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Tag Archives: Ryan Torain
Start Em Sit Em Week 6
Check out my article on Fantasypross911.com
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Filed under Uncategorized
Week 15 Waiver Adds
QB
Donavan McNabb- McNabb responded well to a potential benching if he didn’t perform against the Bucs. They came up just short of a victory but McNabb was solid. He gets the Cowboys and Jags the next two weeks so he’s worth a look if you’re hurting at quarterback.
Jason Campbell- Campbell played very well against the Jaguars Sunday and they came up just short of a win. Over the past two weeks he has averaged 21.9 fantasy points and has two good matchups coming up. He has Zach Miller back and Louis Murphy was very involved as well so he has some weapons along with Jacoby Ford. He has the Broncos and the Colts the next two weeks so like McNabb, he’s a solid fill in if you’re in need.
RB
Tim Hightower- Timmy boy was the most productive back for the Cards in Sunday’s blowout win over the woeful Broncos. He had 148 yards and two touchdowns in the win and seems to be the guy at this point in the Cardinals backfield. He gets the Panthers next week who have just been getting destroyed by running backs as of late so he makes for a must start RB2 and a must own if he’s still available.
Ryan Torain- Many people including myself had written this guy off on making an impact the rest of the way but boy was I wrong. He had a monster game Sunday against the Bucs defense, torching them for 172 yards. He has two great matchups the next two weeks against Dallas and the Jaguars so if someone felt like me and dropped him, go get him immediately.
Javarris James- We highlighted him last week as the goal line back, but in Week 14 he was the featured back. He carried the ball 17 times for 49 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Titans. With Joseph Addai’s return still up in the air, James appears to be the guy to own at this point for the Colts. He’s a solid flex play as long as Addai is out.
Others to look at: Mike Hart, Rashard Jennings, Anthony Dixon (must own), Mike Goodson
WR
Kenny Britt- Britt finally returned last Thursday and although he didn’t have a huge game, he was productive and heavily involved. He had 4 catches for 39 yards but seemed to come out healthy and certainly looked it during the game. If the owner who had him didn’t hold him and he’s still available, he’s the number one target this week at receiver and is a must own in all leagues and formats.
Louis Murphy- Murphy was a guy many people had on their sleeper list coming into the season but because of injuries and a up and down quarterback situation, he didn’t quite pan out. He did however play his tail off against the Jaguars Sunday compiling six catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets. He has a lot of speed, good hands and is a great route runner so if you’re in need grab him asap.
Arrelious Benn- The rookie, who was drafted way ahead of now star receiver Mike Williams, has had some trouble adjusting and getting on the field until recently. He had the biggest game of his short career this past weekend against the Redskins grabbing four passes for 122 yards. He has big time talent and especially in keeper or dynasty leagues, if he’s available now is the time to grab him and for teams hurting at the receiver position in 12 team and deeper league’s he’s not a bad option with the Lions and Seahawks on deck.
Others to look at: Earl Bennett, Jacoby Jones, Brandon Gibson, Ruvell Martin
TE
Rob Gronkowski- Gronkowski found the end zone once again Sunday in Chicago during a snow storm and now only trails Marcedes Lewis and Antonio Gates for the lead on touchdowns by a TE. If he is somehow still available he is a must grab as he is now the 10th best fantasy TE. He gets the Packers this week who give up the 7th most fantasy points to TE’s and Gronkowski also has the most points amongst TE’s over the past five weeks (62 in PPR, 45 in standard). He is a must own and must start at this point so if he’s somehow still out there grab him five minutes ago.
Owen Daniels- Daniels made his return Monday night and his impact was definitely felt. He is finally healthy it seems and posted up great numbers, the Owen Daniels type numbers were used to from back in 08’. Daniels finished with five catches for 91 yards on 11 targets against the Ravens. He is a must own but I wouldn’t necessarily cut my current TE for him as he has been a injury prone the last two seasons. He gets the Titans and Broncos the next two weeks, both of which are in the bottom ten in the league against the TE.
