The Fantasy Football Sherpa

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?

Note:  this week’s Thursday night game features Philadelphia at Seattle.

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Matt Leinart (IR-collarbone)
  • Curtis Painter (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 13 opponents)
  • Dan Orlovsky (@ NE)
  • Vince Young (@ Sea)
  • Kyle Orton (@ Chi)
  • Sam Bradford (@ SF)
  • Alex Smith (vs StL)
  • Rex Grossman (vs NYJ)
  • Christian Ponder (vs Den)
  • Matt Moore (vs Oak)
  • Caleb Hanie (vs KC)
  • Tyler Yates (vs Atl)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • LeSean McCoy (toe)
  • Kevin Smith (ankle)
  • James Starks (knee)
  • Taiwan Jones (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Toby Gerhart (vs Den)
  • Maurice Morris (@ NO)
  • Marcel Reece (@ Mia)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Hakeem Nicks (concussion)
  • Sidney Rice (knee)
  • Mario Manningham (knee)
  • Michael Jenkins (IR-knee)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Damian Williams (@ Buf)
  • Austin Collie (@ NE)
  • Johnny Knox (vs KC)
  • Doug Baldwin (vs Phi)
  • Vincent Brown (@ Jac)
  • Chaz Schilens (@ Mia)
  • Brandon LaFell (@ TB)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (@ Buf)
  • Andre Roberts (vs Dal)
  • Austin Pettis (@ SF)
  • Darrius Heyward-Bey (@ Mia)
  • Jason Avant (@ Sea)
  • Louis Murphy (@ Mia)
  • Riley Cooper (@ Sea)
  • Santana Moss (vs NYJ)
  • Legedu Naanee (@ TB)
  • Brad Smith (vs Ten)
  • Jarett Dillard (vs SD)
  • Harry Douglas (@ Hou)
  • Greg Little (vs Bal)
  • Devery Henderson (vs Det)
  • Andrew Hawkins (@ Pit)
  • Jordan Norwood (vs Bal)
  • Devin Aromashodu (vs Den)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Scott Chandler (vs Ten)
  • Jared Cook (@ Buf)
  • Lance Kendricks (@ SF)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Olindo Mare (@ TB)
  • Rob Bironas (@ Buf)
  • Steve Hauschka (vs Phi)
  • Josh Scobee (vs SD)
  • Ryan Succop (@ Chi)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Denver (@ Min)
  • Carolina (@ TB)
  • Seattle (vs Phi)
  • Washington (vs NYJ)
  • Miami (vs Oak)
  • Jacksonville (vs SD)

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. Drew Brees vs NYG

2. Aaron Rodgers @ Det

3. Tom Brady @ Phi

4. Ben Roethlisberger @ KC

5. Tony Romo vs Mia

6. Matt Ryan vs Min

7. Matt Stafford vs GB

8. Cam Newton @ Ind

9. Carson Palmer vs Chi

10. Matt Hasselbeck vs TB

11. Vince Young vs NE

12. Eli Manning @ NO

13. Christian Ponder @ Atl

14. Philip Rivers vs Den

15. Joe Flacco vs SF

16. Josh Freeman @ Ten

17. Tim Tebow @ SD

18. Michael Vick vs NE

19. Mark Sanchez vs Buf

20. Curtis Painter vs Car

21. Sam Bradford vs Ari

22. Caleb Hanie @ Oak

23. Andy Dalton vs Cle

24. John Skelton @ StL

25. Matt Moore @ Dal

26. Rex Grossman @ Sea

27. Kevin Kolb @ StL

28. Matt Leinart @ Jac

29. Ryan Fitzpatrick @ NYJ

30. Tarvaris Jackson vs Was

31. Alex Smith @ Bal

32. Colt McCoy @ Cin

33. Blaine Gabbert vs Hou

34. Tyler Palko vs Pit

 

Running Backs   

1. Rashard Mendenhall @ KC

2. LeSean McCoy vs NE

3. Steven Jackson vs Ari

4. Michael Bush vs Chi

5. Michael Turner vs Min

6. Darren Sproles vs NYG

7. DeAngelo Williams @ Ind

8. Ryan Grant @ Det

9. Chris Johnson vs TB

10. Arian Foster @ Jac

11. Cedric Benson vs Cle

12. Matt Forte @ Oak

13. Marshawn Lynch vs Was

14. Beanie Wells @ StL

15. Donald Brown vs Car

16. LeGarrette Blount @ Ten

17. Shonn Greene vs Buf

18. Delone Carter vs Car

19. Willis McGahee @ SD

20. DeMarco Murray vs Mia

21. Kevin Smith vs GB

22. Pierre Thomas vs NYG

23. BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ Phi

24. Mark Ingram vs NYG

25. Jonathan Stewart @ Ind

26. Ray Rice vs SF

27. Ryan Mathews vs Den

28. Reggie Bush @ Dal

29. Mike Tolbert vs Den

30. Tashard Choice @ NYJ

31. Ben Tate @ Jac

32. Marion Barber @ Oak

33. Joe McKnight vs Buf

34. Brandon Jacobs @ NO

35. C.J. Spiller @ NYJ

36. Daniel Thomas @ Dal

37. Frank Gore @ Bal

38. Jackie Battle vs Pit

39. Lance Ball @ SD

40. Keiland Williams vs GB

41. Ronnie Brown vs NE

42. Chris Ivory vs NYG

43. Maurice Morris vs GB

44. Marcel Reece vs Chi

45. Javon Ringer vs TB

46. Stevan Ridley @ Phi

47. Shane Vereen @ Phi

48. Danny Woodhead @ Phi

49. Jacquizz Rodgers vs Min

50. Phillip Tanner vs Mia

51. Isaac Redman @ KC

52. Jason Snelling vs Min

53. D.J. Ware @ NO

54. Da`Rel Scott @ NO

55. Ricky Williams vs SF

56. Bernard Scott vs Cle

57. LaRod Stephens-Howling @ StL

58. Johnny White @ NYJ

59. Charles Clay @ Dal

60. Lex Hilliard @ Dal

61. Kendall Hunter @ Bal

62. Roy Helu @ Sea

63. Ryan Torain @ Sea

64. Toby Gerhart @ Atl

65. Chris Ogbannaya @ Cin

66. Maurice Jones-Drew vs Hou

67. Dexter McCluster vs Pit

68. Thomas Jones vs Pit

69. Deji Karim vs Hou

70. Taiwan Jones vs Chi

71. James Starks @ Det

72. Cadillac Williams vs Ari

73. Felix Jones vs Mia

74. Joseph Addai vs Car

75. LaDainian Tomlinson vs Buf

76. Montario Hardesty @ Cin

77. Peyton Hillis @ Cin

 

