. Matt Hasselbeck will throw more than one TD pass as he attacks a vulnerable Arizona secondary, and Nate Burleson should challenge the Cardinals' defensive backs with more than one downfield reception. Burleson should shine, as it's too early for Deion Branch to be a factor in the offense. Start and Smile: Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Nate Burleson Watch and Worry: Seahawks defense/special teams
Buffalo at Miami: The Dolphins should rebound from a sloppy opener, as Daunte Culpepper takes quick drops and hits Randy McMichael and Marty Booker with short possession throws. The Miami passing game should be efficient, and Chris Chambers will get open for a short TD reception even if his yardage numbers are disappointing. Ronnie Brown will be the crux of the Miami offense en route to another big statistical day in which he scores more than once. Miami's defense should dominate at home, and Willis McGahee could become a nonfactor as the Bills fall behind and have to pass often in the second half. McGahee should score early, but you won't like his yardage numbers. That means turnovers for the Dolphins defense, but it also means Lee Evans will post good numbers while Buffalo plays catch-up. Start and Smile: Daunte Culpepper, Ronnie Brown, Marty Booker, Randy McMichael, Lee Evans Watch and Worry: Willis McGahee
Carolina at Minnesota: The Vikings should continue to run the ball well, as the Panthers will be without MLB Dan Morgan (concussion). Chester Taylor will have another solid outing, as he bangs the ball up the middle and catches some swing passes from Brad Johnson. It won't be an outstanding statistical day for Johnson, though, as the Carolina secondary limits deep target Troy Williamson, and Johnson could have trouble finding open receivers quite often. Jake Delhomme should perform better this week, and Keyshawn Johnson should be more of a presence in the passing game than he was in the first week. A solid passing game should open up some wide running lanes for DeShaun Foster in the second half, and he should deliver good yardage totals even if he doesn't score. Start and Smile: Chester Taylor, Jake Delhomme, Keyshawn Johnson Watch and Worry: Brad Johnson, Troy Williamson
Cleveland at Cincinnati: The Browns will come at the Bengals with heavy doses of Reuben Droughns, as they try to keep the potent Cincinnati offense off the field as much as possible while trying to exploit what still is an unreliable Bengals run defense. Droughns will take pressure off Charlie Frye, who will lock on to Kellen Winslow Jr., which is good for his tight end's numbers, but also means sacks and turnovers for the Bengals defense as Frye can't depend on his wide receivers. Braylon Edwards could get loose for a score, but he won't catch too many balls overall. The Bengals can run the ball very effectively also, and Rudi Johnson will have another very good outing as Cincinnati tries not to overwork Carson Palmer yet. The Bengals QB will post adequate, but not outstanding totals. Start and Smile: Reuben Droughns, Kellen Winslow Jr. Rudi Johnson, Bengals D/ST Watch and Worry: Charlie Frye, Dennis Northcutt
Detroit at Chicago: The Detroit offense will look lifeless again. The Bears front four will bottle up Kevin Jones early, and Jon Kitna will be forced into many adverse passing situations, which means sacks and turnovers for a Bears defense that will rule the day. Roy Williams could pad his totals late in the game during some futile drives to get on the scoreboard, but Mike Furrey will prove he wasn't worth a free agent pickup after a decent opener. The Lions will also be physical up front, and Thomas Jones will have to work hard for his yardage. Rex Grossman won't be able to move the ball consistently, and Chicago will have to build their lead via defense and the foot of Robbie Gould. This won't be a pretty one to watch, and the final box score won't look too good, either. Start and Smile: Bears D/ST Watch and Worry: Jon Kitna, Kevin Jones, Rex Grossman
Houston at Indianapolis: The Texans will throw often, as they won't get enough production out of their running game. Wali Lundy will be stuffed early and often, and Samkon Gado won't be a statistical factor yet even if he gets involved often in the offense this week. David Carr will put the ball up a lot, which means more than one TD pass but also more than one interception. Andre Johnson will have a big statistical day and will score at least once. Peyton Manning will easily throw at will against the Texans, as he will get great protection. Look for his tight ends to get involved, and Dallas Clark will be a good starter this week. RBs Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai will finish with adequate numbers as the Colts also run the ball effectively in the second half. Addai should also add some decent receiving numbers. Start and Smile: Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark Watch and Worry: Wali Lundy, Samkon Gado
Kansas City at Denver: Jake Plummer will rebound this week with at least two TD passes, as the Broncos put an ugly opener behind them. Javon Walker won't make more than few possession grabs, but Rod Smith will continue to show that age is no deterrent to him. Tatum Bell will celebrate being named the starter with some long runs in the second half. Larry Johnson will get lots of carries, but won't finish with outstanding rushing numbers, as the Denver defense focuses on him heavily in the first half. Damon Huard will be conservative early, but will make some costly turnovers when the Chiefs fall far behind and have to play catch-up in the second half. Start and Smile: Jake Plummer, Tatum Bell, Rod Smith Watch and Worry: Eddie Kennison
New England at N.Y. Jets: The Jets will come down from their opening week highs, as their running game won't challenge the Patriots. Evan if Kevan Barlow scores, his yardage totals will be disappointing. Chad Pennington will be forced into several third-and-long situations, and expect him to struggle. Laveranues Coles will make a lot of grabs, but Pennington is a big risk for more than one turnover. Tom Brady will overcome his lack of established WRs and will still spread the ball around well enough and throw more than one TD pass. Laurence Maroney will deliver some highlight-reel type runs, and expect the great-looking rookie to find the end zone. Start and Smile: Tom Brady. Laurence Maroney, Laveranues Coles Watch and Worry: Chad Pennington
New Orleans at Green Bay: Even though the Saints will be without fullback Mike Karney (calf), they should run the ball well. Reggie Bush will have a very big day and is major threat to score on a long run or reception. Deuce McAllister should score from short range. Drew Brees won't have to throw enough to have an outstanding statistical day, but look for him to hook up with Joe Horn for a score. Ahman Green will prove that last week's 100-yard outing was an illusion created in garbage time. Brett Favre will have to throw a lot, and that could mean more than one TD pass, but expect more than one interception, also. Expect rookie Greg Jennings to catch one of the Favre scoring tosses. Start and Smile: Reggie Bush, Joe Horn. Donald Driver Watch and Worry: Ahman Green
New York Giants at Philadelphia: Eli Manning could have his first disappointing statistical outing of the season against an Eagles defense that looks a lot better than it did last year. Expect Manning to get intercepted more than once, as Amani Toomer fails to get open enough and Manning forces the ball in the direction of Plaxico Burress when under pressure. Tiki Barber, however, will still be unstoppable, and Jeremy Shockey will score. Donte' Stallworth might be the most overrated player in fantasy football right now. The Giants will quiet him and prove Stallworth is still Mr. Inconsistency. But Donovan McNabb will locate other receivers enough to finish with good totals. Start and Smile: Tiki Barber, Donovan McNabb Watch and Worry: Eli Manning, Amani Toomer, Donte' Stallworth.
Oakland at Baltimore: This looks like the mismatch of the week on paper. But the Raiders should score once or twice even if they get blown out, and Randy Moss should catch one TD pass. LaMont Jordan will have disappointing yardage totals again, but he could finish with respectable fantasy totals as he scores on a short TD run, even if it's while playing catch-up. Baltimore should dominate with the defense and the running game, and Steve McNair won't have to get overworked. He'll likely throw more than one TD pass, especially to old partner Derrick Mason, but don't look for outstanding yardage numbers. The Ravens simply won't need him to air it out because Jamal Lewis will pick up large chunks of yardage and the defense will score at least once. Start and Smile: Jamal Lewis, Derrick Mason Watch and Worry: It's obvious you will worry about any Raiders that you start.
St. Louis at San Francisco: The Rams will concentrate on stopping Frank Gore early, but he'll fight for his yardage and will still finish with decent totals and a TD. Alex Smith will play conservatively, and you shouldn't look for a repeat of his opening week performance. He should still find WR Antonio Bryant for a score. The 49ers will have a lot of trouble containing Steven Jackson, who will rumble into the San Francisco secondary often and should be good for more than one TD run. Marc Bulger will have time to throw, and Torry Holt will catch a TD pass, while Isaac Bruce will catch a few key passes, also. Start and Smile: Antonio Bryant, Steven Jackson, Torry Holt Watch and Worry:
Tampa Bay at Atlanta: Injuries are still an issue on the Tampa Bay offensive line, and Chris Simms will be in for a long day without much support in the game or consistent pass blocking. But Joey Galloway should bounce back statistically as he stacks up some numbers when the Buccaneers simply try to get on the scoreboard late in the game. The Falcons will carve up a Tampa Bay defense that spends too much time on the field. Warrick Dunn should have a very good day, and Jerious Norwood should perform well enough to be a quality flex option this week. Michael Vick will also rip off a few sizable runs in the second half. Start and Smile: Warrick Dunn, Jerious Norwood Watch and Worry: Chris Simms, Michael Clayton
Tennessee at San Diego: Kerry Collins will continue to look rusty, and the Chargers will stifle Chris Brown early, forcing the Tennessee QB into passing situations that will lead to sacks and turnovers. Collins will be hit often, and Drew Bennett won't get the ball enough. LaDainian Tomlinson will have a huge day, and Philip Rivers will continue to manage the offense well. Rivers should be good for two TD passes, one to veteran Keenan McCardell, and another to the always dependable Antonio Gates. Of course, the Chargers defense will dominate a weak opponent for the second consecutive game. Start and Smile: Philip Rivers, Keenan McCardell Watch and Worry: Kerry Collins, Chris Brown, Drew Bennett
Washington at Dallas: With his job being threatened and top Washington cover corner Shawn Springs (abdomen) unlikely to play, Drew Bledsoe should throw more than one TD pass en route to a good statistical day. The Redskins might be focused on containing Terrell Owens, but Terry Glenn should burn them with a few long gains. The Cowboys will have trouble containing Santana Moss again, and Clinton Portis should finish with good fantasy totals as he finds the end zone again. Mark Brunell should be good for at least one TD pass, but don't look for very good yardage totals. Start and Smile: Drew Bledsoe, Terry Glenn, Santana Moss Watch and Worry: Brandon Lloyd Pittsburgh at Jacksonville: The Jaguars are battling injuries on the defensive line, and the Steelers should be able to move the ball on offense. Willie Parker will fight for some tough yardage early, but should break loose for some long runs in the second half. Hines Ward isn't in top form because of hamstring problems, but he remains a dependable target and should find the end zone. Meanwhile, Byron Leftwich will have trouble finding open receivers and will suffer through a night of big hits and incompletions. Fred Taylor won't find much open running room and will finish with mediocre totals. Start and Smile: Willie Parker, Hines Ward Watch and Worry: Byron Leftwich, Fred Taylor
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Friday, September 15, 2006

