Fantasy Football Player Rankings

Week Nine Match-ups

Quarterbacks

Bye Weeks: Kelly Holcomb, J.P. Losman, Drew Bledsoe, Jake Plummer, Marc Bulger, Jamie Martin

Plus Play:

Kerry Collins, OAK – Collins looks to be a great play this week (56%, 1,882 yards, 10 TDs and just three INT). He is coming off a great game last week (59%, 238 yards, three TDs, one INT), despite Randy Moss not being at 100%, and he did well in his first game against the Chiefs this season in Week Two (60%, 263 yards, one TD, no INT). Meanwhile, the Chiefs are ranked 31st in pass defense (275 ypg) and has allowed the fourth-most TDs (14).

Eli Manning, NYG – Manning didn’t light up last week against Washington (39%, 146 yards, one TD and one INT), but he didn’t have to as Tiki Barber went nuts. He has been effective this season (51%, 1,560 yards, 13 TDs, five INT). The main reason, however, that he’s an excellent play this week is that it’s his turn to enjoy the Niners’ decisively repugnant 32nd-ranked pass defense (315 ypg) which has allowed the second-most passing TDs (16).

Trent Green, KC – Green overcame the loss of his father last week and posted his best game of the season (73%, 347 yards, two TDs and no INT). That was an unusual performance from Green this season (61%, 1,696 yards with only six TDs and three INT), but maybe it’s a sign of his getting on track. He was consistently mediocre in his first meeting with Oakland in Week Two (65%, 237 yards, no TDS, no INT), but since then, the Raiders have lost two of their starting DBs. Overall, the Raiders have allowed 222 ypg (22nd in the league), but have not made an interception in the last three weeks.

Byron Leftwich, JAX – Leftwich has been solid this season (56%, 1,418 yards, 10 TDs, five INT), but he has incorporated Ernest Wilford and Matt Jones more in the passing game of late (a combined 10 receptions for 183 yards and two TDs last week). He will go against a mediocre Houston pass defense (207 ypg, 17th), that has allowed 10 passing TDs thus far, but the Jags’ passing game has been maturing of late and should continue to do so.

Negative Play:

Tom Brady, NE -- Brady has had a good season thus far (63%, 2,020 yards, nine TDs, four INT), but he has been mediocre over the last two games (57%, 498 yards, two TDs, no INT). Now, he faces the seventh-ranked pass defense of Indianapolis (170 ypg) which has given up the second-least passing TDs thus far (five), has made the second-most interceptions (12), and the most sacks (26). Brady knows how to handle this tough level of competition, so he’s a must start, but temper your expectations this week.

Drew Brees, SD – This is a battle of two units on the top of their games. Brees has been red hot over the last three weeks (60%, 787 yards, six TDs and three INT), while the Jets boast the sixth-best pass defense (163 ypg). They have made 10 interceptions (tied for fourth) and have allowed just five passing TDs to date (tied for second-best). With the game in NY, expect a tough game for Brees.

Jake Delhomme, CAR – Delhomme is another red-hot QB that should have a tough go of it this week. Over the last three weeks, Delhomme has completed 66% of his passes for 577 yards, five TDs and three interceptions. He will face the second-ranked Bucs defense in Tampa (154 ypg) that have allowed the fewest passing TDs in the league (two).

Aaron Brooks, NO – Brooks has been erratic this season (54%, 1,754 yards, six TDs, 10 INT). A QB with no consistency should not be facing a team as strong as the Bears’ ninth-ranked defensive unit (178 ypg). The Bears have allowed a sixth-best six TDs and third-most 11 INTs thus far. They are the consistent group, so Brooks will continue to be a weak play.

1 Kerry Collins, OAK
2 Peyton Manning, IND
3 Eli Manning, NYG
4 Carson Palmer, CIN
5 Donovan McNabb, PHI
6 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
7 Tom Brady, NE
8 Trent Green, KC
9 Mark Brunell, WAS
10 Brett Favre, GB
11 Drew Brees, SD
12 Byron Leftwich, JAX
13 Michael Vick, ATL
14 Jake Delhomme, CAR
15 Charlie Batch, PIT
16 Steve McNair, TEN
17 Kurt Warner, ARI
18 Aaron Brooks, NO
19 Trent Dilfer, CLE
20 Brad Johnson, MIN
21 Joey Harrington, DET
22 Gus Frerotte, MIA
23 Chris Simms, TB
24 Vinny Testaverde, NYJ
25 Anthony Wright, BAL
26 Kyle Orton, CHI
27 David Carr, HOU
28 Cody Pickett, SF

Running Backs

Bye Weeks: Willis McGahee, Julius Jones, Marion Barber, Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell, Steven Jackson, Marshall Faulk

Plus Play:

Fred Taylor, – Taylor bounced back from an injured ankle with a 165-yard rushing performance and a TD. He has only reached the end zone twice, but has been running at a 4.5 ypc clip. He will be going up against the last-place Texans’ rush defense (165 ypg) and has allowed the second-most rushing TDs (10). On top of that, Houston has allowed an average of 227 rushing yards over the last three weeks. Big game for Taylor.

