Start/Bench
List - Week 6
By Whitney
Walters
October 9, 2003 |
| |
| Player
List by Position |
| Start/Bench Codes (SBC) |
S1: Must
start, 1st string.
S2: Solid starter, 2nd
string. |
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 |
|
|
| Carolina (4-0) at Indianapolis
(5-0) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
RCA Dome |
Back to top |
| Carolina |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jake Delhomme |
B |
Caretaker of the second worst passing
offense, who's chief role is not making key mistakes
and handing
the
ball
to Davis. |
| RB |
Stephen Davis |
S2 |
Indy poses a solid test defensively,
but the real Davis killer this week may be the Colt
offense. If the Panthers fall behind they will be forced
to throw more. |
| RB |
DeShaun Foster |
B |
Seeing spot work in relief of Davis. |
| WR |
Muhsin Muhammad |
U |
The best Carolina has to offer, but
Muhammad continues to be hurt by inconsistent play
resulting in drops, mistakes and turnovers. Could emerge
as a sleeper this week as it's likely the Panthers
will have to throw more to stay in this one. |
| WR |
Steve Smith |
B |
There may be a few extra balls in
the air this week, but that likely won't amount to
enough to give Smith any fantasy impact. |
| WR |
Ricky Proehl |
X |
Only an occasional target in
this passing game, but continues to to get looks
around the end-zone.
|
| TE |
Kris Mangum |
B |
Not a big part of this offense and
now giving up playing time to rookie Mike Seidman. |
| Indianapolis |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Peyton Manning |
S1 |
Another challenge for the Manning
lead offense this week. But while Carolina does pressure
the QB well, their secondary is suspect. Given time
in the pocket Manning will hurt them. |
| RB |
Edgerrin James (Q) |
B |
Another week and another big unknown
for James, as the back continues to be an issue. So
again, your choice this week for the Colts' running
game may be a less
than 100% Edge, or ... |
| RB |
James Mungro
Ricky Williams
Dominic Rhodes (P) |
B |
... a three-headed monster made up
of Mungro, Williams and Rhodes. Either way it's best
to steer clear of the Colts' backfield as it's highly
unlikely you'll see a Tampa Bay-esque meltdown by the
Panthers this week. |
| WR |
Marvin Harrison |
S1 |
What can you say. The best the NFL
had to offer couldn't slow him down. |
| WR |
Reggie Wayne |
B |
Since the week three explosion, back
to his subordinate role behind Harrison. |
| WR |
Troy Walters |
B |
Saw some extra looks Monday night
as the Colts used a lot of multi-WR sets playing
catch-up. Normally however, the #3 WR will have
little impact in this offense that primarily
runs
2-TE,
2-WR sets.
|
| TE |
Marcus Pollard |
X |
Looks to be back in the
flow of the passing game. Even though he was needed
in pass protection Monday Pollard still had an impact.
Look for that to continue this week as the Panthers
bring a fierce pass rush. |
| TE |
Dallas Clark |
X |
Remains as active in the passing
game as the wide receivers not named Harrison. |
|
|
| Chicago (1-3) at New Orleans
(1-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Superdome |
Back to top |
| Chicago |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kordell Stewart |
B |
Has balanced his terrible passing
with production running the ball. The Saints secondary
is hurting but they still bring a solid pass rush.
Look for Kordell to be running again this week. |
| RB |
Anthony Thomas |
S2 |
Another good matchup for Thomas who
should continue his roll against a banged up Saints
run defense that's allowing over 120 YPG. |
| RB |
Adrian Peterson |
B |
This is Thomas' position now. Peterson
has 1 carry in the last two games. |
| WR |
Marty Booker (P) |
X |
Had a season best 94 yards last week
and should again lead all Bears in receiving. His strength
will come into play this week against the poor tackling
Saints. |
| WR |
Dez White |
B |
Unable to get it done in this
vertically challenged offense managed by a talent challenged
quarterback. |
| WR |
David Terrell |
B |
One week you put up a season-best
seven-catch effort, the next you get blanked. Not
exactly what you want in a fantasy WR.
|
| TE |
Desmond Clark |
S2 |
Should get some single-coverage opportunities
working against the Saints' linebackers and safeties,
and he will take advantage. |
| New Orleans |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Aaron Brooks |
U |
Brooks showed some improvement last
week in his play and should do even better this week.
