Dec. 6, 2009

First Response: Better late than never

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
Follow Jamey
Follow CBS Fantasy Football

Sunday was about as wacky a day as you will find in the NFL. It was a crazy day for Fantasy owners as well.

The Raiders went into Pittsburgh and upset the Steelers. Tom Brady threw an interception on what should have been a game-winning drive in Miami. Jay Cutler didn't throw an interception at all.

There was plenty more, including the wild play with Robert Meachem, which we'll address below. But some old faces at running back, who have been disappointments recently, came out to help your Fantasy team in a big way.

The Fantasy playoffs start in Week 14 in the majority of Fantasy leagues, and Week 13 was crucial for plenty of owners to clinch a final spot or secure a first-round bye. It's a good thing Jonathan Stewart, Cedric Benson and Matt Forte decided to have productive games.

Fantasy Football - First Response: Better late than never : FantasyNews.CBSSports.com

With DeAngelo Williams (ankle) out, Stewart got the start against Tampa Bay and had 26 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. This is why you drafted Stewart with the chance that if Williams had to miss time then Stewart would step up and play well.

Stewart might not play at this level again with games remaining against New England, Minnesota, the Giants and New Orleans, especially if Williams returns from his injury, but he was a great starting option once Williams was inactive.

Benson, who has missed the past two games with a hip injury, returned to the starting lineup against Detroit and had 36 carries for 110 yards and caught two passes for 15 yards. He proved that Larry Johnson won't be a factor as long as Benson is healthy since Johnson had just two carries for 4 yards.

Benson showed no ill effects from the hip injury, so look for him to finish the season strong. He has a tough matchup in Week 14 at Minnesota, but Benson has run well against Pittsburgh and Baltimore this year, so it will be hard to bench him against the Vikings.

Forte, one of the biggest busts this year, had a perfect matchup against the Rams, and he responded with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown with a lost fumble. It wasn't a great game for Forte, but given the way his year has gone, you'll take the 13 Fantasy points.

Forte might not be a good Fantasy option again any time soon with games against Green Bay, Baltimore and Minnesota over the next three weeks before ending the season at Detroit. Hopefully you used Forte since he came through for you.

It wasn't all rosy on the running back front. Michael Turner (ankle) was out, and Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood struggled against the Eagles. Steve Slaton (neck) also missed the game against Jacksonville.

And we had some disappointing games from Frank Gore, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ricky Williams, Marion Barber, LeSean McCoy and Laurence Maroney. But for the first time in several weeks we didn't have any major injuries at running back, and there was also a glimmer of hope in Cleveland with how Jerome Harrison played against San Diego.

Harrison, who started for the injured Jamal Lewis (head), had 10 carries for 35 yards and caught seven passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. He's going to be a hot commodity on the waiver wire this week with some great matchups remaining against Kansas City, Oakland and Jacksonville.

Let's take a look around at the rest of the Week 13 action.

Start of the Week review: The Steelers didn't have a good day Sunday against Oakland with a crushing upset that may cost them a spot in the playoffs, but Rashard Mendenhall was great for Fantasy owners. Mendenhall had 20 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders. We actually hoped he would do better than that based on the matchup, but we'll definitely settle for his 16 Fantasy points, which left him as a No. 1 option in the majority of leagues.

Sit of the Week review: Tim Hightower was playing Sunday night against Minnesota. He was active despite a thumb injury, but the Vikings were a tough matchup for him. The Vikings came into the game at No. 2 in run defense, and only two running backs had scored against them this season with Ray Rice in Week 6 and Justin Forsett in Week 11

Insane stat line of the day: Jason Witten now has two games in a row with solid production, and Fantasy owners are wondering where this has been all season. He had his second consecutive game with over 100 yards receiving with 14 catches for 156 yards at the Giants. Witten has turned his dismal season around and is now playing like a No. 1 Fantasy option again. Hopefully this will continue for the final four games of the year.

Out-of-nowhere stat line of the day: Nine quarterbacks threw for at least 300 yards Sunday, but some of them were a little unexpected, especially Jason Campbell (367 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against New Orleans), Chad Henne (335, two touchdowns and one interception against New England) and Bruce Gradkowski (308 yards and three touchdowns at Pittsburgh). Throw in Brady Quinn's performance (271 yards and three touchdowns at San Diego) and you had some outrageous Fantasy outings from some unexpected passers. It's hard to count on these quarterbacks going forward, but Henne has a great matchup in Week 14 at Jacksonville, Quinn still has games remaining against Kansas City and Jacksonville, Gradkowski plays Cleveland in Week 16 and Campbell now has five touchdown passes in his past two games.

