Week Three
September 21, 2007
Quarterbacks
Plus Play:
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA – Matt Hasselbeck is an easy pick for PP QB of the week. The Seahawks are facing a Cincinnati squad that allowed 328 yards and five TDs to DEREK ANDERSON, so their secondary is very vulnerable. Hasselbeck has been solid in the first two weeks of the season, throwing for 503 yards and two TDs in those games. He might surpass that this week. Well, no, he won’t, but appears to be a lock for 250+ yards and at least two TDs.
Jake Delhomme, CAR – The reports of Jake Delhomme’s demise were premature. I thought he was on his last legs as well. Delhomme has thrown for six TDs so far this season, a number only surpassed by Carson Palmer. He should have no problem passing on the Falcons this week. Atlanta gave up 272 yards passing and a TD to David Garrard last week.
Jason Campbell, WAS – Young Jason Campbell already has a nice track record against the Giants. Campbell threw for 220 yards and two TDs late last season. He hasn’t done quite so well this season, throwing for just 431 yards and a TD, but the Giants always make opposing QBs feel better. The Giants are ranked last in passing yardage allowed (311 ypg) and have given up seven passing TDs already this season.
Negative Play:
Eli Manning, NYG – Gotta give it up for Eli Manning for nutting it up last week, but he’s still hurting. Add to that Plaxico Burress twisted an ankle last week and it looks like a tough week for Manning. The Redskins stymied Donovan McNabb for three quarters last week before a late rally gave McNabb decent numbers. The ‘Skins are in the middle of the pack in yardage allowed, but they have accumulated five sacks and have allowed just one passing TD thus far.
Matt Schaub, HOU – No one will miss Andre Johnson more this week than Matt Schaub. Schaub has impressed so far this season, throwing for 452 yards and three TDs. But the recipient of those three TDs was Johnson, who will be out this week. He faces a seemingly-improved pass defense in Indianapolis. The Colts rank seventh against the pass (179 ypg) and have allowed just one passing TD.
Matt Leinart, ARI – If there even is a time to face the Baltimore pass defense, right now is the time. The Ravens are struggling (for them) – 16th against the pass (208 ypg) and have allowed three passing TDs thus far. But Matt Leinart hasn’t shown the consistency to expect him to take advantage of the Ravens this week. Leinart has totaled just 401 yards passing with a pair of TDs thus far. He was shut down on Opening Week by the Niners (101 yards), and the Ravens, even not hitting on all cylinders, are better than the Niners.
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
QBs that are DOUBTFUL: Tarvaris Jackson, MIN
1 Tom Brady, NE P
2 Carson Palmer, CIN
3 Peyton Manning, IND
4 Jon Kitna, DET
5 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
6 Drew Brees, NO
7 Marc Bulger, STL P
8 Jake Delhomme, CAR
9 Vince Young, TEN
10 Donovan McNabb, PHI
11 Jason Campbell, WAS
12 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
13 Tony Romo, DAL
14 Brett Favre, GB
15 Eli Manning, NYG
16 Jay Cutler, DEN
17 Jeff Garcia, TB
18 Trent Green, MIA P
19 Josh McCown, OAK P
20 Matt Schaub, HOU
21 Rex Grossman, CHI
22 Philip Rivers, SD
23 David Garrard, JAX
24 Derek Anderson, CLE
25 Chad Pennington, NYJ Q
26 Matt Leinart, ARI
27 Steve McNair, BAL P
28 Damon Huard, KC
29 Joey Harrington, ATL
30 Alex Smith, SF
31 J.P. Losman, BUF
32 Kelly Holcomb, MIN
Running Backs
Plus Play:
Shaun Alexander, SEA – The Cincinnati Bengals’ run defense last week made Jamal Lewis look like the Jamal Lewis of old as he rambled for 216 yards and a TD. Shaun Alexander hasn’t been stunning, but he’s been productive, totaling 192 yards and two TDs thus far. Expect Alexander to continue to get into form with a very good day against the Bengals.
LaMont Jordan, OAK – LaMont Jordan will continue to reward fantasy owners that took a chance on him on draft day when the Raiders face the Browns. Jordan has accumulated 318 total yards with a TD so far. The Browns are ranked 29th against the run (172 ypg), but have yet to allow a rushing TD. Expect at least 150 total yards by Jordan and a TD will be a bonus. Oh, and if there ever was a "sell high" candidate .....
