Tag Archives: Steve Smith(Car)

by | December 9, 2010 · 4:30 am

Week 14 Start Em Sit Em

 

Starts

QB

Josh Freeman @ WAS- Freeman has been spectacular for the most part this year, much better than anyone could have predicted coming into his sophomore season. The Redskins allow the 5th most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and Freeman is definitely someone to consider as a playoff starter if you’re using a committee approach.

Joe Flacco @ HOU- The Monday night game this week is a big game for both teams, especially the Texans as their playoff hopes have almost all but evaporated. The Ravens coming off a big home loss to the Steelers and Flacco and company are out for blood this week. The Texans allow the most fantasy points and passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. Flacco is a must start this week if you don’t have one of the top 5-6 options on your roster.

Jay Cutler vs. NE- Cutler has now thrown 5 touchdowns and zero interceptions over his last two games, and this week gets the Patriots pass defense which is allows the 3rd most fantasy points to quarterbacks. I know the Pats shut down the Jets Monday night, but Cutler has been playing great and is at home. The Pats defense will give up some big plays to Cutler and the Bears in what should be a very good game, even after watching what the Pats did to the Jets on Monday night football.

RB

LaGarette Blount @ WAS- The Redskins allowed 200 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns last week to the Giants and Blount very well could put up 100 yards and two scores. I know this week there has been rumors that Earnest Graham may steal goal line carries, and I’m not sure what Blount’s issue is around the goal line, but Blount regardless is a must start against the Redskins this week. Blount posted 103 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons 6th ranked run defense last week, so expect even better numbers this Sunday.

Brian Westbrook/Anthony Dixon vs. SEA- Both these guys are solid flex plays this week against the Seahawks at home. The Seahawks allowed 128 yards rushing and two touchdowns to the Panthers last week, and would have allowed more had the Seahawks not turned it into a blow out early in the second half. Look for around 100 yards for Westbrook and around 60-70 yards and a touchdown for Dixon.

Mike Tolbert vs. KC- Tolbert never got going in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders but that was mainly because of their need to come back from a 21-3 deficit. He did however play a big role in the receiving game grabbing 6 balls for 47 yards so he was still productive in PPR leagues. This week he gets the Chiefs defense who allowed 161 yards to Knowshon Moreno last week. The Chiefs couldn’t stop the much smaller Moreno at home so chances of them stopping a monster like Tolbert on the road is very slim. Tolbert is a mid-level RB2 this week.

WR

Michael Crabtree vs. SEA- Crabtree has been decent in Alex Smith’s absence but is a much better option with Alex instead of Troy under center. This week he get’s Alex back and the Seahawks come to town who allow the 3rd most fantasy points to receivers. He’s a solid WR3 in a great matchup this week.

Steve Smith vs. ATL- Smith has been very frustrating in 2010 from the injuries to the quarterback issues, but could have a big game this week. The Falcons allow the 2nd most fantasy points to wide receivers, and with the Panthers likely to fall behind early, they’ll have to air it out, with Smith the likely recipient. I like him as a flex play this week with WR3 upside. If you’re every going to start him the rest of the season, this is the week.

Derrick Mason @ HOU- Mason had his least productive game since week 1 last week with two catches for 22 yards. That will not happen again this week against the Texans and their 32 ranked pass defense. Mason and Boldin are in for solid games Monday night and I highly recommend getting Mason in your Flex spot.

 

Sits

QB

Sam Bradford @ NO- Bradford has been very good during his rookie campaign, but this week he faces the Saints pass defense which allows the least fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Also, they go on the road where the Rams aren’t as good and the Saints are lights out at home since their loss to the Browns. In a two QB league, Bradford is a decent start, but he’s not your go to guy this week.

Mark Sanchez vs. MIA- I know after Monday night’s game against the Patriots, Sanchez isn’t likely to be on your fantasy radar this week but just in case you were thinking about it, don’t. The Dolphins are the 4th ranked pass defense and I wouldn’t look for this to be Sanchez big bounce back game. I’m not saying he won’t play well against Miami, he just won’t put up legit fantasy starter numbers this week.

