Reggie Bush is active today - I still think Pierre Thomas is a safer start but Bush has more upside. If you need a home run - swing for the fences with Bush. If you just need points and feel conservative, go with Thomas. David Patten is inactive in case you were wondering.
Johnathan Stewart is active, but I don't expect much for him.
Eddie Royal is a game time decision. On a late game.
Portis is active and should be a pretty good start. I will roll with him for sure.
Brandon Jacobs is active and Bradshaw was seen in a neck brace yesterday and while it seems like he is still active, don't expect much. (edited - just saw Bradshaw is INACTIVE on another site. Either way, not a start for you.)
See you all later if I see more fun news!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Plaxico Burress shot - out indefinitely
Fox Sports and ESPN are reporting that Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg late last night while carrying a loaded gun in a nightclub. Apparently it went off unexpectedly (one might have guessed that). The injuries are not life threatening but he's out indefinitely.
My thoughts: As much as Burress has had plenty of self-inflicted wounds this season, this one is pretty much the last straw for any fantasy owner. If you were wondering whether he was ever regaining his form again, you have your answer. I wasn't convinced he was going to do anything on the field that was noteworthy anyway so this is no big shock, although HOW he ended his season is of course a big one.
Hope he heals ok, but man, some people just don't seem to use their head for more than something to prop their helmet on.
Pick up Dominek Hixon if you haven't already and it wouldn;t be bad to have Steve Smith or even Amani Toomer around in case Manning leans on them instead.
I guess Hixon now gets his shot. We'll know what fantasy value he has shortly.
Given the money they gave Plax and the trouble he has caused since he put pen to contract - Burress better hope they don't discover how disposable he might be.
My thoughts: As much as Burress has had plenty of self-inflicted wounds this season, this one is pretty much the last straw for any fantasy owner. If you were wondering whether he was ever regaining his form again, you have your answer. I wasn't convinced he was going to do anything on the field that was noteworthy anyway so this is no big shock, although HOW he ended his season is of course a big one.
Hope he heals ok, but man, some people just don't seem to use their head for more than something to prop their helmet on.
Pick up Dominek Hixon if you haven't already and it wouldn;t be bad to have Steve Smith or even Amani Toomer around in case Manning leans on them instead.
I guess Hixon now gets his shot. We'll know what fantasy value he has shortly.
Given the money they gave Plax and the trouble he has caused since he put pen to contract - Burress better hope they don't discover how disposable he might be.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Some friday Notes - Parker and Bush
Reggie Bush was limited in practice today, however the New Orleans Times-Picayune expects him to playand if that's the case, they'll probably give him a decent load. While I hesitate to jump on the 20-25 carry bandwagon right off the back, they will probably use him both in the pass game and the ground game.
I think he will be a decent start and I think Pierre Thomas gets most of the secondary carries. McAllister? I don't know but I don't feel he is a very safe play this weekend.
I didn't have Bush on my RB rankings - I would slot him around 20 (give or take) as I am unsure what kind of touches he will get and Payton has eased his star players into the gameplan more than once. This is a game the Saints have to win though and I expect him to be a factor somehow.
Willie Parker practiced for the second straight day without any limitations, though he is still listed as Questionable for Sunday. Assuming he steps in no gopher holes, he should go against the Pats this Sunday. My biggest concern is he might tweak that knee again like he did. Add to that the fact that while the Patsies can be run on, they rarely cough up a TD (4 to Ronnie Brown way back in Week 3) and they just held the Dolphins to less than 60 yards running last week. Parker will probably better that yards total, but a TD may be hard to come by. And that's assuming he's healthy all game.
I think he will be a decent start and I think Pierre Thomas gets most of the secondary carries. McAllister? I don't know but I don't feel he is a very safe play this weekend.
I didn't have Bush on my RB rankings - I would slot him around 20 (give or take) as I am unsure what kind of touches he will get and Payton has eased his star players into the gameplan more than once. This is a game the Saints have to win though and I expect him to be a factor somehow.
Willie Parker practiced for the second straight day without any limitations, though he is still listed as Questionable for Sunday. Assuming he steps in no gopher holes, he should go against the Pats this Sunday. My biggest concern is he might tweak that knee again like he did. Add to that the fact that while the Patsies can be run on, they rarely cough up a TD (4 to Ronnie Brown way back in Week 3) and they just held the Dolphins to less than 60 yards running last week. Parker will probably better that yards total, but a TD may be hard to come by. And that's assuming he's healthy all game.
Plax out - HIXON TIME BOYYYYEEEEE
Hey folks - no sooner do I post my rankings than Plaxico Burress is ruled out and Domenik Hixon gets the start.
So I had Plax ranked at the end of the list - count him OFF it now. And slot Hixon in somewhere in the late twenties. I think they will get him the ball, but they will also run, run, run as much as they can.
So there ya go - about to post the RBs - I am sure someone will be out by the time it's posted.
So I had Plax ranked at the end of the list - count him OFF it now. And slot Hixon in somewhere in the late twenties. I think they will get him the ball, but they will also run, run, run as much as they can.
So there ya go - about to post the RBs - I am sure someone will be out by the time it's posted.
RB Rankings for Week 13
I think Tomlinson continues to get back on the horse and top 100 yards against the 21st rush D in the league which has given up 13 TDs this season. MJD is finally going to get yards AND touchdowns at the same time and as we saw last week, if the Jags can't run with him, they will throw to him. Nice to see they figured that one out finally.
Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are both playing very well and while LW is a bit of a hail mary, I think the way he has been playing, he will get some good yards a on a Broncos team letting and average of 187 yards with more than a TD.
Here's another reason I love Washington this week - the Donkeys are very vulnerable to RBs who are good receiving the ball and Washington is that. Last week was the first game in which he didn't catch at least a pair and more often than not he gets 3-4 catches. He may get some extra love from favre this week as the Jets take any advantage they can to keep pace with the (normally) dynamic Broncos offense.
Running backs
- LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers vs. Falcons
- Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars at Texans
- Warrick Dunn, Buccaneers vs. Saints
- Adrian Peterson, Vikings vs. Bears
- Joseph Addai, Colts at Browns
- Frank Gore, 49ers at Bills
- Marshawn Lynch, Bills vs. 49ers
- Steve Slaton, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Ronnie Brown, Dolphins at Rams
- DeAngelo Williams, Panthers at Packers
- Leon Washington, Jets vs. Broncos
- Brandon Jacobs, Giants at Redskins
- Matt Forte, Bears at Vikings
- Larry Johnson, Chiefs at Raiders
- Jamal Lewis, Browns vs. Colts
- Ryan Grant, Packers vs. Panthers
- Justin Fargas, Raiders vs. Chiefs
- Ricky Williams, Dolphins at Rams
- Darren McFadden, Raiders vs. Chiefs
- Pierre Thomas, Saints at Buccaneers
- Peyton Hillis, Broncos at Jets
- Willie Parker, Steelers at Patriots
- Le’Ron McClain, Ravens at Bengals
- Dominic Rhodes, Colts at Browns
- Kevin Faulk, Patriots vs. Steelers
- Steven Jackson, Rams vs Dolphins
- Jonathan Stewart, Panthers at Packers
- Jerious
- Cedric Benson, Ravens at Bengals
- Antonio Pittman, Rams vs Dolphins
- Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers vs. Saints
WR Rankings for Week 13
Like I said in the Qb list, normally I cover the Thursday games on Thursday in the breakdowns. For what it's worth, I had Boldin as a top 5 start, along with TO, Fitz was about 7 on the list and Megatron was at 9. So some hits, some misses. DeSean Jackson was my number 20, and he continues to impress me. And the Iggles do love him so.
Boldin, by the way, looked as awful as I have ever seen anyone. I think Braylon Edwards got into the lockeroom and put on Boldin's uni. Only way I can explain the drops.
I love Roddy White against a streaky secondary in a defense who cannot get pressure on the QB, and Andre Johnson against the shaky Jags D. His partner in crime is flirting with top 10 status and will probably get the TD Johnson rarely gets. I like Evans and Moss both equally, though inclement weather looms and could hurt Evans more than Moss.
I pushed the Jets WRs way back to the late teens - one of them will have a better game than that but you never know which one. Note Marques Colston has slipped into the 20's and he may not even be that good a start. Brees has begun to love Moore and a lot of the targets are going there and Moore now resides at Colston's former spot, at 13.
Wide receivers
Boldin, by the way, looked as awful as I have ever seen anyone. I think Braylon Edwards got into the lockeroom and put on Boldin's uni. Only way I can explain the drops.
I love Roddy White against a streaky secondary in a defense who cannot get pressure on the QB, and Andre Johnson against the shaky Jags D. His partner in crime is flirting with top 10 status and will probably get the TD Johnson rarely gets. I like Evans and Moss both equally, though inclement weather looms and could hurt Evans more than Moss.
I pushed the Jets WRs way back to the late teens - one of them will have a better game than that but you never know which one. Note Marques Colston has slipped into the 20's and he may not even be that good a start. Brees has begun to love Moore and a lot of the targets are going there and Moore now resides at Colston's former spot, at 13.
Wide receivers
- Andre Johnson, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Steve Smith, Panthers at Packers
- Randy Moss, Patriots vs. Steelers
- Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs at Raiders
- Brandon Marshall, Broncos at Jets
- Lee Evans, Bills vs. 49ers
- Santana Moss, Redskins vs. Giants
- Hines Ward, Steelers at Patriots
- Kevin Walter, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Lance Moore, Saints at Buccaneers
- Marvin Harrison, Colts at Browns
- Bernard Berrian, Vikings vs. Bears
- Chris Chambers, Chargers vs. Falcon
- Laveranues Coles, Jets vs. Broncos
- Jerricho Cotchery, Jets vs. Broncos
- Vincent Jackson, Chargers vs. Falcons
- Wes Welker, Patriots vs. Steelers
- Santonio Holmes, Steelers at Patriots
- Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers vs. Saints
- Marques Colston, Saints at Buccaneers
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals vs. Ravens
- Braylon Edwards, Browns vs. Colts
- Anthony Gonzalez, Colts at Browns
- Donald Driver, Packers vs. Panthers
- Michael Jenkins, Falcons at Chargers
- Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins at Rams
- Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers at Packers
- Devery Henderson, Saints at Buccaneers
- Donnie Avery, Rams vs. Dolphins
- Isaac Bruce, 49ers at Bills
- Plaxico Burress, Giants vs Redskins
QB Rankings for Week 13
If it's something you guys want though, email me and let me know at thunderingBlurb@gmail.com.
For what it's worth I had Romo as my top QB, Warner as a top 5, Culpepper way back near the end, Collins about 22 and McNabb sitting at lucky 13. Like Westbrook, how well McNabb played surprised me.
So there ya go.
Quarterbacks
- Drew Brees, Saints at Buccaneers
- Peyton Manning, Colts at Browns
- Philip Rivers, Chargers vs. Falcons
- Jay Cutler, Broncos at Jets
- Eli Manning, Giants at Redskins
- Matt Ryan, Falcons at Chargers
- Brett Favre, Jets vs. Broncos
- Sage Rosenfels, Texans vs. Jaguars
- Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs. Panthers
- Matt Cassel, Patriots vs. Steelers
- Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers at Patriots
- Jason Campbell, Redskins vs. Giants
- Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs at Raiders
- Kyle Orton, Bears at Vikings
- Jake Delhomme, Panthers at Packers
- Gus Frerotte, Vikings vs. Bears
- Trent Edwards, Bills vs. 49ers
- Shaun Hill, 49ers at Bills
- Joe Flacco, Ravens at Bengals
- Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers vs. Saints
- David Garrard, Jaguars at Texans
- Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks at Cowboys
- JaMarcus Russell, Raiders vs. Chiefs
- Derek Anderson, Browns vs. Colts
- Trent Green, Rams vs. Dolphins
- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bengals vs. Ravens
- Marc Bulger, Rams vs. Dolphins
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Day Games - AZ @ PHI
Along with dessert (pumpkin pie or ice cream - why not both?) here comes what might end up being the best game all day. Or maybe not. The Cardinals do not travel well and Philly is probably too banged up to know they have visitors. But there is still plenty of Fantasy Value for the nightcap.
Of course, you can catch the up to date, latest info version on the Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogtalkRadio.com at 7:30amPST/10:30amEST tomorrow. Also you can read the Titan/Lion breakdown by scrolling down the page or clicking HERE, and the Seahaks/Cowboy game HERE.
Here is the breakdown for the Cardinals and the Eagles in NFLN's own version of 'The Birds' as of Wednesday night.
CARDINALS
Kurt Warner
It may be that you have no other QB to throw in there and you may need to start him. If Warner was picked as your backup and you have another stud you kept and didn’t trade, I would be tempted to start someone else. Philly blitzes VERY well and Warner struggles with pressure. He did a good job VS the Giants but Philly’s blitz is another thing entirely. They have the most sacks in the league with 39, so the pressure will be there. They don’t have a ton of INTs - tied for 18th with just 9. So,Warner may get a ton of pressure, but not turn the ball over. Warner is likely your biggest stud of your QBs so you roll him out there. But I am a little concerned with the pressure this D will bring, the short week and the east-coast trip.
Tim Hightower
Hightower is unlikely to get those short yard TDs every week. He is a good strong back and can be fast but he does not overpower defenders and doesn’t make them miss. He is a true boom or bust this week and I am concerned that they may throw short and have him block to save Warner from being laid out. Like his rookie bretheren, Forte, Slaton and Johnson, he has captured the starting job but unlike them, he isn’t quite consistent enough to risk in an important week for most fantasy teams.
Anquan Boldin
Not only is Boldin a solid yardage WR, he gets a ton of Redzone targets. I think he could be in for a big week this week, even if Warner falters. The corners are not fantastic in Philly and he and the other Wrs should be able to get separation. We’ll see if Warner can get them the ball.
Larry Fitzgerald
As with Boldin, you just start this guy. Both can be top 5-10 WRs every week. Fitz gets the yards while Boldin tends to get TDs – so he can be streaky points-wise. But Fitz will get a ton of looks and like Boldin, will be able to overcome the Philly secondary.
Steven Breaston
I am most worried about Breaston out of the three Wrs and as such, I am most likely to bench him. He is a decent #3 or 4 so at most you lose a depth slot tomorrow. I would avoid him if I could.
EAGLES
Donovan McNabb
Weirdest thing about the benching? Kolb had had NO snaps in practice as a starter. None. Makes the yank even more bizarre in my mind. While the DMac is back and starting, but is that a good or bad thing? The Cards give up a lot of TDs (22 so far) and are better than average, though not by much, in the turnover category. The Cards do not travel well and got beat up pretty well by the Giants. McNabb will likely finish the game (Reid can’t yank him twice – it wouldn’t just cut McNabb’s throat but his own) and has a chance to put up good points this week as he will have to score and the Cards can be thrown on. Not a great start – but probably a fairly safe one.
