Teams on bye: Baltimore RavensAFC East
Buffalo — Don’t shy away from starting Bills players just because of last
week’s shutout against San Francisco. Fantasy owners could get a reward for that
debacle this week when the Bills match up against the Panthers, whose defense has been
pretty lackluster all year and has given up more than 400 yards of total offense in three
of its past four games. RB Travis Henry could have a big day this week, as could QB
Alex Van Pelt and WRs Eric Moulds and Peerless Price.
Indianapolis — WR Marvin Harrison had a huge day in Week Nine against the
Dolphins’ solid secondary. With the injuries the Colts have suffered across the
board, look for them to come out throwing, especially since RB Dominic Rhodes
struggled in Week Nine against Miami.
Miami — Ride the Jay Fiedler wave while you can. Fiedler has thrown four TD
passes (three to WR Chris Chambers) and for 438 yards in the past two games. But
most importantly, he’s thrown no interceptions in those games. Against the Colts in
Week Nine, who have struggled in pass coverage this year, Fiedler threw two TD passes to
Chambers, who’s five TD catches have come since that game. Chambers isn’t
catching more passes, but he’s racking up more yards and finding the endzone.
Chambers is expected to play this week despite sore ribs.
New England — The Browns made Titans QB Steve McNair look like a bona fide passer
last week, which Tom Brady could take advantage of this week. Of course, the
Browns’ defense has been very stout all season, and the Tennessee game could have
been a fluke. … Brady should benefit from the return of WR Terry Glenn, who
could very well get back into the lineup this week. Glenn has played in just one game this
year, but his presence was felt. Brady was able to connect with Glenn seven times for 110
yards and a touchdown.
New York Jets — RB Curtis Martin is a tough call this week. While he has
done fairly well against some of the league’s tougher defenses, he hasn’t really
faced a Pittsburgh-caliber defense yet this season. Pittsburgh has allowed only two teams
to rush for more than 100 yards this season. Start Martin with caution. … Jets
involved in the passing game, especially QB Vinny Testaverde and WR Laveranues
Coles, could be worth starting this week, in spite of the opponent. After
Pittsburgh’s defense held opponents to fewer than 200 passing yards in eight of its
first nine games, the pass defense has blown up in recent weeks, allowing 300-plus passing
days in two straight games.
AFC Central
Baltimore — Bye week
Cincinnati — RB Corey Dillon rushed for only 58 yards in the Bengals’
first meeting with Jacksonville, but they were playing from behind most of the game, as he
was limited to only 17 carries. The Bengals could use more of a hurry-up offense this week
because of its success in two prior games, but how that will impact Dillon’s
production is hard to gauge.
Cleveland — RB James Jackson is expected to be back in the starting lineup.
He has missed a pair of games with an ankle injury. Still, you should go in another
direction at running back if you have the opportunity, as the Browns’ rushing attack
has been abysmal because of poor offensive-line play. Jackson has just one 100-yard
rushing game this season.
Jacksonville — QB Mark Brunell has played very well despite a nagging
quadriceps injury that seems to get re-injured every week. He has absolutely no mobility,
but has been effective operating out of the shotgun. However, he is listed as questionable
this week, and you may want to wait until the last minute before deciding whether to play
him.
Pittsburgh — Don’t be afraid to start Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala or Amos
Zereoue if you have them on your roster. With Jerome Bettis out this week, they
will inherit carries, and they’ve done pretty well when they’ve played earlier
this year. Fuamatu-Ma’afala will get the start, but don’t be surprised if
Zereoue gets more carries in the deal. While they’ll both be facing a rejuvenated
Jets defense, the Steelers’ blocking has been so solid that either or both could have
a productive day.
Tennessee — QB Steve McNair doesn’t expect his badly bruised left arm
(non-throwing) to keep him from starting Sunday at Minnesota. However, McNair threw very
little during Thursday’s practice and did not take part in team drills. He said his
biggest problem is handing off because of the motion but added he feels fine throwing.
… We had a feeling RB Eddie George would do something last week because of his
previous success against the Browns. This week he might be able to exploit a Vikings run
defense that has allowed an average of 133.5 yards rushing this season — and 170.5 in
the last four games.
AFC West
Denver — The chances of WR Rod Smith playing this weekend are not all that
great. He tried to practice with the team on Wednesday, but after seeing him limp through
warm-ups, the coaches pulled him. Check in on his status as late as possible to see if it
has improved. … RB Terrell Davis has been chirping about getting to shoulder
more of the offensive load, and he may get his chance in the coming weeks. … QB Brian
Griese has not passed for more than 224 yards in any game since Week Seven.
Kansas City — "He probably won’t play a major role, but only a limited
one just to get him involved," head coach Dick Vermeil said of WR Eddie Kennison,
the team’s new addition. While he may only have a limited role vs. the Raiders, he
could see a decent amount of playing time to finish the season because the Chiefs’ WR
corps has been less than mediocre. … If you need convincing to start RB Priest
Holmes this week, the Raiders have given up at least 145 yards on the ground in each
of their last four games.
