The rookie reporters who were complaining about the opening day interviews of Super Bowl week got their first taste of what this is really like Tuesday at media day at Ford Field.
With more than 3,000 credentialed media here this week, obviously not everyone here is covering this from a sports angle.
As we were herded through the media gate - with a security scan at the end - we headed into Ford Field en masse. The players were already set up down on the field, some in booths, other just milling about.
And then the games began. Television jerks from around this country and the world push and shove trying to get their cameras in front of the players in order to ask -seemingly - the dumbest questions they can come up with. These guys must sit around and think of this stuff all year, saving it for this day.
I wanted to talk with Steelers quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple about how he felt Ben Roethlisberger would handle game day - some quarterbacks have thrown up or had trouble breathing in the huddle - yet Chris Berman and Chris Mortensen from ESPN had him cornered for most of the event, even though they weren't recording anything. Nothing worse than that.
As I waited to talk to Max Starks, TV crews from Denmark and Great Britain forced their way in and asked him to flex his biceps. Yep, that's must-see TV there.
As I was leaving, I saw Chris Hoke walking out and he came over to say hello. I asked him what the dumbest question or thing he saw in there was and no sooner had he replied that he hadn't really seen or heard anything, when a TV station from Mexico came up.
I can only assume it was some kind of TV show for kids or something because the questioner was a hand puppet dressed to look like Troy Polamalu. Again, that's good TV.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Long and winding road
Photo by APTalk about a long day!
My day began at 6:30 a.m. Monday in Washington and is still going strong now here at 9:30 p.m. in Pontiac.
I arrived at the airport this morning and watched the players hand out their No. 6 Notre Dame jerseys. Maybe it was too early in the morning for me, but it took me a while to figure out why they were wearing them.
Once we landed here in Detroit, the drive from the airport to our hotel in Pontiac actually took longer than our flight from Pittsburgh. No joke. We landed at 10 a.m. I checked into the hotel at 11:30.
Then, it was on to the NFL's media center in downtown Detroit. I got together with a couple of other writers and we got a car to take us down to the city, about 30 miles away. Our bill was $70, but it beat the $150 two other guys paid for a taxi cab. Ouch.
The media center is where it's all happening. After getting credentialed, we went for lunch. As I was sitting at my table eating, I looked up to see former Detroit Pistons coach Chuck Daly chatting with some people over my friend's shoulder. Chuck's aged a little since his days on the Pistons' bench, but as a fan of the team, I recognized him immediately even if not everyone else did.
The big news for the Pittsburgh media people today was Mark Madden's heart attack Sunday. It was definitely making the rounds, especially for a harried Tim Benz, who had to go on the air to replace Madden.
The interview sessions in the afternoon were ridiculous. Head coach Bill Cowher addressed the mass of media first for about 20 minutes before six players were led into a ballroom with a station set up for each of them.
The biggest draw, of course, was Jerome Bettis, who actually drew a larger crowd than Cowher did for his session. Some of the guys who haven't been through this before commented on the ridiculousness of it all, but they haven't seen anything yet. Wait until media day Tuesday at Ford Field.
I finally made it back to my hotel at 7 p.m. - car fare $79 - and came to the realization that after 12 hours of work, I hadn't written a word yet. Talk about depressing.
Oh well, this is the Super Bowl, after all.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Kimo's birthday
Kimo von Oelhoffen wasn't in the locker room when I got in there Saturday, so I approached Aaron Smith, his best friend on the team.
"Hey, you guys got anything special planned for Kimo's birthday Monday?" I asked.
"It's Kimo's birthday?" he replied.
Smith didn't know, but as he explained, players don't often talk about such things, especially once they get on the wrong side of 30, which von Oelhoffen is - he'll be 35 Monday.
"Maybe we'll get him a 40th birthday cake," said Smith, his wheels now spinning. "Or maybe a walker. That'd be pretty funny."
The best birthday present is a trip to the Super Bowl, which is how von Oelhoffen will celebrate his 35th birthday. Sure beats cake and ice cream.
"Hey, you guys got anything special planned for Kimo's birthday Monday?" I asked.
"It's Kimo's birthday?" he replied.
Smith didn't know, but as he explained, players don't often talk about such things, especially once they get on the wrong side of 30, which von Oelhoffen is - he'll be 35 Monday.
