Jene Bramel
Footballguy
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Some highlights:
The Cardinals relied heavily on a Big Nickel alignment last week, with Jasper Brinkley playing only 14 snaps. That's likely to happen again against New Orleans. The Saints are yet another good matchup for slot corner Tyrann Mathieu.
The Vikings are saying that Desmond Bishop will have a larger rotational role this week, but it's unlikely he'll see more than every other series in the base defense. Keep an eye on his usage, but he's not rosterable yet. I'm waiting to see Xavier Rhodes return to the starting lineup, but he may have more fantasy value if he stays in his Week 2 role as a rotational passing situation corner.
Arthur Brown is doubtful with a pectoral strain. The Ravens are calling it minor, but it could be a multiple week injury. Josh Bynes is a likely every-down defender and has a solid matchup against Houston. He's a decent LB3/LB4 flyer if you're in a pinch. Chris Canty is doubtful with a thigh injury. Durability has always kept him from consistent fantasy value. Look for Arthur Jones to see his snap count jump today. Matt Elam has cemented himself as the starter over Michael Huff.
The Rams are healthy. Michael Brockers could have a very good week against a struggling Dallas interior line. If you don't have a clear starter in DT-required leagues, get him in your lineup. Rodney McLeod looks like the better safety option and it's a reasonable matchup if you need a DB3 flyer in deeper leagues.
The Bucs defense is straightforward right now. They're a dime team on most passing downs, with Mason Foster a high risk play against offenses like New England. Mark Barron is seeing some hybrid linebacker duty and could be a strong play today.
The loss of Kroy Biermann (IR-out for season) and Sean Weatherspoon (IR-designated to return) will have the Falcons digging into the depth chart today. Joplo Bartu will start at weak side linebacker and very likely play every down.Stephen Nicholas is listed as the starting strong side linebacker, but barely played. He'll rotate with Jonathan Massaquoi, who will try to fill Biermann's hybrid end-backer role. It's not the best of matchups, but it's time to put Robert McClain on your cloud corner list as a slot corner with lots of weekly upside.
Tyvon Branch is out indefinitely. Usama Young likely draws the first chance at replacing him due to his coverage experience. Whether he or Brandon Ross eventually see more time is an open question. Nick Roach likely bounces back this week after a poor stat crew effort and horrid tackle opportunity in Week 2.Jason Hunter and LaMarr Houston are both playing well, but Peyton Manning is a tough get. Use the Oakland defensive ends in tackle-heavy setups only this week unless you're feeling frisky with Ryan Clady out for the Broncos.
Duke Ihenacho practiced fully Friday and is probable. Shaun Phillips was added to the injury report Saturday with a back issue. It's safe to leave Iheancho in your lineup, but look for other options if you planned to start Phillips.
Some highlights:
The Cardinals relied heavily on a Big Nickel alignment last week, with Jasper Brinkley playing only 14 snaps. That's likely to happen again against New Orleans. The Saints are yet another good matchup for slot corner Tyrann Mathieu.
The Vikings are saying that Desmond Bishop will have a larger rotational role this week, but it's unlikely he'll see more than every other series in the base defense. Keep an eye on his usage, but he's not rosterable yet. I'm waiting to see Xavier Rhodes return to the starting lineup, but he may have more fantasy value if he stays in his Week 2 role as a rotational passing situation corner.
Arthur Brown is doubtful with a pectoral strain. The Ravens are calling it minor, but it could be a multiple week injury. Josh Bynes is a likely every-down defender and has a solid matchup against Houston. He's a decent LB3/LB4 flyer if you're in a pinch. Chris Canty is doubtful with a thigh injury. Durability has always kept him from consistent fantasy value. Look for Arthur Jones to see his snap count jump today. Matt Elam has cemented himself as the starter over Michael Huff.
The Rams are healthy. Michael Brockers could have a very good week against a struggling Dallas interior line. If you don't have a clear starter in DT-required leagues, get him in your lineup. Rodney McLeod looks like the better safety option and it's a reasonable matchup if you need a DB3 flyer in deeper leagues.
The Bucs defense is straightforward right now. They're a dime team on most passing downs, with Mason Foster a high risk play against offenses like New England. Mark Barron is seeing some hybrid linebacker duty and could be a strong play today.
The loss of Kroy Biermann (IR-out for season) and Sean Weatherspoon (IR-designated to return) will have the Falcons digging into the depth chart today. Joplo Bartu will start at weak side linebacker and very likely play every down.Stephen Nicholas is listed as the starting strong side linebacker, but barely played. He'll rotate with Jonathan Massaquoi, who will try to fill Biermann's hybrid end-backer role. It's not the best of matchups, but it's time to put Robert McClain on your cloud corner list as a slot corner with lots of weekly upside.
Tyvon Branch is out indefinitely. Usama Young likely draws the first chance at replacing him due to his coverage experience. Whether he or Brandon Ross eventually see more time is an open question. Nick Roach likely bounces back this week after a poor stat crew effort and horrid tackle opportunity in Week 2.Jason Hunter and LaMarr Houston are both playing well, but Peyton Manning is a tough get. Use the Oakland defensive ends in tackle-heavy setups only this week unless you're feeling frisky with Ryan Clady out for the Broncos.
Duke Ihenacho practiced fully Friday and is probable. Shaun Phillips was added to the injury report Saturday with a back issue. It's safe to leave Iheancho in your lineup, but look for other options if you planned to start Phillips.
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