Ronnie Brown, MIA – Brown rambled for 106 yards last week against the Saints, and gained 223 yards and rushed for two TDs over the last three weeks. Overall, the Falcons are the 20th-ranked run defense (120 ypg) and are tied for 20th in rushing TDs surrendered (seven). Brown should continue to do well.

Willie Parker, PIT – Despite all the hoopla over the returns of Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley, Parker has remained the starting back in Pittsburgh. Parker has gained 602 yards rushing (at a 4.5 ypc clip). Bettis will be out of the line-up, while Staley is expected to see action, but Parker will remain the man. The Packers are good against the run (10th, 101 ypg), but with inclement weather expected and Charlie Batch at QB, Parker should have a good game wearing down the Packer defense.

Negative Play:

Mewelde Moore, MIN – Moore has risen to the top of the Vikings’ rushing attack – but that’s not saying much. He is averaging less than four ypc, but he at least adds a little through receiving (19 receptions for 186 yards and a TD). He will go up against the Lions, which has allowed the second-fewest TDs in the league (two) and have allowed 107 ypg rushing (13th in the league).

Cadillac Williams, TB – Expect the second-ranked Panthers’ defense to do what the Niners did last week and load up against the run and force Simms to pass the ball. Williams was held to just 20 yards rushing on 13 carries. The Panthers allow just 78 ypg on the ground and have allowed just four scores thus far.

Rudi Johnson, CIN – With the continued improvement of the Bengals’ passing game, Johnson has been frustratingly mediocre (681 yards and two TDs (4.2 ypc)). Chris Perry has taken time from Johnson as he’s the better receiving threat. The Bengals will face a good Ravens run defense (ninth, 99 ypg) that has allowed just four rushing TDs to date.

1 Shaun Alexander, SEA
2 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
3 Edgerrin James, IND
4 Tiki Barber, NYG
5 Lamont Jordan, OAK
6 Thomas Jones, CHI
7 Fred Taylor, JAX
8 Brian Westbrook, PHI
9 Warrick Dunn, ATL
10 Corey Dillon, NE
11 Domanick Davis, HOU
12 Kevin Jones, DET
13 Ronnie Brown, MIA
14 Clinton Portis, WAS
15 Willie Parker, PIT
16 Larry Johnson, KC
17 Chris Brown, TEN
18 Curtis Martin, NYJ
19 Stephen Davis, CAR
20 Mewelde Moore, MIN
21 Cadillac Williams, TB
22 Rudi Johnson, CIN
23 Reuben Droughns, CLE
24 Jamal Lewis, BAL
25 Kevan Barlow, SF
26 Tony Fisher, GB
27 Antowain Smith, NO
28 Marcel Shipp, ARI
29 DeShaun Foster, CAR
30 Chris Perry, CIN
31 Ricky Williams, MIA
32 Chester Taylor, BAL
33 Jerome Bettis, PIT
34 Greg Jones, JAX
35 Frank Gore, SF
36 Aaron Stecker, NO
37 Travis Henry, TEN
38 Michael Pittman, TB
39 Patrick Pass, NE
40 Shawn Bryson, DET
41 Ladell Betts, WAS
42 J.J. Arrington, ARI
43 Dominic Rhodes, IND
44 Brandon Jacobs, NYG
45 Justin Griffith, ATL
46 Alvin Pearman, JAX
47 Lamar Gordon, PHI
48 Jerald Sowell, NYJ
49 Michael Bennett, MIN
50 William Henderson, GB

Wide Receivers

Bye Weeks: Eric Moulds, Lee Evans, Josh Reed, Terry Glenn, Keyshawn Johnson, Peerless Price, Rod Smith, Ashley Lelie, Torry Holt, Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald, Dane Looker, Isaac Bruce

Plus Play:

Marvin Harrison, IND – Harrison’s value has dropped a little this season as Peyton Manning dropped from the level of being an astounding QB to just a great QB – a marginal difference, but one for Harrison. His totals this season are nice (37 receptions, 388 yards and five TDs, but far below the pace set last season (86 receptions, 1,113 yards, 15 receptions). This week, however, Harrison should approach the top-five level again this week against the injury-plagued Patriots defense (230 ypg, 24th), which has allowed an average of 251 ypg the last two weeks. They are 25th in the league with 13 TDs allowed and 24th in sacks made (13).

