BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
Last Minute Decisions
Each week, Last Minute Decisions is your final stopping point before setting your lineups Sunday morning. I'll tell you Game-Time Decisions to watch, provide matchup rundowns you won't find anywhere else, and focus on some situations not to underestimate. Make sure to check the site early Sunday for the latest news around the NFL.
Important Week 8 Game-Time Decisions
Damon Huard – hurt groin practicing Thursday, Brodie Croyle on deck
DeAngelo Williams – returned Friday, seems unlikely to play 'til Week 10
Greg Jennings – doubtful but a game-time call according to Mike McCarthy
Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor – both limited Friday, explore other options
Matt Jones – won't be 100% if he goes, wait 'til Week 9 vs. TEN to use him
David Givens – would play with a finger splint, not a quality fantasy option
Anquan Boldin – late addition to the injury report, "virtually certain" to go
LaMont Jordan – practiced Friday but don't rely on him for afternoon game
Jeb Putzier – listed as doubtful, Owen Daniels a fantasy play to consider
Ben Roethlisberger – expected to play but a poor start at OAK (believe it)
Brian Westbrook, Donte' Stallworth, L.J. Smith – trio is set to play vs. JAX
Laveranues Coles – will play, should excel versus disastrous CLE secondary
Steve McNair – upgraded to probable, not worth a roster spot in most leagues
Dennis Northcutt – probably won't go after missing practice portions all week
Leigh Bodden – had a high ankle sprain, Jets air game could take off @ CLE
Richard Seymour – status uncertain, Jarvis Green behind him on depth chart
Rod Coleman, Jonathan Babineaux – ATL interior d-line should be intact
Kynan Forney – Matt Lehr suspended, ATL interior o-line not looking good
Sam Madison – use Michael Clayton if Madison is among Giants' inactives
Artis Hicks, Marcus Johnson – Vikings may be without offensive line starters
Adewale Ogunleye – practiced all week, could lose snaps to Mark Anderson
Dawan Landry – probable despite missing portions of practice all week long
Gerard Warren, Al Wilson – likely to play, Colts RBs set to struggle @ DEN
Warren Sapp – missed Thursday and Friday, Willie Parker has great matchup
Kenechi Udeze – missed late-week practices, rookie Ray Edwards set to start
Pisa Tinoisamoa – has dislocated elbow, broken hand, but still slated to play
Casey Hampton – Steelers Pro Bowl nose guard doubtful to play at Oakland
Already Ruled Out for Week 8
Larry Fitzgerald – return Week 11? Bryant Johnson a great start @ GB
Matt Hasselbeck – Seneca Wallace will start for next three-to-four weeks
Antonio Chatman – placed on I.R., Chris Henry reclaims No.3 receiver role
Byron Leftwich – David Garrard to start Sunday but probably not long term
Bobby Engram – D.J. Hackett will be Seattle's third wideout at Kansas City
Brandon Stokley – can't get healthy, has been on these lists every week
Trent Green – Chiefs to rush Green back with Damon Huard on the mend?
Shaun Alexander – should have o-line fully intact if he returns in Week 9
Curtis Martin, Priest Holmes – final PUP decisions still two weeks away
Marcus Robinson – out despite "questionable" tag, may miss several weeks
Aaron Brooks – Andrew Walter appears likely to keep starting job regardless
Mike Brown – hard-hitting Todd Johnson takes over as Bears strong safety
John Abraham – out 4-6 weeks after groin surgery, Chauncey Davis to start
Levi Jones – Bengals suddenly pass protecting despite loss of left tackle
Shaun Phillips – SD won't be minus he and Shawne Merriman simultaneously
Matt Lepsis – Dwight Freeney should tally first sack of the season Sunday
Bob Sanders – Marlin Jackson appears likely to make starting debut at safety
Montae Reagor – likely out for '06, one more Colts injury could spell disaster
Osi Umenyiora – Mathias Kiwanuka to face old B.C. bud Jeremy Trueblood
Karlos Dansby, Kendrick Clancy – hurts to say: Ahman Green is a solid start
Floyd Womack, Sean Locklear – Maurice Morris is set to disappoint again
Brian Kelly – keep new starter Juran Bolden in mind for match-up purposes
Marcus Stroud – all Eagles skill players are safer fantasy starts this week
Mike Doss – rookie Antoine Bethea to be Indy's strong safety going forward
LaVar Arrington – could be cut in 2007, Carlos Emmons now Giants' SLB
What Is Up with Antonio Bryant?
