 Fantasy Football Report-Week Two The experts from Fantasy Football Insiders and NFL Draft Bible weigh in with their opinions on which players you should start and sit, add or drop in Week Two. SEARCHING THE SCRAP HEAP
By Ralph Mancini, FFi
MATT CASSEL (NE-QB): Oh no…the horror! Fantasy golden boy Tom Brady is down and there’s no telling what the severity of his injury is. What we do know is that the quarterback’s leg did bend awkwardly and Brady’s owners should brace themselves for the worst and make a play for Cassel. The USC product showed decent arm strength in drilling the ball to Randy Moss in the back of the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown pass, and made sound decisions the rest of the way behind a very stout offensive line. Please note: Latest reports indicate that Brady will miss the season with an ACL tear.
DAMON HUARD (KC-QB): Croyle’s durability issues immediately came to the surface as he went down with a separated shoulder late in the third quarter. The savvy Huard hooked up with Dwayne Bowe on a 13-yard score and also completed a 68-yard pass to Devard Darling. Huard’s efforts weren’t enough to generate enough points versus a nasty defense, but he is capable of providing better performances against lesser teams. Be sure to give this Chief a look in leagues that start two quarterbacks.
KERRY COLLINS (TENN-QB): The disappointing Vince Young also fell prey to injury with a torn MCL in the fourth quarter of Tennesee’s win over Jacksonville. In his stead, Collins efficiently led the Titan offense on an 80-yard scoring drive, and effectively put the game out of reach for the Jags. The stationary veteran is an easy target for oncoming pass rushers, but surrounded by a solid offensive line and two quality runners, Collins has the arm to outperform the mobile Young. The 35-year-old can certainly do the job versus the lowly Bungles next week.
STEVE SLATON (HOU-RB): The running-back-by-committee situation in Houston is one that’s hard to decipher. Steve Slaton is just about the only certainty at this point, and should continue to build upon the 16 touches he saw in his first game as an NFL pro. Much like Reggie Bush, this rookie doesn’t appear to be an every-down runner, but should get enough opportunities to flash his quickness on a team short on reliable backs. Slaton’s soft hands will see him on the receiving end of several passes.
Le’RON McCLAIN (BAL-FB): This 6’0” 260-lb. steamroller shared carries with rookie Ray Rice while rushing for 87 yards on 19 carries and also catching two passes in Baltimore’s win over Cincinnati. The Alabama product’s long-term role is still a question mark due to Willis McGahee’s imminent return. Regardless, McClain is sure to see the football in a number of goal-line situations. He’s a must-add for McGahee owners and those in deep leagues.
DOMINIC RHODES (RB- IND.): A thunderous hit by Bears linebacker Lance Briggs sent Indy feature back Joseph Addai to the sidelines with a head injury, forcing the Colts to replace him with Rhodes, who was useful in the passing game with four catches for 30 yards. The veteran runner should definitely be picked up Addai owners. Rhodes has shown good burst in the preseason.
STEVE BREASTON (AZ-WR): The ever-improving Breaston gave further evidence of his skills this week on a 40-yard connection with quarterback Kurt Warner off a corner route in which the emerging wide out left 49er corner Shawntae Spencer in the dust. The hook-up set up a 1-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald. Breaston is a second-year pro, who’s playing much faster this year and creating a lot more separation as a result. Look for him to add to this week’s three receptions for 54 yards in Arizona’s high-flying aerial attack.
MATT JONES (JAX- WR): The 6’6” receiver’s lack of commitment and off-field issues are well noted, but he just may be the best thing Jacksonville has at wide out. The statuesque athlete did a tremendous job of shielding defenders with his frame and recorded six receptions for 80 yards in his team’s loss to Tennessee. Although Jerry Porter was brought in to be the number one receiver in J’ville, it’s doubtful if he’ll ever become a consistent go-to option. In the meantime, Jones presents quarterback David Garrard with a very inviting target.
DANTE ROSARIO (CAR- TE): If his opening-day performance was a harbinger of things to come, then Rosario may be on the verge of becoming one of the most dangerous tight ends in the league. In addition to making a leaping grab over safety Eric Weddle for Carolina’s game-winning score versus San Diego as time expired, he was also a constant threat throughout the game by lining up at different positions and gaining yardage after the catch thanks to his exceptional running ability. Rosario ended up with seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown.