Wide Receivers

1. Marques Colston vs NYG

2. Calvin Johnson vs GB

3. Mike Wallace @ KC

4. Greg Jennings @ Det

5. Dez Bryant vs Mia

6. Wes Welker @ Phi

7. DeSean Jackson vs NE

8. Steve Smith @ Ind

9. Jordy Nelson @ Det

10. Roddy White vs Min

11. Laurent Robinson vs Mia

12. Brandon Lloyd vs Ari

13. Nate Washington vs TB

14. Nate Burleson vs GB

15. Antonio Brown @ KC

16. Damian Williams vs TB

17. Brandon Marshall @ Dal

18. Larry Fitzgerald @ StL

19. Hakeem Nicks @ NO

20. Andre Johnson @ Jac

21. Victor Cruz @ NO

22. Santonio Holmes vs Buf

23. Anquan Boldin vs SF

24. Vincent Jackson vs Den

25. Sidney Rice vs Was

26. Jerome Simpson vs Cle

27. Torrey Smith vs SF

28. Reggie Wayne vs Car

29. Michael Williams @ Ten

30. Jabar Gaffney @ Sea

31. Josh Cribbs @ Cin

32. Michael Jenkins @ Atl

33. Lance Moore vs NYG

34. Jason Avant vs NE

35. Titus Young vs GB

36. Riley Cooper vs NE

37. Chaz Schilens vs Chi

38. Donald Driver @ Det

39. Brandon LaFell @ Ind

40. Julio Jones vs Min

41. A.J. Green vs Cle

42. Brandon Gibson vs Ari

43. Pierre Garcon vs Car

44. Johnny Knox @ Oak

45. Earl Bennett @ Oak

46. Plaxico Burress vs Buf

47. Roy Williams @ Oak

48. Kevin Walter @ Jac

49. Devin Hester @ Oak

50. Austin Pettis vs Ari

51. Harry Douglas vs Min

52. Vincent Brown vs Den

53. Davone Bess @ Dal

54. Early Doucet @ StL

55. Preston Parker @ Ten

56. Ben Obomanu vs Was

57. Arrelious Benn @ Ten

58. Andre Roberts @ StL

59. David Nelson @ NYJ

60. Mike Williams vs Was

61. Dwayne Bowe vs Pit

62. Mike Thomas vs Hou

63. Steve Breaston vs Pit

64. Santana Moss @ Sea

65. Eric Decker @ SD

66. Michael Crabtree @ Bal

67. Greg Little @ Cin

68. Legedu Naanee @ Ind

69. Denarius Moore vs Chi

70. Deion Branch @ Phi

71. Mario Manningham @ NO

72. Percy Harvin @ Atl

73. Robert Meachem vs NYG

74. Devery Henderson vs NYG

75. Jeremy Maclin vs NE

76. James Jones @ Det

77. T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs Chi

78. Emmanuel Sanders @ KC

79. Hines Ward @ KC

80. Danario Alexander vs Ari

81. Andrew Hawkins vs Cle

82. Austin Collie vs Car

83. Jacoby Jones @ Jac

84. Patrick Turner vs Buf

85. Jeremy Kerley vs Buf

86. Lee Evans vs SF

87. Andre Caldwell vs Cle

88. Steve Johnson @ NYJ

89. Dez Briscoe @ Ten

90. Brian Hartline @ Dal

91. Doug Baldwin vs Was

92. Donte’ Stallworth @ Sea

93. Braylon Edwards @ Bal

94. Eddie Royal @ SD

95. Anthony Armstrong @ Sea

96. Terrence Austin @ Sea

97. Demaryius Thomas @ SD

98. Kyle Williams @ Bal

99. Ted Ginn Jr @ Bal

100. Devin Aromashodu @ Atl

101. Jason Hill vs Hou

102. Brian Robiskie vs Hou

103. Jonathan Baldwin vs Pit

  Tight Ends

1. Jimmy Graham vs NYG

2. Brandon Pettigrew vs GB

3. Jermichael Finley @ Det

4. Rob Gronkowski @ Phi

5. Brent Celek vs NE

6. Greg Olsen @ Ind

7. Jason Witten vs Mia

8. Tony Gonzalez vs Min

9. Heath Miller @ KC

10. Aaron Hernandez @ Phi

11. Jermaine Gresham vs Cle

12. Antonio Gates vs Den

13. Kellen Winslow @ Ten

14. Dustin Keller vs Buf

15. Owen Daniels @ Jac

16. Scott Chandler @ NYJ

17. Zach Miller vs Was

18. Anthony Fasano @ Dal

19. Vernon Davis @ Bal

20. Fred Davis @ Sea

21. Jared Cook vs TB

22. Lance Kendricks vs Ari

23. Jacob Tamme vs Car

24. Ed Dickson vs SF

25. Jake Ballard @ NO

26. Dennis Pitta vs SF

27. Marcedes Lewis vs Hou

28. Ben Watson @ Cin

29. Visanthe Shiancoe @ Atl

30. Jeremy Shockey @ Ind

31. Michael Hoomanawanui vs Ari

32. Kellen Davis @ Oak

33. Joel Dreessen @ Jac

34. Jeff King @ StL

35. Daniel Fells @ SD

36. Evan Moore @ Cin

37. Jake O’Connell vs Pit

38. Leonard Pope vs Pit

39. Rob Housler @ StL

40. Todd Heap @ StL

41. Kyle Rudolph @ Atl

 

Defense & Special Teams

1. Pittsburgh Steelers @ KC

2. Houston Texans @ Jac

3. Cincinnati Bengals vs Cle

4. San Diego Chargers vs Den

5. Baltimore Ravens vs SF

6. Seattle Seahawks vs Was

7. Atlanta Falcons vs Min

8. Dallas Cowboys vs Mia

9. Washington Redskins @ Sea

10. Tennessee Titans vs TB

11. St. Louis Rams vs Ari

12. New York Jets vs Buf

13. San Francisco 49ers @ Bal

14. Denver Broncos @ SD

15. Carolina Panthers @ Ind

16. Cleveland Browns @ Cin

17. Buffalo Bills @ NYJ

18. New Orleans Saints vs NYG

19. Oakland Raiders vs Chi

20. Jacksonville Jaguars vs Hou

21. Minnesota Vikings @ Atl

22. Miami Dolphins @ Dal

23. Kansas City Chiefs vs Pit

24. Arizona Cardinals @ StL

25. Philadelphia Eagles vs NE

26. Chicago Bears @ Oak

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Ten

28. Detroit Lions vs GB

29. Indianapolis Colts vs Car

30. New England Patriots @ Phi

31. New York Giants @ NO

32. Green Bay Packers @ Det

Kickers

1. John Kasay vs NYG

2. Alex Henery vs NE

3. Jason Hanson vs GB

4. Olindo Mare @ Ind

5. Rob Bironas vs TB

6. Sebastian Janikowski vs Chi

7. Mason Crosby @ Det

8. Stephen Gostkowski @ Phi

9. Josh Brown vs Ari

10. Matt Bryant vs Min

11. Dan Bailey vs Mia

12. Shaun Suisham @ KC

13. Billy Cundiff vs SF

14. Adam Vinatieri vs Car

15. Lawrence Tynes @ NO

16. Mike Nugent vs Cle

17. Nick Folk vs Buf

18. Neil Rackers @ Jac

19. Robbie Gould @ Oak

20. Nick Novak vs Den

21. Jay Feely @ StL

22. Dave Rayner @ NYJ

23. Connor Barth @ Ten

24. Steve Hauschka vs Was

25. Shayne Graham @ Dal

26. Graham Gano @ Sea

27. David Akers @ Bal

28. Ryan Longwell @ Atl

29. Matt Prater @ SD

30. Phil Dawson @ Cin

31. Ryan Succop vs Pit

32. Josh Scobee vs Hou

 

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

Green Bay at Detroit (Thursday early) – On the rare occasions when a team is still undefeated after ten games, as the Packers are this season, people start discussing the possibility of an undefeated season culminating in a Super Bowl victory.  Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay will lose their undefeated season in a Thanksgiving Day upset, and if they don’t improve their atrocious pass defense, they won’t repeat as Super Bowl champions either.  Detroit 34, Green Bay 30.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant, WRs Greg Jennings (Probable-knee) & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  WR Donald Driver
  • Sit:  RB James Starks (Questionable-knee), WR James Jones, DEF
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford (Probable-finger), WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle) & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral:  RB Kevin Smith, WR Titus Young
  • Sit:  RBs Maurice Morris (Probable-ankle) & Kevin Williams, DEF

 

Miami at Dallas (Thursday late) – Miami has now won three straight games after starting off the season with seven straight losses, but the Dolphins will come crashing back to earth during this game against the resurgent Cowboys.  Laurent Robinson has stepped in for the injured Miles Austin, and the Cowboys have barely missed a beat.  Dallas 27, Miami 20.

