This week’s bye teams: Atlanta, Cleveland, Green Bay
The Chiefs and Colts played Thursday nightAFC East
Buffalo — FB Larry Centers has become a bright spot on offense for the
Bills and has also become one of the Bills’ biggest fantasy threats. QB Rob
Johnson has used Centers as a receiver out of the backfield a whole lot, and because
of the scheme Buffalo runs, you shouldn’t expect it to end anytime soon. Centers has
shown an ability to find the endzone as well. If Centers isn’t claimed in your
league, he could be a good bye week fill-in for your team. … WR Eric Moulds
and TE Jay Riemersma seemed to bounce back last week and should continue to be more
involved in the offense.
Miami — WR James McKnight has spoken up about his lack of involvement in
the offense thus far this year, but that doesn’t mean he’ll see many more passes
his way. Against the Seahawks, don’t expect too much passing from the Dolphins in
general, as Seattle has done a solid job against the pass in its three wins this year.
However, RB Lamar Smith should see a ton of carries as usual, unless the Dolphins
fall behind.
New England — QB Tom Brady’s numbers could level off a bit this week,
since the Patriots will likely try to take advantage of Denver’s run defense. RB Antowain
Smith could benefit from a defense that couldn’t stop Seahawks RB Shaun
Alexander and had a little bit of trouble with Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson.
… Drew Bledsoe seems to be on the fast track back and is expected to be ready
to challenge for the starting job in mid-November. … Terry Glenn’s status
for this week is still uncertain, but his potential production is worth the wait — if
you can — until the last minute to submit your lineup.
N.Y. Jets — Despite the fact that they’ve been less than stout thus far, this
might be the week to start the Jets’ defense. They’re facing a young quarterback
in Chris Weinke and a Panthers offense that hasn’t been able to do much on a
consistent basis except turn the ball over. … On the flip side, QB Vinny
Testaverde might be worth benching this week, as he’ll have to get passes past
Panthers CB Doug Evans, who has five interceptions in five games. Look for the Jets
to pound RB Curtis Martin to avoid potential interceptions.
AFC Central
Baltimore — The Ravens are suddenly pretty banged up heading into their game vs.
the Jaguars. With Elvis Grbac continuing to feel the effects of the chest injury
that knocked him out of the loss to Cleveland last Sunday, head coach Brian Billick is
expected to delay a decision on the starting QB until shortly before kickoff. Backup Randall
Cunningham has been working with the first-team offense much of the week in practice.
At running back, it looks like Jason Brookins will finally get a chance to start,
with Terry Allen (ankle/knee) looking more like a no-go all the time. To make
matters worse for the Ravens, TE Shannon Sharpe was downgraded from probable to
questionable with a knee injury and didn’t practice Thursday. Rookie TE Todd Heap
(ankle), who has missed the last four games, is also listed as questionable for the
Jaguars game but will almost certainly play if Sharpe can’t.
Cincinnati — Feel free to get RB Corey Dillon back in the lineup if you
held him out vs. the Bears last week. He’ll be facing a Lions defense ranked 24th
in the league vs. the run, and there is no doubt Bengals head coach Dick LeBeau
will be chomping at the bit to get the running game going after the Bengals threw 46 times
last week.
Jacksonville — You probably want to sit down Stacey Mack if you’ve
been using him as a short-term replacement for Fred Taylor. No, Taylor is not yet
ready to return to action. In fact, we hear Taylor’s groin injury could keep him out
a couple more games. As far as Mack goes, he’s really in Tom Coughlin’s doghouse
at the moment and will see his number of opportunities drop this week vs. the Ravens.
Rookie Elvis Joseph will get more carries, and could even wind up as the starter.
Pittsburgh — There’s no question that RB Jerome Bettis should start
every week, but if you’re in a very big league, you might consider signing
Bettis’ backup, Amos Zereoue. Zereoue has done well as a change-of-pace back
from Bettis, and can be valuable especially if your league gives points for yardage.
… Don’t expect 10 sacks per game from the Steelers’ defense, but don’t
be surprised if it does happen again. The Steelers last week were able to shut down the
run completely, allowing the pass rushers to pin their ears back and pound Buccaneers QB Brad
Johnson. While favorable matchups along the line helped their cause, the
Steelers’ defense is playing at a very high level at the moment and, like Bettis,
should be started every week.
Tennessee — TE Frank Wycheck’s increased involvement in the offense
can be attributed to a position chance. Wycheck had been playing fullback until he hurt
his neck, so to prevent him from getting beaten up, the Titans moved Wycheck to tight end
and Erron Kinney to fullback. Since the move, Wycheck’s numbers have gone up,
and he registered his first career 100-yard game last week. However, now Kinney has a bad
calf, so the Titans might switch them back, thus giving Kinney more action. … QB Steve
McNair and RB Eddie George did not participate in most of Thursday’s
practice, nursing sore ankles. Nevertheless, both are expected to start Monday night
against Pittsburgh. WR Derrick Mason also is nursing an ankle injury, but he should
start as well.
