Start/Bench
List - Week 8
By Whitney
Walters
October 23, 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 (5-1) at New Orleans
(3-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Superdome |
Back to top |
| Carolina |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jake Delhomme |
B |
Carolina was forced to put up almost
50 passes last week as they played from behind the
entire game. Don't expect a repeat against the Saints. |
| RB |
Stephen Davis |
S1 |
Last week was a huge letdown for
Davis owners. Don't expect the Panthers to quickly
fall behind and have to abandon the run this week however.
Davis put up a season high 159 yards on the Saints
just three weeks ago. |
| RB |
DeShaun Foster (P) |
B |
The Panthers are Davis' team. While
Foster showed great potential two weeks ago he will
only see some carries in relief of Davis and some looks
in the passing game. |
| WR |
Muhsin Muhammad (Q) |
B |
Muhammad is questionable due to a
concussion suffered last week and he will also draw
the best coverage the Saints have to offer in Dale
Carter. |
| WR |
Steve Smith |
X |
If Muhammad doesn't play look for
Smith to lose this matchup with CB Dale Carter. Smith
does not perform well against tough press coverage
and gives up four inches to Carter. However, if Muhammad
can take the field look for Smith to do well against
the smaller CB Fred Thomas. |
| WR |
Ricky Proehl |
B |
May see a few extra passes if
Muhammad doesn't play, but mostly a non-factor in
a run oriented offense.
|
| TE |
Kris Mangum |
B |
Only a minor role in the passing
game. |
| New Orleans |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Aaron Brooks |
U |
Don't expect another season high
by halftime like last week, but the Panthers rank only
26th in pass defense and Brooks should find some success
through the air if the pass protection holds up. One
downside may be the loss of the speedy Stallworth. |
| RB |
Deuce McAllister |
S2 |
Even tough Carolina will pose a challenge
to the Saints' running game, McAllister should find
some success running on the outside. While the Panthers'
front is stout, they can be worn down over the course
of a game. |
| WR |
Joe Horn |
S2 |
Came up huge last week and has scored
a touchdown in each of the last three games. The knee
appears 100% now and he has the talent to win most
matchups he faces. |
| WR |
Donte Stallworth (Q) |
B |
May not play and only averaging a
catch a game of late when he does. |
| WR |
Jerome Pathon |
X |
May see some extra looks as the
Saints will run more 2-WR sets with the likely absence
of Stallworth.
|
| TE |
Ernie Conwell (P) |
S2 |
Due to a game injury took a
back seat to the fantasy production of #2 TE Williams
last
week.
Conwell however remains the top TE target for the Saints. |
|
|
| Cleveland (3-4) at New England
(5-2) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Gillette Stadium |
Back to top |
| Cleveland |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kelly Holcomb |
X |
Couch is likely back to the bench
and Holcomb returns as the starter. Before anyone
gets too excited lets not forget that prior to the
injury Holcomb was fairly ineffective. Starting decision
won't be made official until game-time.
|
| RB |
William Green (P) |
X |
Left the game last week after two
fumbles and the Browns in catch-up mode. The Browns
continue to run the ball with only moderate success
and have a league low two rushing touchdowns this season.
The Pats allow only 90 rushing YPG and the offensive
line injuries are taking a toll. |
| RB |
Jamel White |
B |
Locked into the 3rd-down back role
but not consistently used. |
| WR |
Kevin Johnson |
X |
Inconsistent passing game thanks
to a spotty offensive line and shuffling quarterbacks
continues to limit KJ's potential. |
| WR |
Dennis Northcutt |
X |
Scored his first touchdown of
the season last week and has joined KJ as a receiver
at least somewhat reliable to fantasy owners. He's
a tough start however as the Browns continue to spread
the ball in the passing game.
|
| WR |
Andre' Davis |
B |
As the #4 WR in this spread offense,
consistently gets far fewer looks than the other three
wide receivers. Only a single catch in the past two
games. |
| WR |
Quincy Morgan |
X |
Showing improvement as he returns
from the knee injury, but remains the #3 option for
whoever's tossing the ball for the Browns. |
| TE |
Steve Heiden |
B |
The Cleveland tight end position
is typically a non-factor. |
| New England |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tom Brady (P) |
X |
The Patriot running game is in no
shape to exploit their advantage there, so look for
Brady to continue his attack through the air as he
did last week against the Dolphins. The Browns are
not as tough against the pass as their #1 statistical
ranking indicates. |
| RB |
Antowain Smith (Q) |
B |
If Smith is healthy this week the
plan should be to run the bruiser right
at the weak Brown interior defense. But
the Pats impatience with the running game and Smith's
injury make him a bench player this week. |
| RB |
Kevin Faulk |
U |
The likely starter if Smith can't
go. A good matchup for Faulk this week as the Browns
allow a league worst 5.1 YPC on the ground. His downside
is the still uncertain usage of Cloud. |
| RB |
Mike Cloud |
B |
Since coming off the bench and onto
the waiver wire "hot" list, there has been no silver
lining on this Cloud. He's carried the ball only 14
times in the last two games and is averaging 2.2 YPC. |
| WR |
Troy Brown |
S2 |
His speed will serve him well
this week as the Browns' CB Anthony Henry has trouble
staying with quick receivers in the open field.
