The Buzz, Week 14

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!

Ones To Watch, Week 14

By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer

AARON RODGERS (GB-QB)- The eternal benchwarmer finally took the field last Thursday and outperformed the legendary Brett Favre, keeping his team in the game against the almighty Cowboys. Rodgers was especially impressive at reading coverages and running for first downs when there was nothing open downfield. The young Packer threw for 201 yards and one touchdown. However, until Favre actually misses a start, Rodgers will be of no use to fantasy owners.

JASON SNELLING (ATL-RB)- Word out of Hotlanta is that Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino will be looking to make the rookie back a bigger part of the offensive game plan. After a promising preseason, Snelling has been a forgotten man with only six carries to date. The 232-pound bruiser is very quick at hitting the hole in short-yardage situations and does have decent enough speed to break off some good runs.

SAMKON GADO (MIA-RB)- With Jesse Chatman’s latest injury, recent pick up Samkon Gado should be in line to get some reps in the starting lineup. The 226-pounder has shown signs of being a serviceable power runner in the past, but does have a history of putting the ball on the ground.

WALLACE WRIGHT (NYJ-WR)- As the Jets may have to contend with the reality that Jerricho Cotchery may be out for the remainder of the season, receivers such as Wallace Wright will be given an opportunity to contribute in Gang Green’s regular offense. Known as more of a special teams ace, Wright made two catches for 24 yards versus the Dolphins in week 13. The 6’ 1” wide out is capable of making acrobatic receptions.

AUNDRAE ALLISON (MIN-WR)- The seldom-used rookie showed everyone that Sidney Rice isn’t the only Minnesota rookie who can make plays by scoring on a 103-yard kickoff return versus Detroit. Allison also gained a season-high 52 yards on two receptions. Coming out of East Carolina, the speedster was looked upon as a sure-handed receiver with the ability of producing long runs after the catch. The 6’ 0” 198-pounder is no shrinking violet when it comes to going over the middle to make a catch.

Searching the Scrap Heap, Week 14

By Ralph Mancini, Fantasy Football Insiders Senior Writer

LUKE McCOWN- (TB-QB)- The 26-year-old backup unexpectedly stepped up and took charge of the Buccaneer’s offense, leading his team to a last-minute 27-23 victory versus New Orleans. The Louisiana Tech product looked every bit the gunslinger completing his first 15 passes on his way to putting up 313 yards for two scores and one interception. The 6’3” 212-pound quarterback is known to have a strong arm and very good work ethic. Look for McCown’s solid play to continue if he gets the start next week against Houston. Starter Jeff Garcia is currently suffering form a bruised back.

CHRIS BROWN- (TEN-RB)- Although Brown’s 175-yard performance in week one may seem like eons ago, the former University of Colorado standout has slowly but surely reestablished himself as a key offensive component in Tennessee’s offense since returning from injury two weeks ago. The lanky back finally hit pay dirt this week with a seven-yard scamper versus the Texans. Brown ended up with 46 yards on 11 carries along with two receptions for 11 yards on the afternoon. Look for Brown and LenDale White to continue wreaking havoc with the Chiefs and Jets on their schedule in weeks 15 and 16.

D’ANGELO WILLIAMS- (CAR-RB)- Williams makes a reappearance in STSH as he was at his explosive best with 17 rushes for 82 yards including a 46-yard catch versus the lowly San Francisco 49ers. It’s pretty obvious that Carolina’s offense improves exponentially with a healthy Vinny Testaverde starting at quarterback, which should create more opportunities for Williams. Don’t be surprised to see the Panthers’ coaching staff assign more carries to the 5’9” dynamo, who has quicker feet and better lateral movement than veteran DeShaun Foster.

BRYANT JOHNSON- (ARZ-WR)- Starting in place of a hobbled Larry Fitzgerald, Johnson became Kurt Warner’s go-to wide out with six receptions for 56 yards including a 1-yard touchdown grab in an invigorating win over the high-scoring Browns. At 6’ 3” 216 pounds, the Penn State product is a physical player with enough speed to be more than just a run-of-the-mill possession receiver. Expect Johnson to remain in the starting lineup with Anquan Boldin leaving this week’s game in the third quarter with an unspecified foot injury.

