BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
By PFW staff
Sept. 27, 2007
Updated at 1:55 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 28
Updates are shown in italics
AFC East
Buffalo — Play RB Marshawn Lynch against the Jets. The Jets gave up 211 yards from scrimmage to Miami’s Ronnie Brown last week, and while Lynch isn’t featured as prominently in the passing game as Brown is, his ground productivity makes up for it. With QB Trent Edwards making his first career start, the Bills will be leaning heavily on the ground game, and Lynch could easily get 25-plus carries. … Each week we wait for deep-threat WR Lee Evans to break out, and each week fantasy owners come away disappointed. The Jets are a difficult team for him to get going against. CBs Darrelle Revis and David Barrett continue to get better, and the Bills will opt for a more controlled passing game with Edwards at the helm. Sit Evans.
Miami — Give RB Ronnie Brown the start after his 211-yard (112 rushing, 99 receiving) performance against the Jets. The Raiders rank 27th in the league in total defense, so it should be two strong outings in a row for Brown. … QB Trent Green has put up some big yardage numbers this season, but he has struggled getting the ball into the endzone. Oakland has given up five passing touchdowns on the season, but the relative softness of its front seven compared to its secondary means that the Dolphins could go to the ground more often they have in the past. Look elsewhere for your quarterback. … WR Chris Chambers presents an interesting dilemma for fantasy owners. He’s tied for fifth in the league in receiving yards, but has failed to get into the endzone. The Dolphins are utilizing Chambers more as a possession receiver this season, and so his lack of scoring receptions is likely to continue. Still, any receiver averaging more than 100 yards per game is doing pretty well. He deserves the start.
New England — QB Tom Brady should have another stellar game, especially going up against Cincinnati’s 26th-ranked pass defense. The Bengals’ CB duo of Johnathan Joseph and Deltha O’Neal make some big plays but are prone to giving up the long ball, which is not a good thing when going up against the league’s premier deep-ball passer. … WR Randy Moss obviously deserves a play, and give serious consideration to Wes Welker, as well. Welker looks to have solidified his status as the Pats’ No. 2 receiver, ahead of Donté Stallworth. Welker has at least 61 receiving yards in each game this year, though he has scored only once. … RB Laurence Maroney had his best game as a pro last year against the Bengals, gaining 125 yards on just 15 carries with two touchdowns. He fares better against 4-3 defenses than he does 3-4 schemes, so look for him to break the century mark in rushing again on Monday night.
New York Jets — Unless you have a quarterback named Brady, Palmer or (Peyton) Manning, give Chad Pennington the start. The Bills rank last in the league against the pass, and SS Donte Whitner is the Bills’ only healthy D-back that was a starter at the beginning of the season. Pennington’s sprained ankle is getting progressively better, and is able to move around in the pocket more effectively. … Start WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. Each has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and expect those flashes to be blinding against the Bills’ undermanned “D.” … Likewise, start RB Thomas Jones and watch the Jets’ marquee free-agent acquisition rush for 100-plus yards and a pair of touchdowns. … If you’re hurting at running back, Leon Washington is a serviceable play. Jones’ backup is actually the quickest running back on the roster, and could see an increase in carries when this game gets out of hand. Yeah, the Bills’ defense is that bad.
AFC North
Baltimore — QB Steve McNair (groin) is expected to start at Cleveland on Sunday. But will he finish the game? That’s a legitimate concern for fantasy owners who have gotten less than one fourth quarter of production out of the oft-injured veteran this season. The good news: McNair insisted he could have finished last Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. The bad news: Ravens head coach Brian Billick seems intent on 1) being very careful with McNair and 2) giving Kyle Boller a chance to occasionally show how much he has developed in five NFL seasons. In short, neither McNair nor Boller should be in your lineup until this situation stabilizes. However, this shouldn’t cause you to bench RB Willis McGahee, WRs Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and TE Todd Heap vs. Cleveland. The Browns are allowing opponents to rush for nearly five yards per carry. Also, they rank near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per pass.
Cincinnati — The Bengals’ running problems are nothing new: Cincinnati ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing last season, too. RB Rudi Johnson (58 carries, 177 yards, no scores, long run of 20 yards) hasn’t had a lot of big holes to run through, and he isn’t a burner in the first place. What’s more, he left the Week Three game at Seattle with a hamstring injury. Even if Johnson is healthy enough to play in the Monday-night game vs. New England, he is probably best left on the bench, as the Patriots’ defense has allowed only one rushing touchdown in three games and 74 rushing yards on average. The same goes for Johnson’s top backup, Kenny Watson. That said, keep QB Carson Palmer and WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the lineup. The Bengals’ porous defense and the stuck-in-the-mud running game are making Cincinnati rely on this prolific passing trio more than ever.
Cleveland — QB Derek Anderson’s accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, as he has completed only 52 percent of his pass attempts. Also, he has thrown four picks, and opponents have dropped at least two other possible interceptions. But he has thrown seven TD passes, and he could present a tough matchup for a suddenly shaky Ravens secondary. … The status of TE Kellen Winslow (dislocated shoulder) should be monitored before making a decision on whether to start him vs. the Ravens. Fantasy owners should note that Winslow often missed practice time last season resting a knee injury and still performed at a high level on Sundays. Winslow is even better this season, and if all indications are that he will play, he belongs in your lineup. The same goes for improving WR Braylon Edwards (15 catches, 278 yards, three touchdowns), who finally looks like he has turned the corner. However, RB Jamal Lewis is not a recommended play against a Ravens defense that has allowed zero rushing touchdowns this season.
