This week’s bye teams: New Orleans, N.Y. Jets and
OaklandAFC East
Buffalo — The player to watch the closest is RB Jonathan Linton, who takes
over for Antowain Smith as the team’s No. 1 back. Also, keep an eye on Shawn
Bryson, who should get plenty of opportunities as the team’s third-down back and
could eventually replace Linton in the lead RB role. … WR Eric Moulds could be
a strong fantasy performer this Sunday vs. the Colts. Last year Moulds had a combined 18
catches for 257 yards vs. the Colts. TE Bobby Collins, who is replacing injured TE Jay
Riemersma, could be an inviting target for QB Rob Johnson.
Miami — WR Tony Martin is expected to return from a foot injury Sunday when
the Dolphins face the Bengals. This seems to be a game in which the Dolphins can generate
some offense, so playing Martin might be a good idea. However, the team will be without
third-down RB Thurman Thomas, who has played a key role in keeping drives alive. In
Thomas’ place, FB Rob Konrad will likely see extra playing.
New England — Troy Brown, who has a knack for making first-down catches,
moves into the starting rotation with Vincent Brisby’s release. Tony
Simmons also will be used more often as a deep threat, and Chris Calloway will
see time in the slot on third downs.
AFC Central
Baltimore — Going up against a Browns defense that has come down to earth in
recent weeks, QB Tony Banks, RBs Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes,
TE Shannon Sharpe and WRs Qadry Ismail and Travis Taylor could all be
decent fantasy options this week. Banks continues to improve his ball distribution, as the
Ravens’ offense looks more multidimensional with every passing week. Don’t
completely discount Holmes now that Lewis is entrenched as the starter. Against
Cincinnati, Holmes was still a dangerous, change-of-pace weapon who racked up big numbers
(Lewis is a pounder; Holmes is a slasher). Also, you can’t go wrong playing a Ravens
defense that has pitched three shutouts in its last six games and has been especially
formidable vs. the run.
Jacksonville — QB Mark Brunell injured his calf in the Monday-night loss to
the Colts. While he is officially listed as probable, we hear he is a lock to start this
week against the Steelers. Considering how the Steelers’ secondary has been giving up
big plays this season, Brunell could be a very good play this week.
Tennessee — Don’t freak out about Eddie George just yet. Granted,
George hasn’t had a 100-yard performance in three games, but a breakout game could be
in the offing. The Bengals host Tennessee in Week Six in a game several Titans could get
fat on. But also keep this in mind: George didn’t record his first 100-yard game last
season until Week Six, so the yards will come. The concern is his scoring. Through three
games in 1999, George already had four touchdowns, two rushing and two receiving.
AFC West
Denver — While both QB Brian Griese and RB Terrell Davis are
expected to see action this weekend against New England, be leery of the fact that they
still might be at less-than-full strength due to shoulder and ankle injuries,
respectively. If Davis holds true to the form he displayed the past couple of weeks,
backup Mike Anderson could continue to be a significant fantasy factor.
Kansas City — Check the status of RB Donnell Bennett (foot), who, if he is
healthy enough, could conceivably be a factor near the goal line. Also, don’t be
surprised if TE Tony Gonzalez, who had his first really big game of the year last
week, continues to come on strong.
San Diego — With Ryan Leaf out of the picture due to a wrist injury, the
onus to get the Chargers’ offense going falls on Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh could
have problems, however, with WR Curtis Conway (hamstring), WR Jeff Graham
(back, hamstring) and RB Robert Chancey (neck) all at less-than-full strength due
to injuries. Graham, nevertheless, is expected to start for the first time in three weeks.
Further complicating the Chargers’ quest for more offensive production is the steady
improvement being shown by the St. Louis defense they’ll be facing.
Seattle — Rian Lindell is the new placekicker in Seattle, replacing Kris
Heppner, who was waived earlier in the week. Also, check the status of WR Derrick
Mayes (foot).
NFC East
Arizona — Cardinals head coach Vince Tobin wants to see QB Jake Plummer run
the ball more. After scrambling for just 18 yards on five carries in the first three
games, Tobin feels like one of Plummer’s greatest assets is being wasted. The coach
says that if Plummer tucks the ball and runs on occasion, defenses will have to account
for his scrambling ability on every play. That, in turn, could open things up for the
running backs and receivers. Expect to see Plummer get more rushing yardage than usual
this week.
Dallas — There is no QB controversy in Dallas. Troy Aikman is firmly
entrenched as the starter. So don’t get any silly notions of starting Randall
Cunningham in your fantasy league. That said, if Aikman goes down with another
concussion, Cunningham could get a starting stint longer than two weeks. Cunningham might
be an interesting choice to keep on your practice squad — if your league allows you
to have one. … WR Raghib Ismail has missed most of this week’s practice
with a sprained ankle. Keep your eye on that situation up until game time. The Cowboys are
hoping he will be able to go, but how effective he’ll be is another story.
