Thursday, September 20, 2007

Deuce McAllister (RB - New Orleans)

McAllister sat out Wednesday's practice to rest his sore right knee and injured left eye. He said he'll be fine for Monday night's game against Tennessee, but Coach Sean Payton decided to give him a day off as the Saints had an extra day of practice this week. McAllister injured his eye Sunday against Tampa Bay. First, he bruised the bone around the eye when his helmet came loose and slid down during a play. Later, he also got poked in the eye. McAllister had a CT scan and an MRI performed on the eye this week to make sure the damage wasn't too serious.

Fantasy Impact:  

McAllister has been off to a slow start this year, with just 20 carries for 87 yards and no touchdowns. His 4.2 yards per carry is a solid number, but he did lose a critical fumble early in the Saints' loss at Tampa Bay. And the Saints haven't been able to run the ball much in the second half of their games because they've been trailing by so much.

Source: New Orleans Times Picayune

Kevin Jones (RB - Detroit)

Jones gave his injured left foot a hard workout in practice Wednesday. If he doesn't have a setback today or Friday, Jones expects to play for the Lions in Sunday's game at Philadelphia. Wednesday's practice was the most strenuous for Jones since being put on the active roster at the end of the exhibition season. "I practiced hard," Jones said. "I tried to go all out, and it felt good. We're going to see -- towards the end of the week, see how it feels. I'm optimistic."

Fantasy Impact:  

Jones blossomed as a receiver last year, catching 61 passes, the most in his three pro seasons. His presence would add depth and receiving ability to the back field but don't expect too much from him this week.

Source: Detroit News

Andre Johnson (WR - Houston)

Johnson ruled out playing against Indianapolis this week as he recovers from a sprained knee. Asked Wednesday if there was any chance he could play against the Colts, Johnson said: "No. I mean as it looks right now, you look at me right now, no I wouldn't be out there on Sunday." Johnson, who wore a large brace on his injured left knee Wednesday, said he is unsure of when he can return but didn't rule out next week's game. "I'm taking it day-by-day, week-by-week, and doing everything I can to strengthen my leg so I can be back," he said. An MRI Monday revealed no damage that would require surgery. Coach Gary Kubiak listed Johnson's official status for Sunday as doubtful.

Fantasy Impact:  

Johnson sprained his knee during the fourth quarter of the Texans 34-21 win over the Panthers on Sunday. He fell awkwardly on the knee after a 10-yard catch and remained on the turf for several minutes. He walked off the field on his own but was limping on the sideline. Jacoby Jones, who has two catches for 33 yards, will probably start in Johnson's place.

Source: Associated Press

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Week 3 start’em/Sit’em

START 'EM

QUARTERBACK

Jake Delhomme
Panthers at Falcons: Bouncing back from a shaky 2006, he's thrown for three TDs in each of his first two games. Don't be impressed by Atlanta's solid stats against the pass; this year the Falcons have only faced fantasy lightweights David Garrard and Tarvaris Jackson.

Derek Anderson
Browns at Raiders: Brady Quinn will watch in a baseball cap as the unheralded Anderson follows up his five-TD performance in Week 2. The third-year player will challenge an Oakland defense that allowed 558 passing yards in the first two weeks. 

RUNNING BACK 

Cadillac Williams
Buccaneers vs. Rams: He's averaging just 3.4 yards, but Tampa's air attack is getting him goal line carries, and the St. Louis run D is lousy.

LaMont Jordan
Raiders vs. Browns: Jordan has run for 100 yards in both starts against Cleveland -- whose defense has allowed 100-yard runners in both games this year.

Ahman Green
Texans vs. Colts: The fragile 30-year-old's 71-yard day against Carolina was abbreviated to keep him fresh for this division game.

WIDE RECEIVER 

Hines Ward
Steelers vs. 49ers: Quiet in last week's blowout of the Bills (five catches, 55 yards), Ward tends to play big against better competition. The 2–0 Niners allowed 368 passing yards in St. Louis.

Marques Colston
Saints vs. Titans: Colston's late TD against the Bucs in Week 2 was a good omen for winless New Orleans as it heads into what will be a charged home opener on Monday night.

