Start/Bench
List - Week 7
By Whitney
Walters
October 16, 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 |
|
|
| Baltimore (3-2) at Cincinnati
(1-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Paul Brown Stadium |
Back to top |
| Baltimore |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kyle Boller |
B |
Without a doubt the worst passing
offense in the NFL. Forget Boller. |
| RB |
Jamal Lewis (P) |
S1 |
Only downside is the lack of scoring
opportunities in this offense. |
| RB |
Chester Taylor |
B |
May begin seeing a few more carries
in relief of Lewis. |
| WR |
Travis Taylor |
B |
Remains a mystery after
dropping three passes Sunday. Taylor had eight
go his way, but only converted two into short
gains. When your team averages only 25 passing attempts
a game you better make the most of the ones that come
your way. Taylor is not. |
| WR |
Frank Sanders |
B |
No fantasy value in this offense. |
| WR |
Marcus Robinson |
B |
Ditto.
|
| TE |
Todd Heap |
S2 |
One of the most promising young tight
ends in the league. But that won't do
his fantasy owners any good if the passing game continues
to be non-existent. Remains a fantasy starter, but
he's more likely to produce "average" weeks now than
"big" weeks. |
| Cincinnati |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jon Kitna |
X |
Must remain mistake free to have
an impact. Look for the aggressive Raven defense
to make that difficult.
|
| RB |
Corey Dillon (Q) |
X |
Expected to return this week but
faces a touch challenge in the Ravens defense that
allows less than 100 YPG on the ground. The Bengals
are one of only three teams that average under three
yards per carry and have just two rushing touchdowns. |
| RB |
Rudi Johnson |
B |
If Dillon is 100% and sticks it out
for the entire game, Johnson won't see much action. |
| WR |
Chad Johnson |
S2 |
Has the skills and talent to win
his matchups with all but the best corner backs in
the league. This week will be no exception. |
| WR |
Peter Warrick |
S2 |
Has emerged as a reliable target
for Kitna. Hasn't scored in a couple of game so he's
due. He's also due for a reverse or two given the aggressive
Raven defense. |
| WR |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Q)
Kelly Washington |
B |
TJ is expected to return this
week and will likely split time as the #3 WR with
Washington. The focus of the passing game is Johnson
and Warrick so whoever is running at the #3 spot
gets few looks.
|
| TE |
Matt Schobel
Reginald Kelly
Tony Stewart |
B |
The tight end position usually gets
some extra attention against strong defenses.
But this 3-headed TE in Cincinnati should be avoided. |
|
|
| Dallas (4-1) at Detroit
(1-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Ford Field |
Back to top |
| Dallas |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Quincy Carter |
S2 |
Playing within himself and his
abilities while leading one of the league's top offenses.
Very favorable matchup this week with a Detroit defense
that doesn't apply much pressure and who's secondary
is starting three backups.
|
| RB |
Troy Hambrick |
S2 |
Only the Panthers are running the
ball more than Dallas, and the Lions allow almost 130
YPG rushing. A nice combination for Hambrick owners
this week. |
| RB |
Richie Anderson |
B |
Will keep getting about 10 touches
a game. Some weeks that will mean some reception points
or a touchdown. Some weeks that won't mean much. |
| WR |
Joey Galloway |
S2 |
Will be too much for the injury riddled
Lion secondary to handle. Look for Galloway to be the
headliner in a balanced Dallas attack this week. |
| WR |
Terry Glenn |
X |
Detroit doesn't have the talent to
stay with Glenn. His biggest downside this week will
be his always inconsistent play. |
| WR |
Antonio Bryant |
X |
Hit-and-miss, big-play receiver
with only 11 catches this season through five games.
The Cowboys love to throw to him in the end-zone
and the Lions are woefully weak in the secondary
due to injury. Still a difficult play.
|
| TE |
Jason Witten (Q) |
B |
Expected to return to action despite
the broken jaw. Don't expect much. |
| Detroit |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Joey Harrington |
B |
Will be fresher following the week
off and should be well prepared for the very tough
Dallas defense. But he has no control over his pass
protection, and he will need extra time in the pocket
to allow his receivers to get open against the tight
Dallas secondary. That extra time won't be there often. |
| RB |
Shawn Bryson |
X |
After a couple of weeks of emerging
as the lead back, Bryson took a back seat to Gary
in week 5. It looks like the only way to avoid a committee
approach here is for Bryson start strong and have Mariucci
stick with him. Against the #3 run defense, that's
not likely. |
| RB |
Olandis Gary |
X |
The most likely scenario this week
is an equally unproductive dose of both Bryson and
Gary against the tough Cowboy run defense. |
| WR |
Az-Zahir Hakim |
X |
With the lose of rookie Charles Rogers,
Hakim moves to the forefront in Detroit's passing attack.