In normal fantasy leagues, Bryant seems barely worthy of a roster spot. Doubled constantly after a hot start, the once-emerging star has been held to an average of 42.5 yards in his past three games. Similar to how the Jets made Mike Furrey a Week 7 fantasy stud by diverting all their attention to Roy Williams, teams would rather let Arnaz Battle and his balky knees beat them than put Bryant in single coverage. And San Francisco hasn't been able to counter it by spreading out a defense. The Niners' third receiver is Bryan Gilmore, a career special teamer. Third-rounder Brandon Williams has been a big disappointment. But a promising four-catch, 78-yard outing against the Chargers in Week 6 and upcoming matchups with Chicago and Minnesota (both ranked near or at the the league's basement against No. 1 receivers) could bring Bryant back to near-fantasy starter status. Don't expect him to be a non-factor all season; the Niners will be playing from behind often going forward.
Week 8 Matchups to Exploit/Avoid
Jaguars @ Eagles
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
Last week, Ernest Wilford appeared on paper a very solid WR3 play and an excellent bet to score. An erratic and injured Byron Leftwich targeted him frequently in the early going before a late-game fumble that likely landed Wilford in Jack Del Rio's doghouse. He finished with a pair of catches. This week, there's not an attractive skill player on the Jags. Eagles nickel corner Roderick Hood is back. Stalwart end Darren Howard is healthy. Fred Taylor is losing goal-line carries to Maurice Jones-Drew. Matt Jones is expected to play and will steal looks from Wilford and Reggie Williams. With Big Byron out, David Garrard is set to struggle against an Eagles defense that leads the league in sacks. Expect Philly to control this game and bench your Jaguars in Week 8…
On the other side, Jacksonville's defense is in serious trouble. After allowing 27 points to the Texans in a bad Week 7 loss, the Jags will be without interior stopgap Marcus Stroud and nickel back Terry Cousin. Mike Peterson and Reggie Hayward's season-ending injuries have caught up to Jacksonville. The Jaguars' defense is perennially tough, but this is not a week to sit Donovan McNabb. Fantasy football's 2006 MVP by far, McNabb faces a defense that is shuffling bodies and could very well slip into the bottom half of the league's rankings down the stretch. Get all your Eagles going against the Jags.
Buccaneers @ Giants
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 CT
Brian Kelly is officially done for the season. His replacement, Juran Bolden (questionable, hip), is not only banged up himself, but he's quite prone to giving up big plays. At 6-3, Bolden's size makes him the obvious choice to work on 6-5 Plaxico Burress in primary coverage. While Plax himself may be at less than 100 percent with a minor heel injury, expect big numbers from Burress against Bolden after a quiet second half in Week 7 at Dallas…
On the other side, Michael Clayton may have emerged as Bruce Gradkowski's favorite target. After Clayton stretched for the game-winning TD in Week 6 over Cincinnati, he proceeded to lead Tampa wideouts in Week 7 receiving, while Joey Galloway was held without a catch. Clayton fits the mold as a star target underneath, where Gradkowski specializes. Neither LaVar Arrington nor Osi Umenyiora will be around to pressure the rookie QB and with Sam Madison unlikely to play after missing portions of practice all week, usual backup R.W. McQuarters is expected to start. Clayton gets a much more favorable matchup and is worth using this week as a WR3.
BEWARE: Wind gusts of 40-50 MPH reported at Giants Stadium. This may be a situation to avoid regarding members of both teams' passing games.
Jets @ Browns
Game Time: 3:15 CT/4:15 ET
The forecast for Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday is windy. It's going to be cold; the high is 50 and by late afternoon the temperature will be in the low 40s. For two teams that can't stop the run, that's great news for their running backs. Reuben Droughns is expected to now be used consistently in short-yardage situations under new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. Possible goal-line vulture Lawrence Vickers is questionable and missed practices this week. Droughns is a very solid flex play on Sunday…
On the other side lies the marquee fantasy play. Diminutive rookie Leon Washington has clearly overtaken Kevan Barlow to be the Jets' top tailback, starting the past two games and breaking out in Week 7 with 137 total yards and two scores . Washington was an NFL-ready receiving back coming out of Florida State. He fell to the fourth round because family-related issues, star recruit Lorenzo Booker, and minor injuries cost him playing time. It was not for a lack of talent. And now having emerged as the primary ball carrier in New York's backfield, Washington's fantasy value is soaring. The likely absence of both Browns starting cornerbacks will keep Cleveland's safeties well off the line of scrimmage and a proficient outside runner like Washington should capitalize.
