Start/Bench
List - Week 2
By Whitney
Walters
September 11, 2003 |
| |
| Player
List by Code |
| Start/Bench
Codes (SBC) |
STUD: Must
start.
S: Solid starter. |
X: No start
or bench indications / Could go either way.
B: Bench 'em / Too
much risk. |
| U: Upside
player / Possible sleeper. |
| Early Injury Status (O): Out (D): Doubtful (Q): Questionable (P): Probable |
|
|
| Washington (1-0) at Atlanta (1-0) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at Georgia
Dome |
Back to top |
| Washington |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Patrick Ramsey (P) |
X |
The passing game should improve this
week against a Falcon secondary that allowed almost
270 yards to Dallas' Quincy Carter last week. |
| RB |
Trung Canidate |
X |
Starts again but last week showed
his weakness running inside. Canidate is a pure speed
/ outside back and will continue to share the load
with Betts, making his fantasy value drop. |
| RB |
Ladell Betts |
S |
Betts is a stronger runner and is
just flat out better than Canidate. The two will continue
to share the load, but look for Betts to lead the way
this week against an undersized Falcon defensive line
that the Skins can dominate with their size up front. |
| WR |
Laveranues Coles |
STUD |
Working well with Ramsey and his
speed and precise route running will leave him open
all afternoon. |
| WR |
Rod Gardner |
S |
So far so good. If Gardner continues
to work hard on his inconsistencies he should blossom
in this offense as a reliable possession receiver. |
| WR |
Taylor Jacobs
Darnerian McCants |
B |
Beyond Coles and Gardner, don't
expect much production.
|
| TE |
Robert Royal |
B |
Redskin tight ends combined for only
20 catches last season, 2nd worst in the NFL. |
| Atlanta |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Doug Johnson |
B |
Has the skills to keep the ship afloat
until Vick's return, but with the loss of his #2 WR
the options are limited and the job just got a lot
harder. |
| RB |
Warrick Dunn |
S |
Dunn's versatility is even more important
now. He will likely face an extra man in the box as
the Skins will cheat safety Matt Bowen up in run support.
He will need to break outside and should be used more
in the short passing game. |
| RB |
T.J. Duckett |
B |
Will be called upon to share the
load with Dunn and pound the ball inside. Not enough
to warrant a fantasy start however. |
| WR |
Peerless Price |
X |
With the injury to Finneran, Price
will be locked down by CB Champ Bailey all afternoon.
It'll be tough going. |
| WR |
Quentin McCord |
U |
With Price, Crumpler and Dunn getting
a lot of attention in the passing game this week it's
possible that McCord will surprise the Skins and his
fantasy owners with a productive game. |
| WR |
Jimmy Farris |
B |
Non-factor.
|
| TE |
Alge Crumpler |
S |
Becomes a key to the passing game
with the injury to #2 WR Finneran. |
|
|
| Carolina (1-0) at Tampa Bay (1-0) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 4:15 PM ET on FOX at Raymond
James Stadium |
Back to top |
| Carolina |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jake Delhomme |
B |
Not a lot of analysis needed for
this game. Delhomme gets his start, but by the time
this one is over he may be wishing it was next week. |
| RB |
Stephen Davis |
B |
The Bucs allowed 19 yards to running
backs last week. |
| RB |
DeShaun Foster |
B |
Getting some looks in the passing
game. |
| WR |
Muhsin Muhammad |
B |
Forget it. |
| WR |
Steve Smith |
B |
Forget it. |
| WR |
Ricky Proehl |
B |
Forget it.
|
| TE |
Kris Mangum |
B |
One more time. Forget it. |
| Tampa Bay |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Brad Johnson |
X |
Amazingly the passing game is the
best fantasy option on this team now thanks to the
RBBC situation. But this week against the stingy Panthers
who rush the QB very well, don't expect much. |
| RB |
Michael Pittman
Thomas Jones |
B |
May be the most balanced RBBC in
the league this season as both Pittman and Jones ran
and caught the ball well Monday night, each getting
12 touches. Expect more of the same. |
| RB |
Mike Alstott |
X |
Won the RBBC fantasy battle Monday
night with 17 touches. With the likelihood of Alstott
getting the goal-line carries he remains the more valuable
of the Bucs three-headed RB monster. |
| WR |
Keyshawn Johnson |
X |
The Panthers are likely to give Johnson
too much cushion since their corners lack speed. Johnson
typically excels in this type of coverage as he is
not a "run after catch" type receiver. |
| WR |
Keenan McCardell |
B |
Will need to make the most of his
dwindling looks. |
| WR |
Joe Jurevicius |
X |
From the looks of things Monday
night this may be the year that Jurevicius develops
into a solid #2 target, especially in the red-zone
where his height becomes a major advantage.
