News: The Raiders signed linebacker Kevin Burnett on Sunday. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Burnett, who was released by the Dolphins last week, has posted over 100 tackles each of the last two seasons.
Analysis: Burnett has averaged over 103 tackles over the last three years and has racked up 11 total sacks during that span. It looks as though he will end up with a starting gig in Oakland, which gives him value in Fantasy IDP formats. Consider him as a No. 3 Fantasy option in leagues that count tackles.
News: After the Dolphins signed linebackers Phillip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe, the team released veteran Kevin Burnett.
Analysis: Burnett, 30, was a good source of tackles for Fantasy owners over his two years with the Dolphins, racking up over 100 total each year while contributing some nominal totals in other stat columns along the way. If he resurfaces in a starting spot then he could serve as a No. 3 Fantasy option in leagues that count tackles.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett left Week 17 against the Patriots with a concussion. Burnett took several big hits in the loss and left briefly in the second quarter before returning. He finished with five solo tackles prior to leaving the game.
Analysis: Burnett was able to top the 100-tackle mark for the second straight season but did not contribute much in the turnover department. However, he did have 2.5 sacks and five passes defended on the year and will be back with the Dolphins next year. Consider the veteran merely a low-end option in deeper IDP formats next season.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett had another solid game in Week 16 against the Bills, as he ended up one tackle short of 100 for the season. Burnett, who entered the game with 91 stops, had eight tackles -- all solo -- in the 24-10 win.
Analysis: Burnett now just needs one tackle to reach 100 for the second season in a row, and he has a solid chance to reach his career high of 106 set a year ago. Burnett does not do much else in terms of play making, but he remains a consistent contributor and can be consider a viable low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett had another solid game in Week 15 against the Jaguars, racking up eight stops. He added a sack in the game, in a 24-3 win.
Analysis: Burnett has 93 tackles on the season with two games remaining, giving him a good shot at getting to 100 for the second year in a row. He also has a chance to set a new season high, after posting 103 a year ago. He remains a viable low-end Fantasy IDP option moving forward.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett led the team in tackles in Week 13 against the Patriots, as he racked up a season-high 11 in a 23-16 loss. 10 of his stops were of the solo variety, though he added no other stat in the game.
Analysis: Burnett now has 80 tackles on the season, and he seems a sure bet to reach 100. He has just 1.5 sacks and is threatening to go without an interception for the first time since 2009, however he remains a solid Fantasy IDP option moving forward.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett kept his steady performance up in Week 12 against the Seahawks. He finished with six tackles in the game, a 24-21 win. Burnett has at least six tackles in each of the last four games.
Analysis: Burnett remains on pace for just around 100 tackles this season, but he will probably end up cutting it close. This is the first time since in three seasons that Burnett does not have an interception, so Fantasy owners should consider him more of a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett posted another productive day in Week 11 against the Bills Thursday. Burnett matched his season high with nine tackles, four of which were solo stops. The Dolphins would lose the game 19-14.
Analysis: Burnett now has 63 tackles through 10 games, putting him on pace for almost exactly 100 tackles. He reached that mark for the first time a year ago, and he has a chance to do it two years in a row. Burnett does little besides rack up tackles, but he is still a decent low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett matched the team lead in tackles Sunday against the Titans, with six. He had five solo stops in what ended up being a 37-3 loss.
Analysis: Burnett remains on pace for close to 100 tackles on the season, and he now has three games in a row with six tackles. He has been productive this season, and remains a decent low-end IDP option in many Fantasy formats.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett posted six tackles for the second game in a row Sunday in Week 9 against the Colts. He had four solo stops in the game, as the Dolphins fell, 23-20.
Analysis: Burnett is on pace for 96 tackles at the season’s halfway mark, which would put him right in line with his last few seasons. He is pretty consistent in his production, so Fantasy owners should consider him a decent IDP option in deeper formats.
News: Miami linebacker Kevin Burnett recorded six tackles and a sack in the Week 8 win over the Jets Sunday. Burnett had five solo tackles in the game and added a pass defended for the Dolphins in the winning effort.
Analysis: Burnett has 42 tackles on the year for Miami to go with 1 1/2 sacks and five passes defended. Burnett has been a solid but not spectacular defensive option in IDP formats. He should continue to be viewed that way heading into Week 9 at Indianapolis.
News: Dolphins linebacker is active and expected to play through an ankle injury Sunday against the Rams. He was limited in practice Friday as a result of the injury, but will play through it.
