Nov. 1, 2009

First Response: Houston's win is our loss

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
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The Texans found out what it's like to win and lose all in the same day. They had a bittersweet victory against the Bills on Sunday.

While the 31-10 win at Buffalo put the Texans (5-3) in the middle of the AFC playoff race, they are now dealing with questions at running back and tight end with Steve Slaton and Owen Daniels. And Fantasy owners need to pay attention to what happens over the next few days.

The biggest news dealt with Daniels, who left the game with a right knee injury and could have a torn ACL. He will undergo tests Monday, but coach Gary Kubiak said after the game "it doesn't look good."


It's safe to say that Ryan Moats was not on the radar of most owners entering Week 8. (US Presswire)

Coming into Week 8, Daniels was the No. 1 tight end in standard-scoring Fantasy leagues with 39 catches for 497 yards and five touchdowns. He led all tight ends in targets (56) and yards, and he was second in catches and touchdowns.

If Daniels is out as expected, the Texans will likely lean on reserve tight ends in Joel Dreessen, James Casey and Anthony Hill, but none are as talented as Daniels. Casey would likely be the one to target in deep Fantasy leagues, and all three backup tight ends are available in 100 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com.

If you're looking for a tight end off the waiver wire, some who could be available are Fred Davis (24 percent ownership), Benjamin Watson (43 percent), Dustin Keller (54 percent), Kevin Boss (37 percent), Tony Scheffler (51 percent) or Todd Heap (67 percent). We'll get more into this topic Tuesday in Playing the Waiver Wire, but those are some options to consider with Daniels hurt.

The Texans could also use more three- and four-receiver sets, which could increase the value for Jacoby Jones and even David Anderson. But with Daniels out, Matt Schaub's Fantasy value takes a hit as well, and he came into Week 8 tied with Tom Brady as the No. 1 quarterback in standard-scoring leagues.

The situation with Slaton could be harder to figure out. He had one carry and lost a fumble, his fifth of the season, and was replaced by Ryan Moats.

All Moats did was get 23 carries for 126 yards and three touchdowns and catch two passes for 25 yards against the Bills. Moats had more rushing touchdowns in one game than Slaton (two) has on the ground this season.

Kubiak wouldn't say if Slaton has permanently lost his job, but the fumbles have become an issue. And Slaton, despite his big plays as a receiver, hasn't run well with a 3.1 yards per carry coming into Week 8.

The first thing every Slaton owner needs to do is add Moats immediately, and he is available in 100 percent of leagues. If Moats is named the starter, he is going to be the hottest commodity on the waiver wire heading into Week 9.

Hopefully the Texans won't bench Slaton for the rest of the season, but his Fantasy value took a major hit. You can't trade him now, and you're likely going to have to just ride this out while keeping him on the bench. Slaton was started in 98 percent of leagues against Buffalo.

Houston has problems, and Fantasy owners are just going to have to wait and see what develops. This wasn't a fun victory for the Texans.

Let's take a look around at the rest of the Week 8 action ...

Start of the Week review: Only one quarterback passed for four touchdowns in Week 8, and it was Brett Favre. We expected his return to Green Bay would be special, and he didn't let us down. He was 17 of 28 passing for 244 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Favre, who was only started in 44 percent of leagues, had seven touchdown passes and no interceptions against his former team. He now has 16 touchdowns and three interceptions as the Vikings head into their bye week.

Sit of the Week review: Frank Gore again used a big run to have a banner Fantasy day and prove us wrong. Gore had 13 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown and five catches for 43 yards at Indianapolis. He now has three touchdown runs of more than 60 yards on the season and looks 100 percent after missing two games with an ankle injury in Weeks 4 and 5. Gore should have another good game in Week 9 against Tennessee and plan on keeping him in your lineup in all leagues.

Insane stat line of the day: Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew are two of the best running backs in the league and great Fantasy options, but they combined for 405 rushing yards and four touchdowns in Tennessee. Johnson set a team record with 228 rushing yards, and Jones-Drew only needed eight carries for 177 rushing yards. They each scored two touchdowns, and this was Johnson's second game over 200 total yards this season (284 in Week 2 against Houston). This is why you drafted Jones-Drew and Johnson with first-round picks, and hopefully they can keep this up all season.

Out-of-nowhere stat line of the day: So much for Arizona having the No. 1 run defense in the NFL coming into Week 8. DeAngelo Williams ran for 158 yards, and Jonathan Stewart had 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Cardinals got exposed, and not just in run defense. Kurt Warner did his best Jake Delhomme impersonation with five interceptions and a fumble. And Steve Smith finally scored his first touchdown this season and finished with three catches for 56 yards and the touchdown. Maybe the Panthers exorcised some demons by beating the Cardinals after that playoff loss last year and can start playing at a high level again.

