News: Eagles head coach Andy Reid lowered the boom on what Fantasy owners can expect in the way of production from Brian Westbrook over the next two weeks: Nothing. Already ruled out for Week 11 at Chicago, Reid said Friday that Westbrook will miss Week 12 and be a candidate to miss Week 13 as well. Rookie RB LeSean McCoy will start in his place. "We're backing off this week just letting him rest," Reid said of Westbrook. "This is on the doctor's orders there: back off, let him rest, that's the plan the doctor had for him. Next week he can start going to meetings and some things. We'll see how he feels as he goes. ... I think the doctors want to see how he does after two weeks. What kind of symptoms he has and then they'll just go back through and evaluate him after that, two to three weeks. We'll just see how he feels after that."
Analysis: Fantasy owners should continue to keep Westbrook benched for the foreseeable future. McCoy continues to be a priceless insurance policy for the veteran rusher, who really isn't a lock to even play again this season.
News:Kyle Orton missed a third consecutive practice Friday because of a sprained left ankle and has only an outside chance of playing Sunday when the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers meet with first place in the AFC West on the line. Broncos backup Chris Simms again took first-team practice repetitions, as he has all week in the absence of Orton, who was injured during last week's 27-17 loss at Washington. This would be Simms' first start since 2006. Listed as questionable, Orton will be put through a workout before Sunday's game and how he performs will determine whether he plays, coach Josh McDaniels said Friday. "If Kyle is completely able to do what we're going to ask him to do in the game plan, and can do it at a level that allows us to be successful, then we could give him an opportunity to play," McDaniels said. "If he's not capable of playing at that level, or doing some of the things that we need him to be able to do, then you go with the guy who practiced."
Analysis: Our hunch is that the Broncos will keep the Chargers in the dark about who their starting quarterback will be and ultimately send Simms out to play on Sunday. Simms is good enough to run the Broncos' passing offense but doesn't have a strong arm. His play will bring down the stats of Brandon Marshall & Co., but not to the point where the Chargers can sell out to stop the run. Orton, meanwhile, was rushed back from an ankle injury last season and his numbers were terrible by comparison. Don't count on starting either Broncos quarterback in Week 11 so long as you can help it.
News: Saints running back Reggie Bush has been held out of practice for the third straight day, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. Bush came out of the St. Louis game with swelling and soreness in his left knee, which was surgically repaired twice in a three-month span a year ago. Saints coach Sean Payton says Bush's knee is bruised and swollen. He says that happens with a knee that has had surgery. Payton added that Bush knows the offense well enough that he could step in without the practice reps. But at the same time, he doesn't want to risk a setback with his star running back.
Analysis: We wouldn't be surprised to see Bush sit out Week 11 in hopes of getting healthy for the playoff run the Saints are expecting after their 9-0 start. Have a backup plan in place just in case Bush doesn't play on Sunday. We'll be first to know whether or not he'll be active this Sunday on Fantasy Football Today, 11 a.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: The Bengals listed RB Cedric Benson as doubtful for Week 11 at Oakland after the star running back missed a week of practice. Benson said he's a game-time decision, but all signs point to him missing the game. Rookie Bernard Scott, third-down back Brian Leonard and newly signed veteran rusher Larry Johnson are all expected to share the workload in place of Benson, though Johnson told reporters Friday that he anticipates playing but "wouldn't expect to get a heavy load." Head coach Marvin Lewis didn't say much on the matter but did indicate that Scott would also return kicks, which is atypical of a running back who takes on a lot of carries. Lewis also said that he's been impressed with how quickly Johnson has adjusted with his new team. "He's done really well. I think he's been able to make the adjustments very quickly and I've been pleased," Lewis said. "The main thing is he can't be able to handicap the play caller."
Analysis: Have a backup plan in place if you own Benson since it's unlikely that he'll take on the Raiders on Sunday. One reason why Johnson might see a decent amount of touches: he's rushed for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in his career against Oakland. We like Johnson as a No. 3/flex running back so long as Benson is out, and Scott registers a smidge higher since he knows the offense a little better and will see his fair share of work. But with them battling for touches and Leonard picking up third downs, we might not see any of them reach 10 touches in the game. Thus, keep expectations in check with all three -- assuming Benson is in street clothes. We'll have the official word on Benson Sunday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News:Kyle Orton missed a third consecutive practice Friday because of a sprained left ankle and has only an outside chance of playing Sunday when the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers meet with first place in the AFC West on the line. Broncos backup Chris Simms again took first-team practice repetitions, as he has all week in the absence of Orton, and appears to be in line to start for the Broncos in Week 11. That's not good news for Marshall as Simms doesn't have a strong arm to hit Marshall deep downfield like Orton did last week. Not only might that impact Marshall's stats, but his history against the Chargers is also bleak -- he has only one touchdown and one 100-yard game in his last five against San Diego and that includes a 49-yard game in Week 6 against the Bolts.
Analysis: Downgrade your expectations for Marshall in Week 11 since he's facing an opponent that's challenged him and he'll be without his starting quarterback. If you can, bench Marshall or expect him to play like a No. 3 WR or flex option.
Cornerback trouble for Seahawks
Updated 11/20/2009
Seahawks, DST SEA
News:Josh Wilson is unlikely to play Sunday at Minnesota because of a concussion, leaving the Seahawks without a starting cornerback against Brett Favre and the Vikings. Seattle coach Jim Mora said after Wilson missed his third consecutive practice Friday that there is only a slight chance he will play. Last weekend he banged his head into the leg of Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells and then the turf. Wilson returned to finish the game before being diagnosed with the concussion. Marcus Trufant, the other starting cornerback, says he was also "dinged" last weekend. He also returned to finish the game, then was diagnosed with a concussion. Trufant has practiced the last two days and Seattle expects him to start Sunday.
Analysis: The Vikings should have a field day throwing on the Seahawks DST. Keep them benched or off rosters in all leagues since they're unlikely to do well against Favre & Co.
News: The Chicago Bears placed backup running back Garrett Wolfe on injured reserve Friday, ending his season. The team listed a kidney injury for Wolfe, who told the Chicago Tribune in a text message that he suffered a lacerated kidney on the opening kickoff of a game against Arizona on Nov. 8. The Bears elevated running back Kahlil Bell from the practice squad to replace Wolfe.
Analysis: Wolfe carried the ball 22 times this season for 120 yards and one touchdown. He added nine special teams tackles and two receptions for 12 yards. Neither RB should be considered a helpful Fantasy option.
News: Eagles coach Andy Reid said wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee) is out for Sunday's game. Curtis will miss his eighth straight game, and Reid says he is still weeks away. Injured reserve might be a consideration for the team.
Analysis: Go ahead and cut Curtis in all leagues as he's not expected to make a sizable impact again this season while his knee hampers him.
News: Bills linebacker Keith Ellison's season is over after he was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury. The move was announced Friday as the Bills prepare to play Jacksonville on Sunday. Ellison has been out since being hurt in a 31-10 loss to Houston on Nov. 1. He becomes the 12th Bills player - and second starting linebacker - to be placed on IR this season.
Analysis: Ellison should be dropped in all IDP leagues. There should be some decent linebackers available to replace him on waivers.
News:Josh Cribbs' neck is still a little sore, but he said Friday he expects to play in the Cleveland Browns' game at Detroit on Sunday, which will be six days after he was strapped to a backboard and wheeled into an ambulance following a loss to the Ravens on Monday night. Browns coach Eric Mangini said he also expects Cribbs to play. He's listed as questionable.
Analysis: Cribbs won't produce enough stats on a regular basis to warrant Fantasy use. Keep him off rosters for now.
Eagles shuffle linebackers
Updated 11/20/2009
Eagles, DST PHI
News: For the second consecutive week, the Eagles will go with a different look at linebacker because of a knee injury to weakside starter Akeem Jordan. Coach Andy Reid ruled out Jordan for Sunday night's game at Chicago. Will Witherspoon will again start at weakside LB, and second-year man Joe Mays will start in the middle. Chris Gocong, who started in the middle in last week's loss to San Diego, will move back to his customary spot on the strong side. Rookie Moise Fokou, who started the past two games on the strong side, appears to be the odd man out. Additionally, CB Sheldon Brown is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury he suffered in San Diego. The veteran did limited work Thursday and Friday in practice. Reid said it will be a game-time decision as his secondary already deals with depth issues.
Analysis: The Eagles DST should pick up a couple of interceptions off Jay Cutler on Sunday and sack him a few times. They'll give up their fair share of yards, too, but they're good enough to consider a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option in spite of their injuries at linebacker and cornerback.
News: Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams is probable for Week 11 vs. the Saints after another full practice on Friday. He's expected to play, and he should play fairly well. Williams has faced the Saints at home twice over the last two years and has totaled three rushing touchdowns in those contests. Throw in the Saints' run defense struggling over the last couple of weeks (DT Sedrick Ellis is questionable) and you have the makings of a surprising Fantasy option.
Analysis: Williams is a fairly safe No. 3 Fantasy RB for Week 11 use. He's also good as a flex choice and isn't horrible as a No. 2 option if you're desperate for help. Consider him as such for this upcoming game.
News: We know you're starting WR Reggie Wayne in Fantasy play in Week 11 anyway, and you should as he takes on the Ravens. Wayne's done well against them, totaling 10 catches for 160 yards and two TDs in last two against Baltimore.
Analysis: With the Ravens' secondary a mess and their pass rush not at full strength, the Colts should throw plenty against them. Start Wayne as a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: TE Tony Scheffler will take on the Chargers in Week 11 at home. The last time he played them he did really well -- in fact, the last three times he played them he did really well. Scheffler has four TDs in last three vs. Chargers with 101 yards and a score against them in Week 6 this season.
Analysis: The Chargers remain iffy against tight ends, and with the Broncos likely rolling out Chris Simms as their starting QB, expect Scheffler to see a lot of short-area passes come his way. We like Scheffler as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE and as a sneaky flex option as well.
News:Greg Olsen has been a regular target of QB Jay Cutler's of late, and that should continue in Week 11 vs. Philadelphia. Olsen met the Eagles last season and had 35 yards and a TD against them. With Cutler eying Olsen in the end zone more often than not these days, don't be surprised to see him score again on Sunday.
Analysis: Consider Olsen a top No. 1 TE option for Week 11. If you own him, you should probably be starting him.
News: Is Santana Moss worth a start in Week 11 at Dallas? On the surface it doesn't look good for him as the Cowboys secondary has rebounded vs. the pass and Moss had his worst week since Week 1 last time out. But history suggests that Moss steps it up for the Cowboys -- he has three games with at least 110 yards passing in last four against him with at least five receptions in all four of those games.
Analysis: Moss has one 100-yard game this season and just three games with at least five catches, so there's reason to believe his history against the Cowboys might fade a little bit. He's worth starting as a low-end No. 3 WR or flex option for Week 11, but that's about it.
Ravens don't scare Manning
Updated 11/20/2009
Colts, TQB IND
News:Peyton Manning will play at Baltimore in Week 11, matchup that actually bodes well for him. With the Ravens' secondary a mess and their pass rush missing OLB Terrell Suggs, Manning should be in for a solid week. He has also thrown seven touchdowns in his last two games against the Ravens, proving that he has no problem finding the end zone in matchups with Ray Lewis & Co.
Analysis: Manning is a must-start No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues. Make sure he's active for action this Sunday.
News:Marshawn Lynch scored on the Jaguars last season in Jacksonville, something he hopes to do again in Week 11. In his meeting with them last season he also had 67 total yards, and that was sharing the ball with Fred Jackson, which is also something he'll do again this Sunday.
Analysis: Right now Lynch's Fantasy owners would love to see him score a touchdown. He's had one in his last five games. Figure him to have a shot at one, making him a good enough No. 3 or flex option in Week 11.
News: We know you're starting Titans RB Chris Johnson in Week 11 at the Texans, but we also thought you'd like to be reminded that he had 284 total yards and three TDs vs. Houston in their Week 2 meeting.
Analysis: Johnson's been hotter than a three-alarm fire and is a sure-fire No. 1 Fantasy RB in all leagues. Stop reading this and go make sure he's in your lineup.
News: You're probably not inclined to start Fred Jackson in Week 11 at Jacksonville, but here's some recent history that's good food for thought: Jackson played at Jacksonville last season and while sharing the backfield with Marshawn Lynch was able to total 100 yards from scrimmage.
Analysis: Jackson began to get re-involved with the Bills offense last week, throwing a touchdown and totaling 71 yards from scrimmage (not including passing yardage). If you're desperate for a flex option in Week 11, Jackson is worthy of some consideration, but don't expect any more than, say, 90 total yards.
News: Cardinals RB Tim Hightower might continue to lose some touches to Beanie Wells, but at least he's going up against an opponent in the Rams in Week 11 that should give way for both of them to put up nice stats. In the case of Hightower, he has 141 rush yards in his only two games vs. the Rams with a touchdown in each. Hightower has also seen at least 15 total touches in his last two games overall, a trend that should continue into his next game.
Analysis: Hightower is a good enough No. 2 Fantasy RB or flex option for Week 11. Start him in that role if you don't have a better option on staff already.
News: Bears WR Devin Hester will do battle with the Eagles in Week 11, an opponent he scored against last season. But Hester hasn't done much scoring lately -- he's gone without a touchdown in his last three games. However, Hester has caught at least six passes in each of his last five games, a telling sign that QB Jay Cutler looks for him plenty.
Analysis: Expect Cutler to keep eying Hester again in Week 11. He's almost better in PPR leagues than he is in standard formats, but figure him to be a No. 3 option for Week 11.
News: As you might expect, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald has a strong history against the Rams, his Week 11 opponent. In his last five games against them, Fitzgerald has totaled 507 yards and five TDs. The Rams' secondary hasn't been good at all this season, ranking 25th vs. the pass.
Analysis: You're starting Fitzgerald in all leagues already, aren't you? We're barely giving you good advice here. We suppose his average of just over 100 yards per game and a touchdown is comforting to read about, though. Keep Fitzy active.
News: In his last three games against the Rams, Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin has collected 15 catches, 203 yards and two TDs. Boldin will face off against the woefully bad Rams secondary in Week 11 and should be able to reel in a bunch of passes with a shot at a touchdown.
Analysis: Boldin isn't on this week's injury report and should be a lock for Fantasy owners as a No. 2 WR in all leagues, especially PPR formats.
Romo to rock the Redskins?
Updated 11/20/2009
Cowboys, TQB DAL
News: Save for the 2007 season finale when he didn't finish the game in an effort to rest up for the playoffs, Tony Romo has been solid against the Redskins. In four meaningful games, Romo has 10 touchdowns and only four interceptions against them with three games over 275 yards passing. Romo faces the Redskins at home in Week 11.
Analysis: Romo looked awful last week against a good Packers secondary and should feel some pressure from the Redskins' defensive front, although DT Albert Haynesworth is not a lock to play. We like Romo as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 11. Start him if you don't have a better option.
News: There's lots to like about Cowboys WR Miles Austin in Week 11 vs. the Redskins. Not only is he still a top option in the Dallas offense, but he scored against the Redskins at home last season. And, the Redskins secondary allowed two long touchdowns to Brandon Marshall last week -- something Austin should be able to replicate on Sunday.
Analysis: We might start to get nervous about Austin if he struggles in Week 11, but we like the matchup for him even with the statistical data suggesting that the Redskins defense is solid. Tony Romo has also played well against the Redskins in the past -- 10 TDs with just four interceptions in his last four relevant games against them. Austin remains a good enough No. 1 Fantasy WR.
News: He might be 32, but Ricky Williams is far from done. And even without Ronnie Brown, the once written-off Dolphins are back in the playoff picture. Williams rushed for 119 yards and scored three touchdowns, and the Dolphins beat the Panthers 24-17 on Thursday night for their fourth win in six games. A day after learning Brown is lost for the season, the Dolphins (5-5) continued their surge after an 0-3 start behind Williams. The 2002 NFL rushing champion had a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game for the first time in his career that includes a couple of lost seasons. "Coach always talks about finishing," Williams said. "Sometimes in this league, in a physical game, it's difficult to finish. I think in the past we've prided ourselves on finishing games and we did a good job tonight."
Analysis: Dolphins coach Tony Sparano hinted his team might abandon the Wildcat without Brown, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday because of a foot injury. And Miami didn't use the formation until the second quarter. If the Dolphins continue to move away from the Wildcat, Williams' value will only go up as he can thrive as a traditional go-to back in Miami. Think of Williams as a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 12 at Buffalo as the Bills have the lowest-rated run defense in the league. In Week 4, Williams ran for 85 yards against the Bills on 16 carries and scoring a touchdown. Look for him to improve upon those numbers in Week 12.
News:Kyle Orton missed a third consecutive practice Friday because of a sprained left ankle and has only an outside chance of playing Sunday when the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers meet with first place in the AFC West on the line. Broncos backup Chris Simms again took first-team practice repetitions, as he has all week in the absence of Orton, who was injured during last week's 27-17 loss at Washington. This would be Simms' first start since 2006. Listed as questionable, Orton will be put through a workout before Sunday's game and how he performs will determine whether he plays, coach Josh McDaniels said Friday. "If Kyle is completely able to do what we're going to ask him to do in the game plan, and can do it at a level that allows us to be successful, then we could give him an opportunity to play," McDaniels said. "If he's not capable of playing at that level, or doing some of the things that we need him to be able to do, then you go with the guy who practiced."
Analysis: Our hunch is that the Broncos will keep the Chargers in the dark about who their starting quarterback will be and ultimately send Simms out to play on Sunday. Simms is good enough to run the Broncos' passing offense but doesn't have a strong arm. His play will bring down the stats of Brandon Marshall & Co., but not to the point where the Chargers can sell out to stop the run. Orton, meanwhile, was rushed back from an ankle injury last season and his numbers were terrible by comparison. Don't count on starting either Broncos quarterback in Week 11 so long as you can help it.
News: The Bengals listed RB Cedric Benson as doubtful for Week 11 at Oakland after the star running back missed a week of practice. Benson said he's a game-time decision, but all signs point to him missing the game. Rookie Bernard Scott, third-down back Brian Leonard and newly signed veteran rusher Larry Johnson are all expected to share the workload in place of Benson, though Johnson told reporters Friday that he anticipates playing but "wouldn't expect to get a heavy load." Head coach Marvin Lewis didn't say much on the matter but did indicate that Scott would also return kicks, which is atypical of a running back who takes on a lot of carries. Lewis also said that he's been impressed with how quickly Johnson has adjusted with his new team. "He's done really well. I think he's been able to make the adjustments very quickly and I've been pleased," Lewis said. "The main thing is he can't be able to handicap the play caller."
Analysis: Have a backup plan in place if you own Benson since it's unlikely that he'll take on the Raiders on Sunday. One reason why Johnson might see a decent amount of touches: he's rushed for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in his career against Oakland. We like Johnson as a No. 3/flex running back so long as Benson is out, and Scott registers a smidge higher since he knows the offense a little better and will see his fair share of work. But with them battling for touches and Leonard picking up third downs, we might not see any of them reach 10 touches in the game. Thus, keep expectations in check with all three -- assuming Benson is in street clothes. We'll have the official word on Benson Sunday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: The Bengals listed RB Cedric Benson as doubtful for Week 11 at Oakland after the star running back missed a week of practice. Benson said he's a game-time decision, but all signs point to him missing the game. Rookie Bernard Scott, third-down back Brian Leonard and newly signed veteran rusher Larry Johnson are all expected to share the workload in place of Benson, though Johnson told reporters Friday that he anticipates playing but "wouldn't expect to get a heavy load." Head coach Marvin Lewis didn't say much on the matter but did indicate that Scott would also return kicks, which is atypical of a running back who takes on a lot of carries. Lewis also said that he's been impressed with how quickly Johnson has adjusted with his new team. "He's done really well. I think he's been able to make the adjustments very quickly and I've been pleased," Lewis said. "The main thing is he can't be able to handicap the play caller."
Analysis: Have a backup plan in place if you own Benson since it's unlikely that he'll take on the Raiders on Sunday. One reason why Johnson might see a decent amount of touches: he's rushed for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in his career against Oakland. We like Johnson as a No. 3/flex running back so long as Benson is out, and Scott registers a smidge higher since he knows the offense a little better and will see his fair share of work. But with them battling for touches and Leonard picking up third downs, we might not see any of them reach 10 touches in the game. Thus, keep expectations in check with all three -- assuming Benson is in street clothes. We'll have the official word on Benson Sunday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: The Bengals listed RB Cedric Benson as doubtful for Week 11 at Oakland after the star running back missed a week of practice. Benson said he's a game-time decision, but all signs point to him missing the game. Rookie Bernard Scott, third-down back Brian Leonard and newly signed veteran rusher Larry Johnson are all expected to share the workload in place of Benson, though Johnson told reporters Friday that he anticipates playing but "wouldn't expect to get a heavy load." Head coach Marvin Lewis didn't say much on the matter but did indicate that Scott would also return kicks, which is atypical of a running back who takes on a lot of carries. Lewis also said that he's been impressed with how quickly Johnson has adjusted with his new team. "He's done really well. I think he's been able to make the adjustments very quickly and I've been pleased," Lewis said. "The main thing is he can't be able to handicap the play caller."
Analysis: Have a backup plan in place if you own Benson since it's unlikely that he'll take on the Raiders on Sunday. One reason why Johnson might see a decent amount of touches: he's rushed for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns in 10 games in his career against Oakland. We like Johnson as a No. 3/flex running back so long as Benson is out, and Scott registers a smidge higher since he knows the offense a little better and will see his fair share of work. But with them battling for touches and Leonard picking up third downs, we might not see any of them reach 10 touches in the game. Thus, keep expectations in check with all three -- assuming Benson is in street clothes. We'll have the official word on Benson Sunday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: Detroit RB Kevin Smith has a great matchup in Week 11 against Cleveland, and he's the CBSSports.com Start of the Week. Cleveland is No. 30 in run defense with 166 yards per game allowed and 13 touchdowns. Nine running backs have reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns, including their past five opponents in Marshawn Lynch, Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Grant, Matt Forte and Ray Rice. Surprisingly, Cedric Benson is the only starting running back who failed to reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns, but don't expect Smith to follow suit. Cleveland is coming off a short week with the Monday night loss against Baltimore, and Smith appears healthy from the earlier shoulder problem.