• Miami
  • Start:  WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Moore, RBs Reggie Bush & Daniel Thomas, WR Davone Bess, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Lex Hilliard & Charles Clay, WR Brian Hartline, Ks Shayne Graham & Dan Carpenter (Out-groin)
• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB DeMarco Murray, K Dan Bailey
  • Sit:  RBs Felix Jones (Questionable-ankle) & Phillip Tanner

 

San Francisco at Baltimore (Thursday night) – So much has been written about this “Battle of the Harbaughs” that you might think they were both suiting up for their respective teams.  Thankfully, that won’t be the case.  San Francisco’s mediocre offense has been carried by its staunch run defense, but the Ravens have just enough offensive ability to hand the 49ers their second loss of the season.  Baltimore 24, San Francisco 17.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral:  RB Frank Gore (Probable-knee), WR Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot), DEF
  • Sit:  QB Alex Smith, RB Kendall Hunter, WRs Braylon Edwards (Probable-knee) & Kyle Williams, K David Akers
• Baltimore
  • Start:  QB Joe Flacco, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Ray Rice, TEs Ed Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans

 

Houston at Jacksonville (Sunday early) – Most eyes will be focused on Matt Leinart and his latest opportunity to resuscitate his career.  He’ll have a much better supporting cash in Houston than he did in Arizona, but with Jacksonville’s anemic offense, he can let his running backs carry most of the load .  Houston 24, Jacksonville 10.

• Houston
  • Start: RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson (Probable-hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Ben Tate, WR Kevin Walter, K Neil Rackers
  • Sit:  QB Matt Leinart, WR Jacoby Jones, TE Joel Dreessen
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  WR Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, RBs Maurice Jones-Drew & Deji Karim, WR Jason Hill & Brian Robiskie (Probable-hamstring), K Josh Scobee

 

Carolina at Indianapolis – This is one of the few games on Indy’s schedule that it actually appears to have a chance of winning, but Cam Newton will thwart Colts’ fans’ dreams.  Curtis Painter has proven to be a serviceable quarterback from a fantasy standpoint, but expect Indy to attack the Panthers’ defense via the run.  Carolina 31, Indianapolis 24.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen, K Olindo Mare
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WRs Legedu Naanee (Questionable-ankle) & Brandon LaFell, DEF
  • Sit:  TE Jeremy Shockey
• Indianapolis
  • Start:  RBs Delone Carter & Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: QB Curtis Painter,  WR Pierre Gracon, TE Jacob Tamme, K Adam Vinatieri
  • Sit: RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring), WR Austin Collie, DEF

 

Cleveland at Cincinnati - This battle for Ohio bragging rights features two quarterbacks who are both dealing with shoulder injuries.  Luckily for Andy Dalton and the Bengals, the Browns allow a lot of rushing yards, so expect the Bengals (especially Cedric Benson) to attack primarily on the ground.  Cincinnati 24, Cleveland 14.

• Cleveland
  • Start:  WR Josh Cribbs
  • Neutral:  WR Greg Little, TE Ben Watson (Probable-elbow), DEF
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy (Probable-shoulder), RBs Chris Ogbannaya, Peyton Hillis (Questionable-hamstring), & Montario Hardesty; TE Evan Moore, K Phil Dawson
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  RB Cedric Benson, WR Jerome Simpson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton (Probable-shoulder), WR A.J. Green (Probable-knee), K Mike Nugent
  • Sit:  RB Bernard Scott, WRs Andre Caldwell & Andrew Hawkins

 

Minnesota at Atlanta – Will Adrian Peterson play or won’t he?  His fantasy owners might not like to hear this, but it doesn’t matter:  Peterson shouldn’t be in your starting lineups this week even if he does play.  Atlanta’s run defense would be a tough challenge for a 100% healthy back, much less one (even if his name is Adrian Peterson) who’s much less than 100% healthy.  Expect Matt Ryan to have a field day against the Vikings’ secondary, and don’t get lured into believing that Toby Gerhart will be a valuable fantasy contributor in the event of Peterson’s absence.  Atlanta 27, Minnesota 17.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  QB Christian Ponder (Probable-knee), WR Michael Jenkins
  • Neutral:  WR Percy Harvin (Questionable-ribs), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-hamstring), DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Adrian Peterson (Out-ankle) & Toby Gerhart, WRs Devin Aromashodu & Greg Camarillo, TE Kyle Rudolph (Doubtful-quad), K Ryan Longwell
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Julio Jones (Probable-hamstring) & Harry Douglas, K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers

 

Buffalo at New York Jets – The streaky Jets have now lost two games in a row again, but their plight seems wonderful compared to that of the Bills, who will be playing for the rest of the season without their star running back, Fred Jackson.  Mark Sanchez continues to prove his former college coach Pete Carroll right week after week (”He’s not ready for the pros”), but he should rack up 300+ yards against a shoddy Bills’ secondary.  Tashard Choice is the better bet to emerge as the Bills’ new starting running back than C.J. Spiller or rookie Johnny White.  New York 24, Buffalo 21.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  TE Scott Chandler
  • Neutral:  RBs C.J. Spiller & Tashard Choice, WR David Nelson, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Johnny White, WRs Steve Johnson (Probable-shoulder) & Naaman Roosevelt (Out-shoulder), Ks Dave Rayner & Rian Lindell (Out-shoulder)
• New York
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene (Probable-ribs), WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez (Probable-neck), RB Joe McKnight, WR Plaxico Burress, K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Questionable-knee), WRs Jeremy Kerley (Questionable-knee) & Patrick Turner

 

Tampa Bay at Tennessee – Matt Hasselbeck has been one of the biggest surprises at quarterback this season, while Josh Freeman has been one of the biggest disappointments at quarterback this season.  Even without Chris Johnson looking anything like his 2009 (or even 2010) self, the Titans still have more than enough offensive firepower to pull out the victory in this game.  Tennessee 30, Tampa Bay 20.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  WRs Preston Parker & Arrelious Benn
  • Sit:  WR Dez Briscoe, DEF, K Connor Barth
• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-elbow), RB Chris Johnson, WRs Nate Washington & Damian Williams, DEF, K Rob Bironas (Probable-back)
  • Neutral:  TE Jared Cook
  • Sit:  RB Javon Ringer, WR Lavelle Hawkins

 

Arizona at St. Louis – Although neither of these teams are likely to be in a position to draft Andrew Luck next season, both still figure to have top five draft picks the way their seasons have gone to date.  Kevin Kolb may or may not throw, and Beanie Wells may or may not run.  Steven Jackson is having a bounce-back year for the Rams, while Brandon Lloyd has been every bit as good as advertised since being acquired earlier this month in a trade with Denver.  St. Louis 27, Arizona 21.

• Arizona
  • Start:  RB Beanie Wells (Probable-knee), WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral:  QB John Skelton or QB Kevin Kolb (Questionable-toe) (whoever starts), WRs Early Doucet & Arrelious Brown, DEF
  • Sit: RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Probable-shoulder), TEs Jeff King, Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring), & Rob Housler (Questionable-groin)
• St. Louis
  • Start:  RB Steven Jackson, WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Sam Bradford, WRs Brandon Gibson & Austin Pettis (Probable-knee), TE Lance Kendricks (Probable-concussion), K Josh Brown
  • Sit:  RB Cadillac Williams (Questionable-calf), WR Danario Alexander (Questionable-hamstring), TE Michael Hoomanawanui

Chicago at Oakland (Sunday late) – Neither team has the quarterback it began the season with at its disposal, but the Raiders with Carson Palmer are in much better shape than the Bears are with Caleb Hanie.  Oakland’s wide receivers are banged up, as is Darren McFadden, but Michael Bush has shown again that he is a more-than-capable sub on the not-rare-enough occasions when McFadden isn’t able to play.  Bears’ fans have been ambivalent (at best) about Cutler ever since he arrived in a trade with Denver; now they’re about to find out just what an integral part of their offense he truly is.  Oakland 30, Chicago 24.

• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte
  • Neutral:  QB Caleb Hanie, RB Marion Barber, WRs Earl Bennett, Roy Williams, Devin Hester (Probable-shin), & Johnny Knox; K Robbie Gould
    
  • Sit:  TE Kellen Davis, DEF
• Oakland
  • Start: QB Carson Palmer, RB Michael Bush, TE Kevin Boss, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Neutral: WRs Denarius Moore (Questionable-foot), Chaz Schilens & Louis Murphy; DEF
  • Sit: RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot), Marcel Reece & Taiwan Jones (Questionable-hamstring); WRs Jacoby Ford (Out-foot), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Questionable-neck), & T.J. Houshmandzadeh

 

Washington at Seattle – Two teams with decent defenses and lousy offenses collide in this contest.  Marshawn Lynch has run well lately for Seattle, but the team’s lack of a legitimate passing attack will keep this game closer than it should be.  The Redskins will continue their dive to the depths of the NFC East, even with Rex Grossman at the helm.  Guessing who will lead the Redskins in rushing from week to week is frustrating for many fantasy owners, but with little left to play for this seaon, the bet here is that Roy Helu will get the majority of the Skins’ carries going forward.  Seattle 20, Washington 17.

• Washington
  • Start:  WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Rex Grossman, WR Santana Moss (Probable-hand)
  • Sit:  RBs Ryan Torain & Roy Helu, WRs Terrence Austin, Donte’ Stallworth (Questionable-foot), & Anthony Armstrong, K Graham Gano
• Seattle
  • Start: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Sidney Rice (Probable-knee), TE Zach Miller, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Mike Williams & Ben Obomanu (Probable-knee)
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WR Doug Baldwin, K Steve Hauschka

 

Denver at San Diego – Tebow mania is the craze that’s sweeping NFL Nation, but Tebow will be answer questions of a different sort after San Diego ends his magical carpet ride at the end of this game.  Eddie Royal looked like a great fantasy bet earlier in the season with Kyle Orton throwing to him, but with Tebow now starting, there’s little point in owning any Denver offensive player.  San Diego 24, Denver 17.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Willis McGahee (Probable-hand)
  • Neutral:  RB Lance Ball, WR Eric Decker, DEF
  • Sit:  WR Eddie Royal & Demaryius Thomas, TE Daniel Fells (Probable-concussion), K Matt Prater
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, DEF
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews (Probable-knee) & Mike Tolbert, WR Vincent Brown, K Nick Novak
  • Sit:  WR Malcom Floyd (Out-hip)

 

New England at Philadelphia – DeSean Jackson may be a misbehaving idiot, but his talent is undeniable.  With the Patriots’ secondary as bad as it’s been, Jackson and his fellow receivers may have plenty of opportunities to throw footballs at Bill Belichick this week.  Philadelphia 34, New England 28.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker (Probable-knee), TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
  • Neutral:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WR Deion Branch (Questionable-hip), K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Sit:  RBs Danny Woodhead, Stevan Ridley, & Shane Vereen; WR Chad Ochocinco (Out-talent hamstring), DEF
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick (Questionable-ribs) or QB Vince Young (whoever starts), RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson (Probable-foot), TE Brent Celek, K Alex Henery
  • Neutral: WRs Jason Avant & Riley Cooper; DEF
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, Jeremy Maclin (Doubtful-shoulder)

 

Pittsburgh at Kansas City (Sunday night) – This may have seemed like an appealing match-up when the 2011 schedule was first released, but that’s certainly not the case now.  Ben Roethlisberger’s thumb should feel a lot better after this game is over; Tyler Palko will gladly hand over the Chiefs’ reins to former Denver quarterback Kyle Orton after this game..  Pittsburgh 27, Kansas City 10.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-thumb), RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Mike Wallace & Antonio Brown, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  RB Isaac Redman, WRs Emmanuel Sanders (Probable-knee) & Hines Ward
• Kansas City
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  RB Jackie Battle, WRs Dwayne Bowe & Steve Breaston, DEF
  • Sit: QB Tyler Palko or QB Kyle Orton (whoever starts), RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TEs Leonard Pope & Jake O’Connell, K Ryan Succop

New York Giants at New Orleans (Monday night) – The Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees is on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards, approximately the same yardage the Giants pass defense is giving up every game.  The Giants’ offensive line has been a problem all season, and with the loss of Will Beatty for the season with a detached retina, this game could get ugly quickly for the Giants. New Orleans 34, New York 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Mario Manningham (Questionable-knee), TE Jake Ballard, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  RBs D.J. Ware (Probable-concussion), Ahmad Bradshaw (Out-foot), & Da’Rel Scott; DEF
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RBs Pierre Thomas & Mark Ingram, WR Lance Moore, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Chris Ivory, WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem

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?

Note:  bye weeks are (thankfully) over, but there are 3 Thursday games this week in “honor” of Thanksgiving:  Green Bay at Detroit, Miami at Dallas, and San Francisco at Baltimore.

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jay Cutler (thumb)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (elbow)
  • Colt McCoy (shoulder)
  • Kyle Orton (cut)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 12 opponents)
  • Matt Moore (@ Dal)
  • Christian Ponder (@ Atl)
  • John Skelton (@ StL)
  • Sam Bradford (vs Ari)
  • Rex Grossman (@ Sea)
  • Alex Smith (@ Bal)
  • Caleb Hanie (@ Oak)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (vs Was)
  • Colt McCoy (@ Cin)
  • Blaine Gabbert (vs Hou)
  • Tyler Palko (vs Pit)
  • Jake Locker (vs TB)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Adrian Peterson (ankle)
  • Fred Jackson (calf)
  • James Starks (knee)
  • Shonn Greene (ribs)
  • Maurice Morris (ankle)
  • D.J. Ware (concussion)
  • Tashard Choice (cut)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Ryan Grant (@ Det)
  • Kevin Smith (vs GB)
  • Donald Brown (vs Car)
  • Joe McKnight (vs Buf)
  • Javon Ringer (vs TB)
  • Bernard Scott (vs Cle)
  • Danny Woodhead (@ Phi)
  • Da’Rel Scott (@ NO)
  • Toby Gerhart (@ Atl)
  • Shane Vereen (@ Phi)
  • Thomas Jones (vs Pit)
  • Dexter McCluster (vs Pit)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Calvin Johnson (ankle)
  • Greg Jennings (knee)
  • DeSean Jackson (foot)
  • Darrius Heyward-Bey (neck)
  • Ben Obomanu (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Nate Washington (vs TB)
  • Early Doucet (@ StL)
  • Andre Caldwell (vs Cle)
  • Nate Burleson (vs GB)
  • Greg Little (@ Cin)
  • Donald Driver (@ Det)
  • Michael Jenkins (@ Atl)
  • Austin Pettis (vs Ari)
  • Andre Roberts (@ StL)
  • Damian Williams (vs TB)
  • Andrew Hawkins (vs Cle)
  • Arrelious Benn (@ Ten)
  • Brandon LaFell (@ Ind)
  • Legedu Naanee (@ Ind)
  • Demaryius Thomas (@ SD)
  • Donte’ Stallworth (@ Sea)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (vs TB)
  • Roy Williams (@ Oak)
  • Johnny Knox (@ Oak)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (vs Pit)
  • Kyle Williams (@ Bal)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jake Ballard (elbow)
  • Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring)
  • Daniel Fells (concussion)
  • Kyle Rudolph (quad)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Marcedes Lewis (vs Hou)
  • Scott Chandler (@ NYJ)
  • Kevin Boss (vs Chi)
  • Jacob Tamme (vs Car)
  • Jared Cook (vs TB)
  • Delanie Walker (@ Bal)
  • Leonard Pope (vs Pit)
  • Jake O’Connell (vs Pit)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Dan Carpenter (groin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • John Kasay (vs NYG)
  • Shaun Suisham (@ KC)
  • Adam Vinatieri (vs Car)
  • Neil Rackers (@ Jac)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Jacksonville (vs Hou)
  • Carolina (@ Ind)
  • Seattle (vs Was)
  • Arizona (@ StL)
  • Cleveland (@ 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

