The Fantasy Buzz, Week 16

By Fantasy Phil Eletto, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer


It may have no Buzz effect, at least until next year, but it looks like Tuna is back in season down in Miami. Having turned down the challenge of righting the ship in Atlanta, Bill Parcells is almost certain to land in Miami after Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga sent word Wednesday to Parcells that he has decided not to sell the team. Sources have told ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Len Pasquarelli that Parcells has a four-year agreement in place to become the Dolphins' vice president of football operations. Cam Cameron may have gotten a reprieve on this year, but this surely is not the vote of confidence he was hoping for. One more off fantasy topic--for all the points or even games Brian Westbrook may have cost his owners, admit that it was refreshing to witness true team play. How refreshing. Of course 90% of those saying this do not own him. Now for more on the players you own and need the buzz on…

Addai & Maroney are feeling it… in different ways? They came into 2007 ready to be top-five at the running back position. While Laurence Maroney finally got there, giving the Patriots and his owners what the paid for (albeit 15 weeks late). On the other side, the steady producer that was co-1st year starter Joseph Addai has fallen on hard times. With the Colts in about as good a shape as they can be from a seeding perspective, expect them not to press Addai and instead lean on Kenton Keith to close out the regular season. Keith’s stats will benefit, and so will his owners.

Reggie Bush is pushing to play vs. the Eagles, but was quoted as planning to be “judicious” about his decision. When Bush was healthy, his production as an every-down back was mildly disappointing. Until losing Bush, the Saints seemed to avoid using team captain Aaron Stecker in Deuce McAllister’s role. Stecker has proven himself worthy in his brief audition as the starter At the very least, Bush could be an extra asset as a change-of-pace option, a receiver out of the backfield, or just another distraction to the Eagles defense, the Times-Picayune reported.

Saints WR David Patten has become the second-most utilized receiver in the offense over the team’s last four games. He had 71 yards on four receptions last week and found the end zone for the second consecutive game, giving him three on the year.

Denver Broncos wide receiver (and offensive savior of the year) Brandon Marshall pleaded not guilty Tuesday to driving under the influence. Marshall was arrested in downtown Denver early on the morning of Oct. 22nd--hours after the Broncos beat the Steelers 31-28 in Denver. Marshall also faces charges of driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failing to drive in a single lane. Marshall is at least the third Broncos player to face criminal charges this year. Ever hear of a car service?

With Justin Fargas out for the season, the Raiders will look to make lemonade out of Dominick Rhodes. Don’t be surprised if they also look to get rookie Michael Bush as many looks as possible before the ’08 Draft. Keep an eye on Bush for next season.

RB Larry Johnson (foot) is not expected to return this week, so Kolby Smith is looking at a favorable match-up against the Lions, who are allowing the most rushing yards (159) and touchdowns (2.50) per game to the position over their last four games.

Warrick Dunn has shown flashes this season and could have a role on a team for another few years, but the Falcons are seeing what they have in Jerious Norwood. With a possible shot at Darren McFadden looming in the ’08 draft, they don’t have the luxury of waiting any longer.

As frustrating as it may be, you have to stick with Maurice Jones-Drew. Fred Taylor has been gravy to the Jags, and his production has means Jones-Drew’s legs should be fresh enough to remain an every week start, with upside to win a game for a lucky owner.

Texan veteran RB Ron Dayne wasn't even supposed to play Thursday because of a bum ankle, but the coaches kept him active just in case they needed him and, sure enough, midway through the third quarter, there was Dayne doing the Heisman pose in the end zone. Dayne finished with 67 yards on 11 carries, and rookie Darius Walker picked up 66 yards on 13 carries in the win over Denver. Expect carbon copy game plans vs. Indy & Jacksonville.

The list of wide receivers that should be put out to pasture (for this year) continues to grow. Marvin Harrison opened the gate, but it did not take long for Steve Smith, Javon Walker and Laveranues Coles to mosey on in. Marques Colston was on his way in only to remember there was pigskin to play. Don’t be fooled into thinking the returning D. J. Hackett will have Colsten’s good sense. His numbers may even be good, but he has not been able to make it through much action without getting hurt. Forget Hacket, Smith, Walker and Harrison until next year.

San Diego Chargers RB Darren Sproles saw the bulk of the carries on Sunday following a shoulder injury to backup RB Michael Turner. Sproles made the most of his unexpected chance, as he rushed for 122 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns during a 51-14 win over Detroit.

Cowboy WR Terry Glenn is expected to practice this week in full pads for the first time since training camp and the second of her two arthroscopic knee surgeries. (S)He is attempting to get on the field for the final two games of the regular season with an eye on the playoffs.

Quick Hits:
Cowboy QB Tony Romo (thumb) was limited in practice Wednesday, but threw some passes and had no wrap on his hand to protect his bruised thumb, according to a report on Sirius NFL Radio. The team still expects him to be able to play Saturday night at Carolina, but coach Wade Phillips said Tuesday, "We're going to have to be careful." Backup Brad Johnson would start if Romo can't play.

Jets QB Kellen Clemens’ status is uncertain for this week because of a rib injury. Coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday that he hadn't yet made a decision on whether it will be Clemens or Chad Pennington, but said Clemens would start Sunday if he recovers in time from the injury and is mentally and physically prepared.

Texans QB Matt Schaub is expected to miss another week because of his dislocated shoulder. Sage Rosenfels is expected to start against Indianapolis. He is 3-0 as a starter this season and has looked almost as comfortable operating the offense as the pre-injury Schaub.

With Roy Williams’ move to IR officially ending his season, the Detroit passing game should resemble last week’s distribution: Shaun McDonald 13 targets, Calvin Johnson 12, Mike Furrey 10.

With Jeremy Shocky KO’ed, look for Amani Toomer to get 75% of the passes that would have gone to the tight end. The other 25%? Sinorice Moss.

Denver TE Tony Sheffler has quietly been the keystone of the Denver passing game in the second half of this season.

For what its worth, 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill is clicking with Vernon Davis, big time.

Samkon Gado should get the call in Miami. Whether that’s good news or bad news depends…he is facing the Patriots this week--you make the call. Jesse Chatman (ankle) is questionable again this week

If you need an all or nothing play this week, Garrett Wolfe is your man. He’s more of a scat back than your typical Chicago running back--think Eric Metcalf, Dave Meggett or Leon Washington.

“Throw Me the Damn Ball”
Players who had ten or more passes directed their way this past week. The shrinking list can be attributed to the arrival of winter weather:
Deion Branch 13
Justin McCareins 13
Marty Booker 13
Shaun McDonald 13
Plaxico Burress 13
Lee Evans 12
Chad Johnson 12
Randy Moss 12
Calvin Johnson 12
Brian Westbrook 12
Terrell Owens 12
Steve Smith 11
Brandon Jacobs 11
Isaac Bruce 10
Bobby Engram 10
Chris Baker 10
Jerry Porter 10
Mike Furrey 10
Jason Whitten 10

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Best of luck in the playoffs, Rock on!