Analysis: Shaun Rogers, the Browns' erratic but sometimes effective defensive tackle, could make life tough for Smith as he faces his former team, but not enough to keep Smith from being a solid starting option. It's not often that we recommend a Detroit player with such conviction, but this matchup is too good to let this opportunity pass us by. Start Smith in all leagues and look for a solid outing.
News: Ravens QB Joe Flacco has a tough matchup against the Colts this week, and he's the CBSSports.com Sit of the Week. Flacco has been disappointing after the bye in Week 7. In his past three games against Denver, Cincinnati and Cleveland, Flacco has combined for one touchdown and two interceptions. He hasn't reached 200 passing yards in that stretch and has just one game with double digits in Fantasy points against the Broncos in Week 8. This week, Flacco faces a depleted Colts' secondary, which just allowed 375 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception against Tom Brady. But Brady was the first quarterback to pass for multiple touchdowns against Indianapolis this year, which includes games against Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub.
Analysis: The key for Flacco will be Derrick Mason, who has 10 catches for 149 yards and one touchdown the past three games. If the Colts can take away Mason like the Broncos, Bengals and Browns did then Flacco will struggle again. Look for the Ravens to lean heavily on Ray Rice, and keep Flacco on your bench if you have other options at quarterback. Hopefully his slump will end soon. The Colts are also among the league leaders with only seven passing touchdowns allowed.
News: Falcons coach Mike Smith said RB Michael Turner (ankle) did not practice Thursday. "I can't give a time frame on how quick he'll be back out here," Smith said. Turner is questionable to play Sunday at the Giants after getting hurt in Week 10 against Carolina.
Analysis: It appears like Turner will miss the game at the Giants. If Turner is unable to go, look for Jason Snelling to get the start at the Giants. Keep an eye on Turner's status in Friday's practice, but most likely he will sit this week. Hopefully this injury won't keep Turner out for an extended period of time because when healthy he's a No. 1 Fantasy RB.
News: According to the Redskins official Twitter page, RB Clinton Portis (concussion) will not play Sunday at Dallas. The report says Portis still has some "blurriness" from the concussion, according to coach Jim Zorn. Portis missed Week 10 against Denver after sustaining the concussion in Week 9 against Atlanta.
Analysis: It appears safe to keep Portis reserved in all leagues for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. Ladell Betts will start for Portis, and hopefully he can return in Week 12 at Philadelphia. When healthy, Portis is a No. 2 Fantasy RB.
News: Miami LB Joey Porter had clearly his best game of the season on Thursday in a win over the Panthers one week after getting benched. Porter made eight tackles in the game and was responsible for two sacks.
Analysis: Porter’s previous high for tackles in a game in 2009 was four back in Week 7 against the Saints. He has been a massive underachiever this season but getting benched Week 10 might have been the spark he needed to get down to business. However, Porter should only be considered a low-end option in IDP formats for Week 12 against Buffalo.
News: The Miami Herald reports that Jason Ferguson suffered a potentially "serious" knee injury on Thursday in a Week 11 win at Carolina, according to a source. An MRI is scheduled for Friday.
Analysis: Ferguson is an important cog in the Dolphins defense but not a relevant Fantasy player. His injury status is not relevant to IDP format owners.
News: Panthers DE Julius Peppers again played mostly on passing downs Week 11 against Miami because of a right hand injury. He finished with just one tackle and a forced fumble.
Analysis: Peppers is one of the top defensive players in the league but this hand injury has limited him in terms of tackles lately, with just four in his past four games. He has failed to record a sack in each of his last three games as well and might need to be benched in some formats for Week 12 at the Jets. When healthy, Peppers has the potential to be a must-start DL.
News: Panthers LB Landon Johnson, filling in for the injured Thomas Davis, left with a knee injury on Thursday in a Week 12 loss to the Dolphins. Johnson finished the game with five tackles.
Analysis: Johnson is just a low-end Fantasy option when healthy and is not recommended in any IDP format for Week 12 at the Jets.
Delhomme falls short against Miami
Updated 11/20/2009
Panthers, TQB CAR
News: Panthers QB Jake Delhomme had a decent game against Miami on Thursday but it was not enough to pick up the win. Delhomme completed 19 of his 42 passes in the game for 227 yards with a TD pass to Steve Smith and an interception. He also carried the ball twice for 17 yards. The Panthers offense was particularly poor in the red zone Week 11. "It's execution because we're not getting in," Delhomme said after the game. "It's not the play calling. They were doing a good job, especially in there on a couple of third downs with their four-man rush. They were dropping seven and those windows were really tight to try to find some guys in there. There's no pointing fingers. We didn't get it done."
Analysis: Delhomme has been playing better of late, compiling a 115.8 passer rating in Week 10 against Atlanta. That number dropped to 60.3 Week 11 against Miami, but he did enough to keep his team in the game and move the ball down the field consistently. Despite his improvements, Delhomme remains just a low-end Fantasy QB at this point in his career. The Panthers have a road game against the Jets in Week 12. The Jets have one of the top pass defenses in the league, making Delhomme a poor option.
News: Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams had a solid performance against the Dolphins on Thursday but failed to score a TD in a Week 11 loss. He carried the ball only 13 times but gained a total of 122 yards. His numbers were buoyed by a 50-yard run in the third quarter. Williams also caught one pass in the game for 9 yards.
Analysis: Williams and Jonathan Stewart were a near even split in terms of carries against the Dolphins, but Williams outgained Stewart by 79 yards. He is the top RB in Carolina even though he continues to lose touches to Stewart. He has eclipsed the century mark four times in the past seven games and remains a solid play for Week 12 at the Jets who have a run of the mill rush defense.
News: Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart was not all that effective on Thursday in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins. He carried the ball 12 times in the game, gaining a total of 43 yards. His longest gain in the game went for 10 yards.
Analysis: Stewart got only one less carry than DeAngelo Williams on Thursday, but Williams was far more effective as he gained 122 yards on the ground. We've noticed that Stewart's production is not consistent from week to week -- one week he'll roll and the next he'll struggle -- and we think it relates to his Achilles injury not being ready after seven days, or in the case of Week 11, four days. By that theory, Stewart should be ready for a solid week against the Jets in Week 12, especially after resting his injury for nearly 11 days.
News: Panthers WR Steve Smith was the lone Carolina player to score a touchdown on Thursday in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins. Smith was the team’s leading receiver in the game, catching seven passes for a total of 87 yards. It was his second straight game with a TD reception, scoring twice Week 10 against Atlanta. Smith was also involved in a minor car accident before the game.
Analysis: Smith has four touchdowns in the past four weeks after failing to make a TD reception the first seven weeks of the season. Smith hasn’t been able to break 100 yards receiving since Week 2 at Atlanta. His seven receptions Week 11 is the most he has had since that Week 2 game as well. The Panthers take on a tough Jets pass defense Week 12 on the road, making Smith a No. 2 Fantasy option for that game.
News: Panthers TE Gary Barnidge was the team’s second-leading receiver on Thursday in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins. Barnidge caught two balls in the game, gaining a total of 46 yards. His longest reception in the game went for 29 yards.
Analysis: Barnidge is not a quality Fantasy option in any format and should be ignored in all formats for Week 12 at the Jets.
News: Panthers TE Dante Rosario caught four passes on Thursday in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins. Rosario gained a total of 40 yards in the game, with a long of 21 yards.
Analysis: Rosario is the top TE in Carolina but does not catch enough passes on a weekly basis to be worth using in any format. Keep him benched or on waivers for Week 12 at the Jets.
News: Carolina WR Muhsin Muhammad caught three balls on Thursday in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins. His longest reception of the day went for 13 yards.
Analysis: Muhammad is getting up there in age and is no longer as effective on the field as he used to be. He had a big Week 10 performance with six grabs for 91 yards, but went back to his less than impressive ways Week 11. Think of Muhammad as just a low-end Fantasy option for Week 12 at the Jets.
News: Panthers RB Tyrell Sutton didn’t get a carry Week 11 but did catch two passes in a loss to the Dolphins. Sutton gained a total of 18 yards in the game.
Analysis: Sutton does not produce enough on a consistent basis to be worth using in any Fantasy format. Leave him on waivers for Week 12 at the Jets.
News: Carolina PK John Kasay hit all three of the field goals he attempted on Thursday in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins. Kasay’s longest field goal on the day was good from 48 yards out. He did not attempt an extra point as the Panthers went for two after the team’s lone touchdown in the game.
Analysis: The Panthers offense has improved over the past few weeks and luckily for Kasay’s Fantasy owners, the team sputtered out in the red zone on Thursday a few times. In Week 12, the Panthers take on a tough Jets defense on the road. Kasay is not a recommended option for that game.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy relevance and can continue to be ignored in all formats.
Panthers defense fails to make plays
Updated 11/20/2009
Panthers, DST CAR
News: The Panthers defense was not all that effective on Thursday in a 24-17 loss to the Dolphins. The unit failed to create a single turnover in the game and did not sack Miami QB Chad Henne once. Julius Peppers forced a fumble but the Dolphins recovered it. On the ground, Ricky Williams torched the Panthers for 119 yards and two touchdowns, also scoring one via a pass. Henne was 17 for 29 in the game, gaining 172 yards and throwing for one touchdown.
Analysis: The Panthers defense did not have an answer to the Miami rushing attack Week 11 even though Ronnie Brown did not play in the game due to a season-ending foor injury. The unit has not lived up to expectations this season and is not recommended most weeks. The Panthers DST does have a somewhat favorable match-up in Week 12 at the Jets. However, they are still not a recommended unit.
News: Dolphins DB Nate Jones picked off his second pass of the season on Thursday in a Week 11 win over the Panthers, intercepting a Jake Delhomme pass. Jones also ended up with one tackle in the game.
Analysis: Jones has two interceptions on the season and 39 total tackles. He is at best a low-end Fantasy option for Week 12 against the Bills.
News: Miami PK Dan Carpenter hit the lone field goal he attempted on Thursday in a Week 11 win over the Panthers. Carpenter’s field goal was good from 37 yards out. He also successfully converted all three of his extra point attempts.
Analysis: Carpenter had a season-high 13 points in Week 10 against Tampa Bay, but came back down to earth on Thursday with only six points against the Panthers. The Dolphins take on the Bills in Week 12. Back in Week 4, Carpenter scored eight points against Buffalo with a field goal and four extra points. Think of Carpenter as a decent option for Week 12.
News: Miami WR Greg Camarillo caught one pass on Thursday in a Week 11 win over the Panthers. The catch gained a total of 4 yards.
Analysis: Camarillo is not an integral part of the Miami offense and doesn’t catch enough passes on a consistent basis to be worth having active in nearly and format. Keep him benched for Week 12 against the Bills. Back in Week 4 against Buffalo, Camarillo had four receptions for 42 yards.
News: Miami WR Ted Ginn wasn’t shut out on Thursday against the Panthers, but he didn’t exactly have a big game either. Ginn caught four passes in the game, gaining a total of 32 yards.
Analysis: In his three games prior to Thursday, Ginn caught a grand total of one pass for 7 yards. He has just about disappeared from the Miami pass offense, which is a unit that has struggled overall this season. Ginn has some value in deeper formats but is not a recommended option in any format for Week 12 against Buffalo. Back in Week 4 against the Bills, Ginn was limited to just one reception for 4 yards.
News: Miami WR Brian Hartline gained 47 yards through the air on Thursday in a Week 11 win over the Panthers. One of Hartline’s two receptions went for 36 yards, the longest by any Dolphins receiver in the game.
Analysis: Hartline continues to put up pedestrian numbers in his rookie year as the Dolphins passing offense has been poor all season. He does have some value in long-term keeper Fantasy formats but is not recommended for Week 12 against Buffalo. However, in Week 4 against the Bills, Hartline caught his lone TD pass of the season. He finished the game with two catches for 17 yards.
News: Miami WR Davone Bess as the team’s leading receiver on Thursday in a win over the Panthers. Bess caught six passes in the game, gaining a total of 63 yards. Bess’ longest catch in the game went for 18 yards.
Analysis: Bess caught all six balls that were thrown to him on Thursday but again failed to find the end zone and has failed to score all season. The Dolphins’ offense revolves around the run game, making all Dolphins receivers hard to trust in Fantasy play. The Dolphins take on the Bills Week 12. In Week 4 against Buffalo, Bess had three catches for 17 yards.
News: Dolphins RB Lousaka Polite got four carries on Thursday in a Week 11 win over the Panthers. Polite gained a total of 11 yards in the game on the four carries.
Analysis: Polite will see an increase in touches the rest of the season with Ronnie Brown out for the year, but he still won’t likely do enough to be worth using in any Fantasy format. Leave him on waivers for Week 12 at Buffalo. Polite had two carries for 5 yards in Week 4 against the Bills.
News: Dolphins RB Lex Hilliard carried the ball four times on Thursday in a Week 11 win at Carolina. Hilliard gained 24 yards on the four carries, also catching two passes for 7 yards.
Analysis: Hilliard moved up the depth chart this week when Ronnie Brown was put on IR with a foot injury. However, Ricky Williams will continue to get the bulk of the carries, making Hilliard just a low-end handcuff option. Unless the Dolphins use Hilliard as part of the Wildcat, he has little to no Fantasy value for Week 12 at Buffalo. In Week 4 against the Bills, Hilliard did not get a touch.
Henne efficient against Carolina
Updated 11/20/2009
Dolphins, TQB MIA
News: Miami QB Chad Henne had a decent game on Thursday in a Week 11 win at Carolina. Henne completed 17 of the 29 passes he threw in the game, including a TD pass to Ricky Williams in the second quarter. It was his second straight game with a touchdown and fifth game in which he did not throw an interception. He finished the game with an 87.1 passer rating.
Analysis: The Dolphins have a run-oriented offense which limits Henne’s ability to put up big numbers. He is an effective QB for the Dolphins but Fantasy owners have little use for him until he is able to contribute some gaudier numbers. The Dolphins take on the Bills in Week 12, the team that Henne made his first career start against back in Week 4. In that game, Henne was 14 for 22 passing for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Henne is not a recommended option for Week 12 as the Bills’ pass defense is pretty good to boot.
Dolphins defense boosted by Porter
Updated 11/20/2009
Dolphins, DST MIA
News: One week after he was benched by head coach Tony Sparano, Miami LB Joey Porter turned in his best performance of the season to lead a solid Miami defensive charge in a 24-17 win. Porter finished the game with eight tackles and two sacks. The Dolphins defense was able to sack QB Jake Delhomme four times in the game and Nate Jones intercepted one of his passes. Delhomme finished the game completing 19 of his 42 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins rushing defense wasn't as good, allowing 182 yards on 27 attempts. DeAngelo Williams was responsible for 122 of those yards.
Analysis: The Dolphins defense had one of its better performances of the season in Week 11 against Carolina as it tied for the team's second-lowest points against total on the year. The Dolphins have a great matchup in Week 12 as they take on a struggling Bills offense on the road. Think of the Dolphins DST as a nice sleeper for that game based on the matchup. In Week 4, the Dolphins defense limited the Bills to only 10 points.
News: Miami QB Pat White was one of four players that failed to record a stat on Thursday in a Week 11 win over the Panthers. With Ronnie Brown out for the season, the Dolphins almost completely abandoned the Wildcat and did not go to the "WildPat". The other four players that failed to record a stat are Joey Haynos, Kory Sheets, WR Patrick Turner and TE Kory Sperry.
Analysis: White could eventually have some value in deeper formats is the "WildPat" comes into vogue in Miami, but Fantasy owners need not have him active for Week 12 against Buffalo. The other players that failed to stat have no Fantasy value.
News: Baltimore TE Todd Heap missed practice for the second straight day with a chest injury. He is considered questionable for the team's Week 11 game against the Colts. MASNSports.com reports that Heap was injured on Monday against the Browns when he took a hit on a catch over the middle. When offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was asked if he was concerned if Heap would play, Cameron said "That's not a concern to my knowledge." If Heap is not able to play, backup TE L.J. Smith would get the start.
Analysis: Heap hasn’t sniffed the end zone since Week 2 of the season and hasn’t had over 51 yards receiving since getting that number in Week 6. The Ravens’ passing game has really struggled in recent weeks and that should only continue Week 11 against Indianapolis. Treat Heap as a No. 2 Fantasy option for that game if he is able to play through the chest injury.
News: Tennessee WR Justin Gage was again out of practice on Wednesday as he continues to deal with a back injury. He missed Week 10 and is considered questionable for the team's Week 11 game at Houston on Monday.
Analysis: Coach Jeff Fisher said Gage would not require surgery, but he's unsure how long the veteran will be sidelined. Rookie Kenny Britt will likely start in his place if Gage is sidelined again on Monday.
News: Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware was able to practice in full on Thursday as he continues to deal with a thumb injury. He is considered probable for Sunday's Week 11 game against the Redskins.
Analysis: Ware is one of the top sack men in the game and has gotten back on track after a slow start. He's a must-start LB in all Fantasy IDP leagues. The injury should not keep him sidelined.
News: San Francisco WR Michael Crabtree (knee) was able to participate in practice in full on Thursday. He is considered probable for the team's Week 11 game at Green Bay.
Analysis: The 49ers passing attack was pedestrian at best in Week 10 against Chicago but Crabtree managed to be the focal point of it. He has failed to gain 50 yards in each of his past two games and is yet to score a TD through four career starts. He should only be considered a No. 3 Fantasy option at best for Week 11 at Green Bay. This injury should not keep him out of the game.
News: Bengals WR Laveranues Coles popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a head injury. He is listed as questionable for the team's Week 11 game at Oakland.
Analysis: Coles has 11 catches for 139 yards in his past two games, and he's starting to play better after a slow first half. Coles should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR in Week 11 at the Raiders, and his value should continue to improve with Chris Henry (forearm) out for the season. However, Fantasy owners should monitor his status for Sunday's game the rest of the week to make sure he will be active.
Analysis: Fasano has fallen out of favor with Fantasy owners and isn't worth owning going forward. The rest of these players have little to no Fantasy value.
News: The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that Seahawks RB Julius Jones was officially ruled out of the team's Week 11 game at Minnesota due to a bruised lung. Justin Forsett is expected to start in his place. "He says he's feeling good, but he won't be available Sunday," Mora said. "We'll see how he progresses. Hopefully (he'll be back) next week. We have to be careful though."
Analysis: This injury just adds to Jones' recent slide in Seattle. He hasn't managed a 100-yard performance since the opener against St. Louis, but he did produce his second rushing touchdown in Week 9 against Detroit. Jones is more of a No. 3 Fantasy RB or flex option when healthy. Forsett is available in many leagues and should be picked up by Jones owners looking for a replacement, especially since Jones could be out again Week 12.
News:Ronnie Brown's season is over for the Miami Dolphins. Miami's leading rusher was placed on injured reserve Wednesday because of what is believed to be a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, according to the Miami Herald. It's his second season-ending injury in three years. Brown will visit a specialist in Charlotte and is with his teammates as they head there to take on the Panthers in Week 11. According to one of the Herald's sources, Brown's injury is "not anything major as far as career or long term." Brown rushed for 648 yards, caught for 98 yards and passed for 22 yards with nine total touchdowns (one passing) in 2009.
Analysis: Ricky Williams will take his place as the team's starting running back and Lex Hilliard will back him up. We also might see more of Pat White running the team's Wildcat formation. Owners can drop Brown knowing that he's done for the year. Williams should emerge as a candidate for at least 15 touches per game working behind a good offensive line with Hilliard and White pitching in.
News: Texans WR Jacoby Jones didn't practice Thursday as his calf issue continues to bother him. He is questionable for Monday's game against Tennessee.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Jones' status and see if he can play against the Titans. When healthy, Jones is a No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Steelers WR Santonio Holmes is off to his best start with 43 catches and 678 yards receiving heading into Week 11 at Kansas City. The one drawback, Holmes has only one TD reception.
Analysis: Holmes has a chance to play well this week against the Chiefs. Seven wide receivers have reached double digits in Fantasy points against Kansas City, and Holmes is on the verge of a big game. He hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1, but he has 13 catches for 181 yards in his past two games. If he scores in either of those outings against Denver or Cincinnati he would be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option, and this is the week he should find the end zone again.
News: After missing the first nine games of the season with a severe hamstring strain, Giants CB Aaron Ross is poised to make his 2009 debut Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Ross continued to practice at full speed Thursday, his third practice since returning to action. While the coaching staff has not made any determination about Ross' playing status or whether he will be in the starting lineup, Ross just wants to be playing again. "I'm happy to be out there and I feel real good," said Ross, the third-year defensive back out of Texas. "I'm very excited. Whatever the coaches want me to do, I'm ready. I have about three months saved up in me, so I'm ready. The plan is that if I'm healthy all the way to Sunday, then I'll be out there and playing." Coach Tom Coughlin said he's being a little cautious with Ross. "We are just going to go and watch him practice, let him put a few practices together," Coughlin said, adding that Ross did "about less than half" of the regular practice regimen.
Analysis: It appears like Ross will be back against the Falcons, which is better news for the Giants DST than it is for IDP leagues. Ross has minimal Fantasy value in IDP formats, but the Giants DST should thrive against the Falcons, especially if Ross returns.
News: Falcons RB Jerious Norwood returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis, but RB Jason Snelling still figures to start Sunday at the Giants unless Norwood fully participates Friday. "I know my team is counting on me to make plays at the tailback position and that's what I intend to do," Snelling said. Michael Turner (ankle) missed his second practice Thursday and is questionable for the Giants game.
Analysis: It appears like Norwood could return against the Giants, but don't count on him to do much this week. Snelling is the RB to target for the Falcons, and he should be useful as a flex option as long as Turner is out.
News: It looks like Kansas City LB Mike Vrabel won't play Sunday against Pittsburgh. Vrabel missed practice again on Thursday and is now wearing a brace on his injured left knee. His absence will be a big blow to the Chiefs. He's been one of the defense's most productive and reliable players.
Analysis: When healthy, Vrabel is a low-end LB in IDP leagues. Keep an eye on his progress, but don't plan on using him in Week 11 against the Steelers.