Deion Branch Seahawks vs. Bengals: Branch and his fellow Seattle receivers will be licking their chops after watching film of Cincinnati's hapless defensive effort against the Browns.

TIGHT END 

Dallas Clark
Colts at Texans: He has caught Peyton Manning's eye this year (nine receptions in two games), and, more important, he has a good track record against Houston. Clark has four touchdowns in five games against the Texans; he also had one of his three career 100-yard games against them. 

KICKER 

Shayne Graham
Bengals at Seahawks: No need to worry about his hip, which he proved is healthy seven times in Cleveland. Even if they're one at a time, the points will come against Seattle.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Vikings at Chiefs: The Vikes will feast on whichever QB K.C. offers up, and also on a Chiefs coverage unit that surrendered two special teams TDs (one negated by penalty) to Chicago last week.

ALSO START

QB Matt Schaub
Texans, QB Vince Young
Titans,
RB Thomas Jones
Jets, WR Braylon Edwards
Browns, Dolphins defense

SIT 'EM

QUARTERBACK

Tony Romo Cowboys at Bears: He threw for 531 yards and six touchdowns in the first two weeks -- but as a backup on many fantasy teams, his points were left on the bench. This isn't the week to play Romo, however. Chicago's defense, despite losing some starters, has allowed two passing TDs, intercepted two passes and had seven sacks.

Matt Leinart
Cardinals at Ravens: He has thrown for 203 yards or fewer in six of seven career road games, and he has no multi-TD games away from Arizona. Since 2005, Baltimore has allowed 300 passing yards twice -- to Drew Brees and Carson Palmer.

RUNNING BACK

Marshawn Lynch
Bills at Patriots: Just look at what the rookie's predecessor in Buffalo, Willis McGahee, did in five starts against the Pats: 61 yards per game and zero TDs.

Travis Henry
Broncos vs. Jaguars: Jacksonville's run stuffers held Atlanta to 82 yards. Also, Cecil Sapp and Selvin Young are suddenly in Denver's backfield mix.

Marion Barber
Cowboys at Bears: Chicago limited LT and LJ to a combined 2.4-yard average. Barber isn't in their class—and he shares carries.

WIDE RECEIVER

Plaxico Burress
Giants at Redskins: A bright spot for sputtering New York, Burress has four TDs through two games -- but the Skins tend to give him trouble (four games, 177 yards, one TD).

Lee Evans
Bills at Patriots: After 1,292 receiving yards in '06, he has only 22 yards through two games in '07. Facing New England won't help -- whether the Pats know Buffalo's play calls or not.

James Jones
Packers vs. Chargers: The rookie had four grabs for 75 yards against a porous Giants D. He'll have a harder time against the Bolts, whose pass rush should keep Brett Favre on the run.

TIGHT END

Vernon Davis
49ers at Steelers: Having seen the Rams struggle to take down Davis in a highlight-reel play last week, one might be tempted to start him. But despite facing heavy pressure in Weeks 1 and 2, Alex Smith has completed only two passes per game to his TE. Don't lean on Davis until his QB does. 

KICKER 

Sebastian Janikowski
Raiders vs. Browns: It's not just that he's 1 for 5 on field goals this year; it's also that he's often missing by egregious margins. Wait for his ego to recover.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS 

Raiders vs. Browns: If Jamal Lewis and Derek Anderson can show the same spark they did against Cincy, Oakland's opportunistic unit (a TD and a safety against Denver) will get a rude surprise.

