BYE WEEK: Patriots, Colts, Dolphins, NY Giants, Lions, Seahawks
QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler
INJURY WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger(PIT), Donovan McNabb(PHI), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Brett Favre(GB), Damon Huard(KC)
Start
J.T. O’Sullivan(SF) – If you followed my advice from last week, you were rewarded by O’Sullivan to a quality start of 16-23, 189yrds, 2 TD’s, and 0 Turnovers. With a shootout brewing in New Orleans this week, I expect very similar numbers. The defense will concentrate on slowing Gore, leaving a lot of single coverage on the outside. San Francisco has the receivers to take advantage of those situations. 250yrds, 2 TD’s
Trent Edwards(BUF) – Edwards and the Buffalo offense are hot right now, and there’s no reason to see that trend not continuing this week in St. Louis. The Rams are the most dysfunctional team in the league outside of Kansas City and Edwards will be able to take advantage downfield as the defense attempts to contain Marshawn ####. Though Roscoe Parrish will not play this week, Buffalo has the receivers to make the big plays. 225yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Marc Bulger/Trent Green(STL) – St. Louis has announced they are going with Trent Green this week. Bulger may quickly become a fantasy afterthought if Green comes out and performs. The Rams can’t do any worse at this point and it’s possible Green can spark something in this offense, relegating Bulger to the bench until Green gets hurt, which seems inevitable at this point in his career.
Aaron Rodgers(GB) – May be a reach here, but I think Rodgers and the Green Bay offense will struggle at Tampa Bay. It’s hard to sit Rodgers this week with so many high profile QB’s on BYE, but if you have two capable QB’s, I think Rodgers should be benched. Though he has the receivers to make the plays, I expect him to be under pressure all day and scrambling around in the backfield. If he continues to run as much as he has through the first three weeks, he won’t last much longer this season. 250yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Marshawn ####, Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Willie Parker, Reggie Bush, Michael Turner
INJURY WATCH: Adrian Peterson(MIN), Brian Westbrook(PHI), Steven Jackson(STL), Willie Parker(PIT), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Darren McFadden(OAK), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Deuce McAllister(NO), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA)
Start
Jonathan Stewart(CAR) – I can’t see why Stewart won’t receive the bulk of the carries this week against Atlanta. It’s obvious he’s a much better back than Williams, and there has to be something with his blocking that is keeping him from being an every down back. I expect Carolina to continue to be a run first team and pick their spots to go downfield. That means a lot of touches for Stewart and a lot of opportunity to score. 100yrds, 2 TD’s
Jamal Lewis(CLE) – This is the week that Lewis finally gets it going. The Browns are desperate for a win and they can’t afford to fall to last place in the AFC North. They know that if they lose this game, they’re all but eliminated from playoff contention. With Anderson struggling, I expect to see a lot of Lewis to alleviate the pressure on the offense. 100yrds, 2 TD’s
Sit
Philadelphia RB’s – Brian Westbrook might play this week, but I highly doubt it. Even if he does play, given his condition, it will be a time-split and that spells trouble, especially against the Chicago defense. This could end up like last week’s game against Pittsburgh; very low scoring, with defenses dominating. 30-40yrds each, 3 for 15-20yrds each, 0.33 TD each
Edgerrin James(ARI) – I think it’s only a matter of time before James rides the pine or comes off the bench in a relief role. He just doesn’t have it anymore, and the other RB in Arizona seems to be taking more and more away from him with each passing week. Speaking of passing, there’s also going to be a lot of that from Arizona this week. Couple that with the fact that James doesn’t get the goal-line carries and that equals a Fantasy Benching. 50-60yrds, 2 for 15yrds
WR – Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Plaxico Burress, Greg Jennings, Anquan Boldin (removed: Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards)
INJURY WATCH: Chad Johnson(CIN), Marques Colston(NO), 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), Roscoe Parrish(BUF), David Patten(NO)
Start
Dwayne Bowe(KC) – You wouldn’t know it by his numbers, but Bowe actually leads the league in targets so far this season. Damon Huard is expected to start this week, and that gives Bowe the best chance to succeed in this offense. The Chiefs will have to abandon the run early in this one to keep pace with Denver and that means lots of opportunity for Bowe. This is his week to shine. 7 for 125yrds, 1 TD
Hines Ward/Santonio Holmes(PIT) – The Steelers were embarrassed last week at Philly, surrendering nine sacks and managing zero touchdowns. I don’t see that happening again this week. This is a Monday Night game at home where there’s nobody better than the Steelers. Think back to last year’s first meeting between these teams. Everyone’s going to overrate Baltimore based on their record against two very bad teams. A rookie RB starting will lead to many passing opportunities. 6 for 80-90yrds each, 1 TD each
