Fantasy Football Player's Edge

October 11, 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 6 News: Saturday

Peyton Manning will be able to target a weakness
in the Ravens secondary. CB Fabian Washington,
a replacement for Samari Rolle, is out due to a sore
right shoulder. Frank Walker will start at right CB,
getting his 1st start since 2006. Reggie Wayne will
exploit the special teams player forcing a double team
on every snap allowing Anthony Gonzalez to roam
free in the slot and TE Clark to run wide open down
the middle. Harrison is likely to draw shutdown CB
Chris McAlister for most of the game. Manning/
Gonzalez/Clark get upgraded in this scenario while
Wayne is simply a better must start. Gonzalez has
been dealing with a mild concussion so verify that
he's playing before using him as a #3.

Bye Week: Bills, Titans, Chiefs, Steelers


The Walking Wounded: (revised/updated)

Matt Hasselbeck has not practiced this week and is
unlikely to play vs. the Packers. Seneca Wallace
is also hurting so Charlie Frye will get the start.

Aaron Rodgers has been limited to walk-through type
of activities as he continues to rest a sore shoulder.
He's expected to start vs. the Seahawks.

Carson Palmer did not throw in practice and had an
ice pack wrapped around his right elbow. He will not
start against the Jets as Ryan Fitzpatrick gets the
call.

Jon Kitna was unable to practice due to back spasms
and will be a game time decision. Dan Orlovsky will
start vs. the Vikings for the hapless Lions if Kitna's
out.

Brian Westbrook has been ruled out of the 49ers
game.

Justin Fargas was strong in practice and would be
a decent free agent add against the Saints this week
especially with McFadden questionable with a turf
toe injury.

Maurice Morris is expected to return this week from
a knee injury. He's likely to caddy for Julius Jones.

Selvin Young strained a groin against the Bucs and is
out putting Michael Pittman in play vs. the Jaguars.

LaDainian Tomlinson is said to be nearing a 100%
healthy from a season long bout with a sore toe.

LaMont Jordan is not practicing and Maroney has
been limited with a sore shoulder. Neither player has
any fantasy value currently.

Willis McGahee practiced fully and will be ready for
the Colts. Le'Ron McClain is still likely to get 12+
touches making him a decent bye week play.

Joseph Addai is keeping his fingers crossed that Ray
Lewis' knee will make him a cheerleader. The Ravens
middle linebacker is listed as questionable but is likely
to play.

Anthony Gonzalez has a concussion and is listed as
questionable. He would be a nice #3 vs the Ravens.
See week 6 news above.

Anquan Boldin is out vs. Dallas with Breaston
getting the start and Early Doucet playing the slot
in 3 wide sets.

Eddie Royal has been limited in practice due to an
ankle injury and is questionable. Brandon Stokely
remains a solid bye week play. Darrell Jackson
should see some snaps.

Donte Stallworth is not 100% but is expected to
play which is good news for Braylon Edwards. The
bad news is that the Browns face a strong Giants
pass defense.

Chris Chambers has not been officially ruled out of
the Patriots game although he's still unlikely to play.
Vincent Jackson returned to practice and appears
ready to go. Buster Davis is a sleeper in this contest.

Mike Walker, a nice surprise for Garrard owners as
a reliable target, is out for the Broncos.

Kevin Curtis is increasing his workload and should see
some action vs. the 49ers. Give him at least one start
before inserting him as a weekly #3.

D.J. Hackett will miss the Bucs game on Sunday with
a knee injury. Dwayne Jarrett will get some playing
time.

Deion Branch has not practiced as he deals with a sore
heel.

Joey Galloway did not practice and is likely to miss the
game against the Panthers.

Calvin Johnson was restricted in workouts with a sore
knee. He's expected to play

Roy Williams was limited because of a hip problem but
is expected to start.

Roddy White is still fuzzy after a collision in practice.
He's questionable for the Bears.

Bernard Berrian practiced fully and should be ready
for the Lions.

Reggie Brown is out against the 49ers with a strained
groin.

Brandon Lloyd is still unable to practice due to a knee
injury. He's doubtful. Marty Booker will get the start.

Marques Colston has returned to practice and may be
available vs. the Raiders in 3 and 4 wide receiver sets.
It's best to sit him this week if you have a better option.

Laveranues Coles is listed as questionable for the 3rd
straight week with a thigh injury. He played prior to the
bye week and is likely to play vs. the Bengals.

Kellen Winslow has enlarged testicles. No really. He's
said to be 50/50 for Monday night's tilt with the Giants.
He spent another night in the hospital so pick up Boss
as insurance in case the soldier can't go.

Tony Scheffler is out this week with a strained groin.

Jeremy Shockey did not practice and is doubtful for
the game vs. the Raiders.

Randy McMichael is out for the season with a serious
knee injury and ligament problems.