ALSO SIT

QB Jay Cutler
Broncos, QB Alex Smith
49ers, RB Fred Taylor
Jaguars, RB Derrick Ward
Giants, WR Chris Chambers
Dolphins.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Weekly Player Ranking

Quarterbacks

  1. Peyton Manning
  2. Carson Palmer XP
  3. Drew Brees
  4. Donovan McNabb IC
  5. Vince Young XP
  6. Tom Brady
  7. Marc Bulger
  8. Tony Romo XP
  9. Jon Kitna BC
  10. Matt Schaub
  11. Jay Cutler XP
  12. Matt Leinart BC
  13. Ben Roethlisberger
  14. Rex Grossman
  15. Matt Hasselbeck
  16. Brett Favre
  17. Eli Manning PB
  18. Philip Rivers
  19. Jake Delhomme
  20. Trent Green

Running Backs

  1. LaDainian Tomlinson
  2. Larry Johnson
  3. Steven Jackson
  4. Shaun Alexander
  5. Willie Parker
  6. Brian Westbrook IC
  7. Frank Gore IC
  8. Travis Henry BC
  9. Joseph Addai
  10. Willis McGahee
  11. Reggie Bush BC
  12. Rudi Johnson
  13. Clinton Portis IC
  14. Adrian Peterson (MIN) BC R
  15. Laurence Maroney BC IC
  16. Maurice Jones-Drew
  17. Marshawn Lynch R
  18. Cedric Benson BC IC
  19. Ronnie Brown BC
  20. LaMont Jordan IC
  21. Edgerrin James
  22. Thomas Jones BC
  23. Deuce McAllister
  24. Brandon Jackson BC R
  25. Tatum Bell
  26. Marion Barber
  27. Cadillac Williams
  28. Chris Brown
  29. Jamal Lewis PB
  30. Ladell Betts
  31. Jerious Norwood BC
  32. DeShaun Foster
  33. Julius Jones
  34. Fred Taylor IC
  35. Ahman Green IC
  36. Warrick Dunn IC
  37. Brandon Jacobs PB
  38. DeAngelo Williams BC
  39. Derrick Ward
  40. Kevin Jones IC
  41. Jesse Chatman XS
  42. LenDale White PB IC
  43. Chester Taylor
  44. Michael Turner XS
  45. Selvin Young
  46. Vernand Morency
  47. Leon Washington
  48. Michael Pittman
  49. Brian Leonard R
  50. Musa Smith XS

Wide Receivers

  1. Steve Smith (CAR) XP
  2. Reggie Wayne XP
  3. Chad Johnson
  4. Marvin Harrison
  5. Terrell Owens IC
  6. Torry Holt
  7. Roy Williams
  8. Marques Colston XP
  9. Javon Walker BC
  10. Larry Fitzgerald
  11. Anquan Boldin
  12. Andre Johnson
  13. Lee Evans
  14. Randy Moss
  15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh BC
  16. Plaxico Burress
  17. Donald Driver IC
  18. Santana Moss
  19. Chris Chambers
  20. Hines Ward
  21. Santonio Holmes
  22. Darrell Jackson IC
  23. Reggie Brown BC
  24. Deion Branch
  25. Jerricho Cotchery BC
  26. Bernard Berrian
  27. Braylon Edwards BC
  28. Calvin Johnson BC R
  29. Mark Clayton BC
  30. Ronald Curry
  31. Laveranues Coles
  32. Vincent Jackson XS
  33. Donte Stallworth IC
  34. Devery Henderson XS
  35. Wes Welker
  36. Jerry Porter
  37. Joey Galloway IC
  38. Kevin Curtis
  39. Brandon Marshall BC
  40. Greg Jennings
  41. Isaac Bruce
  42. Patrick Crayton
  43. Mike Furrey
  44. Derrick Mason
  45. Brandon Jones XS
  46. Jacoby Jones R
  47. Chris Henry (CIN) PB
  48. D.J. Hackett
  49. Drew Bennett IC
  50. James Jones XS R

Tight Ends

  1. Antonio Gates
  2. Vernon Davis XP
  3. Jeremy Shockey
  4. Jason Witten
  5. Tony Gonzalez
  6. Todd Heap
  7. Alge Crumpler
  8. Chris Cooley
  9. Kellen Winslow IC
  10. Dallas Clark