Pittsburgh — WR Hines Ward (knee) is unlikely to play this Sunday at Arizona. Santonio Holmes is unquestionably Pittsburgh’s No. 1 receiver with Ward out of the lineup, and Holmes merits starting consideration in all formats. The fantasy stock of Nate Washington and Cedrick Wilson also gets a boost with Ward out, but neither Washington nor Wilson is starting material. … RB Willie Parker leads the NFL in carries (74) but also boasts a strong 5.0 yards per carry average. The Cardinals are surrendering 4.0 yards per rush. Parker, who has received more than 20 carries in each of Pittsburgh’s first three games, is a must-start.
AFC South
Houston — Injury update: WR Andre Johnson (knee) is out. Rookie WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder) will also miss this week’s game at Atlanta, and he’s also likely to miss at least one more game after that. WRs André Davis and Kevin Walter are likely to start at Atlanta. RB Ahman Green's knee injury isn’t serious, but he may not play in Week Four. Green has hardly been a model of durability this season. Ron Dayne (expected to start if Green can’t go) and Samkon Gado will get work. Dayne is back after missing Week Three with injured ribs. In short, none of the Texans’ running backs come recommended this week. … Of the Texans’ pass catchers, TE Owen Daniels (seven catches in Week Three) has the most upside. … QB Matt Schaub, who has completed 75.9 percent of his pass attempts this season, still merits starting consideration even with all the injuries because of his excellent individual play to date and an Atlanta secondary ranked near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per pass play.
Indianapolis — The Broncos’ vaunted defense doesn’t scare QB Peyton Manning, who completed 32-of-39 passes for 345 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions vs. Denver last year. … RB Joseph Addai is off to a stellar start in his first year as the full-time starter. Addai has scored a touchdown in every game this season, including a two-TD performance vs. the Texans last week. Addai carried 17 times for 93 yards against the Broncos last season, and the Broncos’ defense is giving up 166 rushing yards per game this season. … For his high standards, WR Marvin Harrison is off to a slow start. He has been held to less than 100 receiving yards in every game this season and has only one TD catch. Meanwhile, WR Reggie Wayne is averaging 89.7 yards receiving and has two TD catches. Wayne had 10 catches for 138 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Broncos last season. … TE Dallas Clark has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games and is thriving while getting plenty of reps as the slot receiver. Clark is a great play this week vs. CB Dominique Foxworth or SS Nick Ferguson. Both Broncos defensive backs stand 5-foot-11 while Clark checks in at 6-3.
Jacksonville — On bye.
Tennessee — On bye.
AFC West
Denver — Second-year WR Brandon Marshall has impressed with his ability to break tackles after the catch, and considering his big-play capabilities and QB Jay Cutler’s progress, he should be creeping into fantasy lineups by now. … Speaking of Cutler, he was able to work through practice OK this week with his sprained ankle, so don’t expect him to be limited at all vs. the Colts. … The Broncos continue to work out some kinks defensively. Between the poor tackling, adjustments to the new scheme, the lack of depth in the secondary with S John Lynch dinged up and the fact they’re playing the Colts, it might be wise to avoid playing the Broncos’ defense this week. … WR Javon Walker was sent for an MRI on his right knee and was held out of practice Wednesday because of inflammation, but it’s considered more of a precaution than anything.
Kansas City — RB Larry Johnson remains visibly frustrated with the lack of production from the Chiefs’ ground game, and rightfully so. After gaining better than 3,500 rushing yards the past two seasons, Johnson has totaled only 140 on the ground through the first three weeks at a clip of 2.8 yards per carry. Conservative play-calling and blocking are primary issues. Going up against the Chargers’ ninth-ranked run defense poses more problems this week. … QB Damon Huard looked like he might get pulled for Brodie Croyle in the first half last week, but he maintained his composure and completed 14-of-19 passes in the second half for 169 yards. … Included in Huard’s second-half passing outburst was a 16-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe, who has quickly gained the trust of the coaching staff and Huard by making big plays and keeping his concentration. … The return of DE Jared Allen from suspension was a big boost for the Chiefs’ defense in Week Two, as he provided a pair of sacks and a forced fumble. The Chiefs could sneak into borderline starting range, if they have a good matchup.
Oakland — With QB Josh McCown not practicing on Wednesday with injuries to both feet, it’s looking like QB Daunte Culpepper will get the starting nod this week against his old club in Miami. Culpepper looked smooth at the controls after coming in for McCown last week, and his big arm should open up the offense for WRs Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter. … RB LaMont Jordan not only has rushed for more than 120 yards in two of his three starts this season, but he’s got a great matchup this week vs. the Dolphins’ 29th-ranked run defense. If he continues on his current pace, it would be hard for the coaching staff to split time evenly between him and Dominic Rhodes when Rhodes’ suspension ends after this week.
San Diego — RB LaDainian Tomlinson has gained just 2.3 yards per carry en route to 140 yards on the ground through three games, and a large part of the blame falls on the usually strong offensive line not performing up to par. … QB Philip Rivers finally began looking like himself against the Packers last week, getting off to a quick start and including WRs Vincent Jackson and Buster Davis for 10 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown. If the pass protection improves, it will allow Rivers to test defenses deep more often, which would play to the strengths of Jackson and Davis. … With only seven sacks through three games, the Chargers’ defense is way behind last year’s pace that saw them lead the league with 61 QB takedowns. Expect them to find more success this week against a Chiefs offensive line that has struggled mightily to this point.
NFC East
Dallas — PK Nick Folk, the NFL’s third-leading scorer, is 6-for-7 on FG attempts and is starting to get attention among fantasy owners because of the prolific offense the Cowboys appear to have. His only miss was a blocked kick against the Bears that can be blamed on faulty special-teams blocking. This might be a good time to test-drive Folk, especially given that this is the first bye week around the league and that the Rams’ defense has held opponents out of the endzone five out of the 10 times they’ve entered the red zone.
