This week’s bye team: IndianapolisAFC East
Buffalo — Both WR Eric Moulds and QB Rob Johnson have begun to make
overtures about their dissatisfaction with the offensive scheme. But that doesn’t
mean their complaints will improve an offense that has scored only two touchdowns in three
games. … WR Jeremy McDaniel, who had seemingly stepped into the No. 2-WR role,
is out this week, and Peerless Price will take his place in the lineup.
Miami — Look for the Dolphins to come out with something to prove on offense
against the Patriots after Miami was blown out of the water by the Rams. … WRs Chris
Chambers and James McKnight are really stepping up their production to give
Miami a solid threesome of quality fantasy receivers with Oronde Gadsden, and
Chambers could move into the starting lineup over Gadsden in the next few weeks because he
gives the Dolphins a true deep threat.
New England — The Patriots’ defense might be able to pick off Dolphins QB Jay
Fiedler a few times this week, as Fiedler has thrown four interceptions and one
touchdown in the last two games. Also, the Patriots have gotten steady improvement in the
sack department each week. … RB Antowain Smith could be hard-pressed to
duplicate his Week Three performance against a tougher Miami defense, but he certainly
will get plenty of touches with QB Tom Brady at the helm. If Smith can be as
versatile as he was in Week Three, he could post good numbers. The Dolphins had trouble
last week keeping tabs on Marshall Faulk, and while Smith is no Faulk, he can bring
versatility to the Patriots’ offense. … Don’t jump on Brady’s
bandwagon just yet. … QB Drew Bledsoe is scheduled to be re-evaluated next
week. Our sources believe he’ll miss one or two months, but Bledsoe missing the
entire season is not out of the question.
N.Y. Jets — The latest on WR Santana Moss’ status is not good. Moss
was originally thought to be ready to return from torn cartilage in his knee in November,
but he hasn’t even started running yet. The most current estimate of Moss’
return is now early December. … This would be the week to start just about any Jets
offensive player you have, since they’re going up against the badly depleted Buffalo
defense. … RB Curtis Martin was less involved in the passing game last week,
which is what the Jets want. While it might seen detrimental to your fantasy team, it
should keep Martin fresh throughout the season. Also, it certainly hasn’t hurt his
rushing abilities thus far this year.
AFC Central
Baltimore — While the Ravens continue to start RB Terry Allen, look for
more production out of first-year RB Jason Brookins, who has displayed flashes when
given the opportunity, including last week vs. Denver, when the Ravens actually had a
halfway-decent ground game (112 yards rushing after producing a total of 118 the first two
games). … After leading the team with 90 yards on four catches, including a nifty TD
catch, second-year WR Travis Taylor appears to have worked his way back into the
starting lineup over Brandon Stokley, who has been hampered by a knee injury.
… On the injury front, both rookie TE Todd Heap (ankle) and FB Obafemi
Ayanbadejo (knee) are listed as questionable. Ayanbadejo is a lot more likely to play
than Heap, who was still not practicing at this writing.
Cleveland — Despite missing part of Week Three with bruised ribs, the Browns are
expected to start James Jackson at running back this week. Jamel White will
continue to see some action, but Jackson is expected to get the bulk of the work.
Jacksonville — QB Mark Brunell was still having some "low-grade"
headaches late in the week, symptoms that are lingering from his Week Three concussion. It
was not known whether he would start this week vs. the Seahawks. You will want to wait as
long as possible before submitting your lineup if you are hoping to start Brunell. …
As for Fred Taylor, he is still out this week with a groin injury. But there is
good news. He is walking around without crutches and is expected back after the
team’s Week Five bye.
Pittsburgh — RB Jerome Bettis continues to tear up opposing defenses, even
though they stack the box against him consistently. However, Bettis has yet to find the
endzone this year. Don’t give up on him, as he’s the only consistent player the
Steelers have on offense. … If you’re looking for big plays from WR Hines
Ward, stop doing so. Ward might be a better fit in a league that gives bonuses for
receptions and yardage than a pure scoring league or one that gives big-play bonuses.
Tennessee — The Titans are putting an extra emphasis on protecting QB Steve
McNair, who is expected to start Sunday vs. Baltimore despite a problematic throwing
shoulder. That means the offensive line will be under greater scrutiny than before and
will have to step up its play. McNair has thrown well this week in practice and has had no
problems with the shoulder. Regardless, McNair has not been worthy of a starting fantasy
spot, and his recent injury only emphasizes that. He’s a fantasy backup at best.
… Titans WR Derrick Mason has missed practice time with of a high ankle sprain
but expects to play Sunday.
AFC West
Denver — Eddie Kennison has done little to warrant a fantasy starting role
since Ed McCaffrey went down, and after the loss to the Ravens, he said he needs to
raise his level of intensity, which likely didn’t sit well with coaches. Expect the
Broncos to try to get speedy rookie Kevin Kasper on the field more, especially if
Kennison doesn’t pick up the pace.