Zach Miller- Miller seems to be a little bit healthier; maybe not 100% back yet but was definitely involved Sunday in Jacksonville. Miller finished with four catches for 68 yards, the best game he’s had in about five weeks. He is another guy who can’t be on waiver wires anymore but also not “healthy” enough for you to drop your current tight end just yet either.
Filed under Uncategorized
1 O’clock Breakdowns
By: Al Squatrito
Bills vs. Browns
The 5-7 Browns will go on their second road game in a row and try to beat the 2-10 Buffalo Bills in the cold . The Bills have been one of those teams that have been playing as hard as they can to show the world they are better than your average college football team but are 2-10 for a reason, or several. They have the worst rushing defense in the NFL and the only two teams that have a chance of being worse are the Cardinals and the Broncos. The Bills can play you tough at home and are coming off of a brutal loss to the Vikings in week 13. I picture Peyton Hillis and Fred Jackson putting their teams on their shoulders and having the most value for fantasy owners come Sunday. I think the Bills get their third win at home because Jake Delhomme is starting the Browns and the Browns are playing on the road for consecutive weeks. Ryan Fitzpatrick will be a very risky start this weekend especially since it is supposed to rain and snow in Buffalo. I like the Bills to win this one 19-16.
Panthers vs. Falcons
The 1-11 Carolina Panthers host the 10-2 Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium this Sunday. This is probably the worst game to watch this weekend unless you are an Atlanta Falcons fan. The Falcons have only allowed 6 rushing touchdowns against them this season while the Panthers only hopes of scoring is on the ground. Luckily they are home, but they rank 27th against the run and are 8th against the pass. That doesn’t mean Matt Ryan isn’t going to throw on them; he just might not throw all day on them and why should he? The Falcons are a run first team anyway and that’s all they have to do in this game. Michael Turner is the best start on the team fantasy wise while Jonathan Stewart is the only player worth starting for the Panthers. I don’t see Matt Ryan throwing more than a touchdown pass in this game and can be slightly risky if you need a lot of points from him. I picture the Falcons taking it easy but winning in this one. I like the Falcons to win 20-13.
Lions vs. Packers
The 2-10 Detroit Lions will host the 8-4 Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Sunday. The Lions haven’t been getting any calls thrown their way and last week they got another unfortunate bogus call against them when the called Ndamukong Suh for a penalty for unnecessary roughness on Jay Cutler for throwing a forearm to his head while rushing for a first down. Ed Hochuli made a huge mistake giving the Bears a first down as they scored on the next play to make it 24-20 which was the final. This is twice in a row now that the Bears beat the Lions on two bogus game ending calls. Jay Cutler becomes a rusher when you pass the line of scrimmage which means unless you slide, anything goes. Also, looking back on the instant replay you will notice that no forearm blow was given out to Jay Cutler by Ndamukong, it just looked that way in regular time. Ndamukong Suh got fined 15,000 dollars for a penalty he did not even commit! What a shame. Ed Hochuli may be a good ref, but when it comes down to it he can make some pretty poor decisions. Regardless, the week must go on and the Lions will have their hands full once again as they will try to keep the game close with Drew Stanton to start for his second game this season. Running back James Starks ran tough last week and got the bulk of carries last week vs the 49ers. It will be interesting to see if the Packers will have some sort of running game going into the playoffs, with Starks I believe they will. Starks may be their savior and is the best waiver wire pickup in fantasy leagues this week. This is a nice matchup for Starks. Calvin and Javid Best seem to be noteworthy starts this weekend while Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, and James Starks are your noteworthy fantasy players you may want to plug-in your fantasy lineups this week. James Starks will get the bulk of carries for the Packers. I see the Packers beating the Lions on the road, 31-24.
