Chief Fool named "Football Writer of the Year" (again)

Who says lightning can't strike twice?

I'm very proud and humbled to report that the Fantasy Sports Writers Association has voted me its "Football Writer of the Year," for the second consecutive year. Apparently, this is the first time anyone has won twice. I was also the first to be a finalist two years running.

In addition, one of my columns was voted "Best Humor Column" of the year, across all sports. If you're interested, it's this one. (It was funnier two months ago...)

I didn't prepare a speech, but I'd like to thank the FSWA, the Hollywood Foreign Press and all the little gurus out there who made this possible.

The official press release, which includes winners in other categories and sports, is here.

Hope you're having a great off-season! So far, so good, for yours truly.

Week 11 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Michael Vick and Frank Gore, or bench Brian St. Pierre and Joey Galloway? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 11 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs vs. Cardinals. This should be another very good week for fantasy passers, so Cassel’s excellent matchup against the awful Arizona secondary merely gets him in the conversation. He certainly won’t equal his stellar 469-yard, four-TD outing against the Broncos; but Cassel should continue to build on his strong play over the past five games (12 TDs vs. just one INT).


Keiland Williams, RB, Redskins at Titans. The rookie managed to have a career game (139 combined yards, 3 TDs) on Monday night despite playing from behind from the get-go. With both Ryan Torain and Clinton Portis still on the mend and uncertain for Sunday’s game, Williams should get another chance to carry the load against a slumping Titans run defense.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots vs. Colts. Though Tom Brady was last week’s hero against the Steelers, Green-Ellis totaled more than 100 yards against the league’s toughest defense. He should find the holes much bigger against Indy’s sorry run defenders.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets vs. Texans. With Jerricho Cotchery (groin) out, Holmes will continue to secure his role as his team’s most dangerous receiving weapon. Facing Houston’s pathetic pass defense, this could be his best game yet as a Jet.

Lance Moore, WR, Saints vs. Seahawks. New Orleans’ running game remains a work in progress, so Drew Brees will keep his receivers busy against Seattle’s generous secondary. Moore leads the team in TDs (five), and he should continue to flourish along with Marques Colston.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Shaun Hill, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna, Josh Freeman, Matt Ryan; RBs Knowshon Moreno, Fred Jackson, Ray Rice, Felix Jones, Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis, LaDainian Tomlinson; WRs Randy Moss, Dwayne Bowe, Mario Manningham, Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Braylon Edwards, Malcom Floyd, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Nate Washington, Jeremy Maclin.

Roll ‘em back


Matt Schaub, QB, Texans at Jets. Schaub spent Tuesday night in the hospital having fluid drained from his knee. Though he is expected to play Sunday, the injury, coupled with a tough matchup in New York, makes him an overly risky play. Schaub has just four multi-touchdown games to his credit this year, even when healthy.

Colts RBs vs. Patriots. Joseph Addai has returned to limited practice is hopeful to play, but don’t count on it. More likely is another week of disappointing output from Donald Brown, who will yield to Javarris James at the goal line. Even if Addai suits up, New England’s improving run defense will have little trouble slowing the Colts’ subpar rushing game.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers at 49ers. The rookie is coming off a solid game against the Panthers, but he is more likely to replicate his mediocre performance from Week 9 in Atlanta (46 total yards). The 49ers are playing tough run defense of late, and Cadillac Williams is still in the picture as the better receiving option.

Jabar Gaffney and Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos at Chargers. San Diego’s pass defense is among the league’s stingiest, so even the vaunted Broncos’ air attack could struggle this week. Brandon Lloyd is too hot to sit, but his fellow wideouts aren’t.

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks at Saints. Matt Hasselbeck appears set to play despite his broken left wrist, but neither he nor his receivers are likely to fare well against the Saints’ ball-hawking secondary. They’ve allowed a league low six passing TDs, so don’t expect great returns from the Comeback Player of the Year candidate in this contest.

More thumbs down: QBs Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb, Jason Campbell, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brett Favre; RBs Mike Goodson, Marshawn Lynch, Beanie Wells, Ryan Torain, Ryan Mathews, Jahvid Best; WRs Donald Driver, Bernard Berrian, Jacoby Ford, Steve Smith (CAR), Kevin Walter, Mike Williams (TB).

TAKING A FLIER

Reggie Bush, RB, Saints vs. Seahawks. Watch the game-day inactive list or, better yet, follow my tweets; but Bush is on track to return from his leg injury against the soft Seattle defense. He should quickly resume his critical receiving and return roles, while picking up the occasional backfield carry. In point-per-reception leagues especially, a fresh-legged Bush should excel right out of the gates.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…assumes your kicker is set for the duration. Gone just this week are Joe Nedney, Jeff Reed and Mike Nugent. Nate Kaeding is expected back soon for the Chargers; possibly as early as Sunday. Both Nick Folk and David Buehler are skating on fairly thin ice. It’s a topsy-turvy season for the big-footed men, so don’t overlook this position.

Week 10 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…


Mike Vick, QB, Eagles – Who let the dogs out??? That’s pretty obvious, after Vick passed for 333 yards and 4 TDs and ran for 80 yards and 2 more TDs, without a turnover. Unbelievable.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – Kicked butt in garbage time, with a monstrous 469 yards and 4 TDs, plus a fumble.
Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos – Had 4 TDs in the same game, with 296 yards and no turnovers.
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots – No Moss? No problem. Tom Terrific passed for 350 yards and 3 TDs, and added a short rushing TD for good measure.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Passed for 387 yards and 3 TDs, plus 1 INT.
Jon Kitna, QB, Cowboys – Shocked the Giants with 327 yards and 3 TDs, plus 1 INT.
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons – Passed for 316 yards and a TD trifecta, with no turnovers.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens – Connected on 3 TDs while passing for 215 yards and 1 INT.
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars – Threw for 342 yards and 2 TDs, and ran for 35 yards.

Fred Jackson, RB, Bills – Led his team to their first victory with 133 rushing and 37 receiving yards, plus a TD each way.
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars – Rushed for 100 yards and 2 TDs, and added 3 catches for 23 more.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos – Ran for 106 yards and added 3 catches for 50 yards and 1 TD.
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers – Combined for 154 yards and 1 TD.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams – Rushed for 81 yards and 1 TD, and reeled in 8 passes for 67 yards.
Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys – Ran for 51 yards and caught 3 passes for 85 yards and 1 TD.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – Collected 13 catches for 186 yards and 2 scores.
Roddy White, WR, Falcons – Started the week off with a bang, with a dozen receptions for 138 yards and 2 TDs.
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers – Amassed 8 receptions for 136 yards and 2 TDs.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos – Scored twice on 6 catches for 90 yards.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions – Hauled in 10 passes for 128 yards and 1 TD.
Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars – Pulled in 8 passes for 149 yards and 1 TD.
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans – Caught 9 passes for 146 yards and a score.
Mario Manningham, WR, Giants – His 10 catches produced 91 yards and a TD.
Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks – Golden in PPR leagues, with 11 catches for 145 yards.

This was a great week to play against…

Brett Favre, QB, Vikings – Threw 3 INTs and lost a fumble while collecting just 170 yards and 1 TD.
Peyton Manning, QB, Colts – Passed for a paltry 185 yards and no TDs.
Titans QBs – Kerry Collins managed just 51 yards without a score while Vince Young had 92 yards, a TD and 2 turnovers.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions – Disappointed with just 35 rushing yards and 4 more yards on 4 receptions.
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs – Just 3 rushing yards and one 19-yard catch on the day.

Hines Ward, WR, Steelers – Left injured with nothing to show for himself.
Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings – Never hit the field despite being declared active.
Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans – Caught a single 5-yard pass.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts – Caught 3 passes for 34 yards.
Randy Moss, WR, Titans – Just one 26-yard reception.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars – Only 3 catches for 26 yards against the lowly Texans.
Santana Moss, WR, Redskins – Just 3 catches for 28 yards.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins – 3 receptions for 34 yards.

Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Just one 7-yard catch.
Brent Celek, TE, Eagles – Somehow came away with a measly 2 catches for 8 yards.

