Week Ten Match-ups
November 10, 2006
Quarterbacks
Plus Play:
Jon Kitna, DET – I don’t like picking a guy on consecutive weeks (variety is the spice of life), but Jon Kitna is playing very well this season, with a line of 62%, 590 yards, four TDs and three INTs over his last two games. He has thrown TD passes in six straight games and has surpassed 250 yards in five of his last six games. And you can’t pass up Kitna playing against the Niners – a group that is ranked 26th against the pass (227 ypg) and has allowed the most points of any defense this season (238) and the second-most passing TDs (15). In two career games against San Francisco, Kitna’s results are 79%, 277 yards and two TDs.
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT – Okay, since Kitna was soooo easy, how about a bit of a reach? Big Ben’s troubles have been well documented. But, it hasn’t all been bad – while he’s been averaging two INTs a week since Week Six, he has also averaged just over 300 yards passing and two TDs thrown. While Roethlisberger faces the fifth-ranked pass defense of New Orleans (181 ypg), there are two key factors in Ben’s favor – over the last three weeks, the Saints have only managed five sacks and have not made an INT – two areas of concern with the Steelers. Add that to the fact that the Saints have given up the third-most number of TD passes (14) and there is some room there for Big Ben to turn his game around.
David Garrard, JAX – Garrard is coming off a big week against Tennessee last week (55%, 177 yards, three TDs and no INTs) and faces an even weaker pass defense in Houston (23rd, 217 ypg). The Texans have allowed 13 passing TDs and are not prone to the big play (four sacks and one INT the last three weeks). Garrard would make a fine injury fill-in or emergency play.
Negative Play:
Carson Palmer, CIN – Palmer has been nothing but average of late – nothing that would have hurt you, but nothing to write home about (59%, 701 yards, five TDs and two INT the last three games). The end result – the Bengals have scored 20 points or less in four of their last five games. This week, they face the eighth-ranked Chargers’ pass defense (184 ypg). This is a unit that is first in the league in sacks (31), including 10 sacks in the last three games. That’s bad news for the Bengals, who have had OL troubles this season – and rank in the lower third of the league in sacks allowed. Palmer will be adequate as usual – but he's not playing like the QB you'd hoped for when you drafted him.
Eli Manning, NYG – The Giants are in a bad way right now. Manning has been performing under par the last three games (53%, 522 yards, four TDs and two INTs) and hasn’t topped 190 yards passing in his last four games, Plaxico Burress will continue to be a game-time decision with back spasms (he’s expected to play), and Amani Toomer will now miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. I can try to paint a pretty picture of their opponent, stating that the Bears gave up three TDs to Joey Harrington last week and they they have only made two sacks the last two games. But, bottom line is that the Bears are still the top-ranked pass defense (159 ypg) that has allowed the second-fewest passing TDs (7) and has allowed an average of 135 yards passing the last two weeks. This is not a good week to start Manning if you can afford to avoid it.
Rex Grossman, CHI – You know about the crappy performances that Grossman has had in two of his last three starts, totaling 51%, 606 yards, four TDs and seven INTs. What you may not know is that over his last three starts on the road, Grossman has only two TDs while having made seven INTs. With Bernard Berrian out, it looks like a bleak near-future for Grossman. This week’s opponent has its own troubles – Michael Strahan will be out and Osi Umenyiora may be as well. Add to that the banged up Justin Tuck and the Giants are a hurtin’ bunch on the DL. Despite that, the Giants have managed nine sacks over the last three weeks and held David Carr to 176 yards and no TDs last week. Grossman may get lucky here and there, but it still looks like a tough road for him against the 16th-ranked Giants pass defense (206 ypg).
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
QBs that are DOUBTFUL: Daunte Culpepper, MIA; Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
QBs that are OUT: Trent Green, KC
1 Donovan McNabb, PHI
2 Peyton Manning, IND
3 Michael Vick, ATL
4 Marc Bulger, STL
5 Jon Kitna, DET
6 Tom Brady, NE P
7 Drew Brees, NO
8 Carson Palmer, CIN
9 Tony Romo, DAL
10 Philip Rivers, SD
11 Jake Delhomme, CAR
12 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
13 Brett Favre, GB
14 Seneca Wallace, SEA
15 David Garrard, JAX
16 Damon Huard, KC
17 Steve McNair, BAL
18 Eli Manning, NYG
19 Rex Grossman, CHI
20 Joey Harrington, MIA
21 Charlie Frye, CLE
22 Matt Leinart, ARI
23 Alex Smith, SF
25 Brad Johnson, MIN
24 David Carr, HOU
26 Jake Plummer, DEN
28 Mark Brunell, WAS
27 Chad Pennington, NYJ P
29 Bruce Gradkowski, TB
30 J.P. Losman, BUF
31 Vince Young, TEN
32 Andrew Walter, OAK
Running Backs
Plus Play:
Kevin Jones, DET – Jones is on a roll of late. For the year, he’s averaging 110 total yards and one TD a game. Over the last three games, he has compiled at least 140 total yards with four TDs. This week, he faces the 23rd-ranked run defense of San Francisco (125 ypg). They have given up 12 total TDs to RBs this season, including a second-most total of 11 on the ground.