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT> Stopgap Seven: Week 2

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>The rough-and-tumble NFL can take a toll on your fantasy team's depth, so if you're looking particularly thin at a position, consider the following players who are a little more under-the-radar as starters. (I'll list my Stopgap Seven each Friday all season.)
Cedric Benson, RB, Bears (DET): The split in carries between him and Thomas Jones in Week 1 (Jones 21, Benson 11) was a lot closer than I thought, and as the year progresses, Benson will only see his role increase. This is a prime week for him to step up.
Chargers defense (TEN): LB Shawn Merriman had three of San Diego's nine sacks in Week 1, and it's not like Tennessee should fare much better than Oakland did in that game. After all, the Jets -- the Jets! -- picked off QB Kerry Collins three times in Week 1.
Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens (OAK): Oakland's secondary is banged up and could be missing a few players in Week 2, but would it matter if the entire defense was healthy, anyway? Clayton has a cushy matchup in this game, so look to him as a No. 3 or 4 option.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns (@CIN): I can't see Cleveland doing anything other than falling behind by the half, abandoning the run and doing nothing but chucking it to big-play receivers like Edwards. This is a game where a big TD catch could happen.
Greg Jennings, WR, Packers (NO): His Week 1 statistics might have taken off much of the sleeper luster, but before you write Jennings off, be aware QB Brett Favre targeted him six times, which isn't bad. Jennings could have that many receptions in Week 2.
Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots (@NYJ): I've been saying all week I'd pick Corey Dillon first, and I still would. But this is the kind of game in which New England could dominate, then run down the clock. Expect enough carries for Maroney to be a standout.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (TEN): First and foremost, San Diego is a run-based offense, and that's not going to change, not this year. But Marty Schottenheimer picks Rivers' passing plays well. Tennessee won't give him headaches whenever he gets to throw. <STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
Among the players I'm avoiding in Week 2: QB Aaron Brooks' owners probably don't need confirmation that he's a must-sit, but here it is anyway. He's facing a Baltimore defense that's coming off a shutout, and he'll be missing LT Robert Gallery. Could it get any worse for Brooks? Yes, it really could. ... RB Carnell Williams is battling a back problem and his team's passing game isn't doing a reliable enough job to open up consistent running lanes for him. Facing the red-hot Falcons defense, he's in line for a second straight disappointing effort. ... RB Fred Taylor has an impressive history against the Steelers, but in those days, he was a lot healthier, sturdier player. These Steelers should do a fine job wearing him down early, forcing the Jaguars to try to beat them through the air. ... WR Joey Galloway is a talented receiver, for sure, but until QB Chris Simms proves he can get him the ball consistently and effectively, Galloway is a risky fantasy option facing better defenses. Atlanta's qualifies, after its shut-down effort against the potent Carolina offense. ... I'm too worried about the impact of QB Damon Huard on the Kansas City deep passing game to trust WR Eddie Kennison on Sunday. I think Kennison, first and foremost, is the one who will suffer statistically while Trent Green is out, so if you have the depth to do it, play it safe and reserve him until Huard proves he can get him the ball. ... The Buccaneers' defense is coming off a dreadful performance against the Ravens, and now it draws the Falcons, a team that ran the ball 47 times for 252 yards in Week 1. Atlanta's speedy offense could pose a real problem to Tampa Bay, which could very well have a second straight miserable effort.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Kevin Jones, RB, Lions
14 carries for 35 yards and 0 TD
One of 2005's most disappointing performers, Jones did nothing to re-establish his former breakout potential in Week 1. Sure, it wasn't the best of matchups, facing the underrated Seattle defense, but with Detroit hanging in there the entire game, one would think that Jones might have done better than this, perhaps earning a bigger cut of the workload. Instead, he was actually more effective as a pass catcher -- he had five receptions for 45 yards -- than as a runner, which is a surprise because he lacks the reputation of a player we could expect to get that involved in the receiving game each week. Jones still isn't getting much help from his offensive line, and it's a concern that he's in a pass-based offense, meaning when the matchup is poor, he's going to be a risky play even in a flex spot. Week 2 is one of those weeks, as Jones faces the dominant Bears defense, a team that limited him to 26 carries, 88 yards and a score combined in two games in 2005. Avoid him, and if you own him, be prepared for the fact that he's no more than a No. 2 fantasy RB, one who should assume a cozy seat on your bench going up defenses like Chicago's.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Friday, September 15, 2006

