Teams on bye: Carolina PanthersAFC East
Buffalo — RB Travis Henry had a great game last week, but against a poor
Carolina run defense. This week, it gets tougher, but Henry could have some success, as he
had a so-so game against the Pats in Week Nine. If you have a better option at running
back, you might want to take that one over Henry this week.
Indianapolis — QB Peyton Manning could have a very good game against the
Falcons’ weak pass defense and is certainly worth starting, especially if you
aren’t penalized for interceptions. … On the same note, WR Marvin Harrison
could run wild through the Falcons secondary and have a big day. Rookie WR Reggie Wayne
is definitely worth a start this week, especially with fellow WR Terrence Wilkins
listed as doubtful for the game.
Miami — While Lamar Smith’s performance against the Colts was
impressive, it was nothing to get too excited about. The Colts’ run defense is pretty
bad. But Smith could have another solid week against a 49ers defense that has been average
(at best) against the run recently. It’s a risk that might be worth taking,
especially if San Francisco respects the Dolphins’ passing game, which has become a
reliable weapon lately.
New England — You should start any of the major Patriots players this week, as
they are playing the Bills. Buffalo’s defense certainly has improved, but it still
acts as a fantasy whipping boy at times. Definitely start RB Antowain Smith, who
has four rushing touchdowns in the last three games and three 100-yard days in the last
six games. … While WR Terry Glenn won’t start this week (and likely not
for the year), he should be heavily involved in the offense. Glenn’s contribution in
the two games in which he’s played has been good, so he’s certainly worth
starting in your fantasy league. WRs Troy Brown and David Patten will
continue to get the starting roles.
N.Y. Jets — Despite the Bengals’ struggles overall, their defense has been
stout, especially lately against the run. You should still start RB Curtis Martin,
but be wary that Cincinnati has allowed more than 100 total rushing yards to only four
teams this year. They’ve also held opponents under 300 yards of total offense in nine
of 12 games. … QB Vinny Testaverde might be worth a look this week, as the
Bengals haven’t picked off very many passes.
AFC Central
Baltimore — Preferring to ease RB Terry Allen back into the offensive mix
(Allen is seeing his first action since breaking his hand in the Week Nine game vs.
Tennessee), the Ravens will give Moe Williams his second straight start Sunday
night vs. Pittsburgh’s highly regarded run defense. Williams, who had a surprisingly
effective 111-yard rushing performance in the win over Indy in Week 12, is expected to
once again share the RB spotlight with serviceable FB Obafemi Ayanbadejo, who had a
TD run and a TD catch vs. Indy. … WR Qadry Ismail has 454 yards and four TDs
in his last four games vs. the Steelers. … The Ravens’ defense warrants
fantasy consideration this weekend. Ray Lewis and his cohorts are definitely fired up to
the max following the trash-talking comments earlier this week from the Steelers’
Jerome Bettis and Plaxico Burress.
Cincinnati — It may be time to avoid the Bengals’ WR tandem of Peter
Warrick and Darnay Scott if you’re pushing for a playoff spot. Jon
Kitna hasn’t thrown for more than 140 yards in any of the last three games —
all losses — and is not making the wise decisions he was earlier this season.
He’s thrown just one touchdown compared to five interceptions the past five weeks.
His injured finger may pave the way for Akili Smith to play some, but don’t
expect any offensive explosion if he does. The Jets are ranked seventh in the league in
passing yards allowed.
Cleveland — There are some expected lineup changes on offense that will be debuted
this week. While Butch Davis is keeping mum on the subject, it’s most likely to occur
on the offensive line. If the moves work out, RB James Jackson could finally break
out of his slump. … TE O.J. Santiago is the only healthy tight end of any
consequence currently on the Browns’ roster. He could take advantage of a banged up
Jaguars’ LB corps that struggles in pass coverage.
Jacksonville — It’s official. Fred Taylor said yesterday that he
doesn’t expect to play again this season. Get rid of him if he’s on your roster.
Even if he does come back in the final week of the season, what good is that going to do
you? … The Browns are outstanding at forcing interceptions, so this might not be the
week to start Mark Brunell. Brunell is expected to play, but he has been relegated
to near-statue status because of a nagging quadriceps injury.
Pittsburgh — RB Jerome Bettis will not play this week. On that note, backup
RBs Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala and Amos Zereoue shouldn’t be locks in
your starting lineup. While Bettis did run well against Baltimore earlier this season, the
Ravens have been excellent against the run. … Since this week’s game is at
Baltimore, feel free to start PK Kris Brown. Brown had five FG attempts in the last
meeting, and he missed three and had one blocked. Brown is 13-of-16 on FG attempts on the
road and 12-of-20 on FG attempts at home this year.
