The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Detroit at Dallas (Sunday early) – The up-and-coming Lions versus the bumbling, injury-stricken Cowboys, led by the wounded Tony Romo.  Detroit escaped with a victory last weekend after falling 20 points behind the Vikings in the first half, but their luck will run out this week.  Dallas 27, Detroit 24.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matt Stafford, WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle) & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew (Probable-shoulder)
  • Neutral: RB Jahvid Best, WR Titus Young, DEF, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit: TE Tony Scheffler
    
• Dallas
  • Start: QB Tony Romo (Questionable-ribs), WR Dez Bryant (Questionable-thigh), TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral: RB Felix Jones (Probable-shoulder) & DeMarco Murray, DEF
    
  • Sit: RB Tashard Choice, WRs Miles Austin (Out-hamstring), Kevin Ogletree & Jesse Holley

 

New Orleans at Jacksonville – Jacksonville looked horrible last week while losing to Carolina, and it wasn’t just the monsoon-like conditions that were to blame.  Jacksonville has just one legitimate offensive weapon at this point, and New Orleans will counter with more weapons than Jacksonville can possibly defend (especially if Marques Colston is able to return).  New Orleans 30, Jacksonville 13.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WRs Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, & Robert Meachem, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF, K John Kasay 
  • Neutral: RBs Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, & Darren Sproles
  • Sit: WR Marques Colston (Questionable-shoulder)
• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Neutral: RB Deji Karim
  • Sit: QB Blake Gabbert, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill, DEF, K Josh Scobee

 

Tennessee at Cleveland – Chris Johnson can’t continue to look this bad all season, can he?  Don’t bet on it - Cleveland’s run defense should be fairly easy pickings for Johnson and fellow running back Javon Springer.  If Johnson has another subpar game here against a below-average Browns defense, then it’s officially time to worry.  Tennessee 24, Cleveland 20.

• Tennessee
  • Start: RB Chris Johnson, TE Jared Cook, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Javon Springer, WR Nate Washington, K Rob Bironas
  • Sit: WRs Damian Williams, Lavelle Hawkins, Donnie Avery
• Cleveland
  • Start: RB Peyton Hillis (Probable-illness), TEs Ben Watson & Evan Moore
    
  • Neutral: RB Mario Hardesty, DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Sit: QB Colt McCoy, WRs Mohamed Massaquoi (Questionable-ankle), Brian Robiskie, Greg Little, & Josh Cribbs (Questionable-groin)
    

 

Buffalo at Cincinnati – Why am I picking against the Bills and their magic carpet ride yet again (one of these weeks I’m bound to be right)?  They’ve been outscoring opponents so far, but their defense has been mediocre, and the Bengals’ strengths match up well with the Bills’ weaknesses.  Hope you enjoyed the ride while it lasted.  Cincinnati 27, Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson
  • Neutral: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WRs Steve Johnson (Probable-groin), David Nelson, & Donald Jones; TE Scott Chandler, DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • Sit: N/A
• Cincinnati
  • Start: RB Cedric Benson, WRs A.J. Green & Andre Caldwell, TE Jermaine Gresham
    
  • Neutral: QB Andy Dalton, DEF, K Mike Nugent
  • Sit: RB Bernard Scott, WR Jerome Simpson

 

Washington at St. Louis – St. Louis lost at home last week to the other half of the Beltway duo, while the Redskins are coming off a road loss at Dallas and have had a short week.  Why will Washington prevail?  St. Louis can’t stop the run, and they’re also below-average against the pass.  Meanwhile, Steven Jackson is probably not 100% yet, and the Rams don’t have any consistent receivers for Sam Bradford to throw to.  Washington 28, St. Louis 27.

• Washington
  • Start: QB Rex Grossman, RB Tim Hightower, WRs Santana Moss & Jabar Gaffney, K Graham Gano
    
  • Neutral: RB Roy Helu, TEs Fred Davis & Chris Cooley (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Sit: WR Anthony Armstrong (Questionable-hamstring)
• St. Louis
  • Start: QB Sam Bradford, WRs Brandon Gibson & Mike Sims-Walker
  • Neutral:  RB Steven Jackson (Probable-quad), WR Danario Alexander, TE Lance Kendricks, DEF, K Josh Brown
  • Sit:   RB Cadillac Williams (Probable-hamstring), WR Danny Amendola (Questionable-elbow)

 

San Francisco at Philadelphia - San Francisco lost on the road last week, while Philadelphia lost at home.  Michael Vick’s broken, er bruised hand is well enough for him to take snaps from center, and if he keeps his focus on the game and off the refs, the Eagles should win easily.  The 49ers’ defense is better than you think, but they’ll be no match for the Eagles’ offense.  Philadelphia 27, San Francisco 17.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith, RBs Frank Gore (Questionable-ankle) & Kendall Hunter, DEF
  • Sit:  WRs Braylon Edwards (Out-knee), Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot) & Josh Morgan, K David Akers
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick (Probable-hand), WR DeSean Jackson, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB LeSean McCoy, WRs Jeremy Maclin (Probable-hamstring), Jason Avant, & Steve Smith (Probable-knee); K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown

 

Minnesota at Kansas City – The Chiefs finally scored a touchdown last week in their third game of the season, but it wasn’t enough.  This week they’ll score twice as many touchdown as they have season-to-date, but it still won’t be enough to win.  If Adrian Peterson’s healthy enough to play for the Vikings, he should have a field day.  Minnesota 27, Kansas City 20.

• Minnesota
  • Start: RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-calf), WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF
    
  • Neutral: QB Donovan McNabb, WR Michael Jenkins, K Ryan Longwell
    
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WR Bernard Berrian, TE Kyle Rudolph
• Kansas City
  • Start:  WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Steve Breaston, TE Leonard Pope, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Sit:  RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin (Out-thumb)

 

Pittsburgh at Houston – The matchup between the Steelers’ defense and the Texans’ offense should be the best of the day.  Pittsburgh’s defense will prevent the Texans from turning this game into the kind of shootout they had last week with New Orleans, and that should be enough to pull out the victory.  Regardless of whether or not Arian Foster’s healthy enough to start, do yourself a favor and don’t play him this week unless you have no other options.  Pittsburgh 27, Houston 24.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Mike Wallace (Probable-ribs), TE Heath Miller
  • Neutral:  RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Emmanuel Sanders & Antonio Brown, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  WR Hines Ward
• Houston
  • Start:  TE Owen Daniels
  • Neutral:  RB Ben Tate (Probable-back), WR Andre Johnson (Probable-knee), DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Sit: QB Matt Schaub, RBs Arian Foster (Probable-hamstring) &  Derrick Ward (Out-ankle), WRs Kevin Walter (Probable-shoulder) & Jacoby Jones (Probable-knee)
    

 

Carolina at Chicago – Cam Newton’s performance last week against Jacksonville was an aberration - Tom Brady would have had trouble throwing for 200 yards in that slop.  Expect the Panthers to get their aerial attack back on track against a weak Bears’ secondary.  Carolina 27, Chicago 21.

• Carolina
  • Start: QB Cam Newton, WRs Steve Smith & Brandon LaFell, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • Neutral: RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, K Olindo Mare
    
  • Sit:  TE Jeremy Shockey
• Chicago
  • Start: RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
    
  • Neutral: QB Jay Cutler, WR Devin Hester, DEF, K Robbie Gould
    
  • Sit: RB Marion Barber (Probable-calf), WRs Roy Williams, Earl Bennett (Out-chest), & Dane Sanzenbacher; TE Kellen Davis

 

Atlanta at Seattle (Sunday late) – Atlanta certainly won’t be accused of peaking too early in the season, not after losing a game they should have won last week in Tampa.  Hard to believe that was the same team that staged a fourth-quarter comeback against the Eagles the previous week.  Seattle’s defense has been pretty good so far this season, but as long as Tarvaris Jackson remains at quarterback, don’t expect much fantasy value from its offensive players.  Atlanta 20, Seattle 14.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  RB Michael Turner, WR Julio Jones, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
    
  • Neutral: QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White (Questionable-thigh)
    
  • Sit: RB Jason Snelling (Out-concussion), WR Harry Douglas, K Matt Bryant
    
• Seattle
  • Start:  WR Sidney Rice, TE Zach Miller, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Mike Williams
    
  • Sit: QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Ben Obomanu, K Steve Hauschka
    

 

New York Giants at Arizona – Did the Giants turn a corner with last week’s upset of the Eagles?  That remains to be seen, but their running game, which has been mediocre to date, should get a big boost facing the Cardinal defense.  Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald should rebound nicely from last week’s fiasco at Seattle, but questions remain about Beanie Wells’ health.  New York 27, Arizona 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Hakeem Nicks (Probable-knee) & Victor Cruz
    
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Marion Manningham (Probable-concussion), DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
    
  • Sit: TE Jake Ballard
• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Beanie Wells (Questionable-hamstring) & Alfonso Smith; WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely
    
  • Sit: RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Questionable-hand), TEs Todd Heap (Probable-ribs) & Jeff King
    

 

Denver at Green Bay – There may yet be a team that can slow down Green Bay’s offense, but it certainly won’t be the Broncos this week.  Donald Driver and James Jones have been disappointments, and the situation at running back is still muddled, but that’s just picking nits.  Denver’s offense has done less than expected this season, especially through the air, but that could change quickly this week against a suspect Packer secondary.  Green Bay 31, Denver 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton, WRs Brandon Lloyd & Eric Decker
    
  • Neutral:  TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
    
  • Sit:  RBs Knowshon Moreno (Probable-hamstring) & Willis McGahee, WRs Eddie Royal (Out-groin) & Demaryius Thomas (Out-finger), DEF
    
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB James Starks, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley (Probable-ankle), DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RB Ryan Grant (Out-kidney), WRs Donald Driver, James Jones, & Randall Cobb

 

New England at Oakland – It’s been awhile since Oakland’s been in a shootout, but it could well happen this week.  Don’t expect Tom Brady to throw four interceptions again, but the Patriots’ defense will continue to be their Achilles’ heel.  Oakland 31, New England 30.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral: RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Shane Vereen, & Danny Woodhead,
  • Sit: WR Chad Ochocinco, TE Aaron Hernandez (Out-knee), DEF
    
• Oakland
  • Start:  RB Darren McFadden (Probable-shoulder), WR Denarius Moore, TE Kevin Boss, K Sebastian Janikowski
    
  • Neutral:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot)
    
  • Sit:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Louis Murphy (Out-groin), Darius Heyward-Bey, and Jacoby Ford (Questionable-hamstring), DEF
    

 

Miami at San Diego – Will this be the game that finally puts Dolphins’ Head Coach Tony Sparano out of his misery?  Even though some of his receivers are nursing injuries, Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers should put up pinball-like numbers against the Dolphins’ “defense”.  San Diego 41, Miami 24.

