Week 5 fell nicely in line for the NFL with nearly all of the favored teams handling their business with one big exception, the San Diego Chargers. But who knows, maybe Miami is ready to turn things around and make a run at the playoffs. Given the state of the AFC, anything’s possible. The NFC looks mostly like people thought it would less the Packers and the Saints. Still, the door is wide open for a lot of teams to sneak into the playoffs. And to the NFL, all of these things are GOOD and BAD.
GOOD
The Steelers finally got one over on the Jaguars and everyone in Pittsburgh rejoiced as our team is 4-1 heading into their BYE week, thank god. Pittsburgh won with defense and timely offense as they dominated the Jaguars in the first half, out-gaining them 300yrds to 46yrds. That is the point where a team changes their game-plan to adjust to what the other is doing. You’d think the Jaguars went into half and made some unbelievable adjustments… but you’d be wrong. The Steelers actually adjusted their game-plan, became much more conservative, and let Jacksonville back into the game. Why would they do this, because the Steelers offensive coordinator sucks. It’s been obvious through the first 5 games that he has no idea how to make the right adjustments and will fall into an extremely conservative offense if Pittsburgh commits a turnover early. Here’s one prime example of what I’m talking about.
During the first half the Steelers came out and threw on first down, gaining 4 to 6 yards each play and setting up second downs that could be runs or passes. This was very successful and the Steelers moved the ball at will, minus Santonio Holmes slipping and Jacksonville returning one for a TD. In the second half, the Steelers ran on first down and got zero yards. Now it’s second down and the defense knows what you have to do. The Steelers had two possessions in the third quarter gained about ten total yards on six plays, yuck. Guess what they did in the fourth quarter once they were down again? That’s right, they threw on first down.
BAD
I’m going to stay with the Steelers for the first segment of BAD this week and comment on something that happened late in the game. Jacksonville was deep in their zone and Garrard dropped back to pass, let me fly incomplete and was drilled James Harrison just as the ball was released. Amazingly, the ref called a roughing the passer on Pittsburgh. I was livid when I watched the replay and saw that the pass and the hit occurred simultaneously, with Harrison having no chance to pull up. This kept the drive alive for Jacksonville. It was almost like the refs wanted to keep the game going and Jacksonville every opportunity to win. For all of the cheap shots that Ben Roethlisberger receives with the defense never getting penalized, I can’t imagine how that was called.
The New Orleans Saints lost again when their field goal kicker failed to convert late in the game, giving the Vikings good field position. One pass interference call later and Minnesota is kicking the game winner. This is now the second time this season that Gramatica has missed a kick to give the Saints at least a chance to stay alive. The other occurred in Denver and would have been for the win. Who knows what would have happened had he made the kick Monday Night, but that’s two games lost. I think it’s time for a new kicker.
Fantasy Note
A very disappointing loss this week to the top rated team in my league. I had every chance to win the game and looked good going into the Monday Night game down only 11pts, but Drew Brees committed 3 turnovers for me, Reggie Bush returned 2 punts for him, and that was that, a 116 to 103 loss. It also didn’t help that Calvin Johnson grabbed a whole 2 points this week. Earnest Graham and Jonathan Stewart both had great match-ups and managed to score 12 points between them. Wow, what are you gonna do. I still sit atop my division at 3-2 and play a divisional game this week against the (1-3) Favre Hater Bandwagon.
QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler
INJURY WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Donovan McNabb(PHI), Aaron Rodgers(GB), Carson Palmer(CIN), Jon Kitna(DET), Gus Frerotte(MIN), Vince Young(TEN)
Start
Matt Cassel (NEP) – Anytime the Patriots are coming off a BYE and they’re playing a questionable defense, you should pounce, like this week when they play the 49ers. I think Bellichik has his players prepared and rested up for this one and you should see according results. They also have this guy Moss to throw to. I hear he’s open. 250yrds, 2 TD’s, 3 for 25yrds
David Garrard (JAC) – He’s affectionately known as the Steeler killer around these parts. While I don’t think Jacksonville wins this game, I do believe Garrard finds the open space in the zone and connects with his receivers on short and intermediate routes. The run game will struggle despite its past success, and that will leave Garrard as the playmaker in this one. 225yrds, 1 TD, 5 for 40yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) – Hasselbeck is coming out of his BYE and he’s finally getting his main receivers back, but he’s facing a very tough Giants defense that will be in his face all day creating problems. Plus, Branch and Engram won’t play the entire game and the other receivers are suspect at best. With no big name QB’s on BYE this week, you should be able to do better. 225yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
Jon Kitna (DET) – Kitna is coming off an injured knee and is facing the Bears this week. I expect a lot of turnovers and sacks and Kitna might not finish the game. While he has the weapons outside to make plays, the lack of a running game and questionable offensive line play make Kitna a poor choice this week. 200yrds, 2 TD’s, 3 INT’s, 2 FUM
RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Marshawn ####, Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Reggie Bush
INJURY WATCH: Adrian Peterson(MIN), Brian Westbrook(PHI), Willie Parker(PIT), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Darren McFadden(OAK), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA), Rashard Mendenhall(PIT), Chris Perry(CIN), Kenny Watson(CIN)
Start
Steve Slaton (HOU) – I’m on the Slaton bandwagon. After a tough Week 1 against the Steelers, Slaton has racked up the yards on the ground and through the air and scored in each of his last two games. This week he faces a Colts defense that surrenders over 150yrds to opposing backs. Gary Kubiak knows that his best defense this week will be to control the ball and keep Peyton Manning off the field. Slaton is flourishing in the same system that produced all of those Denver 1000yrd backs. 125yrds, 1 TD, 5 for 50yrds, 1 TD
Earnest Graham (TB) – Graham has been an odd cat this year, posting solid numbers through the first four weeks or the season, despite being shutout week 3. If you look at Graham’s numbers though, you’ll see he’s had two big runs late in week’s 2 and 4 that got him his big numbers for those games. With Brian Griese continuing to be generous to the opposing team with his constant turnovers, Graham should be the benefactor of a more conservative approach this week. He also goes up against a Broncos defense that nearly surrendered a 200yrd game last week. 100yrds, 2 TD’s, 2 for 15yrds
Sit
Chris Johnson/Lendale White (TEN) – Difficult to normally sit either of these guys, but I think Tennessee struggles this week at Baltimore. I expect a very physical game, where both teams will grind it out on offense and try to put their defenses and special teams in a position to win the game. Baltimore comes in as the number one defense in the league against the run, and I expect them to leave this week the same. Unless you’re a Steven Jackson owner, I’d stay away this week. 50-60yrds each, 0.50 TD’s each, 2 for 15yrds each
Michael Turner (ATL) – While Turner has been potent through his first four games, I expect the Falcons to stall this week in Green Bay. The Packers will load up against Turner and force Matt Ryan to try and beat them through the air. While he may score once this week, I see yardage very tough to come by as Atlanta will be forced to throw later in the game to try and make up ground. 30-40yrds, 1 TD, 2 for 15yrds
WR – Brandon Marshall, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith(CAR), T.J. Houshmanzedah
INJURY WATCH: Marques Colston(NO), Anquan Boldin(ARI), Javon Walker(OAK), Reggie Brown(PHI), Kevin Curtis(PHI), Jerry Porter(JAC), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Bernard Berrian(MIN), Deion Branch(SEA), Bobby Engram(SEA), Donte Stallworth(CLE), Devin Hester(CHI), David Patten(NO)
Start
Robert Meachem/Lance Moore (NO) – Besides Reggie Bush, there’s no one on the Saints left to throw to for at least the next two weeks. Both Moore and Meachem benefited from the absence of Colston, Shockey and a limited David Patten, and they’ll do the same this Monday Night when the Saints play the Vikings. Not that the Saints run all that much anyway, but this game should see even less. Get those Saints WR’s in your lineup. 5 for 100yrds each, 1 TD each
Matt Jones (JAC) – Jones will benefit from the Steelers aggressive blitzing and soft zone coverage, finding the holes much like Derrick Mason did this past Monday Night. If Garrard gets time to set up in the pocket, Jones should be open in a variety of areas on the field. Jones has also had success against the Steelers smaller cornerbacks in the red-zone, often winning many jump balls. 6 for 85yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Donald Driver (GB) – It’s obvious that the torch has been passed in the Green Bay receiving corp. Driver is getting about half the amount of looks that Jennings is receiving right now and there’s no sure bet that Rodgers will play this week. You’d figure that Driver would benefit from the doubles that roll Jennings way, but that hasn’t been the case. There are some good receivers on BYE this week, but Driver should only be used if you’re in a tight spot. 4 for 40yrds