AFC West
Denver — While you don’t need to worry about QB Brian Griese getting
benched in favor of Gus Frerotte, you do need to worry about Griese’s
plummeting production. After throwing for 572 yards and six touchdowns in his first two
games, he has thrown for only five touchdowns and 733 yards in his last four. He also has
eight interceptions over the same span. … Don’t be surprised to see RB Olandis
Gary get more playing time this week, as Mike Anderson has been hampered by
fumbles of late.
Oakland — Despite being listed as "questionable," don’t expect RB Tyrone
Wheatley to see any action this week. In fact, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if
he doesn’t play next week either, as he continues to recover from a sprained knee.
Wheatley also hasn’t been happy with his diminished role in the offense. Expect Charlie
Garner, who is a better fit for the Raiders’ system, to get the majority of work
vs. Philadelphia this week. Veteran Terry Kirby could also see his workload
increase in Wheatley’s absence.
San Diego — Even with LB Junior Seau questionable with a groin injury, it
would be wise to play the Chargers’ defense this week. The Bills’ offense has
yet to show many explosive qualities, while San Diego ranks fourth in the NFL in total
defense and has been its usual stubborn self against the run. DE Marcellus Wiley
should be in the face of Bills QB Rob Johnson often this week. … WR Jeff
Graham finally broke out in a big way last week with 107 yards and a pair of
touchdowns, but the Chargers would still like to see more from TE Freddie Jones,
who has just 14 catches for 161 yards and one touchdown to this point. Jones was
considered to be a major beneficiary of the arrival of QB Doug Flutie, but the two
have yet to develop much of a rapport.
Seattle — QB Matt Hasselbeck is back in the saddle after a two-week layoff
because of a groin injury. It remains to be seen whether he can regain the mobility and
the ability to throw on the run he showed during the preseason. An early groin injury
limited him in the face of the pass rush before he re-injured it and was forced to sit
out. The Seahawks’ offense really struggled under his guidance during the first three
weeks, and he will be facing the Dolphins’ stellar secondary, so it may be wise to
bench everyone but RB Shaun Alexander.
NFC East
Arizona — Michael Pittman could be a good play this week vs. the Cowboys.
Last year, he scored in each matchup with Dallas. Furthermore, the Cowboys have allowed
six rushing touchdowns in five games this season — only one NFL team has given up
more. … WR David Boston went over 100 yards receiving in one of last
year’s games vs. the Cowboys. After releasing starting CB Kareem Larrimore on
Tuesday, the Cowboys are unsettled in the secondary.
Dallas — Get rid of QB Anthony Wright if he’s on your roster, as
he’s expected to have season-ending knee surgery. That means your new starting
quarterback in Dallas is the great Clint Stoerner, who has never started an NFL
game. He may be a short-term starter, though, as Jerry Jones is just dying to get a
look-see at Ryan Leaf, who could be on the field as soon as this week vs. the
Cardinals. If you really want a longshot quarterback, you could add Leaf to your roster in
hopes of it paying off in a few weeks. He’s got the arm to go deep, and WRs Joey
Galloway and Raghib Ismail certainly have the speed to stretch the field.
… As for Galloway (foot injury) this week, he worked out for trainers but his status
won’t be determined until game time.
N.Y. Giants — The Giants’ offensive coordinator, Sean Payton, says he will
turn to Tiki Barber more in an effort to end the club’s inefficiency in the
red zone. Look for Barber to continue to see his role increased in the passing game and as
a runner. He will likely get more pitchouts and opportunities to run wide. … Also,
don’t be surprised if the tight ends get more involved. So far this season, Giants
tight ends have caught just three total passes — Dan Campbell has two
receptions, Marcellus Rivers has one. However, two of those three catches were for
touchdowns.
Philadelphia — You might want to think twice about starting WR Todd Pinkston
this week vs. the Raiders. First of all, he has a wrist injury that has him listed as
questionable for this week’s game. Furthermore, he is facing a pair of top-notch
cornerbacks in Charles Woodson and Eric Allen.
Washington — Rod Gardner has clearly emerged as Tony Banks’ favorite
target in Washington. Even before last week’s six-catch, 208-yard masterpiece,
Gardner was getting more chances that veteran WR Michael Westbrook. Gardner scored
his second career touchdown last week, and the hope in Washington is that he will have
many, many more. He and Banks appear to be getting in a groove, which could pay off for
fantasy owners.
NFC Central
Chicago — Rookie Anthony Thomas was named the starting running back this
week after his 188-yard performance last week. Though Thomas will be the featured back, James
Allen will still see some action. But that shouldn’t prevent fantasy owners from
starting Thomas. … Dez White, not up-and-coming rookie David Terrell,
will take over WR Marcus Robinson’s starting spot. White has the advantage of
playing Robinson’s position, split end, while Terrell has mostly been used at
flanker. However, since the Bears plan to increase their use of three-WR sets, Terrell
should still see plenty of action.