N.Y. Giants — WR Plaxico Burress took Wednesday and Thursday practices off to visit a Charlotte-area specialist who determined that Burress has a “severe sprained ankle” that “requires rest,” in the words of Giants vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes. Burress will be limited in practice for the next several weeks but will attempt to play this week and from here on out. Given how good he has been, you really can't sit him down, but a bad or limited game this weekend might change your mind. Monitor his situation closely.
Philadelphia — Get your sacks when you can. The Eagles’ defense often starts off the season hot with pass-rush pressure before wearing down because of a lack of size on the edge. This year might be different, but you might as well take advantage of a good situation. The Eagles tend to blitz Giants QB Eli Manning heavily, sacking him nine times in two games last season, and there’s no reason to think they will stray from that approach this time. The Giants’ O-line has been solid in pass protection this season but has had trouble identifying Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson’s blitzes in the past.
Washington — On bye
NFC North
Chicago — Brian Griese, the Bears’ starting quarterback until further notice, is quite capable of lighting a fantasy spark, especially against a leaky Lions defense. … With Bears RB Cedric Benson averaging only 3.2 yards on 59 carries with two costly fumbles, don’t be surprised if backup RB Adrian Peterson starts getting a lot more playing time beginning this Sunday against the Lions. Benson did not return in the fourth quarter last Sunday night against Dallas after his last fumble with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Peterson has also lost a fumble, but is averaging 4.3 yards on 15 attempts. … The lone bright spot for the Bears’ offense in Week Three was the play of TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, who had a combined four catches for 86 yards, including a nifty 52-yard catch by Clark. Olsen looked like he has fully recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the first two games.
Detroit — WR Calvin Johnson (bruised tailbone) is expected to play, and RB Kevin Jones is getting back into the flow, so the expectations are that the Lions’ offense could be hitting its stride in the next few games. The Bears represent a tough challenge defensively, but they have enough injuries on that side of the ball that you should not be hesitant to play any of Detroit’s top four wideouts or QB Jon Kitna. Jones and RB Tatum Bell, however, are weak plays until they prove otherwise. Bell has caught a few passes, but the Lions don’t run the ball enough to make you think that either guy will have an outstanding game here, especially against a good run “D” such as Chicago’s defense.
Green Bay — There aren’t many hotter fantasy quarterbacks at the moment than Packers QB Brett Favre, whose next TD pass will break Dan Marino’s all-time league record. In the last two games, Favre has completed 57-of-83 passes for 655 yards and six TDs with one interception. … WR Donald Driver, who had a terrific fantasy outing against the Chargers (six catches for 126 yards and a TD), could be a good bet to put up prodigious fantasy figures again this Sunday vs. the Vikings. In the Pack’s 23-17 victory at Minnesota last year, Driver had a career-best 191 receiving yards, including an 82-yard touchdown. Driver registered the 17th 100-yard game of his career last Sunday. … WR Greg Jennings could also be an effective fantasy weapon this Sunday after catching four passes for 82 yards against the Chargers last Sunday, including the winning 57-yard TD reception with 2:03 remaining. … It would be wise to steer clear from Packers running backs for fantasy purposes this Sunday. Not only does the team’s running attack remain a major work in progress with nobody really taking the bull by the horns in the early going. It’s also worth noting that they’ll be facing a Vikings run defense that is widely considered the stingiest in the league.
Minnesota — Right now, RB Adrian Peterson is the only offensive player you would want to consider. Perhaps TE Visanthe Shiancoe’s role will expand in the near future a week after one of his best receiving totals of his career last week — a game where he should have had his first Vikings touchdown (replays showed it should have been called a TD). But for now, avoid anyone in the receiving game. Even Peterson’s value, especially against a strong Packers defense, is muted because of the limitations elsewhere.
NFC South
Atlanta — QB Joey Harrington is coming off a sensational 361-yard, two-TD performance vs. the Panthers. But don’t rush to get him in your starting lineup this week. If we’ve learned anything from Harrington over the years, it is that he is inconsistent. Plus, he faces a much-improved Houston defense, and he’s on the road this week. … RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood have been consistent this season. Dunn has run for between 50-55 yards in each game this season; Norwood has run for between 30-33 yards. Too bad, those numbers won’t win you a fantasy championship. The Texans’ defense ranks sixth vs. the run, limiting opponents to 76.7 rushing yards per game, so keep Dunn and Norwood on the bench. … WR Roddy White has developed into a steady No. 3 fantasy receiver. White posted a career high in catches (seven) and yards (127) last week and has led the Falcons in receiving in every game this season. … TE Alge Crumpler, who made six catches for 63 yards and one touchdown last week, should find plenty of room to roam vs. a Texans defense that surrendered five caches for 78 yards and one touchdown to the Colts’ tight ends in Week Three.
Carolina — Keep QB Jake Delhomme on the bench this week. He did not practice Wednesday and it appears unlikely he will play this week because of a strained right elbow. If Delhomme doesn’t play, David Carr will replace him. Carr completed 3-of-4 passes for 56 yards in relief of Delhomme last week. Carr is a decent fantasy option if you’re desperate, but the Panthers probably won’t pass the ball much this week. … RB DeShaun Foster is a good play this week because the Panthers figure to use a ground-oriented attack with Carr under center. Plus, Foster is coming off arguably his best outing as a pro, rushing 20 times for 122 yards (6.1-yard average) and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) vs. the Falcons. … WR Steve Smith caught only one pass vs. the Falcons, but he figures to bounce back this week. Smith torched the Buccaneers for 15 catches for 261 yards and one touchdown in two games last season. … TE Jeff King, who has 13 catches through three games, led the Panthers in receiving in Week Three, recording four catches for 56 yards and one touchdown. … Looking for a supersleeper this week? Try WR Keary Colbert. Carr and Colbert developed a solid rapport in the preseason, and Carr looks to pass to Colbert much more than Delhomme ever did.
