Fantasy Football Player's Edge

September 22, 2008


Monday: (Recap)

Falcons 34/Chiefs 17- Larry Johnson (18) and
Herm Edwards must have embraced during halftime
because L.J. went off in the 2nd half. Bowe (10) got
into the endzone while Gonzalez (3) caught 4 short
balls from Thigpen (3). Turner (28) was a burner
and White (17) was alright. Norwood (10) played
well and Ryan (12) was serviceable. The Falcons
(15) defense had an interception return for a TD.

Bills 24/Raiders 23- Lynch (23) continues to
establish stud credentials. Edwards (14) had a late
score while his receivers Parrish (10), Reed (7),
Evans (4) and Royal (3) split the points. Bush (5)
and McFadden (4) were ineffective. Russell (14)
had a rushing TD. The Raiders (10) D outscored
the Bills (3).

Giants 26/Bengals 23- Manning (15) and Boss (11)
were the only Giants to post solid numbers. Jacobs (9)
and Burress (4) disappointed. Palmer (17) finally came
through as did Perry (14) and Houshmanzadeh (20).
Ocho (2) was an oh no. Graham (11) made the most out
of his kicks.

Dolphins 38/Patriots 13- Ronnie Brown (39) was a
monster. Ricky Williams (11) had the garbage points.
Fasano (12) caught a TD from Brown. Ginn (4) had 5
catches. Cassel (6), Welker (6) and Moss (2) left a great
deal to be desired. The Dolphins (11) D was better than
the vaunted Patriots (-4) defense.

Titans 31/Texans 12- Collins (13) scored with his legs
while White (16) got the goal line touches and split carries
with Chris Johnson (7). Scaife (8) and McCareins (7)
got on the board. Slaton (23) acquitted himself well vs. a
tough Titans (19) defense. Schaub (5), Andre Johnson
(2) and Walter (1) underperformed while TE Daniels (7)
stepped up for his owners.

Bucs 27/Bears 24- Griese (21) had 407 passing yards &
2 scores. Antonio Bryant (13), Hilliard (11) and Stevens
(12) joined the party. Earnest Graham (1) had 12 totes to
Dunn's (5) 5 carries and 4 receptions. Forte (20) is officially
amazing. Orton (18) and Lloyd (18) surprised to the upside.
The Bucs (13) defense outscored the Bears (8).

Redskins 24/Cardinals 17- Portis (13) had another nice
game. Campbell (17), S. Moss (13) and Cooley (7) scored
well at their respective positions. Fitzgerald (16) is an elite
receiver with Warner (14) and Boldin (8) getting a little
somethun'-somethun'. James (7) was mediocre again.

Vikings 20/Panthers 10- Peterson (7) played but did not
score. Frerotte (11) and Berrian (7) had good chemistry. WR
Steve Smith (7) returned from suspension. Stewart (7) had
a short TD before leaving with an injury. Delhomme (3) was
completely throttled while D. Williams (3) never get started
against the Vikings (19) bone crushers.

Broncos 34/Saints 32- Marshall (21) law was in effect once
again. Cutler (17) was solid. S. Young (6), Scheffler (1) & Royal
(1) were disappointing. Bush (24) had 29 touches and Brees (20)
threw for 421 yards and a score. Shockey (7) and Meachem (8)
made nice contributions while Pierre Thomas (13) had the tough
yards.

49ers 31/Lions 13- very nice start for O'Sullivan (18). Gore
(22) was terrific but the Niners receivers, Bruce (7), B. Johnson
(2) and Davis (1) got shorted in the process. Rudi Johnson (18)
seems to have taken the job from rookie Kevin Smith (1). Kitna,
(8) C. Johnson (4) and Roy Williams (1) have had better days.
The 49ers (10) defense and ball control offense were the difference.