Jaguars vs. Raiders
The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5) will host the Oakland Raiders (6-6) this Sunday at home while the Raiders are coming off an astonishing win last weekend against the Chargers. These are two run first teams that know how to pound the rock. Maurice Jones-Drew has 100 yards rushing in his last five outings while Darren McFadden (Run DMC) is averaging 4.9 yards a carry and is leading his team to victories along with backfield partner Michael Bush. This should be a great battle between the two teams who are both in the playoff hunt. The Jags have the slightly better passing game while Garrard’s quarterback rating is 92.6 and Jason Campbell’s is only 78. However this game is going to be won and lost inside the trenches and I picture Garrard keeping some drives alive running for first downs throughout the game. Jacoby Ford, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush seem to be the only fantasy players you could start for the Raiders while Maurice Jones-Drew is a must start and Garrard, Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas are possible options for the Jaguars. Sims-Walker will probably be lined up against Nhamdi Asomugha so you may want to look elsewhere. I like the Jaguars because they are home this weekend and they better beat the Raiders if they want to stay in first place in the AFC South. I think the Jaguars win this game 24-20.
Vikings vs. Giants
The 8-4 Giants will travel to Minnesota to take on the 5-7 Vikings. Ever since Leslie Frazier has taken over they have been on a roll winning two straight games, maybe they can make it three as the Vikings have matched up well against the Giants in the past with Eli under center. This is an interesting matchup for Eli Manning and the Giants run game as the Vikings are fourth against the rush while the Giants run game is at its best right now with a legit two-headed monster. I still think the Giants are going to be able to run the ball on the Vikings because the Giants can pass against anyone, opening up the run. The Vikings aren’t a team to naturally score a lot of points early in a game against a great opponent so the Giants run game should fare well. I like Sidney Rice, Adrian Peterson, and former Giant Visanthe Shaincoe to do some damage against the Giants at home while Eli Manning seems like a shaky start considering his record against the Vikings (from previous games). However, the Vikings pass defense is where they remain vulnerable on defense and one would assume Eli should have a decent day against them with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith both returning for this matchup. I think Eli, Hakeem, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Smith, and Ahmad are all number two starts this week in fantasy while Adrian, Shiancoe, and Rice have more upside. I like the Vikings in this game to upset the Giants at home because their defense is playing well and they have nothing to lose. Vikings 23-21.
Steelers vs. Bengals
The 9-3 Steelers take on the 2-10 Bengals but their records are definitely misleading as they matchup very well with one another and the Bengals should not be counted out. The Bengals have lost 9 games in a row! Holy smokes! Still, the Bengals just played the former Super Bowl champs at home last weekend and will be on top of their game this weekend against the Steelers, you better believe it. The Steelers played a huge game last weekend to be on top of their division and are a little beat up post the Ravens matchup. This is going to be a slug match for four quarters but I think the Bengals are going to slip away with the win in the end through a turnover or special teams play that decides the game. Mike Wallace, and Rashard Mendenhall seem to be the only fantasy players you can have faith in this weekend for the Steelers. I think Rashard has the most upside while Wallace is a step behind him. Carson Palmer can’t play any worse and the Bengals have nothing to lose, but you still can’t rely on him. I can’t picture the Bengals losing ten straight even though it is possible. Terrell Owens is the only fantasy option you should feel confident about this weekend. OchoCinco played better last week and isn’t a terrible flex this weekend. I like the Bengals to win this game 17-14.
Redskins vs. Buccaneers
The 5-7 Redskins will host the 7-5 Buccaneers home at Fed Ex Field on Sunday and it may be another ugly loss for the Skins. The Redskins have been falling apart ever since the Lions beat them and Donovan McNabb was pulled for the two-minute drill in the fourth quarter. Their offensive line isn’t playing well and deserves a lot of the blame. Albert Haynesworth should change his nickname to Big Baby while he will be suspended for the rest of the season. This Skins team is in turmoil and Mike Shanahan may have lost the locker room. Ryan Torain is expected to be back and provide a spark for the Redskins zone running scheme but who really knows as James Davis and Keiland Williams are still expected to see touches. Don’t put too much faith in Torain in his first game back and still sharing carries.
The Buccaneers on the other hand have a young team that are rallying around each other and will bring their A game to Washington this week as they are in the playoff race. I like Mike Williams who is a contender to be the rookie of the year this season. LeGarrette Blount should have a huge fantasy day in this matchup against the skins terrible Run D ranked 28th. The Redskins are also brutal against the pass ranked 29th so Mike Williams and Josh Freeman both should be successful. I like the Buccaneers in this game because they have everything going for them while the Redskins have everything going against them. The Buccaneers will win this game 21-20.