Brian Westbrook
I really wish I could just say ‘roll Westbrook’. I mean, sure he looked terrible last week but it was against the Ravens. But he’s been so banged up this year, he’s really got his owners worried. It is unlikely that you have a stud to lean on in his stead. If you are in a PPR league, there is a good chance he will catch enough balls to get you 10+ points. If he isn’t, I might be a little more concerned. He faces a D that is ranked 8th vs the run, with just an average of 89.5 yds allowed per game and only 8 TDs against. You may survive him (and may need to) but I’m not wholly confident and there are much safer guys to roll with tomorrow and this Sunday.
Lorenzo Booker
I would love to see LoBook get some carries. Having seen him work out this summer and talking to him about the dedication he is showing, I think the guy could be a playmaker. He looks like he has the tools. But for whatever reason, teams haven’t leaned on him at all yet. He should see some more carries this week to keep Westy from disintegrating before season’s end. With Buckhalter out, we should get a chance tomorrow. Not startable, but certainly a guy to watch.
LJ Smith & Brent Celek
Neither is a guy I want to start right now – the offense looks out of synch and these guys seem to be some of the victims.
DeSean Jackson
In a league with return yards, Jackson is a guy to grab. In PPR leagues, he has been able to give you good points and he is a cat who is the most versatile and dynamic player on the squad right now. They desperately want him to get the ball a ton, so he is a good bet to put up points tomorrow as they try to get some momentum going on the offensive side of the ball.
Kevin Curtis
What has happened to Curtis? He’s failed to get into any groove since returning in week 8. He hasn’t bounced back or gathered any momentum and yet he’s only been targeted one less time than DeSean Jackson in that span. McNabb and the Eagles have tried to get him the ball and he’s even catching more of them than Jackson. But he’s not able to do as much with it and isn’t getting the yards per reception Jackson is. Whatever the reason, it’s just not a safe bet he will perform.
Here is where the most fantasy value comes overall. I think Dallas will outscore either team on their own, but there are a ton of Cards worth starting and at least a couple on the Iggles side worth a look as well.
Best of luck to you and I wish you success during one of the biggest weekends in Fantasy Football.....
Of course, you can catch the up to date, latest info version on the Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogtalkRadio.com at 7:30amPST/10:30amEST tomorrow. Also you can read the Titan/Lion breakdown by scrolling down the page or clicking HERE, and the Seahaks/Cowboy game HERE.
Here is the breakdown for the Cardinals and the Eagles in NFLN's own version of 'The Birds' as of Wednesday night.
CARDINALS
Kurt Warner
It may be that you have no other QB to throw in there and you may need to start him. If Warner was picked as your backup and you have another stud you kept and didn’t trade, I would be tempted to start someone else. Philly blitzes VERY well and Warner struggles with pressure. He did a good job VS the Giants but Philly’s blitz is another thing entirely. They have the most sacks in the league with 39, so the pressure will be there. They don’t have a ton of INTs - tied for 18th with just 9. So,Warner may get a ton of pressure, but not turn the ball over. Warner is likely your biggest stud of your QBs so you roll him out there. But I am a little concerned with the pressure this D will bring, the short week and the east-coast trip.
Tim Hightower
Hightower is unlikely to get those short yard TDs every week. He is a good strong back and can be fast but he does not overpower defenders and doesn’t make them miss. He is a true boom or bust this week and I am concerned that they may throw short and have him block to save Warner from being laid out. Like his rookie bretheren, Forte, Slaton and Johnson, he has captured the starting job but unlike them, he isn’t quite consistent enough to risk in an important week for most fantasy teams.
Anquan Boldin
Not only is Boldin a solid yardage WR, he gets a ton of Redzone targets. I think he could be in for a big week this week, even if Warner falters. The corners are not fantastic in Philly and he and the other Wrs should be able to get separation. We’ll see if Warner can get them the ball.
Larry Fitzgerald
As with Boldin, you just start this guy. Both can be top 5-10 WRs every week. Fitz gets the yards while Boldin tends to get TDs – so he can be streaky points-wise. But Fitz will get a ton of looks and like Boldin, will be able to overcome the Philly secondary.
Steven Breaston
I am most worried about Breaston out of the three Wrs and as such, I am most likely to bench him. He is a decent #3 or 4 so at most you lose a depth slot tomorrow. I would avoid him if I could.
EAGLES
Donovan McNabb
Weirdest thing about the benching? Kolb had had NO snaps in practice as a starter. None. Makes the yank even more bizarre in my mind. While the DMac is back and starting, but is that a good or bad thing? The Cards give up a lot of TDs (22 so far) and are better than average, though not by much, in the turnover category. The Cards do not travel well and got beat up pretty well by the Giants. McNabb will likely finish the game (Reid can’t yank him twice – it wouldn’t just cut McNabb’s throat but his own) and has a chance to put up good points this week as he will have to score and the Cards can be thrown on. Not a great start – but probably a fairly safe one.
Brian Westbrook
I really wish I could just say ‘roll Westbrook’. I mean, sure he looked terrible last week but it was against the Ravens. But he’s been so banged up this year, he’s really got his owners worried. It is unlikely that you have a stud to lean on in his stead. If you are in a PPR league, there is a good chance he will catch enough balls to get you 10+ points. If he isn’t, I might be a little more concerned. He faces a D that is ranked 8th vs the run, with just an average of 89.5 yds allowed per game and only 8 TDs against. You may survive him (and may need to) but I’m not wholly confident and there are much safer guys to roll with tomorrow and this Sunday.
Lorenzo Booker
I would love to see LoBook get some carries. Having seen him work out this summer and talking to him about the dedication he is showing, I think the guy could be a playmaker. He looks like he has the tools. But for whatever reason, teams haven’t leaned on him at all yet. He should see some more carries this week to keep Westy from disintegrating before season’s end. With Buckhalter out, we should get a chance tomorrow. Not startable, but certainly a guy to watch.
LJ Smith & Brent Celek
Neither is a guy I want to start right now – the offense looks out of synch and these guys seem to be some of the victims.
DeSean Jackson
In a league with return yards, Jackson is a guy to grab. In PPR leagues, he has been able to give you good points and he is a cat who is the most versatile and dynamic player on the squad right now. They desperately want him to get the ball a ton, so he is a good bet to put up points tomorrow as they try to get some momentum going on the offensive side of the ball.
Kevin Curtis
What has happened to Curtis? He’s failed to get into any groove since returning in week 8. He hasn’t bounced back or gathered any momentum and yet he’s only been targeted one less time than DeSean Jackson in that span. McNabb and the Eagles have tried to get him the ball and he’s even catching more of them than Jackson. But he’s not able to do as much with it and isn’t getting the yards per reception Jackson is. Whatever the reason, it’s just not a safe bet he will perform.
Here is where the most fantasy value comes overall. I think Dallas will outscore either team on their own, but there are a ton of Cards worth starting and at least a couple on the Iggles side worth a look as well.
Best of luck to you and I wish you success during one of the biggest weekends in Fantasy Football.....
Thanksgiving Day Games - SEA@DAL
Second helpings on the breakdowns go along with second helpings on the games as Seattle travels to Dallas for a helping of whupp-ass. Sorry - can't help but think this is game two or two in terms of lopsided matchups.
Of course, you can catch the up to date, latest info version on the Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogtalkRadio.com at 7:30amPST/10:30amEST tomorrow. Also you can read the Titan/Lion breakdown by scrollign down the page or clicking HERE.
Here is the breakdown for the Seahawks and Cowboys as of Wednesday night.
SEAHAWKS
Matt Hasselbeck
Hasselbeck is a guy who is looking banged up and assaulted still and it’s been a long season for him. Dallas is not a great secondary but Hasselbeck is still a bit rusty, overthrowing some receivers or just flat out throwing to spots where there were none to begin with. You know it takes a few weeks to get a QB back to form after a long lay-off. Hass is definitely still struggling with that, and you begin to wonder if he will emerge again this season. I highly doubt he will today so avoid him.
Julius Jones
Jones was announced as the starter Wednesday but what does that mean? Not much as he may start the game but not be the chief back. Jones seems to be slipping and doesn’t seem to have any fantasy value at this point. He has fallen out of favor and is not someone to be in your lineup.
Maurice Morris
Morris is a pretty good back and can catch the ball out of the backfield. He may be getting on in years, but he certainly has enough in the tank to be a flex for you the rest of this one. Is he a good play this year? Well, the Cowboys do occasionally allow big plays. However he’s a bit risky for my blood, as the Cowboys have shut down Gore in week 12 and contained Clinton Portis the week before. He might put up some points but I wouldn’t count on it.
Bobby Engram
In a PPR league, Hass-to-Engram used to be money in the bank. Now, like in so many banks, there seems to be some sort of crisis. Engram is not getting the targets he has in the past and while he might turn that around, it’s hard to bet on it at this point and I would try to avoid him this week.
Deion Branch
Hasn’t done enough to warrant being on this list, but thought I would remind you he a) can’t stay healthy and b) has never lived up the hype.Shouldn’t be near your lineup.
John Carlson
Carlson has been up and down of late and isn’t always getting the yards to make him a reliable start. Yes, he got a TD last weekend but I am nervous about tying my TE position to anyone Hass might be throwing to.
COWBOYS
Tony Romo
He’s back! Coming off of a 341/3 TD drubbing of the 49rs, Romo looks like a good bet to repeat the performance on Thanksgiving against a 31st ranked pass defense which has allowed 16 TDs to only 5 INTs. Romo is a lock start this week and probably will end up as one of the top QBs come Monday morning.
Marion Barber
Against the 22nd rush defense, giving up 122 ypg and 10 TDs this season, Barber should have a very good day. Will they spell him with Tashard Choice a little? Probably. But not enough to hurt his value. They will use Marion the Barbarian early and often and he is a great Turkey Day start for your team.
Terrell Owens
While I do not expect a 7 catch 213 yard performance every week, he will probably get back to steady performance. Not only will Seattle get blown up on the ground, but the secondary is vulnerable and while he will drop some passes and have some down games, this shouldn’t be one of them.
Roy Williams
A marginal start, Williams is getting more involved in the pass game as he learns and becomes more comfortable with the playbook, studs (Romo and Witten) around him get healthy and other WRs do not. With Austin gone and Crayton – well, Crayton, Williams will get chances. Just probably not enough for anything more than a #4 Wr performance most weeks. He's a tad risky for me on Thanksgiving as well, but as a #4 with 3 upside, he might fill the bill.
Jason Witten
Witten is still hampered by that rib injury and it isn’t helping his fantasy prospects that rookie Martellus Bennet has gotten two TDs in two weeks. Often that’s the extent of his targets, but those are TDs once belonging to Witten. I think he gets off the snyde here and resumes his place as one of the better TEs in Fantasy.
So there you have it - grab your Cowboy hats and hop on your horses - the Cowboys should ride to great fantasy points on Thanksgiving! The Seahawks.... well, there's always next week.
Of course, you can catch the up to date, latest info version on the Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogtalkRadio.com at 7:30amPST/10:30amEST tomorrow. Also you can read the Titan/Lion breakdown by scrollign down the page or clicking HERE.
Here is the breakdown for the Seahawks and Cowboys as of Wednesday night.
SEAHAWKS
Matt Hasselbeck
Hasselbeck is a guy who is looking banged up and assaulted still and it’s been a long season for him. Dallas is not a great secondary but Hasselbeck is still a bit rusty, overthrowing some receivers or just flat out throwing to spots where there were none to begin with. You know it takes a few weeks to get a QB back to form after a long lay-off. Hass is definitely still struggling with that, and you begin to wonder if he will emerge again this season. I highly doubt he will today so avoid him.
Julius Jones
Jones was announced as the starter Wednesday but what does that mean? Not much as he may start the game but not be the chief back. Jones seems to be slipping and doesn’t seem to have any fantasy value at this point. He has fallen out of favor and is not someone to be in your lineup.
Maurice Morris
Morris is a pretty good back and can catch the ball out of the backfield. He may be getting on in years, but he certainly has enough in the tank to be a flex for you the rest of this one. Is he a good play this year? Well, the Cowboys do occasionally allow big plays. However he’s a bit risky for my blood, as the Cowboys have shut down Gore in week 12 and contained Clinton Portis the week before. He might put up some points but I wouldn’t count on it.
Bobby Engram
In a PPR league, Hass-to-Engram used to be money in the bank. Now, like in so many banks, there seems to be some sort of crisis. Engram is not getting the targets he has in the past and while he might turn that around, it’s hard to bet on it at this point and I would try to avoid him this week.
Deion Branch
Hasn’t done enough to warrant being on this list, but thought I would remind you he a) can’t stay healthy and b) has never lived up the hype.Shouldn’t be near your lineup.
John Carlson
Carlson has been up and down of late and isn’t always getting the yards to make him a reliable start. Yes, he got a TD last weekend but I am nervous about tying my TE position to anyone Hass might be throwing to.
COWBOYS
Tony Romo
He’s back! Coming off of a 341/3 TD drubbing of the 49rs, Romo looks like a good bet to repeat the performance on Thanksgiving against a 31st ranked pass defense which has allowed 16 TDs to only 5 INTs. Romo is a lock start this week and probably will end up as one of the top QBs come Monday morning.
Marion Barber
Against the 22nd rush defense, giving up 122 ypg and 10 TDs this season, Barber should have a very good day. Will they spell him with Tashard Choice a little? Probably. But not enough to hurt his value. They will use Marion the Barbarian early and often and he is a great Turkey Day start for your team.
Terrell Owens
While I do not expect a 7 catch 213 yard performance every week, he will probably get back to steady performance. Not only will Seattle get blown up on the ground, but the secondary is vulnerable and while he will drop some passes and have some down games, this shouldn’t be one of them.
Roy Williams
A marginal start, Williams is getting more involved in the pass game as he learns and becomes more comfortable with the playbook, studs (Romo and Witten) around him get healthy and other WRs do not. With Austin gone and Crayton – well, Crayton, Williams will get chances. Just probably not enough for anything more than a #4 Wr performance most weeks. He's a tad risky for me on Thanksgiving as well, but as a #4 with 3 upside, he might fill the bill.
Jason Witten
Witten is still hampered by that rib injury and it isn’t helping his fantasy prospects that rookie Martellus Bennet has gotten two TDs in two weeks. Often that’s the extent of his targets, but those are TDs once belonging to Witten. I think he gets off the snyde here and resumes his place as one of the better TEs in Fantasy.
So there you have it - grab your Cowboy hats and hop on your horses - the Cowboys should ride to great fantasy points on Thanksgiving! The Seahawks.... well, there's always next week.
Thanksgiving Day Games - TENN @ DET
Happy Turkey Day to you all - I hope you are well on your way to Turkey and Mash potato goodness and ready for some football.
