BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
AFC East
Buffalo — Head coach **** Jauron named Trent Edwards his starting quarterback, but that doesn’t mean you should. Edwards has thrown one touchdown against four interceptions for the season. For now, he doesn’t merit fantasy consideration. … RB Marshawn Lynch has been remarkably consistent in his rookie campaign despite the fact that he has yet to break the 100-yard mark. Look for that to change vs. a woeful Jets run defense that is ranked 28th in the league. The Bills’ massive O-line will assert its will on an undersized front seven, and Lynch should add at least 100 total yards and a touchdown or two to the four scores he already has racked up. Play him. … WR Lee Evans came within two yards of topping 100 yards in a game for the first time this season last week vs. the Ravens. He’s developed a nice chemistry with Edwards, but he has frustrated fantasy owners by not finding the endzone yet in 2007. The Jets boast a secondary far better than the numbers indicate and will make life difficult for him — especially when he’s matched up against ever-improving rookie CB Darrelle Revis. Evans is not an awful play, but you likely can find a better one on your roster. … Edwards locates the tight end far better than J.P. Losman does. However, Robert Royal is physically limited and represents nothing better than a last-resort option.
Miami — A Giants defense leading the NFL in sacks will make QB Cleo Lemon’s trip to London miserable. He’ll buckle under the pressure. Don’t think about playing him. … Jesse Chatman gets the nod at running back now that Ronnie Brown (torn ACL) is out for the season. Chatman boasts a similar style of play to Brown but is not nearly the athlete his predecessor is. Miami coach Cam Cameron involves his running backs in the passing game more than any other coach, and Chatman should put up enough total yards from scrimmage to make him a decent option. … It will be speed vs. speed/rookie vs. rookie when WR Ted Ginn Jr. matches up against CB Aaron Ross. Ginn has the ability to break a few long ones, but until he demonstrates game-to-game consistency he shouldn’t break your lineup. … TE David Martin has been limited with injury this week in practice. Even when healthy, he’s a borderline fantasy play.
New England — The numbers QB Tom Brady is putting up are almost comical. He’s on pace to shatter the single-season passing TD record, having tossed 27 scoring strikes through seven games. To put that in perspective, it’s one fewer than his previous career high for a season. In other words, consider yourself lucky (or smart) if you drafted him. … WR Randy Moss leads all receivers in both touchdowns (10) and yards (732) and is an obvious play. … WR Wes Welker has been positively brilliant his last two games — 262 yards, four touchdowns — and is the perfect underneath option for Brady. He needs to be in your lineup. So too does WR Donté Stallworth, who’s recorded all three of his touchdowns in the last three games. It’s not too often one team boasts three “must plays” at wide receiver, especially against a secondary as good as the Redskins’, but the absurd level of the Patriots’ passing game necessitates it. … RB Laurence Maroney (groin) is still operating at less than 100 percent and will split carries with Kevin Faulk. Neither is a particularly strong option, especially considering bulldozing Heath Evans could steal some of the goal-line carries. … TE Ben Watson is hampered with a bum ankle that should keep him sidelined Sunday. Replacement Kyle Brady is a decent red zone option but doesn’t alter any game plans. He’s a bottom-of-the-barrel option. … The Patriots’ defense thrives at flustering inexperienced quarterbacks, and that’s precisely what Redskins QB Jason Campbell is. This is one of the three best defenses in the league. It should be a fixture in your lineup.
N.Y. Jets — QB Chad Pennington had his best outing of the season last week vs. the Bengals, passing for 272 yards and three touchdowns. The Bills’ secondary should be without two starters (players who are only starting because of injuries to two other starters) so he could be a fairly nice play Sunday. … On a similar note, feel comfortable starting WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. They’re each 100-yard threats in advantageous matchups on the outside. … Will RB Thomas Jones ever score another touchdown? He has yet to record one in 141 touches this season. He has a good chance to do so vs. the Bills, although Buffalo has considerably shored up its run defense in recent weeks. Jones is an OK option this week. He shouldn’t get you too excited. … The Bills boast a substandard offense but this Jets defense is too porous to warrant a play.
AFC North
Baltimore — On bye.
Cleveland — RB Jamal Lewis (foot) is expected to be back in the lineup this week. He faces a Rams defense that has surrendered 129.3 yards per game on the ground. What’s more, opponents have scored nine rushing touchdowns vs. the Rams. … WR Braylon Edwards comes off a three-TD game, and QB Derek Anderson has a strong playing rapport with him. Both deserve strong starting consideration this week. The Rams’ secondary isn’t awful, but it’s vulnerable. … TE Kellen Winslow has 80 receiving yards or more in 5-of-6 games this season. What’s more, Cleveland’s bye week gave him a chance to rest his injured shoulder and his surgically repaired knee.
Cincinnati — RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) could be back for the Week Eight game vs. Pittsburgh, but his status must be monitored throughout the weekend before making a call. Johnson didn’t practice on Wednesday. If he can’t go, it will open the door for Kenny Watson to get another start. Watson’s 130 rushing yards and three TDs vs. the Jets opened a lot of eyes, and if you have Johnson on your roster, Watson is an excellent insurance policy. Whomever the Cincinnati running back, the Bengals could struggle to get many yards on the ground this Sunday. The Steelers are allowing only 75.5 yards rushing per game and have surrendered only one rushing TD in ’07. … WR Chad Johnson hasn’t scored a touchdown vs. the Steelers since 2004, and perhaps no other team defends him as well.
