The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Quarterbacks    

1.      Drew Brees            @ StL

2.      Ben Roethlisberger vs NE

3.      John Beck              @ Buf

4.      Tony Romo            @ Phi

5.      Michael Vick          vs Dal

6.      Philip Rivers           @ KC

7.      Joe Flacco                vs Ari

8.      Eli Manning            vs Mia

9.      Cam Newton          vs Min

10.  Tim Tebow            vs Det

11.  Andy Dalton           @ Sea

12.  Matt Hasselbeck    vs Ind

13.  Christian Ponder    @ Car

14.  Tom Brady              @ Pit

15.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     vs Was

16.  Matt Moore             @ NYG

17.  Matt Schaub            vs Jac

18.  Colt McCoy              @ SF

19.  Curtis Painter          @ Ten

20.  Matthew Stafford   @ Den

21.  Alex Smith               vs Cle

22.  Matt Cassel             vs SD

23.  Kevin Kolb               @ Bal

24.  A.J. Feeley               vs NO

25.  Blaine Gabbert        @ Hou

26.  Charlie Whitehurst  vs Cin

27.  Tarvaris Jackson     vs Cin     

 

Running Backs   

1.      Adrian Peterson      @ Car

2.      Ray Rice                vs Ari

3.      DeMarco Murray   @ Phi

4.      Ahmad Bradshaw   vs Mia

5.      Rashard Mendenhall vs NE

6.      LeSean McCoy      vs Dal

7.      Ryan Mathews       @ KC

8.      Chris Johnson         vs Ind

9.      Darren Sproles       @ StL

10.  Arian Foster           vs Jac

11.  Frank Gore            vs Cle

12.  Fred Jackson          vs Was

13.  Jackie Battle           vs SD

14.  Knowshon Moreno vs Det

15.  Maurice Jones-Drew @ Hou

16.  Steven Jackson       vs NO

17.  Delone Carter         @ Ten

18.  Pierre Thomas        @ StL

19.  Brandon Jacobs      vs Mia

20.  Roy Helu                @ Buf

21.  Keiland Williams     @ Den

22.  Ryan Torain            @ Buf

23.  Maurice Morris      @ Den

24.  Reggie Bush           @ NYG

25.  Bernard Scott         @ Sea

26.  C.J. Spiller             vs Was

27.  Montario Hardesty @ SF

28.  Stevan Ridley         @ Pit

29.  Lance Ball              vs Det

30.  Donald Brown        @ Ten

31.  Mike Tolbert          @ KC

32.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ Pit

33.  Chris Ivory             @ StL

34.  Javon Springer        vs Ind

35.  Isaac Redman         vs NE

36.  Jonathan Dwyer      vs NE

37.  Toby Gerhart          @ Car

38.  Ronnie Brown          vs Dal

39.  Ricky Williams         vs Ari

40.  DeAngelo Williams  vs Min

41.  Jonathan Stewart    vs Min

42.  Charles Clay             @ NYG

43.  Lorenzo Booker       @ NYG

44.  Ben Tate                   vs Jac

45.  Derrick Ward           vs Jac

46.  Kendall Hunter        vs Cle

47.  Thomas Jones          vs SD

48. Phillip Tanner         @ Phi

49.  Dexter McCluster    vs SD

50.  Alfonso Smith           @ Bal

51.  LaRod Stephens-Howling @ Bal

52.  Deji Karim                 @ Hou

53.  Marshawn Lynch     vs Cin

54.  Justin Forsett           vs Cin

55.  Leon Washington     vs Cin

56.  D.J. Ware                  vs Mia

57.  Steve Slaton             @ NYG

58.  Peyton Hillis             @ SF

59.  Beanie Wells             @ Bal

60.  Joseph Addai            @ Ten

61.  Peyton Hillis              vs Sea

 

Wide Receivers

1.      Marques Colston    @ StL

2.      Calvin Johnson       @ Den

3.      Mike Wallace         vs NE

4.      DeSean Jackson     vs Dal

5.      Hakeem Nicks       vs Mia

6.      Antonio Brown       vs NE

7.      Jabar Gaffney         @ Buf

8.      Miles Austin           @ Phi

9.      Vincent Jackson     @ KC

10.  Anquan Boldin        vs Ari

11.  Dez Bryant @ Phi

12.  Jeremy Maclin        vs Dal

13.  Torrey Smith          vs Ari

14.  Victor Cruz            vs Mia

15.  Nate Washington    vs Ind

16.  Wes Welker           @ Pit

17.  Steve Smith            vs Min

18.  Steve Johnson        vs Was

19.  Brandon Marshall   @ NYG

20.  A.J. Green              @ Sea

21.  Larry Fitzgerald      @ Bal

22.  Jerome Simpson     @ Sea

23.  Dwayne Bowe        vs SD

24.  Davone Bess          @ NYG

25.  Brandon Lloyd       vs NO

26.  Reggie Wayne        @ Ten

27.  Michael Jenkins      @ Car

28.  Lance Moore         @ StL

29.  Emmanuel Sanders vs NE

30.  Mario Manningham vs Mia

31.  Lavelle Hawkins     vs Ind

32.  Anthony Armstrong @ Buf

33.  Robert Meachem    @ StL

34.  Jason Avant            vs Dal

35.  Terrence Austin      @ Buf

36.  Kevin Walter          vs Jac

37.  David Nelson         vs Was

38.  Deion Branch         @ Pit

39.  Jacoby Jones          vs Jac

40.  Michael Crabtree    vs Cle

41.  Demaryius Thomas vs Det

42.  Andre Caldwell      @ Sea

43.  Steve Breaston       vs SD

44.  Eric Decker            vs Det

45.  Mike Thomas         @ Hou

46.  Pierre Garcon         @ Ten

47.  Jason Hill                @ Hou

48.  Greg Little              @ SF

49.  Percy Harvin          @ Car

50.  Malcom Floyd        @ KC

51.  Devery Henderson @ StL

52.  Damian Williams     vs Ind

53.  Leonard Hankerson @ Buf

54.  Devin Aromashodu @ Car

55.  Greg Camarillo       @ Car

56.  Patrick Crayton      @ KC

57.  Nate Burleson        @ Den

58.  Titus Young            @ Den

59.  Naaman Roosevelt vs Was

60.  Chad Ochocinco    @ Pit

61.  Brian Hartline         @ NYG

62.  Eddie Royal            vs Det

63.  Ted Ginn Jr            vs Cle

64.  Andre Roberts        @ Bal

65.  Brian Robiskie        @ SF

66.  Josh Cribbs            @ SF

67.  Greg Salas              vs NO

68.  Brandon Gibson     vs NO

69.  Mike Sims-Walker @ Hou

70.  Austin Collie           @ Ten

71.  Mike Williams        vs Cin

72.  Sidney Rice            vs Cin

73.  Doug Baldwin         vs Cin

74.  Ben Obomanu        vs Cin

75.  Donte Stallworth     @ Buf

76.  Braylon Edwards    vs Cle

77.  Early Doucet          @ Bal

78.  Danario Alexander vs NO 

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jimmy Graham        @ StL

2.      Jason Witten           @ Phi

3.      Antonio Gates        @ KC

4.      Fred Davis             @ Buf

5.      Brandon Pettigrew @ Den

6.      Visanthe Shiancoe  @ Car

7.      Jared Cook            vs Ind

8.      Heath Miller           vs NE

9.      Rob Gronkowski    @ Pit

10.  Jermaine Gresham @ Sea

11.  Vernon Davis         vs Cle

12.  Aaron Hernandez   @ Pit

13.  Greg Olsen vs Min

14.  Owen Daniels         vs Jac

15.  Daniel Fells vs Det

16.  Dallas Clark           @ Ten

17.  Evan Moore           @ SF

18.  Brent Celek            vs Dal

19.  Ed Dickson            vs Ari

20.  Jake Ballard           vs Mia

21.  Jeremy Shockey     vs Min

22.  Anthony Fasano     @ NYG

23.  Joel Dreessen         vs Jac

24.  Leonard Pope        vs SD

25.  Rob Housler           @ Bal

26.  Lance Kendricks    vs NO

27.  Marcedes Lewis     @ Hou

28.  Zach Miller vs Cin

29.  Randy McMichael @ KC

30.  Dennis Pitta            vs Ari

31.  Scott Chandler       vs Was

32.  Jeff King                 @ Bal

33.  Michael Hoomanawanui      vs NO

34.  Todd Heap             @ Bal

35.  Ben Watson           @ SF

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Tennessee Titans    vs Ind

2.      Cincinnati Bengals @ Sea

3.      Houston Texans      vs Jac

4.      New Orleans Saints @ StL

5.      San Francisco 49ers vs Cle

6.      Baltimore Ravens    vs Ari

7.      Detroit Lions          @ Den

8.      Cleveland Browns  @ SF

9.      Jacksonville Jaguars @ Hou

10.  Seattle Seahawks   vs Cin

11.  San Diego Chargers @ KC

12.  New York Giants   vs Mia

13.  Minnesota Vikings @ Car

14.  Washington Redskins @ Buf

15.  Pittsburgh Steelers vs NE

16.  Arizona Cardinals   @ Bal

17.  Denver Broncos     vs Det

18.  Miami Dolphins      @ NYG

19.  Carolina Panthers   vs Min

20.  Kansas City Chiefs vs SD

21.  Dallas Cowboys     @ Phi

22.  Buffalo Bills            vs Was

23.  Philadelphia Eagles vs Dal

24.  Indianapolis Colts   @ Ten

25.  New England Patriots @ Pit

26.  St. Louis Rams       vs NO

 

Kickers

1.      John Kasay            @ StL

2.      Rob Bironas           vs Ind

3.      Shaun Suisham       vs NE

4.      Graham Gano         @ Buf

5.      Dan Bailey  @ Phi

6.      Ryan Longwell        @ Car

7.      Alex Henery           vs Dal

8.      Nick Novak           @ KC

9.      Billy Cundiff            vs Ari

10.  Lawrence Tynes     vs Mia

11.  Jason Hanson         @ Den

12.  Olindo Mare           vs Min

13.  Rian Lindell            vs Was

14.  Stephen Gostkowski @ Pit

15.  Dan Carpenter        @ NYG

16.  Neil Rackers          vs Jac

17.  Matt Prater vs Det

18.  David Akers           vs Cle

19.  Mike Nugent          @ Sea

20.  Ryan Succop          vs SD

21.  Jay Feely                @ Bal

22.  Phil Dawson           @ SF

23.  Josh Brown            vs NO

24.  Josh Scobee           @ Hou

25.  Adam Vinatieri       @ Ten

26.  Steven Hauschka    vs Cin

 

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

Arizona at Baltimore (Sunday early) – Baltimore didn’t look anything like a Super Bowl contender (at least on offense) during last Monday night’s stinker against Jacksonville, but you can safely start all their star players this week against Arizona’s lousy defense.  Stay away from all Cardinals not named Larry Fitzgerald.  Baltimore 27, Arizona 17.