Tennessee — QB Steve McNair is on fire. In his last six games, McNair has
completed 74 percent of his passes for 1,549 yards with 11 touchdowns and only three
interceptions. His receivers, primarily Kevin Dyson and Derrick Mason, have
run crisper routes, and McNair has been throwing the ball with great timing, often hitting
his targets in stride. This week, however, McNair will face one of his biggest tests of
the season. The Packers rank fourth in the league in overall defense and have surrendered
the fewest TD passes in the league (nine). Proceed with caution.
AFC West
Denver — Brian Griese will not start at quarterback because he is still
suffering from the lingering symptoms of a concussion and was unable to practice earlier
this week. Backup Gus Frerotte will get the starting nod in his place. After a
rough start, Frerotte got into a rhythm and looked smooth in running the offense in a win
over Seattle last week. He could be an emergency fill-in for fantasy owners, but the
explosiveness of the Broncos’ passing game is still very limited by WR Rod Smith’s
sore ankles, which he described as similar to playing on two flat tires.
Oakland — QB Rich Gannon threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns in the
first matchup with the Chargers. Adding to the potential fun for the Raiders’ offense
is the fact that the injury-depleted Chargers secondary will have some inexperienced faces
trying to keep tabs on Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.
San Diego — If ever rookie LaDainian Tomlinson needed to be in a fantasy
lineup, it’s this week. He’s facing a Raiders defense that has given up some
staggering numbers vs. the run lately. Try this one on for size: Oakland’s defense
has given up an average of 194.6 rushing yards per game over the last five weeks. The
Chargers also tallied 152 yards on the ground in their first meeting with Oakland. …
QB Doug Flutie has thrown 44 passes in two of the last three games.
Seattle — Mike Holmgren shocked the football world and the Seahawks’ locker
room by announcing that Ricky Watters will be the starter to finish the season.
This decision severely limits Shaun Alexander’s potential because Holmgren
does not plan on splitting time between the two, as he believes doing so limits their
effectiveness. Look for Watters to get the majority of the carries from here on out, with
Alexander seeing spot duty.
NFC East
Arizona — In the first meeting of the year with the Giants, WR David Boston
burned New York for nine catches for 137 yards and touchdown. He could definitely be in
for a big game, as he is facing a secondary that features Jason Sehorn, who has had some
costly mistakes this year, and two rookies.
Dallas — WR Raghib Ismail has emerged as the Cowboys’ go-to receiver.
In the two games that Quincy Carter has started at quarterback, Ismail has had 93
and 118 yards receiving. He also scored one touchdown. He could take advantage of a
Seattle secondary that will be without CB Shawn Springs. … WR Joey Galloway
has had to fight off a lot of double teams, which has opened things up for Ismail.
However, this week, Galloway has added incentive to have a big game. He is facing his old
team and former head coach. Galloway and Mike Holmgren never saw eye-to-eye when the two
were both in Seattle.
N.Y. Giants — It’s a good bet that RB Tiki Barber will have a
successful Saturday against the Cardinals. He was very productive in the first meeting of
the year, and his role has been increased in recent weeks. In the last three games, Barber
has 45 carries for 289 yards. As for Ron Dayne, he has all but disappeared. He has
14 carries for 33 yards in the last three games. So, play Barber, sit Dayne. … Be
cautious of starting Joe Jurevicius, who is still questionable with a hamstring
injury.
Philadelphia — Rookie RB Correll Buckhalter was praised for his production
earlier this season when Duce Staley was out. However, since getting into a little
trouble with Andy Reid, Buckhalter’s role has decreased dramatically. He has touched
the ball just seven times in the last three games. There is no reason for him to be
starting for you, although you may not want to purge him from your roster just yet. If
something happened to Staley, the playoff-bound Eagles would have to get Buckhalter back
involved.
Washington — Stephen Davis is obviously a must-play guy every week.
However, if you have a bunch of options at running back, consider this: Davis was limited
to 79 rushing yards in the first game against the Eagles this year.
NFC CENTRAL
Chicago — The Bears’ offense has come under fire from media, fans and fantasy
owners alike for its lack of scoring. But after connecting on some big pass plays in their
last meeting vs. the Buccaneers, perhaps the Bears will light up the scoreboard again. In
that Week 10 game, WR Marty Booker caught TD passes of 28, 44 and 66 yards. Booker
finished the game with seven receptions for 165 yards. Considering Booker caught only two
passes in last week’s loss to Green Bay, he should see more action this week.
Detroit — Very quietly, RB James Stewart continues to have a productive
season. He’s carried 108 times for 524 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per tote. Granted,
he’s scored only once this season, but he might find the endzone again this week vs.
the Vikings. In the team’s previous meeting, Stewart rushed for a season-high 108
yards on 16 carries. Minnesota has allowed an average of 177.0 rushing yards over its last
three games.