BO SCAIFE (TENN- TE): Scaife more than did his job this week with six grabs for 105 yards. He not only served as Vince Young’s security blanket, but also broke loose for 44 yards on a tight-end screen from Kerry Collins late in the game. On a team short on speed at wide receiver, Scaife will be targeted with great frequency even with the presence of fellow tight end Alge Crumpler.
ONES TO WATCH
By Ralph Mancini, FFi
CHRIS SIMMS & TIM RATTAY (QBs- NE): Tom Brady’s latest injury has sent the patriots front office into a frenzy, as it has already contacted Simms and Rattay to come in and try out for the team on Monday. The 6’4” Simms has the physical tools to succeed although his decision making has often come into question. Rattay, on the other hand, is smaller than Simms, but is a more accurate thrower with the recognition skills to make quick decisions.
CEDRIC BENSON (RB- HOU): The troubled Benson will reportedly work out for the Texans during the week. Drafted as a tough between-the-tackles grinder in 2005, this back has been nothing more than a sluggish player with very little explosiveness and poor attitude to boot. Although the odds are stacked against him, Benson is young enough to turn his career around. Stay tuned.
SHAUN ALEXANDER (RB- CIN): “They want me to be Tres Siete,” said Alexander regarding the recent interest shown in him by Cincinnati. While it most certainly is understandable for Cincy to look into the addition of the former Seahawk, given the fragile nature of Chris Perry, there’s very little gas left in the tank with Alexander. The former star back has been on the decline for the past two years. Despite his diminished quickness and tendency to go down at first contact, Alexander does have a nose for the goal line.
CHANSI STUCKEY (WR-NYJ): Stuckey was surprisingly effective in Week One by scoring on a 22-yard jump-ball pass from quarterback Brett Favre, and further displayed some nifty maneuvering after the catch on a 15-yard catch and run. So impressed he was by Stuckey’s running ability, Favre recently compared his teammate to New England pass catcher Wes Welker. Keep an eye on this wide out’s development.
ANTHONY FASANO & DAVID MARTIN (TEs- MIA): Week One was a clear indication that Miami will look to utilize their tight ends often in the passing game. Both Fasano and Martin combined for 12 receptions, 137 yards and two scores. Fasano is the better blocker of the two and is very surehanded. Martin is a former receiver with the quickness and running ability to make downfield plays. He was targeted four times inside the red zone versus the Jets.
JACOB TAMME (TE- IND.): As an acrobatic H-back in the mold of teammate Dallas Clark, the rookie is a polished route runner, who’s fast enough to gain extra yardage after the catch. Clark’s knee injury versus Chicago may lead to more snaps for the former Kentucky Wildcat.
Busted, Bruised and Broken
By Brian Fitzpatrick, FFI
AFC
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady-Patriots: There’s no breaking news here. The NFL MVP is out for the year, and requires surgery on his left knee. At least there is a Patriot on the New England injury report that is on there for legitimate reasons, and not part of Bill Belechick’s Shroud of Mystery. Bogus injury reports: sheer genius, Bill. Karma just bit you on the tookus, my friend.
Vince Young-Titans: 3rd degree MCL sprain. He’s expected to be out two to four weeks. An MRI is scheduled for today (9/9). If Vince is your starter, I would leave him in there. At least you won’t get all those negative points he is so generous with.
Brodie Croyle-Chiefs: Croyle separated his shoulder during week one’s loss against the Patriots. Coach Herm Edwards said he’s not out for the year, but he is week to week. He is definitely out for week two. Playing the role of “Man Who Can’t Get the Ball to Tony Gonzalez or Dwayne Bowe” will be Damon Huard.
Running Backs
LaDainian Tomlinson-Chargers: LT2 (There is only one LT, and he was a linebacker for the NY Giants) jammed his toe during the Chargers final drive in week one. Fear not, he should be fine for week two.
Joseph Addai-Colts: Addai suffered a head injury during week one’s loss to the Bears. He looked pretty dazed on the sidelines, but the Colts won’t go as far to say that he has a concussion-yet. I remember when I got a concussion: I was 11, and I was riding in a shopping cart that my sister and I found on a street. She pushed me down a hill, and the cart lost control and tipped backwards. My head slammed the pavement pretty hard, and I was out cold. My sister showed no remorse for her reckless navigation of a shopping cart. This has nothing to do with Joseph Addai or his noggin, but who doesn’t like a good head injury anecdote?