RB

Cedric Benson @ PIT- Really don’t need to say much here, he’s facing the Steelers, so if you have another option, use him.

Marshawn Lynch @ SF- Don’t let last week’s fluky 3 touchdown performance fool you. The Panthers allow the 5th most points to opposing running backs while the 49ers are the 9th ranked defense against opposing backs. Keep Lynch on your bench this week and more than likely for the rest of the playoffs.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ CHI- He’s been very solid for most of the season, but if you’re not in a touchdown heavy league, BenJarvus isn’t a great start especially this week. The Bears are the 4th ranked run defense and the 6th best defense in points allowed to running backs. He’s a flex play at best this week, but if you have a better option, go that route as BenJarvus won’t give you the numbers your looking for this week.

WR

Santonio Holmes vs. MIA- Holmes has been very productive since his return, but he will be blanketed by Vontae Davis, possibly the league’s most underrated corner. Sanchez will have to look elsewhere to move the ball down the field as I just can’t see Holmes putting up big numbers.

Larry Fitzgerald vs. DEN- If last week was any indication, Fitzgerald is a must sit this week. Dwayne Bowe, the league’s hottest receiver going into week 13 was completely shut down by Champ Bailey finishing with zero catches. Now Fitz could pull out a few catches if things get out of hand like Bowe did in their first meeting, but with rookie John Skelton under center and Bailey covering Fitz, Skelton will be looking elsewhere to completions.

Jacoby Ford @ JAC- Ford has been a tremendous story the last few weeks, but unbelievably, the Jaguars, have allowed the least fantasy points to receivers over the last three weeks. Their defense has really stepped up as of late and Ford could be in for a long day. He had just one catch last week, but fortunately for his owners, it was for a touchdown. The Jags at home play much better and they should be able to get a lot of pressure on Jason Campbell.

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by | November 25, 2010 · 3:22 am

Week 12 Start Em Sit Em

By Mike Cannici

 

 

Starts

QB

Shaun Hill vs. NE- Hill has been solid in every game he has started thus far and the Patriots are 30th against the pass. Hill has also played very well at home and in a game where the Lions are likely to play from behind, Hill is a solid start. I have him ranked as my 9th QB this week over guys like Big Ben and Eli.

Matt Ryan vs. GB- Ryan has a 19-1 career record at home and draws the leagues 11th ranked pass defense there this Sunday. He has thrown 11 of his 18 touchdowns at home and is a solid start against the Packers. I have him as my 8th QB just ahead of Shaun Hill this week and really like the matchup.

RB

BenJarvus Green Ellis @ DET-The Lions are 24th against the run and Green Ellis is coming off a very productive game against the Colts who are ranked 28th vs. the run. The Law firm, BJGE, has been a little inconsistent since taking on the starting role but has now posted double digit points in three of his last four, and Thursday against the Lions shouldn’t stray from that stat. He’s a very solid flex play with some RB2 upside this week.

Mike Tolbert @ IND- Tolbert ran for 111 and a touchdown this past Monday night against the Broncos and draws the 28th ranked Colts who BenJarvus Green-Ellis just tallied 96 yards and touchdown against last week. Tolbert is likely to get the bulk of the carries again with Ryan Mathews still nursing that ankle injury so Tolbert is a great flex start this week.

Keiland Williams vs. MIN- Williams is now the every down back it would appear with Portis being placed on IR Wednesday and Ryan Torain still nursing injuries. In his last two outings he has totaled 157 rushing yards and two touchdowns to go along with ten catches for 77 yards and a receiving score. For PPR owners, this is even more attractive with those ten catches. There isn’t any one skill about him that makes you think this guy is going to be great, but he is a great pass blocker and plays smart out there and that’s a big key into staying on the field and he’s done everything he’s been asked thus far. He’s a must start flex play with RB2 potential in PPR leagues.