Analysis: Burnett was limited in practice last week with a foot injury, and this might be related to that. Still, he is in uniform and will be toughing it out, so Fantasy owners should consider him a viable low-end Fantasy IDP option for Week 6.
News: Dolphins linebacker Kevin Burnett is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams as a result of his injured ankle. Burnett was not listed on the injury report until Friday, when he was a limited participant.
Analysis: Burnett was limited in practice last week with a foot injury, but it is not clear at this time if that is the same issue that is currently an issue. It looks like Burnett will be a game-time decision for Sunday. He is a viable Fantasy IDP option, when healthy.
News: Miami linebacker Kevin Burnett (foot) was active for the Week 5 game at Cincinnati. Burnett was not listed among the team's inactives.
Analysis: Burnett continues to be a decent option for tackles for the Dolphins. He will look to get to 100 tackles for the second straight year. However, the 29-year-old doesn't get to the quarterback much (15 career sacks) and should be viewed as a viable option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Miami linebacker Kevin Burnett registered a team-high nine tackles and a pass defended during the Dolphins' 23-20 overtime loss to the Jets in Week 3. Burnett, who was active for the game after dealing with a minor foot issue in practice, now has 18 total tackles on the season.
Analysis: Burnett has been a solid option for tackles as he attempts to record 100 stops for the second straight year with the Dolphins. However, the 29-year-old doesn't get to the quarterback much (15 career sacks) and should be viewed as a viable option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Miami LB Kevin Burnett tallied a season-high 14 tackles, including 11 solo stops, during the Dolphins' 19-17 victory over the Jets in Week 17. Burnett topped double-digits for the fourth time this season and surpassed the 100-tackle plateau for the first time in his career.
Analysis: Burnett struggled adjusting to Miami's defense after arriving in the offseason from San Diego and failed to surpass five tackles in his first five games of the year. However, he surged late and finished with 105 stops. Consider him a quality option late in 2012 Fantasy drafts.
News: LB Kevin Burnett scored the final touchdown in the Dolphins' 34-14 win over the Raiders in Week 13. He returned his interception of Raiders QB Carson Palmer 34 yards for the score. Burnett also made four tackles and recorded one of two Miami sacks in the game.
Analysis: Burnett has really picked up his production lately, and he has become a viable LB option again. He is worth starting in most IDP leagues.
News: Miami LB Kevin Burnett registered a game-high 12 tackles, including 11 solo stops, during the Dolphins' 20-19 loss to Dallas in Week 12 on Thursday. Burnett reached double-digits in tackles for the third time this season and first since Week 9 at Kansas City.
Analysis: Burnett, in his first season with the Dolphins, boosted his tackle total to 68 this year. He seems to be overcoming a sluggish first half to the season, but is unlikely to top his career-high six sacks set last year. Consider him a viable option in most Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett totaled 12 tackles (10 solo) and 1 1/2 sacks in Week 9 at Kansas City.
Analysis: Burnett now has 22 tackles in his last two games after totaling 24 tackles in his first six games. He is finally showing why Miami went after him in free agency. Perhaps now is the time to add Burnett back in Fantasy IDP formats and start him.
News: Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett totaled 10 tackles (seven solo) and one pass defense in Week 8 against the Giants. It was his first 10-tackle performance this season.
Analysis: Burnett is not having the kind of season the Dolphins envisioned after luring him away from San Diego. Burnett is not making plays on a regular basis and has very low-end Fantasy appeal until he has more performances like Week 8.
News: Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett was once again not much of a factor in Week 6 against the Jets. Burnett finished with four tackles in the contest, all solo, including one for a loss. He now has 17 on the season.
Analysis: Burnett has suppose to add stability to the Dolphins' defense this season, but has failed to live up to his expectations. He will most likely finish nowhere near the 95 tackles he registered a season ago and Burnett seems to be lost on times out there. While being a starter will help him retain some of his value, owners should consider the 28-year-old merely a low-end Fantasy LB heading into Week 7 against the Broncos.
News: Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett recorded four solo tackles and assisted on one more in Week 2 against the Texans.
Analysis: After collecting just three tackles in the season opener, Burnett was more productive in Week 2. He should continue to rack up the stats for the Dolphins so consider him a low-end option in IDP formats.
News: Dolphins LB Kevin Burnett was relatively quiet in Week 1 against the Patriots. Burnett finished with just three tackles, all solo in the 38-24 defeat.
