Fantasy Football Player's Edge

November 14, 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.


Tomorrow: Walking Wounded (revised/updated)


Thursday: Recap

Jets 34/Patriots 31- Favre (18) was flawless as he,
Thomas Jones (17) and Cotchery (12) got owners
off to a great start. Coles (3) struggled while Keller
(8) continues to make an impact at TE. Washington
(14) came up big in a limited role. Cassel (36) had an
amazing game with 3 TD passes & 62 yards rushing.
Moss (8) and Watson (12) has scores while Welker
(10) had 7 catches. Sammy Morris (1) returned to
action minimizing Green-Ellis (0) while Faulk (7) had
12 touches. Both the Jets (4) & Patriots (4) were
disappointments on defense.


Van Winkles: (deep sleepers)

Shaun Hill- is a serviceable backup who is capable of
taking advantage of a St. Louis pass defense that has
given an astounding 8.2 ypa and 13 TD's.

Peyton Hillis- the bulky fullback will play tailback & is
likely get 10+ carries & 5 balls in the passing game vs.
the Falcons. Atlanta allows a generous 4.9 ypc & will
not be able to stack the box against Cutler, Marshall
and Royal.

Michael Jenkins- teams are becoming obsessed with
stopping the Matt Ryan-Roddy White tandem. That
defensive scheme will create open looks for Jenkins.
The Broncos secondary is awful allowing 7.2 ypa &
14 TD's. Compounding their woes, Denver is likely to
be without shutdown CB Champ Bailey who's dealing
with a groin injury.

Bobby Engram- should be involved in a shootout with
Warner & the Cards. Hasselbeck is likely to return to
action but all bets would be off if Matt sits. Arizona
offers little resistance in the passing game allowing 7.0
ypa and a league worst 18 aerial TD's.

Jason Hill- is a frequent target and will benefit from
the absence of rookie Josh Morgan. He's a possession
receiver that Martz will utilize well against the Rams.

Billy Miller- Shockey has a swollen ankle & ego. He
is leaving the door open for Miller to get more snaps
even if Shockey plays. Miller would get an upgrade
if Jeremy sits. The Chiefs allow 7.7 ypa.

No He Didn't:

Andrew Walter- faces a Miami defense that will shut
down the Raiders running game. Walter may have to
throw 25+ times in this one and could post 10+ points.
JaMarcus Russell would be a better long shot if he
plays.


Start/Sit: (Week 11)

1. QB's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

Jake Delhomme- is coming off an awful game against the
Raiders. He faces a porous Lions secondary that yields an
NFL worst 9.1 ypa and 15 TD's in 9 games.

Matt Ryan- has the good fortune to welcome the Broncos
to the Georgia Dome. Denver's dreadful pass defense has
yielded 7.2 ypa and 14 TD's. Shutdown CB Champ Bailey is
still questionable with a groin strain.

Trent Edwards- has a chance at redemption when he faces
the Browns on Monday night. Cleveland's secondary has
allowed 7.6 ypa and 12 TD's.

Good Bet: Warner vs. Seahawks, Brees vs. Chiefs
Favre vs. Patriots, P. Manning vs. Texans
Hasselbeck vs. Cards, Collins vs. Jaguars


Unfavorable:

Philip Rivers- has the unenviable task of challenging the
Steelers defense which is the stingiest in the NFL allowing
only 4.8 ypa.

David Garrard- has a very tough matchup vs the Titans
which boasts a pass defense that has allowed 5.4 ypa and
a meager 5 TD's.

Joe Flacco- this young gun will face intense pressure from
the Giants which hold enemy signal callers to 5.8 ypa with
30 sacks in 9 games.

Bad Bet: Orton vs. Packers, Culpepper vs. Panthers
Romo vs. Redskins


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

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

Favorable:

Michael Turner- has a favorable matchup vs. Denver
which yields an abysmal 5.1 ypc. Turner has exploited
soft run defenses all season.

Matt Forte- faces a porous Packers run defense that
has lost middle linebacker Nick Barnett. Green Bay
already allows 5.0 ypc and it could get worse.

D'Angelo Williams- runs against a soft Lions interior
defense which has granted 4.7 ypc and 14 TD's.

Good Bet: Lynch vs. Browns, Addai vs. Texans
Brown vs. Raiders, R. Bush vs. Chiefs


Unfavorable: (sitting a #2)

Brandon Jacobs- this is all about inertia as Jacobs is
a battering ram & the Ravens are staunch upfront. This
is where irresistible force meets an immovable object.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis- the Jets stop the run. They
allow only 3.2 ypc. Lamont Jordan may also be in the
mix on Thursday night further mitigating Green-Ellis'
value.

Ryan Grant- has been rounding into form but faces a
stout Bears interior defense that allows only 3.1 ypc.
The Packers may have to rely on their passing game.

