Week 7 - Start / Sit BYE WEEK: Arizona, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Philadelphia

QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Jay Cutler, Ben Roethlisberger

INJURY WATCH: Tony Romo(DAL), Aaron Rodgers(GB), Eli Manning(NYG), Carson Palmer(CIN), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Jon Kitna(DET), Brian Griese(TB), Gus Frerotte(MIN), Brodi Croyle(KC), Vince Young(TEN)

Start

Matt Schaub (HOU) – This is probably stating the obvious, but Schaub seems resurgent after such a terrible start to the season. The Texans are at home and facing probably the worst team in the league right now. Like Favre, Schaub will be active all day, finding his big WR and TE often as the Lions attempt to slow the run game, which they won’t be able to do. In fact, the Lions won’t be able to stop much in this win, especially not losing.  300yrds, 3 TD’s, 15yrds rush

Brett Favre (NYJ) – Favre should be active through the entire game this Sunday. The Raiders are much better offensively at home, and the Jets defense has been giving up a lot of points lately. These things should lead to a big game for Favre as the teams go back in forth in this scoring race. His style may lead to a couple of turnovers, but the reward will far outweigh anything negative he may do.  300yrds, 3 TD’s, 2 INT’s

Sit

Tony Romo (DAL) – Don’t be fooled by the information floating around out there. I can’t see how the Cowboys would play Romo this week and risk him injuring his hand further. I think we need to look at the bigger picture of things and realize that the post season is more important than a couple of regular season games. In Fantasy, the quarterback position is not something to mess with, just don’t do it.

J.T. O’Sullivan (SF) – I think O’Sullivan will be the whipping boy for what happened to the Giants defense last week. San Francisco doesn’t protect the quarterback all that well to begin with, and I expect things to be no different in the Meadowlands. If Frank Gore gets shut down early and the Giants get up big, which is likely, O’ Sullivan will be forced into throwing and that spells trouble for the QB.  175yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM

RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Reggie Bush, Ronnie Brown, Brandon Jacobs

INJURY WATCH:  LaDanian Tomlinson(SD), Clinton Portis(WAS), Joseph Addai(IND), Willie Parker(PIT), Reggie Bush(NO), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Selvin Young(DEN), Ryan Torain(DEN), Darren McFadden(OAK), Chris Perry (CIN), Jonathan Stewart(CAR), Justin Fargas(OAK), Kevin Smith(DET), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA)

Start

Chris Johnson(TEN) – Johnson, and to a lesser extent LenDale White, will get a lot of touches in this game and a lot of opportunities to find the end-zone. While White will probably vulture a TD or two, Johnson’s overall numbers and break away capabilities make him a must start this week. The Titans are the remaining undefeated team and they won’t change their game-plan until something drastic happens, and it won’t be this week.  125yrds, 1 TD, 3 for 30yrds

Earnest Graham/Warrick Dunn(TB) – I’m feeling like this is the week where the Bucs finally run the #### out of the ball, with both backs seeing significant carries. I think that Graham will have the bigger numbers this week as he is the power back, and Seattle has had some trouble with bigger backs this year. Dunn will still be very productive and can be used this week if you’re experiencing some BYE week RB issues.  Graham 90yrds, 1 TD, 4 for 35yrds / Dunn 75yrds, 1 TD, 4 for 30yrds

Sit

Julius Jones(SEA) – The BYE week could force you into playing Jones, but buyers beware, this will not be the outcome you’re hoping for. The passing offense is still in shambles, though Wallace will make things slightly better this week, but Tampa Bay at home has spelled doom for opposing running backs. No 100yrd rushers and zero rushing touch downs surrendered, that’s what Jones faces this week. No thanks.  60yrds, 2 for 15ydrs

Michael Pittman(DEN) – Redemption, redemption, redemption. That’s what’s on the minds of the Patriots this week. They’ll be looking for revenge and not to disappoint the home crowd. The Broncos may be able to throw on the Patriots a little, but this offense has slowed down the past three weeks scoring 17 points or less in each of those contests. There may be some better scoring this week by both teams, but the Pats should shut down the run quite effectively, leaving Pittman not such a good choice.  65yrds, 3 for 20yrds