Analysis: Burnett was a bit of a disappointment in his debut as he was unable to really make an impact. Still, he is expected to help anchor Miami's defense this year and should be able to rebound moving forward. Leave him active in the majority of IDP formats heading into Week 2 against Houston.
News: The Miami Herald reports Friday that the Dolphins have signed free agent LB Kevin Burnett. The team released Channing Crowder earlier in the day, so it is assumed that Burnett will replace him on the first-team defense. Burnett had a career-high 95 tackles last season with San Diego to go along with six sacks and a pair of interceptions.
Analysis: Burnett provides an immediate upgrade to an already top-notch defense in the rough AFC East, and he should start alongside Karlos Dansby in the middle of the 3-4 scheme. He has solid cover skills from the LB position as well as the ability to stymie the run, so he has the chance to play all three downs no matter the situation. Burnett has been on the rise each year, and he walks into a solid situation which could lead to more big plays after a career-year. Fantasy owners should consider the versatile Burnett to be a viable LB in IDP formats on Draft Day, worth selecting with a late-round pick.
News: San Diego LB Kevin Burnett recorded eight tackles in the Chargers' 33-28 victory over Denver in Week 17. It was the second time in three games Burnett has tallied eight tackles in a game.
Analysis: Burnett finished with a career-high 95 tackles this season and six sacks but managed just one quarterback takedown in his last 10 outings. Keep him mind as a solid option in Fantasy IDP drafts for 2011.
News: San Diego LB Kevin Burnett had just four tackles, one solo, in Week 16 against Cincinnati. He wasn't much of a factor in the Chargers 34-20 loss.
Analysis: Burnett has 87 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles on the year. He's normally a solid LB option in Fantasy IDP leagues, but definitely didn't play like it in Week 16. Consider him a decent start in Week 17 when San Diego travels to Denver.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett had a team-high eight solo tackles in Week 15 against the 49ers. He also had a sack of QB Alex Smith. It was his sixth sack of the season and first since Week 6.
Analysis: Burnett continues to add onto his career-best totals in 2010. He is doing everything for the Chargers. He plays the run, rushes the passer and can even drop back into pass coverage. Continue to view Burnett as a viable Fantasy LB.
News: San Diego LB Kevin Burnett registered a season-low one tackle in the Chargers' 31-0 rout of Kansas City in Week 14. The Chargers controlled the Chiefs the entire game and allowed just five total first downs.
Analysis: A slow game for Burnett, who entered Week 14 with 22 sacks in his last three games. The San Diego defense had its best game of the season and Burnett should be viewed as a high-end Fantasy option in IDP leagues in Week 15 against San Francisco.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett had a relatively quiet game in Week 13 against the Raiders. He was able to record only four tackles in the 28-13 loss.
Analysis: Burnett has been a tackling machine this season but even he has some slow games. He has already set career highs in every defensive category and has five sacks and two interceptions to go with 74 tackles. With Kansas City up next on the schedule, continue to view Burnett as a solid option in all IDP formats.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett tallied 10 total tackles (nine solo) in the Week 12 win over the Colts. Burnett also had two tackles for loss, and an interception which he returned for a touchdown and a pass broken up. The pick-six was an adjustment to man coverage in which he fell off his man right into QB Peyton Manning's passing lane for the easy INT.
Analysis: Burnett also intercepted Manning while a member of the Cowboys in 2006. He led the Chargers in tackles on Sunday night, providing the defensive spark that blew the game open once he found the end zone. Burnett is having a career year with the 'Bolts and he might even be on his way to 100 tackles. He has 70 though 11 games. Continue to start Burnett as a solid No. 2 Fantasy LB moving forward.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett had another solid performance in Week 11 against the Chargers. He finished second on San Diego with eight tackles, including one for a loss, in the 35-14 win.
Analysis: Burnett continues to rack up the tackles and now has 60 on the year with five sacks and an interception. He is six tackles away from tying his career mark and has an outside chance at posting his first 100-tackle campaign. With the Colts up next in Week 12, continue to view Burnett as a solid Fantasy LB for use in most IDP formats.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett played well in Week 9 at Houston. Burnett, who had been battling a shoulder injury, had seven tackles, including five solo. He did not have a sack, but he has five on the season.
Analysis: Burnett is a solid LB in IDP leagues. The Chargers have a bye in Week 10 before facing Denver in Week 11. Consider starting Burnett in all IDP formats against the Broncos, and hopefully he won't have to worry about the shoulder injury going forward.