Edwards demoted due to 'struggles'
Updated 11/19/2009
Bills, TQB BUF
News: Bills offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt on demoting QB Trent Edwards in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick: "Trent is just going through the struggles of being an NFL quarterback. ... With our guys right now we felt like we needed to get some of those balls thrown that weren't thrown." Van Pelt said Edwards might get a chance to start again this year. "You never know in this league. It could be for the rest of the year or one game. Our focus with coach (Perry) Fewell is to win one game this Sunday. No one is looking past that."
Analysis: It's safe to release Edwards in all leagues. Even if he does return as the starter he would have minimal Fantasy value the rest of this year.
News: Chicago TE Desmond Clark missed practice with an injury Thursday. Clark has a disc problem in his neck, an injury that he first suffered earlier in the year.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Clark and hope he is OK. When healthy, Clark is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy TE. He should not be used in Week 11 against the Eagles.
News: The Jaguars could be without another defensive starter Sunday against Buffalo. LB Justin Durant missed his second straight practice Thursday because of a concussion and has not been cleared to play. Durant says he suffered a "mild concussion" in the third quarter of last week's 24-22 win at the New York Jets. He says he didn't tell anybody and kept playing. Durant doesn't have a headache, but feels "cloudy." He underwent baseline testing Thursday but was not cleared to practice. Durant is second on the team with 83 tackles. He says this is his first concussion "on record," but admitted he's felt like this before. The Jaguars already are without CB Rashean Mathis (groin injury).
Analysis: It sounds like Durant will miss the game with the Bills. Keep an eye on what develops heading into Sunday's game, but don't plan on using Durant in IDP leagues this week.
News: The Bills have signed QB Brian Brohm off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad. Brohm, once considered a likely top draft pick during his standout career at Louisville, fell to the Packers in the second round of the 2008 draft. He was beaten out for the No. 2 QB spot by seventh-round pick Matt Flynn, and Brohm was inactive as the third QB for all 16 games in 2008. He ended up on the Packers' practice squad this season. The Bills signed Brohm to their 53-man roster, releasing QB Gibran Hamdan to make room. The Packers might have been maneuvering to keep Brohm when they released WR Jake Allen from their 53-man roster Wednesday, but did not immediately fill the spot.
Analysis: This is a nice move by the Bills to see if he could potentially be the QB of the future in Buffalo. In keeper leagues, keep an eye on what Buffalo does with Brohm, and he could come into 2010 with the chance to compete with Trent Edwards for the starting job.
News: According to the Redskins official Twitter page, RB Clinton Portis (concussion) will not play Sunday at Dallas. The report says Portis still has some "blurriness" from the concussion, according to coach Jim Zorn. Portis missed Week 10 against Denver after sustaining the concussion in Week 9 against Atlanta.
Analysis: Ladell Betts will start again for the Redskins against the Cowboys, but it's a tough matchup for him. The Cowboys have been stellar in run defense. Dallas has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, and only one running back (Michael Turner in Week 7) has scored against the Cowboys since Week 1. Last week, Dallas held Ryan Grant to 19 carries for 79 yards. Consider Betts a No. 3 Fantasy RB against the Cowboys.
News: Oakland WR Chaz Schilens made his first start of the season on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. Schilens caught three passes in the game, gaining 27 yards. His longest reception went for 12 yards.
Analysis: The Raiders offense is terrible through the air and it is not yet known who will be the team’s quarterback in Week 11 against Cincinnati. Schilens and all other Raiders receivers for the most part are not advisable Fantasy options. However, Schilens is worth picking up in deeper leagues as a flier as he and JaMarcus Russell had built a nice chemistry in the preseason.
News: Jets RB/KR Leon Washington expects to fully recover from his broken right leg, and is "very optimistic" about working out with the team when it begins offseason programs in March. Washington made his first public appearance at the team's facility Thursday since suffering a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula last month in a game at Oakland. He had a rod inserted into the tibia, and Washington said he's "98-99 percent" past any threat of infection to the leg. Doctors told him the injury takes anywhere from six to 12 months to heal. Washington also said he has no regrets about playing out the final year of his rookie contract, rather than accept the team's offer in the offseason.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Washington in the offseason. When healthy, he could be a No. 2 Fantasy RB depending on what team he ends up with next season. He could return to the Jets, where his value will depend on what New York decides to do with Thomas Jones, who is also a free agent.
News: Denver coach Josh McDaniels would not say that rookie RB Knowshon Moreno would continue to get the majority of carries despite his performance Sunday at Washington. Moreno had 18 carries for 97 yards against the Redskins while Correll Buckhalter was limited to two carries for 11 yards with a lost fumble. "We'll see," McDaniels said Monday. "It is just something ... we left him in there. He was doing a nice job. Buck was playing more in sub (packages), so we just let him in there, and he did a good job." Buckhalter was held out of practice on Thursday after being limited Wednesday with a knee injury and is considered questionable for Week 11.
Analysis: It seems clear that Moreno should get more touches heading into Week 11 against San Diego, but we'll have to see how McDaniels handles it. In any event, Moreno looked like a solid Fantasy option against the Redskins, and he should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB against San Diego this week. Buckhalter is a low-end Fantasy option since his touches should be limited and his injury status is up in the air.
News: Raiders head coach Tom Cable announced Wednesday that Bruce Gradkowski would start the team's Week 11 game vs. the Bengals, not JaMarcus Russell. Gradkowski has completed 17 of 30 passes in limited play coming in for Russell with no touchdowns, two interceptions and 34 yards rushing. Russell has thrown just two touchdowns versus nine interceptions in nine games with only 1,064 yards passing.
Analysis: Gradkowski is only worth starting if you're absolutely desperate for a football player who happens to play quarterback in the NFL. Neither Raiders passer is worth starting in any Fantasy league.
News: The Lions put safety Marquand Manuel on injured reserve Wednesday because of a shoulder injury and signed defensive back DeAngelo Smith. The Lions also placed cornerback Jack Williams on injured reserve on Wednesday due to a knee injury and signed center Melvin Fowler.
Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys drafted Smith in the fifth round of this year's draft and released him. He was also cut by Cleveland and Chicago. Fowler has started in 60 of 88 career games. He was released by Arizona Cardinals this year after starting 37 games the previous three seasons for Buffalo. Manuel made 35 tackles in nine games this season. Williams was hurt in his only game for the Lions after playing for Denver. None of these players have any Fantasy relevance.
News: Dallas RB Marion Barber (thumb) was able to practice in full on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game against the Redskins. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Barber is getting more and more frustrating for Fantasy owners. He's not getting the yards on the ground, and he hasn't been as involved in the passing game as he was last year. He's still the No. 1 running back in Dallas, but he loses carries to Felix Jones and Tashard Choice every week. Even with a good matchup Week 11 against the Redskins, he's no more than a No. 2 RB in Fantasy. The injury should not keep him out of the game.
News: Washington TE Chris Cooley will not be active for the team's Week 11 game at Dallas due to an ankle injury.
Analysis: Cooley was said to be making progress last week but will again be out on Sunday. He is worth hanging on to in long-term keeper formats and if there's a spot on your bench as he is a No. 1 Fantasy option when healthy.
Favre still on injury report
Updated 11/19/2009
Vikings, TQB MIN
News: Minnesota QB Brett Favre was again on the injury report on Thursday with a groin and hip injury that continue to limit him in practice. He is considered questionable for the team's Week 11 game against the Seahawks.
Analysis: Favre continues to play well and looked great against Detroit Week 10. Look for him to stay hot in Week 11 against Seattle, and consider Favre a No. 1 Fantasy option against the Seahawks. As always, the injuries should not sideline him.
News: Minnesota WR Bernard Berrian was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a hamstring injury. He is considered questionable for the team's Week 11 game against Seattle.
Analysis: Berrian is a No. 4 Fantasy WR when healthy. Keep an eye on his status heading into Week 11 against Seattle, but only use him if needed against the Seahawks as he had only three catches for 22 yards in Week 10.
News: The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that Seahawks RB Julius Jones was officially ruled out of the team's Week 11 game at Minnesota due to a bruised lung. Justin Forsett is expected to start in his place. "He says he's feeling good, but he won't be available Sunday," Mora said. "We'll see how he progresses. Hopefully (he'll be back) next week. We have to be careful though."
Analysis: This injury just adds to Jones' recent slide in Seattle. He hasn't managed a 100-yard performance since the opener against St. Louis, but he did produce his second rushing touchdown in Week 9 against Detroit. Jones is more of a No. 3 Fantasy RB or flex option when healthy. Forsett is available in many leagues and should be picked up by Jones owners looking for a replacement, especially since Jones could be out again Week 12. Louis Rankin is also expected to see an increase in touces
News: San Diego TE Antonio Gates returned to a full practice on Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game at Denver. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Gates has been putting up consistent numbers most weeks this season but has failed to catch a TD pass in each of his past five games and has only two touchdowns overall, both coming Week 4 at Pittsburgh. He should have more TDs than he does, so look for him to make up for lost time in the second half of the season. Gates remains a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 11 at Denver. In Week 6, Gates caught five passes for 70 yards against the Broncos at home. The injury should not keep him out of the game.
News: Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin (foot) was able to practice in full on Wednesday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game at Chicago. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Maclin caught his fourth touchdown pass of the season on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers, catching six passes and gaining 76 yards. He might not have as much success Week 11 at Chicago, so think of him as a No. 4 or 5 option.
News: New England TE Benjamin Watson (back) was able to practice in full on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game against the Jets. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Watson did more blocking than receiving Week 10 to help corral the Colts' pass rush. He'll see a similar role in Week 11 vs. the Jets, so don't consider him as anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy TE. This injury should not keep him out.
News: New England RB Sammy Morris was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game against the Jets. He is considered questionable for the game.
Analysis: Morris has not played in each of the Pats' past three games. He could be back Week 11 but will not be a recommended Fantasy option. When he returns, he'll likely have to split carries with Laurence Maroney.
News: New England WR Julian Edelman was limited in practice on Wednesday with a forearm injury as the team prepares for its Week 11 game against the Jets. He is considered questionable for the game.
Analysis: Edelman returned from the forearm injury in Week 10 and ended up scoring against the Colts. Edelman was previously considered a decent handcuff for Wes Welker in deeper Fantasy leagues but doesn't have that role locked up anymore, especially now that Welker is healthy. He's nothing more than a reserve in deeper leagues given his limited role in the Patriots offense. Edelman faces the Jets in Week 11 and the injury should not keep him out.
News: Tampa Bay TE Kellen Winslow was limited with a knee injury on Wednesday but returned to a full practice on Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game against the Saints. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Winslow torched the Dolphins for 102 yards on seven receptions in a Week 10 loss. He has been a bit inconsistent in terms of production Week 11 but should still be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 11.
News: New Orleans WR Lance Moore remained out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game at Tampa Bay. He is considered questionable for the game.
Analysis: Moore has missed two games with the ankle injury and Week 11 could make it three. He is not a recommended option outside of the deepest of formats even if he is able to play Week 11.
News: Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez was again not able to practice on Thursday with a knee injury as the team prepares for its Week 11 game at Baltimore. He is considered questionable for the contest but has not played since Week 1.
Analysis: We're getting the feeling that Gonzalez is a lost cause for Fantasy owners this season. He'll likely be out again Week 11, and then who knows how soon he'll be at 100 percent and on the field? If you'd like to keep him and hope that you have him for your Fantasy postseason run, then by all means do it. But if you're competing for a playoff spot in your league, you're doing so without Gonzalez in your lineup from week to week anyway.
News: Colts WR Pierre Garcon did not practice on Wednesday but managed to return to a full practice on Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game at Baltimore. He is considered probable for the game.
Analysis: Garcon had 50 receiving yards and a touchdown Week 10 against the Patriots, which was one of his better games this season. He continues to see single coverage and might continue to garner quality stats against the Ravens in Week 11. Consider Garcon a nice No. 3 Fantasy WR for that matchup. Don't expect the ankle injury to keep him out.
Stafford limited with knee injury
Updated 11/18/2009
Lions, TQB DET
News: Detroit QB Matthew Stafford (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for its Week 11 game against the Browns. He is considered questionable for the contest.
Analysis: Stafford had one of his better games of the season in Week 10 against the Vikings. He could have an even better game Week 11 as the Lions take on a struggling Browns team. However, Stafford can only be considered a low-end Fantasy option for that contest.
News: Cleveland WR Chansi Stuckey was limited in practice on Wednesday with a calf injury that kept him out of Week 10 against the Ravens. He is considered questionable for Week 11 at Detroit.
Analysis: Stuckey could eventually become a decent target with the Browns, but is not a recommended option in any format for Week 11 at Detroit even if he is able to play as Cleveland's pass offense has been awful this season.
News: Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. He is considered questionable for Week 11 at Detroit.
Analysis: Lewis struggled against the Ravens’ rush defense Week 10, as expected. He has not scored a rushing touchdown all season and has just one game over 100 yards on the ground. He really only has limited Fantasy value most weeks. That said, the Browns play at Detroit in Week 11. The Lions aren’t very good but do defend against the run better than you’d think. That means Lewis will still likely be just a No. 2 Fantasy option for that game. Expect him to be active despite the ankle injury.
News: Atlanta WR Roddy White did not participate in practice on Wednesday but was able to return to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday as he continues to deal with a knee injury. He is listed as questionable for the team's Weel 11 game at the Giants.
Analysis: Atlanta plays at New York in Week 11 and the Giants have been soliddefensively. That said, they’ve been declining with each passing week so we’re not sure owners have to worry heading into Sunday’s game. Consider White a No. 1 Fantasy option and expect him to play.
News: Cardinals WR Steve Breaston (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 11 at St. Louis. He took limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which is a part of his regular routine so that he is ready to play by the weekend.
Analysis: Breaston had nine catches for 129 yards in two games against the Rams last season. Start him as no worse than a No. 3 Fantasy WR. Expect him to be active for Week 11.
News: It was the same, frustrating drill for Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley every day last week: a member of the team's medical staff would fiddle with his knee a little bit, then shake his head in disapproval. He wasn't going to practice. It felt even worse, Finley said, during warmups for Sunday's critical game against Dallas. His team needed him, and he wasn't on the field. "I was pretty (upset)," Finley said Wednesday. "I wanted to grab one of the helmets and put it on and get out there and go to work." He'll likely get that chance this week -- as, it appears, will outside linebacker Aaron Kampman and right tackle Mark Tauscher. Already riding momentum after their biggest win of the season, the Packers suddenly are getting healthy. Finley, Kampman and Tauscher all participated in the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday as the Packers began to prepare for Sunday's home game against San Francisco. All three key players missed practice last week and Sunday's 17-7 win over Dallas.
Analysis: Kampman sustained a concussion in the Packers' Nov. 8 loss at Tampa Bay. He missed practice last week and did not play Sunday. Kampman did not take reporters' questions Wednesday, but coach Mike McCarthy said he liked what he saw from Kampman in practice. "I feel good about where Aaron is medically, and he looked like he moved around fine today," McCarthy said. "I'll know more once we see the tape. But yeah, I thought he bounced back like you knew he would, and he looked like his normal self out there today." Kampman is one of the better defensive ends in the NFL and usually a viable Fantasy start when healthy. It seems as though Fantasy owners can start him again in Week 11.
News: It was the same, frustrating drill for Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley every day last week: a member of the team's medical staff would fiddle with his knee a little bit, then shake his head in disapproval. He wasn't going to practice. It felt even worse, Finley said, during warmups for Sunday's critical game against Dallas. His team needed him, and he wasn't on the field. "I was pretty (upset)," Finley said Wednesday. "I wanted to grab one of the helmets and put it on and get out there and go to work." He'll likely get that chance this week -- as, it appears, will outside linebacker Aaron Kampman and right tackle Mark Tauscher. Already riding momentum after their biggest win of the season, the Packers suddenly are getting healthy. Finley, Kampman and Tauscher all participated in the portion of practice open to reporters Wednesday as the Packers began to prepare for Sunday's home game against San Francisco. Finley was again able to practice in full Thursday. All three key players missed practice last week and Sunday's 17-7 win over Dallas.
Analysis: Finley sprained his knee during Green Bay's Oct. 25 victory at Cleveland and has missed three straight games. While Spencer Havner has been one of the season's most pleasant surprises, Finley's combination of tight end size and receiver-like speed and playmaking ability can cause matchup problems for defenses. "Jermichael Finley definitely helps," coach Mike McCarthy said. "Anytime you have a player, whether it is a tight end, a receiver, a big back, that has the ability to win (matchups) down the middle of the field, it creates so many more positives for your whole perimeter group. So definitely, Jermichael Finley fits into that category." Finley said he felt good after Wednesday's practice, if a little fatigued. "That's normal," he said. "Getting a little more rust off, scraping it off day by day. So I've just got to go out there and shine." The 49ers have a suspect pass defense, so Finley could be in for a good game. Still, he is more of an injury-risk sleeper start for Week 11.
Warner finally hits his stride
Updated 11/18/2009
Cardinals, TQB ARI
News:Kurt Warner knows how to come back from adversity. That's the recurring theme in his remarkable career. This time the 38-year-old quarterback has followed an awful game with two magnificent ones. As Warner put it, "Sometimes you have to have a short memory in this business." In the last two games -- victories over Chicago and Seattle -- Warner has completed 51 of 70 passes (73 percent) for 601 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions. "It's kind of a little bit like his career," Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "Just when everybody wants to count him out, he shows you what a competitor he is and what he can do." Warner smiled when he was asked about bouncing back so well from the five interceptions he threw in Arizona's 34-21 home loss to Carolina three games ago. "Unfortunately, I have had five interceptions before in my career," he said. "When you play the way I play, in the situations where I have played in my career where you throw the ball first and you are counted on to make plays every week to help your team win, you have those games."
Analysis: Warner's career is being defined by numbers that are climbing some impressive NFL career lists as he prepares to make his 41st consecutive start for the NFC West-leading Cardinals Sunday in St. Louis, where a decade ago he burst from obscurity to lead the Rams to a Super Bowl title. With an 18-yard toss to Larry Fitzgerald in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 31-20 victory over the Seahawks, Warner became the 29th player in league history to throw 200 touchdown passes. "I wish I'd have kept the ball and gave it to him," Fitzgerald said. "I wish I would have known that it was his 200th but that shows you the kind of person Kurt is. Records mean nothing to him. He's all about winning." More impressively, Warner had his 51st 300-yard game, tying Dan Fouts for fourth on the NFL career list. Fouts needed 181 games to get there, Warner did it in 118. Warner trails only Dan Marino (63), Brett Favre (58) and Peyton Manning (55). With Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston as healthy as they have been all season after fighting through injuries, Warner has his full complement of receivers. After a slow start, Fitzgerald had 16 catches for 196 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games. Boldin, after being held out against his will against Chicago, caught eight for 105 yards against Seattle. Breaston has nine catches for 145 yards the last two games. Warner is finally playing up to his potential and remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 11. Warner had 622 passing yards and three touchdowns in two games against St. Louis last season.
News: Redskins coach Jim Zorn said DT Albert Haynesworth (sprained ankle) will be a "weekend decision." He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday as the team prepares for Week 11 against Dallas. Zorn added on Thursday that he is "coming along" and that the ankle's swelling is starting to go down.
Analysis: It looks as though Fantasy owners will need to keep tabs on Haynesworth leading up to Week 11 inactives. Haynesworth is more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy DL when healthy.
Chargers place Tucker on IR
Updated 11/18/2009
Chargers, DST SD
News: The San Diego Chargers have placed linebacker Jyles Tucker on the injured reserve list, meaning he's finished for the season. Tucker suffered an ankle injury in a win at the New York Giants two weeks ago. He appeared in seven games as a reserve and was inactive for two others.
Analysis: Tucker was given a five-year contract before the 2008 season despite having played in only six career regular-season games. He had only four tackles this season as he fell into a backup role with the return of Shawne Merriman. He had limited Fantasy appeal before the injury and his loss hardly effects the Chargers DST.
News: Saints free safety Darren Sharper practiced on limited basis Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 11 at Tampa Bay and said he also could return from the sore left knee that sidelined him in Week 10 against St. Louis.
Analysis: The Saints secondary was definitely hurting without Sharper last week. He has been such a great player for them this season and has definitely been a defensive leader. Sharper remains a viable Fantasy DB when healthy.
Daniel waived by Saints
Updated 11/18/2009
Chase Daniel, QB NO
News: The Saints waived reserve quarterback Chase Daniel on Wednesday to make room for Chris McAlister, but could re-sign him to the practice squad or to the regular roster if another spot opens up later.
Analysis: Daniel has been waived a few times in his rookie season, so he should be used to it. Daniel has a long ways to go to becoming a viable Fantasy option, so ignore him for now.
McAlister joins Saints secondary
Updated 11/18/2009
Saints, DST NO
News: Hobbled and disenchanted, Chris McAlister wasn't sure he wanted to play in the NFL any more. Suddenly, the 10-year veteran cornerback has been snapped up by the New Orleans Saints -- one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL -- and he's glad to be back in pads again. "Earlier in the offseason I wasn't ready or (didn't) have the mindset to come back and play football," McAlister said Wednesday, his first day with the club. "For it to take as long as it did, I'm happy it happened before I had no other opportunity." At 32, McAlister was bitter about being cut by Baltimore, the only team for which he'd played during a highlight-filled career that included three Pro Bowl invitations, a victory in the 2001 Super Bowl and a famous 107-yard touchdown return of a missed field goal. "He's a veteran player that understands defense and is someone that we think can come in and help us," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "He worked out yesterday and did a good job."
Analysis: McAlister injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the middle of the 2007 season, but tried to play through it. He wound up playing in only eight games two seasons ago and six games last season before having season-ending surgery last November. In February, while undergoing rehab, he was released by the Ravens. In June, he needed arthroscopic surgery to clean up debris in the same knee and he remained unsure about whether he wanted to attempt a comeback until the preseason rolled around. Payton said the Saints are trying to get McAlister ready to play this Sunday, though it's unclear how much they'll need him. New Orleans knows it will be without starting cornerback Tracy Porter, who badly sprained his left knee last weekend against St. Louis. The other starting cornerback, Jabari Greer, said his pulled left groin is feeling better and that he may return, though he missed Wednesday's practice. New Orleans' remaining healthy cornerbacks are rookie Malcolm Jenkins, Randall Gay and Leigh Torrence. The Saints have played well defensively this season under Gregg Williams and the Saints DST has become a top Fantasy option. The addition of McAlister should only bolster the unit. Consider the Saints DST a viable start for Week 11 at Tampa Bay.
