Busted, Bruised & Broken, Week 14

By David Kaye, Fantasy Football Insiders

AFC Injury Report
Miami Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman (sprained ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s divisional match-up against the upstart Bills after sustaining the injury in last week’s debilitating loss to the Jets.

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) has missed the previous three contests and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair (torn rotator cuff) will undergo surgery today and miss the remainder of the season.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (shoulder) left yesterday’s loss to the Titans in the first quarter after suffering dislocated left shoulder. Although Schaub is questionable for this weekend’s game against the division leading Buccaneers, it appears unlikely that he’ll be able to suit up.

Titans running back LenDale White (dislocated middle finger) is probable, while wide receiver Brandon Jones (groin) is questionable for Sunday’s game against San Diego.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard (elbow) was relieved late in last week’s loss to the Chargers after suffering an elbow injury that has him questionable for Sunday’s matchup at Denver.

Veteran linebacker Donnie Edwards (hamstring) is probable.

Broncos running back Selvin Young (arm) is questionable for Sunday’s contest against the Chiefs.

NFC Injury Report
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (fractured left fibula) will miss the remainder of the season after head coach Tom Coughlin declared that he ”will be out.’’ Ward injured his leg after rushing for 154 yards and a score in Sunday’s victory over the Bears.

Detroit Lions Pro Bowl wide receiver Roy Williams (knee) will likely miss the rest of the season after injuring his PCL in Sunday’s blowout loss to the surging Vikings.

Green Bay Packers resilient quarterback Brett Favre (elbow, shoulder) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Raiders after hurting his elbow and separating his left shoulder in last week’s loss to the red hot Cowboys.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia (back) missed last week’s game against the Saints and he’s currently questionable for Sunday at Houston. According to head coach Jon Gruden, there’s a ‘’possibility’’ that Garcia suits up for Sunday’s contest.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion) is questionable for this weekend’s game against the woeful Bengals. Bulger has been inactive for three games so far this season.
Running back Brian Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin) is questionable for this weekend’s game divisional match-up at Seattle.

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (dislocated toe) is questionable. It’s imperative that both teammates play as the NFC West title will be up for grabs at Qwest Field this Sunday. (the Seahawks are 2 games ahead—the division is hardly on the line. I’d say “The cards must win if they want to stay in the race for the division.”)

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.

The Stock Exchange

By The Fantasy Trader, NFL Draft Bible/Fantasy Football Insider

We were on fire last week hitting in a big way with Kolby Smith and Deion Branch. In contrast, I just received my apology e-cards from Vince Young and Cedric Benson. This tends to be the last week of the fantasy regular season for most leagues so I understand the importance of getting a win. Here are the hot stocks being discussed this week and what you should do with them.

RB Adrian Peterson (“Associated Press” Peterson) – will get the start at running back for the Bears this week against the Giants. With Cedric Benson out for the season, it is his job to keep. Devin Hester has made it look like the Bears are scoring, but their offense is struggling. I do not like this start against a Giants defense that ranks 8th against the run. Peterson is only a last resort start. Watch Favre versus Romo on Thursday and then watch Eli vs. Rex.

RB Adrian Peterson (“Absolutely Phenomenal” Peterson) – will split carries this week against the Lions. I am an AP owner and I am starting him this week. My rationale is that the worst case scenario is: I bench him and he breaks two long touchdown runs. I could not live with that. I can live with a mediocre performance as long as he is healthy. Obviously do not start both, but Chester Taylor will also get enough carries to validate a fantasy start this week.

QB Jon Kitna – is no Eli Manning. Kitna is a must start this week against the worst pass defense in the NFL. Manning was in early holiday spirits when he handed the Vikings’ secondary 3 interceptions returned for touchdowns last week. The Lions have lost three in a row and I expect Mike Martz to give into his impulse and throw like crazy.

Denver Broncos running back- is more confusing than ever. We now have three players in the mix--Travis Henry, Selvin Young and Andre Hall. Whoever starts this week should go off against the Raiders and is a must start. Right now my money is on Young with Henry a close second. Owners will have to wait until the inactive list comes out on Sunday to make a decision. The Raiders are dead last against the run.