You can catch the up to date, latest info version on the Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogtalkRadio.com at 7:30amPST/10:30amEST tomorrow.
I'll take your calls live and get you ready for Turkey Dinner. Here is the breakdown for the Titans and Lions as of Wednesday night.
TITANS
Kerry Collins
Collins has played well in his last three games with just 1 INT to 6 TDs and 762 yards. Collins even played relatively well and put up 243 yds against a tough Jets D. And did it when the Jets were owning the time of possession. He was only able to complete 50% of his throws, but the Jets did a great job of covering him. The Lions have given up 18TDs so far with only two interceptions. He faces a much better matchup this week and I expect this whole Titans team to bounce back and take some aggression out on the Lions. Problem is, the Titans will probably use this matchup to spark the run game again and see if they can get it rolling before the playoffs. He might put up good numbers but more than likely, he will not do all that much this Thanksgiving day and could be too much of a risk to play.
He’s a matchups guy and this might be one of those matchups to watch but again, the Lions rush D is even worse than the pass D, so your expectations are better served if they are low.
Chris Johnson
Johnson struggled again this past weekend, but you can’t totally blame him against the third best run D in the league. The once fearsome rookie has tailed off overall over the past three games two of which were against top 5 run defenses (Bears and Jets). But he hasn’t even been involved in the pass game of late either. The Titans have every chance to get the ground game back in gear against a terrible run defense. The Kitty Cats are averaging more than 170 yards on the ground with 18 Tds served on the side. This is the Titans chance to get their rookie rolling again. If they are to win in the playoffs, they need the run game going and the Lions are a great matchup. Johnson is a pretty safe start this Thursday.
Here’s the problem though – the line has stopped playing as well as it did earlier this season. This is a chance for the offensive line to get back on track as well. The inside line has had issues (and props to Footballguys.com’s Marc Faletti for pointing it out) and they need to get themselves together. It isn’t (shouldn’t be) something to worry about this week – but at some point they will need to get themselves going and re-establish the line dominance they had.
LenDale White
Complain the loudest and you get the most carries? Nope, but White may get some more anyway as the Lions are THAT good a matchup.He is a safe play as a flex – you cannot expect yards as well, not safely. He is a hail mary but if you are going to run him out, this is one you could do it in and the risk level is lower.
Justin Gage
He will go as Collins goes, but if its run heavy, he is shaky. He is a bigger guy than anyone on the Detroit secondary so he will get targets, but I would shy away with a lot of better matchups this weekend.
Bo Scaife
Your safest Titan through the air. He was targeted seven times against the Jets (though he only caught three balls) and will continue to get a lot of looks. As far as TE’s go, becoming more consistent and these days that’s all you can ask for at the TE spot.
LIONS
Duante Culpepper
Culpepper alternately looks great and then looks horrific. Last week vs the Bucs he started off great, hitting Calvin Johnson for a 15 yard TD, but ended ugly with just 121 yards and the one TD, with 2 INTs for good measure. And now, because fate is a harsh mistress, he faces a Titans D that has twice as many interceptions as they have given up TDs (16 INTs to 7 TDs). You’d have to be pretty ballsy, desperate or crazy to start him here. Sometimes I am all three of the above and I still won’t touch him this Thursday.
Kevin Smith
Smith is banged up and that’s a concern. He had a good day against a pretty tough Bucs D. With Rudi Johnson done you might be tempted as he will get the carries, but he will be hard pressed against a defense that is still very good against the run. Don’t expect a Thomas Jones or Leon Washington performance here. The Lions will not wear down the defense and control the clock like Gang Green did. Jones is too shaky for a start this week.
Calvin Johnson
Cortland Finnegan a worry? Yup. But Johnson is bigger, stronger and faster than Finnegan. Yes, Finnegan will get a pick – at least one – but how often have we seen his do well with few to no targets or catches. He is a top 5 WR even with the miniscule targets. He has scored a TD in 6 of his last 7 games and 7 of the eleven games he has played, including the one he was in for about a quarter before leaving with an injury. This guy is a beast and you should have him in – even in an atrocious matchup like this.
Shaun McDonald
Run away.
So that's it - tons of potential value on the Titans sideline, but not much over on the Lions.
You can catch the up to date, latest info version on the Fantasy Sports Channel at BlogtalkRadio.com at 7:30amPST/10:30amEST tomorrow.
I'll take your calls live and get you ready for Turkey Dinner. Here is the breakdown for the Titans and Lions as of Wednesday night.
TITANS
Kerry Collins
Collins has played well in his last three games with just 1 INT to 6 TDs and 762 yards. Collins even played relatively well and put up 243 yds against a tough Jets D. And did it when the Jets were owning the time of possession. He was only able to complete 50% of his throws, but the Jets did a great job of covering him. The Lions have given up 18TDs so far with only two interceptions. He faces a much better matchup this week and I expect this whole Titans team to bounce back and take some aggression out on the Lions. Problem is, the Titans will probably use this matchup to spark the run game again and see if they can get it rolling before the playoffs. He might put up good numbers but more than likely, he will not do all that much this Thanksgiving day and could be too much of a risk to play.
He’s a matchups guy and this might be one of those matchups to watch but again, the Lions rush D is even worse than the pass D, so your expectations are better served if they are low.
Chris Johnson
Johnson struggled again this past weekend, but you can’t totally blame him against the third best run D in the league. The once fearsome rookie has tailed off overall over the past three games two of which were against top 5 run defenses (Bears and Jets). But he hasn’t even been involved in the pass game of late either. The Titans have every chance to get the ground game back in gear against a terrible run defense. The Kitty Cats are averaging more than 170 yards on the ground with 18 Tds served on the side. This is the Titans chance to get their rookie rolling again. If they are to win in the playoffs, they need the run game going and the Lions are a great matchup. Johnson is a pretty safe start this Thursday.
Here’s the problem though – the line has stopped playing as well as it did earlier this season. This is a chance for the offensive line to get back on track as well. The inside line has had issues (and props to Footballguys.com’s Marc Faletti for pointing it out) and they need to get themselves together. It isn’t (shouldn’t be) something to worry about this week – but at some point they will need to get themselves going and re-establish the line dominance they had.
LenDale White
Complain the loudest and you get the most carries? Nope, but White may get some more anyway as the Lions are THAT good a matchup.He is a safe play as a flex – you cannot expect yards as well, not safely. He is a hail mary but if you are going to run him out, this is one you could do it in and the risk level is lower.
Justin Gage
He will go as Collins goes, but if its run heavy, he is shaky. He is a bigger guy than anyone on the Detroit secondary so he will get targets, but I would shy away with a lot of better matchups this weekend.
Bo Scaife
Your safest Titan through the air. He was targeted seven times against the Jets (though he only caught three balls) and will continue to get a lot of looks. As far as TE’s go, becoming more consistent and these days that’s all you can ask for at the TE spot.
LIONS
Duante Culpepper
Culpepper alternately looks great and then looks horrific. Last week vs the Bucs he started off great, hitting Calvin Johnson for a 15 yard TD, but ended ugly with just 121 yards and the one TD, with 2 INTs for good measure. And now, because fate is a harsh mistress, he faces a Titans D that has twice as many interceptions as they have given up TDs (16 INTs to 7 TDs). You’d have to be pretty ballsy, desperate or crazy to start him here. Sometimes I am all three of the above and I still won’t touch him this Thursday.
Kevin Smith
Smith is banged up and that’s a concern. He had a good day against a pretty tough Bucs D. With Rudi Johnson done you might be tempted as he will get the carries, but he will be hard pressed against a defense that is still very good against the run. Don’t expect a Thomas Jones or Leon Washington performance here. The Lions will not wear down the defense and control the clock like Gang Green did. Jones is too shaky for a start this week.
Calvin Johnson
Cortland Finnegan a worry? Yup. But Johnson is bigger, stronger and faster than Finnegan. Yes, Finnegan will get a pick – at least one – but how often have we seen his do well with few to no targets or catches. He is a top 5 WR even with the miniscule targets. He has scored a TD in 6 of his last 7 games and 7 of the eleven games he has played, including the one he was in for about a quarter before leaving with an injury. This guy is a beast and you should have him in – even in an atrocious matchup like this.
Shaun McDonald
Run away.
So that's it - tons of potential value on the Titans sideline, but not much over on the Lions.
More Thanksgiving Fantasy Sports than ANYWHERE on the planet
A gentle reminder that on top of the usual Fantasy Football show tonight (6pm PST/9pm EST) I am hosting the Thundering Blurb Thanksgiving Spectacular tomorrow from 7:30am PST/10:30am EST to kickoff (that would be 9:30am PST/12:30 EST).
You want to have everything covered and go enjoy your turkey? Hit us up on the Fantasy Sports Channel tomorrow morning and we'll hook you up.
You want to have everything covered and go enjoy your turkey? Hit us up on the Fantasy Sports Channel tomorrow morning and we'll hook you up.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Brady Quinn shut down, Anderson to start again
Well folks, football giveth, football taketh away.
When I joked this morning that any trip to Dr. James Andrews was ominous, I apparently was right.
Apparently Quinn's finger was so bad, they were concerned the the tendon would detach from the bone and cause serious damage. So he is shut down.
Anderson will resume starting duties. I don't know how effective he will be, as he wasn't all that great prior to being benched. It reduces Winslow a tick and maybe ups Edwards a little, if he could catch.
More tomorrow during the Stampede. But it ain't getting better in Cleveland, that's for sure.
When I joked this morning that any trip to Dr. James Andrews was ominous, I apparently was right.
Apparently Quinn's finger was so bad, they were concerned the the tendon would detach from the bone and cause serious damage. So he is shut down.
Anderson will resume starting duties. I don't know how effective he will be, as he wasn't all that great prior to being benched. It reduces Winslow a tick and maybe ups Edwards a little, if he could catch.
More tomorrow during the Stampede. But it ain't getting better in Cleveland, that's for sure.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Top RB Performances for Week 12
Here are the last of the top performers for week 12 - keep in mind yards for RBs are combined rec & rushing.
Enjoy!
Michael Turner 117/4 - Turner had a stupid good day here, slicing up the Panthers on the ground. The yards are pretty good - but the 4 TDs are ridonculous. Won't happen often, but nice icing on the cake of a decent day.
Matt Forte 146/2 - Rookie what now? No rookie wall here, as Forte continues to be pretty much the best fantasy rookie period. Matchups, rookie wall, exhaustion, mediocre Qbs - nothing has stopped him and I have to think there is a good chance nothing will.
Leon Washington 84/2 - Can't do it consistently enough to warrant much more than a flex start, but Leon is definitely worth a bench spot and the Jets are starting to figure out they HAVE to get him involved.
DeAngelo Williams 130/1 - Williams continues to tear it up regardless of whether the Panthers are trailing or leading. Stewart looks to be no threat this season, as John Fox keeps to his 'vets first' mindset. Williams has earned it this year though.
Warrick Dunn 127/1 - Dunn's back loks fine, the Caddy is rusty and this offense likes to run. Don't know if this will happen often but Dunn is a workhorse even in the twilight of his career.
Thomas Jones 117/1 rec td - Oh yeah, he did this againt the Tenn D. The one all the pundits said couldn't be beat. Yeah, TJ is having a great second half and if the oline keeps rolling over the opposing Dline - he has some great matchups going forward, so it could be beautiful.
Marshawn Lynch 104/1 - 'Dis Mah Son' as Lammey affectionately calls him is getting regular carries, although considering the beat-down the Bills administered to the Chiefs, you wonder why it wasn't more.
Darren McFadden 52/2 - McFadden had a poor day for the most part, but those 2 TDs are nice. I wouldn't have started him and the performance didn't make me want him to. They need to blow this team up and then he, Russell and Miller can start over in a new country under assumed names. Next year, McFadden. You'll emerge in a better world..... maybe...
Maurice Morris 113/1 rec td - MoMo finally had a decent day but the Seahawks are a wreck and I don't have much hope for his production the rest of the way.
Kevin Faulk 105/1 - As I have said several times, Faulk is about the only consistent thing in the Pats backfield. His production was almost perfectly split - about 50/50 split between receiving and rushing. He's a decent flex who had an above average game. Still, in a pinch, he's the guy to have in this backfield.
Enjoy!
Michael Turner 117/4 - Turner had a stupid good day here, slicing up the Panthers on the ground. The yards are pretty good - but the 4 TDs are ridonculous. Won't happen often, but nice icing on the cake of a decent day.
Matt Forte 146/2 - Rookie what now? No rookie wall here, as Forte continues to be pretty much the best fantasy rookie period. Matchups, rookie wall, exhaustion, mediocre Qbs - nothing has stopped him and I have to think there is a good chance nothing will.
Leon Washington 84/2 - Can't do it consistently enough to warrant much more than a flex start, but Leon is definitely worth a bench spot and the Jets are starting to figure out they HAVE to get him involved.
DeAngelo Williams 130/1 - Williams continues to tear it up regardless of whether the Panthers are trailing or leading. Stewart looks to be no threat this season, as John Fox keeps to his 'vets first' mindset. Williams has earned it this year though.
Warrick Dunn 127/1 - Dunn's back loks fine, the Caddy is rusty and this offense likes to run. Don't know if this will happen often but Dunn is a workhorse even in the twilight of his career.
Thomas Jones 117/1 rec td - Oh yeah, he did this againt the Tenn D. The one all the pundits said couldn't be beat. Yeah, TJ is having a great second half and if the oline keeps rolling over the opposing Dline - he has some great matchups going forward, so it could be beautiful.
Marshawn Lynch 104/1 - 'Dis Mah Son' as Lammey affectionately calls him is getting regular carries, although considering the beat-down the Bills administered to the Chiefs, you wonder why it wasn't more.
Darren McFadden 52/2 - McFadden had a poor day for the most part, but those 2 TDs are nice. I wouldn't have started him and the performance didn't make me want him to. They need to blow this team up and then he, Russell and Miller can start over in a new country under assumed names. Next year, McFadden. You'll emerge in a better world..... maybe...
Maurice Morris 113/1 rec td - MoMo finally had a decent day but the Seahawks are a wreck and I don't have much hope for his production the rest of the way.
Kevin Faulk 105/1 - As I have said several times, Faulk is about the only consistent thing in the Pats backfield. His production was almost perfectly split - about 50/50 split between receiving and rushing. He's a decent flex who had an above average game. Still, in a pinch, he's the guy to have in this backfield.
Top WR Performances for Week 12
Randy Moss 8/125/3 - Moss had one of his good games in this Jeckyl and Hyde season, helping the Pats carry past the surging Dolphins in a key matchup. When Cassel needed him Randy was there. He usually is, Cassel just doesn't always see him.
Terrell Owens 7/213/1 - HERE HE IS! That's what we've waited for. Owens had a monster day and while the quality of the opponent won't always be this low, he should stay a factor from here on out.
