The Buzz

By Fantasy Phil Eletto, Senior Fantasy Football Insiders

Usually, the more the season progresses, the more you would expect to get to some sense of stability. Fat chance this year—nobody can hit at 100%, but we at Fantasy Football Insiders try to get you in line to (at the very least) know the options so there are no surprises at the waiver deadline. Unlike some other buzzes (Ya hear me Ricky Williams?), this should help you stay on top of your game. Enough of the stuffing, let’s carve up this turkey…

Of little surprise out of Kansas City camp, Larry Johnson will miss another week. Not expected was the news that Priest Holmes once again is expected to retire following his latest neck injury. Holmes re-injured his neck in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and his career is in doubt, FOXSports.com has learned. Holmes returned from a nearly two-year hiatus earlier this season, an absence that was also a result of a neck injury. Hope you didn’t jump off the Kolby Smith bandwagon last week.

As predicted here last week, the Texans offense was in mid season form despite having its full starting lineup playing together for the first time since September, when Andre Johnson last played. In his absence, Matt Schaub was forced to develop chemistry with other receivers and the result is a more balanced attack.

Yet another of last week’s predictions came true--not only did Chester Taylor prove to be a capable replacement for injured Adrian Peterson, he went ballistic. He will get one maybe two more games until Peterson is expected to return. Taylor is a must play for you in all games he is expected to start.

In a continuing trend with Brodie Croyle running the Kansas City offense, Tony Gonzalez’s loss seems to be Dwayne Bowe’s good fortune. His match-ups have not been at all favorable the last two weeks, but his production has. His eleven pass targets were more than the other three wide receivers and Gonzalez COMBINED.

Vince Young looked like his old self and reclaims his value now that his legs are again a weapon. That is what was missing since he came back from his injured quadriceps and those legs will keep defenses honest, allowing him the time he needs to go through his progressions. Five Titans’ receivers had four or more targets. Good thing because LenDanle White seems to be wearing down lately.

Panther wide receiver Steve Smith and his injured shin is expected to play on Sunday against New Orleans, the Charlotte Observer reported. "I think there's a much better chance (of his playing) this week than say, later in the week last week," coach John Fox said. “I feel better this Monday than I did last Monday.” Backup receiver Drew Carter started for him last week and had 5 catches for 132 yards and a TD. Keary Colbert chipped in with five catches on 14 targets.

Travis Henry’s hearing will be Friday. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said that if Henry’s test was positive, he would not be on the football team. “We’ll let due process take care of itself … but if the test was positive, after what he promised me, he would not be on this football team.” So here’s the deal: If Henry is not suspended, he’s the starter if healthy, but Selvin Young should play about 20-25% of the time when healthy. If Henry is out and Young is healthy (he left the game with a knee injury but is reportedly fine), he’s the guy, with Andre Hall (he of the 62 yard touchdown run and 89 total yards on seven touches last week) the change-of-pace (basically Young’s role when Henry is playing). Brandon Marshall showed that he is THE playmaker in this offense while Brandon Stokley plays the role of Wes Welker in the Broncos offense.

Shanahan also stated that injured receiver Javon Walker is probably a “long shot” to play next Monday, “He’s got to get extra reps during the week… I’m keeping my fingers crossed.” Walker had consecutive 100 yard receiving games to open the season, but has not played since.

You have to hand it to old man Jamal Lewis. No doubt there is plenty of mileage on those legs yet he came up big against a Baltimore defense that still fields a strong front seven. Maybe there was a little extra fire playing against the team that dealt him, but the Browns’ passing game has been stellar and his remaining schedule shouldn’t scare anyone from starting him until he proves otherwise.

Another surprising back with a schedule that will only aid his production, Earnest Graham, continues to produce—and his 100 yard game came with Michael Pittman available ready for duty.

What to make of Thomas Jones? He has not produced the numbers many hoped for as the Jets featured back, but an insider suggests it may be lack of carries that is to blame. Whether it’s a lack of opportunity or the ability of Kellen Clemens to stretch the field more than Chad Pennington, it is worth noting that Jones was the first player to run for 100 yards against the Steelers in 35 games, dating back to 2005.