Quarterbacks    

1.      Aaron Rodgers       vs TB

2.      Tom Brady             vs KC

3.      Carson Palmer        @ Min

4.      Tony Romo            @ Was

5.      Philip Rivers           @ Chi

6.      Matthew Stafford   vs Car

7.      Matt Ryan              vs Ten

8.      Matt Moore           vs Buf

9.      Sam Bradford         vs Sea

10.  Eli Manning            vs Phi

11.  Matt Hasselbeck    @ Atl

12.  Cam Newton          @ Det

13.  John Skelton           @ SF

14.  Josh Freeman         @ GB

15.  Rex Grossman        vs Dal

16.  Vince Young          @ NYG

17.  Joe Flacco              vs Cin

18.  Mark Sanchez        @ Den

19.  Alex Smith             vs Ari

20.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @ Mia

21.  Christian Ponder     vs Oak

22.  Tarvaris Jackson     @ StL

23.  Tyler Palko               @ NE

24.  Tim Tebow               vs NYJ

25.  Jay Cutler               vs SD

26.  Andy Dalton           @ Bal

27.  Colt McCoy           vs Jac

28.  Blaine Gabbert       @ Cle

29.  Mike Kafka            @ NYG

30.  Kevin Kolb            @ SF

 

Running Backs   

1.      Fred Jackson          @ Mia

2.      DeMarco Murray   @ Was

3.      LeSean McCoy      @ NYG

4.      Michael Turner       vs Ten

5.      Matt Forte              vs SD

6.      Steven Jackson       vs Sea

7.      Reggie Bush           vs Buf

8.      Kendall Hunter       vs Ari

9.      Adrian Peterson      vs Oak

10.  Ray Rice                vs Cin

11.  Maurice Jones-Drew @ Cle

12.  DeAngelo Williams @ Det

13.  Marshawn Lynch    @ StL

14.  Shonn Greene         @ Den

15.  Lance Ball              vs NYJ

16.  Chris Ogbonnaya    vs Jac

17.  James Starks            vs TB

18.  Michael Bush          @ Min

19.  Daniel Thomas        vs Buf

20.  Mike Tolbert          @ Chi

21.  Ryan Mathews       @ Chi

22.  Maurice Morris      vs Car

23.  Kevin Smith            vs Car

24.  Marion Barber        vs SD

25.  Jacquizz Rodgers    vs Ten

26.  Brandon Jacobs      vs Phi

27.  Jonathan Stewart    @ Det

28.  Joe McKnight         @ Den

29.  Deji Karim               @ Cle

30.  LeGarrette Blount   @ GB

31.  Jackie Battle           @ NE

32.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs KC

33.  Ryan Grant             vs TB

34.  Stevan Ridley         vs KC

35.  Taiwan Jones          @ Min

36.  C.J. Spiller             @ Mia

37.  Keiland Williams     vs Car

38.  Toby Gerhart          vs Oak

39.  Justin Forsett          @ StL

40.  Chris Johnson         @ Atl

41.  Javon Ringer           @ Atl

42.  D.J. Ware              vs Phi

43.  Da’Rel Scott           vs Phi

44.  Ricky Williams        vs Cin

45.  LaRod Stephens-Howling   @ SF

46.  Roy Helu                vs Dal

47.  Ryan Torain            vs Dal

48.  Tashard Choice      vs Dal

49.  Cedric Benson        @ Bal

50.  Bernard Scott         @ Bal

51.  Kevin Faulk            vs KC

52.  Felix Jones             @ Was

53.  Frank Gore            vs Ari

54.  Willis McGahee      vs NYJ

55.  Beanie Wells          @ SF

56.  Montario Hardesty vs Jac

 