Pittsburgh — RB Willie Parker comes highly recommended this week. Parker scored four times vs. the Bengals last season, and he received a whopping 68 carries in those two games. The Bengals, who have battled injuries on defense all season, have surrendered a league-high 10 rushes of 20 yards or more. … QB Ben Roethlisberger threw only one TD pass vs. Cincinnati last season, but he’s picked apart the Bengals’ secondary in past games, and he’s coming off a four-TD performance at Denver. Those who start Roethlisberger have to endure the occasional turnover, especially on the road. But the rewards may be plentiful this week. WR Santonio Holmes and TE Heath Miller also should be in your lineup, as should WR Hines Ward, who made a strong return from injury last week.
AFC South
Indianapolis — The Panthers have uncharacteristically struggled to rush the passer, and that doesn’t bode well when squaring off against QB Peyton Manning. … WR Marvin Harrison has recovered from a knee ailment that left him a bit gimpy recently, so feel comfortable with him in your lineup. WR Reggie Wayne is another obvious play. Outside of New England, there’s not a more dangerous receiving corps in the league than what the Colts have. … TE Dallas Clark is giving the Chargers’ Antonio Gates a serious run for honors of the best fantasy tight end. Clark’s six TD catches tops the TE charts and his 61 yards per game rank fifth for the position. … RB Kenton Keith’s emergence has lessened the impact of Joseph Addai, though he’s still a bona fide No. 1 option. Keith can also do some damage and is actually a better goal-line option than Addai. … The improvement in the Colts’ defense has been staggering. It’s one of the 3-4 best defensive plays this week going against a Panthers offense manned by either ancient QB Vinny Testaverde or battered QB David Carr.
Jacksonville — QB David Garrard will sit about a month with a badly sprained ankle, meaning career backup Quinn Gray gets the starting nod. He was absolutely abysmal in relief vs. Colts, going 9-for-24 for 56 yards and two interceptions plus a safety. His struggles will continue vs. the Buccaneers. … RB Maurice Jones-Drew tweaked his knee Monday night and should be limited Sunday. That’s good news for Fred Taylor owners; Taylor has been able to avoid this injury bug this season. He’s a very good No. 2 fantasy running back going up against a Bucs run defense allowing 123.3 yards per game. … The Jaguars boast a trio of legitimate tight ends, though Marcedes Lewis is the only viable fantasy option. But he has yet to find the endzone this season. … Don’t read too much into the Jaguars’ defense getting burned by Peyton Manning and Co. last week. The Colts do that to everyone. The Jaguars remain a supremely talented defensive unit and should tee off on QB Jeff Garcia as the Bucs lack a legitimate running game.
Tennessee — QB Vince Young (quadriceps) is expected to start Week Eight vs. Oakland. He deserves strong consideration against an Oakland defense that’s not quite as strong as it was against the pass a season ago. Also, the Raiders struggle to stop the run. Opponents are rushing for 5.2 yards a carry and have scored nine rushing touchdowns. This is all the reason to give RB LenDale White a look this week. White has scored in each of the last two weeks and has rushed for 168 yards in that stretch. … The status of RB Chris Brown (ankle) is in question as of this writing. If healthy, he will share carries with White. If he’s out, Chris Henry will get some work. Head coach Jeff Fisher said Henry remains the third-string back, even after rushing for 57 yards on 11 carries in his pro debut in Week Seven. … WR Roydell Williams is a sleeper to watch. The Titans’ leading receiver racked up 124 yards receiving in Week Seven, and he’s gaining 15.6 yards per catch.
Houston — QB Matt Schaub did not suffer a serious injury in the Week Seven loss to Tennessee, but he is battling hip, ankle and back injuries. Also, it should be noted he suffered a bruised thigh earlier in the season. In short, he’s banged-up, and with two games left until the bye, and with a competent backup in Sage Rosenfels, Schaub’s playing status must be monitored throughout the weekend before making a decision on whether to start him. If he starts, he deserves a look against a San Diego secondary that’s the weak spot of the defense. The same can be said for Rosenfels. … RB Ahman Green hasn’t shown much since returning two weeks ago (27-83-0, long carry of 11 yards) and could again struggle this week. The Chargers are tough vs. the run. … With WR Andre Johnson likely out until after the Texans’ Week 10 bye, consider picking up Kevin Walter, who’s caught 23-304-1 in his last three games.
AFC West
Denver — CB Champ Bailey was back at practice on Wednesday, which was good news for the Denver defense and bad news for Packers QB Brett Favre. But RB Travis Henry was held out as he continues to nurse bruised ribs that forced him from the Week Seven win over Pittsburgh in the fourth quarter. We’re told Henry should be able to play, being the game isn’t until Sunday, but Selvin Young’s name could be a hot commodity this weekend on the free-agent wire. … With WR Javon Walker out for five more weeks, if not for the season, the fantasy stock of Stokley is on the rise in Denver. Lining up opposite Brandon Marshall as a trusted target of Jay Cutler, Stokley hauled in five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh’s second-ranked pass defense in Week Six and should be ready for more looks. … TE Tony Scheffler is also back in the good graces of the coaching staff and beginning to pick up where he left off in his rookie season. The knee and ankle injuries he suffered late against Pittsburgh didn’t keep him from practicing on Wednesday. … The Broncos converted touchdowns on all three of their trips inside the red zone against a stingy Steelers defense after cashing in on just 7-of-16 previous trips in the first five games.
Kansas City — On bye.
Oakland — Although head coach Lane Kiffin avoided naming a starting quarterback as of Thursday evening, it figures to be Daunte Culpepper who gets the nod again this week despite struggling the last two weeks. Josh McCown returned to the practice field this week and showed no ill effects of the toe injury that has sidelined him for several weeks, but Culpepper took the majority of the snaps with the first-team offense. … Against better defenses, RB LaMont Jordan falters. He has only 71 yards on 29 carries the last two weeks vs. San Diego and KC after lighting up bad defenses early on. He faces the top-ranked Titans run defense this week, meaning it might be best to pass on him. … Culpepper’s big arm and tendency to look downfield had a lot of fantasy owners expecting to see the fantasy value rise for WRs Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter, but in three starts, Culpepper hardly has owners scrambling to get his wideouts in their starting lineup. The duo has three touchdowns, but also just 18 catches for 273 yards in the past three games.
