BustedKnuckles
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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 a situation not to underestimate. Make sure to check the site early Sunday for the latest news around the NFL.
Important Week 9 Game-Time Decisions
Joe Horn – missed portions of practice all week, a mediocre play @ TB
Plaxico Burress – seems unlikely to play but make sure Sunday morning
Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai – don't mind the Q tags, both will go
Darrell Jackson – probable and a must-start Monday versus Oakland
LaMont Jordan – likely to play and carry a full load on Monday night
Kellen Winslow – fully expected to play despite being "questionable"
Reggie Bush – practiced fully Thursday and Friday, a solid PPR RB2
Todd Heap – upgraded to probable Friday, will play against Cincinnati
Clinton Portis, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Brunell – all probable, will start
Simeon Rice, Ellis Wyms – both expected to go versus New Orleans
Justin Fargas, Zack Crockett – status unknown, missed late-week practice
Teddy Lehman – Detroit's new starter at MLB may not start right away
Bob Sanders – unlikely to go after experiencing another setback Friday
Charles Woodson – has good chance to play, cover Peerless Price/Josh Reed
Channing Crowder, Travis Daniels – both should play in upset special
Edgerton Hartwell – unlikely to go, Keith Brooking moves back to MLB
Pisa Tinoisamoa – Dexter Coakley next on Rams weak-side depth chart
Kevin Williams – give Frank Gore a boost if interior star can't go Sunday
David Thornton – solid strong-side producer appears likely to play
James Hall – Lions will probably be without three starting d-linemen
Brandon Short, Sam Madison – likely out, upgrade Texans skill players
Daven Holly, Willie McGinest, Orpheus Roye – Browns appear likely to be without all three defensive starters at San Diego
Already Ruled Out for Week 9
Vernon Davis – set to return in Week 10, may become a late-season factor
Trent Green – could be back next week, will be third quarterback in Week 9
Shaun Alexander, Matt Hasselbeck – Shaun will be re-evaluated Monday
Brandon Stokley – Colts third receiver has no obvious timetable to return
Santana Moss – won't dress, Brandon Lloyd worth a quick look as a WR3
Verron Haynes – Najeh Davenport is a fine pickup in all fantasy leagues
Vernand Morency – Pack backfield all Ahman Green's this week @ BUF
Priest Holmes – headed for injured reserve, according to league sources
Bobby Engram – Former Nittany Lion should be back in Week 10 vs. STL
Aaron Brooks – may start Week 10 if Andrew Walter falters Monday night
Daunte Culpepper – also could land on I.R., drop him in fantasy leagues
John Abraham – Atlanta's prize offseason acquisition is out indefinitely
Brian Simmons – Rashad Jeanty will be Cincy's strong-side LB in Week 9
Osi Umenyiora – Mathias Kiwanuka becoming a star IDP in spot starts
Antwan Odom – Travis LaBoy set to start opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch
Marcus Stroud, Terry Cousin – JAX fared well without them in Week 8
Napoleon Harris – Dontarrious Thomas will start at MLB versus 49ers
Pacman Jones – big loss for Titans secondary, David Garrard has easy road
Corey Ivy – likely to play in Week 10, Chris Henry primed for big game
Shaun Phillips, Shawne Merriman – SD fantasy defense not as attractive
Breaking News Saturday Morning
Byron Leftwich Is Still the Jaguars' Starter…
…according to head coach Jack Del Rio. Only one thing has remained constant throughout this tired situation: Del Rio has never declared David Garrard his official starting quarterback. Garrard only starts two straight weeks when Leftwich says he's healthy. But news broke late Friday afternoon that Leftwich's injured ankle is indeed still injured, which logically aligns with Del Rio's most recent comments that he's been told by team trainers to sit his declared No. 1 QB, who's "being told to heal." Fantasy owners desperate for quarterback help, however, shouldn't feel obligated to stick with Byron. If David Garrard performs well, as he should in a favorable matchup vs. Tennessee, Del Rio may very well change his mind. Garrard has a good chance to be the Jags' starter for the remainder of the season. Feel free to drop Big Byron. He's hurt.
Greg Jennings Tweaked His Ankle In Practice…
…late in the week, despite being listed as having practiced fully. Jennings' matchup is fine against recently-benched Bills corner Terrence McGee, but the rookie wideout seems likely to be limited even if he does go. Using players when they're at less than 100 percent often ends in poor results. Owners of LaMont Jordan, Donte' Stallworth, Leftwich, and Tatum Bell will attest to that. Sit Jennings in Week 9.