He will have to step up for them to have any success
throwing the ball. The strength of the Dallas secondary
will make that difficult. |
| WR |
Bill Schroeder |
B |
Will see a few extra looks this week,
but still looks to be slowed by the knee injury and
continues his inconsistent
play. |
| WR |
Scotty Anderson |
B |
Moves up the depth chart again
due to Rogers' injury. Won't matter.
|
| TE |
Mikhael Ricks |
B |
Coming off a big game before the
bye week, Ricks will meet his match in SS Roy Williams.
Williams is big and athletic enough to cause problems
for this former WR. |
|
|
| Denver (5-1) at Minnesota
(5-0) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Metrodome |
Back to top |
| Denver |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Steve Beuerlein |
X |
In for the injured Plummer. Will
need to be sharp as the Vikings lead the league with
13
interceptions.
Expect average performance at best with a good portion
of the damage coming in the short game to Portis and
Sharpe. |
| RB |
Clinton Portis |
S1 |
Sub-par performance last week. Will
bounce back on the Minnesota carpet. |
| RB |
Mike Anderson |
B |
Back to fullback and the occasional
carry. |
| WR |
Rod Smith |
S2 |
Smith may not be the down field threat
he used to be, but he has the skills to take advantage
of the physical play of CB Brian Williams. Look for
him to get behind Williams for a few big plays. |
| WR |
Ashley Lelie |
X |
Has struggled the past two games,
catching only four balls for 41 yards, and did not
click last week with Beuerlein. Look for the Broncos
to correct that and get Lelie the deep balls he excels
at.
|
| WR |
Ed McCaffrey |
B |
Still a solid possession receiver
and will get a couple key catches a game. He may help
spread the offense, but he's not a fantasy option
any more. |
| TE |
Shannon Sharpe |
S2 |
Should have little trouble gaining
separation on the Viking safeties and linebackers and
remains very effective in the play-action passing game. |
| Minnesota |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Daunte Culpepper (P) |
S2 |
Should be close to 100% recovered
from the back fractures. Will need to stand tall in
the pocket as the Broncos bring good pressure on the
QB. The Vikings have allowed a league leading 12 sacks.
Look for CPep to do most of his damage on short routes. |
| RB |
Moe Williams |
X |
The 20+ carry games from earlier
in the season are long gone now. Williams owners now
must be happy with 10-14 carries with hopefully a few
of those coming at the goal-line. |
| RB |
Onterrio Smith |
X |
Smith out-carried Williams in their
last game and was very productive. He also received
two carries inside the 10 yard line. A good sign. But
splitting carries and a tough opponent make Smith a
difficult start. |
| WR |
Randy Moss |
S1 |
Will face the tallest cornerback
in the league this week in Lenny Walls. Walls may be
able to handle some to the jump balls, but he lacks
the acceleration to stay with Moss. |
| WR |
Nate Burleson |
B |
This rookie's fine play has him starting
along side Moss. Typically a good place to be with
all the attention Moss garners. Has not had much time
with Culpepper however. |
| WR |
Kelly Campbell
D'Wayne Bates (Q) |
X |
Bates remains a likely scratch
and Campbell hasn't been much of a factor since week
3.
|
| TE |
Jim Kleinsasser |
U |
Should be healthy now and the return
of Culpepper raises his stock. |
|
|
| Green Bay (3-3) at St. Louis
(3-2) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Edward Jones Dome |
Back to top |
| Green Bay |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Brett Favre |
S2 |
With Green, two tight ends and four
wide receivers, Favre has the weapons to attack the
Rams' cover-2 defense with success. He'll have the
protection in the pocket, all he needs is the patience
to pick them apart with the short passing game. |
| RB |
Ahman Green |
S1 |
Has taken over the top spot for fantasy
running backs. |
| RB |
Najeh Davenport |
B |
With Fisher re-injuring his groin
Davenport moves back into the backup role. |
| WR |
Donald Driver |
S2 |
Firmly entrenched again as the go-to
receiver for Favre. While tough, the Rams' cover-2
defense shouldn't
pose many problems as he and Favre work the underneath
routes. |
| WR |
Robert Ferguson |
X |
With the exception of Driver, expect
the ball the be spread around this week as it was last
Sunday against the Chiefs who run similar defensive
schemes to the Rams. This will mean fewer opportunities
for both Ferguson ... |
| WR |
Javon Walker |
B |
... and Walker. Walker especially
given the increase in the 2-TE sets used by the Packers
now that Walls is healthy.