Martin Gramatica is done for the season and has been
placed on the IR with a groin injury. Taylor Mehlhaff
will kick for the high scoring Saints and could be a nice
add kicking in a dome especially later in the season.

Shayne Graham missed practice with a strained groin.
Use another option on Sunday.

Steven Gotkowski was limited in practice as he nurses
a sore thigh.

Shawn Springs will return this week to bolster an already
stout Redskins pass defense much to the chagrin of Holt,
Bulger and company.

Charles Woodson continues to improve weekly from a
fractured toe. He'll give Engram fits this week.

Shaun Andrews is still unable to play due to back pain.
He's a large void to fill on the Eagles O-line and is part of
McNabb's problems of late as he tries to get the offense
untracked.


Start/Sit: (Week 6)

1. QB's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

David Garrard- has quietly been effective the past 2
weeks scoring 23 and 13 points respectively. He has a
favorable matchup this week vs. the Broncos defense
which has yielded 7.4 ypa and 8 scores. He should get
more out of Jerry Porter and his running game will set
up the pass vs. Denver's front 7 which allows an NFL
high 5.2 ypc. It's the perfect storm.

Jason Campbell- a coaching change in St. Louis will
help to stabilize the offense but the Rams still have the
same old porous defense. Campbell faces a unit that
has allowed 8.7 ypa and 8 scores in 4 games. He has a
chance for a career game.

Matt Schaub- assuming he starts he will face a Miami
team coming off a big win over the Chargers and due for
a possible letdown. The Dolphins secondary can be had
as is evidenced by a 7.4 ypa. Schaub was scratched last
week vs. the Colts due to an illness but had a big game
against the Jaguars in week 4 amassing 26 points. He's
a solid play.

Good Bet: Cutler vs. Jaguars, Palmer vs. Jets
E. Manning vs. Browns, Rivers vs. Patriots.

Unfavorable:

Derek Anderson- it's very likely that Brady Quinn will
relieve Anderson in this game if he gets off to a slow start.
The Giants have a solid pass defense allowing a scant 4.9
ypa and feature a ferocious pass rush.

Marc Bulger- returns to action after a bye week with a
renewed confidence and a tough opponent. The Redskins
secondary has been solid allowing 6.2 ypa after facing the
likes of Romo, McNabb, Brees and Warner.

Brett Favre- the Bengals have been surprisingly good in
the secondary allowing 6.0 ypa with only 4 touchdowns in 5
games. They "held" Romo to 176 yards last week although
he did throw for 3 scores.

Bad Bet: Hasselbeck vs. Packers, Warner vs. Cowboys,
Garcia vs. Panthers


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

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

Favorable:

Maurice Jones-Drew- similar to the Colts game where
he and Fred Taylor ran wild the Broncos will offer little
resistance for the Jaguars up front. Denver allows 5.2
ypc. This is the unit that allowed Larry Johnson to roll
up 198 yards behind a substandard offensive line.

Le'Ron McClain- has been impressive and faces a Colts
front 7 which yields a generous 4.9 ypc. The Ravens will
shorten the game with the run to keep Manning off the
field so they'll be plenty of carries to go around. McClain
will also get the goal line work.

Julius Jones- even with Morris returning Jones has done
enough to be the featured back. The Packers have been
soft in run defense allowing 5.1 ypc. The Seahawks were
humiliated last week and will need to control the ball to
have a chance vs. Green Bay.

Good Bet: Forte vs. Falcons, Fargas vs. Saints,
R. Brown vs. Texans

Unfavorable: (sitting a #2)

D'Angelo Williams- he'll be a popular add and bye week
play for Lynch or the Johnson's, Larry and Chris. The
Bucs allow only 3.7 ypc and have yet to yield a rushing TD.
He returns to the waiver wire after this week

Michael Turner- has struggled against tier 1 run defenses.
The Bucs and Panthers limited the Burner to 4 & 5 points
respectively. The Bears, already stout up front, bring back
Tommie Harris to a unit that gives 3.7 ypc and are certain
to stuff the run and force Ryan to beat them.

Steve Slaton- had a huge day against the Colts that will
not translate into success this week vs. the Dolphins. The
front 7 for Miami has been solid offering only 3.3 ypc and
2 TD's on the season. They shutdown Tomlinson at the
point of attack giving him only 57 total yards on the day.

Bad Bet: R. Johnson vs. Vikings, Addai vs. Ravens,
Perry vs. Jets, Lewis vs. Giants, Graham vs. Panthers


3. WR's: Matchups

The Standard: 80 yards, 1 TD = 14 points

Favorable: (starting a #3)

Kevin Walter- faces a soft Miami secondary who will be
preoccupied with stopping Andre Johnson. He's likely to
see single coverage all afternoon.

Santana Moss- will make amends for being shutout by
the Eagles. The Rams secondary is awful and Moss will
likely shake free for a couple of big plays.