|
| WR |
Deion Branch (Q) |
X |
Returned strong from his injury
last week. Look for more of the same against the
Browns.
|
| WR |
David Patten (Q)
David Givens |
B |
When the Patriots want to spread
the offense that tends to involve the tight ends as
much as an extra wide receiver. This position has also
be hurt by injury. |
| TE |
Christian Fauria |
B |
Remains a viable target when the
team approaches the goal-line, but very few looks outside
of that. |
| TE |
Daniel Graham (Q) |
B |
Returning to health and working his
way back into the passing attack. |
|
|
| Dallas (5-1) at Tampa Bay
(3-3) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Raymond James Stadium |
Back to top |
| Dallas |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Quincy Carter |
B |
Despite the Bucs defensive slide,
the wheels could fall off the Carter bandwagon this
week. The line, running game and receivers just don't
matchup well with the Bucs style of play. Look for
Carter to struggle with his reads against the zone
coverages and blitz.
|
| RB |
Troy Hambrick |
X |
The Bucs front isn't playing up to
their "best ever" status. Unfortunately Hambrick lacks
the the speed and elusiveness to make them pay. If
he struggles (which is likely) he will lose carries
to both Anderson and Cason. |
| RB |
Richie Anderson
Aveion Cason |
B |
Anderson has found a niche in the
Dallas offense with his 10-12 touches a game. Cason
has been a non-factor since week one due to his tendency
for negative yard plays. |
| WR |
Joey Galloway |
X |
Falling out of favor in big-D?
Maybe. Only four catches in the past three games.
Galloway excels in the vertical routes, which the
Tampa Bay zone schemes are best at taking away. Don't
expect a bounce back this week.
|
| WR |
Terry Glenn |
X |
A more complete package than Galloway,
who is mostly a burner. Emerging as the go-to receiver
in the passing game. The most open part of the field
when you play the Bucs is over the middle, Glenn's
least favorite place to go.
|
| WR |
Antonio Bryant |
B |
The Cowboys won't run as many
3-WR sets this week against the aggressive Tampa
Bay pass rush.
|
| TE |
Jason Witten |
B |
May see a few extra looks over the
middle this week, but don't expect much as the tight
ends will be needed more in pass protection. |
| Tampa Bay |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Brad Johnson |
S2 |
With the running game limited due
to the Pittman injury, Johnson will have to carry the
load this week. The Cowboys don't pressure the QB well
so Johnson has a chance to shine this week. |
| RB |
Michael Pittman |
B |
Carrying the load for Tampa now,
but the running game just hasn't been the same since
the loss of Alstott. Pittman will also be slowed by
a hip pointer and the Cowboys bring the #2 rush defense
to town, allowing only 75 YPG. Does remain very active
in the passing attack.
|
| RB |
Thomas Jones |
B |
Even with the loss of Alstott,
Jones is
only getting
the occasional
carry
or catch. |
| WR |
Keyshawn Johnson |
S2 |
Will obviously be the focal point
of the Cowboy coverage schemes. Because of lack of
QB pressure, Johnson-to-Johnson should find success
in the short passing game. |
| WR |
Keenan McCardell |
S2 |
Better suited to stretch the Cowboys'
coverages deep than Johnson. Look for him to continue
to find success doing just that this week as his QB
will have plenty of time in the pocket for him to get
deep separation. |
| WR |
Karl Williams
Reggie Barlow |
B |
Both Williams and Barlow will
again be asked to step up this week due to the injuries
in the WR corps. Don't expect much.