Derrick Ward, NYG – Derrick Ward filled in admirably for Brandon Jacobs last week, gaining 125 total yards against the Packers. He will have a tougher job this week against the Redskins, but he should be able to get a lot of yardage between the 20s. The ‘Skins are allowing 90 ypg (ninth in the league), and have yet to allow a rushing TD.
Negative Play:
Larry Johnson, KC – Larry Johnson hasn’t gotten in gear yet. Don’t expect him to do so this week, either, as he faces the sixth-ranked Vikings run defense (76 ypg). The Vikings haven’t allowed a rushing TD as of yet, which is the total that Johnson has accumulated thus far.
Edgerrin James, ARI – Edgerrin James has kicked off the 2007 season in impressive style, with 264 total yards and two TDs thus far. However, he will face the second-ranked Ravens run defense (62 ypg), at a scary 2.5 ypc, that has not allowed a rushing TD. It will be a tough week for James.
Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX – As expected, Maurice Jones-Drew didn’t come out of the gates in the fashion that he finished 2006. But this performance thus far is even worse than could be imagined – 101 total yards, no TDs in two weeks. With Fred Taylor getting plenty of touches, and the Broncos tough in the red zone (one rushing TD), MJD will have another tough week.
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
RBs that are OUT: Brandon Jacobs, NYG; T.J. Duckett, DET
RBs that are DOUBTFUL: Vernand Morency, GB; Maurice Morris, SEA
1 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
2 Shaun Alexander, SEA P
3 Brian Westbrook, PHI
4 Rudi Johnson, CIN
5 Willie Parker, PIT
6 LaMont Jordan, OAK P
7 Steven Jackson, STL
8 Joseph Addai, IND
9 Travis Henry, DEN
10 Willis McGahee, BAL
11 Frank Gore, SF
12 Adrian Peterson, MIN
13 Clinton Portis, WAS
14 Larry Johnson, KC
15 Laurence Maroney, NE
16 Jamal Lewis, CLE
17 Thomas Jones, NYJ P
18 Derrick Ward, NYG
19 Reggie Bush, NO
20 Cadillac Williams, TB
21 Cedric Benson, CHI
22 Marion Barber III, DAL
23 Marshawn Lynch, BUF
24 Ahman Green, HOU P
25 Edgerrin James, ARI
26 Deuce McAllister, NO
27 Ronnie Brown, MIA
28 LenDale White, TEN
29 DeShaun Foster, CAR
30 Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX
31 Tatum Bell, DET
32 Warrick Dunn, ATL
33 Chris Brown, TEN
34 Fred Taylor, JAX
35 DeAngelo Williams, CAR
36 Sammy Morris, NE
37 DeShawn Wynn, TB
38 Ladell Betts, WAS
39 Brandon Jackson, GB
40 Julius Jones, DAL
41 Jesse Chatman, MIA
42 Jerious Norwood, ATL
43 Ron Dayne, HOU Q
44 Michael Pittman, TB
45 Najah Davenport, PIT
46 Adrian Peterson, CHI
47 Mack Strong, SEA
48 Leon Washington, NYJ
49 Michael Bennett, KC
50 Justin Fargas, OAK
51 Correll Buckhalter, PHI
52 Mewelde Moore, MIN
53 Chester Taylor, MIN Q
54 Musa Smith, BAL
55 Kevin Jones, DET Q
56 Cecil Sapp, DEN
57 Michael Turner, SD
58 Justin Griffith, OAK
59 Kevin Faulk, NE
60 J.J. Arrington, ARI
Wide Receivers
Plus Play:
Joey Galloway, TB – Joey Galloway has had another rebirth in Tampa, totaling nine receptions for 207 yards and two TDs so far this season. Jeff Garcia is zoning in on Galloway, and the Rams will be the next victim. St. Louis was decent against the weak-passing Niner offense, but last week allowed 201 yards and three TDs to the Panthers. Expect another solid performance from Galloway.
Deion Branch, SEA – Hopefully this isn’t a trend for Deion Branch – shut out in Week One, seven catches for 122 yards in Week Two. The Bengals’ defense should provide little in the way of trouble for Branch and Co. this week. The Bengals have a very weak secondary.
Wes Welker, BUF – Man, I wish I scooped up Wes Welker in more leagues. With 14 catches the first two weeks, Welker is on pace for 112 receptions on the season. I doubt he will break 100, but he’s looking like a great No. 3 WR for a fantasy team. This week, the Pats face the 27th ranked passing defense of the Bills (268 ypg).