|
| TE |
Ken Dilger |
B |
When Warren Sapp outperforms you
it's not a good sign. |
|
|
| Cincinnati (0-1) at Oakland (0-1) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 4:15 PM ET on CBS at Network
Associates Coliseum |
Back to top |
| Cincinnati |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jon Kitna |
B |
Still trying to do too much with
the limited talent around him in the passing game. |
| RB |
Corey Dillon |
B |
The Bengals showed an inability to
run the ball well last week and will again have to
abandon the run as they will likely fall behind early. |
| RB |
Brandon Bennett |
B |
Just the backup. |
| WR |
Chad Johnson |
S |
Oakland's Charles Woodson matches
up well with Johnson's speed and size. Still worthy
of a start, but may be limited this week. |
| WR |
Peter Warrick |
X |
Works much better as a #3 WR in the
slot due to his size. If the Bengals keep him there
with Washington on the outside he may find some success
against Raider nickel back Terrance Shaw. |
| WR |
Kelly Washington |
B |
Washington is a rookie, but brings
increased talent to the #3 WR spot.
|
| TE |
Matt Schobel |
X |
The reports of a more productive
Bengal TE position this season may be accurate. His
97 yards and 1 TD last week took him 10 weeks to accumulate
last season. |
| Oakland |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Rich Gannon |
STUD |
So far it's still the Bengals we
know and love. |
| RB |
Charlie Garner |
STUD |
See Clinton Portis week one. |
| RB |
Tyrone Wheatley
Justin Fargas |
B |
Wheatley was inactive last week and
it's unclear what his status will be on Sunday. Fargas
will continue to get a few opportunities each week. |
| WR |
Jerry Rice |
S |
Should find openings down field against
the suspect Bengal secondary. |
| WR |
Tim Brown |
S |
Brown will find many of his favorite
crossing routes open this week. |
| WR |
Jerry Porter (Q) |
B |
His status in unknown this week,
but if some stomach pain will keep him out of a rematch
with the Titans, it doesn't bode well when the opponent
is the Bengals.
|
| TE |
Doug Jolley |
X |
Jolley looked great last week and
could be a nice outlet for Gannon this week as he may
again be without Porter downfield. |
|
|
| Seattle (1-0) at Arizona (0-1) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 4:15 PM ET on FOX at Sun
Devil Stadium |
Back to top |
| Seattle |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Matt Hasselbeck |
S |
If given the time against Cards'
likely blitzes, Hasselbeck will make them pay dearly. |
| RB |
Shaun Alexander |
STUD |
Killer matchup this week. Could put
up monster numbers if the Seahawks spread the field
with 3-WR formations. |
| RB |
Maurice Morris |
B |
Only the backup. |
| WR |
Koren Robinson |
STUD |
The Arizona secondary doesn't stand
a chance in this one. |
| WR |
Darrell Jackson |
S |
Ditto for Jackson. |
| WR |
Bobby Engram |
B |
A solid #3 WR but won't be a
consistent fantasy producer in this offense.
|
| TE |
Itula Mili
Jerramy Stevens |
B |
Stevens will likely play this week
meaning the value of both TEs will decrease as they
share time. |
| Arizona |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jeff Blake |
X |
Earth to Blake, earth to Blake. Time
to come back down. An increase running attack and a
much better secondary will lead to a much more pedestrian
effort this week. |
| RB |
Emmitt Smith |
X |
Didn't get many holes to run through
from the vaunted Cardinal offensive line last week.
Will give it another go this week as Arizona will attempt
to run the ball and keep the Seattle offense off the
field. |
| RB |
Marcel Shipp |
B |
His opportunities will increase as
the season wears on. But for now Emmitt controls the
running game for Arizona. |
| WR |
Anquan Boldin |
X |
Okay young man, to the head of the
class you go. Boldin looks way underrated at this point,
but it's only one week and he doesn't face the
terrible Detroit secondary this week. |
| WR |
Bryan Gilmore (Q) |
U |
With Boldin having a big red bulls
eye on him this week Gilmore may find himself with
more
chances if he's able to play. |
| WR |
Larry Foster (D)
Jason McAddley |
B |
With Foster likely out and Gilmore
hurting, McAddley may find himself activated this
week. Remains
a non-factor however.
|
| TE |
Freddie Jones |
X |
The lack of proven wide receivers
is making Jones an integral part of the passing game.