The Extent and Area of Terry Glenn's Mysterious Injury is Unknown…
…according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Glenn was originally reported to have suffered a quadriceps or leg injury during practice Friday, and he's listed as probable. But Dallas has made no bones about sitting players they list as "virtually certain to play," opting to deactivate free safety Keith Davis when he was probable with an ankle in Week 7 and sounding pessimistic about fullback Oliver Hoyte (probable, arm) for this week. Glenn isn't worth relying on against a Redskins defense that is finally at full strength and due to break out. Glenn's shaky rapport with Tony Romo has dropped him into borderline WR3 status anyways.
Week 9 Matchups To Exploit/Avoid
Bengals @ Ravens
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
Often when setting your lineup, a date at Baltimore calls for an almost automatic sit. The Ravens' D, littered with former Pro Bowlers, is the reason the team won its first four games. Never would you consider using a No. 3 receiver against them, but this week is different. Chris Henry poses a complete mismatch for a Baltimore secondary that ranks 16th in the league and has recently been yielding big plays. Nickel cornerback Corey Ivy (kidney) is not yet ready for live action, leaving safety Ed Reed or former undrafted youngsters Evan Oglesby and Ronnie Prude to cover the nearly 6-5 Henry. None of the three potential covermen exceeds 6-feet-tall. Cincinnati will need to win this game through the air, as Baltimore's defense tops the league rankings against the run. Henry, who has scored a touchdown every 5.2 receptions in his 1.5-year career, is an excellent WR3 and borderline flex or WR2 fantasy start…
On the other side, Jamal Lewis received his biggest workload since 2004 against a spiraling New Orleans rush D last Sunday, churning out 109 yards on 31 tough carries. I personally don't think anything of Lewis, but with Musa Smith and Mike Anderson both out of the picture for now, Lewis has a decent matchup against a poorly-ranked run defense that will be without strong-side linebacker Brian Simmons and starts a rookie in the middle. Lewis is a fine flex play, as he can be expected to get plenty of carries in loyal Brian Billick's offense.
Vikings @ 49ers
Game Time: 3:15 CT/4:15 ET
A little (5-9/210) angry guy named Frank Gore is closing in on becoming a top-five fantasy back. Gore racked up an unlikely 120 total yards on 14 touches in Week 8 against the almighty Bears. Facing a Vikings team that will be minus middle linebacker Napoleon Harris and starts banged-up interior tackles, one a game-time decision, Gore has a better matchup than he appears to on paper. Minnesota's run defense ranks second in the NFL, but due to multiple injuries and Gore's ability to perform well when he's not supposed to, Angry Frank is a must-start for those who own him this week…
On the same side, Antonio Bryant has officially turned his season around. Bryant has followed a slow three-week stretch with nine catches, 136 yards, and a touchdown in his past two. According to FooballOutsiders, no team is worse at defending the No. 1 receiver than Minnesota, despite plenty of big names in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin orders his defensive backs to play a Tampa-2 zone that should allow for the explosive Bryant to rack up catches, thus giving him better potential to break a long gain. The Niners are expected to "spread out" their offense, ala New England in Week 8. Bryant, re-emerging as an every-week start, should be plugged into fantasy lineups for this one.
Texans @ Giants
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
The Giants' fantasy defense has been a disappointment this season. Many services (not Rotoworld) ranked New York as the top D heading into the year. Top corner Sam Madison, weak-side linebacker Brandon Short, and Pro Bowl end Osi Umenyiora are all likely out, and things look grim. But Mathias Kiwanuka wrecked house in his first career start in Week 8 and faces a banged-up Texans left tackle Ephraim Salaam on Sunday. Madison's replacement, R.W. McQuarters, has more interceptions the past three years than the man he's stepping in for. David Carr seems likely to be running for his life all afternoon, while the Sage Rosenfels Experience will be waiting patiently on a piping-hot Texans bench. If the Giants' fantasy defense has been dropped in your league, I recommend snatching them up…
On the other side, Houston will need to run the football to have a chance at keeping this game close. And that they should be able to do against the LaVar-less, Short-less, Osi-less Giants. Instead of letting Carr scramble and throw to Andre Johnson in quadruple coverage, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak should allow Wali Lundy to become the focal point of the offense. Kiwanuka may not be nearly as stout against the run as Umenyiora, and rookie 'backer Gerris Wilkinson could be exploited on the weak side. While Carr can be counted on to throw a pick or two to McQuarters and be sacked numerous times, Lundy's matchup is more favorable due to injuries at
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 a situation not to underestimate. Make sure to check the site early Sunday for the latest news around the NFL.