• Arizona
  • Start:  WR LarryFitzgerald
  • Neutral:  TE Rob Housler, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Kevin Kolb, RBs Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee), Alfonso Smith, & LaRod Stephens-Howling; WRs Early Doucet (Questionable-quad) & Andre Roberts, TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring) & Jeff King, K Jay Feely
• Baltimore
  • Start: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, DEF
  • Neutral: TE Ed Dickson, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit: RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans (Out-ankle), TE Dennis Pitta

 

Minnesota at Carolina – Minnesota rookie quarterback Christian Ponder has played fairly well during two home losses.  This week he won’t play quite as well, but the Vikings will win on the road thanks to another big game from Adrian Peterson.  Carolina’s own rookie quarterback Cam Newton won’t find much room to run, but he’ll be able to find the resurgent Steve Smith often enough to keep the game close.  Minnesota 28, Carolina 24.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Probable-foot)
  • Neutral:  QB Christian Ponder, WRs WR Percy Harvin (Questionable-ribs) & Michael Jenkins, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Devin Aromashodu & Greg Camarillo
• Carolina
  • Start: QB Cam Newton, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral: TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Sit: RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart

 

Jacksonville at Houston – Houston will have a hard time not winning the division and making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.  Jacksonville showed again last Monday night against the Ravens that their defense is much improved over last year’s, but with no weapons on offense besides Maurice Jones-Drew, they’ll fall to Arian Foster and the Texans in another low-scoring game.  Houston 20, Jacksonville 13.

• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Jason Hill (Probable-wrist) & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis,
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Deji Karim, WR Mike Sims-Walker, K Josh Scobee
• Houston
  • Start:  RB Arian Foster, TE Owen Daniels, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Schaub, WR Kevin Walter (Probable-knee), & Jacoby Jones; TE Joel Dreessen
  • Sit:  RBs Ben Tate & Derrick Ward, WR Andre Johnson (Out-hamstring), K Neil Rackers

 

Miami at New York Giants – The Giants’ offense was just starting to click before their bye week, but Eli Manning and crew will pick up where they left off.  Miami will use their passing attack to keep the game close, but they’ll ultimately fall to 0-7.  New York 27, Miami 21.

• Miami
  • Start:  WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess
    
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Moore (Probable-ribs), RB Reggie Bush (Probable-neck), TE Anthony Fasano, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Daniel Thomas (Out-ribs), Lorenzo Booker, Charles Clay & Steve Slaton; WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs (Probable-knee), WR Mario Manningham, TE Jake Ballard, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit: RB D.J. Ware

 

New Orleans at St. Louis – New Orleans crushed Indianapolis last week, and St. Louis isn’t much better than Indianapolis, especially without Sam Bradford, who will miss his second straight game.  The Saints’ offensive juggernaut will continue to role, but a couple of Rams are sill worth starting.  New Orleans 35, St. Louis 14.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham (Probable-ankle), DEF, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RB Pierre Thomas, WRs Lance Moore & Robert Meachem
  • Sit:  RB Mark Ingram (Out-heel) & Chris Ivory, WR Devery Henderson
• St. Louis
  • Start:  RB Steven Jackson, WR Brandon Lloyd
  • Neutral:  TE Lance Kendricks
  • Sit:  QBs Sam Bradford (Out-ankle) & A.J. Feeley, WRs Danario Alexander (Doubtful-hamstring), Greg Salas & Brandon Gibson, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, DEF, K Josh Brown

 

Indianapolis at Tennessee - It’s unlikely the Colts will have another game as horrible as last week’s Sunday night demolition at the hands of the Saints, but they’re still unlikely to keep this game close.  If Chris Johnson doesn’t show signs of recapturing his dominant form against what passes for the Colts’ rushing defense, then it’s time to sound the alarms.  Tennessee 31, Indianapolis 10.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  RB Delone Carter, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
  • Neutral:  QB Curtis Painter, RB Donald Brown, WR Pierre Garcon
  • Sit:  RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring), WR Austin Collie, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
• Tennessee
  • Start:  RB Chris Johnson, WR Nate Washington, TE Jared Cook, DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-thumb), WR Lavelle Hawkins
  • Sit:   RB Javon Springer, WR Damian Williams

 

Washington at Buffalo (in Toronto) (Sunday late) – The NFL takes its show on the road to another country for the second week in a row.  Fortunately, the Bills had last week off to rest up for their long trip north.  Redskins’ quarterback John Beck looked okay last week against the Panters, but the Bills’ defense might make him look like Aaron Rodgers.  Buffalo’s stars will have a good game, but Bills’ fans may quickly start questioning the wisdom of giving Ryan Fitzpatrick a new long-term contract.  Washington 30, Buffalo 24.

• Washington
  • Start:  QB John Beck, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis, K Graham Gano
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Torain & Roy Helu, WR Anthony Armstrong & Terrence Austin, DEF
  • Sit:  WR Leonard Hankerson & Donte Stallworth (Probable-hamstring)
    
• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WR David Nelson, K Rian Lindell
  • Sit:  WRs Naaman Roosevelt & Donald Jones (Out-ankle), TE Scott Chandler, DEF

 

Detroit at Denver – Will the whole crowd be Tebowing at the end of this game, or will the Lions right the ship after dropping two consecutive games at home?  Detroit figures to have more success passing than rushing, while the opposite holds true for the Broncos.  With Willis McGahee out look for Knowshon Moreno to leapfrog Lance Bell (if not Tim Tebow) in the Broncos’ rushing attack.  Detroit 27, Denver 20.

• Detroit
  • Start:  WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Matthew Stafford (Questionable-ankle), RBs Maurice Morris & Keiland Williams, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit:  RB Jahvid Best (Out-concussion), WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young
• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Knowshon Moreno, TE Daniel Fells
  • Neutral:  RB Lance Ball, WRs Eric Decker & Demaryius Thomas, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Willis McGahee (Out-hand), WR Eddie Royal, K Matt Prater

 

New England at Pittsburgh – The Patriots may have “owned” this matchup in recent seasons, but it’s hard to imagine their defense slowing down Pittsburgh’s offense long enough for them to win the game.  New England will match their top-ranked passing game against the Steelers’ top-ranked pass defense.  However, the game will ultimately be decided by the stronger running game, and that figures to be the Steelers’.  Pittsburgh 31, New England 24.

• New England
  • Start:  WR Wes Welker, TEs Rob Gronkowski (Questionable-pictures) & Aaron Hernandez
    
  • Neutral:  QB Tom Brady, RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Questionable-toe), Stevan Ridley, WR Deion Branch, K Stephen Gostkowski
    
  • Sit:  WR Chad Ochocinco, DEF
• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Mike Wallace & Antonio Brown, TE Heath Miller, K Shaun Suisham
  • Neutral:  WR Emmanuel Sanders, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Isaac Redman & Jonathan Dwyer, WR Hines Ward (Questionable-ankle)

 

Cleveland at San Francisco – Neither team figures to score much in this contest, but the 49ers will win because they have the stronger defense.  Peyton Hillis is still missing in action, but with Ben Watson being hindered by a concussion, Evan Moore could have a breakout week.  San Francisco 20, Cleveland 17

• Cleveland
  • Start:  TE Evan Moore, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Colt McCoy, RB Montario Hardesty, WR Greg Little
  • Sit:  RB Peyton Hillis (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Mohamed Massaquoi (Out-concussion), Brian Robiskie & Josh Cribbs; TE Ben Watson (Questionable-concussion), K Phil Dawson (Probable-thigh)
• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot)
  • Sit:  QB Alex Smith, RB Kendall Hunter, WRs Braylon Edwards (Questionable-knee) & Ted Ginn Jr, K David Akers

 

Cincinnati at Seattle – Another game featuring theams from the AFC North and NFC West with strong defenses and questionable offenses, but the AFC North team will prevail in this game.  Bernard Scott won’t do much in place of the suspended Cedric Benson, but improving rookie quarterback Andy Dalton will connect with his receivers often enough for the Bengals to win.  Cincinnati 20, Seattle 10.