Isaac Bruce 8/125/1 - I love Bruce and the fact that he is still successful at his age is awesome but this is an aberration and while he may stay a decent WR3/4 or flex on occasion, you cannot trust you will see these numbers the rest of the season.
Steve Smith (CAR) 8/168 - Smith piled up the yards but couldn't find the end zone -story of his year, right? Smith is a very good WR but with just 4 TDs on the year, he still makes it hard on his owners in non-PPR play.
Anquan Boldin 11/87/1 - Boldin had a pretty godo day considering the Giants played well defensively. The Cards are for real on both sides of the ball. Also while there are plenty of targets to go to all three Wrs (Boldin, Fitz and Breaston) Boldin is the red zone guy.
Andre Johnson 10/116 - Like Steve Smith, keeps putting up good yards but cannto find the end zone. So like Steve Smith, he's somewhat of a dissappointment to many owners. Could be worse - could be like Owen Daniels owners for whom Rosenfels has been a year killer.
Wes Welker 8/120 - Welker is always a good play, especially in a PPR league, though this week he had a ton of yards to go with the catches. Always a solid WR.
Kevin Walter 7/93/1 - If you want to know where Andre Johnson's TDs go, here is one spot. Walter has had a fantastic season and has been nails as a WR3/4 which is all you ever wanted. He's been putting up points that far outwiegh his draft slot.
Laveraneus Coles 7/88/1 - You never know who The Brett will throw too which has made the Jets offense tough to figure out WR wise. Coles this week, Cotchery next, then Keller for two..... Suffice to say, I expect very few repeats for Coles, and you'll never know when anyway.
Anthony Gonzalez 6/95/1 - Gonzalez has had a huge step back compared to last year though some of that is due to the immense struggles of the rest fo the team. He's prone to games much worse than this and is a shaky start though down the road (i.e. next season) I think he will begin to emerge as a nice fantasy option.
Terrell Owens 7/213/1 - HERE HE IS! That's what we've waited for. Owens had a monster day and while the quality of the opponent won't always be this low, he should stay a factor from here on out.
Isaac Bruce 8/125/1 - I love Bruce and the fact that he is still successful at his age is awesome but this is an aberration and while he may stay a decent WR3/4 or flex on occasion, you cannot trust you will see these numbers the rest of the season.
Steve Smith (CAR) 8/168 - Smith piled up the yards but couldn't find the end zone -story of his year, right? Smith is a very good WR but with just 4 TDs on the year, he still makes it hard on his owners in non-PPR play.
Anquan Boldin 11/87/1 - Boldin had a pretty godo day considering the Giants played well defensively. The Cards are for real on both sides of the ball. Also while there are plenty of targets to go to all three Wrs (Boldin, Fitz and Breaston) Boldin is the red zone guy.
Andre Johnson 10/116 - Like Steve Smith, keeps putting up good yards but cannto find the end zone. So like Steve Smith, he's somewhat of a dissappointment to many owners. Could be worse - could be like Owen Daniels owners for whom Rosenfels has been a year killer.
Wes Welker 8/120 - Welker is always a good play, especially in a PPR league, though this week he had a ton of yards to go with the catches. Always a solid WR.
Kevin Walter 7/93/1 - If you want to know where Andre Johnson's TDs go, here is one spot. Walter has had a fantastic season and has been nails as a WR3/4 which is all you ever wanted. He's been putting up points that far outwiegh his draft slot.
Laveraneus Coles 7/88/1 - You never know who The Brett will throw too which has made the Jets offense tough to figure out WR wise. Coles this week, Cotchery next, then Keller for two..... Suffice to say, I expect very few repeats for Coles, and you'll never know when anyway.
Anthony Gonzalez 6/95/1 - Gonzalez has had a huge step back compared to last year though some of that is due to the immense struggles of the rest fo the team. He's prone to games much worse than this and is a shaky start though down the road (i.e. next season) I think he will begin to emerge as a nice fantasy option.
Top Fantasy QBs of Week 12
A little early this week, since it's a short week. Everything is accelerated this time of year and you could as easily be looking at missing the playoffs if you lose as you could be locked up already.
I have the top ten at each of the Big Three positions and you'll get a little something about each.
Matt Cassel 415/3/1 and 1 rush TD - Cassel continues to improve as a NFL QB and as a fantasy starter. He's still strictly a matchup guy, but he has some good ones and can blow up like this on occasion.
Chad Pennington 341/3/1 and 1 rush TD - I think the Jets will still take the trade, no matter how good Penni is playing. And he is playing very well. Another matchup guy, but a good one.
Trent Edwards 273/2 and 2 rush TDs - Where was this Trent Edwards the last few weeks? Edwards tore the Chiefs apart and did it well. Once again, a matchups guy as well as a good QBBC cat.
Tony Romo 341/3 and 1 fumble - The usual fumble/turnover happened but Romo is back and firing on all cylinders. I expect more good performances, though his competition was not that stiff this week.
Shaun Hill 303/2 - Speaking of his competition, Hill plays ok, and put up some nice points but I wouldn't trust him all that much. Consider also that this just points out how much of an achilles heel the secondary is in Dallas.
Eli Manning 240/3 - Manning is still playing well, and he was able to overcome an increasibly solid Cardinal secondary. The Giants didn't run the ball as effectively as they have before, so they turned to Manning who answered the bell.
Tyler Thigpen 243/3 and 1 fumble - As they were getting blown out, Thigpen had to throw and he continues to play pretty well. Too bad the D wasn't up to the challenge even remotely.
Jake Delhomme 295/1 and 1 rush TD - A lot better than he has been playing, no doubt about it. Still a little wary of him, as a few times he looked out of sorts, but that whole team has been playing underwhelmingly.
Phillip Rivers 288/2 and 1 fumble - The Chargers throw a lot more than they run and while it is hampering LT's numbers, Rivers is playing well because of it. The Chargers are on the ropes and how many 'must win' games do they have before they start looking to the 2009 draft?
Kurt Warner 351/1/1 and 1 fumble - Not his best day but over 300 yards again and a nice TD. He did turn the ball over twice which I was concerned might happen. Pressure and Warner are not always godo friends. But Warner is playing himself into a job for next year and Matty L may be waiting another year for his shot.
I have the top ten at each of the Big Three positions and you'll get a little something about each.
Matt Cassel 415/3/1 and 1 rush TD - Cassel continues to improve as a NFL QB and as a fantasy starter. He's still strictly a matchup guy, but he has some good ones and can blow up like this on occasion.
Chad Pennington 341/3/1 and 1 rush TD - I think the Jets will still take the trade, no matter how good Penni is playing. And he is playing very well. Another matchup guy, but a good one.
Trent Edwards 273/2 and 2 rush TDs - Where was this Trent Edwards the last few weeks? Edwards tore the Chiefs apart and did it well. Once again, a matchups guy as well as a good QBBC cat.
Tony Romo 341/3 and 1 fumble - The usual fumble/turnover happened but Romo is back and firing on all cylinders. I expect more good performances, though his competition was not that stiff this week.
Shaun Hill 303/2 - Speaking of his competition, Hill plays ok, and put up some nice points but I wouldn't trust him all that much. Consider also that this just points out how much of an achilles heel the secondary is in Dallas.
Eli Manning 240/3 - Manning is still playing well, and he was able to overcome an increasibly solid Cardinal secondary. The Giants didn't run the ball as effectively as they have before, so they turned to Manning who answered the bell.
Tyler Thigpen 243/3 and 1 fumble - As they were getting blown out, Thigpen had to throw and he continues to play pretty well. Too bad the D wasn't up to the challenge even remotely.
Jake Delhomme 295/1 and 1 rush TD - A lot better than he has been playing, no doubt about it. Still a little wary of him, as a few times he looked out of sorts, but that whole team has been playing underwhelmingly.
Phillip Rivers 288/2 and 1 fumble - The Chargers throw a lot more than they run and while it is hampering LT's numbers, Rivers is playing well because of it. The Chargers are on the ropes and how many 'must win' games do they have before they start looking to the 2009 draft?
Kurt Warner 351/1/1 and 1 fumble - Not his best day but over 300 yards again and a nice TD. He did turn the ball over twice which I was concerned might happen. Pressure and Warner are not always godo friends. But Warner is playing himself into a job for next year and Matty L may be waiting another year for his shot.
McNabb to Start Thursday
It looks like the Eagles feel they still have a show at the playoffs - Reid has announced that Donovan McNabb (should I call him beleaguered Eagles QB Donovan McNabb?) will start against the Cardinals Thursday night. FYI.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday Reports and Rumors
In front of a shaky blue screen image of Times Square (why NFLN?) Adam Shefter reported that Cadillac Williams is ACTIVE today though how many carries he gets is anyone's guess.
So far Shefter (with and without blue screen) Shefter has said that along with Caddy, Brian Westbrook (ankle), Clinton Portis (ankle), and Brandon Jacobs (knee)are all going to play.
As said before, you may see a lot of Buckhalter in a bad matchup, Portis is a good start but may not have his full load of carries and Jacobs may also see less carries, though he still may be very potent against the Cards.
So far Shefter (with and without blue screen) Shefter has said that along with Caddy, Brian Westbrook (ankle), Clinton Portis (ankle), and Brandon Jacobs (knee)are all going to play.
As said before, you may see a lot of Buckhalter in a bad matchup, Portis is a good start but may not have his full load of carries and Jacobs may also see less carries, though he still may be very potent against the Cards.
Early Sunday Rumors and Reports
Here are some of the stories to track for this morning....
FWIW this early but FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki reports that Clinton Portis will start at Seattle Sunday. He'd be a good start but could get fewer carries than he has, assuming he actually plays..... FoxSports.com also believes Carnell Williams will be active Sunday. Would have limited impact even if he plays..... In Philly, TE Brent Celek might start ahead of LJ Smith - it doesn't make Celek a play this week, but migth ruin Smith's value....
Czarnecki also reports Brian Westbrook will start and 'see how far he will go' which is in direct conflict of local reports that believe he is closer to 50% whether he will play or not. Against Baltimore, avoid him anyway...... A big question mark against Arizona is Giants WR Plaxico Burress who is fighting a hamstring injury. You can't count Plax out, of course but his numbers haven't warranted a sure fire start in some time....
More as it comes.....
FWIW this early but FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki reports that Clinton Portis will start at Seattle Sunday. He'd be a good start but could get fewer carries than he has, assuming he actually plays..... FoxSports.com also believes Carnell Williams will be active Sunday. Would have limited impact even if he plays..... In Philly, TE Brent Celek might start ahead of LJ Smith - it doesn't make Celek a play this week, but migth ruin Smith's value....
Czarnecki also reports Brian Westbrook will start and 'see how far he will go' which is in direct conflict of local reports that believe he is closer to 50% whether he will play or not. Against Baltimore, avoid him anyway...... A big question mark against Arizona is Giants WR Plaxico Burress who is fighting a hamstring injury. You can't count Plax out, of course but his numbers haven't warranted a sure fire start in some time....
More as it comes.....
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday's ESPN Radio appearence (finally!)
Topics include the top QB, WR, RB for week 12, players to avoid, players to get, the Denver and Pats RB situations and MORE!
ESPN 1230
ESPN 1230
Pac-10 Preview Up at NFLDraftBible.com
Hey folks - busy day here but am hoping to post the ESPN Radio bit later on, maybe tonight. Meanwhile, here is my weekly breakdown of the football games in the Pac-10 conference on NFLDraftbible.com.
Not many games this weekend there, but all rivalries and as they are rivalry games, they can always go any way. I know USC may be cheering on Arizona this week but Bill I think it was Plaschke this week in the LA Times who pointed out that in terms of exposure and level of competition, as well as an outside shot to get a better ranking, USC would be better served not winning the Rose Bowl. As he put it, this year the 'Grandaddy of them all' really won't mean as much as some other bids.
We'll see. The Oregon State loss stings already, having them win the Conference title might be too much for USC to bear.
Not many games this weekend there, but all rivalries and as they are rivalry games, they can always go any way. I know USC may be cheering on Arizona this week but Bill I think it was Plaschke this week in the LA Times who pointed out that in terms of exposure and level of competition, as well as an outside shot to get a better ranking, USC would be better served not winning the Rose Bowl. As he put it, this year the 'Grandaddy of them all' really won't mean as much as some other bids.
We'll see. The Oregon State loss stings already, having them win the Conference title might be too much for USC to bear.
Friday, November 21, 2008
RB Rankings for Week 12
LT has not been himself this season - more because of Oline play than a decline in his ability, no matter what Fantasy owners think. But the Colts are still averaging 138.5 yards allowed per game and have given up 15 rushing TDs. Those who expect Tomlinson to continue to struggle may be in for a surprise the rest of the way. The key is the offensive line though and some of those matchups may be more about how they play than the strength of the run defense. This week I think both the oline and LT get the job done.
Matt Forté has had a tremendous rookie season and will be going up against a staggering Rams team. While Kyle Orton is still getting his legs underneath him after his injury, Forté will continue to carry the load. The Rams will be hard pressed to stop this playmaker either on the ground or through the air.
The biggest challenge facing Adrian Peterson any given week may just be Brad Childress. he had a great first half against the Bucs but Childress looked other directions for most of the rest of the game. Some of that was the Bucs scheme but some of it was flat out impossible to figure out. Against a shaky Jags D, Peterson should be gold, but one can only hope Childress keeps his biggest playmaker on the field, especially late in the game when the D is run down.
The biggest recipient of good fortune because of Tony Romo's return is defintitely Marion Barber, as shown by his huge game last week. Barber can be dominating and showed it last week, burying the Redskins in the 4th quarter. The 49rs may be playing tougher since Mike Singletary took over but they are still a middling 17th in the NFL against the rush and that's not good enough to slow Barber down.
Frank Gore had a great game last week against the sad-sack Rams and while he faces a bigger challenge this week, it's not so big I can't see him having success this week as well. Dallas did play well last week against Clinton Portis, so there is a worry they may start rolling but Gore is healthier than Portis and will be the sole focal point of his team. And while that makes him a huge focus of the defense as well, Gore is the type of top-flight RB who can overcome it.
Matt Forté has had a tremendous rookie season and will be going up against a staggering Rams team. While Kyle Orton is still getting his legs underneath him after his injury, Forté will continue to carry the load. The Rams will be hard pressed to stop this playmaker either on the ground or through the air.
The biggest challenge facing Adrian Peterson any given week may just be Brad Childress. he had a great first half against the Bucs but Childress looked other directions for most of the rest of the game. Some of that was the Bucs scheme but some of it was flat out impossible to figure out. Against a shaky Jags D, Peterson should be gold, but one can only hope Childress keeps his biggest playmaker on the field, especially late in the game when the D is run down.