Filed under Fantasy Matchups (Game Previews)
Week 13 Early Game Active/Inactives
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson(ankle) will be active and start Sunday against the Bills 32nd ranked run defense. Toby Gerhart will get around 8-10 touches i’d guess to give AP more rest than normal. Gerhart is a decent desperation flex play.
Saints RB Pierre Thomas(ankle) will sit out today’s game in Cincy. Chris Ivory, Reggie Bush and Julius Jones are going to share touches. Reggie Bush’s leg is not yet at 100% but he expects to be heavily involved today in both the passing and running game.
Chiefs RB/WR Dexter McCluster(ankle) will start against the Broncos and opposite of Dwayne Bowe. McCluster’s return could help Bowe’s cause as he could burn down the field to allow the safeties to help and leave Bowe one on one with Champ Bailey.
Vikings WR Percy Harvin(migraines) is OUT today against the Bills. Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian get a big boost with Harvin out as well as Greg Camarillo.
Giants WR Steve Smith(pectoral) will be inactive as expected for Sunday and Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth(illness) will be inactive against the Giants as well. RB Ryan Torain(hamstring) is out today. James Davis and Keiland Williams will split carries against the 5th best defense against the run.
Dolphins wideout Brandon Marshall(hamstring) will sit today against the Browns. Davone Bess and Brian Hartline are solid flex plays today.
49ers Brian Westbrook(ankle) will play today after battling some ankle pain during the week. Westbrook will get bulk of carries but Anthony Dixon will likely get the carries around the goal line.
Packers receiver Greg Jennings is active today as expected and RB Dmitri Nance(concussion) will not play. Rookie James Starks will be active for the first time in his career but it remains to be seen how much if at all he’ll be used.
As expected Colts wideout Austin Collie(concussion) will not play today against the Cowboys. Blair White becomes a solid WR3 for this matchup.
Titans wideout Kenny Britt(hamstring) is officially out today, he’s likely to return week 14. Kerry Collins(calf) is going to start against the Jaguars today as expected.
Bills RB C.J. Spiller (hamstring) will return today in Minnesota and will handle return duties and get a few touches out of the backfield. Fred Jackson will still get majority of touches so don’t worry about using him.
Filed under Uncategorized
11/23 Player Updates
Colts Receiver Austin Collie(concussion) has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers as a “precaution”. Blair White will fill the slot receiver role and is a solid flex play especially in PPR leagues. Teammate Joseph Addai(neck) will be participating only in non contact work this week during practice. Many believed he’d be able to return during week 12, but this news leads us to believe week 13 is more likely. Donald Brown, who looked much better this past week, would draw another start if Addai is inactive.
Chargers activated Vincent Jackson from the roster exempt list and he is expected to play a significant role in the offense Sunday in Indy. RB Ryan Mathews(ankle) is unlikely to play as well, meaning another start for Mike Tolbert against the leagues 30th ranked run defense. Malcom Floyd(hamstring) tweaked his hammy Monday night and is likely to be a game time decision Sunday. With the game being Sunday night, if you have other options i’d use them instead of holding out hope of Floyd playing. TE Antonio Gates(foot) is still unsure if he’ll be able to come back week 12. Gates is such a tough competitor, I can’t rule his return out completely in a big game like this, but we’ll have to take a wait and see approach. As with Floyd, if you have another option use him with the game being late.
Chargers wideout Patrick Crayton, had a decent game Monday night until he dislocated his wrist. Crayton finished with 3 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown but is now likely to be sidelined at least two weeks. If Crayton and Floyd can’t go, look for Vincent Jackson and Seyi Arijotutu to get the start in a good matchup in Indy.