Darren McFadden-Raiders: Shoulder stinger in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s loss against the Broncos. Look for him on all injury reports this week, but he should be OK to play in week two against the Chiefs.
Ahman Green-Texans: I should create a drop-down box with all possible injuries for this poor man. Fantasy owners were looking out for updates on his injured groin throughout the preseason, and then he was cleared to play in week one. Now he sprained his ankle. He is questionable for week two, and the Texans are auditioning running backs. Oh Man Green strikes again!
Ryan Torain-Broncos: Still healing from his fractured elbow, but should be back by October. Torain, along with Cutler, Marshall, Royal and Selvin Young could do some damage for Denver.
Wide Receivers
Javon Walker-Raiders: Walker missed week one against the Broncos with a bum hamstring. The Raiders paid 55 an obscene amount for this man’s services. Carl Pavano is about to be relieved of his title of Worst Free Agent Signing Ever.
Donte’ Stallworth-Browns: Stallworth injured his groin during pregame warm-ups in week one. At least he was spared from the beating his teammates got from the Cowboys. Groin injuries take time to heal. This could be a while before he is an effective weapon for Cleveland.
Jerry Porter-Jaguars: Porter has a nasty hamstring injury, and he missed week one against the Titans. He is questionable for week two.
Tight ends
Dallas Clark-Colts: Clark was taken out during the first quarter of the Colts’ loss against the Bears with a knee injury. He was walking on his own on the sidelines by the third quarter. The injury does not look to be too serious. He was missed in Sunday’s game. Peyton looked like a kid without his security blanket.
NFC
Quarterbacks
Tony Romo-Cowboys: cut-up chin that needed stitches. What covered his/her face more? The bandage on Romo’s chin, or the microphone blocking Britney’s mouth during the opening of the MTV Video Music Awards? Romo will be fine despite being banged up. He’ll be out there throwing for 300 yards on Sunday, because it’s September, and not the playoffs.
Jeff Garcia-Buccaneers: Garcia sprained his ankle during week one, and is questionable for Sunday. I hope he’s OK. This is one of the most underrated players in the NFL-and his wife is so much hotter than he deserves. I respect that.
Running Backs
Marion Barber-Cowboys: Barber bruised his ribs in the week one victory over the Browns, but still managed 80 yards and two touchdowns. He’s going to wrap the ribs up, and is expected to practice this week. This man is a powerhouse, he’s tough, and he scares me. It took me a while to accept that a man named Marion scares me, but he does.
Maurice Morris-Seahawks: Sprained knee. He’s expected to miss at least two games. Seattle is starting to be known for three things, and not two: There’s Kurt Cobain, there’s Starbucks, and now there’s the fact that THE WHOLE SEAHAWKS OFFENSE IS INJURED. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has back issues, but he swears he’s OK. However, he did look mighty uncomfortable out there in week one against the Bills. Now, check out their Wide receivers corps.
Wide Receivers
Nate Burleson-Seahawks: Torn Knee Ligaments, therefore, he’s out for the season. That’s horrible news for Seattle. They’re going to need former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch to step up. Ummmm…
Deion Branch-Seahawks: Still recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. He is out for week two against San Francisco. At least they have Matt Hasselbeck’s main man from last year, Bobby Engram. No they don’t.
Bobby Engram-You Guessed It-Seahawks: He is out for week two against San Francisco with a bad shoulder. Paging Joe Horn! Paging Keenan McCardell! Paging former congressman Steve Largent!
Reggie Brown-Eagles: Brown missed week one’s thrashing of the Rams with a hamstring injury. He is questionable for week two, which concerns Eagles fans since they only put up 38 points on the board without him.
Drew Bennett-Rams: Bennett made a four yard reception in the first quarter against the Eagles in week one, and he fractured his foot doing so. He is out at least one month.
FANTASY BUZZ
By Matt Pike, NFL Draft Bible
This week’s edition of the buzz is very painful to write. Buzz is supposed to be a word for promise, enthusiasm and hype. For example, “Man I’m feeling pretty buzzed or I got a good buzz on.” Oops wrong column!
It is only week 2 and I already have to write about torn ACL’s, possibly clinically depressed quarterbacks, stolen luggage and torn thumbs. Are you kiddion is a no-go for the next few weeks. Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey will keep the 'Skins on their heels all day.