WR Marvin Harrison- should not be in your lineup even if he plays. The fact that he has not played in weeks tells you how serious the injury is. Anthony Gonzalez is Peyton Manning's new go-to guy after Wayne. Gonzalez had 6 catches for 105 yards on Thanksgiving.

RB Laurence Maroney- has put up tight end fantasy points this year. His game-winning touchdown last week has owners thinking he should start again. Maroney should not be started because the Patriots simply do not and will not run the football. This fantasy first rounder is averaging less than 10 carries a game and he is their workhorse.

DE-Washington Redskins- have suffered a great loss. The death of Sean Taylor will be the story on Sunday. He will be on his teammates’ minds and in their hearts before, during and after the game.

Packers @ Dallas- Thursday Night Game Update

Packer DB Charles Woodson to be game-time decision
Head coach Mike McCarthy will wait until shortly before kickoff to determine whether Charles Woodson will be healthy enough to play against the Cowboys, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Woodson did not practice on Tuesday due to a toe injury.

Impact: Woodson is slated to go one on one with Terrell Owens all game, so this has major fantasy implications

Rookie Report- Patrick Willis (SF- OLB)

By Ralph Mancini, NFL Draft Bible/FFI Senior Writer

While San Francisco’s season has been nothing short of a colossal failure, the one thing both coaches and fans alike can hang their hats on is the continuing emergence of 2007 first-round pick Patrick Willis, who’s wasted no time in setting an example for his fellow teammates with both his relentless energy and unmatched work ethic.

Prior to being selected with the 11th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the 6’ 1” 242-pound linebacker blew away observers with his astonishing power by recording a 700-pound squat at the NFL combine along with dazzling them with outstanding sub 4.5 40 speed.

It was on the field, however, that the Ole’ Miss product truly made a case for himself with 133 tackles in only nine games as a senior middle linebacker. Willis followed that up with a stellar performance at the Senior Bowl. It was during that time that 49ers assistant head coach and former linebacker Mike Singletary learned of Willis’s diligence and willingness to become one of the best at his position.

Not only did the young Bruceton, Tennessee native ask lots of questions, but he proved to be very coachable and was extremely receptive to employing different techniques requested by NFL personnel.

Willis’s physical attributes and dogged film-study habits allowed him to make an immediate impact as one of San Francisco’s starting linebackers with 11 tackles (nine solo) and a forced fumble in his first professional game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
The 2006 Butkus Award winner has continued his ascent and currently leads the league in tackles with 128 after 12 weeks.

What’s been most impressive about Willis is the fact that he hasn’t in any way been overwhelmed by the speed of the professional game. In fact, the rookie has only built upon his reputation as a tackling machine and play maker.

Those skills were on display during the overtime session of San Francisco’s win over Arizona last week when Cardinal wide receiver Sean Morey looked to be on his way to a sure touchdown off a Kurt Warner pass when---out of nowhere---Willis enters the picture to make a touchdown-saving tackle at the 24 –yard line when Morey had already run over 50 yards downfield uncontested. The linebacker’s never-say-die attitude was rewarded when Arizona kicker Neil Rackers missed a 32-yard field goal attempt.

"It's not just speed on a play like that," commented 49ers head coach Mike Nolan, "it's want-to."
Singletary has even higher praise for the instinctive linebacker by comparing him to future Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis.

The one area where Willis can stand to improve in is his pass coverage that's sometimes compromised by a slight lack in hip flexibility.

The 23-year old's love of the game should get him through any deficiencies he has in his game in his development as the ultimate three-down defender.
Willis's toughness is another attribute that should serve him well in his with his ability to play through a litany of injuries, including a broken middle finger, a sprained knee, a foot sprain and a dislocated shoulder.

This quick study's explosiveness to the ball will continue to strike fear in the hearts of running backs looking to gain the edge on the 49ers defense, and in a division chock full of high octane offenses Willis's contributions will be sorely needed to keep a low-scoring San Francisco team in most games.

Beyond all his football skills and intangibles, Willis is also regarded as a
genuinely classy individual who makes 'please' and 'thank you' major parts of his daily vocabulary.

His strong character was put to test prior to his 2006 senior year by the drowning death of his older brother. Willis responded with a monster season which has propelled him to a promising NFL career.

It would come as no shock to this writer to eventually see the young 49er being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame twenty years from now and be forever revered as a man who knows no obstacles.