Sunday, October 7, 2007

SUNDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

Word out of Buffalo is- should Trent Edwards continue to impress, J.P. Losman will be in serious jeopardy of losing his starting job. After a solid showing during the preseason, Edwards played like ten-year pro last week against the Jets. An impressive showing against Dallas on Monday Night Football would certainly enhance his chance.

With Eddie Kennison returning from injury, this will be the first week that first-round pick Dwayne Bowe and Kennison start alongside each other. Look for a direct impact on Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard. The hasty veteran faces a stingy Jaguars defense this week, but could be a viable fantasy option against some of the weaker matchups throughout the year.

The Panthers will turn to David Carr for another start Sunday while they wait for Jake Delhomme (elbow) to return. Carr faces a Saints defense that is allowing 239 passing yards per game (25th).

Missing the last three days of practice due to a chest injury, Colts stud running back Joseph Addai remains a game-time decision. We’re hearing that Addai will give it a go, but that the short yardage/goal line carries would go to Kenton Keith, to avoid Addai from being involved in any physical pileups.

Running back Travis Henry expects to play on Sunday vs. San Diego despite a knee injury that's held him back in practice and despite a looming suspension that could cost him a year in the NFL. Look for backups Selvin Young and Andre Hall to be in the mix should Henry miss any action. Head coach Mike Shanahan has always been fond of fullback Cecil Sapp as well.

Patriots running back Laurence Maroney is considered a game-time decision but is not expected to play. Sammy Morris will get the starting nod once again in his place.

Brandon Jacobs returns to the Giants this week and assumes his starting role. Backup Derrick Ward did well in his absence and should continue to see a fair a mount of carries. One thing to keep an eye on is whether the team continues to use fullback Reuben Droughns or do they turn to Jacobs down near the goal line.

Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams (knee) may have suffered a career-ending injury. Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham will split the workload for the remainder of the season, but you can be sure that the team will look to address the situation during the off-season either via the draft or in free agency. Pittman and Graham are considered to be worthy Flex players, but aren’t worth starting as one of your top two backs for your fantasy team.

The Packers will be without Brandon Jackson (shin) for the second straight game. Vernand Morency gets the start but DeShawn Wynn is actually the better fantasy play.

Atlanta has worked on getting Jerious Norwood more involved in the offense each week. Look for an increase of carries to continue on Sunday verses the Titans.

Aaron Stecker makes his season debut as the starter for the Saints on Sunday. With Deuce McAllister (ACL) out for the year, expect Reggie Bush to receive more touches with Stecker getting double-digit carries and fullback Mike Karney stealing some touchdowns.

We may have been a week premature with our bust-out prediction of Brian Leonard. Don’t be surprised to see Leonard have a big day against the Cardinals.

The Texans Ron Dayne will start in place of Ahman Green (knee). Look for Dayne to exploit a Miami defense that is ranked dead last against the run, allowing 199 rushing yards per game. You may also see Samkon Gado in this one as well.

Be on the lookout for Garrett Wolfe to be involved in the Bears offense this week.

Fantasy owners can exhale now, as it was announced that Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is fine after leaving practice early on Friday due to leg cramps. He did not appear on the injury report.

The Colts have listed wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) as questionable for week five verses the Buccaneers. He did not practice all week and is not expected to play Sunday. Rookie Anthony Gonzalez will be called upon to make the start.

Other wide receivers out this weekend due to injury include the Steelers Hines Ward (knee), Redskins Santana Moss (groin), Isaac Bruce (hamstring) of the Rams and the Seahawks D.J. Hackett (ankle).

The Cardinals have listed Anquan Boldin as questionable with a groin injury, but he is not expected to play. Bryant Johnson steps into his spot against the winless Rams.

Saints first round pick Robert Meachem is officially in the doghouse. Despite being healthy enough to play, head coach Sean Payton stated that Meachem will be inactive on Sunday due to the other five receivers outperforming him.

Cowboys wide out Terry Glenn (knee) is a couple weeks away from returning, while Rod Smith (hip) appears nowhere close to returning for the Broncos.

The shoulder injury sustained by Browns tight end Kellen Winslow will reportedly be an injury that hinders him all season, but this is nothing new for Winslow who played the majority of last season thru injuries and remained one of the top fantasy producing tight ends in the league.