Guy we were way right about: Tony Romo continues to play at a high level with the insertion of Miles Austin in the starting lineup the past three games. Romo was 21 of 36 passing for 256 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but he did lose a fumble against the Seahawks. Romo now has eight touchdowns and no interceptions the past three games against Kansas City, Atlanta and Seattle. He heads into next week's showdown at Philadelphia as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback again in all leagues. And Austin had five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, his fifth in the past three games.

Guy we were way wrong about: Donovan McNabb snapped out of his two-game funk against Oakland and Washington with a solid game against the Giants. McNabb was 17 of 23 passing for 240 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but he also lost a fumble. McNabb threw touchdowns to DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin, and he looks like he's back in rhythm heading into the game with the Cowboys next week. Look for McNabb to finish the season strong, and he's back as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback.

Overachieving defense of the week: The Ravens showed their defense is still a force in taking apart what had been a solid Broncos offense in a 30-7 victory. They got a kickoff return for a touchdown from Lardarius Webb, forced a fumble on Knowshon Moreno and got two sacks. The Ravens also held Kyle Orton to 152 passing yards and no touchdowns and Brandon Marshall to four catches for 24 yards. This is the Ravens defense we're used to seeing after some dismal performances the past three weeks against Minnesota, Cincinnati and New England.

Underachieving defense of the week: The Chargers had every opportunity to do what the Jets defense did in Week 7 against the Raiders in a 38-0 victory. Instead, San Diego allowed the Raiders to score 16 points with only one interception and no fumble recoveries. The Chargers did get five sacks, including two by Shawne Merriman, but they should have been the No. 1 DST unit in every Fantasy league.

Names to add to your scout team ...

Alex Smith, quarterback, San Francisco (Completed 19 of 32 passes for 198 yards, one touchdown and one interception at Indianapolis)
Vince Young, quarterback, Tennessee (Completed 15 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown and ran for 30 yards against Jacksonville)
Ryan Moats, running back, Houston (23 carries for 126 yards and three touchdowns and two catches for 25 yards in place of the benched Steve Slaton at Buffalo)
Maurice Morris, running back, Detroit (14 carries for 63 yards and one catch for 19 yards and came on for the injured Kevin Smith against St. Louis)
Malcom Floyd, wide receiver, San Diego (two catches, 64 yards and started in place of Chris Chambers against Oakland)

Injury alerts ...

Aaron Rodgers, foot, considered probable for Week 9 at Tampa Bay
Jake Delhomme, chest, considered probable for Week 9 at New Orleans
Kevin Smith, shoulder, considered questionable for Week 9 at Seattle
Anquan Boldin, ankle, considered questionable for Week 9 at Chicago
Devin Hester, ankle, considered questionable for Week 9 vs. Arizona
Owen Daniels, knee, considered doubtful for rest of the season

The last word: Start trying to shop Matt Forte now coming off his outing against the Browns. He had his best game of the season with 26 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns and two catches for 31 yards. Forte could run well in Week 9 against the Cardinals based on how they looked against the Panthers, but his schedule is tough the rest of the season, including two games against the Vikings and one at Baltimore. With his value now at a high point, see if you can get something good in return that can help your lineup the rest of the way.

What stood out to you this week? How did your Fantasy teams do? Drop us a line and tell us about it at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Week 8 in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state and we'll respond to as many as e-mails we can.

Winslow a 'rotational player?'
Kellen Winslow, TE, SEA
5/25/2012

News: Kellen Winslow became a Seahawk recently, and he's spoken highly of his new team. But it remains how they'll use him and how often they'll use him. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, a league personnel executive believes that Winslow's best days are behind him. "We talked to the Bucs before the draft and talked about (Winslow) further internally," said the source. "We just didn't think he could be more than a rotational player at this point (in his career) after examining his tape and performance."

Analysis: Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011 and has caught at least 66 passes in each of his last three years while not missing a game. There is definitely a perception that he's old and over the hill, which his receiving average (10.2 yards per catch last year) supports. And he joins a crowded tight end corps in Seattle, but should be a fairly regular player in the offense. Problem is, he hasn't been productive enough to be considered reliable for Fantasy use week after week. He's fine as a No. 2 Fantasy TE worth a late pick, but don't expect him to put up huge numbers.

Charles to rest until camp
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
5/25/2012

News: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp.

Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues.

Source: Nicks could return before camp
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/25/2012

News: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason.

Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver.

