Start/Bench
List - Week 12
By Whitney
Walters
November 20, 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 (8-2) at Dallas (7-3) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Texas Stadium |
Back to top |
| Carolina |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Jake Delhomme |
B |
Doing what it takes to win games
for the Panthers. But that's not good enough for your
fantasy team, especially against the Cowboys' #1 pass
defense. |
| RB |
Stephen Davis |
S2 |
Looked solid last week in his return
from the ankle injury. The Panthers will not be intimidated
by the stout Dallas defense. They will put them to
the test with blocking schemes designed to neutralize
their athletic and speedy linebackers. Interesting
note: Dallas has faced a running team ranked higher
than 21st only once. Carolina is #3. |
| WR |
Muhsin Muhammad |
B |
Just when everyone had given up on
him, he explodes for 189 yards last week. Hard to rely
on a guy however that still hasn't scored since week
one and prior to last week had topped 46 yards receiving
only twice. |
| WR |
Steve Smith |
S2 |
Smith
should find himself matched up against rising star,
CB Terence Newman this week. The rookie has been solid
in most of his man-to-man matchups, but Smith's
combination of speed and excellent route running will
cause some
problems that Delhomme can take advantage of. |
| TE |
Whoever |
B |
The three tight ends each caught
a single pass last week. |
| Dallas |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Quincy Carter |
B |
Carter appears to be digressing
of late. He looks tentative in the pocket and has
made bad decisions that are calling back memories
of his earlier career. The Cowboys have the talent
advantage on the perimeter but the Panthers excel
in pressuring opposing
QBs. Carter is likely to buckle under that pressure.
|
| RB |
Troy Hambrick |
B |
As the offensive line blocking continues
to break down, so does Hambrick's effectiveness. He's
averaged under 2.6 YPC in three of the past four games.
Don't expect much of a turn-around this week against
a Carolina defense that has allowed a league low four
rushing touchdowns this season. |
| RB |
Adrian Murrell |
B |
Since being re-signed, Murrell has
seen nine carries followed by 16, followed by three.
May see more touches this week, may not. Not starter
material. |
| WR |
Joey Galloway |
B |
Has been ineffective this season
and now is slowed by a quad injury.
|
| WR |
Terry Glenn |
X |
The Panthers have no answer for
his
speed and athleticism in the secondary. The downside
of this matchup comes in the form of the excellent
play of the Carolina front. With Carter under intense
pressure all day it will be hard to take advantage
of this matchup.
|
| WR |
Antonio Bryant |
B |
Will get more attention with Galloway
slowed and had an amazing 12 balls thrown his way
last week. What's even more amazing is that he was
only able to catch three of them.
|
| TE |
Dan Campbell
Jason Witten |
B |
The rookie Witten may have a future,
but for now the TE position should be avoided in Dallas. |
|
|
| Detroit (3-7) at Minnesota
(6-4) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Metrodome |
Back to top |
| Detroit |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Joey Harrington |
B |
The Vikings have been playing
some of the worst pass defense in the league lately.
But the Lions really don't have the talent at WR
to take advantage enough to make Harrington worth
starting this week.
|
| RB |
Shawn Bryson |
S2 |
Bryson has paid off very little
this season, but if there's a week he could, it's
this one. The Vikings have surrendered an average
of 221 yards rushing in their past three games. Bryson
isn't likely to explode, but this matchup can't be
ignored. His consistent 4-5 catches a game help
also.
|
| RB |
Olandis Gary |
B |
Has had more than 8 carries only
once in past four games. |
| WR |
Az-Zahir Hakim |
U |
May have won fantasy relevance by
attrition. With Scotty Anderson now gone Hakim could
actually pay off for a daring fantasy owner this week.