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT> Stopgap Seven: Week 2

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>The rough-and-tumble NFL can take a toll on your fantasy team's depth, so if you're looking particularly thin at a position, consider the following players who are a little more under-the-radar as starters. (I'll list my Stopgap Seven each Friday all season.)
Cedric Benson, RB, Bears (DET): The split in carries between him and Thomas Jones in Week 1 (Jones 21, Benson 11) was a lot closer than I thought, and as the year progresses, Benson will only see his role increase. This is a prime week for him to step up.
Chargers defense (TEN): LB Shawn Merriman had three of San Diego's nine sacks in Week 1, and it's not like Tennessee should fare much better than Oakland did in that game. After all, the Jets -- the Jets! -- picked off QB Kerry Collins three times in Week 1.
Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens (OAK): Oakland's secondary is banged up and could be missing a few players in Week 2, but would it matter if the entire defense was healthy, anyway? Clayton has a cushy matchup in this game, so look to him as a No. 3 or 4 option.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns (@CIN): I can't see Cleveland doing anything other than falling behind by the half, abandoning the run and doing nothing but chucking it to big-play receivers like Edwards. This is a game where a big TD catch could happen.
Greg Jennings, WR, Packers (NO): His Week 1 statistics might have taken off much of the sleeper luster, but before you write Jennings off, be aware QB Brett Favre targeted him six times, which isn't bad. Jennings could have that many receptions in Week 2.
Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots (@NYJ): I've been saying all week I'd pick Corey Dillon first, and I still would. But this is the kind of game in which New England could dominate, then run down the clock. Expect enough carries for Maroney to be a standout.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (TEN): First and foremost, San Diego is a run-based offense, and that's not going to change, not this year. But Marty Schottenheimer picks Rivers' passing plays well. Tennessee won't give him headaches whenever he gets to throw. <STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
Among the players I'm avoiding in Week 2: QB Aaron Brooks' owners probably don't need confirmation that he's a must-sit, but here it is anyway. He's facing a Baltimore defense that's coming off a shutout, and he'll be missing LT Robert Gallery. Could it get any worse for Brooks? Yes, it really could. ... RB Carnell Williams is battling a back problem and his team's passing game isn't doing a reliable enough job to open up consistent running lanes for him. Facing the red-hot Falcons defense, he's in line for a second straight disappointing effort. ... RB Fred Taylor has an impressive history against the Steelers, but in those days, he was a lot healthier, sturdier player. These Steelers should do a fine job wearing him down early, forcing the Jaguars to try to beat them through the air. ... WR Joey Galloway is a talented receiver, for sure, but until QB Chris Simms proves he can get him the ball consistently and effectively, Galloway is a risky fantasy option facing better defenses. Atlanta's qualifies, after its shut-down effort against the potent Carolina offense. ... I'm too worried about the impact of QB Damon Huard on the Kansas City deep passing game to trust WR Eddie Kennison on Sunday. I think Kennison, first and foremost, is the one who will suffer statistically while Trent Green is out, so if you have the depth to do it, play it safe and reserve him until Huard proves he can get him the ball. ... The Buccaneers' defense is coming off a dreadful performance against the Ravens, and now it draws the Falcons, a team that ran the ball 47 times for 252 yards in Week 1. Atlanta's speedy offense could pose a real problem to Tampa Bay, which could very well have a second straight miserable effort.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Kevin Jones, RB, Lions
14 carries for 35 yards and 0 TD
One of 2005's most disappointing performers, Jones did nothing to re-establish his former breakout potential in Week 1. Sure, it wasn't the best of matchups, facing the underrated Seattle defense, but with Detroit hanging in there the entire game, one would think that Jones might have done better than this, perhaps earning a bigger cut of the workload. Instead, he was actually more effective as a pass catcher -- he had five receptions for 45 yards -- than as a runner, which is a surprise because he lacks the reputation of a player we could expect to get that involved in the receiving game each week. Jones still isn't getting much help from his offensive line, and it's a concern that he's in a pass-based offense, meaning when the matchup is poor, he's going to be a risky play even in a flex spot. Week 2 is one of those weeks, as Jones faces the dominant Bears defense, a team that limited him to 26 carries, 88 yards and a score combined in two games in 2005. Avoid him, and if you own him, be prepared for the fact that he's no more than a No. 2 fantasy RB, one who should assume a cozy seat on your bench going up defenses like Chicago's.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Fantasy NFL

So have you recovered from Week 1 yet? I've seen owners who sneaked out 50-49 wins bragging about the fantasy Super Bowl they're destined to win, and seen others score better than 120 points who lost and think they're toast. Hey, that's the game. Better to be lucky than good, right?