Kansas City — WR Marvin Minnis returns to the lineup after sitting out last
week with a concussion. … The Chiefs’ ground game took a hit when it was
determined FB Tony Richardson will be out for up to four weeks. His blocking,
running and pass-catching abilities will be sorely missed. Priest Holmes will
benefit by way of more carries and taking over the one-RB role, but he won’t have
Richardson blocking for him.
Oakland — Jerry Rice’s rapidly developing rapport with QB Rich
Gannon should warrant a starting spot in most leagues. He scored his first two
touchdowns as a Raider last week and benefits from the attention paid to the other
receivers on the teeam. … TE Roland Williams has been slowed by a sprained
ankle this week, but he’s expected to play.
San Diego — The Chargers’ defense gets one starter back but loses another for
the season. CB Alex Molden returns from a sprained knee this week, but run-stuffing
DT Jamal Williams will miss the remainder of the year with torn knee ligaments. In
his place is Leonardo Carson, who the team doesn’t feel will be much of a
dropoff in terms of production.
Seattle — QB Matt Hasselbeck is looking less and less likely to play
Sunday. The groin pull he suffered in Week Three has kept him out of practice all week. Trent
Dilfer has been running with the first team and will get the start if Hasselbeck
can’t go. … The team is plenty confident in second-year RB Shaun Alexander,
who scored a touchdown in place of the injured Ricky Watters last week. He should
be a starter in most leagues until Watters returns.
NFC East
Arizona — The Cardinals will start Michael Pittman, who scored once last
week, vs. the Eagles ahead of Thomas Jones. Jones will still see some action,
though. It might be best to avoid both of these running backs this week, as they will
share time and they are facing the vaunted Philadelphia defense.
Dallas — Head coach Dave Campo wants to throw downfield more often. He said that
is a new goal, but it will be difficult with the young quarterbacks on the roster. Quincy
Carter will start this week after missing a pair of games with a thumb injury.
However, Carter may not be totally over the injury, as he fumbled three snaps in a
late-week practice. You would be best served by starting a quarterback other than Carter.
… The Cowboys cut WR Wane McGarity. If you had him on your roster, you must
have been terribly desperate. For now, Reggie Swinton will start opposite Joey
Galloway (while Raghib Ismail is out), and Darrin Chiaverini will take
over the No. 3 job.
N.Y. Giants — You will want to sit Tiki Barber this week, as he is expected
to miss the game with a hamstring problem. However, don’t fret too much about this
injury. The Giants believe they can beat the Redskins without Barber, so they don’t
want to expose him to further hamstring complications. But if this were the playoffs,
Barber would be playing. … Ike Hilliard looked OK in his season debut last
week, but he is a little concerned about his surgically-repaired big toe on his right
foot. He says he feels a step slow, and it might be that way for the entire season. For
now, the surprisingly productive Joe Jurevicius will continue to start. … This
is a good week to start RB Ron Dayne. Not only is he not going to have to share the
load with Barber, but he is going against a Redskins defense that is allowing 164.3
rushing yards per game.
Philadelphia — It might be a good idea to start rookie RB Correll Buckhalter.
He is expected to get one more start in place of Duce Staley, who has an injured
shoulder. Because the team is playing the Cardinals, the Eagles think they can get the job
done without their No. 1 running back. If Buckhalter is available in your league, he could
be a decent pickup, as he will continue to get carries once Staley does return. However,
this could turn into a situation where they split time, which is always frustrating for
fantasy-football owners.
Washington — Until the offense develops any type of rhythm, the only Redskins
player you should even consider playing is RB Stephen Davis. The wide receivers
haven’t been productive, nor has TE Stephen Alexander. As for QB Tony Banks,
he can get hot at times, but you don’t want to gamble on that yet.
NFC Central
Chicago — If you’re in need of a spot starter at quarterback, look no further
Jim Miller, who takes over for Shane Matthews this week vs. Atlanta. In his
last five starts, Miller has completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 1,237 yards with
seven touchdowns and only two interceptions. And he has some impressive weapons at his
disposal in WRs Marcus Robinson and Marty Booker (each with a TD catch in
Week Two). Problem is, the Bears’ running game has been atrocious, averaging 51.5
yards in two games and failing to reach the endzone. The hope is that Miller’s
ability to stretch the defense jumpstarts the ground attack.
Detroit — The Lions have fallen behind by 21 and 17 points in their first two
games, and that hasn’t helped RB James Stewart get on track. Facing the Rams
shouldn’t help much either. Not only is their big-play offense always a threat to
jump out to a big lead, but their run defense has been tough, allowing opposing running
backs to gain only 135 yards on 48 attempts. Currently, the Lions’ top skill-position
player is WR Johnnie Morton, who has two 100-yard games and a touchdown.
Green Bay — If you must play a tight end, give Bubba Franks a try. He has a
three-game TD-scoring streak and is a prime red-zone target of QB Brett Favre. Franks
appears to be coming into his own as a receiver, and he’s earned the praise of head
coach Mike Sherman. … Bill Schroeder has surpassed Antonio Freeman as the
Packers’ top fantasy wideout. Schroeder has three touchdowns in three games and has
made some impressive grabs. His 21.2-yard average per catch leads the NFL.
