By Fantasy Phil Eletto, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer
Depending on your record, this is either the last week of your fantasy season or the first round of your playoffs. Regardless of which, we at Fantasy Football Insiders hope you are still playing for all the marbles and appreciate your taking us along. We’d like to think we earned our keep and welcome feedback on how we can be more helpful to you in the future.
The dust has finally settled in the position battles—some teams are locked in with their reliable veterans, and some are trying to get a look at the youth they may have on their bench as they plan for the upcoming draft (please check out nfldraftbible.com for more on that). Regardless of the reason, there is less position sharing now than at any time this season. Who has become their team’s lead dog and who simply has fleas? Who will be the sled dog to get you to your league’s championship? Now before we have to use Mike Vick (remember him), enough of the canine references and on to the Buzz…
Travis Henry has won his appeal of a year-long suspension for a positive drug test. The running back tested positive for marijuana in early October, and the NFL announced their decision on the appeal Tuesday, more than two weeks after Henry had his appeal heard, according to Sports Network. Henry scored a pair of touchdowns this past week in his first game since Week 9. He had been inactive because of a knee injury. For the rest of the Broncos backfield, the news is mixed. Andre Hall could be back in action this week after missing last Sunday's game due to a high ankle sprain, but the club could be without Selvin Young, who suffered a right arm injury, the Rocky Mountain News reports.
Adrian Peterson made this fantasy prognosticator look silly, but not as silly as the Detroit defense which also allowed 70 yards on 14 carries to Chester Taylor. Expect this story for the remainder of Peterson’s career, yes CAREER, the only thing that can keep Peterson from greatness is his own body and its propensity for injury.
Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) is expected to return to action this week, the New York Daily News reports. He has missed the last two games, but Jacobs is returning just in time to beat up on an Eagles club that has allowed four rushing touchdowns over the last two games. If he looks healthy in practice this week, he should jump right back into your starting lineup. He is also just in time to replace Derrick Ward, who was placed on Injured Reserve Tuesday after suffering a broken leg on Sunday. The Giants signed rookie Danny Ware off the Jets' practice squad to replace Ward on the roster. Just think, Ryan Grant WAS on their practice squad.
Marc Bulger passed a neuropsychological exam Tuesday and will be back on the practice field Wednesday. Unless he experiences some complications later in the week, he will start against Cincinnati this weekend, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Bulger has been out since suffering a concussion in the first quarter in Week 12. This is great news not only for Bulger owners, but for anyone who has Steven Jackson, Torry Holt and company. The game this weekend in Cincinnati should be a shootout. Gus Ferrotte, who had been replacing Bulger, suffered a sprained throwing shoulder and a partially torn labrum last Sunday and is expected to miss at least one week.
Kurt Warner has probably been more valuable than anyone imagined when the season began. As mentioned here last week, his value and that of the Arizona receivers can turn on a dime based on injury. At this time last week, Warner’s health was the main concern. However, this week, it’s injuries to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin that are causing the QB’s value to plummet. On the positive side, the team has decided to scrap its plans to use Tim Rattay as their goal-line quarterback. Bryant Johnson has emerged and should continue to have high value the rest of the way as the only healthy body catching passes for Arizona.
Roy Williams may miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Williams sprained his right posterior cruciate ligament during Sunday's game. "I don't know how many weeks it is," coach Rod Marinelli said. It's going to be several. So he could be gone for the year." Expect Mike Furrey to start in his place. Shaun McDonlald will also benefit from Williams’ absence. Jon Kitna should only experience a minor downturn in numbers.
Another week of waiting is in store for Larry Johnson owners. The Chiefs running back has been ruled out of Week 14 due to a right foot injury, the Kansas City Star reports. Kolby Smith will start in his place. Johnson has not played since Week 9. The Chiefs travel to Denver this week, so cash in (you may soon be cashing out) on Smith if you have him. After feasting on Oakland’s porous defense Thanksgiving week, Smith proved to be no fluke, amassing 83 yards against a strong San Diego defense.
The Palm Beach Post reports that Jesse Chatman is expected to play in Week 14 against the Bills and if needed, should be considered against a mediocre Bills defense. However, Chatman has been unable to finish the last three games because of ankle and neck injuries, so be wary. We'll find out more about his status when the Dolphins return to practice on Wednesday.
Earnest Graham continues to be one of the most valuable waiver wire additions of the year. His insertion into the Buccaneers starting lineup when Cadillac Williams went down at the end of September has given his savvy owners much to boast about. He is a must play this week against the Texans.
Marion Barber III has once again proven to be the crème of the Dallas backfield, having completed his annual rise over Julius Jones. Maybe they can just trade Julius to the Jets and have an all-Jones backfield? In all seriousness, Leon Washington usually produces for the Jets, which raises the question of why coach Eric Mangini doesn’t use him in the offense more. Washington is clearly a special talent. He carried the ball a season-high 10 times for 68 yards last week against Miami, adding two receptions for 35 yards.