• Miami
  • Start:  RB Reggie Bush, WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess
    
  • Neutral:  QB Chad Henne, WR Brian Hartline, TE Anthony Fasano, K Dan Carpenter
    
  • Sit:  RB Daniel Thomas (Out-hamstring), DEF
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philp Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson (Questionable-abdomen) & Malcom Floyd (Questionable-groin), K Nick Novak
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews (Probable-foot) & Mike Tolbert, WR Patrick Crayton, DEF
  • Sit:  TE Antonio Gates (Doubtful-foot)

 

New York Jets at Baltimore  (Sunday night) – Rex Ryan seems to do well in games against his brother and his former team, but his current team has inexplicably abandoned the run this season in favor of the pass.  That might be a good thing for most teams, but with the inaccurate Mark Sanchez at the helm, this strategy will come back to bite the Jets in this game.  Baltimore 28, New York 21.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes (Probable-shoulder), TE Dustin Keller
  • Neutral: QB Mark Sanchez, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Plaxico Burress (Probable-hamstring) & Derrick Mason, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Shonn Greene, K Nick Folk
• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ricky Williams, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  WRs Lee Evans (Out-ankle), TE Dennis Pitta

 

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay (Monday night) – Unless new Colts’ starting QB Curtis Painter is horrible (as he has been in past starts), it’s likely he’ll remain the starting quarterback for the duration of the season.  This will serve the dual purposes of allowing Indy the chance to “evaluate” Painter, while simultaneously increasing their chances in the Andrew Luck lottery.  Tampa Bay 24, Indianapolis 17.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
  • Neutral:  RB Joseph Addai, WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie, DEF
  • Sit:  QBs Curtis Painter & Kerry Collins (Questionable-concussion), RB Delone Carter, K Adam Vinatieri
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Preston Parker, K Connor Barth
  • Sit:  WR Arrelious Benn, TE Luke Stocker

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Which players’ injury status changed this past week, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Michael Vick (hand)
  • Sam Bradford (toe)
  • Kerry Collins (concussion)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 4 opponents)
  • Chad Henne (@SD)
  • Donovan McNabb (@KC)
  • Jason Campbell (vs NE)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Frank Gore (ankle)
  • Beanie Wells (hamstring)
  • Peyton Hillis (illness)
  • Ryan Grant (kidney)
  • Felix Jones (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Daniel Thomas (@SD)
  • Montario Hardesty (vs Ten)
  • DeMarco Murray (vs Det)
  • Kendall Hunter (@Phi)
  • Alfonso Smith (vs NYG)
  • Deji Karim (vs NO)
  • Delone Carter (@TB)
  • Roy Helu (@StL)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Kenny Britt (Out for the season-knee)
  • Jeremy Maclin (hamstring)
  • Mario Manningham (concussion)
  • Braylon Edwards (knee)
  • Jacoby Ford (hamstring)
  • Lee Evans (ankle)
  • Anthony Armstrong (hamstring)
  • Torrey Smith (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (vs Ten)
  • Victor Cruz (@Ari)
  • Titus Young (@Dal)
  • Denarius Moore (vs NE)
  • Andre Caldwell (vs Buf)
  • Brian Hartline (@SD)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Antonio Gates (foot)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Brandon Pettigrew (@Dal)
  • Greg Olsen (@Chi)
  • Ed Dickson (vs NYJ)
  • Kevin Boss (vs NE)
  • Leonard Pope (vs Min)
  • Luke Stocker (vs Ind)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Billy Cundiff (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Dan Bailey (vs Det)
  • Graham Gano (@StL)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Ten (@Cle)
  • Cle (vs Ten)

Good luck!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Quarterbacks

 1.      Aaron Rodgers       @Chi

2.      Tom Brady @Buf

3.      Philip Rivers           vs KC

4.      Matt Ryan  @TB

5.      Kevin Kolb            @Sea

6.      Cam Newton          vs Jac

7.      Michael Vick          vs NYG

8.      Drew Brees            vs Hou

9.      Ben Roethlisberger @Ind

10.  Chad Henne           @Cle

11.  Tony Romo            vs Was

12.  Joe Flacco  @StL

13.  Matt Stafford          @Min

14.  Andy Dalton           vs SF

15.  Matt Schaub           @NO

16.  Kyle Orton @Ten

17.  Jay Cutler   vs GB

18.  Sam Bradford         vs Bal

19.  Mark Sanchez        @Oak

20.  Rex Grossman        @Dal

21.  Donovan McNabb vs Det

22.  Jason Campbell      vs NYJ

23.  Matt Hasselbeck    vs Den

24.  Colt McCoy           vs Mia

25.  Josh Freeman         vs Atl

26.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     vs NE

27.  Alex Smith  @Cin

28.  Blaine Gabbert       @Car

29.  Eli Manning            @Phi

30.  Matt Cassel            @SD

31.  Tarvaris Jackson     vs Ari

32.  Kerry Collins          vs Pit   

Running Backs                             

1.      James Starks          @Chi

2.      BenJarvus Green-Ellis         @Buf

3.      Michael Turner       @TB

4.      LeSean McCoy      vs NYG

5.      Shonn Greene         @Oak

6.      Ray Rice    @StL

7.      Rashard Mendenhall           @Ind

8.      Daniel Thomas        @Cle

9.      Adrian Peterson      vs Det

10.  Matt Forte  vs GB

11.  Cedric Benson        vs SF

12.  Tim Hightower        @Dal

13.  Maurice Jones-Drew          @Car

14.  Peyton Hillis           vs Mia

15.  Frank Gore            @Cin

16.  Ben Tate    @NO

17.  Chris Johnson         vs Den

18.  Ryan Grant @Chi

19.  Danny Woodhead  @Buf

20.  Ryan Mathews       vs KC

21.  Mark Ingram          vs Hou

22.  DeAngelo Williams vs Jac

23.  Pierre Thomas        vs Hou

24.  Jonathan Stewart    vs Jac

25.  DeMarco Murray   vs Was

26.  Jahvid Best @Min

27.  Isaac Redman         @Ind

28.  Roy Helu    @Dal

29.  Willis McGahee      @Ten

30.  Deji Karim @Car

31.  Javon Springer        vs Den

32.  Fred Jackson          vs NE

33.  Ahmad Bradshaw   @Phi

34.  Thomas Jones         @SD

35.  Dexter McCluster   @SD

36.  Marshawn Lynch    vs Ari

37.  Darren McFadden  vs NYJ

38.  Beanie Wells          @Sea

39.  Mike Tolbert          vs KC

40.  Jason Snelling         @TB

41.  Jacquizz Rodgers    @TB

42.  Ronnie Brown        vs NYG

43.  LaDainian Tomlinson          @Oak

44.  Joe McKnight         @Oak

45.  Tashard Choice      vs Was

46.  Ricky Williams        @StL

47.  Derrick Ward         @NO

48.  Bernard Scott         vs SF

49.  Michael Bush          vs NYJ

50.  LeGarrette Blount   vs Atl

51.  Earnest Graham      vs Atl

52.  Montario Hardesty vs Mia

53.  C.J. Spiller vs NE

54.  Jerrious Norwood  vs Bal

55.  Brandon Jacobs      @Phi

56.  Le’Ron McClain     @SD

57.  Joseph Addai         vs Pit

58.  Delone Carter         vs Pit

59.  Reggie Bush           @Cle

60.  LaRod Stephens-Howling   @Sea

61.  Felix Jones vs Was

62.  Knowshon Moreno            @Ten

63.  Arian Foster           @NO

64.  Marion Barber        vs GB

65.  Steven Jackson       vs Bal

66.  Cadillac Williams    vs Bal

 