Giants WR Hakeem Nicks is going to be out at least three weeks with compartment syndrome in his lower right leg. With fellow wideout Steve Smith already on the shelf for at least another week, look for Mario Manningham and Derek Hagan to start Sunday. The Giants also signed former Bucs wideout Michael Clayton from the UFL today. Clayton showed some flashes while in Tampa but never put it together consistently, maybe some time away from the NFL helped him develop and hopefully be able to help the Giants depleted receiving corp.
Dolphins wideout Brandon Marshall, who suffered a hamstring injury during last Thursday’s home loss to the Bears, says he will “do everything in my power to play Sunday.” Marshall has never missed a game because of injury and hopefully that streak continues, but hamstrings are very tough to recover from without the proper amount of rest, so stay tuned.
Browns QB Colt McCoy is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain during Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars. If he is unable to go this week, look for Seneca Wallace to return as the Browns starter. TE Ben Watson, was in and out of the lineup Sunday after suffering an ankle injury and was held without a catch. There currently is no updates on this matter and as soon as we have one, we will be sure to pass it along to you.
Lions RB Jahvid Best(turf toe) is having more and more issues with it and was outproduced by Maurice Morris during Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys. Best is not likely to suit up Thursday against the Patriots and with Kevin Smith placed on IR, Maurice Morris would get the start and is a decent flex play in PPR leagues.
Saints RB Reggie Bush(leg) is likely to go Thursday against the Cowboys while Pierre Thomas(ankle) was held out of Tuesdays practice and Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Time-Picayune assumes there has been a setback in Thomas’ recovery. A Thursday afternoon return is even more unlikely return date for Thomas if he’s unable to practice at all just two days prior. We will continue to monitor this but don’t give up on Thomas just yet has he could be a juggernaut for you during your fantasy playoffs.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis(groin) who started Sunday’s game against the Titans, reaggravated it and was unable to return, leaving Keiland Williams to shoulder the load. Portis, in my estimation is done this year and Ryan Torain(hamstring) is more than likely to be ruled out this week as well, leaving Williams to carry the load once again, against the Vikings.
49ers TE Vernon Davis left Sunday’s home loss to the Bucs after aggravating the same ankle he sprained a few weeks back. Davis states that its not that serious but we’ll keep an eye on this going into Monday nights game with the division rival Cardinals.
Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart(concussion) was unable to practice Tuesday and his week 12 status is uncertain. Stewart has missed the last two weeks with this concussion and Mike Goodson has filled in admirably. Stewart still has a ton of talent, but in re-draft leagues it is almost time to cut bait completely.
Titans WR Kenny Britt(hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 12 already. Britt more than likely won’t return until at least Week 14, if he’s lucky. With the Titans loss of Vince Young however, Britt is looking a little less attractive even if he does return if rookie Rusty Smith is under center.
Cardinals receiver Early Doucet has been diagnosed with a concussion after leaving Sunday’s game in the 2nd quarter. Doucet will be monitored throughout the week but I wouldn’t count on him suiting up Monday night against the 49ers.
Seahawks receiver Mike Williams, after posting a 6-109 day Sunday left the game in the third quarter after feeling something pop in his foot. He was unable to return to the game and his status for going forward is dependent upon his response to treatment according to coach Pete Carroll. Week 12 at the very least seems to be a wash as far as Williams is concerned so make other plans.
Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker has now been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, which kept him out of Sunday’s win against the Browns. Sims-Walker is unlikely to play this Sunday against the Giants too, so make other arrangements if he’s in your current lineup.
Filed under Uncategorized
11/18 Player News
Dolphins Brandon Marshall left tonight’s game with an apparent hamstring injury. Were not yet sure whether it was just a cramp or something more serious. As we find out more we’ll be sure to pass it along to you.
Colts RB Joseph Addai(neck) participated in Thursday’s practice in a limited fashion. It’s likely to be a game time decision this week but its encouraging to say the least. Donald Brown’s value was already little to none and will become non-existent once Addai is back healthy. WR Austin Collie(concussion) was a full participant at Thursday practice and is slated to suit up Sunday in New England. SOURCE: Paul Kuharsky on Twitter
The Panthers have now named 8 year veteran Brian St. Pierre there starting QB for Sunday’s game and not rookie Tony Pike. This is an odd move after hearing all week that it would be Pike. This however should have no fantasy impact and all Panthers should remain on benches and waiver wires.