Wide Receivers

1.      Greg Jennings         vs TB

2.      Wes Welker           vs KC

3.      Brandon Marshall   vs Buf

4.      Vincent Jackson     @ Chi

5.      Dez Bryant             @ Was

6.      Jordy Nelson          vs TB

7.      Deion Branch         vs KC

8.      DeSean Jackson     @ NYG

9.      Denarius Moore     @ Min

10.  Davone Bess          vs Buf

11.  Laurent Robinson   @ Was

12.  Vincent Brown       @ Chi

13.  Calvin Johnson       vs Car

14.  Hakeem Nicks       vs Phi

15.  Steve Smith            @ Det

16.  Roddy White          vs Ten

17.  Victor Cruz            vs Phi

18.  Larry Fitzgerald      @ SF

19.  Earl Bennett            vs SD

20.  Brandon Lloyd       vs Sea

21.  Percy Harvin          vs Oak

22.  Nate Washington    @ Atl

23.  Santonio Holmes    @ Den

24.  Michael Crabtree    vs Ari

25.  Sidney Rice            @ StL

26.  Damian Williams     @ Atl

27.  Braylon Edwards    vs Ari

28.  Doug Baldwin         @ StL

29.  Jabar Gaffney         vs Dal

30.  Mike Thomas         @ Cle

31.  Mike Williams        @ GB

32.  Dwayne Bowe        @ NE

33.  Preston Parker       @ GB

34.  Jacoby Ford           @ Min

35.  James Jones           vs TB

36.  Darrius Heyward-Bey @ Min

37.  David Nelson         @ Mia

38.  Brandon Gibson     vs Sea

39.  Donald Jones          @ Mia

40.  Jason Avant            @ NYG

41.  Titus Young            vs Car

42.  Austin Pettis           vs Sea

43.  Harry Douglas        vs Ten

44.  Nate Burleson        vs Car

45.  Anquan Boldin        vs Cin

46.  Mario Manningham vs Phi

47.  Eric Decker            vs NYJ

48.  Torrey Smith          vs Cin

49.  Mike Williams        @ StL

50.  Plaxico Burress       @ Den

51.  Legedu Naanee      @ Det

52.  Ben Obomanu        @ StL

53.  Michael Jenkins      vs Oak

54.  Early Doucet          @ SF

55.  Jason Hill                @ Cle

56.  Andre Roberts        @ SF

57.  Jerome Simpson     @ Bal

58.  Steve Breaston       @ NE

59.  Josh Cribbs            vs Jac

60.  Greg Little              vs Jac

61.  Anthony Armstrong vs Dal

62.  Donald Driver         vs TB

63.  Chad Ochocinco    vs KC

64.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh @ Min

65.  Brian Hartline         vs Buf

66.  Roy Williams          vs SD

67.  Johnny Knox          vs SD

68.  Devin Hester          vs SD

69.  Devin Aromashodu vs Oak

70.  Brandon LaFell       @ Det

71.  Demaryius Thomas vs NYJ

72.  Eddie Royal            vs NYJ

73.  Terrence Austin      vs Dal

74.  Arrelious Benn        @ GB

75.  Jonathan Baldwin    @ NE

76.  Mohamed Massaquoi vs Jac

77.  Andre Caldwell      @ Bal

78.  Steve Johnson        @ Mia

79.  Lee Evans              vs Cin

80.  Brian Robiskie        @ Cle

81.  Danario Alexander vs Sea

82.  Julio Jones              vs Ten

83.  A.J. Green              @ Bal 

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jermichael Finley    vs TB

2.      Rob Gronkowski    vs KC

3.      Aaron Hernandez   vs KC

4.      Antonio Gates        @ Chi

5.      Jason Witten           @ Was

6.      Brandon Pettigrew vs Car

7.      Tony Gonzalez        vs Ten

8.      Vernon Davis         vs Ari

9.      Brent Celek            @ NYG

10.  Scott Chandler       @ Mia

11.  Ed Dickson            vs Cin

12.  Dustin Keller          @ Den

13.  Greg Olsen             @ Det

14.  Jake Ballard           vs Phi

15.  Zach Miller             @ StL

16.  Kyle Rudolph         vs Oak

17.  Fred Davis             vs Dal

18.  Kellen Winslow      @ GB

19.  Jermaine Gresham @ Bal

20.  Ben Watson           vs Jac

21.  Kevin Boss             @ Min

22.  Jared Cook            @ Atl

23.  Lance Kendricks    vs Sea

24.  Dennis Pitta            vs Cin

25.  Daniel Fells              vs NYJ

26.  Jeff King                 @ SF

27.  Marcedes Lewis     @ Cle

28.  Evan Moore           vs Jac

29.  Michael Hoomanawanui vs Sea

30.  Anthony Fasano     vs Buf

31.  Visanthe Shiancoe  vs Oak

32.  Kellen Davis           vs SD

33.  Leonard Pope        @ NE

34.  Delanie Walker       vs Ari

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Jacksonville Jaguars            @ Cle

2.      New England Patriots         vs KC

3.      Green Bay Packers vs TB

4.      Cleveland Browns  vs Jac

5.      Dallas Cowboys     @ Was

6.      Baltimore Ravens    vs Cin

7.      St. Louis Rams       vs Sea

8.      New York Jets         @ Den

9.      San Francisco 49ers vs Ari

10.  Denver Broncos     vs NYJ

11.  Atlanta Falcons       vs Ten

12.  Oakland Raiders     @ Min

13.  Detroit Lions             vs Car

14.  Cincinnati Bengals   @ Bal

15.  Philadelphia Eagles @ NYG

16.  Seattle Seahawks   @ StL

17.  Arizona Cardinals   @ SF

18.  Buffalo Bills             @ Mia

19.  New York Giants   vs Phi

20.  Chicago Bears        vs SD

21.  San Diego Chargers @ Chi

22.  Miami Dolphins      vs Buf

23.  Tennessee Titans    @ Atl

24.  Washington Redskins vs Dal

25.  Carolina Panthers   @ Det

26.  Minnesota Vikings  vs Oak

27.  Kansas City Chiefs @ NE

28.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ GB

Kickers

1.      Mason Crosby       vs TB

2.      Stephen Gostkowski vs KC

3.      Sebastian Janikowski @ Min

4.      Alex Henery           @ NYG

5.      Shayne Graham      vs Buf

6.      Dan Bailey             @ Was

7.      Nick Novak           @ Chi

8.      Dave Rayner          @ Mia

9.      Jason Hanson         vs Car

10.  Josh Brown            vs Sea

11.  David Akers           vs Ari

12.  Robbie Gould         vs SD

13.  Matt Bryant            vs Ten

14.  Ryan Longwell        vs Oak

15.  Nick Folk               @ Den

16.  Olindo Mare           @ Det

17.  Steven Hauschka    @ StL

18.  Rob Bironas           @ Atl

19.  Lawrence Tynes     vs Phi

20.  Matt Prater            vs NYJ

21.  Billy Cundiff            vs Cin

22.  Jay Feely                @ SF

23.  Graham Gano         vs Dal

24.  Josh Scobee           @ Cle

25.  Connor Barth         @ GB

26.  Ryan Succop          @ NE

27.  Phil Dawson           vs Jac

28.  Mike Nugent          @ 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

NY Jets at Denver (Thursday night) – John Fox was quoted this week as saying about his quarterback, Tim Tebow, “If we were running any other type of offense with him, we’d be screwed”.  The Detroit Lions might question Tebow’s effectiveness in his current offense, but the fact remains that he’s 3-1 as a starter, and the Jets are banged up on offense.  Still, New York should be able to ride Shonn Greene and their defense to victory; if Mark Sanchez has to throw the ball much more than 30 times, chances are it will be the Jets who are screwed.  Expect Lance Ball to have an effective game for the Broncos, even if Willis McGahee is “healthy” enough to play.  New York 21, Denver 20.

• NY Jets
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene, WR Santonio Holmes (Probable-foot), TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, RB Joe McKnight (Probable-toe), WR Plaxico Burress (Probable-back)
  • Sit:  RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Out-knee), WR Jeremy Kerley (Out-knee), K Nick Folk
• Denver
  • Start:  RB Lance Ball, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Tim Tebow, WR Eric Decker, TE Daniel Fells
  • Sit:  RB Willis McGahee (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Demaryius Thomas & Eddie Royal, K Matt Prater

 

Buffalo at Miami (Sunday early) – This has been labeled a “must-win” game for the Bills, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick playing ineffectively the last few weeks, his two top wide receivers in danger of missing the game, and Miami playing much better the last two weeks, the Dolphins will thwart the Bills’ efforts.  Dolphins’ running back Reggie Bush will continue his resurgence, and quarterback Matt Moore will have a field day passing to Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess.  Miami 27, Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson, TE Scott Chandler
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WRs David Nelson (Probable-ankle) & Donald Jones, DEF, K Dave Rayner
  • Sit:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Steve Johnson (Questionable-shoulder), K Rian Lindell (Out-shoulder)
• Miami
  • Start:  QB Matt Moore, RB Reggie Bush, WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess
  • Neutral:  RB Daniel Thomas, TE Anthony Fasano (Questionable-ankle), DEF, K Shayne Graham
  • Sit:  WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter (Out-groin)

 

Dallas at Washington – Once one of football’s best rivalries the Cowboy-Redskin matches have lost most of their luster in recent seasons.  Dallas is currently on the upswing; Washington is quickly descending to its projected position at the bottom of the NFC East.  Tony Romo will continue his good play, and DeMarco Murray won’t lose too many carries to Felix Jones.  Dallas 27, Washington 17.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Dan Bailey
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones (Questionable-ankle), WR Miles Austin (Out-hamstring)
• Washington
  • Start:  QB Rex Grossman, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis
  • Neutral:  WR Anthony Armstrong, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Roy Helu, Tashard Choice (Probable-hamstring) & Ryan Torain, WR Terrence Austin, K Graham Gano

 

Oakland at Minnesota – Funny how no one refers to this as a “rematch of Super Bowl XI” - the term “rematch” must have an expiration date, and 35 years later is obviously well beyond it.  You may be tempted to start Michael Bush after last week’s performance, but that wouldn’t be wise - Minnesota’s run defense is still one of the top in the league.  The Vikes’ secondary is another story, however - Carson Palmer should continue his resurgence by having a field day against the Minnesota defensive backfield.  Oakland 31, Minnesota 21.

