Teams on bye: Cincinnati, Minnesota, St. LouisAFC East
Buffalo Bills — RB Travis Henry hasn’t been that impressive thus far
this season, but could have a breakout game against an Indianapolis defense that
hasn’t stepped up against the run this year. … WRs Eric Moulds and Peerless
Price and TE Jay Riemersma have begun to emerge from early-season slumps and
could benefit from a Colts pass defense that had its troubles against the Chiefs last
week.
Indianapolis Colts — The prognosis doesn’t look good for RB Edgerrin James
this week. While it could turn into a game-time decision for the Colts, our sources say he
probably won’t play. Rookie Dominic Rhodes will take his place in the starting
lineup if James can’t go. … WR Jerome Pathon’s foot still
hasn’t healed and will miss this week, allowing rookie Reggie Wayne to
continue to start. He has gotten better each game he has started.
Miami Dolphins — It wouldn’t be wise to start QB Jay Fiedler this week
against a ball-hawking Panthers secondary led by CB Doug Evans. Fiedler has been
prone to throwing picks, and Evans has one pick in each game this season. Look for Lamar
Smith to get plenty of carries to take the pressure off Fiedler.
New England Patriots — QB Tom Brady faces the worst pass defense in the
league this week in Atlanta, so we would suggest starting him wherever you can. Nevermind
Brady’s four-interception performance against the Broncos last week. He should bounce
back in possibly a big way this week. Benefitting from this fact also should be WRs Troy
Brown and David Patten.
N.Y. Jets — QB Vinny Testaverde threw three picks last week after throwing
just one all season and could continue to have trouble against the Saints, who have a
plus-12 turnover margin. … The Saints defense has been pretty stout against the run,
but Curtis Martin has done a solid job this year, even against some of the better
defenses such as Miami and St. Louis. Start him, especially with the knowledge that if
Testaverde starts throwing interceptions, the Jets will go straight to Martin. … The Jets’
defense has been very good at taking the ball away this year, with the Jets posting a
plus-13 turnover margin.
AFC Central
Baltimore Ravens — It’s looking like QB Elvis Grbac (ribs) and RB Terry
Allen (ankle) will again be replaced by Randall Cunningham and Jason
Brookins, respectively, in the starting lineup this Sunday. Grbac has been practicing,
but Cunningham has been taking the majority of snaps. Allen, meanwhile, has been having
trouble cutting on his bad ankle. Brookins had a very strong second half vs. Jacksonville.
It’s worth noting, though, that Allen had 172 yards in his only game vs. the
Steelers. … As always, look for TE Shannon Sharpe to be a key target for
whoever quarterbacks the Ravens on Sunday, especially since he needs just six catches to
break the all-time league record for receptions by a tight end. So far this season, Sharpe
has been averaging five catches a game. … Considering his recent success vs. the
Steelers, WR Qadry Ismail could also be a big-time fantasy factor. Ismail has
totaled 13 catches, 360 yards and four TDs vs, the Steelers the past two years.
Cincinnati Bengals — Bye week
Cleveland Browns — Tim Couch is becoming a legitimate fantasy starter, but
you may want to hold him out of action against a very opportunistic Bears defense. Couch
has thrown eight TD passes in six games, half of them to WR Kevin Johnson.
Considering they are in such a groove, you may want to consider teaming them up in your
fantasy lineup if. If you have one, but not the other, you may want to consider acquiring
the one that is not on your team.
Jacksonville Jaguars — If you have RB Fred Taylor languishing on your
roster, certainly you have been tempted to deal him away. However, if you are in
contention for the playoffs (without Taylor in your lineup), you might want to consider
keeping the status quo. While we hear Taylor could still be a few weeks away from
returning to action, he could be helpful once your postseason begins.
Pittsburgh Steelers — Don’t jump on the Plaxico Burress bandwagon just
yet. See what he does against a much better Ravens secondary. … Jerome Bettis’
knee was a bit sore after last week’s Monday-night game, but our sources say
it’s nothing to fret.
Tennessee Titans — RB Eddie George hasn’t practiced all week, but he
was feeling better Thursday, offering hope he could see some action Sunday against the
Jaguars. George is suffering a knee injury, a serious thigh contusion and a sprained
ankle. If he doesn’t play, Mike Green and Skip Hicks would split
playing time, but it’s believed the offense would fall on QB Steve McNair’s
shoulders. However, McNair’s receivers haven’t performed up to par, especially
WR Kevin Dyson, who has been a major disappointment. McNair may try to utilize his
running ability more this week, despite an injured ankle.
