Nov. 15, 2009

First Response: Adding insult to injury

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
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Larry Johnson might find a job after all with all the star running backs who got hurt in Week 10. It was like doomsday for a Fantasy owner.

It started with Cedric Benson (hip), Michael Turner (ankle) and Ronnie Brown (ankle) in the early games, and then Julius Jones (broken rib) and Brian Westbrook (concussion) went down in the afternoon. None were able to finish the game, and all the injuries should be considered serious heading into Week 11.

Here are the updates heading into Monday:

Benson, who had seven carries for 22 yards at Pittsburgh before getting hurt, probably has the best chance of playing next week at Oakland. He told the Bengals official team web site that the injury wasn't to his hip joint but rather just a hip flexor strain.

If Benson is out, you'll want to add rookie Bernard Scott, who is only owned in 5 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com. Scott would be considered a sleeper against the Raiders if Benson can't play.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Turner's right ankle sprain could be serious, and he will have an MRI on Monday. The key will be if it's a low or high ankle sprain.

At least Turner rewarded Fantasy owners before getting hurt with nine carries for 111 yards at Carolina. If Turner can't play in Week 11 at the Giants, then it appears like Jason Snelling would get the start with Jerious Norwood (hip) still out. Snelling, who is owned in 5 percent of leagues, had 93 total yards and a touchdown after Turner left the game.

In Miami, Brown will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of his right ankle sprain. He was on crutches after the game, but he managed to run 12 times for 82 yards and a touchdown before getting hurt against Tampa Bay.

Brown might be out in Week 11 since the Dolphins play Thursday at Carolina, which would make Ricky Williams a great Fantasy option. Williams had 20 carries for 102 yards against Tampa Bay, and the Panthers struggle in run defense.

Fantasy owners might be hoping Jones doesn't play in Week 11 at Minnesota after watching Justin Forsett play well at Arizona once Jones went out. Forsett, who is only owned in 21 percent of leagues, had 17 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 26 yards.

The Seattle Times reports Jones suffered a broken rib and will remain in Arizona overnight. It sounds like he could miss the game against the Vikings, and keep in mind Matt Hasselbeck and Donovan McNabb both missed two games with rib injuries this year.

Westbrook, who returned against San Diego after missing two games with a concussion, might be sidelined indefinitely with his second concussion in less than a month. The Eagles will likely be extremely cautious with Westbrook to not risk further damage.

"We'll just see how Brian does here," coach Andy Reid said after the game about Westbrook, who had 54 total yards before getting hurt. "I know that's a concern for everybody. We'll evaluate him and see how things go this next week."

You know the drill with Westbrook, who will likely be out in Week 11 at Chicago. LeSean McCoy will get the start, and he has played well in the three games Westbrook has already missed this season.

As for Johnson, keep an eye to see where he lands after he was released by Kansas City last week. He would only be worth using in any Fantasy league if he signs with a team and is given a prominent role, but now he has the chance with a couple of teams based on what happened Sunday.

Injuries are never fun, especially when they happen to star players.

Let's take a look around at the rest of the Week 10 action.

Start of the Week review: Ricky Williams failed to score a touchdown, but he still had a solid game against Tampa Bay. Williams finished with 102 rushing yards on 20 carries, and he also caught two passes for 5 yards. Williams now has six games with double digits in Fantasy points, which is amazing considering this was his first game this year with 20 carries. And his Fantasy value could skyrocket if Ronnie Brown (ankle) is out for an extended period of time.

Sit of the Week review: Mike Sims-Walker had a nice game at the Jets, which was a surprise given the Jaguars had not had a passing touchdown on the road this year, and Sims-Walker was facing a shutdown cornerback in Darrelle Revis. Sims-Walker finished with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, which was 10 Fantasy points in standard formats and made Sims-Walker a starter in the majority of leagues. Hopefully the Jaguars can continue to play this well on the road for the rest of the season.