I didn’t see that coming…

Jerome Harrison, RB, Eagles – When you score 59 points, the backup gets plenty of work. Like 109 rushing yards and 1 TD, plus a 15-yard reception.
Keiland Williams, RB, Redskins – Though Ryan Torain was active and expected to start, the rookie ran for 89 yards and 2 TDs, plus 4 catches for 50 yards and 1 TD.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots – Caught 5 passes for 72 yards and a trio of TDs.

Lock up your handcuff for the stretch run

Week 10 marks a welcome end to the much-reviled NFL bye schedule. Much like the sense of relief Lindsay Lohan experiences each time the authorities remove her ankle bracelet, fantasy owners can relax knowing they no longer must prepare for battle with one or more star players taking mid-season siestas.

Now that the bye weeks are history, this is an excellent time to give your roster a thorough checkup to be certain you are best prepared for the stretch run. The most important strategic move you can make this week is to release any lingering dead weight from excess kickers, defenses and even tight ends. There’s little justification for carrying more than one at each position any longer. You’re much better served by stocking your bench with fresh legs that can be instrumental in a title run.

At the top of your shopping list should be the understudy to your primary running back, if you haven’t already grabbed him. I’m not referring to widely owned sidekicks like Shonn Greene, Ricky Williams, Thomas Jones and Michael Bush, each of whom was typically drafted in August and has been good for an occasional start.

Rather, some of the most important backups in the game are flying well below the radar and are still available in the vast majority of leagues. One or more of these unheralded ball carriers will undoubtedly be thrust into the limelight during the upcoming fantasy playoffs thanks to an untimely, yet inevitable, injury to a star runner.

As sure as the next Lohan relapse, it’s going to happen. Shrewd owners will put their contingency plans in place now. Remember how Jamaal Charles, Jerome Harrison and Arian Foster emerged in late 2009 to lead their owners to playoff glory?

Consider Mewelde Moore, who combined for 93 yards rushing and receiving in Sunday night’s matchup. Moore gets little fantasy love as Rashard Mendenhall’s backup, yet he could be invaluable if the starter suffers an injury. Moore already offers marginal value as Pittsburgh’s third-down specialist thanks to his superior receiving skills. His stock will skyrocket if he suddenly finds himself in the starting role.

Heaven forbid Chris Johnson gets hurt; but CJ2K’s owners should do more than pray for his health. Hedging your bets with Javon Ringer is a much more prudent approach.

Michael Turner’s owners need not speculate what Jason Snelling might do if given a chance to start, as the backup’s 186-combined-yard, three-touchdown effort in Week 2 so vividly illustrated. Why wait for lightning to strike twice? Wouldn’t Snelling offer much more peace-of-mind than a second kicker?

Other must-own handcuffs to elite starters include Toby Gerhart (for Adrian Peterson’s owners), Derrick Ward (for Foster), Rashad Jennings (for Maurice Jones-Drew), Kenneth Darby (for Steven Jackson), Mike Bell (for Peyton Hillis) and Brian Westbrook (for Frank Gore).

Chester Taylor should also be scooped up by all Matt Forte owners, given the backup’s steadily increasing workload. In fact, Taylor could soon emerge as the preferred play even if Forte remains healthy, given the starter’s recent struggles.

Don’t play running back roulette. Take the necessary steps now to avoid the waiver-wire frenzy that will occur should your lead horse pull up lame at the worst possible time.


FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents can also make a big difference. Here’s a look at a few players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else’s line-up.

Catch ‘em while you can

Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers. It’s hard to believe that the first 100-yard rushing performance for a Panther was posted by the fourth-string back. But anything’s possible when you face one of the worst run defenses in the league. While any starting tailback merits a roster spot, Goodson’s clock is ticking. His value will plummet once DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart or even Tyrell Sutton returns to the field.

Mario Manningham, WR, Giants. Steve Smith’s pectoral injury occurred too late in the week for many to grab Manningham, who excelled as expected against the Cowboys in Smith’s absence. With Smith very likely to miss another game, and Ramses Barden lost for the season with foot and ankle injuries, Manningham – who is available in roughly a third of all leagues – should have another stellar outing in Week 11.

Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots. Aaron Hernandez was supposed to be the better receiver of New England’s rookie tight ends, but Gronkowski put that theory to the test with his three-touchdown masterpiece on Sunday night. While this was likely a one-of-a-kind performance, Gronkowski has found pay dirt in three previous games this season. You have to assume he’s earned a few more looks from Tom Brady going forward.

Don’t be fooled

Tyler Thigpen, QB, Dolphins. The last passer standing in Miami, Thigpen is the presumed starter for at least Thursday’s game now that both Chad Henne and Chad Pennington are likely to miss the remainder of the season. Thigpen had some shining moments two years ago as a Chief, but there’s a reason he’s no longer in Kansas City (and was a third-stringer until yesterday). The Dolphins will surely bring in a veteran backup this week, so Thigpen’s leash will be short.

C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills. A hamstring injury will cost the rookie at least one game, and perhaps many more. Given Spiller’s poor regular season performances thus far – following a spectacular, and apparently misleading, preseason – there’s little reason to think he’ll contribute anything more than continued frustration down the stretch run.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans. It would be nice if the Texans recognized that their passing attack works better with Walter, who found the end zone for the first time since Week 3. But when his big day comes against the woeful Jaguars secondary, and on the heels of three consecutive goose eggs, it’s more likely this was just a one-week aberration.

Mike Nugent, K, Bengals. The latest in an unusually long list of felled kickers, Nugent is out for the season with a severe knee injury. If he’s your man, it’s time to go shopping. No word yet on whom Cincinnati will sign in his stead.

Sunday morning updates for Week 10

Greetings, Fools. It's that time again, and even better, it's the last week of byes. Make sure you've got your Packers, Saints, Raiders and Chargers on your bench.

Here's what we know so far...

Kerry Collins will get the first chance to pass to Randy Moss. Even if Vince Young is active, he won't be starting.

Troy Smith will start for the 49ers, if that matters to you.

Shaun Hill will start for the Lions in place of Matt Stafford. I think Hill is in for a big game against the terrible Bills defense.

All signs point to Ryan Torain playing Monday night, but he's still risky given the timing of the game. If you are banking on Torain, it would be best to hedge your bets with Keiland Williams. I don't expect Portis to be ready.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are out; Mike Goodson will start at RB, while Jimmy Clausen will start at QB for the Panthers. This could get very ugly, unless you own the Bucs defense.

Beanie Wells will be a game-time call; but as we saw last week, even if he plays, you can't expect much. He's a very risky (read: bad) starting option today.

Fred Taylor is out again, even though he was back at practice this week.

Contrary to previous reports, Sidney Rice will NOT be active today for the Vikings. This doesn't change my opinion that it is wise to pick him up now, and stow him away for the stretch run. But he won't get his warmup reps today.

Percy Harvin will be active.

The Giants' Steve Smith won't suit up against the Cowboys. Look for a big game from Mario Manningham in his place.

Rams WR Danario Alexander is OUT today.

Owen Daniels will NOT play today vs. the Jags. That means backup TE Joel Dreessen will draw the excellent matchup.

I'll be watching the inactive reports as they are released over the next hour. Make sure you're getting my tweets (@ladd_biro) so you don't get any unexpected, nasty surprises.

Good luck to all Fools!

Week 10 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Peyton Manning and Arian Foster, or bench Chad Henne and David Gettis? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 10 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Shaun Hill, QB, Lions at Bills. Before breaking his forearm in Week 6, Hill was one of the hottest passers in the league. Now that he’s returning in Matt Stafford’s place, and facing a delicious matchup in Buffalo (17 passing TDs surrendered vs. a league-low one INT), he should pick up where he left off. In a week when three top fantasy QBs are on bye, Hill offers great upside.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins vs. Titans. With Chad Pennington back at the controls, Miami’s running game must shoulder the load. Brown scored his second rushing TD of the season last week against the Ravens, and he should have more success against Tennessee’s average-at-best rush defense.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions at Bills. For the time being, at least, Kevin Smith has receded into the background, leaving Best alone atop Detroit’s RB pecking order. That’s excellent news since he’ll be facing the league’s worst run defense on Sunday.

Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars vs. Texans. The diminutive wideout reached the end zone against Dallas in Week 8, and now faces a secondary that’s arguably even worse. David Garrard should have another outstanding outing, along with both of his starting WRs.