Negative Play:
Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, ARI – With Matt Leinart playing inconsistently, and the Ravens’ pass defense underperforming (for them), Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin would not be a great play this week. Startable, but not with No. 1 WR stats.
Lee Evans, BUF – Four receptions, 22 yards. Those are Lee Evans totals thus far this season. It’s nothing against him – the Buffalo offense just isn’t getting the ball to him. This week probably won’t be any different. New England ranks fifth against the pass (158 ypg) and has generated eight sacks already. And Evans doesn’t have a stellar history against the Pats – 13 receptions for 240 yards and no TDs.
Vincent Jackson, SD – Vincent Jackson has only seven receptions for 81 yards and no TDs this season. True, that came against the Bear and Patriot defenses. However, the Packers have a veteran secondary, led by Al Harris, that should shut down Jackson for another week.
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
WRs that are OUT: Terry Glenn, DAL; Eddie Kennison, KC; Steve Smith, NYG; Andre Johnson, HOU; Eric Parker, SD; D.J. Hackett, SEA
1 Steve Smith, CAR
2 Chad Johnson, CIN
3 Randy Moss, NE
4 Reggie Wayne, IND
5 Marvin Harrison, IND
6 Terrell Owens, DAL
7 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN P
8 Donald Driver, GB
9 Torry Holt, STL
10 Roy Williams, DET
11 Joey Galloway, TB
12 Marques Colston, NO
13 Plaxico Burress, NYG Q
14 Javon Walker, DEN
15 Deion Branch, SEA
16 Chris Chambers, MIA
17 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
18 Santana Moss, WAS
19 Laveranues Coles, NYJ
20 Braylon Edwards, CLE
21 Anquan Boldin, ARI
22 Bernard Berrian, CHI
23 Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ Q
24 Hines Ward, PIT
25 Ronald Curry, OAK
26 Calvin Johnson, DET
27 Wes Welker, NE
28 Santonio Holmes, PIT
29 Isaac Bruce, STL
30 Lee Evans, BUF
31 Darrell Jackson, SF P
32 Derrick Mason, BAL
33 Bobby Engram, SEA
34 Brandon Marshall, DEN
35 Antwaan Randle El, WAS
36 Kevin Curtis, PHI P
37 Jacoby Jones, HOU
38 Amani Toomer, NYG
39 Nate Burleson, SEA
40 Reggie Brown, PHI
41 Vincent Jackson, SD
42 Marty Booker, MIA
43 Jerry Porter, OAK
44 Roddy White, ATL
45 Drew Carter, CAR
46 Brandon Jones, TEN
47 Mike Furrey, DET
48 Dwayne Bowe, KC
49 Bobby Wade, MIN
50 Dennis Nortrhcutt, JAX
51 Roydell Williams, TEN
52 Shaun McDonald, DET
53 Jason Avant, PHI
54 Mark Clayton, BAL
55 Arnaz Battle, SF P
56 Joe Jurevicius, CLE
57 Ike Hilliard, TB
58 Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
59 Troy Williamson, MIN Q
60 Glenn Holt, CIN
Tight Ends
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
TEs that are OUT: L.J. Smith, PHI
1 Antonio Gates, SD
2 Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE
3 Todd Heap, BAL
4 Chris Cooley, WAS
5 Jeremy Shockey, NYG
6 Jason Witten, DAL
7 Owen Daniels, HOU
8 Tony Gonzalez, KC
9 Ben Watson, NE
10 Dallas Clark, IND Q
11 Alge Crumpler, ATL
12 Desmond Clark, CHI
13 Eric Johnson, NO
14 Vernon Davis, SF
15 Heath Miller, PIT
16 Jeff King, CAR
17 Marcus Pollard, SEA
18 Randy McMichael, STL
19 Bo Scaife, TEN
20 Donald Lee, GB
21 Marcedes Lewis, JAX
22 Zach Miller, OAK