Warrick Dunn, ATL – Dunn has feasted on AFC teams of late – over his last seven games against them, he’s totaled 652 yards rushing. The Falcons maintain their league-leading 5.8 ypc average as they head into an easy match-up against the 29th-ranked Cleveland run defense (143 ypg).
Jamal Lewis, BAL – Since Brian Billick starting calling the Ravens’ plays two weeks ago, Lewis has had 55 carries for 181 yards and a TD. Expect that to continue as the Ravens face the 31st-ranked run defense of Tennessee (164 ypg), which has allowed the second most points as a team (216) and has allowed 10 rushing TDs (third-worst in the NFL).
Negative Play:
Tiki Barber, NYG -- With the troubles the Giants’ passing game is facing, Barber will be leaned on harder than ever this week. Barber has already crossed the 1,000-yard barrier in total offense and has finally scored his first TD of the season. Expect him to get the ball often. However, don’t expect the normal amount of success as the Giants faced the seventh-ranked rushing defense of Chicago (92 ypg) that has allowed as many TDs as Tiki has scored himself.
Rudi Johnson, CIN -- Johnson has been the rare offensive bright spot for the Bengals of late – Rudi has totaled 238 total yards and two TDs over the last three games. However, he faces the fourth-ranked run defense of San Diego (85 ypg).
Deuce McAllister, NO -- With the struggles that Reggie Bush has had this season, one would think that the Saints would focus on Deuce. That hasn’t been case, as he has had just 32 carries for 107 yards and a TD during the last three games. This week, they face the ninth-ranked Steelers (95 ypg). If you remove a 72-yard end around from last week's totals, Denver just gained 43 yards on 22 carries. Plus, the Steelers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher over the last 19 contests.
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
RBs that are DOUBTFUL: Shaun Alexander, SEA
RBs that are OUT: Willis McGahee, BUF
1 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
2 Larry Johnson, KC
3 Kevin Jones, DET
4 Steven Jackson, STL
5 Brian Westbrook, PHI P
6 Clinton Portis, WAS
7 Willie Parker, PIT
8 Ronnie Brown, MIA
9 Warrick Dunn, ATL
10 Chester Taylor, MIN P
11 Frank Gore, SF
12 Tiki Barber, NYG
13 Ahman Green, GB P
14 Fred Taylor, JAX P
15 Julius Jones, DAL
16 DeShaun Foster, CAR
17 Joseph Addai, IND Q
18 Rudi Johnson, CIN P
19 Jamal Lewis, BAL
20 Mike Bell, DEN
21 Corey Dillon, NE
22 Thomas Jones, CHI
23 Maurice Morris, SEA
24 Anthony Thomas, BUF
25 Edgerrin James, ARI
26 Laurence Maroney, NE Q
27 Deuce McAllister, NO
28 Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX
29 Reuben Droughns, CLE
30 Cadillac Williams, TB
31 Leon Washington, NYJ
32 Wali Lundy, HOU
33 Marion Barber III, DAL
34 Travis Henry, TEN
35 LaMont Jordan, OAK P
36 Reggie Bush, NO P
37 Brandon Jacobs, NYG
38 Dominic Rhodes, IND
39 Kevan Barlow, NYJ P
40 Noah Herron, GB
41 Mewelde Moore, MIN
42 Cedric Benson, CHI
43 Tatum Bell, DEN P
44 Musa Smith, BAL
45 Najeh Davenport, PIT P
46 Ladell Betts, WAS
47 Michael Turner, SD
48 LenDale White, TEN
49 Chris Perry, CIN
50 Mack Strong, SEA
Wide Receivers
Plus Play:
Roy Williams, DET – Williams has emerged as a solid top-five WR for the rest of the season. In the last two games, Williams has eight catches for 167 yards and two TDs. In five of his last six games, he has either gained over 100 yards, scored a TD, or done both, and he has total at least 138 yards receiving in four games this season. This week, against the weak Niner defense, he should maintain that level of performance.