WR

Mario Manningham vs. JAC-Mario has been a little hit or miss thus far in 2010 but is now going to be asked to be the “guy” for at least the next two weeks with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith on the shelf with injuries. He has a tremendous matchup this week at home against the 27th ranked pass defense in the Jaguars. I really like this guy for the foreseeable future and I have him as my number eight ranked receiver this week. You’re probably starting him as a WR3 or flex play but you’ll likely get WR1 numbers out of him this week. Start him with confidence.

Vincent Jackson @ IND- Jackson will make his long awaited return Sunday night against the Colts and should pick up right where he left off. There are not a lot of players in this league you could really think that about after missing 11 weeks, but this guy is one of them. Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates are not likely to play and Patrick Crayton has a dislocated wrist so Phillip Rivers will be down to Jackson and Arijotutu as his main threats. He’s a quality WR2 start this week with WR1 upside as I have him as my 13th ranked receiver which makes him the best of the WR2’s in 12 team leagues.

Blair White vs. SD- White has been very good in Austin Collie’s absence this season and will be asked to do big things once again this week with Collie out once again. White hauled in five passes for 42 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday’s comeback attempt against the Patriots. The Chargers do have the league’s best pass defense but those type of stats you can usually throw out the window when talking about Peyton Manning playing at home especially. He’s a solid flex play and a WR3 in PPR leagues.

 

Sits

QB

Carson Palmer @ NYJ- The Bengals have been struggling and being down big in a lot of games which has made his fantasy numbers look pretty good, but against the Jets and a healthy Darrelle Revis, I can’t see Palmer getting too much going at all Thursday night. Last year in week 17 Palmer was just 1 for 11 for 0 yards ( I know the Bengals didn’t play starters for long but still 11 attempts should have yielded something) and in the first round of playoffs vs. the Jets Palmer was just 18 for 36 for 146 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception. I don’t see those stats improving much this week as I have Palmer as my 24th ranked QB this week so even in 2 QB league’s he barely makes the cut.

Jay Cutler vs. PHI- I don’t love Jay Cutler this week either, even though he’s at home, the Eagles pass defense has improved lately and Cutler just hasn’t quite been getting it down through the air. If possible, keep him on benches this week, look at a guy like Matt Cassel or dare I say Jon Kitna before starting Cutler.

RB

Fred Jackson vs. PIT- Jackson has been great the last two weeks since CJ Spiller went down, but this week draws the league’s best rush defense(63ypg) and is barely a flex play this week unless you’re in a PPR league.

Cedric Benson @NYJ- Benson has been struggling as of late besides last week against the Bills, but everyone runs on them and is averaging just 3.7 ypc this season. The Jets will come out and try to build a big lead early and Benson will be left in the dust since he’s not much of a pass catcher. He’s a below average flex play at best this week, so if your roster allows, sit Benson.

Marshawn Lynch vs. KC- Lynch is a guy I was high on when he got traded, but has yet to really get it done and is being outplayed by Justin Forsett right now. Lynch’s lackluster play can somewhat be blamed on the Seahawks O-line, but Forsett has been able to get some solid runs so that can’t be all there is to blame. The Chiefs rank 12th vs. the run so far this year and I think they’re going to really step up against the banged up Seahawks line. Keep Lynch on your benches until further notice.

WR

Steve Smith @ CLE-The Browns defense is played much better than the numbers might tell you (23rd vs. pass, 21st vs. run) especially at home. The Panthers QB play is just a mess right now and Smith doesn’t look like any more than a flex play the rest of the way. It’s a sad situation for Smith owners who were expecting a big year but he must be on benches and dare I say it, could be the time to cut ties with him.

Terrell Owens @ NYJ- Owens and Revis have been talking trash back and forth all week and when that happens, Revis is usually the one who backs it up. Revis allowed just 32 yards to Andre Johnson last week who is arguably the NFL’s best receiver so I can’t imagine the 36 year old T.O. to out produce that. If you have other options use them this week as I can’t see Owens getting more than 30-35 yards against a healthy Revis.

