Fantasy Football Player's Edge

September 19, 2008

The key to winning your league revolves around
matchups and the injury status of key players.
The Player's Edge is the best source for timely
and comprehensive information and advice on
who to start, who to sit and why.


Week 3 News: (Daily Updates)

Adrian Peterson was held out of practice again and
is questionable for Sunday's fracas with the Panthers.
Grab Chester Taylor so that you can wait until game
time to see if Peterson's active.

LaDainian Tomlinson was held out of practice again
with a nagging turf toe and is questionable for Monday
night's tilt with the Jets. If you were unable to pick up
Sproles you'll need to consider playing another RB to
be certain of scoring points. Stay tuned for updates.

Darren McFadden returned to practice after nursing
a turf toe and will likely share workload with Michael
Bush vs. Buffalo on Sunday. McFadden was wearing
a special insert that made him feel as if he were running
flat footed and is a risky start if you plan to activate
him.

Ryan Grant is still not practicing due to a hamstring.
Grant owners should pick up Brandon Jackson as
insurance if your bench is thin at RB.

Frank Gore returned to action yesterday after a bout
with general soreness that included a limp. He looks to
be ready for Sunday's contest vs. the very easy to run
on Lions.

Maurice Jones-Drew is still limited in practice by a
sore ankle. He has a favorable opponent in the Colts
who are without their guided missile Bob Sanders.
He can have a breakout game if he's fit and active.

Laurence Maroney continues to miss practice time.
He has become an unreliable option even when healthy.
LaMont Jordan is dinged up as well so the carries
should be spread over Sammy Morris and Kevin
Faulk. Avoid this situation if possible.

For the 2nd week running the Lions say that Rudi
Johnson will get more carries this week. Considering
that he had 1 last week that shouldn't be too difficult.

For what it's worth Carson Palmer put in a full day
at practice and reported no issues with his ankle.

Javon Walker is a game time decision for everyone
except you. Sit him until he proves out.


Match Play:

*Each week the Edge will play an opponent in a very
competitive public league. PE drafted this team 10th
in a 10 team league placing PE at a weekly disadvantage.

Week 3:

PE--0-2 (Player's Edge)/--OP 2-0 (Weekly Opponent)

QB: D.McNabb----15 --J. Campbell-- 15
RB: C. Portis------15 --B. Westbrook-17
RB: L. Johnson----12 --W. Dunn-------5
WR:T. Holt---------8 ---A. Boldin-----12
WR:M. Harrison----7---L. Evans-------9
WR:B. Marshall---12 ---S. Smith-------9
TE: J. Carlson------5 ---J. Witten ------9
K: J. Brown--------8 ---R. Bironas-----9
DEF: Seattle------10---Pittsburgh---- 8

Projected Score:--PE 92//OP 93

RES:P. Rivers-----------D. Henderson
RES:E. James-----------M. Hasselbeck
RES:J. Walker----------W. McGahee
RES:C. Perry------------A. Crumpler
RES:De. Jackson------- D. Patten
RES:Buffalo------------ M. Cassel

Week 3 Final Score:

Transactions: Week 3

PE M. Gramatica(dropped)/J. Brown-Wed
PE Z. Miller(dropped)/J. Carlson-Wed
PE R. Williams(dropped)/Buffalo-Thur

Strategy:

WR Marvin Harrison, in spite of last week's 1 point
output, is being started over rookie sensation DeSean
Jackson. Marvin faces the Jaguars who are allowing
a generous 7.8 ypa while Jackson runs against a stingy
Steelers backline yielding just 4.8 ypa. Intuitively the
Jags will need to double cover Wayne and Gonzalez
off of last week's performance which affords Harrison
single coverage all afternoon. McNabb is being started
over Rivers, as they both have tough games against the
Steelers and Jets, because of McNabb's ability to add
2 or 3 points rushing. TE Carlson was added primarily
due to a soft Rams secondary which allows 9.6 ypa and
Hasselbeck getting more comfortable looking for him
over the middle. Josh Brown returns home to Seattle
where he kicked well for years and it's expected that the
Rams will play better on offense against the Seahawks
which are allowing 351.5 yards per game. Buffalo's D
was added because the Seahawks are off next week but
may be used this week against the Raiders. It's the only
starting spot that is still being debated.