New Orleans — On bye.
Tampa Bay — If starting RB Cadillac Williams continues to fumble, he could be watching from the sideline again like he did in the fourth quarter last week. Williams has two fumbles in three games, which upsets ball-security-conscious head coach Jon Gruden and led to Williams being replaced by Earnest Graham and Michael Pittman at the end of the Buccaneers’ Week Three win. While both Graham and Pittman outrushed Williams and Graham scored two touchdowns, Williams is still the best fantasy play this week. Williams has scored three touchdowns in the past two games and should find plenty of running lanes against a Panthers defense that allowed 175 rushing yards (4.9-yard average) to the Falcons in Week Three. … QB Jeff Garcia passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Panthers last season as a member of the Eagles. The Panthers’ secondary is vulnerable after allowing 361 passing yards and two touchdowns to Falcons QB Joey Harrington last week. … Speedy WR Joey Galloway is a must-play option this week. Look for Garcia and Galloway to attack the Panthers’ struggling safeties deep and for Galloway to rack up several long receptions. … The Buccaneers’ defense is salivating over the prospect of QB David Carr starting for the Panthers this week. Carr, who was a human piñata in Houston, tends to hold onto the ball too long and is playing behind an inconsistent offensive line, so the Buccaneers should be able to record a few sacks and force some turnovers.
NFC West
Arizona — With head coach Ken Whisenhunt indicating this week that the Cardinals will continue to work the no-huddle offense more into the mix — with veteran Kurt Warner under center in those situations instead of Matt Leinart — it would appear Leinart’s fantasy stock has dropped, and that neither he nor Warner are the best fantasy options at present. That especially would appear to be the case this Sunday, when the Cardinals square off against a Steelers defense ranked second in total yards allowed. … WR Anquan Boldin is coming off one of the best games of his pro career. His 14 catches against the Ravens in Week Three were a career high, and his 181 yards were his most since the first game of his NFL career (Sept. 7, 2003), when he had 217 yards against Detroit. Boldin suffered a strained hip vs. Baltimore, but he’s known for his toughness and remains a good bet to suit up this Sunday in the biggest game up to now in the Whisenhunt regime, considering that Whisenhunt coordinated the Steelers’ offense the previous three seasons.
St. Louis — After catching considerable heat for abandoning their passing game last Sunday in their lackluster loss on the road in Tampa Bay, don’t be surprised if the Rams try to open up their aerial attack this Sunday against a Dallas pass defense ranked 22nd in the league. … Another huge reason WRs Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Drew Bennett (quad; check status) could possibly post some decent fantasy numbers this Sunday is RB Steven Jackson’s partially torn groin muscle suffered late in the game against Tampa Bay, which figures to put a real crimp in the Rams’ running attack for as long as he’s out. Jackson has been ruled out of this Sunday’s game and will most likely be sidelined two to three weeks, according to team sources. … Jackson’s temporary replacement in the starting lineup is rookie Brian Leonard — an intriguing fantasy gamble who will certainly get a good opportunity to make a fantasy impact this Sunday. Backup Travis Minor, who has had just one carry up to now in the regular season, will also be worked into the backfield mix. … QB Marc Bulger has two broken ribs and badly sprained knees, but is still expected to play Sunday. Bulger is coming off an extremely tough outing. After throwing his first 89 passes of the season without an interception, he threw three picks in the final three quarters vs. the Bucs. Two of them squelched potential scoring drives, including one in the endzone. Operating behind a patchwork offensive line that lost starting OLG Mark Setterstrom for the season last Sunday, Bulger could very well continue struggling under heavy pressure.
San Francisco — A Niners offense ranked a lowly 31st three weeks into the season wasn’t helped any by the news early this week that TE Vernon Davis has a sprained MCL in his right knee that is likely to sideline him at least this Sunday against the Seahawks and the following week against Baltimore. The best bet to replace Davis in the starting lineup is Delanie Walker. The second-year pro has only five career catches for 49 yards, but he has a lot of raw talent that could make him a fantasy factor in the short term. … RB Frank Gore has only 175 yards and a 3.4 yards-per-carry average through the first three games. Gore’s 39 yards on 14 carries against Pittsburgh last Sunday was his lowest total in two years as the team’s starting running back, and he is still looking for his first 100-yard game after accomplishing that feat a team-record nine times last year. Want some good news? Gore faces a Seahawks defense this Sunday that he ripped up to the tune of a combined 356 yards rushing in the two games vs. Seattle last season. Gore had the right hand that he broke in the preseason checked out after last Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh, and it was found to be OK. While he is off to a slow start, Gore still is averaging one touchdown per game. … QB Alex Smith remains only an emergency fantasy option with only one TD pass in 83 attempts.
Seattle — RB Shaun Alexander, who is expected to continue playing despite a cracked left wrist suffered in the season opener, could benefit this Sunday from going up against a 49ers run defense that has lost up-and-coming OLB Manny Lawson for the season and is ranked 25th in the league, allowing 142.3 yards rushing per game. Alexander, currently ranked third in the NFC in rushing (4.2-yard average), will continue to wear a protective device on his wrist indefinitely. … Not only had Lawson become a much-improved run defender in his second season, but he also was adept at covering opposing tight ends. His replacement, Hannibal Navies, had all kinds of problems covering Steelers TE Heath Miller last Sunday, which could bode well for Seahawks TE Marcus Pollard this Sunday. … QB Matt Hasselbeck is coming off a strong fantasy outing vs. the Bengals — 24-of-37 passing for 248 yards and three TD passes to three different receivers (Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson). … WR D.J. Hackett, who is expected to remain out a couple of more weeks with a high-ankle sprain, could have a very hard time getting the starting split-end job back from Burleson (6- 76 vs. Cincy, including a 22-yard game-winning TD catch).