San Diego — The learning curve is expected to be a small one for WR Chris Chambers as he moves from Miami to San Diego via last week’s trade. Fortunately, Chambers had the Chargers’ bye last week to get acclimated with the offensive playbook, but the differences are few, as Norv Turner served as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator from 2002-03, and Cam Cameron, the Dolphins’ current head coach, runs a similar scheme to the one Turner installed. Expect Chambers to help open up the offensive with his big-play potential and pull defenders away from RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates. Chambers’ presence will also mean fewer opportunities for rookie WR Buster Davis, who has been slowed by a bad ankle this week. … If QB Matt Schaub can’t go for the Texans this week, it could be a great time to start the Chargers’ defense, especially with the way Houston has struggled to run the ball of late. The Chargers, meanwhile, have held three of their last four opponents to 72 rushing yards or fewer.
NFC East
Dallas — On bye.
N.Y. Giants — A six-hour flight and some bad shellfish probably isn’t enough to slow down a good Giants attack that features some great starting potential this week vs. a Dolphins defense that lost S Renaldo Hill and is a mess in the secondary. LB Zach Thomas might miss the game, too. That means starting QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, TE Jeremy Shockey and two receivers — Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, who is back in the saddle again after a few missing weeks — are good starts this week. Heck, so is the Giants’ defense, which has logged 25 sacks in the past five games and is facing a backfield of QB Cleo Lemon and RB Jesse Chatman. The Brits will think the Giants are the best team they ever saw after this week.
Philadelphia — TE L. J. Smith (groin/hernia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, which is good news for the general health of the offense. For those who might consider starting Smith this week, it’s best to see what he can do first. If you have another TE option, consider it first. Smith only has five receptions in three games this season and will might need a week to get back into the flow. But his presence should open up things for QB Donovan McNabb, who has completed only 14-of-37 passes inside the red zone with Smith ailing. It also will make things easier for RB Brian Westbrook, who still could be a factor against the Vikings’ excellent run defense. They tend to struggle against scatbacks who are factors in the receiving game, like Westbrook is. … Look for WR Reggie Brown to start breaking out. He is getting more involved in the offense and started hitting his stride last season about this time. The Vikings’ secondary has had its problems this season, especially in the slot. That also means that Kevin Curtis should remain hot, matched up with rookie nickel CB Marcus McCauley.
Washington — In addition to facing the league’s most prolific offense in New England, there might be other reasons why the Redskins’ defense is not the best play this weekend. Yes, it appears OLB Marcus Washington will be back, and DE Andre Carter has a good matchup with Patriots OLT Matt Light, but two cornerbacks — Fred Smoot and Carlos Rogers — came out of the Arizona game banged up and a third, Shawn Springs, is dealing with his gravely ill father. QB Tom Brady is due for an interception or two, and the Redskins have been good in the turnover department (15 forced), but the Patriots have been unusually stingy this season (six turnovers in seven games). This group has provided a lot of points this season, but there are better options out there. … TE Chris Cooley could give the Patriots a few fits. He might be QB Jason Campbell’s top option this week.
NFC North
Chicago —QB Brian Griese, who has averaged 41 pass attempts and thrown eight TD passes in his four starts, can be expected to continue winging the ball early and often against Detroit’s 30th-ranked pass defense that Jeff Garcia carved up last week like a master surgeon. With the Bears’ passing offense becoming more diversified and productive by the play, Griese (more than 300 yards passing in each of the past two games), TEs Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark (either one) and WRs Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian and Devin Hester all shape up as decent fantasy options this Sunday against the Lions. … Hester, who saw his most extensive action of the season against the Eagles last Sunday (3-41), is expected to continue getting a gradual boost in his receiving opportunities. … Muhammad has scored a TD in three of the last four games, including the game-winning score vs. Philadelphia last week.
Detroit — The Lions were excited over the way they ran the ball last week and should continue that trend against a Bears team that allowed 220 yards to Adrian Peterson two weeks ago and is ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed. The first time around, it was Tatum Bell, not Kevin Jones, starting; make no mistake, though, Jones is the starter this time around. In fact, he’s a B-plus play in this matchup. … The Bears didn’t see WR Calvin Johnson the first matchup, so it would shock no one to see him prominently featured in the game plan Sunday. The Lions think he’s a mismatch against the Bears’ smaller DBs. … Another thorn in Chicago’s side was slot WR Mike Furrey, and the Bears tend to not let a player beat them twice in one season by adjusting their scheme. Furrey caught five passes for 91 yards last time, but don’t expect that same yardage output this time around.
Green Bay — Despite having an extra week off because of their bye, the Packers’ ground game is still nicked up heading into their Monday night clash with the Broncos in Denver. RB DeShawn Wynn, who has seen the most action among the team’s backs, suffered a neck spasm early this week and continues to have problems staying healthy (check status). … QB Brett Favre has fallen into a bit of a rut in the last game and a half — completing only 29 of 55 passes for 267 yards, four interceptions and no TDs since the second half of the Packers’ Week Six loss to the Bears. … Newly activated WR Koren Robinson is expected to make his presence felt mostly as a return specialist and not as a receiver with any fantasy potential — at least not right away.