News: As expected, Chargers ILB Kevin Burnett (shoulder) was not among the inactives for Week 9 at Houston. He participated in practice all week and was listed as probable heading into Sunday.
Analysis: Burnett has yet to record more than eight tackles in any one game, but he does have five sacks on the season. With a favorable matchup against a struggling a Cardinals offense, he is an advisable start in IDP leagues for Week 9.
News: Chargers ILB Kevin Burnett (shoulder) fully participated in practice all week and is officially listed as probable for the Week 9 game at Houston. The injury report following last Sunday's game against the Titans indicated that Burnett injured his shoulder. "What shoulder," Burnett quipped when asked about it during Monday's press conference.
Analysis: Burnett doesn't have a sack in his last two games after getting five in a three-game span. He is having the finest season of his career and has become a breakout Fantasy star in IDP leagues. You might as well start Burnett as long as he posts favorable numbers.
News: Chargers ILB Kevin Burnett (shoulder) fully participated in practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 9 against the Texans. The injury report following last Sunday's game against the Titans indicated that Burnett injured his shoulder. "What shoulder," Burnett quipped when asked about it during Monday's press conference.
Analysis: Burnett doesn't have a sack in his last two games after getting five in a three-game span. He is having the finest season of his career and has become a breakout Fantasy star in IDP leagues. You might as well start Burnett as long as he posts favorable numbers.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett recorded seven tackles, including one for a loss, in Week 8 against the Titans but suffered a shoulder injury in the 33-25 win.
Analysis: Burnett has 45 tackles with five sacks and an interception in the year and is a solid option in IDP formats, when healthy. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress heading into Week 9 against the Texans.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett entered Week 7 against the Patriots having recorded five sacks over his last three games. He was not able to get to the quarterback on Sunday, though, but finished with five tackles, including one for a loss, in the 23-20 defeat.
Analysis: Burnett jumped onto the Fantasy map with three productive games but it would be hard to keep putting together sacks at that pace throughout the season. Still, he has 37 tackles with an interception and four passed defended through the first seven games and remains a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues.
News: For the third straight game, Chargers LB Kevin Burnett recorded at least one sack. He had exactly one sack in the 20-17 loss to St. Louis in Week 6, and he also picked up three tackles.
Analysis: The tackle count was Burnett's lowest of the year, but he now has five sacks on the season. He can be used as a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett had a monster game Week 5 in a loss to the Raiders. Burnett managed two sacks of Oakland quarterbacks in the performance and also finished the game with five stops. The five tackles were good enough for second on the team.
Analysis: Phillips picked up two sacks for the second consecutive game as he completed the feat in Week 4 against Arizona. He's picking up a solid amount of tackles and now has four sacks in as many weeks. Playing at St. Louis Week 6, Phillips certainly has another good chance at a few sacks against a rookie QB. He can be starting as a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues.
News: LB Kevin Burnett had his best game as a Charger in the Week 4 win over Arizona. He registered two if the team's nine sacks of Cardinals QBs, and added eight tackles (seven solo) to lead the team.
Analysis: Burnett came into the game with two and a half sacks in 14 games as a Charger. Sunday he had two in one game and was the team's spark along with Shaun Phillips. If Burnett can keep it up, he's worth a waiver claim in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett, who had only one sack all season, recorded two at Denver in Week 11. He finished with eight tackles, including six solo.
Analysis: Burnett's three sacks represents a career high. He normally doesn't get many tackles for a linebacker, so continue to think of him as a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Chargers DB Dante Hughes, LB Tim Dobbins, WR Craig Davis, DL Vaughn Martin and LB Kevin Burnett have all been ruled inactive for Week 9 at N.Y. Giants.
Analysis: Burnett is the only player worth using in Fantasy when active. He is out for Week 9 as he deals with an injury. Keep all these players reserved in Fantasy.
News: The Chargers listed the following players as inactive for Week 7 at Kansas City: WR Craig Davis, LB Kevin Burnett, DB C.J. Spillman, DL Vaughn Martin, RB Michael Bennett, QB Charlie Whitehurst.
Analysis: None of the players on this list are expected to have any Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: San Diego LB Kevin Burnett has been listed as doubtful for the team's Week 7 game at Kansas City due to an ankle injury.