Sept. 27, 2007
Updated at 1:55 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 28
Updates are shown in italics
AFC East
Buffalo — Play RB Marshawn Lynch against the Jets. The Jets gave up 211 yards from scrimmage to Miami’s Ronnie Brown last week, and while Lynch isn’t featured as prominently in the passing game as Brown is, his ground productivity makes up for it. With QB Trent Edwards making his first career start, the Bills will be leaning heavily on the ground game, and Lynch could easily get 25-plus carries. … Each week we wait for deep-threat WR Lee Evans to break out, and each week fantasy owners come away disappointed. The Jets are a difficult team for him to get going against. CBs Darrelle Revis and David Barrett continue to get better, and the Bills will opt for a more controlled passing game with Edwards at the helm. Sit Evans.
Miami — Give RB Ronnie Brown the start after his 211-yard (112 rushing, 99 receiving) performance against the Jets. The Raiders rank 27th in the league in total defense, so it should be two strong outings in a row for Brown. … QB Trent Green has put up some big yardage numbers this season, but he has struggled getting the ball into the endzone. Oakland has given up five passing touchdowns on the season, but the relative softness of its front seven compared to its secondary means that the Dolphins could go to the ground more often they have in the past. Look elsewhere for your quarterback. … WR Chris Chambers presents an interesting dilemma for fantasy owners. He’s tied for fifth in the league in receiving yards, but has failed to get into the endzone. The Dolphins are utilizing Chambers more as a possession receiver this season, and so his lack of scoring receptions is likely to continue. Still, any receiver averaging more than 100 yards per game is doing pretty well. He deserves the start.
New England — QB Tom Brady should have another stellar game, especially going up against Cincinnati’s 26th-ranked pass defense. The Bengals’ CB duo of Johnathan Joseph and Deltha O’Neal make some big plays but are prone to giving up the long ball, which is not a good thing when going up against the league’s premier deep-ball passer. … WR Randy Moss obviously deserves a play, and give serious consideration to Wes Welker, as well. Welker looks to have solidified his status as the Pats’ No. 2 receiver, ahead of Donté Stallworth. Welker has at least 61 receiving yards in each game this year, though he has scored only once. … RB Laurence Maroney had his best game as a pro last year against the Bengals, gaining 125 yards on just 15 carries with two touchdowns. He fares better against 4-3 defenses than he does 3-4 schemes, so look for him to break the century mark in rushing again on Monday night.
New York Jets — Unless you have a quarterback named Brady, Palmer or (Peyton) Manning, give Chad Pennington the start. The Bills rank last in the league against the pass, and SS Donte Whitner is the Bills’ only healthy D-back that was a starter at the beginning of the season. Pennington’s sprained ankle is getting progressively better, and is able to move around in the pocket more effectively. … Start WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles. Each has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and expect those flashes to be blinding against the Bills’ undermanned “D.” … Likewise, start RB Thomas Jones and watch the Jets’ marquee free-agent acquisition rush for 100-plus yards and a pair of touchdowns. … If you’re hurting at running back, Leon Washington is a serviceable play. Jones’ backup is actually the quickest running back on the roster, and could see an increase in carries when this game gets out of hand. Yeah, the Bills’ defense is that bad.
AFC North
Baltimore — QB Steve McNair (groin) is expected to start at Cleveland on Sunday. But will he finish the game? That’s a legitimate concern for fantasy owners who have gotten less than one fourth quarter of production out of the oft-injured veteran this season. The good news: McNair insisted he could have finished last Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. The bad news: Ravens head coach Brian Billick seems intent on 1) being very careful with McNair and 2) giving Kyle Boller a chance to occasionally show how much he has developed in five NFL seasons. In short, neither McNair nor Boller should be in your lineup until this situation stabilizes. However, this shouldn’t cause you to bench RB Willis McGahee, WRs Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and TE Todd Heap vs. Cleveland. The Browns are allowing opponents to rush for nearly five yards per carry. Also, they rank near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per pass.
Cincinnati — The Bengals’ running problems are nothing new: Cincinnati ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing last season, too. RB Rudi Johnson (58 carries, 177 yards, no scores, long run of 20 yards) hasn’t had a lot of big holes to run through, and he isn’t a burner in the first place. What’s more, he left the Week Three game at Seattle with a hamstring injury. Even if Johnson is healthy enough to play in the Monday-night game vs. New England, he is probably best left on the bench, as the Patriots’ defense has allowed only one rushing touchdown in three games and 74 rushing yards on average. The same goes for Johnson’s top backup, Kenny Watson. That said, keep QB Carson Palmer and WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the lineup. The Bengals’ porous defense and the stuck-in-the-mud running game are making Cincinnati rely on this prolific passing trio more than ever.
Cleveland — QB Derek Anderson’s accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, as he has completed only 52 percent of his pass attempts. Also, he has thrown four picks, and opponents have dropped at least two other possible interceptions. But he has thrown seven TD passes, and he could present a tough matchup for a suddenly shaky Ravens secondary. … The status of TE Kellen Winslow (dislocated shoulder) should be monitored before making a decision on whether to start him vs. the Ravens. Fantasy owners should note that Winslow often missed practice time last season resting a knee injury and still performed at a high level on Sundays. Winslow is even better this season, and if all indications are that he will play, he belongs in your lineup. The same goes for improving WR Braylon Edwards (15 catches, 278 yards, three touchdowns), who finally looks like he has turned the corner. However, RB Jamal Lewis is not a recommended play against a Ravens defense that has allowed zero rushing touchdowns this season.