Week 2 Projections

Player

TKL

AST

SCK

FF

FR

INT

PD

FPT

Roy Williams

5

2

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.4

1.0

9.6

Osi Umenyiora

4

0

1.0

0.5

0.0

0.0

1.0

9.0

John Abraham

0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Keith Bulluck

10

4

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

1.0

13.0

Ray Lewis

7

4

0.5

0.0

0.0

0.3

1.0

12.7

Lofa Tatupu

8

2

0.5

0.0

0.0

0.3

1.0

12.7

Kirk Morrison

8

4

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.0

1.0

12.0

Will Witherspoon

8

3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.3

1.0

11.7

Mike Peterson

8

2

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.1

1.0

11.4

Keith Brooking

7

1

0.0

0.5

0.0

0.2

1.0

10.3

Julian Peterson

5

2

0.5

0.5

0.0

0.1

0.0

8.9

Shaun Phillips

3

2

1.0

0.0

0.5

0.1

0.0

8.4

Breaking News Wire

09-13 11:02 pm by ESPN Football News
L.J. understands struggles facing Bears' Benson

He wasn't looking for advice, but if Cedric Benson needed some, Larry Johnson could probably offer it. He understand

09-13 6:10 pm by ESPN Football News
Chula Vista sets sight on new Chargers Stadium

Two pieces of land in this fast-growing suburb south of downtown San Diego are suitable for an NFL stadium, according to a study released Thursday that was funded by the San Diego Charger

09-13 4:48 pm by ESPN Football News
Cowboys crowned NFL's most valuable franchise

The Dallas Cowboys wrested the title of the NFL's most valuable franchise from the rival Redskins, knocking Washington off the top of the list for the first time in eight years, according to Forbes magazine's annual surve

09-13 4:28 pm by ESPN Football News
49ers' Gore misses practice after mother's death

Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore missed the San Francisco 49ers' practice Thursday after the death of his mothe

09-13 3:58 pm by ESPN Football News
Giants' RB Ward gets starting nod against Packers

While the status of quarterback Eli Manning likely won't be known until just before game time on Sunday, the Giants already know they will be without starting tailback Brandon Jacobs for their home game against the Packer

09-13 3:27 pm by ESPN Football News
Pennington makes throws, but status still unclear

Chad Pennington dropped back and threw a few light passes. That counts as significant progress for the injured Jets quarterback, who was still preparing Thursday to play against the Baltimore Raven

09-13 3:23 pm by ESPN Football News
Albany sits down with Mitchell Commission reps

Albany County prosecutors met Thursday with representatives from the Mitchell Commission who are investigating the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Basebal

09-13 2:34 pm by ESPN Football News
Some Eagles question Pats' tactics in Super Bowl

After the Patriots beat the Eagles 24-21 in 2005 to win the Super Bowl, Sheldon Brown thought the Patriots beat them with nothing but sharp offensive playcalling. Now, he's not so sur

09-13 2:28 pm by ESPN Football News
Ex-Pat Andruzzi battles 'aggressive' form of cancer

Joe Andruzzi was diagnosed in May with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma -- cancer of the cells of the lymphatic system -- and has returned to the Boston area for treatmen

09-13 1:44 pm by ESPN Football News
Goodell visits with injured Bills TE Everett

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell flew to Buffalo on Thursday morning to visit with injured Bills tight end Kevin Everet

09-13 1:02 pm by ESPN Football News
Cowboys' Glenn has 2nd knee surgery in 6 weeks

Dallas Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee for the second time in six weeks Thursda

09-13 12:29 pm by ESPN Football News
Chadiha: Legal spying -- not videotaping -- widespread in NFL

The NFL is full of legal spy tactics, but sources say only the Patriots are known to have used illegal videotaping procedure

09-13 12:25 pm by ESPN Football News
Bills place injured CB Webster on IR, sign LB Joe

The Bills placed starting cornerback Jason Webster on injured reserv

09-12 5:34 pm by ESPN Football News
McCown's status in doubt

The Oakland Raiders once again aren't saying who their starting quarterback will be. This time the issue is Josh McCown's health, not an attempt at a competitive advantag

Monday, September 10, 2007

On The Rise / Decline Week 2

Below are players that are On The Rise and On The Decline in the world of fantasy football. Note that the Monday night games are still to come (as there are two this week), but these players below have already played and their values are on the move! It's never too early to start preparing for the next fantasy week.