Donald Driver @ ATL- Driver appears to be back from his injury but also seems to be losing targets and snaps to James Jones who has been very good as of late. Jones has hauled in 11 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns the last two weeks and Driver seems to be more of a third option for Rodgers. I’m not quite ready to tell you to cut ties with him as Jones needs to stay consistent, but keep him on your bench until further notice.

 

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by | October 23, 2010 · 7:25 pm

Player News 10/23

First things first, i’m not sure if you know but Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand was paralyzed after a hit against Army last weekend. There is a facebook page call “wristbands for LeGrand please go to it and show your support for this strong young man.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=105563409510255

49ers News

WR Josh Morgan(thigh) was a full participant in Friday’s practice and is expected to play Sunday in Carolina. CB Nate Clements(ankle) is likely to miss Sunday’s game which could mean a big day for Steve Smith who himself is returning from an ankle injury. TE Vernon Davis(knee) practiced with no issues this week and will start Sunday.

Bears News

LB Lance Briggs(ankle) was able to practice Friday and is expected to start Sunday. IDP leaguers get him back into your lineups against the Redskins.

Bengals News

CB Jonathan Joseph(ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. Joseph is likely to play, however may not be 100% meaning Roddy White could have a big day.

Bills News

No Major injuries effecting your fantasy squad.

Broncos News

CB Champ Bailey(ribs) has the best chance at playing this week over the rest of the Broncos on the injury report. WR Eddie Royal(groin) participated in a limited fashion during Friday’s practice and will be a game time decision. If you have another option, use him over Royal who even if he does play won’t be 100%.

Browns News

RB Peyton Hillis(quadricep) is probable this week and should play in a pretty good matchup against the Saints. WR/KR Josh Cribbs (concussion) is expected to play Sunday. WR Mohammed Massaquoi(concussion) is listed as doubtful and likely won’t suit up against the Saints. Rookie QB Colt McCoy will get the start once again this week while QB’s Jake Delhomme(ankle) and Seneca Wallace (ankle) sit out.

Buccaneers News

RB Earnest Graham (hamstring) is questionable this week and isn’t likely to play Sunday. Cadillac Williams and LaGarette Blount are expected to shoulder the load in a good matchup against the Rams. TE Kellen Winslow(knee) practiced in full late this week and will play Sunday.

Cardinals News

WR’s Steve Breaston(knee) and Early Doucet (groin) are both being considered game time decisions. If you have other options or cannot wait until the 4pm game to make a roster decision, look elsewhere. Rookie WR Stephen Williams (back) is not likely to play Sunday and could miss some more time as he is dealing with a small fracture in his back.

Chargers News

WR’s Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee(hamstring) are both unlikely to play Sunday in what would be great matchup against the Patriots. TE Antonio Gates(toe) will be a game time decision, but many close to the Chargers believe Gates will play. RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) practiced in full Friday and will start. Mathews is a high end RB2 against the weak Pats defense.

Chiefs News

No significant Fantasy news.

Colts News

The Colts are on a bye this week, however they are just riddled with injuries. TE Dallas Clark(hand/wrist) was placed on IR ending his season. WR Austin Collie(foot) had surgery this week and will be sidelined at least two weeks. RB Joseph Addai (shoulder) is seeking a second opinion on his shoulder but sources say he will probably miss the next 4-5 weeks.There is nothing torn just some nerve damage. Donald Brown(hamstring ) would be first in line to start with Addai out but he just can’t seem to get healed up. Mike Hart would get the starting nod in Week 8 if Brown is unable to go.

Cowboys News

Dez Bryant (ribs/ankle) is fully healthy according to sources and will play Monday night against the Giants.

Dolphins News

No significant Fantasy News

Eagles News

Michael Vick(ribs) will not start Sunday but will dress and will be emergency QB. Vick is expected to return to a starting role in week 9 after next weeks bye. RB LeSean McCoy(broken rib) says his rib is not yet fully healed but has been playing through it and will continue to do so. WR Desean Jackson(concussion) will not play Sunday but will likely return week 9 after next weeks bye, as long as he passes all his tests.