The biggest recipient of good fortune because of Tony Romo's return is defintitely Marion Barber, as shown by his huge game last week. Barber can be dominating and showed it last week, burying the Redskins in the 4th quarter. The 49rs may be playing tougher since Mike Singletary took over but they are still a middling 17th in the NFL against the rush and that's not good enough to slow Barber down.
Frank Gore had a great game last week against the sad-sack Rams and while he faces a bigger challenge this week, it's not so big I can't see him having success this week as well. Dallas did play well last week against Clinton Portis, so there is a worry they may start rolling but Gore is healthier than Portis and will be the sole focal point of his team. And while that makes him a huge focus of the defense as well, Gore is the type of top-flight RB who can overcome it.
- LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers vs. Colts
- Matt Forté, Bears at Rams
- Adrian Peterson, Vikings at Jaguars
- Marion Barber, Cowboys vs. 49ers
- Frank Gore, 49ers at Cowboys
- Marshawn Lynch, Bills at Chiefs
- DeAngelo Williams, Panthers at Falcons
- Steve Slaton, Texans at Browns
- Michael Turner, Falcons vs. Panthers
- Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars vs. Vikings
- Joseph Addai, Colts at Chargers
- Warrick Dunn, Buccaneers at Lions
- Ronnie Brown, Dolphins vs. Patriots
- Clinton Portis, Redskins at Seahawks
- Ryan Grant, Packers at Saints
- Chris Johnson, Titans vs. Jets
- Jamal Lewis, Browns vs. Texans
- Thomas Jones, Jets at Titans
- Brian Westbrook, Eagles at Ravens
- Larry Johnson, Chiefs vs. Bills
- LenDale White, Titans vs. Jets
- Peyton Hillis, Broncos vs. Raiders
- Derrick Ward, Giants at Cardinals
- Brandon Jacobs, Giants at Cardinals
- Kevin Smith, Lions vs. Buccaneers
- Jonathan Stewart, Panthers at Falcons
- Willis McGahee, Ravens vs. Eagles
- Darren McFadden, Raiders at Broncos
- Justin Fargas, Raiders at Broncos
- Pierre Thomas, Saints vs. Packers
- Ahman Green, Texans at Browns
- Julius Jones, Seahawks vs. Redskins
- Jerious Norwood, Falcons vs. Panthers
- Kevin Faulk, Patriots at Dolphins
- Antonio Pittman, Rams vs. Bears
- Tim Hightower, Cardinals vs. Giants
- Deuce McAllister, Saints vs. Packers
- Ray Rice, Ravens vs. Eagles
- Leon Washington, Jets at Titans
WR Rankings for Week 12
While it's not the easiest matchup, I still say not only will Roddy White play well, but he will put up very good numbers. Worried about his back? Don't be. he practiced fully on Friday AND the rest of the work he missed was planned - more than anything they need their go-to guy to be healthy. He will be and he should be in your offense.
Anquan Boldin also faces a tough matchup, but again, no worries. He is a key target for Warner but you can't just double him up. If you do, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston will burn you down. Boldin makes the tough catches and will lay it all out there - to the tune of both yards and TDs.
Greg Jennings is one of those top WRs that isn't flashy or loud but gets the job done. Some scoff when I say he is underrated but outside of the diehard fantasy guys and Packer fans, Jennings' name does not come up often enough. Facing a shaky Saints secondary, Jennings will be able to play very well and as it is often a shootout when you see New Orleans on the field, he will have tons of opportunity to tear it up.
Now that Calvin Johnson appears to have QB who can get it to him and the team seems to have realized they can AND MUST get him the ball more often, he is on the cusp to becoming the fantastic WR we have been waiting to emerge from the cocoon of mediocrity that shrouds the franchise. Johnson can do tremendous things with few opportunities. Now he's getting more opportunities. The sky is the limit.
The Chargers secondary can play tough - they have been better the last few games. But they cannot get pressure on the quarterback and with Peyton Manning at the helm, that's not good. Reggie Wayne is the most consistent target in the WR core and will continue to be so as Harrison is showing his age and Anthony Gonzalez is showing his inexperiance and having a down season.
Anquan Boldin also faces a tough matchup, but again, no worries. He is a key target for Warner but you can't just double him up. If you do, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston will burn you down. Boldin makes the tough catches and will lay it all out there - to the tune of both yards and TDs.
Greg Jennings is one of those top WRs that isn't flashy or loud but gets the job done. Some scoff when I say he is underrated but outside of the diehard fantasy guys and Packer fans, Jennings' name does not come up often enough. Facing a shaky Saints secondary, Jennings will be able to play very well and as it is often a shootout when you see New Orleans on the field, he will have tons of opportunity to tear it up.
Now that Calvin Johnson appears to have QB who can get it to him and the team seems to have realized they can AND MUST get him the ball more often, he is on the cusp to becoming the fantastic WR we have been waiting to emerge from the cocoon of mediocrity that shrouds the franchise. Johnson can do tremendous things with few opportunities. Now he's getting more opportunities. The sky is the limit.
The Chargers secondary can play tough - they have been better the last few games. But they cannot get pressure on the quarterback and with Peyton Manning at the helm, that's not good. Reggie Wayne is the most consistent target in the WR core and will continue to be so as Harrison is showing his age and Anthony Gonzalez is showing his inexperiance and having a down season.
- Roddy White, Falcons vs. Panthers
- Anquan Boldin, Cardinals vs. Giants
- Greg Jennings, Packers at Saints
- Calvin Johnson, Lions vs. Buccaneers
- Reggie Wayne, Colts at Chargers
- Andre Johnson, Texans at Browns
- Brandon Marshall, Broncos vs. Raiders
- Santana Moss, Redskins at Seahawks
- Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals vs. Giants
- Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs vs. Bills
- Steve Smith, Panthers at Falcons
- Terrell Owens, Cowboys vs. 49ers
- Randy Moss, Patriots at Dolphins
- Eddie Royal, Broncos vs. Raiders
- Braylon Edwards, Browns vs. Texans
- Marvin Harrison, Colts at Chargers
- Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers at Lions
- Plaxico Burress, Giants at Cardinals
- Lee Evans, Bills at Chiefs
- Jerricho Cotchery, Jets at Titans
- Bernard Berrian, Vikings at Jaguars
- Kevin Walter, Texans at Browns
- Donnie Avery, Rams vs. Bears
- Anthony Gonzalez, Colts at Chargers
- Torry Holt, Rams vs. Bears
- Roy Williams, Cowboys vs. 49ers
- Wes Welker, Patriots at Dolphins
- Justin Gage, Titans vs. Jets
- Lance Moore, Saints vs. Packers
- Laveranues Coles, Jets at Titans
- Marques Colston, Saints vs. Packers
- Ted Ginn Jr., Dolphins vs. Patriots
- Matt Jones, Jaguars vs. Vikings
- Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers at Falcons
- Michael Jenkins, Falcons vs. Panthers
- Derrick Mason, Ravens vs. Eagles
QB Rankings for Week 12
Peyton Manning is facing a defense that cannot get enough pressure on the opposing Qbs to keep them from cutting the secondary - which is pretty inconsistent - into pieces. And who better to do that? Manning is back folks - bank it.
Aaron Rodgers also gets a chance to face a secondary which often falls short of solid. He's got the weapons to take advantage of some fairly average corners and the run game is movign enough to keep the Saints from standing back and waiting for the pass. Rodgers should have a pretty good game this weekend - and may need to pass to out-gun Drew Brees and his offense.
Tony Romo got his groove back the longer the game went last week and will just keep getting better. As Witten gets healthier, Roy Williams gets more comfortable and Marion Barber continues to produce, Romo only gets into a better situation. If Terrell Owens can just connect with Romo, all would be well but the two are still disconnected. Romo still has enough weapons to get the job done though.
Broncos QB Jay Cutler does face a Raiders secondary which has been much better the last few weeks. But with the RB situation a big fat 'huh?', Cutler will throw. And throw some more. And then a little more. Annnnnnnnd....... some more. He will do well in part because of the sheer volume of passes he may throw and with Hillis, Royal, Scheffler and a little known guy named Brandon Marshall, he has the weapons to overcome even an improved Raiders defense.
Tyler Thigpen. Yes he is doing this well. The Bills will be without Donte Whitner and Jabari Greer this week and while it's not like they just lost Deion Sanders or something, that hurts. Herm Edwards has Thigpen suceeding by putting him in an offense which plays to his strengths. Thigpen - who I will write a country-western song about someday because it sure seems like he's some man-with-no-name who came in to clean up Dodge City - is putting up very good numbers and while it would take some balls to play him over some of the other top 10 QBs this week, it's not as insane as it was a month ago.
Aaron Rodgers also gets a chance to face a secondary which often falls short of solid. He's got the weapons to take advantage of some fairly average corners and the run game is movign enough to keep the Saints from standing back and waiting for the pass. Rodgers should have a pretty good game this weekend - and may need to pass to out-gun Drew Brees and his offense.
Tony Romo got his groove back the longer the game went last week and will just keep getting better. As Witten gets healthier, Roy Williams gets more comfortable and Marion Barber continues to produce, Romo only gets into a better situation. If Terrell Owens can just connect with Romo, all would be well but the two are still disconnected. Romo still has enough weapons to get the job done though.
Broncos QB Jay Cutler does face a Raiders secondary which has been much better the last few weeks. But with the RB situation a big fat 'huh?', Cutler will throw. And throw some more. And then a little more. Annnnnnnnd....... some more. He will do well in part because of the sheer volume of passes he may throw and with Hillis, Royal, Scheffler and a little known guy named Brandon Marshall, he has the weapons to overcome even an improved Raiders defense.
Tyler Thigpen. Yes he is doing this well. The Bills will be without Donte Whitner and Jabari Greer this week and while it's not like they just lost Deion Sanders or something, that hurts. Herm Edwards has Thigpen suceeding by putting him in an offense which plays to his strengths. Thigpen - who I will write a country-western song about someday because it sure seems like he's some man-with-no-name who came in to clean up Dodge City - is putting up very good numbers and while it would take some balls to play him over some of the other top 10 QBs this week, it's not as insane as it was a month ago.
- Peyton Manning, Colts at Chargers
- Aaron Rodgers, Packers at Saints
- Tony Romo, Cowboys vs. 49ers
- Jay Cutler, Broncos vs. Raiders
- Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs vs. Bills
- Eli Manning, Giants at Cardinals
- Drew Brees, Saints vs. Packers
- Kurt Warner, Cardinals vs. Giants
- Matt Cassel, Patriots at Dolphins
- Philip Rivers, Chargers vs. Colts
- Brett Favre, Jets at Titans
- Donovan McNabb, Eagles at Ravens
- David Garrard, Jaguars vs. Vikings
- Brady Quinn, Browns vs. Texans
- Marc Bulger, Rams vs. Bears
- Kyle Orton, Bears at Rams
- Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers at Lions
- Matt Ryan, Falcons vs. Panthers
- Jason Campbell, Redskins at Seahawks
- Sage Rosenfels, Texans at Browns
- Jake Delhomme, Panthers at Falcons
- Chad Pennington, Dolphins vs. Patriots
- Daunte Culpepper, Lions vs. Buccaneers
- Shaun Hill, 49ers at Cowboys
- Kerry Collins, Titans vs. Jets
- Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks vs. Redskins
- Gus Frerotte, Vikings at Jaguars
- Joe Flacco, Ravens vs. Eagles
- Trent Edwards, Bills at Chiefs
- JaMarcus Russell, Raiders at Broncos
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals - Bengals Breakdown
Ryan Fitzpatrick – Against the top pass defense in the league I would rather avoid the Harvard QB. It’s too risky most weeks to roll him out much less this week. But what to do if you have a whole bunch of question marks? I would still try to avoid him. He might not turn the ball over a lot, and the Steelers only have 10 INTs (some might claim 11 after the blown call against the Chargers) but they are tied for the league in sacks with 36. And oh yeah - The Bengals have given up 38 sacks thus far and the left side of the oline is out. Yeah, I would bench him.
Cedric Benson – At times, Benson has played very well though never great. Against the number 1 rush defense, I cannot stress enough how bad an idea it is to start him. Less than 69yds per game? Check. Just 4 TDs the season? Check. Bench for Benson? Check.
TJ Houshmandzedah – In a PPR league Housh has been money almost every week. They will still try to get him the ball and he’s probably one of your better WRs right now. He is the one person I might start on this squad. I’m still nervous and you cannot expect a ton, but he should get some catches and in a PPR league he is probably going to be a good start there, while nonPPR is a really tough matchup and it may not be worth your time to start him, though again, you may not have a whole heckuva lot of choice.
Chad Johnson – Has just been announced as inactive - don't know why, doesn't matter. get him out.
Chris Henry - Will get the start in Johnson's place. Still not worth a start unless you are very desperate.
Cedric Benson – At times, Benson has played very well though never great. Against the number 1 rush defense, I cannot stress enough how bad an idea it is to start him. Less than 69yds per game? Check. Just 4 TDs the season? Check. Bench for Benson? Check.
TJ Houshmandzedah – In a PPR league Housh has been money almost every week. They will still try to get him the ball and he’s probably one of your better WRs right now. He is the one person I might start on this squad. I’m still nervous and you cannot expect a ton, but he should get some catches and in a PPR league he is probably going to be a good start there, while nonPPR is a really tough matchup and it may not be worth your time to start him, though again, you may not have a whole heckuva lot of choice.
Chad Johnson – Has just been announced as inactive - don't know why, doesn't matter. get him out.
Chris Henry - Will get the start in Johnson's place. Still not worth a start unless you are very desperate.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals - Steelers Breakdown
Ben Roethlisberger – Big Ben has been able to put yards up lately, but he hasn’t been able to get the ball into the hands of his WRs for a TD – however, he HAS been able to get the ball into the hands of the opposing secondary, throwing 8 INTs in the last 5 games, and only 3 TDs. He faces a Bengals team that has steadily – though slowly – gotten better as the weeks have gone on. They have been able to limit passers to just over 200 yards a game but are not getting a ton of pressure on the QB (just 11 sacks) and aren’t forcing too many turnovers (just 8). They have also given 14 TDs up to date and while many of those were earlier in the season, they do give them up regularly and this could be the week that Roethlisberger’s TDs end up better than his yards. I think he’s a fine start, depending on your matchup.
Willie Parker – One reason Big Ben might have a subpar passing game yardage-wise could be a large game from Willie Parker. Parker came out firing on all cylinders in a sloppy game against the Chargers last week, and is looking a defense giving 131+ yards a game, and a dozen TDs right in the face. Parker is a good start this week, a nice RB2 or flex at least and maybe more depending upon your matchups.
Hines Ward – Ward has been pretty darn streaky this season, but is on a two game tear with over 100 yards per game. Roethlisberger is certainly looking at him a ton the last few games – and while Parker will probably control things on the ground, Ward is often Big Ben’s go to guy on short and tough crossing routes. A decent WR3 or flex depending on your roster and he should put up ok yards. He might get a TD in the redzone, but no guarantees.