Bad Bet: Tomlinson vs. Steelers, Barber vs. Redskins
Graham vs. Vikings, S. Jackson vs. 49ers


3. WR's: Matchups

The Standard: 80 yards, 1 TD = 14 points

Favorable: (starting a #3)

Lee Evans- should have a rebound effort against a soft
Browns secondary.

Dwayne Bowe- has a great matchup vs the Saints &
has developed a strong chemistry with Thigpen.

Muhsin Muhammad- should be the beneficiary of a
rebound by QB Delhomme vs. a weak Lions defense.

Good Bet: Breaston vs. Seahawks, A. Gonzalez vs. Texans,
Engram vs. Cards, Coles vs. Patriots, Morgan vs. Rams


Unfavorable: (sitting a #3)

Derrick Mason- played in pain with a shoulder issue vs.
the Texans. The pain will continue against a smothering
Giants pass defense.

Chris Chambers- was basically a decoy vs. the Chiefs.
The Steelers will relegate Chambers to decoy status
again on Sunday.

Matt Jones- this would be a good week to start serving
his impending suspension rather than facing the Titans
secondary.

Bad Bet: V. Jackson vs. Steelers, Hester vs. Packers
Crayton vs. Redskins, McDonald vs. Panthers


4. TE's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

John Carlson- Hasselbeck is likely to want to air it out
vs. the Cards. Carlson will be targeted.

Bo Scaife- will be a complimentary part of the Titans ball
control game plan against the Jaguars.

Zach Miller- likely to have a major role in an awful Raiders
offense against a generous Dolphins pass defense.

Good Bet: Royal vs. Browns, B. Miller vs. Chiefs
Keller vs. Patriots


Unfavorable:

Kevin Boss- will struggle against Ed Reed & the rest of his
Ravens buddies.

Greg Olsen- the Packers secondary might be the best in
football forcing the Bears to exploit their weak run defense.

Marcedes Lewis- will have to pass protect vs. the Titans
front 7, limiting his looks.

Bad Bet: Gates vs. Steelers, Witten vs. Redskins
Heap vs. Giants


5. K's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

Adam Vinatieri- the Colts offense will score early and
often vs. the Texans.

Matt Prater- has the strongest leg in football & kicks on
the carpet in Atlanta on Sunday.

Joe Nedney- should have plenty of opportunities as the
49ers move the ball at will vs. the Rams.

Good Bet: Kasay vs. Lions, Rackers vs. Seahawks


Unfavorable:

Josh Scobee- the Titans defense is unyielding allowing
a league best 13 ppg.

Nate Kaeding- the Chargers will be hitting a stone wall
in Pittsburgh, a notoriously tough place to kick.

Sebastien Janikowski- will not get many chances against
the Dolphins.

Bad Bet: Carney vs. Ravens, Longwell vs. Bucs


6. DEF's: Matchups

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

Favorable:

Philadelphia- will take out last week's frustration vs.
the Giants on the Fitzpatrick led Bengals.

Carolina- has a home date with a Lions team that is
winless. The Panthers should be able to control the line
of scrimmage forcing Culpepper/Stanton into mistakes
in the passing game.

Miami- it's their turn to score heavily vs. the Raiders.

Good Bet: San Francisco vs. Rams, Baltimore vs. Giants
New York Giants vs. Ravens


Unfavorable:

Chicago- the Packers strength stacks up well against
a recently exposed weakness in the Bears pass defense.
Rodgers & co. will exploit Chicago's secondary.

Jacksonville- has struggled vs. robust rushing attacks.
The Titans will put the hammer down on Sunday.

Green Bay- has a soft run defense that will be exploited
by Forte and the Bears offensive coaching staff.

Bad Bet: San Diego vs. Steelers, Jets vs. Patriots


The Walking Wounded: (November 13th)

Matt Hasselbeck is optimistic that he will be able to
play vs. the Cardinals. He's likely to be rusty but will
have to throw all game to keep up with Warner & co.
He's playable.

Tony Romo is on track to return to action against the
Redskins.

Ben Roethlisberger is practicing and advises that his
shoulder is feeling better. He's ready for the Chargers.

Aaron Rodgers continues to take it easy in practice
as he nurses a sore shoulder. He played poorly against
the Vikings & will need to pass to beat the Bears. It
will be apparent this week if the shoulder is affecting
his play.

Trent Green hurt a shoulder. Bulger will start against
the 49ers. He is an extremely risky play even though
San Francisco yields 6.9 ypa.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will play for the Bengals against the
Eagles as Carson Palmer remains sidelined. He is not
playable as Philadelphia's secondary allows only 6.0
ypa.

Kyle Orton is working feverishly to get back on the
field against the Packers. Grossman is ready to go
if Orton is unable to suit up. Neither QB is a great play
as Green Bay's secondary is uber-stingy allowing only
5.4 ypa.