Mario Manningham, WR, Giants vs. Cowboys. Steve Smith injured his pectoral muscle in Thursday’s practice and is expected to miss one or two games as a result. With Dallas’ sieve-like secondary on tap, Manningham should have an outstanding game as Eli Manning’s No. 2 wideout. Obviously, Hakeem Nicks is golden with or without Smith.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Garrard, Matt Schaub, Eli Manning, Mike Vick, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Orton, Ben Roethlisberger; RBs Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw, Cedric Benson, Donald Brown, LeGarrette Blount, Peyton Hillis; WRs Mike Sims-Walker, Pierre Garcon, Jacoby Jones, Jeremy Maclin, Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Steve Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston.

Roll ‘em back

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots at Steelers. Brady’s owners know he has been fairly mediocre fantasy-wise since Randy Moss left town. Now he’s dealing with a sprained foot, though it won’t keep him off the field against Pittsburgh. But with Wes Welker still less than 100 percent, Brady is a shaky start at best against a defense that’s given up just eight passing TDs in as many games.

Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers at Buccaneers. The second-year back will start in place of the injured DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. But if those two couldn’t produce behind Carolina’s weak offensive line, what are the third-stringer’s chances? With Jimmy Clausen back under center, nobody in a Carolina uniform should be within sniffing distance of your lineup.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets at Browns. He has slowed down from his torrid early-season pace, while Cleveland (one rushing TD to date) has played formidable defense against some of the best teams in the league. With Shonn Greene’s share of the workload steadily increasing, LT is no longer a sure-fire fantasy starter in tough matchups, like Sunday’s.

Santana Moss, WR, Redskins vs. Eagles. He was blanked in the first meeting between these teams, and Donovan McNabb wasn’t much better against his old club. Both players are risky starts against Philly’s high-pressure defense.

Randy Moss, WR, Titans at Dolphins. He is unlikely to see a full workload in his first game as a Titan, and head coach Jeff Fisher has suggested he won’t even play on third downs. Regardless of which QB is under center, Moss has taken a big step down from Brady and Brett Favre.

More thumbs down: QBs Jay Cutler, Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna, Chad Pennington; RBs Beanie Wells, Ricky Williams, Matt Forte, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, BenJarvis Green-Ellis; WRs Michael Crabtree, Brandon Tate, Deion Branch, Steve Smith (CAR), Roy Williams, Mike Williams (SEA).

TAKING A FLIER

Buccaneers defense vs. Panthers. Jimmy Clausen will start this game for Carolina, but he may not finish it. Meanwhile, the Panthers are down to their third running back, and they were arguably the NFL’s worst offense when their starters were healthy. Look for sacks and turnovers galore for the Bucs’ defense, along with a possible shutout.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…lets Sidney Rice remain a free agent any longer. Rice is on track to play limited snaps in Week 10, which should make him a hot commodity on next week’s waiver wire. Grab him now (he’s still available in most leagues), and sock him away for the stretch run. Rice will be playing for a new contract, and with Moss in Tennessee and Percy Harvin better suited to the slot, the big-play receiver could resume his role as Favre’s go-to target as soon as Week 11.

Thursday football begins tonight!

Don't forget to set your lineup with your Ravens and Falcons right away. Tonight's game starts at 8:20 pm ET.













Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White are all solid starts, as are Joe Flacco, Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin.

Week 9 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers – Even without his top receivers, passed for 295 yards and 4 TDs, with just one INT.
Eli Manning, QB, Giants – Toyed with the Seahawks for 290 yards, 3 TDs and no turnovers.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers – Torched Dallas for 289 yards and 3 TDs, and ran for 41 yards, without a turnover, before hitting the showers early.
Brett Favre, QB, Vikings – Passed for a career-best 446 yards, plus 2 TDs and 2 INTs.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns – Rumbled for 184 yards and 2 TDs, and added 36 yards on 3 catches. We’ll forgive him for the fumble.
Arian Foster, RB, Texans – Ran for 127 yards and 2 TDs, while catching 4 passes for 70 yards. Had a third TD overturned on replay.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings – Scored rushing and receiving while totaling 144 combined yards.
Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers – He scored both ways too, while combining for 68 yards.
Michael Turner, RB, Falcons – Scored twice while rushing for 107 yards.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants – Combined for 92 yards and 2 rushing TDs.
Ray Rice, RB, Ravens – Rushed for 83 yards and caught 7 passes for 97 more.

Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals – Another monster outing, with 10 receptions for 141 yards and 2 TDs.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants – Produced 128 yards and a TD on 6 catches before leaving early with a minor ankle injury.
James Jones, WR, Packers – Reeled in 8 passes for 123 yards and 1 TD, but dropped another sure TD catch late.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles – Caught 7 passes for 109 yards and a TD, and ran for 20 more yards.
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers – Collected 5 passes for 110 yards and a score.
Steve Johnson, WR, Bills – His 11 receptions produced 145 yards.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots – Scored twice while catching 5 passes for 48 yards.
Randy McMichael, TE, Chargers – Took advantage of Gates’ absence to score twice on his only 2 catches, which went for 23 yards.
Jacob Tamme, TE, Colts – Hauled in 11 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD in only his second start.

Packers defense/special teams – Scored on fumble and INT returns, while amassing 4 sacks and 4 turnovers and holding Dallas to 7 points.
Saints defense – Collected 4 sacks and 2 turnovers, scored on a 24-yard interception return and held Carolina to 3 points.
Cardinals defense/special teams – Scored on a kickoff return and fumble return and added 3 sacks and three turnovers.

This was a great week to play against…

Matt Schaub, QB, Texans – Disappointed again, with 266 yards, no TDs and an INT.

Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals – Actually lost 2 yards on his only carry.
Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins – Gained a single yard against the Ravens.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers – Ran for a paltry 30 yards.
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs – Just 32 measly yards against the Raiders.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers – Last week’s hero was this week’s goat, with just 46 rushing yards to show for his day.
Cowboys RBs – Jones, Barber and Choice split 14 carries and 39 yards, without a single reception between them.
Seahawks RBs – Marshawn Lynch gained 48 yards while Justin Forsett lost a yard running, adding 5 receiving.
Matt Forte, RB, Bears – Just 49 rushing yards, plus 12 yards on 3 catches, while Chester Taylor poached the TD.

Austin Collie, WR, Colts – Lost a yard on his only catch, before leaving early after absorbing a scary hit.
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers – Three QBs could only get him a single 9-yard pass.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions – A 13-yard pass was all he could muster.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals – Just one 15-yarder on Monday night.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts – Managed only 15 yards on 2 catches.
Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys – He got 16 yards on his 2 receptions, which was better than Roy Williams’ 6-yard evening.
Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Brandon Tate, WRs, Patriots – Amassed 36, 21 and 12 yards, respectively.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints – His 2 catches went for 15 yards.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens – Held to 2 passes for 28 yards.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins – Limited to 30 yards on 5 receptions.
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans – He only produced 41 yards on 4 catches.

I didn’t see that coming…

Javarris James, RB, Colts – Scored on half his 4 carries, though he only gained 12 yards in the process.

Seyi Ajirotutu, WR, Chargers – Produced 111 yards and 2 TDs on just 4 catches, though it's not entirely surprising given he did it against the Texans.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Raiders – Turned 6 catches into 148 yards, and scored on a 94-yard kickoff return.

Sunday morning updates - Week 9

Good morning, Fools! It's another beautiful day in Fantasyland. I hope you're ready to dominate your competition today. I know I am.

Did you remember to "fall back?"

First things first...Six teams are on bye this week: Broncos, Jaguars, 49ers, Rams, Titans and Redskins.

Here are a few updates from around the league before we get to the game-day inactives (starting at noon ET).

Both Joseph Addai and Mike Hart stayed home yesterday and will not play vs. Philly. Donald Brown has a chance to redeem himself for those (like me) who were counting on him last week.

DeAngelo Williams is out again; Jonathan Stewart will try to rebound from an awful start last week.

Beanie Wells is active and will start. He has a tough matchup with the Vikes, but their rush defense hasn't been as tough as advertised lately.

Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are both inactive (again). Look for more sharing in the Saints backfield between Chris Ivory, Julius Jones and Ladell Betts.

No surprise here: The Colts put oft-injured Anthony Gonazalez on IR, ending his season prematurely yet again.

