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 |
|
|
| Philadelphia (2-2) at Dallas (3-1) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Texas Stadium |
Back to top |
| Philadelphia |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Donovan McNabb (P) |
X |
Had his third sub-par performance
in four games as he was constantly off-target,
going just 16 of 30 and throwing 2 INTs for
the second time in three games. Is it too early to
open the "overrated" can again? Thought so. Okay, how
'bout a "slump". That better? At least he threw his
first (yes FIRST) TD of the season. Keep him in your
lineup but hope for better. |
| RB |
Duce Staley |
B |
Yuck! Got about as many carries as
Westbrook last week but wasn't nearly as productive.
In this mess of a three-headed running back I'd rank
Staley as #2 in startability, just above Buckhalter. |
| RB |
Correll Buckhalter (Q) |
B |
A bruised hip limited him last week
but he's expected to be fine for Sunday's game. Which
means just enough carries to hurt both Staley and Westbrook.
He ranks #3. |
| RB |
Brian Westbrook |
X |
Don't expect him to get that many
more carries than the other backs, but he is currently
much more productive with his touches and is seeing
more action in the passing game. If you start a Philly
back, Westbrook is the best bet right now. |
| WR |
James Thrash |
S2 |
Thrash
is very adapt at finding soft spots in
zone coverage and running after the catch. This will
be a Trash week against the Dallas cover-2. |
| WR |
Todd Pinkston |
B |
Seems to work best in man coverage
but struggle against zones like the Cowboys'. |
| WR |
Freddie Mitchell |
B |
Has fallen behind the tight end
as a viable option in the passing attack.
|
| TE |
L.J. Smith (P) |
B |
Chad Lewis has likely moved to the
background now with the improved play of the rookie
Smith. Splitting the safeties with a tight end is the
best way to beat
a
two-deep
zone. Look for the Eagles to use Smith for just that
on Sunday. |
| Dallas |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Quincy Carter |
S2 |
Despite solid play at times the
injury riddled Philly secondary provides Carter with
some very favorable receiver matchups to exploit.
Look for the Cowboys to use roll-outs more to give
Carter the time to find his down field targets.
|
| RB |
Troy Hambrick |
X |
Gaining the confidence of his coach
and getting the carries (47 in past two games). But
this week against the #1 run defense his production
will be limited as the Cowboys will have to turn to
the air to move the ball. |
| RB |
Richie Anderson |
B |
The Parcells' favorite from his past
is seeing about 10 touches a game now and is producing.
May be worth a look in deep leagues that award points
for catches. |
| WR |
Joey Galloway |
S2 |
Galloway's high gear will be too
much for the fill-in corner backs of the Eagles to
handle. |
| WR |
Terry Glenn |
B |
So far batting .500. Two big games,
two blanks. Glenn typically doesn't do well against
the type of press coverage used by the Eagles. Expect
another down game. |
| WR |
Antonio Bryant |
U |
As the #3 receiver has turned
in uneven results. Bryant has been inconsistent
but should get some additional looks this week as
the Cowboys should spread the field often in 3-WR
sets.
|
| TE |
Jason Witten (D) |
B |
Whitten had his best game of the
season and then broke his jaw. Look for Campbell and
the newly signed Tony McGee to fill in and be ineffective. |
|
|
| Tampa Bay (2-2) at Washington (3-2) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
FedEx Field |
Back to top |
| Tampa Bay |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Brad Johnson |
B |
Remarkably efficient this season,
but he will be hard-pressed to put up better than average
numbers this week. Three of his
top four receivers may not play, cornerbacks
Bailey and Smoot will cause problems and he'll see
a lot of blitzing. The Bucs will likely
focus on the running game. |
| RB |
Michael Pittman |
S2 |
With all the injuries Pittman will
carry the load now, both in the running and passing
game. |
| RB |
Thomas Jones |
B |
With Alstott out and Stecker banged
up, Jones gets his chance. He'll likely get some extra
touches this week, but it won't be enough to have much
of a fantasy impact. |
| WR |
Keyshawn Johnson (Q) |
B |
Johnson is not likely to play, but
there's always an outside chance. But that's not something
a fantasy owner want's to rely on. |
| WR |
Keenan McCardell |
X |
Becomes the man this week with the
injury to Johnson. Will likely out produce all other
WRs, but it will be a struggle as he'll draw the best
coverage the Skins have to offer. |
| WR |
Karl Williams (P)
Reggie Barlow |
B |
Both Williams and Barlow will
be asked to step up this week due to the injuries
in the WR corps. Don't expect much.
|
| TE |
Ken Dilger |
U |
Was worked heavily into the passing
game on Monday night and responded with a 6-63 performance.