23 Alex Smith, TB
24 David Martin, MIA
Kickers
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
1 Adam Vinatieri, IND
2 Stephen Gostkowski, NE
3 Josh Brown, SEA
4 Jeff Reed, PIT
5 Shayne Graham, CIN
6 Jason Elam, DEN
7 Matt Stover, BAL
8 David Akers, PHI P
9 Nate Kaeding, SD
10 Robbie Gould, CHI
11 Jason Hanson, DET
12 Nick Folk, DAL
13 Jeff Wilkins, STL
14 John Kasay, CAR
15 Shaun Suisham, WAS
16 Neil Rackers, ARI
17 Olindo Mare, NO
18 Rob Bironas, TEN
19 Lawrence Tynes, NYG
20 Jay Feely, MIA
21 Kris Brown, HOU
22 Mike Nugent, NYJ
23 Mason Crosby, GB
24 Matt Bryant, TB
25 Joe Nedney, SF
26 John Carney, JAX
27 Ryan Longwell, MIN
28 Phil Dawson, CLE
29 Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
30 Morten Anderson, ATL
31 Dave Rayner, KC
32 Rian Lindell, BUF
Team Defenses
1 New England Patriots
2 Baltimore Ravens
3 Minnesota Vikings
4 Pittsburgh Steelers
5 Chicago Bears
6 Denver Broncos
7 Carolina Panthers
8 Philadelphia Eagles
9 Green Bay Packers
10 San Diego Chargers
11 Dallas Cowboys
12 Kansas City Chiefs
13 Oakland Raiders
14 Indianapolis Colts
15 Miami Dolphins
16 Jacksonville Jaguars
17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18 New York Jets
19 Seattle Seahawks
20 Washington Redskins
21 New Orleans Saints
22 Detroit Lions
23 Cleveland Browns
24 Arizona Cardinals
25 Atlanta Falcons
26 St. Louis Rams
27 Houston Texans
28 Cincinnati Bengals
29 San Francisco 49ers
30 Tennessee Titans
31 New York Giants
32 Buffalo Bills
Defensive Backs
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
DBs that are OUT: Tye Hill, STL; Donovan Darius, MIA
DBs that are DOUBTFUL: Chris Crocker, ATL
1 Adrian Wilson, ARI
2 Roy Williams, DAL
3 Bob Sanders, IND
4 Chris Hope, TEN
5 Sean Jones, CLE
6 Ken Hamlin, DAL
7 Darren Sharper, MIN Q
8 Champ Bailey, DEN
9 Antoine Winfield, MIN
10 Donte Whitner, BUF
11 Brian Dawkins, PHI Q
12 Kerry Rhodes, NYJ
13 Madieu Williams, CIN
14 Michael Lewis, SF P
15 Adam Archuleta, CHI
16 Roman Harper, NO
17 Ronde Barber, TB
18 Jermaine Phillips, TB
19 Oshiomogho Atogwe, STL
20 Stuart Schweigert, OAK
21 Troy Polamalu, PIT
22 Nick Collins, GB
23 Quentin Jammer, SD
24 Gibril Wilson, NYG
25 Dexter Jackson, CIN P
26 LaRon Landry, WAS
27 Rashean Mathis, JAX
28 Charles Tillman, CHI
29 Sheldon Brown, PHI
30 Jim Leonhard, BUF
31 Ed Reed, BAL
32 Chris Harris CAR
33 Danieal Manning, CHI
34 Nate Clements, SF
35 Charles Woodson, GB Q
36 James Butler, NYG
37 Nnamdi Asomugha, OAK
38 Sean Taylor, WAS
39 Marlin Jackson, IND
40 Richard Marshall, CAR
41 Cedric Griffin, MIN
42 Ike Taylor, PIT
43 Erik Coleman, NYJ
44 Anthony Henry, DAL
45 Reggie Nelson, JAX
46 Michael Huff, OAK
47 Leigh Bodden, CLE Q
48 John Lynch, DEN
49 Dawan Landry, BAL
50 Ty Law, KC
51 Lawyer Milloy, ATL
52 Darrelle Revis, NYJ
53 Jarrad Page, KC
54 Antoine Bethea, IND
55 Josh Bullocks, NO P
56 Corey Chavous, STL
57 Kenoy Kennedy, DET
58 Chris Gamble, CAR
59 Nick Harper, TEN
60 Will Allen, MIA
Linebackers
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
LBs that are OUT: Willie McGinest, CLE; Keith Ellison, BUF; Greg Ellis, DAL; Manny Lawson, SF
LBs that are DOUBTFUL: Ahmad Brooks, CIN; Matt Wilhelm, SD
1 DeMeco Ryans, HOU
2 London Fletcher, WAS
