Love/Hate Week 8

QB’s that I love this week not named Peyton Manning:

Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo Bills):  Fitzpatrick has been on fire, throwing for at least 2 touchdowns every game he has started this year.  He threw for 4 touchdowns and 382 yards against a vaunted Baltitmore Ravens defense.  Now Kansas City is a much improved defense, but they are ranked 16^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.  So if Fitzpatrick played that well against Baltimore, he should at least be able to put up 250 yards with 2 touchdowns against Kansas City.  If you had Romo and need to replace him for the rest of the season, Fitzpatrick would be a good route to take.

Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals):  He’s averaging 280 yards and 1.6 touchdowns for the season, and has been particularly putting up numbers over the last 3 games.  The Miami Dolphins are ranked 19^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so everything seems to be adding up to another big week for Palmer. 

Jon Kitna (Dallas Cowboys):  Obviously there isn’t much to go on as Kitna hasn’t started a game since 2008, but when he did start, he always put up solid numbers.  Kitna is a thrower, and in a Dallas offense that doesn’t run the ball well, and has most of its weapons in the receiving game, look for Dallas to be throwing all day long.  Especially since the Dallas defense loves to give up points, so Dallas will be throwing in order to catch up every game.  This week Dallas is playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, ranked 31^st in giving up fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, he should have a solid first start of the year.  I even picked him up in one of my leagues to fill in while my QB is on a bye.

Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs):  Playing the Buffalo Bills.  That’s all you need to know.

QB’s that I hate:

Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints):  Listen, you drafted him so you can start him every week, so you’re obviously starting him, even against one of the best defensives in the league in the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The fact that he is facing the Steelers though, makes me pause just slightly.  If Brees threw 4 picks against the Cleveland Browns, what do you think he’s going to do against the Steelers? 

Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings):  Broken ankle in two different places, wasn’t playing well even before that happened, so I’m going to say, stick a fork in him, Brett Favre is done.  You know he’s going to start this week since he’s selfish and doesn’t care about what benefits the team the most, which would be him sitting out.  With him being injured, I’m sure the Vikings will be running the ball with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart heavy and often, giving few opportunities for Favre to even throw.  If you have a better option this week, play that guy instead.

Vince Young/Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans):  Whichever one ends up starting this week it won’t matter.  The San Diego Chargers are ranked 1^st overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so it’s a horrible matchup.  Maybe they sneak in a touchdown pass, but I would expect Tennessee to run the ball with Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer more than normal.

RB’s that I love not named Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson:

Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs):  Second straight week with a good matchup, this week against the Buffalo Bills.  Expect big days from both.

Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks):  If Denver knew how to run the ball, maybe they wouldn’t have got smacked down by Oakland like they did.  Peter Carroll likes to run the ball, and he especially should against an Oakland Raiders defense that is ranked 31^st in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  Lynch should get at least 20 carries this week, so the potential is there for a big week.

Ryan Torain (Washington Redskins):  The worst defense against the run is the Detroit Lions, which works out well for Torain, since he’s playing them this week.  Torain is a hard runner, who is proving he can handle the load.  He has had at least 20 carries and 100 yards over the last two games, against better defenses than the Detroit Lions.

LeGarette Blount (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  Cadillac Williams is being phased out, and the guy doing the phasing is LeGarette Blount.  He had 11 carries for 72 yards against an improved St. Louis Rams defense.  This week Blount is facing the Arizona Cardinals, who are ranked 27^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  Good matchup for him, and I picked him up in both of my leagues to put him in my starting lineup.  That’s an endorsement from me.

RB’s I hate:

Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals):  So it appears that Cincinnati has completely changed their identity from a run first team to a pass first team.  That being said, Benson is still getting about 20 carries a game, but he’s only been over 100 yards once this season, with his next closest game being 81 yards.  The Bengals are playing the Miami Dolphins, who are ranked 6^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs, so definitely not a good matchup for a guy struggling to get yards.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers):  Williams hasn’t seen 100 yards yet this season, he’s slightly injured with a foot sprain, and he’s playing the St. Louis Rams, a top 15 defense against the run.  With the small injury to Williams, that should be Stewart gets a couple more carries, but not enough to make much of a difference.  Carolina just doesn’t want to play Stewart like they did the past two years, so don’t expect that to change, and I’d drop him like its hot if I were you, I did.

Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert (San Diego Chargers):  Neither one has been doing much of late, the Chargers are a pass first team, and they are facing the Tennessee Titans, who are the 4^th ranked defense in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  No doubt you have better matchups with your other running backs, so I’d go with those guys first.

All Saints Running Backs:  Chris Ivory had one good game, but that was it.  Ladell Betts and Julius Jones haven’t done much either.  Now they are facing the 2^nd ranked defense against the run in the Pittsburgh Steelers.  You’re definitely not starting any of the backs, and even flexing them is a stretch.

WR’s I love not named Reggie Wayne:

Santana Moss (Washington Redskins) (8^th in targets):  Moss gets the targets, he’s producing for the most part this year (yards, not touchdowns), and now he gets to face the Lions, an improving defense, but they are still the Lions.  When teams play Detroit, it turns into a shootout, so don’t expect much difference this week.  Plenty more targets, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see a deep bomb for a touchdown.

Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis Colts) (tied for 34^th in targets):  Don’t let the small amount of targets fool you.  Garcon  missed two games with a hamstring injury, and he was basically the 4^th option for a couple of weeks.  But now there is no Dallas Clark (out for the rest of the season) and Austin Collie is out for a couple of weeks.  That now makes Garcon the 2^nd receiver on the team.  Expect big things the rest of the year from Garcon, especially this week against one of the worst pass defenses in the league in the Houston Texans.

Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens (Cincinnati Bengals) (tied for 10^th in targets and 2^nd in targets):  As I said when talking about hating Cedric Benson this week, the Bengals are now a pass first team, which is understandable when you have weapons like Owens and Ochocinco.  Miami is ranked 22^nd in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, which bodes extremely well both guys.  I could easily see big days for both.