The Bucs do not have an advantage on the perimeter
with the WRs so look for more Dilger action this week. |
| Washington |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Patrick Ramsey (P) |
B |
Will be under intense pressure with
few options available in the passing game to bail
him
out. He's improving but is still only a second year
QB and will not do well against a ticked off Tampa
Bay squad. |
| RB |
Trung Canidate |
B |
Let's not get too excited about Monday
night. The Bucs still have a dominant defense with
the horizontal speed to shut Canidate down. |
| RB |
Ladell Betts (P) |
X |
The best way to run the ball on the
Bucs is to go right up the middle on them. Betts will
likely out carry Canidate this week and could find
some running room between the tackles. Notice I said
"some" running room. |
| WR |
Laveranues Coles |
S2 |
Injuries in the Tampa Bay secondary
make this a great matchup for the Redskins to exploit
Sunday. |
| WR |
Rod Gardner |
B |
Just isn't getting it done for owners
this year. Has only a single game with more than 32
yards. Don't expect much this week as the Bucs secondary
will put the clamps on him. |
| WR |
Darnerian McCants |
U |
At this rate appears to be a
better option than #2 WR Gardner as Washington continues
to utilize more
spread
offensive formations looking for mismatches.
|
| TE |
Robert Royal
Byron Chamberlain |
B |
Redskin tight ends are a non-factor.
The signing of Byron Chamberlain may change that, but not this week. |
|
|
| Baltimore (2-2) at Arizona (1-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 4:15 PM ET on CBS at
Sun Devil Stadium |
Back to top |
| Baltimore |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kyle Boller |
B |
Look for Boller to be given a few
more opportunities to get the ball down field this
week. The Cardinals have no pass rush and the secondary
is very weak. Doesn't make him a starter, but he should
gain some confidence. |
| RB |
Jamal Lewis |
S1 |
Will get his carries and will get
his yards. |
| RB |
Chester Taylor |
B |
It's all Lewis, all the time. |
| WR |
Travis Taylor |
U |
The wide receivers have only 12 catches
between them over the past three games. That's about
as bad as it can get. However, if Boller gets the green
light to work down field this week Taylor will be the
most likely to benefit. |
| WR |
Frank Sanders |
B |
In this extremely limited passing
attack, forget it. |
| WR |
Marcus Robinson |
B |
Ditto for Robinson.
|
| TE |
Todd Heap (P) |
S1 |
When your passing game averages about
100 yards each week it can limit your fantasy potential
at times. This week look for more passing and more
production for Heap. |
| Arizona |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jeff Blake |
B |
Still mistake prone under pressure,
Blake continues to be a hit-n-miss fantasy QB. This
week expect more miss than hit against the very tough
Raven defense. |
| RB |
Marcel Shipp |
B |
The Arizona running game gets a boost
by turning to Shipp as Emmitt is out indefinitely.
But against the Ravens that won't matter much. |
| WR |
Anquan Boldin |
B |
Continues to cool as opponents
can afford to bracket cover him on most plays
because the
Cardinals’ other
weapons aren’t all that intimidating. With Blake
under intense pressure all afternoon, don't expect many
passes to get to Boldin. |
| WR |
Bryan Gilmore |
B |
The rookie moves into the starting
lineup due to all the injuries. |
| WR |
Jason McAddley (O) |
B |
Will not play due to the hamstring
injury.
|
| TE |
Freddie Jones |
U |
Jones has the talent to be a threat
in the passing game. This week Blake will be looking
for him often to dump the ball off under pressure. |
|
|
| Buffalo (3-2) at New York Jets (0-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 4:15 PM ET on CBS at
Giants Stadium |
Back to top |
| Buffalo |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Drew Bledsoe |
X |
Jets opponents average a league-low
22.8 passing attempts per game thanks to the terrible
run defense. So don't expect Bledsoe to be flinging
it around the field, especially with his #1 target
likely out. |
| RB |
Travis Henry |
S1 |
Buffalo picked a good time go get
the running game back on track. Henry only had 85 yards
last week, but that was his best output since week
one and he wasn't 100% healthy. This week he should
be close to 100% and his opponent is allowing a whopping
174 YPG on the ground. |
| WR |
Eric Moulds (D) |
B |
Moulds is doubtful but may play this
weekend. If he does he'll be very limited and likely
ineffective. |
| WR |
Josh Reed |
B |
Only a single
catch in each of the past two games. Reed has been
a major flop so far but gets a chance to redeem himself
this week with Moulds likely on the shelf. |
| WR |
Bobby Shaw |
U |
Has really come on the past three
weeks and should pay off for fantasy owners this
week as Shaw will be much more active in the passing
game due to Moulds' injury.