Do Not Underestimate
The Long-Term Fantasy Implications of This Game:
49ers @ Bears
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner says Cedric Benson will be more involved early in this week's game versus San Francisco. My educated guess is that the Bears know they'll win this game, so why not give Benson a shot? He clearly isn't happy about his backup role. Maybe to get him some confidence and lift his spirits against a below-average run defense, Benson will get 10-12 carries. For a week, the only thing this will hurt is Thomas Jones' fantasy value in a fine matchup. But Jones owners, be not afraid. Play Jones as a flex, watch Ced-Ben scrounge together another Curtis Enis-like 3.0 yards-per-carry, and look for him to head back to the bench in time for the stretch run. If I'm wrong, this could become be a carry-sharing situation. But don't bet on it...
On the other side, with the returns of left tackle Jonas Jennings and former All-Pro guard Larry Allen, Frank Gore has his offensive line intact. While the Bears rank third overall in rushing defense (thanks in part to Edgerrin James' horrific 36-carry, 55-yard Week 6), and Gore isn't a quintessential start this week, the budding star could be in store for a fantasy league-winning second half. The Niners will test their now-healthy and suddenly explosive offense against two top defenses in Chicago this week and Minnesota in Week 9 before an exceptionally favorable late-season schedule. Barring injury or the rebirth of Michael Robinson, Gore appears likely to come in handy for those in fantasy playoff contention.
The Potential Impact on Chiefs Receivers if Brodie Croyle Starts
Until news of Damon Huard's in-practice injury broke, I loved Tony Gonzalez this week. Gonzo (6-138) appeared to turn a corner in Week 7. But if Brodie Croyle is Kansas City's starter, there's not a Chiefs pass-catcher I'd use Sunday. Croyle was atrocious in the preseason and threw two garbage-time picks with no pressure on him in Week 6. I'd rather see Jeff Smoker in there for the Chiefs. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock compared Croyle to the Detmer brothers and noted that the Alabama product has an average arm that's especially exposed in windy conditions. It's getting cold in the Midwest, and Arrowhead doesn't typically present a dome-like climate. Croyle may some day develop into a Chad Pennington type, but until about his third year, he probably shouldn't be on a game day roster, let alone starting. Also, if you find out Croyle is starting Sunday morning and Seattle's defense is on your league's waiver wire, I highly recommend snatching them up.
Each week, Last Minute Decisions is your final stopping point before setting your lineups Sunday morning. I'll tell you Game-Time Decisions to watch, provide matchup rundowns you won't find anywhere else, and focus on some situations not to underestimate. Make sure to check the site early Sunday for the latest news around the NFL.
Important Week 8 Game-Time Decisions
Damon Huard – hurt groin practicing Thursday, Brodie Croyle on deck
DeAngelo Williams – returned Friday, seems unlikely to play 'til Week 10
Greg Jennings – doubtful but a game-time call according to Mike McCarthy
Troy Williamson, Travis Taylor – both limited Friday, explore other options
Matt Jones – won't be 100% if he goes, wait 'til Week 9 vs. TEN to use him
David Givens – would play with a finger splint, not a quality fantasy option
Anquan Boldin – late addition to the injury report, "virtually certain" to go
LaMont Jordan – practiced Friday but don't rely on him for afternoon game
Jeb Putzier – listed as doubtful, Owen Daniels a fantasy play to consider
Ben Roethlisberger – expected to play but a poor start at OAK (believe it)
Brian Westbrook, Donte' Stallworth, L.J. Smith – trio is set to play vs. JAX
Laveranues Coles – will play, should excel versus disastrous CLE secondary
Steve McNair – upgraded to probable, not worth a roster spot in most leagues
Dennis Northcutt – probably won't go after missing practice portions all week
Leigh Bodden – had a high ankle sprain, Jets air game could take off @ CLE
Richard Seymour – status uncertain, Jarvis Green behind him on depth chart
Rod Coleman, Jonathan Babineaux – ATL interior d-line should be intact
Kynan Forney – Matt Lehr suspended, ATL interior o-line not looking good
Sam Madison – use Michael Clayton if Madison is among Giants' inactives
Artis Hicks, Marcus Johnson – Vikings may be without offensive line starters
Adewale Ogunleye – practiced all week, could lose snaps to Mark Anderson
Dawan Landry – probable despite missing portions of practice all week long
Gerard Warren, Al Wilson – likely to play, Colts RBs set to struggle @ DEN
Warren Sapp – missed Thursday and Friday, Willie Parker has great matchup
Kenechi Udeze – missed late-week practices, rookie Ray Edwards set to start
Pisa Tinoisamoa – has dislocated elbow, broken hand, but still slated to play
Casey Hampton – Steelers Pro Bowl nose guard doubtful to play at Oakland
Already Ruled Out for Week 8
Larry Fitzgerald – return Week 11? Bryant Johnson a great start @ GB
Matt Hasselbeck – Seneca Wallace will start for next three-to-four weeks
Antonio Chatman – placed on I.R., Chris Henry reclaims No.3 receiver role
Byron Leftwich – David Garrard to start Sunday but probably not long term
Bobby Engram – D.J. Hackett will be Seattle's third wideout at Kansas City
Brandon Stokley – can't get healthy, has been on these lists every week
Trent Green – Chiefs to rush Green back with Damon Huard on the mend?