Well, that was certainly an event-filled week one, huh? Twenty minutes into the season, and the Poster Boy for the league was gone. Poor New England. Brady out for the year. This was obviously terrible news not only for the Pats, but for the entire NFL. However, it's good news for karma, which can't be denied in this instance. The Pats failed to display any humility after being busted for cheating, nor did they learn after their Super Bowl loss--their coach left the field prematurely like the slug that he is. Now perhaps they'll be a bit humbled. Yes, New England--THIS is what it takes to appease the karmic gods. Your self-righteousness and "Us Against The World" attitude has come home to roost. I don't care what the TV "experts" say--very few people outside of New England are going to have any sympathy for the Patriots. All of that being said--Brady's replacement will come into a situation of diminished expectations; no one thinks Matt Cassel is going to be Tom Brady. But this team has the ability (and talent) to get to the playoffs even with Brady sidelined. They'll see it as an opportunity. I see it as the perfect experiment--just how much DO the Pats rely on Brady? We'll find out. Imagine if Cassel steps in and pulls a Brady? Remember--who thought Brady would turn into BRADY when he started out?
The Giants and Jets both won in unimpressive fashion. After what else happened in week one, their fans should be happy sitting at 1-0. The Giants opened the season by marching straight down the field on the hapless Redskins...but that was their only successful drive of the game. Time after time they moved the ball down the field in the first half, only to stall and settle for some John Carney field goals. OK against the Redskins, but they won't get away with that against the rest of the division. The problem in my eyes is that once the coaching staff had established that Washington couldn't score, they took their foot off the gas. Eli Manning's inconsistency can be attributed to exactly that. He's a rhythm QB, one who needs to throw and throw some more...when they pull the reins on him, he loses his rhythm, as he did in half number two. Every Giants fan I know was waiting for the Skins to get back into the game, and why not? We've all seen that exact thing happen time and time again. I realized this was going to happen with less than three minutes left in the first half: third and two for the Giants, from the Washington 26. The Skins couldn't cover Burress at all...but the Giants ran Brandon Jacobs for a loss then settled for the Carney FG. Why? Right there was a chance to essentially end the game by throng me? Thumbs down this week and sorry if I am “hurting inside.”
Vince Young-needs a big hug from the fans. This reminds me of The Simpsons episode where Darryl Strawberry cried because the fans were chanting “Daryl.” His mother recently suggested the idea that he may not want to play football anymore. The Titans need to be very concerned with there so called future quarterback. Ligaments tare, bones break and joints get dislocated, unless you are Ricky Williams, then they get smoked, but how do you fix a bruised ego? Here is a remedy for fixing professional quarterbacks that want to quit. Ask them to return their signing bonuses.
Tom Brady- will be spending a lot more time with his model girlfriend Gisele Bundchen after tearing his ACL just eight minutes into the season. Everybody feels so sorry for Tom, but I am not buying it. If I were to brake my typing hand Big Brother would make me learn how to type with my feet. In all seriousness, the NFL and the fans lost a special player to injury. It always feels better to go through an opponent when they are at their strongest, not kick them when they are down. All Patriots haters lost this opportunity.
Marques Colston- had surgery to reattach a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be out 4-6 weeks. This is devastating news to not only Colston owners, but owners of Drew Brees. If you own David Patten or Jeremy Shockey, this is the best thing that could have happened. It will be interesting to see how Reggie Bush is affected. Bush seems more explosive when he is not the sole proprietor on offense. Now with Colston out, look for defenses to focus more on Bush.
Eddie Royal- is this week’s must add in all leagues player. Royal, a second round draft pick out of Virginia Tech, was targeted by quarterback Jay Cutler 11 times. The rookie caught nine passes for 146 yards and a TD. He is worth the gamble especially if you own Colson or Nate Burleson, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Brandon Marshall, Cutler’s first love, returns next week, so do not expect the same numbers from Royal. On another note, stay away from Broncos running backs. It is now a three-headed monster with Michael Pittman stealing a TD.
San Diego Chargers- defense was torched by Jake Delhomme and the Carolina Panthers last week. The number one ranked fantasy defense last year will also be without star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman for the rest of the season. Merrimann gutted it out last week, but has decided to have season ending knee surgery. The Chargers gave up 388 yards of offense and knocked a few people out of their survivor pools. It is safe to say that we will have a new number one ranked fantasy defense this year.