DeSean Jackson (concussion) is fully expected to return to the field today, and will be catching passes from Michael Vick against the Colts. Get him back in your lineup.

Donald Driver is out today.

Colt McCoy will start again for the Browns, while Delhomme and Wallace continue to sit.

Percy Harvin will play today, as will Favre (duh). That said, Harvin has looked "tentative" in pre-game warmups, according to reports.

Donte Stallworth will suit up for the Ravens for the first time today. He will take some snaps away from Houshmandzadeh, but not likely from Boldin or Mason.

Antonio Gates will NOT play today (already ruled inactive). Randy McMichael, whom you'll remember from St. Louis and Miami, will start in his absence. Given the fact that the Bolts won't have Floyd, Naanee or Vincent Jackson either, you could do worse than take a flier on McMichael if you're a Gates owner.

Texans TE Owen Daniels is also inactive.

Oakland TE Zach Miller is very doubtful for the later games.

Nate Kaeding is sidelined for the third straight game; Kris Brown will kick for the Chargers.

OK, it's time to shift to Twitter for the inactive reports (follow me @ladd_biro). Good luck to all Fools!

Week 9 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson, or bench Matt Moore and Jerome Harrison? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 9 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles vs. Colts. You’ve held onto Vick
throughout his extended rehab for a reason. Now get him back in your starting lineup against an Indy defense that is vulnerable to mobile quarterbacks. All signs point to DeSean Jackson (concussion) re-joining him in the huddle as well, so we could be in for an old-fashioned shootout in the Indy-Philly contest.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers vs. Cowboys. Over the last several games, Jackson has distanced himself from John Kuhn as the primary ball-carrier in Green Bay’s offense, while Dallas’ defense has imploded. Jackson offers a nice change-of-pace for the Packers’ high-octane passing attack, and he should reach the end zone at least once.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots at Browns. He has scored six TDs over the past five games, including two last week against the vaunted Vikings run defense. Though Cleveland has allowed only a single rushing score all season, Green-Ellis could double that, especially if New England’s passing attack continues to struggle.

Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers at Falcons. Atlanta has surrendered three passing scores apiece in their last two games. That’s great news for Josh Freeman and his favorite target, who just notched the first 100-yard game of his rookie season.

Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins at Ravens. Bess has produced consistently, if unspectacularly, over the past five games (33 receptions for 335 yards and 3 TDs during that span). Miami’s running game is struggling, so look for its No. 2 wideout to be a major part of the game plan against a Ravens secondary that coughed up four passing scores to the Bills prior to the bye.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler; RBs LaDainian Tomlinson, LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Matt Forte, Darren McFadden, Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Peyton Hillis; WRs Greg Jennings, Patrick Crayton, Johnny Knox, Wes Welker, Steve Smith (NYG), Mike Wallace, Pierre Garcon, Steve Johnson.

Roll ‘em back


Matt Schaub, QB, Texans vs. Chargers. He has thrown for one or fewer TDs, and 201 or fewer yards, in four of seven games to date. Now Schaub faces the league’s top-ranked pass defense, which has also amassed 25 sacks (2nd most in the NFL).

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions vs. Jets. Kevin Smith and Best split carries evenly last week, despite assurances from the rookie that his turf toe had fully healed. Now Smith is dealing with soreness in the same knee that knocked him out of action last season, so Best should again get the lion’s share (get it?) of the carries this week. Still, in a shared backfield against one of the league’s stingiest run defenses, Best could be in for another rough outing.

Seahawks RBs vs. Giants. Both Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett were awful in Oakland last week, and neither is likely to penetrate a Giants run defense that has been playing lights-out recently. Don’t be surprised if Seattle is shut out completely in this contest.

Steve Smith, WR, Panthers vs. Saints. He shouldered the blame for Carolina’s loss to the Rams in Week 8, but it won’t be his fault this time around. New Orleans’ pass rush will smother Matt Moore, while its ball-hawking secondary blankets his best receiver all afternoon.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets at Lions. Detroit’s pass defense is a lot better than you think, while New York is coming off an embarrassing shutout by Green Bay. Edwards caught just one pass last week, and he should continue his struggles Sunday as the Jets focus on pounding the Lions with their running game.

More thumbs down: QBs Carson Palmer, Brett Favre, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Stafford, Jon Kitna, Mark Sanchez, Jason Campbell; RBs Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, Beanie Wells, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Chris Ivory; WRs Roy Williams, Mike Williams (SEA), Jerricho Cotchery, Jacoby Jones, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Lee Evans, Darrius Heyward-Bey.

TAKING A FLIER

James Jones, WR, Packers vs. Cowboys. With Donald Driver declared out due to his injured quad, Jones will start opposite Greg Jennings against a Dallas secondary that has surrendered 15 passing TDs to date (third most in the NFL) and was just torched by David Garrard for four TD passes. Heck, Jordy Nelson is a decent bet to excel Sunday night, too.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches Philip Rivers just because his receivers are dropping like flies. Even if Antonio Gates (plantar fasciitis) joins Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee and Vincent Jackson on the sidelines, the NFL’s leading passer will find someone (Patrick Crayton, Darren Sproles, even Seji Ajirotutu) with whom to torch the Texans’ atrocious pass defense.

Week 8 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

David Garrard, QB, Jaguars – Torched the Cowboys with 260 passing yards and 4 TDs, plus a 5th TD on the ground, with no INTs and one fumble.
Matt Stafford, QB, Lions – Passed for 212 yards and 4 TDs with just 1 INT.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots – Scored twice while rushing for 112 yards, plus an 11-yard reception.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers – Ran for 120 yards and 2 TDs.
Arian Foster, RB, Texans – Rumbled for 102 yards and 1 TD while adding 9 catches for 65 more yards.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs – Blasted the Bills with 177 rushing yards and 4 catches for 61 more.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions – Megatron amassed 9 catches for 101 yards and 3 TDs.
Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals – His 5 catches resulted in 65 yards and a pair of TDs.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals – 6 receptions produced 72 yards and 2 TDs.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos – Reeled in 7 passes for 169 yards and 1 TD.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars – Caught 8 passes for 153 yards and a score.

Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars – Had just 2 catches, but they went for 51 yards and 2 TDs.
Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers – His 5 catches produced 123 yards and a score.
Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Pulled down 10 passes for 97 yards and 1 TD.

Dan Carpenter, K, Dolphins – Converted 5 fields (24, 31, 38, 42 and 54 yards) plus an extra point.

This was a great week to play against…

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers – Held to just 170 passing yards and 0 TDs.
Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets – Tossed 2 INTs and only 256 yards without a score.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks – Passed for 160 yards, no scores and 1 INT.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Limited to just 195 passing yards and no scores, plus an INT.
Brett Favre, QB, Vikings – Passed for 259 yards, 0 TDs and an INT.

Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals – One rush went nowhere, while his one catch went for 11 yards.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks – Limited to 7 rushing yards.
Donald Brown, RB, Colts – Given the chance to soar in Addai’s absence, he gained just 29 total yards while being upstaged by Mike Hart.
Saints RBs – Julius Jones led the pack with 16 rushing and 20 receiving yards.
Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys – Only 22 rushing and 14 receiving yards on 3 catches.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers – Spoiled his chance to shine, with just 30 rushing yards and an 8-yard catch.
Steven Jackson, RB, Rams – Just 59 rushing yards and a 4-yard reception.

David Gettis, WR, Panthers – Last week’s rookie sensation lost 11 yards on a reverse and was blanked in the receiving game.
Kenny Britt, WR, Titans – Pulled his hammy and left without a catch.
Donald Driver, WR, Packers – Had his second consecutive goose egg before leaving with an aggravated quad.
Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans – Left Indy with 2 catches for 6 yards. At least he wasn’t shut out completely like teammate Kevin Walter.
Randy Moss, WR, Vikings – Only an 8-yard catch to show for his return to New England. Now he's looking for work.
Deion Branch, WR, Patriots – A 21-yard catch was all she wrote.
Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys – Just one 21-yard catch from his old QB buddy.
Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks – A 27-yard reception was all he could muster.
Hines Ward, WR, Steelers – His 3 catches yielded 15 yards.
Wes Welker, WR, Patriots – Limited to 3 receptions for 24 yards.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets – Had a single 32-yard grab.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals – Upstaged by TO again with only 3 receptions for 34 yards.