Joey Galloway, TB – Galloway should continue his fantastic play this year with another good game this week. Chris Simms targeted him 13 times last week and responded with eight receptions for 149 yards and a TD. The Bucs go up against the 26th-ranked Panthers’ defense (233 ypg) that has surrendered 10 TDs to date (tied for 18th). It will be a tough game for Simms, but Galloway will continue to get his touches.

Eddie Kennison, KC – Kennison benefited from Green’s season-best performance last week, converting nine targets into seven receptions, 115 yards and a TD. With the injuries to the Raider secondary, Kennison is in for another good week.

Antonio Bryant, CLE – Trent Dilfer has been rather weak of late, but Bryant has quietly been a source of good fantasy points in a third-WR role. Over the last two weeks, Bryant has been targeted 11 times by Dilfer, and last week Bryant converted seven targets into four receptions for 98 yards. There’s a good chance he will find the end zone against the Titans, who have allowed the most passing TDs this season (17). The Titans are at the middle-of-the-pack against the pass (203 ypg) and have the second-most sacks accumulated (24). As long as the Browns can keep Dilfer upright most of the game, Bryant will prosper.

Amani Toomer, NYG – Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey has been Manning’s top targets, but Toomer has been increasingly involved in the passing game the last two weeks – he has received 19 targets and has converted them into 10 receptions for 105 yards and a TD. Against the weak Niners’ pass defense, Toomer will continue to play a big part of the passing game.

Negative Play:

T.J. Houshmanzadeh, CIN – There are just too many weapons for Carson Palmer on this team; while Houshmanzadeh is second on the team in targets, he only has four more than back-up RB Chris Perry. This week, the Bengals face the second-ranked Ravens’ defense (154 ypg) – however, they have to deal with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis fighting injuries. T.J. is a must-play, but with the Bengals’ weapons and a tough opponent, temper expectations.

Chris Chambers, MIA – Chambers has been a nice play (27 receptions, 337 yards, three TDs), but Gus Frerotte has been nearly non-existent (48%, 560 yards, one TD and two INT) the last three games. Atlanta is ranked 21st against the pass (219 ypg), but had a strong game before their bye week against the Jets, holding them out of the end zone. Expect the Falcons to handle Miami with a bye-week to prepare.

Keenan McCardell, SD -- While Brees has a tough match-up against the Jets, McCardell should also have a tough go as well.

Nate Burleson, MIN – It was hoped that Burleson may get untracked with Brad Johnson at QB (hey, something has to get him started this season), but it just didn’t happen. Burleson is tied for third among the team’s WRs in targets and had the FOURTH-least last week. Now, the Vikings face the 14th-ranked Lions’ defense (196 ypg) that has allowed179 ypg the last three weeks, and is second in the league in interceptions (six) over that period of time.

1 Santana Moss, WAS
2 Steve Smith, CAR
3 Plaxico Burress, NYG
4 Chad Johnson, CIN
5 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
6 Marvin Harrison, IND
7 Randy Moss, OAK
8 Joey Galloway, TB
9 Hines Ward, PIT
10 Donald Driver, GB
11 Joe Horn, NO
12 Reggie Wayne, IND
13 Deion Branch, NE
14 Jimmy Smith, JAX
15 Eddie Kennison, KC
16 Jerry Porter, OAK
17 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
18 Chris Chambers, MIA
19 Derrick Mason, BAL
20 Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
21 Keenan McCardell, SD
22 Laveranues Coles, NYJ
23 Joe Jurevicius, SEA
24 Antonio Bryant, CLE
25 David Givens, NE
26 Antonio Chatman, GB
27 Amani Toomer, NYG
28 Terrell Owens, PHI
29 Bryant Johnson, ARI
30 Donte Stallworth, NO
31 Bobby Engram, SEA
32 Courtney Roby, TEN
33 Nate Burleson, MIN
34 Jabar Gaffney, HOU
35 Brandon Lloyd, SF
36 Braylon Edwards, CLE
37 Roy Williams, DET
38 Ernest Wilford, JAC
39 Greg Lewis, PHI
40 Marcus Robinson, MIN
41 Justin McCareins, NYJ
42 Michael Clayton, TB
43 Antwaan Randle El, PIT
44 Eric Parker, SD
45 Brandon Stokley, IND
46 Travis Taylor, MIN
47 Mike Williams, DET
48 Brian Finneran, ATL
49 David Patten, WAS
50 Marty Booker, MIA