WR – Brandon Marshall, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Greg Jennings, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith (CAR), T.J. Houshmanzedah, Plaxico Burress

INJURY WATCH: Marques Colston(NO), T.J. Houshmanzedah(CIN), Chris Chambers(SD), Laveranes Coles(NYJ), Deion Branch(SEA), Eddie Royal(DEN), Anthony Gonzalez(IND), Justin Gage(TEN), Justin McCareins(TEN), Javon Walker(OAK), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Brandon Stokely(DEN), Darrell Jackson(DEN), Brandon Lloyd(CHI), David Patten(NO)

Start

Hines Ward(PIT) – The Bengal killer. In his past two contests against Cincy, Ward has caught 4 touchdown passes and racked up nearly 400yrds while doing so. The Bengals secondary is the strong point of the defense, but with Willie Parker sidelined again, I expect the Steelers to go to the air more often, and Ward will be the beneficiary in this one.  7 for 100yrds, 1 TD

Bernard Berrian(MIN) – Berrian has a lot of things going for him in this one. He’s back in Chicago wanting to prove himself, he’s coming off back-to-back games of at least 100 yards, and Minnesota will need to throw in this game. Berrian catches the best deep ball in the game and I expect Frerotte to go downtown at least twice in this one to loosen up the Chicago defense.  5 for 85yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Chad Ocho Cinco(CIN) – Johnson has never had a good game against the Steelers and I expect the same to continue this week. Ryan Fitzpatrick gets another start in the absence of Carson Palmer and Steelers are coming off a BYE where all their defensive regulars are back with the exception of Casey Hampton. If Houshmanzedah plays, he’ll be the focus of the passing game, while Johnson will be relegated to another sub-par performance.  3 for 30yrds

Roy E. Williams(DAL) – I don’t think Tony Romo will play this week and given the fact that Brad Johnson will be slinging it and Williams has just joined the team, I’m curbing any expectations for him this week. He’ll be fine in a couple of weeks after he’s had to work with his new QB’s, but timing is everything in the NFL, and I don’t think Williams will be quite up to speed.  4 for 35yrds

TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley, Tony Gonzalez

INJURY WATCH: Antonio Gates(SD), Kellen Winslow(CLE), Tony Scheffler(DEN), Jeremy Shockey(NO)

Start

Zach Miller(OAK) – The Raiders are going to have to throw to have a chance to win. Miller has been the only consistent target this season in the Oakland passing game. He’ll be relied upon this week as the Jets will more than likely shut down the run and bring pressure to try and force Russell into making mistakes. The TE will be his best friend this week.  5 for 65yrds, 1 TD

K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Nate Kaeding, Robbie Gould

INJURY WATCH:  Shayne Graham(CIN), Jeff Reed(PIT), Lawrence Tynes(NYG), Mike Nugent(NYJ)

Start

Josh Brown(STL) – I think St. Louis is feeling it right now and the offense will be moving the ball at least into scoring range, which for Brown, is pretty extensive. The game is at home, indoors, where kickers excel. Brown has the potential for at least one, probably two field goal tries of 50yrds.  3 FG’s, 2 XP

DEF – Steelers, Vikings, Bears, Ravens, Titans, Giants

INJURY WATCH: Baltimore (Kelly Gregg-NT, Samari Rolle-CB), Minnesota (Erin Henderson-LB, Madieu Williams-S), Chicago (Charles Tillman-CB, Tommie Harris-DT), Pittsburgh (Casey Hampton-NT), NY Giants (Antonio Pierce-LB), Tampa Bay (Derrick Brooks-LB, Barrett Ruud-LB), Indianapolis (Bob Sanders-SS), Green Bay (Al Harris-CB, Charles Woodson-CB), Dallas (Terence Newman-CB, Adam Jones-CB), Washington (Jason Taylor-DE, Shawn Springs-CB)

Start

Miami Dolphins – With a couple of potential starting defenses on BYE this week, I’m looking for a match up defense to fill in, and Miami fits that mold. The ‘Phins are at home this week and play Baltimore. The Ravens run the ball more than any other team in the league. The Dolphins are excellent in stopping the run. The Ravens don’t throw the ball particularly well, and when under pressure, the QB tends to be generous with the ball to the other team. Oh yeah, I think Joey Porter is gonna be pissed about the fines he received this week.  <275 YA, < 17 PA, 4 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM

Week 6 - Start / Sit

BYE WEEK: Buffalo, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Tennessee

QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Kurt Warner

INJURY WATCH: Aaron Rodgers(GB), Carson Palmer(CIN), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Matt Schaub(HOU), Jon Kitna(DET), Brian Griese(TB), Gus Frerotte(MIN)

Start

Brett Favre(NYJ) – Okay, so I doubt Favre will throw for six touchdown passes this week, but anything is possible with him. Still, he needs to be in your lineup this week against Cincinnati. While the Bengals haven’t been terrible against the pass, they’re still very young and vulnerable. The Jets have had two full weeks to prepare for this game and they are at home, two things that will be a key ingredient in their success this week.  17 of 28 275yrds, 2 TD’s

Jason Campbell(WAS) – I’m gonna go out on a limb with this one and say that Campbell continues his efficient fantasy scoring this week. This will be a run first offense and St. Louis will prepare to slow that down. With constant safety help being moved into the box, Campbell will find one-on-one coverage all day, and his receivers know how to get open and make plays. You should also see a couple of deep balls thrown off the play-action and some scoring as the result.  16 of 22 250yrds, 2 TD’s, 20yrds rush

Sit

Philip Rivers(SD) – While Rivers started the season very strong, there’s been a drop-off with each passing week in his performance. Attribute that to what you will, but I don’t see things getting better. Tomlinson, Gates, and Chambers are all ####ed up, leaving Rivers with Sproles and Vincent Jackson maybe? That doesn’t seem like it’s going to be enough to be successful against a Patriots defense that is looking to redeem its past two pitiful outings.  13 of 25 175yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 FUM

Derek Anderson(CLE) – Hopefully Anderson used the BYE week to get better prepared and work out the timing issues with his receivers. The thing holding the Browns back is coaching, lets be honest. The Browns will struggle as long as Romeo remains. This week, Anderson will struggle against a Giants defense that is second in scoring defense in the league. You should be able to find a better quarterback this week.  200yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT, 1 FUM

RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Reggie Bush, Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown

INJURY WATCH:  LaDanian Tomlinson(SD), Brian Westbrook(PHI), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Darren McFadden(OAK), Maurice Jones-Drew(JAC), Chris Perry (CIN), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA)

Start

Brandon Jacobs(NYG) – Jacobs seems to only be playing one half of his games, but still managing to rack up monster numbers. Expect similar things this Monday Night as Jacobs travels to Cleveland to face the beleaguered Browns. Again, he may only play a little into the second half due to the RB depth of the Giants, but look for numbers regardless as the Giants pound away at the weak Cleveland front seven.  125yrds, 2 TD’s, 2 for 10yrds

Ryan Grant(GB) – I think this is the week Grant finally gets things going. I don’t anticipate the Pack being down or out of this one at any point and they need to get the run game established to pose a more balanced threat to opposing defenses. One dimensional teams, what the Packers have been to this point, usually don’t go far, and I think that’s shown through the first five weeks.  100yrds, 1 TD, 2 for 15yrds

Sit

Joseph Addai(IND) – Difficult to sit a Top 7 draft pick, but let’s be realistic, the Colts play the Ravens this week and the game plan will be to attack through the air. While Addai may catch a bunch of passes, the Raven defense will limit the featured back in this one. Some key RB’s are on BYE this week, so play Addai if you must, but don’t expect numbers better than what a #3 RB would produce.  30-40yrds, 5 for 30-40yrds, 1 FUM

DeAngelo Williams(CAR) – Yes, he lead all players in fantasy points last week and the Carolina offense seems to be firing on all cylinders, but it’s all more the reason to sit him this week. Tampa Bay’s defense is built to handle smaller, quicker backs and Williams fits that mold to a T.  I think Carolina’s other back will shine this week, so curb your expectation for Williams.  55yrds, 3 for 20yrds

WR – Brandon Marshall, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith(CAR), T.J. Houshmanzedah, Andre Johnson, Plaxico Burress