Game Keys:

Larry Johnson's performance is one of the keys for PE
this week. He has not been included in the goal line offense
in practice and will have to score on a pass or medium run
to post a double digit point total. Additionally, Harrison
will have need to score 10+ to offset Evans while Holt/
Marshall neutralize Smith/Boldin. McNabb will need
to out point Campbell against a tough Steelers D which
will be counted on to hold Westbrook in check, meaning
a single digit total. Lastly, McNabb needs to put up 21
points, take only 2 sacks and play error free football giving
the Steelers defense only 3 to 5 points.

*ypc (yards per carry)
*ypa (yards per pass attempt)


The Walking Wounded: (September 18th)

Ben Roethlisberger has a sprained shoulder but will
play against the Eagles.

Carson Palmer has a sore knee but is practicing. He's
very likely to start vs. a tough Giants defense.

Frank Gore was limping badly and missed practice.
He insists that he'll be fine by Sunday. Keep an eye
on this.

LaDainian Tomlinson missed practice with a sore
toe. If you've picked up Sproles you can wait until
the last minute as San Diego plays on Monday night.

Adrian Peterson has a sore hamstring but he'll be
ready for the Panthers. Check back on Saturday to
be certain.

Steve Slaton will start for the Texans against the
Titans. Ahman Green missed practice again and
will most likely be out on Sunday.

Laurence Maroney was not present at practice. He's
battling a sore shoulder. He shouldn't be in your lineup
for any reason even if he's active.

Ryan Grant sat out practice again nursing a hamstring
strain. He was awful last week. Brandon Jackson will
shoulder the load if Grant is limited.

Jamal Lewis has a bad ankle and is limited in practice.
He's likely to play but All Pro guard Eric Steinbach
is questionable and Lewis faces the Ravens. Not good.

Hello Michael Bush. Fargas and McFadden were
unable to practice due to a sore groin and a turf toe,
respectively.

Maurice Jones-Drew sat out practice with a sore
ankle. Stay tuned.

LaMont Jordan could not go yesterday due to a
sore foot. He is in line to get significant carries this
week although the Dolphins are tough on the run.

Braylon Edwards is practicing sparingly as he tries
to heal a sore shoulder. He'll play vs. Baltimore.

Joey Galloway is out this week with a foot sprain.

Santonio Holmes is taking it easy as he deals with
a bruised knee.

Devin Hester did not practice as he has a rib injury.
The Bears are not divulging much information but
his participation or lack of in practice this week will
speak volumes.

Reggie Brown got through an entire practice and
will play vs. the Steelers on Sunday.

Laveranues Coles remains limited due to a sore
quad. He played effectively last week with the same
problem and is likely to suit up again.

Justin Gage has a sore groin. He has rapport with
Kerry Collins and is a serviceable #3 this week vs.
the Texans if he goes.

Jerry Porter practiced with the Jaguars yesterday
and could play on Sunday vs. the Colts. Garrard
could use the option.

Donte Stallworth missed practice completely to
rest a sore quad. He should not be on any fantasy
rosters.

Javon Walker could not finish practice as his sore
hamstring flared up. He's better off in free agency
than on your roster.

Bernard Berrian is still limited by a sore toe which
makes him a risky start. Frerotte is at the controls
so Berrian can be a useful #3 if he can get healthy.

Dallas Clark was back at practice and should play
on Sunday vs. the Jags. He has a partially torn ACL
which makes him a candidate for a season ending
injury on every snap.

Ben Watson practiced fully and has a nice start vs.
the Dolphins.

Darren Sharper missed practice with a shoulder
ailment. If he's sidelined it may bode well for Dante
Rosario. The Panthers TE was a popular add 2
weeks ago.

Bob Sanders will be out for 4-6 weeks. The Colts
defense, especially against the run, will be vulnerable.
There are better tier 2 defenses to employ such as
Buffalo or Carolina if you've been using the Colts.

Aaron Glenn is the latest of several Saints CB's to
get injured. Cutler, Marshall and Royal should have
a field day against 3rd stringers in the defensive back
field of New Orleans.

Charles Woodson is sitting out practice again this
week with a fractured toe. He played last week and
is probably stoked to face Owens and the 'Boys this
week.

Shaun Andrews, a Westbrook/McNabb protector
is having an MRI on his back. He'll be needed against
the ferocious Steelers front 7 this week.

Walter Jones is sitting out for a few days with hip and
back issues. If he can't go Julius Jones will suffer.