Shaun Alexander – should have o-line fully intact if he returns in Week 9
Curtis Martin, Priest Holmes – final PUP decisions still two weeks away
Marcus Robinson – out despite "questionable" tag, may miss several weeks
Aaron Brooks – Andrew Walter appears likely to keep starting job regardless
Mike Brown – hard-hitting Todd Johnson takes over as Bears strong safety
John Abraham – out 4-6 weeks after groin surgery, Chauncey Davis to start
Levi Jones – Bengals suddenly pass protecting despite loss of left tackle
Shaun Phillips – SD won't be minus he and Shawne Merriman simultaneously
Matt Lepsis – Dwight Freeney should tally first sack of the season Sunday
Bob Sanders – Marlin Jackson appears likely to make starting debut at safety
Montae Reagor – likely out for '06, one more Colts injury could spell disaster
Osi Umenyiora – Mathias Kiwanuka to face old B.C. bud Jeremy Trueblood
Karlos Dansby, Kendrick Clancy – hurts to say: Ahman Green is a solid start
Floyd Womack, Sean Locklear – Maurice Morris is set to disappoint again
Brian Kelly – keep new starter Juran Bolden in mind for match-up purposes
Marcus Stroud – all Eagles skill players are safer fantasy starts this week
Mike Doss – rookie Antoine Bethea to be Indy's strong safety going forward
LaVar Arrington – could be cut in 2007, Carlos Emmons now Giants' SLB
What Is Up with Antonio Bryant?
In normal fantasy leagues, Bryant seems barely worthy of a roster spot. Doubled constantly after a hot start, the once-emerging star has been held to an average of 42.5 yards in his past three games. Similar to how the Jets made Mike Furrey a Week 7 fantasy stud by diverting all their attention to Roy Williams, teams would rather let Arnaz Battle and his balky knees beat them than put Bryant in single coverage. And San Francisco hasn't been able to counter it by spreading out a defense. The Niners' third receiver is Bryan Gilmore, a career special teamer. Third-rounder Brandon Williams has been a big disappointment. But a promising four-catch, 78-yard outing against the Chargers in Week 6 and upcoming matchups with Chicago and Minnesota (both ranked near or at the the league's basement against No. 1 receivers) could bring Bryant back to near-fantasy starter status. Don't expect him to be a non-factor all season; the Niners will be playing from behind often going forward.
Week 8 Matchups to Exploit/Avoid
Jaguars @ Eagles
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
Last week, Ernest Wilford appeared on paper a very solid WR3 play and an excellent bet to score. An erratic and injured Byron Leftwich targeted him frequently in the early going before a late-game fumble that likely landed Wilford in Jack Del Rio's doghouse. He finished with a pair of catches. This week, there's not an attractive skill player on the Jags. Eagles nickel corner Roderick Hood is back. Stalwart end Darren Howard is healthy. Fred Taylor is losing goal-line carries to Maurice Jones-Drew. Matt Jones is expected to play and will steal looks from Wilford and Reggie Williams. With Big Byron out, David Garrard is set to struggle against an Eagles defense that leads the league in sacks. Expect Philly to control this game and bench your Jaguars in Week 8…
On the other side, Jacksonville's defense is in serious trouble. After allowing 27 points to the Texans in a bad Week 7 loss, the Jags will be without interior stopgap Marcus Stroud and nickel back Terry Cousin. Mike Peterson and Reggie Hayward's season-ending injuries have caught up to Jacksonville. The Jaguars' defense is perennially tough, but this is not a week to sit Donovan McNabb. Fantasy football's 2006 MVP by far, McNabb faces a defense that is shuffling bodies and could very well slip into the bottom half of the league's rankings down the stretch. Get all your Eagles going against the Jags.