Roy E. Williams (Dallas Cowboys) (tied for 33^rd in targets):  I had Williams on my hate list last week, which was 100% correct as he has 0 catches.  This week, I flip flop him to my love.  When Williams was in Detroit, the guy throwing the ball to him was Jon Kitna.  Now the old duo is reunited as Kitna is stepping in for the injured Romo.  Expect Kitna to fall back in love with Williams, leading to a nice week for Roy.  He’s a solid #2 this week  and a definite flex play.

WR’s I hate:

Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) (7^th in targets):  He gets the targets, that’s for sure, but the problem is that neither Max Hall or Derek Anderson are accurate enough to make those targets worth anything.  It’s not a bad matchup against the Buccaneers, but again, without a QB, I’d stay away.  At this point, Fitzgerald is a flex play week in and week out, maybe a borderline #2 option.

Kenny Britt (Tennessee Titans) (tied for 30^th in targets):  I was completely wrong with Britt last week, placing him on my hate list.  He performed out of this world, and no doubt Britt was the number 1 pick up this week off the waiver wire if he was still out there.  But here’s why I place Britt on the hate list this week for the second week in a row.  He’s facing the #2 defense in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, so bad matchup there.  He’s not going to be under the radar, so expect San Diego to be rolling the safety his way, putting him in double coverage.  I wouldn’t feel comfortable with more than a flex or #3 wide receiver this week.

Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers) (tied for 18^th in targets):  There is a Smith starting this week for San Francisco, but his name isn’t Alex.  Troy Smith will be the starting QB for San Francisco in London this week against the Denver Broncos.  As an Ohio State fan, I love Troy Smith and want to see him do well, but I don’t think Singletary is going to give him many chances.  The Niners will pound the ball heavy and often on the ground with Gore, taking the ball out of Troy’s hands as much as possible.  This will limit Crabtree’s targets which obviously will lead to decreased production.  Maybe you flex him at best, but I’m benching him for Lee Evans this week.

Donald Driver (Green Bay Packers) (tied for 27^th in targets):  Last week Driver had no catches for the first time in forever, mainly because he was injured and had no separation from the corners.  He should be healthier this week, but unfortunately he’ll be facing the New York Jets secondary, and a 100% healthy Revis.  Not a good matchup, and with a lingering injury, I don’t see much production out of him this week.

TE’s I love not named Antonio Gates:

Dustin Keller (New York Jets) (tied for 26^th in targets):  Dustin Keller is finally producing at the level we all hoped and thought he would.  This week he is facing the 22^nd ranked defense in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends, so the opportunity is there for him to keep the good season rolling.

Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) (tied for 17^th in targets):  Just like a tight end is a rookie quarterback’s best friend, a tight end can also be the best friend of a quarterback making his first start in 2 years.  Look for Kitna to be looking Witten’s way a decent amount, especially against a bad defense in the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Owen Daniels (Houston Texans) (tied for 39^th in targets):  This is the first week of the season that Owen Daniels has entered my top 10 rankings at tight end.  He’s been getting healthier week in and week out, with all indications being that he is almost 100%.  He has had 8 catches for 124 yards over his last two games proving that his health is definitely improving.  Look for that improving health to translate into a very good week against the Indianapolis Colts.

TE’s I hate:

Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville Jaguars) (tied for 29^th in targets):  Lewis has a bad matchup this week in facing the Dallas Cowboys, who are ranked 4^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends.  His production has decreased the last two weeks, which could be a buy product of Garrard not playing. Even if Garrard does play this week, I still don’t think he does much because of the bad matchup.  But if Garrard is out another week, expect little to no production at all.

Tony Moeaki (Kansas City Chiefs) (tied for 38^th in targets):  Yes he has looked good for a rookie tight end.   Yes he is facing a Bills defense that is ranked 29^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends.  Yes he’s basically the 2^nd best receiving option on his team.  But all that being said, one, he’s no Aaron Hernandez when it comes to rookie tight ends, and two, he doesn’t get very many targets.  Add to that the fact the Chiefs are a run first, run second, pass third team, and you can see why is targets are limited.  Finally, if you believe in trends, Moeaki produces about 4 catches and 50 yards receiving every other week.  Last week he had 3 catches for 42 yards, getting him close to that average.  So the trend says it should be a down week for him.

John Carlson (Seattle Seahawks) (tied for 30^th in targets):  In the last 3 games that Carlson has played, he has 4 catches, 39 yards, and 0 touchdowns.  Clearly Carlson is now an afterthought on this team, which is sad, as he has plenty of talent and would no doubt produce if given the chance.  But he’s not being given a chance, so neither should you.  Bench him this week, particularly if you have a better option, which no doubt you do.  I wouldn’t even use him as a bye week fill in.

Week 8 Rankings

With a few injuries to key players and a bunch of players on bye weeks, no doubt you are looking to pick someone up.  Check out the rankings to see who the better player to choose will be.  Hopefully it makes your decision easier!

QB Rankings
RB Rankings
WR Rankings
TE Rankings
K Rankings
D/ST Rankings

Week 8 Injury Report

This is the intial injury report for week 8.  Don't forget Dallas Clark is out for the rest of the season, but I don't have him listed on the injury report, as it isn't a recent development.

Week 8 Injury Report

"In a Pinch" Week 8

In Week 8, Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, NY Giants, Philadelphia, and Baltimore are on a bye.  So out of those four teams, the only people who have to worry about quarterback are owners of Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, Kevin Kolb/Michael Vick, and Joe Flacco.

Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions):  Chances are somebody drafted Matthew Stafford as their backup at the beginning of the year so you won’t be able to get him, but if he is available, he’s worth the pick up.  He has a great matchup against the Washington Redskins, who have a bad pass defense (although DeAngelo Hall had 4 interceptions all himself off of Jay Cutler, but that’s Jay Cutler, and he goes through periods where he prefers throwing to the other team instead of his own receivers).  But the Lions are and will remain a passing team.  Expect Stafford’s shoulder to get a test against the Redskins this week.