Tight Ends

Bye Weeks: Mark Campbell, Jason Witten, Jeb Putzier, Stephen Alexander, Brandon Manumaleuna

1 Antonio Gates, SD
2 Jeremy Shockey, NYG
3 Tony Gonzalez, KC
4 Alge Crumpler, ATL
5 Heath Miller, PIT
6 Todd Heap, BAL
7 L.J. Smith, PHI
8 Randy McMichael, MIA
9 Chris Cooley, WAS
10 Jerramy Stevens, SEA
11 Erron Kinney, TEN
12 Marcus Pollard, DET
13 Bubba Franks, GB
14 Jermaine Wiggins, MIN
15 Dallas Clark, IND
16 Daniel Graham, NE
17 Desmond Clark, CHI
18 Courtney Anderson, OAK
19 Steve Heiden, CLE
20 Ben Troupe, TEN
21 Ben Watson, NE
22 Chris Baker, NYJ
23 Alex Smith, TB
24 Aaron Shea, CLE
25 Kris Mangum, CAR
26 Donald Lee, GB
27 Doug Jolley, NYJ
28 Billy Bajema, SF
29 Eric Edwards, ARI
30 Adam Bergen, ARI
31 Anthony Becht, TB
32 Robert Royal, WAS
33 Matt Schobel, CIN
34 Mike Sellers, WAS
35 Kyle Brady, JAX
36 David Martin, GB
37 Casey Fitzsimmons, DET
38 Jim Kleinsasser, MIN
39 Reggie Kelly, CIN
40 George Wrighster, JAX

Kickers

Bye Weeks: Jason Elam, Jeff Wilkins, Rian Lindell, Shaun Siusham

1 Neil Rackers, ARI
2 Jay Feely, NYG
3 Lawrence Tynes, KC
4 Shayne Graham, CIN
5 Jeff Reed, PIT
6 Mike Vanderjagt, IND
7 Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
8 Rob Bironas, TEN
9 Josh Scobee, JAX
10 Josh Brown, SEA
11 Adam Vinatieri, NE
12 Nate Kaeding, SD
13 John Kasay, CAR
14 Jason Hanson, DET
15 Todd Peterson, ATL
16 David Akers, PHI
17 Olindo Mare, MIA
18 Phil Dawson, CLE
19 Matt Stover, BAL
20 John Carney, NO
21 Ryan Longwell, GB
22 Matt Bryant, TB
23 Paul Edinger, MIN
24 John Hall, WAS
25 Mike Nugent, NYJ
26 Robbie Gould, CHI
27 Joe Nedney, SF
28 Kris Brown, HOU

Team Defenses

Bye Weeks: Buffalo, Dallas, Denver, St. Louis

1 Chicago Bears
2 Jacksonville Jaguars
3 New York Giants
4 Pittsburgh Steelers
5 Detroit Lions
6 Cincinnati Bengals
7 Atlanta Falcons
8 Carolina Panthers
9 Seattle Seahawks
10 San Diego Chargers
11 Indianapolis Colts
12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 Philadelphia Eagles
14 Tennessee Titans
15 Miami Dolphins
16 Baltimore Ravens
17 New Orleans Saints
18 Cleveland Browns
19 Washington Redskins
20 New York Jets
21 Minnesota Vikings
22 Kansas City Chiefs
23 Green Bay Packers
24 New England Patriots
25 Arizona Cardinals
26 San Francisco 49ers
27 Houston Texans
28 Oakland Raiders