Minnesota — The Eagles feature a good red-zone defense. QB Tarvaris Jackson, suffering from a broken finger, likely will sit, meaning Kelly Holcomb probably will start against his former team. Even the Eagles’ run defense has been better. Continue riding RB Adrian Peterson, though last week’s fumble and Brad Childress’ insistence on protecting his horse (Peterson had 12 carries) limits his value somewhat. But Peterson might be the only guy you can start in good conscience, other than perhaps PK Ryan Longwell. … The Vikings' defense could struggle with the Eagles’ passing offense, and RB Brian Westbrook is tough to contain as a receiver, but TE L.J. Smith appears to be back, which could end their serious red-zone troubles.
NFC South
Atlanta — On bye.
Carolina — Panthers head coach John Fox was noncommittal while fielding a barrage of reporters’ questions about the team’s quarterback situation this week. It’s likely Fox will stay mum, and outsiders won’t find out if he’s chosen David Carr or Vinny Testaverde until the Panthers’ offense takes the field on Sunday. If he’s healthy, it’s likely Carr’s turn to take over again, but without anything official, both quarterbacks belong on the bench this week. … RB DeShaun Foster remains the team’s starter, but RB DeAngelo Williams was making a hard charge at the job before the team’s bye in Week Seven. Foster has developed a fumbling habit this year, losing three already this season, and Williams should see increased carries after being used sparingly early on. Foster has shown little ability to break tackles for a long run and doesn’t deserve to start on your fantasy team this week. Williams is a good No. 3 option at the position. … WR Steve Smith caught 10 passes in Testaverde’s start against Arizona two weeks ago and the two seemed to establish a connection instantly. Smith and Carr, however, have not found the same rhythm. One thing is for sure — Smith makes the offense go and will get his share of looks, no matter who is throwing to him. But he’ll get a few more with Testaverde on the field. … The Panthers' defense was gradually improving before the bye week, but against Indianapolis, the unit will be overmatched. If you can find another defense, add it before Sunday and keep the Panthers benched.
New Orleans — After a horrendous start, QB Drew Brees appears to be back on track, but still isn’t living up to the expectations he created after an All-Pro 2006 season. If you can trade for him now, an unsuspecting owner might sell him for cheap. He should be a solid fantasy option the rest of the way as he tries to recover from one touchdown and seven interceptions in his first three games. San Francisco’s talented cornerbacks will pose a challenge to Brees and if he gives in to his tendency to force passes, a pick or two is a definite possibility. At the same time, a touchdown or two is also a guarantee. … RB Reggie Bush ranks in the top 15 in the NFC in rushing and the top five in receiving, but he’s struggling to break the long run. His three touchdowns in six games have also been a disappointment to fantasy owners. Against San Francisco, who is far better at defending the pass than the run, Bush might finally bust out for a few big gains. He showed determination against Atlanta last week when he would not be denied on a scamper to the endzone and is a definite running back to start this week on your roster. … WR Devery Henderson made an incredible TD catch last week, but that was the only grab he had. Henderson is a puzzling fantasy player, because he has a boatload of drops, but is New Orleans’ best deep threat and averages over 20 yards per catch. He is not reliable, but if you’re short on receivers, he’s a nice pickup.
Tampa Bay — Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia continues to amaze with his efficiency and leadership, unfortunately, neither of those two factors amount to fantasy points. His seven touchdown passes aren’t overwhelming, but they’re respectable. Jacksonville’s defense is stout, but if there is one way to beat them, it’s with the pass. Garcia will keep pace this week and throw at least one touchdown at home. … RB Earnest Graham had by far the greatest game of his NFL career last week, gaining nearly 200 all-purpose yards against the Lions. He will fall back to reality, however, this week against the Jaguars, who can be suffocating against the run. … Veteran WRs Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard have been a pleasant surprise as an exciting pass-catching combination this season for Tampa Bay. Both have lost a step, but remain the team’s best route-runners and find ways to get open. Garcia will likely go to the air quite a bit against Jacksonville, so count on several catches for Galloway and Hilliard.
NFC West
Arizona — On bye.
St. Louis — Barring a late-breaking setback, it looks like RB Steven Jackson finally will be back in the starting lineup this Sunday against Cleveland after missing four games with a torn groin muscle. It’s worth noting, though, that head coach Scott Linehan plans to be “guarded” in his usage of Jackson after such a significant layoff. While Jackson could benefit from going up against Cleveland’s 30th-ranked rushing defense, he’ll have to overcome the fact the Rams will be starting their sixth different combination on the offensive line because of C Brett Romberg’s latest ankle injury and the abrupt release of OG Claude Terrell. … QB Marc Bulger says he is about 80 percent recovered from the broken ribs that knocked him out of commission for a couple of games, and that he should have no problem soldiering on this Sunday against the Browns. … The fantasy prognosis isn’t as promising for WR Drew Bennett, who is listed as questionable for the Browns game with a hamstring injury. … Is WR Torry Holt, who continues to play on a tender knee, on the decline? The normally glue-fingered Holt dropped what would have been a sure TD pass from Bulger near the goal line in the Rams’ loss last Sunday in Seattle. Of course, the fact Holt was open could be interpreted as a good fantasy sign.
San Francisco —QB Alex Smith took all the snaps with the offense in practice Wednesday and is expected to start this Sunday against the Saints and their very vulnerable 27th-ranked pass defense after missing two games and most of a third with a separated shoulder. … With WR Darrell Jackson listed as questionable for Sunday with a quad strain suffered against the Giants in Week Seven, Ashley Lelie, who caught a 47-yard pass vs. the Giants, could start if Jackson can’t play. … RB Frank Gore (sprained ankle) did not practice Wednesday, but he is considered probable for the Saints. Gore is coming off a season-high 88-yard rushing performance vs. the Giants in which he averaged an impressive 6-3 yards per carry.