|
| TE |
Mark Campbell |
U |
Campbell may be another player that
benefits from the Moulds situation. |
| New York Jets |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Vinny Testaverde |
B |
The aging backup has performed admirably,
averaging 285 yards in the past three games. But the
Jets have to know that they can’t
ride Testaverde’s arm to victory and must have
a run-heavy game plan against Buffalo. |
| RB |
Curtis Martin |
X |
The Jets' impatience on offense shows
itself in a league low 19 carries per game. If the
run doesn't produce quickly they abandon it. |
| RB |
LaMont Jordan |
B |
Should be utilized more, but isn't. |
| WR |
Curtis Conway |
X |
Demoted to #3 behind Chrebet. The
Jets run a lot of 3-WR sets so Conway will still see
plenty of action. But his action hasn't translated
into much so far. |
| WR |
Wayne Chrebet |
B |
A solid possession receiver once
that has lost his edge. |
| WR |
Santana Moss |
X |
Moss' move into the starting
lineup is a golden opportunity for him. But
Bills cornerback Antoine Winfield is similar in stature
and quickness
to Moss, and won't allow him much this week.
|
| TE |
Anthony Becht |
B |
Simply not a factor in the passing
game. |
|
|
| Pittsburgh (2-3) at Denver (4-1) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 4:15 PM ET on CBS at
Invesco Field at Mile High |
Back to top |
| Pittsburgh |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tommy Maddox |
X |
Maddox continues to make
poor decisions and throws, and last week's meltdown
was the worst. Don't expect him to bounce back
against a good defense
in a hostile environment. The Broncos' speed on defense
will help keep his interception streak going. |
| RB |
Amos Zereoue |
X |
Isn't likely to break out of the "15
carries a game" category, but as last week showed
the Steelers need to keep Zereoue involved in the
passing
game.
Will be limited this week against the aggressive and
fast Bronco defense. |
| RB |
Jerome Bettis |
U |
Only got three carries again last
week but one was for a touchdown. Should be a bigger
part of the game plan since running right at the Denver
defense is the best way to combat their speed advantage
on defense. |
| WR |
Plaxico Burress |
S2 |
Burress' numbers have been down
since week 2 and he is not being used in the end-zone,
which is ridiculous considering his size advantage
over every corner in the league.
|
| WR |
Hines Ward |
S2 |
The guy just does it all and is
a starter every week. |
| WR |
Antwaan Randle El |
B |
Randle El can create matchup
problems for opponents but he just isn't getting the
looks to make him much of a factor. |
| TE |
Jay Riemersma (Q) |
B |
Still banged up and ineffective. |
| Denver |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jake Plummer (Q) |
S2 |
If the shoulder injury doesn't prevent
him from playing, the Broncos’ 3-WR sets
are perfect for slicing and dicing a Steelers’ secondary
that gives up few passing yards but
has allowed eight TDs through the air this season. |
| RB |
Clinton Portis |
S1 |
A threat to take it to the house
every time he touches the ball. |
| RB |
Mike Anderson |
B |
Back to fullback and the occasional
carry. |
| WR |
Rod Smith |
S2 |
The Steelers lack ideal speed and
depth in their secondary to handle Smith. So he should
continue his solid play and may even get his first
touchdown this week. |
| WR |
Ashley Lelie |
S2 |
When the Broncos spread the field
good things will happen for Lelie. He will be matched
up with Steelers' nickel back DeShea Townsend who
does not posses the
size or downfield speed to match Lelie.
|
| WR |
Ed McCaffrey (P) |
B |
Still a solid possession receiver
and will get a few key catches a game. Just not a fantasy
option any more. |
| TE |
Shannon Sharpe (Q) |
S2 |
Remains very effective in the play-action
passing game and leads all tight ends with three touchdowns. |
|
|
| San Francisco (2-3) at Seattle
(3-1) |
|
| Sun, Oct 12, 8:30 PM ET on ESPN at
Seahawks Stadium |
Back to top |
| San Francisco |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jeff Garcia |
B |
It's become evident that Garcia
is struggling to throw the deep ball with any accuracy.
Maybe
it's the back, maybe the groin. Whatever it is, it's
holding back any "long ball" offense they want to
run. Add in the fact that his line will have a hard
time protecting him from the Seattle blitz, and you
have the makings of a poor performance.
|
| RB |
Garrison Hearst (P) |
S2 |
The Packers ran right at the undersized
Seattle front seven and had great success last week.