News: The Browns claimed wide receiver Jake Allen and linebacker Arnold Harrison off waivers on Wednesday.
Analysis: Allen was on Green Bay's practice squad before being released on Tuesday. Harrison played in 28 games over four seasons for Pittsburgh. Neither player is expected to contribute a lot of stats, so ignore them in Fantasy.
News: The losses are piling up for the Cleveland Browns. They've placed punter Dave Zastudil and tight end Steve Heiden on injured reserve with season-ending injuries. Heiden injured his ankle in Monday night's loss to Baltimore. He had off-season knee surgery and had missed two games with a knee injury.
Analysis: Heiden had 10 catches for 73 yards this season. An 11-year veteran, he missed the final two games last season after injuring his knee. Heiden had reconstructive surgery during the off-season and was being counted on by the Browns, who traded tight end Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay in February. Heiden had little Fantasy value before the injury and now can be ignored in all formats.
Jets preparing to play without safety
Updated 11/18/2009
Jets, DST NYJ
News: Jets safety Jim Leonhard had three pins inserted into his broken right thumb and his arm is in a sling, leaving his status for New York's game against New England uncertain. Coach Rex Ryan said Leonhard had surgery Monday night and didn't practice Wednesday, but wouldn't rule him out. "He's got three screws, I believe, so if they can tighten them up for this game, we'll see," Ryan said. "He's a tough kid, I'm just telling you. The average guy, there's no way he plays. But Jim Leonhard's not an average guy." If Leonhard can't play Sunday, Eric Smith would start in his place opposite Kerry Rhodes. Smith, who leads the team with 13 special teams tackles, has started 10 games and has four interceptions in three-plus seasons with the Jets. "It's a good opportunity to get out and play and get some more reps on the field," Smith said. "Hopefully we get Jim back, but if not, I'm going to be ready to play."
Analysis: Leonhard was injured during Maurice Jones-Drew's 33-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter of New York's 24-22 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday. He left briefly before returning with a cast on the hand, but was unable to handle his usual punt return duties. Leonhard is third on the team with 58 tackles, and has one interception and 1 1/2 sacks. He also makes the defensive calls, a duty that would fall to linebacker David Harris in Leonhard's absence. "If there's any way possible of him playing, I wouldn't be shocked," Ryan said. "But right now with him in a sling or a cast or three screws in his thumb, it wouldn't look good for the common person." Leonhard is a low-end Fantasy DB when healthy. Smith is merely a stopgap Fantasy option in larger IDP leagues. New York have a tough matchup this week in New England, so even if Leonhard was healthy, the Jets DST would still be a risky start.
News: Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis hopes to remain with the Panthers next season, regardless of the rules surrounding his upcoming free agency. Davis was in the locker room Wednesday, preparing for surgery on Nov. 30 to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Davis was injured in a loss to New Orleans earlier in November, ending his most productive season as a pro. "I can't sit around and be sad about it and dwell on it," Davis said. "I have to take the necessary steps to recovery and make sure I'm back for next season." But Davis is one of many players facing an uncertain offseason depending on what happens with the collective bargaining agreement. Under the current deal, Davis would be an unrestricted free agent next season because he has five years of service. That would allow him to seek a deal from any team. But if the two sides don't agree on a new labor deal and the owners decide to go ahead and make 2010 the final year of the CBA, it will be a year without a salary cap. Plenty of new rules would then go into effect.
Analysis: The biggest change for Davis is you'd need six years of service to become an unrestricted free agent. So Davis -- and cornerback Richard Marshall -- would become restricted free agents. Carolina would then make a qualifying offer for far less than he'd likely get on the open market. Any team wanting to sign Davis would then have to give the Panthers a first-round draft pick in return. "It's out of my control," Davis said. "Whatever happens I'm excited to be a Panther player and whatever happens I hope to continue to be one after this CBA deal is done." The speedy Davis was thriving in new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks' system. He had 71 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions in seven games and teammates were mentioning him as a Pro Bowl candidate. Davis is hopeful he can work out a long-term deal with the Panthers regardless of the free agency rules next spring. Davis' Fantasy owners can cut him in seasonal leagues now that his year is over. Because of the nature of ACL injuries, he is not a lock to be ready for training camp in 2010, either.
News: The Jacksonville Jaguars insist they have several options to replace injured cornerback Rashean Mathis. Safety Reggie Nelson might be the top choice, even after his performance at Tennessee earlier in November. Nelson, starting at cornerback for the first time in his career, missed several tackles and got beat for a touchdown in a 30-13 loss to the Titans. But the Jaguars (5-4) haven't lost confidence in the former Florida star and first-round draft pick in 2007. "I get a sense that Reggie Nelson is a proud guy who's working hard, wants to be better and the only issues he had were tackling," coach Jack Del Rio said Wednesday. "I think he's tackled better the last two weeks and we're going to continue to grow there." The Jaguars officially ruled Mathis out for Sunday's game against Buffalo (3-6). The team's top defensive back injured his groin in last week's 24-22 victory at the New York Jets and probably will miss the next two games, maybe more. "It could be a little while," Del Rio said. "He'll be out this week for sure. With Rashean, he's proven over time to kind of beat the prognosis. Some guys just heal quickly, and Rashean's been that kind of guy for us."
Analysis: Del Rio refused to announce who would start in his place against the Bills, who are trying to regroup after consecutive losses, sideline bickering and the firing of coach Dick Jauron. Jacksonville could go with second-year cornerback Tyron Brackenridge, rookie William Middleton or kick returner Brian Witherspoon. But since those three have one career start between them, the Jaguars are likely to turn to Nelson again. Nelson has 198 tackles and seven interceptions in three seasons since Jacksonville selected him with the 21st overall pick. He was one of the team's top rookies in 2007, finishing with 82 tackles, 12 passes defended, five interceptions and a sack. But he struggled last season. Nelson stopped short of saying he would like a chance to redeem himself. But teammates and coaches say he's a prideful player who would love another opportunity to show his versatility and coverage skills. Even with Mathis, the Jaguars were susceptible against the pass. Thanks mostly to a league-low eight sacks, they rank 25th in pass defense and have allowed 16 touchdowns through the air. It could get worse without Mathis, who is a viable Fantasy DB when healthy. Nelson is merely a stopgap option in deeper IDP leagues. The Jaguars DST has low-end appeal against the Bills.
News: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu wore a heavy brace on his reinjured left knee while watching practice Wednesday and did not take part in any drills. Polamalu limped off the field about 30 minutes before practice ended and did not answer questions. He is all but certain to miss Sunday's game at Kansas City, and he might not be ready for Baltimore on Nov. 29.
Analysis: Polamalu injured a knee ligament while tackling Cincinnati's Cedric Benson on Sunday. He missed four games after hurting a different ligament during Pittsburgh's opener. If he starts in Kansas City, backup Tyrone Carter would be in the lineup for the sixth time, compared to five starts for Polamalu. Carter also started once for safety Ryan Clark. Polamalu was injured in the first half of two of those five starts. Keep an eye on his status during the week, but plan on keeping him reserved in IDP leagues and hope he is not out long with the injury. The Steelers DST should be fine without Polamalu against the Chiefs.
News: With Brian Westbrook sidelined after sustaining two concussions in three weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles are turning to LeSean McCoy in a backfield where the most experienced ball carrier is a fullback. Westbrook won't play against the Bears, and it's unknown if he'll return at all this season. McCoy's biggest adjustment has been pass-blocking and picking up blitzes. He's also had some issues with ball security. He must improve in both areas if the Eagles are going to rely on him to fill Westbrook's shoes. "His maturation rate has been accelled due to what Brian has gone through and that started back up at camp," Reid said. "He's handled it well. I think he feels good physically right now. He's not banged up or nicked up. I think he's okay there. I had a chance to meet with him on Monday and sit down and talk to him a little bit. I think he's in a good place that way. He's excited about the opportunity this week to jump in there and be the guy."
Analysis: McCoy has a good enough matchup against the Bears in Week 11 to consider him useful as a No. 2 Fantasy running back. He should see at least 15 touches in the game. If you need him as a replacement for Westbrook, or if you have been stashing him on your bench and need him as a fill-in, you can safely start him knowing he'll see the majority of carries.
CB Winfield thinks he'll play
Updated 11/18/2009
Vikings, DST MIN
News: Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield has given himself an "85 percent" chance of returning to play this week. he hurt his right foot on Oct. 18 against Baltimore and sat out the last three games. He participated in much of Wednesday's practice, saying afterward if he's not ready for Sunday's game against Seattle he's "100 percent" sure he'll play the following week against Chicago. Coach Brad Childress says Winfield has been "green-lighted" to push as hard as he feels he can during practice.
Analysis: Winfield will help a Vikings secondary that's expected to see a lot of work against the pass-oriented Seahawks in Week 11. Consider the Vikings DST a top option for their matchup. Having Winfield back will only help.
News: With Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) out for Week 11 at Chicago, FB Leonard Weaver will carry the ball more. "It's good to know they have that kind of faith in me," he said. "Now I've got to deliver."
Analysis: Weaver has the potential to help Fantasy owners in deep leagues. Consider adding him, but don't plan on starting him against the Bears. If LeSean McCoy gets hurt then Weaver would have increased value.
News: Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (right knee) likely is at least two weeks from returning, coach Jim Caldwell said Wednesday. Caldwell said Vinatieri, out the last four weeks, is improving. "Everything's coming along great," Caldwell said. His replacement, Matt Stover, 41, will return to Baltimore on Sunday to face a Ravens team for which he played the last 13 seasons. "It will be fun," Stover said. "What a great opportunity to go back to fans I know and love. ... It will be strange to be on the other sideline."
Analysis: With Vinatieri out, consider Stover a solid Fantasy option. He should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy kicker against the Ravens.
News: Tampa Bay WR Antonio Bryant (knee) was was able to practice in full on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday in practice, his first since missing the previous two games. He is expected to play Sunday against New Orleans.
Analysis: This is a good sign that Bryant can return against the Saints. Keep an eye on his progress to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback, and consider Bryant a No. 4 Fantasy WR against New Orleans.
News: Bills WR Terrell Owens said he thanked Dick Jauron for bringing him in to Buffalo. "I reached out to Coach and thanked him for the opportunity, for allowing me to play here and play under him and I wished him well," Owens said. Owens also said Wednesday he was happy with the move from Trent Edwards to Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting QB. "He was 2-1 before the bye week when he was in there," Owens said. "Personally, I felt like it was his job to lose but there are things that are out of our control."
Analysis: Look for Owens to play well in Week 11 at Jacksonville. The Jaguards are No. 26 in pass defense, and Owens is coming off his best game with the Bills in Week 10 at Tennessee with three catches for 85 yards. Consider Owens a solid No. 3 Fantasy WR against the Jaguars.
News: Interim head coach Perry Fewell wasted no time making changes on his first full day, picking Ryan Fitzpatrick to be the starting quarterback. The decision to go with Fitzpatrick over Trent Edwards was announced shortly after the team's practice Wednesday as the Bills prepare to play at Jacksonville this weekend. Fitzpatrick said he was excited about the opportunity, and indicated the starting job is his indefinitely. Fitzpatrick is 1-1 in two starts and also rallied the Bills to a 16-13 overtime win over the Jets on Oct. 18, after Edwards was knocked out of the game.
Analysis: Even though Fitzpatrick will start, he has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth using in the majority of leagues. Edwards also should not be used in any leagues since he is the No. 2 QB now for the Bills.
News: Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield has given himself an "85 percent" chance of returning to play this week. he hurt his right foot on Oct. 18 against Baltimore and sat out the last three games. He participated in much of Wednesday's practice, saying afterward if he's not ready for Sunday's game against Seattle he's "100 percent" sure he'll play the following week against Chicago. Coach Brad Childress says Winfield has been "green-lighted" to push as hard as he feels he can during practice.
Analysis: Looks like those Fantasy owners who patiently waited for Winfield to return will be rewarded for it this week against the Seahawks. We'll keep you posted, but expect him to step up and play like a No. 2 DB as Seattle will surely be throwing.
News: The Ravens have signed kicker Billy Cundiff after a short but perfect stint with Cleveland earlier this season. The 29-year-old Cundiff replaces an ineffective Steve Hauschka, who was cut Tuesday after missing a field goal and having an extra point blocked in Monday night's 16-0 win over the Browns.
Analysis: Cundiff has made 66 of 89 field-goal attempts. He kicked for the Cowboys from 2002-05 and was 6 for 6 on field goal tries with Cleveland as a replacement for the injured Phil Dawson. He's only worth adding in the deepest of Fantasy leagues since the Ravens offense has been known to put up some points.
News: Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs will miss Sunday's game against the Colts because of a knee injury. Suggs has a sprained ligament in his right knee, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. Suggs was injured on an illegal chop block by Browns quarterback Brady Quinn following an interception by the Ravens Monday night in Baltimore's 16-0 win. The three-time Pro Bowler will miss his first NFL game in seven years - ending his streak at 105 and couple be out up to three weeks. Suggs will be replaced by rookie Paul Kruger.
Analysis: Suggs is too good of a player to let go of in IDP leagues. Keep him reserved for now, and consider Kruger a low-end replacement for Suggs if you can't find a more suitable replacement off waivers.
News: The Rams have signed WR Jordan Kent to replace Keenan Burton, the receiver lost for the season to a knee injury. Kent is 6-foot-4 and spent training camp with Seattle but was waived. He's never caught an NFL pass.
Analysis: Kent isn't expected to be productive enough to warrant Fantasy use. Keep him off rosters.
News: Bills TE Derek Fine's season is over after being placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury. Fine will be replaced by Joe Klopfenstein, who was signed in free agency. The moves came Wednesday, a day after defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was promoted to interim head coach following Dick Jauron's dismissal. Buffalo plays at Jacksonville on Sunday.
Analysis: Klopfenstein, a 2006 second-round draft pick, spent three seasons with St. Louis before being released in September. At 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, he had 33 catches for 386 yards and two scores in 48 career games. He's more of a blocker than a receiver. Neither TE should be on Fantasy rosters.
News: The Chiefs announced that WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. He will begin serving the suspension immediately and won't be eligible to play until Week 15 vs. Cleveland.
Analysis: Bowe is still worth holding on to in all leagues because he's essentially the Chiefs' best player on offense and a candidate for good stats. Owners will have to bench him and consider other options in the interim. Possible replacements for Bowe who might be on waivers include teammates Chris Chambers and Lance Long, Saints WR Robert Meachem, Titans WR Nate Washington, Raiders WR Chaz Schilens, Eagles WR Jason Avant and Bengals WR Laveranues Coles.
News: The Chiefs announced that WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. He will begin serving the suspension immediately and won't be eligible to play until Week 15 vs. Cleveland. This means that for the next four games Kansas City will roll out Chris Chambers and Lance Long as its starting receivers with Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade as additional weapons in the offense.
Analysis: Of these players, Chambers is the best bet to step up and see more looks from QB Matt Cassel in the near term, though Bradley does have some deep-balls skills and Long and Wade good short-area weapons. None of these receivers register higher than low-end No. 3 options vs. Pittsburgh in Week 11, however.
Bengals make roster moves Tuesday
Updated 11/17/2009
Ben Utecht, TE CIN
News: The Bengals have released tight end Ben Utecht and receiver Antonio Chatman, both of whom were out for the season with injuries. Utecht suffered a major concussion during training camp at Georgetown College and was taken off the field on a stretcher. He stayed overnight in a hospital for observation, and his symptoms were slow to diminish. He was placed on the injured reserve list on Aug. 31. Chatman suffered a severe ankle injury during practice and went on injured reserve on Sept. 5. The Bengals also signed safety Brannon Condren to their practice squad on Tuesday. He opened the season with Indianapolis, but was waived on July 29.
Analysis: None of the players listed above have any Fantasy value. Two of them are out for the season and are now released and the other was signed merely to the team's practice squad. Leave them all on waivers.
Polamalu likely out vs. Kansas City
Updated 11/17/2009
Steelers, DST PIT
News: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is unlikely to play Sunday in Kansas City according to coach Mike Tomlin, who said he was "questionable at best" for Week 10. But the strong safety is not expected to be sidelined for a significant period of time after re-injuring his left knee against the Bengals. Tomlin said Polamalu sustained a sprain of his posterior cruciate ligament in the first quarter. The injury, Tomlin said, is not as serious as the medial collateral ligament sprain that Polamalu suffered in the Steelers' season opener.
Analysis: The Steelers DST should be fine without Polamalu against the Chiefs. Start them in all formats against the Chiefs, who will play the first of four games without WR Dwayne Bowe after he was suspended by the NFL on Tuesday.
Hasselbeck needs more TD passes
Updated 11/17/2009
Seahawks, TQB SEA
News: Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck plays at Minnesota in Week 11 and the Vikings are not very good against the pass. The Seattle QB has not played Minnesota since 2006 and went just 7 of 17 for 127 yards with a touchdown in that game.
Analysis: Hasselbeck has played Detroit and Arizona in consecutive weeks and neither team can defend against the pass. That said, Hasselbeck still only passed for two touchdowns with three picks in those games, despite two 300-yard efforts. We expect a solid passing game from him in Week 11 against Minnesota but the lack of viable receivers makes him a low-end No. or high-end No. 2, at best.
Cutler hopes to limit picks
Updated 11/17/2009
Bears, TQB CHI
News: Bears QB Jay Cutler was horrendous in San Francisco on Thursday night of Week 10. He threw five interceptions and did not have a touchdown pass. The game before that, Cutler had three TDs and one pick. What gives? Cutler plays against the Eagles in Week 11 and Philly has one of the better pass defenses in the NFL -- technically much better than the 49ers. Cutler has never faced Philadelphia in his career.
Analysis: Cutler has six touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in his last five games but does have three 300-yard performances over that span. He should continue slinging the ball around against the Eagles but the picks make him untrustworthy. Consider him a high-end No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 11.
News: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan will face the Giants in New York in Week 11. Ryan has never faced the Giants. Ryan has not thrown for more than one touchdown in three straight weeks and has six picks over that span. He's struggled of late and the Giants have the No. 2-ranked pass defense in the NFL.
Analysis: The research doesn't sound good for Ryan's Fantasy value in Week 11. He's always a decent play but we can't call him more than a No. 2 Fantasy option in New York.
News: Former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge after he was accused of punching a man outside a downtown nightclub last month. Edwards was arraigned in Cleveland Municipal Court on Tuesday. The 26-year-old was traded to the New York Jets two days after he was accused of punching a friend of NBA star LeBron James on Oct. 5. James called Edwards' actions "childish." Edwards waived his right to a speedy trial and was scheduled for a Dec. 12 court hearing. His attorney hasn't returned a request for comment.
Analysis: It doesn't seem as if this should cause Edwards to miss any games and that is all Fantasy owners care about. Edwards and the Jets are at New England in Week 11. Edwards has only faced the Patriots once back in 2007. He caught six passes for 110 yards in that game. Edwards has at least 74 receiving yards in each of his last two games this season and has one touchdown over that span. The Pats own one of the better pass defenses in the NFL, however, so only consider Edwards a No. 3 Fantasy option, at best.
Palmer in for another rough week?
Updated 11/17/2009
Bengals, TQB CIN
News: Bengals QB Carson Palmer failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since Week 1 in the Week 10 game at Pittsburgh and will look to right that wrong in Week 11 at Oakland. Unfortunately, the Raiders are actually very solid against the pass and have allowed just eight touchdowns through the air this season. That said, Palmer has thrown eight TD passes in his last five games with just two picks. The one and only time he faced the Raiders in the past was back in 2006. He threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in that game but had three picks as well.
Analysis: Palmer doesn't have the best history against the Raiders and Oakland has been excellent at keeping quarterbacks out of the end zone this season. We think he'll get back to throwing at least one TD pass in Week 11 but he's just a No. 2 Fantasy option.
News:Mario Williams has already earned the nickname "Super Mario" among Houston Texans fans. If he continues the dominance he's shown in his first two night games against the Titans this Monday, a more apt moniker might the one Deion Sanders favored in his 14-year NFL career. Just call Williams "Prime Time." The top overall draft pick in 2006 has had the two best games of his four-year career in prime time, combining for 6 1/2 sacks and a forced fumble in two wins. The Texans are hoping he's due for another big game against the streaking Titans. The defensive end has just four sacks in Houston's first nine games while struggling with a sore shoulder. "I'm glad we have a prime time game coming up," cornerback Dunta Robinson said. "Maybe after this game, he'll have 9 1/2 sacks."
Analysis: Williams has struggled this season but remains at least a No. 2 Fantasy DL for IDP leagues for the Monday night game. In fact, due to his great past on the biggest of stages, you might consider using him in any Fantasy IDP league for Week 11.
Garrard consistent of late
Updated 11/17/2009
Jaguars, TQB JAC
News: Jacksonville QB David Garrard faces Buffalo in Week 11. Garrard faced the Bills once in 2008 and threw for just 165 yards with an interception in that game. Garrard had one of his better games this season in Week 10 at the Jets. He rushed for a touchdown in that one and added a passing TD with 221 yards through the air.
Analysis: Buffalo, despite being a poor team, are one of the better pass defenses in the NFL this season and that doesn't bode well for Garrard. Garrard really only has appeal as a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 11.
Young only has limited Fantasy value
Updated 11/17/2009
Titans, TQB TEN
News: Tennessee QB Vince Young plays at Houston in Week 11. Young has seen a resurgence in Fantasy value since returning to the helm of the Titans' offense three weeks ago. His best game was 210 yards last week against Buffalo with a touchdown and an interception but he's lead the team to some wins and that is what counts. Young has two passing touchdowns and a rushing TD in his last three games and that comes with one pick. The last time he faced Houston was back in 2007. He threw for 248 yards in that game, rushed for 44 and had two passing TDs with an interception.
