By Rob Shaw, FantasyFanatics.com
Even with the Patriots off in Week 10, it was another exciting week in fantasy football. Perhaps the NFC is deserving some attention from fantasy managers. After all, Peyton Manning looked less than dominant and Brett Favre looked like fantasy gold once again.
This week, expect Manning and the Colts to get back on track, while Kurt Warner might be in an old-fashioned shoot-out. What about the Patriots? It’s good to have them back on the fantasy landscape.
As a reminder, when you consider who to start or who to bench, there are three factors that have to be considered:
1) The Player – Recent trends, injury status, statistics
2) The Opposition – Pass defense, rush defense, points allowed
3) The Team – Injuries, offensive line, play-calling
Let’s take a look at this week’s match-ups and what to expect:
BUCCANEERS VS FALCONS:
The Bucs are fresh off a bye, which is great news for their fantasy stars. Remember, quarterback Jeff Garcia and wide outs Ike Hilliard and Joey Hilliard are old enough to get discount tickets for movies and running back Earnest Graham has been used and abused, most recently responsible for 34 carries against the Cardinals. The bye week should have the Bucs fresh and ready to perform. The Falcons defense isn’t exactly the best in the world, as they allow close to 325 total yards per game. Look for a big day from Graham on the ground. The passing game should be responsible for a touchdown or two.
It looks like the Falcons are once again turning to Byron Leftwich. It’s a bold move considering they have won two games in a row, scoring 20 points in each win after failing to reach that barrier in three consecutive losses. While Roddy White remains a decent start thanks to his 60-plus yards per game, don’t expect the Falcons to fly into the end zone. Instead, they will utilize the ground attack riding the once achy back of veteran Warrick Dunn. Built like more of a finesse running back, this former Florida State Seminole has become a workhorse. With Jerious Norwood limited, Dunn is certainly the team’s best fantasy option.
BROWNS VS RAVENS
The Browns remain the greatest surprise in fantasy football, as Derek Anderson again threw for three touchdowns against a very good Steelers defense last week. Fortunately, he won’t have too much pressure this weekend, as the Ravens are no longer the defensive juggernaut that once brought them a Super Bowl title. It would be wise to avoid the ground attack with Jamal Lewis and instead stick it out with weekly fantasy studs Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Anderson.
The Ravens are a one-dimensional team that keeps the ball on the ground. Expect a big game for Willis McGahee once again. As for the passing attack, Kyle Boller regains the reigns from an injured Steve McNair. Derrick Mason should help form a decent attack against a pitiful pass defense, while tight end Todd Heap will likely sit this one out.
CARDINALS VS BENGALS
Here is the fantasy game of the week. Expect a shoot-out here. Kurt Warner is coming off a season’s best three touchdowns and he has all the weapons working. Expect big performances from receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and tailback Edgerrin James. The “biggest” surprise might be 6’8 tight end Leonard Pope. Fresh off two touchdowns last week, Pope is a bonafide red zone option and a must-start in fantasy leagues that require you to start a tight end.
The Bengals might be struggling, but they can still compete in a shoot-out. Use caution starting Rudi Johnson until he offers a worthy performance. However, the struggles in the running game might lead to a greater reliance on the passing game, which now has three targets at work. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh have been there all season, but now Chris Henry is back after his eight game suspension. In his season debut last week, Henry neared the century mark and should once again return as a red zone option for a team that doesn’t have much help at tight end or running back. As for Carson Palmer, this week he should actually outscore kicker Shayne Graham.
PANTHERS VS PACKERS
Carolina will once again have Vinny Testeverde starting, which is pretty much par for a team that has averaged nine points in the last three games. There truly might not be a player worth starting for the Panthers in a season that has seen fantasy standout Steve Smith become average. DeShaun Foster might be an option for fantasy managers in deep leagues.
The Packers have been a pleasant surprise and great coaching helped balance out the offense last week by establishing Ryan Grant on the ground. The Notre Dame alum is once again a good start this week just like Brett Favre, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and tight end Donald Lee.
SAINTS VS TEXANS
The Saints have turned their season around because of the magic rekindled between Drew Brees and Marques Colston. Reggie Bush remains an every week start despite his hot and cold performances. The glut of deep route receivers is a bit more risky, since they seem to rotate big performances.