Marques Colston, NO – Colston has become the hot rookie for the Saints, not Reggie Bush. Over the last two games, Colston has 17 catches for 286 yards and three TDs, and he’s on pace for a 1,400-yard, 14-TD season. This week, he faces the ninth-ranked Steelers’ defense (189 ypg) that has been reeling a bit as of late. The trouble on offense has put the defense on the field more often than necessary, resulting in 13 passing TDs allowed. Last week, they allowed Jake Plummer to throw for 277 yards and three TDs. Colston should have a very good game.
Javon Walker, DEN – Jake Plummer was non-existent the last time the Broncos met the Raiders in Week Six (61%, 102 yards, no TDs, no INT). It appears that the Bronco offense woke up last week, with Plummer hitting Walker for six receptions for 134 yards and two TDs. They will face the second-ranked Raiders’ pass defense (160 ypg), but they have allowed 10 passing TDs this season. They are heavy on the pressure, but have had trouble shutting the opponents completely down. Walker should find success against them this week.
Negative Play:
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN – Housh has actually been the better play this season, compared to Ocho Cinco. But if Palmer is expected to be less than spectacular, T.J. should struggle as well.
Andre Johnson, HOU – Back in his heyday (um, that was just three weeks ago), David Carr ripped through the Jaguars, having posted 74%, 224 yards, two TDs and no INTs. Since then, however, he has posted 71%, 513 yards, two TDs and one INT in three games. Also, since then, the Jaguars responded in a positive way, having held the Eagles to six points two weeks ago and the Titans to seven points last week. Over the last three weeks, the Jaguars have six sacks and three INTs. Overall, the Jags are seventh in pass defense (182 ypg). Carr’s struggling and Jacksonville’s playing well – that means a tough game for Johnson.
Randy Moss, OAK – No surprise here – Oakland stinks and Moss stinks. Moss doesn’t care anymore, so why bother starting him? Well, okay, here are some numbers. Oakland has allowed 44 sacks this season, while its opponent, the Broncos, have tallied nine in the last three weeks alone. The Broncos also are tied for first in fewest passing TDs allowed (six).
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
WRs that are DOUBTFUL: Santana Moss, WAS; Joe Horn, NO
WRs that are OUT: Amani Toomer, NYG; Marcus Robinson, MIN
1 Steve Smith, CAR
2 Roy Williams, DET
3 Torry Holt, STL
4 Marvin Harrison, IND
5 Terrell Owens, DAL
6 Reggie Wayne, IND
7 Marques Colston, NO
8 Javon Walker, DEN
9 Donald Driver, GB
10 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
11 Hines Ward, PIT
12 Anquan Boldin, ARI
13 Andre Johnson, HOU
14 Darrell Jackson, SEA
15 Laveranues Coles, NYJ Q
16 Reggie Brown, PHI
17 Chad Johnson, CIN
18 Joey Galloway, TB
19 Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
20 Lee Evans, BUF
21 Mike Furrey, DET
22 Antonio Bryant, SF
23 Donte Stallworth, PHI
24 Isaac Bruce, STL
25 Randy Moss, OAK
26 Plaxico Burress, NYG Q
27 Chris Chambers, MIA
28 Braylon Edwards, CLE
29 Deion Branch, SEA
30 Doug Gabriel, NE
31 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI P
32 Eddie Kennison, KC
33 Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