Sit
Braylon Edwards(CLE) – Again, very difficult to sit such an explosive receiver, but Edwards is at the bottom of the barrel right now in Fantasy points through the first three weeks. Cincinnati did an excellent job of shutting down Plaxico Burress last week and I expect them to do the same to Edwards this week. Until you see something from Anderson, like a good game or him on the bench, I’d wait on Edwards unless the BYE week has made you desperate. 4 for 30-40yrds
TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley
INJURY WATCH: Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Ben Watson(NEP)
Start
Billy Miller(NO) – With Shockey, Colston, and potentially Patten on the sidelines for a while, Miller becomes a strong option this week with six teams on their BYE. This would be a great opportunity for a Shockey, Dallas Clark, or Anthony Fasano owner to make up those lost points. San Francisco has been generous in its defense this season and Brees is going to be slinging the ball all over the place. 6 for 40-50yrds, 1 TD
K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Bironas, Nate Kaeding, Robbie Gould
Start
Phil Dawson(CLE) – I think the Browns get back on track this week because they need to. That still doesn’t mean they’re going to score a lot of touchdowns, but I do think they’ll score a lot of points. Cincinnati did a good job of slowing down the Giants last week, stalling many drives in field goal range. 3 FG’s, 2 XP’s
Carolina Panthers – Though the Panthers are a little ####ed up, I expect their game-plan this week will be to control the ball and keep Michael Turner off the field. Their secondary will limit Roddy White and pressure Matt Ryan into making rookie mistakes. By shortening the game and scoring, they should force Atlanta into throwing late and taking advantage of the situation. This figures to be one of the lower scoring games this week and if you’re in a pinch for a defense, Carolina could pay good dividends. <300 YA, <17 PA, 4 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM
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
I just had to make a comment on the Thursday Night game featuring the Steelers and Rams. The game was on NFL Network, so not everyone got to see it, which is good and bad.
THE GOOD
After some suspect play early on, the Steeler defense started to play like the unit we have been accustomed to seeing; stopping the run, applying pressure, and forcing mistakes. The pick-six to seal the game was fitting given how poorly the defense had played recently.
My only issue with this game came at the end of the first half, when the Rams got two free challenges because there was less than 2 minutes left. I've always had a problem with this rule and it reared its ugly head here. At this point in the game, the score was close and every play was crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Twice the Refs on the field called plays against the Rams. First was a fumble that got overturned because the player did not have possession, the second was a non-catch along the sidelines that got turned into a catch. Now, I'm all for the Officials getting things right, but the fact that they got free challenges is the issue. Why can't a coach use a challenge instead just like in other game situations? If it's so important, don't waste time-outs during the game. I think this rule may need to be looked at in the off-season meetings.
THE BAD
I think Marshall Faulk is a great player, I mean, WAS a great player. That means he doesn't play anymore. But if you watched the Thursday Night game, you'd think he WAS playing. That's all Gumble talked about!!! How great Marshall Faulk was/is...
Here's the problem... NFL Network employs Marshall Faulk as an analyst, great. He played for the Rams, great. He was involved in a half-time ceremony to retire his jersey, great. He was calling the game that was being played in St. Louis, NOT GREAT. Is it just me or was that a HUGE conflict of interest for the NFL Network. First of all, how am I, the viewer, able to listen to an unbiased call o####ame when one of the commentators used to play for one of the teams involved in the game?!? I want to hear about the Steelers and how dominant and awesome they looked. I want to hear about how bad the Rams are at everything. I most definitely DON'T want to hear about and watch clips of Marshall Faulk all night!!!
I was also very, very disappointed and upset with one of the conversations that took place during the game. On the first Pittsburgh series, Willie Parker went out of the game with a leg injury. At the time, not much was known about it, fine. A little later on, they announce that Parker has a cracked Tibia in his leg and is likely out for the season. Here's what the conservation was about over the next few minutes.
1. The Steelers are done. If they make the playoffs, they'll lose in the first round. There's no way they can throw now because defenses won't fear the run anymore. Man, good thing Davenport is so bad, what rushing for like 140yds and 2 TD's. Whatever.