Pittsburgh — WR Hines Ward (knee) is unlikely to play this Sunday at Arizona. Santonio Holmes is unquestionably Pittsburgh’s No. 1 receiver with Ward out of the lineup, and Holmes merits starting consideration in all formats. The fantasy stock of Nate Washington and Cedrick Wilson also gets a boost with Ward out, but neither Washington nor Wilson is starting material. … RB Willie Parker leads the NFL in carries (74) but also boasts a strong 5.0 yards per carry average. The Cardinals are surrendering 4.0 yards per rush. Parker, who has received more than 20 carries in each of Pittsburgh’s first three games, is a must-start.
AFC South
Houston — Injury update: WR Andre Johnson (knee) is out. Rookie WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder) will also miss this week’s game at Atlanta, and he’s also likely to miss at least one more game after that. WRs André Davis and Kevin Walter are likely to start at Atlanta. RB Ahman Green's knee injury isn’t serious, but he may not play in Week Four. Green has hardly been a model of durability this season. Ron Dayne (expected to start if Green can’t go) and Samkon Gado will get work. Dayne is back after missing Week Three with injured ribs. In short, none of the Texans’ running backs come recommended this week. … Of the Texans’ pass catchers, TE Owen Daniels (seven catches in Week Three) has the most upside. … QB Matt Schaub, who has completed 75.9 percent of his pass attempts this season, still merits starting consideration even with all the injuries because of his excellent individual play to date and an Atlanta secondary ranked near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per pass play.
Indianapolis — The Broncos’ vaunted defense doesn’t scare QB Peyton Manning, who completed 32-of-39 passes for 345 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions vs. Denver last year. … RB Joseph Addai is off to a stellar start in his first year as the full-time starter. Addai has scored a touchdown in every game this season, including a two-TD performance vs. the Texans last week. Addai carried 17 times for 93 yards against the Broncos last season, and the Broncos’ defense is giving up 166 rushing yards per game this season. … For his high standards, WR Marvin Harrison is off to a slow start. He has been held to less than 100 receiving yards in every game this season and has only one TD catch. Meanwhile, WR Reggie Wayne is averaging 89.7 yards receiving and has two TD catches. Wayne had 10 catches for 138 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Broncos last season. … TE Dallas Clark has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games and is thriving while getting plenty of reps as the slot receiver. Clark is a great play this week vs. CB Dominique Foxworth or SS Nick Ferguson. Both Broncos defensive backs stand 5-foot-11 while Clark checks in at 6-3.
Jacksonville — On bye.
Tennessee — On bye.
AFC West
Denver — Second-year WR Brandon Marshall has impressed with his ability to break tackles after the catch, and considering his big-play capabilities and QB Jay Cutler’s progress, he should be creeping into fantasy lineups by now. … Speaking of Cutler, he was able to work through practice OK this week with his sprained ankle, so don’t expect him to be limited at all vs. the Colts. … The Broncos continue to work out some kinks defensively. Between the poor tackling, adjustments to the new scheme, the lack of depth in the secondary with S John Lynch dinged up and the fact they’re playing the Colts, it might be wise to avoid playing the Broncos’ defense this week. … WR Javon Walker was sent for an MRI on his right knee and was held out of practice Wednesday because of inflammation, but it’s considered more of a precaution than anything.
Kansas City — RB Larry Johnson remains visibly frustrated with the lack of production from the Chiefs’ ground game, and rightfully so. After gaining better than 3,500 rushing yards the past two seasons, Johnson has totaled only 140 on the ground through the first three weeks at a clip of 2.8 yards per carry. Conservative play-calling and blocking are primary issues. Going up against the Chargers’ ninth-ranked run defense poses more problems this week. … QB Damon Huard looked like he might get pulled for Brodie Croyle in the first half last week, but he maintained his composure and completed 14-of-19 passes in the second half for 169 yards. … Included in Huard’s second-half passing outburst was a 16-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe, who has quickly gained the trust of the coaching staff and Huard by making big plays and keeping his concentration. … The return of DE Jared Allen from suspension was a big boost for the Chiefs’ defense in Week Two, as he provided a pair of sacks and a forced fumble. The Chiefs could sneak into borderline starting range, if they have a good matchup.
Oakland — With QB Josh McCown not practicing on Wednesday with injuries to both feet, it’s looking like QB Daunte Culpepper will get the starting nod this week against his old club in Miami. Culpepper looked smooth at the controls after coming in for McCown last week, and his big arm should open up the offense for WRs Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter. … RB LaMont Jordan not only has rushed for more than 120 yards in two of his three starts this season, but he’s got a great matchup this week vs. the Dolphins’ 29th-ranked run defense. If he continues on his current pace, it would be hard for the coaching staff to split time evenly between him and Dominic Rhodes when Rhodes’ suspension ends after this week.
San Diego — RB LaDainian Tomlinson has gained just 2.3 yards per carry en route to 140 yards on the ground through three games, and a large part of the blame falls on the usually strong offensive line not performing up to par. … QB Philip Rivers finally began looking like himself against the Packers last week, getting off to a quick start and including WRs Vincent Jackson and Buster Davis for 10 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown. If the pass protection improves, it will allow Rivers to test defenses deep more often, which would play to the strengths of Jackson and Davis. … With only seven sacks through three games, the Chargers’ defense is way behind last year’s pace that saw them lead the league with 61 QB takedowns. Expect them to find more success this week against a Chiefs offensive line that has struggled mightily to this point.
NFC East
Dallas — PK Nick Folk, the NFL’s third-leading scorer, is 6-for-7 on FG attempts and is starting to get attention among fantasy owners because of the prolific offense the Cowboys appear to have. His only miss was a blocked kick against the Bears that can be blamed on faulty special-teams blocking. This might be a good time to test-drive Folk, especially given that this is the first bye week around the league and that the Rams’ defense has held opponents out of the endzone five out of the 10 times they’ve entered the red zone.