Andre Johnson (HOU) – I thought you should never sit your studs?!? Hey, these types of calls are why they pay me the big bucks, err… something like that. If you look at what happened last week, you’ll see the reason for this predict. Indianapolis is tops in the league against the pass, (only because they’re last against the run) and Johnson will be paid extra attention this week. Kevin Walter benefited similarly last week, and the Texans are going to run the ball and use short dump offs to keep the pass rush at bay. A touchdown this week, maybe. 3 for 50yrds
TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley
INJURY WATCH: Tony Gonzalez(KC), Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Randy McMichael(STL), Ben Watson(NEP), Leonard Pope(ARI)
Start
Anthony Fasano (MIA) – The TE is the go to receiver in the Miami offense and Fasano has scored in two out of three games this year. They’ve had two weeks to prepare for San Diego, who also happens to give up more catches, yards, and TD’s to TE’s than any other defense in the league. The Chargers will have to focus on stopping Ronnie Brown, leaving Fasano open in the middle of the field. 5 for 75yrds, 1 TD
K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Bironas, Nate Kaeding, David Akers
Start
Jeff Reed (PIT) – Reed is on the verge of becoming an every week start for fantasy owners. Why? He hasn’t missed a FG yet this season, converting all 7 attempts, including 4 of 40yrds and 1 50yrd. His XP to FG ratio right now is 8-7, which is the minimum you want from your fantasy kicker. I expect Reed to continue to have success as the Steelers offense stalls in field goal range against the tough defenses they face this year. 2 XP’s, 3 FG’s
Carolina Panthers – For the second week in a row I’m touting the Panthers. Though they didn’t create any turnovers last week, they are at home again and will play a Chiefs team that looked a lot better last week than they really are. Look for a low yards and points against and a few turnovers to go along an overall solid performance. There are no high profile defenses on BYE this week, so play your regulars and if you’re a NY Jets defense owner, get the Panthers in there if you need some help. <299 YA, <14 PA, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FUM
Week 3 of the NFL is in the books, and it will be a forgettable one for a lot of teams, I’m sure. There are still six undefeated teams to go along with the six winless teams. Things are starting to shake out like many thought they would with some glaring exceptions in the AFC South and East. Things in that conference are pretty much up in the air right now, with some very unexpected front runners heading up their respective divisions. And in the era of the salary cap and the infamous parity that exists; the NFL surely considers all of this good and bad.
GOOD
The New England Patriots lost, excuse me, got pounded at home by the hapless Miami Dolphins. Note to the league, the Patriots are a shell of their former selves without Tom Brady at QB. It also didn’t help that Maroney and Jordan both missed this game with some kind of injury. Why this is in the good column, because everyone outside of Boston and its surrounding areas was cheering when they saw what was happening in Foxboro. People love to hate Bill Belichick and the Pats, and this season is shaping up to be one big love-fest.
The Browns and Bengals both lost their games this past week, leaving them scraping at the bottom of the AFC North and winless at 0-3. This is shaping up to be a one and a half pony race for this division. Oh yeah, they play each other this week, so someone's gonna be 0-4, ouch.
BAD
The Steelers lost their first game of the season this past Sunday in ugly fashion, getting outscored and out-coached by the Philly Eagles. It’s no new news that Pittsburgh hasn’t won in Philly in quite some time. This was a very winnable game in my mind, but the Steeler coaching staff made no attempt to adjust to the all-out blitz Philly ran on EVERY play. There were no draws, no screens, and only the occasional quick hitter to a wide receiver that produced results. The one deep ball that was thrown was intercepted, albeit early in the game, but there wasn’t another ball thrown deep again. It was a hard fought game, and one that was totally winnable. I’m not sure why Max Starks did not make an appearance at RT or another position. In that situation, what’s the worst that could happen; he’d give up a sack?
Fantasy Note
I got crushed in my Fantasy Game this past week, against what I believe is the best team in our league. I managed a measly one touchdown from my players, that coming from Drew Brees. The yardage was okay, but when you only get 4 total points from Brian Westbrook, Earnest Graham, and Andre Johnson, you’re going to be in trouble. Yes, Westbrook was injured in that game, but the production still needs to come from the other players and needs to be more than that. My bench almost outscored my starters, scary. So this was my worst game of the year, I expect to bounce back next week. I’ll be without Calvin Johnson this week as the Lions go on their BYE, but I believe I will be able to find a suitable replacement for him. You can keep track of me this season at the below link.
QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler (removed: Tom Brady)
Start
Eli Manning (NYG) @ St. Louis – I’m not sold on Eli’s consistency yet, and if your league penalizes for INT’s, he’s always going to be a bit of a risk. Not this week. The Rams will be forced to load eight men into the box to stop the run, allowing Manning to find the one-on-one receiver down field. 250yrds, 2 TD’s
Damon Huard (KC) vs. Oakland – Huard will start this week for the injured Brodi Croyle, increasing the value of KC’s receivers. The Chiefs will feature a heavy dose of Larry Johnson on the ground, bringing the safeties up, allowing Huard to go over the top for the big play. 225yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) vs. San Francisco – Hasselbeck is hurt, he has no receivers to throw to, and has no ground game to take the pressure off him. Even against a bad 49ers team, Hasselbeck must be benched until he gets some receivers back or Seattle signs a veteran to come in and play. Even then it’s going to take a little time for them to get acclimated. 175yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s
Carson Palmer (CIN) vs. Tennessee – Palmer was bad against Baltimore. Tennessee has arguably a better defense. The Bengal’s offense is out of synch, they have no running game to speak of, and they won’t be on the field all that often with the Titans ball control offense. Palmer may pick up some points in garbage time after the game is out of reach, but I’m expecting another long day. 225yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s
RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Marshawn ####, Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Willie Parker (removed: Joseph Addai)
Start
Chris Johnson/Lendale White (TEN) vs. Cincinnati – It’s no surprise what Tennessee is going to do on offense. I expect Johnson to continue to start and White to come in to later to pound the ball. This kind of combination worked perfect for White at USC, and I don’t see why it’s not going to continue to work. The Titans defense will provide many a short field that these backs will feast upon. 75-100yrds, 15-25yrds, 1 TD each
Thomas Jones (NYJ) vs. New England – I think the Jets will be able to control the ball, the clock, and the game, and wear down the Patriots aging defense. After Favre loosens up the secondary, Jones will have the ability to run through some big holes created by that solid Jets O-Line. 100yrds, 25yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Joseph Addai (IND) @ Minnesota – I’m not even sure Addai is going to play this week, but I would recommend benching him anyway. The Colts offense is struggling and Minnesota’s Defense is just as good as Chicago’s, if not better. If he plays, he may catch a few passes, but even that prospect shouldn’t be enticing enough to pull the trigger on him. Wait until you see him play a whole game and be productive before reinserting him into your lineup. 40-50yrds, 15yrds
Jamal Lewis (CLE) vs. Pittsburgh – The Browns offense is facing similar disfunctionality and the Steeler defense is in mid-season form, creating pressure, sacks, and turnovers. If you couple that with Lewis’ poor history against Pittsburgh and a lingering injury, Lewis becomes a very unfavorable option. I wasn’t high on Lewis this year because of the schedule and until he proves he’s ready, I’d stay away. 40-50yrds, 10yrds, 1 FUM
WR – Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Braylon Edwards, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Plaxico Burress, Greg Jennings (removed: Marques Colston)
Start
Hines Ward/Santonio Holmes (PIT) – Based on what happened last week, the Steeler receivers are must starts this week. The Cleveland secondary gave up big plays last week to similarly explosive offense and the Steelers appear to be in top form. This is a prime-time game Sunday Night where the Steelers seem to thrive. 70-80yrds, 1 TD each
Ronald Curry (OAK) – Curry is the only viable receiving threat on this team, even if or when Javon Walker comes back from his injury. The Oakland running game should be the feature for the season, but they’re going to be behind a lot and need to throw. Curry will be the guy this week. 80yrds, 1 TD
Sit
Torry Holt (STL) – I know he’s usually Mr. Reliable, but there’s nobody else to throw to on this team and defenses know that. Holt is getting older. Pair that with nagging injury problems and you get a receiver who’s lost a step or two. The Rams are at home this week, but the Giants defense, especially their pass rush, will have Bulger on his back early and often. Look for short dump offs to try and offset the rush. 4 rec, 50yrds
Wes Welker (NEP) – I don’t think Welker is going to be a factor this year with Brady out. It’s very difficult to hit those timing patterns that Welker and Brady were so good at. I’m holding off on Welker until I see Cassell start to put some numbers up. 5 rec, 40yrds
TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow
Start