2. Hear's what angered me most and has caused me to send a nasty letter to NFL Network. When they found out Parker was out for the year, that no good, know nothing about football, wannabe announcer ####, Bryant Gumble had the nerve, the balls to say,” I guess Fred Taylor will finally get to go to the Pro-Bowl..." and was as happy as a pig in #### when he said it. Hey ####, do you realize that one of the NFL's more marketable players and its leading rusher was just lost for the year!!! Bryant Gumble should go find Tony Cornheiser, they should hold hands and slide under a bus. What an outrage!!!
I guess that is the only way Fred Taylor can make it to a Pro-Bowl.
And why does everyone in broadcasting hate the Steelers? It's because they're mostly old players, and those old players where never as good as the Steelers, or always got the #### kicked out of them when they played. Jealousy is an ugly, ugly sin.
BYE WEEK: Tom Brady, Kellen Clemens, Chad Pennington, Jeff Garcia, Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels
MUST START: Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Derek Anderson, J.P. Losman, Matt Hasselbeck
START
Marc Bulger (STL) – The Rams finally got their BYE last week and no other team needed it more. Bulger looked good in Week 8 and the extra week of rest and preparation should benefit him tremendously. The Saints DEF has been playing really good lately, but I see this one turning into a shoot-out in the dome with both teams being very comfortable in doors. QB protection will still be an issue for the Rams, but they’ll be in catch up mode all day. (300yrds, 3 TD’s, 2 INT)
Jason Campbell (WAS) – I’ve got a feeling this is the week that the super-conservative Redskins cut Campbell loose. They have to do something to get the WR’s more involved in this offense. Philly will load the box and have success stopping the run which will force Campbell to throw. We know the RB’s and TE’s will get their looks in check-downs, but this team does have the weapons on the outside to make things happen. If this team considers itself playoff worthy, it needs to start throwing down field now. (280yrds, 30yrds rush, 2 TD’s, 1 INT)
SIT
Brian Griese (CHI) – I’d stay away from Griese this week. The Raiders have excellent corners and safeties but a terrible run defense. Unfortunately Chicago has no semblance of a run game to speak of, so that doesn’t help. This will be a game of defense and special teams, with turnovers making the difference. Unless you’ve got Tom Brady on BYE this week, you should be able to find a much better fill-in. (200yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT, 1 FUM)
Jon Kitna (DET) – Something about the Cardinals play-making defense tells me to ignore Kitna this week. He’s had only 2 TD’s in his last 4 games and has thrown for over 250yrds in half of his games this season. I’d look for a similar trend to continue as the Lions would really like to get that run game up to a consistent threat. Playoff teams run the ball in November and December and the Lions look like they’re headed in that direction. (175yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 FUM)
Running Back
BYE WEEK: Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Earnest Graham, Michael Bennett, Michael Pittman, Ahman Green, Ron Dayne
MUST START: LaDanian Tomlinson, Frank Gore, Joseph Addai, Willie Parker, Brian Westbrook, Adrian Peterson(MIN), Marshawn ####, Marion Barber, Willis McGahee, Reggie Bush, Clinton Portis, Maurice Jones-Drew, LenDale White, Brandon Jacobs, Steven Jackson
START
Priest Holmes (KC) – That’s right folks, you know him, you love him, it’s the man you probably won you a couple of fantasy football titles a few years ago. He’s back, and with Larry Johnson sidelined this week, Holmes gets his crack against the worst rush defense in the league. Holmes is fresh and poised to show the league that he can still play at a high level in the NFL. The Chiefs may go to a different QB this week and Holmes will benefit the most in Herm Edwards super-conservative offense. They’ll play ball control offense and use the home field advantage to win. (125yrds, 7 catches 60yrds, 2 TD’s)
Justin Fargas (OAK) – The only thing the Raiders can do on offense is run the ball and you have to figure they’re going to do the same thing again this week. At home, the Raiders will want to control the ball and try to steal a win against the depleted Bears. Fargas has put up 2 performances of over 100yrds in limited game time. The Raiders get great match-ups this week and look for the run game to carry this team. (110yrds, 3 catches 25yrds, 1 TD)
SIT
Shaun Alexander (SEA) – Until further notice, Alexander needs to be benched. He has 1 rushing TD this year and has failed to top 80yrds since week 3. He’s either injured or just doesn’t care anymore. Which ever it is, you can’t rely on him going forward. While their schedule gets pretty easy, I see Alexander’s carries diminishing as he gives way to Maurice Morris more and more. The glory days are numbered for a player that just a few years ago was on top of the fantasy world. (50yrds 0TD)
