Generally, you shouldn't keep a wideout in a keeper league, but if you must, here are the guys you might want to think about.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
With over 20 years of experience covering the Steelers for the Observer-Reporter, Dale Lolley will let you know the insider scoop. Dale can also be heard on the Steelers radio network pre-game show on WDVE-FM game days and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on ESPN 970-AM and WDVE during the season as a host of the Antonio Brown Show. Follow him on Twitter at @dlolleyor
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Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Keeper wideouts
Generally, you shouldn't keep a wideout in a keeper league, but if you must, here are the guys you might want to think about.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
Keeper WRs
Generally, you shouldn't keep a wideout in a keeper league, but if you must, here are the guys you might want to think about.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
Keeper League WRs
Generally, you shouldn't keep a wideout in a keeper league, but if you must, here are the guys you might want to think about.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
More keeper league
Keeper League Wide Receivers
Generally, you shouldn't keep a wideout in a keeper league, but if you must, here are the guys you might want to think about.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
Generally, you shouldn't keep a wideout in a keeper league, but if you must, here are the guys you might want to think about.
1. Steve Smith, Carolina. Had a breakout season in 2005 and he's young enough that he could still get better, especially if he gets some help during the offseason.
2. Torry Holt, St. Louis. Had an off-year because of injuries, but is still a great wideout.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona. Here's a scary thought: Wide receivers usually have their breakout season in their third year.
4. Chad Johnson, Cincinnati. Great receiver in a great offense.
5. Randy Moss, Oakland. I know he was awful in 2005, but he has to be better in 2006. Right?
That's it. Other than those five, save the rest for draft day.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Keeper League Running Backs
Running back is the most important position in most fantasy leagues and as such, a very important one for keeper leagues. Here's an overview of the top 10 backs heading into next season.
1. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego. He's had some sub-par games this season, but should be back on top next season.
2. Edgerrin James, Indianapolis. They'll find a way to re-sign him.
3. Shaun Alexander, Seattle. History shows that when guys have huge seasons, they usually fall back a little the next season. A little, not much.
4. Larry Johnson, Kansas City. His number this season are just a taste of what he can do in a full season. Even if Priest Holmes comes back, he'll likely be a third-down back.
5. Cadilliac Williams, Tampa Bay. Young and only getting better.
6. Ronnie Brown, Miami. See Cadillac above.
7. Willis McGahee, Buffalo. Losman should be better next season, which will help his effectiveness.
8. Steven Jackson, St. Louis. The new coach will center the offense around him.
9. Lamont Jordan, Oakland. They'll retool the offense next season to help him out.
10. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati. Plays is a great offense where he gets to run against a lot of nickel and dime defenses.
1. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego. He's had some sub-par games this season, but should be back on top next season.
2. Edgerrin James, Indianapolis. They'll find a way to re-sign him.
3. Shaun Alexander, Seattle. History shows that when guys have huge seasons, they usually fall back a little the next season. A little, not much.
4. Larry Johnson, Kansas City. His number this season are just a taste of what he can do in a full season. Even if Priest Holmes comes back, he'll likely be a third-down back.
5. Cadilliac Williams, Tampa Bay. Young and only getting better.
6. Ronnie Brown, Miami. See Cadillac above.
7. Willis McGahee, Buffalo. Losman should be better next season, which will help his effectiveness.
8. Steven Jackson, St. Louis. The new coach will center the offense around him.
9. Lamont Jordan, Oakland. They'll retool the offense next season to help him out.
10. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati. Plays is a great offense where he gets to run against a lot of nickel and dime defenses.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Keeper League QBs
If you play in a keeper league, the toughest thing to decide is which players to keep for the following season. More often than not, you want to keep your stud running backs. But if you have a stud quarterback, that's not a bad place to start either.
Here's a list of the top 10 keeper quarterbacks for 2006:
1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis. Still the best and in his prime.
2. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati. I thought he'd be good this season - check my preseason rankings. I just didn't think he'd be this good.
3. Tom Brady, New England. He's put up solid numbers the past few seasons in addition to being a three-time Super Bowl winner.
4. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia. Hernia sugery behind him, the Eagles will spend the offseason searching for a new No. 1 target. Eric Moulds anyone?
5. Drew Brees, San Diego. He's becoming a very solid fantasy player.
6. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle. I'm not a big fan, but if they keep Shaun Alexander, he remains dangerus because teams must respect the running game.
7. Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota. Will rebound next season as they Vikings fully adjust to not having Randy Moss.
8. Eli Manning, Giants. Will continue to get better, but must be more consistent.
9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh. Has produced good numbers despite missing four starts. The injuries are a concern, but he could break out in his third season.
10. Marc Bulger, St. Louis. The new head coach will probably look to feature Steven Jackson a little more, scaling back some of Bulger's passing stats.
Here's a list of the top 10 keeper quarterbacks for 2006:
1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis. Still the best and in his prime.
2. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati. I thought he'd be good this season - check my preseason rankings. I just didn't think he'd be this good.
3. Tom Brady, New England. He's put up solid numbers the past few seasons in addition to being a three-time Super Bowl winner.
4. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia. Hernia sugery behind him, the Eagles will spend the offseason searching for a new No. 1 target. Eric Moulds anyone?
5. Drew Brees, San Diego. He's becoming a very solid fantasy player.
6. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle. I'm not a big fan, but if they keep Shaun Alexander, he remains dangerus because teams must respect the running game.
7. Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota. Will rebound next season as they Vikings fully adjust to not having Randy Moss.
8. Eli Manning, Giants. Will continue to get better, but must be more consistent.
9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh. Has produced good numbers despite missing four starts. The injuries are a concern, but he could break out in his third season.
10. Marc Bulger, St. Louis. The new head coach will probably look to feature Steven Jackson a little more, scaling back some of Bulger's passing stats.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Keep checking back
Congratulations, if you've made it this far that you're still looking at this blog, you're likely into the finals of your league. In the coming days and weeks, I'll continue to give you information that will help you stay on top next year, especially for keeper leagues.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Thursday news and notes
Tom Brady, QB, New England. Brady only jogged at practice Thursday and is looking highly questionable to play this weekend.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis. Wayne missed practice Thursday with a back injury. Given that the Colts will begin resting any player with a boo-boo, keep an eye on this situation. Brandon Stokely may be a very good play this week despite being a god this season.
Kevan Barlow, RB, San Francisco. Barlow was downgraded to doubtful Thursday.
Stephen Davis, RB, Carolina. Davis practiced Thursday but was downgraded to questionable.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis. Wayne missed practice Thursday with a back injury. Given that the Colts will begin resting any player with a boo-boo, keep an eye on this situation. Brandon Stokely may be a very good play this week despite being a god this season.
Kevan Barlow, RB, San Francisco. Barlow was downgraded to doubtful Thursday.
Stephen Davis, RB, Carolina. Davis practiced Thursday but was downgraded to questionable.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Wednesday news and notes
Aaron Brooks, QB, Saints. A couple of days after ripping owner Tom Benson, Brooks is being replaced by Todd Bouman as the team's starting quarterback. Head coach Jim Haslett said the demotion had nothing to do with Brooks' tirade at Benson. And if you believe that, I've got some good riverfront property to sell you in New Orleans.
Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona. It looks like Rackers will be back this week. Get him in the lineup.
Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta. Vick has vowed to play this week against the Bears despite sore ribs.
J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo. Losman has been unable to practice this week and Kelly Holcomb will be in the starting lineup for the Bills against Denver.
Tom Brady, QB, New England. Brady is questionable this week with shoulder and shin injuries, though getting information out of New England is difficult.
Chris Brown, RB, Tennessee. Brown missed practice Wednesday with an elbow injury. Travis Henry was also out with an ankle injury.
Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville. Taylor may have a reduced role the rest of the season as the team looks at Greg Jones, who has been more effective in recent weeks.
Kerry Collins, QB, Oakland. After a one-week benching, Collins is back in the starting lineup for Oakland.
Darrell Jackson, WR, Seattle. Jackson is back at practice this week full-time and could see some action this week. Don't expect much right away.
Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona. It looks like Rackers will be back this week. Get him in the lineup.
Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta. Vick has vowed to play this week against the Bears despite sore ribs.
J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo. Losman has been unable to practice this week and Kelly Holcomb will be in the starting lineup for the Bills against Denver.
Tom Brady, QB, New England. Brady is questionable this week with shoulder and shin injuries, though getting information out of New England is difficult.
Chris Brown, RB, Tennessee. Brown missed practice Wednesday with an elbow injury. Travis Henry was also out with an ankle injury.
Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville. Taylor may have a reduced role the rest of the season as the team looks at Greg Jones, who has been more effective in recent weeks.
Kerry Collins, QB, Oakland. After a one-week benching, Collins is back in the starting lineup for Oakland.
Darrell Jackson, WR, Seattle. Jackson is back at practice this week full-time and could see some action this week. Don't expect much right away.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Week 14 wrap/Tuesday news
I tried to blog Monday night from home, but every time I reached the blog window, my laptop shut down. Oh well.
By now, you've either hd your first playoff game or are getting ready for one – if you've already been eliminated, why are you reading this?
This should help you prepare for Week 15.
Curtis Martin, RB, Jets. The big news from the weekend is that Martin is done for the season. He wasn't having a great year, but he was still worth starting many weeks as a No. 2 back. Cedric Houston will be the Jets' starter the rest of the way.
Chris Perry, RB, Cincinnati. Good news for Rudi Johnson owners. Perry is likely done for the season with a severly sprained ankle meaning Johnson could get a few touches on third downs as well.
Jamal Lewis, RB, Baltimore. Lewis didn't get a carry Sunday despite being healthy. Chester Taylor took the bulk of rushing attempts for the Ravens.
Michael Bennett, RB, Minnesota. It looks like Bennett is back out of the doghouse this week and will start ahead of Mewelde Moore. Neither is considered a good start against the Steelers, however.
Ryan Moats, RB, Philadelphia. Moats had a big day in place of Brian Westbrook, putting up his first 100-yard game, including a 40-yard TD run.
Kyle Boller, QB, Baltimore. Despite stinking worse and worse each week, Boller remains the Ravens' starting QB, thus killing the value of Todd Heap and Derrick Mason.
Marques Tuiasosopo, QB, Oakland. Tui will get one more start to either show he is or isn't the Raiders' QB of the future. He was awful last week against the Jets.
Koy Detmer, QB, Philadelphia. With Mike McMahon hurting with a strained hip and bruised knee, Detmer could move into the starting lineup this week.
By now, you've either hd your first playoff game or are getting ready for one – if you've already been eliminated, why are you reading this?
This should help you prepare for Week 15.
Curtis Martin, RB, Jets. The big news from the weekend is that Martin is done for the season. He wasn't having a great year, but he was still worth starting many weeks as a No. 2 back. Cedric Houston will be the Jets' starter the rest of the way.
Chris Perry, RB, Cincinnati. Good news for Rudi Johnson owners. Perry is likely done for the season with a severly sprained ankle meaning Johnson could get a few touches on third downs as well.
Jamal Lewis, RB, Baltimore. Lewis didn't get a carry Sunday despite being healthy. Chester Taylor took the bulk of rushing attempts for the Ravens.
Michael Bennett, RB, Minnesota. It looks like Bennett is back out of the doghouse this week and will start ahead of Mewelde Moore. Neither is considered a good start against the Steelers, however.
Ryan Moats, RB, Philadelphia. Moats had a big day in place of Brian Westbrook, putting up his first 100-yard game, including a 40-yard TD run.
Kyle Boller, QB, Baltimore. Despite stinking worse and worse each week, Boller remains the Ravens' starting QB, thus killing the value of Todd Heap and Derrick Mason.
Marques Tuiasosopo, QB, Oakland. Tui will get one more start to either show he is or isn't the Raiders' QB of the future. He was awful last week against the Jets.
Koy Detmer, QB, Philadelphia. With Mike McMahon hurting with a strained hip and bruised knee, Detmer could move into the starting lineup this week.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Week 14 Tips
It's likely playoff time in your league, which means it's time to go with the horses that got you there.
But here are a few tips this week for players to start an avoid.
Quarterbacks:
Start Them:
Steve McNair, Tennessee. Houston's defense is just awful and McNair is still dangerous.
Brad Johnson, Minnesota. Why not? He's hot and the team is winning.
Michael Vick, Atlanta. Should have a bounce-back week against the Saints.
Bench Them:
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh. Will struggle against the Bears after a career week.
Jake Delhomme, Carolina. Tampa Bay's defense can still slow teams down.
David Garrard, Jacksonville. Don't expect much against the Colts
Running Backs
Start Them:
Larry Johnson, Kansas City. Doesn't matter who the opponent is.
Domanick Davis, Houston. Should find running room against the Titans.