Adrian Peterson | RB MIN--rise

If you don't see the upside yet, that means that you passed on this guy and you're just playing that "hater" role. Whether Chester Taylor (hip) is healthy or not, Peterson is capable of being a top 10-12 fantasy runner in 2007. He could hit a rookie wall if forced to start off too quick, but the kid is so talented we wouldn't be shocked if he did well all season.

Cedric Benson | RB CHI--decline

We haven't been high on Benson like other Sites have been… his situation is great, but he is unproven at the NFL level, and it isn't like this is just his first or second season or anything. He ran the ball 19 times for 42 yards in Week 1, but he also fumbled once. He wasn't impressive. Don't sell low, as he should rebound a bit next week, but he certainly has a long way to go before he earns 2nd-round value (where so many took him in 2007 drafts).

Randy Moss | WR NE--rise

Welcome back! News flash — All Moss needed was a QB, and all of us (in hindsight of course) now feel like we should have seen it coming. He looks happy and he appears to love his new home — that translates into monster potential. Moss is now a solid WR2 in all leagues and formats just like that!

Cadillac Williams | RB TB--decline

While Caddy did average 5 yards per carry, the rusher only got 12 carries on Sunday. Caddy is still a decent flex, but he can't be counted on as a RB2 until he starts getting some more carries.

Derrick Ward | RB NYG--rise

Ward will be the most added player come Tuesday morning — Hopefully your the owner that gets him! Brandon Jacobs (sprained knee) could end up missing a significant amount of time, but even if he returns soon, Ward may have earned himself a part-time job at the very least. If Jacobs is in fact out, Ward could be this year's biggest steal via the 2007 waiver wire. The steal of the year usually gets added to fantasy teams in the first three weeks of each season and he may be this year's guy.

Ronnie Brown | RB MIA--decline

Like we have said before, with every fantasy situation there are two sides. To those that have stuck with Brown from the start, we hope you've acquired Chatman by now. For those that don't own him, trade for him while he is considered a 4th-round (or less) type of talent. Just don't overpay, as the point is to steal him so that the risk is low!

Andre Johnson | WR HOU--rise

Say hello to the most underrated WR1 in fantasy football. We wouldn't be shocked if Johnson finished as a top 5-6WR in all leagues and formats come week 16.

Jamal Lewis | RB CLE--decline

That offense isn't very good… Their QB situation is a mess… Jamal isn't the back that he use to be… any questions?

Ronald Curry | WR OAK--rise

Curry could be the most underrated WR3 in fantasy football this year.

Laurence Maroney | RB NE--decline

Maroney should get better as the season progresses, but he may not look like that first-round back right away like most are expecting. This is a good thing for the crafty trader — Trade for Maroney if the price is right, but don't overpay as he still has a lot to prove.

Marshawn Lynch | RB BUF--rise

Lynch was a beast on Sunday against the Broncos rushing the football 19 times for 90 yards and a score. He may be tough to trade for, as you'd be overpaying, but it is worth a try if you can steal him away from an owner that didn't see the game. He played better than his stats suggest, even though they are still solid numbers.

Breaking News Wire

9-10-07 | RB Brandon Jacobs

According to NJ.com, Brandon Jacobs (knee) has suffered an MCL injury according to initial tests. The runner could miss up to three weeks according to sources, but nothing is official just yet. [source]

Opinion: Ward will be the hottest free agent pick-up this week, as he could end up being a solid flex-option while Jacobs heals. If he performs like we expect, Ward could have a large role in the Giants' rushing attack even upon Jacobs' return.

9-10-07 | RB Tiki Barber

When talking with John Madden on NBC after the Giants Sunday night loss against the Cowboys, Tiki Barber said that he can't see himself returning to football, even with the Giants maybe being in some running back trouble with the injury to Brandon Jacobs (knee). Tiki Barber had this to say when Madden asked the former Giant if there was any chance that he'd return to football if the Giants gave him a call: " I honestly think that they are [Giants] in capable hands with Derrick Ward," Tik Barber told John Madden. When asked again at the end of the segment, Tiki may have created something out of nothing with his final response: "I don't see that happen, but we'll see."