Minnesota — Though the Vikings have downshifted to a more patient,
close-to-the-vest offense, that doesn’t mean you should bail on WRs Randy Moss
and Cris Carter. They still caught five passes each last week, with Moss gaining 86
yards and Carter catching a 13-yard TD pass. However, don’t expect as many big plays
from the duo as in previous years. Last year the Vikings had 95 "big" plays,
defined as runs of at least 15 yards and pass plays of 20 yards or more. After three
games, the Vikings have just one 15-yard run and 11 passes longer than 20 yards.
Tampa Bay — The Buccaneers say they won’t change their offensive game plan
much in the wake of RB Warrick Dunn’s foot injury, which will sideline him 3-4
weeks. Hence, Aaron Stecker will take over Dunn’s duties and see ample playing
time. Stecker has a lot of Dunn-like abilities, and the Bucs aren’t big on change to
begin with. But that doesn’t mean FB Mike Alstott will be left out in the
cold. Look for him to share time with Stecker, and when the Bucs near the goal line,
Alstott should get the call. That alone makes him worthy of being a fantasy starter. Keep
in mind, though, it won’t be the Mike Alstott Show.
NFC West
Atlanta — With RB Jamal Anderson out for the season, the window of
opportunity has opened wide for second-year RB Maurice Smith, who looked very good
last week after Anderson was injured, rushing for 80 yards on 21 carries and scoring a
79-yard TD on a short pass from the red-hot Chris Chandler. The Falcons maintain
that the offense will basically stay the same with Smith starting at running back. Smith
is faster than Anderson but nowhere near as powerful below the waist — a quality that
enabled Anderson to drag tacklers for extra yardage. … Don’t expect the Falcons
to increase the usage of rookie QB Michael Vick, who is fully recovered from the
rib injury that sidelined him last week. If anything, Vick could be used less, since the
Falcons don’t want to do anything to disrupt the amazing zone Chandler is in right
now — leading the league in passing efficiency (126.5), third-down passing efficiency
(155.2) and fourth-quarter passer efficiency (137.5). … With WR Tony Martin
(collar bone) expected to be out another couple of weeks, look for Chandler to continue
paying extra attention to plucky WR Terance Mathis, who is coming off a two-TD
performance vs. Arizona.
Carolina — The soap opera continues in the Panthers’ backfield with
fumble-prone Tshimanga Biakabutuka looking like he’s the starter again after
practicing with the first team most of the week. But that doesn’t mean Nick Goings
and Richard Huntley are out of the mix by any means. The best fantasy prospects for
the Panthers are WR Muhsin Muhammad, who is off to a fast start despite dropping TD
passes in each of the last two games, and veteran TE Wesley Walls, who always goes
out of his way to play well vs. his old 49ers team, a team that kept him hidden on the
bench most of the time he was there.
New Orleans —TE Cam Cleeland’s hamstring problems continue to be a big
concern, as the Saints really want to add a consistent up-the-seam threat to their West
Coast offense. It now appears, though, that Cleeland could be tweaked all year, and that
he will have to play through the pain — something many people doubt he is capable of
doing. … On the bright side, WR Willie Jackson looks like he might remain at
the No. 2 WR spot over Albert Connell. Jackson, who had eight catches for 105 yards
and a 32-yard TD reception vs. the Giants, has been QB Aaron Brooks’ main
go-to guy early in the season with No. 1 WR Joe Horn facing a lot of double
coverage. … RB Ricky Williams sprained a ligament in his left shoulder in
practice Thursday but is expected to still play Sunday vs. Minnesota.
St. Louis — Coming off one of their all-time best performances vs. Miami’s
highly regarded defense, all of the Rams’ usual fantasy horses could be galloping
steadily toward fantasy paydirt vs. a Detroit defense that has had particular problems
against the run so far this year and is missing FS Kurt Schulz and Bryant Westbrook in the
secondary. … QB Kurt Warner is proving himself to be particularly effective
indoors, where the Rams’ superior speed gives them a distinct advantage over most
opponents. … RB Marshall Faulk (league-leading 464 yards from scrimmage;
NFC-leading 22 catches) and WR Isaac Bruce (NFC-leading 269 receiving yards) are
off to particularly fast starts. Faulk is on pace for 421 touches, which would be a career
high.
San Francisco — The 49ers are oozing with confidence after running all over the
Jets in front of a Monday-night national TV audience. The Niners’ double-barrelled
ground game featuring Garrison Hearst and rookie Kevan Barlow (more than
nine yards per carry) will be looking to keep the magic going vs. a young Panthers defense
that will be missing rookie first-rounder Dan Morgan at weak-side linebacker. … QB Jeff
Garcia has been more efficient than explosive in the early going (16-of-20 for 141
yards and a TD vs. the Jets). TE Greg Clark (hamstring) remains out. |