Julius Jones, Dallas. Time to get him back into the lineup against Kansas City.
Bench Them:
Curtis Martin, Jets. Was downgraded Friday and will now be a gametime decision. He'll likely play, but can you take that chance?
Thomas Jones, Chicago. Won't find much running room against the Steelers.
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh. Hasn't run well against good teams.
Wide Receivers
Start Them:
Santana Moss, Washington. He was gimpy earlier in the week, but returned to practice Friday. Start him.
Chris Chambers, Miami. Is red-hot right now.
Bobby Engram, Seattle. Engram is Hasselbeck's favorite target.
Bench Them:
Keyshawn Johnson, Dallas. Hasn't had a big game since Lyndon Johnson was president.
Lee Evans, Buffalo. With Moulds suspended, you can bet the Patriots will try to take him away from J.P. Losman.
Hines Ward, Pittsburgh. Just won't get much against the Bears.
Tight Ends
Start Them:
Chris Cooley, Washington. Cooley is on fire.
Ben Troupe, Tennessee. Should find some open areas.
Jason Witten, Dallas. Kansas City's linebackers aren't good in coverage.
Bench Them:
Dallas Clark, Indianapolis. Jacksonville's strength is its front seven and some very athletic linebackers.
L.J. Smith, Philadelphia. The quarterback situation is atrocious.
But here are a few tips this week for players to start an avoid.
Quarterbacks:
Start Them:
Steve McNair, Tennessee. Houston's defense is just awful and McNair is still dangerous.
Brad Johnson, Minnesota. Why not? He's hot and the team is winning.
Michael Vick, Atlanta. Should have a bounce-back week against the Saints.
Bench Them:
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh. Will struggle against the Bears after a career week.
Jake Delhomme, Carolina. Tampa Bay's defense can still slow teams down.
David Garrard, Jacksonville. Don't expect much against the Colts
Running Backs
Start Them:
Larry Johnson, Kansas City. Doesn't matter who the opponent is.
Domanick Davis, Houston. Should find running room against the Titans.
Julius Jones, Dallas. Time to get him back into the lineup against Kansas City.
Bench Them:
Curtis Martin, Jets. Was downgraded Friday and will now be a gametime decision. He'll likely play, but can you take that chance?
Thomas Jones, Chicago. Won't find much running room against the Steelers.
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh. Hasn't run well against good teams.
Wide Receivers
Start Them:
Santana Moss, Washington. He was gimpy earlier in the week, but returned to practice Friday. Start him.
Chris Chambers, Miami. Is red-hot right now.
Bobby Engram, Seattle. Engram is Hasselbeck's favorite target.
Bench Them:
Keyshawn Johnson, Dallas. Hasn't had a big game since Lyndon Johnson was president.
Lee Evans, Buffalo. With Moulds suspended, you can bet the Patriots will try to take him away from J.P. Losman.
Hines Ward, Pittsburgh. Just won't get much against the Bears.
Tight Ends
Start Them:
Chris Cooley, Washington. Cooley is on fire.
Ben Troupe, Tennessee. Should find some open areas.
Jason Witten, Dallas. Kansas City's linebackers aren't good in coverage.
Bench Them:
Dallas Clark, Indianapolis. Jacksonville's strength is its front seven and some very athletic linebackers.
L.J. Smith, Philadelphia. The quarterback situation is atrocious.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Mid-week news
Santana Moss, WR, Washington. Moss was back at practice Thursday and should play this week.
Eric Moulds, WR, Buffalo. Moulds may be suspended by the team for pulling himself out of Sunday's game at Miami because he wasn't getting enough passes thrown his way.
Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona. Rackers did not practice Wednesday.
Reuben Droughns, RB, Cleveland. Droughns missed time at practice with a knee injury Wednesday and is questionable. He said Thursday, however, that he expects to play.
Charlie Frye, QB, Cleveland. Frye will be the QB for Cleveland this week.
Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville. Taylor should be back this week to play against the Colts.
Mewelde Moore, RB, Minnesota. Moore looks like he'll be OK this week.
Darrell Jackson, WR, Seattle. Jackson could finally be back this week. He's been out for two months with a knee injury.
Mike McMahon, QB, Philadelphia. McMahon will be the starting QB for the Eagles this week despite his struggles against Seattle Monday night.