He has season highs last week in catches and yards
and scored his first TD. If you are hurting at WR and
feel lucky, give Hakim a try this week. |
| WR |
Bill Schroeder |
X |
Inconsistent and has been bothered
by a nagging leg injury, but he could be productive
this week against a Viking secondary that has played
terribly lately.
|
| TE |
Mikhael Ricks
Casey Fitzsimmons |
B |
As the wide receivers continue to
be decimated by injury the tight ends may play a bigger
role in the passing game. Problem is that neither of
these guys can be consistent enough to help your fantasy
team. |
| Minnesota |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Daunte Culpepper |
S1 |
Still putting up good fantasy numbers
but his mistakes and bad decisions are hurting his
team. The Vikings won't likely fall behind this week
and will be able to maintain a more balanced attack,
which should benefit Culpepper. |
| RB |
Moe Williams |
S2 |
Look for the Vikes to stick to the
running game this week as they will not likely fall
behind the woeful Lions. Williams may see his carries
cut this week by Bennett, but he remains a monster
in the passing game and the goal-line back. |
| RB |
Michael Bennett |
U |
Last week obviously didn't go according
to plan as the Vikings had to turn to the passing game
early as they fell behind. That won't happen this week
and this is a prime spot (third week back and at home)
to get Bennett some serious work. |
| WR |
Randy Moss |
S1 |
A mild concussion two weeks ago
and shut down last week by Oakland. That's not likely
to happen two weeks in a row against the Lions. |
| WR |
D'Wayne Bates |
B |
Since returning from injury has
only a single catch in each of the three games.
|
| WR |
Nate Burleson
Kelly Campbell |
B |
Both Burleson and Campbell have
had their moments this season, but through ten games
they have only a combined 32 catches between them.
|
| TE |
Jim Kleinsasser |
S2 |
Has become highly involved in the
passing game, leading the team with seven catches last
week. Remains a solid fantasy starter. |
|
|
| Indianapolis (8-2) at Buffalo
(4-6) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Ralph Wilson Stadium |
Back to top |
| Indianapolis |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Peyton Manning |
S2 |
Was able to succeed last week even
with all the injuries his prime weapons. Harrison
and Walters may play this week and that will help,
but the Bills will provide more of a challenge this
week for sure. He may be in a tougher spot, but you
can't sit him. |
| RB |
Edgerrin James |
S1 |
With all the injuries to the receiving
corps, James will again be asked to carry the load.
And expect him to deliver. |
| WR |
Marvin Harrison (Q) |
X |
Expected to practice on Friday and
play this week. But hamstrings and wide receivers can
be a strange combination sometimes. Keep an eye on
our Priority News for late week and game day updates
on his status. |
| WR |
Reggie Wayne |
S2 |
Even with Harrison possibly back
this week, Wayne will still play a key role in the
passing attack. Look for the Colts to work matchups
with nickel corner Kevin Thomas, a matchup Wayne can
exploit. |
| WR |
Troy Walters (D) |
B |
Early reports are that Walters' hamstring
injury will keep him out this week. |
| TE |
Marcus Pollard (Q) |
B |
Expected to miss at least one more
week due to the sprained knee. |
| TE |
Dallas Clark |
S2 |
Stepped to the forefront last week
with the injuries to Harrison and Pollard. Harrison
may be back, but Pollard won't be. Clark will again
be a big part of the passing game. |
| Buffalo |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Drew Bledsoe |
B |
Okay, it's time to move on. If you
can't even throw for 200 yards or score against one
of the worst pass defenses in the league, forget it.
He looks flat out terrible. The offense
has scored a league low six passing TDs and given up
almost a league high 30 sacks. |
| RB |
Travis Henry (Q) |
B |
As expected, Henry tore it up against
Houston last week. Bad news is that he suffered a
cracked fibula. Reports are indicating he'll play,
but you'd be taking a big risk if you followed suit
this week. |
| RB |
Sammy Morris |
U |
If Henry sits out this week, Morris
is the likely starter. He may split carries with
Joe Burns however. If the Bills can keep it close and
stick to a running attack Morris has a chance to produce
against a suspect Colt run defense. |
| WR |
Eric Moulds (Q) |
X |
Since "returning" from his groin
injury Moulds has gone 6-53, 5-32 and was a late scratch
last week. If he plays this week he will not be 100%,
and with Bledsoe playing the way he is it's unlikely
Moulds is worth a spot in your starting lineup. |
| WR |
Josh Reed |
S2 |
Has played well since his breakout
game in week seven. With Moulds slowed at best, gone
at worst, Reed will again be the focus. He is well
suited against zone coverages and if Bledsoe can deal
with the pressure Reed may have a chance to make some
plays. |
| WR |
Bobby Shaw |
X |
Has been disappointing most week,
but with no Moulds he tied his season best last week
with 92 yards. But with the struggles in the offense
Shaw hasn't seen the end-zone since week 4.
|
| TE |
Mark Campbell |
B |
Good for a few catches a game but
that's about it. |
|
|
| Jacksonville (2-8) at N.Y. Jets
(3-7) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Giants Stadium |
Back to top |
| Jacksonville |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Byron Leftwich |
B |
The rookie continues to struggle. |
| RB |
Fred Taylor (P) |
S2 |
Goes from facing the leagues best
run defense to facing the worst. Only one problem,
he's not likely to be 100% this week. Keep an eye on
reports coming out of Jacksonville (which you can find
in the Priority News). The more positive the indications
are that Taylor is
okay,
the
more likely
you should get him in your lineup this week. |
| WR |
Jimmy Smith |
X |
Even with the best of matchups
you can only expect average-at-best performances
out of Smith while his rookie QB takes his lumps.
|
| WR |
Troy Edwards |
B |
Has actually out-caught Smith over
the last four games (17 to 13) but hasn't found the
end-zone. This trend may reach an end this week with
the addition of Johnson into the mix. |
| WR |
Kevin Johnson |
B |
Expected to play this week, but I
wouldn't plug him into your lineups just yet. Smith
and Edwards are playing well and you still have a struggling
rookie at QB. |
| TE |
Kyle Brady |
B |
If you are looking for 2-3 catches
and 20-30 yards, this is your guy. |
| New York Jets |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Chad Pennington |
S2 |
Once of the hottest fantasy quarterbacks
since getting back into the Jets' starting lineup.
He's thrown nine TDs in his three starts. The Jags
present nothing on the defensive side of the ball that
makes me think this trend won't continue. |
| RB |
Curtis Martin |
X |
Getting the yardage (three 100 yard
games in the last four) but not the scores (that would
be none). Will struggle this week against a very tough
Jaguar defense that allows a league low 3.1 YPC rushing. |
| RB |
LaMont Jordan (P) |
B |
Gets some fantasy hype due to his
power running style and goal-line efforts, and because
many continue to think Martin is done. He is strictly
Martin's backup however and has had more
than
seven
carries only once this season. |
| WR |
Curtis Conway |
X |
Has been a solid performer since
taking over the Chrebet and scored his first TD of
the season last week. With Moss stretching the secondaries
vertically there are plenty of opportunities for Conway
underneath in crossing patterns. As Pennington continues
to work with him his production will increase. |
| WR |
Santana Moss (P) |
S1 |
Moss is the man in NY now. He's
averaging 108 yards a game in the last five and has
scored in every game since week six.
|
| TE |
Anthony Becht |
B |
Hasn't been a factor, even with Chrebet
going down. |
|
|
| New England (8-2) at Houston
(4-6) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Reliant Stadium |
Back to top |
| New England |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tom Brady (P) |
S2 |
The running game should be very effective
this week, opening up the play-action passing game
for Brady. Even with the injuries at wideout you can't
ignore this prime matchup against what many consider
the worst pass defense in the league. |
| RB |
Antowain Smith |
S2 |
Except for the time missed due to
injury Smith has been the feature back for the Pats.
What that typically translates into is a 15 carry game
with an occasional score. Expect the typical again
this week with some upside due to facing one of the
worst defenses in the league. |
| RB |
Kevin Faulk |
B |
Since Smith's return Faulk's touches
and impact have decreased significantly. |
| WR |
Troy Brown (Q) |
X |
After missing two games, Brown
is expected to return to action this week. He remains
a risk however until he gets through a full week
of practice and the pre-game warmups.
|
| WR |
Deion Branch |
U |
The second year receiver doesn't
get consistent looks, but has the after-the-catch
abilities that can result in big plays. That kind
of production is hard to rely on, but the odds are
good this week that a big play or two will happen
against the woeful Houston pass defense. He's also
the only receiver not slowed by injury.
|
| WR |
David Givens (Q) |
B |
Went down with a leg injury last
week after pulling in two nice passes for 67 yards.
May not be available this week. |
| TE |
Christian Fauria |
B |
Has given way to the young Graham. |
| TE |
Daniel Graham |
S2 |
Was shut down last week by the aggressive
and speedy linebackers and safeties of the Cowboys.
Houston can't come even close to matching that talent
so look for Graham to be productive again this week. |
| Houston |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tony Banks |
B |
Has been somewhat effective filling
in for Carr this season, but don't even think about
starting him against New England this week. Or any
week for that matter. |
| RB |
Domanick Davis |
X |
Struggles against strong run defenses.
The Patriots fit that description and will show plenty
of 8-men fronts with Banks at QB. Davis will still
get his touches though and if they keep him active
in the passing game he still has a chance to produce.
|
| WR |
Andre Johnson |
X |
On talent alone Johnson has the ability
to produce most weeks. But as most rookies he's inconsistent.
If you have no other good options then Johnson isn't
bad. Obviously more downside this week with Banks at
QB. |
| WR |
Corey Bradford |
B |
His only fantasy value comes from
his ability to turn in the occasional long touchdown
reception, which has happened three times now this
season for an average of 72 yards per TD. |
| WR |
Jabar Gaffney |
B |
#3 WR in a bad passing attack
being run by the backup QB this week. No thanks.
|
| TE |
Billy Miller |
X |
After scoring in both weeks 8 and
9, Miller has disappeared, catching only one ball in
the last two games. Banks was the QB in week 9, so
there's some hope this week. |
|
|
| New Orleans (5-5) at Philadelphia
(7-3) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
Lincoln Financial Field |
Back to top |
| New Orleans |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Aaron Brooks |
B |
Brooks isn't being helped by a WR
corps that just can't stay healthy. His inabilities
with the blitz will cause problems against one of the
blitzn-est teams in the league. |
| RB |
Deuce McAllister |
S2 |
Seven straight 100+ yard games with
two 2-TD efforts to boot. Two of those games came against
the Panthers, but Philly still poses a challenge this
week. |
| WR |
Joe Horn (Q) |
X |
Just can't seem to get over the knee
injury. Re-aggravated the injury last Sunday. Even
if he gets on the field he presents a high risk to
finish the game. Against the ever-improving Philly
secondary it's best to look elsewhere this week. |
| WR |
Donte Stallworth (Q) |
B |
Battling quad and ankle injuries. |
| WR |
Jerome Pathon |
B |
Likely to be the only healthy
receiver this week. Still wouldn't want to have him
as a starter.
|
| TE |
Boo Williams |
U |
Takes over for the injured Conwell.
The TE is a viable part of the Saints offense and with
Brooks under heavy blitz all afternoon, Williams will
be needed for quick dump-offs. |
| Philadelphia |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Donovan McNabb |
S2 |
After a terrible start to the season,
McNabb is beginning to flash his elite fantasy QB status
each week. That should continue this week against a
Saints defense that takes a very conservative approach
to coverage. |
| RB |
Brian Westbrook |
S2 |
Imagine what he could do if the Eagles
weren't so set on a RBBC. Oh well, that's not likely
to happen. You'll just have to accept the limited carries
and the TD per game pace he's on. |
| RB |
Duce Staley |
B |
Only a factor if both Westbrook
and Buckhalter go down with injuries. |
| RB |
Correll Buckhalter |
X |
Only carried the ball five times
last week, but one of those went for a TD. At this
point his only real fantasy value is in TD-only leagues. |
| WR |
James Thrash |
U |
Has improved along with McNabb over
the past few weeks. Way overdue for his first TD of
the year, and could see it this weekend. |
| WR |
Todd Pinkston (P)
Freddie Mitchell (P) |
B |
Pinkston has had more than 3 catches
for 35 yards only once this season. Mitchell, only
twice. It's just not happening for these two. |
| TE |
L.J. Smith (Q)
Chad Lewis |
B |
The rookie Smith is proving to be
too inconsistent and the team is looking to Lewis more
of late. Splitting tight end production is death to
fantasy owners. |
|
|
| Pittsburgh (3-7) at Cleveland
(4-6) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on CBS at
Cleveland Browns Stadium |
Back to top |
| Pittsburgh |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Tommy Maddox |
X |
Did not fare well against Cleveland
in week five (only 136 yards and no TDs). The Steelers
have shown some improvement since then, but they don't
have the running game necessary to force the also improving
Cleveland secondary to commit up to stopping the run. |
| RB |
Amos Zereoue |
B |
Has been almost worthless since losing
his starting job to Bettis. |
| RB |
Jerome Bettis (P) |
B |
The Browns have shown this season
to be vulnerable to bruising, power runners. You'd
think that would make Bettis a good start this week.