Chicago doesn't have the pass rush to pressure him
and they don't have the secondary talent to stay with
his three WR's. |
| RB |
Deuce McAllister |
S1 |
Not much to say here. The Bears'
run defense is terrible, ranked 30th and allowing almost
170 YPG. |
| RB |
Ki-jana Carter |
B |
Appears to be the official "backup
never used" for the Saints now. |
| WR |
Joe Horn |
S2 |
Horn is still battling a knee
injury and isn't 100%. But this matchup against the
Bears' secondary should be taken advantage of. Brooks
continues to look Horn's way regularly. |
| WR |
Donte Stallworth |
X |
His matchup this week with cornerback
Charles Tillman will be an interesting one. While Tillman
is a rookie and will start only his second game, he
has shown great talent and athletic ability so far. |
| WR |
Jerome Pathon |
B |
Should see the field often this
week as the Saints will likely want to spread the
weak Chicago defense horizontally. But Pathon looks
to be the 4th or 5th option in a passing game that
is not hitting on all cylinders yet.
|
| TE |
Ernie Conwell |
U |
Conwell isn't a field-stretcher.
But while opposing defenses deal with the other Saints'
weapons, he has quietly become very effective. Only
two tight ends have more catches this season.
Brooks appears to be consistently looking his way now. |
|
|
| Houston (2-2) at Tennessee
(3-2) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
The Coliseum |
Back to top |
| Houston |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
David Carr |
B |
New weapon Andre Johnson has been
a great benefit to Carr, along with a little more time
in the pocket this season. Both will be needed this
week for Carr to have any fantasy success. |
| RB |
Stacey Mack |
B |
Continues to suffer from turf toe
on both feet and the week off doesn't appear to have
helped. Look for Mack to share carries with both backups
Domanick Davis and Tony Hollings. |
| RB |
Domanick Davis
Tony Hollings |
B |
After getting his shot week 3, the
rookie Hollings looked good then fumbled and went to
the bench. Week 4 it was Davis that shared the load
with Mack. This week look for both to see action as
Mack is not 100%. |
| WR |
Andre Johnson |
S2 |
The rookie is still raw, but has
the skills to win this matchup with injured CB Samari
Rolle's replacement, likely second year man Tony Beckham. |
| WR |
Corey Bradford |
X |
Pure speed receiver that has the
ability to surprise each week with a big play. That
leads to inconsistent and unpredictable fantasy production. |
| WR |
Jabar Gaffney |
B |
Johnson's presence has made
Gaffney more dangerous out of the slot and he has
been finding some success. But like Bradford his
production will be sporadic along with the passing
game and due to the focus on Johnson.
|
| TE |
Billy Miller |
B |
Miller is no longer the focus of
the passing game like last season and he's fallen into
the "couple of catches a week" category of
non-starting fantasy tight ends. |
| Tennessee |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Steve McNair |
S2 |
An every week starter regardless
of opponent who's fantasy value is being elevated as
he makes up for the weak running game. |
| RB |
Eddie George |
X |
Ricky Williams, Deuce McAllister,
Priest Holmes, Fred Taylor. What do these top RBs have
in common this year? They've all been held under 100
yards rushing against Houston. |
| RB |
Chris Brown |
B |
The Titans will have to realize George's
limitations soon and start working Brown's speed
into the running game. Right? |
| WR |
Derrick Mason (Q) |
X |
The usual double
coverage will be limited this week because Houston
just doesn't have the horses to pull it off against
the multi-receiver attack of the Titans. As
McCareins and Bennett
continue to draw more attention, Mason
will benefit. |
| WR |
Drew Bennett |
B |
With CB Aaron Glenn out, his replacement,
Kenny Wright, will cause some difficulty for Bennett
due to his size and strength. |
| WR |
Justin McCareins |
X |
May be #3 on the depth chart,
but more often than not is outperforming Bennett.
With Bennett potentially slowed this week McCareins
will have another chance to step up for the Titans.
|
| TE |
Erron Kinney |
U |
Wycheck remains out and now may be
joined by Meier who suffered a concussion last week.
Expect Kinney to get a few extra looks this weekend. |
|
|
| Kansas City (5-0) at Green Bay (3-2) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Lambeau Field |
Back to top |
| Kansas City |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Trent Green |
X |
Continues his average-at-best play.