Important Week 9 Game-Time Decisions
Joe Horn – missed portions of practice all week, a mediocre play @ TB
Plaxico Burress – seems unlikely to play but make sure Sunday morning
Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai – don't mind the Q tags, both will go
Darrell Jackson – probable and a must-start Monday versus Oakland
LaMont Jordan – likely to play and carry a full load on Monday night
Kellen Winslow – fully expected to play despite being "questionable"
Reggie Bush – practiced fully Thursday and Friday, a solid PPR RB2
Todd Heap – upgraded to probable Friday, will play against Cincinnati
Clinton Portis, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Brunell – all probable, will start
Simeon Rice, Ellis Wyms – both expected to go versus New Orleans
Justin Fargas, Zack Crockett – status unknown, missed late-week practice
Teddy Lehman – Detroit's new starter at MLB may not start right away
Bob Sanders – unlikely to go after experiencing another setback Friday
Charles Woodson – has good chance to play, cover Peerless Price/Josh Reed
Channing Crowder, Travis Daniels – both should play in upset special
Edgerton Hartwell – unlikely to go, Keith Brooking moves back to MLB
Pisa Tinoisamoa – Dexter Coakley next on Rams weak-side depth chart
Kevin Williams – give Frank Gore a boost if interior star can't go Sunday
David Thornton – solid strong-side producer appears likely to play
James Hall – Lions will probably be without three starting d-linemen
Brandon Short, Sam Madison – likely out, upgrade Texans skill players
Daven Holly, Willie McGinest, Orpheus Roye – Browns appear likely to be without all three defensive starters at San Diego
Already Ruled Out for Week 9
Vernon Davis – set to return in Week 10, may become a late-season factor
Trent Green – could be back next week, will be third quarterback in Week 9
Shaun Alexander, Matt Hasselbeck – Shaun will be re-evaluated Monday
Brandon Stokley – Colts third receiver has no obvious timetable to return
Santana Moss – won't dress, Brandon Lloyd worth a quick look as a WR3
Verron Haynes – Najeh Davenport is a fine pickup in all fantasy leagues
Vernand Morency – Pack backfield all Ahman Green's this week @ BUF
Priest Holmes – headed for injured reserve, according to league sources
Bobby Engram – Former Nittany Lion should be back in Week 10 vs. STL
Aaron Brooks – may start Week 10 if Andrew Walter falters Monday night
Daunte Culpepper – also could land on I.R., drop him in fantasy leagues
John Abraham – Atlanta's prize offseason acquisition is out indefinitely
Brian Simmons – Rashad Jeanty will be Cincy's strong-side LB in Week 9
Osi Umenyiora – Mathias Kiwanuka becoming a star IDP in spot starts
Antwan Odom – Travis LaBoy set to start opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch
Marcus Stroud, Terry Cousin – JAX fared well without them in Week 8
Napoleon Harris – Dontarrious Thomas will start at MLB versus 49ers
Pacman Jones – big loss for Titans secondary, David Garrard has easy road
Corey Ivy – likely to play in Week 10, Chris Henry primed for big game
Shaun Phillips, Shawne Merriman – SD fantasy defense not as attractive
Breaking News Saturday Morning
Byron Leftwich Is Still the Jaguars' Starter…
…according to head coach Jack Del Rio. Only one thing has remained constant throughout this tired situation: Del Rio has never declared David Garrard his official starting quarterback. Garrard only starts two straight weeks when Leftwich says he's healthy. But news broke late Friday afternoon that Leftwich's injured ankle is indeed still injured, which logically aligns with Del Rio's most recent comments that he's been told by team trainers to sit his declared No. 1 QB, who's "being told to heal." Fantasy owners desperate for quarterback help, however, shouldn't feel obligated to stick with Byron. If David Garrard performs well, as he should in a favorable matchup vs. Tennessee, Del Rio may very well change his mind. Garrard has a good chance to be the Jags' starter for the remainder of the season. Feel free to drop Big Byron. He's hurt.
Greg Jennings Tweaked His Ankle In Practice…
…late in the week, despite being listed as having practiced fully. Jennings' matchup is fine against recently-benched Bills corner Terrence McGee, but the rookie wideout seems likely to be limited even if he does go. Using players when they're at less than 100 percent often ends in poor results. Owners of LaMont Jordan, Donte' Stallworth, Leftwich, and Tatum Bell will attest to that. Sit Jennings in Week 9.