Eric Moulds, WR, Buffalo. Moulds may be suspended by the team for pulling himself out of Sunday's game at Miami because he wasn't getting enough passes thrown his way.
Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona. Rackers did not practice Wednesday.
Reuben Droughns, RB, Cleveland. Droughns missed time at practice with a knee injury Wednesday and is questionable. He said Thursday, however, that he expects to play.
Charlie Frye, QB, Cleveland. Frye will be the QB for Cleveland this week.
Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville. Taylor should be back this week to play against the Colts.
Mewelde Moore, RB, Minnesota. Moore looks like he'll be OK this week.
Darrell Jackson, WR, Seattle. Jackson could finally be back this week. He's been out for two months with a knee injury.
Mike McMahon, QB, Philadelphia. McMahon will be the starting QB for the Eagles this week despite his struggles against Seattle Monday night.
Tuesday news and notes
Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia. Bad news for the playoffs. Westbrook is done for the season after suffering a Lis Franc injury. This is a tough injury to recover from and will hurt Westbrook's long-term value. Ryan Moats will now be the starting running back.
Erron Kinney, TE, Tennessee. Kinney, the Titans' leading receiver, is out Sunday with a knee injury.
All of the Colts. Tony Dungy isn't saying whether he will pull his stars once the Colts clinch home field advantage for the playoffs. That could come as soon as this week with a win over Jacksonville. All the more reason to root for a Colts' loss, especially with the playoffs now here.
Matt Bryant, PK, Tampa Bay. Bryant's status is still up in the air, giving Todd France another week.
Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay. Driver is limited by a hip injury.
Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona. Rackers sought a second opinion on his torn calf, but it doesn't look good for the player who had been the NFL's Most Valuable Kicker this season.
Erron Kinney, TE, Tennessee. Kinney, the Titans' leading receiver, is out Sunday with a knee injury.
All of the Colts. Tony Dungy isn't saying whether he will pull his stars once the Colts clinch home field advantage for the playoffs. That could come as soon as this week with a win over Jacksonville. All the more reason to root for a Colts' loss, especially with the playoffs now here.
Matt Bryant, PK, Tampa Bay. Bryant's status is still up in the air, giving Todd France another week.
Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay. Driver is limited by a hip injury.
Neil Rackers, PK, Arizona. Rackers sought a second opinion on his torn calf, but it doesn't look good for the player who had been the NFL's Most Valuable Kicker this season.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Monday Wrap
Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland. The talented rookie is done for the season with a torn ACL. Bump Dennis Northcutt up your list of pickups.
Kerry Collins, QB, Oakland. The Raiders may bench an ineffective Collins for Marques Tuiasosopo. If Collins is your QB, you'd better have a good backup. He hasn't been as good as the preseason predictions.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, St. Louis. Fitzpatrick will continue to start for the Rams.
DeShaun Foster, RB, Carolina. It's official. Foster is now the man in Carolina and is a valuable start the rest of the way.
Gus Frerotte, QB, Miami. Memories of Sage Rosenfels' disaster in Cleveland a few weeks back still fresh in his head, head coach Nick Saban said Frerotte would continue as Miami's starter despite Rosenfels' leading the team to a comeback win over Buffalo.
Charlie Frye, QB, Cleveland. Trent Dilfer said it was a coach's decision to play the rooki Frye over him Sunday. Look for that to continue this week. The team is calling it a game-time decision.
Bubba Franks, TE, Green Bay. It's not been a good season for Franks. He suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the Bears.
Kerry Collins, QB, Oakland. The Raiders may bench an ineffective Collins for Marques Tuiasosopo. If Collins is your QB, you'd better have a good backup. He hasn't been as good as the preseason predictions.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, St. Louis. Fitzpatrick will continue to start for the Rams.
DeShaun Foster, RB, Carolina. It's official. Foster is now the man in Carolina and is a valuable start the rest of the way.
Gus Frerotte, QB, Miami. Memories of Sage Rosenfels' disaster in Cleveland a few weeks back still fresh in his head, head coach Nick Saban said Frerotte would continue as Miami's starter despite Rosenfels' leading the team to a comeback win over Buffalo.
Charlie Frye, QB, Cleveland. Trent Dilfer said it was a coach's decision to play the rooki Frye over him Sunday. Look for that to continue this week. The team is calling it a game-time decision.