N.Y. Giants — WR Plaxico Burress took Wednesday and Thursday practices off to visit a Charlotte-area specialist who determined that Burress has a “severe sprained ankle” that “requires rest,” in the words of Giants vice president of medical services Ronnie Barnes. Burress will be limited in practice for the next several weeks but will attempt to play this week and from here on out. Given how good he has been, you really can't sit him down, but a bad or limited game this weekend might change your mind. Monitor his situation closely.
Philadelphia — Get your sacks when you can. The Eagles’ defense often starts off the season hot with pass-rush pressure before wearing down because of a lack of size on the edge. This year might be different, but you might as well take advantage of a good situation. The Eagles tend to blitz Giants QB Eli Manning heavily, sacking him nine times in two games last season, and there’s no reason to think they will stray from that approach this time. The Giants’ O-line has been solid in pass protection this season but has had trouble identifying Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson’s blitzes in the past.
Washington — On bye
NFC North
Chicago — Brian Griese, the Bears’ starting quarterback until further notice, is quite capable of lighting a fantasy spark, especially against a leaky Lions defense. … With Bears RB Cedric Benson averaging only 3.2 yards on 59 carries with two costly fumbles, don’t be surprised if backup RB Adrian Peterson starts getting a lot more playing time beginning this Sunday against the Lions. Benson did not return in the fourth quarter last Sunday night against Dallas after his last fumble with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Peterson has also lost a fumble, but is averaging 4.3 yards on 15 attempts. … The lone bright spot for the Bears’ offense in Week Three was the play of TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, who had a combined four catches for 86 yards, including a nifty 52-yard catch by Clark. Olsen looked like he has fully recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the first two games.
Detroit — WR Calvin Johnson (bruised tailbone) is expected to play, and RB Kevin Jones is getting back into the flow, so the expectations are that the Lions’ offense could be hitting its stride in the next few games. The Bears represent a tough challenge defensively, but they have enough injuries on that side of the ball that you should not be hesitant to play any of Detroit’s top four wideouts or QB Jon Kitna. Jones and RB Tatum Bell, however, are weak plays until they prove otherwise. Bell has caught a few passes, but the Lions don’t run the ball enough to make you think that either guy will have an outstanding game here, especially against a good run “D” such as Chicago’s defense.
Green Bay — There aren’t many hotter fantasy quarterbacks at the moment than Packers QB Brett Favre, whose next TD pass will break Dan Marino’s all-time league record. In the last two games, Favre has completed 57-of-83 passes for 655 yards and six TDs with one interception. … WR Donald Driver, who had a terrific fantasy outing against the Chargers (six catches for 126 yards and a TD), could be a good bet to put up prodigious fantasy figures again this Sunday vs. the Vikings. In the Pack’s 23-17 victory at Minnesota last year, Driver had a career-best 191 receiving yards, including an 82-yard touchdown. Driver registered the 17th 100-yard game of his career last Sunday. … WR Greg Jennings could also be an effective fantasy weapon this Sunday after catching four passes for 82 yards against the Chargers last Sunday, including the winning 57-yard TD reception with 2:03 remaining. … It would be wise to steer clear from Packers running backs for fantasy purposes this Sunday. Not only does the team’s running attack remain a major work in progress with nobody really taking the bull by the horns in the early going. It’s also worth noting that they’ll be facing a Vikings run defense that is widely considered the stingiest in the league.
Minnesota — Right now, RB Adrian Peterson is the only offensive player you would want to consider. Perhaps TE Visanthe Shiancoe’s role will expand in the near future a week after one of his best receiving totals of his career last week — a game where he should have had his first Vikings touchdown (replays showed it should have been called a TD). But for now, avoid anyone in the receiving game. Even Peterson’s value, especially against a strong Packers defense, is muted because of the limitations elsewhere.
NFC South
Atlanta — QB Joey Harrington is coming off a sensational 361-yard, two-TD performance vs. the Panthers. But don’t rush to get him in your starting lineup this week. If we’ve learned anything from Harrington over the years, it is that he is inconsistent. Plus, he faces a much-improved Houston defense, and he’s on the road this week. … RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood have been consistent this season. Dunn has run for between 50-55 yards in each game this season; Norwood has run for between 30-33 yards. Too bad, those numbers won’t win you a fantasy championship. The Texans’ defense ranks sixth vs. the run, limiting opponents to 76.7 rushing yards per game, so keep Dunn and Norwood on the bench. … WR Roddy White has developed into a steady No. 3 fantasy receiver. White posted a career high in catches (seven) and yards (127) last week and has led the Falcons in receiving in every game this season. … TE Alge Crumpler, who made six catches for 63 yards and one touchdown last week, should find plenty of room to roam vs. a Texans defense that surrendered five caches for 78 yards and one touchdown to the Colts’ tight ends in Week Three.
Carolina — Keep QB Jake Delhomme on the bench this week. He did not practice Wednesday and it appears unlikely he will play this week because of a strained right elbow. If Delhomme doesn’t play, David Carr will replace him. Carr completed 3-of-4 passes for 56 yards in relief of Delhomme last week. Carr is a decent fantasy option if you’re desperate, but the Panthers probably won’t pass the ball much this week. … RB DeShaun Foster is a good play this week because the Panthers figure to use a ground-oriented attack with Carr under center. Plus, Foster is coming off arguably his best outing as a pro, rushing 20 times for 122 yards (6.1-yard average) and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) vs. the Falcons. … WR Steve Smith caught only one pass vs. the Falcons, but he figures to bounce back this week. Smith torched the Buccaneers for 15 catches for 261 yards and one touchdown in two games last season. … TE Jeff King, who has 13 catches through three games, led the Panthers in receiving in Week Three, recording four catches for 56 yards and one touchdown. … Looking for a supersleeper this week? Try WR Keary Colbert. Carr and Colbert developed a solid rapport in the preseason, and Carr looks to pass to Colbert much more than Delhomme ever did.
New Orleans — On bye.