Green Bay — QB Brett Favre should pick apart a Titans defense that ranks
last in the league against the pass. Tennessee has been prone to big plays this season,
allowing the most yards per pass play in the league. That makes WRs Antonio Freeman
and Bill Schroeder must-starts. Freeman, in particular, has been hot, either
scoring a touchdown or breaking 100 yards in five of the last six games.
Minnesota — It’s all but a certainty that QB Todd Bouman will start
Sunday vs. Detroit in place of Daunte Culpepper, who has been nursing a sprained
left knee. Culpepper’s knee was still sore Thursday, and it even had some new
swelling. The quarterback did the most work in practice Wednesday since initially
suffering the injury and apparently didn’t respond well. Culpepper might not even be
healthy enough to serve as the No. 2 quarterback. Bouman has looked very good in his five
quarters of action, passing for 548 yards and six touchdowns.
Tampa Bay — If there is still any question as to whom the Buccaneers’ top
fantasy running back is, there shouldn’t be. Mike Alstott leads the team with
eight rushing touchdowns and has scored four times in the last four games. Warrick Dunn
has suffered mostly from injuries and poor blocking, but he has gotten healthier, and his
blocking could improve in the form of FB Jameel Cook. Alstott has been the sole
benefactor of Cook’s fine blocking, but this week, Dunn should finally benefit as
well. Still, you have to rank Alstott ahead of Dunn because his work near the goal line.
NFC West
Atlanta — The best thing the Falcons have going for them is that they will be
going up against a banged-up Colts defense that gave up 41 points and looked awful vs.
Miami. It also helps that Indy’s defense is coming off a short practice week. …
RB Maurice Smith, who has been hobbled by a sprained ankle for three weeks,
continues to improve, but there is a chance FB Bob Christian, who is wearing a pad
to protect a large laceration on his right elbow, and Rodney Thomas will handle the
bulk of Atlanta’s running game vs. Indy. … Head coach Dan Reeves has mentioned
the possibility of WR Brian Finneran (team-high six catches for 92 yards last
Sunday vs. Saints) being more involved in the Falcons’ regular WR rotation. … WR
Shawn Jefferson (sprained back) has been upgraded to probable for the Colts game.
Carolina — (bye).
New Orleans — WRs Joe Horn and Willie Jackson will be hoping for the
same kind of success vs. the Rams Monday night that they enjoyed in their stirring,
come-from-behind victory over St. Louis in Week Seven, when they combined for 10 catches
for 173 yards and three TDs. In the win over Atlanta last Sunday, this duo combined for
11-184-2. … QB Aaron Brooks is red-hot, registering passer ratings over 100 in
four of his last five games. Brooks had a good game vs. the Rams in Week Seven, completing
20-of-31 for 254 yards and three scores. Look for Brooks to operate more on the run than
in the last game, in which case he becomes more of a bona fide scoring threat as a rusher.
… A new weapon the Rams’ defense must prepare for is rookie RB Deuce
McAllister, who had a breakout performance vs. the Falcons last Sunday and can be
expected to be used more in spot situations from here on out. … For the first time
perhaps all season, TE Cam Cleeland is not on the injury list. … By mutual
agreement, WR Albert Connell is as good as gone as a Saint and will probably not be
active the rest of the season.
San Francisco — Coming off their weakest overall offensive effort of the year,
especially in the case of QB Jeff Garcia, the 49ers will try to do some damage vs.
a Miami defense that had to make a coast-to-coast flight after coming off a short work
week following the Dolphins’ win over the Colts Monday night. … WR Terrell
Owens practiced for the first time Thursday but missed the final hour of practice to
receive treatment for his ailing hip. Owens, who has battled a string of injuries the past
month and was held to just three catches and no TDs by the Rams’ Aeneas Williams last
Sunday, says he every intention of keeping his streak of not missing a game this season
alive. … RB Garrison Hearst, who was limited to 39 yards on 11 carries by the
Rams, needs 61 yards rushing for his fourth career 1,000-yard season and first since 1998.
St. Louis — The Rams’ loaded WR arsenal will be hoping for the same kind of
production Monday night in New Orleans that it got in the first half of its game vs. the
Saints in Week Seven. In that game, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Ricky
Proehl teamed for nine catches for 192 yards in the first half, including a 51-yard TD
reception by Bruce from Hakim. In the second half, though, they were limited to four
catches for 79 yards. Holt leads Rams receivers with 57 receptions for 922 yards
(16.2-yard average). … A key factor in this game will be the presence of RB Marshall
Faulk, who missed the first game with a knee injury. Faulk has been as dangerous as
ever lately, scoring five TDs the last two weeks. |