Detroit — QB Charlie Batch missed practice for the second straight day
Thursday, but that won’t prevent from starting Sunday. Said head coach Marty
Mornhinweg: "He’ll play. He’s got a little tendinitis in his shoulder,
that’s all. I’ve always found it best to back them off just a little bit instead
of working through it. You know, this is a long, long season. So that’s what
we’re doing." Batch, who said he could have practiced both days, has been red
hot since regaining his starting role. He’s had back-to-back 300-yard games with six
TD passes and one interception. … Larry Foster becomes the starting wideout
opposite Johnnie Morton with both Herman Moore and Germane Crowell
lost for the season.
Minnesota — After missing Wednesday’s practice to rest his sore ankle, WR Randy
Moss took part in Thursday’ session. As for Moss’ big-play ability, that has
yet to return to the field. Here’s head coach Dennis Green’s rationale as to
why: "People are playing Randy awfully deep. He’s going to have to be getting
shorter passes, there’s no doubt about it. Daunte (Culpepper) got a lot
of interceptions early in the season trying to get the ball to Randy deep. The way people
are playing him, he’s not going to be able to do that. I think he’s going to
make some big plays off the catch-and-run every now and then, and then we’ll catch
somebody playing man coverage and get deep." … RB Doug Chapman is
expected to start once again in place of the injured Michael Bennett (ankle). He
could return to the lineup after the Vikings’ Week Eight bye.
Tampa Bay — RB Warrick Dunn thought he’d be fine for Sunday’s
game, but that doesn’t appear to be the case now. A sore hamstring likely will
sideline Dunn, thus elevating Mike Alstott into the featured-back role. Aaron
Stecker also will see some carries. Dunn sat out Week Four with a foot injury but
returned the following week, even though he was supposed to miss 3-4 weeks. So don’t
expect Dunn to be gone too long. As for Alstott, in his Week Four start, he gained 77
yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown, giving the coaching staff confidence that he
can handle the load once again. WR Jacquez Green will miss Sunday’s game as
well. Keyshawn Johnson will play.
NFC West
Carolina — With Tshimanga Biakabutuka out for the season with a broken foot
suffered in the loss to the Redskins, Richard Huntley gets his long-awaited chance to
start for the league’s 31st-ranked ground game. Huntley should benefit
from a porous Jets run defense that allowed the Rams’ Trung Canidate to run wild last
week and has given up a league-worst 167.5 rushing yards per game. WR Patrick Jeffers
might see some action in three- and four-WR situations for the first time this season if Steve
Smith (knee) is unable to play. WR Muhsin Muhammad has been working overtime in
practice this week in an effort to put a halt to his disturbing trend of dropping at least
one key pass per game. Look for that practice to possibly pay off vs. the Jets.
New Orleans — It should be interesting to see how RB Ricky Williams, who is
ranked third in the league in yards from scrimmage, does against a Rams team he
didn’t play against last season at all due to a season-ending knee injury. Look for
the Saints’ offense to open up a bit vs. St. Louis, with a lot more three- and
four-WR formations that might include rookie Deuce McAllister. Also look for QB Aaron
Brooks, who performed quite well in the three games vs. the Rams last season, to
improvise a lot more on rollouts, which he hasn’t done as much so far this season.
Most teams have been putting eight defenders in the box to defend Williams, and the
Saints’ passing game has been unable to capitalize for the most part, with Saints WRs
Joe Horn, Albert Connell and Willie Jackson failing to get open and
separate on a consistent basis. Jackson did especially well vs. the Rams last season (14
catches for 277 yards).
San Francisco — Last week’s bye couldn’t have come at a better time for
49ers QB Jeff Garcia, whose aggressive, on-the-fly style has resulted in an
assortment of nagging ailments, including a touch of tendinitis in his throwing elbow. The
week off also had to help WR J.J. Stokes, who has been at less than full strength
all season because of hamstring and thigh injuries. Don’t be surprised if Stokes and Tai
Streets turn into key weapons vs. the Bears, since Chicago’s pass defense figures
to concentrate on WR Terrell Owens, who burned the Bears with a league-record 20
catches for 283 yards in their game last year. The Niners’ third-ranked offense (No.
2 in rushing) will get its biggest test of the year so far vs. a Bears defense that is
playing lights out lately, leading the league in fewest points allowed.
St. Louis — All signs point toward RB Marshall Faulk sitting out for the
second straight week, with Trung Canidate getting a chance to pick up where he left
off last week, when he exploded for 232 total yards in a breakthrough performance vs. the
Jets. Canidate’s 195 rushing yards were the highest total in the NFL this year, but
it should be noted that the Saints have a far superior run defense to that of the Jets,
even though they have been vulnerable on occasion in rushing situations this season. Keep
an eye on Rams TE Ernie Conwell, whose athleticism could enable him to get open for
big plays the same way Atlanta’s Alge Crumpler did last Sunday when he caught
a 57-yard TD off play-action in the Falcons’ upset over the Saints. |