AFC West
Denver Broncos — All signs are pointing to RB Terrell Davis being back in
the lineup Monday night, and several teammates, including backup RB Olandis Gary,
believe the starting job is his as long as he’s healthy. Davis’ leg and knee
finally feel close to normal, but historically, he hasn’t had all that much success
against the Raiders. And Oakland’s defense is one of the most physical in the league,
and Denver’s offense has been a bit of a funk as of late.
Kansas City Chiefs — Don’t expect to see WR Derrick Alexander back on the
field Sunday, at least not in good shape. Head coach Dick Vermeil said he could go, but
his strained ribs kept him out of practice for much of the week. That could open the door
for Larry Parker. Look for rookie WR Marvin Minnis to return to the starting
lineup after playing behind Chris Thomas the past two weeks. … It may be wise
to rest RB Priest Holmes this week vs. the Chargers’ third-ranked run defense.
The Chiefs’ offensive line has had breakdowns of late as well.
Oakland Raiders — While Zack Crockett’s 17 carries last week raised a
few eyebrows and he possibly could serve as an emergency one-week plug-in, it’s
doubtful he should be a free-agent favorite. Crockett is a good short-yardage specialist
and is the man near the goal line for the Raiders, but Charlie Garner remains
easily the most consistent threat with Tyrone Wheatley continuing to nurse a
sprained knee.
San Diego Chargers — RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been kept in check lately,
coming in at under 77 yards rushing in each of the past three weeks. That shouldn’t
bother any fantasy football owners this week, however, as Tomlinson figures to break out
vs. a soft Chiefs defensive front that is next to last in the NFL vs. the run, allowing
148.3 yards per game.
NFC East
Arizona Cardinals — Avoid
making a decision on RB Michael Pittman until the last possible moment, as he is
listed as questionable on this week’s injury report. Last week he suffered his second
concussion in three weeks.
Dallas Cowboys — Emmitt Smith is listed as questionable this week vs. the
Giants after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a sprained knee. However,
coaches are optimistic that he will be able to go this week. Still, think long and hard
about playing him. First, he likely won’t be as effective as normal because of the
injury. Second, he’s going against a Giants defense that is livid over losing three
in a row. They are looking to punish someone.
New York Giants — The Giants’ offense has been sputtering, and it seems the
club hopes to turn things around by stressing the running game. They abandoned it too
early vs. the Redskins, but have been talking about being more committed to Tiki Barber
and Ron Dayne. Either of those players should be good plays this week, even though
they are facing a Cowboys team that is much improved vs. the run.
Philadelphia Eagles — While it’s not time to start WR Freddie Mitchell
yet, we’re hearing that the first-round pick could be on the verge of contributing.
If he’s on your roster, keep a close eye on him in the coming weeks in anticipation
of finally getting some production out of him in the final months of the regular season.
Washington Redskins — Is Tony Banks a legitimate fantasy starter? Can that
even be possible, considering the horrendous start to the season he had? Our answer is:
Not yet. While the Redskins’ offense is beginning to improve and the team scored 35
points in last week’s win, you have to remember that one TD was thrown by WR Kevin
Lockett on a trick play and another came on an Eric Metcalf punt return. Banks
is very comfortable with rookie WR Rod Gardner and did connect with Michael
Westbrook on a 76-yard scoring play, but we aren’t yet convinced he should be a
fantasy starter. Meanwhile, definitely keep playing Stephen Davis. The Redskins are
increasing his workload and he could be in for a string of 100-yard games.
NFC Central
Chicago Bears — It appears Shane Matthews will start at quarterback for the
Bears on Sunday against Cleveland. Entering Friday’s practice, Matthews had taken all
the reps, while Jim Miller (hip) had done little more than lob the ball on the
sideline. Head coach Dick Jauron said he’ll evaluate both players Friday, but given
his comfort level with Matthews, Jauron likely will sit Miller this week. When he returns
to full health, though, Miller will regain his starting spot. … Despite his two
clutch TD catches last week, WR David Terrell will remain third on the depth chart
behind starters Marty Booker and Dez White. That might limit Terrell’s
pass-catching opportunities — White caught seven passes last week to Terrell’s
three — but based on his performance last week, the rookie should have more scoring
chances than White.