Texans Andre Johnson(ankle) and Matt Schaub(knee) both practiced on a limited basis Thursday and both are expected to start Sunday against the Jets. TE Owen Daniels(hamstring) missed practice again and has virtually no chance at playing Sunday. SOURCE: Nick Scurfield on Twitter
Chiefs WR/RB Dexter McCluster(ankle) was limited in practice Thursday and is likely to be a game time decision. TE Tony Moeaki(concussion) sat out Thursday practice and is very unlikely to go Sunday if he’s yet to practice at this point in the week.
Steelers WR Hines Ward(concussion) practiced in full for the second straight day and is going to start Sunday. Get him back into your lineup against the Raiders secondary which is likely to be without Nnamdi Asomugha again.
Redskins RB Clinton Portis(groin) was limited in practice Thursday and is likely to be a game time decison. Ryan Torain(hamstring) has yet to practice this week and we’d bet he sits this week as well. Rookie Keiland Williams is likely to get the majority of the load in Tennessee Sunday and is a viable flex play especially in PPR leagues.
Brett Favre(elbow,ankle) and Percy Harvin(ankle) were both limited in practice on Thursday however both are expected to play Sunday against the Packers. SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Packers WR Donald Driver(quad) was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday and will attempt to fully participate on Friday. If he can, he’s likely to play but if he’s limited again, James Jones would likely get the start with Driver being used sparingly at best.
Jaguars WR Mikes Sims-Walker(ankle) missed his second straight practice Thursday and his Week 11 status is still unclear. We’ll monitor this injury closely and up date everyone as info comes in.
Cardinals RB Beanie Wells(knee) was limited in practice Thursday, one day after stating his knee hasn’t felt this good since September. He still insists he’ll play Sunday but Coach Whisenhunt has yet to announce if Wells or Tim Hightower will start Sunday.
Saints RB’s Chris Ivory(shoulder) and Reggie Bush(fibula) were both limited during Thursday practice but are expected to play Sunday. I wouldn’t get overly excited about either of these guys, but if you had to start one, i’d go with Bush based purely on his play making ability. I wouldn’t expect Coach Payton to give Bush a heavy workload, i’d look for 8-10 touches but he could always break a big play. Pierre Thomas(ankle) has yet to participate in team drills during practice but is at least in pads and doing individual drills. Coach Payton says, “I think we’ve turned a corner”, which is a positive sign but he won’t be back until at least next week at the earlier.
Bengals RB Cedric Benson(foot) returned to a limited practice Thursday. His status isn’t yet known but we’d expect him to suit up in a great matchup at home against the Bills.
LeSean McCoy(shoulder) was limited in practice Thursday but he’s fully expected to play. I mean the guy played through broken ribs, I’d be shocked if he didn’t go this week against the Giants. We’ll keep you posted on any updates but signs point toward McCoy playing.
Filed under Uncategorized
Evening Player News 11/11
Bruce Gradkowski
Says he’s 100% recovered from his shoulder injury and will be ready to play to go in week 11. However, Tom Cable has is leaning towards sticking with Jason Campbell. Right now, my feeling is, we’ve won four of the last five games with the same guy,” Cable said. “When you’re winning, you’re winning. You don’t mess with that.”
Steve Smith NYG
Mike Garofolo of the Newark Star-Ledger expects Steve Smith to miss “maybe a game or two” with the pectoral strain sustained in Thursday’s practice. Bad news for Smith owners, as Smith was finally starting to get hot. Stay tuned, but it sounds like he really could miss Sunday’s game vs the Cowboys.
Fred Taylor
Talyor (toe) hopes to play Sunday night against the Steelers. Stay tuned.
Ryan Torain
Got a good amount of work on Thursday but Shanahan still hasn’t said whether or not Torain will play.
Shaun Hill
Practiced fully for the second straight practice and Coach Schwartz has confirmed Hill will start Sunday.