Ryan Fiztpatrick (Buffalo Bills) and Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs):  Lumping both of these quarterbacks together this week as they are facing off against each other.  Matt Cassel seems to be throwing at least 2 touchdown passes every week, even though Kansas City is a running team.  We all know Buffalo’s pass defense isn’t spectacular, so I would expect Cassel’s production to continue.  As for Fitzpatrick, he’s quickly climbing up the ranks of can’t miss quarterbacks on a week in and week out basis, particularly with the stellar performance against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense, where he threw 4 touchdown passes.  He’s my can’t piss pickup of the week.

Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  Now Freeman isn’t putting up fantastic fantasy stats, but he’s a solid quarterback that could have a good week against a poor Arizona defense.  If you are out of options, or don’t like Cassel or Fitzpatrick for any reason, you could do worse than Freeman, oh say, Matt Moore or Max Hall.

RBs

Michael Turner, Matt Forte, Peyton Hillis, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, LeSean McCoy, and Ray Rice owners are in a bind this week (I have both Ray Rice and Peyton Hillis on the same team in one of my leagues, so I’m screwed.  Story of my season so far.)

Ryan Torain (Washington Redskins):  If he’s still out there, which is highly unlikely, but if he is, he should be your first option for a pickup at running back.  Playing Detroit, who is an improved defense, but they are still Detroit.  Torain has been very good since Portis went down with a groin injury, and I don’t see any reason that trend won’t continue this week.

Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills):  He may be out there, and if he is, certainly worth a pickup.  He’s the starter for Buffalo (23 carries this past week for 73 yards), who for some reason just won’t give Spiller the ball (only 7 carries for 33 yards and no targets), but that may be why the Bills haven’t won a game yet this year, bad coaching decisions.  Nonetheless if Jackson is available, he’s worth a pickup this week if you need it.

Chris Ivory (New Orleans Saints):  Ivory disappointed this week after his big breakout 100 yard performance in Week 6.  He only received 15 carries, with Drew Brees throwing the ball over 50 times.  Look for New Orleans to balance out their attack more this week, but unfortunately it is against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  So don’t look for Ivory’s numbers to improve much.  He might get more carries, but the yards most likely won’t add up to more than 60 or 70, but he could squeak a touchdown in there.

LeGarette Blount (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  This past week against the St. Louis Rams, Blount had 11 carries for 72 yards, which is a 6.5 yards/carry average.  Cadillac Williams only received 4 carries this week, although he did score the game winning touchdown.  But it looks like the Buccaneers are trying to make a change at running back in giving more carries to Blount than Williams.  In my opinion, that’s a good decision on their part, as long as Blount keeps his head on straight, as Williams is fairly ineffective week in and week out. 

Danny Woodhead (New England Patriots):  As I said last week, New England is a passing team.  They rarely run the ball, and when they do, they have been running with Danny Woodhead.  Woodhead is a small guy, but this does allow him to squeeze through creases in the defense.  After watching him against the Chargers this past Sunday, he does have potential to have at least 3.4 to 4.5 yards a carry if they gave the ball to him consistently, but don’t look for New England to do that.  If you’re looking for a flex play this week, Woodhead could be a solid option.

WRs

So you’ll be missing receivers such as Roddy White, Johnny Knox, Hakeem Nicks, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Anquan Boldin, and Derrick Mason this week, but no worries, there are plenty of options out there.

Jordan Shipley (Cincinnati Bengals):  Shipley is healthy and ready to be the slot receiver on a team that needed a slot receiver.  Shipley had 6 targets against Atlanta in Week 7, catching all 6 for 131 yards and 1 touchdown (64 yards came on the touchdown).  He’s almost a Wes Welker clone, except for he’s much better down the field catching the ball.  If you need a solid flex option this coming week, or a 3^rd receiver, I think Shipley could be your guy.

Davone Bess (Miami Dolphins):  6 for 66 yards and a touchdown.  Solid production again from Davone Bess, and this was against the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense.  Now, contrary to popular belief, the Steelers secondary beyond Troy Polamalu isn’t very good, but still, a nice performance from Bess.  The Dolphins are turning into a well balanced team as far as the run/pass, and Bess is fast becoming an integral part.  He had another 7 targets this week, catching 6, for a great percentage.  Look for continued success week in and week out from Bess no matter the matchup.

Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills):  10 targets, 8 catches, 158 yards, 1 touchdown.  Fantastic stats for Johnson, who is quickly becoming Ryan Fitzpatrick’s go to man.  The Bills have become a passing offense, and for good reason, with the stats and points they point up.  Clearly the offensive line for the Bills is a pass line as opposed to a run line, which should continue to bode well for Johnson the rest of the season.  The Bills have the Chiefs in Week 8, and while the Chiefs are a solid defense, the Bills just threw all over the Ravens, who were a good defense as well.  Look for Johnson’s production to continue against the Chiefs as well as the rest of the year.

James Jones (Green Bay Packers):  8 targets, 4 catches, 107 yards, very good production out of a 3^rd wide receiver, who actually played more like the 2 because of Donald Driver’s injury that limited him during the game.  Regardless of the reason, Jones put up some good numbers.  If you need a flex play this week, he might be your guy, but bear in mind that Green Bay are playing the Jets this week, and that’s a Jets team coming off a bye healthy and rested.

Patrick Crayton (San Diego Chargers):  If Malcolm Floyd remains injured this week (check the injury report if you need to know), Crayton is the guy that Rivers go to.  After watching the game against New England this past week, both Crayton and Buster Davis were targeted a bunch, but Crayton had the better day overall with 7 catches for 82 yards.  If there is no Floyd in Week 8, look for Crayton to have another solid week.

Mike Williams (Seattle Seahawks):  Mike Williams had another big week with 16 targets.  With 15 targets last week, that makes a total of 31 targets in the last two games combined.  Add to that the fact that he’s actually producing with those targets (21 catches, 210 yards, 1 touchdown), and you have what is looking like a good combination in Hasselbeck to Williams.  As I said last week, without many other options, prospects looked good for Williams, and should continue to do so.  He’s a solid #2 receiver and a definite flex.