BUZZ NOTES FOR WEEK 2- Throw Me The Damn Ball
- Matt Jones- was targeted by David Garrard 10 times last week, catching six passes for 80 yards.
- Muhsin Muhammad- saw 15 passes come his way. Muhammad caught six balls for 56 yards.
- Bo Scaife- appeared to be VY’s tight end of choice catching six passes to Alge Crumpler’s one. Scaife had 105 yards receiving.
- Reggie Wayne- was the most targeted receiver last week when 17 passes came his way. So much for being tight with Marvin Harrison huh Peyton.
- DeSean Jackson- was clearly Donovan McNabb’s receiver of choice being thrown to 10 times in his first game.
The Rookie Report
By Brian Fitzpatrick, FFI
September 11, 2008
I started doing my draft preparation homework in June of this year to avoid yet another disappointing fantasy season. Determined to stock up on a stable of capable running backs, I wanted to discover “The Steal of the Draft”. I wanted to be the envy of the Irishman’s Bar Fantasy Football League, instead of being known as the man who made “The Worst Pick in the League’s History”. I’m not ready to divulge who I picked and where I picked him-yet. It still hurts.
As I read the Fantasy Football magazines, visited websites and watched video blogs, one player was consistently mentioned as a primo sleeper: Houston Texans running back Steve Slaton. Everybody predicted that Ahman Green would get injured-it didn’t take Nostradamus to call that one. However, the writers and bloggers also liked what Slaton could bring to the Texans and their offense. The 2008 3rd round pick from West Virginia is a quick, cutback runner who is most comfortable as an outside rusher. In three years, Slaton rushed for 3,923 yards and a school record 50 touchdowns for the Mountaineers.
He finds himself in week two of the NFL season as quite possibly the main man in the backfield for Houston. Starting running back Green battled a groin injury throughout the preseason, and he sprained his ankle in week one’s loss against Pittsburgh. He hasn’t practiced this week, and his ankle remains badly swollen. Slaton and RB Chris Taylor will fill in for Green in his absence, with Slaton being the favorite to get the majority of the workload. In week one, Slaton rushed for 43 yards on 13 carries-not exactly mind blowing, but when you lose 38-17, running the ball is not a top priority. Even when Green finds his way back to the starting lineup, Slaton could be a solid contributor to your fantasy team. Green has a ton of running back mileage on his body which has slowed him down considerably, and he simply cannot stay healthy. The safe bet is that Green and Slaton will form a NFL-trendy “tandem”. Slaton should get between 12 and 20 carries per game, making him a nice number three running back, bye week replacement or flex option-and with that quickness and that outside running ability, there’s always the potential for six points at any time.
When it came to draft day, I was sold on Steve Slaton, and ready to strike. In round nine, I took him, and the instant messages in the draft room and text messages on my cell phone erupted. Most of the messages I cannot repeat here, but let’s just say that many owners were envious of my selection. To date, I have received three trade offers for him, but I will not budge. He provides nice depth on my roster behind Marshawn Lynch, Earnest Graham, and LenDale White. There’s a buzz around Slaton, and I’m not going to be the one to let him go. I still regret shipping out a running back with some buzz around him a few years ago. His name: Marion Barber. Ouch.
Slaton is owned in 66% of leagues on CBSSports.com and only 29% on ESPN.com. Grab him for running back depth and he might end up in your starting lineup soon.
The Rookie Top Ten
1. Darren McFadden: RB, Oakland Raiders- The whole team had a rough first game. McFadden got dinged up late in the game, but brighter days are ahead.
2. Chris Johnson: RB, Tennessee Titans-Huge first game last week. And he was the feature of last week’s Rookie Report. I feel like a proud parent.
3. Matt Forte: RB, Chicago Bears-Forte had a huge game in week one against the Colts. Can he keep up the pace?
4. Jonathan Stewart: RB, Carolina Panthers-53 yards on 10 carries against a tough Charger defense. Not bad at all.
5. Kevin Smith: RB, Detroit Lions-He’s not going to be very useful if the Lions keep getting thrashed like they did in week one against the Falcons.
6. Eddie Royal: WR, Denver Broncos-Only Rick Upchurch had more receiving yards in his first career game by a Bronco, and Royal’s 146 yards were the sixth most by a rookie in his first game since 1960. Not too shabby. Will Royal and Brandon Marshall form a lethal combination?