• Cincinnati
  • Start:  QB Andy Dalton, WRs A.J. Green & Jerome Simpson, TE Jermaine Gresham (Probable-hamstring), DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Bernard Scott, WR Andre Caldwell
  • Sit:  RB Cedric Benson (Out-suspension), K Mike Nugent
• Seattle
  • Start:  DEF
  • Neutral:  TE Zach Miller (Probable-concussion)
  • Sit:  QBs Charlie Whitehurst & Tarvaris Jackson (Questionable-pectoral), RBs Marshawn Lynch (Probable-back), Justin Forsett, & Leon Washington; WRs Mike Williams, Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, & Ben Obomanu, K Steven Hauschka

 

Dallas at Philadelphia  (Sunday night) – Last week Cowboys’ rookie running back DeMarco Ryan claimed the starting job with a dominant performance against the Rams.  He won’t reach 250+ yards rushing this week, but he’ll do enough to warrant a spot in your starting lineup.  The Bad Dream Team returns after a bye week - LeSean McCoy won’t have much room to run, but look for Michael Vick to utilize McCoy early and often in the passing game.  Dallas 30, Philadelphia 28.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo (Probable-ribs), RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral:  RB Phillip Tanner, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Felix Jones (Ankle-out)
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin
  • Neutral:  WR Jason Avant, TE Brent Celek, K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, DEF

 

San Diego at Kansas City (Monday night) – The Chiefs blew out a reeling Oakland team last week, while the Chargers blew a game to the Jets they should have won.  Kansas City would tie the Chargers with a win and played them surprisingly close in Week 3, but it’s still too much of a stretch, especially with a healthy (enough) Antonio Gates back in action.  San Diego 28, Kansas City 20.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Ryan Mathews (Probable-thumb), WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Mike Tolbert (Questionable-hamstring), K Nick Novak, WR Malcom Floyd (Questionable-hip)
  • Sit:  WR Patrick Crayton, TE Randy McMichael
• Kansas City
  • Start:  RB Jackie Battle, WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  WR Steve Breaston, TE Leonard Pope, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Matt Cassel, RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, K Ryan Succop

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

Teams with Week 8 byes:  Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, New York Jets, Oakland, Tampa Bay

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Matthew Stafford (knee)
  • Matt Ryan (knee)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 8 opponents)
  • Andy Dalton (@ Sea)
  • Christian Ponder (@ Car)
  • Alex Smith (vs Cle)
  • Matt Moore (@ NYG)
  • John Beck (@ Buf)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Darren McFadden (foot)
  • Beanie Wells (knee)
  • Cedric Benson [suspended for Week 8]
  • Ryan Mathews (thumb)
  • Willis McGahee (hand)
  • Tim Hightower (IR-knee)
  • Marshawn Lynch (back)
  • Mark Ingram (ankle)
  • Earnest Graham (IR-Achilles)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Delone Carter (@ Ten)
  • Roy Helu (@ Buf)
  • Keiland Williams (@ Den)
  • Bernard Scott (@ Sea)
  • Alfonso Smith (@ Bal)
  • C.J. Spiller (vs Was)
  • Lance Ball (vs Det)
  • Stevan Ridley (@ Pit)
  • Kendall Hunter (vs Cle)
  • Donald Brown (@ Ten)
  • Dexter McCluster (vs SD)
  • Marion Barber (bye)
  • Taiwan Jones (bye)
  • Kregg Lumpkin (bye)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Santana Moss (hand)
  • Percy Harvin (ribs)
  • Hines Ward (ankle)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion)
  • Damian Williams (concussion)
  • Bernard Berrian (cut)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jerome Simpson (@ Sea)
  • Jason Avant (vs Dal)
  • Antonio Brown (vs NE)
  • Michael Jenkins (@ Car)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (vs NE)
  • Early Doucet (@ Bal)
  • Andre Roberts (@ Bal)
  • Jabar Gaffney (@ Buf)
  • Davone Bess (@ NYG)
  • Kevin Walter (vs Jac)
  • Jacoby Jones (vs Jac)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (vs Jac)
  • Rich Camarillo (@ Car)
  • Ted Ginn Jr (vs Cle)
  • Laurent Robinson (@ Phi)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (vs Was)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (vs SD)
  • Anthony Armstrong (@ Buf)
  • Devin Aromashodu (@ Car)
  • Legedu Naanee (vs Min)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs Min)
  • Terrence Austin (@ Buf)
  • Johnny Knox (bye)
  • Devin Hester (bye)
  • Preston Parker (bye)
  • Harry Douglas (bye)
  • Jeremy Kerley (bye)
  • Jacoby Ford (bye)
  • Roy Williams (bye)
  • Dezmon Briscoe (bye)
  • Dane Sanzenbacher (bye)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Ben Watson (concussion)
  • Kevin Boss (concussion)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Visanthe Shiancoe (@ Car)
  • Jared Cook (vs Ind)
  • Evan Moore (@ SF)
  • Daniel Fells (vs Det)
  • Jake Ballard (vs Mia)
  • Jeremy Shockey (vs Min)
  • Brent Celek (vs Dal)
  • Rob Housler (@ Bal)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • David Akers (vs Cle)
  • Mike Nugent (@ Sea)
  • Rian Lindell (vs Was)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • San Francisco (vs Cle)
  • Cleveland (vs SF)
  • Seattle (vs Cin)

Good luck with your claims!

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

San Diego at New York Jets (Sunday early) – Usual fantasy lineup mainstays Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson figure to be in for a tough afternoon against the Jets’ pass defense.  Conversely, Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert should be in for big afternoons against the Jets’ rush defense.  As usual, there’s little fantasy value on the Jets’ offense, so stay away from most of their players unless you’re bye week-challenged.  San Diego 24, New York 17.

• San Diego
  • Start: RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert (Probable-concussion), DEF
  • Neutral: QB Philip Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson (Probable-hamstring) &Malcom Floyd, TE Randy McMichael, K Nick Novak
  • Sit: WR Patrick Crayton, TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot)
• New York
  • Start: TE Dustin Keller
  • Neutral: RB Shonn Greene, WR Santonio Holmes, DEF
  • Sit: QB Mark Sanchez, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Joe McKnight (Probable-knee), WRs Plaxico Burress & Jeremy Kerley, K Nick Folk

 

Houston at Tennessee – Before the season began, how many people would have predicted that Matt Hasselbeck would be having a better season fantasy-wise than Matt Schaub and Matt Ryan?  That’s indeed what’s happened, and the Texans’ offense without Andre Johnson isn’t nearly as explosive.  Still, Houston will have enough to overcome the Titans, who are still waiting for Chris Johnson to break out.  Houston 28, Tennessee 21.

• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-chest), RB Arian Foster, TE Owen Daniels, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones (Probable-groin), & Derrick Mason, K Neil Rackers
  • Sit:  RBs Ben Tate & Derrick Ward, WR Andre Johnson (Out-hamstring), TE Joel Dreessen
• Tennessee
  • Start:  WR Nate Washington, TE Jared Cook
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WRs Damian Williams & Lavelle Hawkins, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Javon Springer, K Rob Bironas

 

Denver at Miami – Tim Tebow, through no fault of his own, has quickly become one of the most polarizing players in fantasy football.  Much has been made of his throwing motion, his lack of experience, etc., but he couldn’t ask for a more favorable opponent than Miami’s secondary in his first start this season.  He’ll be just fine.  Meanwhile, Matt Moore has had his problems since taking over as the Dolphins’ starting signal-caller, but he’ll also do well, but just not quite well enough for Miami to pull out the win.  Denver 27, Miami 24.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, WR Eric Decker, TE Daniel Fells
  • Neutral:  RB Willis McGahee (Probable-back), WRs Eddie Royal (Probable-groin) & Demaryius Thomas (Probable-finger), DEF, K Matt Prater
  • Sit:  RB Knowshon Moreno
• Miami
  • Start:  QB Matt Moore, RB Daniel Thomas (Probable-hamstring), WR Brandon Marshall (Probable-quad)
  • Neutral:  RBs Reggie Bush (Probable-groin), WR Davone Bess, DEF, K Dan Carpenter
  • Sit:  RBs Lex Hilliard & Steve Slaton, WR Brian Hartline, TE Anthony Fasano

 

Chicago at Tampa Bay (in London) – All bets are off for the NFL’s annual game across the pond - all you can do is analyze the game as if it were being played on American soil.  The Bears will probably find the temperature more to their liking, and they have the better running game, but Tampa’s defense should keep them in this game.  Earnest Graham has filled in admirably for LeGarrette Blount, but unless Josh Freeman’s passing improves with the change of scenery, the Bears will have the happier flight home.  Chicago 28, Tampa Bay 24.

• Chicago
  • Start:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte
    
  • Neutral:  WRs Devin Hester (Probable-chest), Johnny Knox, Roy Williams, & Dane Sanzenbacher; DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  RB Marion Barber, WR Earl Bennett (Probable-chest), TE Kellen Davis (Probable-elbow)
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman, RB Earnest Graham, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  DEF, K Connor Barth
  • Sit: RB LeGarrette Blount (Out-knee)

 

Atlanta at Detroit – The Falcons are a vexing team - one game they look like Super Bowl contenders; the next game they look like they’re trying to win the “Suck for Luck” sweepstakes.  This week will be a good test of the Lions’ resiliency - they’ll need at least a decent showing from fill-in starting running back Maurice Morris to win this game, and I think they’ll get it.  Detroit 30, Atlanta 24.

• Atlanta
  • Start: RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez (Probable-elbow)
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Ryan, K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers, WRs Harry Douglas & Julio Jones (Doubtful-hamstring), DEF
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matt Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral:  RB Maurice Morris, WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Jahvid Best (Out-concussion), TE Tony Scheffler (Probable-concussion)

 

Seattle at Cleveland - Who wins?  Who loses?  Who cares?  (with apologies to Joe Piscapo)  Aside from the two defenses, there won’t be much to like from a fantasy standpoint from either of these teams.  It will be interesting to see how much of the Browns’ offensive load Montario Hardesty is asked to carry, and I’ll also be looking to see if the Seahawks’ offense can keep their pre-bye momentum going against an underrated Browns’ defense.  Cleveland 17, Seattle 13.

• Seattle
  • Start:  RB Marshawn Lynch (Probable-ankle), DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Sidney Rice, Mike Williams (Probable-concussion), & Doug Baldwin
  • Sit:  QBs Charlie Whitehurst & Tarvaris Jackson (Doubtful-pectoral), RB Justin Forsett, WR Ben Obomanu, TE Zach Miller (Out-neck), K Steven Hauschka
• Cleveland
  • Start:  WRs Mohamed Massaquoi & Greg Little, DEF, TE Ben Watson
  • Neutral:  QB Colt McCoy, RB Montario Hardesty, WR Josh Cribbs (Probable-knee)
  • Sit:  RB Peyton Hillis (Ask his agentQuestionable-hamstring), WR Brian Robiskie, K Phil Dawson, TE Evan Moore (Probable-ankle)

 

Washington at Carolina – The Rex Grossman Era is apparently over in Washington, and the John Beck Era is underway.  Beck won’t have much fantasy value in this game, but look for his tight end Fred Davis to shine now that Chris Cooley is on the shelf with a finger injury.  Cam Newton continues his descent back to earth, but he’ll find tight ends Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey often enough to keep this game interesting.  Washington 21, Carolina 17.