|
| TE |
Bubba Franks |
X |
As expected, Favre's favorite
end-zone target saw his looks decrease last week with
the emergence of Walls. There are no indications that
will not continue. Another 2-headed TE is born. Wonderful. |
| TE |
Wesley Walls |
X |
Out produced Franks big time last
week. Walls receiving
skills
will not go untapped and the Packers will continue
to use him often with 2-TE sets. |
| St. Louis |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Marc Bulger |
S2 |
The Rams' offensive line continues
to improve. They should have little trouble giving
Bulger the time needed to create some big plays. |
| RB |
Arlen Harris |
B |
A versatile back, but the undrafted
rookie will remain second fiddle to Gordon. |
| RB |
Lamar Gordon (P) |
S2 |
The Rams are not running the ball
that well, averaging under 100 YPG. But with Faulk
out they are more committed to the run and Gordon is
benefiting. He's totn' the rock 20 times a game. That's
six more than Faulk this season. Gordon's
between-the-tackles style will dominate this week as
the Packers' defensive line is undersized and thinned
by injury. |
| WR |
Torry Holt |
S1 |
Should abuse his matchup this week
with CB Al Harris. Harris is strong and physical, but
once Holt gets into his routes it's all over. |
| WR |
Isaac Bruce |
S2 |
Still has the speed and talent to
make opposing defenses pay for the extra attention
now given to Holt. |
| WR |
Dane Looker |
B |
The team has gained some 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
Brandon Manumaleuna |
B |
Manumaleuna has outperformed Cleeland
(the starter) in the past two games. The TE appears
to be working it's way into the game plan more for
the Rams, but with two of
them
splitting
time neither are worth much. |
|
|
| New England (4-2) at Miami (4-1) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Pro Player Stadium |
Back to top |
| New England |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tom Brady (P) |
B |
Has thrown for only 331 yards and
a single touchdown in the past two games against tough
opponents. Miami makes three in a row so don't expect
much from Brady this week. |
| RB |
Antowain Smith (Q) |
B |
If Smith is healthy the plan should
be to run the bruiser right at the Dolphins to wear
them down. But the Pats show little patience for that.
Look for about 10-12 carries, which won't allow for
much against the #2 run defense. |
| RB |
Kevin Faulk
Mike Cloud |
B |
Last week Cloud got the start, carried
the ball 7 times for 19 yards in the first half. Then
went
to the bench and watched Faulk carry it 14 times for
a
career high 87 yards. Expect more of
Faulk and less of Cloud this week if Smith is limited.
Neither are worth a lineup spot. |
| WR |
Troy Brown |
X |
Very inconsistent this season.
Has had 7 catches in two games but in three others
he's had only a single catch. The ball control, run
first offense has hurt his production as well. Miami's
secondary will surely limit him this week.
|
| WR |
Deion Branch (Q) |
B |
May return this week but isn't
worth your time as he'll be limited by the injury
and the Miami coverage.
|
| WR |
David Patten (Q) |
B |
The only receiver to catch more than
a single pass last week. |
| TE |
Christian Fauria |
U |
When the Pats get down close to the
end-zone they will be looking Fauria's way often as
the wide receivers do not match up well this week. |
| TE |
Daniel Graham (Q) |
B |
The shoulder injury is preventing
this talented rookie from gaining a foothold in the
Patriot passing game. |
| Miami |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jay Fiedler (P) |
B |
Fiedler just doesn't have what it
takes to be a viable fantasy quarterback. His limited
arm strength prevents the Dolphins from stretching
the field or working the deep outside routes. He
functions primarily as a care-taker. |
| RB |
Ricky Williams |
S1 |
After two light work weeks (20 carries
a game) it's time for some more "run Ricky, run!" |
| WR |
Chris Chambers |
X |
The Dolphins' only real down field
threat draw "the Law" this week. Tough matchup that
will likely limit his production. |
| WR |
Derrius Thompson |
B |
Only 15 completions a
game generated by the Dolphins with Williams, Chambers
and McMichael typically getting 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 |
McMichael should play a key role
in the passing attack with the secondary able to limit
the WRs and SS Rodney Harrison likely cheating up in
run support. Fiedler should look for him often. |
|
|
| New Orleans (2-4) at Atlanta
(1-5) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Georgia Dome |
Back to top |
| New Orleans |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Aaron Brooks |
U |
Hasn't thrown for over 200 yards
since week one. Will likely be doing a lot of handing
off to Deuce, but when the Saints do pass they should
do so well. |
| RB |
Deuce McAllister |
S1 |
Last week he got the 30th ranked
run defense, this week the 29th. Should find the end-zone
against a Falcon defense that has allowed a league
leading nine rushing touchdowns. |
| WR |
Joe Horn |
S2 |
If the Falcons' secondary doesn't
improve from it's Monday night debacle Horn could easily
have his biggest game of the season. |
| WR |
Donte Stallworth |
B |
Since his eight catch outing in week
one, Stallworth is averaging about a catch a game. |
| WR |
Jerome Pathon |
U |
The passing game should get it
going this week against the Falcons, so look for
a few extra passes to go Pathon's way.