Wide Receivers        

1.      Greg Jennings         @Chi

2.      Jordy Nelson          @Chi

3.      Deion Branch         @Buf

4.      Wes Welker           @Buf

5.      Vincent Jackson     vs KC

6.      Larry Fitzgerald      @Sea

7.      DeSean Jackson     vs NYG

8.      Steve Smith            vs Jac

9.      Jeremy Maclin        vs NYG

10.  Brandon LaFell       vs Jac

11.  Devery Henderson  vs Hou

12.  Robert Meachem    vs Hou

13.  Anquan Boldin        @StL

14.  Davone Bess          @Cle

15.  Andre Johnson       @NO

16.  Mike Wallace         @Ind

17.  Santana Moss         @Dal

18.  Percy Harvin          vs Det

19.  Eric Decker            @Ten

20.  Jerome Simpson     vs SF

21.  Denarius Moore     vs NYJ

22.  Johnny Knox          vs GB

23.  Michael Williams    vs Atl

24.  Nate Washington    vs Den

25.  Mike Thomas         @Car

26.  Brian Robiskie        vs Mia

27.  Preston Parker       vs Atl

28.  Greg Little  vs Mia

29.  David Nelson         vs NE

30.  Mike Sims-Walker vs Bal

31.  Brandon Gibson     vs Bal

32.  Josh Morgan          @Cin

33.  Hakeem Nicks       @Phi

34.  Dwayne Bowe        @SD

35.  Mike Williams        vs Ari

36.  Reggie Wayne        vs Pit

37.  Roddy White          @TB

38.  Calvin Johnson       @Min

39.  Brandon Marshall   @Cle

40.  Kenny Britt vs Den

41.  Sidney Rice            vs Ari

42.  Santonio Holmes    @Oak

43.  A.J. Green  vs SF

44.  Julio Jones  @TB

45.  Jason Avant            vs NYG

46.  Andre Roberts        @Sea

47.  Early Doucet          @Sea

48.  Legedu Naanee      vs Jac

49.  Plaxico Burress       @Oak

50.  Dez Bryant vs Was

51.  Hines Ward            @Ind

52.  Nate Burleson        @Min

53.  Brian Hartline         @Cle

54.  Titus Young            @Min

55.  Anthony Armstrong            @Dal

56.  Devin Hester          vs GB

57.  Jabar Gaffney         @Dal

58.  Dane Sanzenbacher            vs GB

59.  Chaz Schilens         vs NYJ

60.  Danario Alexander  vs Bal

61.  Ben Obomanu        vs Ari

62.  Lance Moore         vs Hou

63.  Derrick Mason       @Oak

64.  Steve Johnson        vs NE

65.  Lee Evans  @StL

66.  Brandon Lloyd       @Ten

67.  Jacoby Ford           vs NYJ

68.  Jacoby Jones          @NO

69.  Kevin Walter          @NO

70.  Mohamed Massaquoi         vs Mia

71.  Mario Manningham @Phi

72.  Donald Driver         @Chi

73.  James Jones           @Chi

74.  Chad Ochocinco    @Buf

75.  Harry Douglas        @TB

76.  Emmanuel Sanders @Ind

77.  Antoine Brown       @Ind

78.  Kevin Ogletree       vs Was

79.  Jesse Holley           vs Was

80.  Jerricho Cotchery   @Ind

81.  Andre Caldwell      vs SF

82.  Bernard Berrian      vs Det

83.  Arrelious Benn        vs Atl

84.  Dezmon Briscoe     vs Atl

85.  Donald Jones          vs NE

86.  Steve Breaston       @SD

87.  Victor Cruz            @Phi

88.  Austin Collie           vs Pit

89.  Pierre Garcon         vs Pit

90.  Steve Smith            vs NYG

91.  Michael Jenkins      vs Det

92.  Darius Heyward-Bey          vs NYJ

93.  Malcom Floyd        vs KC

94.  Roy Williams          vs GB

95.  Earl Bennett            vs GB

96.  Demaryius Thomas @Ten

97.  Jason Hill    @Car

98.  Louis Murphy         vs NYJ

99.  Michael Crabtree    @Cin

100.          Eddie Royal      @Ten

101.          Jonathan Baldwin          @SD 

 

Tight Ends     

1.      Jermichael Finley    @Chi

2.      Rob Gronkowski    @Buf

3.      Tony Gonzalez        @TB

4.      Jimmy Graham        vs Hou

5.      Greg Olsen vs Jac

6.      Dustin Keller          @Oak

7.      Ed Dickson            @StL

8.      Anthony Fasano     @Cle

9.      Heath Miller           @Ind

10.  Fred Davis @Dal

11.  Owen Daniels         @NO

12.  Jermaine Gresham  vs SF

13.  Visanthe Shiancoe  vs Det

14.  Kellen Winslow      vs Atl

15.  Zach Miller @Car

16.  Vernon Davis         @Cin

17.  Lance Kendricks    vs Bal

18.  Zach Miller vs Ari

19.  Jason Witten           vs Was

20.  Antonio Gates        vs KC

21.  Jeff King     @Sea

22.  Jeremy Shockey     vs Jac

23.  Todd Heap @Sea

24.  Kevin Boss vs NYJ

25.  Daniel Fells @Ten

26.  Ben Watson           vs Mia

27.  Evan Moore           vs Mia

28.  Luke Stocker         vs Atl

29.  Scott Chandler       vs NE

30.  Brent Celek            vs NYG

31.  Brandon Pettigrew  @Min

32.  Dallas Clark           vs Pit

33.  Dave Thomas         vs Hou

34.  Tony Scheffler        @Min

35.  Dennis Pitta            @StL

36.  Chris Cooley          @Dal

37.  Kellen Davis           vs GB

38.  Kyle Rudolph         vs Det

39.  Jared Cook            vs Den

40.  Delanie Walker       @Cin

41.  Leonard Pope        @SD

42.  David Ballard         @Phi

43.  Marcedes Lewis     @Car

44.  Jacob Tamme         vs Pit

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Pittsburgh Steelers  @Ind

2.      Arizona Cardinals   @Sea

3.      San Diego Chargers            vs KC

4.      Philadelphia Eagles vs NYG

5.      Cincinnati Bengals   vs SF

6.      New England Patriots         @Buf

7.      Baltimore Ravens    @StL

8.      Carolina Panthers   vs Jac

9.      Miami Dolphins      @Cle

10.  Atlanta Falcons       @TB

11.  Denver Broncos     @Ten

12.  New York Jets       @Oak

13.  Dallas Cowboys     vs Was

14.  Green Bay Packers @Chi

15.  Detroit Lions          @Min

16.  San Francisco 49ers           @Cin

17.  Tennessee Titans    vs Den

18.  New Orleans Saints            vs Hou

19.  Cleveland Browns  vs Mia

20.  Washington Redskins          @Dal

21.  Indianapolis Colts   vs Pit

22.  St. Louis Rams       vs Bal

23.  Minnesota Vikings  vs Det

24.  Oakland Raiders     vs NYJ

25.  Jacksonville Jaguars            @Car

26.  Seattle Seahawks   vs Ari

27.  Houston Texans      @NO

28.  New York Giants   @Phi

29.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers      vs Atl

30.  Kansas City Chiefs @SD

31.  Buffalo Bills            vs NE

32.  Chicago Bears        vs GB

 

Kickers          

1.      Mason Crosby       @Chi

2.      Stephen Gostkowski           @Buf

3.      Nick Novak           vs KC

4.      Matt Bryant            @TB

5.      Jay Feely    @Sea

6.      Olindo Mare           vs Jac

7.      Alex Henery           vs NYG

8.      John Kasay            vs Hou

9.      Shaun Suisham       @Ind

10.  Billy Cundiff            @StL

11.  Dan Carpenter        @Cle

12.  Dan Bailey  vs Was

13.  Jason Hanson         @Min

14.  David Akers           @Cin

15.  Rian Lindell            vs NE

16.  Josh Brown            vs Bal

17.  Nick Folk   @Oak

18.  Ryan Longwell        vs Det

19.  Mike Nugent          vs SF

20.  Neil Rackers          @NO

21.  Matt Prater @Ten

22.  Graham Gano         @Dal

23.  Robbie Gould         vs GB

24.  Sebastian Janikowski          vs NYJ

25.  Rob Bironas           vs Den

26.  Phil Dawson           vs Mia

27.  Connor Barth         vs Atl

28.  Josh Scobee           @Car

29.  Steve Hauschka      vs Ari

30.  Ryan Succop          @SD

31.  Lawrence Tynes     @Phi

32.  Adam Vinatieri       vs Pit

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Jacksonville at Carolina (Sunday early) – Panther fans have undoubtedly enjoyed watching Cam Newton throw for over 400 yards in each of his first two NFL starts.  Of course, two starts don’t make a career, but the future is definitely looking brighter for the Panthers.  This weekend they’ll get their first victory of the season, even if Newton relies more on his running backs than he has in either of the previous games.  Jacksonville is also starting a rookie quarterback (Blaine Gabbert), but his debut won’t go nearly as well as Newton’s did.  Carolina 30, Jacksonville 21.

• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, TE Zach Miller
    
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim
    
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Jason Hill (Questionable-hip), TE Marcedes Lewis (Questionable-calf), DEF, K Josh Scobee
• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton (Probable-ankle), WRs Steve Smith & Brandon LaFell, TE Greg Olsen, DEF, K Olindo Mare
    
  • Neutral:  RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, TE Jeremy Shockey
  • Sit:  WR Legedu Naanee
    

 

Detroit at Minnesota – The two teams involved in this contest and their respective quarterbacks are headed in the opposite direction.  The once-proud Vikings and their once-proud quarterback Donovan McNabb are in danger of becoming an NFL also-ran, while the Lions and their up-and-coming star quarterback (at least when he’s healthy) Matthew Stafford look to be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future.  Can Detroit beat a team with a decent defense on the road?  Yes.  Detroit 27, Minnesota 24.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle), K Jason Hanson
    
  • Neutral:  RB Jahvid Best, WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, TE Brandon Pettigrew (Questionable-shoulder), DEF
    
  • Sit:  TE Tony Scheffler
• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Neutral:  QB Donovan McNabb, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
    
  • Sit:  WRs Bernard Berrian & Michael Jenkins (Probable-groin), TE Kyle Rudolph
    

 

San Francisco at Cincinnati – The Bengals will never be accused of being model citizens, but this was a busy week for them even by their police blotter standards.  RB Cedric Benson is likely to be suspended for three games for his involvement in a barroom fracas last year, while WR Jerome Simpson’s house in nearby Kentucky was raided this week during a drug bust (marijuana).  Fortunately for the Bengals Cam Newton is not the only rookie quarterback playing well, and Andy Dalton will lead his team to victory over the concussed Alex Smith-led 49ers.  Cincinnati 24, San Francisco 20.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore, WR Josh Morgan, TE Vernon Davis, K David Akers
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith (Probable-concussion), DEF
    
  • Sit:  WRs Braylon Edwards (Out-knee) & Michael Crabtree (Questionable-feet), TE Delanie Walker
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  QB Andy Dalton, RB Cedric Benson, WRs A.J. Green (Questionable-toe) & Jerome Simpson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Mike Nugent
    
  • Sit:  RB Bernard Scott, WR Andre Caldwell
    

 

Miami at Cleveland – The NFL prides itself on its “parity” (read “mediocrity”), and this game should be Exhibit A.  Better things were expected from Browns QB Colt McCoy at the start of the season, but so far he hasn’t lived up to expectations.  After a stunning 400+ yard effort in the Dolphins’ opening game, QB Chad Henne reverted to his maddeningly inconsistent ways last week as Miami lost again at home (this time to Houston).  Expect rookie RB Daniel Thomas to see his first significant action for the Dolphins and lead his team to victory.  Miami 27, Cleveland 21.