The Texans welcome back Andre Johnson and hope to see their passing attack get back in order like the Rams did against the Saints a week ago. The elderly Ahman Green should be well-rested after the bye and could return to form. Owen Daniels has been extremely consistent at tight end this season, as have Kevin Walter and Andre Davis during Johnson’s absence. Pay attention to see if the latter two continue to perform once Johnson makes his return.
CHIEFS VS COLTS
The loss of Dwight Freeney is a big plus for the Chiefs, who will throw an odd couple on the field this weekend. The rookie will be Brodie Croyle, who is trying to justify that he deserves a shot in this league, while the veteran that will be paired with him is Priest Holmes, an aging running back who hopes to leave the field on his own terms. Don’t expect much from either, as the Colts defense is still very good. The change at quarterback fuels more uncertainty for another rookie and veteran: tight end Tony Gonzalez, and rookie wide out Dwayne Bowe.
Peyton Manning might have something to prove this weekend. Even if it is Crow Thorpe instead of Marvin Harrison out there, I expect some big numbers on the scoreboard. Reggie Wayne is another must-start, as is Dallas Clark, who is expected to return to action. Joseph Addai, minus one missed game, is likely the MVP of the Colts offense this season.
CHARGERS VS JAGUARS
Both teams looked decent this past weekend. The Chargers are expected to, considering the talent they have on their squad. The Jaguars have a decent defense, but have been hit-or-miss throughout this season. Ladainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates are obvious starts. Philip Rivers, Chris Chambers, and Vincent Jackson are a bit more risky. With Antonio Cromartie playing at such a high level, and returning to his native state, I would recommend starting the Chargers defense.
The Jaguars bring their two-headed running back into this game. Maurice Jones-Drew is the only player worth starting, however, as the return of David Garrard from an injury is not a situation worth investing in.
RAIDERS VS VIKINGS
Here were go again, the Raiders continue to struggle and have made yet another move at quarterback. It’s not the one that has fantasy owners antsy. Daunte Culpepper gets his shot at redemption in Minnesota. The truth is that the Vikings pass defense is very weak, but the Raiders offense isn’t exactly the type that can take advantage of it, either. The team is best suited to go on the ground and Justin Fargas is the only player worth starting.
The Vikings are in a similar situation: their offense is very much grounded. The problem that they’ve run into is that rookie sensation Adrian Peterson is out nursing an injury. The good news is that they have a very capable back-up who should put up big numbers against the struggling Raiders defense. Chester Taylor is a name to know this weekend. He should break the century mark in rushing yards and let’s hope for a touchdown or two.
DOLPHINS VS EAGLES
The John Beck era has officially begun. That means take a look at the box score at game’s end, but don’t even think about picking him up. Jesse Chatman is another one of those running backs with decent skills and a decent rushing system. He should reach around the 60-100 yard mark this weekend, which makes him a decent start in deep leagues.
The Eagles biggest issue is consistency. As a result, you can only bank on two players for this favorable match-up. Brian Westbrook is once again a top five fantasy talent. Donovan McNabb has shown enough flashes of his past to earn the start in this home game. If in a league that starts tight ends, L.J. Smith suddenly has value again. Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis can be used for those with strong stomachs.
GIANTS VS LIONS
A fight between two of the traditional teams is actually of some significance this season with both teams playing surprisingly well. Both teams also face a similar issue. Lot’s of big playmakers, only one football. The Giants will likely offer a balanced attack with Brandon Jacobs doing enough damage that he is worth the start. Jeremy Shockey is also enjoying a fine season and is a must-start. Plaxico Burress is the type of player that gives fantasy owners heartburn since he rarely practices due to injuries, then gets on the grid-iron and plays like a champ on Sundays. The problem is that he struggled last week and is back under the microscope this week. Considering the Lions allow nearly 260 yards in the air, Burress, Shockey, and even Amani Toomer are all worth starting. Keep an eye on Eli Manning’s performance. He is known to struggle in the second half.
The Lions enjoyed a balanced attack during a three-game winning streak with Kevin Jones putting up solid numbers. However, last week against the Cardinals, the rushing game went backwards and the team as a whole suffered. Nonetheless, Jones is expected to start on Sunday against a decent defense, so only start him if you have no other option. If the offensive line could hold their spots expect big things from Jon Kitna. Roy Williams and Shaun McDonald are must-starts these days, while Calvin Johnson and Mike Furrey should only be playing in deep leagues.