On Tuesday I was asked by way too many people how my teams had done. Well, the three teams I have Shaun Alexander on all lost. One team lost because that Tampa Bay defense I foolishly activated scored negative points. In another, I was lucky enough to have selected the running back trifecta in the first three rounds of Carnell Williams, Willis McGahee and Reuben Droughns. That's three legit picks in those rounds of a 12-team draft, and no touchdowns and barely 100 yards. Wonderful.
So some teams won, others lost. Think NFL teams that opened with a loss are terribly worried? Neither am I. Plus, I'm particularly pleased about the squeaker I won when I left Clinton Portis in the lineup, and overcame getting nothing from Jake Delhomme and Cadillac. Love that Heath Miller! Um, yeah, of course that 87-yarder was a touchdown! Sure, looked fine to me.
Alright, let's skip the long intro and get to the Week 2 games.
Dolphins 21, Bills 14: J.P. Losman did not play badly in a Week 1 loss to New England, he just made a bad play to lose the game when he held on to the ball too long on the safety. No, his stats were nothing special, and they might not be much this week as well. I wouldn't start him, but the point is, he is not holding back Lee Evans or McGahee. Both of them should perform better this week.
Give Charlie Batch credit for having a big game against Miami on opening night. Sure, the Pittsburgh system was partially responsible for that, but Willie Parker running wild was no fluke. McGahee gets to 100 yards in this one and Evans catches a touchdown.
Ronnie Brown should do a lot better than 30 yards as well, and should get in the end zone again. As for Daunte Culpepper, surely the Steelers are a top defense and the Bills aren't, but Culpepper's problem was himself. He should do better, but expect the interceptions to be a problem all season. Why do I like Miami here? The Dolphins are 25-6 at home in August/September since 1987. That's a solid sample size.
? Worthy plays: McGahee, Evans, Brown, Culpepper, Chris Chambers
? Not worth it: Losman
Vikings 23, Panthers 13: Expect more of the same problems for the Panthers if Steve Smith does not play. As of now, we just don't know, but it was pretty clear in Week 1 that he really does mean that much to the team. Even if he plays, it's not wise to expect a big game. The comparisons with what Terrell Owens and Portis did last week just aren't valid. Owens was healthy -- certainly not recovering from two hamstring pulls -- while Portis had a shoulder issue and was not overused. Try not to play Smith in fantasy if you can avoid it.
As a result, it's hard to expect Carolina to have much success moving the ball, especially in a tough place against what appears a solid defense. DeShaun Foster isn't a great play again, and while I wouldn't give up on him or Jake Delhomme, you should use someone else.
Brad Johnson was impressive in the Monday win over Washington. Last season he was notably effective in home games, with a passer rating above 100 in three of his four wins (out of five games). Johnson might be as good a play as Delhomme. And Chester Taylor should always be in your lineup, with Troy Williamson a good No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.
? Worthy plays: Johnson, Taylor, Williamson, Vikes D
? Not worth it: Delhomme, Foster, S.Smith
Bengals 34, Browns 10: Blowout city in this one, with the Browns struggling to move the ball and Rudi Johnson having a field day. The last three times Rudi has run on Cleveland, he has totaled 497 yards. That's enough for me. Rudi goes wild and Carson Palmer doesn't have to do much, though he does get into the end zone. This is also a smart time to use the Bengals defense.
Poor Charlie Frye. It might be a long season. Reuben Droughns should get more yards than last week and maybe he does what Ahman Green did against the Bears, though he's going to have a tough time getting touchdowns.
? Worthy plays: R.Johnson, Chad Johnson, Palmer, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals D
? Not worth it: All Browns
Bears 20, Lions 3: More of the same from last week. Yeah, I thought Jon Kitna and Kevin Jones would be better this season, or at least worth owning, but we have to wait until Week 3 against the Packers. That should be more exciting and even. I just don't understand Jones. He was so good for that stretch in 2004, I really expected more. Maybe next week he delivers it.
As for the situation with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson, one can make the case they each blew a golden opportunity last week against the Packers. Jones started and got more carries, but was just average. Benson looks healthy, but didn't do much with his touches. What do the Bears want to do? Bears fans tell me the Bears aren't really in love with Benson, they just want someone to take care of the ball, pile up the yards and score once in a while. So this battle rages on this weekend, with Jones still leading. If you have 'em both, play Jones.
Is Rex Grossman a fantasy viable quarterback? Not yet. Chicago's defense returns a Kitna pick and Jones gets the other touchdown.
? Worthy plays: T. Jones, Muhsin Muhammad, Bears D
? Not worth it: Grossman, all Lions
Colts 27, Texans 9: Peyton Manning has never lost to this team, going 8-0. Do you really think this is the week it happens? Nobody who owns Manning would ever sit him anyway. But the running backs? Now, that's interesting. I'd choose Dominic Rhodes over Joseph Addai yet again. In fact, I think Rhodes has a big game and distances himself from Addai.
What about the Houston running game? I don't expect to see Sam Gado play much, if at all, this week, so Wali Lundy gets his chance. I wouldn't play him this week. I rank him near Kevin Jones for the week. Enough said? Don't play David Carr or the receivers either. They'll have better days.
? Worthy plays: All Colts
? Not worth it: All Texans
Packers 17, Saints 16: Hey, not only do I have the Packers scoring points this week, they will win! Full disclosure, I thought they would score against the Bears, but I clearly overestimated the Packers offense. As many a Brett Favre fan has pointed out to me this week, Favre did not play badly, he just didn't get to throw enough and his final stats were sullied by poor fourth quarter decision making. Give him a touchdown pass and only one interception in this game, and a desperately needed win. Ahman Green runs for 75 yards and gets into the end zone, by the way.
Reggie Bush is the real deal, and it's nice to see a pro athlete not complaining about how many carries he gets. Deuce McAllister still gets more, though Bush does more with his touches because he catches the ball and returns kicks. Play them both in this one, along with Drew Brees. Joe Horn produces some stats as well.
? Worthy plays: Favre, Green, Donald Driver, Brees, Horn, Bush, McAllister
? Not worth it: Greg Jennings, either D