• Miami
  • Start:  QB Chad Henne, RB Daniel Thomas, WRs Brandon Marshall (Probable-groin) & Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF, K Dan Carpenter
  • Neutral:  WR Brian Hartline
    
  • Sit:  RB Reggie Bush (Probable-groin)
    
• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Peyton Hillis, WRs Brian Robiskie & Greg Little
  • Neutral:  QB Colt McCoy, WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Questionable-ankle),TEs Ben Watson & Evan Moore, DEF, K Phil Dawson
    
  • Sit:  RB Montario Hardesty
    

 

New England at Buffalo – Patriots QB Tom Brady shockingly admitted this week that he doesn’t always tell the truth to the press because he wants to avoid stirring up controversy that his teammates would have to answer for.  Somebody should have passed the word along to Head Coach Bill Belichick, who up until this season habitually listed Brady on the injury report each week with a sore shoulder.  Buffalo has been one of the pleasant surprises of the young season, but the bubble will burst this weekend.  New England 34, Buffalo 20.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WRs Deion Branch & Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral:  RB Danny Woodhead
    
  • Sit:  WR Chad Ochocinco, TE Aaron Hernandez (Doubtful-knee)
    
• Buffalo
  • Start:  WR David Nelson, K Rian Lindell
    
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson (Probable-groin), TE Scott Chandler
  • Sit:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Donald Jones, DEF
    

 

New York Giants at Philadelphia - Both of these teams look a lot different than they did late last season, when the Eagles triumphed in the Meadowlands after an epic Giant meltdown.  Michael Vick’s status for the game has improved during the week, and he’ll face a defense that’s been decimated by injuries this season (both real and faked).  At least the Giants won’t have to worry about blowing a big lead this time around.  Philadelphia 30, New York 17.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Hakeem Nicks 
  • Neutral: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Mario Manningham (Questionable-concussion)
  • Sit: QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Victor Cruz, TE David Ballard, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
• Philadelphia
  • Start: QB Michael Vick (Probable-concussion), RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, DEF, K Alex Henery
    
  • Neutral: QBs Vince Young (Probable-hamstring) (if he starts) & Mike Kafka (if he starts), WR Jason Avant, TE Brent Celek (Probable-hip)
    
  • Sit: RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith (Probable-knee)

 

Denver at Tennessee – Those of you who’ve been doubting your first-round pick of Titans RB Chris Johnson will finally feel vindicated after this week.  Unfortunately for Johnson’s team, his performance won’t be enough to overcome a more balanced Denver offense (sorry, Matt Hasselbeck, Kenny Britt, & Nate Washington).  Meanwhile, those of you who’ve been doubting your last-round pick of Broncos QB Tim Tebow will continue to do so after this week.  Denver 24, Tennessee 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton, WR Eric Decker, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Willis McGahee, WR Brandon Lloyd (Questionable-groin), TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
  • Sit:  RB Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Eddie Royal (Questionable-groin) & Demaryius Thomas (Questionable-finger)
• Tennessee
  • Start: RB Chris Johnson (Probable-ribs), WRs Kenny Britt (Probable-thigh) & Nate Washington
  • Neutral: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Javon Springer, DEF, K Rob Bironas
    
  • Sit: TE Jared Cook
    

 

Houston at New Orleans – This game, featuring two high-octane offenses filled with fantasy stalwarts, will be the weekend’s most entertaining contest.  Much has been made of new Texans Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips’ impact on his charges, but the Saints simply have too many offensive weapons at their disposal.  New Orleans 30, Houston 24.

• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-foot), RB Ben Tate (Probable-back), WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels
  • Neutral:  WRs Kevin Walter (Questionable-shoulder) & Jacoby Jones (Questionable-knee), K Neil Rackers
    
  • Sit:  RBs Arian Foster (Questionable-hamstring) & Derrick Ward (Doubtful-ankle), DEF
    
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Mark Ingram & Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore (Probable-groin), DEF
    
  • Sit:  TE Dave Thomas

 

New York Jets at Oakland – The last time the Jets visited Oakland, QB Mark Sanchez was caught by television cameras enjoying a hot dog on the sidelines during the game.  Sanchez won’t be able to relax enough to eat a wiener during this nail-biter, but the result will still be the same.  New York 28, Oakland 24.

• New York
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene, TE Dustin Keller
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez (Probable-elbow), WRs Santonio Holmes (Questionable-quad), Plaxico Burress & Derrick Mason (Probable-knee); DEF, K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Joe McKnight
    
• Oakland
  • Start:  WR Denarius Moore
    
  • Neutral:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot), RB Darren McFadden (Probable-shoulder), WRs Chaz Schilens & Jacoby Ford (Questionable-hamstring), TE Kevin Boss (Probable-knee), DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Sit:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Louis Murphy (Questionable-groin) & Darius Heyward-Bey (Probable-knee)

 

Baltimore at St. Louis – The Ravens laid an egg last week in Tennessee - how will they respond.  Will they take it on the chin again, as Kansas City did last week, or will they rebound decisively, as Pittsburgh did last week?  I’ll go with the latter - Sam Bradford has been impressive, but without Steven Jackson at full strength, the Rams’ offense isn’t going to scare anyone.  Baltimore 27, St. Louis 20.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, TE Ed Dickson, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • Neutral:  WR Lee Evans (Questionable-ankle)
    
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, TE Dennis Pitta
    
• St. Louis
  • Start: QB Sam Bradford, WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Brandon Gibson, TE Lance Kendricks, K Josh Brown
  • Neutral:  WR Danario Alexander, DEF
    
  • Sit:  RBs Steven Jackson (Questionable-quad), Cadillac Williams (Questionable-hamstring), & Jerrious Norwood; WR Danny Amendola (Doubtful-elbow)
    

 

Kansas City at San Diego (Sunday late) – It’s gut-check time for the Chiefs.  A week after losing star RB Jamaal Charles for the season, who will step up for the Chiefs offense, which was already missing TE Tony Moeaki?  RB Thomas Jones is the popular waiver wire pickup this week, but I actually like RB Dexter McCluster to have the bigger fantasy impact for the remainder of this season.  The Chargers look to avoid a second straight loss and more talk about their chronic early-season problems, and they’ll succeed in doing so.  San Diego 31, Kansas City 17.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  WR Dwayne Bowe
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster
  • Sit:  QB Matt Cassel, RB Le’Ron McClain, WRs Steve Breaston & Jonathan Baldwin (Questionable-thumb)
    
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot), DEF, K Nick Novak
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert (Questionable-calf)
    
  • Sit:  WR Malcom Floyd (Questionable-groin)

 

Atlanta at Tampa Bay – So will a victory last week following an opening-weekend defeat be a turning point for either of these division rivals?  Falcons QB Matt Ryan has a stronger supporting cast than Bucs QB Josh Freeman, and Tampa’s running game is also a mess, as LeGarrette Blount has not lived up to his preseason billing so far.  Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 21.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan (Probable-knee), RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF, K Matt Bryant
    
  • Neutral:  WR Julio Jones
    
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Harry Douglas
    
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  WRs Mike Williams & Preston Parker, TE Kellen Winslow
    
  • Neutral:  QB Josh Freeman, TE Luke Stocker, K Connor Barth
  • Sit: RBs LeGarrette Blount & Earnest Graham, WRs Dezmon Briscoe & Arrelious Benn, DEF
    

 

Arizona at Seattle – Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll was somehow able to make it into the playoffs last season with a losing record and an injured Matt Hasselbeck, and even managed to win a home game against the Saints.  After losing a game opening weekend to San Francisco that was much closer than the final score made it appear, the Seahawks were annihilated by the Steel Curtain last week.  Meanwhile, Arizona is enjoying life with their new QB Kevin Kolb.  That will continue to be the case this weekend.  Arizona 30, Seattle 17.

• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Neutral:  RB Beanie Wells (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet, TEs Jeff King & Todd Heap
    
  • Sit:  RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Questionable-hand)
• Seattle
  • Start:  WRs Michael Williams & Sidney Rice (Probable-shoulder), TE Zach Miller
    
  • Neutral:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Ben Obomanu
    
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson, DEF, K Steve Hauschka

 

Green Bay at Chicago – Green Bay’s defense has been surprisingly vulnerable so far, but then again, Drew Brees and (maybe) Cam Newton will make a lot of defenses look bad this season.  Chicago has far greater problems with their offense than Green Bay does with their defense, and that’s why the Packers will win easily.  Green Bay 35, Chicago 24.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB James Starks, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley (Probable-ankle), K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  RB Ryan Grant, DEF
    
  • Sit:  WRs Donald Driver & James Jones
    
• Chicago
  • Start:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
    
  • Neutral:  WRs Devin Hester & Dane Sanzenbacher, K Robbie Gould
    
  • Sit:  RB Marion Barber (Questionable-calf), WRs Roy Williams (Questionable-groin) & Earl Bennett (Questionable-chest), TE Kellen Davis, DEF
    

 

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis  (Sunday night) – Oh well, this game probably seemed like a good choice at the time the NBC & NFL execs picked it to be the Sunday night game.  Hopefully, Peyton Manning will be comfortable wherever he’s watching the game, although he won’t be happy with the outcome.  Pittsburgh 27, Indianapolis 10.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
    
  • Neutral:  RB Isaac Redman, WR Hines Ward 
  • Sit: WRs Emmanuel Sanders, Antoine Brown, & Jerricho Cotchery
    
• Indianapolis
  • Start: WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: DEF, TE Dallas Clark (Questionable-foot)
    
  • Sit: QB Kerry Collins (Probable-shoulder), RBs Joseph Addai & Delone Carter, WRs Austin Collie & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme (Questionable-concussion), K Adam Vinatieri

 

Washington & Dallas (Monday night) – Monday Night Football features another matchup of mediocre teams this week.  Even if Tony Romo is “healthy” enough to play, he may not have enough healthy wide receivers to throw the ball to.  However, Tony Romo with cracked ribs and a punctured lung is still better than a 100% Rex Grossman, so the Cowboys will knock the Redskins off of their perch atop the NFC East.  Dallas 27, Washington 24.

• Washington
  • Start: RB Tim Hightower, WR Santana Moss, TE Fred Davis
    
  • Neutral: QB Rex Grossman, RB Roy Helu, WRs Jabar Gaffney& Anthony Armstrong, DEF, K Graham Gano
    
  • Sit: TE Chris Cooley
• Dallas
  • Start: QB Tony Romo (Questionable - ribs), TE Jason Witten (Probable-ribs), K Dan Bailey
    
  • Neutral: QB Jon Kitna (if he starts), RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant (Questionable-thigh), DEF
    
  • Sit: RBs Felix Jones (Questionable-shoulder) & Tashard Choice, WRs Miles Austin (Doubtful-hamstring), Kevin Ogletree, & Jesse Holley
    