Randy McMichael (STL) – The offense is designed to get him the ball and that showed last week as he caught 5 passes for over 70yrds. Expect Bulger to continue to get him the ball as defenses concentrate on shutting down Holt and Jackson. 60yrds, 1 TD
Anthony Fasano (MIA) – In an offense where the QB can’t throw the ball downfield, the TE is a perfect option for quick hitters over the middle and short dump-offs to the outside. Miami will struggle this year, that’s not surprising anybody. Pennington is a very efficient QB that won’t force the ball and he’ll take what the defense gives him. He has the accuracy to hit his receivers in stride, making yards after the catch a benefit to fantasy owners. 60yrds, 1 TD
K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Bironas, Nate Kaeding
Start
Jeff Reed (PIT) – If you haven’t realized already, Pittsburgh is going to put up points this year and Reed has the power and accuracy to convert those drives that will stall against the better defenses they will play on their schedule. Also, if Pittsburgh’s up big late in games, they tend to run the clock out and kick field goals. 3 FG’s, 3 XP’s
Jason Elam (ATL) – I’m endorsing the king of the 50-yarder this week. Elam continues to prove, that despite his age, he is still among the best at draining those long field goals that fantasy owners covet from their kickers. He’s now playing indoors, and Atlanta may not be that bad, especially with such a potent rushing attack. 3 FG’s, 2 XP’s
DEF – Vikings, Bears, Chargers, Patriots, Cowboys
Start
Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals are home this week and will face one of the worst five teams. Without a threat of the long-ball, the Cardinals defense will be able to creep up to shut down the run, while applying pressure with the front seven. While there might not be a lot of turnovers this week, expect a good number of sacks and low points and yardage surrendered.
13 PA, <299yrds, 4 Sacks, 1 FUM
Tennessee Titans – The Cincinnati offense is in disarray with no semblance of a running game. The Titans will be able to focus on applying pressure on the QB and forcing the turn-over prone Palmer into making more mistakes. 17 PA, <299yrds, 2 Sacks, 2 INT, 1 FUM
Week 15 played out as easily the oddest week in the NFL season to date. The weather for some of the games was just absolutely ridiculous! Most of all was the Bill and Browns in Cleveland. Wow, that was pretty awesome to watch, unless you like people facing on their faces, slipping and sliding every time they try to make a cut, and a total of eight whole points scored. Still, watching some of the players perform in those conditions was marveling. Braylon Edwards come to mind in this game. He made some unbelievable catches and deserved to go to the Pro-Bowl. Onto the week in review...
HIGHS
Congratulations to the Miami Dolphins for winning their first game of the season. Boy, what does that say about the Ravens? Keep reading below and I'll tell you. The Dolphins made the plays, the Ravens got way too conservative later in the game and the Dolphins won. Do you think it had anything to do with all the great '72 Dolphins that were on hand for the game? I thought it would have been a way cooler story line had the Dolphins been winless going into their game with the unbeaten Pats, and then find a way to pull the biggest upset in NFL history. Now that's a story.
I loved watching the Houston Texans pound the Denver Broncos last Thursday Night. I don't know if matters to me who is kicking the #### out of the Broncos, as long as they're doing it. The Broncos have been eliminated from the playoffs for a second straight season and I popped the champagne bottles to celebrate!
Congratulations to Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Alan Faneca, James Harrison, and Troy Polamalu for making the AFC Pro Bowl Team.
LOWS
The Steelers found another way to lose this past weekend. It came down to not being able to stop the run late in the game and the inability of the defense to tackle. I'm sorry, but Fred Taylor is not THAT good! I said it last week; Aaron Smith being out for the year would hurt this defense more than anything else. At least the weather can't be a factor this week as they go play the Lambs in a dome. The Steelers still control their own destiny at this point which is all you can ask for with only two games to play. They should win this week, but I'm starting to get a bit worried. One last thing about the game against the Jags. The second TD pass bothered me. The Jags motioned into trips bunch left then snapped the ball. I saw what was coming as soon as I saw the formation; it bothers me that our defense didn't see it at all. So here it is, the classic illegal pick play. The middle receiver runs an 8yrd hook, the inside receiver runs an out-slant and the outside receiver runs an in-slant, picking off the defender of the inside receiver as he goes by. The inside receiver is now on the outside, wide open in the flat for the TD!!! Was there a flag? I don't even need to say it.