7. Ray Rice: RB, Baltimore Ravens-McGahee looks like he’s ready to make his 2008 debut, but Rice will still see plenty of time. He’s better than what he showed in week one.
8. DeSean Jackson: WR, Philadelphia Eagles-How will Jackson play against the Dallas defense? Did his week one performance grab him a starting spot for good?
9. Steve Slaton: RB, Houston Texans-Ahman Green is doubtful for week two; Slaton is set to get a bunch of carries. Will he be week two’s Chris Johnson?
10. Matt Ryan: QB, Atlanta Falcons-He threw a touchdown pass in his first NFL attempt. Don’t bench Brees or McNabb just yet. Rookies are never good fantasy quarterbacks.
STOCK EXCHANGE
By Matt Pike “The Fantasy Trader”, NFL Draft Bible
STOCK RISING
QB Jon Kitna– was pretty sure Mike Martz had gone to the 49ers. It looked like the same old Lions offense last week, attempting 33 passes and only 21 rushes. The good news for Kitna owners is that the Lions defense is so bad against the run that the offense is forced to air it out. They host the Packers, who were able to shut down the Vikings passing game, but Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams trump Bernard Berriman and Sydney Rice.
RB Larry Johnson – should turn back the clock against the Raiders this week. The Broncos used a combination of three running backs to rush for 141 yards and three TDs against a Raiders defense that was manhandled upfront. The Chiefs are not the Broncos on the offensive line, but LJ can get 34 touches all by himself.
RB Chris Johnson- opened some eyes with an impressive debut last week against the Jaguars. Most of the shocked faces belonged to LenDale White owners. Johnson and White both received 15 carries. White managed just 40 yards while Johnson ran for 93and also had a TD reception. The East Carolina rookie gets an easier task in the Cincinnati Bengals this week.
WR Brandon Marshall- is champing at the bit to get on the field. He says he wants to catch 140 passes in 15 games. He might catch 140 passes this week against a beat up Chargers defense. The San Diego secondary was carved up by Jake Delhomme, who was without his playmaker, Steve Smith. Jay Cutler aired it out on Monday night to rookie Eddie Royal, so there will be no doubling Marshall. No stock has risen more in the last three weeks than Marshall’s.
QB Peyton Manning- just wants one week with all of his weapons at his disposal... Manning was a little rusty last week after missing the entire preseason, but looked like his old self by the second half. Dallas Clark is questionable, but expect Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison to burn a terrible Vikings secondary. The Vikings were last against the pass in 2007 and looked shaky against Aaron Rodgers last week. Rodgers was 18 for 22 and could have done much more if an offensive lineman had not been illegally downfield on a deep TD pass. Imagine what Manning can do.
STOCK FALLING
RB Maurice Jones-Drew- only had five rushing attempts last week against the Titans. The Jaguars also suffered a couple of key injuries on their offensive line. MJD is not a bull you over back and relies more on finesse and running between the tackles. This week he gets a stingy Bills defense that allowed just 85 yards rushing to the Seahawks in week 1.
RB Laurence Maroney- owners are a bit baffled by his use. Maroney received only 10 carries last week in a favorable matchup against the Chiefs. The Patriots were without Tom Brady for most of the game and instead featured Sammy Morris in the running game. The Jets struggled against the run last year, but expect them to put eight in the box and take their chances with Matt Cassel.
QB Matt Hasselbeck- may have to make like Mr. Perfect and throw passes to himself. Hasselbeck and the Seahawks were already without wide receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram and now Nate Burleson is gone for the season. It also appears that they will be without RB Maurice Morris this week. You know it is bad when your stock is falling on a week where your team is hosting the 49ers.
WR Donald Driver- may have been Brett Favre’s boy, but Rodgers seems to be in a better rhythm with Greg Jennings. In his defense, Driver had a big TD called back last week and did catch four passes. The Packers are going to want to exploit the Lions run defense, so expect a ton of Ryan Grant.
QB Marc Bulger- actually has a nice matchup against a young New York Giants secondary, but he may not have time to throw the ball. If he does get time, where is he going with it? Bulger lost Drew Bennett for four weeks so you can expect Tory Holt to get double teamed. The only way Bulger accumulates yards is if Steven Jackson breaks one of those dump off passes or screens.