Analysis: Houston is just middle of the road against the pass but have only allowed 10 touchdowns through the air this season. Young shouldn't put up loads of yardage or multiple touchdowns in this game and is largely a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Houston WR Kevin Walter will face a porous Tennessee pass defense in Week 11. Walter did not play at Tennessee in Week 2 of the season and only managed six catches for 23 yards and no scores against them last season in two games. That said, no team gives up more passing touchdowns than does Tennessee.
Analysis: Walter will continue to see increased production with Owen Daniels out with injury and he could essentially break out in Week 11 against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. With the Titans worrying about Johnson, who torched them in Week 2, that could open the door for Walter. His season suggests he's just a No. 3 or 4 option for Week 11 but there is something we like about this matchup.
News: Houston WR Andre Johnson has gone for over 100 yards in three of his last five games and returns from a bye to face the Titans in Week 11. Johnson faced Tennessee in Week 2 and had his best week of the season with 10 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee is second-to-last in the NFL in pass defense and has given up a league-leading 23 passing touchdowns.
Analysis: If you think Johnson's game against the Titans in Week 2 was good, check out what he did against them last season in Houston. He caught 11 passes in that game for 207 yards and a score. Johnson clearly is a must-start against Tennessee in Week 11 and is perhaps the No. 1 overall Fantasy WR option in the NFL.
News: Houston RB Ryan Moats will still be the starter when the team returns off bye to face the Titans in Week 11. Steve Slaton will continue to catch passes and back Moats up as he deals with problems holding onto the football. Of course, Moats fumbled in Week 9 as well. Moats did not see any work at Tennessee in Week 2 of this season but went for 126 yards and three touchdowns in his first game as starter in Week 8. He turned around and was mediocre, at best, in Week 9, however.
Analysis: Tennessee possesses a strong run defense that doesn't bode well for Slaton or Moats. Moats should still see the bulk of the carries but he's really only worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy option for the game. Some people believe that Slaton is the better option and some go with Moats. The uncertainty should keep them both on benches in a good amount of leagues.
News: Houston RB Steve Slaton returns from a bye to play Tennessee at home in Week 11. The Texans' starting RB for most of the season, he has since lost that job to Ryan Moats due to a fumbling problem. Slaton, who has watched tape of Tiki Barber to figure out how not to fumble, has just seven carries for 18 yards and a touchdown in his last two games. During Week 2 of this season at Tennessee, Slaton carried 17 times for just 34 yards and caught three passes for 25 more without getting into the end zone. What is odd about that is the fact that he topped 100 yards in both games against the Titans in 2008.
Analysis: Slaton has been an enigma of late for Fantasy owners. He should begin to see more carries again and hopefully he can hold onto the ball this time. Still, with his poor game against Tennessee earlier in the season and the uncertainty surrounding the amount of work the Texans will give him, Slaton is more of a No. 3 Fantasy RB for Week 11.
Schaub licking lips for Titans matchup
Updated 11/17/2009
Texans, TQB HOU
News: Houston QB Matt Schaub is coming off a bye week to play against the Titans in Week 11. Schaub has struggled of late with four interceptions and one touchdown pass in his last two games at Buffalo and Indianapolis. Earlier this season, however, he torched the Titans in Tennessee for 357 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. In fact, in his last two games against the Titans, Schaub has thrown five touchdowns without a pick and has at least 284 yards in each game.
Analysis: Schaub should be fine as a No. 1 Fantasy QB in Week 11. The Titans rank among the worst teams against the pass in football and no team has given up more passing touchdowns. Plus, Schaub torched the Titans in Week 2 for a ridiculous stat line.
News: The touchdowns are beginning to roll in for Giants TE Kevin Boss. Coming off a bye, the Giants face Atlanta at home in Week 11 and the Falcons own a porous pass defense. Boss has five catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games this season. Boss played at Atlanta in 2007 but did not make a catch in the game.
Analysis: Boss has definitely become a bigger weapon of late for the Giants and we like him as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy TE in Week 11 against the Falcons.
News: Giants WR Steve Smith faces Atlanta in Week 11 after coming off a bye. The Giants are currently on a 4-game losing streak but Smith caught a touchdown pass in Week 9 against the Chargers and went for 57 yards on eight catches. He's caught eight passes in two straight games now. Smith has never faced the Falcons.
Analysis: The Falcons are among the worst pass defenses in the NFL and that bodes well for Smith and Eli Manning to hook up. We like Smith as a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver for the Week 11 game.
News: Giants WR Hakeem Nicks returns from a bye week having caught seven passes for 92 yards in his last two games for New York. The Giants play at home against the Falcons in Week 11 and Atlanta has one of the poorer pass defenses in the NFL.
Analysis: Nicks went from Weeks 4-7 with a touchdown in four straight games and has really emerged as a solid Fantasy option in his rookie season. That said, he only has low-end 'flex' appeal for the Week 11 game against the Falcons.
News: Giants WR Mario Manningham returns from a bye to face the Falcons in Week 11. Atlanta doesn't have a very good pass defense but the Giants have lost four straight games and Manningham hasn't caught a touchdown pass since Week 6. He caught six passes for 52 yards in the game before the bye.
Analysis: Manningham has emerged in 2009 as the Giants' second best wide receiver behind Steve Smith. He has only really had one fantastic game back in Week 2 at Dallas when he went for 10 grabs for 150 yards and a score. Since that time his best game was 50 yards and a score in Week 6 at New Orleans. Manningham will certainly be involved in the passing game in Week 11 and that makes him a decent No. 3 or 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs enters Week 11 against the Falcons with exactly zero 100-yard rushing games this season. The Giants return from a bye week on a 4-game losing streak and Jacobs hasn't topped 86 yards on the ground since going for 92 in Week 4. He has just two touchdowns this season. The Falcons are among the league's worst rush defenses, however.
Analysis: Jacobs last played against the Falcons in Atlanta back in 2007. He rushed for 86 yards in that game on 13 carries and has 24 carries against the Falcons overall in his career for 139 yards and a score in two games played. He's struggled as have the Giants in recent weeks but Jacobs remains a No. 2 Fantasy option for use in Week 11.
News: The biggest beneficiary of the Giants bye in Week 10 may be RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle/foot). "He's had a different cycle (this week)," said coach Tom Coughlin. "He's had the better part of 10 days (to rest)." Bradshaw - who did not practice Wednesday - was able to return to a limited practice on Thursday and is listed as questionable for the game.
Analysis: Bradshaw will face one of the NFL's weaker rush defenses against Atlanta in Week 11 but will do so still running behind Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw has four touchdowns in his last five games for the G-men but hasn't topped 48 yards since going for 110 against Oakland in Week 5. Bradshaw has never faced the Falcons before. Consider Bradshaw a No. 3 Fantasy option for this game as long as he's healthy and hope the extra rest will help him the remainder of the season.
Manning looking to turn it around
Updated 11/17/2009
Giants, TQB NYG
News: Giants QB Eli Manning comes off a bye to face the Falcons in Week 11. Manning threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in his last game against the Chargers before the bye. The last time Manning faced the Falcons was back in 2007. He was picked twice in that game but also threw two touchdown passes and went for 303 yards on 27 of 39 passing. In his career, however, he's thrown six picks and only five touchdowns against Atlanta. Manning (foot) was able to practice in full on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Analysis: The Falcons own the league's fifth-worst pass defense and that definitely bodes well for a big return to the field for Manning after the bye. He's definitely struggled a bit over the course of the Giants' current 4-game losing streak with five touchdown passes and six interceptions over that span and his mediocre history against the Falcons keeps him a No. 2 Fantasy option for Week 11.
News: 49ers coach Mike Singletary announced that WR Isaac Bruce's ankle injury has healed up, but that WR Josh Morgan would remain the starter at the flanker spot with rookie WR Michael Crabtree remaining the split end. Bruce and WR Jason Hill will both see time as the third receiver, depending on the package. Singletary added that Bruce was classy, as he expected him to be, when he was told he no longer will be starting. "He was very positive about it, and he said, 'I feel that Josh is ready for this,'" said Singletary, adding that Bruce is "all about the team."
Analysis: Morgan will put up nominal stats each week but is far from the sleeper we thought he'd be this season. Keep him reserved or off rosters for Week 11 against the Packers.
News: 49ers coach Mike Singletary announced that WR Isaac Bruce's ankle injury has healed up, but that WR Josh Morgan would remain the starter at the flanker spot with rookie WR Michael Crabtree remaining the split end. Bruce and WR Jason Hill will both see time as the third receiver, depending on the package. Singletary added that Bruce was classy, as he expected him to be, when he was told he no longer will be starting. "He was very positive about it, and he said, 'I feel that Josh is ready for this,'" said Singletary, adding that Bruce is "all about the team." Bruce (ankle, elbow) was able to practice in full on Wednesday and Thursday.
Analysis: Fantasy owners have cooled on Bruce, who used to be a Fantasy stud several years ago. He shouldn't be owned in anything other than the deepest of Fantasy formats at this point.
News:Chad Pennington's latest comeback is under way, even though he's not sure he'll play again. The Dolphins quarterback has completed the first phase of rehabilitation from season-ending shoulder surgery, and he'll fly Wednesday to Birmingham, Ala., to consult with Dr. James Andrews, who performed the operation Oct. 2. They'll map out a recovery program for the next six weeks, and Pennington says he might wait until March to decide whether to play in 2010. The surgery was the third on Pennington's throwing shoulder. Twice he has returned from injuries to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year, including in 2009, when he led the Dolphins to their first playoff berth in eight years.
Analysis: We know Pennington won't be back in 2009, so he can be cut in all seasonal formats. He doesn't have a lot of long-term keeper appeal either since he is an injury-risk and has to find a starting job (which will be very tough) once healthy.
News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the Falcons re-signed RB Aaron Stecker, who was released by the team on Saturday. Stecker has 383 carries for 1,517 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 NFL season. He appeared in two games with the Falcons this year and has two carries for 6 yards and five catches for 34 yards.
Analysis: Stecker is insurance in case Michael Turner (ankle) is out for an extended period of time. Stecker will play behind Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood and has minimal Fantasy value heading into Week 11 at the Giants.
Cassel loses Bowe until Week 15
Updated 11/17/2009
Chiefs, TQB KC
News: The Chiefs announced that WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. He will begin serving the suspension immediately and won't be eligible to play until Week 15 vs. Cleveland. This means that QB Matt Cassel won't have his best receiving threat for his next four games -- he'll have to rely on Chris Chambers, Lance Long, Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade.
Analysis: Fantasy owners weren't considering Cassel anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB to begin with, but playing without his best wideout vs. the Steelers in Week 11 makes him absolutely a headache. Keep him out of starting lineups.
Ravens cut PK Hauschka
Updated 11/17/2009
Graham Gano, K BAL
News: The Ravens have released PK Steven Hauschka after missing three field goals and getting an extra point blocked over his last four games. No replacement has been named but Graham Gano seems like an option after he lost the kicking job to Hauschka in training camp.
Analysis: Hauschka was a decent Fantasy kicker during the bye weeks and when the Ravens offense was exploding but with the offense regressing, his replacement won't be worth adding in Fantasy play, either.
News: When the Texans return from their bye with a game against Tennessee next Monday night, they hope to have versatile rookie TE James Casey back to contribute at the position after arthroscopic knee surgery. Casey is expected to help Joel Dreessen and Anthony Hill fill in the hole left behind from Owen Daniels' season-ending knee surgery. Casey has appeared in all but one game this season and has become a key special teams player for the Texans. He injured his knee Oct. 4 against the Raiders, but played the next four games before opting for surgery to repair damaged cartilage. "There's no doubt in my mind that I'll play," Casey said Monday after returning to practice. "It's going to take something very severe to keep me from playing."
Analysis: The Texans plan to get Casey more involved in the offense. "(Casey) can do some things for us offensively," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He'll become a big part of what we're doing here over the course of the next seven weeks." If you're looking for a deep sleeper at the tight end position for Week 11, you've found one. Casey is worth a look off waivers assuming you have the roster space, not to mention the need for a useful tight end.
News: The Steelers have waived backup linebacker Arnold Harrison, the first player to lose his job after three kickoff return touchdowns were allowed by Pittsburgh's coverage unit in the last four games. Coach Mike Tomlin says he is analyzing all details of the repeated breakdowns and that more changes on special teams will occur. Donovan Woods, an undrafted linebacker from Oklahoma State who played in five games last season, was promoted from the practice squad.
Analysis: Neither of these players were expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
Cribbs released from hospital Tuesday
Updated 11/17/2009
Browns, D CLE
News: The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports Browns WR Josh Cribbs was released from the hospital Tuesday and is doing well after he was hurt on the final play Monday night against Baltimore. The Browns said precautionery tests were negative. Cribbs, who was immobilized on a board and taken by ambulance to the hospital, underwent a series of tests, including some to determine whether he had suffered a concussion.
Analysis: It appears like Cribbs should be OK, and he might be able to return for Sunday's game at Detroit. Keep an eye on his status even though he has minimal Fantasy value as a receiver. Cribbs is best suited for leagues where you get points for return yards, and he's a big asset for the Browns DST and ST units.
News: Cleveland WR Brian Robiskie did not stat in the Week 10 game against the Ravens on Monday night. He was active and played in the game but did not make a catch.
Analysis: Robiskie often goes without stats for the hapless Browns. Leave him on waivers in all Fantasy leagues for Week 11 at Detroit.
News: Baltimore WR Mark Clayton did not make a catch and did not stat in the Monday night win over the Browns in Cleveland in Week 10. Clayton was covered by Eric Wright, who did an excellent job against him.
Analysis: Clayton has just one catch for 15 yards in his last two weeks of the season. He has two touchdowns but they've been random and he's yet to go for over 77 yards receiving in any game this year. He clearly has low-end value in Fantasy leagues and isn't worth using Week 11 against the Colts.
News: Baltimore WR Kelley Washington played in the Monday night win at Cleveland in Week 10. He did not catch a pass or stat in the game.
Analysis: Washington had at least one grab in every game this season until the Week 10 contest. He certainly wasn't needed against the Browns. He caught one touchdown pass this season back in Week 2 and hasn't gone over 66 yards all year. He has low-end Fantasy value and shouldn't be used Week 11 against the Colts.
News: Cleveland QB Derek Anderson did not play in the Week 10 game against the Ravens on Monday night. Anderson watched as Brady Quinn started and went 13 of 31 for 99 yards and two interceptions.
Analysis: The Browns will likely revisit the QB situation before the Week 11 game at Detroit. That said, none of the options are worth using. They have all been terrible, Anderson included.
News: Browns backup RB Chris Jennings has seemed to have overtaken Jerome Harrison as the team’s top second option behind Jamal Lewis on Monday night against Baltimore. Jennings saw all the carries behind Lewis as he rushed seven times for 18 yards. He added one catch for 10 more yards.
Analysis: Jennings may have supplanted Harrison with this effort as he saw his first rushing attempt since Week 4 of the season. Harrison was active but wasn’t asked to do much in Lewis’ stead while Jennings saw a decent amount of carries. This clearly still means that Jennings has zero Fantasy value until Lewis gets hurt, and would be low-end even if that happened, so continue to ignore him in Fantasy play for now. The Browns play at Detroit in Week 11.
Quinn simply awful on Monday night
Updated 11/17/2009
Browns, TQB CLE
News: Cleveland QB Brady Quinn was decent but underwhelming in the first half of the Monday night loss to Baltimore in Week 10. In the second half he was downright bad. Quinn finished the night 13 of 31 passing for 99 yards and did not have a touchdown pass with two interceptions. One of the picks was a very wayward pass that was picked off by Dawan Landry and returned for a defensive touchdown. Quinn tried to throw hail mary passes at the end of the game but could barely keep the ball in bounds.
Analysis: Did Quinn make a ton of mistakes under the Monday night lights? Check. Did he play well? Not exactly. Unfortunately for the Browns, they aren’t very good offensively. It really doesn’t matter who is throwing the passes. There is sure to be another week of discussing who is better for the job, Quinn or Derek Anderson, and neither is a viable Fantasy option for Week 11 at Detroit. The Lions stink, too, but that still makes Quinn an injury-replacement option, at best.
News: Baltimore WR Derrick Mason led the Ravens in receiving on Monday night in a win over the Browns in Week 10. Mason caught three passes for a team-leading 78 yards. He did not score and his long haul went for 41 yards in the second half.
Analysis: Mason hasn’t scored a touchdown in consecutive weeks now after having two straight in Weeks 6 and 8 – the team was on bye in Week 7. Mason remains the Ravens’ top wide receiver but Baltimore has struggled more and more in the passing game since early in the season. The Ravens play at home against Indianapolis in Week 11 and the Colts own a solid pass defense. We like Mason as a No. 3 Fantasy option for that game.
News: Baltimore RB LeRon McClain rushed three times for 10 yards in the Week 10 win at Cleveland on Monday night. McClain added three catches for 19 more yards in the easy victory. He was mostly used as a blocker in the game.
Analysis: McClain is a top blocker but hasn’t scored a touchdown or rushed for decent yardage since Week 1 of the season. He only has minimal value as a pass catcher as well and really doesn’t need to be active in Fantasy play for Week 11 against the Colts.
News: Baltimore RB Willis McGahee rushed 13 times for 35 yards in the Week 10 win at Cleveland on Monday night. He was used mostly in the first half of the game.
Analysis: McGahee’s production has tailed off in recent weeks and he hasn’t played a meaningful game in terms of Fantasy production since Week 3 against this same Browns team. He gained 67 rushing yards in that one and had two touchdowns but hasn’t found the end zone for a rushing touchdown since that game. He clearly is no longer a viable Fantasy option for the Browns and he should not be active for anyone’s Fantasy team in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.
News: Baltimore RB Ray Rice pounded the ball against the Cleveland defense on Monday night in the Week 10 victory. Rice scored the game's lone offensive touchdown on a 13-yard run in the 3rd quarter. He finished with 20 carries for 89 yards and added three catches for 15 more yards. Rice also attempted to throw a pass but it was almost intercepted and fell incomplete.
Analysis: Rice is clearly the team’s top rushing option as he entered the Week 10 game with four touchdowns in his previous three games and now has five in his last four contests. Rice is playing at a high level this season and has distanced himself from backups LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee. Rice should remain a solid Fantasy option for use in all leagues in the Week 12 matchup against the Colts. Indy is solid but not spectacular against the run.
News: Browns coach Eric Mangini has railed against missed tackles all season and CB Brandon McDonald has been a chief offender. McDonald whiffed on Ravens WR Derrick Mason, resulting in a 41-yard gain and setting up a Ray Rice 13-yard TD run to break the scoreless tie. McDonald did have five tackles and a sack in the game, however.
Analysis: McDonald now has 40 tackles on the season to go with two sacks. It seems, however, he might be entering coach Mangini's doghouse. He really only has minimal Fantasy value for IDP leagues anyway. Leave him alone for Week 11 at Detroit.
News: Cleveland DL David Bowens had a big game on Monday night in a loss to the Ravens. Bowens made nine tackles to lead the Browns and added two sacks of QB Joe Flacco.
Analysis: Bowens now has 42 tackles on the season and these were his first two sacks. He really only has limited Fantasy appeal in IDP leagues while with the Browns. Leave him on waivers for Week 11 at Detroit.
News: Baltimore DB Dawan Landry made the play of the night in the Week 10 Monday night win at Cleveland. Landry picked off a Brady Quinn pass in the 3rd quarter of the game with the Ravens up 7-0. He took the interception 48 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown to ice the win. Landry finished with four tackles in the game as well as the pick and DTD.
Analysis: Landry now has two career interception returns for touchdowns and three picks this season for the Ravens. He also has 48 tackles. Landry will often not have big games such as this one, however, and that uncertainty limits his Fantasy value. He only brings low-end appeal for Week 11 against the Colts and Peyton Manning.
News: Baltimore LB Ray Lewis had another big game on Monday night at Cleveland in Week 10. Lewis finished the winning effort with seven tackles and a sack.
Analysis: Lewis has 75 tackles on the season with two sacks. He continues to be a tackling machine and should continue to see Fantasy starts in all leagues and formats for Week 11 against the Colts.
News: Baltimore LB Jarret Johnson finished the Monday night game at Cleveland with five tackles and a sack as the Ravens handled the Browns.
Analysis: Johnson now has 31 tackles and six sacks this season for the Ravens. He has been solid in Fantasy play but is still just a low-end option for IDP leagues. Leave him on waivers for Week 11 against Indianapolis.
News: Browns WR Mohamed Massaquoi made one 30-yard catch in the Week 10 loss on Monday night to the Baltimore Ravens. He added minus-3 rushing yards on one carry.
Analysis: Massaquoi has loads of potential – an eight catch, 148-yard performance against the Bengals in Week 4 proves that – but he’s still not putting together consistent games for the lowly Browns just yet. He’s worth owning in most deeper Fantasy leagues as the Browns’ top option in the passing game but we can only call him an injury-replacement option in Week 11 at Detroit, despite the Lions being among the worst in the NFL against the pass.
News: Cleveland WR Mike Furrey erupted – well, for him anyway – on Monday night in a loss to the Ravens. Furrey caught six passes for 30 yards to lead the team in the losing effort. His long grab went for 14 yards.
Analysis: Furrey came into the Week 10 game with two catches for 14 yards since Week 5 of the season. He clearly does not stat enough in the passing game for the lowly Browns to be worth considering in Fantasy play for Week 11 at Detroit.
News: Cleveland RB Lawrence Vickers made one late catch in the Week 10 loss to Baltimore on Monday night. Vickers went for minus-2 yards.
Analysis: Vickers will come up with a random touchdown every now and again but largely has zero Fantasy value at this time. Do not use him Week 11 at Detroit.
News: Cleveland TE Robert Royal caught one pass for 3 yards in the Week 10 loss to Baltimore on Monday night.
Analysis: Royal could see a little more production in Week 11 at Detroit due to the Lions’ porous pass defense and the injury to starter Steve Heiden. Guess what? Royal should still go un-owned in the majority of Fantasy leagues. He’s not worth using in Week 11 no matter what.
News: Cleveland RB Jerome Harrison did not get a carry or catch in the Week 10 loss to Baltimore on Monday night. It was Chris Jennings that backed up Jamal Lewis in the running game.
Analysis: Harrison has been poor at pass blocking this season and it could have finally turned into him losing his backup status to Jamal Lewis. Chris Jennings got the carries behind Lewis in the Week 10 game and that could continue in Week 11 at Detroit. Regardless, neither player is worth owning in Fantasy play at this time.