• Oakland
  • Start:  QB Carson Palmer, WR Denarius Moore, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski (Probable-hamstring)
  • Neutral:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey & Jacoby Ford, TE Kevin Boss (Probable-knee)
  • Sit:  RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot) & Taiwan Jones, WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Jacoby Ford (Out-foot)
• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, TE Kyle Rudolph
  • Neutral:  QB Christian Ponder (Probable-hand), WR Michael Jenkins (Probable-knee), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-hamstring), K Ryan Longwell
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WR Devin Aromashodu, DEF

 

Tampa Bay at Green Bay – Tampa Bay sure won’t get in the way of the Green Bay Undefeated Express train (still plenty of time to hop aboard), and even though Josh Freeman will look slightly better for the Bucs than he has in recent weeks, the lack of healthy running back options will ultimately prove to be their undoing.  Green Bay 41, Tampa Bay 14.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman (Probable-thumb), WRs Mike Williams & Preston Parker, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  RB LeGarrette Blount
  • Sit:  WR Arrelious Benn, DEF, K Connor Barth
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral: RB John Starks, WR James Jones
  • Sit: RB Ryan Grant (Probable-knee), WR Donald Driver

 

Carolina at Detroit - Cam Newton is one of the few quarterbacks who can still have significant fantasy value even if he’s not throwing for 250+ yards, and Detroit’s run defense has been less-than-stellar.  On the Detroit side of the ball their running back by committee approach renders all of their current options mediocre at best.  Detroit 24, Carolina 21.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WR Legedu Naanee, DEF
  • Sit:  WR Brandon LaFell, TE Jeremy Shockey (Out-ribs), K Olindo Mare
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford (Probable-finger), WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • Neutral:  RBs Maurice Morris & Kevin Smith, WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit:  RBs Keiland Williams & Jahvid Best (Out-concussion)

 

Jacksonville at Cleveland – Neither of these teams’ offenses will be confused with the Packers’ scoring-machine anytime soon.  In fact, these two teams will combine for fewer points than Green Bay will put up this week.  Running back Chris Ogbannaya was a pleasant surprise for most people last weekend; he and his Jaguar counterpart Maurice Jones-Drew are two of the few players involved in this game with any fantasy value.  Jacksonville 17, Cleveland 13.

• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim, WR Jason Hill, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Brian Robiskie (Questionable-hamstring), K Josh Scobee
• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Chris Ogbannaya, TE Ben Watson, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Josh Cribbs & Greg Little, TE Evan Moore
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy, RBs Peyton Hillis (Out-hamstring) & Montario Hardesty (Questionable-calf), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Probable-concussion), K Phil Dawson

 

Cincinnati at Baltimore – Here’s another game where the two teams will combine for fewer points than Green Bay will score this week.  Andy Dalton has had an impressive rookie season, but he’s not someone you’d want to start against a defense as strong as the Ravens’.  Not much fantasy value for either team in this game, but it’s a good bet that if any player makes a significant fantasy contribution in this week’s game, it will be Ray Rice.  Baltimore 20, Cincinnati 10.

• Cincinnati
  • Start: TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Jerome Simpson
  • Sit:  QB Andy Dalton, RBs Cedric Benson & Bernard Scott, WRs A.J. Green (Doubtful-knee) & Andre Caldwell, K Mike Nugent
• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, TE Dennis Pitta
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans (Questionable-ankle), K Billy Cundiff

 

Seattle at St. Louis (Sunday late) – Last weekend was the first time since the current NFL division alignment was created that all four NFC West teams were winners.  Sadly, it seems that the schedule-makers were anticipating this amazing feat, and in a cruel twist of fate scheduled two intradivision games for this weekend.  Neither team has much offense going for it, but Sam Bradford will win his personal “battle” with Tarvaris Jackson and lead the Rams to victory.  St. Louis 24, Seattle 21.

• Seattle
  • Start:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Sidney Rice (Probable-concussion) & Doug Baldwin (Probable-concussion), TE Zach Miller
  • Neutral:  QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WRs Ben Obomanu & Mike Williams, DEF
    
  • Sit:  RB Justin Forsett, K Steven Hauschka
• St. Louis
  • Start:  QB Sam Bradford (Probable-ankle), RB Steven Jackson, WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Austin Pettis & Brandon Gibson (Probable-groin), TEs Lance Kendricks (Probable-foot) & Michael Hoomanawanui, K Josh Brown
  • Sit:  RB Cadillac Williams (Out-calf), WR Danario Alexander (Doubtful-hamstring)

 

Arizona at San Francisco – The second game in the Sad Sack Division’s slate this weekend faces a team with a pretty good offense (Arizona) vs. a team with a pretty good defense (not-the-Arizona).  The Cardinals have been somewhat more respectable the last few weeks with their “Skelton Crew”, but the 49ers’ defense will prove to be the most valuable fantasy entity in this game.  San Francisco 24, Arizona 20.

• Arizona
  • Start:  QB John Skelton, WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral:  WRs Early Doucet & Andre Roberts, TE Jeff King, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Kevin Kolb (Questionable-toe), RBs Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee) & LaRod Stephens-Howling (Probable-shoulder), TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring) & Rob Houssler (Questionable-groin), K Jay Feely
• San Francisco
  • Start: RB Kendal Hunter, WRs Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot) & Braylon Edwards (Probable-knee), TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith, K David Akers
  • Sit:  RB Frank Gore (Questionable-knee), TE Delanie Walker

 

San Diego at Chicago – Philip Rivers has yet another match-up that seems close to ideal on paper, but as we’ve all seen the last few weeks, games are won by real-life players who don’t throw crucial interceptions late in games.  Earl Bennett has emerged as former college teammate Jake Cutler’s favorite target the last few weeks; meanwhile, Johnny Knox continues to be one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy this season.  San Diego 27, Chicago 24.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson & Vincent Brown, TE Antonio Gates
  • Neutral:  RBs Mike Tolbert & Ryan Mathews, DEF, K Nick Novak
  • Sit:  WR Malcom Floyd (Out-hip)
• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte (Probable-shoulder), WR Earl Bennett
    
  • Neutral:  RB Marion Barber, DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Roy Williams, Devin Hester (Probable-ankle), Johnny Knox; TE Kellen Davis

 

Tennessee at Atlanta – Unfortunately for Chris Johnson owners, one week after a game in which he looked more like his old productive self again, Johnson has a very tough match-up with Atlanta’s run defense.  Atlanta continued its Jekyll & Hyde act against the Saints in an overtime loss, but don’t shy away from Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Tony Gonzalez this week.  Atlanta 24, Tennessee 21.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, WRs Nate Washington & Damian Williams
  • Neutral:  TE Jared Cook, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Chris Johnson & Javon Ringer, K Rob Bironas
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Harry Douglas (Probable-thigh), K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  WR Julio Jones (Questionable-hamstring)

 

Philadelphia at New York Giants (Sunday night) – If Atlanta isn’t the Jekylliest & Hydiest team in the NFL, then the Eagles certainly are.  Another fourth-quarter collapse last weekend at home against the Cardinals has the Philly “faithful” calling for Andy Reid’s head coaching head, if not his GM head.  Michael Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and the remorseful DeSean Jackson will all be in fine form Sunday afternoon, and the Eagles will prevail.  Philadelphia 28, New York 21.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Vince Young, WR Jason Avant, K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  QBs Michael Vick (Out-ribs) & Mike Kafka, WR Jeremy Maclin (Out-shoulder)
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WR Victor Cruz (Questionable-judgment) & Hakeem Nicks, TE Jake Ballard
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, DEF, WR Mario Manningham (Probable-knee)
  • Sit: RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Out-foot), D.J. Ware, & Da’Rel Scott; K Lawrence Tynes

Kansas City at New England (Monday night) – This game would have been interesting if both teams had all of their key players, but with the Chiefs’ sideline looking like a triage unit these days, nothing could be further from the truth.  Matt Cassel is the latest key Kansas City offensive player to suffer a season-threatening (if not season-ending) injury, and it’s difficult to imagine Tyler Palko being up to the task of competing mano-a-mano with Tom Brady.  Somewhere Charlie Weiss is laughing.  New England 38, Kansas City 14.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  QB Tyler Palko, RB Jackie Battle, WR Steve Breason
  • Sit:  WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope, DEF, K Ryan Succop
• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Deion Branch & Wes Welker (Probable-knee), TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Questionable-toe)
  • Sit:  RBs Stevan Ridley & Kevin Faulk (Questionable-knee), WR Chad Ochocinco

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?