|
| TE |
Ernie Conwell |
S2 |
Has quietly become a top fantasy
TE. In a season where the TE seems to be taking a
back seat in team's passing games, and more and more
2-headed TEs are popping up, Conwell's value can't
ge denied. |
| Atlanta |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kurt Kittner |
B |
Who? The second-year player
from Illinois will get his first start Sunday as
he replaces the struggling Doug Johnson. I actually
thought this would be a nice bounce-back game for
Johnson. But what do I know. Now it's Kittner to
the rescue. Yeah, whatever. Is Vick ready yet?
|
| RB |
Warrick Dunn |
X |
Not getting the carries in the power
running game. His 23 yards Monday night were the most
since week 2. But remains a good passing target out
of the backfield. Unfortunately that may not amount
to much. |
| RB |
T.J. Duckett |
U |
The Falcons continue to featured
a power running game with
Duckett carrying the load.
Look for more of the same this week as the Saints are
vulnerable to the run, allowing over 125 YPG. |
| WR |
Peerless Price (Q) |
X |
Johnson looked Price's way often
Monday night, but just couldn't get the ball to him.
Lets hope this Kittner dude has the same game plan. |
| WR |
Brian Finneran |
X |
Returned to action Monday night and
looked good while leading the team in receiving yards.
As with Price however, gets a downgrade with the new
QB. |
| WR |
Quentin McCord
Jimmy Farris |
B |
With Finneran back, both McCord
and Farris become afterthoughts.
|
| TE |
Alge Crumpler (P) |
S2 |
Leads all tight ends with 316 yards
and is an integral part of the Falcon passing attack. |
|
|
| Philadelphia (2-3) at New York Giants
(2-3) |
|
| Sun, Oct 19, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Giants Stadium |
Back to top |
| Philadelphia |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Donovan McNabb (P) |
B |
And so the slump continues. Played
like a deer in headlights last week. Until he snaps
out of this (if he does) it's best to go with your
backup. |
| RB |
Duce Staley |
U |
Out-carried by Buckhalter last week
but made up for that in the passing game.
This mess of a backfield may be a little cleaner this
week with Westbrook dinged up. Look for more action
to come
Staley's
and
... |
| RB |
Correll Buckhalter |
X |
... Buckhalter's way as a result.
This week the edge goes to Staley. |
| RB |
Brian Westbrook (Q) |
B |
The hip injury may not keep him out,
but will keep him limited for sure. |
| WR |
James Thrash |
B |
Thrash is a solid receiver that's
struggling along with his quarterback. Until McNabb
and the passing game get it going Thrash owners will
suffer. No Philly WR has caught a touchdown this season. |
| WR |
Todd Pinkston (Q) |
B |
Had a team leading nine passes come
his way last week and caught a grand total of ZERO.
With a struggling passing game, if you can't catch
what's coming your way then you are of no value. |
| WR |
Freddie Mitchell |
B |
Has fallen behind the tight ends
and running backs as a viable option in the Eagles'
passing game.
|
| TE |
L.J. Smith |
B |
Smith was ignored last week but he
remains a great target for McNabb down the seams in
the coverages. Now it they will only throw him the
ball consistently. |
| New York Giants |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kerry Collins |
X |
The inexperienced offensive
line continues to limit the passing game, providing
little protection for Collins. Against the aggressive,
blitzing
Eagles
defense this week that will be a big problem. |
| RB |
Tiki Barber |
X |
Has played well so far this season
but fumbles and the Giants’ offensive
line woes have held him back. Don't expect a lot out
of him this week against the #1 rushing defense, allowing
under 70 YPG. |
| WR |
Amani Toomer |
X |
The Philly secondary continues
to improve with the return of Troy Vincent last week
and the probable return of Bobby Taylor this Sunday.
Both Toomer and ...
|
| WR |
Ike Hilliard |
U |
... Hilliard will likely struggle
this week. |
| WR |
Tim Carter |
B |
The #3 WR just isn't going to
get many looks in this offense.
|
| TE |
Jeremy Shockey (P) |
S1 |
On a nice little roll. Isn't finding
the end-zone much, but leads all tight ends in catches
and is #2 in yards. |
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