News: Cleveland K Phil Dawson did not record a point in the Week 10 game on Monday night against the Ravens. He was not needed as the Browns did not score.
Analysis: Dawson recently returned from a calf injury for the Browns. He recorded just one point in the Week 8 game against the Bears and didn’t even need to come out onto the field in the Week 10 game. The Browns aren’t very good but against the Lions in Detroit in Week 11 they should at least put up some more points than they did on Monday night. That still makes Dawson nothing more than a low-end Fantasy option for Week 11.
Raiders undecided on QB for Week 11
Updated 11/16/2009
Raiders, TQB OAK
News: A day after benching JaMarcus Russell for the second time in three games, Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable is undecided about his starting quarterback. Cable said Monday he has yet to determine whether Russell, Bruce Gradkowski or Charlie Frye will start this week's game against Cincinnati. "We haven't gotten anywhere with that decision," Cable said. "We hoped to be able to talk about it now but we're not ready to do that. We don't have enough time yet to get everybody that would be involved in it to have those discussions."
Analysis: Russell started the first nine games but was benched late in the third quarter of Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after going 8 for 23 for 64 yards. Gradkowski replaced Russell and went 5 of 9 for 49 yards and two interceptions but strained a hamstring. The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, Russell has struggled all season. He has two touchdowns passes, nine interceptions and a 47.1 completion percentage. He has been booed at every home game since the season opener on Sept. 14 and has been frequently criticized for his work habits and lack of preparation. Whether Russell, Gradkowski or Frye start Week 11 against Cincinnati is irrelevant as none would be a recommended option.
News: Baltimore DB Haruki Nakamura was injured on the Monday night game's opening kickoff in Week 10 at Cleveland. Nakamura went down and writhed in pain on the ground for several minutes before being helped off the field and into the locker room. He suffered a broken right ankle and will be out indefinitely for the Ravens.
Analysis: Nakamura has almost zero Fantasy appeal in IDP leagues. He was mainly a special teams player for the Ravens. Leave him on waivers in all leagues for Week 11 vs. Indianapolis.
News: Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't ready to anoint Beanie Wells the Cardinals' starting running back. That hardly matters, though, considering the growing role the rookie from Ohio State is filling in the team's prolific offense. Wells rushed for 75 yards in 10 carries, including two for touchdowns, in the second half of Arizona's 31-20 victory over Seattle on Sunday. Whisenhunt said Wells "is eager to be a great football player" and is paying attention to the team's leaders and coaches who are helping him move toward that goal. In the past two games, Arizona's first-round draft pick has 157 yards in 29 carries, while starter Tim Hightower has 28 carries for 107 yards. Against the Seahawks, Wells gained 87 yards in 16 attempts, while Hightower had 37 yards in 10 carries. On his first touchdown run, on fourth-and-one at the Seattle 10, Wells bounced outside and ran untouched for the score. He redeemed himself after his personal foul pushed the team back to the 19-yard line. His second TD was a 13-yard burst up the middle, Wells spinning through two would-be tacklers at the goal line. "I wasn't going to be denied," Wells said after the game. He also had a 29-yard run to set up Arizona's final touchdown.
Analysis: In the last four games, Wells has 271 yards in 51 carries, an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He is second to Knowshon Moreno of Denver among rookie ball carries (520 yards to 395), but has 46 fewer carries (86 to Moreno's 132). On Monday, Whisenhunt was asked if he foresees naming Wells the starter. "That's an issue that when it comes, it comes," the coach said. "I think that we have always said and have been consistent that when we feel like it's time to make a change with those things we will do it if that's deserved. We're not going to make Beanie the starter just to make Beanie the starter. He has been running well, but so has Tim. The rotation we have going now has been very effective." Hightower definitely hasn't done the job in the Arizona backfield and we could be witnessing the rise of another Fantasy star. Make sure to hit waivers this week if Wells is still available in your league (owned 81 percent). Consider Wells a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB for Week 11 against the Rams.
News: One game into the post-Larry Johnson era is all it took for the Kansas City Chiefs to get their first rushing touchdown, first 100-yard rushing day and second win of the year. This week's opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers, may mount more of a challenge than the mistake-prone Oakland Raiders did in Sunday's 16-10 victory. But the Steelers would be wise to prepare for Jamaal Charles as KC's featured back. It would seem a richly deserved reward for his long TD run and 103 yards rushing in the first game since former Pro Bowler Johnson was released amid a cloud of controversy. With more speed than Johnson showed in even his best years, Charles broke loose on one key play and sped 44 yards into the end zone, erasing the stigma the Chiefs had been carrying as the only NFL team without a rushing touchdown. He also picked up 26 yards on a fourth-quarter drive as the Chiefs tried desperately to run time off the clock. It seemed especially gratifying for somebody who'd spent part of the season in the coach's doghouse for fumbling. The second-year pro had gotten so crosswise with coaches, he'd even been inactive for one game. A fumble in those last minutes on Sunday could have proven fatal. "It wasn't something I was thinking about," coach Todd Haley said Monday. "He'd had a bunch of carries under his belt and he was protecting the football. None of those footballs that ended up on the ground were Jamaal's fault."
Analysis: Charles had not carried for more than 40 yards in a game heading into Week 10 but the release of Larry Johnson has clearly opened the way for him to become a producer. He seems to be the Chiefs’ go-to back now, but he cannot be thought of as more than a No. 3 or flex option for Week 11 against a tough Pittsburgh defense. If he has a solid performance in that game, he has the potential to be a high-end back. Think about picking him up off the waiver wire if available in your league.
News: Baltimore DB Ed Reed (wrist) is active for Monday night of Week 10 at Cleveland.
Analysis: Reed should be a great Fantasy IDP play for the Week 10 Monday night game. He always comes up big in the biggest stage and the Browns are just awful passing the football. The play-making defensive back remains a viable Fantasy option in all leagues for Week 10.
Analysis: The Ravens have listed a bunch of players who are most likely never going to be viable Fantasy options this season. You can leave them all on waivers in all leagues.
News: Baltimore DL Haloti Ngata (ankle) is inactive for the Monday night game at Cleveland in Week 10.
Analysis: Ngata is one of the NFL's best defensive tackles, but he is a better run stuffer than pass rusher. Therefore, he remains nothing more than a low-end Fantasy DL in IDP formats, when healthy.
News: Patriots QB Tom Brady played great against the Colts in Week 10, completing 29 of 42 passes for 375 yards with three scores -- two to Randy Moss -- and an interception plus 3 yards rushing. Brady was spectacular early on, hitting Moss on a couple of deep passes including a 63-yard touchdown when he saw Moss in single coverage and hit him in stride. His second connection with Moss was a short 5-yard score, and Julian Edelman was good for a nine-yard touchdown in between the touchdown throws to Moss.
Analysis: Brady took advantage of an inexperienced Colts secondary and was able to take full advantage of having a complete receiver like Moss on his side. If you own Brady, you own a sure-fire No. 1 Fantasy QB that shouldn't ever be benched. That is the case in spite of how well the Jets have played against Moss and the Pats in recent history -- that's who Brady will play next at home in Week 11.
News: CB Carlos Rogers was benched after allowing a long touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall on the Broncos' first drive. Coach Jim Zorn compared Rogers to a struggling quarterback and said he could be back in the starting lineup against the Cowboys. "He's not done and we're not done," Zorn said. "As we work through this week, he may very well be the guy out there."
Analysis: Rogers was once relevant in Fantasy but has since put up very minor stats. Keep him off of rosters.
News: Saints coach Sean Payton says starting cornerback Tracy Porter has sprained his left knee and could return this season. This means that the initial report that Porter had a torn ACL was wrong. Porter injured his left knee in a collision with Saints safety Usama Young during New Orleans' victory in St. Louis on Sunday. Payton says tests Monday revealed a medial collateral ligament injury, which will not require reconstructive surgery.
Analysis: Porter, a second-round draft choice in 2008, won a starting spot as a rookie only to dislocate his right wrist five games into last season. Through nine games this season, Porter ranks fourth on the team with 44 tackles and second with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He also was credited with a pair of forced fumbles and eight passes defended. He's worth benching since he's a solid No. 2 Fantasy DB when healthy.
Cowboys secondary dinged
Updated 11/16/2009
Cowboys, DST DAL
News: The Cowboys will be without safety Ken Hamlin after Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said Hamlin's high-ankle sprain will sideline him 3-4 weeks. Cornerback Mike Jenkins severely bruised an arm muscle against the Packers but is expected to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins.
Analysis: The Cowboys DST remains too good of an option to sit against a suspect Washington offense. Start them in Week 11.
News: The Cowboys will be without safety Ken Hamlin after Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said Hamlin's high-ankle sprain will sideline him 3-4 weeks.
Analysis: Hamlin wasn't much of a Fantasy factor in the first place -- the Cowboys defense will miss him more than Fantasy owners. Keep him off rosters.
News: With WR Keenan Burton missing the rest of the season with a knee injury, rookie WR Brandon Gibson will see time for the Rams opposite Donnie Avery. Gibson broke out in Week 10 vs. the Saints, catching seven passes for 93 yards. Head coach Steve Spagnuolo wouldn't name him a starter on Monday, but he should get to that point sooner than later. "I'm not ready to say that, but there can be an argument for that. We'll see," Spagnuolo said.
Analysis: Gibson is worth adding off waivers for now in deeper leagues if you have the available roster space. He's been well-versed in the West-Coast offense since entering the NFL this season and has a pretty good grasp on what it takes to be useful to the Rams' offense. He might be a legit four-plus catch option going forward as he's got good hands, just not a lot of speed.
News: Steelers CB Keenan Lewis didn't return from a rib injury he suffered in the second quarter Sunday against Cincinnati. Lewis should be fine for this week's game against the Chiefs in Week 11.
Analysis: Lewis has minimal Fantasy value when healthy. Ignore him in all leagues in Week 11.
News: The Rams have lost leading wide receiver Keenan Burton for the rest of the season, the result of a right knee injury in Sunday's 28-23 loss to New Orleans. The Rams placed Burton on injured reserve Monday with a torn patella tendon. Burton, a second-year player out of Kentucky, was hurt on a pass in the first quarter when he fell awkwardly in the end zone while the Saints' Usama Young made an interception. Burton led the Rams with 25 catches for 253 yards.
Analysis: Not many Fantasy owners had Burton in their leagues, but he's not going to help those that had him. Keep him off rosters.
Jets make roster moves
Updated 11/16/2009
Ahmad Carroll, DB NYJ
News: The Jets waived cornerback Ahmad Carroll, one of their special teams standouts, and signed linebacker Kenwin Cummings from the practice squad Monday. Carroll was inactive for New York's last two games. He tied for the team lead last year with 26 special teams tackles. Cummings, an undrafted free agent out of Wingate, has spent most of the last two seasons on the Jets' practice squad. He was inactive for the season opener at Miami last year.
Analysis: Neither of these players were expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
News: Colts DE Robert Mathis had eight total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble vs. the Patriots in Week 10.
Analysis: Mathis has proven to be a solid stat contributor as offenses focus on Dwight Freeney. Keep Mathis active as a No. 1 DL when the Colts play the Ravens next week.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of leagues. Keep them reserved in all formats for Week 11 against Baltimore.
Colts DST gets two sacks
Updated 11/16/2009
Colts, DST IND
News: In Week 10 vs. the Pats, the Colts DST tallied two sacks, an interception and a pair of forced fumbles. They allowed 34 points and 375 yards passing.
Analysis: The Colts DST will remain a dangerous Fantasy option in Week 11 when they play at Baltimore. The Ravens' offense is strong and should be up to the task of putting yards and points on Indianapolis. Consider other options before starting the Colts DST in Week 11.
Analysis: Green-Ellis and Aiken have minimal potential as reserve options but will need players on the depth chart to falter before they see playing time. Keep them and Slater and Hoyer on waivers for now.
Two INTs, sack for Patriots DST
Updated 11/16/2009
Patriots, DST NE
News: The Patriots DST totaled two interceptions and a sack of Peyton Manning in Week 10 at Indianapolis. They allowed 35 points and over 300 yards passing, not to mention four passing touchdowns.
Analysis: The Patriots DST will be useful in Week 11 when they take on the Jets. Expect them to create some turnovers and be resourceful against Mark Sanchez. They'll be worth starting for that matchup.
News: Patriots PK Stephen Gostkowski hit two field goals and four extra points at Indy in Week 10. He totaled 10 points for the Patriots.
Analysis: Gostkowski is a solid No. 1 Fantasy kicker worth starting week in and week out including at Baltimore in Week 11. Keep him active for the rest of the season and don't worry about the necessary evil this position carries in Fantasy.
News: The Patriots signed WR Isaiah Stanback from their practice squad before Week 10 and gave him some playing time at Indy. Stanback caught two passes for 17 yards.
Analysis: We might see Stanback work in some unique situations with the Patriots before the season is over. Remember, he's a former quarterback who converted to receiver. Regardless, he's not worth owning in Fantasy play right now.
News: Patriots WR Randy Moss put on a show against the Colts in Week 10, catching nine passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. One hundred and eighteen yards came on two catches in the first half when QB Tom Brady hit Moss for a 55-yard gain, then on two drives later Brady hit Moss for a 63-yard touchdown. Moss' second score came from 5 yards out on a quick two-play drive set up by a long punt return.
Analysis: Moss continues to post excellent totals and for the third time in four weeks had over 120 receiving yards and at least one touchdown. He'll be in for a tougher time in Week 11 vs. the Jets, who will cover him with Darrelle Revis and aim to shut him down (four catches, 24 yards against the Jets in Week 2). You wouldn't dare sit Moss without having two excellent replacements for him, so just temper expectations a bit for him considering his next opponent.
News: Colts RB Joseph Addai scored on a screen pass from 15 yards out vs. the Patriots in Week 10 but hurt his fingers on the play and missed a chunk of playing time. It appeared that a Patriots defender went for the ball with his helmet and smacked Addai on the hand holding the ball. He returned in the second half after getting his right middle and index fingers taped together and scored again, this time on the ground from 4 yards out late in the game. Considering his limited playing time, Addai did amazing: Two total touchdowns, 41 rush yards on 10 carries and 27 yards on two catches.
Analysis: Injuries might have forced Addai back on the field as Donald Brown was missing in action after being out for a couple of games with a shoulder injury and backup Chad Simpson hurt his head, costing him playing time after doing fairly well. We'll keep track on how hurt Addai's fingers are, but he can obviously play through whatever pain he is in. He has a tough matchup in Week 11 at Baltimore but he's a good starting option because he's a threat to score regardless of the opponent.
News: Saints WR/KR Courtney Roby returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in Week 10 at St. Louis. He did not have an offensive statistic in the game.
Analysis: Unless you are in a league that rewards kick return yardage significantly, Roby has no real Fantasy appeal. He is used primarily as a kick returner and rarely as a wide receiver.
News: Colts TE Dallas Clark continued to be stymied by the Patriots, failing to score against them in Week 10. Clark caught four passes for 65 yards in the game.
Analysis: Clark has yet to score in his career against New England and only has one 100-yard game. Bill Belichick does a great job scheming his defenses to take him out of Peyton Manning's arsenal, and it worked here even though the Colts won (Manning does have other receivers after all). Look for Clark to rebound in Week 11 at Baltimore.
Packers impressive against Cowboys
Updated 11/16/2009
Packers, DST GB
News: The Packers opened some eyes with their defensive performance against a solid Cowboys offense in Week 10. They allowed only seven points on 278 yards, recording five sacks and one interception. They also recovered two fumbles.
Analysis: The Packers DST disappointed at Tampa Bay last week and then played surprisingly well against a much stronger Cowboys offense this week. Funny how this game works sometimes. Now that the Packers have some momentum, their DST looks like a great option for Week 11 against the 49ers. Hopefully, it won't fake everyone out this time.
News: Packers DB Nick Collins recorded a rare sack Week 10 against the Cowboys -- so rare, in fact, it was the first of his career. He also had five tackles, including four solo.
Analysis: Collins is usually a better bet for interceptions than sacks, but he has only two this year after recording seven last year. He's no more than a No. 2 DB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Packers LB Nick Barnett, who entered the game with only one sack on the year, recorded two Week 10 against the Cowboys. He finished with eight tackles, including six solo.
Analysis: Barnett is a decent tackler, but he normally doesn't get so many sacks. Think of him as a No. 2 LB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Packers DB Charles Woodson was a one-man wrecking crew against the Cowboys in Week 10. He finished with nine tackles, eight solo, forced two fumbles, recorded a sack and added his fifth interception of the season.
Analysis: Woodson was a terror this week and has that kind of potential every week. Since he's more about interceptions than tackles, he's not as consistent as some players, but he's looking like a No. 1 DB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Packers LB Clay Matthews had a big role on defense Week 10 against the Cowboys. He recorded a sack -- his fourth of the season -- and recovered two fumbles. The sack was his only solo tackle of the game.
Analysis: Matthews doesn't get many tackles for a linebacker, so he'll need a few more games like this one to make an impact in Fantasy. He remains a low-end option in IDP leagues.
News: Cowboys DL Stephen Bowen recorded only his second sack of the season Week 10 at Green Bay, finishing with three tackles, including one solo. He also forced a fumble.
Analysis: Bowen clearly doesn't get enough sacks to make an impact in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers in IDP leagues.
News: Colts WR Austin Collie left a lot of stats on the field in Week 10 vs. the Patriots but did finish with six catches for 45 yards. Collie had a couple of drops in the game.
Analysis: The rookie impresses in that he's involved in the offense quite a bit, and the fact that he's a candidate for a handful of receptions each week as part of the Indianapolis offense helps his outlook. Peyton Manning will need Collie to step up against the Ravens in Week 11 -- consider Collie a No. 3 WR for that matchup.
Analysis: Murphy is a player with some potential with the Raiders but is not much of a contributor in Fantasy yet. The other two players have little to no Fantasy value.
News: Colts rookie RB Donald Brown returned to action against the Patriots in Week 10 but didn't seem comfortable. He had just four carries for 14 yards and an 8-yard catch. He might have banged up his shoulder, or come back too soon from the shoulder injury that kept him out for several games prior to Week 10. Brown saw playing time after starter Joseph Addai hurt his fingers, but then third-string rusher Chad Simpson went down with a head injury and Addai returned, not Brown. Brown didn't play in the entire second half.
Analysis: We'll keep an eye on Brown's status through the week, but expect him to be limited again in Week 11 against a strong Ravens run defense. Keep Brown benched in all leagues so long as you can help it.
News: Cowboys K Nick Folk, who had only once scored less than seven points in a game this season, scored just one Week 10 at Green Bay. He missed his only field-goal attempt -- a 38-yarder in the first quarter.
Analysis: The Cowboys offense had an off day Sunday, giving Folk an uncharacteristically low-scoring performance. He's normally once of the most reliable kickers in Fantasy and will probably return to his usual numbers Week 11 against the Redskins. Keep him active.
News: Colts backup RB Chad Simpson didn't finish Week 10 vs. the Patriots because of a head injury. He saw playing time in place of a banged-up Joseph Addai and Donald Brown, gaining 36 yards on four carries.
Analysis: Simpson is a decent reserve to carry if you own Addai in a deep-roster league, but he's not worth your time in standard-scoring formats. We'll keep you posted on his injury, but don't expect him to play big at Baltimore in Week 11.
News: Oakland DB Chris Johnson was responsible for the team's lone interception on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. He also made five tackles in the game.
Analysis: Johnson's third interception of the season equals his total from 2008. However, Johnson cannot be considered anything more than a low-end Fantasy option for Week 11 against the Bengals.
News: Oakland LB Kirk Morrison made 10 tackles on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. He also forced a Matt Cassel fumble in the game. He increased his tackles total on the season to 80 with the performance.
Analysis: Morrison finished last season with 135 tackles, a sack, an interception and two forced fumbles. He could finish with similar numbers this year and remains one of the better sources for tackles in Fantasy IDP leagues. Keep him active in all formats for Week 11 against the Bengals.
News: Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett, who went without a reception last week, had only one for 6 yards Week 10 at Green Bay. He now has 10 catches on the year.
Analysis: Bennett has some ability, but he's the clear backup to Jason Witten and likely won't get a chance to make a contribution in Fantasy this year. Leave him for Week 11 against the Redskins.
News: Kansas City DB Mike Brown intercepted two passes on Sunday in a Week 11 win over the Raiders. They were his first two interceptions of the season. He had only one tackle in the game however.
Analysis: Brown is not all of the sudden a high-end Fantasy option because he was able to intercept two balls thrown by Bruce Gradkowski. Think of him as a low-end option for Week 11 against the Steelers.
News: Oakland RB Michael Bush was the team’s leading rusher on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. Bush broke a 60-yard run on the team’s first possession and ended up with 119 total yards on the ground on only 14 carries. He also caught two passes for a total of 10 yards.
Analysis: The Raiders used three running backs Week 10 against Kansas City, with Bush getting the bulk of the carries over Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden who was returning from injury. McFadden will likely re-emerge as the top back in Oakland eventually but all three options are hard to rely upon. Think of Bush as just a low-end option for Week 11 against a tough Cincinnati defense.
News: Oakland RB Darren McFadden returned from a knee injury on Sunday against the Chiefs after missing four games but was ineffective. He carried the ball only four times, gaining a total of 11 yards. His longest run in the game went for just 4 yards.
Analysis: McFadden was obviously not at full strength on Sunday as he was only given four touches in the game. He will likely continue to share touches with Michael Bush and Justin Fargas however, diminishing his Fantasy value. He is worth picking up off the waiver wire if he’s available in your league as he is expected to eventually resume his duties as the lead back in Oakland. However, he is not a recommended option against a tough Bengals run defense in Week 11.
News: Raiders WR Johnnie Lee Higgins was the team’s top receiver on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Raiders. He caught four passes in the game, gaining a total of 41 yards.
Analysis: The Raiders offense is terrible through the air and it is not yet known who will be the team’s quarterback in Week 11 against Cincinnati. Higgins and all other Raiders receivers for the most part are not advisable Fantasy options.
News: Pats WR Wes Welker caught nine passes for 94 yards against the Colts in Week 11. Welker also made an impact as a punt returner, getting 117 yards on five chances including a 69-yard return that set up a Patriots touchdown.