Analysis: Burnett left the team's Week 6 game with the ankle injury and did not participate in practice all week. He is just a low-end option to begin with and should not be active in any IDP format for Week 7.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett left the game for a second time late in Monday's Week 6 game against the Broncos. Burnett injured his ankle and was taken to the locker room, ending his night. He finished with five tackles on the night.
Analysis: Burnett is well on his way to having a career season and is becoming a nice low-end Fantasy LB. Hopefully he can get healthy for Week 7 at Kansas City.
News: Chargers LB Kevin Burnett totaled a team-high 12 tackles (nine solo) and one sack during a Week 3 win against Miami. He also had two quarterback hits.
Analysis: Burnett had all of eight tackles in two games before having his breakout performance Week 3. Burnett is well on his way to having a career season and is becoming a nice low-end Fantasy LB.
News: Chargers inside linebacker Kevin Burnett left Friday night's exhibition game against San Francisco with a stinger. Burnett, a free agent acquisition, was spun around by a blocker and hit from behind by running back Glen Coffee, which knocked him into tight end Vernon Davis and pushed his head back. Burnett was down for several minutes before getting up and walking off the field. He then headed to the locker room with a trainer. The team said he wouldn't return.
Analysis: The Chargers were happy to have picked up Burnett this offseason but now it seems like he could be in danger of missing the first week of the season. However, he is just a low-end option in IDP formats when healthy.
News: Chargers head coach Norv Turner said he likes the addition of free agent Kevin Burnett at inside linebacker, where the Chargers are expected to have a rotation that will include Stephen Cooper and Tim Dobbins. "I'm just excited what Kevin has brought to our defensive group," Turner said. "He complements Coop awfully well. He's a high-energy guy. He's very good in coverage. He's been impressive in our situations we've created. Playing the run, he runs sideline to sideline extremely well."
Analysis: Safety Clinton Hart also likes the addition of Burnett. "Having a linebacker that can run like a defensive back and cover tight ends and cover a slew of receivers, that's definitely a big help," Hart said. Burnett, who also plays special teams, had 38 tackles and two sacks in 2008 for the Cowboys. Burnett has never really been a full-time starter, but he has NFL experience. He isn't going to have much Fantasy value Draft Day, but it's definitely promising to hear San Diego is backing him.
News: Linebacker Kevin Burnett agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Chargers on Tuesday. Burnett leaves the Cowboys, for whom he played the past four seasons after being drafted in the second round in 2005 out of Tennessee. Burnett, who also plays special teams, had 38 tackles and two sacks in 2008, and his 19 special teams tackles were second on the Cowboys. The Cowboys run a defense much like what the Chargers use. "It's very, very similar," Burnett said. "It's a lot of the same calls. Obviously people do things different from team to team, but it should be a pretty easy transition."
Analysis: Burnett could develop into a heavy tackler, particularly if some spots open up for him in the starting lineup. We figure him to be worth a look off the waiver wire this season.
News: Cowboys LB Kevin Burnett totaled three tackles (two solo) and one sack during a Week 14 loss to the Steelers. He also had one pass defense.
Analysis: Burnett finally got his first sack Week 14 and that pretty much sums up his Fantasy value. He is far more important to his real team and can be ignored despite the sack.
News: Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said nickel LB Kevin Burnett, who had arthroscopic surgery on his sprained left knee two weeks ago, is "coming along. I think it's going to be close whether he plays the first week or not."
Analysis: Burnett had 53 tackles last season but is not a recommended Fantasy LB in IDP formats since he doesn't play every down.
News:Kevin Burnett was expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday in Dallas, according to the Dallas Morning News, but the Cowboys aren't ready to rule the linebacker out of the Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland. "I think he'll be ready from what they say," coach Wade Phillips said.
Analysis: Phillips said he has depth to use in the nickel package until Burnett returns, presumably before the Cowboys' exhibition schedule is over. "We've got Zach Thomas, and Bobby Carpenter can play nickel, and Bradie James," Phillips said. Burnett had 53 tackles last season but is not a recommended Fantasy LB in IDP formats.
News: Dallas Cowboys nickel linebacker Kevin Burnett will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday, two days after spraining the knee in 11-on-11 drills against Denver. Coach Wade Phillips said the procedure to remove a piece of loose cartilage will be "less than a week process." "It's not a big deal," Phillips said Thursday. "We did an MRI and there is no ACL problems. He has a few things he needs cleaned out in his knee."
Analysis: Phillips said he has depth to use in the nickel package until Burnett returns, presumably before the Cowboys' exhibition schedule is over. "We've got Zach Thomas, and Bobby Carpenter can play nickel, and Bradie James," Phillips said. Burnett had 53 tackles last season but is not a recommended Fantasy LB.