DESMOND CLARK- (CHI-TE)- Clark has reemerged as one of Rex Grossman’s primary targets during the past two weeks with 61 yards on two catches versus the Broncos in week 12, and 76 yards on six receptions with a touchdown in week 13 against the Giants. With fellow tight end Greg Olsen fading into the background, Clark is once again showing the speed, agility and soft hands that made him a very promising athlete a few years back. The 30-year-old veteran should have plenty of chances to continue his resurgence with the Redskins and Vikings on the schedule.

FANTASY FILL-INS FOR WEEK 6

-Ralph Mancini, FFI Sr. Writer

Fantasy owners of Peyton Manning, Willie Parker, Roy Williams and Marshawn Lynch, take heed and listen---the treacherous bye weeks are upon us.

There a couple of different ways to battle this predicament in order to assemble a competent lineup for the upcoming week. One can either make a desperate trade and get fleeced---especially if you’re 1-4---or you can scour the waiver wire for solutions.

Granted, at this point of the season, you’re probably not going to stumble upon any week- in and week-out starters, but remember you’re playing for Week Six and once your regulars come back, you might not have to use these fill-ins ever again.

Here are a few names that might still be available. Some of these players happen to be quite talented, while the others just have good matchups.

GUS FREROTTE (STL-QB)- At first glance, the well traveled journeyman has a less-than-favorable matchup versus the traditionally stingy Baltimore Ravens defense. A closer look ,however, reveals that this defensive unit has absorbed it’s fair share of injuries which have caused starting cornerback Samari Rolle (medical illness) and defensive end Trevor Pryce (wrist) to miss games and it doesn’t look as though they’ll be returning this week. In addition, the Ravens defense has allowed 20 or more points in three of their five games and, with the exception of a special teams touchdown, have failed to score. While still formidable versus the run, this unit has allowed receivers Jerricho Cotchery (7 receptions, 165 yards) and Anquan Boldin (14 receptions, 181 yards, two touchdowns) to achieve memorable performances.

DeSHAWN WYNN (GB-RB)- If you know anything about Packer running back Vernand Morency, it’s that he doesn’t stay healthy for a long time and while many aren’t certain who’s top dog in Green Bay’s backfield---make no mistake that man is DeShawn Wynn. Along with showing good power in short yardage and goal-line situations, Wynn also has the ability to bounce runs outside for long gainers. The rookie looked good against Chicago and can certainly do the same versus Washington this week.

LEON WASHINGTON (NYJ-RB)- This may very well be the week that the Jets decide to hand the ball off to Thomas Jones 20 times to finally establish a running attack, but that doesn’t mean that Gang Green will stop going to elusive runner Leon Washington. New York’s opposing defense, the Philadelphia Eagles, are tied for second in the league in sacks with 16, so you better believe they’ll be coming hard after quarterback Chad Pennington, who may be throwing quite a few dump-off passes to Washington this week. The second-year runner already recorded eight catches in week three’s loss at Buffalo. Definitely start him in point-per-reception leagues.

JERRY PORTER (OAK-WR)- Porter has made the most out of his seven receptions this season by scoring on three of them. The enigmatic receiver showed very positive signs with Daunte Culpepper at quarterback two weeks ago versus the Dolphins and should be called upon quite often against a rather pourous San Diego secondary that gave up 369 yards and 284 yards to quarterbacks Brett Favre and Damon Huard in weeks three and four before shutting down the Broncos. With rookie JaMarcus Russell waiting in the wings, you can be certain that Culpepper will be taking some downfield shots to his newfound favorite wide out.

DENNIS NORTHCUTT (JAX-WR)- Very quietly, Dennis Northcutt has been cementing his status as Jacksonville’s most dependable receiver. As such, the former Brown was targeted seven times in the Jaguars’ win over Kansas City last Sunday. On one of those occasions, he was sought for in the end zone which led to a touchdown. Northcutt should have several opportunities to score against a Houston defense that has surrendered an average of twenty five points a game in their last three contests.

NY GIANTS DEFENSE- Need big-time fantasy points? Take a gander at the Big Blue Wrecking Crew’s league leading 17 sacks. Want another reason to start the Giants this week versus the Falcons? Atlanta’s starting left tackle Wayne Gandy is out for the year with a knee injury. Even Big Blue’s much-maligned secondary has been slowly crawling out of an early season funk with rookie Aaron Ross leading the way last week with two interceptions versus the Jets.