Analysis: Welker saw some pretty good coverage throughout the game and ultimately posted great reception totals as he typically does but was held out of the end zone. The good news is that Welker has caught at least nine passes in each of his last four games, so his opportunities continue to stay consistent. He's a solid No. 2 Fantasy WR with No. 1 potential against the Jets in Week 11.
News: Cowboys TE Jason Witten caught five passes for 47 yards Week 10 at Green Bay, giving him less than 50 yards receiving in five of his last six games.
Analysis: Witten is getting plenty of catches this season, but he hasn't gotten the yardage and has scored only one touchdown all year. In points-per-reception leagues, he's clearly still a No. 1 tight end, but in standard leagues, he's dropping out of the picture. You probably won't find anything better on the waiver wire, but you should at least look for Week 11 against the Redskins.
News: The streak is over for Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski. He was wide left on a 46-yard field attempt with 5:56 left in the third quarter of Sunday’s Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. He had been a perfect 13 for 13 this season and had made 20 straight field goals dating to last season. He did hit a 50-yarder earlier in the game and converted his lone extra point attempt.
Analysis: Janikowski has been great this season but the Raiders offense continues to struggle. He is not a recommended option for Fantasy Week 11 as the poor Raiders offense takes on a tough Bengals defense.
Raiders limit Chiefs to 16 points
Updated 11/16/2009
Raiders, DST OAK
News: The Raiders DST was respectable on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chiefs. Matt Cassel was held to only 216 yards passing and no touchdowns with an interception by Chris Johnson. On the ground, the Chiefs mustered just 112 yards on 31 carries. Thomas Howard also recovered a Cassel fumble in the game and the Raiders defense sacked Cassel twice. The Raiders lost the game 16-10.
Analysis: The Raiders defense has not unexpectedly struggled for much of the season and this was one of their better performances. However, the Raiders take on a potent Bengals offense in Week 11 and should still be considered just a low-end Fantasy unit.
News: Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton caught four passes for 52 yards Week 10 at Green Bay. It was only the third time he topped 50 yards in a game last season.
Analysis: Crayton is the No. 3 wide receiver in Dallas and the fourth receiving option if you consider TE Jason Witten. He'll contribute some chunks of yardage from time to time, but his role doesn't lend itself to much consistency. He's just a low-end Fantasy option for Week 11 against the Redskins.
News: If not for a first quarter touchdown, Laurence Maroney's Week 10 would have been pretty bleak. Maroney had his worst game since taking over the starter's role, getting just 31 yards on 13 carries with the touchdown and a crucial fumble in the end zone along with 15 yards on a pair of catches. Maroney's fumble came when he was trying to get into the end zone but the ball came loose, opening the door for the Patriots to begin using Kevin Faulk in the backfield -- including on the crucial fourth-and-2 play that turned the game. Faulk finished with more total yards.
Analysis: Maroney will have to bounce back in short order against a Jets run defense that has shown holes in recent weeks. Assuming Maroney still only has Faulk to contend with for carries, he should be considered a good enough No. 2 Fantasy RB for Week 11 against those Jets.
News: Cowboys WR Roy E. Williams had by far his best game of the season Week 10 at Green Bay. He topped the century mark for the first time, finishing with five catches for 105 yards. He also had the team's only touchdown, scoring on a 9-yard pass from Tony Romo in the fourth quarter. He did, however, lose a fumble.
Analysis: Williams had five catches for 75 yards last week. He had a combined six catches for 70 yards in his previous four games. The emergence of Miles Austin, who hasn't done much statistically over the last two weeks, has apparently freed up Williams to make big plays again. He's still the secondary option to Austin in Dallas, but he's worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy WR against the Redskins in Week 11.
News: Patriots RB Kevin Faulk had a productive outing considering his usual effort, gaining 79 yards on 12 carries with 7 yards on two receptions.
Analysis: Faulk typically doesn't put up enough stats to warrant Fantasy use but saw a lot of action here in tandem with Laurence Maroney. Faulk remains nothing more than a bench option, primarily in PPR formats. The Patriots play the Jets at home in Week 11.
News: Cowboys RB Felix Jones, who had only four carries for 10 yards at Philadelphia last week, again played a minimal role Week 10 at Green Bay. He had three carries for 6 yards.
Analysis: Jones has yet to get double-digit carries in a game this season, but he sometimes puts up worthwhile Fantasy numbers just because he's such a good home-run threat. The Cowboys have a good matchup Week 11 against the Redskins, but Jones is too much of a boom-or-bust option to use as more than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy RB.
News: Cowboys RB Tashard Choice ran three times for 13 yards at Green Bay in Week 10. He also caught a 9-yard pass. His five touches were his most in the team's last four games.
Analysis: Choice filled in nicely for Marion Barber earlier in the season, but he's now just a backup who gets a few token touches every week. Think of him as nothing more than a handcuff option for Week 11 against the Redskins.
Rams hold their own vs. Saints
Updated 11/15/2009
Rams, DST STL
News: The Rams allowed 28 points and 420 total yards of offense in Week 10 against New Orleans. They forced three turnovers in the game and had one sack.
Analysis: This looked like a blowout in the making on paper, but the Rams played aggressively and got to quarterback Drew Brees early and often. They didn't get a ton of sacks, but they did force him out of any kind of rhythm. They kept Marques Colston completely out of the game and the Rams showed a lot of improvement against perhaps the best offense in football. The Rams will face another tough offense in Week 11 against Arizona. We still don't recommend them as a Fantasy unit, but they are making strides in the right direction.
News: Packers K Mason Crosby, who scored only four points last week at Tampa Bay, scored only five Week 10 against Cowboys. He made 1 of 2 field goals, hitting a 48-yarder, and made two extra points.
Analysis: Crosby had been one of the higher-scoring kickers in Fantasy before this two-game stretch, which makes sense since the Packers have one of the higher-scoring offenses in football. He and they should rebound to a degree Week 11 against the 49ers. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Chiefs RB Kolby Smith had a poor showing on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Raiders. He had nine carries in the game, gaining a total of 12 yards.
Analysis: Smith has a total of 13 carries and 29 yards in two games for the Chiefs this season. He has a chance to get some touches since Larry Johnson was released but has not been advantageous so far. He is not a recommended option for Week 11 against a tough Pittsburgh run defense.
News: Cardinals kicker Josh Brown converted his only field goal attempt in Week 10 against New Orleans, a 32-yard try. He also made two extra point attempts and finished with five points.
Analysis: Brown does not have more than eight points in any game this season. He does kick in doors, but the Rams offense does not put him in enough situations to succeed as a Fantasy kicker. He is not a recommended play for Week 11 against Arizona.
News: Saints kicker John Carney did not attempt a field goal in Week 10 at St. Louis. He converted all four of his extra point attempts.
Analysis: Carney continues to hold on to the job in New Orleans, a very comfy one at that. The Saints have one of the better offenses in the league and whoever is lucky enough to be their placekicker makes for a good start every week -- even if Carney didn't rack up the points in Week 10. He'll try to get back on track in Week 11 at Tampa Bay.
News: Chiefs TE Leonard Pope caught three passes on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Raiders, gaining a total of 11 yards.
Analysis: Pope will get a reception here and there, but is not a consistent enough contributor to be relied upon outside of the very deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Chiefs PK Ryan Succop hit three of his four field goal attempts on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Raiders. His longest kick in the game was good from 50 yards out. Succop also converted his lone extra point attempt.
Analysis: Succop now has two double-digit games this season, scoring 12 points back in Week 6 at Washington. The Chiefs’ offense will probably struggle Week 11 against the Steelers and Succop is not a recommended option for that contest.
News: Packers WR James Jones, who had four catches for 103 yards and a touchdown last week and three touchdowns over his last four games, had three catches for only 17 yards Week 10 against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Jones might lose some looks now that Jordy Nelson has returned from injury, but he was never more than a third receiver for the Packers anyway. He's viable only in the deepest of leagues for Week 11 against the 49ers.
Chiefs knock Russell out of Week 10
Updated 11/15/2009
Chiefs, DST KC
News: The Chiefs defense was so good on Sunday against the Raiders, Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell was taken out of the game and replaced by backup Bruce Gradkowski who threw two second half interceptions. The two QBs combined for a 13 for 32 performance against the Chiefs’ defense, gaining 113 yards. On the ground, the Raiders gained 182 total yards, scoring one touchdown. The unit allowed 10 total points in the game.
Analysis: The Chiefs defense is not one of the better units in the league, so their performance against the Raiders likely had more to do with how bad Oakland’s offense is than how well the Kansas City defense performed. The unit will likely get waxed by the Steelers’ offense in Week 11, making the Chiefs DST not a recommended option.
News: Packers TE Spencer Havner continued his rise as an optimal red-zone target Week 10 against the Cowboys. He caught just one pass for 2 yards, but it was a touchdown, giving him four in his last four games.
Analysis: Havner has only five catches during that stretch, none last week at Tampa Bay, so he's clearly just a factor in the red zone and nowhere else. If you don't mind trying your luck with an all-or-nothing type like that, you could take a flier on him as a No. 2 Fantasy TE against the 49ers in Week 11. Just keep in mind he might lose all of his value if Jermichael Finley returns from a knee injury.
Bills roughed up in Tennessee
Updated 11/15/2009
Bills, DST BUF
News: The Bills allowed 378 yards of offense and 41 points in Week 10 at Tennessee. They forced just one turnover in the game and managed no sacks in the game.
Analysis: The Bills defense actually gave up 27 points, but the offense gave up two interceptions that go on their slate. Fantasy owners have to steer clear of a Bills defense that has had 72 points put up against them in the last two weeks. They'll travel to Tennessee in Week 11.
News: Jets LB David Harris (nine tackles), DB Jim Leonhard (seven tackles, sack), LB Bart Scott (six tackles), LB Calvin Pace (two tackles, sack) and DL Mike Devito (three tackles, fumble recovery) all had nice Fantasy performances in a Week 10 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Harris is the real Fantasy IDP gem in this group, while Pace and Scott have some value in deeper leagues. Leonard and Devito have minimal value heading into Week 11 at New England.
Titans take two to the house
Updated 11/15/2009
Titans, DST TEN
News: The Titans returned two interceptions for touchdowns in Week 10 against Buffalo. They allowed just 17 points and 296 yards of total offense in the game. They forced two turnovers in the game and added two sacks in the game.
Analysis: The Titans are enjoying a significant turn of fortunes in the last three weeks and all aspects of the team have improved. That includes a defense that has kept opponents under 20 points in two of their last three games. They've come back from their bye week in a big way and Fantasy owners can consider them a viable defensive unit when facing good matchups like they did in Week 10. They'll face a tough matchup in Week 11 at Houston.
News: Titans kicker Rob Bironas converted 2 of 3 field goal tries in Week 10 against Buffalo, including a 51-yard field goal. He also converted five extra points and finished with 11 points.
Analysis: Bironas has scored at least 10 points in each of the last three games and has enjoyed a resurgence right along with the rest of the Titans team. He should be considered a viable kicker in all leagues once again and a strong play for Week 11 at Houston in favorable kicking conditions.
News: Jaguars DB Sean Considine (nine tackles), LB Clint Ingram (eight tackles), DL Quentin Groves (tackle, interception) and DL John Henderson (two tackles, fumble recovery) all had fine outings in a Week 10 win over the Jets.
Analysis: While these four had solid performances on Sunday, they are all non-factors in IDP play heading into Week 10 vs. Buffalo.
Analysis: Most of these players are reserves for the Cardinals and hardly contribute on offense. Continue to keep them reserved in Fantasy heading into Week 11 against the Rams.
News: Bills kicker Rian Lindell converted his only field goal try in Week 10 at Tennessee. It was good from 25 yards. He also converted two extra points to give him five points.
Analysis: Lindell has been held under 10 points in all but one game this season. He has yet to attempt a field goal of 50 yards in a game and remains a very low-end option in Fantasy. Now that the bye weeks are over, there is very little use for him in Fantasy.
News: Seahawks WR Ben Obomanu and TE John Owens both dressed but failed to record an offensive stat in Week 10 against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Both Obomanu and Owens are backups for the Seahawks and hardly factor on offense. They should not be owned in Fantasy heading into Week 11 against the Vikings.
News: Dolphins LB Charlie Anderson, starting in place of Joey Porter, made five tackles, two sacks and forced a pair of fumbles in a Week 10 win over the Buccaneers.
Analysis: Well, Tony Sparano might want to keep Porter inactive after this spectacular outing by Anderson. Don't pick up the former Texan in any IDP leagues just yet, but keep a close eye on his production over the next few weeks.
News: The Cardinals were able to hold Seattle wide receiver Nate Burleson off the stat sheet in Week 10. Burleson was targeted five times by QB Matt Hasselbeck but unfortunately came away with no receptions. It was the first time all season he failed to record a catch.
Analysis: Burleson had 13 catches in his previous two games, so it's not like he hasn't been heavily involved on offense. He just had a really bad week. Burleson will look to get back on track in Week 11 against the Vikings. Consider him a No. 3 Fantasy WR.
News: Packers TE Donald Lee caught two passes for 21 yards Week 10 against the Cowboys. He now has three catches over his last two games.
Analysis: Lee hasn't benefited much from Jermichael Finley's absence and has lost some looks in the red zone to Spencer Havner. Leave him on waivers for Week 11 against the 49ers.
Analysis: Bell and Wilson are solid mid-level starting DBs in IDP formats, while Taylor and Crowder are only worth a shot in deeper formats. Wake is a rookie who is making his way up the rankings, but, along with Ayodele, won't be worth using in Week 11 at Carolina.
News: Titans DB Vincent Fuller intercepted a pass in Week 10 against Buffalo and returned it for a touchdown. It was just his second interception of the season.
Analysis: Fuller is not much of an IDP option despite what the touchdown suggests. He is not a good source for tackles or interceptions and should be left on waivers.
News: Cardinals K Neil Rackers converted a 27-yard field goal and four extra points during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. Rackers had three field goals and 16 points in two games against Seattle this season.
Analysis: Rackers hasn't kicked a ton of field goals in 2009 since the Cardinals have been scoring a lot of touchdowns. That is why Rackers remains more of a low-end No. 1 Fantasy kicker. He is definitely a safe option, just not a spectacular one. The Cardinals play the Rams in Week 11. Rackers hit four field goals in two games against St. Louis last season.
News: Packers WR Jordy Nelson, who had gone four games without a catch because of a knee injury, had four for 32 yards Week 10 against the Cowboys.
Analysis: Now that he's healthy, Nelson will probably get two or three grabs per game, but he's still too low on the depth chart to make a significant contribution in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers for Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: Titans DB Roderick Hood intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown in Week 10 against Buffalo. He also had three tackles in the game.
Analysis: Hood has interceptions in three straight games and has a pass deflection in each game. He is worth taking a flier on in deeper IDP formats thanks to his recent play and current role.
News: Cardinals WR Early Doucet caught one pass for 8 yards during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. Doucet was targeted three times. He has five catches in his last two games after getting none in his first seven.
Analysis: Doucet has moved up the depth chart to fourth behind Steve Breaston, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald and you are starting to see that change in his numbers. Still, we don't expect big numbers from the former LSU standout. Doucet has marginal Fantasy appeal until further notice. The Cardinals play the Rams in Week 11.
News: Packers WR Greg Jennings, who looked like he had begun to turn the corner, topping 60 yards receiving in three of the last four weeks, continued to disappoint against the Cowboys in Week 10. He caught four passes for 45 yards.
Analysis: Jennings topped 100 yards receiving in two of his first three games but has yet to repeat the feat since. He has scored only two touchdowns this season and has become the secondary receiving option in Green Bay, behind Donald Driver. With his talent in a pass-heavy offense, he could break out any week and reemerge as a top Fantasy option, but given his performance so far, you have to think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: Buccaneers DB Tanard Jackson (nine tackles, fumble recovery), DB Sabby Piscitelli (nine tackles, forced fumble), LB Barrett Ruud (eight tackles) and LB Quincy Black (seven tackles, interception) all had solid Fantasy outings in a Week 10 loss to the Dolphins.
Analysis: Ruud, who is currently seventh in the NFL in tackles, is a must-start IDP option, while Jackson and Piscitelli have value in deeper leagues. Black is the only one on this list not worth worrying about in Week 11 vs. New Orleans.
News: Cardinals RB LaRod Stephens-Howling totaled two catches for 22 yards during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. He has six catches for 58 yards in nine games.
Analysis: The rookie from Pittsburgh landed a spot on the Cardinals' roster because of his pass-catching ability and special teams contributions. He is not high up on the running back depth chart, so he has minimal Fantasy appeal. The Cardinals play the Rams in Week 11.
News: Titans TE Bo Scaife caught two passes for 16 total yards in Week 10 against Buffalo. He was targeted six times in the game.
Analysis: Scaife has caught a combined four passes in his last two games. His most productive game came in Week 1 when he caught five passes for 48 yards. He has minimal upside in Fantasy and should be left on waivers in all but the deepest of leagues. The Titans travel to Houston in Week 11.
News: Bills WR Steve Johnson caught one pass for 5 yards in Week 10 at Tennessee. He was targeted one time in the game.
Analysis: Johnson is not a regular target in the team's offense and for that reason is not a viable Fantasy option. Leave him on waivers in all leagues.
News: Not only did WR Donald Driver go without a touchdown for only the fifth time this season Week 10 against the Cowboys, but he also had 50 receiving yards, his fewest since Week 1. He caught four passes.
Analysis: Not so coincidentally, QB Aaron Rodgers had less than 200 yards passing for the first time since Week 1. Driver led the team with 50 receiving yards and remains the leading receiver for a pass-heavy offense, ahead of the arguably more talented Greg Jennings. Continue to think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy WR for Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: Packers RB Brandon Jackson, who entered the game with two receptions all years, had three Week 10 against the Cowboys, but for only 15 yards. He also ran the ball once for 2 yards.
Analysis: Ryan Grant is the clear starter in Green Bay, and lately Ahman Green has factored more than Jackson. Jackson has some upside, but his role doesn't lend itself to much production in Fantasy. Leave him on waivers for Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: Bills WR Josh Reed caught two passes for 16 yards in Week 10 at Tennessee. He was targeted four times in the game.
Analysis: Reed is the third receiver on an offense that has a hard enough time getting the ball to its top two receivers. No need to bother with him in Fantasy.
News: Packers RB Ahman Green continued to get sparse touches Week 11 against the Cowboys, finishing with three carries for 9 yards and one catch for minus-4.
Analysis: Green got six carries for 45 yards last week at Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers have an especially bad run defense. Green won't normally get an opportunity to do so much damage. Leave him on waivers for Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: San Diego DB Antonio Cromartie accounted for the lone turnover by either team on Sunday in a Week 10 clash between the Chargers and Eagles. The INT came in the closing seconds of the game however on a Hail Mary pass by Dovovan McNabb.
Analysis: Cromartie emerged as a playmaker in 2007 and hasn't had a chance to make too many plays since. No matter how much ability he has, if he doesn't get the numbers, he doesn't matter in Fantasy. Treat him as a No. 3 DB in Fantasy IDP leagues. Hopefully this INT will spark his season a bit.
News: Packers RB Ryan Grant, who ran for 96 yards and a touchdown last week at Tampa Bay, was productive again Week 10 against the Cowboys, but he couldn't get in the end zone. He finished with 19 carries for 79 yards and caught two passes for 8.
Analysis: Grant doesn't factor in the passing game and has scored only four touchdowns all season, but he pretty much always contributes something of value in Fantasy. He might not bust out for 25 points Week 11 against the 49ers, but his reliability makes him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy RB.
News: San Diego RB Mike Tolbert scored his first touchdown of the season on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Eagles. He caught two passes in the game for a total of 25 yards.
Analysis: As a fullback, Tolbert does more blocking than rushing or receiving. He should remain on waivers for Week 11 at the Broncos despite scoring Week 10.
News: San Diego WR Malcom Floyd had another ho-hum game on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Eagles. He caught three passes in the game, gaining a total of 45 yards. His longest reception in the game went for 22 yards.
Analysis: Floyd has moved up to second on the depth chart at wide receiver with the release of Chris Chambers but was only targeted three times Week 10, catching each of the passes thrown his way. He should eventually become a bigger part of the offense, but until he breaks out he is just a low-end option. The Chargers take on the Broncos Week 11. In Week 6 against Denver, Floyd caught three passes for 51 yards.
News: Eagles QB Donovan McNabb had a huge game on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers. He completed 35 of his 55 passes in the game, throwing for 450 total yards. He had two second half TD passes in the game and an interception late in the fourth quarter on a Hail Mary pass. It was his fourth straight game with at least one TD pass. McNabb's 35 completions tied his own team record. The 450 yards passing were second-most in team history.
Analysis: This was easily McNabb’s biggest day passing this season, throwing for nearly 200 yards more than his second-highest total back in Week 5 against Tampa Bay when he threw for 264 yards. He won’t likely throw 55 passes again in Week 11 at Chicago against a somewhat disappointing Chicago pass defense. Think of McNabb as a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 11.
Bucs DST back to normal in Week 10
Updated 11/15/2009
Buccaneers, DST TB
News: The Buccaneers DST allowed 25 points and 374 yards in a Week 10 loss to the Dolphins. Tampa Bay made one interception and recovered a fumble, but failed to record a sack.
Analysis: The Bucs DST went nuts in Week 9, but you knew there was little chance of them repeating that performance again in Week 10. Things get a lot harder in Week 11 when New Orleans comes to town, so continue to ignore the Tampa Bay unit in all leagues.
News: San Diego WR Legedu Naanee scored a touchdown on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Eagles. He caught three passes in the game for a total of 42 yards and also carried the ball once for 10 yards.
Analysis: Naanee moved up the depth chart after Chris Chambers was let go. Still, he is not a top option as he sits behind the likes of Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates. Naanee has little to no Fantasy appeal heading into Week 11 against the Broncos despite the touchdown. In Week 6 against Denver, Naanee was shut out.