3 Lance Briggs, CHI
4 Mike Peterson, JAX
5 Lofa Tatupu, SEA
6 Barrett Ruud, TB
7 Kirk Morrison, OAK
8 Antonio Pierce, NYG
9 Keith Bulluck, TEN
10 Zach Thomas, MIA
11 Derrick Brooks, TB
12 Patrick Willis, SF
13 A.J. Hawk, GB
14 Paul Posluszny, BUF
15 Brian Urlacher, CHI P
16 Will Witherspoon, STL
17 Donnie Edwards, KC
18 D.J. Williams, DEN
19 Ernie Sims, DET
20 Shawne Merriman, SD
21 Ray Lewis, BAL
22 E.J. Henderson, MIN
23 Nick Barnett, GB
24 Chad Greenway, MIN
25 Karlos Dansby, ARI
26 James Farrior, PIT
27 Keith Brooking, ATL
28 Gary Brackett, IND
29 Julian Peterson, SEA
30 Stephen Cooper, SD P
31 Bart Scott, BAL
32 Freddie Keiaho, IND
33 Takeo Spikes, PHI
34 Angelo Crowell, BUF
35 Derrick Johnson, KC
36 Adalius Thomas, NE
37 Demarcus Ware, DAL
38 Roger McIntosh, WAS
39 Thomas Howard, OAK
40 Napoleon Harris, KC
41 Gerald Hayes, ARI
42 Bradie James, DAL
43 Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
44 Kamerion Wimbley, CLE
45 Landon Johnson, CIN
46 Mike Vrabel, NE
47 Ian Gold, DEN
48 Dan Morgan, CAR
49 Scott Fujita, NO
50 Marcus Washington, WAS
51 Omar Gaither, PHI
52 Bryan Thomas, NYJ
53 Jon Beason, CAR
54 Kawika Mitchell, NYG
55 Shaun Phillips, SD
56 Thomas Davis, CAR
57 Rosevelt Colvin, NE
58 Tedy Bruschi, NE
59 Channing Crowder, MIA
60 DQwell Jackson, CLE
Defensive Linemen
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
DLs that are OUT: Rod Coleman, ATL
DLs that are DOUBTFUL: John Henderson, JAX
1 Jason Taylor, MIA
2 Terrell Suggs, BAL
3 Trent Cole, PHI
4 James Hall, STL
5 Robert Mathis, IND
6 Jared Allen, KC
7 Justin Smith, CIN
8 Will Smith, NO
9 Julius Peppers, CAR
10 Patrick Kerney, SEA
11 Aaron Kampman, GB P
12 Tamba Hali, KC
13 Andre Carter, WAS
14 Charles Grant, NO
15 Ty Warren, NE
16 Mark Anderson, CHI
17 Tommy Kelly, OAK
18 Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
19 Aaron Schobel, BUF
20 Robert Geathers, CIN
21 Dewayne White, DET
22 Adewale Ogunleye, CHI
23 John Abraham, ATL P
24 Elvis Dumervil, DEN
25 Matt Roth, MIA
26 Darryl Tapp, SEA
27 Chris Kelsay, BUF
28 Vonnie Holliday, MIA
29 Leonard Little, STL
30 Michael Strahan, NYG
31 Mike Patterson, JAX
32 Mario Williams, HOU
33 Kevin Carter, TB
34 Raheem Brock, IND
35 Marcus Stroud, JAX
36 Warren Sapp, OAK
37 Jamaal Anderson, ATL
38 Cullen Jenkins, GB
39 Domata Peko, CIN
40 Gaines Adams, TB
41 Luis Castillo, SD
42 Osi Umenyiora, NYG
43 Ray McDonald, SF
44 Cory Redding, DET
45 Orpheus Roye, CLE
46 Aaron Smith, PIT
47 Jarvis Green, DEN
48 Kalimba Edwards, DET
49 Bertrand Berry, ARI
50 Dwight Freeney, IND
51 Shaun Ellis, NYJ
52 Ray Edwards, MIN
53 Reggie Hayward, JAX
54 Briant Young, SF
55 John Henderson, JAX
56 Paul Spicer, JAX
57 Derrick Burgess, OAK Q
58 Shaun Rogers, DET
59 Justin Tuck, NYG
60 Jarvis Moss, DEN
Fantasy Football 
All I've posted are the write-ups and rankings for the QB, RB and WR positions. This should get what interests the most people out earlier on Friday.
Then later on Friday, after the official injury report comes out, I will update the earlier post, and post the TE, K, DEF and IDPs.
If I get done with the latter before the injury report comes out, I'll go ahead and post those rankings when completed.
hope all is well with Brown.