"Maybe we'll get him a 40th birthday cake," said Smith, his wheels now spinning. "Or maybe a walker. That'd be pretty funny."
The best birthday present is a trip to the Super Bowl, which is how von Oelhoffen will celebrate his 35th birthday. Sure beats cake and ice cream.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Hampton in the Pro Bowl
It was good to see Casey Hampton get to the Pro Bowl when New England's Richard Seymour pulled out because of injury.
Hampton doesn't put up big stats, but he's the lynchpin to the Steelers' 3-4 defense.
Plus, while Seymour is an outstanding player, he missed half the season with injuries this year.
Super Bowl blog
OK folks, here's your chance to get the inside scoop on what's really going on at the Super Bowl. I'll be there all week long giving you the stories about the game and any little funny incidents thats happen that just won't make it into the daily newspaper.
Monday, January 16, 2006
What Palmer's injury means
Sorry I haven't updated the blog for a while, but with the Steelers in the playoffs, there hasn't been much time, especially since they've been on the road every game.
There have been a couple of huge injuries that will affect fantasy football next season.
The first one, I witnessed in person in Cincinnati when Carson Palmer went down on his first throw of the game with torn knee ligaments.
Palmer's injury, by most accounts is very serious. The team is saying he'll be back before the regular season begins, but don't believe that. The Bengals are saying that because backup Jon Kitna is an unrestricted free agent and can demand a larger contract knowing that Palmer won't be ready to start the season.
It's more likely that Palmer will miss at least the first four or five games of next season. I'll keep you updated on this situation.
Carolina running back DeShaun Foster was the other big injury, as he suffered a broken ankle in a win at Chicago.
Foster has been injury-prone during his career, but he'll have six months to rehab this injury.
Stephen Davis is likely done in Carolina, but they won't go into next season with just Foster and Nick Goings as their top running backs. Keep an eye on who they draft or sign. But Foster should be ready to go at the start of next season.
There have been a couple of huge injuries that will affect fantasy football next season.
The first one, I witnessed in person in Cincinnati when Carson Palmer went down on his first throw of the game with torn knee ligaments.
Palmer's injury, by most accounts is very serious. The team is saying he'll be back before the regular season begins, but don't believe that. The Bengals are saying that because backup Jon Kitna is an unrestricted free agent and can demand a larger contract knowing that Palmer won't be ready to start the season.
It's more likely that Palmer will miss at least the first four or five games of next season. I'll keep you updated on this situation.
Carolina running back DeShaun Foster was the other big injury, as he suffered a broken ankle in a win at Chicago.
Foster has been injury-prone during his career, but he'll have six months to rehab this injury.
Stephen Davis is likely done in Carolina, but they won't go into next season with just Foster and Nick Goings as their top running backs. Keep an eye on who they draft or sign. But Foster should be ready to go at the start of next season.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Keeper tight ends
OK. You've got Antonio Gates in your keeper league, but you also have two stud running backs, say Edge James and Clinton Portis.
Who do you keep?
It's a no-brainer actually. You have to keep Gates because he's so much better than the rest of the tight ends out there, including Tony Gonzalez and Jeremy Shockey.
Would I keep Gonzalez or Shockey over a stud running back? That's where it gets a little more difficult.
Gonzalez had a bunch of catches again this season, but didn't score many touchdowns. Shockey, meanwhile, has been somewhat injury-prone during his career.
But there are certainly more good running backs available - and plenty of more help coming in this year's draft – than there are stud tight ends.
If you can be happy with Heath Miller at tight end, go ahead and keep the running backs. But if you want the best, you're going to have to protect Gates, Gonzalez and Shockey.
Who do you keep?
It's a no-brainer actually. You have to keep Gates because he's so much better than the rest of the tight ends out there, including Tony Gonzalez and Jeremy Shockey.
Would I keep Gonzalez or Shockey over a stud running back? That's where it gets a little more difficult.
Gonzalez had a bunch of catches again this season, but didn't score many touchdowns. Shockey, meanwhile, has been somewhat injury-prone during his career.
But there are certainly more good running backs available - and plenty of more help coming in this year's draft – than there are stud tight ends.
If you can be happy with Heath Miller at tight end, go ahead and keep the running backs. But if you want the best, you're going to have to protect Gates, Gonzalez and Shockey.
Saturday, December 31, 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.
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.
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