Green Bay Packers — Don’t be too down on RB Ahman Green. Though
he’s failed to break 100 yards rushing since Week Two and has scored just one
touchdown since opening day, Green continues to earn high praise from Packers coaches.
They marvel at his ability, especially how he breaks tackles, attacks defenders and gets
the most out of every run. Green also has improved his receiving. So stick with him;
he’ll breakout eventually. … Though he returned to practice Thursday for the
first time since spraining his right ankle Oct. 14, WR Bill Schroeder was obviously
not 100 percent. In fact, after participating in a few drills, he took himself out of
practice. If Schroeder can’t go Sunday against the Buccaneers, Corey Bradford
would move into the starting lineup with Charles Lee likely seeing increased
playing time.
Minnesota Vikings — Bye week
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Buccaneers might look like their old selves Sunday
against the Packers. Though RB Warrick Dunn will return to the starting lineup, FB Mike
Alstott will still play a large role in the running game. Dunn, who missed last
week’s game with a hamstring injury, isn’t 100 percent healthy, and his
conditioning isn’t up to speed either. Hence, Alstott will be given a share of the
carries. How long this arrangement lasts likely will depend on how effective it is. …
WR Jacquez Green (groin) probably won’t play Sunday, but WRs Keyshawn
Johnson (knee) and Reidel Anthony (hip) are expected to.
NFC West
Atlanta Falcons — After missing four games with a broken collarbone, WR Tony
Martin is planning on playing Sunday vs. the Pats, although he isn’t expected to
start. But he remains QB Chris Chandler’s favorite target in clutch situations
and could be a factor. … The Falcons’ surprisingly strong attack despite the
absence of Jamal Anderson could benefit by the fact the Patriots’ defense has given
up an average of 397 yards in its last three games. … Rookie TE Alge Crumpler,
who had a TD catch among his five receptions for 78 yards in Atlanta’s last game (vs.
the Saints), is an emerging force. He has an excellent aptitude for the Falcons’
system, and he has great hands. … RB Maurice Smith (22 carries for 83 yards
vs. a tough Saints defense) has been a nice surprise.
Carolina Panthers — The Panthers are coming off their worst offensive performance
of the year vs. a Jets defense that is hardly awe-inspiring. Rookie QB Chris Weinke
has really struggled the last couple of games, and the production of primary Panthers
receivers Muhsin Muhammad and TE Wesley Walls has fallen off significantly.
In all honesty, it just doesn’t look like a real promising situation for any Panthers
skill players along fantasy lines — especially against Miami’s usually reliable
defense. … WR Donald Hayes sat out a Thursday practice with a sore foot but
will still probably play vs. Miami. … Looking for a good shot in the dark? You might
consider FB Brad Hoover, who rushed five times for 33 yards vs. the Jets, which is
as many yards as departed starter William Floyd had all of last year.
New Orleans Saints — RB Ricky Williams, who leads the NFC in both rushing
yards (557) and total yardage (782), could have a field day vs. a Jets defense ranked
dead-last in the league. … Look for the Saints’ offense to stay with the more
wide-open style it used with effectiveness vs. the Rams last Sunday, with QB Aaron
Brooks, who is coming off this best game of the year, rolling out more and operating
on the run. WR Joe Horn, who had eight catches for 121 yards and a pair of TDs vs,
the Rams, will be looking to keep it up this Sunday. There are a couple of injury
concerns, however. Pro Bowl OLT Willie Roaf will be out with an injury to his right knee,
and TE Cam Cleeland, who is tied for the NFC lead for tight ends with four TDs,
wasn’t practicing at week’s end because of a bum ankle and was looking very
doubtful for the Jets game.
San Francisco 49ers —QB Jeff Garcia has a sprained MCL but is expected to
play vs. the Lions, although the 49ers might curb his usual rollouts somewhat, which could
make him less effective. He will be wearing a knee brace on Sunday. The Niners’
third-ranked offense will be facing a banged-up Detroit defense that has yet to hold an
opponent below 24 points a game. RB Garrison Hearst continues to look stronger
every week, both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield (60-yard TD catch vs.
Bears). While head coach Steve Mariucci isn’t too happy at the moment with WR Terrell
Owens after Owens’ claim this week that the offense was too timid late in the
loss to the Bears, look for Owens to be just as big a factor as usual in the 49ers’
attack — especially against Detroit’s Swiss cheese secondary.
St. Louis Rams — Bye week |