Eagles 20, Giants 17: This is one of the games of the day. With the way Philly looked all preseason and against a bad Texans team, it might be hard to tell, but the Eagles are ready for this, especially at home. Look for Donovan McNabb to throw a lot, probably one touchdown pass and close to 300 yards. Brian Westbrook is a safe bet for at least 50 yards on the ground and in the air. I'm giving Correll Buckhalter a short touchdown run, and next week he becomes a popular fantasy pickup.
Eli Manning did fine against his big brother, but ultimately a few bad decisions (and the officials) doomed the team. Manning should do OK in this game, but the real good play is Tiki Barber. If he tops 100 yards against Philly, he will break the record for most consecutive 100-yard rushing games against one team, since 1970. Currently he shares the record with Earl Campbell (vs. Bengals), Walter Payton (vs. Packers), Emmitt Smith (vs. Redskins), Barry Sanders (vs. Bucs), Stephen Davis (vs. Cards) and Shaun Alexander (vs. Rams, currently). Tiki does it again, but does not score. This might become a theme. Give Eli and Brandon Jacobs a touchdown each in a game that is decided late by a David Akers kick.
? Worthy plays: Pretty much everyone
? Not worth it: nobody
Ravens 24, Raiders 3: How can you argue this one? So, I gave the Raiders some points. When's the last time a team went scoreless its first two weeks of the season? Sit all your Raiders for this game. Don't play LaMont Jordan either. I know, I know, we preach patience, and for Jordan I do think he'll get his numbers at some point. But look at that Baltimore defense. It's almost not fair that Aaron Brooks has to see Ray Lewis. Hopefully he'll have Shawne Merriman surgically removed from his leg by then.
The way San Diego was able to torture Oakland with the running game, one would think the Ravens will do the same thing. Jamal Lewis tops 100 yards and Musa Smith gets 50 and a touchdown since he'll get two quarters of trash time. Steve McNair should be a good play, but I think has a line similar to Philip Rivers and doesn't need to throw much.
? Worthy plays: McNair, Lewis, Smith, Ravens D
? Not worth it: All Raiders, Mike Anderson
Buccaneers 17, Falcons 14: I'm totally going against the grain on this one. Tampa Bay looked terrible last week. Atlanta looked terrific. It seems so obvious. But this is a Jon Gruden team, and think about how many games last week didn't go the way you expected. Well, I'm taking the Bucs with the points, and see an outright win. Good teams don't lay eggs back to back weeks. Cadillac Williams shares carries with Michael Pittman and neither does much, and while Chris Simms is more careful where he throws the ball, that doesn't make him a worthy play. This Falcons defense is not Baltimore's. So it's not necessarily a good game for fantasy owners.
Michael Vick didn't have to throw much in Week 1, as Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood did most of the work. I'd still play Dunn in this one, obviously, but Vick is just a so-so play. Yes, I am aware what he did to the Bucs last season. But then again, the Panthers owned Atlanta last season, and look at what occurred.
? Worthy plays: Dunn
? Not worth it: everyone else
Seahawks 24, Cardinals 21: I'll give Seattle another close win, but Arizona has a legit offense and should keep the game close. Shaun Alexander is always a good play, and look for a nice bounceback game with more than 100 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander has 14 touchdowns in eight games against the Cardinals, and always runs for 100 yards on division opponents. Matt Hasselbeck contributes 250 yards and a score as well.
We know Kurt Warner will have more success throwing the ball than Kitna did, and Edgerrin James will be better than Kevin Jones. But how much better? Stick with Warner, figuring he'll be throwing a lot, flirts with 300 yards, gets two touchdowns. James is the one who isn't a terrific play, but if you have him, how can you sit him?
? Worthy plays: Alexander, Hasselbeck, Darrell Jackson, Seahawks D, Warner, James, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin
? Not worth it: Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Cards D
49ers 28, Rams 24: How about an upset here? You think the Rams are so good because they shut down Jake Plummer, I know you do. You think the Rams have a steady defense and can contend with Seattle for the division title. Well, I don't. San Francisco moved the ball well at Arizona, which might not say much, but I think the Niners can do it again. I'm not sold on Alex Smith quite yet, but I soon might be. Frank Gore is a definite play, and so is Antonio Bryant. If he's still available in your league, go get him. Maybe that's what Smith really needed, a few threats. Vernon Davis certainly is.
Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson moved the Rams into field goal position six times in Week 1. That might seem impressive, but they didn't get in the end zone. They should have more success against San Fran, but they lost twice to them last season. I'm not buying into the Rams just yet, not in this road game against a hungry team.
? Worthy plays: Smith, Gore, Bryant, Davis, Bulger, Jackson, Torry Holt
? Not worth it: defenses
Broncos 31, Chiefs 17: Good luck finding someone to go with Damon Huard this week. It's not that I think Huard will fail miserably, but the Broncos had an ugly Week 1 loss, Plummer was terrible, and I see good things in this matchup back in Denver. First of all, Plummer should be better. He'll have some fun with old man Rod Smith. Not sure Javon Walker will do much. Tatum Bell starts over Mike Bell, it's a good time to take Tatum and play him. He's good for 100 yards and a touchdown, at least.
Larry Johnson should never be removed from a fantasy lineup. I think he'll top 100 yards and score at least once. Huard will move the team, but he might not be put in the position to throw much. Try not to play his wide receivers. As for Tony Gonzalez, he's exactly the option Huard will be looking at, and you should never sit him anyway. He'll get his numbers no matter who's slinging the ball.
? Worthy plays: Plummer, T. Bell, R. Smith, Walker, Broncos D, Johnson, Tony Gonzalez.
? Not worth it: Eddie Kennison, Mike Bell
Patriots 16, Jets 14: This is not an easy game for Tom Brady and friends. Let's not overrate the Jets from last week, but they do have enough defense to compete with a Patriots team that struggled against Buffalo, and clearly has some internal issues after the Branch trade. Look for a low-scoring affair, and the Pats come from behind in the fourth quarter. You should play Brady, but I don't expect much. Hopefully he won't let the Branch trade affect his play again. I'll give Corey Dillon the New England touchdown, on a short run, and say he has more yards and carries than rookie Laurence Maroney.
The Jets shouldn't win more than six or seven games this season, but if Kevan Barlow could reproduce his 2003 numbers, it would be possible. Chad Pennington should top 250 yards and make his receivers fantasy options, but it's up to Barlow to make defenses honest.
? Worthy plays: Brady, Dillon, Pennington, Laveranues Coles
? Not worth it: Maroney, Jerricho Cotchery, Pats receivers, Jets running backs
Chargers 28, Titans 7: I really like that Chargers defense, even though the Raiders weren't much of a threat. Tennessee doesn't have much of a running game, and San Diego is well acquainted with Kerry Collins. I don't think this is much of a game. Philip Rivers might have to throw 16 times instead of 11, like Monday, but San Diego does it with defense and the run game. Might not be a bad game to go with Michael Turner.
? Worthy plays: LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Chargers D
? Not worth it: Rivers, Chargers receivers, any Titans
Redskins 24, Cowboys 21: This will be fun game since the NFC East will automatically have an 0-2 team. I think it will be Dallas. The Redskins really could have won that Vikings game, and Clinton Portis is, by most accounts, ready to handle a larger load this week. I'm definitely playing him, and figure Mark Brunell does enough to keep the game close and drive the team to another late field goal try, which John Hall makes this time. I don't think Brunell has a big day, though Santana Moss might. Dallas couldn't handle him last season in that Monday night game, when he scored twice late.
Chester Taylor got 88 yards on Washington, but he needed 31 carries. I don't think Julius Jones will have a lot of success, but he's worth using on the chance he does what he did last week. Some Dallas fans have argued that Marion Barber really isn't in the equation at all, but I disagree. He's getting the goal line carries. Drew Bledsoe should play better and get in the end zone twice, with Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn having good days.
? Worthy plays: Portis, S. Moss, Brunell, Bledsoe, J. Jones, T. Owens, Glenn
? Not worth it: defenses
Jaguars 23, Steelers 17: Jacksonville is at home and certainly capable of matching the Steelers on prime time. Yes, Pittsburgh was impressive with Charlie Batch picking apart the Dolphins, and Willie Parker topped 100 yards. I'll stick with Parker again, and will do so every week, but Jacksonville puts a lot of pressure on quarterbacks, and I don't see Batch, or recuperating Ben Roethlisberger, if he convinces everyone he can play, having success.
Fred Taylor shouldn't find a lot of holes, but he's a decent flex option. He's going to get the carries. I think Byron Leftwich actually avoids the mistakes Culpepper did, and despite the aura around the Steelers' defense, I could see a decent game, with 250 yards and two touchdowns. I wouldn't make Reggie Williams or Matt Jones definite starts, but they'll get their catches. Hey, the Jags won 12 games last season, more than Pittsburgh, and allowed only 11 more points! This is not much of an upset.
? Worthy plays: Parker, Taylor, Leftwich, Hines Ward, Heath Miller
? Not worth it: Pittsburgh's QB, Jaguars WRs OK, that's it for Week 2. Enjoy it, and remember: don't panic, it's only one week

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/15/06)

posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Fantasy NFL

So have you recovered from Week 1 yet? I've seen owners who sneaked out 50-49 wins bragging about the fantasy Super Bowl they're destined to win, and seen others score better than 120 points who lost and think they're toast. Hey, that's the game. Better to be lucky than good, right?