Bernard Berrian- should be heavily targeted against the
league's worst pass defense that allows an astronomical
9.2 ypa. The only caveat is that the Vikings may elect
to simply run the ball all afternoon.

Good Bet: Ch. Johnson vs. Jets, Driver vs. Seahawks,
Crayton vs. Cards, Toomer vs. Browns, Camarillo vs.
Texans, V. Jackson vs. Patriots

Unfavorable: (sitting a #3)

Marvin Harrison- has struggled all season to regain his
Hall of Fame form. The Ravens will blanket "marvelous"
all day.

Roddy White- has been fantastic but faces a formidable
Bears defense. The Falcons will stress the run and pass
out of necessity. Not a great success formula.

Antonio Bryant- will have his work cut out vs. a staunch
Panthers secondary. This game shapes up as a defensive
struggle. Look elsewhere for a #3.

Bad Bet: Coles vs. Bengals, Engram vs. Packers
Stallworth vs. Giants


4. TE's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

Mercedes Lewis- faces a Broncos defense that allows
yards to TE's.

Donald Lee- had a score last week and may score again
vs. the Seahawks this week.

Owen Daniels- should have a free run down the middle
vs. the Dolphins.

Good Bet: Boss vs. Browns, Fasano vs. Texans
Utecht vs. Jets


Unfavorable:

Vernon Davis- is not playable until the 49ers decide to
throw his way.

John Carlson- the rookie from Notre Dame will be hard
pressed by a swarming Packers defense.

Kellen Winslow- the soldier is going to have to battle the
Giants linebackers and safeties for catches and yards.

Bad Bet: Stevens vs. Panthers, Baker vs. Bengals


5. K's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

Matt Prater- possesses the strongest, most accurate
leg in football. A must start every week.

Shaun Suisham- will have plenty of chances as the
Redskins offense will consistently march against the
Rams.

Mason Crosby- if Rodgers can stay on the field the
Packers will steadily drive into Seattle territory.

Good Bet: Kaeding vs. Patriots, Longwell vs. Lions


Unfavorable:

Adam Vinatieri- the Ravens should suffocate the
Colts offense limiting his chances.

Josh Brown- the Redskins are likely to stifle the
Rams.

Matt Bryant- this tilt between the Panthers and
Bucs shapes up to be a low scoring affair.

Bad Bet: Kasay vs. Bucs


6. DEF's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

Carolina- will take away the Bucs ground game
forcing Garcia to make plays in the passing game.
The Panthers allow only 14 points and 255 ypg.

Tampa Bay- has the tools on defense to thwart
the Panthers ground game enabling the front 7
to tee off on Delhomme.

Chicago- the Falcons will be hard pressed to
move the ball vs. the Bears. They'll rattle young
QB Ryan into making mistakes.

Good Bet: Giants vs. Browns, Eagles vs. 49ers


Unfavorable:

Jacksonville- the Jags achilles heel, pass defense,
is the strength of the Broncos offense. Denver is
likely to score 30+ on Sunday.

New England- faces a Chargers offense that was
embarrassed in Miami. This is a bounce back game
for San Diego against a defense playing on the West
Coast for a 2nd consecutive week.

Miami- another case of a poor matchup for a decent
defense. The Dolphins are vulnerable in pass defense
and the Texans potentially, have a solid pass offense.

Bad Bet: 49ers vs. Eagles, Seahawks vs. Packers


Van Winkles: (deep sleepers)

Gus Frerotte- faces the league's worst defense when
the Lions visit Minnesota on Sunday. Detroit does
not do anything well on either side of the ball. They're
awful. Kyle Orton achieved "greatness" against this
unit last week. The only caveat is that the Vikings
may want to give Peterson a chance for a 300 yard
game and then hand the baton to Chester Taylor.

Kevin Faulk will have opportunities, including at the
goal line, to exploit a Chargers defense that allows
4.4 ypc. Look for 50 total yards and a score.

Chester Taylor is likely to receive 15+ touches in the
2nd half when the game vs. the Lions has been iced.
It's prudent to think that they'll pull Peterson as soon
as that occurs.

Antwaan Randle El will have several chances to have
an impact against the Rams. He's likely to be involved
in a couple of gadget plays and will be Campbell's 3rd
option in the passing game. The St. Louis pass defense
yields 8.7 ypa, only the Lions are worse.

Ted Ginn Jr. will face single coverage as the latest slow
footed sure handed receiver to gain notariety, Camarillo
receives all the attention from a weak Texans secondary.

Daniel Graham will receive additional targets and some
red zone looks against the Jaguars with Tony Scheffler
on the shelf.

No He Didn't:

Buster Davis will get plenty of targets as the Patriots
try to take away Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates.
New England's backline has allowed 6.5 ypa and 6 TD's
in 4 games.


All Done!

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