34 Keyshawn Johnson, CAR
35 Greg Jennings, GB Q
36 Chris Henry, CIN
37 Eric Parker, SD
38 Derrick Mason, BAL
39 Drew Bennett, TEN
40 Devery Henderson, NO
41 Matt Jones, JAX
42 Mark Clayton, BAL
43 Michael Jenkins, ATL
44 Troy Williamson, MIN
45 Reggie Williams, JAX
46 Arnaz Battle, SF
47 Rod Smith, DEN P
48 Reche Caldwell, NE
49 Travis Taylor, MIN
50 Rashied Davis, CHI
Tight Ends
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
TEs that are DOUBTFUL: Vernon Davis, SF
TEs that are OUT: Ernie Conwell, NO
1 Antonio Gates, SD
2 Tony Gonzalez, KC
3 Todd Heap, BAL Q
4 Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE Q
5 Alge Crumpler, ATL Q
6 Jeremy Shockey, NYG
7 Ben Watson, NE
8 L.J. Smith, PHI
9 Desmond Clark, CHI
10 Jason Witten, DAL
11 Chris Cooley, WAS P
12 Randy McMichael, MIA
13 Owen Daniels, HOU
14 Dallas Clark, IND
15 Jermaine Wiggins, MIN
16 Heath Miller, PIT
17 David Martin, GB
18 Eric Johnson, SF
19 George Wrighster, JAX Q
20 Jerramy Stevens, SEA
21 Bo Scaife, TEN
22 Chris Baker, NYJ
23 Alex Smith, TB
24 Ben Utecht, IND P
25 Mark Campbell, NO
26 Ben Troupe, TEN
27 Daniel Wilcox, BAL
28 Courtney Anderson, OAK
29 Kris Mangum, CAR
30 Leonard Pope, ARI
Kickers
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
1 Adam Vinatieri, IND
2 Nate Kaeding, SD
3 Robbie Gould, CHI
4 Matt Stover, BAL
5 Josh Brown, SEA
6 Jeff Wilkins, STL
7 Jason Elam, DEN
8 Shayne Graham, CIN
9 Jason Hanson, DET
10 Josh Scobee, JAX
11 Neil Rackers, ARI
12 Mike Vanderjagt, DAL
13 John Kasay, CAR
14 John Carney, NO
15 Lawrence Tynes, KC
16 Morten Anderson, ATL
17 Ryan Longwell, MIN
18 David Akers, PHI
19 Stephen Gostkowski, NE
20 Jay Feely, NYG
21 Dave Rayner, GB
22 Jeff Reed, PIT
23 Phil Dawson, CLE
24 Olindo Mare, MIA
25 Rian Lindell, BUF
26 Joe Nedney, SF
27 Nick Novak, WAS
28 Mike Nugent, NYJ
29 Rob Bironas, TEN
30 Kris Brown, HOU
31 Matt Bryant, TB
32 Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
Team Defenses
1 Baltimore Ravens
2 Denver Broncos
3 Chicago Bears
4 Jacksonville Jaguars
5 Dallas Cowboys
6 Atlanta Falcons
7 Indianapolis Colts
8 New England Patriots
9 New York Giants
10 Carolina Panthers
11 Philadelphia Eagles
12 San Diego Chargers
13 Minnesota Vikings
14 Green Bay Packers
15 Pittsburgh Steelers
16 Miami Dolphins
17 Kansas City Chiefs
18 New Orleans Saints
19 Detroit Lions
20 Seattle Seahawks
21 Oakland Raiders
22 Arizona Cardinals
23 St. Louis Rams
24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
25 Cincinnati Bengals
26 Tennessee Titans
27 Cleveland Browns
28 Houston Texans
29 Washington Redskins
30 New York Jets
31 San Francisco 49ers
32 Buffalo Bills
Defensive Backs
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
DBs that are DOUBTFUL: Kevin Kaesviharn, CIN
DBs that are OUT: Jason Webster, ATL; Rodney Harrison, NE
1 Adrian Wilson, ARI
2 Troy Polamalu, PIT P
3 Ronde Barber, TB
4 Madieu Williams, CIN
5 Bob Sanders, IND Q
6 Chris Hope, TEN
7 Gibril Wilson, NYG
8 Champ Bailey, DEN
9 Roy Williams, DAL
10 Sean Jones, CLE
11 Charles Tillman, CHI
12 Ed Reed, BAL Q
13 Kerry Rhodes, NYJ
14 Stuart Schweigert, OAK
15 Antoine Winfield, MIN
16 Ike Taylor, PIT
17 Rashean Mathis, JAX Q
18 Anthony Henry, DAL
19 Fred Thomas, NO
20 Antrel Rolle, ARI
21 Ken Hamlin, SEA
22 Nick Collins, GB