• Washington
  • Start:  WR Santana Moss, TE Fred Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Torain, Tim Hightower (Probable-shoulder) & Roy Helu; WR Jabar Gaffney
  • Sit:  QB John Beck, WRs Donte Stallworth (Questionable-hamstring) & Anthony Armstrong (Probable-hamstring), TE Chris Cooley (Out-finger), K Graham Gano
• Carolina
  • Start:  WR Steve Smith, TEs Greg Olsen (Probable-toe) & Jeremy Shockey, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Cam Newton, RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart
  • Sit:  RB Mike Goodson, WRs Brandon LaFell & Legedu Naanee, K Olindo Mare

 

Pittsburgh at Arizona (Sunday late) – This game will look nothing like Super Bowl XLIII.  The Steelers are still a top-shelf team with a bunch of improving young wide receivers, but St. Louis has taken several steps backwards in the last three seasons.  Kevin Kolb has been a major disappointment this season, and that won’t change against a stingy Steeler pass defense.  Meanwhile, his Pittsburgh counterpart, Ben Roethlisberger, should have a field day against the Cardinal secondary.  Pittsburgh 31, Arizona 17.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall (Probable-knee), WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace (Probable-hamstring), TE Heath Miller, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
  • Neutral: WRs Antonio Brown & Emmanuel Sanders
  • Sit: RBs Isaac Redman & Jonathan Dwyer
• Arizona
  • Start: RB Beanie Wells, WR Larry Fitzgerald
    
  • Neutral: TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring) & Jeff King
    
  • Sit:  QB Kevin Kolb, RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely

 

Kansas City at Oakland – If the Chiefs can pull off the upset, they’ll be right back in the thick of things in the AFC West despite an 0-3 start.  Matt Cassel was in a groove right before Kansas City’s bye week, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to pick up where he left off.  Even though the Raiders acquired Carson Palmer this week, he probably won’t get on the field unless things go horribly wrong for Kyle Boller.  Expect the Raiders to rely heavily on Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in pulling out the victory.  Oakland 27, Kansas City 24.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  QB Matt Cassel, RB Jackie Battle (Probable-neck), WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Leonard Pope
    
  • Neutral:  RB Dexter McCluster, WR Steve Breaston, DEF, K Ryan Succop
    
  • Sit:  RBs Thomas Jones & LeRon McClain (Probable-neck)
• Oakland
  • Start:  RB Darren McFadden, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, TE Kevin Boss
  • Neutral:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Denarius Moore & Jacoby Ford, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Sit:  QBs Carson Palmer & Kyle Boller

 

Green Bay at Minnesota – Between the Vikings’ sub-par play and the absence of Brett Favre, this rivalry has lost some of its luster.  The Packers figure to avoid Minnesota’s run defense by throwing most of the day.  Vikings’ rookie quarterback Christian Ponder gets his first start against a porous Packer secondary, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he throws for 250 yards or more.  Expect Adrian Peterson to struggle again this week.  Green Bay 28, Minnesota 17.

• Green Bay
  • Start: QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Glen Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DEF
  • Neutral: RBs James Starks & Ryan Grant, WRs James Jones & Donald Driver, K Mason Crosby
  • Sit:  WR Randall Cobb
• Minnesota
  • Start: WR Percy Harvin (Probable-ribs), TE Visanthe Shiancoe
    
  • Neutral: QB Christian Ponder, RB Adrian Peterson, DEF
    
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Bernard Berrian, Greg Camarillo, & Devin Aromashodu, K Ryan Longwell

 

St. Louis at Dallas – The Cowboys’ defense was very impressive last week against the Patriots, holding Tom Brady and Co. below 30 points for the first time in 14 games.  St. Louis’ offense shouldn’t pose as big a challenge, especially with A.J. Feeley starting in place of the injured Sam Bradford.  Dallas will use DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice to fill in for Felix Jones - I’m looking for Murray to get the majority of the carries as the Cowboys look to see what the rookie can do.  Dallas 27, St. Louis 14.

• St. Louis
  • Start: WR Brandon Lloyd, TE Lance Kendricks
    
  • Neutral: QB A.J. Feeley, RB Steven Jackson, WRs Brandon Gibson & Danario Alexander, DEF
  • Sit: QB Sam Bradford (Out-ankle), RB Cadillac Williams, WR Greg Salas, K Josh Brown
    
• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo (Probable-ribs), WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, DEF
    
  • Neutral: RBs DeMarco Murray & Tashard Choice, K Dan Bailey
    
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones (Out-ankle), WR Laurent Robinson

 

Indianapolis at New Orleans  (Sunday night) – Another Super Bowl rematch (XLII) that won’t look anything like the original.  Colts’ quarterback Curtis Painter has been slightly better than expected, but he’s still not someone you want to rely on for your fantasy team, even in a bye week.  Drew Brees will have a great game against the Indianapolis defense; as usual, the difficult part for fantasy owners is predicting which of his receivers will catch enough passes to have fantasy value.  New Orleans 38, Indianapolis 17.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
  • Neutral:  QB Curtis Painter, RBs Delone Carter & Donald Brown, WR Pierre Garcon
  • Sit:  RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring), WR Austin Collie, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham (Probable-ankle), DEF, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RBs Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, & Pierre Thomas; WRs Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, & Robert Meachem
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Baltimore at Jacksonville (Monday night) – ESPN and NBC must be going nuts - it seems the majority of this season’s Sunday night and Monday night games haven’t been competitive, and this game figures to continue that trend.  Unless something happens to Baltimore’s team bus on the way to the stadium, it’s hard to imagine Jacksonville mustering enough offense to keep this game close.  This is one of the rare weeks where you may actually want to consider sitting Maurice Jones-Drew.  Baltimore 24, Jacksonville 7.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ricky Williams, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  WR Lee Evans (Out-ankle), TE Dennis Pitta
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Neutral:  WRs Jason Hill & Mike Thomas, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, RBs Maurice Jones-Drew & Deji Karim, WR Mike Sims-Walker, K Josh Scobee

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

Quarterbacks  

1.      Drew Brees            vs Ind

2.      Matt Stafford          vs Atl

3.      Ben Roethlisberger @ Ari

4.      Aaron Rodgers       @ Min

5.      Tony Romo            vs StL

6.      Matt Schaub           @ Ten

7.      Jay Cutler               @ TB

8.      Tim Tebow             @ Mia

9.      Josh Freeman         vs Chi

10.  Matt Cassel            @ Oak

11.  Matt Moore           vs Den

12.  Matt Ryan              @ Det

13.  Joe Flacco              @ Jac

14.  Matt Hasselbeck    vs Hou

15.  Philip Rivers           @ NYJ

16.  Cam Newton          vs Was

17.  Colt McCoy           vs Sea

18.  Curtis Painter          @ NO

19.  A.J. Feely               @ Dal

20.  Christian Ponder     vs GB

21.  Kevin Kolb            vs Pit

22.  Mark Sanchez        vs SD

23.  Kyle Boller              vs KC

24.  John Beck              @ Car

25.  Charlie Whitehurst @ Cle

26.  Carson Palmer        vs KC

27.  Blaine Gabbert       vs Bal

28.  Tarvaris Jackson     @ Cle

   