Kellen Winslow, Jr., TE, Buccaneers – Held to a 5-yarder.
Zach Miller, TE, Raiders – Had only an 8-yard reception.
Owen Daniels, TE, Texans – Ditto.
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers – Just one 12-yard catch.

Nick Folk, K, Jets – Whiffed on his only field goal try.

The Perfect Draft: With 20/20 Hindsight

Halfway through the 2010 fantasy season, are you still lamenting the premium draft pick you wasted on DeAngelo Williams? Are you kicking yourself for allowing Hakeem Nicks to slide by round after round? Did you cast your lot with the wrong Jets running back?

Yes, dear reader, it’s time for our semi-annual exercise in self-flagellation, when we travel back two short months to examine what could have been had we made all the right moves during our preseason draft. Step right up for The Perfect Draft: Midseason Review.

As always, we start with a few key assumptions. First, we’re in a 10-team league using a standard scoring system that starts one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker and one defense/special teams. Second, we are drafting from the middle (fifth) position in a zig-zag format, meaning Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson were not available to us in the first round. Third, since all drafts play out differently, we’ll need a little luck along the way. And finally, our goal is nothing short of total domination and the abject humiliation of our opponents.

Now, with the fifth pick of the 2010 Fantasy Draft, we should have selected…

Round 1. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers. Aside from CJ2K and AP, Gore is arguably the only first-round selection that has delivered first-round value. Though he’s only posted one multi-touchdown game, and has just four TDs on the season, he’s offered the steady, reliable production you expect from your top pick.


Round 2. Roddy White, WR, Falcons. Calvin Johnson has three more TDs to date, but White has amassed 209 more receiving yards. It’s a tough call, but we since can’t have both, White gets the nod.

Round 3. Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers. Who needs Vincent Jackson? Obviously not Rivers, whose 2,649 passing yards leads the NFL. Only Drew Brees has more TDs (16 vs. 15), but Rivers was available two rounds later.


Round 4. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers. Once again, Gates is the pick of the litter at his position. No tight end even comes close to his 663 yards and nine TDs. In fact, those numbers would put Gates atop the wide receiver ranks as well.

Round 5. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants. Aside from a meltdown in Week 6, Nicks has been a red-zone beast, far out-pacing his teammate Steve Smith, who was taken roughly 20 picks earlier.

Round 6. Arian Foster, RB, Texans. If you drafted late, after Foster’s stock vaulted through the roof, you may have had to use a fourth-rounder to secure the sleeper of the year. In that case, Ahmad Bradshaw is a solid backup option here.

Round 7. Terrell Owens, WR, Bengals. Apparently he can still put his money where his mouth is. After getting off to a sluggish start, T.O. has scored at least once in four consecutive games.

Round 8. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles. Though we really don’t need him, Maclin is another Top 10 fantasy receiver we’d rather let sit on our bench than in an opponent’s starting lineup.

Round 9. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets. LT has seized the lead rushing duties from Shonn Greene and is eerily reminiscent of the powerful and dynamic playmaker who once reigned in Fantasyland.

Round 10. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders. Just when you thought it was safe to write him off as a fantasy and NFL bust, McFadden has emerged as an elite, multi-purpose tailback. Even after missing two games with a bum hamstring, he’s a Top 5 fantasy RB.

Round 11. Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos. Here’s where we start getting silly, reaching for players that others won’t consider for several more rounds, if ever. Orton could be had as late as the 16th round, but we’ll grab fantasy’s second-ranked passer now, despite the snarky remarks we’re sure to hear.

Round 12. Titans defense/special teams. Several defensive units offer strong value, but the widely undrafted Titans set the pace in most scoring systems. Tennessee leads the league in sacks (26), and rank near the top in most other important categories.

Round 13. Austin Collie, WR, Colts. Though he’s out indefinitely with a thumb injury, Collie was the Colts’ leading receiver over the first six weeks. Kenny Britt was also available here, but his goose eggs to open and close the first half of the season were costly.

Round 14. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns. Another player who went mostly undrafted, all he’s done is seize the workhorse role in Cleveland’s backfield and make Jerome Harrison expendable. Hillis has scored in all but one game to date.

Round 15. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars. Here’s another head-scratcher that our friends will mock; but when they try to claim Lewis off waivers after the opener, they’ll be too late. Lewis trails only Gates in fantasy production among tight ends. Bills wideout Steve Johnson would be an equally confounding, and prescient, selection.

Round 16. Sebastian Janikowski, K, Raiders. As usual, there’s little distinction between the top kickers, so take your pick between Rob Bironas, Dan Carpenter and the current front-runner, Janikowski.

Round 17. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of selecting the NFL’s top wideout in the final round of the draft. Even if you somehow foresaw Orton’s breakout, you’d have been a stinking genius to know that Lloyd would be his favorite target. But that’s the way football go.


FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS
It’s pretty slim pickings on the waiver wire this week. Only one player is worth consideration in my book, and even then only for desperate owners.

Catch him while you can

Keiland Williams, RB, Redskins. The undrafted rookie from LSU took over after Ryan Torain left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. As the Redskins head into their bye week, Torain should have enough time to heal and return to his workhorse role. But the starter’s owners may want to hedge their bets by handcuffing Williams, who has performed well in spot duty.

Sunday morning updates - Week 8

Good morning, Fools, and welcome to the midway point of the fantasy season. I hope you're in good position in your league's standings and poised to dominate in the second half.

Let's go around the league to see what's up before we get to the early inactives (which I'll be tweeting shortly; make sure you're following me @ladd_biro).

At this point, it looks like Favre will start today, though anything can happen. He hasn't played well of late, but the Patriots' secondary offers a favorable matchup. I wouldn't want to risk it, especially given the late start of the MIN-NE game, but with six teams on bye, some of you may have little choice.

It also looks like Vince Young, David Garrard and Jason Campbell will start for their respective clubs today.

Donald Brown has been getting his practice reps over the last couple of days, and appears on track to start Monday night for Addai (shoulder). Mike Hart will also get his carries, but Brown projects as the better fantasy option at this point.

DeAngelo Williams did not fly with the team to St. Louis, so make sure he's on your bench. (He should be anyway, given his poor play lately.) Jonathan Stewart is a decent start with DeAngelo out, even though the Rams have only surrendered two rushing TDs all season.

Those betting on Rams WR Danario Alexander to catch passes from Sam Bradford today need to look elsewhere. He hurt his knee in practice Saturday and will be out 2-4 weeks.

Dexter McCluster also won't play with a high ankle sprain (though he has yet to be officially declared inactive).

Louis Murphy (lung) is out; Jacoby Ford will take his starting spot in the Raiders' lineup.

BTW, Vincent Jackson has signed his tender and will be available to suit up for San Diego after serving a 3-game suspension. If you're hurting at WR and need someone for your playoff run, you could do much worse than V-Jax.

Owen Daniels, my flier of the week, is questionable but has been practicing the last couple of days. He'll play tomorrow night, and I still think he can perform well if you're in a pinch at tight end. He's not a great play, though, which is why I'm calling him a flier.

Nick Kaeding is out again this week, leaving the Chargers' kicking duties to Kris Brown.

OK, stay tuned for the inactive reports coming in a bit. And good luck to all Fools today!

Week 8 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson, or bench Max Hall and Laurence Maroney? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 8 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions vs. Redskins. Fully recovered from his Week 1 shoulder injury, Stafford faces the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass defense with all his offensive weapons healthy and raring to go. Unlike Jay Cutler, Stafford won’t make DeAngelo Hall his leading receiver.

Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals vs. Buccaneers. Few teams run as poorly as Arizona does, but Tampa Bay’s rush defense is equally sorry. Wells finally crossed the goal line last week, and he should have his best game yet now that Tim Hightower has fumbled his way into the doghouse again.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys vs. Jaguars. Jones’ value over the last few weeks has been primarily as a receiver. He’ll be leaned on more heavily as a runner now that Jon Kitna is piloting the offense, especially against a defense that’s about as accommodating as they come.

Steve Johnson, WR, Bills at Chiefs. With five TDs accumulated over the last four games, Johnson is en fuego. The Chiefs have allowed a pair of scoring strikes apiece in their two most recent contests, so look for another banner outing for this rising star.

