Fantasy Football Player's Edge

October 12, 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.


Crunch Time: (updated periodically until 1pm EST)

Matt Hasselbeck is officially a game time decision but
it's unlikely that he'll play. The Seahawks play a late
game so unless your backup QB is also playing late it's
best to use someone else.

Jon Kitna is out and Dan Orlovsky will get the ball.
Avoid this situation.

Carson Palmer is out due to an inflamed right elbow.
Ryan Fitzpatrick gets the start and in not playable
vs the Jets.

Darren McFadden is active but will backup Justin
Fargas. Fargas can be used while McFadden needs
to be watched to see how new coach Cable is going to
use him.

Devin Hester will make a 2nd straight start at WR,
replacing Brandon Lloyd. There are better options
at #3 this week such as Walter and Stokely.

Marques Colston is inactive for the Raiders game.
David Patten is also out. Robert Meachem can be
used as a #3 if necessary.

Roddy White will be active vs the Bears making it
a bit more difficult to stack the line of scrimmage to
thwart Michael Turner. Neither player would be
considered a great start today.

Shayne Graham is out and Dave Raymer will kick
for the Bengals. Scour the free agents immediately
if Graham was your kicker. Take Suisham if he's
available.

Kellen Winslow is out for Monday night. Pickup
Greg Olsen, Donald Lee or take a longshot with
Mercedes Lewis or Daniel Graham.


It's in the Stars:

Luminous: (5 Stars)

QB:
J. Cutler
A. Rodgers
T. Romo

RB:
A. Peterson
C. Portis
R. Brown
L. Tomlinson

WR:
Sa. Moss
An Johnson
R. Wayne
B. Marshall
T. Owens
P. Burress

TE:
C. Cooley
J. Witten

K:
S. Suisham
M. Prater

DEF:
Chicago
Minnesota
New York Giants

Glowing: (4 Stars)

QB:
D. Brees
M. Schaub
P. Manning
D. Garrard
D. McNabb
K. Warner
J. Campbell

RB:
R. Bush
M. Forte
S. Jackson
W. McGahee
M. Jones-Drew
R. Grant
M. Barber
B. Jacobs

WR:
B. Berrian
S. Smith
K. Walter
B. Stokely
E. Royal
G. Jennings
L. Fitzgerald
R. Moss
W. Welker

TE:
O. Daniels
A. Fasano
A. Gates

K:
R. Longwell
K. Brown
M. Crosby
N. Rackers
N. Folk

DEF:
Washington
Carolina
Tampa Bay
Green Bay

Bright: (3 Stars)

QB:
E. Manning
P. Rivers
G Frerotte
K. Orton
J. Delhomme
C. Pennington
M. Cassel

RB:
F. Gore
J. Fargas
D. McAllister
T. Jones
L. McClain
F. Taylor
M. Pittman
J. Jones
C. Buckhalter
F. Jones
K. Faulk
C. Taylor

WR:
D. Henderson
K. Moore
J. Higgins
T.J. Houshmandzadeh
M. Booker
Ca. Johnson
Ro. Williams
B. Wade
T. Holt
L. Coles
A. Randle El
M. Muhammed
G. Camarillo
T. Ginn Jr.
A. Gonzalez
J. Porter
Ma. Jones
D. Driver
De. Jackson
G. Lewis
P. Crayton
S. Breaston
V. Jackson
Bu. Davis
A. Toomer
D. Hixon
B. Edwards

TE:
Z. Miller
B. Miller
G. Olsen
De. Clark
V. Shiancoe
Da. Clark
M. Lewis
D. Graham
D. Lee
L.J. Smith
B. Watson
K. Boss

K:
S. Janikowski
T. Mehlhoff
J. Feely
R. Gould
D. Anderson
A. Vinatieri
M. Scobee
D. Akers
J. Nedney
N. Kaeding
S. Gotkowski
J. Carney

DEF:
New York Jets
Baltimore
Philadelphia
Dallas
San Diego

Diminished: (2 Stars)

QB:
M. Bulger
B. Favre
J. Russell
R. Fitzpatrick
D. Orlovsky
J. Garcia
J.T. O'Sullivan

RB:
D. McFadden
M. Turner
D. Williams
J. Stewart
E. Graham
W. Dunn
R. Williams
S. Slaton
J. Addai
A. Hall
E. James
T. Hightower
S. Morris
J. Lewis

WR:
J. Walker
M. Colston
Ch. Johnson
C. Henry
J. Cotchery
R. White
M. Jenkins
D. Hester
A. Bryant
I. Hilliard
M. Harrison
D. Mason
B. Engram
I. Bruce
M. Austin
E. Doucet
D. Stallworth

TE:
K. Winslow
C. Baker
J. Stevens
Al. Smith
T. Heap
J. Carlson
De. Walker
B. Patrick
D. Rosario

K:
J. Elam
J. Hanson
Jo. Brown
J. Kasay
M. Bryant
M. Stover
O. Mare
P. Dawson

DEF:
Oakland
New Orleans
Cincinnati
Atlanta
Jacksonville
Miami
Houston
Indianapolis
Denver
Seattle
San Francisco
Arizona
New England

Dull: (1 Star)

QB:
M. Ryan
J. Flacco
C. Frye
D. Anderson

RB:
C. Benson
C. Perry
R. Johnson
K. Smith
A. Green

WR:
Ja. Jones
Br. Johnson
Da. Jackson

TE:
B. Utecht
J. Peelle
J. Klopfenstein
J. King
V. Davis
L. Pope

K:
S. Graham

DEF:
St. Louis
Detroit
Cleveland


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, E. Manning vs. Browns

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: 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. 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: Cotchery 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


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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