Knowshon Moreno
Coach Josh McDaniels suggested that Knowshon Moreno will be featured heavily in the offensive game plan this week. “We’d like to get him going, you know what I mean,” McDaniels said. “That’s an important part for us coming off of the first half of the year. We didn’t get that phase of our team going. He’s an important part of getting that thing going in the right direction.” Whether or not Moreno is successful is another story, but Mcdainels knows this run game needs to get going to help this offense flow.
Vince Young (Ankle, Knee)
“We still have a long season,” said Young. “Yes I want to be out there playing, but if it don’t let me get out there to play I won’t play. At the same time, if I feel good you will see me out there playing.” I’m sure Young is anxious to play with Randy Moss, but sounds like he’s not 100% just yet.
Joseph Addai and Mike Hart
Both missed practice again Thursday and look like they will be out again for Sunday. Donald Brown will get the majority of looks once again against the Bengals.
Beanie Wells
Was held out of practice Thursday. Coach Whisenhunt expects Beanie to practice Friday and a decision will come later in the week.
Clinton Portis
Sat out practice Thursday and it’s not looking good for him to make his return Sunday. With Ryan Torain also banged up, Keiland Williams could draw the start.
Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson
Coach Rex Ryan indicated it would be an even 50/50 split going forward. He will probably just continue to ride the hot hand whoever it is, but of late Greene has outperformed Tomlinson.
Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams
Both Didn’t practice and are most likely to miss Sunday’s game. Mike Goodson will get the start.
Pat Chung
Looks like IDP star Pat Chung will finally return this week after a 3 week absence. Maybe wait a week then get Chung back in your IDP league lineups.
Filed under Uncategorized
Week 8 Start Em Sit Em
By Mike Cannici
Starts
QB
Matthew Stafford (vs WAS)- Stafford returns this week after missing the last seven weeks with a shoulder injury to face one of the worst pass defenses in the league. He is a great bye week filler and should be owned in all 12 team leagues. There obviously is the question of how his shoulder will hold up but I’d bet that the Lions would not be getting their franchise QB back on the field if he wasn’t 100%.
Matt Cassel (vs BUF)- Don’t look now but Cassel is a good start once again in a home matchup against the Bills. Buffalo’s offense has been much better of late, so look for this to be a close game but their defense is still terrible and they put zero pressure on the QB. Cassel is another example of a great matchup play or a bye week replacement.
Chad Henne (@CIN)- Henne has been very efficient since coming out of the Dolphins bye week. The big numbers haven’t been their but to his credit the turnovers haven’t been their either. CB Jonathan Joseph may be out again for the Bengals and Henne could put up similar numbers to Matt Ryan’s last week (299 yards,3 touchdowns).
RB
Ryan Torain (@DET)- Torain has played very well since taking over for Clinton Portis, with the exception of the two fumbles last week. He draws the Lions this week who are 26th vs. the run, so look for another big day out of Torain. He is a solid flex play with low end RB2 upside.
Beanie Wells (vs. TB)- Wells has been a disappointment thus far but did pick up 54 yards and a score last week. He gets the 31st ranked rush defense Sunday at home and should have his biggest day of the year, especially with Max Hall struggling with in the passing game. Wells is a great flex start and could possibly put up top 5 numbers this week as long as the Cardinals can keep it close, and if they get a solid lead, watch out, it’ll be the Beanie Wells show.
Felix Jones (vs. JAC)- Jones struggled last week against the Giants, but really who hasn’t since week three, but with the loss of Tony Romo, may actually become more valuable going forward. Jon Kitna replaces Romo, and while I don’t think Kitna will be horrible, I do think Dallas will rely on the run a little more going forward, to limit the turnovers and mistakes. This week Jones gets the Jaguars who are 25th against the run and 27th vs. the pass. Jones is a very good flex play this week and even a low end RB2 in PPR leagues.
WR
Pierre Garcon (vs. HOU)- With Austin Collie, Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai out, there is going to be a lot more balls to go around and Garcon will be the #2 option behind Reggie Wayne. Garcon should at least duplicate his numbers from week six against the Redskins (4-104-1) if not surpass them. Houston ranks dead last against the pass and at home, Peyton Manning will be airing it out. Solid WR3/Flex in this matchup.