Falcons News

CB Dunta Robinson(concussion) will not play Sunday. Robinson suffered to concussion on a devastating hit on Eagle receiver Desean Jackson who will not play this week either.

NY Giants News

WR Hakeem Nicks(hamstring fatigue) will play Monday against the Cowboys. Nicks said its just some fatigue and will be fine.

NY Jets News

The Jets are on a bye this week and have no significant injuries.

Jaguars News

QB David Garrard(concussion) will not play Sunday. Coach Jack Del Rio will not announce a starter until Sunday. It will be between Trent Edwards and Todd Bouman, neither of which is a viable option.

Lions News

The Lions are on a bye this week. QB Matthew Stafford(shoulder) is expected to return and start week 8. LB Zach Follett(stinger) was released from the hospital and thankfully will be ok. He layed motionless on the field during Sunday’s loss to the Giants after getting hit by DE Jason Pierre-Paul. It looked a lot worse and luckily he was not severely injured.

Packers News

WR Donald Driver(quadricep) returned to limited practice Friday and is listed as probable. Driver is very likely to play so keep him in your lineups. LB Clay Matthews(hamstring) is going to play Sunday but more than likely will only play on passing downs. If you don’t have other options, you have to start him, but if possible, bench him for this week as his total snaps will be limited.

Panthers News

WR Steve Smith(ankle) practiced in full and will start Sunday in a good matchup against the 49ers. Smith also gets Matt Moore back at QB and is a solid WR3 with WR2 upside this week.

Patriots News

RB Fred Taylor(turf toe) will be out once again this week. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead will split the carries and both are decent flex plays this week, especially Woodhead in PPR leagues. WR Julian Edelman(concussion) was limited at practice Friday and will be a game time decision.

Raiders News

QB Jason Campbell(knee) is likely to start Sunday unless he has a setback. He was able to practice on a limited basis the last few days so he should be good to go. This brings some value back to the Raiders receivers, who would have had little to none with Kyle Boller at the helm. Bruce Gradkowski(shoulder) is still unable to go. RB Darren McFadden is listed as questionable still but Coach Tom Cable believes he will play Sunday against the Broncos. Run DMC will likely split carries with Michael Bush and both are good flex plays.

Rams News

No significant fantasy news

Ravens News

TE Todd Heap, who suffered a shoulder injury after a big hit by Patriots Safety Brandon Meriweather, is expected to play Sunday against the Bills.

Redskins News

TE Chris Cooley, who suffered a concussion Sunday night is expected to play in Chicago Sunday. Check back in tomorrow with us to make sure but he looks like a go. RB Ryan Torain(ankle) is fine and will start in a tough matchup against the Bears.

Saints News

RB Pierre Thomas(ankle) has been once again ruled out for week 7. RB Reggie Bush(leg) will not play either but is expected back for week 8.

Seahawks News

No significant fantasy news

Steelers News

RB Rashard Mendenhall(shoulder contusion) is not listed on the injury report and will start Sunday against the Dolphins. He is a low end RB1 this week.

Texans News

LB DeMeco Ryans(achilles) was placed on IR thus ending his 2010 season. LB Zac Diles is expected to fill in at MLB and could be a sleeper for tackles in IDP leagues.

Titans News

RB Chris Johnson(thigh) practiced in full Friday, and as we expected is going to start Sunday. QB Vince Young(knee/ankle) is not expected to play Sunday, meaning Kerry Collins will start. WR Kenny Britt(bar fight) is a game time decision as to whether or not coach Jeff Fischer will sit him for disciplinary reasons. Check back in tomorrow morning for an update. TE Bo Scaife(groin) is listed as questionable but expects to play Sunday against the Eagles.

Vikings News

WR Percy Harvin(hamstring) was limited in practice Friday but is expected to play Sunday against the rival Packers. He’s a solid WR3 this week.