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Which players’ injury status changed this past week, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Michael Vick (Questionable-concussion)
  • Tony Romo (Questionable-ribs/lung)
  • Luke McCown (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 3 opponents)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (vs Den)
  • Chad Henne (@ Cle)
  • Andy Dalton (vs SF)
  • Alex Smith (@ Cin)
  • Donovan McNabb (vs Det)
  • Rex Grossman (@ Dal)
  • Jon Kitna (vs Was)
  • Blaine Gabbert (@ Car)
  • Vince Young (vs NYG)
  • Mike Kafka (vs NYG)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Arian Foster (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Jamaal Charles (IR-torn ACL)
  • Steven Jackson (Questionable-quad)
  • Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Felix Jones (???-ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Willis McGahee (@ Ten)
  • Thomas Jones (@ SD)
  • Dexter McCluster (@ SD)
  • DeMarco Murray (vs Was)
  • Tashard Choice (vs Was)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Miles Austin (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Dez Bryant (Questionable-thigh)
  • Malcom Floyd (???-groin)
  • Brandon Lloyd (Questionable-groin)
  • Mario Manningham (Questionable-concussion)
  • Braylon Edwards (Out-knee)
  • Jacoby Ford (Questionable-knee)
  • Roy Williams (Questionable-groin)
  • Earl Bennett (Doubtful-chest)
  • Jason Hill (Questionable-hip)
  • Eddie Royal (Out-groin)
  • Domenik Hixon (IR-knee)
  • Roscoe Parrish (IR-ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Eric Decker (@ Ten)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs Jac)
  • David Nelson (vs NE)
  • Nate Washington (vs Den)
  • Denarius Moore (vs NYJ)
  • Josh Morgan (@ Cin)
  • Dane Sanzenbacher (vs GB)
  • Chaz Schilens (vs NYJ)
  • Kevin Ogletree (vs Was)
  • Jesse Holley (vs Was)

Tight Ends

•  Injuries/benchings
  • Marcedes Lewis (Questionable-calf)
  • Aaron Hernandez (Doubtful-knee)
  • Brent Celek (Probable-back)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Fred Davis (@ Was)
  • Daniel Fells (@ Ten)
  • Zach Miller (Jac) (@ Car)
  • Scott Chandler (vs NE)
  • Jeff King (@ Sea)
  • Heath Miller (@ Ind)
  • Luke Stocker (vs Atl)
  • Martellus Bennett (vs Was)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • N/A

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Car (vs Jac)
  • Ari (@ Sea)

Good luck!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Oakland at Buffalo (Sunday early) – Oakland looks like a band of walking wounded after just Week 1, but as long as Darren McFadden is able to play, they’ll emerge victorious in a nail-biter.  At least the Bills will always have Kansas City . . . Oakland 24, Buffalo 21.

• Oakland
  • Start:  RB Darren McFadden (Probable-shoulder), WR Denarius Moore, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Neutral:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot)
  • Sit:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Jacoby Ford (Out-hamstring), Louis Murphy (Out-groin), & Darius Heyward-Bey (Questionable-knee), TE Kevin Boss (Questionable-knee)
• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson (Probable-groin)
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, TE Scott Chandler, DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • Sit:  WRs David Nelson, Roscoe Parrish, Brad Smith, & Donald Jones

 

Green Bay at Carolina – Cam Newton’s 400-yard debut was the talk of the fantasy football world this week.  As impressive as his debut was, don’t expect anything close to a repeat this week, as Green Bay’s defense is much better than Arizona’s.  Then again, Green Bay figures to score early and often against Carolina’s defense, so chances are good Newton will have to play from behind again.  Green Bay 34, Carolina 21.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, & Donald Driver; TE Jermichael Finley (Probable-ankle), DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  RBs James Starks & Ryan Grant
  • Sit:  WRs James Jones & Randall Cobb
• Carolina
  • Start:  WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  QB Cam Newton, WRs Brandon LaFell & Legedu Naanee, K Olindo Mare
  • Sit:  RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF
    

 

Kansas City at Detroit – No, Kansas City isn’t as bad as they looked last week in their “preseason” loss to the Bills.  Expect that game to serve as a wake-up call to a team that made the playoffs last season and added weapons on offense.  The Lions were impressive in their opening-game win in Tampa, and as long as Calvin Johnson’s ankle holds up, they should eke out the victory here.  Detroit 28, Kansas City 27.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, K Ryan Succop
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Steve Breaston
  • Sit:  RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin (Out-thumb), TE Leonard Pope, DEF
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, RB Jahvid Best, WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-ankle), TE Brandon Pettigrew, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral:  WR Nate Burleson, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Jerome Harrison & Maurice Morris
    

 

Cleveland at Indianapolis – No Peyton Manning?  No problem, at least not this week.  Kerry Collins will have another week of practice under his belt to get his timing down with his receivers, and Cleveland’s offense is nowhere near as potent as Houston’s, even if they do have a running back named Peyton and a quarterback named Colt.  Indianapolis 27, Cleveland 21.

• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Peyton Hillis, WRs Mohamed Massaquoi (Probable-hamstring) Brian Robiskie, & Greg Little
  • Neutral:  QB Colt McCoy, RB Mario Hardesty, TEs Ben Watson & Evan Moore, DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Sit:  WR Josh Cribbs
    
• Indianapolis
  • Start:  WRs Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, & Pierre Garcon; TE Dallas Clark, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
  • Neutral:  QB Kerry Collins, RBs Joseph Addai & Delone Carter
  • Sit:  RB Donald Brown, TE Jacob Tamme
    

 

Tampa Bay at Minnesota – Both teams had disappointing showings in their openers last week.  If you started either Bucs’ running back LeGarrette Blount or Vikes’ quarterback Donovan McNabb last week, chances are your fantasy team also had a disappointing showing last week.  McNabb will rebound today; Blount won’t.  Oh, and Minnesota has some guy named Adrian Peterson at running back too - I hear he’s pretty good.  Minnesota 27, Tampa Bay 24.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  WR Michael Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  QB Josh Freeman, RB Earnest Graham, WR Arrelious Benn, DEF, K Connor Barth
  • Sit:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Dezmon Briscoe
    
• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin
  • Neutral:  QB Donovan McNabb, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Michael Jenkins (Probable-groin), Bernard Berrian & Greg Camarillo, TE Kyle Rudolph
    

 

Chicago at New Orleans - The Bears looked like world-beaters last week against the Falcons, but the Saints’ offense presents a much bigger challenge, at least at this point in the season.  It’s always a mystery as to which Saints’ receiver will receive the most targets in any given week, but it’s almost a given that Drew Brees will have a big game no matter who the opponent is.  New Orleans 34, Chicago 24.

• Chicago
  • Start:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
  • Neutral:  WRs Devin Hester & Earl Bennett, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  RB Marion Barber (Doubtful-calf), WR Roy Johnson (Questionable-groin), DEF
    
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WRs Robert Meachem & Devery Henderson, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RBs Mark Ingram & Pierre Thomas, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Darren Sproles, WR Lance Moore (Questionable-groin)
    

 

Jacksonville at New York Jets – Jacksonville, which already faced an uphill battle against the Jets’ defense will most likely be without tight end Marcedes Lewis and wide receiver Jason Hill.  Don’t get too excited by Mark Sanchez’ yardage total last week; the Jets are unlikely to be playing from behind this week, and several of their receivers are already dinged up (are knee injuries contagious?) so they’re more likely to rely on their running game.  New York 27, Jacksonville 17.

• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim, TE Zach Miller, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Luke McCown, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill (Doubtful-hip), TE Marcedes Lewis (Doubtful-calf), K Josh Scobee
    
• New York
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene, WR Santonio Holmes (Questionable-knee), TE Dustin Keller, DEF, K Nick Folk
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Derrick Mason (Probable-knee) & Plaxico Burress (Probable-ankle)
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Seattle at Pittsburgh – Of all this weekend’s games, this one has the greatest potential to be a blowout.  Yes, Pittsburgh was embarrassed by their arch-rivals last weekend, but don’t count on that happening again this week, especially since the Seahawks will once again be without wide receiver Sidney Rice.  Pittsburgh 31, Seattle 10.

• Seattle
  • Start:  TE Zach Miller
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson, RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Sidney Rice (Out-shoulder), Mike Williams, & Ben Obomanu; DEF, K Steven Hauschka
• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Mike Wallace & Hines Ward, TE Heath Miller, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
  • Neutral:  WRs Antoine Brown & Emmanuel Sanders
  • Sit:  WR Jerricho Cotchery (Out-hamstring)
    

 

Baltimore at Tennessee – Okay, I lied - this game also has great blowout potential.  Hard to see Titans’ running back Chris Johnson doing much against the Ravens’ defense unless he suddenly becomes an intregal part of their passing game.  By the end of the game Titans’ quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will wish he were back with the Seahawks, at least in the weeks that they aren’t playing Pittsburgh.  Baltimore 31, Tennessee 14.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, TE Ed Dickson, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • Neutral:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans (Probable-ankle)
  • Sit:  TE Dennis Pitta
    
• Tennessee
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  WRs Kenny Britt & Nate Washington
  • Sit:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, RBs Chris Johnson & Javon Ringer (Probable-back), TE Javon Cook, DEF, K Rob Bironas
    

 

Arizona at Washington – Even though he was overshadowed last week by Cam Newton, Cardinals’ quarterback Kevin Kolb showed why so many people are tabbing him as a breakout fantasy star this season.  On the other hand most people will look at Redskins’ quarterback Rex Grossman’s showing against the Giants last week as a fluke, and they’re probably right.  Arizona 28, Washington 20.

• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, RB Beanie Wells, WR Larry Fitzgerald, TE Todd Heap
  • Neutral:  WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Sit:  RB LaRod Stephen-Howling (Questionable-hand)
• Washington
  • Start: RB Tim Hightower, WR Santana Moss, TE Fred Davis, K Graham Gano
  • Neutral:  QB Rex Grossman, WRs Jabar Gaffney & Anthony Armstrong, TE Chris Cooley (Questionable-knee), DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Roy Helu & Ryan Torain

 

Dallas at San Francisco (Sunday late) – Dallas will avoid a fourth-quarter collapse this week, and just as importantly, they’ll avoid kicking the ball to 49ers’ return man par excellence Ted Ginn Jr.  Dallas 30, San Francisco 21.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB Felix Jones, WR Miles Austin (Probable-knee), TE Jason Witten
    
  • Neutral:  DEF, K Dan Bailey
  • Sit:  RBs Tashard Choice & DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant (Questionable-thigh)
• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore, WR Braylon Edwards, TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith, WR Josh Morgan, K David Akers
  • Sit:  RBs Kendall Hunter & Anthony Dixon, WRs Michael Crabtree (Questionable-foot) & Ted Ginn, DEF

 

Cincinnati at Denver – The Denver faithful may be clamoring for Tim Tebow already, but Kyle Orton will rebound this week and lead his team to victory.  Cincinnati surprised Cleveland last week, but Bengal quarterback Anthony Dalton may not be at full strength for this contest.  Denver 27, Cincinnati 24.