On Tuesday I was asked by way too many people how my teams had done. Well, the three teams I have Shaun Alexander on all lost. One team lost because that Tampa Bay defense I foolishly activated scored negative points. In another, I was lucky enough to have selected the running back trifecta in the first three rounds of Carnell Williams, Willis McGahee and Reuben Droughns. That's three legit picks in those rounds of a 12-team draft, and no touchdowns and barely 100 yards. Wonderful.
So some teams won, others lost. Think NFL teams that opened with a loss are terribly worried? Neither am I. Plus, I'm particularly pleased about the squeaker I won when I left Clinton Portis in the lineup, and overcame getting nothing from Jake Delhomme and Cadillac. Love that Heath Miller! Um, yeah, of course that 87-yarder was a touchdown! Sure, looked fine to me.
Alright, let's skip the long intro and get to the Week 2 games.
Dolphins 21, Bills 14: J.P. Losman did not play badly in a Week 1 loss to New England, he just made a bad play to lose the game when he held on to the ball too long on the safety. No, his stats were nothing special, and they might not be much this week as well. I wouldn't start him, but the point is, he is not holding back Lee Evans or McGahee. Both of them should perform better this week.
Give Charlie Batch credit for having a big game against Miami on opening night. Sure, the Pittsburgh system was partially responsible for that, but Willie Parker running wild was no fluke. McGahee gets to 100 yards in this one and Evans catches a touchdown.
Ronnie Brown should do a lot better than 30 yards as well, and should get in the end zone again. As for Daunte Culpepper, surely the Steelers are a top defense and the Bills aren't, but Culpepper's problem was himself. He should do better, but expect the interceptions to be a problem all season. Why do I like Miami here? The Dolphins are 25-6 at home in August/September since 1987. That's a solid sample size.
? Worthy plays: McGahee, Evans, Brown, Culpepper, Chris Chambers
? Not worth it: Losman
Vikings 23, Panthers 13: Expect more of the same problems for the Panthers if Steve Smith does not play. As of now, we just don't know, but it was pretty clear in Week 1 that he really does mean that much to the team. Even if he plays, it's not wise to expect a big game. The comparisons with what Terrell Owens and Portis did last week just aren't valid. Owens was healthy -- certainly not recovering from two hamstring pulls -- while Portis had a shoulder issue and was not overused. Try not to play Smith in fantasy if you can avoid it.
As a result, it's hard to expect Carolina to have much success moving the ball, especially in a tough place against what appears a solid defense. DeShaun Foster isn't a great play again, and while I wouldn't give up on him or Jake Delhomme, you should use someone else.
Brad Johnson was impressive in the Monday win over Washington. Last season he was notably effective in home games, with a passer rating above 100 in three of his four wins (out of five games). Johnson might be as good a play as Delhomme. And Chester Taylor should always be in your lineup, with Troy Williamson a good No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.
? Worthy plays: Johnson, Taylor, Williamson, Vikes D
? Not worth it: Delhomme, Foster, S.Smith
Bengals 34, Browns 10: Blowout city in this one, with the Browns struggling to move the ball and Rudi Johnson having a field day. The last three times Rudi has run on Cleveland, he has totaled 497 yards. That's enough for me. Rudi goes wild and Carson Palmer doesn't have to do much, though he does get into the end zone. This is also a smart time to use the Bengals defense.
Poor Charlie Frye. It might be a long season. Reuben Droughns should get more yards than last week and maybe he does what Ahman Green did against the Bears, though he's going to have a tough time getting touchdowns.
? Worthy plays: R.Johnson, Chad Johnson, Palmer, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals D
? Not worth it: All Browns
Bears 20, Lions 3: More of the same from last week. Yeah, I thought Jon Kitna and Kevin Jones would be better this season, or at least worth owning, but we have to wait until Week 3 against the Packers. That should be more exciting and even. I just don't understand Jones. He was so good for that stretch in 2004, I really expected more. Maybe next week he delivers it.
As for the situation with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson, one can make the case they each blew a golden opportunity last week against the Packers. Jones started and got more carries, but was just average. Benson looks healthy, but didn't do much with his touches. What do the Bears want to do? Bears fans tell me the Bears aren't really in love with Benson, they just want someone to take care of the ball, pile up the yards and score once in a while. So this battle rages on this weekend, with Jones still leading. If you have 'em both, play Jones.
Is Rex Grossman a fantasy viable quarterback? Not yet. Chicago's defense returns a Kitna pick and Jones gets the other touchdown.
? Worthy plays: T. Jones, Muhsin Muhammad, Bears D
? Not worth it: Grossman, all Lions
Colts 27, Texans 9: Peyton Manning has never lost to this team, going 8-0. Do you really think this is the week it happens? Nobody who owns Manning would ever sit him anyway. But the running backs? Now, that's interesting. I'd choose Dominic Rhodes over Joseph Addai yet again. In fact, I think Rhodes has a big game and distances himself from Addai.
What about the Houston running game? I don't expect to see Sam Gado play much, if at all, this week, so Wali Lundy gets his chance. I wouldn't play him this week. I rank him near Kevin Jones for the week. Enough said? Don't play David Carr or the receivers either. They'll have better days.
? Worthy plays: All Colts
? Not worth it: All Texans
Packers 17, Saints 16: Hey, not only do I have the Packers scoring points this week, they will win! Full disclosure, I thought they would score against the Bears, but I clearly overestimated the Packers offense. As many a Brett Favre fan has pointed out to me this week, Favre did not play badly, he just didn't get to throw enough and his final stats were sullied by poor fourth quarter decision making. Give him a touchdown pass and only one interception in this game, and a desperately needed win. Ahman Green runs for 75 yards and gets into the end zone, by the way.
Reggie Bush is the real deal, and it's nice to see a pro athlete not complaining about how many carries he gets. Deuce McAllister still gets more, though Bush does more with his touches because he catches the ball and returns kicks. Play them both in this one, along with Drew Brees. Joe Horn produces some stats as well.
? Worthy plays: Favre, Green, Donald Driver, Brees, Horn, Bush, McAllister
? Not worth it: Greg Jennings, either D