San Diego — WR-RS Tim Dwight (collapsed lung) appears to be back to full
speed, but TE Freddie Jones (ankle) is not quite there yet despite a return to the
lineup. … A once-battered defense now just has one injury to worry about — CB
Tay Cody’s sprained ankle.
Seattle — RB Ricky Watters practiced this week and appears to be in good
shape following his long lay-off from a broken bone in his shoulder. However, don’t
shy away from starting Shaun Alexander because of Watters’ return to health.
Watters is expected to serve as the team’s third-down back for the remainder of the
season, as Alexander has done more than enough to solidify his starting spot.
NFC East
Arizona — Suddenly, you have options when it comes to Cardinals players. WR David
Boston is always a safe bet, although this week he will go head-to-head against
Redskins CB Champ Bailey. But QB Jake Plummer is playing better, and RBs Michael
Pittman and Thomas Jones each found the endzone last week. While they still
aren’t elite fantasy producers, at least they are showing signs of life. … WR
Frank Sanders is listed as questionable this week with a hamstring injury.
Dallas — The Giants are a strong team against the run, but Emmitt Smith
should still be a good play this week. With QB Quincy Carter running the offense,
the Cowboys primarily tried to keep it on the ground last week. They ran 44 rushing plays
compared to 14 passing plays. There are no plans to open up the passing attack at this
point, so Smith should get a good number of carries.
New York Giants — It looks like Joe Jurevicius will miss Week 13 with
a hamstring injury, which means that Ron Dixon will be the No. 3 receiver.
Considering the team has lost a great deal of faith in Dixon, it wouldn’t be
surprising to see QB Kerry Collins rely on Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard
more.
Philadelphia — The Eagles say they would like to see TE Chad Lewis get more
involved in the offense. They made this proclamation prior to their Week 12 game vs. the
Chiefs, yet Lewis had only one reception in that game. Considering that Duce Staley
is getting more involved in the passing attack, Lewis’ role has been diminished.
Washington — It’s time to put TE Stephen Alexander back on the shelf
after suffering an ankle/leg injury. He could be out for the rest of the regular season.
If you are in dire need of TE help, you might consider little-known Zeron Flemister.
He scored a touchdown in Week 10, and then had an 18-yard gain last week. It looks like QB
Tony Banks is gaining confidence in the youngster.
NFC Central
Chicago — It’s looking good for RB Anthony Thomas to start Sunday at
Green Bay. Thomas, who missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, practiced
Wednesday and Thursday without incident. Said Thomas: "I practiced the whole week,
and I felt pretty good. I’ve had no problems with (the injury). It hasn’t
bothered me at all." The Bears still are expected to give James Allen some
carries so they don’t wear out Thomas. Allen performed well the last two games,
carrying 52 times for 200 yards, but he failed to score. … Despite the two blatant
dropped passes by WR David Terrell, both of which could have led to touchdowns, the
Bears will stick with the rookie just like they stuck with Marcus Robinson and Marty
Booker during their struggles.
Detroit — So what impact will rookie QB Mike McMahon have on the
Lions’ offense? For starters, RB James Stewart could suffer. With a rookie
quarterback calling the shots, defenses might stack the box and dare McMahon to beat them
deep. At the same time, Stewart could prosper as a receiver out of the backfield. If
McMahon looks downfield and is hesitant to pull the trigger, he might simply dump the ball
off to Stewart, who caught five passes for 97 yards last week at Chicago. FB Cory
Schlesinger also could benefit. At wide receiver, keep an eye on Scotty Anderson.
He was the recipient of McMahon’s only TD pass of the season, and with so little
depth at the position, Anderson, another rookie, could see a lot of action.
Green Bay — RB Ahman Green has almost been an all-or-nothing player this
season, but he could end up closer to the nothing side this week against the Bears. In the
teams’ first meeting, Green gained an impressive 93 yards on 18 carries but was
limited to just two receptions for 17 yards. Since that game, Chicago held Tampa Bay to 19
yards rushing and Detroit to 67 yards rushing. The Bears have allowed only four rushing
touchdowns all season. If the Packers are going to score on the Bears, it will likely come
via Brett Favre’s arm. Favre had great protection in the teams’ Week Nine
meeting and took advantage, throwing two TD passes.
Minnesota — QB Daunte Culpepper is still questionable for Sunday’s
game against the Titans, but at least he was a bit more active in practice Thursday.
However, no decision has been made on his availability. Said head coach Dennis Green:
"He is making good progress. He was working on his rehabilitation this morning. The
swelling is down in his knee. He feels very confident about it. He’ll do some work
(Thursday), do a little more work (Friday), and then we’ll decide. We’ll take it
right up to Sunday. We’re not going to necessarily tip our hand as far as what
we’re going to do with Tennessee, but he’s making good progress."