Insane stat line of the day: Chris Johnson continues to have a stellar season, but each week is almost better than the next. This week, Johnson had 26 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns and nine catches for 100 yards against Buffalo. In leagues where receptions count, Johnson was worth 44 Fantasy points. He shows no signs of slowing down, and he has another great matchup in Week 11 at Houston. In case you forgot, the last time he played the Texans in Week 2 he had 16 carries for 197 yards and two touchdowns and caught nine passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Out-of-nowhere stat line of the day: We had Sidney Rice as a start this week against Detroit, but we never expected this. Rice had seven catches for 201 yards. He was 10 yards away from breaking Minnesota's single-game record for receiving yards, which was set by Sammy White in 1976, also against the Lions. Rice hasn't scored a touchdown in his past five games, but he does have at least 135 receiving yards in three of his past four outings. Brett Favre has done wonders for this third-year breakout wide receiver.

Guy we were way right about: We knew the Chargers pass defense was overrated based on their opponents, and Donovan McNabb took advantage with a solid game. McNabb was 35 of 55 passing for 450 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The interception was on a desperation throw into the end zone at the end of the game, but McNabb had 28 Fantasy points in a standard league. We just need McNabb to be more consistent and play at a high level week in and week out.

Guy we were way wrong about: LaDainian Tomlinson came into Sunday's game with three touchdowns, all against Oakland. But he had his best game in what seems like two years against the Eagles with 24 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully he can build off it in Week 11 at Denver. Tomlinson had 100 total yards against the Broncos in Week 6, and Denver's run defense has fallen apart the past three weeks against Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington. Maybe Tomlinson is ready to finish the season on a strong note based on his play against Philadelphia.

Overachieving defense of the week: The Packers had allowed 38 points in each of their past two games against Minnesota and Tampa Bay, and they were facing a Cowboys offense that was averaging more than 30 points in their past four games. But Green Bay shut down Dallas in a 17-7 victory. The Packers had two fumble recoveries, an interception and five sacks and might have saved the season for Green Bay with this performance.

Underachieving defense of the week: It's hard to say the Vikings defense played bad Sunday against the Lions in a 27-10 victory, but Minnesota failed to take advantage of Detroit's inept offense. Sure, the Vikings recovered a fumble and had three sacks, but Matthew Stafford had no interceptions. Last week at Seattle, Stafford had five interceptions. We expected more from the Vikings DST this week, which might be unrealistic, but it was the Lions after all.

Names to add to your scout team ...

Jason Avant, wide receiver, Philadelphia (eight catches for 156 yards at San Diego)
Donnie Avery, wide receiver, St. Louis (four catches, 67 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans)
Justin Forsett, running back, Seattle (17 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown and five catches for 26 yards at Arizona)
Brandon Gibson, wide receiver, St. Louis (seven catches for 93 yards against New Orleans)
Robert Meachem, wide receiver, New Orleans (one catch, 27 yards and a touchdown at St. Louis)
Bernard Scott, running back, Cincinnati (13 carries for 33 yards and one catch for 21 yards at Pittsburgh)
Jason Snelling, running back, Atlanta (18 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 32 yards at Carolina)

Injury alerts ...

Brian Westbrook, concussion, considered doubtful for Week 11 at Chicago
Julius Jones, broken rib, considered doubtful for Week 11 at Minnesota
Ronnie Brown, ankle, considered doubtful for Week 11 at Carolina
Michael Turner, ankle, considered questionable for Week 11 at N.Y. Giants
Cedric Benson, hip, considered questionable for Week 11 at Oakland
Kyle Orton, ankle, considered questionable for Week 11 against San Diego
Keenan Burton, leg, considered questionable for Week 11 against Arizona

The last word: Maurice Jones-Drew did his best (or worst, depending on who you ask) Brian Westbrook impersonation Sunday at the Jets. Jones-Drew had a clear path to the end zone late in the fourth quarter but stopped at the 1 and took a knee to keep the clock going and set up the game-winning field goal.

At least Jones-Drew was kind enough to apologize.

"Sorry to my Fantasy owners," said Jones-Drew, who finished with 24 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown and two catches for 22 yards. "I apologize. I had myself today. It was a tough call, but whatever it takes to get the victory, that's what counts."

We need more running backs to start thinking like wide receivers. Be selfish. Worry about your own stats. Forget this team stuff.

Jones-Drew had an outstanding game, but hopefully none of his Fantasy owners lost by the six points he failed to score by taking a knee. Those owners are going to be upset Monday morning, and this move could cost someone a playoff spot.

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 10 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