|
| TE |
Whoever |
B |
Three different tight ends last week
with one catch each. |
|
|
| Denver (5-2) at Baltimore
(3-3) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
M&T Band Stadium |
Back to top |
| Denver |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Danny Kanell |
X |
One week you're the #3 QB, then the
#2, now the starter. The opportunities will be there
for Kanell as Baltimore will dare him to beat them
deep as they concentrate on stopping the #3 rushing
offense in the league. |
| RB |
Clinton Portis |
S2 |
The injuries to the QBs and the offensive
line bring risk to Portis this week against a very
aggressive Raven defense. If Kanell can't make plays
down field then the Ravens could make it a long day
for Portis by bringing up extra run support. |
| WR |
Rod Smith |
X |
Doesn't match up will with the Baltimore
secondary,
but he has the skills to find his openings in the coverage. |
| WR |
Ashley Lelie |
U |
The Raven secondary can tend to
give up big plays. Lelie has the opportunity for
a few of those this week. One of Kanell's strengths
is his arm. Look for a few deep balls.
|
| WR |
Ed McCaffrey (Q) |
B |
May again be inactive due to the
leg injury. |
| TE |
Shannon Sharpe (P) |
S2 |
Having a great season and will be
highly motivated in his return to Baltimore. |
| Baltimore |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kyle Boller (Q) |
B |
Showed some promise last week when
forced to throw from behind. Don't look for a repeat
against the Broncos. Also suffered a mild
sprained shoulder last week on his non-throwing side.
Could limit his effectiveness. |
| RB |
Jamal Lewis (P) |
S2 |
Denver provide a challenge and Lewis
is still bothered by the sprained shoulder.
That said, Lewis is an every-week starter. |
| RB |
Chester Taylor |
B |
Seeing a few more carries
in relief of Lewis. |
| WR |
Travis Taylor |
B |
Even last week's monster game doesn't
make Taylor a starter this, or any week. |
| WR |
Frank Sanders
Marcus Robinson (P) |
B |
No fantasy value in this offense. |
| TE |
Todd Heap |
X |
Limited passing attack and faces
one of the top cover linebackers in the league this
week in John Mobley. |
|
|
| Detroit (1-5) at Chicago (1-5) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Soldier Field |
Back to top |
| Detroit |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Joey Harrington (P) |
B |
Harrington has played progressively
worse over the past few weeks and is in jeopardy of
losing his starting job. With the poor performances
and the brewing QB controversy it's best to stay away
from Harrington, even if they are playing the lowly
Bears. |
| RB |
Shawn Bryson |
X |
Look for Detroit to give it's struggling
offense a boost by running a heavy
dose of both Bryson ... |
| RB |
Olandis Gary |
X |
... and Gary at the #31 run defense
in the league. |
| WR |
Az-Zahir Hakim |
X |
Saw the most passes last week (8)
and did the least with them (one catch for a pitiful
4 yards). Any receiver getting eight looks in a week
should be worth considering, but Hakim is iffy. |
| WR |
Bill Schroeder |
B |
May be the knee, may just be age,
but Schroeder isn't getting the needed separation to
be a factor in the passing game. |
| WR |
Scotty Anderson |
B |
Better suited to take advantage
of nickel coverage than Schroeder was. For whatever
that's worth.
|
| TE |
Mikhael Ricks |
U |
When the Lions do pass they will
be looking for Ricks. Bears weak-side linebacker Joe
Odom is a huge liability in pass coverage. |
| Chicago |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Chris Chandler |
U |
A decent matchup for whoever gets
the start this week against a Lions team that has allowed
a league worst 13 passing touchdowns in six games. |
| RB |
Anthony Thomas (Q) |
B |
The sprained
foot may keep him out another week. At best he will
see only limited action. |
| RB |
Adrian Peterson (Q) |
U |
Looked solid (16 carries-55 yards)
last week before the Bears had to turn to the air while
playing
catch-up.
The Bears will look to run the ball against the Lions
and their #25 run defense in an attempt to control
the clock. With that game plan Peterson could surprise
this week. |
| WR |
Marty Booker (Q) |
B |
Still slowed by the ankle injury. |
| WR |
Dez White |
B |
White is a straight-line runner
and struggles with his route running. The Lions'
biggest surprise this year, CB Dre' Bly, will have
little trouble shutting down the Bears' leading receiver.
|
| WR |
David Terrell |
X |
Much more active with Chandler
at the helm and should again have his moments this
week while White is tied up on the other side.
|
| TE |
Desmond Clark (Q) |
S2 |
Regardless of who's at quarterback,
Clark remains the best fantasy option in the Bears'
passing attack. His questionable status makes him a
risky start however this week. |
|
|
| New York Giants (2-4) at Minnesota
(6-0) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Metrodome |
Back to top |
| New York Giants |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kerry Collins |
X |
The offensive line woes and turnovers
continue to limit the Giants' offense and create inconsistency
in Collins' production. Don't look for those problems
to be solved this week in the fast and loud Metrodome
as the Giants' line lost another starter last week.