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by | October 21, 2010 · 12:19 am

Player News 10/20

Colts TE Dallas Clark is out indefinitely after suffering hand/wrist injuries during Sunday’s win against the Redskins. The Colts are not optimistic and it is a possibility that Clark will miss the rest of the season. SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Joseph Addai will go for a 2nd opinion on his shoulder injury that could keep him out several weeks. Addai resting during the bye. SOURCE:@JasonLaCanfora

Raiders RB Darren McFadden(hamstring) split reps today with Michael Bush during practice. If McFadden can go close to full speed Thursday, he will play Sunday against the Broncos. He’s a great flex play along with Bush if he can play. SOURCE: Vittorio Tafur on Twitter

Panthers WR Steve Smith seems to be having another miraculous recovery from an ankle injury suffered back in Week 3. Smith practiced in full Wednesday and is expected to start Sunday against the 49ers. I don’t know what voodoo doctor he visits but I need their number. Smith is a solid WR2 if he starts even with Clausen under center.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (thigh) was limited in practice Wednesday but isn’t expected to miss Sunday’s game. Its likely just some rest for Johnson who has just been getting a huge workload thus far. We will obviously monitor this situation but I highly doubt he will miss any time. QB Vince Young (ankle,knee) was also held out of practice Wednesday and his week 7 status is still up in the air. Back QB Kerry Collins (thumb) was held out of practice today as well but it is not believed to be serious.

49ers TE Vernon Davis(knee), practiced in full Wednesday and is close to 100%. He will start Sunday against the Panthers and is a must start. SOURCE: Matt Maiocco on Twitter

Eagles Desean Jackson has not yet passed his concussion tests thus far and will likely not play Sunday. The Eagles have also officially named Kevin Kolb the starter for Sunday’s game against the Titans. SOURCE: Jeffrey McLane on Twitter

Browns Coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday, unless Seneca Wallace(ankle) and Jake Delhomme (ankle) make significant progress the next few days, rookie Colt McCoy will make his second straight start against the Saints. McCoy played well against the Steelers Sunday and could have a similiar if not better game against the suspect Saints Defense.

Titans WR Justin Gage (hamstring) returned to a full practice Wednesday and is expected to play Sunday against the Eagles. The Gage injury opened the door for Kenny Britt to start and I can’t imagine with the way Britt has played, Coach Fischer would take snaps away from Britt for Gage. Britt is undoubtedly the most talented receiver on the team, so expect Gage, not Britt’s role to be reduced going forward.

Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday and the extent of this injury is still a mystery. We’ll keep an eye on this closely as the week goes on. SOURCE: Mark Long on Twitter

Cardinals WR Early Doucet (groin) returned to practice Wednesday in limited fashion. His status for this week is still up in the air. WR Steve Breaston (knee) after practicing in full Tuesday, was limited today but I believe it was only precautionary and he should start Sunday.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday but isn’t expected to miss any time, just some rest. SOURCE: Kevin Acee on Twitter

Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe) was held out of Wednesday’s practice but is still being considered day-to-day by coach Norv Turner. He’s got a chance to play Sunday especially if he can practice either tomorrow or Friday. SOURCE: Kevin Acee on Twitter

Ravens Ray Rice was limited during Wednesday’s practice but he isn’t injured, it was just a day off so he’s good to go Sunday in a great matchup against the Bills. WR Derrick Mason (finger,ankle) was limited Wednesday but is expected to be fine and is a pretty good flex play against the Bills this week. SOURCE: Jamison Hensley on Twitter

Browns RB Peyton Hillis (quad) was limited in practice Wednesday but the fact that he did practice after being held out the last few Wednesday’s is a good sign. He’ll start Sunday against the 14th ranked run defense in the Saints.

Redskins TE Chris Cooley (concussion) participated in light drills today and has a chance to play this week. The Skins’ will be cautious with him but if he continues to have no ill effects he should start.

Dez Bryant (ribs,ankle) has been a full participant in practice this week unlike last week when he didn’t practice at all. He should be good to go Monday night against their division rivals the NY Giants. He’s a risky WR3 however since he hasn’t been very consistent during his young career.

 

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