Buffalo — Head coach **** Jauron named Trent Edwards his starting quarterback, but that doesn’t mean you should. Edwards has thrown one touchdown against four interceptions for the season. For now, he doesn’t merit fantasy consideration. … RB Marshawn Lynch has been remarkably consistent in his rookie campaign despite the fact that he has yet to break the 100-yard mark. Look for that to change vs. a woeful Jets run defense that is ranked 28th in the league. The Bills’ massive O-line will assert its will on an undersized front seven, and Lynch should add at least 100 total yards and a touchdown or two to the four scores he already has racked up. Play him. … WR Lee Evans came within two yards of topping 100 yards in a game for the first time this season last week vs. the Ravens. He’s developed a nice chemistry with Edwards, but he has frustrated fantasy owners by not finding the endzone yet in 2007. The Jets boast a secondary far better than the numbers indicate and will make life difficult for him — especially when he’s matched up against ever-improving rookie CB Darrelle Revis. Evans is not an awful play, but you likely can find a better one on your roster. … Edwards locates the tight end far better than J.P. Losman does. However, Robert Royal is physically limited and represents nothing better than a last-resort option.
Miami — A Giants defense leading the NFL in sacks will make QB Cleo Lemon’s trip to London miserable. He’ll buckle under the pressure. Don’t think about playing him. … Jesse Chatman gets the nod at running back now that Ronnie Brown (torn ACL) is out for the season. Chatman boasts a similar style of play to Brown but is not nearly the athlete his predecessor is. Miami coach Cam Cameron involves his running backs in the passing game more than any other coach, and Chatman should put up enough total yards from scrimmage to make him a decent option. … It will be speed vs. speed/rookie vs. rookie when WR Ted Ginn Jr. matches up against CB Aaron Ross. Ginn has the ability to break a few long ones, but until he demonstrates game-to-game consistency he shouldn’t break your lineup. … TE David Martin has been limited with injury this week in practice. Even when healthy, he’s a borderline fantasy play.
New England — The numbers QB Tom Brady is putting up are almost comical. He’s on pace to shatter the single-season passing TD record, having tossed 27 scoring strikes through seven games. To put that in perspective, it’s one fewer than his previous career high for a season. In other words, consider yourself lucky (or smart) if you drafted him. … WR Randy Moss leads all receivers in both touchdowns (10) and yards (732) and is an obvious play. … WR Wes Welker has been positively brilliant his last two games — 262 yards, four touchdowns — and is the perfect underneath option for Brady. He needs to be in your lineup. So too does WR Donté Stallworth, who’s recorded all three of his touchdowns in the last three games. It’s not too often one team boasts three “must plays” at wide receiver, especially against a secondary as good as the Redskins’, but the absurd level of the Patriots’ passing game necessitates it. … RB Laurence Maroney (groin) is still operating at less than 100 percent and will split carries with Kevin Faulk. Neither is a particularly strong option, especially considering bulldozing Heath Evans could steal some of the goal-line carries. … TE Ben Watson is hampered with a bum ankle that should keep him sidelined Sunday. Replacement Kyle Brady is a decent red zone option but doesn’t alter any game plans. He’s a bottom-of-the-barrel option. … The Patriots’ defense thrives at flustering inexperienced quarterbacks, and that’s precisely what Redskins QB Jason Campbell is. This is one of the three best defenses in the league. It should be a fixture in your lineup.
N.Y. Jets — QB Chad Pennington had his best outing of the season last week vs. the Bengals, passing for 272 yards and three touchdowns. The Bills’ secondary should be without two starters (players who are only starting because of injuries to two other starters) so he could be a fairly nice play Sunday. … On a similar note, feel comfortable starting WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. They’re each 100-yard threats in advantageous matchups on the outside. … Will RB Thomas Jones ever score another touchdown? He has yet to record one in 141 touches this season. He has a good chance to do so vs. the Bills, although Buffalo has considerably shored up its run defense in recent weeks. Jones is an OK option this week. He shouldn’t get you too excited. … The Bills boast a substandard offense but this Jets defense is too porous to warrant a play.
AFC North
Baltimore — On bye.
Cleveland — RB Jamal Lewis (foot) is expected to be back in the lineup this week. He faces a Rams defense that has surrendered 129.3 yards per game on the ground. What’s more, opponents have scored nine rushing touchdowns vs. the Rams. … WR Braylon Edwards comes off a three-TD game, and QB Derek Anderson has a strong playing rapport with him. Both deserve strong starting consideration this week. The Rams’ secondary isn’t awful, but it’s vulnerable. … TE Kellen Winslow has 80 receiving yards or more in 5-of-6 games this season. What’s more, Cleveland’s bye week gave him a chance to rest his injured shoulder and his surgically repaired knee.
Cincinnati — RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) could be back for the Week Eight game vs. Pittsburgh, but his status must be monitored throughout the weekend before making a call. Johnson didn’t practice on Wednesday. If he can’t go, it will open the door for Kenny Watson to get another start. Watson’s 130 rushing yards and three TDs vs. the Jets opened a lot of eyes, and if you have Johnson on your roster, Watson is an excellent insurance policy. Whomever the Cincinnati running back, the Bengals could struggle to get many yards on the ground this Sunday. The Steelers are allowing only 75.5 yards rushing per game and have surrendered only one rushing TD in ’07. … WR Chad Johnson hasn’t scored a touchdown vs. the Steelers since 2004, and perhaps no other team defends him as well.