The Baltimore Ravens are a sad, sad team. They've got nothing to play for going into this past weekend, yet they played so tight to the vest. Brian Billick is supposed to be the offensive guru, ha, yeah right! He's going to start Kyle Boller this week. Are you kidding me! Why would you go with this guy now when you've already said he's not good enough to be your starter. I'm sorry to say this, but Troy Smith for President. Get this guy in the game! So what if he's short, he's got a cannon for an arm and can make plays with his feet if need be. What's the problem? You drafted this guy right? What do you have to lose, except two more games I guess.
BYE WEEK: Eli Manning,Brian Griese, Cleo Lemon, Marc Bulger
MUST START: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Tony Romo, Donovan McMabb, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger
START
Derek Anderson – Anderson has the Browns offense firing on all cylinders since their loss to the Patriots. In those two weeks since he has thrown 3TD’s in back to back games without turning the ball over. He has thrown for over 200yrds in every game this year and gets the Seahawks at home this week. Look for the Browns to move the ball up and down the filed this week as this game should turn into a shoot-out. (300yrds, 3 TD)
Philip Rivers – Rivers threw 3 TD’s last week and looks to keep things rolling against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. With the Vikings being able to shut down the run, look for Rivers to find Gates, Tomlinson, and newly acquired Chris Chambers often in this game. Yards have been tough to come by for Rivers for season as he has only thrown for over 200yrds twice, so don’t expect much more in that category. San Diego’s Defense though, should provide ample scoring opportunity this week. (200yrds, 2 TD, 1 INT)
J.P. Losman – Losman came back from injury/bench last week and looked good moving the football and leading the Bills to victory. He gets a terrible Bengals offense this week in a game that has big scoring potential. With Marshawn ####’s ability to draw extra defenders into the box, Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish should find ample space in the secondary. Losman hasn’t been bad when he’s been in there and I’d expect a decent day from him. He’s usable as a BYE week fill-in. (200yrds, 2 TD’s, 2 INT)
SIT
Vince Young – The Panthers are used to facing Michael Vick twice a year. They’ll be ready for what Vince Young can do. Young is still not fully recovered in my opinion, so that may limit his mobility even more. The Titans will do what they do every week, run the football until the wheels come off, only throw when they absolutely have to, kick field goals, and play good defense. Until further notice, stay away. (125 pass yrds, 25 rush yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Jeff Garcia – Garcia easily had his worst game last week and I’ve got a feeling about the Cardinals defense coming off a BYE this week. Tampa Bay just doesn’t have enough offensive weapons after Joey Galloway to make an impact in this game. The Cardinals defense has play makers on it and they know how to get after the run game. Expect the Cardinals offense to be on the field a lot, limiting Garcia’s value even more. (170yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT)
Running Back
BYE WEEK: Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Reuben Droughns, Cedric Benson, Adrian Peterson, Jesse Chatman, Patrick Cobbs, Steven Jackson, Brian Leonard
MUST START: LaDanian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, Frank Gore, Joseph Addai, Willie Parker, Brian Westbrook, Adrian Peterson, Marshawn ####, Marion Barber, Willis McGahee, Reggie Bush, Thomas Jones, Clinton Portis, Maurice Jones-Drew, LenDale White
START
Kevin Jones – Yes, the Lions do have a run game! Jones is at home this week against one of the worst rush defenses in the league. He had a monster game last week topping the century mark for the first time while scoring a TD. Jones has seen his workload increase in every game this season and has scored a TD in 4 out of his 5 games played. He is also averaging a couple of catches per game. That number could increase since the safer Jon Kitna could be checking down a lot due to the Broncos excellent corners. (125yrds rush, 5 catches 40yrds, 1 TD)
Shaun Alexander – This is Alexander’s last hurrah in my opinion. If he doesn’t produce in this game, he becomes a must sit from here on out. The Browns defense has been better, but Alexander has the skill set to exploit them. Coming off their BYE, Seattle has had more than ample time to prepare for Cleveland. Look fro the Seahawks to control the ball and the game and keep the Browns offense off the field. Alexander will be a major part of that game plan. (75yrds, 2 catches 15yrds, 2 TD) SIT
DeShaun Foster/DeAngelo Williams – The Panthers will struggle again this week with David Carr at QB. They will try to run, but Tennessee’s rush defense is among the best in the land. The Titans will play ball control offense and not turn the ball over, getting points every time they get into range. This will force Carr to air out the football late in the game in desperation mode with eyes for only Steve Smith. Look elsewhere if you can. (40yrds, 3 catches 20yrds)