New York Giants — PK Brad Daluiso has been bothered by a bad back this week
and missed a lot of practice time. However, he says that he will be kicking vs. the Titans
this week.
Philadelphia — Here’s further proof that RB Duce Staley should be in
your starting lineup every single week: He’s responsible for nearly 50 percent of the
team’s offensive production this season.
Washington — WR Andre Reed, who signed with the team after Michael
Westbrook (knee) was lost for the season, apparently is very close to having learned
the whole offense, which means he will be assuming a greater role in the coming weeks.
NFC Central
Chicago — The Bears maintain Cade McNown is the best man to start at
quarterback, despite his turnover problems and erratic play. After giving the subject much
thought, head coach Dick Jauron kept McNown in his starting role for Sunday’s game at
Green Bay. However, offensive coordinator Gary Crowton said once again that the coaches
won’t hesitate to put backup Jim Miller in if the offense needs a spark. That
said, the Bears had ample opportunity to do just that last week but kept Miller on the
sideline. The coaches say they see progress in McNown’s game, and it appears
they’ll stick with him for longer than many believe they should.
Green Bay — Don’t look now, but backup RB Ahman Green just may
challenge Dorsey Levens for the starting job. Levens continues to have injury
problems, even after returning from knee surgery two weeks ago. Levens’ most recent
ailment, an ankle injury suffered vs. the Eagles in his 2000 debut, bothered him
throughout last week’s game vs. Arizona. Green, meanwhile, looked very good, rushing
for 93 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Though Green has a habit of making mistakes
(not picking up the blitz, committing penalties), he’s fast, runs hard and surprises
people with his toughness. Right now, he’s worth a waiver claim.
Minnesota — Fear not, the Vikings haven’t forgotten about Randy Moss.
Though he caught only two passes for 20 yards last week vs. New England and has yet to
record a 100-yard game, the Vikings will make a more concerted effort to get him the ball.
Moss’ production has been limited by excessive double-teams, which the Patriots used
on practically every play. Said offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis: "We’ll do a
lot of things trying to get him open. I want to get the ball to him more. And he’s
going to get it." Sweet music to fantasy owners’ ears.
NFC West
Atlanta — The Falcons are hoping some changes in their offensive line will allow
QB Chris Chandler, who has delivered some uncharacteristically off-target throws
the last few weeks, to be a little less nervous in the pocket. The Falcons have benched
OGs Anthony Redmon and Bob Hallen in favor of Travis Claridge, who had been playing right
tackle, and Chris Banks, respectively. Either Ephraim Salaam (check status; knee) or
rookie Michael Thompson takes over for Claridge at the ORT spot. Check the status of WR Tim
Dwight (questionable; appendicitis), and keep tabs on TE Reggie Kelly, who
scored a TD last week and could be an emerging force in Atlanta’s offense.
Carolina — If RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka can’t get it going vs. a
Cowboys run defense that has already allowed 200-yard performances by the Eagles’
Duce Staley and the 49ers’ Charlie Garner, the Panthers have a problem. Biakabutuka
should be considered a "must" starter if you have him on your team. The Panthers
are really looking for more balance in their pass-heavy attack.
St. Louis — QB Kurt Warner continues to be outstanding, despite the fact
he’s throwing more interceptions this season. Warner is on a record-breaking passing
pace in terms of yardage, and his 10 TD passes this season have averaged over 50 yards in
length. In addition, WR Torry Holt (TDs of 80 and 85 yards vs. Atlanta) continues
to get better by the week. As far as RB Marshall Faulk is concerned, however, you
might want to consider the deep knee bruise that has been bothering him the last few
games. We hear that the Rams would love to give Faulk some rest this week if they can get
a big enough lead on the Chargers. It’s too bad the Rams can’t depend on any
help from rookie first-rounder Trung Canidate (check status), who is listed as
doubtful with a high ankle sprain. With Canidate still ailing, FB Robert Holcombe
and backup Justin Watson could be fantasy factors this weekend.
San Francisco — Keep on playing 49ers offensive players if you have them on your
roster. QB Jeff Garcia, who has been very good the last two games; RB Charlie
Garner, who is coming off a gigantic, 200-yard effort; WR Jerry Rice (two TDs
last week); and RB Fred Beasley all remain huge fantasy threats vs. a beleaguered
Arizona defense. Garner could be an exceptionally good play this week, considering
Arizona’s 30th-ranked defense vs. the run. Finally, keep an eye on WR J.J.
Stokes, who should see more action with Terrell Owens out of the lineup this
week with a one-game suspension. |