Santonio Holmes – Holmes has had, for the most part, an awful year. Between his one game benching and the subpar receptions, he's been a shaky start. Could he light up the Bengals? Yup. Do I want to risk it this early? Probably not. He is a borderline WR4 – until he can prove to me he can be even a little consistent I’m not partial to him going into your lineup.
Nate Washington – There was time during the earlier part of the season where they were using
Mewelde Moore – Moore might have some very thin value in an emergency but with Parker running the way he did this weekend, it looks grim.
Heath Miller – Fresh off an injury I would hate to have to start him but let’s face it – the TE position has been a real pain in the rear in FF this year. I would rather sit him but if you have a rotating group of donuts each week, he’s worth a flier. He practiced today and so he should play.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
NFL Commisioner Goodell on 'Rome is Burning'
Here is the interview I talked about on tonight's Thundering Blurb Fantasy Football Show. It runs 14 minutes and I thought it was pretty good, touching on several hot subjects from thsi week including Pacman Jones and the Pittsburgh/San Diego debacle.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Top Fantasy RBs of Week 11
Joseph Addai 153 total yds, 1 rush TD, 1 RecTD, 4 catches - Addai finally has the game we have been waiting for all season long. Not only a factor on the ground, but through the air. The offensive line played better than it has in a while and so had Manning. And so has Addai who looked more like his old self than he has in a long, long time.
Frank Gore 114 total yds, 2 TDs, 2 catches - Gore fell about where I ranked him, but looked better than I expected, if that makes sense. I don't think he would have fared as well against a decent run D, but it's Gore and if you were still nursing doubts as to his eligibility for 'stud RB' status, then you need to pay more attention. Gore will contineu to put up solid numbers every week in part because his coach knows to run a stud back. Are you listening Childress?
Marshawn Lynch 177 total yds, 1 rec td, 10 catches - Lynch was pefectly involved in both the ground and air attack. Edwards had problems going downfield, so Lynch got lots of dump off passes. Will Juaron stop splitting carries with Jackson? I can't say, but this is what Lynch is capable of if you give him the work.
DeAngelo Williams 120 yds, 2 TDs - Williams had yet another ridonkulous game this weekend and is just rolling along. He has some tougher matchups, but he is getting the feature back carries and will be a great spot stud into the fantasy playoffs.
Ryan Grant 151 total yds, 1 TD, 1 catch - Grant finally gets back to where we saw him so often last season and he did it against one of the better rush defenses in the league. Part of the key was the play of the offensive line which opened some good holes for him. He might be just gettign started with some great matchups going forward, including during the fantasy playoffs where he sees Houston and Jacksonville.
THE BEST OF THE REST
Maurice Jones-Drew 93 tot yds, 2 TDs, 3 catches - MJD has another multi-touchdown game and even if the yards aren't there, seems to be a better bet than LenDale White for TDs and yardage.
Steve Slaton 156 yds 1TD - Once again, the rookie out of West Virginia had a great game, even if Ahman Green had 2 TDs to his one, he still gets more carries and chances.
Marion Barber 153 total yds, 1 TD, 6 catches - Barber really missed Romo. So did his owners. No more, as Barber put Dallas on his back and carried them to victory this weekend.
Pierre Thomas 144 tot yds, 1 TD, 4 catches - Thomas filled in very well for Aaron Stecker (injured) and looked much mroe like his 2007 self. Hopefully can keep it up.
Michael Turner 81 yds, 2 TDs - Not a great day yardage-wise for Turner who often seems to be doing less with more carries. Still, continues to be a reliable RB2.
Peyton Hillis 70 total yds, 2 TDs - A good debut for Hillis and probably a taste of what is to come - split catches and carries.The TDs are likely an abberration though. He won't have too many double TD games but should keep the bulk of the work at least until Young returns.
Frank Gore 114 total yds, 2 TDs, 2 catches - Gore fell about where I ranked him, but looked better than I expected, if that makes sense. I don't think he would have fared as well against a decent run D, but it's Gore and if you were still nursing doubts as to his eligibility for 'stud RB' status, then you need to pay more attention. Gore will contineu to put up solid numbers every week in part because his coach knows to run a stud back. Are you listening Childress?
Marshawn Lynch 177 total yds, 1 rec td, 10 catches - Lynch was pefectly involved in both the ground and air attack. Edwards had problems going downfield, so Lynch got lots of dump off passes. Will Juaron stop splitting carries with Jackson? I can't say, but this is what Lynch is capable of if you give him the work.
DeAngelo Williams 120 yds, 2 TDs - Williams had yet another ridonkulous game this weekend and is just rolling along. He has some tougher matchups, but he is getting the feature back carries and will be a great spot stud into the fantasy playoffs.
Ryan Grant 151 total yds, 1 TD, 1 catch - Grant finally gets back to where we saw him so often last season and he did it against one of the better rush defenses in the league. Part of the key was the play of the offensive line which opened some good holes for him. He might be just gettign started with some great matchups going forward, including during the fantasy playoffs where he sees Houston and Jacksonville.
THE BEST OF THE REST
Maurice Jones-Drew 93 tot yds, 2 TDs, 3 catches - MJD has another multi-touchdown game and even if the yards aren't there, seems to be a better bet than LenDale White for TDs and yardage.
Steve Slaton 156 yds 1TD - Once again, the rookie out of West Virginia had a great game, even if Ahman Green had 2 TDs to his one, he still gets more carries and chances.
Marion Barber 153 total yds, 1 TD, 6 catches - Barber really missed Romo. So did his owners. No more, as Barber put Dallas on his back and carried them to victory this weekend.
Pierre Thomas 144 tot yds, 1 TD, 4 catches - Thomas filled in very well for Aaron Stecker (injured) and looked much mroe like his 2007 self. Hopefully can keep it up.
Michael Turner 81 yds, 2 TDs - Not a great day yardage-wise for Turner who often seems to be doing less with more carries. Still, continues to be a reliable RB2.
Peyton Hillis 70 total yds, 2 TDs - A good debut for Hillis and probably a taste of what is to come - split catches and carries.The TDs are likely an abberration though. He won't have too many double TD games but should keep the bulk of the work at least until Young returns.
Top WR Performances for Week 11
TJ Houshmandzedah 12/149/1 - Despite a terrible team, Housh is a very good starter most weeks - and may even overcome his teammates this week vs Pittsburgh. But he is getting tons of targets and also making the most of them. Didn't expect him to do this vs Philly - why not against the Steelers?
Anquan Boldin 13/189 - I cannot say enough how good he is. I don't need to. If you have Boldin, you start him every week as Warner will find him early and often. There are plenty of targets to go around and Boldin will see a bunch week to week. Tough matchup vs NYG doesn't phase me in the least.
Justin Gage 4/147/2 - A testament to the great play of Kerry Collins and the attention the run game gets. Gage is certainly a guy worth watching and while defenses will adjust to the Titans' pass attack, he is playing well most weeks and certainly deserves a look at flex or Wr3 or so in many leagues.
Larry Fitzgerald 10/151 - A while ago I wondered if two Cardinal WRs in the top ten was too much, but as is being shown every week, no it isn't. While on occasion Fitz and Boldin eat each other's fantasy production this week and most weeks that isn't the case. Odd man out appears to be Breaston and we'll see if he bounces back this week. But Fitz is the other Card WR you start and never question.
Lance Moore 8/102/1 - While Marques Colston took a step back, Lance Moore jumped back to the forefront with this great performance. Most of the yards were on a 47 yard play, but he still got a significant amount of looks and can be a good WR4 off and on due to some inconsistency week to week.
THE BEST OF THE REST
Hines Ward 11/124 - In an ugly game, Ward was Roethlisberger's best weapon through the air. A reliable redzone target, Ward is a guy you can count on every week as well.
Dwayne Bowe 7/53/2 - Bowe should be sending gift baskets to Thigpen every week. So should his owners.
Marvin Harrison 9/77/1 - What the...? Harrison was a factor in the pass game today but how often has that happened this year?
Jabar Gaffney 7/86/1 - 2 pt conv - When Moss was blanketed in coverage and Welker was getting doubled, Gaffney was the man Cassel looked to last Thursday. Unfortunately it's only the second time he has been fantasy relevant since his 6/51/1 in week 3. Although for those of you feeling frisky, that WAS against the Phins, who they play again this week....
RBs to come
Braylon Edwards 8/104
Top Fantasy QBs of Week 11
Matt Cassel - 400 yds, 3TDs, 1 2pt conversion, 62 rushing - As has been the case in the first two Thursday night games, on of the QBs had a top Fantasy performance. Cassel started off rough but the Jets inexplicably played a very loose coverage scheme in the second half and stopped getting pressure so Cassel exploded in the secodn half. Showed great poise down the home stretch on several drives and may find himself some money on the free agency market this offseason.
Peyton Manning 320/2 - Manning seens to be rounding into form and looked very sharp against a shaky Houston secondary. He found Reggie Wayne often and hit both Marvin Harrison and Joseph Addai for touchdowns. Should have another good game against a not so stout and occasionally streaky Chargers secondary. He will be tested by Antonio Cormartie but between the questions in the secondary and the lack of pressure up front, Manning looks to keep rolling.
Shaun Hill 213/12/1 rush td - Don't expect him to repeat this against the Cowboys this week, but Hill looked good against a reeling Rams team that is more focused on imploding than stopping opposing QBs. Hill will stay the starter and as long as Gore continues his outstanding play, he will have some time to throw the ball. But Hill is a guy who will at best be an emergency fill in for your QB squad.
Kurt Warner 395/1, 1 Int, 1 fumble - Warner showed a little of what many of us sure before preseason that he would not last long at this job, turning over the ball twice against a defense that has been far from stout with only 4 INts coming into the game, although they can bring pressure and that may be what the Giants will do (not might do, will do). Warner threw for his 4th straight 300+ yards game and as I mentioned on the Thundering News Stampede, has the third longest streak in NFL history. Telle you what the Cards do, huh? Might have a hard time continuing it this week.
Kerry Collins 230/3, 1 Int - Shut down the run, as the Bears and now Jacksonville have tried and you'd better hope your secondary is up to the task of stopping Collins and who ever thought we'd write that? Game manager? The Jets have the secondary to maybe shut Collins down, but Collins has made that less an automatic. Collins has been playing better than teams seem to have been ready for and while he is not a consistent #1, he plays well enough for emergency service.
BEST OF THE REST
Tyler Thigpen - 235/2, 1 Int, 45 yards rushing - Continues to play very well in the Spread offense. Will the Spread go the way of the Wildcat?
Brett Favre - 258/2 - Good Brett showed up and put together some great drives when it counts vs the Pats.
Donovan McNabb - 339/1, 3 Ints, 1 fumble - Off game for McNabb turnoverwise and the fact that he didn't know there was only one OT and it was sudden death.
Aaron Rodgers - 227/2, 1 Int - Rodgers continues to play well , if not totally Favre-like. Has dipped in production the last few weeks but still a good play.
Daunte Culpepper - 207/1, 1 rush TD, 2 Int, 1 fumble - Culpepper discoverd if you throw to Calvin Johnson, he scores TDs. Go Figure. Start of abeautiful friendship? I hope so.
Peyton Manning 320/2 - Manning seens to be rounding into form and looked very sharp against a shaky Houston secondary. He found Reggie Wayne often and hit both Marvin Harrison and Joseph Addai for touchdowns. Should have another good game against a not so stout and occasionally streaky Chargers secondary. He will be tested by Antonio Cormartie but between the questions in the secondary and the lack of pressure up front, Manning looks to keep rolling.
Shaun Hill 213/12/1 rush td - Don't expect him to repeat this against the Cowboys this week, but Hill looked good against a reeling Rams team that is more focused on imploding than stopping opposing QBs. Hill will stay the starter and as long as Gore continues his outstanding play, he will have some time to throw the ball. But Hill is a guy who will at best be an emergency fill in for your QB squad.
Kurt Warner 395/1, 1 Int, 1 fumble - Warner showed a little of what many of us sure before preseason that he would not last long at this job, turning over the ball twice against a defense that has been far from stout with only 4 INts coming into the game, although they can bring pressure and that may be what the Giants will do (not might do, will do). Warner threw for his 4th straight 300+ yards game and as I mentioned on the Thundering News Stampede, has the third longest streak in NFL history. Telle you what the Cards do, huh? Might have a hard time continuing it this week.
Kerry Collins 230/3, 1 Int - Shut down the run, as the Bears and now Jacksonville have tried and you'd better hope your secondary is up to the task of stopping Collins and who ever thought we'd write that? Game manager? The Jets have the secondary to maybe shut Collins down, but Collins has made that less an automatic. Collins has been playing better than teams seem to have been ready for and while he is not a consistent #1, he plays well enough for emergency service.
BEST OF THE REST
Tyler Thigpen - 235/2, 1 Int, 45 yards rushing - Continues to play very well in the Spread offense. Will the Spread go the way of the Wildcat?
Brett Favre - 258/2 - Good Brett showed up and put together some great drives when it counts vs the Pats.
Donovan McNabb - 339/1, 3 Ints, 1 fumble - Off game for McNabb turnoverwise and the fact that he didn't know there was only one OT and it was sudden death.
Aaron Rodgers - 227/2, 1 Int - Rodgers continues to play well , if not totally Favre-like. Has dipped in production the last few weeks but still a good play.
Daunte Culpepper - 207/1, 1 rush TD, 2 Int, 1 fumble - Culpepper discoverd if you throw to Calvin Johnson, he scores TDs. Go Figure. Start of abeautiful friendship? I hope so.
Monday, November 17, 2008
College Football Top 25 review - Week 12
Abbreviated today due to illness in the house and exhaustion but you'll get the point.
#1 Alabama had a brief first half scare before running away and hiding behind a defense that allowed only 35 yards rushing and 167 yards overall and beat Mississippi State, 32-7.
#3 Texas blew Kansas out of the water, 35-7. Longhorn QB Colt McCoy threw for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Texas achieved it's eight straight ten win season.
The #4 Florida Gators decimated the South Carolina Gamecocks, 56-6. Gator signal caller Tim Tebow threw two touchdowns, and junior running back Percy Harvin ran for another two and 167 yards to boot in this lopsided matchup.
No matter what they do, #6 USC cannot seem to climb the rankings for a shot at the BCS title. Led by Stafon Johnson, the running back core accumulated 282 total yards helped make up for an uncharacteristically shaky performance from the defense as the Trojans took the win, 45-23.
Undefeated #7 ranked Utah is making trouble for the BCS again and certainly looked good in their 63-14 drubbing of San Diego State. Utes quarterback Brian Johnson threw for five touchdowns and 283 yards in the game.