JaMarcus Russell has a bone bruise on his knee as
well as tendinitis. Andrew Walter will start if Russell
sits out. The Dolphins are a soft pass defense allowing
7.1 ypa but it is difficult to play either in this Raiders
offense.

Steven Jackson is day to day as he nurses a strained
quad. Antonio Pittman would get the totes vs. the
49ers should S-Jax remain inactive. The 49ers have
allowed only 3.5 ypc on the season so only Jackson
would be playable if he starts.

Clinton Portis has an MCL strain that has not improved
appreciably during the bye. He is questionable for Dallas.
Shaun Alexander and Rock Cartwright are likely to
split carries if Portis is out. Avoid this situation as there
is no way to determine how carries will be distributed.

Willie Parker intends to play against the Chargers. He
will wear a shoulder harness to protect an injured labrum.
Mewelde Moore is likely to split carries with fast Willie
mitigating the value of both backs.

Felix Jones missed practice and is questionable for the
Redskins. He's has a strained hamstring.

Cadillac Williams has been activated by the Bucs & is
now part of a committee at RB. Graham has a sore knee
and is questionable. Warrick Dunn returned to practice
from a pinched nerve in his back. The Vikings D comes
for a visit allowing a scant 3.1 ypc. Sit the trio.

Larry Johnson returns to active duty from self inflicted
wounds & should be a decent start vs. the Saints unless
Edwards elects to teach him additional lessons.

Brian Westbrook practiced fully and will play against the
Bengals.

Reggie Bush is hoping to return to action this week against
the Chiefs defense which allows 5.2 ypc and 7.7 ypa. He did
practice yesterday.

Darren McFadden will test his turf toes injury to see if he
can play this week in Miami. The Dolphins have one of the
best run defenses in football so Fargas, Bush & McFadden
are sits.

Petyon Hillis will start at tailback for the Broncos. Selvin
Young is out with a groin injury. Tatum Bell has been added
for depth and because he is familiar with the offense may get
a few carries. The Falcons have a poor run defense allowing
a generous 4.9 ypc. This RB situation is difficult to assess as
Shanahan is prone to shenanigans with his running game.
Use Hillis but only if you're desperate.

LaMont Jordan missed practice while Sammy Morris was
still limited by a knee injury. Green-Ellis is likely to get the
most touches if Jordan and Morris are out. Faulk is also in
the mix. The Patriots play the Jets on Thursday night. It's
probably wise to avoid these players as the Jets are solid
vs. the run allowing 3.2 ypc.

Deion Branch is going to test a sore heel to see if he can
go this week against Arizona. He'd be a solid #3 especially
if Hasselbeck returns to action.

Derrick Mason suffered a dislocated shoulder against the
Texans but returned and played well in the 2nd half. He is
likely to play against the Giants but will be harassed all day.

Santana Moss is still dealing with a sore hamstring but is
expected to play vs. the Cowboys.

Reggie Wayne sustained an ankle sprain vs. Pittsburgh.
He'll be limited in practice but should start against a weak
Texans secondary.

Anthony Gonzalez sat out practice nursing a hamstring
injury. There's no word on the severity at this time but if
he can practice today or tomorrow he should play against
the Texans.

Coles and Cotchery are dinged but will play against the
Patriots on Thursday night. Both receivers are playable
as Farve will look to exploit a suspect but improving New
England secondary.

There is some speculation that Randy Moss has an ankle
injury but there has not been anything substantive to back
up these musings.

Javon Walker is having an MRI on his ankle and may have
to sit out against the Dolphins. He's not playable even with
this solid matchup.

Ike Hilliard missed practice as he continues to suffer from
the effects of a concussion. He's likely to miss the Vikings.

DeSean Jackson practiced fully even though he's listed as
questionable vs. the Bengals with a groin injury.

Josh Morgan is out vs. the Rams due to a strained groin.

Jeremy Shockey has a swollen ankle & is questionable for
the Chiefs. Billy Miller would be a great play if Shockey's
out.

Tony Scheffler practiced fully and appears recovered from
a groin strain.

Jason Witten is practicing but still has painful broken ribs.
It seems as if he'll play vs. the Redskins but this situation
needs to be monitored.

Heath Miller has been ruled out of week 11's tilt with San
Diego.

Falcons DE John Abraham has a shoulder stinger & may
not play vs. the Broncos. Cutler will benefit enormously
if Abraham is out.

Packers MLB Nick Barnett is lost for the season making
an awful run defense that much worse. Forte is likely to
have his best game of the year.

Browns G Eric Steinbach missed practice with a rib injury
and is questionable for the Bills on Monday night. Steinbach
is an elite blocker & is needed vs. a good Bills rush defense.
Jamal Lewis would be negatively impacted if he can't play.

Massive Browns NT Shaun Rogers missed practice with a
nagging neck injury. Marshawn Lynch would be the primary
beneficiary if Rogers is sidelined.


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