Gaines Adams has a sore rib and is sitting presently.
He's an important piece of the Bucs solid defense.


1. QB's: Matchups

The Standard: 300 yards, 2 TD, 0 Int = 20 points

Favorable:

Matt Cassel- has a great matchup vs. the Dolphins at
home. Although he's no Warner, who carved up the
Miami secondary last week Cassel is averaging a very
respectable 7.7 ypa. Featuring a stingy run defense which
allows only 3.1 ypc Miami will force Cassel to throw. The
Dolphins have been shredded for a league worst 11.4 ypa
and will become easy pickings for Moss, Welker and co.

J.T. O'Sullivan- welcomes his former team into Monster
Park. Martz wants this one as he was generally considered
the problem with the Lions offense last season. Detroit's
backline has been torched for 9.4 ypa while O'Sullivan's
ypa is a gaudy 9.9. The only thing that could mitigate J.T.'s
performance is Gore running for 200 yards against the
leagues worst run defense allowing 6.1 ypc.

Matt Hasselbeck- he still has no receivers but will find an
overly accommodating Rams ready to make his 4th string
wideouts look like All Pro's. St. Louis is allowing 9.6 ypa and
a league high 6 TD's. Hasselbeck has been awful gaining a
meager 4.9 ypa but here's his chance to get back on track.

Good Bet: Edwards vs. Raiders, Bulger vs. Seahawks
Delhomme vs. Vikings.

Unfavorable:

Carson Palmer- once again has a brutal matchup this time
against the Giants defense which is allowing a paltry 4.4 ypa.
Palmer has completed less than 50% of his passes, sports a
horrible 4.5 ypa with 3 int's and 0 TD's. One could argue that
he's due for a breakout. Argue if you must but there's no doubt
that Carson is up against another tough foe this week.

Derek Anderson- from the frying pan to the fire. He's faced
the Cowboys, Steelers and now gets the Ravens who shut
down the Bengals in their only tilt allowing a miniscule 3.5
ypa. Anderson is barely averaging 5.0 ypa and may be able
to catch Baltimore flatfooted in the 1st quarter due to the
Ravens inactivity. As the game wears on Derek is going to
be worn out.

Matt Schaub- faces a fierce Titans defense who have kept
opposing passers to a feeble 4.6 ypa. Schaub was off last week
due to Hurricane Ike. He averaged a mediocre 6.1 ypa vs. the
Steelers in week 1 with a score, 2 picks, a fumble and a one
yard sneak for a touchdown. He'll have a similar day without
the rushing TD. Look for 10-12 points at best.

Bad Bet: Warner vs. Redskins, McNabb vs. Steelers.


2. RB's: Matchups (starting a #2)

The Standard: 110 yards rush, 30 yards rec, 1 TD = 20 pts

Favorable:

Michael Turner- returns to form this week against a
poor Chiefs run defense which is allowing an absurd 5.7
ypc. 150 yards and 2 scores is a reasonable expectation
even though Kansas City will stack the box daring QB
Ryan to beat them over the top.

Larry Johnson- is mired in Herm Edwards muck. He's
likely to get 25 touches vs. a Falcons run defense that
allows 4.6 ypc and could top the century mark and post
a score. The risk is that he'll lose goal line touches.

Julius Jones- his performance is contingent on Morris
missing another week. He's facing an awful Rams front
7 which generously allows 4.9 ypc. He could replicate his
127 yard, one TD performance from last week.

Good Bet: Jones-Drew vs. Colts C. Johnson vs.
Texans, T. Jones vs. Chargers.

Unfavorable: (sitting a #2)

Willie Parker- will get slowed down by the tough run
defense of the Eagles which leads the league with a 2.7
ypc against.

Jamal Lewis- only averaged 3.5 ypc vs. his old Ravens
teammates last season although he did score twice. The
2008 version of Baltimore's bad boys upfront look rock
solid. They held the Bengals to less than 3.0 per carry in
their only game of the season thus far.

Jonathan Stewart- this rookie is going to get a lot of play
this week after a 77 yard, 2 TD showing against the Bears.
Unless he gets goal line touches he'll struggle vs. the Vikings
stout front wall which yields only 3.6 ypc.

Bad Bet: Graham vs. Bears, Forte vs. Buccaneers,
C. Perry vs. Giants.


