Nov. 18, 2009

Faceoffs: Grin and bear it with Cutler?

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 Jay Cutler vs. Philadelphia?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
Everyone is looking at Jay Cutler's five interceptions from last week and freaking out. Interceptions will happen when you drop back and throw as many times as he does. But I'd rather have a quarterback who will throw a lot and give me a shot at 300 yards with some touchdowns than an efficient caretaker who might throw 25 passes. With more than a week to stew over his performance at San Francisco, Cutler will go back at it against an Eagles secondary that has allowed six passing touchdowns in their last four games and are thin at nickelback. They also have problems covering tight ends, and it just so happens that Cutler's most reliable target is tight end Greg Olsen. I won't tell you that Cutler is a must-start passer in Fantasy, but he's still going to deliver plenty of points in Week 11. I'd start him over: Matt Hasselbeck (at MIN), Eli Manning (vs. ATL) and Joe Flacco (vs. IND)	There are only two times to use Cutler as a starting Fantasy option the rest of this season, and that's Week 13 against St. Louis and Week 17 at Detroit. And even those are questionable based on his inconsistent play. He might throw five touchdowns against the Eagles, but he'll do it on my bench because I'm not getting burned by this guy again. He only has four games with more touchdowns than interceptions this year, and only one of those came in his past five games. He has six touchdowns and 12 interceptions over that span, and you just can't trust him right now. I don't care that Cutler will be passing a lot -- he threw 52 passes last week at San Francisco and had five interceptions. I don't care that he's at home -- he had no touchdowns and one interception in Week 8 against Cleveland. Cutler is just too risky to start in any Fantasy league, so be smart and keep him reserved. I'd rather start: Brett Favre (vs. SEA), Matt Hasselbeck (at MIN) and Eli Manning (vs. ATL)

Start Eli Manning vs. Atlanta?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
A week off his feet probably did Manning some good, but his matchup against the Falcons doesn't exactly call for the Giants to punt on their run game. The Falcons have allowed five rushing touchdowns in their last three games and got smacked by the Panthers' running back duo last week. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, who also had a week to relax, should be ready to run over the Falcons. Sure, Atlanta's pass defense hasn't been strong of late either, but neither has the Giants' pass offense (five touchdowns, six interceptions, no 250-yard games for Eli Manning in last four). But the bottom line is that with bye weeks over, there are easily twelve quarterbacks who are better choices than Manning in Week 11. I'd rather start: Jay Cutler (vs. PHI), Joe Flacco (vs. IND) and Matt Hasselbeck (at MIN)	Manning probably needed the bye week as much as anyone to rest his injured foot and get ready for the second half of the season. He starts off with a great matchup against the Falcons, who are No. 28 in pass defense and have allowed at least two passing touchdowns in four of their past five games. Manning played well in his last game before the bye in Week 9 against San Diego with 215 passing yards and two touchdowns. That's a safe projection for him in this matchup, and Manning should be considered a starter against this porous Falcons secondary. I'd start him over: Jay Cutler (vs. PHI), Joe Flacco (vs. IND) and Carson Palmer (at OAK)

Start Laurence Maroney vs. N.Y. Jets?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
One fumble does not end a starting job, even if the fumble is into the Colts' end zone in the biggest game of the season. Laurence Maroney isn't going to lose his job with the Patriots for two reasons: First off, he's currently their best option. Secondly, aside from the fumble, he's been very effective, scoring in every game since taking over the top job after Sammy Morris got hurt. Now, Morris could return in the near future, and in that case Maroney's reps would drop and he'd be a risky Fantasy starter. But I wouldn't dare take him out of my lineup for Week 11 against a tired Jets run defense that Maroney has beaten up in the past. I'd start him over: Justin Forsett (at MIN), Ryan Moats (vs. TEN) and Jamaal Charles (vs. PIT)	I love the way Maroney has played recently with a touchdown in each of his past four games. But when he fumbled in the end zone at Indianapolis, you knew there would be consequences. And the timing couldn't be worse with Sammy Morris (knee) expected to return as early as this week. Even if Morris remains out, I can't trust Maroney against the Jets, who held him to six carries for 23 yards in Week 2. Kevin Faulk will likely see the majority of time on the field with the Patriots expected to be pass happy. Faulk (12 carries for 79 yards) also outplayed Maroney (13 carries for 31 yards) against the Colts. And, more importantly, Faulk didn't fumble. I'd rather start: Beanie Wells (at STL), Ahmad Bradshaw (vs. ATL) and Cadillac Williams (vs. NO)

Start Jamal Lewis at Detroit?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
Is Jamey serious? Start Jamal Lewis?! Seriously, you guys already know why you shouldn't start Lewis -- he's scoreless this season and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry with five games under 60 yards rushing. If you want a guy who might deliver six or seven Fantasy points, I suppose you could start Lewis, but even the Lions should be able to stuff the box and hold him down. And I know they haven't held any rusher down this season, but Lewis hasn't been useful all season. With an eye on retirement and a distaste for his head coach, I think there's only one team in the league Lewis could put big numbers up against, but he plays for them. I'd rather start: Jason Snelling (at NYG), Steve Slaton (vs. TEN) and Ahmad Bradshaw (vs. ATL)	I know, call me crazy, but I'll actually take my chances with Lewis this week as a flex option. He's playing the Lions after all. Detroit has allowed opposing running backs to gain either 100 total yards or score a touchdown in eight of nine games this season. Only Washington failed to have a running back reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Lions. Lewis should get at least 15 carries -- he's had that in three of his past five games. And with all the injuries at running back (Ronnie Brown, Brian Westbrook, Michael Turner, Clinton Portis, Cedric Benson and Julius Jones), Lewis is actually a viable replacement based on the matchup. I'd start him over: Jamaal Charles (vs. PIT), Justin Forsett (at MIN) and Ladell Betts (at DAL)

Start Marshawn Lynch at Jacksonville?
Dave Richard	Jamey Eisenberg
I'm saddled with Lynch in one of my leagues and I've toyed with the idea of cutting him. But because he's a back with a starting job and a good workload, I've hesitated in doing that. Those days might be numbered as everything is coming up weeds in Buffalo. Head coach Dick Jauron is gone, Ryan Fitzpatrick is back under center and the offensive line is still a complete mess. They play at Jacksonville in Week 11, a defense that hasn't been great but hasn't allowed a touchdown to a running back on their home turf in three games and only one on the year. With Lynch seemingly running on fumes (3.2 rushing average -- Jamal Lewis is laughing), starting him against pretty much anybody isn't a good plan. I'd rather start: Marion Barber (vs. WAS), Ladell Betts (at DAL) and Ryan Moats (vs. TEN)	Lynch isn't exactly my favorite player this week, but I do think the Bills will rely on him in this matchup. Jacksonville has allowed Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson and Thomas Jones to put up double digit Fantasy points in three of its past four games, and Lynch could find the end zone for the second time this season with modest yardage. If you're looking for a flex option this week then rely on Lynch, and the key is his touches. He's only had double digits in carries three times this year, and each time he's had at least seven Fantasy points. Hopefully interim coach Perry Fewell, who is replacing the fired Dick Jauron, will lean on Lynch in this game. I'd start him over: Ryan Moats vs. TEN, Jamaal Charles (vs. PIT) and Justin Forsett (at MIN)

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