23 Jermaine Phillips, TB
24 Sean Taylor, WAS
25 Antoine Bethea, IND
26 Josh Bullocks, NO
27 Chris Gamble, CAR
28 Nick Harper, IND
29 Chad Scott, NE
30 Dawan Landry, BAL
31 Sammy Knight, KC P
32 Dre Bly, DET
33 Greg Wesley, KC Q
34 Donovin Darius, JAX Q
35 Nate Clements, BUF
36 Glenn Earl, HOU
37 Ty Law, KC
38 C.C. Brown, HOU
39 Chris McAlister, BAL
40 Ryan Clark, PIT
41 Dwight Smith, NO
42 Danieal Manning, CHI
43 Darren Sharper, MIN
44 Donte Whitner, BUF
45 Richard Marshall, CAR
46 Michael Huff, OAK P
47 Will Demps, NYG
48 Shaun Williams, CAR
49 Charles Woodson, GB Q
50 Kenoy Kennedy, DET
Linebackers
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
LBs that are DOUBTFUL: Brian Simmons, CIN; Ian Gold, DEN; Brian Simmons, CIN
LBs that are OUT: Derrick Johnson, KC
1 Keith Bulluck, TEN
2 Will Witherspoon, STL
3 Zach Thomas, MIA
4 London Fletcher, BUF
5 Cato June, IND
6 Kirk Morrison, OAK
7 Julian Peterson, SEA
8 Lofa Tatupu, SEA
9 Antonio Pierce, NYG
10 Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
11 DeMeco Ryans, HOU
12 Al Wilson, DEN P
13 Ray Lewis, BAL Q
14 Lance Briggs, CHI
15 A.J. Hawk, GB
16 Gerald Hayes, ARI
17 Brian Urlacher, CHI Q
18 Daryl Smith, JAX P
19 Donnie Edwards, SD
20 Andra Davis, CLE
21 Chris Draft, CAR
22 Eric Barton, NYJ
23 James Farrior, PIT P
24 Scott Fujita, NO
25 Keith Brooking, ATL
26 Marcus Washington, WAS
27 Demarcus Ware, DAL
28 Clint Ingram, JAX P
29 Thomas Davis, CAR
30 Channing Crowder, MIA
31 Ernie Sims, DET
32 Jeremiah Trotter, PHI
33 Adalius Thomas, BAL P
34 Kawika Mitchell, KC
35 Brandon Moore, SF
36 D.J. Williams, DEN
37 Scott Shanle, NO
38 E.J. Henderson, MIN
39 Bryan Thomas, NYJ
40 Akinola Ayodele, DAL
41 Bradie James, DAL
42 Derrick Brooks, TB
43 Larry Foote, PIT P
44 Nick Barnett, GB
45 Karlos Dansby, ARI
46 Barrett Ruud, TB
47 Thomas Howard, OAK
48 Ahmad Brooks, CIN
49 Angelo Crowell, BUF
50 Bart Scott, BAL
Defensive Linemen
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
DLs that are DOUBTFUL: Osi Umenyiora, NYG; Ebenezer Ekuban, DEN
DLs that are OUT: John Abraham, ATL, Antwan Odom, TEN; Michael Strahan, NYG; Luis Castillo, SD
1 Justin Smith, CIN
2 Julius Peppers, CAR
3 Aaron Kampman, GB
4 Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
5 Derrick Burgess, OAK
6 Charles Grant, NO
7 Jason Taylor, MIA
8 Will Smith, NO
9 Jared Allen, KC
10 Trent Cole, PHI
11 Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG
12 Terrell Suggs, BAL
13 Leonard Little, STL P
14 Mario Williams, HOU P
15 Kevin Williams, MIN P
16 Patrick Kerney, ATL
17 Aaron Schobel, BUF
18 Greg Ellis, DAL
19 Hollis Thomas, NO
20 Elvis Dumervil, DEN
21 Tommy Kelly, OAK
22 Alex Brown, CHI
23 Tamba Hali, KC P
24 Robert Mathis, IND Q
25 Darnell Dockett, ARI
26 Kalimba Edwards, DET
27 Mike Patterson, PHI P
28 Simeon Rice, TB Q
29 Trevor Pryce, BAL
30 Travis Laboy, TEN
31 Corey Williams, GB
32 Kris Jenkins, CAR
33 Richard Seymour, NE
34 Ty Warren, NE Q
35 Brian Young, NO
36 Darren Howard, PHI
37 Adewale Ogunleye, CHI
38 Robert Bernard, SEA
39 Rod Coleman, ATL
40 Luis Castillo, SD
41 Cornelius Griffin, WAS
42 Kenard Lang, DEN
43 Marques Douglas, SF
44 John Thornton, CIN
45 Kevin Carter, MIA
46 Bertrand Berry, ARI
47 Mike Rucker, CAR
48 Paul Spicer, JAX
49 Kelly Gregg, BAL P
50 Mark Anderson, CHI
Fantasy Football 