Guy we were way right about: We loved the matchup for Denver rookie running back Knowshon Moreno at Kansas City, and he didn't let us down. Moreno had 21 carries for 86 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs. He shared carries with Correll Buckhalter, who also did well with 12 carries for 113 yards. But Moreno ended up as a No. 1 Fantasy running back with his standout performance Sunday.

Guy we were way wrong about: Brandon Jacobs proved he has some breakaway speed against Dallas when he scored on a 74-yard catch. Jacobs took off down the sideline on a swing pass in the third quarter and raced in for a touchdown. He also added 13 carries for 39 yards and another touchdown. Jacobs came into this game with only one touchdown in his past five meetings with the Cowboys, who only had three running backs score rushing touchdowns against them this season. Jacobs' two touchdowns helped the Giants keep their playoff hopes alive.

Overachieving defense of the week: The Panthers DST has put together some good games this season, but they were a solid unit Sunday and a No. 1 Fantasy option against Tampa Bay. The Panthers came away with five interceptions against rookie quarterback Josh Freeman and two sacks in a 16-6 victory. Carolina might not have much success in Week 14 at New England, but the Panthers took advantage of a rookie quarterback making too many mistakes this week.

Underachieving defense of the week: How much do the Steelers miss Troy Polamalu, who is out with a knee injury? They allowed the Raiders to score 27 points with no turnovers and only two sacks in Pittsburgh. Bruce Gradkowski and Louis Murphy picked apart the defense, and the Steelers DST was terrible. The Steelers need Polamalu back ASAP otherwise the DST is a risky Fantasy option in Week 14 at Cleveland. That's how bad it's become for the Steelers DST.

Names to add to your scout team ...

Chad Henne, quarterback, Miami (335 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception against New England)
Bruce Gradkowski, quarterback, Oakland (308 passing yards, three touchdowns and 20 rushing yards at Pittsburgh)
Brady Quinn, quarterback, Cleveland (271 passing yards and three touchdowns against San Diego)
Correll Buckhalter, running back, Denver (113 rushing yards and three catches for 15 yards at Kansas City)
Jerome Harrison, running back, Cleveland (35 rushing yards, seven catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns against San Diego)
Leonard Weaver, running back, Philadelphia (37 rushing yards, two catches for 63 yards and a touchdown at Atlanta)
Louis Murphy, wide receiver, Oakland (four catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns at Pittsburgh)
Davone Bess, wide receiver, Miami (10 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown against New England)
Devin Thomas, wide receiver, Washington (seven catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns against New Orleans)
Evan Moore, wide receiver, Cleveland (six catches for 80 yards against San Diego)
Brian Robiskie, wide receiver, Cleveland (four catches for 69 yards against San Diego)

Injury alerts ...

Matt Schaub, dislocated left shoulder, considered questionable for Week 14 against Seattle
Tom Brady, arm, considered probable for Week 14 against Carolina
Vince Young, knee, considered questionable for Week 14 against St. Louis
Matthew Stafford, left shoulder, considered doubtful for Week 14 at Baltimore
Mark Sanchez, knee, considered questionable for Week 14 at Tampa Bay
Devin Hester, calf, considered questionable for Week 14 against Chicago
Antwaan Randle El, shoulder, considered questionable for Week 14 at Oakland

The last word: Plenty of Fantasy owners are wondering how the Robert Meachem fumble return for a touchdown will be scored, and here is the CBSSports.com official explanation. You can find this in the Help Center link in your league home pages.

"During the New Orleans Saints vs. Washington Redskins game Drew Brees threw an interception to Kareem Moore of the Redskins. Moore returned the interception 14 yards and was then stripped by Robert Meachem, who recovered the fumble and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown.

This is scored as a defensive fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown for the Saints DST. Meachem will not be awarded any Fantasy points for this play. By rule, when there is a change of possession via turnover, the offensive team becomes the defense and the defense becomes the offense."

Hopefully this explains the situation. Meachem still had an outstanding game against the Redskins with eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown, and he continues to prove he should be starting in all leagues as a solid Fantasy option. He has six touchdowns in his past five games.

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 13 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