Dwayne Bowe (vs. BUF)- This should almost go without saying, but I know there are a lot of owners out their wondering, should I start Bowe again this week? The answer is simple, HELL freaking yes. He has scored two touchdowns in each of the last two weeks, and playing this week at home against the Bills, it wouldn’t shock me that he does it again. Dexter McCluster will miss the next few weeks with a high ankle sprain, so Bowe’s targets should increase even more. He’s a high end WR3 with WR2 potential. Get him in lineups.
Patrick Crayton (vs. TEN)- Crayton is averaging around 100 yards in each of his last two games, and has another solid matchup this week. He makes for a great flex play and a WR3 in PPR leagues. In this pass happy offense; look for Crayton to put up 6-8 catches, around 80-90 yards and a score this week. Start him with confidence.
Sits
QB
Vince Young (@SD)- Young is likely to start Sunday in San Diego after missing last week’s game with knee and ankle injuries. He isn’t a good start however as he is 0-4 in his career against the Chargers. The Chargers are also ranked 4th against the run and 1st against the pass, making Young a desperation start at best.
Donavan McNabb (@DET)- I know I know most people’s eyes light up if they have a player facing the Lions, but the Lions have defended the pass pretty well and McNabb is coming off a terrible game against the Bears last week. The Lions have allowed 10 passing TD’s in 6 games and have six interceptions to go along with that and 16 sacks. McNabb is a decent start in 2QB leagues, but if you start just one, I hope you have other options.
RB
Ryan Mathews (vs. TEN)- Mathews has two things working against him this week, one is the Titans are 10th vs. the run and second the Chargers don’t like to run the ball very often. Mathews is still recovering from his ankle injury and is near 100% but their still babying him a little bit. I was watching some tape of him last night on NFL Networks playbook and saw how he still is trying to bounce it to the outside instead of following his blockers and hitting the holes. The Chargers o-line hasn’t been great, but during those highlights, their was at least three HUGE holes he could have hit for big gains. He’s just a rookie, but a rookie who should be on your bench this week if you have better options.
Saints RB’s Chris Ivory/Ladell Betts (vs. PIT)- Ivory and Betts weren’t spectacular last week against the Browns at home and this week draw the league’s best run defense in the Steelers. Ivory had that big week six game and Betts has been decent in PPR leagues, but both are better left on fantasy benches in week eight. The Steelers have only allowed two rushing touchdowns this year, and both were from less than 3 yards out and are allowing opponents 2.8 yards per carry. The Steelers have also faced backs the likes of Chris Johnson, Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown, Ray Rice and the list goes on. Ivory and Betts are nowhere near those players so keep them on benches this week.
WR
Lee Evans (@KC)- I know Evans has been solid lately and I love the guy as much as anyone, but he draws a matchup with Brandon Flowers this week, one of the up and coming star cornerbacks, and should be held in check. I expect Stevie Johnson to have another solid day, but keep Evans on benches this week if it’s feasible. With that Kansas City crowd noise, I’d expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to have a lot of trouble moving the ball.
Mike Williams (@OAK)- Williams has been great the last two weeks, but is about to hit a wall, and that wall’s name is Nnamdi Asomugha. The Seahawks are also not nearly as good on the road as they are at home and similar to Ryan Fitzpatrick, I think Hasselback will have problems with the crowd noise and finding Mike Williams open on a regular basis. Williams will be great the rest of the way, I just don’t see this week being one of those great weeks.
Michael Crabtree (vs. Den in London)- Crabtree’s value took a big hit last week with the loss of QB Alex Smith to a separated shoulder. Crabtree was just starting to get it going and will now be relegated to a flex play at best with Troy Smith or David Carr at the helm. Troy Smith is definitely the better of the two options, but I don’t see Crabtree having the big games we saw from him during weeks four through six. It pains me to say this as I am a Crabtree owner in a keeper league and two redraft leagues but keep him on the bench this week, at least until we see what we have with Troy Smith.
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