STEELERS VS JETS
Once again the Steelers are great, but this time around it’s their passing game that is earning the attention of fantasy owners. Perhaps the retirement of Bill Cowher was a blessing in disguise for fantasy owners. Ben Roethlisberger is enjoying a career season and Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are largely responsible. Nate Washington also deserves some attention as a third wide out option; he scores two touchdowns a few weeks ago. Expect Willie Parker to go nuts against the Jets, a team that rookie Marshawn Lynch dominated their last time on the grid-iron.
The Jets go with their new look once again this weekend, with second year man Kellen Clemens manning the quarterback spot. Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery will eventually reap the benefits of the strong-armed quarterback. Managers beware; the Steelers are not the type of defense you want to test new players on. I would keep Thomas Jones on the bench against an uncompromising Steelers rush defense that allows fewer than 75 yards per game.
REDSKINS VS COWBOYS
The Redskins are coming off a fine offensive performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. The good news for Jason Campbell owners is that the ‘Skins will likely resort to the air to keep up with Tony Romo’s offense. Clinton Portis is still worth starting and keep an eye on tight end Chris Cooley. He’s been consistent as well.
The Cowboys are full of fantasy sensations. Wide out Terrell Owens and quarterback Tony Romo lead the pack. Then there’s wide out Patrick Crayton, who is a legit second option, and tight end Jason Witten is one of the best at his position. In the backfield, the two-headed monster of Marion Barber III and Julius Jones will have their hands full going against a team that allows only 100 rushing yards per game. Barber is still a player worth starting thanks to his goal line opportunities.
RAMS VS 49ERS
The Rams actually looked like the team we expected last weekend, as Steven Jackson returned to form and Marc Bulger looked like the quarterback that Rams management invested millions in. Clearly, the biggest issue this season for that squad has been the injury bug. The team still isn’t at full strength, as the offensive line has plenty of missing pieces. Look for Torry Holt to offer some consistency, as well as Bulger and Jackson. If need be, Isaac Bruce and Randy McMichael are serviceable in a pinch.
The 49ers are a mess. The line can’t establish any holes for Frank Gore to run wild. Alex Smith appears to be a bust, as is off-season acquisition Darrell Jackson. Vernon Davis can be used as a less than stellar option if in need of a tight end.
BEARS VS SEAHAWKS
Uh oh, not again! Yep, Rex Grossman is back in the starting spot. Stay away! In fact, this will even hurt the value of Muhsin Muhammed, who formed a nice bond with Brian Griese. On the other hand, Bernard Berrian should be better off with this move. One way or the other, Cedric Benson can not be relied on. Use only if you must.
Matt Hasselbeck is enjoying a fine bounce back season. Bobby Engram has been the lead target and should start again this weekend in fantasy leagues as a second or third option. Deion Branch has been busy in practice and should be on the field this weekend. It will be a game-time decision for Shaun Alexander, but it’s a bad decision to have him in your lineup these days.
PATRIOTS VS BILLS
Yes this game will be as uneven as it looks, but that hasn’t stopped Patriots coach Bill Belichick from putting up big points as he always does. The only difference is that Laurence Maroney might finally reach the end zone. He’s a start in my book. The obvious starts include Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and Stephen Gostkowski.
The Bills might actually do well fantasy-wise since they will be forced to move the ball to play catch-up with the Pats. The problem is that the passing game is limited to two players: J.P. Losman and Lee Evans. Start them both. As for rookie sensation Marshawn Lynch, he’s been scratched due to an injury. It could be a while before we see him back.
TITANS VS BRONCOS
A bit of a bummer for a Monday Night Football match-up in both reality and fantasy. LenDale White should be back out on the field this weekend, as his knee injury that he suffered against the Jaguars is considered minor. That’s pretty much all the fantasy relevance for the Titans. If Vince Young and Justin Gage connect like they did last weekend, then we’ll have a trend on our hands. Only then will they be worth discussing.
The Broncos played well with Jay Cutler back in action last week. However, the Titans bring a solid defense into Denver. Selvin Young performed very well last weekend and would be worth starting, if not for the questions surrounding Travis Henry’s return from injury. As for Mr. Consistency, expect the usual from our good friend Brandon Marshall.
Rob Shaw is the Lead Expert at FantasyFanatics.com. Don’t make those tough lineup decisions on your own. Come ask the Fantasy Football Experts at Fantasyfanatics.com. Have a burning fantasy football question? E-mail it to experts@fantasyfanatics.com.
