The Buzz, Week 13

By Fantasy Phil Eletto, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer

This week began with a terrible tragedy. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Redskins’ safety Sean Taylor, who passed away after being shot in the leg in an apparent robbery of his Florida home.

Last week brought us a return (and quick departure) of a former smoker, oops, that's rushing leader. Meanwhile, the week’s leading ball carrier was a “who’s he?” to the casual fan. All around it was a week of players emerging or finally living up to expectations. for the week ahead, we will see two guys with the same name playing the same position…but their careers are certainly headed in different directions. Another player who welcomes fines for using props in his celebration as it means he is finally doing something right for his team and fantasy owners alike.

Funny how little chatter you have heard about Larry Johnson’s status since Kolby Smith put up 150 yards and two scores. It was against the Raiders who are terrible against the run. Nonetheless, he is a rock solid #2 running back any league.

He’s back and so are the celebrations. Chad Johnson seems to re-emerge at this point every year. He may have disappointed to date, but you will get AT LEAST draft day value from here on out.

Earnest Graham shined versus a tough Washington run defense. Jeff Garcia’s status is cloudy and Michael Pittman is a perpetual injury. Roll with Graham in any game, any format.

Two Adrian Petersons return to prominence in their team’s offense. The Chicago version is a journeyman and his only upside is that he is the man in the Bear rushing attack— and now that Cedric Benson is done for the year, ‘attack’ may be too generous a word. Perhaps the best back in the NFL this season, while on the field anyway, the much more sexy (in a fantasy football sort of way) Adrian Peterson, he of the land of 1,000 lakes, will be eased into the flow–don’t expect pre-injury numbers this week.

Andre Hall showed speed but also patience last week and put himself in line for carries in the ugly Bronco backfield—depending on how bad his high-ankle sprain proves to be. Travis Henry has one week before his anticipated suspension kicks in, and says he is healthy. "They said it would be about a four-week injury and we're on week four," said Henry, who did not accompany the team to Chicago last weekend because he had the stomach flu. We should find out more today on the status of Selvin Young and his bum knee.

Anthony Gonzalez has developed impressive chemistry with Peyton Manning. While Manning makes any receiver better, after Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, Manning seems to look for the tall receiver next—get some of that action if possible. Marvin Harrison’s return is still unclear, but like Javon Walker last week, he will be little more than a decoy in his first week back.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger will play this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons if he can pass the NFL's test for players who suffer concussions, but linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa could be lost for the season due to a torn ligament in his left knee.

Roy Williams showed by his body language that he wasn't happy being overlooked in the game plan, but he downplayed the issue Monday. "That's a little first for me," Williams said. He had only three catches versus Calvin Johnson’s seven. Get used to it Roy, Johnson is a special talent, has turned around a terrible season into growth that makes him useful heading into fantasy playoffs, and increases his value considerably on draft day next year.

Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton is expected to return this week for the huge match-up against the Packers. This is the game of the week, so buddy up with someone who will get the game-- it matters not if you like that person or not, just enjoy the game.

Eagles backup turned starter A. J. Feeley may get the nod as a precautionary move. "As a coach, you'd be foolish to stick somebody out there that has a bad thumb and a bad knee," coach Andy Reid said. "I'm hoping to see that he gets back and starts playing."

Jerricho Cotchery’s disappointing performance was TE Chris Baker’s gain. With Laveranues Coles out, many expected Cotchery to put up big numbers. Instead it was Baker who had six targets, and just missed a score last week. He has his limitations, but keep him in mind if Coles is out and you need to a filler at tight end.

Phillip Rivers still stinks, but seems to have taken to new wide receiver Chris Chambers, targeting him often. Chambers and Antonio Gates have thrived since the former Dolphin’s arrival. If someone can make sense of that deal, please explain in the comment link below.

Building on last week’s Buzz assessment of Matt Schaub, he certainly has learned to spread the ball. Andre Johnson had seven targets, but Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels shared the team lead in targets with nine. Andre Davis chipped in six targets of his own.

Another Texans receiver, Andre Davis’ role may have diminished with all-world Andre Johnson back in the fold. But do not be so fast to cut him—especially if you have a deep bench. He was still active in a strong Houston passing game. This is a team that will be playing from behind often and needing three receiver sets to catch up.

As quickly as Ricky Williams appeared, the multiple substance abuse violator is gone. He suffered a torn chest muscle in the second quarter of his first game back. The last thing Williams need is time off. Joining him on the Miami sideline is running back Jesse Chatman, who left the game with a neck injury. Stay tuned for updates on his availability this week. How cursed are the Dolphins at running back this season?

Quick Hits
Larry Fitzgerald has turned it on and has placed himself among the best receivers in the league…that trend is a Kurt Warner injury away from reversing itself.

Tight ends get little love here, but Owen Daniels had a monster week. Not to be outdone, Tony Scheffler, Donald Lee (with a turkey-day game exception) and Vernon Davis have been putting up solid numbers for weeks now-- as good as most #2 or three receivers.

Likewise, Bo Scaife has been plenty active in the Tennessee passing game. His disappointing first half may mean he is available in your league, just don’t count on him to hit pay-dirt.

While it was nice to see Frank Gore get some robust numbers last week, don’t expect it again this year-- sell high. Next year he may be underrated by many—don’t let it be you.

Fred Taylor, not Maurice Jones-Drew, has been showing the young legs and seems to be getting a workload that makes him an useful option once again.

While there are weeks Marty Booker catches more passes, insiders tell us that Ted Ginn Jr. has become John Beck’s favorite target and he is always a block or two away from a big play. He may not be a factor this year, but keep an eye on him in next year's draft.

Nate Burleson. If you feel like you have seen his name before, it was most likely due to his plentiful natural ability, or wasting of it. Now you’ll see his name because the Minnesota receiver finds himself replacing D.J. Hackett, who is on the shelf for up to three weeks after re-injuring his ankle. Since Seattle has become a pass-first offense, Burleson should see his workload increase and Deion Branch, now healthy, should approach #1 wide receiver status.

Do not be intimidated by the effect of the Seahawks’ offensive output on their defense—it is still putting up solid numbers. The same can be surprisingly be said of both Cleveland and Denver’s defensive units–they’re not bad options on the cheap as one week plays--depending on match-up of course.

Justin Fargas has become THE Raider offense. Ride him until he breaks down or the match-up is brutal.

What brought more ire out of fantasy owners, Eli Manning’s numbers or his seeming lack of interest about how badly he played? Letting a bad performance roll off your back is one thing, giving the impression of not caring is quite another.

Trent Edwards is expected to return as starter. This is a ding on Lee Evans’ value unless Edwards saw how valuable Evans can be to a quarterback. Take a wait and see approach.

“Throw Me the Damn Ball”
Players who had ten or more passes directed at them last week:
Wes Welker 17 (one guess who benched him in favor of the aforementioned D. J. Hackett, ouch)
Larry Fitzgerald 16
Calvin Johnson 15
Chad Johnson 14
Derrick Mason 14
Hines Ward 13
Randy Moss 13
Donald Driver 13
Jeremy Shockey 12
Plaxico Burress 12
Reggie Wayne 12
Torry Holt 12
Frank Gore 12
Brandon Stokley 11
Brian Westbrook 11
Roddy White 10
Braylon Edwards 10
Kellen Winslow 10
Deion Branch 10
Isaac Bruce 10
Chris Cooley 10
Brandon Marshall 10

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Rock on!