Tampa Bay — TE Dave Moore returned to practice Thursday and participated
fully after suffering a hip pointer last week, so he should start Sunday against the
Lions. Said Moore: "The hip is better. I had some swelling in there, and the range of
motion was real bad and it was painful. So I had to get the swelling down. It’s sore,
but I’ll be fine." Moore has become more involved in the Bucs’ passing game
over the last few weeks. After catching only 14 passes between Weeks Four and Nine, Moore
has hauled in 12 passes in the last three games. He has three touchdowns on the year.
… WR Keyshawn Johnson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a
sprained left foot, and he may require a special footware. Said head coach Tony Dungy:
"He’s going to be OK. He ran (Thursday) and did pretty well but just aggravated
it a bit. So we’re trying to get a shoe he can wear without aggravating his
foot."
NFC West
Atlanta —QB Chris Chandler is still listed as questionable for the Saints
game this Sunday after spraining his left ankle in the loss to the Rams, but he is
expected to play. Chandler’s injury has responded well to treatment, and he was back
on the practice field by midweek. … RB Maurice Smith (ankle/knee) is listed as
probable, but he has been really struggling as of late. Smith, who had 83 yards rushing in
the Falcons’ 20-13 win over the Saints in Week Six, managed just 23 yards on 14
carries vs. the Rams. The lack of a downfield passing game has enabled opposing defenses
to cheat up on the line. … Rookie TE Alge Crumpler, who had a TD catch in the
first game this season vs. the Saints, is listed as probable on the injury report with a
knee injury.
Carolina — After missing his second straight day of practice on Thursday because
of a sprained right ankle and a sore right knee, TE Wesley Walls is listed as
doubtful for the Bills game Sunday, although he says his chances of playing are more like
50-50. … Meanwhile, WR Muhsin Muhammad says he’s ready to play this
Sunday after missing the last two games with both shoulders sprained. Despite missing the
last two games, Muhammad still leads the team with 42 catches. … QB Chris Weinke’s
fantasy value is enhanced by the fact he has five rushing TDs this season, including three
in the last two games.
New Orleans — When TE Cam Cleeland practiced for the second straight day on
Thursday, it marked the first time he was able to do so since suffering a high left-nakle
sprain at St. Louis Oct. 28. Cleeland is listed as probable for the Falcons Sunday. …
RB Ricky Williams, who leads the NFC with 1,014 yards rushing and the NFL with
1,456 total yards, goes up against a Falcons defense that has been wildly inconsistent vs.
the run. Williams has rushed for more than 100 yards three times in four games. … QB Aaron
Brooks, coming off a strong effort in the victory over Carolina last Sunday, has
thrown for over 300 yards in three of the Saints’ last four games. … No receiver
in the league is hotter than Joe Horn, who is third in the NFC with 984 yards
receiving and is coming off a 13-catch (career high), 150-yard receiving performance with
one TD vs. the Panthers. Horn could have had another sure TD vs. the Panthers had he not
run into back judge Phil Luckett near the goal line after a long Brooks completion
following a flea-flicker on the Saints’ opening possession.
San Francisco — TE Greg Clark (hamstring), RB Kevan Barlow
(shoulder), QB Jeff Garcia (elbow/knee), RB Garrison Hearst (foot) and WR Terrell
Owens (ankle) are all listed on the injury list this week, but only Clark is expected
to be on the sidelines for the Rams game this Sunday. … Owens, who will be looking to
make amends for dropping four catchable passes in the first game this year against the
Rams, is second in the NFC with 75 catches and first in the NFL with 13 TDs. He has 46
catches for 745 yards and seven TDs in his last eight games vs. the Rams. … QB Jeff
Garcia is tied for the NFL lead with 24 TD passes and has thrown at least two TDs in
his last eight games. Garcia has thrown 31 TD passes in 14 road starts the last two
seasons. … Hearst, who missed much of the first game vs. the Rams this season with a
concussion, rushed for 549 yards in the Niners’ last five games, averaging 6.0 yards
over that span. He has three rushing TDs in the last two games. WR J.J. Stokes had
eight catches vs. the Bills and has become a bigger factor in the offense lately.
St. Louis — Not that the Rams’ receivers needed much to get fired up for the
49ers this Sunday in one of the biggest games of the year, but 49ers S Lance Schulters
added some gas to the flames this week when he said St. Louis’ pass catchers were
"soft, finesse" types who just want to go out of bounds rather than go across
the middle. Schulters must have felt the Niners need a little extra something to get
themselves motivated, since the Rams have won five in a row over the 49ers and have carved
up the San Francisco secondary in most of those games. … In four career starts
against the Niners, QB Kurt Warner, who is coming off a flawless four-TD
performance vs. the Falcons, has an 11-5 TD-interception ratio and has topped 300 yards
three times. … WR Isaac Bruce caught eight passes for 144 yards, including a
highlight-reel 39-yard TD, vs. the Niners earlier this season. In ’99, Bruce caught
four TD passes in a 42-20 victory over the Niners. … RB Marshall Faulk, who
had 198 total yards and three TD catches vs. Atlanta last week, had 184 combined yards in
the first game vs. the Niners this year. … Another weapon the Niners can’t
ignore is WR Torry Holt (10-205-1 the last two weeks). |