• Cincinnati
  • Start:  RB Cedric Benson, WRs A.J. Green & Jerome Simpson; TE Jermaine Gresham
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton (Probable-wrist), WR Jordan Shipley, DEF, K Mike Nugent
  • Sit:  RB Bernard Scott
    
• Denver
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton, WRs Eric Decker & Eddie Royal, TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
  • Neutral:  RBs Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-hamstring) & Willis McGahee, WR Brandon Lloyd (Questionable-groin), DEF
  • Sit:  WR Demaryius Thomas (Out-finger)

 

Houston at Miami – Both teams put up a ton of offense last week, and both will do the same today.  The jury is still out on the revamped Texans’ defense, but I’ll go with Dolphins’ quarterback Chad Henne to have another big game and lead his team to victory.  Miami 31, Houston 28.

• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub, RB Ben Tate (Probable-quad), WRs Andre Johnson & Jacoby Jones, TE Owen Daniel, K Neil Rackers
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RBs Arian Foster (Questionable-quad) & Derrick Ward (Out-shoulder), WR Kevin Walter (Questionable-shoulder), DEF
• Miami
  • Start:  QB Chad Henne, RB Reggie Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano, K Dan Carpenter
  • Neutral:  RB Daniel Thomas (Probable-hamstring), WRs Davone Bess & Brian Hartline
  • Sit:  DEF

 

San Diego at New England – Even by Tom Brady’s standards his performance last Monday night against the Dolphins was remarkable.  It will be fun to watch this shootout between two of the AFC’s top offenses, and there are a number of good fantasy choices for this week on both offenses (hint:  neither defense is a good play this week).  New England 35, San Diego 31.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson & Malcom Floyd, TE Antonio Gates, K Nick Novak
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert
  • Sit:  DEF
• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral:  RB Danny Woodhead, WR Chad Ochocinco, TE Aaron Hernandez
  • Sit:  WR Julian Edelman, DEF

 

Philadelphia at Atlanta (Sunday night) – By now you may have heard that the Eagles’ quarterback used to play in Atlanta before he got in some legal trouble there.  Perhaps you’ve even heard that he’s had a bit of success with his new club after addressing his legal issues.  That small subplot aside, Atlanta’s blitzing defense will be the difference in this game, make the prodigal son’s homecoming an unhappy one.  Atlanta 30, Philadelphia 27.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, K Alex Henery
  • Neutral:  WR Jason Avant, TE Brent Celek
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith (Probable-knee), DEF
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WRs Roddy White (Probable-knee) & Julio Jones, TE Tony Gonzalez, K Matt Bryant
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Harry Douglas (Probable-concussion)
    

 

St. Louis at New York Giants (Monday night) – The Giants, realizing how depleted their secondary is, will blitz Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford and his injured thumb relentlessly.  Without Steven Jackson at full strength the Rams won’t have enough of a running game to keep the Giants’ defense honest, and the Giants will rely on their ground game to gain the victory.  New York 27, St. Louis 24.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  WRs Brandon Gibson & Mike Sims-Walker  
  • Neutral:  QB Sam Bradford (Probable-finger), RB Cadillac Williams, TE Lance Kendricks, DEF, K Josh Brown
  • Sit:  RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-quad), WRs Danny Amendola (Doubtful-elbow) & Danario Alexander
    
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks (Qustionable-knee) & Mario Manningham, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Domenick Hixon, DEF
  • Sit:  TE Jake Ballard

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Which players’ injury status changed this past week, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Peyton Manning (Out 2-3 months-neck)
  • Sam Bradford (Probable-finger)
  • Andy Dalton (Questionable-wrist)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 2 opponents)
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick (vs Oak)
  • Chad Henne (vs Hou)
  • Alex Smith (vs Dal)
  • Cam Newton (vs GB)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (vs Bal)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Arian Foster (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Steven Jackson (Doubtful-quad)
  • Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Daniel Thomas (Probable-hamstring)
  • Mike Tolbert (?-leg)
  • Derrick Ward (Questionable-ankle)
  • LaRod Stephens-Howling (?-hand)
  • Marion Barber (Questionable-calf)
  • Javon Ringer (?-back)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Cadillac Williams (@ NYG)
  • Ben Tate (@ Mia)
  • Montario Hardesty (@ Ind)
  • Delone Carter (vs Cle)
  • LaDainian Tomlinson (vs Jac)
  • Earnest Graham (@ Min)
  • Ricky Williams (@ Ten)
  • Deji Karim (@ NYJ)
  • Dexter McCluster (@ Det)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Marques Colston (Out 4-6 weeks-collarbone)
  • Danny Amendola (Out indefinitely-elbow)
  • Kevin Walter (Out indefinitely-shoulder)
  • Hakeem Nicks (Questionable-knee)
  • Lance Moore (Questionable-groin)
  • Sidney Rice (Questionable-shoulder)
  • Lee Evans (Questionable-foot)
  • Roy Williams (Questionable-groin)
  • Jacoby Ford (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Louis Murphy (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (?-thumb)
  • Jerricho Cotchery (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Patrick Crayton (?-hamstring)
  • Demaryius Thomas (?-finger)
  • Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (@ Ind)
  • Brandon Gibson (@ NYG)
  • Jabar Gaffney (vs Ari)
  • Anthony Armstrong (vs Ari)
  • Brian Hartline (vs Hou)
  • Jason Avant (@ Atl)
  • Derrick Mason (vs Jac)
  • Antoine Brown (vs Sea)
  • Arrelious Benn (@ Min)
  • Preston Parker (@ Min)
  • Randall Cobb (@ Car)
  • David Nelson (vs Oak)
  • Donald Jones (vs Oak)
  • Michael Jenkins (vs TB)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs GB)
  • Jason Hill (@ NYJ)
  • Legedu Naanee (vs GB)
  • Ben Obomanu (@ Pit)
  • Doug Baldwin (@ Pit)
  • Golden Tate (@ Pit)

Tight Ends

•  Injuries/benchings
  • Marcedes Lewis (Questionable-calf)
  • Kevin Boss (Questionable-knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Fred Davis (vs Ari)
  • Lance Kendricks (@ NYG)
  • Ed Dickson (@ Ten)
  • Anthony Fasano (vs Hou)
  • Ben Watson (@ Ind)
  • Evan Moore (@ Ind)
  • Leonard Pope (@ Det)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Nate Kaeding (Out for the season-ACL)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Nick Novak (@ NE)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Buf (vs Oak)
  • Cle (@ Ind)

Good luck!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Quarterbacks

1.      Tom Brady @Mia

2.      Michael Vick          @StL

3.      Aaron Rodgers       vs NO

4.      Philip Rivers           vs Min

5.      Matt Schaub           vs Ind

6.      Kevin Kolb            vs Car

7.      Jason Campbell      @Den

8.      Alex Smith  vs Sea

9.      Tony Romo            @NYJ

10.  Kyle Orton vs Oak

11.  Sam Bradford         vs Phi

12.  Josh Freeman         vs Det

13.  Colt McCoy           vs Cin

14.  Matt Cassel            vs Buf

15.  Drew Brees            @GB

16.  Eli Manning            @Was

17.  Jay Cutler   vs Atl

18.  Matt Hasselbeck    @Jac

19.  Tarvaris Jackson     @SF

20.  Matt Ryan  @Chi

21.  Kerry Collins          @Hou

22.  Rex Grossman        vs NYG

23.  Joe Flacco  vs Pit

24.  Ben Roethlisberger @Bal

25.  Matthew Stafford   @TB

26.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @KC

27.  Donovan McNabb @SD

28.  Mark Sanchez        vs Dal

29.  Chad Henne           vs NE

30.  Luke McCown       vs Ten

31.  Cam Newton          @Ari

32.  Andy Dalton           @ Cle

33.  Tim Tebow vs Oak

    

Running Backs             

1.      BenJarvus Green-Ellis @Mia

2.      LeSean McCoy      @StL

3.      Darren McFadden  @Den

4.      Frank Gore            vs Sea

5.      Beanie Wells          vs Car

6.      Knowshon Moreno            vs Oak

7.      Felix Jones @NYJ

8.      Jamaal Charles vs Buf

9.      Steven Jackson vs Phi

10.  Peyton Hillis           vs Cin

11.  LeGarrette Blount vs Det

12.  Matt Forte  vs Atl

13.  Ahmad Bradshaw @Was

14.  Marshawn Lynch @SF

15.  Chris Johnson         @Jac

16.  Tim Hightower vs NYG

17.  Joseph Addai         @Hou

18.  Adrian Peterson @SD

19.  Maurice Jones-Drew vs Ten

20.  Jahvid Best @TB

21.  Cedric Benson        @ Cle

22.  Fred Jackson          @KC

23.  Danny Woodhead @Mia

24.  Ryan Grant vs NO

25.  James Starks          vs NO

26.  Ronnie Brown        @StL

27.  Ryan Mathews vs Min

28.  Mike Tolbert          vs Min

29.  Ben Tate    vs Ind

30.  Derrick Ward         vs Ind

31.  Michael Bush          @Den

32.  Wilis McGahee vs Oak

33.  Thomas Jones         vs Buf

34.  Brandon Jacobs @Was

35.  Mark Ingram          @GB

36.  Pierre Thomas        @GB

37.  Michael Turner @Chi

38.  Delone Carter         @Hou

39.  Reggie Bush           vs NE

40.  Shonn Greene         vs Dal

41.  Deji Karim vs Ten

42.  DeAngelo Williams @Ari

43.  Jonathan Stewart    @Ari

44.  C.J. Spiller @KC

45.  Arian Foster           vs Ind

46.  Kendall Hunter vs Sea

47.  LaRod Stephens-Howling vs Car

48.  Anthony Dixon       vs Sea

49.  Chester Taylor                    vs Car

50.  DeMarco Murray   @NYJ

51.  Tashard Choice      @NYJ

52.  Earnest Graham      vs Det

53.  Le’Ron McClain     vs Buf

54.  Cadillac Williams    vs Phi

55.  Dexter McCluster   vs Buf

56.  Darren Sproles       @GB

57.  Justin Forsett          @SF

58.  Leon Washington @SF

59.  Roy Helu vs NYG

60.  Jason Snelling         @Chi

61.  Donald Brown  @Hou

62.  Javon Ringer           @Jac

63.  Ryan Torain            vs NYG

64.  Ray Rice    vs Pit

65.  Ricky Williams vs Pit

66.  Rashard Mendenhall           @Bal

67.  Daniel Thomas vs NE

68.  Toby Gerhart          @SD

69.  LaDainian Tomlinson          vs Dal

70.  Joe McKnight         vs Dal

71.  Maurice Morris @TB

72.  Jerome Harrison @TB

73.  Ike Redman            @Bal

74.  Bernard Scott         @ Cle

 