The Niners will likely follow suit. The problem is
that
the success
running the ball will be split between Hearst ... |
| RB |
Kevan Barlow |
S2 |
... and Barlow. Touches had been
pretty even until last week when the edge definitely
went to Hearst. If that continues this week then we
may finally have some indication as to who is the better
fantasy option. |
| WR |
Terrell Owens (P) |
S2 |
TO got the ball in the end-zone and
kept his mouth shut. All-in-all a good week. But the
situation hasn't really changed. He's still getting
more balls thrown his way than any other WR, he's still
under-performing and his QB still can't get him the
ball consistently
down field. |
| WR |
Tai Streets |
X |
Okay, okay Garcia. We all know now
that you really like Owens (wink, wink). Now get back
to throwing the ball to your future #1 receiver. |
| WR |
Cedrick Wilson |
B |
Now fighting for his #3 spot
with Brandon Lloyd.
|
| TE |
Jed Weaver
Aaron Walker |
B |
Not only is the TE an afterthought
in the Niner passing attack, now rookie Aaron Walker
appears to be gaining favor, thus splitting the very
limited production with ineffective Weaver. |
| Seattle |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Matt Hasselbeck |
S2 |
Spanked last week, home against a
division rival, increased pocket protection, weak corners
to attack. All signs indicate a steller outing for
the Seattle signal caller. |
| RB |
Shaun Alexander (P) |
S2 |
Coming off his second 100-yard game
of the season and he gets right tackle Chris Terry
back. The only downside this week is the fact that most
teams attack the weak San Francisco corner backs, lessening
the impact of the running game. |
| WR |
Koren Robinson |
S2 |
Robinson's advantage in this matchup
is running deep on CB Ahmed Plummer. With Hasselbeck
afforded more time due to the return of RT Terry, a
few big plays are in order. |
| WR |
Darrell Jackson |
S2 |
A matchup with CB Mike Rumph that
he will win. Only had four catches last week, but three
others went his way once the team crossed the 10 yard
line. |
| WR |
Bobby Engram |
B |
The advantage on the perimeter
with Robinson and Jackson will mean that Engram will
be an afterthought this week.
|
| TE |
Itula Mili |
B |
To hit-and-miss to make him a viable
fantasy starter. |
|
|
| Atlanta (1-4) at St. Louis (2-2) |
|
| Mon, Oct 13, 9:00 PM ET on ABC at
Edward Jones Dome |
Back to top |
| Atlanta |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Doug Johnson |
B |
Johnson is be coming off his best
game and has something to build on. His worst performance
this year unfortunately came against another team,
Tampa, that runs the same cover-2 schemes as St. Louis.
The Rams are not the Bucs, but they are solid and will
cause the same type of problems. |
| RB |
Warrick Dunn |
X |
Not getting the carries in the power
running game but remains a great passing target out
of the backfield. The Rams' speed on defense may limit
his effectiveness this week. |
| RB |
T.J. Duckett |
X |
The Falcons have featured a power
between-the-tackles running game of late and Duckett
is it's main attraction. Look for that to continue
this week as they go right at the Rams in order to
limit their defensive speed and break down the cover-2. |
| WR |
Peerless Price (Q) |
X |
Made everyone's bench scoring look
great last week. Don't expect the same type of production
against the solid Ram zone coverage. He is also still
bothered by the foot injury and re-aggrevated it last
Sunday. |
| WR |
Brian Finneran (Q) |
B |
May see the playing field for the
first time since week one. Will likely work his way
back into a fantasy factor, but it won't happen this
week as he'll be limited if he plays. |
| WR |
Quentin McCord
Jimmy Farris |
B |
Farris scored on his single catch
last week, but look for him to remain a non-factor
as both he and McCord get pushed down the depth chart
as Finneran works his way back into the lineup.
|
| TE |
Alge Crumpler |
S2 |
Will be needed this week to stretch
the Rams' defense down the seams. |
| St. Louis |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Marc Bulger |
S2 |
If the Rams continue the balanced
attack Bulger should benefit as there will be more
big play opportunities off play-action. The Falcons
just don't have the horses to stay with the Ram receivers. |
| RB |
Arlen Harris |
B |
A more versatile back than Gordon
but the undrafted rookie will remain second fiddle. |
| RB |
Lamar Gordon (P) |
S2 |
In week 4 without Faulk the Rams
ran the ball an amazing 34 times. Gordon is a good
between-the-tackles runner. If the Rams show that type
of commitment to the run on Monday night Gordon will
put up big numbers against the disappointing Falcon
front. |
| WR |
Torry Holt |
S1 |
If given man-to-man coverage by the
Falcon corners, Holt will have a big night. |
| WR |
Isaac Bruce |
S2 |
Still has the speed and talent to
make opposing defenses pay for the extra attention
given to Holt. |
| WR |
Dane Looker |
B |
The team has gained confidence
in Looker but his playing time will now start to
shrink as Shaun McDonald is expected to return to
action this week.
|
| TE |
Cam Cleeland |
B |
The TE plays only a minor role in
this offense. |
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