Pittsburgh — RB Willie Parker comes highly recommended this week. Parker scored four times vs. the Bengals last season, and he received a whopping 68 carries in those two games. The Bengals, who have battled injuries on defense all season, have surrendered a league-high 10 rushes of 20 yards or more. … QB Ben Roethlisberger threw only one TD pass vs. Cincinnati last season, but he’s picked apart the Bengals’ secondary in past games, and he’s coming off a four-TD performance at Denver. Those who start Roethlisberger have to endure the occasional turnover, especially on the road. But the rewards may be plentiful this week. WR Santonio Holmes and TE Heath Miller also should be in your lineup, as should WR Hines Ward, who made a strong return from injury last week.
AFC South
Indianapolis — The Panthers have uncharacteristically struggled to rush the passer, and that doesn’t bode well when squaring off against QB Peyton Manning. … WR Marvin Harrison has recovered from a knee ailment that left him a bit gimpy recently, so feel comfortable with him in your lineup. WR Reggie Wayne is another obvious play. Outside of New England, there’s not a more dangerous receiving corps in the league than what the Colts have. … TE Dallas Clark is giving the Chargers’ Antonio Gates a serious run for honors of the best fantasy tight end. Clark’s six TD catches tops the TE charts and his 61 yards per game rank fifth for the position. … RB Kenton Keith’s emergence has lessened the impact of Joseph Addai, though he’s still a bona fide No. 1 option. Keith can also do some damage and is actually a better goal-line option than Addai. … The improvement in the Colts’ defense has been staggering. It’s one of the 3-4 best defensive plays this week going against a Panthers offense manned by either ancient QB Vinny Testaverde or battered QB David Carr.
Jacksonville — QB David Garrard will sit about a month with a badly sprained ankle, meaning career backup Quinn Gray gets the starting nod. He was absolutely abysmal in relief vs. Colts, going 9-for-24 for 56 yards and two interceptions plus a safety. His struggles will continue vs. the Buccaneers. … RB Maurice Jones-Drew tweaked his knee Monday night and should be limited Sunday. That’s good news for Fred Taylor owners; Taylor has been able to avoid this injury bug this season. He’s a very good No. 2 fantasy running back going up against a Bucs run defense allowing 123.3 yards per game. … The Jaguars boast a trio of legitimate tight ends, though Marcedes Lewis is the only viable fantasy option. But he has yet to find the endzone this season. … Don’t read too much into the Jaguars’ defense getting burned by Peyton Manning and Co. last week. The Colts do that to everyone. The Jaguars remain a supremely talented defensive unit and should tee off on QB Jeff Garcia as the Bucs lack a legitimate running game.
Tennessee — QB Vince Young (quadriceps) is expected to start Week Eight vs. Oakland. He deserves strong consideration against an Oakland defense that’s not quite as strong as it was against the pass a season ago. Also, the Raiders struggle to stop the run. Opponents are rushing for 5.2 yards a carry and have scored nine rushing touchdowns. This is all the reason to give RB LenDale White a look this week. White has scored in each of the last two weeks and has rushed for 168 yards in that stretch. … The status of RB Chris Brown (ankle) is in question as of this writing. If healthy, he will share carries with White. If he’s out, Chris Henry will get some work. Head coach Jeff Fisher said Henry remains the third-string back, even after rushing for 57 yards on 11 carries in his pro debut in Week Seven. … WR Roydell Williams is a sleeper to watch. The Titans’ leading receiver racked up 124 yards receiving in Week Seven, and he’s gaining 15.6 yards per catch.
Houston — QB Matt Schaub did not suffer a serious injury in the Week Seven loss to Tennessee, but he is battling hip, ankle and back injuries. Also, it should be noted he suffered a bruised thigh earlier in the season. In short, he’s banged-up, and with two games left until the bye, and with a competent backup in Sage Rosenfels, Schaub’s playing status must be monitored throughout the weekend before making a decision on whether to start him. If he starts, he deserves a look against a San Diego secondary that’s the weak spot of the defense. The same can be said for Rosenfels. … RB Ahman Green hasn’t shown much since returning two weeks ago (27-83-0, long carry of 11 yards) and could again struggle this week. The Chargers are tough vs. the run. … With WR Andre Johnson likely out until after the Texans’ Week 10 bye, consider picking up Kevin Walter, who’s caught 23-304-1 in his last three games.
AFC West
Denver — CB Champ Bailey was back at practice on Wednesday, which was good news for the Denver defense and bad news for Packers QB Brett Favre. But RB Travis Henry was held out as he continues to nurse bruised ribs that forced him from the Week Seven win over Pittsburgh in the fourth quarter. We’re told Henry should be able to play, being the game isn’t until Sunday, but Selvin Young’s name could be a hot commodity this weekend on the free-agent wire. … With WR Javon Walker out for five more weeks, if not for the season, the fantasy stock of Stokley is on the rise in Denver. Lining up opposite Brandon Marshall as a trusted target of Jay Cutler, Stokley hauled in five passes for 70 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh’s second-ranked pass defense in Week Six and should be ready for more looks. … TE Tony Scheffler is also back in the good graces of the coaching staff and beginning to pick up where he left off in his rookie season. The knee and ankle injuries he suffered late against Pittsburgh didn’t keep him from practicing on Wednesday. … The Broncos converted touchdowns on all three of their trips inside the red zone against a stingy Steelers defense after cashing in on just 7-of-16 previous trips in the first five games.
Kansas City — On bye.
Oakland — Although head coach Lane Kiffin avoided naming a starting quarterback as of Thursday evening, it figures to be Daunte Culpepper who gets the nod again this week despite struggling the last two weeks. Josh McCown returned to the practice field this week and showed no ill effects of the toe injury that has sidelined him for several weeks, but Culpepper took the majority of the snaps with the first-team offense. … Against better defenses, RB LaMont Jordan falters. He has only 71 yards on 29 carries the last two weeks vs. San Diego and KC after lighting up bad defenses early on. He faces the top-ranked Titans run defense this week, meaning it might be best to pass on him. … Culpepper’s big arm and tendency to look downfield had a lot of fantasy owners expecting to see the fantasy value rise for WRs Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter, but in three starts, Culpepper hardly has owners scrambling to get his wideouts in their starting lineup. The duo has three touchdowns, but also just 18 catches for 273 yards in the past three games.
