It’s time for a fantasy breakdown quick hits style to help you grind through the rest of your work day and get geared up for all of this weekend’s action. Joe Fortenbaugh
It’s time for a fantasy breakdown quick hits style to help you grind through the rest of your work day and get geared up for all of this weekend’s action.
INJURY REPORT
1. Brian Westbrook Philadelphia Eagles: Full Participation on Wednesday (ribs)
2. Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals: OUT (right elbow)
3. Laveranues Coles New York Jets: Did Not Practice on Wednesday (head, thigh)
4. Plaxico Burress New York Giants: Did Not Practice on Wednesday (shoulder)
5. Chris Chambers San Diego Chargers: Limited Practice on Wednesday (ankle)
6. Steven Jackson St. Louis Rams: Did Not Practice on Wednesday (thigh)
7. Sammy Morris New England Patriots: Did Not Practice on Wednesday (knee)
8. Joey Galloway Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Limited Practice on Wednesday (foot)
9. Joseph Addai Indianapolis Colts: Limited Practice on Wednesday (hamstring)
10. Felix Jones Dallas Cowboys: Did Not Practice on Wednesday (hamstring)
KEY MATCHUPS TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND
1. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Eli Manning: This is going to be a good one. The 5-1 New York Giants travel to Pittsburgh to take on the (you guessed it) 5-1 Pittsburgh Steelers, in what some consider to be a Super Bowl preview. Both Roethlisberger and Manning were selected in the first round of the 2004 draft (remember how happy Manning was?), and both quarterbacks have already hoisted the Lombardi Trophy high over their heads. Even though we are already in Week 8, this is the first real test on the schedule for Manning and the Giants. The Pittsburgh defense is currently at the top of the class, ranked 1st in the NFL in total defense, passing defense, and 2nd in rushing defense. On the other side of the ball, Big Ben and a suspect Pittsburgh offensive line will try put up the points against the NFL’s 4th ranked total defense. Protecting Roethlisberger will be the key to success for the Steelers on Sunday. This one has slugfest written all over it. If you have a better option than Manning, I would recommend you take it.
2. The London Shootout: I think we can all agree that the last thing anybody wants to see over in England on Sunday is another slop fest like the one we had to sit through last year. The NFL’s #1 passing and total offense crosses the pond and looks to go to the skies against the league’s worst pass defense in the San Diego Chargers. Colston owners, this is the one you have been waiting for. After returning to action last weekend (I’m sorry, I shouldn’t call zero catches “action”) MC looks to get back into the groove and start putting up the numbers to help get his Saints back into NFC South contention. Make no mistake about it, this game is a must win for both teams. The Chargers look to get back to playing .500 football, and what better way to do it than by having Rivers and V-Jax go to work on a defense that is giving up 222 passing yards and 23.3 points per game. If the weather holds up, this will be your fantasy game of the week.
LOOK OUT FOR…
Marshawn Lynch RB Buffalo Bills: While he’s been able to find the end zone (5 TDs in 2008), Lynch has disappointed fantasy owners this season with his inability to put up a big time rushing performance. So far through six games, the Buffalo running back has carried 110 times for only 389 yards (3.5 YPC), and has yet to top 85 yards rushing in a game. All of that should change this weekend when the 5-1 Buffalo Bills travel south to take on their division rival Miami Dolphins. Miami has been adequate against the run this year, allowing an average of 97.3 yards per game. But the key is that the Dolphins will most likely be without starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson, who is currently nursing an “injury to his oblique muscle.” As National Football Post writer Michael Lombardi wrote this morning, Ferguson’s absence from the lineup will make it easier for Buffalo to run between the tackles, giving Lynch a great opportunity for his first 100+ yard game of the season.
BE SUSPICIOUS OF…
Brian Westbrook RB Philadelphia Eagles: Even though Westbrook has said he expects to play this weekend (and all indications are that he will), be cautious about how heavily you rely on him come Sunday. B West is still nursing multiple fractured ribs (which Matt Bowen will tell you is extremely painful) and now that the Eagles are back in the NFC East hunt, the coaching staff has to be careful in how they handle Westbrook’s touches. If Philly gets up early in this one, look for Buckhalter to shoulder some on the load in an effort to keep Westbrook as healthy as possible.
Joe,
Please try to get fantasy fuel out this week before Bowen executes his bounty on you. Just how bad are you whupping him in FF anyway? I'd love to know who all is in that league and for you to give us your rosters and update us on the standings.
Jason: With Colston back in the lineup and the emergence of Lance Moore, I would pick up Bryant. You can drop Pennington, unless you start two QBs in your league.
Glad you like the article! Thanks for reading
B Roo: first off, Bowen wont even have a chance to put one on me. I let him know earlier that I'll go "Hines Ward" on him if he gets near me, which I will be sure to videotape and link to each post I write from here on out.
It should come as no suprise that a guy who used to play for the 'skins is talking about putting a cheap shot on an eagles fan.
Second, unfortunately, with all the work we put in to getting the site launched at the start of the season, we werent able to get a league together with each other this year. However, we do have big plans for next year, and our readers will be kept in the loop with all of the action.
I didn’t start Colston last week cause I thought he might need a week to get going. Glad I did. But do you think now is really the week?
I can start him or M. Muhammad or A. Bryant at the #3 spot. What would you do?
Joe, I just traded for A. Boldin. What's his status for this week? He's not listed on your injury list this week.
Joe, is it time to cut bait with Carson Palmer?
Is Pierre Thomas worth the pick up. does he catch balls well b/c Duece does not. Here is my team. Although I am 4-3 (2nd place), I am leading the league in points scored for starters. I have lost three games by less than 20 total points.
Also, I need to pick up a Kicker for the rest of the year and here who is available and who should I drop?
Nedney, Akers, Suisham, Lindell, Mare, Feely, Novak, Stover
Starters have an “*” next to them. We have a Flex position that we can use a combo of (3) WR/TE, usually the WR will get the nod.
QB – Jay Cutler
QB – Matt Hasselbeck
QB – Jeff Garcia*
RB – Brandon Jacobs*
RB – Stephen Jax*
RB – Jonathon Stewart
RB – Derrick Ward
RB – Ryan Torain
RB – Dominic Rhodes (maybe pick up Pierre Thomas and drop Rhodes)
WR/TE – Andre Johnson*
WR/TE - Chris Chambers
WR/TE - Steve Smith*
WR/TE - Mushin Muhammed*
WR/TE - Devin Hester
K – (empty – need to drop someone to pick someone, I am thinking Hasselbeck)
DST – Eagles*
Joe,
Woops, I left out that I also have Antonio Bryant.
Joe,
My RBs are hurting this week with Matt Forte on a bye and LJ's suspension. I still have Jones-Drew and Slaton available to start, but I want to get a 3rd on the field using our flex position. Unfortunately that means I'll have to dredge the depths of our waiver wire since I don't have a good WR option on my roster for that spot (Roy Williams...yuk!). As you can imagine, the pickins are very slim and I think my best shot is to try and play the matchups...so which would you favor this weekend: Leon Washington vs KC or Maurice Morris vs SF? It's either pick one of them or dive into a committee backfield like the ones in NE and NO and hope to get lucky. ATM I am leaning towards Washington since the Chiefs can't seem to stop any RBs they face. Any thoughts?
I have both Roethlisberger and Manning. Any suggestions? Keep up the good work.
I wonder what kind of shape the London field is in for this game? Did they learn their lesson from last year and have NFL grounds pros help this time? This game is totally unpredictable because it is hardly a "regular season" game. I think there will not be a lot of scoring there... but you probably have to play your SD/NO fantasy starters anyway.
You'd think the league would have set up that PIT/NYG game in London instead. The "Big Ben" headlines write themselves.
Hey Joe, I noticed that Willie Parker is not listed on your injury report, and can't seem to locate any information on his status this week anywhere. Why the mystery?
Need some help with choosing a QB this week to fill in for Cutler. Do you prefer Garcia over O'Sullivan this week? (Standard scoring 4pt Td's - 1pt for 25 yds passing)
I can start 1 qb and a flex, which I normally go with 2 qb. I have Rivers, Shaub and McNabb, which two would you recommend?
Lynch started somewhat slowly last year too. Through six games he had a 3.6 ypc. After that he was a 4.3 ypc guy. I think we'll see a similar improvement, especially as the Bills line gels...
Scott: I'd go with Colston
Paul: Boldin has been limited this week in practice, but the good news is he has been practicing. The Cardinals have not made an official decision as of yet
Paul: I wouldnt put him on waivers, but as of now, you cannot rely on him.
Charlie: You are already very deep at RB. I like the Torain pickup. No need to grab Thomas. I'd pick up Joe Nedney, and go with Bryant over Muhammed.
Roger: thats a tough spot to be in. I'd either go with Washington, or pick up Aaron Stecker from New Orleans.
Mark: I'd go with Big Ben
JR: no official word yet on Parker's status for Sunday
Big James: I like O'Sullivan
Benny: I like Rivers and Schaub
Joe,
Who should I drop for Nedney....Hasselbeck or Rhodes?
QB – Jay Cutler
QB – Matt Hasselbeck
QB – Jeff Garcia*
RB – Brandon Jacobs*
RB – Stephen Jax*
RB – Jonathon Stewart
RB – Derrick Ward
RB – Ryan Torain
RB – Dominic Rhodes (maybe pick up Pierre Thomas and drop Rhodes)
WR/TE – Andre Johnson*
WR/TE - Chris Chambers
WR/TE - Steve Smith*
WR/TE - Mushin Muhammed
WR/TE - Devin Hester
WR/TE - Antonio Bryant*
K – (empty – need to drop someone to pick someone, I am thinking Hasselbeck or Rhodes)
DST – Eagles*
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Oct 23, 2008
04:06 PM
Joe -
Looking at my waiver wire, I could pick up Devery Henderson or Antonio Bryant (my other recievers are Boldin, Welker, and DeSean Jackson - we start 2). I would drop Chad Pennington (I have Delhomme and Orton already) to do this. First, is this wise? Second, if so, which reciever do I nab?
Thanks - love the column.