Defensive Backs

1 Adrian Wilson, ARI
2 Troy Polamalu, PIT
3 Greg Wesley, KC
4 Michael Lewis, PHI
5 Kerry Rhodes, NYJ
6 Mike Brown, CHI
7 Tony Parrish, SF
8 Marcus Trufant, SEA
9 Bryan Scott, ATL
10 Lamont Thompson, TEN
11 Sean Taylor, WAS
12 Charles Tillman, CHI
13 Rashean Mathis, JAX
14 Brian Dawkins, PHI
15 Chris Gamble, CAR
16 Gibril Wilson, NYG
17 Michael Boulware, SEA
18 Ty Law, NYJ
19 DeAngelo Hall, ATL
20 Brian Kelly, TB
21 Chris Hope, PIT
22 Bob Sanders, IND
23 Ike Taylor, PIT
24 Pacman Jones, TEN
25 Sammy Knight, KC
26 Kenoy Kennedy, DET
27 Darren Sharper, MIN
28 Erik Coleman, NYJ
29 Marcus Coleman, HOU
30 Lance Schulters, TEN
31 Will Allen, NYG
32 Ronde Barber, TB
33 Nick Harper, IND
34 Corey Chavous, MIN
35 Deltha O'Neal, CIN
36 Jason Webster, ATL
37 Eugene Wilson, NE
38 Kevin Kaesvham, CIN
39 William Peterson, NYG
40 Tory James, CIN
41 Dwight Smith, NO
42 Ken Lucas, CAR
43 Nick Collins, GB
44 Shawntae Spencer, SF
45 Brian Russell, CLE
46 Dunta Robinson, HOU
47 Michael Doss, IND
48 Robert Griffith, ARI
49 Jerry Azumah, CHI
50 Antoine Winfield, MIN

Linebackers

1 Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
2 Donnie Edwards, SD
3 Jeremiah Trotter, PHI
4 Zach Thomas, MIA
5 Nick Barnett, GB
6 Mike Peterson, JAX
7 Brian Urlacher, CHI
8 Karlos Dansby, ARI
9 Odell Thurman, CIN
10 Andra Davis, CLE
11 Antonio Pierce, NYG
12 Keith Bulluck, TEN
13 Demorrio Williams, ATL
14 Danny Clark, OAK
15 Cato June, IND
16 Kawika Mitchell, KC
17 Derrick Johnson, KC
18 Kirk Morrison, OAK
19 Mike Vrabel, NE
20 Tommy Polley, BAL
21 Derek Smith, SF
22 Shawne Merriman, SD
23 Lemar Marshall, WAS
24 Dan Morgan, CAR
25 James Farrior, PIT
26 Sam Cowart, MIN
27 Ray Lewis, BAL
28 Shelton Quarles, TB
29 Lofa Tatupu, SEA
30 Adalius Thomas, BAL
31 Will Witherspoon, CAR
32 Keith Brooking, ATL
33 Derrick Brooks, TB
34 Julian Peterson, SF
35 Morlon Greenwood, HOU
36 Courtney Watson, NO
37 Boss Bailey, DET
38 Marcus Washington, WAS
39 Brian Simmons, CIN
40 Tedy Bruschi, NE
41 Joey Porter, PIT
42 Lance Briggs, CHI
43 Lavar Arrington, WAS
44 Channing Crowder, MIA
45 Brad Kassell, TEN
46 James Darling, ARI
47 Ben Taylor, CLE
48 Daryl Smith, JAX
49 Gary Brackett, IND
50 David Thornton, IND

Defensive Linemen

1 Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
2 Michael Strahan, NYG
3 Dwight Freeney, IND
4 Adewale Ogunleye, CHI
5 Bert Berry, ARI
6 Rod Coleman, ATL
7 Simeon Rice, TB
8 Orpheus Roye, CLE
9 Reggie Hayward, JAX
10 John Abraham, NYJ
11 John Henderson, JAX
12 Patrick Kerney, ATL
13 Derrick Burgess, OAK
14 Aaron Kampman, GB
15 Justin Smith, CIN
16 Robert Mathis, IND
17 James Hall, DET
18 Jared Allen, KC
19 Darren Howard, NO
20 Darwin Walker, PHI
21 Mike Rucker, CAR
22 Will Smith, NO
23 Julius Peppers, CAR
24 Osi Umenyiora, NYG
25 Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, GB
26 Alex Brown, CHI
27 Grant Wistrom, SEA
28 Bryant Young, SF
29 Bryce Fisher, SEA
30 Kendrick Clancy, NYG
31 Terrell Suggs, BAL
32 Shaun Ellis, NYJ
33 Paul Spicer, JAX
34 Charles Grant, NO
35 Matt Roth, MIA
36 Travis LaBoy, TEN
37 Jason Taylor, MIA
38 Albert Haynesworth, TEN
39 Tommie Harris, CHI
40 Chike Okeafor, ARI
41 Raheem Brock, IND
42 Pat Williams, MIN
43 Richard Seymour, NE
44 Darnell Dockett, ARI
45 Mike Patterson, PHI
46 Marcus Stroud, JAX
47 Greg Spires, TB
48 Warren Sapp, OAK
49 Kevin Williams, MIN
50 Cornelius Griffin, WAS

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