Shame on you if you were caught doing anything more than thanking your fantasy stars for ANY points out of Ron Dayne. He is no more than an emergency play. Dayne will not have to look over his shoulder however as Ahman Green has met the fork and is done for the year.
Fred Jackson proved to be a useful spot player and will continue to be for as long as Marshawn Lynch is MIA. For this week, MIA will be a good thing for the Bills as that is their opponent. The Bills continue to report that Lynch is ahead of schedule as he rehabs his injured ankle, but his status for Week 14 remains up in the air. "Marshawn has made a lot of progress and faster than we anticipated," head coach Dick Jauron told the Bills' official website. "We're hopeful (he can play on Sunday), but I don't want to overstep it right now." Stay with us for updates as you will want whoever is starting this game in the Bills backfield.
Quick Hits
Both the Eagles Donovan McNabb and the Packers Brett Favre are set to return to practice and expect to start this week.
The Jaguars lost two tight ends to season-ending injuries before last week’s game. Starter Marcedes Lewis responded with his best game of the season against the Colts with five receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown. The expanded role in the offense should give Lewis increased fantasy value going forward.
Desmond Clark appears to be Rex Grossman’s safety valve and red-zone target du jour, not last year's first round pick, Greg Olsen.
The Falcons, who really have nothing to lose at -this point, could turn the reins over to Chris Redman. Coach Petrino may think his former Louisville pupil can follow up his strong fourth quarter performance in last week's loss to the Rams with an encore, against a weak Saints secondary. Jerious Norwood got his first start last week and carried the ball eight times for 94 yards. He is averaging 6.4 yards per carry on the season.
49ers receiver Arnaz Battle suffered a sprained ankle in Week 13's game with the Panthers and head coach Mike Nolan classified him to the San Francisco Chronicle as questionable for this Sunday.
Washington running back Clinton Portis is expected to be re-evaluated early this week after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday's loss to the Bills. He is listed as day-to-day.
Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White dislocated a finger on his right hand during Sunday's game and was forced to leave early. His status for this week's game vs. San Diego is not yet known. The injury combined with the return of backfield mate Chris Brown mean White's most valuable days this season are behind him.
Houston Texans signal caller Matt Schaub could be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a dislocated left shoulder during Sunday's game. Sage Rosenfelds would handle the snaps the rest of the way if Schaub is done.
Steve McNair was placed on injured reserve. McNair will undergo shoulder surgery Tuesday to repair a partially-torn rotator cuff. Kyle Boller will continue to start, with Troy Smith backing him up.
While it was fun to watch JaMarcus Russell’s first action of the year, don’t expect his first start to come against the Packers this week, even with Daunte Culpepper (quad- reportedly from a post-game race with a teammate) and Josh McCown (finger) dinged up.
Injured starter Jeff Garcia will play Sunday at Houston if his sore back shows enough improvement during the week. Filling in for Garcia, Luke McCown threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-23 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Denver Broncos wideout Javon Walker (knee) recorded just one reception for seven yards during Sunday's game, his second back after missing most of the season.
“Throw Me The Damn Ball”
Players who saw ten or more passes thrown their way this past week
Roddy White 19
Chad Johnson 16
Hines Ward 16
T.J. Houshmandzedeh 14
Braylon Edwards 14
Andre Johnson 14
Tony Gonzalez (TE) 13
Alge Crumpler 13
Kevin Curtis 13
Terrell Owens 12
Dwayne Bowe 12
Chris Cooley 12
Steve Smith 11
Bryant Johnson 11
Dallas Clark 10
Deion Branch 10
Santana Moss 10
Bernard Berrian 10
Donald Driver 10
Please note our new feature and feel free to offer your comments by clicking the 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 covering all the upcoming NFL games. It can be found on the “audio” tab at the top of the NFLDraftBible.com media player.
While the regular and fantasy season is coming to an end, NFL Draft Bible’s draft research is just heating up. Stay with NFLDRAFTBIBLE.COM to see who your team is going to pick or who from your favorite conference or school will be moving on.
Rock on!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Rookie Report - Sidney Rice (MIN-WR)
By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible Senior Writer
With all the excitement and fanfare created by all-world back Adrian Peterson this season, many overlook the contribution made by fellow rookie Sidney Rice in Minnesota’s electrifying late-season run for the playoffs.
Chosen 44th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, not much was expected of the 6’ 4” 200-pound wide out. He was generally viewed as an unpolished athlete, very rough around the edges, especially in the area of route-running.
After two seasons at the University of South Carolina (not including his first year as a redshirt freshman), Rice decided to market his size and one-of-a-kind leaping ability to the NFL.
Despite Minnesota’s gaffe in selecting fellow receiver Troy Williamson (also from USC) as the seventh-overall pick only two years prior, Rice had a lot more to offer than his teammate who has done next to nothing to warrant his lofty first-round status, even with his sprinter’s speed.
Following a rather non-descript start to his rookie season, the former first and second team All-SEC honoree began making waves in week four versus Green Bay with six receptions for 75 yards and a 15-yard score.