Running Backs   

1.      Rashard Mendenhall @ Ari

2.      Darren McFadden  vs KC

3.      Arian Foster           @ Ten

4.      Ray Rice                @ Jac

5.      Michael Turner       @ Det

6.      Matt Forte              @ TB

7.      Jackie Battle           @ Oak

8.      Ryan Mathews       @ NYJ

9.      Daniel Thomas        vs Den

10.  Earnest Graham      vs Chi

11.  Mike Tolbert          @ NYJ

12.  Marshawn Lynch    @ Cle

13.  Beanie Wells          vs Pit

14.  Mark Ingram          vs Ind

15.  Darren Sproles       vs Ind

16.  Pierre Thomas        vs Ind

17.  Maurice Morris      vs Atl

18.  DeMarco Murray   vs StL

19.  John Starks            @ Min

20.  Ryan Grant            @ Min

21.  Michael Bush          vs KC

22.  Tashard Choice      vs StL

23.  Willis McGahee      @ Mia

24.  Dexter McCluster   @ Oak

25.  Ricky Williams        @ Jac

26.  Reggie Bush           vs Den

27.  Adrian Peterson      vs GB

28.  Chris Johnson         vs Hou

29.  Shonn Greene         vs SD

30.  DeAngelo Williams vs Was

31.  Montario Hardesty vs Sea

32.  Jonathan Stewart    vs Was

33.  Tim Hightower        @ Car

34.  Delone Carter         @ NO

35.  Ryan Torain            @ Car

36.  Roy Helu                @ Car

37.  Donald Brown        @ NO

38.  Steven Jackson       @ Dal

39. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Bal

40. Ike Redman            @ Ari

41.  Jonathan Dwyer      @ Ari

42.  Ben Tate                @ Ten

43.  Derrick Ward         @ Ten

44.  Marion Barber        @ TB

45.  Knowshon Moreno @ Mia

46.  Lex Hilliard           vs Den

47.  Steve Slaton           vs Den

48.  Jason Snelling         @ Det

49.  Jacquizz Rodgers    @ Det

50.  Thomas Jones         @ Oak

51.  Le’Ron McClain     @ Oak

52.  Javon Springer        vs Hou

53.  LaDainian Tomlinson vs SD

54.  LaRod Stephens-Howling vs Pit

55.  Toby Gerhart          vs GB

56.  Mike Goodson       vs Was

57.  Joe McKnight         vs SD

58.  Cadillac Williams    @ Dal

59.  Justin Forsett          @ Cle

60.  Deji Karim                 vs Bal

61.  Joseph Addai         @ NO

62.  Peyton Hillis           vs Sea

Wide Receivers

1.      Marques Colston    vs Ind

2.      Calvin Johnson       vs Atl

3.      Mike Wallace         @ Ari

4.      Greg Jennings         @ Min

5.      Miles Austin           vs StL

6.      Jordy Nelson          @ Min

7.      Dez Bryant              vs StL

8.      Eric Decker            @ Mia

9.      Darrius Heyward-Bey vs KC

10.  Hines Ward            @ Ari

11.  Brandon Marshall   vs Den

12.  Mike Williams        vs Chi

13.  Dwayne Bowe        @ Oak

14.  Roddy White          @ Det

15.  Santana Moss         @ Car

16.  Anquan Boldin        @ Jac

17.  Torrey Smith          @ Jac

18.  Nate Washington    vs Hou

19.  Larry Fitzgerald      vs Pit

20.  Reggie Wayne        @ NO

21.  Steve Smith            vs Was

22.  Percy Harvin          vs GB

23.  Brandon Lloyd       @ Dal

24.  Greg Little              vs Sea

25.  Mohamed Massaquoi vs Sea

26.  Lance Moore         vs Ind

27.  Devery Henderson vs Ind

28.  Robert Meachem    vs Ind

29.  Antonio Brown       @ Ari

30.  Eddie Royal            @ Mia

31.  Demaryius Thomas @ Mia

32.  James Jones           @ Min

33.  Nate Burleson        vs Atl

34.  Emmanuel Sanders @ Ari

35.  Donald Driver         @ Min

36.  Jacoby Jones          @ Ten

37.  Kevin Walter          @ Ten

38.  Jacoby Ford           vs KC

39.  Titus Young            vs Atl

40.  Derrick Mason       @ Ten

41.  Johnny Knox          @ TB

42.  Roy Williams          @ TB

43.  Denarius Moore     vs KC

44.  Dane Sanzenbacher @ TB

45.  Devin Hester          @ TB

46.  Vincent Jackson     @ NYJ

47.  Steve Breaston       @ Oak

48.  Malcom Floyd        @ NYJ

49.  Jabar Gaffney         @ Car

50.  Davone Bess          vs Den

51.  Damian Williams     vs Hou

52.  Lavelle Hawkins     vs Hou

53.  Pierre Garcon         @ NO

54.  Santonio Holmes    vs SD

55.  Sidney Rice            @ Cle

56.  Doug Baldwin         @ Cle

57.  Brandon Gibson     @ Dal

58.  Danario Alexander @ Dal

59.  Josh Cribbs            vs Sea

60.  Mike Williams        @ Cle

61.  Jason Hill                vs Bal

62.  Mike Thomas         vs Bal

63.  Randall Cobb         @ Min

64.  Earl Bennett            @ TB

65.  Laurent Robinson   vs StL

66.  Patrick Crayton      @ NYJ

67.  Brian Hartline         vs Den

68.  Harry Douglas        @ Det

69.  Anthony Armstrong @ Car

70.  Plaxico Burress       vs SD

71.  Jeremy Kerley        vs SD

72.  Brian Robiskie        vs Sea

73.  Andre Roberts        vs Pit

74.  Early Doucet          vs Pit

75.  Bernard Berrian      vs GB

76.  Greg Camarillo       vs GB

77.  Devin Aromashodu vs GB

78.  Austin Collie           @ NO

79.  Brandon LaFell       vs Was

80.  Legedu Naanee      vs Was

81.  Evan Moore           vs Sea

82.  Greg Salas              @ Dal

83.  Ben Obomanu        @ Cle

84.  Maurice Jones-Drew vs Bal

85.  Mike Sims-Walker vs Bal

86.  Donte Stallworth     @ Car

87.  Julio Jones              @ Det

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jimmy Graham        vs Ind

2.      Jermichael Finley    @ Min

3.      Brandon Pettigrew vs Atl

4.      Jason Witten           vs StL

5.      Owen Daniels         @ Ten

6.      Heath Miller           @ Ari

7.      Kevin Boss               vs KC

8.      Daniel Fells              @ Mia

9.      Tony Gonzalez        @ Det

10.  Kellen Winslow      vs Chi

11.  Ed Dickson            @ Jac

12.  Leonard Pope        @ Oak

13.  Fred Davis             @ Car

14.  Ben Watson           vs Sea

15.  Dallas Clark           @ NO

16.  Greg Olsen            vs Was

17.  Jared Cook            vs Hou

18.  Dustin Keller          vs SD

19.  Visanthe Shiancoe vs GB

20.  Jeremy Shockey     vs Was

21.  Lance Kendricks    @ Dal

22.  Marcedes Lewis     vs Bal

23.  Randy McMichael  @ NYJ

24.  Jeff King                 vs Pit

25.  Todd Heap             vs Pit

26.  Kellen Davis           @ TB

27.  Dennis Pitta            @ Jac

28.  Anthony Fasano     vs Den

29.  Tony Scheffler        vs Atl

30.  Joel Dreessen         @ Ten

31.  Antonio Gates        @ NYJ

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Baltimore Ravens    @ Jac

2.      Cleveland Browns vs Sea

3.      Dallas Cowboys     vs StL

4.      New Orleans Saints vs Ind

5.      San Diego Chargers @ NYJ

6.      Seattle Seahawks @ Cle

7.      Green Bay Packers @ Min

8.      Washington Redskins @ Car

9.      Pittsburgh Steelers @ Ari

10.  Carolina Panthers   vs Was

11.  Houston Texans      @ Ten

12.  Denver Broncos     @ Mia

13.  Oakland Raiders     vs KC

14.  Chicago Bears        @ TB

15.  Kansas City Chiefs @ Oak

16.  Jacksonville Jaguars vs Bal

17.  New York Jets       vs SD

18.  Detroit Lions          vs Atl

19.  Miami Dolphins      vs Den

20.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Chi

21.  St. Louis Rams       @ Dal

22.  Tennessee Titans    vs Hou

23.  Minnesota Vikings vs GB

24.  Arizona Cardinals   vs Pit

25.  Atlanta Falcons       @ Det

26.  Indianapolis Colts   @ NO

 

Kickers

1.      John Kasay            vs Ind

2.      Jason Hanson         vs Atl

3.      Shaun Suisham       @ Ari

4.      Mason Crosby       @ Min

5.      Dan Bailey              vs StL

6.      Neil Rackers          @ Ten

7.      Robbie Gould         @ TB

8.      Matt Prater           @ Mia

9.      Matt Bryant            @ Det

10.  Billy Cundiff            @ Jac

11.  Nick Novak           @ NYJ

12.  Ryan Succop          @ Oak

13.  Connor Barth         vs Chi

14.  Dan Carpenter        vs Den

15.  Sebastian Janikowski vs KC

16.  Rob Bironas           vs Hou

17.  Graham Gano         @ Car

18.  Jay Feely                vs Pit

19.  Olindo Mare           vs Was

20.  Adam Vinatieri       @ NO

21.  Phil Dawson           vs Sea

22.  Ryan Longwell        vs GB

23.  Steve Hauschka      @ Cle

24.  Josh Brown            @ Dal

25.  Nick Folk               vs SD

26.  Josh Scobee           vs Bal

 

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?

Teams with Week 7 byes:  Buffalo, Cincinnati, New York Giants, Philadelphia, San Francisco, New England

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Sam Bradford (ankle)
  • Donovan McNabb (benched)
  • Jason Campbell (collarbone)
  • Rex Grossman (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 7 opponents)
  • Carson Palmer (vs KC)
  • Curtis Painter (@ NO)
  • Christian Ponder (vs GB)
  • Matt Moore (vs Den)
  • John Beck (@ Car)
  • Alex Smith (bye)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Cedric Benson [Week 7 bye; suspended for Week 8]
  • Peyton Hillis (hamstring)
  • Felix Jones (ankle)
  • Jahvid Best (concussion)
  • Reggie Bush (neck)
  • Cadillac Williams (thigh)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Maurice Morris (vs Atl)
  • Tashard Choice (vs StL)
  • Donald Brown (@ NO)
  • Roy Helu (@ Car)
  • Bernard Scott (bye)
  • Stevan Ridley (bye)
  • C.J. Spiller (bye)
  • Kendall Hunter (bye)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Mike Wallace (hamstring)
  • Devin Hester (chest)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Doug Baldwin (@ Cle)
  • Brandon Gibson (@ Dal)
  • Donald Driver (@ Min)
  • Steve Breaston (@ Oak)
  • Arrelious Benn (vs Chi)
  • Demaryius Thomas (@ Mia)
  • Eddie Royal (@ Mia)
  • Danario Alexander (@ Dal)
  • Jabar Gaffney (@ Car)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (vs Sea)
  • Preston Parker (vs Chi)
  • Kevin Walter (@ Ten)
  • Greg Salas (@ Dal)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (@ Ari)
  • Ben Obomanu (@ Cle)
  • Mike Sims-Walker (vs Bal)
  • Michael Jenkins (vs GB)
  • Brian Hartline (vs Den)
  • Jeremy Kerley (vs SD)
  • Harry Douglas (@ Det)
  • Roy Williams (@ TB)
  • Laurent Robinson (vs StL)
  • Bernard Berrian (vs GB)
  • Jacoby Ford (vs KC)
  • Josh Cribbs (vs Sea)
  • Titus Young (vs Atl)
  • Jerome Simpson (bye)
  • Andre Caldwell (bye)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Chris Cooley (finger)
  • Kellen Davis (elbow)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jeremy Shockey (vs Was)
  • Visanthe Shiancoe (vs GB)
  • Jared Cook (@ Hou)
  • Marcedes Lewis (vs Bal)
  • Kevin Boss (vs KC)
  • Heath Miller (@ Ari)
  • Ed Dickson (@ Jac)
  • Daniel Fells (@ Mia)
  • Lance Kendricks (@ Dal)
  • Dennis Pitta (@ Jac)
  • Brent Celek (bye)
  • Jake Ballard (bye)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Billy Cundiff (@ Jac)
  • Dan Bailey (vs StL)
  • Nick Novak (@ NYJ)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Cleveland (vs Sea)
  • San Diego (vs NYJ)
  • Denver (@ Mia)
  • Seattle (@ Cle)
  • KC (@ Oak)

Good luck with your claims!