3. WR's: Matchups

The Standard: 80 yards, 1 TD = 14 points

Favorable: (starting a #3)

Isaac Bruce- faces a porous Lions secondary that
yields 9.4 ypa. It's likely that both Bruce and Bryant
Johnson will surpass the century mark.

D. J. Hackett- will be a major beneficiary of Steve
Smith's return from a 2 game suspension. He will
be targeted as the Vikings will force Delhomme
to throw by taking away his running game. They can
be had allowing 7.4 ypa.

Courtney Taylor-will have to shoulder the load this
week but will likely not be double teamed as the Rams
attempt to thwart Julius Jones by bringing up a safety.
He should be Hasselbeck's primary target down the
field as St. Louis has allowed 9.6 ypa and 6 TD's.

Good Bet: Evans vs. Raiders, Harrison vs. Jaguars

Unfavorable: (sitting a #3)

Chad Ocho Cinco- is likely to struggle again this
week against a Giants secondary that is yielding
just 4.4 ypa.

DeSean Jackson- he's been fabulous but could
be held in check by a staunch Steelers secondary.
Pittsburgh is stingy allowing only 4.8 ypa with 1
passing touchdown this season.

Chris Chambers- had a huge performance last
week which is certain to warrant double coverage
by an already tough Jets secondary that allows
only 5.8 ypa.

Bad Bet: Walter vs. Titans, Ward vs. Eagles


4. TE's: Matchups

The Standard- 40 yards, .3 TD = 6 points

Favorable:

John Carlson- will continue to get looks vs. a
shaky Rams pass defense.

Vernon Davis- bounce back game against the
Lions after being shutout last week.

Todd Heap- if he's healthy he'll get plenty of
targets from Flacco against a porous Browns
defense.

Good Bet: Watson vs. Miami, Royal vs.
Raiders, Rosario vs. Vikings, Shockey
vs. Broncos

Unfavorable:

Zach Miller- will continue to struggle this week vs.
a solid Bills defense.

Donald Lee- benefits from the absence of SS Roy
Williams but this contest shapes up to be a deep
ball fest for both QB's.

L. J. Smith- will have Steelers active linebackers
and Polamalu draped over him all day.

Bad Bet: Miller vs. Eagles


5. K's: Matchups

The Standard- 2 FG's, 1/40+, 3 Pat's = 10 points

Favorable:

Josh Brown- has always kicked well as a Seahawk
at home. Booted a pair of 54 yarders last week so the
Rams just have to get close.

Joe Nedney- likely to replicate last week's 16 points
vs. the Lions this week.

Rob Bironas- Titans are likely to move the ball
effectively on the ground affording Bironas several
opportunities as drives stall in Texans territory.

Good Bet: Stover vs. Browns, Kaeding vs. Jets

Unfavorable:

Shayne Graham- great kicker who's not playable
until the Bengals offense gets untracked which is
unlikely to happen against the G-Men this week.

Matt Bryant- may not have enough chances in
what looks to be a defensive game between the
Bucs and Bears.

Kris Brown- another great kicker who may not
have many looks against the Titans stingy D.

Bad Bet: Reed vs. Eagles, Akers vs. Steelers


6. DEF's: Matchups

The Standard- 13 points allowed, 3 turnovers, 2 sacks = 12 pts

Favorable:

Tennessee- the Titans face a potentially sound offense
in the Texans who are prone to turnovers. Houston will
score some but will give Tennessee points with sloppy
play and sacks.

Buffalo- have been sound on defense ranking highly
in points allowed, ypa and ypc. They face a Raiders
running offense that makes them one-dimensional.

Chicago- is facing a QB who they practiced against all
last season in Brian Griese. The Bucs are struggling
in the passing game and will be forced to establish the
run, in order to pass, against a Bears' front seven that
allows only 3.6 ypc.

Good Bet: Bucs vs. Bears, Seahawks vs. Rams,
Patriots vs. Dolphins, Giants vs. Bengals

Unfavorable:

Geen Bay- excellent defense runs into an offense
hitting on all cylinders.

Dallas- see above.

Denver- this one shapes up to be a high scoring
game vs. the Saints. Broncos will have to get
points on turnovers and have a great track record
vs. Brees but because their offense is so potent
they could find themselves in a negative points
situation should New Orleans score 35+ which
is a distinct possibility.

Bad Bet: Jets vs. Chargers


All Done!

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