Maurice Morris seems to be finding his place in the offense and capitalizing on the focus teams are placing on stopping the Seahawks’ passing game. Expect him to get another start this week

T.J. Houshmandzedah may be slowed by a hip injury he suffered last week. His numbers may take a hit this week, but Carson Palmer should not miss a beat thanks to a red-hot Chris Henry and his fresh legs.

David Garrard is back and so are his unspectacular but efficient numbers--he simply is not making mistakes. If you want a quarterback that only gets you positive points, he is your man.

Roy Williams has trended upward though he’s still not putting up numbers equal to draft day expectations. With Kevin Jones seemingly slowing by the week, look for the cream to rise to the top. In this offense that means Williams and Shaun Macdonald who (see below) is putting up numbers as good or better than most any #3 receiver on a fantasy roster.

Ricky Williams bay not have a big impact on Jesse Chatman’s numbers, but if he’s active for any games, he will undoubtedly not help. He is a sexy name, but the possibility of him demonstrating any value other than a “stash and hold” for next year would be a huge surprise.

Quick Hits
The Colts are not committing to a timetable for Marvin Harrison’s return. "We're hoping for this week," Tony Dungy said. "Realistically, maybe Jacksonville (on Dec. 2), but we'll see." Anthony Gonzalez hopes to return this week and would assume Harrison's spot.

Packers’ coach Mike McCarthy is hopeful Ryan Grant’s mild ankle sprain will not keep him out of Thursday’s game against the Lions.

Santonio Holmes is doubtful for this Monday’s game, but there is plenty of time between now and then so stay with us this for updates throughout the week.

Brandon Jacobs has had an all or nothing season. Unfortunately we are on currently on “tails” as he again is down with a strained hamstring and may miss the next game. The healing Derrick Ward will again be looked to shoulder the load is his return from ankle and groin injuries.

It seems the collapse of the 49er offense claimed Frank Gore as its latest victim. He goes down as the latest top 10 back to disappoint.

Willie Parker and Rudi Johnson have been on cold streaks lately. Although Rudi was a buy low suggestion here weeks ago, keep him there. He may have not panned out, but expect Parker to rebound from this funk and log at least his usual yardage numbers.

With Laveranues Coles out again, Jerricho Cotchery will see as much action as turkeys across America this Thursday.

D. J. Hackett has been the main beneficiary of the focus Seattle has put on its passing game. The return to health of Deion Branch will bump him down to number two receiver status, but that should only make things easier for Hackett. He’s only been back in the lineup for 3 games, racking up 23 catches, 295 yards and a score in each game and what receiver report would be complete without noting his 31 pass targets?

Laurence Maroney suffered a foot injury Sunday night. His status will be updated later this week. We will have updates as they are made available.

“Throw Me the Damn Ball”
Players who had ten or more passes directed at them last week:
Braylon Edwards 16
Marques Colston 15
Shaun McDonald 15
Keary Colbert 14
Larry Fitzgerald 13
Randy Moss 13
D. J. Hackett 12
Derrick Mason 12
Bernard Berrian 12
Santana Moss 12
T.J. Houshmandzadeh 12
Warrick Dunn 12
Chris Henry 11
Chad Johnson 11
Dwayne Bowe 11
Michael Jenkins 11
Bobby Engram 11
Antwaan Randle El 11
Terrell Owens 11
Jerry Porter 11
Torry Holt 11
Plaxico Burress 11
Roy Williams 11
Isaac Bruce 11
Chris Cooley 10
Dallas Clark 10
Chris Chambers 10
Justin Gage 10

Please note our new feature and feel free to offer your comments by clicking the red COMMENT link. If this doesn’t get you “buzzed” enough, feel free to fire questions to me at phil@nfldraftbible.com or tune in Sundays at 10:30 AM to www.scrubradio.com for the fantasy spot hosted by Jib Records www.jibmachinerecords.com. CEO John Templeman and I will be happy to discuss all things fantasy football. You can also check out our weekly podcast, posted every Saturday (this week on Thursday) covering all the upcoming NFL games. It can be found on the “audio” tab at the top of the NFLDraftBible.com media player.
Rock on!