News: Cowboys LB Kevin Burnett managed 11 tackles (10 solo) during a Week 10 win over the Giants. He came into the game with just 19 tackles in eight games.
Analysis: Burnett saw extensive action against the Giants and likely earned himself more PT heading into Week 11 against the Redskins. Consider him a low-end Fantasy flier until he starts producing consistent stats.
News: Kevin Burnett (ankle) was able to play in Week 1 against the Giants, but he did not record any defensive statistics. He did post a special teams tackle.
Analysis: Burnett is not a recommended Fantasy option in even the deepest of IDP leagues heading into Week 2 at Miami.
News: Kevin Burnett, the backup inside linebacker, practiced for a second consecutive day and is listed as a game-time decision. Burnett is recovering from surgery to remove bone chips in his right ankle. He did some individual drills the last two days and is hopeful he can play. He is listed as questionable.
Analysis: Starting inside linebacker Bradie James will see more time on the field, especially on passing downs, in Burnett's absence. Healthy or not, Burnett is a backup LB and not worthy of consideration in leagues that use IDPs.
News: Cowboys LB Kevin Burnett returned to limited practice Thursday. He has been out since having ankle surgery Aug. 28 to remove bone chips. Burnett said he would have to wait and see how the ankle reacts to the workouts. Whether he plays in the season opener Sunday night against the New York Giants will be based on his pain tolerance, he said. "It's just about dealing with pain," Burnett said.
Analysis: Healthy or not, Burnett is a backup LB and not worthy of consideration in leagues that use IDPs.
News: Kevin Burnett (neck) played in Thursday's preseason game against the Colts, recording one solo tackle and a special teams tackle.
Analysis: Burnett appears to be healthy, but he is not someone to count on in IDP Fantasy leagues heading into the 2007 season.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys LB Kevin Burnett hurt his neck after taking a blow to the head in practice on Sunday. "It's something you see in football, but we realize having a safe approach is the right way," Phillips said. No word was given on his return.
Analysis: Burnett is a reserve linebacker in Dallas and doesn't see enough playing time to warrant use in Fantasy leagues. Ignore him for now.
News: The Cowboys defense limited Colts QB Peyton Manning to two touchdowns and forced him to turn the ball over three times in Week 11. LB Demarcus Ware had a sack and forced fumbles, and DL Jay Ratliff had the team's other sack. DB Roy Williams and DB Kevin Burnett had interceptions. Burnett returned his 39 yards for a touchdown.
Analysis: The Cowboys defense did an excellent job against Manning in Week 11. The Cowboys defense is coming around after a slow start and the Cowboys DST should be used in Week 12 against the Bucs. Remember to set them in your lineup by Thursday as the two teams meet on Thanksgiving Day.
News: With the loss of starting linebacker Greg Ellis to a torn Achilles' tendon, LB Bobby Carpenter is hopeful that he finally gets a chance to have a bigger impact on defense. "I'm not going to view this as the be-all to end-all to my opportunity to play," Carpenter said Wednesday. "Hopefully, the coaches will have enough confidence in me to get me out on the field. If that happens, you have to be ready when that opportunity comes." Carpenter said he hasn't been told by Parcells how his role will change, but the first-round pick said he did more on defense in practice Wednesday. Parcells calls replacing Ellis "a big piece of the puzzle" in preparing for the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (9-0), who visit the Cowboys (5-4) this weekend. There are options beside Carpenter. Al Singleton has been primarily a special teams player, but started seven games last year before a season-ending injury, and nickel linebacker Kevin Burnett could take over. Junior Glymph was re-signed for depth last month but hasn't played yet. "We are going to evaluate it at the end of the week and see what's going to happen," Parcells said.
Analysis: Carpenter is worth adding in deep IDP leagues and keeper leagues but is not a recommended start in Week 11 against the Colts. Also reserve Singleton, Burnett and Glymph.
News: The Cowboys allowed just 14 points in Week 4 at Tennessee. They limited the Titans to just 229 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers in the game. They also picked up two sacks (one a piece for Chris Canty and Kevin Burnett) and Bradie James returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: The Cowboys won't face many matchups as clearly easy as this one through the season, so hopefully you had them in your active lineup. They'll face a much tougher matchup in Week 5 at Philadelphia, but they are still a great bye-week replacement.