Eagles 20, Giants 17: This is one of the games of the day. With the way Philly looked all preseason and against a bad Texans team, it might be hard to tell, but the Eagles are ready for this, especially at home. Look for Donovan McNabb to throw a lot, probably one touchdown pass and close to 300 yards. Brian Westbrook is a safe bet for at least 50 yards on the ground and in the air. I'm giving Correll Buckhalter a short touchdown run, and next week he becomes a popular fantasy pickup.
Eli Manning did fine against his big brother, but ultimately a few bad decisions (and the officials) doomed the team. Manning should do OK in this game, but the real good play is Tiki Barber. If he tops 100 yards against Philly, he will break the record for most consecutive 100-yard rushing games against one team, since 1970. Currently he shares the record with Earl Campbell (vs. Bengals), Walter Payton (vs. Packers), Emmitt Smith (vs. Redskins), Barry Sanders (vs. Bucs), Stephen Davis (vs. Cards) and Shaun Alexander (vs. Rams, currently). Tiki does it again, but does not score. This might become a theme. Give Eli and Brandon Jacobs a touchdown each in a game that is decided late by a David Akers kick.
? Worthy plays: Pretty much everyone
? Not worth it: nobody
Ravens 24, Raiders 3: How can you argue this one? So, I gave the Raiders some points. When's the last time a team went scoreless its first two weeks of the season? Sit all your Raiders for this game. Don't play LaMont Jordan either. I know, I know, we preach patience, and for Jordan I do think he'll get his numbers at some point. But look at that Baltimore defense. It's almost not fair that Aaron Brooks has to see Ray Lewis. Hopefully he'll have Shawne Merriman surgically removed from his leg by then.
The way San Diego was able to torture Oakland with the running game, one would think the Ravens will do the same thing. Jamal Lewis tops 100 yards and Musa Smith gets 50 and a touchdown since he'll get two quarters of trash time. Steve McNair should be a good play, but I think has a line similar to Philip Rivers and doesn't need to throw much.
? Worthy plays: McNair, Lewis, Smith, Ravens D
? Not worth it: All Raiders, Mike Anderson
Buccaneers 17, Falcons 14: I'm totally going against the grain on this one. Tampa Bay looked terrible last week. Atlanta looked terrific. It seems so obvious. But this is a Jon Gruden team, and think about how many games last week didn't go the way you expected. Well, I'm taking the Bucs with the points, and see an outright win. Good teams don't lay eggs back to back weeks. Cadillac Williams shares carries with Michael Pittman and neither does much, and while Chris Simms is more careful where he throws the ball, that doesn't make him a worthy play. This Falcons defense is not Baltimore's. So it's not necessarily a good game for fantasy owners.
Michael Vick didn't have to throw much in Week 1, as Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood did most of the work. I'd still play Dunn in this one, obviously, but Vick is just a so-so play. Yes, I am aware what he did to the Bucs last season. But then again, the Panthers owned Atlanta last season, and look at what occurred.
? Worthy plays: Dunn
? Not worth it: everyone else
Seahawks 24, Cardinals 21: I'll give Seattle another close win, but Arizona has a legit offense and should keep the game close. Shaun Alexander is always a good play, and look for a nice bounceback game with more than 100 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander has 14 touchdowns in eight games against the Cardinals, and always runs for 100 yards on division opponents. Matt Hasselbeck contributes 250 yards and a score as well.
We know Kurt Warner will have more success throwing the ball than Kitna did, and Edgerrin James will be better than Kevin Jones. But how much better? Stick with Warner, figuring he'll be throwing a lot, flirts with 300 yards, gets two touchdowns. James is the one who isn't a terrific play, but if you have him, how can you sit him?
? Worthy plays: Alexander, Hasselbeck, Darrell Jackson, Seahawks D, Warner, James, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin
? Not worth it: Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, Cards D
49ers 28, Rams 24: How about an upset here? You think the Rams are so good because they shut down Jake Plummer, I know you do. You think the Rams have a steady defense and can contend with Seattle for the division title. Well, I don't. San Francisco moved the ball well at Arizona, which might not say much, but I think the Niners can do it again. I'm not sold on Alex Smith quite yet, but I soon might be. Frank Gore is a definite play, and so is Antonio Bryant. If he's still available in your league, go get him. Maybe that's what Smith really needed, a few threats. Vernon Davis certainly is.
Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson moved the Rams into field goal position six times in Week 1. That might seem impressive, but they didn't get in the end zone. They should have more success against San Fran, but they lost twice to them last season. I'm not buying into the Rams just yet, not in this road game against a hungry team.
? Worthy plays: Smith, Gore, Bryant, Davis, Bulger, Jackson, Torry Holt
? Not worth it: defenses
Broncos 31, Chiefs 17: Good luck finding someone to go with Damon Huard this week. It's not that I think Huard will fail miserably, but the Broncos had an ugly Week 1 loss, Plummer was terrible, and I see good things in this matchup back in Denver. First of all, Plummer should be better. He'll have some fun with old man Rod Smith. Not sure Javon Walker will do much. Tatum Bell starts over Mike Bell, it's a good time to take Tatum and play him. He's good for 100 yards and a touchdown, at least.
Larry Johnson should never be removed from a fantasy lineup. I think he'll top 100 yards and score at least once. Huard will move the team, but he might not be put in the position to throw much. Try not to play his wide receivers. As for Tony Gonzalez, he's exactly the option Huard will be looking at, and you should never sit him anyway. He'll get his numbers no matter who's slinging the ball.
? Worthy plays: Plummer, T. Bell, R. Smith, Walker, Broncos D, Johnson, Tony Gonzalez.
? Not worth it: Eddie Kennison, Mike Bell
Patriots 16, Jets 14: This is not an easy game for Tom Brady and friends. Let's not overrate the Jets from last week, but they do have enough defense to compete with a Patriots team that struggled against Buffalo, and clearly has some internal issues after the Branch trade. Look for a low-scoring affair, and the Pats come from behind in the fourth quarter. You should play Brady, but I don't expect much. Hopefully he won't let the Branch trade affect his play again. I'll give Corey Dillon the New England touchdown, on a short run, and say he has more yards and carries than rookie Laurence Maroney.
The Jets shouldn't win more than six or seven games this season, but if Kevan Barlow could reproduce his 2003 numbers, it would be possible. Chad Pennington should top 250 yards and make his receivers fantasy options, but it's up to Barlow to make defenses honest.
? Worthy plays: Brady, Dillon, Pennington, Laveranues Coles
? Not worth it: Maroney, Jerricho Cotchery, Pats receivers, Jets running backs
Chargers 28, Titans 7: I really like that Chargers defense, even though the Raiders weren't much of a threat. Tennessee doesn't have much of a running game, and San Diego is well acquainted with Kerry Collins. I don't think this is much of a game. Philip Rivers might have to throw 16 times instead of 11, like Monday, but San Diego does it with defense and the run game. Might not be a bad game to go with Michael Turner.
? Worthy plays: LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Chargers D
? Not worth it: Rivers, Chargers receivers, any Titans
Redskins 24, Cowboys 21: This will be fun game since the NFC East will automatically have an 0-2 team. I think it will be Dallas. The Redskins really could have won that Vikings game, and Clinton Portis is, by most accounts, ready to handle a larger load this week. I'm definitely playing him, and figure Mark Brunell does enough to keep the game close and drive the team to another late field goal try, which John Hall makes this time. I don't think Brunell has a big day, though Santana Moss might. Dallas couldn't handle him last season in that Monday night game, when he scored twice late.
Chester Taylor got 88 yards on Washington, but he needed 31 carries. I don't think Julius Jones will have a lot of success, but he's worth using on the chance he does what he did last week. Some Dallas fans have argued that Marion Barber really isn't in the equation at all, but I disagree. He's getting the goal line carries. Drew Bledsoe should play better and get in the end zone twice, with Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn having good days.
? Worthy plays: Portis, S. Moss, Brunell, Bledsoe, J. Jones, T. Owens, Glenn
? Not worth it: defenses
Jaguars 23, Steelers 17: Jacksonville is at home and certainly capable of matching the Steelers on prime time. Yes, Pittsburgh was impressive with Charlie Batch picking apart the Dolphins, and Willie Parker topped 100 yards. I'll stick with Parker again, and will do so every week, but Jacksonville puts a lot of pressure on quarterbacks, and I don't see Batch, or recuperating Ben Roethlisberger, if he convinces everyone he can play, having success.
Fred Taylor shouldn't find a lot of holes, but he's a decent flex option. He's going to get the carries. I think Byron Leftwich actually avoids the mistakes Culpepper did, and despite the aura around the Steelers' defense, I could see a decent game, with 250 yards and two touchdowns. I wouldn't make Reggie Williams or Matt Jones definite starts, but they'll get their catches. Hey, the Jags won 12 games last season, more than Pittsburgh, and allowed only 11 more points! This is not much of an upset.
? Worthy plays: Parker, Taylor, Leftwich, Hines Ward, Heath Miller
? Not worth it: Pittsburgh's QB, Jaguars WRs OK, that's it for Week 2. Enjoy it, and remember: don't panic, it's only one week

Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Re: NFL Fantasy Football News/Articles - ESPN Insider 4 New Articles Added 9/14/06)

Friday, September 15, 2006

<SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://ai059.insightexpressai.com/adServer/adServer.aspx?bannerID=7560"></SCRIPT> Stopgap Seven: Week 2