Do's and Dont's
Dallas Clark had a rough week 1 and it does not look any better for week 2. Don't start the Colts' tight end against a stingy Vikings defense. Clark did not practice Wednesday or Thursday due to an annoying knee injury.
Do start Packers' running back Ryan Grant this week. Grant is banged up a little for Green Bay, but he was rested during practice this week. Brandon Jackson is definitely out this week and after seeing what Michael Turner did against the Lions in week one, rest assured that Grant will help your team.
The Atlanta defense is a wise choice of defenses to start this week. Do give the nod to the Falcon defense against a confused Tampa offense. Garcia is hitting the pine amidst “injury” concerns which means Brian Griese gets the start under center for the Bucs. Maurice Stovall is injured as well which limits the weapons in Griese's arsenal.
Dwayne Bowe had a solid first week for Kansas City and it should continue this week. Do start the Chiefs' wideout versus the Raiders. Raider Nation's defense got blown up by the Broncos' offense in week 1 and Bowe will shine at home for KC.
The Seahawks' wide receivers are to be kept out of your starting line-up this week. Don't start any of the 'Hawks receivers this week. Bobby Engram is out for week 2 and Deion Branch is listed as doubtful. Granted, it's hard to imagine Seattle dropping to 0-2 against the 49ers, so look for Hasselbeck and company to get the job done on the ground.
If you had the luck of drafting Matt Forte, pat yourself on the back because he will be a solid contributor in 2008. Now that you've got your ego in check, don't start him this week at Carolina. The rookie has an ankle injury, but is listed as probable for week 2. Additionally, the Panthers' defense is much improved and got the job done against LT last Sunday.
Do start Ben Roethlisberger this week against the Browns. Cleveland's defense is very suspect and look for Big Ben to exploit it often this Sunday. He was limited in practice early in the week, but did fully participate on Friday. It's games like this that divisional rivals have to win in order to secure post-season play, and Roethlisberger knows this.
In week 1, Chad Pennington resembled the same quarterback for Miami as he was in New York. He wasn't fancy against the Jets, and hooked up for a couple of touchdown strikes. Do start Pennington this week at Arizona and he will earn you a solid week of points. The running game will keep the Cardinals' D honest and open up the passing game for the 'Phins.
Matt Cassel owners need to sit tight for a week before thrusting him into your starting line-up. Cassel has never started a game in the NFL and he will have to do it at the Jets. New York's defense looks much more stout and opportunistic than 2007 and should cause problems for New England. Don't start Matt Cassel yet.
Don't start the Washington defense in week 2 against New Orleans. The Saints' offense was solid in week 1 against Tampa Bay and Washington was not against the Giants. New Orleans has the offensive threats even though Marques Colstwing on 3rd down. But aggressiveness was in short supply and safety came first. That's not how they went on their Super Bowl run and I hope it's not how they're going to play going forward. But enough kvetching--a win is nice, a division win is even more so. Job done.
Then there's the Jets. All psyched up for the immortal number 4 to work his magic. But they suffered from the same affliction as the Giants! Yeah, Favre worked his "magic" when he hit a wide open Cotchery for the 56-yard TD. Yeah, he threw one up for grabs on fourth down and Chansi Stuckey hauled it in for a TD...that's all fine. But the Jets somehow found themselves in a game after a fourth quarter TD by Miami. With two minutes left, the Jets and their fancy new QB faced a third and seven from their own 21. They brought Favre here to execute. This was it--he would surely end the game by throwing a pass to Cotchery for the first down! Unless…the coach decides to run the ball. On third and seven. With Brett Favre. So many words could be used to describe that type of decision… “brave” is not one of them. Eric Mangini coached scared in the first game of the season and he did so as the Jets were leading a team that's rebuilding, with a Hall of Fame QB. What does that tell your team? If you think Brett Favre came to New York to play timid football, you're sadly mistaken. You could see the look of sheer disgust on his face, and who could blame him? Is Mangini trying to send a message to Favre? Is he saying "We don't throw the ball around like crazy people here"? Mangini has yet to prove he's worth anything. Favre is an all-time great. Jet fans, you can revel in the 1-0 start, but your coach better grow a pair because next time, Favre will throw that ball no matter what his coach says. Needless to say, the run on third and seven didn't produce a first down, and Chad Pennington led the Dolphins on a drive to the Jets 18 before throwing a pick. If Revis doesn't make that play and the Jets get tied up there--Mangini would still be trying to explain that decision away. But again, 1-0 is a good thing. Especially since the Jets are now the favorites to win the division. I wonder how that will affect their mind-set. Time will tell.