Bubba Franks, TE, Green Bay. It's not been a good season for Franks. He suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the Bears.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Week 13 Tips
Quarterbacks
Start them:
Drew Brees, San Diego. Should light up Oakland in a must-win game for the Chargers
Mark Brunell, Washington. The Rams are having trouble stoppinh anybody at this point.
Jake Plummer, Denver. Plummer isn't a good start most weeks, but this game has the look of a shootout in Kansas City.
Bench them:
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle. The Eagles will find a way to get after Hasselbeck, who's not the same player on the road that he is at home.
J.P. Losman, Buffalo. The Bills are 0-5 on the road this season.
Trent Dilfer, Cleveland. He's hurting and the Jaguars defense is very tough.
Running backs
Start them:
Jamal Lewis, Baltimore. Chester Taylor's still hurting, he's coming off his first 100-yard performance of the season and Houston's run defense is the worst in the league. The stars are aligned.
Larry Johnson, Kansas City. Don't you dare bench Johnson, even though Denver's run defense is the league's best.
Thomas Jones, Chicago. He's healthy once again, Jones faces the Packers.
Bench them:
Stephen Davis, Carolina. DeShaun Foster is stealing all of the carries.
Fred Taylor, Jacksonville. Word is he'll sit this week despite practicing.
Samkon Gado, Green Bay. Sorry Samko, you'r not getting it done against the Bears.
Wide receivers
Start them:
Joey Galloway, Tamp Bay. I think I could get open a few times against the Saints.
Santana Moss, Washington. Ditto the Rams.
Roy Williams, Detroit. May be the only Lions player worth starting at this point.
Bench them:
Andre Johnson, Houston. Will struggle against the Ravens.
Issac Bruce, St. Louis. It's time to retire.
Donald Driver, Green Bay. They will load up to stop him.
Tight ends
Start them:
Todd Heap, Baltimore. Houston's defense is like tissue paper.
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh. Leads all rookies in catches. Had a career-best six catches in the first meeting with Cincinnati.
Chris Cooley, Washington. He's Washington's No. 2 receiver.
Bench them:
Jerramy Stevens, Seattle. Brian Dawkins is till tough.
Marcus Pollard, Detroit. Age has caught up with him - and so have opposing linebackers
Ben Watson, New England. No consistency.
Start them:
Drew Brees, San Diego. Should light up Oakland in a must-win game for the Chargers
Mark Brunell, Washington. The Rams are having trouble stoppinh anybody at this point.
Jake Plummer, Denver. Plummer isn't a good start most weeks, but this game has the look of a shootout in Kansas City.
Bench them:
Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle. The Eagles will find a way to get after Hasselbeck, who's not the same player on the road that he is at home.
J.P. Losman, Buffalo. The Bills are 0-5 on the road this season.
Trent Dilfer, Cleveland. He's hurting and the Jaguars defense is very tough.
Running backs
Start them:
Jamal Lewis, Baltimore. Chester Taylor's still hurting, he's coming off his first 100-yard performance of the season and Houston's run defense is the worst in the league. The stars are aligned.
Larry Johnson, Kansas City. Don't you dare bench Johnson, even though Denver's run defense is the league's best.
Thomas Jones, Chicago. He's healthy once again, Jones faces the Packers.
Bench them:
Stephen Davis, Carolina. DeShaun Foster is stealing all of the carries.
Fred Taylor, Jacksonville. Word is he'll sit this week despite practicing.
Samkon Gado, Green Bay. Sorry Samko, you'r not getting it done against the Bears.
Wide receivers
Start them:
Joey Galloway, Tamp Bay. I think I could get open a few times against the Saints.
Santana Moss, Washington. Ditto the Rams.
Roy Williams, Detroit. May be the only Lions player worth starting at this point.
Bench them:
Andre Johnson, Houston. Will struggle against the Ravens.
Issac Bruce, St. Louis. It's time to retire.
Donald Driver, Green Bay. They will load up to stop him.
Tight ends
Start them:
Todd Heap, Baltimore. Houston's defense is like tissue paper.
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh. Leads all rookies in catches. Had a career-best six catches in the first meeting with Cincinnati.
Chris Cooley, Washington. He's Washington's No. 2 receiver.
Bench them:
Jerramy Stevens, Seattle. Brian Dawkins is till tough.
Marcus Pollard, Detroit. Age has caught up with him - and so have opposing linebackers
Ben Watson, New England. No consistency.