Seahawks 37/Rams 13- Hasselbeck (12) played well with a
makeshift receiving corp. Julius Jones (20) has made the most
of his opportunity to be a lead back while Duckett (19) has the
goal line touches. Carlson's (3) production was lacking. Bulger
(8) is really struggling as is Holt (3). Steven Jackson (12) had
28 touches. McMichael (1) was not a factor. Seattle's (9) defense
was fair again.

Eagles 15/Steelers 6- Westbrook (1) was forced out early in
the game with an ankle injury. McNabb (10) returned after a
chest injury sustained late in the 1st half to play an average game.
Buckhalter (14) scored well while rookie sensation Jackson (4)
was held in check. Reggie Brown (0) played sparingly. Parker
(2), Holmes (3), Ward (3) and Roethlisberger (0) were awful.
Miller (6) had 4 catches. The Eagles (24) had 9 sacks to go with
3 turnovers and a safety. The Steelers (13) D was the lone bright
spot for owners.

Ravens 28/ Browns 10- McGahee (13) returned to action and
played well while fullback Le'Ron McClain (18) got the glory and
the points. Mason (4) and Heap (3) were underwhelming. Lewis'
(7) mediocrity was a Browns highlight. Anderson (6), Edwards
(3) and Winslow (1) were stifled by the swarming Ravens (21).

Jaguars 23/Colts 21- Maurice Jones-Drew (21) and Fred
Taylor (12) ran wild. Garrard (5) was not a factor again this
week. Peyton Manning (11) is still not sharp missing a wide
open Harrison (10) on a fly pattern. Wayne (7), Clark (4)
and Gonzalez (3) were held in check. Addai (20) finally got
going. The Jaguars (11) defense was serviceable.

Cowboys 27/Packers 16- Romo (12) was average. Rodgers
(18) scored well again primarily due to a sneak for a TD. Owens
(1) could not shake Charles Woodson. Barber (19) played
like a 1st rounder. Witten (6) had 7 catches. Grant (3) remains
in a funk while neither Jennings (11) or Driver (7) could find
the endzone. Miles Austin (17) had 2 big catches. Dallas (8)
and Green Bay (7) defenses were marginally effective.


Quick Picks: (free agents to acquire)
S. Slaton
Ju. Jones (bye)
B. Berrian
R. Meachem
An. Bryant
B. Scaife
J. Gage

Castaways: (waiver candidates)
Ri. Williams
Ja. Walker
K. Smith
M. Bulger
R. Rice
D. Williams

Hard Knocks: (injury notes)
B. Westbrook - ankle
B. Roethlisberger- hand
D. McNabb- chest
L. J. Smith- back
J. Kitna- knee
J. Stewart- undisclosed


Start/Sit: (Week 3)

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


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 --M. Cassel----- 16
RB: C. Portis------15 --B. Westbrook-17
RB: L. Johnson----12 --W. McGahee-13
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: Buffalo-------7---Pittsburgh---- 8

Projected Score:--PE 89//OP 101

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: PE 89/OP 66

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 Cassel against a tough Steelers D which will
be counted on to hold Westbrook in check, meaning a
single digit total. Portis will have to keep pace with Westy.
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. PE is starting the Buffalo def. over Seattle's
and needs the Bills to outscore the Steelers.

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


Final Thoughts:

PE has decided to play a team that drafted 10th in a 10 team
format. This league will be followed throughout the entire 2008
fantasy campaign. The challenge will be to stay competitive vs.
teams with much better rosters.

The Player's Edge participates in many leagues but elected
to follow a team in a Public League to better approximate what
might be faced by a wide majority of players that use the Edge
daily. The team plays in a standard scoring format of 25 yards
per point/4 points per TD/ -1 Int for QB's and 10 yards/6 for
TD/-2 fumbles for RB/WR/TE. Kickers, 3/4/5 points for 1-30,
40, 50+ yard field goals respectively. Defenses, 10 for shutout
to 0 for 34+ points allowed and 2 points for fumbles, interception
a 1 point per sack. 6 points for defensive scores.

All Done!

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