San Diego — The learning curve is expected to be a small one for WR Chris Chambers as he moves from Miami to San Diego via last week’s trade. Fortunately, Chambers had the Chargers’ bye last week to get acclimated with the offensive playbook, but the differences are few, as Norv Turner served as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator from 2002-03, and Cam Cameron, the Dolphins’ current head coach, runs a similar scheme to the one Turner installed. Expect Chambers to help open up the offensive with his big-play potential and pull defenders away from RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates. Chambers’ presence will also mean fewer opportunities for rookie WR Buster Davis, who has been slowed by a bad ankle this week. … If QB Matt Schaub can’t go for the Texans this week, it could be a great time to start the Chargers’ defense, especially with the way Houston has struggled to run the ball of late. The Chargers, meanwhile, have held three of their last four opponents to 72 rushing yards or fewer.
NFC East
Dallas — On bye.
N.Y. Giants — A six-hour flight and some bad shellfish probably isn’t enough to slow down a good Giants attack that features some great starting potential this week vs. a Dolphins defense that lost S Renaldo Hill and is a mess in the secondary. LB Zach Thomas might miss the game, too. That means starting QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, TE Jeremy Shockey and two receivers — Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, who is back in the saddle again after a few missing weeks — are good starts this week. Heck, so is the Giants’ defense, which has logged 25 sacks in the past five games and is facing a backfield of QB Cleo Lemon and RB Jesse Chatman. The Brits will think the Giants are the best team they ever saw after this week.
Philadelphia — TE L. J. Smith (groin/hernia) practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, which is good news for the general health of the offense. For those who might consider starting Smith this week, it’s best to see what he can do first. If you have another TE option, consider it first. Smith only has five receptions in three games this season and will might need a week to get back into the flow. But his presence should open up things for QB Donovan McNabb, who has completed only 14-of-37 passes inside the red zone with Smith ailing. It also will make things easier for RB Brian Westbrook, who still could be a factor against the Vikings’ excellent run defense. They tend to struggle against scatbacks who are factors in the receiving game, like Westbrook is. … Look for WR Reggie Brown to start breaking out. He is getting more involved in the offense and started hitting his stride last season about this time. The Vikings’ secondary has had its problems this season, especially in the slot. That also means that Kevin Curtis should remain hot, matched up with rookie nickel CB Marcus McCauley.
Washington — In addition to facing the league’s most prolific offense in New England, there might be other reasons why the Redskins’ defense is not the best play this weekend. Yes, it appears OLB Marcus Washington will be back, and DE Andre Carter has a good matchup with Patriots OLT Matt Light, but two cornerbacks — Fred Smoot and Carlos Rogers — came out of the Arizona game banged up and a third, Shawn Springs, is dealing with his gravely ill father. QB Tom Brady is due for an interception or two, and the Redskins have been good in the turnover department (15 forced), but the Patriots have been unusually stingy this season (six turnovers in seven games). This group has provided a lot of points this season, but there are better options out there. … TE Chris Cooley could give the Patriots a few fits. He might be QB Jason Campbell’s top option this week.
NFC North
Chicago —QB Brian Griese, who has averaged 41 pass attempts and thrown eight TD passes in his four starts, can be expected to continue winging the ball early and often against Detroit’s 30th-ranked pass defense that Jeff Garcia carved up last week like a master surgeon. With the Bears’ passing offense becoming more diversified and productive by the play, Griese (more than 300 yards passing in each of the past two games), TEs Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark (either one) and WRs Muhsin Muhammad, Bernard Berrian and Devin Hester all shape up as decent fantasy options this Sunday against the Lions. … Hester, who saw his most extensive action of the season against the Eagles last Sunday (3-41), is expected to continue getting a gradual boost in his receiving opportunities. … Muhammad has scored a TD in three of the last four games, including the game-winning score vs. Philadelphia last week.
Detroit — The Lions were excited over the way they ran the ball last week and should continue that trend against a Bears team that allowed 220 yards to Adrian Peterson two weeks ago and is ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed. The first time around, it was Tatum Bell, not Kevin Jones, starting; make no mistake, though, Jones is the starter this time around. In fact, he’s a B-plus play in this matchup. … The Bears didn’t see WR Calvin Johnson the first matchup, so it would shock no one to see him prominently featured in the game plan Sunday. The Lions think he’s a mismatch against the Bears’ smaller DBs. … Another thorn in Chicago’s side was slot WR Mike Furrey, and the Bears tend to not let a player beat them twice in one season by adjusting their scheme. Furrey caught five passes for 91 yards last time, but don’t expect that same yardage output this time around.
Green Bay — Despite having an extra week off because of their bye, the Packers’ ground game is still nicked up heading into their Monday night clash with the Broncos in Denver. RB DeShawn Wynn, who has seen the most action among the team’s backs, suffered a neck spasm early this week and continues to have problems staying healthy (check status). … QB Brett Favre has fallen into a bit of a rut in the last game and a half — completing only 29 of 55 passes for 267 yards, four interceptions and no TDs since the second half of the Packers’ Week Six loss to the Bears. … Newly activated WR Koren Robinson is expected to make his presence felt mostly as a return specialist and not as a receiver with any fantasy potential — at least not right away.