Rodgers throws little, scores twice
Updated 11/15/2009
Packers, TQB GB
News: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was 25 of 36 for 189 yards and a touchdown in another rough day Week 10 against the Cowboys, taking four sacks and spending much of the day under pressure. But he took matters into his own hands to lead the Packers on a 15-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 1-yard sneak for a 10-0 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Packers eventually won 17-7. "I'm proud of the fact that when we needed a big drive in the third quarter, we came up with it," Rodgers said. He finished with five carries for 15 yards.
Analysis: Rodgers finished with less than 200 yards passing for the first time since Week 1, but he has at least two touchdowns -- either running or passing -- in seven straight games. He continues to face more pressure than any NFL quarterback should, but he's good at maneuvering out of it and putting up points. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy QB for Week 11 against the 49ers.
News: Seahawks K Olindo Mare booted a pair of field goals and extra points during a Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. Mare connected on a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter before adding a 20-yarder in the fourth quarter. Mare has six field goals in his last two games.
Analysis: Mare has made 16 field goals in nine games this season and has 22 points in his last two games. The Seahawks have definitely been improving offensively over their last few games, but they are still an unreliable team. Consider Mare a low-end Fantasy option for Week 11 against the Vikings.
News: Chargers WR Vincent Jackson had easily his worst performance of the season on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Eagles. Jackson caught only one pass in the game, gaining a total of 10 yards.
Analysis: Jackson snapped a four-game streak with a touchdown with his awful showing Sunday against Philadelphia. Hopefully this one poor outing is an aberration and he’ll get back to being one of the top receivers in the league Week 11 at Denver. In Week 6 against the Broncos at home, Jackson caught four passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.
News: Eagles WR Jason Avant had easily his best game of the season on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers. He caught eight passes in the game, gaining a total of 156 yards. His longest reception on the day went for 58 yards.
Analysis: Avant had a total of five catches in his five previous games heading into Week 10. He clearly put himself back into the spotlight in terms of Fantasy relevance and is worth taking a look at in deeper Fantasy formats. However, keep in mind that he nearly doubled his yardage total on the season in Week 10. Think of Avant as a No. 3 option at best for Week 11 at Chicago.
News: Chargers RB Darren Sproles had another weak performance on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Eagles. Sproles carried the ball only twice in the contest, gaining 14 yards. He also caught four passes that went for 31 yards.
Analysis: Sproles had only 23 yards Week 9 at the Giants, so this was a slight improvement. Sproles has disappeared a few times in 2009, making him a risky play week in and week out. Think of him as a flex option at best for Week 11 at Denver. Back in Week 6, Sproles gained only 4 total yards on one carry and one reception.
News: Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has his second multi-TD game in the past three weeks on Sunday in a win over the Eagles. Tomlinson carried the ball 24 times in the game, gaining 96 yards and scoring twice on the ground. His longest run of the game went for 20 yards. Tomlinson failed to catch a pass in the game however in a game in which he past Marcus Allen for third all time in TDs. In Week 6, Tomlinson gained more than 100 total yards against the Broncos at home.
Analysis: Tomlinson still hasn’t run for 100 yards this season but this was his best rushing performance of the season. Tomlinson said it was "mind-boggling" to move past Marcus Allen for third all time in total touchdowns. He ran for TDs No. 145 and 146 Week 10. Emmitt Smith is second with 175. Jerry Rice is first with 208. His performance in Week 10 is certainly encouraging for Tomlinson’s Fantasy owners who have been disappointed this season. Think of Tomlinson as a solid No. 2 Fantasy option for that contest.
News: Seahawks RB Justin Griffith totaled one catch for 4 yards during a Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. He has 10 catches for 50 yards in six games this season.
Analysis: Griffith has regained his spot in the lineup after losing it to Owen Schmitt earlier in the season. He is not a bad pass-catching fullback, but Griffith doesn't do enough on a weekly basis to matter in Fantasy. Ignore him heading into Week 11 against the Vikings.
Rivers efficient against Eagles
Updated 11/15/2009
Chargers, TQB SD
News: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers did not have his best career game on Sunday against the Eagles, but he did manage to maintain possession of the ball and move it down the field effectively. Rivers finished the game with 231 passing yards, completing 20 of his 25 throws in the game. He had two TDs in the game as well.
Analysis: Rivers finished the game with a 131.8 passer rating, the third time he has broke the 100-point mark in that category. Rivers has thrown for at least one touchdown in every game this season with the exception of Week 3 against Miami and has only been picked off six times in nine games. In Week 11 at Denver, think of Rivers as a No. 1 Fantasy option despite the Broncos’ solid pass defense this season. In Week 6, Rivers threw for 274 yards and a TD against Denver.
News: Seahawks WR Deon Butler totaled three catches for 26 yards during a Week 10 loss against the Cardinals. His longest reception went for 11 yards and he was targeted seven times.
Analysis: Butler hadn't managed more than one catch in any game this season before Week 10. He definitely got involved a little more on offense and was even targeted down field. However, Butler is still buried on the depth chart and has a long ways to go to becoming a viable Fantasy option. Continue to ignore him heading into Week 11 against the Vikings.
News: Seahawks TE John Carlson accounted for only one reception in Week 10 against Arizona, but he made it count with a touchdown. Matt Hasselbeck faked a handoff on third-and-1 and threw to wide-open Carlson for a 31-yard touchdown and it was 14-0 with 8:29 to go in the first half. It was Carlson's first touchdown since the opener against St. Louis when he had two scores.
Analysis: Carlson really hasn't had any outstanding performances since his big outing against St. Louis. He is a good pass-catching tight end, but since Seattle has a bunch of good receivers, Carlson sometimes gets lost in the mix. View him as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy TE for Week 11 against the Vikings.
Analysis: Smith is a nice special teams guy for the Bucs but has no Fantasy value as a third-string RB at best. Ignore him and the rest of these guys in Week 11 vs. New Orleans.
News: Jets K Jay Feely kicked field goals of 32, 37 and 40 yards along with a PAT in New York's Week 10 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Feely has only two double-digit games this season, but he's only had one game of less than six points, so he's been pretty consistent overall. He's probably not worth a start in Week 11 at New England.
News: Jaguars K Josh Scobee kicked a 21-yard field goal and an extra point in a Week 10 win at the Jets. He also missed a 49-yard try.
Analysis: Scobee is an OK kicker, but just hasn't got consistent opportunities to kick this season. Only use him in super-deep leagues for Week 11 vs. Buffalo.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch totaled four receptions for 50 yards during a Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. His longest reception went 15 yards and he was targeted eight times. Branch had six catches for 59 yards in two games against Arizona this season.
Analysis: Branch had his 50-yard game of the season in Week 10. Branch has really fallen down the depth chart in Seattle mostly because of injuries and the arrival of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He is no longer a reliable Fantasy WR and has marginal appeal heading into Week 11 against the Vikings.
News: Buccaneers K Connor Barth kicked field goals of 51, 50 and 54 yards in a Week 10 loss at Miami, tying an NFL record with three kicks over 50 yards.
Analysis: In leagues that reward long field goals, Barth was a Fantasy beast on Sunday. Unfortunately, he's owned in zero percent of leagues, so no one benefited. The Bucs host New Orleans in Week 11, and while Barth might be worth grabbing in deeper leagues for the rest of the season, Tampa Bay might have to come from behind against the Saints and won't be looking for field goals.
News: Philadelphia WR Reggie Brown made two catches for 36 yards on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers. His longest reception went for 19 yards.
Analysis: Brown typically doesn't even make a reception most weeks, making him an irrelevant Fantasy player. He should not be active in any format for Week 11 at Chicago.
News: Jets WR David Clowney made one 7-yard catch in a Week 10 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Clowney is barely worth using in Fantasy play right now with Jerricho Cotchery healthy and you shouldn't use the former Virginia Tech star in any Fantasy formats for Week 11 at New England.
News: Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught nine passes for 165 yards during a Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. His longest reception went for 53 yards and he was targeted 17 times. Houshmandzadeh averaged 18.3 yards per catch.
Analysis: Houshmandzadeh has had just two 100-yard games in his first season with Seattle and definitely hasn't had the season the team or Fantasy owners envisioned. Still, his Week 10 performance was encouraging and the 17 targets definitely shows Seattle wants to get him the football. Consider Housh a No. 2 Fantasy WR heading into Week 11 against the Vikings. The Minnesota secondary has been vulnerable at times this season.
Analysis: Vinatieri and Gonzalez will have significant Fantasy value when they return, but it is hard to say when that will be. The rest of these players have little to no Fantasy value.
News: Jets TE Dustin Keller caught six passes for 58 yards in a Week 10 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Keller now has 14 catches in his last two games, a total only one fewer than he had in his first seven games this season. It looks like Mark Sanchez is finally learning to throw to his TE, so get Keller active as a low-end No. 1 TE in most formats for Week 11 at New England.
News: Saints TE Jeremy Shockey caught three passes for 42 yards in Week 10 at St. Louis. He was targeted five times in the game.
Analysis: Shockey has had around 3-4 catches for around 40 yards in his last few games, with the exception of his 105-yard performance in Week 7 at Miami. The Saints have one of the best pass offenses in the NFL and Shockey could have a big game in any week, but has really had just one all season. View him as a low-end No. 1 tight end for Week 11 at Tampa Bay.
News: Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace completed his only pass attempt for 16 yards during a Week 10 win against the Cardinals. Wallace attempted the pass from the Wildcat formation. He also had one reception for 5 yards.
Analysis: Wallace is such a good athlete that Seattle is trying to find ways to work him into the offense when Matt Hasselbeck is healthy. Still, Wallace will only be worth using in Fantasy when he is the full-time starter under center. It's safe to ignore Wallace heading into Week 11 against the Vikings.
News: Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery caught six passes for 68 yards and his first touchdown since Week 3 as New York fell to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Cotchery likes to play at home and came through nicely for his owners who took a shot with him as a sleeper No. 3 option in Week 10. Consider him less of a sleeper in Week 11 as New York will be playing at New England.
News: Saints TE David Thomas five catches for 45 yards in Week 10 against St. Louis. He was targeted six times in the game.
Analysis: Thomas actually was tied for the team lead in targets in Week 10. He had just seven catches coming into action in Week 10, but Fantasy owners should not suddenly view him as a viable tight end despite this performance. Jeremy Shockey remains the leading receiver among tight ends in New Orleans. The Saints will travel to Tampa Bay in Week 11.
News: Cardinals DL Bryan Robinson totaled three tackles and one sack during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. It was his first sack of the season.
Analysis: Robinson was in the starting lineup against Seattle since Chike Okeafor was out with an injury. He had his best game and looked as though he belongs in the lineup. But Robinson has pretty much been a backup DL the last few seasons and low-end Fantasy option.
News: Saints WR Devery Henderson caught four passes for 72 yards in Week 10 at St. Louis. He was targeted six times in the game.
Analysis: Henderson led the team in receiving yards and targets in Week 10. Henderson has not had more than four catches in a game since Week 1 and hasn't cracked 100 yards since. He has, however, managed 70-plus yards in three of his last four games. He can be a viable one-week stopgap option, but should not be viewed as anything more than a fourth receiver on a regular basis in Fantasy.
News: Jaguars RB Greg Jones made one 4-yard catch in a Week 10 win at the Jets.
Analysis: Jones usually lines up at fullback for the Jaguars, but he doesn't get a lot of touches in the backfield. That isn't expected to change anytime soon, so continue to ignore Jones in Fantasy heading into Week 11 vs. Buffalo.
News: Cardinals DB Adrian Wilson totaled four tackles and one interception during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. Arizona intercepted Matt Hasselbeck twice late in the game. The most impressive came with the Seahawks on the Cardinals 3-yard line with two minutes to go. Hasselbeck attempted a shuffle pass that Adrian Wilson stepped in to pick off, sealing the victory.
Analysis: Wilson's interception in Week 10 reminded us of his heyday when he was one of the best safeties in the NFL. It was a very athletic move. The last two seasons Wilson has dealt with his fair share of injuries and that has really taken his career off track. Wilson isn't having a great year, but he is still worth using as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy DB.
News: Rams TE Randy McMichael caught two passes for 30 yards in Week 10 against New Orleans. He was targeted five times in the game.
Analysis: McMichael has had more than two catches just three times this season and he has not had more than four catches in a game. He has yet to reach 50 yards in a game and has not scored a touchdown. He remains just a last-resort option for Week 11 vs. Arizona.
News: Jaguars rookie WR Jarett Dillard made one 7-yard catch in a Week 10 win over the Jets, but broke his ankle on the play. He is out for the season.
Analysis: Dillard wasn't much of a factor in his first NFL season, so will not be a factor in drafts heading into 2010.
News: Cardinals LB Clark Haggans totaled six tackles (four solo) and two sacks during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. Haggans has three sacks in his last two games and 4 1/2 on the season.
Analysis: Haggans is definitely getting back into shape after his 2008 season was marred by injury. Haggans was a great linebacker for years in Pittsburgh and is starting to regain his pass-rushing form. Treat him as a low-end Fantasy LB.
News: Cardinals DL Darnell Dockett totaled six tackles (five solo) and 1/2 sack during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. He has 1 1/2 sacks in his last two games and 2 1/2 on the season.
Analysis: Dockett is one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL and posts some nice numbers from that position. However, he is more of a low-end Fantasy option since he doesn't always fill the stat sheet.
News: Eagles QB Michael Vick attempted one pass on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers that was incomplete.
Analysis: Vick continues to get limited touches as the No. 2 QB behind Donovan McNabb. Vick has minimal Fantasy value and should not be used in any leagues in Week 11 at Chicago.
News: Jaguars WR Torry Holt made two catches for 24 yards in a Week 10 win over the Jets.
Analysis: Holt has just 78 yards over the last three games and is nothing more than a No. 3 Fantasy WR at the moment. Only use him in Week 11 vs. Buffalo if you have no other option.
News: Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby totaled eight tackles (six solo) and 1/2 sack during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. He now has one sack on the season after his only other quarterback takedown was a 1/2 sack in Week 2 against the Jaguars.
Analysis: Dansby is not an elite pass rusher, but he definitely is good enough from the linebacker position. Dansby racks up the tackles for Arizona and remains a viable Fantasy LB.
News: Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis made two catches for a team-high 58 yards in a Week 10 win at the Jets.
Analysis: Lewis has the odd decent game now and again, but just isn't consistent enough to be worth using in most Fantasy leagues for Week 11 vs. Buffalo.
News: Cardinals DB Antrel Rolle totaled nine solo tackles and one interception during a Week 10 win against the Seahawks. He also had two pass defenses. Rolle had an interception in both of his games against Seattle this season.
Analysis: Rolle came into the game battling a foot injury, but it was never severe enough to keep him off the field. Rolle, who has four interceptions this season, has made a lot of big plays in 2009 and remains a viable Fantasy DB.
News: Eagles WR DeSean Jackson had a decent game on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers. Jackson caught eight passes in the game, tying for the team high. He gained 91 yards in the game, with a long of 22 yards. However, he failed to score for the second straight game. Jackson suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter but returned action soon after.
Analysis: Jackson bounced back from a poor Week 9 performance in which he caught only two passes for 29 yards. He was outshined in Week 10 by Jason Avant who gained 156 yards through the air. However, Jackson is still the top receiver in Philly and should still be considered a must-start for Week 11 at Chicago.
News: Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker made three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown in a Week 10 win at the Jets.
Analysis: Sims-Walker shook off the coverage of Jets DB Darrelle Revis on Sunday to ruin his tag as Sit of the Week on CBSSports.com. He will get another touch matchup in Week 11 against a pretty solid Bills defense, but should be worth a shot as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR.
News: Seahawks LB David Hawthorne totaled a team-high 11 tackles (10 solo) during a Week 10 loss to the Cardinals. It was his second double-digit tackle performance.
Analysis: Hawthorne has done a very good job in the place of the injured Lofa Tatupu. He has 28 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions in three November games. He also had six pass defenses. Hawthorne has gone from virtual unknown to viable Fantasy LB.
News: Eagles TE Brent Celek caught a TD pass for the third straight game on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers. Celek caught six passes in the game, gaining a total of 47 yards. His TD pass came in the fourth quarter and cut the team’s deficit to 28-23. His longest reception went for 17 yards.
Analysis: Celek continues his solid play for the Eagles, catching a TD pass for the third straight game and his fifth overall. He has developed into one of the most reliable Fantasy TEs in the league and should be considered a must-start for Week 11 at Chicago.
News: Eagles PK David Akers capitalized on the Eagles’ red zone futility on Sunday in a Week 10 loss to the Chargers. Akers was a perfect 3 for 3 kicking field goals in the game, with a long of just 25 yards. He also made both of the extra points he attempted for 11 total points.
Analysis: Akers has now put up double digits in points three games in a row and has not scored less than nine points since Week 5 against the Buccaneers. Akers is a solid kicker and the Eagles’ potent offense gives him plenty of opportunities. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 11 at Chicago.
Analysis: Ignore all these players in most Fantasy leagues and don't plan on using any of them in Week 11 against Seattle.
Cardinals D comes up big in 2nd half
Updated 11/15/2009
Cardinals, DST ARI
News: Playing without defensive starters Gerald Hayes and Chike Okeafor due to injury in Week 10, the Cardinals made a strong second-half stand in a 31-20 comeback win against the Seahawks. After falling behind 17-10 at the half, the Cardinals held Seattle to a field goal in the second half. Seattle did rack up 472 yards, but Arizona had two interceptions, including one late in the game with the Seahawks inside the 5-yard line. Arizona also had four sacks.
Analysis: The Cardinals haven't put forth a bad defensive effort in 2009, but they have been a bit unpredictable at times. It will help their cause once they get back to 100 percent, so consider the Cardinals DST a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option for Week 11 against the Rams.
News: Titans WR Kenny Britt caught two passes for 55 yards in Week 10 against Buffalo. He was targeted four times in the game.
Analysis: Britt has not had more than two catches in a game since Week 4, but this was his first 50-plus performance since Week 4 as well. He remains a low-end starting option, useful when facing good matchups if you need an injury replacement. The Titans travel to Houston in Week 11.
News: Vikings DL Ray Edwards was stellar Sunday against Detroit with five tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Edwards had plenty of help from his teammates. Cedric Griffin had nine tackles and a forced fumble. E.J. Henderson had seven tackles. Chad Greenway had six tackles. Jared Allen had one tackle. Pat Williams had two tackles. Kevin Williams had four tackles and a sack.
Analysis: The Vikings have several solid IDP options, and look for the Vikings defense to play well in Week 11 against Seattle.
News: Titans RB LenDale White got three carries in Week 10 against St. Louis. He totaled gained 6 yards.
Analysis: White has scored only one touchdown this season and has not gained more than 51 yards on the ground in a game. He is clearly playing second fiddle to Chris Johnson in Tennessee and is no longer a viable Fantasy option. He could have a decent game Week 10 against a poor Buffalo run defense, but look for Johnson to again get nearly all the carries.
News: Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell was perfect Sunday against the Lions. Longwell made two field goals and three extra points without missing a kick. His long field goal was 35 yards.
Analysis: Longwell continues to be a No. 1 Fantasy kicker in all leagues. Keep him active in Week 11 against Seattle and hope for more outings like this.
News: Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe had three catches for 43 yards Sunday against Detroit. This was the first time in the past three games against the Lions that Shiancoe did not score a touchdown.
Analysis: Shiancoe continues to be a solid TE in all leagues. Consider him a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against Seattle in Week 11.
News: Vikings WR Sidney Rice had seven catches for 201 yards Sunday against the Lions. Rice has now gone five games without scoring a touchdown, but he has three of his past four games with at least 135 receiving yards.
Analysis: If Rice was finding the end zone he'd be considered the No. 1 Fantasy WR in all leagues. As it is, he's having a breakout season in his third year. Rice continues to be Brett Favre's favorite target, and look for Rice to remain hot in Week 11 against Seattle. Keep him active in all leagues.
News: Rams RB Samkon Gado carried twice in Week 10 against New Orleans. He totaled 3 yards.
Analysis: Gado backs up Steven Jackson in St. Louis and has no Fantasy value as long as Jackson is healthy. He can remain on the waiver wire in all leagues.
News: Saints RB Kyle Eckel rushed twice in Week 10 at St. Louis. He totaled 6 yards.
Analysis: Eckel is used mainly as a blocking full back and is not going to see consistent looks in the offense. He should be left on waivers in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Vikings rookie WR Percy Harvin had three catches for 53 yards and one carry for 7 yards Sunday against Detroit.
Analysis: Harvin continues to be a solid playmaker for the Vikings, and he's worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy WR for most weeks. Look for him to play well in Week 11 against Seattle.
News: Vikings backup RB Chester Taylor had seven carries for 16 yards Sunday against Detroit. He also had one catch for 7 yards.
Analysis: Taylor did little playing behind Adrian Peterson, who had 18 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor is only an insurance policy in case Peterson gets hurt. Don't plan on starting Taylor in any leagues in Week 11 against Seattle.
News: Saints WR Robert Meachem gained 41 yards on a designed run play and also caught a 27-yard touchdown pass in Week 10 at St. Louis. They were his only two touches of the game.
Analysis: Meachem was able to find the end zone for a second straight week, but he wasn't much of a factor in the pass offense. He was thrown to just once in the game and it happened to be for a touchdown. Meachem has fleeting viability in Fantasy and cannot be trusted on a regular basis. He'll face a favorable matchup in Week 11 at Tampa Bay, but should be considered more of a No. 4 Fantasy WR.
News: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson had a tremendous outing Sunday against Detroit. He had 18 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns and caught two passes for 10 yards. His only negative was two lost fumbles, including one on a potential long touchdown run when he was stripped from behind by Lions DB Phillip Buchanon.
Analysis: Peterson continues to be one of the best running backs in the NFL and in all Fantasy leagues. Continue to start him in all formats in Week 11 against Seattle and hope for more outings like this -- minus the fumbles.
News: Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton made one 3-yard catch in a Week 10 loss at Miami.
Analysis: Clayton went for 93 yards in Week 1, but hasn't done much of anything since. He's nothing more than a low-end emergency injury replacement heading into Week 11 vs. New Orleans.
News: Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson came on late in Sunday's game against Detroit to replace Brett Favre in garbage time. He was 0 of 2 passing and had three carries for minus-3 yards.
Analysis: Jackson has minimal Fantasy value in all leagues and should not be used in any formats in Week 11 against Seattle.