TEs

Owners of Tony Gonzalez, Brent Celek, and Todd Heap may be looking for a little bye week help this week if they don’t already have a solid back up.  Also, owners of Dallas Clark should be looking as well, since he’s out for the rest of the season.

Tony Scheffler (Detroit Lions):  The Lions pass and pass some more, especially with an ineffective running game for most of the year.  Scheffler may be the 2^nd tight end on the team, but he still gets his looks.  If you are flailing around for a TE, Scheffler may be your guy.

Jermaine Gresham (Cincinnati Bengals):  Playing the Miami Dolphins, who do give up points to TEs, but with Jordan Shipley healthy (as his over 100 yard performance indicates), there will be less targets going Gresham’s way.  Add to that the fact that Gresham isn’t getting his targets down the field, and you then have to rely on a redzone score from within the 5 yard line, which isn’t happening.  He could get lucky this week, and I do like him more than John Carlson, but Gresham is a little bit of a reach this week.

Andrew Quarless (Green Bay Packers):  The Packers have perennially loved the TE in the end zone, and that is no different this year.  Even with JerMichael Finly out, Rodgers found Quarless in the back of the endzone this week (doesn’t matter he actually never had possession as he went to the ground, there was no challenge by the Vikings).  If he can get the targets, the skills are there, but it all depends on wheter Rodgers trust him enough outside the redzone that will determine is real value.

John Carlson (Seattle Seahawks):  Carlson has the talent, but it appears that the Seahawks don’t seem to care.  They aren’t scheming to incorporate Carlson, which is a mistake in my opinion. They are still winning as a team without Carlson, but when it comes down to it, they’re going to need more than Mike Williams catching the ball for them.  If you really need a TE, and everyone else is taken, I guess you could go with Carlson, but I have zero confidence that he will produce.

Heath Miller (Pittsburgh Steelers):  Not many better options out there this week, and with an ok performance (3 targets, 3 catches, 33 yards), you could do worse.  Bottom line is that you need some catches, and Heath Miller is as sure handed as they come.  Playing  a New Orleans defense that isn’t very good in containing TEs, Miller could be a good pickup this week.  I could definitely seeing him scoring a touchdown in the redzone this week.

Updated Week 7 Rankings

QB Rankings
RB Rankings
WR Rankings
TE Rankings
K Rankings
D/ST Rankings

Updated Week 7 Injury Report

Week 7 Injury Report

Week 7 Love/Hate

QB’s that I love this week not named Drew Brees:

Kyle Orton (Denver Broncos):  So anyone else sitting there at about say 7:00 on Sunday, watching and waiting for a third down and 6 play, which you assumed would be a completion, and win you your fantasy week?  Nobody?  No one?  Really?  Bueller?  Bueller? 

Well, I was sitting there, watching an ESPN gamecast of the game, waiting for an update of a completion for 10 yards, which would then lead to another completion of 10 yards, which would win me the week by say 2 points.  Instead, on that third down and 6, the fumble is snapped, the Jets recover, I lose the week by 1.3 points, and I scream to the Fantasy Gods, Why Have Thou Forsaken Me?  Yeah, it’s been that kind of season for me.  Regardless, I love Kyle Orton against the Raiders.  They ran the ball entirely too much, and they are not a running team.  They are what the Patriots were in the early part of the 2000’s, minus a good defense to back them up.  Hopefully they realize this, so they just chuck the ball over and Kyle Orton goes off for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns.  I will be praying to the Fantasy Gods for that.

Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens):  I like to call this the following equation , “The Transitive Property of any Quarterback playing the Buffalo Bills.”  It goes like this:

Good Quarterback=playing against the Buffalo Bills Defense=Fantasy Love, therefore Good Quarterback=Fantasy Love.

Using that property, the following is therefore true:

Joe Flacco=playing against the Buffalo Bills Defense=Fantasy Love, therefore Joe Flacco=Fantasy Love

Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers):  Unless it is a monsoon in Miami, I fully expect Ben to have a very good game against the Dolphins.  Ben looked rusty at times against Cleveland, and you can expect that rustiness to fade away this week, in playing against a Miami defense that is average against the pass.  So, love for Roethlisberger, and I mean the kind of platonic, “no means no,” kind of love, particularly if I ended up in a bathroom with him.  I really hate putting him on the love list.  A little piece of my soul just died.

Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears):  Jay Cutler is playing the Washington Redskins, whose pass defense is almost non-existant at times.  With Cutler’s gun and Knox’s feet, look for them to hook up on a couple of big throws this week, scoring at least one long touchdown.  Cutler should easily make it to 300 yards with at least 3 touchdowns.

Sam Bradford (St. Louis Rams):  So the Rams are 3-3, thanks to a nice even balance of running and passing.  Who would have thought that Sam Bradford would actually be having a halfway decent season for a rookie quarterback.  It’s blowing my mind.  And the St. Louis defense looks for real too, holding San Diego to only 17 points.  So with the defense playing well, with Jackson running well and keeping pressure off of Bradford this week, I look for Bradford to have a very good week, throwing for over 200, approaching 250 with two touchdowns, particularly against a Tampa defense that is in the middle of the league against the pass.

QB’s that I hate:

Chand Henne (Miam Dolphins):  Yes, Colt McCoy played well against the Steelers, but really, the Steelers defense had little to no film on him, so they didn’t know what to expect.  They have film on Henne, and they do know what to expect.  I know what to expect too, a very rough day for Henne, whose jersey won’t be white by the end of the game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo Bills):  I’m a real huge fan of Ryan Fitzpatrick. He’s gritty, he’s tough, he’s a do whatever it takes to get positive yards kind of quarterback.  However, I don’t see many positive yards coming against the Baltimore Ravens defense, who are currently ranked 3^rd in giving up points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks.  Add to that a lack of a dynamic receiver or a solid run game, and Fitzpatrick is set up for a low week fantasywise.  I expect less than 200 yards passing and no touchdowns this week for him.

Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals):  I don’t expect Carson Palmer to completely bomb this week, but I don’t think he’ll do as good as he should.  The Atlanta Falcons defense is sneaky good, currently ranked 9^th in giving up points to opposing quarterbacks, and let’s face facts here; Carson Palmer is not the Carson Palmer of 2005.  That guy was slinging the ball all over the field, making good decisions, completing long passes.  This Carson Palmer does none of those things.  Will he get over 200 yards, probably, but not by much.  Cincinnati should be running the ball a lot in this game, but even that may not garner them a victory against a very good Atlanta team.

Donovan McNabb (Washington Redskins):  No receivers besides Moss and Cooley to throw too.  Cooley coming off of a mild concussion (if he plays), so he won’t be as effective.  That leaves Moss.  As a defense, it is real easy to eliminate only one threat, and the fact that Chicago currently ranks 2^nd in giving up points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, proves they can do it.  Don’t count on much from McNabb this week.

Colt McCoy (Cleveland Browns):  I’m putting him on my love list only because I respect the hell out of this kid.  He has guts, he has poise, he has determination, he has the “it” factor as they call it.  Problem is, he’s playing the New Orleans Saints defense, who is going to blitz the hell out of him, to the point that he will be having nightmares of blitzes for a week following.   That being said, don’t count him out because of his heart and willingness to do what it takes to win.  You’ll definitely get some rush yards out of him, as he is willing to tuck it and run.  Maybe he’ll get a touchdown pass too.  So he’s not technically on my love list, he’s actually on my “quarterbacks I want to love, have a bad matchup, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he played solid, so I like him this week,” list.

RB’s that I love not named Chris Johnson:

Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers):  Gore has been going crazy on the ground the last couple of weeks.  This week the Niners are playing the CarolinaPanthers, who rank 26^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  It’s a great matchup for him, so expect him to take advantage of it.  Obviously you are already starting him, but he’s due for another week like he had in Week 6.

Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs):  Playing the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Enough said.

Peyton Hillis (Cleveland Browns):  You would think that in playing the defending Super Bowl Champion Saints, you wouldn’t want to be starting the running back, but you do this week.  The Saints are currently ranked 24^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  With Colt McCoy the likely starter for the 2^nd week in a row, and the Saints a blitzing team, look for the Browns to run Hillis early and often to slow down that pass rush, and give McCoy more time to find his receivers.  I love me some Hillis this week.

Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett (Seattle Seahawks):  The Arizona Cardinals are currently ranked 30^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  Matt Hasselbeck is not even close to the Matt Hasselbeck of the 2005 Super Bowl season.  Seattle really doesn’t have good receivers (I’m not sold on Mike Williams).  That leaves a heavy does of running, which should include both backs this week.  The split most likely will go 70% Lynch and 30% Forsett.  But don’t count out Forsett, since he always has the potential to break a big one and has a much better yards per carry average than Lynch.

RB’s I hate:

LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles):  This is the second week in a row that McCoy appears on my hate list.  The Eagles are playing the Tennessee Titans, who are currently ranked 5^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs, so it’s not a good matcup for McCoy.  Plus, as we all know, the Eagles are a passing team.  This does mean McCoy will definitely catch some balls, especially with the absence of DeSean Jackson in the lineup, but again, he won’t get many yards out of them.

Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins):  Neither guy has been overly spectacular this year, with the Dolphins turning into more of a passing team, even though most people thought they wouldn’t.  I said at the beginning of the season that you don’t get Brandon Marshall and not throw to him.  So the combination of the passing game and the fact that the Dolphins are playing the defense ranked 2^nd overall in giving fantasy points to opposing running backs in the Pittsburgh Steelers, tells me these guys are not in a for a good week.

Any and all Green Bay Running Back:  Green Bay can’t run, haven’t been able to run since the injury to Ryan Grant, and this week, they are facing a Minnesota Vikings Defense notoriously stout against the run (and this season is holding true to that).  So you aren’t starting any of them, and maybe, just maybe I might consider flexing Brandon Jackson.  But definitely John Kuhn should not be anywhere near your lineup.

Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers):  If you still have him on your roster, which I do unfortunately (hey, I’m hoping DeAngelo Williams gets injured so Stewart can take over), you haven’t been getting much if anything out of him this year, so look for that trend to continue on against the San Francisco 49ers.  For some reasons Williams is the guy Carolina starts and leans on, when quite clearly Jonathan Stewart is more than a capable back.  Maybe you flex him this week, but if you have a better option (check the rankings to see if you do), then I’d play that guy instead.  But if you need him to fill in for a bye week, I say good luck to you, I don’t think it will turn out so well.

WR’s I love not named Roddy White:

Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles) (tied for 23^rd in targets):  No DeSean Jackson, playing a defense that is ranked 18^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, there is obvious chemistry between Kolb and himself, and you have a recipe for a big week.

Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) (tied for 34^th in targets):  Everything points to Mike Wallace having a monster week.  Playing the 21^st ranked defense in giving up fantasy points against wide receivers, Miami’s defense being ranked 6^th against the run, and top it off with Ben Roethlisberger.  I know the Steelers keep saying they want to be a running team, but the matchup isn’t great this week for that.  Miami’s corners are nothing special, Mike Wallace is one of the best deep threats in the league, and you know Roethlisberger is itching to launch the ball to him.   It should be a spectacular week for Wallace.

Johnny Knox (Chicago Bears) (tied for 25^th in targets):  The Washington Redskins are horrible when giving up fantast points to wide receivers, ranked 27^th.  They don’t have much of a pass rush, so Cutler hopefully won’t get banged around like he has the last two times he has played.  With time to throw, that means Johnny Knox should see his fair of deep balls, as well as 20 yard routes.  Matchup is good and Cutler loves him.  I love Johnny too.

Deion Branch (New England Patriots) (tied for 29^th in targets):  The San Diego Chargers are the 23^rd ranked defense in giving up fantasy points to wide receivers.  Clearly the chemistry between Branch and Brady remains, so expect Brady to find Branch as much, if not more this week, particularly since Welker will be receiving the majority of coverages.

Lance Moore (New Orleans Saints) (tied for 32^nd in targets):  Browns are horrible against the pass, coverage will most likely be rolled to double Colston if the Browns decide to double anyone, and they don’t nearly have the corners to keep up with Moore in the open field, especially out of the slot.   It’s a solid matchup for Moore this week.

WR’s I hate:

Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) (tied for 14^th in targets):  I’m not completely sold on hating Colston this week, but I don’t think he’s going to get as big of numbers as he should against a Cleveland Browns pass defense that gives up points week in and week out.  He’s going to receive the majority of double teams, which is the reason I love Lance Moore, more than I do Colston this week.   You’re still starting him regardless this week, but he’s not going to bust out for a huge game like everything most likely thinks he should.

Santana Moss (Washington Redskins) (tied for 7^th in targets):  He’s McNabb’s only option this week, as Cooley will most likely not be playing at 100% due to a mild concussion.  The Bears will know this and plan to take Moss out of the game.  Pedestrian numbers for Moss this week, even though he’ll still receive the targets.

Roy E. Williams (Dallas Cowboys) (tied for28th in targets):  I’m not buying that Roy E. Williams has forgotten the Roy Williams of old, and I think he rediscovers it this week against the New York Giants.  I think I’d trust Dez Bryant this week more than Roy Williams, especially since the New York Giants will be paying more attention to Roy Williams after his production the last couple of weeks.

Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas (Jacksonville Jaguars) (tied for 23^rd and 39^th in targets):  Even with a healthy David Garrard throwing to them, they were inconsistent.  Now if they have say Todd Bouman (who was just signed), what do you think they’re going to do?  I’d bench these guys this week, and if you have a better option to flex, flex them instead of these two.

Kenny Britt (Tennessee Titans) (tied for 32^nd in targets):  It’s true, Britt has been tearing it up, touchdown wise, the last three to four weeks.  He’s no doubt the hot name going around, and my buddy is thinking about picking him up, even though he’s the guy that dropped him after week 2.  Now, if you need a receiver for the rest of the year, pick him up, he’ll produce, but this week, against a Philadelphia Eagles defense that is currently ranked 4^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, it’s a bad matchup.  I assume Asante Samuel will draw the cover, and he’s a shut down corner.  You maybe flex him this week, in case Britt gets free somehow, but you’re definitely not starting him.

TE’s I love not named Vernon Davis:

Zach Miller (Oakland Raiders) (tied for 13^th in targets):  There really is no one else to throw to on the Raiders, so he’s got to be the guy.  You’re starting him obviously, and I expect a big week out of him.

Aaron Hernandez (New England Patriots) (tied for 33^rd in targets):  The Patriots are a throwing team, harkening back to the early part of the 2000s, when they were winning Super Bowls left and right.  They didn’t have much of a running game then, nor do they have much of one now.  With the return of Deion Branch, they literally resemble those teams.  Now they have a tight end in Hernandez who is highly skilled in his routes and after the catch.  Look for continuous production week in and week out, especially when playing the San Diego Chargers, who are consistently awful against tight ends.

Todd Heap (Baltimore Ravens) (tied for 23rd^h in targets):  So, I’m glad I picked Todd Heap up last week, as he scored a touchdown, and almost got me a win (but I’m doomed to finish last this year I think because of this blog).  Anyways, Heap has another solid matchup this week against the Buffalo Bills.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he found the end zone again and got some yards as well.

Benjamin Watson (Cleveland Browns) (tied for 15^th in targets):  I told you last week that a tight end is a quarterbacks best friend and I was proved absolutely correct when Colt McCoy targets Watson 9 times and he produced.  Look for the same thing again this week against the New Orleans Saints, particularly since the Saints will be blitzing like crazy, so McCoy will be looking to dump the ball off quick.

TE’s I hate:

Kevin Boss (New York Giants) (tied for 37th in targets):  Another week, more hate for Boss.  Add to that the fact that he’s playing Dallas, who are currently ranked 7^th in giving up fantasy points to tight ends, and I may even loathe him this week.  He’s near the bottom of my rankings, and if you’re even thinking about playing him this week, you shouldn’t be playing fantasy football.

Any St. Louis Tight End:  Seriously, don’t even think about it.

Rob Gronkowski (New England Patriots) (tied for 51^st in targets):  The Patriots may now be the most pass happy team in the league next to Philadelphia, but Gronkowski is not a beneficiary of that.  Hernandez is the TE in New England as he should be.  Don’t start The Gronk at all, and if you flex TEs, you’re not flexing him either.

Chris Cooley (Washington Redskins) (tied for 14^th in Targets):  I’m as surprised as you are that Cooley appears for the second week in a row on the hate list, but here he is.  He’s mildly concussed, the Bears are good against the TE (ranked 11^th), and McNabb isn’t very reliable.  All three add up to a dud of a week from Cooley again.

Week 7 Rankings

Teams on a bye this week:  Detroit, Indianapolis, NY Jets, and Houston

QB Rankings
RB Rankings
WR Rankings
TE Rankings
K Rankings
D/ST Rankings

If you have a question about any of the rankings, feel free to post and I will respond.  You can also e-mail me at mattymccall@gmail.com, but please know I reserve the right to post your e-mails on the blog if so desired.

Week 7 Injury Report

Week 7 Injury Report

"In a Pinch" Week 7

To quote the greatest Sitcom of all time:  "That's gold, Jerry, gold!!!"  So take my advice, it's gold.

QBs

In Week 7, Detroit, Indianapolis, NY Jets, and the Houston Texans are all on bye.  So out of those four teams, the only people who have to worry about quarterback are Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub, and Mark Sanchez owners. 

Alex Smith (San Francisco 49ers):  As I referenced in the Week 6 “In a Pinch” column, Alex Smith would not be a bad guy to pick up if your quarterback was on a bye.  Same holds true for this week, and even more so I think.  The Niners will be facing the Carolina Panthers, who aren’t the strong defense of a couple of years ago.  They have no one who can cover Vernon Davis, and it appears that Michael Crabtree may have finally turned a corner, with two touchdowns the last two weeks.  It’s a good matchup for Smith, and basically just a good matchup overall for the Niners.

Sam Bradford (St. Louis Rams):  Normally I do not endorse rookie quarterbacks, particularly rookie quarterbacks who went to the University of Oklahoma (nothing to do with Oklahoma producing bad quarterbacks, cause there is no evidence of that, but I just have never liked Oklahoma.  It’s an irrational dislike).  Nonetheless, Bradford is putting together a solid rookie campaign, with solid numbers week in and week out.  They’re not blow your mind fantasy numbers, but he’s throwing for over 200 yards with at least 1 touchdown every week.  He’s not going to win the week for you, but he will at least give you enough points to give you a chance.

Colt McCoy (Cleveland Browns):  He looked good, particularly against a top 5 defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing for almost 300 yards (281) with a touchdown.  He looked poised, he was accurate (much more accurate than Delhomme, completing 70% of his passed), and he showed guts and determination, basically everything you want your quarterback to be.  Do you trust him going against New Orleans in the Superdome?  Most likely not, but after what he showed you in a hostile environment in Pittsburgh, it’s sure hard not to think he might be able to have another solid week.  If I had to choose though between rookie quarterbacks to pick up, between Sam Bradford, Max Hall, Jimmy Clausen, and Colt McCoy, if Bradford was taken, I’d go with McCoy.

Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs):  Cassel threw for 201 and 3 touchdowns.  Now the yards might not be what you want, but he certainly made up for it with 3 touchdown passes.  In Week 7, the Chiefs are facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are ranked very similar to the Houston Texans in defense, that ranking being atrocious (actually ranked 32^nd in giving up points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks).  Is it a stretch to think that Cassel can repeat his performance?  It might be, as it seems unlikely he would throw another 3 touchdowns, particularly with the tandem running game of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones getting a lot of touches against an equally as bad Jaguars run defense.  But if you need someone who isn’t a rookie quarterback, Cassel could be that guy.

RBs

So you’ve spent the last 2 weeks trying to find someone, anyone, you can trust to fill in as your number 2 back, or even at a flex position?  Join everyone else in the country.  After a hard look at all the matchups, I could only find 3 players who would be worth picking up, and who knows what you might get out of them.

Chris Ivory (New Orleans Saints):  He rushed for 100 yards against a not strong against the run defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  However, the Saints are playing the Browns.  That being said, the Browns are an improved defense (currently ranked 8^th in points given up to fantasy running backs), and they did manage to hold Rashard Mendenhall under 100 yards in Week 6, but, normally you like the matchup.  If Pierre Thomas remains injured and inactive again this week, Ivory may be worth a pick up, especially if you’re looking to flex him.

BenJarvis Green-Ellis (New England Patriots):  Playing the Chargers this week, who had a good run defense, until they came up against a good running back in Steven Jackson, of the now 3-3 St. Louis Rams.  Jackson rushed for over a 100 yards with a touchdown.  Clearly the Rams are a better team than we all thought, and if the Rams can run on San Diego, you would think that the Patriots would at least be able to give it a shot.  Would I be shocked if The Law Firm of BenJarvis Green-Ellis rushed for over a hundred with a touchdown?  Sure as hell I would be shocked, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he managed at least 60 yards with a touchdown.  Ok production for a second back, but very solid production for a flex.

Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks):  Ok, so I’m curious what the Seahawks thought they were getting when they traded for Marshawn Lynch.  If they thought they were trading for a dynamic 100 yard rusher, they made a big mistake.  Yes, Lynch was playing against a stingy Bears defense in Week 6, particularly against the run, but we all know Lynch isn’t a feature back.  He’s a solid change of pace bruiser guy.  The ball should be in Forsett’s hands more often than not, but it appears Seattle is more than willing to give Lynch a shot at being the starter.  He rushed 17 times for 44 yards, which averages out to 2.6 yards/carry.  Not even close to good, but he did manage a touchdown, and if the Seahawks keep pushing Lynch, he’s bound to do good eventually, particularly this week against a bad Arizona Cardinals defense (currently ranked 30^th overall in points given up to fantasy running backs).  A good flex this week, and even probably a solid number two option, but only because he’s playing Arizona.

WRs

Deion Branch (New England Patriots):  So I wrote about Brandon Tate last week, and he did nothing, and the main reason for that would be because of the addition via trade of Deion Branch.  Apparently you can leave for a few years, but the chemistry between Branch and Brady never died.  They picked up right where they left off, with Branch almost going over 100 yards with a touchdown.  Facing the Chargers, who seem to be in a tailspin, picking up Branch is basically a no-brainer if you have the roster spot.  He’s going to turn into Brady’s second favorite target behind Welker, so week in and week out his production should be consistent.  I’d pick up Branch for the long haul, not just a fill in.  If he’s available this week, snag him up.

Kenny Britt (Tennessee Titans):  Another week, another touchdown for Kenny Britt.  Britt is proving to be the go to guy in the Tennessee Titans passing game, particularly down in the redzone.  If he’s still available, he’s worth a pick up, but he doesn’t have a good matchup this week against the Philadelphia Eagles unfortunately, who are ranked 4^th overall in giving up points to fantasy wide receivers.

Mike Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  See last week’s column.  If he’s still out there (and amazingly he may be, as he was available in one of my buddy’s leagues last week), pick him up.  He’s a double digit fantasy scorer week in and week out, so he’s very reliable, and he’s the #1 receiver on Tampa Bay.

Danny Amendola (St. Louis Rams):  So, Amendola didn’t have a very good week, and that sucks for those of you who picked him up.  Who knew that Danario Alexander would be the most productive Rams receiver in Week 6?  Seriously, I have no idea who that guy is (turns out he’s a rookie who went to Missouri).  Nonetheless, you can’t keep a good guy down, so have some faith in Danny Boy.  He was still targeted 5 times, which was tied for the team lead.  The Rams just decided to run the ball 29 times with Jackson, which took away from some of the pass plays.  In playing Tampa Bay this week, chances are they will go heavy with Jackson again, but the Buccaneers pass defense isn’t anything great either.  It’s certainly a chance in picking up Amendola, but if you are in a PPR league, he’s a definite option, and if you’re not in a PPR league, I’d still say he’s worth a flyer if you need to flex someone.

Jabar Gaffney (Denver Broncos):  I had predicted that Gaffney would have over 100 yards with a touchdown in Week 6.  While he didn’t quite do that, he did manage 6 catches for 81 yards.  A very nice game, especially if you picked him up just to fill in for the week.  So this week, we find him on the list again, particularly since the Broncos are playing the Oakland Raiders.  Great for a flex this week, and if you play in a league that starts 3 receivers, he would be a borderline #2, but definitely a solid #3.

Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills):  So, in facing the Baltimore Ravens this week, do I still love Steve Johnson?  Well, no, I still don’t love Johnson, but I do still kind of like him.  It’s a bad matchup for the Bills, who are already a bad team, to play a defense in the Baltimore Ravens.  Now Brady put up solid numbers against the Ravens, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is definitely no Tom Brady.  Nonetheless, Lee Evans is the deep threat, and there won’t be enough time for Fitzpatrick to throw it down the field.  That leaves the short and intermediate routes to Steve Johnson, so he should get a decent amount of targets this week.  What will determine if he has a good week or not will be whether Fitzpatrick can stay upright.  He’s a good flex play this week, and in a league that starts 3 receivers, he’s a decent #3 guy.

Davone Bess (Miami Dolphins):  Another game, another 9 targets for Davone Bess.  This week for 5 catches and 37 yards, with a touchdown.  Bess is now officially the 1^st option for Chad Henne after Brandon Marshall, and Bess is producing to back up his increased targets (averaging 9 per game  over the last 3 games).  If he’s available, he’s obviously a solid flex option and a fantastic #3 option in leagues that start 3 receivers.

Jason Avant (Philadelphia Eagles):  DeSean Jackson got slobberknoced into the Stone Age by Dunta Robinson, so it doesn’t look good for Jackson to be healthy enough to play next week against the Tennessee Titans.  With that most likely the case, that elevates the WR position by one for each player.  So that makes Maclin #1 and moves Avant up to WR #2.  With the elevation of Avant comes an increase in targets, and hopefully a corresponding increase in production.  We’ve seen glimpses in the past, that when given the opportunity, Avant tends to step it up.  So if you need a WR in a pinch that is sure to be available in most leagues, Jason Avant would be that guy.

Michael Jenkins (Atlanta Falcons):  Michael Jenkins returned in a big way from injury this past week, with 5 catches out of 11 targets for 99 yards.  Now his percentage of catches to targets wasn’t out of this world, it was about average.  That being said, if you are pretty desperate for a wide receiver you could find worse choices out there.  However, he faces the Cincinnati pass defense, which is pretty darn good, so it’s not a good matchup for him. 

Mike Williams (Seattle Seahawks):  Listen, I haven’t liked Mike Williams yet this year, even though at the beginning of the year people thought he could make an impact.  Turns out all it took was the departure of Deion Branch to New England for that to happen.  With a lot of Seahawks receiving targets this week, Mike Williams was by far the leader with 15, 11 more than the next closest which was 4 targets, for Deon Butler, Justin Forsett, and John Carlson.  Do I think this will happen again next week?  It is possible, but slightly unlikely, as sometimes these types of performances are a fluke.  But with no other foreseeable #1 option at receiver in Seattle, Williams is the de facto #1, and in facing the Arizona Cardinals, he has a good matchup to try and reproduce similar numbers.

TEs

Aaron Hernandez (New England Patriots):  If he’s still out there, gobble him up fast.  He’s the real deal.

John Carlson (Seattle Seahawks):  He didn’t produce quite like everyone thought he would this past week, as he only received 4 targets.  Facing the Arizona Cardinals, whose pass defense is shaky, Carlson’s production should increase in tandem with an increase in his targets.  You may even see Carlson in the end zone this week.

Todd Heap (Baltimore Ravens):  So I’m glad I picked Todd Heap up this week to replace JerMichael Finley.  He managed to garner me 16 points on a 3 catch, 49 yard, 1 touchdown performance.  Do I like him this week?   He’s playing the Buffalo Bills, who are one of the worst defenses in the league overall, especially against the Tight End, so I feel optimistic that he may get the looks.  Will he get a touchdown to make starting him worth it?  I’m 50/50 on it.  It’s taking a chance again this week, but I think I would trust him if I was you.

Benjamin Watson (Cleveland Browns):  The old axiom is, a rookie quarterback’s best friend is his Tight End.  In Colt McCoy’s first start, that old saying held true.  Watson was targeted 9 times and produced 6 catches for 88 yards, with a touchdown.  Watson is consistently putting up good numbers and is being targeted at an average of 7.3 targets/game for the year and 8.7 over the last 3 games.  Also, he ranks 15^th overall in targerts between wide receivers and tight ends combined.  That’s pretty impressive.  With McCoy possibly looking to take over the reigns, I feel good with Watson as a fill in for any bye week to come, and maybe even if you are looking for a starting Tight End if you are or were a Jermichael Finley owner.

Heath Miller (Pittsburgh Steelers):  With the return of Ben Roethlisberger, it may coincide with the return of Heath Miller.  Ben loves using Heath Miller when he scrambles, and especially on third and about 6 yards.  Miller already scored a touchdown in Roethlisberger’s first start of the year, and with the Miami Dolphins poor against the tight end when it comes to giving up fantasy points, Miller could be a good bye week fill in if necessary.

Tony Moeaki (Kansas City Chiefs):  If he’s still available, which he might be, especially after his dud of a performance this past week, you may want to think about picking him up.  The trend so far this year says that after every bad performance for Moeaki, he has a good one.  That means that this week, he should be in for a solid game, particularly since he’ll be facing one of the worst defenses in the league in the Jacksonville Jaguars.