Opinion: The "we'll see" comment was likely Tiki's response to getting a call, not actually coming back. Tiki seemed to have no interest in returning to football, but then again players always say that they won't return and then they do. We don't think that there is anything to this, but because buzz could emerge, we just wanted to let all of you know how it all started before the news mutates into something different. Derrick Ward is a must-own as Brandon Jacobs will have an MRI on his sprained right knee.

9-10-07 | RB Derrick Ward

Giants back-up RB Derrick Ward ran the ball 13 times for 89 yards on Sunday night against the Cowboys. Ward also had 4 catches for 27 yards and a score after replacing the injured Brandon Jacobs (sprained knee).

Opinion: Ward is a must-grab now that Jacobs is injured. We should hear some Jacobs news at some point today or tomorrow, but in the mean time, Ward will be the hottest waiver wire pick-up so far this season come Tuesday.

9-10-07 | QB Eli Manning

Giants QB Eli Manning left in the 4th quarter of the Sunday night game with a "bruised shoulder" — he did not return.

Opinion: Not good for Eli or Burress owners, as Eli to Burress was looking pretty nice tonight (3TD passes to Burress alone). We will keep you posted.

9-10-07 | QB Tony Romo

Cowboys QB Tony Romo went 15-for-24 on Sunday night for 345 and 4TDs. Romo also ran the ball for 11 yards and a score.

Opinion: Romo has top 5-6 potential in 2007 — He is a must-start in all leagues unless you have someone like Palmer, Brees or Manning in front of him on your roster.

9-10-07 | WR Terrell Owens

Cowboys WR Terrell Owens caught 3 passes for 87 yards and 2TDs on Sunday night against the Giants.

Opinion: With Romo entering a breakout year, like we've been predicting, Owens has top three written all over him this year.

9-10-07 | WR Plaxico Burress

Giants WR Plaxico Burress caught 8 passes for 144 yards and 3TDs on Sunday night against the Cowboys.

Opinion: Burress went nuts on Sunday night. Burress owners need Eli Manning (shoulder) to be alright, as the connection is looking like an outstanding one this year. Some Eli news should break at some point later today or tomorrow.

9-09-07 | RB Brandon Jacobs

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has injured his knee in the first half of the Sunday night game against the Cowboys. He is not expected to return and the initial diagnosis is a sprained knee.

Opinion: Stay tuned. Derrick Ward and Reuben Droughns will split carries for the remainder of the first-half and will obviously shoulder the load in the 2nd. Ward is a great pick-up right now if your league allows for Sunday grabs. If the injury looks severe, Ward will likely be the hottest fantasy league pick-up entering week 2.

9-09-07 | RB Adrian Peterson

Vikings stud RB Adrian Peterson carried the ball 19 times on Sunday for 103 yards (5.4 YPC) in a win against the Falcons. The rookie rusher also caught 1 pass for a 60-yard touchdown.

Opinion: Peterson was our favorite start of the week — this is why. Chester Taylor (hip) was injured early in the game, which opened the door to the man that knows how to make big plays. Peterson might just finish inside the top 10-12 this year (if not higher) in running back scoring — he is that much of a stud.

9-09-07 | WR Randy Moss

Patriots WR Randy Moss caught 9 passes on Sunday for 183 yards and 1TD in a win against the Jets.

Opinion: Welcome back! While fantasy owners shouldn't expect this kind of fantasy-action every week, Moss is looking like a solid WR2 looking forward. Moss looked motivated and happy to be apart of a winning team — This could translate into a very productive fantasy year.

9-09-07 | RB Larry Johnson

Chiefs RB Larry Johnson ran the ball 10 times on Sunday for 43 yards in a loss against the Texans. He also caught 7 passes for 44 yards.

Opinion: While fantasy owners have to like the 7 receptions, Johnson had a disappointing fantasy outing. While Johnson has two very tough match-ups coming up in week 2 (@CHI) and week 3 (vs. MIN), we still expect him to get back to his top three-status by week 3-4. If you don't own L.J., keep these match-ups in mind and attack Johnson via trade after week 3-4.