Gets a touch matchup this week however against the
talented Seahawk linebackers. |
|
|
| Denver (1-0) at San Diego (0-1) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 4:15 PM ET on CBS at Qualcomm
Stadium |
Back to top |
| Denver |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jake Plummer |
X |
Three interceptions and a 21.7 passing
rating is no way to begin your "rebirth". Plummer could
emerge as a fantasy surprise this season and may start
this week. But until he does he should
be on your bench. |
| RB |
Clinton Portis |
STUD |
No reason other than he's simply
A STUD! |
| RB |
Mike Anderson |
B |
Just the blocking back now, and the
Portis backup. |
| WR |
Rod Smith |
S |
Will have the upper hand this week
in man coverage against the green CB tandem of Davis
and Jammer. |
| WR |
Ed McCaffrey |
B |
Didn't even get a look last week
as the passing game for the Broncos stunk. That surely
won't be the case two weeks in a row, but Lelie has
the better matchup this week. |
| WR |
Ashley Lelie |
U |
Went catchless in week one. Lelie
has the advantage against the safety in the Chargers'
base coverage and maintains that advantage if they
bring in nickel back Tay Cody.
|
| TE |
Shannon Sharpe |
X |
A bit older, a bit slower and five
years removed from his last double-digit TD season,
but he can still get it done on Sundays. |
| San Diego |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Drew Brees |
B |
Should show some improvement this
week. But the Charger will remain a run first
offense and Brees remains only a fantasy
backup. |
| RB |
LaDainian Tomlinson |
STUD |
Didn't get off to a good start last
week, but you shouldn't even think about not starting
LT. |
| RB |
Jesse Chatman |
B |
Won't see the field unless LT goes
down. |
| WR |
David Boston (Q) |
X |
Suffering from a "sore" heal and
will see double coverage most of the afternoon. |
| WR |
Reche Caldwell |
U |
With Boston seeing safety help and
the other safety likely in run support, Caldwell could
surprise this week in single coverage with CB Walls. |
| WR |
Tim Dwight |
B |
Not much of a factor in this
run oriented offense.
|
| TE |
Stephen Alexander (Q)
Josh Norman |
B |
When Alexander returns this week
from his groin injury he will find himself sharing
time with Josh Norman, who lead the Chargers in receiving
last week. |
|
|
| New England (0-1) at Philadelphia
(0-1) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 4:15 PM ET on CBS at Lincoln
Financial Field |
Back to top |
| New England |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tom Brady |
X |
With Brian Dawkins and Bobby Taylor
out this week for the Eagles, the Pats passing game
may stand a chance at rebounding from last week's disaster. |
| RB |
Antowain Smith |
X |
Completely disappeared last week.
It's unlikely that will continue, but until Smith shows
something he's best left on your bench. That is likely
to be this week as the Pats will want to pound the
ball against the smaller Philly defensive front. |
| RB |
Kevin Faulk |
B |
Will have fewer opportunities this
week but is still a great change-of-pace option for
New England. |
| WR |
Troy Brown |
U |
Will likely draw CB Troy Vincent
often. Vincent is one of the league's top corners,
but one area where he struggles is with quicker receivers.
Brown may find some success Sunday with his ability
to shack press coverage with his quickness. |
| WR |
David Patten |
X |
May get some opportunities down field
this week with the absence of CB Bobby Taylor. His
vertical speed can cause problems. |
| WR |
Deion Branch |
B |
His talent and physical ability
is tops among the NE receivers, but until he breaks
into the starting lineup he shouldn't be in yours.
|
| TE |
Christian Fauria
Daniel Graham |
B |
Graham will likely emerge as the
season progresses, but for now these two will split
the TE production. |
| Philadelphia |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Donovan McNabb |
STUD |
Look for a more active McNabb
this week as he will keep pressure on the New England
defense with his running ability. |
| RB |
Duce Staley |
S |
Will not get the carries as Philly
seems committed to NOT running the ball. But Staley
remains very active and productive in the passing game. |
| RB |
Correll Buckhalter |
B |
Will slide into the back seat now. |
| WR |
James Thrash (P) |
S |
Hard to judge the passing attack
against a dominating opponent like Tampa Bay. Regardless,
Thrash is the primary target and is a solid start this
week against a Patriots' secondary that appears to
still be reeling from the loss of Milloy. |
| WR |
Todd Pinkston |
S |
This could be Pinkston's week as
he matches up well with CB Tyrone Poole. His vertical
speed and height will be an advantage on deep routes. |
| WR |
Freddie Mitchell |
B |
Still developing.