Bouncing back from their unfortunate loss, #8 Penn State took it's anger out on poor Indiana, 34-7. The Nittany Lions had 442 total yards to just 180 (57 passing, 123 rushing) for Indiana.
#9 Boise State clinched a share of the WAC title with their 45-10 victory over Idaho behind the 156 yard, two touchdown performance of sophomore running back Jeremy Avery.
The #10 Georgia Bulldogs saw their struggles continue as they eeked out a 17-13 victory over Auburn. Quarterback matt Stafford (215/2) and Knowshon Moreno (189 total yds and 1 TD) were the engines that kept the Bulldog machine running.
#11 Ohio State couldn't pass a lick in their 30-20 win over Illinois, but Chris Wells (143/1) and Terrelle Pryor (110/1) did the damage on the ground instead.
#12 Missouri clinched the Big 12 North title with it's 52-20 win over Iowa State behind quarterback Chase Daniels' 328 yards and two touchdowns and Derrick Washington's 128 yards and pair of touchdowns.
Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson threw for one touchdown and ran for another in the #13 ranked Cowboys' 30-17 victory over Colorado.
#14 Ball State stayed unbeaten with it's 31-16 defeat of Miami-Ohio. Junior running back MiQuale Lewis rushed for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was Lewis' eighth straight game with a rushing touchdown and hsi eighth game of the season with over 100 yards rushing, which matches a school record.
#16 North Carolina fell to Maryland, 17-15, on the Terp's 26 yard field goal with 1:42 left in the game.
#17 BYU out dueled Air Force through the air, 38-24, behind junior quarterback Max Hall's 354 yards and two TDs.
The woes continue as #19 Florida State drops their third game, this time to Boston College, 27-17.
#20 LSU survived a squeaker, rallying from down 28 points to beat Troy, 40-31. Troy quarterback Levi Brown threw a startling 72 passes for 312 yards and two TDs but the defense let the Tigers score 30 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Tony Pike threw for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns as #22 Cincinnati beat Louisville, 28-20 and took over the lead in the Big East.
#23 Oregon State continues to hold serve as leader in the Pac-10 with this 34-21 win over the Califonia Golden Bears. Freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers had 144 yards and a touchdown while his brother James scored once on the ground and once on an 86 yards kick return.
#24 Wake Forest couldn't hold their three point lead over the North Carolina State Wolfpack, losing 21-14. NC State quarterback Russell Wilson threw for two touchdowns and ran in a third to give his team the win. Wilson has thrown for 12 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last six games.
#1 Alabama had a brief first half scare before running away and hiding behind a defense that allowed only 35 yards rushing and 167 yards overall and beat Mississippi State, 32-7.
#3 Texas blew Kansas out of the water, 35-7. Longhorn QB Colt McCoy threw for 255 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Texas achieved it's eight straight ten win season.
The #4 Florida Gators decimated the South Carolina Gamecocks, 56-6. Gator signal caller Tim Tebow threw two touchdowns, and junior running back Percy Harvin ran for another two and 167 yards to boot in this lopsided matchup.
No matter what they do, #6 USC cannot seem to climb the rankings for a shot at the BCS title. Led by Stafon Johnson, the running back core accumulated 282 total yards helped make up for an uncharacteristically shaky performance from the defense as the Trojans took the win, 45-23.
Undefeated #7 ranked Utah is making trouble for the BCS again and certainly looked good in their 63-14 drubbing of San Diego State. Utes quarterback Brian Johnson threw for five touchdowns and 283 yards in the game.
Bouncing back from their unfortunate loss, #8 Penn State took it's anger out on poor Indiana, 34-7. The Nittany Lions had 442 total yards to just 180 (57 passing, 123 rushing) for Indiana.
#9 Boise State clinched a share of the WAC title with their 45-10 victory over Idaho behind the 156 yard, two touchdown performance of sophomore running back Jeremy Avery.
The #10 Georgia Bulldogs saw their struggles continue as they eeked out a 17-13 victory over Auburn. Quarterback matt Stafford (215/2) and Knowshon Moreno (189 total yds and 1 TD) were the engines that kept the Bulldog machine running.
#11 Ohio State couldn't pass a lick in their 30-20 win over Illinois, but Chris Wells (143/1) and Terrelle Pryor (110/1) did the damage on the ground instead.
#12 Missouri clinched the Big 12 North title with it's 52-20 win over Iowa State behind quarterback Chase Daniels' 328 yards and two touchdowns and Derrick Washington's 128 yards and pair of touchdowns.
Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson threw for one touchdown and ran for another in the #13 ranked Cowboys' 30-17 victory over Colorado.
#14 Ball State stayed unbeaten with it's 31-16 defeat of Miami-Ohio. Junior running back MiQuale Lewis rushed for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was Lewis' eighth straight game with a rushing touchdown and hsi eighth game of the season with over 100 yards rushing, which matches a school record.
#16 North Carolina fell to Maryland, 17-15, on the Terp's 26 yard field goal with 1:42 left in the game.
#17 BYU out dueled Air Force through the air, 38-24, behind junior quarterback Max Hall's 354 yards and two TDs.
The woes continue as #19 Florida State drops their third game, this time to Boston College, 27-17.
#20 LSU survived a squeaker, rallying from down 28 points to beat Troy, 40-31. Troy quarterback Levi Brown threw a startling 72 passes for 312 yards and two TDs but the defense let the Tigers score 30 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Tony Pike threw for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns as #22 Cincinnati beat Louisville, 28-20 and took over the lead in the Big East.
#23 Oregon State continues to hold serve as leader in the Pac-10 with this 34-21 win over the Califonia Golden Bears. Freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers had 144 yards and a touchdown while his brother James scored once on the ground and once on an 86 yards kick return.
#24 Wake Forest couldn't hold their three point lead over the North Carolina State Wolfpack, losing 21-14. NC State quarterback Russell Wilson threw for two touchdowns and ran in a third to give his team the win. Wilson has thrown for 12 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last six games.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
College Football Top 25 review - tomorrow night
Hey folks - just wanted to let you know that I am doing the top 25 review of the College football games tomorrow (probably tomorrow night). We had a little sick happening here so that's eaten most of my night.
So I'll do a slightly shorter than usual one tomorrow night and let you know my thoughts.
Although the words 'Texas Tech - DAMN' come to mind.
So I'll do a slightly shorter than usual one tomorrow night and let you know my thoughts.
Although the words 'Texas Tech - DAMN' come to mind.
Kyle Orton Starts
Orton is back and will start against the Green Bay Packers today. With some of the injuries to QB, you might find yourself in need of a guy and Orton was on fire prior to injury.
JaMarcus Russell is also going to start but I urge you to avoid him with all my will. The Raiders continue to disintegrate and I would avoid nearly everyone.
JaMarcus Russell is also going to start but I urge you to avoid him with all my will. The Raiders continue to disintegrate and I would avoid nearly everyone.
Game Time Decision Up
Hey
If you haven't had a chance/had the inclination to Check out my Drive Block co-hosts on 104.3 the fan Sunday Mornings - give a listen for some last minute advice - hour long show with the commercials cut out.
Check it out here!
If you haven't had a chance/had the inclination to Check out my Drive Block co-hosts on 104.3 the fan Sunday Mornings - give a listen for some last minute advice - hour long show with the commercials cut out.
Check it out here!
Sunday Morning News - 8:30pst/11:30EST
Hey guys - some updates for the morning - will not be around for the afternoon (son's birthday party) for sure, so keep an eye on rotoworld and footballguys.com for game day updates and scratches.
Clinton Portis is unlikely to play in tonight's game - this was confirmed by John Clayton of ESPN..... Even if he does play he will not be the usual centerpiece of the offense so get him out.... Peyton Hillis gets the starts in Denver according to Foxsports.com and the local papers and since he can catch the ball, he's a great flex spot starter..... If Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn are healthy, Cadillac Williams might not see the field for quite a while. That's why I have been saying, stash him on you bench only if you can afford to have a spot that will not generate points right now.... Larry Johnson is expected to get @15 carries according the NFLN's Adam Shefter - so start him as a flex or a low end RB2.... Derrick Mason will be active for today's day against the Giants. Always a middling start, the injury and the defensive matchup make him a guy better off on your bench....
That's all for now. Will try to keep an eye on things as we approach morning kickoff....
Clinton Portis is unlikely to play in tonight's game - this was confirmed by John Clayton of ESPN..... Even if he does play he will not be the usual centerpiece of the offense so get him out.... Peyton Hillis gets the starts in Denver according to Foxsports.com and the local papers and since he can catch the ball, he's a great flex spot starter..... If Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn are healthy, Cadillac Williams might not see the field for quite a while. That's why I have been saying, stash him on you bench only if you can afford to have a spot that will not generate points right now.... Larry Johnson is expected to get @15 carries according the NFLN's Adam Shefter - so start him as a flex or a low end RB2.... Derrick Mason will be active for today's day against the Giants. Always a middling start, the injury and the defensive matchup make him a guy better off on your bench....
That's all for now. Will try to keep an eye on things as we approach morning kickoff....
Friday, November 14, 2008
RB Rankings for Week 11
Nothing like a wasted hour for an appointment where the person you were supposed to meet with was sick and you wait 20 minutes before anyone tells you that.
Back now and here are the RB rankings for week 11!
Michael Turner is still playing streaky though he has had two good games in a row. Can he get a third in before he dips? Playing against Denver, I think he can. While Ryan and his receivers will attack the weakened secondary, Turner will get plenty of work and Denver is 27th and have allowed 11 rush TDs so far. Turner might get caught up in the shoot out, but as Denver will have little run game, the Falcons will try to keep Cutler off the field and control the clock. Turner (and maybe Jerious Norwood at #22) will have plenty of work and likely see good production.
Let's summarize Frank Gore's week: Gore: Man my head hurts. I have a concussion. Singletary: You're football player, you're head doesn't hurt, it's your neck. Gore: It is? What a relief. Comedy aside, that smells funny to me. But he apparently looks good in practice this week and will start - and against a terrible run D like the Rams (30th in the NFL) and the Jets blew them up for 206 and 3 TDs. Gore may not do that alone, but he should have a pretty large day. If I was sure he was 100% - and I am not - he'd top this list.
Some call him All Day, I call him Purple Jesus (wish I could credit it to someone but I forget who coined it) but either way, you call Adrian Peterson for your lineup each week. It's a tough matchup, sure. But the oline started opening huge holes for Peterson last week and I think Peterson will have great production again this week though nowhere near the 2 bills he had last time out. Keep in mind Tampa doesn't give up TDs on the ground. But that didn't matter to Thomas Jones against the Pats, huh? Still, keep it in mind.
I think this is a couple weeks in a row that that DeAngelo Williams has been a good to great play. Jonathan Stewart will get carries but Williams is still the primary and will get the bulk of the carries in a tasty matchup against the woeful Lions defense. While they may work at getting Delhomme back on track, I still think the bulk of the work - and fantasy points - will come down to Williams. Expect his third game with 100 yards and a TD.
The Bengals will not be the test for Brian Westbrook and the Eagles that the Giants were so not only do I expect Westy to rebound from his down game. He will get back involved both on the ground and through the air against a D that is bad in both areas of the game. Cinci did strangle the Jacksonville run game last week, but I think the Philly Oline and Westbrook are far better than what there is right now in Jacksonville.
Other notes:
#7 Marion Barber is going to benefit more than almost anyone else to have Romo back as finally opposing secondaries and defenses cannot throw 8 men in a box..... It makes me sad to see LaDainian Tomlinson at #12, but imagine if he wasn't LT, how bad it could be. I think he will have issues but still have a pretty decent day that in perspective will blow away many other RBs vs the Steel Curtain..... How can Steve Slaton be #14 against the Colts? Two reasons - first, the Colts played better the last week and have Bob sanders back and second, Kubiak is saying they will watch his carries carefully and maybe limit them. DANGER DANGER!.... #17 Willie Parker may do better in his debut from injury but that harness worries me a little.... Ladell Betts seems to be ready to go, but I'm not sure how healed he is and how many touches he will get so he sits for a week at #28.... Willis McGahee wins the 'who gets carries this week in BAL' and his prize is a #23 ranking but I gotta tell you Baltimore is quickly becoming the biggest FF headache week to week not involving secret season ending injuries......
Running backs
Back now and here are the RB rankings for week 11!
Michael Turner is still playing streaky though he has had two good games in a row. Can he get a third in before he dips? Playing against Denver, I think he can. While Ryan and his receivers will attack the weakened secondary, Turner will get plenty of work and Denver is 27th and have allowed 11 rush TDs so far. Turner might get caught up in the shoot out, but as Denver will have little run game, the Falcons will try to keep Cutler off the field and control the clock. Turner (and maybe Jerious Norwood at #22) will have plenty of work and likely see good production.
Let's summarize Frank Gore's week: Gore: Man my head hurts. I have a concussion. Singletary: You're football player, you're head doesn't hurt, it's your neck. Gore: It is? What a relief. Comedy aside, that smells funny to me. But he apparently looks good in practice this week and will start - and against a terrible run D like the Rams (30th in the NFL) and the Jets blew them up for 206 and 3 TDs. Gore may not do that alone, but he should have a pretty large day. If I was sure he was 100% - and I am not - he'd top this list.
Some call him All Day, I call him Purple Jesus (wish I could credit it to someone but I forget who coined it) but either way, you call Adrian Peterson for your lineup each week. It's a tough matchup, sure. But the oline started opening huge holes for Peterson last week and I think Peterson will have great production again this week though nowhere near the 2 bills he had last time out. Keep in mind Tampa doesn't give up TDs on the ground. But that didn't matter to Thomas Jones against the Pats, huh? Still, keep it in mind.
I think this is a couple weeks in a row that that DeAngelo Williams has been a good to great play. Jonathan Stewart will get carries but Williams is still the primary and will get the bulk of the carries in a tasty matchup against the woeful Lions defense. While they may work at getting Delhomme back on track, I still think the bulk of the work - and fantasy points - will come down to Williams. Expect his third game with 100 yards and a TD.
The Bengals will not be the test for Brian Westbrook and the Eagles that the Giants were so not only do I expect Westy to rebound from his down game. He will get back involved both on the ground and through the air against a D that is bad in both areas of the game. Cinci did strangle the Jacksonville run game last week, but I think the Philly Oline and Westbrook are far better than what there is right now in Jacksonville.