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       vs StL

2.      Drew Brees            @TB

3.      Tony Romo            @NE

4.      Eli Manning            vs. Buf

5.      Matthew Stafford vs. SF

6.      Tom Brady           vs. Dal

7.      Cam Newton          @Atl

8.      Ryan Fitzpatrick @NYG

9.      Matt Ryan              vs Car

10.  Colt McCoy           @Oak

11.  Jay Cutler               vs. Min

12.  Sam Bradford         @GB

13.  Donovan McNabb @Chi

14.  Michael Vick          @Was

15.  Andy Dalton           vs Ind

16.  Ben Roethlisberger vs. Jac

17.  Joe Flacco              vs. Hou

18.  Alex Smith             @ Det

19.  Josh Freeman         vs. NO

20.  Mark Sanchez        vs. Mia

21.  Rex Grossman        vs Phi

22.  Jason Campbell      vs. Cle

23.  Matt Schaub           @Bal

24.  Matt Moore           @NYJ

25.  Blaine Gabbert       @Pit

26.  Curtis Painter          @Cin

 

Running Backs    

1.      James Starks          vs StL

2.      Ahmad Bradshaw   vs. Buf

3.      Ryan Torain            vs Phi

4.      Adrian Peterson      @Chi

5.      LeSean McCoy      @Was

6.      Fred Jackson          @NYG

7.      Darren McFadden  vs. Cle

8.      Michael Turner       vs Car

9.      Cedric Benson        vs Ind

10.  Peyton Hillis           @Oak

11.  Matt Forte              vs. Min

12.  Ray Rice                vs. Hou

13.  Frank Gore            @ Det

14.  Reggie Bush           @NYJ

15.  Maurice Jones-Drew @Pit

16.  Ryan Grant vs StL

17.  Mark Ingram          @TB

18.  Darren Sproles       @TB

19.  Pierre Thomas        @TB

20.  Felix Jones @NE

21.  Roy Helu                vs Phi

22.  Jahvid Best vs. SF

23.  Stevan Ridley         vs. Dal

24.  DeAngelo Williams @Atl

25.  Jonathan Stewart    @Atl

26.  C.J. Spiller             @NYG

27.  Michael Bush          vs. Cle

28.  Bernard Scott         vs Ind

29.  Rashard Mendenhall vs. Jac

30.  Earnest Graham      vs. NO

31.  Steven Jackson       @GB

32.  Delone Carter         @Cin

33.  Tim Hightower        vs Phi

34.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. Dal

35.  Daniel Thomas        @NYJ

36.  Tashard Choice      @NE

37.  DeMarco Murray   @NE

38.  Danny Ware           vs. Buf

39.  Toby Gerhart          @Chi

40.  Mike Goodson       @Atl

41.  Ronnie Brown        @Was

42.  Isaac Redman         vs. Jac

43.  Jonathan Dwyer      vs. Jac

44.  Mario Hardesty      @Oak

45.  Marion Barber        vs. Min

46.  Brian Leonard        vs Ind

47.  Ricky Williams        vs. Hou

48.  Kendall Hunter       @ Det

49.  Shonn Greene         vs. Mia

50.  LaDainian Tomlinson          vs. Mia

51.  Ben Tate                @Bal

52.  Derrick Ward         @Bal

53.  Cadillac Williams    @GB

54.  Deji Karim @Pit

55.  LeGarrette Blount   vs. NO

56.  Joseph Addai         @Cin

 

Wide Receivers

1.      Jordy Nelson          vs StL

2.      Greg Jennings          vs StL

3.      Marques Colston    @TB

4.      Miles Austin           @NE

5.      Dez Bryant @NE

6.      Hakeem Nicks       vs. Buf

7.      Victor Cruz            vs. Buf

8.      Santana Moss         vs Phi

9.      Calvin Johnson       vs. SF

10.  Wes Welker           vs. Dal

11.  Deion Branch         vs. Dal

12.  Steve Smith            @Atl

13.  DeSean Jackson     @Was

14.  David Nelson         @NYG

15.  Denarius Moore     vs. Cle

16.  A.J. Green              vs Ind

17.  Mike Wallace         vs. Jac

18.  Mohamed Massaquoi @Oak

19.  Johnny Knox          vs. Min

20.  Roddy White          vs Car

21.  Anquan Boldin        vs. Hou

22.  Mike Williams        vs. NO

23.  Santonio Holmes    vs. Mia

24.  Brandon Gibson     @GB

25.  Mike Sims-Walker @GB

26.  Reggie Wayne        @Cin

27.  James Jones           vs StL

28.  Lance Moore         @TB

29.  Robert Meachem    @TB

30.  Laurent Robinson   @NE

31.  Mario Manningham vs. Buf

32.  Jabar Gaffney         vs Phi

33.  Titus Young            vs. SF

34.  Chad Ochocinco    vs. Dal

35.  Michael Jenkins      @Chi

36.  Legedu Naanee      @Atl

37.  Brandon LaFell       @Atl

38.  Jeremy Maclin        @Was

39.  Naaman Roosevelt @NYG

40.  Darius Heyward-Bey vs. Cle

41.  Jason Avant            @Was

42.  Harry Douglas        vs Car

43.  Jerome Simpson     vs Ind

44.  Andre Caldwell      vs Ind

45.  Hines Ward            vs. Jac

46.  Antonio Brown       vs. Jac

47.  Emmanuel Sanders vs. Jac

48.  Greg Little              @Oak

49.  Brian Robiskie        @Oak

50.  Dane Sanzenbacher vs. Min

51.  Torrey Smith          vs. Hou

52.  Plaxico Burress       vs. Mia

53.  Jeremy Kerley        vs. Mia

54.  Brandon Marshall   @NYJ

55.  Danario Alexander @GB

56.  Mike Thomas         @Pit

57.  Jason Hill                @Pit

58.  Austin Collie           @Cin

59.  Pierre Garcon         @Cin

60.  Percy Harvin          @Chi

61.  Michael Crabtree    @ Det

62.  Arian Foster           @Bal

63.  Donald Driver         vs StL

64.  Devery Henderson @TB

65.  Jesse Holley           @NE

66.  Kevin Ogletree       @NE

67.  Nate Burleson        vs. SF

68.  Bernard Berrian      @Chi

69.  Jacoby Ford           vs. Cle

70.  Louis Murphy         vs. Cle

71.  Steve Smith            @Was

72.  Roy Williams          vs. Min

73.  Devin Hester          vs. Min

74.  Preston Parker       vs. NO

75.  Arrelious Benn        vs. NO

76.  Kevin Walter          @Bal

77.  Derrick Mason       @Bal

78.  Davone Bess          @NYJ

79.  Brian Hartline         @NYJ

80.  Jacoby Jones          @Bal

81.  Bryant Johnson       @Bal

82.  Damian Williams     @Pit

83.  Anthony Armstrong vs Phi

84.  Josh Cribbs            @Oak

85.  Earl Bennett            vs. Min

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jermichael Finley    vs StL

2.      Jimmy Graham        @TB

3.      Jason Witten           @NE

4.      Fred Davis             vs Phi

5.      Brandon Pettigrew vs. SF

6.      Rob Gronkowski    vs. Dal

7.      Visanthe Shiancoe  @Chi

8.      Greg Olsen @Atl

9.      Kevin Boss vs. Cle

10.  Jermaine Gresham  vs Ind

11.  Ben Watson           @Oak

12.  Heath Miller           vs. Jac

13.  Ed Dickson            vs. Hou

14.  Vernon Davis         @ Det

15.  Kellen Winslow      vs. NO

16.  Dustin Keller          vs. Mia

17.  Owen Daniels         @Bal

18.  Dallas Clark           @Cin

19.  Jake Ballard           vs. Buf

20.  Jeremy Shockey     @Atl

21.  Scott Chandler       @NYG

22.  Evan Moore           @Oak

23.  Kellen Davis           vs. Min

24.  Joel Dreessen         @Bal

25.  Anthony Fasano     @NYJ

26.  Marcedes Lewis     @Pit

27.  Tony Gonzalez        vs Car

28.  Kyle Rudolph         @Chi

29.  Brent Celek            @Was

30.  Dennis Pitta            vs. Hou

31.  Lance Kendricks    @GB

32.  Chris Cooley          vs Phi

33.  Aaron Hernandez   vs. Dal

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Cincinnati Bengals vs Ind

2.      Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jac

3.      Green Bay Packers vs StL

4.      New York Jets       vs. Mia

5.      Miami Dolphins      @NYJ

6.      New Orleans Saints @TB

7.      Detroit Lions          vs. SF

8.      Baltimore Ravens    vs. Hou

9.      Oakland Raiders     vs. Cle

10.  Minnesota Vikings @Chi

11.  Indianapolis Colts   @Cin

12.  Jacksonville Jaguars @Pit

13.  Carolina Panthers   @Atl

14.  Houston Texans      @Bal

15.  Philadelphia Eagles @Was

16.  Chicago Bears vs. Min

17.  Cleveland Browns  @Oak

18.  Atlanta Falcons       vs Car

19.  New York Giants   vs. Buf

20.  Washington Redskins vs Phi

21.  San Francisco 49ers @ Det

22.  Dallas Cowboys     @NE

23.  Buffalo Bills            @NYG

24.  New England Patriots vs. Dal

25.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NO

26.  St. Louis Rams       @GB

 

Kickers

1.      Mason Crosby       vs StL

2.      John Kasay            @TB

3.      Dan Bailey  @NE

4.      Lawrence Tynes     vs. Buf

5.      Graham Gano         vs Phi

6.      Jason Hanson         vs. SF

7.      Stephen Gostkowski vs. Dal

8.      Ryan Longwell        @Chi

9.      Olindo Mare           @Atl

10.  Alex Henery           @Was

11.  Rian Lindell            @NYG

12.  Sebastian Janikowski vs. Cle

13.  Matt Bryant            vs Car

14.  Mike Nugent          vs Ind

15.  Shaun Suisham       vs. Jac

16.  Robbie Gould         vs. Min

17.  Phil Dawson           @Oak

18.  Billy Cundiff            vs. Hou

19.  David Akers           @Det

20.  Connor Barth         vs. NO

21.  Nick Folk               vs. Mia

22.  Dan Carpenter        @NYJ

23.  Neil Rackers          @Bal

24.  Josh Brown            @GB

25.  Josh Scobee           @Pit

26.  Adam Vinatieri       @Cin

 

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

Carolina at Atlanta (Sunday early) – Cam Newton has been one of the season’s most pleasant fantasy surprises this season, while Matt Ryan has been one of the season’s most unpleasant fantasy surprises.  Expect both of those trends to continue this weekend as Atlanta drops its second straight game at home.  Carolina 27, Atlanta 24.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, WRs Legedu Naanee & Brandon LaFell, TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Sit:  RB Mike Goodson
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee)
  • Neutral:  WR Harry Douglas, TE Tony Gonzalez (Questionable-elbow), DEF, K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  WR Julio Jones (out-hamstring)

 