Well it doesn't because the Steelers fail to get Bettis
the carries he needs week after week. He's also been
pretty ineffective with the ones he getting. |
| WR |
Plaxico Burress (P) |
B |
Major league disappointment,
but he stepped up last week when Ward went down.
Or was it just that there was no one else to throw
to? . Three of his last five games have been one-catch
affairs.
Until he proves worthy it's to the bench.
|
| WR |
Hines Ward |
S2 |
Remains the only weekly bright spot
in the Pittsburgh offense. Banged up last week but
won't be slowed Sunday against the Browns. |
| WR |
Antwaan Randle El (P) |
B |
Mostly a bit player in the passing
game that was called upon last week and delivered.
But you can't rely on Ward getting knocked around each
week. |
| TE |
Jay Riemersma (D) |
B |
Can't seem to stay healthy this season,
and is a non-factor anyway. |
| Cleveland |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Kelly Holcomb |
X |
Too bad he can't play Arizona
every week. Prior to last week his best performance
since returning from injury had been the previous
week's 150 yard, single TD effort. The Steelers aren't
going to roll over just yet, so Holcomb remains a
'tweener at best.
|
| RB |
James Jackson |
X |
Now filling in for the suspended
Green. Didn't get much yardage production last week
as the aerial assault was in full swing. But the offense
was in scoring position enough to give him goal-line
scoring opportunities. Don't expect a repeat this week
against what is still a stiff Steeler run defense. |
| WR |
Andre' Davis |
U |
The team is looking for the young and explosive
Davis to step to the front and become Holcomb's go-to
guy. May start happening with Johnson's sudden exit.
|
| WR |
Dennis Northcutt |
B |
Has been the team's most consistent
receiver this season. But if it takes a near 400-yard
day from Holcomb to give his #3 WR any
fantasy value, you better not be looking Northcutt's
way often.
|
| WR |
Quincy Morgan |
X |
Same goes for #2 man Morgan. |
| TE |
Whoever |
B |
Doesn't matter who they get to play
each week. |
|
|
| Seattle (7-3) at Baltimore
(5-5) |
|
| Sun, Nov 23, 1:00 PM ET on FOX at
M&T Band Stadium |
Back to top |
| Seattle |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Matt Hasselbeck |
B |
Has been running the offense effectively,
but his numbers (typically about 220 yards and a single
TD) aren't holding much interest for fantasy owners.
This week you should find another option if possible
as going on the road against the Ravens will pose the
biggest challenge yet. |
| RB |
Shaun Alexander |
S2 |
The Seahawks possess what is likely
the league's most underrated running attack. The challenge
is stiff this week, but with the help of guys like
OL Walter Jones and FB Mack Strong, if they stay committed
to the run Alexander remains a solid start this week. |
| WR |
Koren Robinson |
X |
The matchups just aren't there this
week on the perimeter for Seattle. Both Robinson and
... |
| WR |
Darrell Jackson |
X |
... Jackson have struggled off and
on this season. This week presents a very good opportunity
for both to have their struggle switch in the "on"
position. |
| WR |
Bobby Engram |
B |
Has been a very productive #3
WR this season. This week however the nickel back
matchup is not much of an advantage, and with Hasselbeck
under heavy pressure the opportunities for the #3
WR will be limited.
|
| TE |
Itula Mili |
X |
Two things can happen to a tight
end when facing a pass rush like the Ravens. There
are more opportunities due to quick dump-offs, or there
are fewer due to having to stay in for pass protection. |
| Baltimore |
| Pos |
Player |
SBC |
Comments |
| QB |
Anthony Wright |
B |
Gets the start over Redman this week.
Not a bad decision since Redman looked like a deer
in headlights last week after coming in for the injured
Boller. Either way, no need to run to your waiver wire
for this guy. |
| RB |
Jamal Lewis |
S2 |
As last week showed, Lewis will be
facing mostly 8-man fronts for the rest of the season.
But the Raven offensive line can still be dominating
and has a good chance this week against a Seattle defensive
front without two of it's key components (Chad Eaton
and Norman Hand). |
| WR |
Travis Taylor
Frank Sanders (Q)
Marcus Robinson (Q) |
B |
This group had no fantasy value with
Boller at QB and they have even less now, if that's
even possible. |
| TE |
Todd Heap |
S2 |
Even with all the problems Wright
now brings to the passing game, Heap
remains a viable fantasy tight end. Almost two-thirds
of the completions were Heap's last week. |
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