Wide Receivers        

1.      Wes Welker           @Mia

2.      Greg Jennings         vs NO

3.      DeSean Jackson     @StL

4.      Jeremy Maclin        @StL

5.      Andre Johnson       vs Ind

6.      Kevin Walter          vs Ind

7.      Jacoby Jones          vs Ind

8.      Larry Fitzgerald      vs Car

9.      Vincent Jackson     vs Min

10.  Malcom Floyd        vs Min

11.  Braylon Edwards    vs Sea

12.  Brandon Lloyd       vs Oak

13.  Eddie Royal            vs Oak

14.  Dwayne Bowe        vs Buf

15.  Mike Williams        vs Det

16.  Marques Colston    @GB

17.  Mike Williams        @SF

18.  Hakeem Nicks       @Was

19.  Mario Manningham @Was

20.  Reggie Wayne        @Hou

21.  Kenny Britt @Jac

22.  Santana Moss         vs NYG

23.  Anquan Boldin        vs Pit

24.  Mike Wallace         @Bal

25.  Calvin Johnson       @TB

26.  Percy Harvin          @SD

27.  Santonio Holmes    vs Dal

28.  Brandon Marshall   vs NE

29.  Steve Johnson        @KC

30.  Roddy White          @Chi

31.  Chad Ochocinco    @Mia

32.  Deion Branch         @Mia

33.  Donald Driver         vs NO

34.  James Jones           vs NO

35.  Jordy Nelson          vs NO

36.  Josh Morgan          vs Sea

37.  Jacoby Ford           @Den

38.  Darius Heyward-Bey @Den

39.  Denarius Moore     @Den

40.  Dez Bryant @NYJ

41.  Eric Decker            vs Oak

42.  Greg Little              vs Cin

43.  Brian Robiskie        vs Cin

44.  Steve Breaston       vs Buf

45.  Mike Sims-Walker vs Phi

46.  Danny Amendola    vs Phi

47.  Brandon Gibson     vs Phi

48.  Danario Alexander vs Phi

49.  Robert Meachem    @GB

50.  Devery Henderson @GB

51.  Johnny Knox          vs Atl

52.  Roy Williams          vs Atl

53.  Earl Bennett            vs Atl

54.  Devin Hester          vs Atl

55.  Julio Jones              @Chi

56.  Pierre Garcon         @Hou

57.  Nate Washington    @Jac

58.  Jabar Gaffney         vs NYG

59.  Hines Ward            @Bal

60.  Nate Burleson        @TB

61.  Davone Bess          vs NE

62.  A.J. Green              @ Cle

63.  Jerome Simpson     @ Cle

64.  Jordan Shipley        @ Cle

65.  Steve Smith            @Ari

66.  Miles Austin           @NYJ

67.  Mohammed Massaquoi vs Cin

68.  Josh Cribbs            vs Cin

69.  Derrick Mason       vs Dal

70.  Julian Edelman        @Mia

71.  Andre Roberts        vs Car

72.  Early Doucet          vs Car

73.  Arrelious Benn        vs Det

74.  Dez Briscoe            vs Det

75.  Anthony Armstrong vs NYG

76.  Leonard Hankerson vs NYG

77.  Lee Evans  vs Pit

78.  Antonio Brown       @Bal

79.  Mike Thomas         vs Ten

80.  Jason Hill                vs Ten

81.  Bernard Berrian      @SD

82.  Greg Camarillo       @SD

83.  Brian Hartline         vs NE

84.  Andre Caldwell      @ Cle

85.  Donald Jones          @KC

86.  Roscoe Parrish       @KC

87.  David Nelson         @KC

88.  Brandon LaFell       @Ari

89.  Seji Ajirotutu          @Ari

90.  Legedu Naanee      @Ari

91.  Steve Smith            @StL

92.  Demaryius Thomas vs Oak

93.  Austin Collie           @Hou

94.  Plaxico Burress       vs Dal

95.  Taylor Price            @Mia

96.  Jonathan Baldwin    vs Buf

97.  Sidney Rice            @SF

98.  Jerricho Cotchery   @Bal

           

Tight Ends     

1.      Rob Gronkowski    @Mia

2.      Brent Celek            @StL

3.      Jermichael Finley    vs NO

4.      Antonio Gates        vs Min

5.      Vernon Davis         vs Sea

6.      Owen Daniel          vs Ind

7.      Todd Heap             vs Car

8.      Jason Witten           @NYJ

9.      Kellen Winslow      vs Det

10.  Lance Kendricks    vs Phi

11.  Jimmy Graham        @GB

12.  Zach Miller @SF

13.  Dallas Clark           @Hou

14.  Tony Gonzalez        @Chi

15.  Ed Dickson            vs Pit

16.  Brandon Pettigrew @TB

17.  Dustin Keller          vs Dal

18.  Marcedes Lewis     vs Ten

19.  Heath Miller           @Bal

20.  Jermaine Gresham  @ Cle

21.  Greg Olsen @Ari

22.  Aaron Hernandez   @Mia

23.  Kevin Boss @Den

24.  Evan Moore           vs Cin

25.  Jared Cook            @Jac

26.  Fred Davis             vs NYG

27.  Visanthe Shiancoe  @SD

28.  Anthony Fasano     vs NE

29.  Daniel Fells vs Oak

30.  Ben Watson           vs Cin

31.  Leonard Pope        vs Buf

32.  Chris Cooley          vs NYG

33.  Dennis Pitta            vs Pit

34.  Dante Rosario        vs NE

35.  Jeremy Shockey     @Ari

 

Defense & Special Teams    

1.      Kansas City Chiefs vs Buf

2.      Cleveland Browns  vs Cin

3.      Arizona Cardinals   vs Car

4.      New England Patriots @Mia

5.      Baltimore Ravens    vs Pit

6.      Dallas Cowboys     @NYJ

7.      Tennessee Titans    @Jac

8.      Pittsburgh Steelers  @Bal

9.      Chicago Bears        vs Atl

10.  New York Giants   @Was

11.  Jacksonville Jaguars            vs Ten

12.  Houston Texans      vs Ind

13.  Green Bay Pakers  vs NO

14.  Atlanta Falcons       @Chi

15.  San Francisco 49ers           vs Sea

16.  Washington Redskins          vs NYG

17.  Philadelphia Eagles @StL

18.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers      vs Det

19.  Detroit Lions          @TB

20.  Cincinnati Bengals   @ Cle

21.  Buffalo Bills            @KC

22.  New York Jets       vs Dal

23.  Oakland Raiders     @Den

24.  San Diego Chargers            vs Min

25.  Minnesota Vikings  @SD

26.  Indianapolis Colts   @Hou

27.  Seattle Seahawks   @SF

28.  Denver Broncos     vs Oak

29.  Carolina Panthers   @Ari

30.  New Orleans Saints            @GB

31.  St. Louis Rams       vs Phi

32.  Miami Dolphins      vs NE

 

Kickers          

1.      Stephen Gostkowski           @Mia

2.      Alex Henery           @StL

3.      Mason Crosby       vs NO

4.      Neil Rackers          vs Ind

5.      Nate Kaeding         vs Min

6.      Jay Feely    vs Car

7.      Sebastian Janikowski          @Den

8.      David Akers           vs Sea

9.      Dan Bailey  @NYJ

10.  Matt Prater vs Oak

11.  Ryan Succop          vs Buf

12.  Josh Brown            vs Phi

13.  Phil Dawson           vs Cin

14.  Conor Barth           vs Det

15.  John Kasay            @GB

16.  Lawrence Tynes     @Was

17.  Robbie Gould         vs Atl

18.  Steven Hauschka    @SF

19.  Matt Bryant            @Chi

20.  Adam Vinatieri       @Hou

21.  Rob Bironas           @Jac

22.  Graham Gano         vs NYG

23.  Billy Cundiff            vs Pit

24.  Jason Hanson         @TB

25.  Josh Scobee           vs Ten

26.  Shaun Suisham       @Bal

27.  Ryan Longwell        @SD

28.  Nick Folk   vs Dal

29.  Dan Carpenter        vs NE

30.  Rian Lindell            @KC

31.  Mike Nugent          @ Cle

32.  Olindo Mare           @Ari

 

Happy opening weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

New Orleans at Green Bay (Thursday night) – This match-up of the last two Super Bowl champs is the first of the NFL’s 256 regular season games for 2011, and some believe these two teams will meet again in the NFC championship game (I’m not one of them).  Green Bay essentially adds rookie RB Ryan Grant and veterans RB Ryan Grant and TE Jermichael Finley to a championship team – their offense should be very scary for other teams to deal with.  New Orleans may have almost as much offensive firepower, but it’s on the defensive side that Green Bay’s superiority will make the difference.  Green Bay 34, New Orleans 24.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham
  • Neutral:  RBs Mark Ingram & Pierre Thomas; WRs Robert Meachem & Devery Henderson, K John Kasay
  • Sit:  RB Darren Sproles, WR Lance Moore (Out-groin), DEF
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, TE Jermichael Finley (Probable-ankle), K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Grant & James Stark; WRs Donald Driver, James Jones, & Jordy Nelson, DEF
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (Sunday early) – This battle between two good offenses and two strong defenses should serve as an indicator of the lockout’s relative impact on offenses vs. defenses.  Expect a low-scoring game, which passes as business as usual for these two teams.  Flip a coin to predict the winner; I’ll take the Ravens.  Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 17.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Hines Ward
  • Sit: RBs Rashard Mendenhall & Ike Redman; WRs Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, & Jerricho Cotchery (Doubtful-hamstring), K Shaun Suisham.
• Baltimore
  • Start:  WR Anquan Boldin, TE Ed Dickson, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco
  • Sit:  RBs Ray Rice & Ricky Williams; WR Lee Evans, TE Dennis Pitta

 

Atlanta at Chicago – Many fantasy analysts, including me, are picking Atlanta to dethrone Green Bay this season based on an improved Matt Ryan, a healthier Michael Turner, the wonderful Roddy White, and impressive rookie Julio Jones.  However, even Super Bowl champions lose a few games during the season, and this will be one of the few games all season in which the Falcons will come out on the short end of the score.  Chicago 24, Atlanta 21.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  WR Roddy White (Probable-thigh), TE Tony Gonzalez
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Mike Turner, WR Julio Jones, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Jason Snelling, K Matt Bryant
• Chicago
  • Start:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Johnny Knox, Roy Williams, Earl Bennett, & Devin Hester; K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  RBs Marion Barber (Out-calf) & Kahlil Bell

 

Cincinnati at Cleveland – The Battle of Ohio is usually a match-up between two perennial cellar-dwellers, but these two teams are headed in opposite direction.  Cleveland’s future looks to be bright, while Cincinnati is still searching for that light at the end of the tunnel (and hoping it’s not an oncoming train).  Cleveland 27, Cincinnati 14.

• Cincinnati
  • Start:  RB Cedric Benson, TE Jermaine Gresham
  • Neutral:  WRs A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, & Jordan Shipley; DEF
  • Sit:  QB Andy Dalton, RB Bernard Scott (Probable-hamstring), WR Andre Caldwell, K Mike Nugent
• Cleveland
  • Start:  QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis, DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Neutral:  TE Evan Moore, WRs Greg Little, Brian Robiskie, Mohammed Massaquoi (Probable-foot), & Josh Cribbs (Probable-hamstring)
  • Sit:  TE Ben Watson (Probable, Hip)

 

Indianapolis at Houston – Peyton Manning will not be at quarterback for the Colts this weekend for the first time since the middle of Bill Clinton’s second term, but life will go on.  Newly-signed replacement quarterback Kerry Collins has actually been to more Super Bowls than Manning (2 vs 1), but that won’t get the Colts far this season.  Houston has injury concerns of its own, specifically RB Arian Foster, but unlike the Colts, they have the necessary depth to weather the storm.  Houston 31, Indianapolis 21.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  RB Joseph Addai, TE Dallas Clark, WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral:  QB Kerry Collins, RB Delone Carter, WR Pierre Garcon, K Adam Vinatieri
  • Sit:  QB Peyton Manning (Out-neck), RB Donald Brown, WR Austin Collie (Probable-foot), DEF
• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub, WRs Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, & Jacoby Jones; TE Owen Daniel, DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Neutral:  RBs Ben Tate & Derrick Ward
  • Sit:  RB Arian Foster (Questionable-hamstring)

 

Tennessee at Jacksonville - Both teams have had a tumultuous off-season and preseason.  Tennessee has a new coach, a new quarterback, a wide receiver who was arrested three times since the end of last season, and a star running back who held out until the eleventh hour.  They still look like a picture of stability compared to Jacksonville, which has an owner demanding that his team reach the playoffs this season “or else”, persistent rumors that the team will leave the city, questions about the star running back’s health, and a back-up running back who’s already lost for the season.  Oh yes, they cut their starting quarterback too less than a week before the start of the season.  Tennessee 21, Jacksonville 17.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WR Kenny Britt, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Nate Washington, TE Jared Cook, K Rob Bironas
  • Sit:  RB Javon Ringer (Questionable-back)
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew,  TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim,
  • Sit:  QB Luke McCown, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill; K Josh Scobee

 

Buffalo at Kansas City – Both teams enter the season with some significant question marks.  Can Buffalo WR Steve Johnson and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick pick up where they left off last season?  Will they miss the departed WR Lee Evans?  Is their defense really better this season?  Is Kansas City’s WR Dwayne Bowe really a top-tier receiver?  How will they replace the offense from TE Tony Moeaki, who’s out for the season?  The Bills may have more questions, but this Sunday the Chiefs will have more answers.  Kansas City 27, Buffalo 14.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, DEF
  • Sit:  WRs Donald Jones, Roscoe Parrish, & David Nelson; K Rian Lindell
• Kansas City
  • Start:  QB Matt Cassel (Probable-rib), RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Neutral:  RB Thomas Jones, WR Steve Breaston
  • Sit:  RBs Dexter McCluster & Le’Ron McClain, WR Jonathan Baldwin (Questionable-thumb), TE Leonard Pope

 

Philadelphia at St. Louis – Many fantasy analysts feel that Michael Vick will take a small step backwards this season, while Sam Bradford will take a big step forward.  That may indeed prove to be the case, but Vick still has a much stronger supporting cast than Bradford, which will enable the Eagles to prevail in this shootout.  Philadelphia 34, St. Louis 27.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin; TE Brent Celek, K Alex Henery
  • Neutral:  RB Ronnie Brown, DEF
  • Sit:  WR Steve Smith (Probable-knee)
• St. Louis
  • Start:  QB Sam Bradford, RB Steven Jackson, TE Lance Kendricks, K Josh Brown 
  • Neutral:  WRs Mike Sims-Walker, Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, & Danario Alexander
  • Sit:  RB Cadillac Williams, DEF

 

Detroit at Tampa Bay – Two young, up-and-coming teams led by young, up-and-coming quarterbacks and defenses square off in this season-opener.  Detroit is a popular choice to snag a wild card berth this year, but Tampa Bay is starting with a better foundation and will win this game.  Tampa Bay 27, Detroit 17.

• Detroit
  • Start:  RB Jahvid Best, WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew
  • Neutral:  QB Matthew Stafford, WR Nate Burleson, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Maurice Morris (Probable-hand) & Jerome Harrison; K Jason Hanson
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow, DEF, K Conor Barth
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RB Earnest Graham, WRs Arrelious Benn & Dez Briscoe

 

Carolina at Arizona (Sunday late) – Kevin Kolb & Cam Newton both make their debut as the starting quarterback of their respective teams, but Kolb has a better supporting cast.  Newton has some underrated receivers to work with, but he’s not a viable fantasy option until he proves that he can complete passes to them consistently.  Arizona 31, Carolina 14.

• Carolina
  • Start:  TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart; WR Steve Smith
  • Sit:  QB Cam Newton, WRs Brandon LaFell, Seji Ajirotutu, & Legedu Naanee; TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Olindo Mare
• Arizona
  • Start: QB Kevin Kolb, RB Beanie Wells, WR Larry Fitzgerald, TE Todd Heap, DEF, K Jay Feely 
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RBs LaRod Stephens-Howling & Chester Taylor; WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet

 

Minnesota at San Diego – Will Donovan McNabb bounce back after a disappointing season in Washington?  Will he have a calming effect on the Vikings now that the Brett Favre circus has finally left town (hopefully, for good)?  Perhaps, but San Diego is still the far better team, and they will uncharacteristically get their season off on the right foot.  San Diego 31, Minnesota 17.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin
  • Neutral:  TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Probable-hamstring)
  • Sit:  QB Donovan McNabb, RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Bernard Berrian & Greg Camarillo; DEF, K Ryan Longwell
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson & Malcom Floyd; TE Antonio Gates, DST, K Nate Kaeding 
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Seattle at San Francisco – It’s still difficult to fathom how Seattle was able to win the NFC West last season with a 7-9 record, then win a playoff game against the Saints.  Don’t expect any carryover effect, especially with Viking castoff Tarvaris Jackson taking over the reins at quarterback.  Will San Francisco open up its offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and the inconsistent Alex Smith?  For at least one week the answer will be an emphatic “yes”.  San Francisco 31, Seattle 24.

• Seattle
  • Start:  RB Marshawn Lynch, TE Zach Miller, Mike Williams
  • Neutral:  QB Tarvaris Jackson, K Steven Hauschka
  • Sit:  RBs Justin Forsett & Leon Washington, WR Sidney Rice (Doubtful-shoulder), DEF
• San Francisco
  • Start:  QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, WR Braylon Edwards, TE Vernon Davis, K David Akers 
  • Neutral:  WR Josh Morgan, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Kendall Hunter & Anthony Dixon; WR Michael Crabtree

 

New York Giants at Washington – The last few years the Giants would have been the no-brainer pick here, but with seemingly half their starting defensive unit either hurt or already on Injured Reserve (IR), opportunity is knocking loudly for Washington.  Unfortunately for the Redskins, with Rex Grossman as their quarterback they won’t quite be able to take advantage of the opportunity.  New York 24, Washington 21.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  N/A
• Washington
  • Start:  RB Tim Hightower, WR Santana Moss
  • Neutral:  QB Rex Grossman, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Roy Helu & Ryan Torain (Questionable-hand); WRs Anthony Armstrong & Leonard Hankerson, TE Chris Cooley (Questionable–knee), K Graham Gano

 

Dallas at New York Jets (Sunday night) – The latest installment of The Battle of the Ryans will take place in this game, as Rob Ryan has taken over as the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys.  Many Jets’ fans have visions of a Super Bowl dancing in their heads, but unless quarterback Mark Sanchez takes a major step forward, this game will be the first in a season of many disappointments for the Jets.  Dallas 28, New York 17.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB Felix Jones, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Miles Austin (Probable-hamstring) & Dez Bryant; K Dan Bailey
  • Sit:  RBs Tashard Choice (Probable-knee) & DeMarco Murray
• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller
  • Neutral:  RB Shonn Greene, WR Derrick Mason (Probable–knee)
  • Sit:  QB Mark Sanchez, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Joe McKnight;  WR Plaxico Burress (Probable-ankle), DEF, K Nick Folk

 

New England at Miami (Monday night) – Apparently fullback Chris Gronkowski is still waiting for the call from Team Hoodie to come join brothers Rob and Dan.  Even without Chris, the Patriots will still have more than enough offensive firepower to overwhelm an overmatched Dolphins’ defense.  New England 35, Miami 17.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WR Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral:  RB Danny Woodhead, WRs Chad Ochocinco & Deion Branch; TE Aaron Hernandez
  • Sit:  WRs Julian Edelman (Probable-hand) & Taylor Price (Questionable-hamstring)
• Miami
  • Start: WR Brandon Marshall
  • Neutral:  RB Reggie Bush, WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Sit:  QB Chad Henne, RB Daniel Thomas (Questionable-hamstring), WR Brian Hartline, TE Dante Rosario, DEF, K Dan Carpenter

 

Oakland at Denver (Monday night) – For the Raiders it’s the beginning of life after Tom Cable, Nnamdi Asomugah, and Robert Gallery.  For the Broncos it’s the beginning of life after Josh McDaniel.  Knowshon Moreno will be much improved over last season, but at least for this one night Oakland will enjoy its new life just a little bit more.  Oakland 31, Denver 28.

• Oakland
  • Start:  QB Jason Campbell, RB Darren McFadden, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Neutral:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Jacoby Ford, Darius Heyward-Bey, & Denarius Moore; TE Kevin Boss, DEF
  • Sit:  N/A
• Denver
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno, WRs Brandon Lloyd & Eddie Royal
  • Neutral:  RB Willis McGahee, WR Eric Decker, K Matt Prater
  • Sit:  QB Tim Tebow, WR Demaryius Thomas (Probable-Achilles), TE Daniel Fells, DEF

 

Happy opening weekend!

The Sherpa

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