|
| RB |
Tiki Barber |
S2 |
Even with Levens taking over in the
second half last week Barber was still able to put
up over 110 total yards. Don't expect this to become
a committee backfield. Barber will remain the driving
force in the running game with Levens possibly taking
8-10 touches. |
| RB |
Dorsey Levens |
B |
His effort last week should have
earned him weekly "active" status. However, he will
never be more than a relief for Barber. |
| WR |
Amani Toomer |
X |
The Vikings secondary doesn't
match up all that well with either Toomer or ...
|
| WR |
Ike Hilliard |
X |
... Hilliard. But with Collins getting
very little time to set up in the pocket, both will
continue to struggle regardless of matchup. |
| TE |
Jeremy Shockey (P) |
S1 |
Solid production each week with constant
big game potential. Can't ask for much more in a starting
fantasy tight end. |
| Minnesota |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Daunte Culpepper (P) |
S2 |
Wasn't slowed a bit last week by
the back injury, but didn't run much. The Giants have
only allowed a league low three passing TDs, but when
you have Randy Moss to throw to who cares. |
| 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 |
His predicted emergence as the
starter seems a bit premature now. He's averaging under
10 carries a game in his last three, but has scored
two TDs in those three games. Has potential, but is
an iffy start each week. |
| WR |
Randy Moss |
S1 |
Dominant fantasy receiver. Start
him. |
| WR |
Nate Burleson |
B |
Gained the starting spot with Culpepper
on the bench. They seem to have some work to do on
getting comfortable with each other as Burleson went
catchless last week. |
| WR |
Kelly Campbell (P) |
U |
Giants nickel CB Ralph Brown
has been a target in coverage all season. That will
be the case again as he will be left in man coverage
with Campbell thanks to the attention Moss will get.
|
| TE |
Jim Kleinsasser |
B |
Having lost Kleinsasser and the tight
end position to injury it seems that his role in the
offense hasn't returned
with his return to action. |
|
|
| Seattle (5-1) at Cincinnati (2-4) |
|
| Sun, Oct 26, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Paul Brown Stadium |
Back to top |
| Seattle |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Matt Hasselbeck |
S2 |
The strong running game will draw
safety help and provide very favorable matchups on
the perimeter with the receiving corps. Expect a solid,
but not huge, game from Hasselbeck. |
| RB |
Shaun Alexander |
S1 |
The Bengals allow over 120 YPG on
the ground. |
| WR |
Koren Robinson |
S2 |
Maybe his pedestrian performance
lately is due to not being 100% back from the hamstring
injury. Let's hope so since that means there's improved
production on the horizon. So-so matchup this week,
but will get his chances. |
| WR |
Darrell Jackson (Q) |
S2 |
Decent matchup with the Bengal corners.
Should continue with his consistent play and is due
to find the end-zone. His questionable status make
him a risky start this week however. |
| WR |
Bobby Engram (Q) |
B |
Lead the way for all Seattle receivers
last week which is a sign that they are beginning
to open the offense up more with 3-WR sets. But with
the typical advantage that Robinson and Jackson
have on the
outside, Engram isn't likely to duplicate that effort
any time soon.
|
| TE |
Itula Mili |
B |
Not your answer at TE. Only two catches
in the past two games. |
| Cincinnati |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jon Kitna |
X |
Showing improvement. Has never
gone two games without an interception, but has only
one in the past three games. Also has six TDs in
those games.
|
| RB |
Corey Dillon (P) |
X |
Big risk this week thanks to his
lingering groin injury and his big mouth. Hasn't had
over 40 yards rushing since week 2 but did score last
week. If the Bengals give Dillon 20-25 carries this
week he could wear down the Seattle front and have
some success. |
| RB |
Rudi Johnson |
B |
If Dillon gets the rock, Rudi sits.
It's that simple. |
| WR |
Chad Johnson |
S2 |
Should have a big day against the
young Seattle secondary. |
| WR |
Peter Warrick |
S2 |
In fantasy football consistency is
king. Warrick is a viable target in the Bengal offense
now and hasn't has fewer than four catches this season
and is scoring once every two weeks. |
| TE |
Matt Schobel |
X |
With Schobel back from injury he
provides a great target for Kitna over the middle as
he has terrific hands. |
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