Roethlisberger admits to issues with new playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
5/25/2012

News: Ben Roethlisberger's transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is not going as smoothly as Steelers fans had hoped. Roethlisberger said Thursday that so far it's been "frustrating at times" but that he's going to put in "extra work" to understand what Haley wants him to do. "I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us," Big Ben said on a radio interview, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Me, maybe, in particular, I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

Analysis: There's all sorts of talk that Haley wants Roethlisberger to stay in the pocket to avoid excess hits and that Haley wants to run the ball more. We're not sure how this is going to play out, but we do think there's a chance Roethlisberger could attempt a ton of passes given that Rashard Mendenhall is out and Isaac Redman, while talented, might not be a 20-touch back from week to week. Much of the offense might fall on Roethlisberger's shoulders. We consider Big Ben a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues well worth a mid-round pick.

Bradford's ankle 'getting there'
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
5/25/2012

News: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his left ankle, injured in October at Green Bay, is nearly 100 percent. "It's getting there," he said. "It feels better every week -- less soreness, more things I can do. It's definitely on the right track."

Analysis: There's no questioning his arm as several Rams receivers, including their rookies, have been in awe over his passing skills. Bradford is continuing to learn the Rams' new offense and says it's close to the West Coast offense he ran two season ago. But with a so-so offensive line and an unproven receiving corps, now's not the time to call Bradford a breakout candidate. He should have some good games, but no one should consider him either a Fantasy starter or a blue chip prospect. For now we're resigned to calling him a late-round pick as a good, not great, No. 2 quarterback.

Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, TEN
5/25/2012

News: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win."

Analysis: Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle.

Lloyd already up to speed with Pats
Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
5/25/2012

News: New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

Analysis: Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five scores last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator, and that came on the heels of a 77-catch, 1,448-yard, 11-touchdown season with McDaniels in Denver. He'll probably see a dip in opportunities because he'll share the field with so many other great weapons there. But he should still be about as productive as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver and should be drafted as such with a mid-round pick.

Tamme: Hillman looks good
Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gave an encouraging scouting report on rookie rusher Ronnie Hillman. "He seems to have a lot of quickness," Tamme said. "I've got to see him carry a few and catch some passes, he seems like a guy who can really move and sort of be a threat from the scatback-type position."

Analysis: Yep, that sounds like Hillman, who averaged over 130 total yards per game in 2011 with 20 total touchdowns while breaking some of Marshall Faulk's records at San Diego State. Hillman isn't a big back (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) but definitely plays bigger than he is. He's done good work between the tackles but is better known for his lateral agility and breakaway speed. Landing in Denver is nice since he won't be stuck behind a young back for long -- Willis McGahee will turn 31 in October and Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a torn ACL. We could see Hillman contribute this season, especially if he can perfect his pass blocking and receiving skills. Expect him to be taken late in all seasonal drafts as well as with a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Tamme talks offense, role
Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme sounded very excited to follow quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver from Indy, adding that he "looks great." Tamme's also excited about the direction of the new offense, calling it a mix of what he did with Manning with the Colts and what offensive coordinator Mike McCoy wants to do. On the topic of his specific role with the Broncos, Tamme didn't want to give away much but did offer what he thinks is great about being a tight end. "I'm comfortable in slot and love that, but I would say I lined up on the line of scrimmage more than everywhere else [with the Colts]," Tamme said. " ... We should be able to move around and what we're going to do offensively, hopefully, we'll be able to move around some. I think that's what's great about playing tight end these days, you get to do everything. It's what makes the position a lot of fun."

Analysis: If we're reading between the lines, the Broncos could use Tamme as a tight end, slot receiver and H-back this season, all roles he's capable of playing as evidenced by his time in Indianapolis. Being comfortable with Manning is also built-in thanks to their relationship back in Indiana. Tamme had just 177 yards on 19 catches in 2011 with one score, but he worked behind starter Dallas Clark in a Manning-less Colts offense. In 10 games without Dallas Clark in 2010, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Expect him to have some Clark-like potential and thus get swiped with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer as a borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE.

Hill lines up as starter in OTAs
Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ
5/25/2012

News: Jets rookie receiver Stephen Hill lined up opposite Santonio Holmes with the first-team offense during their recent OTAs. He caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, burning cornerback Kyle Wilson in the process, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: The Jets aren't going to have a dominant pass attack, so that could limit Hill's production. But he does have the chance for plenty of playing time, which is a plus. He's worth a late-round pick in seasonal formats, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts.

More Updates

1	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
10	Miles Austin, DAL, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
6	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, WAS, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
All Rankings

1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings