Updated Week 9 Injury Report

Week 9 Inury Report

Week 9 Love/Hate

Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles):  Vick says he’s 100% healthy, Andy Reid has named him the starter, and he seems 100% convinced of it this time.  Now the Colts defense is pretty good against the pass (ranked 12^th), but Michael Vick is a different breed of quarterback.  I expect a decent amount of rushing yards out of Vick, particularly on third down, when he’s running away from Colts defensive ends Dwight Freeny and Robert Mathis, as they push him out of the pocket.  I wouldn’t be surprised that Vick hits some big plays down the field, as the corners and safeties are spying Vick, making sure they can track him down if/when he runs.

Eli Manning (New York Giants):  If Jason Campbell can have a pretty good game, then Eli Manning should be able to have a heck of a game this week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears):  Cutler draws the lucky card this week in playing the Buffalo Bills.  Start him if he’s your #1 guy, and if he’s your #2, you may even want to consider starting him anyways.

Jon Kitna (Dallas Cowboys):  Felix Jones banged up, Dallas is going to be down since they are playing the Green Bay Packers, so they’ll be playing catchup, and Dallas is a pass first team anyways.  A perfect storm for Kitna to light it up, so it’s definitely possible that Kitna puts up similar numbers as last week, although you hope he cuts down the interceptions and throws one more touchdown pass.

Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  Week in and week out Freeman puts up solid numbers, over 200 yards passing with at least 1 touchdown.  With a Falcons defense that is better against the run than against the pass, look for a few more throws from Freeman this week, which hopefully results in a second touchdown pass.

QB’s that I hate:

Matt Schaub (Houston Texans):  Matt Schaub has been very inconsistent this year, some having to do with the teams he is playing against and also having to do with the injuries to his receivers/tight ends.  That being said, this week Schaub faces the San Diego Chargers, who are ranked 2^nd in fantasy points given up to opposing quarterbacks.  So an inconsistent Schaub, with only one receiving threat in Johnson, facing the Chargers, equals not a good play this week.

Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings):  After last season, everyone was thinking, yeah, Favre put up ridiculous numbers (the best of his career), and we don’t expect that, but we certainly expect good production.  Fast forward to Week 9, and Favre has had a stinker of a season so far.  Now with no Moss, Favre has even less of a chance to do anything worthwhile fantasywise.  I’d have him on my bench the rest of the year.

Chad Henne (Miami Dolphins):  Playing the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently ranked 9^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, so not a fantastic matchup.  Over the last three games he’s only topped 250 yards once, with the other two games having 217 and 231 yards.  He does have good weapons in Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess, Henne is the one throwing the ball, not those guys.  I just don’t have an overwhelming feeling of fantasy good for Henne this week.

Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals):  Listen, I’m a Bengals fan, so I hope Palmer proves me wrong and goes off for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the fact of the matter is, I don’t think that’s happening, particularly against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  True that Drew Brees had a pretty good game against the Steelers in Week 8, but Carson Palmer is no Drew Brees, so if Palmer sniffs 250 yards this week, I’ll be surprised.

RB’s that I love not named Adrian Peterson:

Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs):  Make this three weeks in a row with a good matchup for this tandem, as they are playing the Oakland Raiders in Week 9.  Raiders are currently ranked 28^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs, so there’s a distinct possibility both could go over 100 yards rushing (throw in Charles’s receiving ability, and he’s even ranked higher this week at 6, while Jones is ranked 13^th)

Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders):  Same game, different team, as McFadden of the Oakland Raiders has officially reached start him no matter what status.  And considering that the Chiefs are ranked 18^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs, he has a favorable matchup this week.

LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles):  The Colts are ranked 27^th against the run, McCoy should be healthier after the bye week, so the matchup is in McCoy’s favor this week.  Expect some big yards from McCoy as well as quick drop down passes from Vick.

Petyon Hillis (Cleveland Browns):  Coming off a bye week, which allowed Hillis’s thigh to heal to what should be 100%, and playing the New England Patriots, who are ranked 22^nd in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs, you have to have a good feeling about his chances to put up 100 yards and have at least one touchdown.  You may even get a few catches from him, as Colt McCoy will be checking the ball down to his tight ends and running backs.

LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene (New York Jets):  Great matchup this week in playing the worst run defense in the league in the Detroit Lions.  There should be plenty of carries to go around to make Tomlinson a must start as a #1 back and makes Shonn Greene one of the better flex plays and a borderline #2 back this week.

Matt Forte (Chicago Bears):  Bills are ranked 31^st overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  Look for Forte to have over a hundred yards rushing and catch some balls as well.  I expect a big week in total yards of scrimmage for Forte.

RB’s I hate:

Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals):  Second straight week that Cedric Benson ends up on this list, and it’s the same reason I hate Carson Palmer.  Benson will be facing the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, particularly the run defense, which ranks 2^nd overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens):  Now, if you have Ray Rice, you’re starting him no matter what, cause face it, you drafted him in the top 4, so you can’t sit a top 4 pick.  Nonetheless, I don’t think he has a great week since he will be facing the 4^th ranked run defense in the Miami Dolphins.  But don’t forget that Ray Rice also gets his fair share of targets out of the backfield, and against a Miami defense that is good against the run and bad against the pass, Rice still should be able to pick up some points, just not as many as usual.

Jahvid Best (Detroit Lions):  After a fantastic first two weeks of the season, Best has certainly leveled off, to barely making an impact week in and week out.  The highest yardage he has had since Week 2 has been 67 yards, which came against the St. Louis Rams, and he hasn’t scored a touchdown since week 2 either.  Now he comes up against a New York Jets defense that is ranked #1 overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing running backs.  To say this is a bad matchup is an understatement.  It’s a horrible matchup, so I wouldn’t count on much from Best this week.

Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks):  Lately no doubt you’ve been plugging Lynch into your lineup because he has good matchups.  Trouble is, he still didn’t even do much with those, so in facing the 5^th ranked run defense in the New York Giants, nothing is going to change.  Add that to the fact that his offensive line just plain sucks, and you have a back who will struggle to even get 50 yards this week.

Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys):  Jones has a sprained ankle and was only able to run straight ahead on Wednesday, with no lateral movement.  While Jones is a speedster, and obviously excels in straight ahead running, problem is that Jones is a running back and needs lateral movement to break it to the outside or avoid the tackles while running up the middle.  Stack that injured ankle against the 6^th ranked run defense in the Green Bay Packers, and you have a recipe for a bad week.  You probably still are flexing him, but I would be weary of making him my #2 back this week.  If you have better options, go with those.

All New Orleans Saints Running Backs:  Until a healthy Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush is in the lineup, the running back situation isn’t that spectacular for the Saints.  They do have a better matchup this week, which means you may be able to flex Ivory if you want, but if you have better options than a Saints running back, go with them for sure.

WR’s I love not named Roddy White:

Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis Colts) (tied for 29^th in targets):  With double digit targets in 2 out of the last 3 games, Garcon’s role in the offense has increased, as it should with the injuries to Dallas Clark and Austin Collie.  With Clark out for the season and Collie still injured, he’s a great #2 receiver who has potential to be a borderline #1 week in and week out.  You got him, you play him every week no matter the matchup.

Mike Willams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) (tied for 16^th in targets):  Recently I was helping out a buddy of mine figure out what to do about his flex position.  He had Mario Manningham (the 3^rd receiver for the New York Giants), and he wasn’t sure if wanted to stay that way or pick up a free agent who may be a better option.  So he’s scrolling down through the available free agents and amazingly enough, Mike Williams of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is available.  It was a no brainer.  He immediately pulled the trigger on the drop of Manningham and the add of Williams.  Now, chances are you are in a league who has people who care, so you probably wouldn’t be able to have it that easy.  But if you do have Williams, and you don’t have a better #2 option, he’s a great play this week.  Should put up close to 100 yards with a touchdown.

Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) (tied for 40^th in targets):  Now Wallace doesn’t get a as many targets as his teammate Hines Ward, but he makes much more of his opportunities.  This week’s matchup has Wallace facing the Cincinnati Bengals, who are ranked 16^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.  Add that to the fact that the Bengals secondary is banged up, there is little to no pass rush by the Bengals defensive line, and you have an extremely favorable matchup for a guy who loves to catch the deep ball.  I could see a couple big plays for Wallace this week.  A solid #2 receiver.

Patrick Crayton (San Diego Chargers) (tied for 39^th in targets):  So I had a dream this week and this dream involved Patrick Crayton.  I dreamt that Patrick Crayton was running a 15 yard post pattern, caught the ball perfectly on the run, ran by about 3 Houston Texans players, and took it to the endzone.  Now I don’t claim to be a prophet, but I already felt great about Crayton this week.  Nnow with this dream, I feel even better.  Huge endorsement from The Consigliere here!

Johnny Knox (Chicago Bears) (tied for 27^th in targets):  Now the Bills are ranked 11^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, which means they don’t give up many touchdowns to wide receivers, but I have a feeling in my gut that says Johnny Knox is going find the end zone at least once this week.  He’s a good #2 and a definite flex play this week.

James Jones/Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers) (tied for 33^rd and 38^th in targets):  No Donald Driver this week means an increased role for both Jones and Nelson.  Jones should step up into the #2 receiver role, with Nelson stepping into the #3.  Also, let’s not forget the fact that they will be facing the Dallas pass defense, which is ranked 29^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.  This means Jones is a borderline #2/#3 receiver and one of the better flex plays this week, where Nelson is a definite flex, borderline #3 depending on your roster.

WR’s I hate:

Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati Bengals) (1^st and tied for 9^th in targets):  Same reason I don’t like Carson Palmer this week, playing the Steelers defense.  If either of these two ends up with a decent game, I would expect it to be Ochocinco, but I don’t see much production from either to be honest.  You may get 60 yards a piece with one of them scoring a touchdown.

Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) (tied for 31^st in targets):  My gut says that Hines Ward won’t be having a great game this week.  I think he’s slowing down and lost a little bit of the step he did have.  Throw in the fact that Wallace will see a few more targets and the rookie Emannuel Sanders might steal a few, and you have just a so-so week for Hines.  I’d say he’s a #3 receiver or flex play this week.

Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) (tied for 30t in targets):  Bowe has 5 touchdowns in the last 3 games, so he’s absolutely on fire.  Well consider the Oakland Raiders to be the water that puts this fire out.  The Raiders are ranked 4^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, so I don’t expect much production from Bowe.  Add to the fact that the Raiders are atrocious against the run, and you have a lot of Charles and Jones, and a very little of Bowe.

Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) (tied for 21^st in targets):  No Randy Moss, Sidney Rice still injured and not playing, a banged up Favre, and I think Harvin doesn’t have a great week.  The main culprit I think is Moss no longer on the team.  Harvin is a slot receiver and a pretty darn good one at that.  Take away Moss’s deep threat, and that brings the safeties closer to the line of scrimmage, which gives Harvin less room to catch and run with the ball, which is where slot receivers make their killing.  Harvin is certain to still get the targets, but I don’t think he has the usual production out of those.

Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) (tied for 25^th in targets):  Matt Moore isn’t exactly a stellar QB.  He seems to be a Derek Anderson type of QB (which is interesting since they both played QB at Oregon State), who seems to make good throws occasionally, but never shows enough consistency to convince you he’s a starting QB in the NFL.  The inconsistency will hurt Smith this week, particularly against the Saints, who are ranked #1 overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.  I’d say maybe a low end #2 and a definite flex play.

TE’s I love not named Antonio Gates:

Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) (13^th in targets):  I love when I’m right, and I was dead on with Witten last week.  In week 9 I still love me some Witten, not nearly as much, but he’s definitely up there with a bunch of other tight ends on bye this week.  The Packers are ranked 23^rd in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends, so a good draw for Witten.

Owen Daniels (Houston Texans) (tied for 42nd in targets):  I was severely disappointed in the fact that Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans only targeted Daniels 3 times last week.  I know the Colts are the best in the league against the tight end, but you would have thought a few more targets would have gone his way.  Now Daniels is facing the Chargers, who everyone knows couldn’t stop a tight end if they played all 11 guys on defense against him.  The Texans should know this and send the ball Daniels’s way more this week, leading to some good numbers finally.

Visanthe Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings) (tied for 38^th in targets):  No Moss means increased targets for Shiancoe, who has proven over the last two years he can be counted on to step up and have a good game when needed.  Well they sure as hell need one this week, as the Vikings are 2-5, on the brink of flushing their season down the proverbial toilet.  I think Shiancoe gets in the endzone at least once this week and puts up around 75 yards receiving.

Benjamin Watson (Cleveland Browns):  Colt McCoy starting another week, and if you haven’t learned already, I’ll say it again.  Rookie quarterbacks love their tight ends.  So McCoy should love Watson even more this week since the Browns will be facing the 28^th ranked defense in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Jacob Tamme (Indianapolis Colts) (tied for 64^th in targets):  Don’t be fooled by his target ranking.  Tamme wasn’t even targeted until last week, and he was targeted 9 times, catching 6 for 64 yards and a touchdown.  Not bad for a guy who hadn’t even had a pass thrown to him all year.  And this week facing the Eagles, who are ranked 26^th overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends, he has another good matchup.  We all know Peyton loves throwing to his tight end, and even without Dallas Clark, Manning seems to have confidence in Tamme.  You should have confidence too.  I picked him up in one of my leagues and I’m starting him this week for sure.

TE’s I hate:

Tony Moeaki (Kansas City Chiefs) (tied for 40^th in targets):  Although the Raiders defense isn’t fantastic against the tight end, by now you should know that the Chiefs are going to run most every down, leaving few targets to be spread around.  This most likely leaves Moeaki on the outside looking in fantasy wise, so he’s definitely not a good play at all this week.

Dustin Keller (New York Jets) (tied for 26^th in targets):  After a massive first 3 weeks, Keller has finally come back down to earth.  He hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 4 and in facing a Detroit Lions defense ranked 5^th in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends, I don’t see him breaking the drought and finding the endzone this week.  Plus, with Santonio Holmes now in the lineup, Keller’s Targets have decreased since week 4.  If he even makes it to 50 yards this week, count me as shocked.

Brent Celek (Philadelphia Eagles) (tied for 30^th in targets):  With Kolb at the helm Celek had some pretty ok weeks, scoring a touchdown in both weeks 4 and 5.  Now with Vick set to return as the starter, I’d look for the little production he had to disappear.  This is very disappointing, as we all thought that Celek would have a fantastic year.  Unfortunately a lot of us have been burned (you can count me amongst those people who were).  So normally you probably aren’t playing Celek, but definitely not against the Colts, who are ranked #1 overall in giving up fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

As always, any questions, feel free to e-mail mattymccall@gmail.com or post a comment.

Week 9 Rankings

You may have become accustomed to clicking the link and having a google documents spreadsheet come up.  However, Google has changed the way I upload my spreadsheets.  Now instead of seeing the spreadsheet, you have will to click on the Download link highlighted in blue.  That will open the spreadsheet in Excel 2007.  If you have any questions, in regards to the rankings, or how to open them, or a general fantasy football question, just e-mail mattymccall@gmail.com. I'll respond as quickly as possible.

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

Week 9 Injury Report

Week 9 Injury Report

"In a Pinch" Week 9

QBs

In Week 9, Denver, Tennessee, St. Louis, San Francisco, Washington, and Jacksonville are all on byes.  As far as quarterbacks go, not much to worry about except for Kyle Orton, Vince Young, and Donovan McNabb.  More than likely then you don’t need a quarterback, but if you do, here are a few guys that could get the job done.

Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions):  So last week I told you to pick up Stafford.  If you didn’t listen, you have only yourself to blame, as Stafford threw 4 touchdown passes.  This week the Lions draw the Jets, which is not a good matchup, but if you’re struggling to find a bye week replacement, Stafford may just be your guy, but I wouldn’t expect a great week out of him.

Ryan Fiztpatrick (Buffalo Bills):  If for some reason Fitzpatrick is still available, pick him up.  He may not have had as good of a week as he had been having against the Chiefs, but the Chiefs defense has been much improved and very stingy.  This week Fitzpatrick has a better matchup against the Chicago Bears.  Throw in the fact that the Bills are a pass first team (witness Fitzpatrick throwing 48 times against Kansas City), and you have a chance for a great week.

Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  Freeman played just as I predicted this past week.  He put up solid fantasy numbers, but nothing that blew your mind.  Fact is, he plays just well enough each week to give you a chance to eek out a victory, but when you’re dealing with bye weeks, most victories tend to be close.  I’d give Freeman a serious look if you need a QB this week.

Jon Kitna (Dallas Cowboys):  Listen, the Cowboys suck.  I told anyone who wanted to listen at the beginning of the year that the Cowboys were overrated and turns out I was right.  That being said, it doesn’t matter if the Cowboys win or lose week in and week out, as wins don’t count for fantasy points.  What counts is production during the 60 minutes of game time, and what Kitna gives you is production.  He threw 49 times for 379 yards 1 touchdown.  Yes he threw 4 interceptions, but they weren’t his fault, as his receivers just couldn’t hold on to the ball.  Just like the Bills, the Cowboys are a throw first team, and especially when they start losing, which happens every game.  I’d trust Kitna not only as a bye week fill in, but as a fill in for the rest of the year if you don’t have a better option.

RBs

Knowshon Moreno, Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, Ryan Torain, and Maurice Jones-Drew all on a bye this week, which no doubt leaves a majority of fantasy owners scrambling to find a good 1 week option, and I just happen to have a few.

Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills):  Jackson isn’t putting up great fantasy production, but he at least gives you a chance.  He’s the starter getting at least 20 carries a game, and against Kansas City, Jackson was targeted 8 times in the passing game.  So he’s heavily involved in the offense, and if he can break off a couple 20 yard runs, even better. 

LeGarette Blount (Tampa Bay Buccaneers):  22 carries, 120 yards, 2 touchdowns.  Yeah, that’s a heck of a week for a guy that is most likely unowned in your league (I’m proud to say I picked him up in both my leagues and started him).  So if you didn’t pick him up last week as I suggested, do it now.  He’s going to be the hot commodity this week amongst free agent running backs, most likely being the top picked up free agent out there amongst all positions, so hopefully your waiver wire position is low to get him or you have enough money saved up in your budget to bid on him. 

Danny Woodhead /BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England Patriots):  If you’re in a PPR league, Woodhead is the New England running back you want, but if you’re looking for rushing yards, go with The Law Firm of BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Mike Hart/Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts):  Joseph Addai is banged up and against the Houston Texans, Mike Hart had 12 carries for 84 yards, which averages out to 7 yards/carry.  A very solid day for Hart, and if Addai is out another week, Mike Hart wil be the starter.  Unfortunately, Hart tweaked his ankle in the 4^th quarter, which may mean that Donald Brown ends up being the back in week 9.  Keep an eye on the injury report to see which of the two ends up being the starter.

WRs

Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny Britt, Danny Amendola, Michael Crabtree, Santana Moss, Mike Sims-Walker all on a bye.  No doubt you’re looking for a second receiver or a flex WR this week to fill in.

Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals):  Maybe people gave up on Breaston and dropped him when he didn’t play for 4 straight weeks.  If that’s the case in your league, Breaston is definitely worth a look this week.  He had 11 targets, catching 8 for 147 yards.  A great week, that should make him a hot pick up going into Week 9.

Davone Bess (Miami Dolphins):  Is he out there in your league?  If he is, get him now before it’s too late.  Stat line this week was just like every other.  9 targets, 7 catches, 53 yards.  If you’re in a PPR league, no doubt this guy is already on somebody’s roster, but if not, you have to pick him up.  He gets at least 6 to 7 catches every week.  For those of you in non PPR leagues, he’s still worth a flex option or as your 3^rd receiver.

Steve Johnson (Buffalo Bills):  No doubt he’s gone, but if he isn’t, get him.  Just like I said with Fitzpatrick, the Bills are a pass first team, so why not pick up the most targeted receiver on the Bills in Johnson (he’s lead the Bills in targets over the last 4 weeks).

James Jones/Jordy Nelson (Green Bay Packers):  Donald Driver was pulled after the first half of the Packers game against the Jets.  If Driver doesn’t come back healthy this week (keep your eyes on the injury report), both guys move up a slot in the wide receiver chain.  Factor in the matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, who even David Garrard threw 4 touchdowns against, and you have a chance for one or both of these guys to have a solid week.

 Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts):  With Dallas Clark out for the rest of the season and Austin Collie out for a couple of weeks, that elevates Anthony Gonzalez to the #3 receiver on the team.  Throw in a injured Joseph Addai, and the Colts are more of a passing team than usual.  You need a flex or a 3^rd wide receiver, you could do worse than Gonzalez.

Nate Washington (Tennessee Titans):  Washington is not the receiver Kenny Britt is, but with what Jeff Fisher is terming a “serious” hamstring injury, already ruling him out for Week 10 (Titans are on a bye in week 9), Washington is going to be the #1 receiver.  This past week against the Chargers he had 9 targets, catching 4 for 117 and a touchdown.  If he’s out there, he may be one of the better receiver options for to pick up.  Remember, on a bye this week, but if you have the roster space and need a receiver for week 10, he’s a solid option.

TEs

Vernon Davis, Chris Cooley, and Marcedis Lewis owners have to worry this week.  Unfortunately there are slim pickings available amongst free agent TEs.

Benjamin Watson (Cleveland Browns):  Playing against New England, so it’s a good matchup.  I assume Colt McCoy is still the starter, which bodes well for Watson since rookies love tight ends.  But if Delhomme or Wallace is starting instead, I still like Watson because of the matchup.

Anthony Fasano (Miami Dolphins):  Over the last two weeks, Fasano has been targets 11 times, so the ball is coming his way a little more often than usual, but Fasano does have a bad matchup in facing the Ravens coming off a bye.  I wouldn’t expect much from him, but if you’re desperate for at least a couple of catches, why the hell not with Fasano.

David Thomas (New Orleans Saints):  Just like with Fasano, you’re desperate if you are picking him up, but he is receiving at least 4 targets a game, so you never know, once of those targets might be in the endzone.

Jermaine Gresham (Cincinnati Bengals):  He’s getting at least 6 targets or more a game, he’s just not doing much with them unfortunately.  Nonetheless, I think he’s a better option than Fasano or Thomas in what is clearly a pass first offense now.

Heath Miller (Pittsburgh Steelers):  I like him more than Fasano or Thomas, but not by much, as you’ll see when the rankings are posted on Wednesday. That being said, you have to be stretched thin to think about picking him up.

Jacob Tamme (Indianapolis Colts):  No Dallas Clark, no problem for the Colts and Peyton Manning.  Out of Tamme and rookie TE Brody Eldridge, Tamme was the TE for Indianapolis on Monday Night Football.  He was targeted 9 times, catching 6 for 64 yards and a touchdown.  I can see this kind of production week in and week out, so if I was you, and I needed a TE for the upcoming week, or even for the rest of the season, Tamme is the #1 tight end out there to pick up.

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