|
| TE |
Chad Lewis |
X |
The tight end remains active in this
offense, but Lewis is now sharing looks with rookie
L.J. Smith. |
|
|
| Chicago (0-1) at Minnesota (1-0) |
|
| Sun, Sep 14, 8:30 PM ET on ESPN at Metrodome |
Back to top |
| Chicago |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kordell Stewart |
B |
If week one is any indication (and
it likely is) Stewart will not be a fantasy starter
this season regardless of matchup. Out of courtesy
let's all try to act surprised. |
| RB |
Anthony Thomas |
B |
Has no explosiveness or blocking
up the middle and lacks the speed to push it outside.
Not
exactly
a formula for success. |
| RB |
Adrian Peterson |
B |
Will see some action but not enough
to warrant fantasy attention. |
| WR |
Marty Booker |
X |
Last week I said Booker was the best
offensive weapon in a Bears' uniform and only Stewart
could hold him back. Well it appears that Stewart is
doing a pretty good job so far. |
| WR |
Dez White |
B |
Fast but has average hands, as evident
last week with the drops. Remains the starter opposite
Booker, but will struggle along with the offense. |
| WR |
David Terrell |
B |
Will get very few looks in this
offense.
|
| TE |
Desmond Clark |
X |
May challenge Booker for top offensive
weapon by year's end. With Stewart under constant pressure
Clark could become his best friend. |
| Minnesota |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Daunte Culpepper |
STUD |
Do you really need a reason to start
him this week? |
| RB |
Moe Williams |
STUD |
Should continue
to get the majority of the work because he knows the
offense the best
and is the best pass blocker and most consistent. Start
him and take advantage while Smith and Chapman are
not yet a factor. |
| RB |
Onterrio Smith |
B |
May see a few carries this
weekend. |
| WR |
Randy Moss |
STUD |
Simply dominant. |
| WR |
D'Wayne Bates |
B |
Don't let the touchdown fool you,
the #2 WR in Minnesota continues to have little
fantasy value. |
| WR |
Kelly Campbell |
B |
And the #3 WR even less.
|
| TE |
Jim Kleinsasser |
X |
Will continue to get looks in the
offense but remains a better blocker than receiver. |
|
|
| Dallas (0-1) at New York Giants
(1-0) |
|
| Mon, Sep 15, 9:00 PM ET on ABC at Giants
Stadium |
Back to top |
| Dallas |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Quincy Carter |
B |
The Giants' attacking defensive
schemes will make it a long night for Carter. He
may be able to hit a couple of deep throws and gain
some points with his legs, but he is still mistake
prone.
|
| RB |
Troy Hambrick |
B |
Not the type of back Parcells needs
or wants in his offense. He'll be limited by the Giants'
aggressive approach. |
| RB |
Aveion Cason |
B |
Change of pace back. |
| WR |
Joey Galloway |
X |
Can stretch the field with his speed
but the New York corners are as good as they come and
the pass rush will not afford Carter the time to get
the ball deep. |
| WR |
Terry Glenn |
B |
Didn't show much last week. Shouldn't
surprise anyone. |
| WR |
Antonio Bryant |
U |
Should return at full speed.
If he can work some matchups with the nickel corner
of the Giants there may be some upside this
week.
|
| TE |
Dan Campbell (P)
Jason Witten |
B |
Carter is not a dump-off quarterback,
he's a runner. Caught one pass between the two of them
last week. Don't expect much from the Dallas TEs. |
| New York Giants |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kerry Collins |
S |
With time in the pocket Collins will
find open looks as the Dallas corners will have matchup
problems with Toomer and Hilliard. |
| RB |
Tiki Barber |
STUD |
With suspect depth at RB the Giants
will continue to feed Barber the ball and use him in
the passing game. Look for another big game. |
| RB |
Delvin Joyce |
B |
One touch for zero yards last week. |
| WR |
Amani Toomer |
S |
Will use his size and strength to
take advantage of the Cowboys' suspect coverage this
week. |
| WR |
Ike Hilliard |
S |
Led the team in catches in week one.
Hilliard will likely build on last week's success as
his quickness will be a matchup problem for the inexperienced
Dallas corners. |
| WR |
Tim Carter |
B |
The #3 WR just isn't going to
get the looks in this offense.
|
| TE |
Jeremy Shockey |
S |
Thanks to SS Roy Williams the Cowboys
actually matchup well against Shockey. Expect to see
his production limited Monday night. |
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