Minnesota — The Eagles feature a good red-zone defense. QB Tarvaris Jackson, suffering from a broken finger, likely will sit, meaning Kelly Holcomb probably will start against his former team. Even the Eagles’ run defense has been better. Continue riding RB Adrian Peterson, though last week’s fumble and Brad Childress’ insistence on protecting his horse (Peterson had 12 carries) limits his value somewhat. But Peterson might be the only guy you can start in good conscience, other than perhaps PK Ryan Longwell. … The Vikings' defense could struggle with the Eagles’ passing offense, and RB Brian Westbrook is tough to contain as a receiver, but TE L.J. Smith appears to be back, which could end their serious red-zone troubles.
NFC South
Atlanta — On bye.
Carolina — Panthers head coach John Fox was noncommittal while fielding a barrage of reporters’ questions about the team’s quarterback situation this week. It’s likely Fox will stay mum, and outsiders won’t find out if he’s chosen David Carr or Vinny Testaverde until the Panthers’ offense takes the field on Sunday. If he’s healthy, it’s likely Carr’s turn to take over again, but without anything official, both quarterbacks belong on the bench this week. … RB DeShaun Foster remains the team’s starter, but RB DeAngelo Williams was making a hard charge at the job before the team’s bye in Week Seven. Foster has developed a fumbling habit this year, losing three already this season, and Williams should see increased carries after being used sparingly early on. Foster has shown little ability to break tackles for a long run and doesn’t deserve to start on your fantasy team this week. Williams is a good No. 3 option at the position. … WR Steve Smith caught 10 passes in Testaverde’s start against Arizona two weeks ago and the two seemed to establish a connection instantly. Smith and Carr, however, have not found the same rhythm. One thing is for sure — Smith makes the offense go and will get his share of looks, no matter who is throwing to him. But he’ll get a few more with Testaverde on the field. … The Panthers' defense was gradually improving before the bye week, but against Indianapolis, the unit will be overmatched. If you can find another defense, add it before Sunday and keep the Panthers benched.
New Orleans — After a horrendous start, QB Drew Brees appears to be back on track, but still isn’t living up to the expectations he created after an All-Pro 2006 season. If you can trade for him now, an unsuspecting owner might sell him for cheap. He should be a solid fantasy option the rest of the way as he tries to recover from one touchdown and seven interceptions in his first three games. San Francisco’s talented cornerbacks will pose a challenge to Brees and if he gives in to his tendency to force passes, a pick or two is a definite possibility. At the same time, a touchdown or two is also a guarantee. … RB Reggie Bush ranks in the top 15 in the NFC in rushing and the top five in receiving, but he’s struggling to break the long run. His three touchdowns in six games have also been a disappointment to fantasy owners. Against San Francisco, who is far better at defending the pass than the run, Bush might finally bust out for a few big gains. He showed determination against Atlanta last week when he would not be denied on a scamper to the endzone and is a definite running back to start this week on your roster. … WR Devery Henderson made an incredible TD catch last week, but that was the only grab he had. Henderson is a puzzling fantasy player, because he has a boatload of drops, but is New Orleans’ best deep threat and averages over 20 yards per catch. He is not reliable, but if you’re short on receivers, he’s a nice pickup.
Tampa Bay — Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia continues to amaze with his efficiency and leadership, unfortunately, neither of those two factors amount to fantasy points. His seven touchdown passes aren’t overwhelming, but they’re respectable. Jacksonville’s defense is stout, but if there is one way to beat them, it’s with the pass. Garcia will keep pace this week and throw at least one touchdown at home. … RB Earnest Graham had by far the greatest game of his NFL career last week, gaining nearly 200 all-purpose yards against the Lions. He will fall back to reality, however, this week against the Jaguars, who can be suffocating against the run. … Veteran WRs Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard have been a pleasant surprise as an exciting pass-catching combination this season for Tampa Bay. Both have lost a step, but remain the team’s best route-runners and find ways to get open. Garcia will likely go to the air quite a bit against Jacksonville, so count on several catches for Galloway and Hilliard.
NFC West
Arizona — On bye.
St. Louis — Barring a late-breaking setback, it looks like RB Steven Jackson finally will be back in the starting lineup this Sunday against Cleveland after missing four games with a torn groin muscle. It’s worth noting, though, that head coach Scott Linehan plans to be “guarded” in his usage of Jackson after such a significant layoff. While Jackson could benefit from going up against Cleveland’s 30th-ranked rushing defense, he’ll have to overcome the fact the Rams will be starting their sixth different combination on the offensive line because of C Brett Romberg’s latest ankle injury and the abrupt release of OG Claude Terrell. … QB Marc Bulger says he is about 80 percent recovered from the broken ribs that knocked him out of commission for a couple of games, and that he should have no problem soldiering on this Sunday against the Browns. … The fantasy prognosis isn’t as promising for WR Drew Bennett, who is listed as questionable for the Browns game with a hamstring injury. … Is WR Torry Holt, who continues to play on a tender knee, on the decline? The normally glue-fingered Holt dropped what would have been a sure TD pass from Bulger near the goal line in the Rams’ loss last Sunday in Seattle. Of course, the fact Holt was open could be interpreted as a good fantasy sign.
San Francisco —QB Alex Smith took all the snaps with the offense in practice Wednesday and is expected to start this Sunday against the Saints and their very vulnerable 27th-ranked pass defense after missing two games and most of a third with a separated shoulder. … With WR Darrell Jackson listed as questionable for Sunday with a quad strain suffered against the Giants in Week Seven, Ashley Lelie, who caught a 47-yard pass vs. the Giants, could start if Jackson can’t play. … RB Frank Gore (sprained ankle) did not practice Wednesday, but he is considered probable for the Saints. Gore is coming off a season-high 88-yard rushing performance vs. the Giants in which he averaged an impressive 6-3 yards per carry.