The emphasis on the running game and the inconsistent
play of his receivers will keep it that way. |
| RB |
Priest Holmes (P) |
S1 |
After starting with a bang, Holmes
has failed to reach 100 yards rushing or score a touchdown
in two weeks. Green Bay won't be so resistant and you
can expect Priest to hit paydirt at least once in Lambeau. |
| WR |
Eddie Kennison |
B |
Both Kennison and Morton continue
to struggle gaining separation on defending corner
backs as they lack the strength to combat jams and
speed to beat them deep. The Green Bay corners will
likely put the clamps on both Kennison
... |
| WR |
Johnnie Morton |
X |
... and Morton this week. Expect
both to struggle. |
| WR |
Marc Boerigter |
B |
When the tiny kick returner starts
getting more looks in the passing game, it's
time to move on. |
| TE |
Tony Gonzalez |
S2 |
Looks healthy, looks good and looks
to again be the leading receiver for the Chiefs. |
| Green Bay |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Brett Favre |
S2 |
Has been given more freedom in the
offense and now has a close to 100% healthy receiving
corps. Found a serious groove last week and if he remains
patient and takes advantage of the zone cushion the
Chiefs will provide, that tune will continue. |
| RB |
Ahman Green |
S1 |
With Kansas City allowing almost
five yards per rush, Green should have little trouble
keeping his highly productive streak going. |
| RB |
Tony Fisher |
B |
Has replaced Najeh Davenport as the
backup for now. Sees only spot duty in relief of Green. |
| WR |
Donald Driver |
S2 |
After a shaky couple of weeks following
his return from the neck injury Driver looked back
to his old self Sunday against Seattle. |
| WR |
Robert Ferguson |
X |
Obviously not 100% back from the
knee and ankle injuries. Expect hit-and-miss production
from Ferguson as he gets his legs back under him. |
| WR |
Javon Walker |
B |
With Walls now in the mix there
are even more weapons in the passing game that will
limit Walker's fantasy impact.
|
| TE |
Bubba Franks |
S2 |
Still one of Favre's favorite end-zone
targets, but watch the passes thrown his way now that
Walls is on the field. |
| TE |
Wesley Walls |
B |
Walls returned to action last week
and was in on most 2-TE sets. His receiving skills
will not go untapped and he could begin to cut in to
Franks production. |
|
|
| Miami (3-1) at Jacksonville (1-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
ALLTEL Stadium |
Back to top |
| Miami |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jay Fiedler (P) |
B |
Fiedler's value to the Dolphins will
boil down to how well he can make opposing defenses
pay for cheating to stop the run. Even if successful
that
will
only
lead to a typical 200 yards and a TD performance. Not
what most fantasy teams need. |
| RB |
Ricky Williams |
S1 |
I think it's safe to say that it
will be a long, long time before a wide receiver out-rushes
Ricky. |
| RB |
Rob Konrad (P) |
B |
A few carries and a few catches. |
| WR |
Chris Chambers |
S2 |
Chambers continues to mature as
a receiver and can win most matchups with his combination
of size and speed. But he carries a downside each week,
and that's the very limited use of a passing game
by Miami. |
| WR |
Derrius Thompson |
B |
About 15 completions a
game generated by the Dolphins and Williams, Chambers
and McMichael get about 80% of those. That pretty much
sums it up for Thompson's and ... |
| WR |
James McKnight |
B |
... McKnight's fantasy value.
|
| TE |
Randy McMichael |
S2 |
The Jags run primarily two-deep zones
and with a safety very likely cheating up in run support,
McMichael could have one of his most productive Sundays. |
| Jacksonville |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Byron Leftwich |
B |
Against a terrible Chargers defense
last week the rookie looked solid throwing for over
300 yards and two TDs. Don't expect a repeat this week
as his lack of mobility will hurt against the blitzes
that will be coming all afternoon. |
| RB |
Fred Taylor |
S2 |
The Dolphins are allowing only 66
YPG on the ground and Taylor's yards will come on much
smaller gains this week. But his quickness on the corners
and his receiving skills keep him in starter status. |
| WR |
Jimmy Smith |
X |
And just like that you're a fantasy
stud again. But that was the Chargers. This week
he gets a pro bowl cornerback to deal with and his
QB will be under intense pressure.
|
| WR |
J.J. Stokes |
B |
Not a catch and not even a look last
week as he was deactivated for the game. Yeah, that
was a great free agent pickup. |
| WR |
Troy Edwards |
X |
Seems to have emerged as the #2
WR alongside Smith. With the attention Smith garners
that's not a bad place to be.
|
| TE |
Kyle Brady |
B |
Practically non-existent last week
with the rookie Leftwich under center. |
|
|
| New York Giants (2-2) at New England
(3-2) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Gillette Stadium |
Back to top |
| New York Giants |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kerry Collins |
X |
The Giants have many weapons in the
passing attack and the Patriots will have their hands
full defending them. But the inexperienced offensive
line will be challenged to protect Collins against
the Patriots’ complex blitzing schemes. Collins
must avoid the mistakes under pressure. |
| RB |
Tiki Barber |
S2 |
Due to continued struggles in run
blocking the Giants are passing much more than running
these days. Even missing four starters the New England
defense is holding it's own against the run. Barber
will continue to struggle along with his line but make
up for it with his active role in the passing game. |
| WR |
Amani Toomer |
S2 |
Toomer's size and strength will
give him an advantage over the hobbled Ty Law.
