Nov. 4, 2009

Week 9 Faceoffs: Is Smitty on the comeback trail?

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
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Editor's note: Each week Senior Fantasy Writers Dave Richard and Jamey Eisenberg will debate the value of a handful of key Fantasy players heading into a certain week. They not only state their case below, but they also provide owners with some alternatives.

Start Donovan McNabb vs. Dallas?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
Pressure is something Donovan McNabb doesn't deal with well. Sure, in his last game against the Cowboys he and a hyped Philadelphia offense had their way with a disgruntled Dallas team that had the pressure on them. But in the three games prior he didn't fare as well, and it's been three years since McNabb has had a 300-yard game against the Cowboys. History doesn't help him and neither will the Dallas pass rush, which has 14 sacks in its last four games. The Eagles will protect McNabb as best as they can but expecting him to connect on bombs like he did against the Giants just doesn't seem realistic. Expect the Cowboys to keep it close with the Eagles, and the speed of their secondary will help them defending against DeSean Jackson. It all adds up to McNabb feeling the heat and struggling, as he typically does against the Cowboys. I'd rather start: Matt Hasselbeck (vs. DET), Joe Flacco (at CIN) and Ben Roethlisberger (at DEN)	McNabb is easily a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback this week. He is coming off an excellent game against the Giants with 240 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He was only sacked twice and his offensive line is getting back to form after a dismal performance at Oakland in Week 6. And now he's facing a Cowboys team that has struggled in pass defense. The Cowboys have allowed at least two passing touchdowns in five of seven games this season and four in a row. They are allowing 237 passing yards per game, and four quarterbacks have been over 20 Fantasy points against Dallas this year ( Eli Manning, Kyle Orton, Matt Cassel and Matt Hasselbeck). With the way DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin are playing, that's too many weapons for Dallas to stop. And let's not forget that Brian Westbrook (concussion) could return this week. McNabb also has four total touchdowns in his past two games against Dallas and should be excellent in this game. I'd start him over: Ben Roethlisberger (at DEN), Jay Cutler (vs. ARI) and Matt Schaub (at IND)

Start Jamaal Charles at Jacksonville?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
I like Jamaal Charles, but not as an every-down running back. The reality is that he's a glorified third-down back who is getting a shot at extensive playing time because the starter got in hot water. And sure, he's going up against a Jaguars defense that got run over by Chris Johnson last week, but there are two huge differences: Charles isn't a physical runner at all and his offensive line is a mess. That easily helps Jacksonville. Charles can get the job done as a No. 3 option, especially in a PPR league because he catches so many passes, but I think owners can start someone safer as a starter in standard formats. I'd rather start: Ryan Moats (at IND), Cadillac Williams (vs. GB) and Jonathan Stewart (at NO)	We like Charles' potential, and hopefully he can play well enough to make Larry Johnson go away forever. He also has a great matchup that should make him a serviceable Fantasy option this week. The Jaguars just allowed Chris Johnson to run for 228 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 8, and six times a running back has had at least 70 total yards against Jacksonville this season. The Chiefs don't have a good offensive line, but Charles' speed could be a difference maker compared to Johnson's plodding style. And Charles should do well catching the ball out of the backfield. If you need a running back this week, consider Charles a good sleeper. I'd start him over: Ryan Moats (at IND), Ricky Williams (at NE) and Cadillac Williams (vs. GB)

Start Steve Smith at New Orleans?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
Jamey will tell you that Smith blew up the Saints last year and that he typically plays well against New Orleans, but I'll tell you that this is a whole new year and the Saints of 2009 carry a heck of a defense with a very good secondary. They've schemed well for most of their opponents this season, allowing just six passing touchdowns through seven games. You may also have noticed that Smith has had some quarterback issues that has held back his stats (one 100-yard game in '09). So even though he scored his first TD last week, the guy's not ready to be started in leagues with two wide receiver openings. Three? Maybe. I'd rather start: Santana Moss (at ATL), Steve Breaston (at CHI) and Nate Burleson (vs. DET)	The Saints are giving up some big games to wide receivers. That comes at a good time for Smith, who is starting to come around the past two weeks after a miserable start. Smith had his first touchdown last week at Arizona, and he had 99 yards receiving in Week 7 against Buffalo. The lone concern is Jake Delhomme (chest) being 100 percent, but Smith should still play well against the Saints. Five wide receivers have gone over 90 yards against New Orleans this year ( Calvin Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Hakeem Nicks, Brian Hartline and Roddy White). And Smith has four touchdowns in his past five games with New Orleans, and last year he had 11 catches for 259 yards in two games against the Saints. I'd start him over: Devin Hester (vs. ARI), Brandon Marshall (vs. PIT) and Steve Smith (vs. SD)

Start Mike Wallace at Denver?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
I actually think the Steelers will find success against the Broncos Monday night, especially because they've had an extra week to prepare and they have the weapons to overpower them. Wallace is one of these weapons -- he's scored in two of his last three games and has made big plays in all but one game this season. I don't think the Broncos have a defensive back with enough speed to keep up with him, or one with the height/verticals to go up for deep balls. If you're looking for a great flier in Week 9, maybe someone to replace Sidney Rice, Wallace is the guy. I think he'll score and even take on a bigger role than normal against the Broncos. I'd start him over: Santonio Holmes (at DEN), Brandon Marshall (vs. PIT) and Hakeem Nicks (vs. SD)	I like the way Wallace has played this year, but there's no chance you should start him as anything more than a No. 3 Fantasy option. The Broncos have only allowed three wide receivers to top double digits in Fantasy points this season in Wes Welker, Vincent Jackson and Derrick Mason, with Welker's 14 points the highest total. That's it, and Wallace is still the No. 3 receiver and No. 4 option in the passing game for the Steelers behind Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller. Use Wallace as a No. 3 option or flex player, but don't overvalue him since he's only averaging three catches per game with two touchdowns on the season. I'd rather start: Austin Collie (at HOU), Michael Crabtree (vs. TEN) and Derrick Mason (at CIN)

Start Benjamin Watson vs. Miami?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
We're starting Watson? Granted, Visanthe Shiancoe is on bye, but ... Watson? OK fine, he's scored in two of his last three games but he also has no more than two catches in any of his last five contests. And three of his four touchdowns have come against Cover-2 defenses, which the Dolphins do not employ. It also doesn't help his cause that he's caught exactly one pass in each of his last three against Miami. Unless Randy Moss or Wes Welker are missing in action, Watson won't be worth starting as a low-end No. 1 option. I'd rather start: Todd Heap (at CIN), Heath Miller (at DEN) and Greg Olsen (vs. ARI)	This is for the owners who are missing Owen Daniels (knee) or Chris Cooley (ankle) or have Visanthe Shiancoe on a bye. Watson faces a Dolphins team that has struggled with tight ends all season. Five of the six tight ends they have played this year have gone over 60 yards receiving, with three scoring touchdowns. Only Buffalo did not have a tight end play well against the Dolphins, and Dustin Keller struggled in his first meeting with Miami in Week 5. But Keller (eight catches for 76 yards and a touchdown) shined against the Dolphins last week, and Watson has the chance for double digits in Fantasy points in this matchup. Don't bench a stud tight end for Watson, but he should be considered a sleeper. I'd start him over: Greg Olsen (vs. ARI), Todd Heap (at CIN) and Tony Scheffler (vs. PIT)

Do you agree with Dave or Jamey? Send your thoughts or questions to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Fantasy Faceoff in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.

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