Patrick Crayton, WR, Chargers vs. Titans. San Diego can’t get their running game in gear, so Philip Rivers is passing up a storm. Over the past two weeks, Crayton has caught 13 passes for 199 yards, and he should keep up the pace while Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee sit out again.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Kitna, Fitzpatrick, Matt Cassel, Matt Schaub; RBs Ryan Torain, Darren McFadden, Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jahvid Best, Marshawn Lynch; WRs Kenny Britt, Pierre Garcon, Roy Williams, Dwayne Bowe, Terrell Owens, Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Williams (both), Michael Crabtree.

Roll ‘em back

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers at Saints. He’s amassed five TDs since returning to action two weeks ago, but the Saints have allowed only six passing scores all season. Look for Pittsburgh to pound Rashard Mendenhall all Sunday night to run the clock and keep Drew Brees off the field.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers vs. Titans. Despite all the optimistic talk, the rookie has failed to seize the workhorse role in his high-octane offense. Mathews is a weak pass blocker, which forces him out of the game too often. Mike Tolbert is still poaching the TD dives, Darren Sproles is a better receiver and the Titans have yielded a solitary rushing score all season.


DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers at Rams. As Steven Tyler might have said, Williams’ get-up-and-go must’ve got-up-and-went. He’s reached the end zone only once all season and has yet to generate a 100-yard rushing day. Now he’s hobbling on an injured foot, and considered iffy for Sunday’s matchup. Jonathan Stewart could start against a Rams defense that’s allowed just two rushing scores to date.

Donald Driver, WR, Packers at Jets. He posted his first goose egg in 133 games last weekend, undoubtedly due to his ailing quad. Against the Jets’ talented corners, he’s unlikely to fare much better. Don’t be surprised if James Jones is a bigger part of Green Bay’s game plan again.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets vs. Packers. Edwards is bound to see fewer targets now that the more sure-handed Santonio Holmes has had the bye week to get in sync with Mark Sanchez. Green Bay’s secondary is playing at a high level, making the drop-prone Edwards a risky play.

More thumbs down: QBs Sanchez, Brett Favre, Sam Bradford, Donovan McNabb; RBs Ronnie Brown, Brandon Jackson, Fred Jackson, Justin Forsett, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Chris Ivory; WRs David Gettis, Hines Ward, Robert Meachem, Kevin Walter, Eddie Royal.

TAKING A FLIER

Owen Daniels, TE, Texans at Colts. Though not yet 100 percent recovered from the knee injury that cost him half of the 2009 season, Daniels is poised to be a major weapon in Houston’s passing attack again. Next to Andre Johnson, he is Matt Schaub’s most trusted receiver, and you know they’ll be airing it out in Indy all Monday night.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches Brees because he’s facing the mighty Steelers. He has a history of rising to the occasion against the toughest competition, and he always rebounds nicely from sub-par outings. Besides, Pittsburgh won’t allow the Saints to run, forcing Brees to pass early and often in this near must-win home game.

Week 7 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals – Passed for 412 yards and 3 TDs, without an INT.
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons – Matched Palmer’s TD trifecta, while accumulating 299 yards and 1 INT.
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens – Threw for 250 yards and 3 TDs, with a fumble.
Eli Manning, QB, Giants – Overcame 3 INTs with 4 TDs and 306 yards.

Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders – Returned from injury with a vengeance, rumbling for 165 yards and 3 TDs, and adding 2 receptions for 31 yards and a 4th TD.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings – Ran for 131 yards and a score, plus 2 catches for 41 yards more.
Michael Turner, RB, Falcons – Rushed for 121 yards and 2 TDs, and caught 2 passes for 23 yards more.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos – Only rushed for 53 yards, but notched 3 passes for 37 yards and 2 TDs.

Kenny Britt, WR, Titans – Didn’t start, but still caught 7 passes for 225 yards and 3 TDs.
Lee Evans, WR, Bills – A half-dozen receptions yielded 105 yards and a TD hat trick.
Roddy White, WR, Falcons – Had a monster afternoon, with 11 catches for 201 yards and 2 TDs.
Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys – Had a breakout game with 4 catches for 54 yards and 2 TDs, plus a huge punt return TD.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants – Torched the Cowboys with 9 catches for 108 yards and 2 TDs.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – Needed just 3 balls to collect 81 yards and 2 TDs.
Steve Johnson, WR, Bills – His 8 receptions totaled 158 yards and 1 TD.
Hines Ward, WR, Steelers – Brought down 7 passes for 131 yards and a TD.
Marques Colston, WR, Saints – Reeled in 10 passes for 112 yards and 1 TD.
Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings – Ran 3 times for 41 yards and 1 TD, while hauling in 5 passes for 65 yards.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Bengals – His 10 receptions went for 108 yards and a score.
Steve Smith, WR, Giants – Grabbed 9 passes for 101 yards and 1 TD.

Todd Heap, TE, Ravens – Scored twice on 3 catches for 59 yards.
Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys – Caught 9 passes for 95 yards and 1 TD.

This was a great week to play against…


Jay Cutler, QB, Bears – His 281-yard, 1-TD afternoon was ruined by 4 INTs and a fumble.
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys – Managed to connect on 1 TD and just 39 yards before being knocked out of the game.
Donovan McNabb, QB, Redskins – Just 200 yards and 1 score, with 2 INTs to boot.
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots – Only 159 yards and 1 TD on the day.
Brett Favre, QB, Vikings – Threw 3 INTs along with his 212 yards and 1 TD.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers – Combined for a whopping 22 yards.
Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins – Just 14 rushing and 20 receiving yards.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers – Limited to 37 rushing yards and a 6-yard catch.
Chris Ivory, RB, Saints – Managed just 48 rushing yards.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans – Held to 73 total yards.

Donald Driver, WR, Packers – Held catch-less for the first time in 133 games.
Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys – Also laid a primetime goose egg.
Wes Welker, WR, Patriots – Just 25 yards on 4 receptions.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals – Amassed only 30 yards and 3 catches.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints – 2 passes amounted to just 31 yards.
Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers – Took 4 catches to produce 31 yards.
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos – Limited to a single 46-yard catch.

Brent Celek, TE, Eagles – Just 8 yards on 2 catches.
Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons – His 2 catches got 27 yards.

Redskins defense – Forced 6 turnovers (including 4 INTs by DeAngelo Hall), collected 4 sacks, scored on one of Hall’s interceptions, and held the Bears to 14 offensive points.

I didn’t see that coming…

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills – Torched the mighty Ravens for 374 yards and 4 TDs, with 2 INTs.

David Gettis, WR, Panthers – The rookie collected 8 passes for 125 yards and 2 TDs.
Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals – Hauled in 6 passes for 131 yards and a score.

Wake me up when Week 7 gets here

I had the craziest dream last night.

I dreamt that an Oakland running back who deemed himself “70 percent” healthy was the leading rusher in Week 7, with 196 combined yards and four touchdowns. That’s ridiculous, since Michael Bush was expected to remain the starter while Darren McFadden eased back into action slowly so as not to re-aggravate his troublesome hamstring.


And I suppose you expect me to believe the Raiders put up 59 points on the Broncos, too.

I could have sworn I saw a boneheaded receiver – who was benched at the beginning of the game for getting in an early-morning bar fight two days before – torching the Eagles for the best receiving performance in the NFL all season. Yeah, right. As if Kerry Collins could ever pass for 225 yards and three touchdowns in one game, much less all to Kenny Britt.

Surely I was hallucinating when I watched Drew Brees pass for 94 yards and two scoring strikes to David Bowens. That’s absurd, of course, because Bowens is a linebacker and he doesn’t even play for the Saints.

In the same game, the Browns punter was one yard shy of leading both teams in rushing. As if.

Somebody needs to pinch me, because Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick allegedly lit up the mighty Ravens defense for 374 yards and four TDs, three of which went to Lee Evans. And I didn’t even drink last night.

I thought I heard that Jay Cutler’s leading receiver on Sunday was DeAngelo Hall, who reeled in four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. But isn’t Hall a Redskin?

Some guy named David Gettis caught eight passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers. Now that’s just silly.

The voices in my head told me Packers tight end Andrew Quarless was awarded a touchdown that wasn’t, and Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe was robbed of a touchdown that was, both in the same Sunday night game. You can’t make this stuff up.

I even imagined that my beloved Dolphins got hosed by the officials after Ben Roethlisberger fumbled on his way into the end zone. Even though replays showed multiple Miami defenders covering the fumble and a Dolphin emerging from the scrum with the ball. Puh-leeze…

Okay, I’m awake now. Let me know when the real Week 7 games are going to be played.


FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents can also make a big difference. Here’s a look at a few players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else’s line-up.

Catch ‘em while you can

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills. Since being installed as Buffalo’s starter, Fitzpatrick has amassed 969 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and just four interceptions. And he’s not doing it against scrubs, either. With six teams on bye each of the next two weekends, Fitzpatrick and his top receivers (Lee Evans and Steve Johnson) are suddenly prime waiver-wire candidates.

Matt Stafford, QB, Lions. Before Shaun Hill went down with a broken forearm in Week 6, he was the sixth-best quarterback in Fantasyland. Now that Stafford is headed back from the shoulder injury he suffered in the opener, he’ll find himself at the controls of a surprisingly potent offense. He, too, offers a solution to your bye-week conundrums.

Kenny Britt, WR, Titans. When you post the best receiving game of the 2010 season against a solid Eagles secondary, you deserve some love. Britt should continue to benefit from the attention lavished on Chris Johnson by opposing defenses. Best of all, he’s available in more than a third of all fantasy leagues.

Owen Daniels, TE, Texans. Before he blew out his knee in Week 8 of the 2009 season, Daniels was the most prolific tight end in the business. Coming off the Texans’ bye, Daniels should again be at or near full-strength, and poised to dominate down the stretch. Overlooked or forgotten in half of all leagues, Daniels could be an invaluable acquisition for fantasy owners looking to shore up a position that has been decimated by injuries.

Don’t be fooled

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers. One week removed from the game-day inactive list, the undrafted rookie was Tampa Bay’s leading rusher with 76 yards, 46 of which came on one play. In Week 5, Earnest Graham was the team’s top back, with 65 yards. Cadillac Williams led the way in Week 6 with a whopping 18 rushing yards. Get the picture? Even if you could predict who’ll get the most carries in any given week, this is not a backfield worth messing with.

Jordan Shipley, WR, Bengals. Carson Palmer has stepped up his game recently, but there still aren’t enough passes to go around in Cincinnati to warrant picking up Shipley. Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens aren’t known for sharing, and they certainly won’t cheerfully surrender targets to a rookie.

David Gettis, WR, Panthers. I’m not sure what was going on in Carolina Sunday, but I’m fairly certain it’s not going to happen again. There may not be a worse passing offense in the league, so expecting consistency from this rookie wideout is like asking Paris Hilton to skip a photo op. Let someone else waste a waiver claim on Gettis. Ditto Brandon LaFell.

Sunday morning updates - Week 7

Good morning, Fools. Ready to seize the day?

First things first: Get all Colts, Lions, Texans and Jets out of your starting lineup. And while you're at it, better make plans now for next week if you have Addai, Collie or Dallas Clark, because none of them will be available in Week 8 (and Clark, as you know, is out for the duration).

Here's what we know so far this morning. Late-breaking news and inactives will follow via Twitter (@ladd_biro) roughly an hour before the early kickoffs.

In Cleveland, Colt McCoy gets another start, with Delhomme and Wallace (out) unavailable. Massaquoi is also out, meaning Brian Robiskie will start in his place. While I wouldn't be surprised if Colt puts up decent stats, the only Browns I would start are Hillis and, in a pinch, TE Ben Watson.

Mike Vick is expected to suit up today, but Kolb will be the starter. If Kolb has trouble, though, Vick could be pressed into action. If Kolb excels again, it could set up a delicious QB controversy in Philly, which has a Week 8 bye.

Todd Bouman is set to start at QB for the Jags, since Garrard (concussion) and Edwards (finger) are unlikely to play. Sorry, Mike Sims-Walker owners.

Looks like Jason Campbell will get the call in Oakland, so no Kyle Boller. I still don't like anyone associated with the Raiders' passing game.

Also in Raider Nation, look for Darren McFadden to return to action today, but he'll likely be eased back in slowly.

Thanks to another boneheaded move by Kenny Britt (early morning bar fight), he won't start today's game. No telling how soon he gets in.

You know DeSean Jackson is out with his concussion. Look for Jason Avant to fill in capably in his absence, which could last even longer than next week's bye.

Hakeem Nicks' status for Monday night's game has been the subject of recent speculation, due to a hamstring issue. But don't hesitate to keep one of Fantasyland's most productive WRs in your starting lineup against the Cowboys. Nicks says there's "no question" he will play, giving new meaning to his "questionable" status.

Chris Cooley (concussion) looks like a go for today's game.

Week 7 Starters & Benchwarmers

STARTERS & BENCHWARMERS

Wondering whether or not to start Drew Brees and Steven Jackson, or bench Jason Campbell and Jerome Harrison? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 7 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos vs. Raiders. Coming off his worst statistical outing of the season, Orton is suddenly no longer the golden boy of Fantasyland. But he’ll get back in his owners’ good graces against a secondary that has allowed the second-most passing TDs in the league (12), with only two interceptions. Even if Eddie Royal (groin) is out, Orton has plenty of other options to light up the scoreboard.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks vs. Cardinals. Last week’s game gave us the information we were looking for: Lynch received more carries than Justin Forsett (17 vs. 10), as well as the goal-line work. Arizona’s rush defense is pretty awful, so feel free to start Lynch and savor the results. Forsett goes to the bench.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos vs. Raiders. This is the game you’ve been waiting for. Moreno’s hamstring held up well after his long-awaited return to the lineup last week. He’s a good bet to find the end zone, and possibly even his first 100-yard game of the season, against the NFL’s 30th-ranked rush defense.

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints vs. Browns. The third-year playmaker entered the season with high expectations, but he was virtually invisible for the first four weeks. After scoring in each of the past two games, though, he has reestablished himself as a key weapon in the Saints’ pass-happy arsenal. He’s a great start against a Browns secondary that has surrendered 11 passing TDs to date.

Johnny Knox, WR, Bears vs. Redskins. The speedy wideout was targeted 11 times last week, and he should continue to see the lion’s share of Jay Cutler’s attention against the second-weakest pass defense in the NFL.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan, Matt Hasselbeck, Sam Bradford; RBs Chris Ivory, Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, DeAngelo Williams, Peyton Hillis, Ahmad Bradshaw; WRs Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Dwayne Bowe, Patrick Crayton, Mike Williams (both), Terrell Owens.

Roll ‘em back

Donovan McNabb, QB, Redskins at Bears. Chicago has allowed a league-low three passing TDs in six games, while McNabb has thrown only five all season, matching his interception production. There are better options out there.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins vs. Steelers. Not only will he face the league’s stingiest run defense, but he’ll have to share carries with Ricky Williams. Even though the pair fared well in Green Bay, the Steelers are virtually impenetrable these days.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys vs. Giants. Jones seems firmly established as Dallas’ featured back, but Marion Barber is clearly the team’s short-yardage (read: goal-line) specialist. The Giants have stifled Arian Foster and Jahvid Best in consecutive weeks, and they should dominate the Cowboys’ struggling offensive line on Monday night.

Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings at Packers. It’s always risky to bet against Brett Favre, especially when he’s facing his old team. But aside from his kickoff return TD, Harvin was a bit player last week. The Packers’ secondary is getting healthy again, and they should minimize Harvin’s receiving contributions Sunday night.

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers at Panthers. He’s scored in consecutive weeks, but don’t expect him to make it three in a row. Alex Smith is still struggling, the Panthers’ pass defense is very stingy, and the 49ers will likely opt to run Frank Gore all over Carolina’s soft rush defense.

More thumbs down: QBs Brett Favre, Vince Young, Alex Smith, Chad Henne, Ryan Fitzpatrick; RBs Brandon Jackson, Ryan Mathews, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cadillac Williams, Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower; WRs Donald Driver, Santana Moss, Steve Johnson, Mike Sims-Walker, Roy Williams.

TAKING A FLIER

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos vs. Raiders. Only the Texans and Jaguars have coughed up more passing scores than the Raiders to date. Meanwhile, Eddie Royal is likely to miss this week’s game with a groin injury, giving Thomas a golden opportunity to shine. The rookie found the end zone on his only catch last week, and he is poised for his best outing since his eight-reception, 97-yard, one-TD debut in Week 2.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…waits until Tuesday to plan for the six-team byes coming up next. If you thought it was hard to field a strong starting lineup now, the job gets tougher when the Falcons, Ravens, Bears, Browns, Giants and Eagles all take a breather in Week 8. Making your roster moves now, before you face competition on the waiver wire, could pay off later.

Week 6 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to start…

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers – Returned with a vengeance, passing for 257 yards and 3 TDs, with 1 pick.
Kevin Kolb, QB, Eagles – Torched the Falcons with 326 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT.
Drew Brees, QB, Saints – Had 3 scoring strikes and 1 INT while passing for 263 yards.
Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs – Passed for only 201 yards, but had a TD trifecta without a turnover.
Matt Schaub, QB, Texans – Passed for 305 yards and 2 TDs without a turnover.

Arian Foster, RB, Texans – Ran for 71 yards and 2 TDs, plus 6 catches for 26 yards.
Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins – Rumbled for 100 yards and 2 TDs, plus a 9-yard catch.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets – Ran for 55 yards and 2 TDs, plus 2 receptions for 12 yards.
Joseph Addai, RB, Colts – Rushed for 128 yards and 1 TD before leaving with an injury.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans – Ran for 111 yards and a TD plus 2 receptions for 20 yards.
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants – Scored twice while gaining 35 rushing yards.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs – A half-dozen catches produced 108 yards and 2 TDs.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles – Caught 7 passes for 159 yards and a pair of TDs.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles – Though he left with a brutal head injury early, he scored both rushing and receiving, and totaled 78 yards.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions – Corralled 5 passes for 146 yards and 1 score.
Andre Johnson, WR, Texans – Collected 8 passes for 138 yards and 1 TD.
Greg Jennings, WR, Packers – Caught 6 passes for 133 yards and a TD.
Deion Branch, WR, Patriots – Pulled down 9 catches for 98 yards and 1 TD in his New England homecoming.
Roy Williams, WR, Cowboys – Scored twice on just 3 catches for 28 yards.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins – Hauled in 10 passes for 127 yards.
Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks – He amassed 123 yards on his 10 catches.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons – Only 3 catches for 19 yards, but scored twice.

This was a great week to play against…

David Garrard, QB, Jaguars – Only 49 passing yards and 1 INT before leaving with a head injury.
Shaun Hill, QB, Lions – Threw for just 91 yards and 1 TD before leaving with an arm injury.
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears – Held without a TD while passing for 290 yards, and rushing for 19 more.
Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets – Passed for only 198 yards and 1 TD with 2 INTs.
Brett Favre, QB, Vikings – Collected just 118 yards and 1 TD, and lost a fumble.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions – Ran for just 16 yards, and caught 6 passes for 31 more.
Michael Turner, RB, Falcons – Held to 45 rushing yards and one 4-yard reception.
Michael Bush, RB, Raiders – Failed to capitalize on his starting job with 47 rushing yards and 2 catches for 12 yards.
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars – Limited to 57 rushing yards, with 2 catches for 8 yards.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans – Laid a goose egg.
Devery Henderson, WR, Saints – So did he.
Nate Washington, WR, Titans – Had one 9-yard catch.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants – Fantasy’s #1 wideout was held to 3 catches for 8 yards.
Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys – Caught a pair of balls for 12 yards, and negated his 68-yard score with his own interference penalty.
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers – Just 2 passes for 15 yards before leaving with an injury.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars – He got 16 yards on his 2 receptions.

Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers – Left with a _____ injury after catching 2 passes for 12 yards.
Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Vikings –

I didn’t see that coming…

Chris Ivory, RB, Saints – Ran for 158 yards and caught a 17-yard pass.

The best fantasy defense isn’t who you think

Quick: Which team fields the best defense in Fantasyland?

First, did you answer out loud? If so, please don’t do that again. You’re embarrassing yourself.

So, did you say Pittsburgh? Nope.

How about the Giants? Nuh-uh.

Maybe Tennessee? Wrong again.


Okay, so it was a trick question. My criteria for this distinction doesn’t involve sacks, turnovers, points-allowed or defensive scoring. Rather, I’m referring to the defensive unit that serves up the most fantasy points to its opponents.

And by that measure, nobody holds a candle to the Houston Texans.

In a league where there are few absolutes and every trend is meant to be broken, the Texans are the closest thing to a sure bet you’ll find. Plug a quarterback and receiver into your starting lineup against Houston, and watch the fantasy points fly.

Four of the six QBs that have faced the Texans thus far in 2010 – Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb, Bruce Gradkowski and Eli Manning – had their best statistical performances of the season against them. Matt Cassel had his second-best outing, and Tony Romo had a strong day as well.

Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith, Dwayne Bowe, Roy Williams and Zach Miller each posted their most productive games of the year against the Texans’ sieve-like secondary. Austin Collie, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark torched them for 342 yards and a touchdown apiece in the opener. Santana Moss never reached the end zone, but his 10-catch, 89-yard effort was a keeper. Among top wideouts, only Miles Austin has been held in check by Houston this season.

Perhaps the Texans will right their defensive ship over their Week 7 bye, though that seems highly improbable given the season-ending injury suffered by All Pro linebacker DeMeco Ryans against the Chiefs. More likely, fantasy’s “best” defense will return from the break just in time to get walloped by the Colts again. Then the Chargers, Jaguars, Jets and Titans will take turns feasting at Houston’s fantasy smorgasbord in November.

Plan accordingly.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, you need to start with a good draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents can also make a big difference. Here’s a look at a few players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else’s line-up.

Catch ‘em while you can

Chris Ivory, RB, Saints. After his 175-combined-yard performance against the Bucs, the undrafted rookie deserves some love. Should Pierre Thomas miss another game, as expected, with his sprained ankle, Ivory will have a favorable matchup against the Browns in Week 7. He doesn’t offer much long-term value, and he’ll give up some touches to Ladell Betts and even Julius Jones, but he can be a nice bye-week filler in a pinch.

Deion Branch, WR, Patriots. Before you get caught up in the “good ole days” bandwagon, remember that Branch has never cracked the Top 20 ranks among fantasy wideouts. His career highs in receiving yards (998) and touchdowns (5) came in 2005. That said, Branch’s nine-catch, 98-yard, one-TD outing Sunday was the best production for a Patriot receiver this season. He’s worth a pickup; just don’t expect consistent fireworks.

Jason Avant, WR, Eagles. If you saw the hit DeSean Jackson took Sunday, you know he’s not playing next week (and the Eagles’ bye is Week 8). His absence could extend even longer, given the severity of his concussion (and subsequent memory loss). Avant ascends to the starting lineup, which is a good place to be when both the quarterbacks who could be passing to you are playing great.

Fred Davis, TE, Redskins. The backup notched six TD passes in 2009 after Chris Cooley fractured his ankle in Week 7 and was lost for the season. Davis should get another chance to shine while Cooley recovers from a concussion incurred Sunday night, especially with tight end-friendly McNabb at the controls.

Don’t be fooled

Shaun Hill, QB, Lions. He had a great run, but a broken forearm and the impending return of starter Matt Stafford spell the end of Hill’s fantasy relevance this season. Give him a peck on the cheek and promise to give him another chance next year, especially if he finds a starting job via free agency.

Patrick Crayton, WR, Chargers. If Antonio Gates misses time with his ankle injury, and if Malcom Floyd’s hamstring forces him out, and if Legedu Naanee remains inactive with his own hamstring problem, then Crayton could followup his fine outing in St. Louis with another solid performance against the Patriots next week. That’s a lot of ifs.

Devery Henderson, WR, Saints. The problem with Henderson is that he always seems to have a good game the minute you give up on him. Which underscores the real issue: He’s inconsistent as all get-out. After being targeted just once against the Bucs, and being out-shined by Lance Moore and Robert Meachem again, it may be best to eliminate the problem altogether.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans. Jacoby Jones and Owen Daniels are now fully healthy. The team is heading into their Week 7 bye. And Walter wasn’t targeted a single time against the Chiefs. Three strikes, he’s out.