9-09-07 | RB Clinton Portis

Redskins RB Clinton Portis carried the ball 17 times on Sunday for 98 yards and 1TD in a win against the Dolphins.

Opinion: Portis looked great averaging over 5.7 yards per carry. Portis remains a must-start as a RB2 entering week 2.

9-09-07 | RB Ronnie Brown

Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran the ball 11 times on Sunday for 32 yards in a loss to the Redskins. He also caught 6 passes for 40 yards.

Opinion: Brown was replaced by Jessie Chatman numerous times throughout the game, something that is quite alarming and frustrating to Ronnie Brown owners. Monitor this situation, but Jessie Chatman is looking like an absolute must-own for Ronnie Brown owners at this point. There are always two sides to every situation… Brown's value should be at a record low heading into week 2, so consider taking a stab at him via trade, if the price is right, and hope that the Ronnie Brown market picks back up soon. If the risk is low (cost), he is well worth the risk. On the flip side, if you own Brown and you can get someone in your league to overpay, consider dealing the rusher.

9-09-07 | RB Jessie Chatman

Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown ran the ball 7 times on Sunday for 15 yards in a loss to the Redskins. He also caught 6 passes for 48 yards.

Opinion: For those that grabbed Chatman off the waiver wire heading into the final weeks of the preseason, congrats! The back-up RB was seeing a lot of action on Sunday and could eventually take over for the struggling Ronnie Brown. We firmly believe in Ronnie Brown, as his struggles have much to do with the Miami offense and not with Brown's skill-set, but apparently the coaching staff trusts Chatman about as much as they trust Brown — this is not good.

9-09-07 | WR Chris Chambers

Dolphins WR Chris Chamber caught 6 passes on Sunday for 92 yards in a loss against the Redskins.

Opinion FX: Chambers will be a consistent, yet quiet, WR3 in all leagues and formats. He is so talented, but the quarterback situation isn't ideal in Miami this year, although, at least it is better than last year.

9-09-07 | WR Steve Smith

Panthers WR Steve Smith caught 7 passes on Sunday for 118 yards and 1TD in a win against the Rams.

Opinion: If healthy, and if Delhomme can remain healthy, Smith should easily finish inside the top 3WRs at week 16's end.

9-09-07 | QB Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger went 12-for-23 for 161 yards and 4TDs in a win against the Browns.

Opinion: Roethy is one of those sneaking fantasy starters in 2007. He may end up finishing inside the top 10 overall at year's end, yet so many will refuse to play him on a weekly basis. If you're stacked at every position but QB, Big Ben could be your answer at the QB position.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Breaking News

9-08-07 | L.J. Smith

According to PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Eagles TE L.J. Smith has been downgraded to questionable for this Sunday's game against the Packers. TE Matt Schobel will start in Smith's place if he can't go. [source]

Opinion: Get Smith out of your line-up unless things change. If you're desperate for a TE replacement and your league still allows for add/drops, Schobel wouldn't be a bad replacement.

9-08-07 | WR Greg Jennings

According to JSOnline.com, Packers WR Greg Jennings is not likely to play on Sunday against the Eagles. Rookie WR James Jones is expected to start if Jennings can't go. [source]

Opinion: We love James Jones this year and we believe that he is capable of becoming a great WR in this league (if given the opportunity). He has already earned his way into a WR2 rotation if you ask us, but it's funny how NFL coaches play these situations out sometimes. Greg Jennings' injury sure is a break for James Jones, now all he has to do is capitalize. If he does, you may see a "rotation" announcement by the GB coaching staff as early as week two. That is the first step! His talent will win out if he can get that far and stay healthy.

9-08-07 | RB Vernand Morency

According to JSOnline.com, Packers RB Vernand Morency does not appear likely to play on Sunday against the Eagles. [source]

Opinion: Brandon Jackson should see some major action on Sunday. A lot of touches makes him a very solid flex in week 1.