Buccaneers @ Giants
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 CT
Brian Kelly is officially done for the season. His replacement, Juran Bolden (questionable, hip), is not only banged up himself, but he's quite prone to giving up big plays. At 6-3, Bolden's size makes him the obvious choice to work on 6-5 Plaxico Burress in primary coverage. While Plax himself may be at less than 100 percent with a minor heel injury, expect big numbers from Burress against Bolden after a quiet second half in Week 7 at Dallas…
On the other side, Michael Clayton may have emerged as Bruce Gradkowski's favorite target. After Clayton stretched for the game-winning TD in Week 6 over Cincinnati, he proceeded to lead Tampa wideouts in Week 7 receiving, while Joey Galloway was held without a catch. Clayton fits the mold as a star target underneath, where Gradkowski specializes. Neither LaVar Arrington nor Osi Umenyiora will be around to pressure the rookie QB and with Sam Madison unlikely to play after missing portions of practice all week, usual backup R.W. McQuarters is expected to start. Clayton gets a much more favorable matchup and is worth using this week as a WR3.
BEWARE: Wind gusts of 40-50 MPH reported at Giants Stadium. This may be a situation to avoid regarding members of both teams' passing games.
Jets @ Browns
Game Time: 3:15 CT/4:15 ET
The forecast for Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday is windy. It's going to be cold; the high is 50 and by late afternoon the temperature will be in the low 40s. For two teams that can't stop the run, that's great news for their running backs. Reuben Droughns is expected to now be used consistently in short-yardage situations under new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. Possible goal-line vulture Lawrence Vickers is questionable and missed practices this week. Droughns is a very solid flex play on Sunday…
On the other side lies the marquee fantasy play. Diminutive rookie Leon Washington has clearly overtaken Kevan Barlow to be the Jets' top tailback, starting the past two games and breaking out in Week 7 with 137 total yards and two scores . Washington was an NFL-ready receiving back coming out of Florida State. He fell to the fourth round because family-related issues, star recruit Lorenzo Booker, and minor injuries cost him playing time. It was not for a lack of talent. And now having emerged as the primary ball carrier in New York's backfield, Washington's fantasy value is soaring. The likely absence of both Browns starting cornerbacks will keep Cleveland's safeties well off the line of scrimmage and a proficient outside runner like Washington should capitalize.
Do Not Underestimate
The Long-Term Fantasy Implications of This Game:
49ers @ Bears
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner says Cedric Benson will be more involved early in this week's game versus San Francisco. My educated guess is that the Bears know they'll win this game, so why not give Benson a shot? He clearly isn't happy about his backup role. Maybe to get him some confidence and lift his spirits against a below-average run defense, Benson will get 10-12 carries. For a week, the only thing this will hurt is Thomas Jones' fantasy value in a fine matchup. But Jones owners, be not afraid. Play Jones as a flex, watch Ced-Ben scrounge together another Curtis Enis-like 3.0 yards-per-carry, and look for him to head back to the bench in time for the stretch run. If I'm wrong, this could become be a carry-sharing situation. But don't bet on it...
On the other side, with the returns of left tackle Jonas Jennings and former All-Pro guard Larry Allen, Frank Gore has his offensive line intact. While the Bears rank third overall in rushing defense (thanks in part to Edgerrin James' horrific 36-carry, 55-yard Week 6), and Gore isn't a quintessential start this week, the budding star could be in store for a fantasy league-winning second half. The Niners will test their now-healthy and suddenly explosive offense against two top defenses in Chicago this week and Minnesota in Week 9 before an exceptionally favorable late-season schedule. Barring injury or the rebirth of Michael Robinson, Gore appears likely to come in handy for those in fantasy playoff contention.
The Potential Impact on Chiefs Receivers if Brodie Croyle Starts
Until news of Damon Huard's in-practice injury broke, I loved Tony Gonzalez this week. Gonzo (6-138) appeared to turn a corner in Week 7. But if Brodie Croyle is Kansas City's starter, there's not a Chiefs pass-catcher I'd use Sunday. Croyle was atrocious in the preseason and threw two garbage-time picks with no pressure on him in Week 6. I'd rather see Jeff Smoker in there for the Chiefs. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock compared Croyle to the Detmer brothers and noted that the Alabama product has an average arm that's especially exposed in windy conditions. It's getting cold in the Midwest, and Arrowhead doesn't typically present a dome-like climate. Croyle may some day develop into a Chad Pennington type, but until about his third year, he probably shouldn't be on a game day roster, let alone starting. Also, if you find out Croyle is starting Sunday morning and Seattle's defense is on your league's waiver wire, I highly recommend snatching them up.