Philadelphia at Washington – Philadelphia has one last chance to pull out of their tailspin this weekend; it’s almost impossible to imagine a team starting 1-5, then righting the ship and making the playoffs.  The Redskins aren’t as impressive as their 4-1 record would suggest, but with the rest of the “best division in football” playing so poorly, the NFC East is theirs for the taking.  Washington 28, Philadelphia 27.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson
  • Neutral:  QB Michael Vick, WRs Jeremy Maclin & Jason Avant (Probable-hip), DEF, K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith (Probable-knee), TE Brent Celek
• Washington
  • Start:  RB Ryan Torain, WR Santana Moss, TE Fred Davis
  • Neutral:  RBs Tim Hightower (Questionable-shoulder) & Roy Helu, WR Jabar Gaffney, DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Sit:  QB Rex Grossman, WR Anthony Armstrong (Questionable-hamstring), TE Chris Cooley (Questionable-knee)

 

St. Louis at Green Bay – The season is also quickly spinning out of control for the Rams, who were expected to rule the roost in the “worst division in football”.  A Green Bay win here will send St. Louis to 0-5 and virtually assure that they’ll be watching the playoffs on TV.  Green Bay 40, St. Louis 17.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  QB Sam Bradford, WRs Brandon Gibson & Mike Sims-Walker
  • Neutral:  RB Steven Jackson, WR Danario Alexander
  • Sit:  RB Cadillac Williams, TE Lance Kendricks, DEF, K Josh Brown
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB James Starks, WRs Glen Jennings (Probable-groin) & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Ryan Grant, WR James Jones
  • Sit:  WR Donald Driver

 

Indianapolis at Cincinnati – Cincinnati’s defense has been one of the top in football so far.  Sure, Indianapolis isn’t an offensive powerhouse this season by any stretch of the imagination, but the Bengals will make them look even worse than they really are.  Cincinnati 24, Indianapolis 10.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
    
  • Neutral:  RB Delone Carter, WRs Austin Collie & Pierre Garcon, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Curtis Painter, RB Joseph Addai (Doubtful-hamstring), K Adam Vinatieri
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  RB Cedric Benson, WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton, RB Bernard Scott, WRs Jerome Simpson & Andre Caldwell, K Mike Nugent
  • Sit: RB Brian Leonard (Probable-groin)

 

Buffalo at New York Giants – Neither team has a defense to speak of, but the Giants passing corps is slightly stronger than Buffalo’s, which is why they’ll win at home.  New York 30, Buffalo 27.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Fred Jackson, WR David Nelson
  • Neutral:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Naaman Roosevelt, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell
  • Sit:  WR Donald Jones (Out-ankle), DEF
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Neutral:  WR Mario Manningham, TE Jake Ballard, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Brandon Jacobs (Out-knee) & D.J. Ware

 

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh - Jacksonville can’t throw the ball, and the Steeler defense can’t be thrown on.  That adds up to a heavy rushing workload for Maurice Jones-Drew, but since Pittsburgh will know what’s coming, their defense will be able to stop it.  Pittsburgh 24, Jacksonville 14.

• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew
  • Neutral:  WRs Jason Hill (Probable-thigh) & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Deji Karim, WR Damian Williams, K Josh Scobee
• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller (Probable-shoulder), DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward, Antonio Brown, & Emmanuel Sanders, K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  RBs Isaac Redman & Jonathan Dwyer,

 

San Francisco at Detroit – Two of this season’s better stories collide in this matchup of teams that have gone a collective 9-1 in the season’s first five weeks.  Detroit’s had a short week to prepare after playing Monday night against the Bears, but it won’t matter.  Detroit 28, San Francisco 21.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith, WR Michael Crabtree (Questionable-foot), DEF
  • Sit:  RB Kendall Hunter, WR Josh Morgan (IR-leg), K David Akers
    
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Jahvid Best, WR Titus Young, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit:  WR Nate Burleson, TE Tony Scheffler (Out-concussion)

 

Cleveland at Oakland (Sunday late) – This game between two of the league’s under-the-radar teams should be one of the weekend’s more entertaining contests.  The Browns will have no answer for the Raiders’ ground game, which is why Oakland will prevail.  Oakland 27, Cleveland 24.

• Cleveland
  • Start: QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis, WR Mohamed Massaquoi, TE Ben Watson
    
  • Neutral: WRs Greg Little & Brian Robiskie, TE Evan Moore, DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Sit: RB Mario Hardesty, WR Josh Cribbs (Questionable-knee)
    
• Oakland
  • Start: RB Darren McFadden, WR Denarius Moore, TE Kevin Boss
    
  • Neutral: RB Michael Bush, WR Darius Heyward-Bey, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski
    
  • Sit:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot), WR Jacoby Ford & Louis Murphy (Probable-groin)

 

Houston at Baltimore – Houston arguably has more offensive weapons than Baltimore does, but the Texans are so banged up right now that it’s difficult to see how they win this game against a stout-again Ravens’ defense.  Baltimore 23, Houston 20.

• Houston
  • Start:  TE Owen Daniels
    
  • Neutral:  RB Arian Foster (Questionable-quad), TE Joel Dreessen, DEF
    
  • Sit:  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-shoulder), RBs Ben Tate (Probable-Achilles’) & Danny Ward (Probable-ankle), WRs Andre Johnson (Out-hamstring), Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones (Probable-knee), Bryant Johnson (Probable-hamstring), & Derrick Mason, K Neil Rackers
• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, WR Torrey Smith, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans (Out-ankle), TE Dennis Pitta

 

New Orleans at Tampa Bay – Drew Brees is having his typical dominating season, and with Marques Colston now back at full strength, the offense could be unstoppable.  Unless the Saints’ team bus gets caught in traffic on the way to the game, Tampa has no chance.  New Orleans 34, Tampa Bay 21.

• New Orleans
  • Start: QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF, K John Kasay
    
  • Neutral: RBs Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, & Pierre Thomas; WRs Lance Moore & Robert Meachem
    
  • Sit:  WR Devery Henderson (Probable-calf)
• Tampa Bay
  • Start: WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
    
  • Neutral: QB Josh Freeman, RB Earnest Graham
    
  • Sit:  RB LeGarrette Blount (Doubtful-knee), WRs Preston Parker & Arrelious Benn, DEF, K Connor Barth

 

Dallas at New England – This should be the most entertaining game of the day to watch.  You might think that a 4-1 team at home playing against a 2-2 team should have an easy time of it.  However, the Cowboys match up well with the Pats, and they’ll pull off the “stunning” upset behind the much-maligned Tony Romo.  Dallas 31, New England 28.

• Dallas
  • Start: QB Tony Romo (Probable-ribs), WRs Miles Austin (Probable-hamstring), & Dez Bryant (Probable-highthigh), TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
    
  • Neutral: RB Felix Jones (Probable-shoulder), WR Laurent Robinson, DEF
    
  • Sit: RBs Tashard Choice & DeMarco Murray, WRs Jesse Holley & Kevin Ogletree
    
• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, TE Rob Gronkowski
    
  • Neutral: RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Questionable-toe) & Stevan Ridley, WR Chad Ochocinco, K Stephen Gostkowski
    
  • Sit:  TE Aaron Hernandez (Questionable-knee), DEF

 

Minnesota at Chicago  (Sunday night) – The Bear defense, which was supposed to be the team’s strong suit, has been a glaring weakness thus far.  Minnesota’s passing game behind Donovan McNabb has been almost non-existent this season, but Adrian Peterson should have room to run all day and lead his team to victory.  Minnesota 28, Chicago 24.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Neutral:  QB Donovan McNabb, WRs Percy Harvin (Questionable-ribs) & Michael Jenkins, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WR Bernard Berrian, TE Kyle Rudolph
• Chicago
  • Start:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
  • Neutral:  WR Dane Sanzenbacher, TE Kellen Davis, DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  RB Marion Barber, WRs Roy Williams, Earl Bennett (Questionable-chest), & Devin Hester

 

Miami at New York Jets (Monday night) – As recently as two seasons ago these two teams staged an epic shootout on Monday Night Football.  Unfortunately, both of these teams have been shooting themselves in the foot this season, which will keep this game close.  Since an overtime tie is highly unlikely, one of these teams will almost certainly emerge the winner - flip a coin, or use whatever other random process you wish to choose a winner, but my magic 8-ball picks the Jets.  New York 21, Miami 20.

• Miami
  • Start:  RB Reggie Bush, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Daniel Thomas (Questionable-hamstring), WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Sit:  QB Matt Moore, WRs Davone Bess & Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter
• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, WRs Plaxico Burress & Jeremy Kerley
  • Sit:  RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson (Probable-calf), K Nick Folk

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?

Teams with Week 6 byes:  Arizona, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Matt Schaub (shoulder)
  • Kyle Orton (benched)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 6 opponents)
  • Alex Smith (@ Det)
  • Andy Dalton (vs Ind)
  • Curtis Painter (@ Cin)
  • Matt Cassel (bye)
  • Charlie Whitehurst (bye)
  • Tim Tebow (bye)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • LeGarrette Blount (knee)
  • Joseph Addai (hamstring)
  • Brandon Jacobs (knee)
  • Mike Tolbert (concussion)
  • Isaac Redman (leg)
  • Le’Ron McClain (neck)
  • Danny Woodhead (ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Delone Carter (@Cin)
  • Kendall Hunter (@Det)
  • Bernard Scott (vs. Ind)
  • Jonathan Dwyer (vs. Jac)
  • Jackie Battle (bye)
  • Jacob Hester (bye)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Julio Jones (hamstring)
  • Josh Morgan (leg)
  • Earl Bennett (chest)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jason Avant (@Was)
  • Titus Young (vs SF)
  • Jason Hill (@Pit)
  • Jerome Simpson (vs Ind)
  • Kevin Walter (@Bal)
  • Jacoby Ford (vs Cle)
  • Arrelious Benn (vs NO)
  • Jacoby Jones (@Bal)
  • James Jones (vs. StL)
  • Michael Jenkins (@Chi)
  • Dane Sanzenbacher (vs Min)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (@NYG)
  • Jeremy Kerley (vs Mia)
  • Harry Douglas (vs Car)
  • Sam Hurd (vs Min)
  • Steve Breaston (bye)
  • EarlyDoucet (bye)
  • Doug Baldwin (bye)
  • Ben Obomanu (bye)
  • Andre Roberts (bye)
  • Damian Williams (bye)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Zach Miller (Sea) (knee) (bye)
  • Todd Heap (hamstring) (bye)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Heath Miller (vs Jac)
  • Jeremy Shockey (@Atl)
  • Jake Ballard (vs Buf)
  • Joel Dreessen (@Bal)
  • Jared Cook (bye)
  • Daniel Fells (bye)
  • Randy McMichael (bye)
  • Jeff King (bye)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Billy Cundiff (vs Hou)
  • Rian Lindell (@NYG)
  • David Akers (@Det)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Oak (vs Cle)
  • Mia (@NYJ)
  • Min (@Chi)

Good luck with your claims!