Other notes:
#7 Marion Barber is going to benefit more than almost anyone else to have Romo back as finally opposing secondaries and defenses cannot throw 8 men in a box..... It makes me sad to see LaDainian Tomlinson at #12, but imagine if he wasn't LT, how bad it could be. I think he will have issues but still have a pretty decent day that in perspective will blow away many other RBs vs the Steel Curtain..... How can Steve Slaton be #14 against the Colts? Two reasons - first, the Colts played better the last week and have Bob sanders back and second, Kubiak is saying they will watch his carries carefully and maybe limit them. DANGER DANGER!.... #17 Willie Parker may do better in his debut from injury but that harness worries me a little.... Ladell Betts seems to be ready to go, but I'm not sure how healed he is and how many touches he will get so he sits for a week at #28.... Willis McGahee wins the 'who gets carries this week in BAL' and his prize is a #23 ranking but I gotta tell you Baltimore is quickly becoming the biggest FF headache week to week not involving secret season ending injuries......
Running backs
- Michael Turner, Falcons vs. Broncos
- Frank Gore, 49ers vs. Rams
- Adrian Peterson, Vikings at Buccaneers
- DeAngelo Williams, Panthers vs. Lions
- Brian Westbrook, Eagles at Bengals
- Matt Forté, Bears at Packers
- Marion Barber, Cowboys at Redskins
- Chris Johnson, Titans at Jaguars
- Tim Hightower, Cardinals at Seahawks
- Joseph Addai, Colts vs. Texans
- Ronnie Brown, Dolphins vs. Raiders
- LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers at Steelers
- Marshawn Lynch, Bills vs. Browns
- Steve Slaton, Texans at Colts
- Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars vs. Titans
- Jamal Lewis, Browns at Bills
- Willie Parker, Steelers vs. Chargers
- Kevin Smith, Lions at Panthers
- Ryan Grant, Packers vs. Bears
- Brandon Jacobs, Giants vs. Ravens
- Larry Johnson, Chiefs vs. Saints
- Jerious Norwood, Falcons vs. Broncos
- Willis McGahee, Ravens at Giants
- Peyton Hillis, Broncos at Falcons
- Ricky Williams, Dolphins vs. Raiders
- Dominic Rhodes, Colts vs. Texans
- Jonathan Stewart, Panthers vs. Lions
- Ladell Betts Redskins vs. Cowboys
- LenDale White, Titans at Jaguars
- Cedric Benson, Bengals vs. Eagles
- Julius Jones, Seahawks vs. Cardinals
- Deuce McAllister, Saints at Chiefs
- Ahman Green, Texans at Colts
- Justin Fargas, Raiders at Dolphins
- Antonio Pittman, Rams at 49ers
WR Rankings for Week 11
Anquan Boldin is just the man - he is in a prolific passing offense with fellow receivers to draw coverage off him, with a great matchup. On top of that, he's getting plenty of scoring targets in the red zone - more than Larry Fitzgerald since Boldin returned from injury. Could be a fairly huge day for Boldin, who is certainly the Anti-Mr.Glass round these parts.
Roddy White broke his streak of consecutive games with a TD in Week 9, but got back on track against New Orleans. Along with his fresh status as a weapon, he's getting tighter coverage and opportunities for catches are a little more scarce. But he's facing a secondary with it's fair share of problems, not the least of which is Champ Bailey's continuing absence. Bailey started practicing, but even with him, the secondary give up a lot of yards (242 per game) and TDs (14) with almost no sacks (3). They have a good pass rush, but the Falcons Oline has protected Ryan well and that should give White time to break free from coeverage and have himself a good day.
Brandon Marshall was thrown to a ton in the first half and would have had a truly monster game had he been able to hang onto a few passes he dropped. As it is, the late TD gave his day a little more oomph - but that's Marshall. he gets the opportunity, he has the ability, he just needs to maintain focus. Atlanta's secondary is shaky and as I mention in the review of Cutler, the run game is messy enough to where Cutler will have to throw. He will target Marshall early and often and I expect the WR to hang onto the ball better thisweek, putting him in line for a huge game.
So, Reggie Wayne was hurt last week, right? And he didn't practice Wednesday and Thursday, right? True on both counts. But last week he was questionable and all he did was catch 114 yards and a TD. Some people have him ranked farther back due to the questionable status but if he's in, this is where I have him. And I think he will be in and productive against a shaky Houston secondary that is playing better but will not be able to contain Wayne and Manning.
Steve Smith was just getting rolling going into last week, coming off three 100 yard games in a row. And then he biffed hard against a stouter than expected Oakland secondary and probably killed more owners than Bernard Berrian's donut. He gets back on track this week, against a horrific pass defense in the Lions. They have no corner that can match up to Smith and while I have Delhomme ranked fairly far back, that is in great part to the fact that DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will get a huge workload. But when he throws, it will be to Smith and I think Smith will have a much better day than Delhomme.
Other Notes:
Yes, that's Dwayne Bowe at 10 - he has a Qb who can throw and is playing pretty well, Mark Bradley or not.... Hines Ward sits at 15, where he is an excellent red zone target and reliable pass catcher for Roethlisberger and is the steadiest thing in that offense..... At #16 Vincent Jackson is right behind Ward and like Steve Smith, is a guy who could have a better day than his QB does, even against a stout Steeler defense..... And yes, Terrell Owens is still a marginal top 20 guy, at 18, even with Romo back. Let's see if anything has changed since they weren't connecting enough before the injury to Romo...... Show of hands. When the season started, who would have forseen Houshmandzedah (31), Chad Johnson (Ocho Whatever at 33) and Plaxico Burress (35) on the bottom end of any rankings?
Wide receivers
Roddy White broke his streak of consecutive games with a TD in Week 9, but got back on track against New Orleans. Along with his fresh status as a weapon, he's getting tighter coverage and opportunities for catches are a little more scarce. But he's facing a secondary with it's fair share of problems, not the least of which is Champ Bailey's continuing absence. Bailey started practicing, but even with him, the secondary give up a lot of yards (242 per game) and TDs (14) with almost no sacks (3). They have a good pass rush, but the Falcons Oline has protected Ryan well and that should give White time to break free from coeverage and have himself a good day.
Brandon Marshall was thrown to a ton in the first half and would have had a truly monster game had he been able to hang onto a few passes he dropped. As it is, the late TD gave his day a little more oomph - but that's Marshall. he gets the opportunity, he has the ability, he just needs to maintain focus. Atlanta's secondary is shaky and as I mention in the review of Cutler, the run game is messy enough to where Cutler will have to throw. He will target Marshall early and often and I expect the WR to hang onto the ball better thisweek, putting him in line for a huge game.
So, Reggie Wayne was hurt last week, right? And he didn't practice Wednesday and Thursday, right? True on both counts. But last week he was questionable and all he did was catch 114 yards and a TD. Some people have him ranked farther back due to the questionable status but if he's in, this is where I have him. And I think he will be in and productive against a shaky Houston secondary that is playing better but will not be able to contain Wayne and Manning.
Steve Smith was just getting rolling going into last week, coming off three 100 yard games in a row. And then he biffed hard against a stouter than expected Oakland secondary and probably killed more owners than Bernard Berrian's donut. He gets back on track this week, against a horrific pass defense in the Lions. They have no corner that can match up to Smith and while I have Delhomme ranked fairly far back, that is in great part to the fact that DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will get a huge workload. But when he throws, it will be to Smith and I think Smith will have a much better day than Delhomme.
Other Notes:
Yes, that's Dwayne Bowe at 10 - he has a Qb who can throw and is playing pretty well, Mark Bradley or not.... Hines Ward sits at 15, where he is an excellent red zone target and reliable pass catcher for Roethlisberger and is the steadiest thing in that offense..... At #16 Vincent Jackson is right behind Ward and like Steve Smith, is a guy who could have a better day than his QB does, even against a stout Steeler defense..... And yes, Terrell Owens is still a marginal top 20 guy, at 18, even with Romo back. Let's see if anything has changed since they weren't connecting enough before the injury to Romo...... Show of hands. When the season started, who would have forseen Houshmandzedah (31), Chad Johnson (Ocho Whatever at 33) and Plaxico Burress (35) on the bottom end of any rankings?
Wide receivers
- Anquan Boldin, Cardinals at Seahawks
- Roddy White, Falcons vs. Broncos
- Brandon Marshall, Broncos at Falcons
- Reggie Wayne, Colts vs. Texans
- Steve Smith, Panthers vs. Lions
- Andre Johnson, Texans at Colts
- Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals at Seahawks
- Calvin Johnson, Lions at Panthers
- Greg Jennings, Packers vs. Bears
- Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs vs. Saints
- Marques Colston, Saints at Chiefs
- Lee Evans, Bills vs. Browns
- Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers vs. Vikings
- Santana Moss, Redskins vs. Cowboys
- Hines Ward, Steelers vs. Chargers
- Vincent Jackson, Chargers at Steelers
- Santonio Holmes, Steelers vs. Chargers
- Terrell Owens, Cowboys at Redskins
- Eddie Royal, Broncos at Falcons
- Muhsin Muhammad, Panthers vs. Lions
- Bernard Berrian, Vikings at Buccaneers
- Lance Moore, Saints at Chiefs
- Donald Driver, Packers vs. Bears
- Steve Breaston, Cardinals at Seahawks
- Donnie Avery, Rams at 49ers
- Braylon Edwards, Browns at Bills
- Devery Henderson, Saints at Chiefs
- Michael Jenkins, Falcons vs. Broncos
- Roy Williams, Cowboys at Redskins
- Marvin Harrison, Colts vs. Texans
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals vs. Eagles
- DeSean Jackson, Eagles at Bengals
- Chad Ocho Cinco, Bengals vs. Eagles
- Kevin Curtis, Eagles at Bengals
- Plaxico Burress, Giants vs. Ravens
QB Rankings for Week 11
Kurt Warner has been on fire of course and now has three weapons who are viable targets at wide receiver. The Seahawk's secondary is bad giving both yards (252 per game) and TDs (14) and rarely if ever picking a pass off (just 4). They do have 22 sacks, but the Cards did a good job protecting Warner last week and I think they will again. Great for Warner.
Do you even need explanations on Drew Brees anymore? Every week he throws for 300 yards. He's had more yards through nine games than any Qb in NFL history and is on pace to break Dan Marino's record for total yards (poor Dan - losing records every couple seasons and no ring to tuck under his pillow for comfort). Worried about them runnign too much? Well, Bush was just ruled out - looks like it's Air Brees again.
There is very little pass defense in Denver and Jay Cutler will have all his targets as they travel to Atlanta. Who knows what the running back situation will be and the Falcon secondary are below average and were torched by Brees last week for 416 yards and two TDs. They do get INTs (as they did three times with Brees) and Cutler has had ball protection issues. He might turn a couple over, but no run game + shaky opposing secondary + tons of weapons = top 5 start in my book.
Donovan McNabb has had an up and down season, though admitedly most of it has been up. He's faces a marginal Bengals pass defense which isn't easy to move against, btu lacks a consistent pass rush and has few turnovers or sacks. McNabb should be able to pick them apart with relative ease and have a pretty solid day for his owners this week.
Could Peyton Manning actually have a good day? Coming off a great game against a tough Steeler team, and facing a Houston secondary which has allowed 15 TDs while generating only 6 INTs and 17 sacks? I think he could. Houston has been playing better the last few games, holding down the total pass yards, but still give up TDs on a regular basis (for example, 3 last week to Baltimore). Manning should have his third good to great game in a row on his way back to Fantasy prominence.
Other Notes:
#10 Tony Romo looks to be another in the rare group of guys I think start as normal after an injury, but he may see some speed bumps on the road Sunday night in Buffalo..... #15 Phillip Rivers has too tough a matchup to get excited about..... #19 Brady Quinn still has to prove himself against a decent defense before I get too excited and the Bills get McGee back at corner...... #26 Kyle Orton might be higher if he were a healthier Qb, is a decent hail mary this week if he does but the Packers secondary isn't a pushover.....
Quarterbacks
Do you even need explanations on Drew Brees anymore? Every week he throws for 300 yards. He's had more yards through nine games than any Qb in NFL history and is on pace to break Dan Marino's record for total yards (poor Dan - losing records every couple seasons and no ring to tuck under his pillow for comfort). Worried about them runnign too much? Well, Bush was just ruled out - looks like it's Air Brees again.
There is very little pass defense in Denver and Jay Cutler will have all his targets as they travel to Atlanta. Who knows what the running back situation will be and the Falcon secondary are below average and were torched by Brees last week for 416 yards and two TDs. They do get INTs (as they did three times with Brees) and Cutler has had ball protection issues. He might turn a couple over, but no run game + shaky opposing secondary + tons of weapons = top 5 start in my book.
Donovan McNabb has had an up and down season, though admitedly most of it has been up. He's faces a marginal Bengals pass defense which isn't easy to move against, btu lacks a consistent pass rush and has few turnovers or sacks. McNabb should be able to pick them apart with relative ease and have a pretty solid day for his owners this week.
Could Peyton Manning actually have a good day? Coming off a great game against a tough Steeler team, and facing a Houston secondary which has allowed 15 TDs while generating only 6 INTs and 17 sacks? I think he could. Houston has been playing better the last few games, holding down the total pass yards, but still give up TDs on a regular basis (for example, 3 last week to Baltimore). Manning should have his third good to great game in a row on his way back to Fantasy prominence.
Other Notes:
#10 Tony Romo looks to be another in the rare group of guys I think start as normal after an injury, but he may see some speed bumps on the road Sunday night in Buffalo..... #15 Phillip Rivers has too tough a matchup to get excited about..... #19 Brady Quinn still has to prove himself against a decent defense before I get too excited and the Bills get McGee back at corner...... #26 Kyle Orton might be higher if he were a healthier Qb, is a decent hail mary this week if he does but the Packers secondary isn't a pushover.....
Quarterbacks
- Kurt Warner, Cardinals at Seahawks
- Drew Brees, Saints at Chiefs
- Jay Cutler, Broncos at Falcons
- Donovan McNabb, Eagles at Bengals
- Peyton Manning, Colts vs. Texans
- Matt Ryan, Falcons vs. Broncos
- Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs vs. Saints
- Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs. Bears
- Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers vs. Chargers
- Tony Romo, Cowboys at Redskins
- Jason Campbell, Redskins vs. Cowboys
- David Garrard, Jaguars vs. Titans
- Trent Edwards, Bills vs. Browns
- Jake Delhomme, Panthers vs. Lions
- Philip Rivers, Chargers at Steelers
- Shaun Hill, 49ers vs. Rams
- Chad Pennington, Dolphins vs. Raiders
- Eli Manning, Giants vs. Ravens
- Brady Quinn, Browns at Bills
- Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks vs. Cardinals
- Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers vs. Vikings
- Sage Rosenfels, Texans at Colts
- Marc Bulger, Rams at 49ers
- Gus Frerotte, Vikings at Buccaneers
- Kerry Collins, Titans at Jaguars
- Kyle Orton, Bears at Packers
- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bengals vs. Eagles
- Joe Flacco, Ravens at Giants
- Rex Grossman, Bears at Packers
- JaMarcus Russell, Raiders at Dolphins
- Daunte Culpepper, Lions at Panthers
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