The Extent and Area of Terry Glenn's Mysterious Injury is Unknown…
…according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Glenn was originally reported to have suffered a quadriceps or leg injury during practice Friday, and he's listed as probable. But Dallas has made no bones about sitting players they list as "virtually certain to play," opting to deactivate free safety Keith Davis when he was probable with an ankle in Week 7 and sounding pessimistic about fullback Oliver Hoyte (probable, arm) for this week. Glenn isn't worth relying on against a Redskins defense that is finally at full strength and due to break out. Glenn's shaky rapport with Tony Romo has dropped him into borderline WR3 status anyways.
Week 9 Matchups To Exploit/Avoid
Bengals @ Ravens
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
Often when setting your lineup, a date at Baltimore calls for an almost automatic sit. The Ravens' D, littered with former Pro Bowlers, is the reason the team won its first four games. Never would you consider using a No. 3 receiver against them, but this week is different. Chris Henry poses a complete mismatch for a Baltimore secondary that ranks 16th in the league and has recently been yielding big plays. Nickel cornerback Corey Ivy (kidney) is not yet ready for live action, leaving safety Ed Reed or former undrafted youngsters Evan Oglesby and Ronnie Prude to cover the nearly 6-5 Henry. None of the three potential covermen exceeds 6-feet-tall. Cincinnati will need to win this game through the air, as Baltimore's defense tops the league rankings against the run. Henry, who has scored a touchdown every 5.2 receptions in his 1.5-year career, is an excellent WR3 and borderline flex or WR2 fantasy start…
On the other side, Jamal Lewis received his biggest workload since 2004 against a spiraling New Orleans rush D last Sunday, churning out 109 yards on 31 tough carries. I personally don't think anything of Lewis, but with Musa Smith and Mike Anderson both out of the picture for now, Lewis has a decent matchup against a poorly-ranked run defense that will be without strong-side linebacker Brian Simmons and starts a rookie in the middle. Lewis is a fine flex play, as he can be expected to get plenty of carries in loyal Brian Billick's offense.
Vikings @ 49ers
Game Time: 3:15 CT/4:15 ET
A little (5-9/210) angry guy named Frank Gore is closing in on becoming a top-five fantasy back. Gore racked up an unlikely 120 total yards on 14 touches in Week 8 against the almighty Bears. Facing a Vikings team that will be minus middle linebacker Napoleon Harris and starts banged-up interior tackles, one a game-time decision, Gore has a better matchup than he appears to on paper. Minnesota's run defense ranks second in the NFL, but due to multiple injuries and Gore's ability to perform well when he's not supposed to, Angry Frank is a must-start for those who own him this week…
On the same side, Antonio Bryant has officially turned his season around. Bryant has followed a slow three-week stretch with nine catches, 136 yards, and a touchdown in his past two. According to FooballOutsiders, no team is worse at defending the No. 1 receiver than Minnesota, despite plenty of big names in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin orders his defensive backs to play a Tampa-2 zone that should allow for the explosive Bryant to rack up catches, thus giving him better potential to break a long gain. The Niners are expected to "spread out" their offense, ala New England in Week 8. Bryant, re-emerging as an every-week start, should be plugged into fantasy lineups for this one.
Texans @ Giants
Game Time: 12:00 CT/1:00 ET
The Giants' fantasy defense has been a disappointment this season. Many services (not Rotoworld) ranked New York as the top D heading into the year. Top corner Sam Madison, weak-side linebacker Brandon Short, and Pro Bowl end Osi Umenyiora are all likely out, and things look grim. But Mathias Kiwanuka wrecked house in his first career start in Week 8 and faces a banged-up Texans left tackle Ephraim Salaam on Sunday. Madison's replacement, R.W. McQuarters, has more interceptions the past three years than the man he's stepping in for. David Carr seems likely to be running for his life all afternoon, while the Sage Rosenfels Experience will be waiting patiently on a piping-hot Texans bench. If the Giants' fantasy defense has been dropped in your league, I recommend snatching them up…
On the other side, Houston will need to run the football to have a chance at keeping this game close. And that they should be able to do against the LaVar-less, Short-less, Osi-less Giants. Instead of letting Carr scramble and throw to Andre Johnson in quadruple coverage, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak should allow Wali Lundy to become the focal point of the offense. Kiwanuka may not be nearly as stout against the run as Umenyiora, and rookie 'backer Gerris Wilkinson could be exploited on the weak side. While Carr can be counted on to throw a pick or two to McQuarters and be sacked numerous times, Lundy's matchup is more favorable due to injuries at