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 Carolina (Sunday early) – Still think Cam Newton isn’t for real?  Okay, last week was the second week in a row in which he didn’t throw for 400+ yards - he could manage “only” 370.  His heroics won’t be enough to outscore the Saints, but he’ll score a lot of points for a lot of fantasy teams while trying to do so.  New Orleans 35, Carolina 27.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RB Mark Ingram, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral: RBs Pierre Thomas & Darren Sproles, WRs Robert Meachem & Lance Moore, DEF
    
  • Sit: WR Devery Henderson (Questionable-calf)
    
• Carolina
  • Start: QB Cam Newton, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
    
  • Neutral: RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, WRs Legedu Naanee & Brandon LaFell, TE Jeremy Shockey (Probable-concussion), K Olindo Mare
    
  • Sit: RB Mike Goodson, DEF
    

 

Tennessee at Pittsburgh – So far Tennessee has looked much better than most analysts expected (in spite of Chris Johnson’s lack of gaudy stats).  So far Pittsburgh has looked much worse than expected.  Pittsburgh won’t be able to run much against the Titan defense, but they’ll ride Ben Roethlisberger’s arm to victory.  Pittsburgh 30, Tennessee 24.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  RB Chris Johnson, TE Jared Cook 
  • Neutral: RB Javon Springer, WR Nate Washington, K Rob Bironas
  • Sit:QB Matt Hasselbeck, WRs Damian Williams & Donnie Avery, DEF
• Pittsburgh
  • Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-foot), WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, K Shaun Suisham
    
  • Neutral: RB Isaac Redman, WRs Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, & Hines Ward, DEF
  • Sit: RBs Rashard Mendenhall (Questionable-hamstring) & Mewelde Moore (Out-ankle), WR Jerricho Cotchery

 

Kansas City at Indianapolis – Both of these teams were expected to be playoff contenders before injuries claimed their most valuable players.  The Colts are looking like a top contender in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, but with a victory here the Chiefs will be right back in the thick of things in the mediocre (at best) AFC West.  Kansas City 24, Indianapolis 21.

• Kansas City
  • Start: RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, WR Dwayne Bowe, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Matt Cassel, WR Steve Breaston, K Ryan Succop
  • Sit: WR Jonathan Baldwin (Probable-thumb), TE Leonard Pope
• Indianapolis
  • Start: RB Joseph Addai, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
    
  • Neutral: RB Delone Carter, WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie, DEF
  • Sit: QB Curtis Painter, K Adam Vinatieri
    

 

Philadelphia at Buffalo – Was Buffalo’s loss last week a fluke or a harbinger of trouble to come?  Given their porous defense, it’s probably the latter.  As long as the Eagles don’t “quit”, they should win this game handily.  Philadelphia 38, Buffalo 27.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick (Probable-hand), RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, K Alex Henery
  • Neutral: WRs Jason Avant (Probable-shoulder) & Steve Smith (Probable-knee), DEF
    
  • Sit: RB Ronnie Brown, TE Brent Celek
    
• Buffalo
  • Start: QB Ryan FitzPatrick, RB Fred Jackson, WRs Steve Johnson & David Nelson
  • Neutral: RB C.J. Spiller (Probable-knee), WR Donald Jones, TE Scott Chandler
  • Sit: DEF

 

Seattle at New York Giants – The Seahawks are 1-3, and the Giants are 3-1 (somehow), but make no mistake about it - regardless of which team wins this game, neither of these squads will be playing after January 1st.  New York 27, Seattle 24.

• Seattle
  • Start: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Sidney Rice, TE Zach Miller (Probable-knee)
  • Neutral: WRs Ben Obomanu & Doug Baldwin, DEF K Steve Hauschka
  • Sit: QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Mike Williams (Out-concussion)
• New York
  • Start: QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz
    
  • Neutral:  RB Danny Ware, WR Mario Manningham, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  RB Brandon Jacobs (Questionable-knee), TE Jake Ballard

 

Cincinnati at Jacksonville - Given the disparity in the two teams’ records, you might think Cincinnati would win this game convincingly, but thanks to a Jaguar defense that matches up well with the Bengal offense, Jacksonville will be able to keep things close in spite of their one-man offense.  Cincinnati 20, Jacksonville 17.

• Cincinnati
  • Start:  RB Cedric Benson, WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Andre Caldwell & Jerome Simpson, K Mike Nugent
  • Sit:  QB Andy Dalton, RB Bernard Scott
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Deji Karim, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill, K Josh Scobee

 

Oakland at Houston – Has Houston finally turned the corner after their impressive win last week against the Steelers?  No one knows for sure, but the pass-unhappy Raider offense should ensure a big win for the Texans in spite of Andre Johnson’s absence.  Houston 34, Oakland 21.

• Oakland
  • Start: RB Darren McFadden, WR Denarius Moore, TE Kevin Boss
    
  • Neutral: RB Michael Bush (Probable-ankle), K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Sit:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot), WRs Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy (Questionable-groin), Darius Heyward-Bey, & Chaz Schilens, DEF
• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster (Probable-hip), TE Owen Daniels, DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Neutral:  WRs Jacoby Jones (Probable-knee) & Kevin Walter
  • Sit:  RB Ben Tate (Questionable-groin), WR Andre Johnson (Out-hamstring)

 

Arizona at Minnesota – Minnesota couldn’t beat the hapless Chiefs last week, while Arizona lost a game against the Giants it should have won.  Beanie Wells won’t find much room to run against the Viking defense, but Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald should connect early and often in leading the Cards to victory.  Arizona 24, Minnesota 21.

• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DEF
    
  • Neutral:  RB Beanie Wells (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Early Doucet (Probable-hamstring) & Andre Roberts, TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring) & Jeff King, K Jay Feely
  • Sit:  RB Alfonso Smith & LaRod Stephens-Howling
• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-ankle), WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Neutral:  QB Donovan McNabb, WR Michael Jenkins, DEF
    
  • Sit: RB Toby Gerhart, WR Bernard Berrian, TE Kyle Rudolph, K Ryan Longwell
    

 

Tampa Bay at San Francisco (Sunday late) – Both teams feature strong defenses and suspect offenses, making this game a toss-up.  Give the slightest of edges to Tampa Bay on the basis of having a more balanced offense  Tampa Bay 21, San Francisco 20.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow, DEF
    
  • Neutral: RB LeGarrette Blount, WRs Preston Parker & Arrelious Benn, K Connor Barth
    
  • Sit: RB Earnest Graham (Probable-hamstring)
• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore (Probable-ankle), WR Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot), TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Alex Smith
    
  • Sit: RB Kendall Hunter, WR Josh Morgan, K David Akers
    

 

New York Jets at New England – The teams’ last two meetings (both in Foxboro) resulted in a blowout win for the Patriots and a stunning upset for the Jets.  Neither will happen this time, but it’s hard to envision the Jets mustering enough offense to prevent them from falling below .500.  New England 27, New York 21.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller
    
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Plaxico Burress (Probable-elbow) & Derrick Mason, dEF, K Nick Folk
  • Sit: N/A
• New England
  • Start:  RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Stevan Ridley, WR Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, DEF
    
  • Neutral:  QB Tom Brady, WR Deion Branch, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Sit: RB Danny Woodhead (Doubtful-ankle), WR Chad Ochocinco, TE Aaron Hernandez (Questionable-knee)
    

 

San Diego at Denver – As recently as two seasons ago these two teams combined for a memorable shootout.  Thanks to both injuries and ill-advised trades, the Broncos don’t have the horses to keep up in this game.  San Diego 30, Denver 14.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson (Probable-hamstring) & Malcom Floyd, DEF, K Nick Novak
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert, WR Patrick Crayton, TE Randy McMichael
    
  • Sit:  TE Antonio Gates (Doubtful-ankle)
    
• Denver
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  RB Willis McGahee, WRs Brandon Lloyd & Eric Decker, TE Daniel Fells (Questionable-knee)
  • Sit:  QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno (Probable-hamstring), WRs Eddie Royal (Out-groin) & Demaryius Thomas (Out-finger), DEF, K Matt Prater

Green Bay at Atlanta  (Sunday night) – This Aaron Rodgers-Matt Ryan rematch has the potential to be one of the season’s more entertaining games.  Whether this contest lives up to its potential will depend on the Falcons’ ability to sop the Packers’ offense from scoring at least once or twice.  My guess is that they will, but the Packers will still move to 5-0.  Green Bay 31, Atlanta 30.

• Green Bay

  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral: RB James STarks
    
  • Sit:  RB Ryan Grant (Probable-kidney), WRs James Jones & Donald Driver (Probable-shin), DEF
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, WRs Roddy White (Probable-thigh) & Julio Jones, TE Tony Gonzalez, K Matt Bryant
  • Neutral:  RB Michael Turner
  • Sit:  RBs Jacquizz Rodgers & jason Snelling (Probable-concussion), WR Harry Douglas, DEF

 

Chicago at Detroit (Monday night) – The Lions are becoming a very good football team after years of being the NFL’s poster child for ineptitude (0-16, anyone?).  They may not be in the Packers’ class just yet, but as long as they’re healthy, they’re clearly better than the Bears  Detroit 34, Chicago 21.

• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
  • Neutral:  RB Marion Barber, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Roy Williams, Devin Hester, & Earl Bennett (Out-chest); TE Kellen Davis, DEF
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle), TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral:  RB Jahvid Best, WRs Titus Young & Nate Burleson
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

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