|
| WR |
Ike Hilliard |
X |
A solid
possession receiver with crisp route running and
quickness. Will spend most of this game
shadowed by the undersized Tyrone Poole,
a matchup he can win if his QB is given enough time
to find him. |
| WR |
Tim Carter |
B |
The #3 WR just isn't going to
get many looks in this offense.
|
| TE |
Jeremy Shockey |
S1 |
Doubled his catches for the season
last week, pulling in 11 for 110 yards. Look for him
to continue his dominance as SS Rodney Harrison is
no match for him down field. |
| New England |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tom Brady |
X |
The Giants lead the league in QB
sacks with 15 but also lead the league in passing yards
allowed with 273 per game. So if given protection Brady
should be able to hurt the Giants through the air. |
| RB |
Antowain Smith (Q) |
X |
The plan remains the same this week
for Smith, the
Pats
will
look
to establish
the run against the physical Giant front. But that
front is likely too physical and with the probable
return of Faulk Smith will see less action. |
| RB |
Kevin Faulk (Q)
Mike Cloud |
B |
Great, another team with three running
backs. With Faulk expected to return this week but
not be 100% look for both to take carries from Smith
and neither to have much of a fantasy impact against
the Giants. |
| WR |
Troy Brown |
X |
Could see some one-on-one coverage
with CB Will Allen. If so then that's a matchup that
Brown can win.
|
| WR |
Deion Branch (Q) |
U |
The Giants have two solid cover
corners but get into trouble in nickel coverage with
Ralph Brown. Look for the Patriots to try and work
Branch in this matchup.
|
| WR |
David Patten (Q) |
B |
The leg injury is keeping him limited. |
| TE |
Christian Fauria |
X |
With the injury to the rookie Graham,
Fauria maintains his active role in the passing
game. |
| TE |
Daniel Graham (Q) |
B |
The shoulder injury is preventing
this talented rookie from gaining a foothold in the
Patriot passing game. |
|
|
| Oakland (2-3) at Cleveland (2-3) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Cleveland Browns Stadium |
Back to top |
| Oakland |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Rich Gannon |
X |
Has failed to throw a touchdown pass
in three of the five games this season. The offense
may get Porter back this week which will help. But
the problems run deeper than his absence. If Porter
remains out then don't expect much from Gannon against
the #2 pass defense. |
| RB |
Charlie Garner |
X |
The Raiders are the only team in
the league averaging under 20 rushing attempts per
game. There just doesn't seem to be a commitment to
the run and he's become no-existent in the passing
attack (only 3 catches in the last 3 games). Factor
out the Jamal Lewis disaster in week 2 and the Browns
are a top 5 run defense. Garner will likely struggle
on his limited carries. |
| RB |
Tyrone Wheatley (Q) |
B |
Always seems to get a few of the
"pound the ball" and short yardage carries each game.
But
when it gets to the goal line it could just as easily
be Crockett that gets the call. |
| WR |
Jerry Rice |
X |
Rice may have lost his down
field speed, but he can still produce on short and
mid-range routes when given a favorable matchup.
|
| WR |
Tim Brown |
B |
His days as a fantasy factor appear
to be ending. He struggles on almost every play to
gain separation and get open. Can't be relied on.
|
| WR |
Jerry Porter (D) |
B |
Could return this week, but if
he does he'll likely see only limited action.
|
| TE |
Doug Jolley |
X |
Has become a vital part of the passing
game with the continue absence of Porter. He's getting
as many looks in the offense as Rice and lead the team
in catches last week. |
| Cleveland |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tim Couch |
X |
Likely to remain the starter this
week and is looking sharper with each passing game.
Won't be asked to do much this week as the running
game will take center stage. |
| RB |
William Green |
S2 |
Had his first 100 yard game last
week against a normally tough PIT defense. This Sunday
the Raiders come to town with their run defense that
has allowed over 200 YPG over the past three weeks. |
| RB |
Jamel White |
B |
Locked into the 3rd-down back role
but not consistently used. |
| WR |
Kevin Johnson |
S2 |
With Couch, with Holcomb, with good
matchups and with bad matchups. There is simply no
rhyme or reason for which of the four Cleveland wide
receivers will produce each week. Through it all the
most consistent fantasy producer has been KJ. |
| WR |
Andre' Davis |
X |
Outside of KJ it's a mystery who
will get the most action. |
| WR |
Dennis Northcutt |
X |
Ditto.
|
| WR |
Quincy Morgan |
X |
Ditto. |
| TE |
Steve Heiden |
B |
The Cleveland tight end position
is typically a non-factor. |
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