Around the league...
Most impressive performances of the week: The Tennessee Titans defense, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears. With all due respect to the Eagles and Cowboys, they were playing teams that simply couldn't hang with them. I said it pre-season, and I'll say it again--Cleveland is not doing anything this year. And the Rams...well, let's just move on. Tennessee held the Jacksonville running game--considered one of the best in the league--to 33 yards rushing. No, I didn't forget to type a "1" before the "33". Think about that--they held a team that averaged over 149 yards per game on the ground last season to 33, and they did so while their own QB continued to prove his worthlessness. Vince Young has done nothing to indicate he's worth a starting job. In fact, he's done a great deal to prove he's not. He pulled himself out of the game after being booed while his team was winning; coaches had to virtually push him back onto the field despite his obvious lack of mental character. In the fourth quarter, Young was injured and Kerry Collins (yes, THAT Kerry Collins) promptly led the Titans down the field for a TD, sealing the game. Collins threw two passes for 65 yards on that drive, amassing over half the yardage Young did while he was in the game for over three quarters. Young's ineffectiveness has been ignored by the media and masked by his team's ability to win with their defense. It's not easy to overcome a terrible QB, especially against the Jaguars. The Titans D intercepted David Garrard twice--one less INT than he threw ALL OF LAST SEASON! They sacked him seven times and won that game--a crucial division game that will come into play later in the season when the playoffs are on the line...if Tennessee gets some QB play.
Wow. The Steelers looked unbeatable. Roethlisberger was accurate beyond belief, Willie Parker seems to have new life now that the team drafted a stud in Rashard Mendenhall, and the defense looked playoff ready. Don't be fooled--the score wasn't as close as the game really was. Pittsburgh could have won 55-0 if they wanted to. I know the Steelers have a brutal schedule, but they could not have played a better game from start to finish. This was a very good sign for the black and gold.
I must admit, the Bears shocked me. I didn't think they had a chance...although I didn't take Indy in the pool. Heh. The Bears held the Colts to 53 yards rushing and kept Peyton Manning under 300 yards, yielding only one TD to that explosive offense. Was Manning rusty? Sure...but the Bears harassed him all night long and kept the crowd out of the game. It was VERY impressive, and a nice kick start for the latest edition of the Kyle Orton-as-starter era. Where are those articles about AFC domination? How'd the Chargers fare at home against an NFC also-ran in Carolina? Not so much. How'd that high-flying Browns offense fare against the Cowboys, at home? Not so much.
Perhaps the most impressive AFC performance came from the Buffalo Bills, who throttled the overrated Seahawks with aggressive play on all sides of the ball, especially special teams. A punt return by the electric Roscoe Parrish and a fake punt that caught the Seahawks sleeping and Buffalo has their fans believing. Why not? New England is suddenly vulnerable and the Bills always manage to give the Jets fits. That division, and the entire AFC is suddenly wide open after what happened to Tom Brady and we saw the Colts, Jags and Chargers mess the sheets.
Welcome to the Terrordome. Matt Ryan throws a TD pass on his first NFL attempt and sets the tone for the day in the ATL. The Falcons are looking like a run-machine with Michael Turner (220 yards on 22 carries and 2 TDs) and Jerious Norwood (93 yards and a TD). That division isn't anything special, why shouldn't Falcons fans (both of them) be thinking THEY are the team to come from nowhere this season? Ya gotta love week 1--anything is possible when you're 1-0!
Disappointments of the week: The Lions, Chargers and Colts. The Lions we're used to. The other two had the AFC steering wheel in their hands by the time they played--they knew full well that Brady was down and probably out and they came out--at HOME--and promptly showed the rest of the AFC that they all have a shot at the Super Bowl. That performance was surprising and hard to understand. The Chargers were pushed around by a Panthers team that looked more motivated than them, which is hard to imagine considering how close San Diego has come the past few seasons. I can chalk some of the Indy performance up to Manning's rustiness, but not all of it. If the Colts thought they were going to waltz to the Championship game, this should serve as a wake-up call.
There’s no waltzing in football.
From the experts at Fantasy Football Insiders and NFL Draft Bible.com
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