Tampa Bay — If starting RB Cadillac Williams continues to fumble, he could be watching from the sideline again like he did in the fourth quarter last week. Williams has two fumbles in three games, which upsets ball-security-conscious head coach Jon Gruden and led to Williams being replaced by Earnest Graham and Michael Pittman at the end of the Buccaneers’ Week Three win. While both Graham and Pittman outrushed Williams and Graham scored two touchdowns, Williams is still the best fantasy play this week. Williams has scored three touchdowns in the past two games and should find plenty of running lanes against a Panthers defense that allowed 175 rushing yards (4.9-yard average) to the Falcons in Week Three. … QB Jeff Garcia passed for 312 yards and three touchdowns vs. the Panthers last season as a member of the Eagles. The Panthers’ secondary is vulnerable after allowing 361 passing yards and two touchdowns to Falcons QB Joey Harrington last week. … Speedy WR Joey Galloway is a must-play option this week. Look for Garcia and Galloway to attack the Panthers’ struggling safeties deep and for Galloway to rack up several long receptions. … The Buccaneers’ defense is salivating over the prospect of QB David Carr starting for the Panthers this week. Carr, who was a human piñata in Houston, tends to hold onto the ball too long and is playing behind an inconsistent offensive line, so the Buccaneers should be able to record a few sacks and force some turnovers.
NFC West
Arizona — With head coach Ken Whisenhunt indicating this week that the Cardinals will continue to work the no-huddle offense more into the mix — with veteran Kurt Warner under center in those situations instead of Matt Leinart — it would appear Leinart’s fantasy stock has dropped, and that neither he nor Warner are the best fantasy options at present. That especially would appear to be the case this Sunday, when the Cardinals square off against a Steelers defense ranked second in total yards allowed. … WR Anquan Boldin is coming off one of the best games of his pro career. His 14 catches against the Ravens in Week Three were a career high, and his 181 yards were his most since the first game of his NFL career (Sept. 7, 2003), when he had 217 yards against Detroit. Boldin suffered a strained hip vs. Baltimore, but he’s known for his toughness and remains a good bet to suit up this Sunday in the biggest game up to now in the Whisenhunt regime, considering that Whisenhunt coordinated the Steelers’ offense the previous three seasons.
St. Louis — After catching considerable heat for abandoning their passing game last Sunday in their lackluster loss on the road in Tampa Bay, don’t be surprised if the Rams try to open up their aerial attack this Sunday against a Dallas pass defense ranked 22nd in the league. … Another huge reason WRs Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Drew Bennett (quad; check status) could possibly post some decent fantasy numbers this Sunday is RB Steven Jackson’s partially torn groin muscle suffered late in the game against Tampa Bay, which figures to put a real crimp in the Rams’ running attack for as long as he’s out. Jackson has been ruled out of this Sunday’s game and will most likely be sidelined two to three weeks, according to team sources. … Jackson’s temporary replacement in the starting lineup is rookie Brian Leonard — an intriguing fantasy gamble who will certainly get a good opportunity to make a fantasy impact this Sunday. Backup Travis Minor, who has had just one carry up to now in the regular season, will also be worked into the backfield mix. … QB Marc Bulger has two broken ribs and badly sprained knees, but is still expected to play Sunday. Bulger is coming off an extremely tough outing. After throwing his first 89 passes of the season without an interception, he threw three picks in the final three quarters vs. the Bucs. Two of them squelched potential scoring drives, including one in the endzone. Operating behind a patchwork offensive line that lost starting OLG Mark Setterstrom for the season last Sunday, Bulger could very well continue struggling under heavy pressure.
San Francisco — A Niners offense ranked a lowly 31st three weeks into the season wasn’t helped any by the news early this week that TE Vernon Davis has a sprained MCL in his right knee that is likely to sideline him at least this Sunday against the Seahawks and the following week against Baltimore. The best bet to replace Davis in the starting lineup is Delanie Walker. The second-year pro has only five career catches for 49 yards, but he has a lot of raw talent that could make him a fantasy factor in the short term. … RB Frank Gore has only 175 yards and a 3.4 yards-per-carry average through the first three games. Gore’s 39 yards on 14 carries against Pittsburgh last Sunday was his lowest total in two years as the team’s starting running back, and he is still looking for his first 100-yard game after accomplishing that feat a team-record nine times last year. Want some good news? Gore faces a Seahawks defense this Sunday that he ripped up to the tune of a combined 356 yards rushing in the two games vs. Seattle last season. Gore had the right hand that he broke in the preseason checked out after last Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh, and it was found to be OK. While he is off to a slow start, Gore still is averaging one touchdown per game. … QB Alex Smith remains only an emergency fantasy option with only one TD pass in 83 attempts.
Seattle — RB Shaun Alexander, who is expected to continue playing despite a cracked left wrist suffered in the season opener, could benefit this Sunday from going up against a 49ers run defense that has lost up-and-coming OLB Manny Lawson for the season and is ranked 25th in the league, allowing 142.3 yards rushing per game. Alexander, currently ranked third in the NFC in rushing (4.2-yard average), will continue to wear a protective device on his wrist indefinitely. … Not only had Lawson become a much-improved run defender in his second season, but he also was adept at covering opposing tight ends. His replacement, Hannibal Navies, had all kinds of problems covering Steelers TE Heath Miller last Sunday, which could bode well for Seahawks TE Marcus Pollard this Sunday. … QB Matt Hasselbeck is coming off a strong fantasy outing vs. the Bengals — 24-of-37 passing for 248 yards and three TD passes to three different receivers (Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson). … WR D.J. Hackett, who is expected to remain out a couple of more weeks with a high-ankle sprain, could have a very hard time getting the starting split-end job back from Burleson (6- 76 vs. Cincy, including a 22-yard game-winning TD catch).