9-07-07 | WR James Jones

According to Packers.com, WR James Jones will start for Green Bay if Greg Jennings can't go in week one. [source]

Opinion: Jones is an exciting rookie to own. Most rookie WRs can't be counted on in fantasy football, but on occasion a receiver like Colston or Boldin comes along and has a breakout rookie campaign. We're not saying James Jones is a lock to follow in their footsteps, but he certainly fits the part and has the potential. This Greg Jennings injury could be opening a door that Jennings will never be able to close.

9-07-07 | WR Terry Glenn

According to ESPN, Cowboys WR Terry Glenn (knee) is likely done for the season. [source]

Opinion: Sources were suggesting this at first, then the story was pulled back. It looks like the "out for the season" report was the most accurate. Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton has a ton more value moving forward and should be owned in all leagues.

9-07-07 | QB Peyton Manning

Colts QB Peyton Manning was 18-of-30 for 294 yards and 3TDs on Thursday night against the Saints.

Opinion: Manning might just throw for 35-40TDs this season, which means both Harrison and Wayne could finish inside the top 5 for fantasy WRs in '07.

9-07-07 | WR Reggie Wayne

Colts WR Reggie Wayne caught 7 passes for 121 yards and 2TDs on Thursday night against the Saints.

Opinion: Wayne was our #2 ranked WR for most of the off-season, but Chad Johnson moved ahead of him last month. Wayne was back to #2 before the Thursday night game even ended (all four writers that make up the staff averaged rankings moved him to #2 like that!).

9-07-07 | WR Marvin Harrison

Colts WR Marvin Harrison caught 4 passes for 83 yards and 1TD on Thursday night against the Saints.

Opinion: Harrison feels like a top 5 lock for WR scoring in 2007. This finally may be that year that Wayne takes over as the team's #1WR, but all that means is that Wayne might finish #2 or #3 overall for WRs and Harrison might finish right behind him at #4 or #5. Both receivers should be considered top 5 guys looking forward.

9-07-07 | RB Joseph Addai

Colts RB Joseph Addai ran the ball 23 times for 117 yards and 1TD on Thursday night against the Saints. The runner also caught 3 passes for 25 yards.

Opinion: If Addai can stay healthy, something we're concerned about, he could have a huge fantasy season. He has never been a full-time rusher, but it appears that the Colts are going to put him in scoring position early and often. Treat Addai like a solid #1RB, just be sure that you grab Kenton Keith if for some reason he is still available in your league.

9-07-07 | QB Drew Brees

Saints QB Drew Brees threw 41 passes on Thursday night against the Colts, but only managed to complete 21 of those passes for 192 yards, with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

Opinion: Brees almost broke an NFL record for the lowest yards per completion (averaging 6.8 yards per completion). He wouldn't have hit the 6.8 mark if it had not been for his final pass of the game. Brees should bounce-back next week — He is one of the most talented signal callers in the entire NFL, and he has a plethora of talent to utilize.

9-07-07 | RB Reggie Bush

Saints RB Reggie Bush ran the ball 12 times for 38 yards on Sunday night against the Colts. He also caught four passes, but for only 7 yards.

Opinion: That entire Saints offense should rebound next week against the Bucs, so don't panic if you own some good old Saints!

9-07-07 | RB Deuce McAllister

Deuce McAllister ran the ball just 10 times for 39 yards on Thursday night against the Colts. McAllister also caught 2 passes for 7 yards.

Opinion: That entire Saints offense should rebound next week against the Bucs, so don't panic if you own some good old Saints!

9-07-07 | WR Marques Colston

Saints WR Marques Colston caught 6 passes for 47 yards on Thursday night against the Colts.

Opinion: We're not too worried about the Brees/Colston connection — Colston did catch 6 passes! The entire team just had a bad night and Brees was only averaging 6.8 yards per completion. We still consider Colston a top 5-7 fantasy WR in 2007.

9-06-07 | RB Michael Turner

According Chargers.com, Chargers RB Michael Turner "participated in all phases of Thursday's practice" and he appears to be ready for week one. [source]

Opinion: Turner remains our favorite sleeper running back in 2007. If he is ever forced to start, we truly believe that he will produce like a top 5-10 fantasy running back per start.