By Tristan H. Cockcroft
ESPN.com





<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=762 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=552>The rough-and-tumble NFL can take a toll on your fantasy team's depth, so if you're looking particularly thin at a position, consider the following players who are a little more under-the-radar as starters. (I'll list my Stopgap Seven each Friday all season.)
Cedric Benson, RB, Bears (DET): The split in carries between him and Thomas Jones in Week 1 (Jones 21, Benson 11) was a lot closer than I thought, and as the year progresses, Benson will only see his role increase. This is a prime week for him to step up.
Chargers defense (TEN): LB Shawn Merriman had three of San Diego's nine sacks in Week 1, and it's not like Tennessee should fare much better than Oakland did in that game. After all, the Jets -- the Jets! -- picked off QB Kerry Collins three times in Week 1.
Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens (OAK): Oakland's secondary is banged up and could be missing a few players in Week 2, but would it matter if the entire defense was healthy, anyway? Clayton has a cushy matchup in this game, so look to him as a No. 3 or 4 option.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns (@CIN): I can't see Cleveland doing anything other than falling behind by the half, abandoning the run and doing nothing but chucking it to big-play receivers like Edwards. This is a game where a big TD catch could happen.
Greg Jennings, WR, Packers (NO): His Week 1 statistics might have taken off much of the sleeper luster, but before you write Jennings off, be aware QB Brett Favre targeted him six times, which isn't bad. Jennings could have that many receptions in Week 2.
Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots (@NYJ): I've been saying all week I'd pick Corey Dillon first, and I still would. But this is the kind of game in which New England could dominate, then run down the clock. Expect enough carries for Maroney to be a standout.
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers (TEN): First and foremost, San Diego is a run-based offense, and that's not going to change, not this year. But Marty Schottenheimer picks Rivers' passing plays well. Tennessee won't give him headaches whenever he gets to throw. <STYLE> .headshot { visibility: visible; padding: 0px 5px 4px 0px; float: left;} .bottom { font: 10px verdana, san-serif; color: #fff; font-weight: bold; background: #006633; padding: 5px; } </STYLE>BETWEEN THE LINES
Among the players I'm avoiding in Week 2: QB Aaron Brooks' owners probably don't need confirmation that he's a must-sit, but here it is anyway. He's facing a Baltimore defense that's coming off a shutout, and he'll be missing LT Robert Gallery. Could it get any worse for Brooks? Yes, it really could. ... RB Carnell Williams is battling a back problem and his team's passing game isn't doing a reliable enough job to open up consistent running lanes for him. Facing the red-hot Falcons defense, he's in line for a second straight disappointing effort. ... RB Fred Taylor has an impressive history against the Steelers, but in those days, he was a lot healthier, sturdier player. These Steelers should do a fine job wearing him down early, forcing the Jaguars to try to beat them through the air. ... WR Joey Galloway is a talented receiver, for sure, but until QB Chris Simms proves he can get him the ball consistently and effectively, Galloway is a risky fantasy option facing better defenses. Atlanta's qualifies, after its shut-down effort against the potent Carolina offense. ... I'm too worried about the impact of QB Damon Huard on the Kansas City deep passing game to trust WR Eddie Kennison on Sunday. I think Kennison, first and foremost, is the one who will suffer statistically while Trent Green is out, so if you have the depth to do it, play it safe and reserve him until Huard proves he can get him the ball. ... The Buccaneers' defense is coming off a dreadful performance against the Ravens, and now it draws the Falcons, a team that ran the ball 47 times for 252 yards in Week 1. Atlanta's speedy offense could pose a real problem to Tampa Bay, which could very well have a second straight miserable effort.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Kevin Jones, RB, Lions
14 carries for 35 yards and 0 TD
One of 2005's most disappointing performers, Jones did nothing to re-establish his former breakout potential in Week 1. Sure, it wasn't the best of matchups, facing the underrated Seattle defense, but with Detroit hanging in there the entire game, one would think that Jones might have done better than this, perhaps earning a bigger cut of the workload. Instead, he was actually more effective as a pass catcher -- he had five receptions for 45 yards -- than as a runner, which is a surprise because he lacks the reputation of a player we could expect to get that involved in the receiving game each week. Jones still isn't getting much help from his offensive line, and it's a concern that he's in a pass-based offense, meaning when the matchup is poor, he's going to be a risky play even in a flex spot. Week 2 is one of those weeks, as Jones faces the dominant Bears defense, a team that limited him to 26 carries, 88 yards and a score combined in two games in 2005. Avoid him, and if you own him, be prepared for the fact that he's no more than a No. 2 fantasy RB, one who should assume a cozy seat on your bench going up defenses like Chicago's.
</TD><TD width=15><SPACER width="15" height="1" type="block"></TD><TD class=rightcell vAlign=top width=195>TOP LINES
<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD class=stathead align=middle bgColor=#555555 colSpan=6>Week 1</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff>

</TD><TD colSpan=5>Michael Vick, QB, Falcons: He passed for a combined 467 yards and 4 TD in 2 G vs. TB in 2005</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD>passYDS</TD><TD>passTD</TD><TD>INT</TD><TD>rushYDS</TD><TD>FPTS</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD><NOBR>140</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>2</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>0</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>48</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>17</NOBR></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff colSpan=5 height=3></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff>

</TD><TD colSpan=5>Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins: He averaged 4.6 yards per carry with a TD in 2 G vs. BUF in 2005</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD>ATT</TD><TD>rushYDS</TD><TD>recYDS</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>FPTS</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD><NOBR>15</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>30</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>32</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>2</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>18</NOBR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff>

</TD><TD colSpan=5>Terrell Owens, WR, Cowboys: He has 27 touchdown receptions in his last 29 regular-season games</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD>REC</TD><TD>recYDS</TD><TD>TARGET</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>FPTS</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD><NOBR>6</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>80</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>12</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>1</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>14</NOBR></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff colSpan=5 height=3></TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffff>

</TD><TD colSpan=5>Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants: He had 10 receptions for 107 yards in his last game vs. PHI (Week 14, 2005)</TD></TR><TR class=colhead><TD>REC</TD><TD>recYDS</TD><TD>TARGET</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>FPTS</TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD><NOBR>5</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>59</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>7</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>1</NOBR></TD><TD><NOBR>11</NOBR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Surfin' the Scoreboard

Lineup Shuffling
? The Seahawks are likely to dress WR Deion Branch in Week 2, as he was heavily involved in Thursday's practice and might be up to the task of adjusting to the Seattle offensive system by Sunday. He's too risky to use in fantasy leagues, even against the Cardinals, but his presence will make WRs Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram less attractive options. Give Branch a week to show you what he can do before using him.
? The Texans plan to have RBs Wali Lundy, Ron Dayne and Samkon Gado all active for Week 2, which is a terrible thing for fantasy owners. Lundy will likely get the start, though it'll be a straight committee approach, with perhaps the hot hand getting the bulk of the work as the game progresses. Considering Houston faces Indianapolis, a team that will almost assuredly mount an early lead and eliminate the Texans' running game, none of these three belong in any fantasy lineups on Sunday.
? The Raiders are expected to list WR Jerry Porter as inactive for the second consecutive game in Week 2. Alvis Whitted and Ronald Curry will again assume the Nos. 2 and 3 WR spots for Oakland, though neither faces a good matchup against the Ravens. If you're a Porter owner, it's OK to drop him in shallow formats with small benches. ? Thu Box | Wed Box | Karabell's Blog




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Hache Man · Sep 15, 2006