Packers RB – I’m not sold on Ryan Grant repeating what he did last Monday night. Don’t forget that the Pack throws the ball more than any team in the league and they were playing Denver. Now, I think Grant is still worth a roster spot this week, but not as a starter unless you’re hurting from BYE weeks. (35yrds, 3 catches 20yrds)
Wide Receivers
BYE WEEK: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Steve Smith, Musin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian, Rashied Davis, Marty Booker, Ted Ginn Jr, Derek Hagan, Tori Holt, Issac Bruce, Drew Bennett
MUST START: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzedah, Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe, Marques Colston, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Joey Galloway, Steve Smith, Braylon Edwards, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Terrell Owens, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes
START
Jerricho Cotchery – With Laverneous Coles apparently headed to the sidelines this week with a concussion, Cotchery should benefit the most from newly named starting QB’s Kellen Clemens strong arm. With Clemens at the helm, the Jets will be able to open up the playbook and use more down field pass plays to loosen up the Redskin defense. The Jets should be down in this game and forced to throw late. (8 catches 125yrds, 1 TD)
Ronald Curry – Curry is salivating at getting a chance to square off against a Texans defense that has been giving up big points to opposing receivers of lately. There’s also a chance that Josh McCown relieves Culpepper in this game if he struggles early. If that happens, Curry’s number s will be even bigger. If the Texans focus on stopping the Raiders run game, and they should, Curry will be the main target with Jerry Porter hurting and Mike Williams released this week. (7 catches 100yrds, 1TD)
Chris Chambers – Chambers caught a TD last week and looks to make it two in a row as the Vikings have arguably the worst pass defense in the league but are excellent in stopping the run. Look for Rivers to throw early and often to try and open up running lanes and for Chambers to be a big beneficiary of the long ball that drives Norv Turner’s pass game. (5 catches 80yrds, 1 TD)
SIT
Kevin Walter – No, not this week. The Raiders are very good against the pass, not so much against the run. Expect Houston to try and control the game on the ground and wear down the front 7 of Oakland. Walter is too average to do anything against this defense. (3 catches 25yrds)
Kevin Curtis – The Cowboys will use Terrance Newman to cover Curtis, likely taking him out of the game this week. The Eagles should be behind in this game, so they’ll be throwing a lot this week, but they’ll keep everything in front of them, thus limiting Curtis’s down field strength. (4 catches 50yrds)
Tight Ends
BYE: Jeremy Shockey, Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, David Martin, Justin Peele, Randy McMichael
MUST START: Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Dallas Clark, Heath Miller, Chris Cooley, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow
START
Todd Heap – It looks like Heap will play this Monday night and if he does he’ll have a nice little match up. If there’s one area of the Steelers defense you can exploit, it’s the underneath routes over the middle and along the side lines. Heap has had great success against the Steelers in the past and games between these two teams are always tight, defensive struggles. If you don’t like waiting until Monday Night to make decisions, you might want to look elsewhere just in case. (5 catches 65yrds, 1TD)
SIT
Jeff King – King has been hot lately, providing the Panthers with most of their production in the passing game. Keith Bulluck is a masterful linebacker that can shut down the underneath routes that tight ends thrive on. I think David Carr back at QB this week actually hurts the Panthers more than it helps. Try to find an alternative if you can. (2 catches 20yrds)
Weekly Plug & Play
Kicker
Shaun Suisham – The Redskins will want to get back on track after last week’s beat down and they conveniently get the Jets this week. Washington should be able to control the game with the run and play-action pass that will lead the offense on scoring drives for most of the day. If you need a quick fill-in this week, Shaun is your man. (3-3 FG, 2-2XP)
Defense/Special Teams
Atlanta Falcons – I know the Falcons are bad but you can’t get any worse than the San Francisco offense right now. They are at home and if there’s been one bright spot on the team it has been this unit. I expect a low scoring game from both teams with the 49ers offense stalling on many occasions. (9 PA, 3 SCK, 2 INT, 1 FUM)
All information provided in this article is 100% original material. This information is in no way a gaurantee as to how individual players will perform in their games.
ZombieNation is back for a third strong season of everything that is the NFL. After spending the last seven years in exile on the West Coast, I have returned to my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA... the greatest sports town of all the land.
My column will consist of three weekly posts, Good/Bad (week in review) on Tuesdays, Power 16 on Thursdays, and Fantasy Football Start/Sit on Fridays.
All material provided in this blog is of original material. These are expert opinions and analysis that I have concluded based upon research that I myself have performed.
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