Jamal Lewis (CLE) – Lewis has failed to break 100yrds in every game this year except for the Week 2 scoring bonanza against Cincy. If you played Lewis last week, his 4 TD’s probably won you your game. However, he only managed 37yrds rushing. Though he’s had some success against Pittsburgh in the past, don’t expect anything this week against the #1 scoring defense in the league. If the Browns are to stay in this game they’ll need to throw, and throw, and throw, leaving Lewis on the short end of the fantasy stick. (40yrds, 1 TD, 1 FUM)
Wide Receivers
BYE WEEK: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte’ Stallworth, Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, Brad Smith, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, Michael Clayton, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones, Andre Davis
MUST START: Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzedah, Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe, Marques Colston, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith, Braylon Edwards, Reggie Wayne, Terrell Owens, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Steve Smith, Plaxico Burress, Lee Evans, Torry Holt
START
Drew Bennett (STL) – The game this week will be a huge shoot out and Bennett draws the best match-up in the Saints secondary. Look for the Rams to throw a lot and Bennett has the skill set to exploit the defense. The Saints will be busy covering Holt, Bruce, and Jackson all day, leaving Bennett to grab big plays all over the field. (7 catches 100yrds, 2 TD’s)
Amani Toomer (NYG) – Toomer should benefit the most from a Redskins defense concentrating on everything else this week. Toomer has scored 2 out of his last 3 games and I’d expect him to get one here. The play-action pass will be big for the Giants and Toomer is a seasoned veteran that will take advantage of the Redskins aggressive defense. (5 catches 75yrds, 1 TD)
SIT
Bernard Berrian (CHI) – The Raiders have the ability to shut down opposing receivers. The Bears will focus more on getting their ground game going this week after how bad it’s been for the season. The Bears coaching staff has said they’ve made the adjustments to rectify the problems, so we’ll see how that goes. (3 catches 30yrds)
Ronald Curry (OAK) – With Jerry Porter likely to miss this week’s game, the Bears only have to neutralize Curry to shut down Oakland’s pass game, which wasn’t much to begin with in the first place. The Raiders will try and run the ball this week and shorten the game anyway, making Curry a bad option. (5 catches 40yrds)
Tight Ends
BYE: Ben Watson, Kyle Brady, Jeremy Stevens, Alex Smith, Chris Baker, Owen Daniels, Jeb Putzier
MUST START: Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Dallas Clark, Heath Miller, Chris Cooley, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey
START
L.J. Smith (PHI) – Smith will emerge as the go to receiver behind Brian Westbrook this week. With no real threat from the WR’s on the outside, McNabb needs to start moving the ball downfield in other ways. With Smith being as healthy as he’s been all year, I see him getting more involved each week going forward. Teams are always trying to stop Westbrook first, and Smith should benefit the most when that happens. (6 catches 75yrds, 1 TD)
SIT
Todd Heap (BAL) – Probably being Mr. Obvious here, but until Heap starts and gets through an entire game; you should look elsewhere for TE help.
Weekly Plug & Play
KICKERS
John Kasay (CAR) – The Panthers should be able to move the ball between the 20’s all day. They’ll also probably stall in the red zone all day. I look for Steve Smith to be limited and the run game to get jump-started this week to take some pressure off of Testaverde and his lack of play makers on offense. (2-2 XP, 3-3 FG)
DEF / SPECIAL TEAMS
Oakland Raiders – The Raiders have the defense to hold the Bears offense in check all day. This is a perfect time to grab them and plug them in. Don’t get worried about the Raiders lack of ability to stop the run, the Bears can’t and don’t run on anybody. Look for this DEF to take advantage of the secondary’s ball skills and grab a couple of picks. The thing to fear the most in this game is actually Chicago’s special teams. (16 PA, 250yrds allowed, 2 INT, 1 FUM)
Atlanta Falcons – If you read my blog last week, you would have scored nicely by starting the Falcons against the 49ers. The Falcons are looking like a good play again this week with David Carr OUT and Vinny Testaverde QUESTIONABLE. If the Panthers have to start Matt Moore, they could be in for a long day. The Falcons will shut down Steve Smith and focus on pressuring the young QB into making some mistakes. (13 PA, 200yrds allowed, 3 INT, 2 FUM). If Testaverde starts the Falcons are not worth a play here.
All information provided in this blog is of 100% original material. This article does not guarantee how a player will perform in their game, but rather an educated prediction based on my knowledge and research.
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.
I hope you enjoy my Blog!