INJURY WATCH: Marques Colston(NO), Anquan Boldin(ARI), Roy Williams(DET), Calvin Johnson(DET), Derrick Mason(BAL), Deion Branch(SEA), Eddie Royal(DEN), Anthony Gonzalez(IND), Javon Walker(OAK), Kevin Curtis(PHI), Jerry Porter(JAC), Reggie Williams(JAC), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Darrell Jackson(DEN), Donte Stallworth(CLE), Devin Hester(CHI), Brandon Lloyd(CHI), David Patten(NO)

Start

Santana Moss(WAS) – Though Moss was shutout last week, he continues to be an integral part of the Washington offense. I expect him to bounce back this week against the Rams. Although the Skins will pound the ball with Portis, Moss has the ability to get open anywhere on the field to make plays, including the deep ball that might fly his why once or twice this week.  6 for 115yrds, 1 TD

Bobby Engram(SEA) – Engram played his first game of the season and produced nicely for being out for such a long time. He’s been Hasselbeck’s main target for the past couple of seasons and that’s not something that’s gonna change considering there’s nobody left on the team to throw to, possibly even Deion Branch who suffered another injury. I expect Engram to be the go to guy this week as Seattle could struggle to move the ball on the ground and may end up in a shootout. And let’s face it, they want to throw the ball anyway.  6 for 100yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Torry Holt(STL) – Holt will not benefit from the coaching change and it’s unfortunate. There’s even rumors flying that he’ll be traded and that might be the best thing for him right now. Considering that teams only have to worry about Steven Jackson for about the first quarter and half, Holt is the only other player that can really hurt defenses, so guess where the coverage constantly rolls. Washington will have Bulger scrambling for his life all day, and Holt will be left running routes without much purpose, ouch.  4 for 50yrds

Chad Ocho Cinco #85(CIN) – The Jets defense has been very underrated so far this season and I think that will hurt the Cincinnati offense, especially #85. He hasn’t really done much so far this season,  his longest catch barley touching 25yrds. The Bengals should deplore much more o####round game this week with Benson, limiting passes down field. When they do drop back to pass, the offensive line hasn’t been much more than paper mache’, and that spells trouble for an ailing quarterback and his receivers.  5 for 50yrds

TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley

INJURY WATCH: Antonio Gates(SD), Kellen Winslow(CLE), Tony Scheffler(DEN), Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Randy McMichael(STL), Ben Watson(NEP), Leonard Pope(ARI)

Start

Greg Olsen(CHI) – Olsen has clearly passed Desmond Clark on the depth chart, and his recent numbers confirm it. The Chicago receivers are ####ed up and inconsistent, leaving Olsen a reliable option for Orton underneath and in the flats. Chicago likes to throw to the backs and tight-ends when they get near the red-zone and the field shrinks. Olsen should be a strong performer against Atlanta this week.  60yrds, 1 TD

K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Nate Kaeding, David Akers, Robbie Gould

INJURY WATCH: Stephen Gostkowski(NEP), Lawrence Tynes(NYG), Mike Nugent(NYJ)

Start

Josh Scobee(JAC) – I think the Jaguars will be able to move the ball consistently against the Denver defense, but may have trouble scoring touchdowns. Scobee has the power to convert 50yrd field goals and the thin air of the Mile-High should afford him at least one opportunity for such. Jacksonville will be desperate, but I think they’ll take their chances at points this week rather than passing up opportunities like they did last week.  4 FG’s, 2 XP’s

DEF – Vikings, Bears, Ravens, Eagles, Giants

INJURY WATCH: Baltimore (Kelly Gregg-NT, Samari Rolle-CB), Minnesota (Erin Henderson-LB, Madieu Williams-S), Chicago (Charles Tillman-CB, Nathan Vasher-CB), Tampa Bay (Derrick Brooks-LB, Barrett Ruud-LB), Indianapolis (Bob Sanders-SS, Dwight Freeney-DE), Green Bay (Al Harris-CB, Charles Woodson-CB), Dallas (Terence Newman-CB, Tank Williams-DT), Jacksonville (Reggie Nelson-S, Drayton Florence-CB), Washington (Jason Taylor-DE, Shawn Springs-CB), Arizona (Bertrand Berry-DE, Eric Green-CB),