In the ensuing weeks, it became increasingly clear that Rice’s deceptive speed was a weapon that Minnesota’s inferior passing attack needed to make better use of--and that they did in week nine when backup passer Brooks Bollinger uncorked a 40-yard touchdown to his newfound playmaker.
In Minnesota’s 29-22 victory over Oakland, Rice unveiled his rocket arm by heaving a 40-yard pass to tight end Vishanthe Shiancoe, who turned it into a 79-yard completion.
This multifaceted phenom is fast becoming a handful for defensive backs with his ability to avoid the jam and quickly release off the line.In addition, Rice possesses great hands and uncanny body control allowing him to effortlessly extend when catching the ball away from his frame even on poorly thrown passes.
What worked against him prior to becoming a Viking was his lack of bulk along with his humdrum 4.51 speed in the 40.
While the 21-year-old has silenced those doubting his talents as a downfield threat, questions do persist regarding his durability as Rice has already fallen prey to hamstring woes.
But ever since sitting out the week 10 contest with Green Bay, Rice has been a man on a mission, setting the tone with a 60-yard touchdown grab from Tavaris Jackson on the second play of the game in week 12 in the 41-17 victory over the Giants.
Jackson and Rice continued to make noise the following week by combining on a two-yard score as the Vikings dropped the hammer on the toothless Lions, 42-10. In executing his touchdown catch, Rice made a sensational leap while adjusting to the errant throw before hauling it in. On the day, the former Gamecock recorded five receptions for 53 yards.
Although the rookie isn’t the polished route runner he will eventually be, his game-breaking skills are already evoking comparisons to star wide out Plaxico Burress.
The continued emergence of his fledging quarterback combined with a monstrous offensive line and running game can only bode well for the future prospects of this exciting performer who broke Sterling Sharpe’s team record for receiving yards in a season with 1,143 while at South Carolina in 2005.
Look for Rice to be an ominous force for opposing secondaries as the 6-6 Vikings are more than capable of making a clean sweep of their remaining games versus the 49ers, Bears, Redskins and Broncos.
With all the excitement and fanfare created by all-world back Adrian Peterson this season, many overlook the contribution made by fellow rookie Sidney Rice in Minnesota’s electrifying late-season run for the playoffs.
Chosen 44th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, not much was expected of the 6’ 4” 200-pound wide out. He was generally viewed as an unpolished athlete, very rough around the edges, especially in the area of route-running.
After two seasons at the University of South Carolina (not including his first year as a redshirt freshman), Rice decided to market his size and one-of-a-kind leaping ability to the NFL.
Despite Minnesota’s gaffe in selecting fellow receiver Troy Williamson (also from USC) as the seventh-overall pick only two years prior, Rice had a lot more to offer than his teammate who has done next to nothing to warrant his lofty first-round status, even with his sprinter’s speed.
Following a rather non-descript start to his rookie season, the former first and second team All-SEC honoree began making waves in week four versus Green Bay with six receptions for 75 yards and a 15-yard score.
In the ensuing weeks, it became increasingly clear that Rice’s deceptive speed was a weapon that Minnesota’s inferior passing attack needed to make better use of--and that they did in week nine when backup passer Brooks Bollinger uncorked a 40-yard touchdown to his newfound playmaker.
In Minnesota’s 29-22 victory over Oakland, Rice unveiled his rocket arm by heaving a 40-yard pass to tight end Vishanthe Shiancoe, who turned it into a 79-yard completion.
This multifaceted phenom is fast becoming a handful for defensive backs with his ability to avoid the jam and quickly release off the line.In addition, Rice possesses great hands and uncanny body control allowing him to effortlessly extend when catching the ball away from his frame even on poorly thrown passes.
What worked against him prior to becoming a Viking was his lack of bulk along with his humdrum 4.51 speed in the 40.
While the 21-year-old has silenced those doubting his talents as a downfield threat, questions do persist regarding his durability as Rice has already fallen prey to hamstring woes.
But ever since sitting out the week 10 contest with Green Bay, Rice has been a man on a mission, setting the tone with a 60-yard touchdown grab from Tavaris Jackson on the second play of the game in week 12 in the 41-17 victory over the Giants.
Jackson and Rice continued to make noise the following week by combining on a two-yard score as the Vikings dropped the hammer on the toothless Lions, 42-10. In executing his touchdown catch, Rice made a sensational leap while adjusting to the errant throw before hauling it in. On the day, the former Gamecock recorded five receptions for 53 yards.
Although the rookie isn’t the polished route runner he will eventually be, his game-breaking skills are already evoking comparisons to star wide out Plaxico Burress.
The continued emergence of his fledging quarterback combined with a monstrous offensive line and running game can only bode well for the future prospects of this exciting performer who broke Sterling Sharpe’s team record for receiving yards in a season with 1,143 while at South Carolina in 2005.
Look for Rice to be an ominous force for opposing secondaries as the 6-6 Vikings are more than capable of making a clean sweep of their remaining games versus the 49ers, Bears, Redskins and Broncos.
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