Start

Washington Redskins – Call me crazy, but given the way the Redskins have performed against the high powered offenses of Dallas and Philly, St. Louis should be a push over. The Rams offensive line is suspect at best, so once Steven Jackson is contained and the Skins move out to a big lead, there will be a lot of pressure on the QB as the Rams try to play catch up. That will lead to the inevitable turnovers and sacks that the Rams seem to be so generous with.  <300 YA, <17 PA, 5 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM

Put Week 8 in the books NFL fans. This week I'll address some of the highs and the lows of professional football as seen through the eyes of an avid fan.

HIGHS

The Pittsburgh Steelers went on the road this week to Cincinnati and came away with a modest, yet solid victory over the Bengals. The Steeler DEF looked like their old selves again this week, surrendering only 1 TD later in the game after only giving up 6 points on two filed goals in the first half. The Steelers came out throwing again this week, which has been their calling card of late. This week however, after getting the lead, they resorted to Steeler football of old... pounding the ball in the second half with Willie Parker and Davenport.  Except for a brain #### early in the third quarter, Big Ben looked polished and poised, showing why he is one of the best young quarterbacks in the league by connecting on two first half touchdown passes to Hines Ward, who finally looked fully recovered from a knee injury that held him out for a handful of games earlier in the season. It was a very important victory for Steeler nation, setting the stage for them to take a commanding lead in the division following this Monday Night's game at home against the Ravens and the Browns two Sundays from now, again at home.

The Green Bay Packers had more Monday Night heroics from icon legend Brett Favre as his overtime strike to Greg Jennings gave the Pack a road victory against the crying one's Broncos. Favre HAS to be considered or arguably the greatest QB in NFL history. I'm sorry fans of the old-time NFL; your league just doesn't match up to today's game. Now granted, Montana, Marino, Elway, Kelly; these guys were all great, but they also all had consistent great teams. Name a handful of players from the Packers over the last couple of years. If you’re an average fan of the NFL I bet you can't! So what if Favre owns the record for the most INT in a career. When you throw the ball as much as he does, it's bound to happen. His longevity alone ranks him in the NFL's all-time elites for the QB position, throw in numerous NFL passing records and you've made his case for the greatest. Now don't get me wrong, there are great QB's from every era that hold farm fuzzy spots in our hearts, but those guys that played in the 60's and earlier didn't have nearly the competition or the resources to compete with what the NFL puts on TV each week. Congratulations to you Brett Favre, greatest QB of all-time. If you ask John Madden I bet he'd say the same thing.

LOWS

There's no room in the NFL for running up the score. This profession is too proud to have this kind of thing happen. Now, I've said I'd never talk about certain teams in this blog, but this needs to be addressed. Insulting your opponent is the lowest of lows that a team can lay upon another in the NFL. It does a few things to cheapen the game. One, these athletes put too much of themselves into these games and their profession for this kind of thing to happen. I understand why you do it in college, to impress the pollsters, right? Not in the NFL. A win is a win is a win. Very rarely does circumstances arise that a tiebreaker of most points for needs to be implemented to determine playoff of draft pick slotting. It also does something to the players on the team that is running it up. It makes them targets. No one in the NFL will tell you that they purposefully tell a player to go out and hurt another one, but that's just what your asking for when you consistently run up the score. All it takes is for 1 defensive player to lose control of his emotions and take a cheap shot at an MVP QB's knees. Do you really think that defensive player cares about a 15yrd penalty or a meager $15,000 fine when the score is 42-0 at half time. News flash, they don't care! When the games out of reach, RUN THE BALL, kill the clock and get out of there with no injuries on either team and a victory, because no matter how points you score in one game, you still only get one win. How many points do you think your team will score a game with your MVP QB?

A quick note about the Broncos... I watched the 1st quarter of this past week's Monday Night game. It's unbelievable how many favorable calls the Broncos get in their games. I saw flags thrown on the Packers for doing less in this game than I've seen other teams NOT get flagged for in their games. Couple that with two prime-time games in a row at home. Your telling me the NFL doesn't want the Broncos to succeed? Whatever.