Note:  this is the last of the bye weeks, and there is a Thursday night game this week (NY Jets @ Denver)

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Matt Schaub (foot)
  • Matt Cassel (hand)
  • Michael Vick (ribs)
  • John Beck (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 10 opponents)
  • Matt Moore (vs Buf)
  • John Skelton (@ SF)
  • Christian Ponder (vs Oak)
  • Sam Bradford (vs Sea)
  • Tyler Palko (@ NE)
  • Colt McCoy (vs Jac)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (@ StL)
  • Mike Kafka (@ NYG)
  • Matt Leinart (bye)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Knowshon Moreno (IR-ACL)
  • Frank Gore (ankle)
  • Willis McGahee (hamstring)
  • LaDainian Tomlinson (leg)
  • Cadillac Williams (calf)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Kendall Hunter (vs Ari)
  • Lance Ball (vs NYJ)
  • Kevin Smith (vs Car)
  • Jacquizz Rodgers (vs Ten)
  • Joe McKnight (@ Den)
  • Dexter McCluster (@ NE)
  • D.J. Ware (vs Phi)
  • Danny Woodhead (vs KC)
  • Phil Tanner (@ Was)
  • Bernard Scott (@ Bal)
  • Donald Brown (bye)
  • Isaac Redman (bye)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Leonard Hankerson (IR-labrum)
  • A.J. Green (knee)
  • Julio Jones (hamstring)
  • Sidney Rice (foot)
  • Doug Baldwin (concussion)
  • Jeremy Maclin (hamstring)
  • Jacoby Ford (foot)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Damian Williams (@ Atl)
  • Earl Bennett (vs SD)
  • Early Doucet (@ SF)
  • Vincent Brown (@ Chi)
  • Davone Bess (vs Buf)
  • Jabar Gaffney (vs Dal)
  • Donald Jones (@ Mia)
  • Josh Cribbs (vs Jac)
  • Austin Pettis (vs Sea)
  • Jeremy Kerley (@ Den)
  • Greg Little (vs Jac)
  • Harry Douglas (vs Ten)
  • Arrelious Benn (@ GB)
  • Nate Burleson (vs Car)
  • Andre Roberts (@ SF)
  • Steve Smith (Phi) (@ NYG)
  • Titus Young (vs Car)
  • Legedu Naanee (@ Det)
  • Michael Jenkins (vs Oak)
  • Braylon Edwards (vs Ari)
  • Ted Ginn Jr (vs Ari)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (@ NE)
  • Chastin West (@ Cle)
  • Andrew Hawkins (@ Bal)
  • Jerricho Cotchery (bye)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jeremy Shockey (side)
  • Owen Daniels (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Anthony Fasano (vs Buf)
  • Scott Chandler (@ Mia)
  • Jared Cook (@ Atl)
  • Zach Miller (Sea) (@ StL)
  • Ed Dickson (vs Cin)
  • Dennis Pitta (vs Cin)
  • Jeff King (@ SF)
  • Tony Scheffler (vs Car)
  • Delanie Walker (vs Ari)
  • Leonard Pope (@ NE)
  • Michael Hoomanawanui (vs Sea)
  • Jacob Tamme (bye)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Dan Carpenter (vs Buf)
  • Josh Scobee (@ Cle)
  • Rob Bironas (@ Atl)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Jacksonville (@ Cle)
  • Seattle (@ StL)
  • St. Louis (vs Sea)
  • Cleveland (vs Jac)

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 Min

2.      Drew Brees            @ Atl

3.      Michael Vick          vs Ari

4.      Tony Romo            vs Buf

5.      Philip Rivers           vs Oak

6.      Matt Schaub           @ TB

7.      Matt Stafford          @ Chi

8.      Eli Manning            @ SF

9.      Cam Newton          vs Ten

10.  Tim Tebow           @ KC

11.  Matt Ryan              vs NO

12.  Matt Moore           vs Was

13.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @ Dal

14.  Mark Sanchez        vs NE

15.  Matt Hasselbeck    @ Car

16.  Christian Ponder     @ GB

17.  Josh Freeman         vs Hou

18.  John Beck              @ Mia

19.  Carson Palmer        @ SD

20.  Joe Flacco              @ Sea

21.  Jay Cutler               vs Det

22.  Alex Smith              vs NYG

23.  Tom Brady             @ NYJ

24.  Ben Roethlisberger @ Cin

25.  Matt Cassel            vs Den

26.  Andy Dalton           vs Pit

27.  John Skelton           @ Phi

28.  Colt McCoy              vs StL

29.  Tarvaris Jackson     vs Bal

30.  Curtis Painter          vs Jac

31.  A.J. Feeley             @ Cle

32.  Blake Gabbert        @ Ind

33.  Sam Bradford         @ Cle

34.  Kevin Kolb              @ Phi

 

Running Backs   

1.      Arian Foster           @ TB

2.      LeSean McCoy      vs Ari

3.      DeMarco Murray   vs Buf

4.      Ray Rice                @ Sea

5.      Maurice Jones-Drew @ Ind

6.      DeAngelo Williams vs Ten

7.      Willis McGahee      @ KC

8.      Darren Sproles       @ Atl

9.      Mike Tolbert          vs Oak

10.  Adrian Peterson      @ GB

11.  Michael Turner       vs NO

12.  Fred Jackson          @ Dal

13.  Matt Forte              vs Det

14.  Michael Bush          @ SD

15.  Chris Johnson         @ Car

16.  Reggie Bush           vs Was

17.  Jackie Battle           vs Den

18.  Chris Ogbonnaya    vs StL

19.  Steven Jackson       @ Cle

20.  Pierre Thomas        @ Atl

21.  Ben Tate                @ TB

22.  Ryan Mathews       vs Oak

23.  Brandon Jacobs      @ SF

24.  Knowshon Moreno @ KC

25.  Jonathan Stewart    vs Ten

26.  Daniel Thomas        vs Was

27.  Joe McKnight         vs NE

28.  Roy Helu                @ Mia

29.  Ryan Torain            @ Mia

30.  Marion Barber        vs Det

31.  Stevan Ridley         @ NYJ

32.  Javon Springer        @ Car

33.  Delone Carter         vs Jac

34.  Donald Brown        vs Jac

35.  Kendall Hunter       vs NYG

36.  Frank Gore            vs NYG

37.  Beanie Wells          @ Phi

38.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ NYJ

39.  John Starks            vs Min

40.  Ryan Grant           vs Min

41.  Maurice Morris      @ Chi

42.  Keiland Williams     @ Chi

43.  Kevin Smith            @ Chi

44.  Deji Karim            @ Ind

45.  Lance Ball              @ KC

46.  Ricky Williams        @ Sea

47.  D.J. Ware              @ SF

48.  Jacquizz Rodgers    vs NO

49.  Jason Snelling         vs NO

50.  Lex Hilliard           vs Was

51.  C.J. Spiller             @ Dal

52.  Marcel Reese         @ SD

53.  Tim Hightower        @ Mia

54.  Dexter McCluster   vs Den

55.  Kevin Faulk            @ NYJ

56.  Danny Woodhead  @ NYJ

57.  Toby Gerhart          @ GB

58.  Tashard Choice      @ Mia

59.  Rashard Mendenhall @ Cin

60.  LeGarrette Blount   vs Hou

61.  Kregg Lumpkin      vs Hou

62.  Cedric Benson        vs Pit

63.  Bernard Scott         vs Pit

64.  Marshawn Lynch    vs Bal

65.  Mark Ingram          @ Atl

66.  Chris Ivory              @ Atl

67.  Felix Jones               vs Buf

68.  Jahvid Best              @ Chi

69.  Ahmad Bradshaw    @ SF

70.  Shonn Greene         vs NE

71.  LaRod Stephens-Howling   @ Phi

72. Joseph Addai           vs Jac

Wide Receivers

1.      Calvin Johnson       @ Chi

2.      Greg Jennings         vs Min

3.      Vincent Jackson     vs Oak

4.      Dez Bryant             vs Buf

5.      Marques Colston    @ Atl

6.      Anquan Boldin        @ Sea

7.      Victor Cruz            @ SF

8.      Eric Decker            @ KC

9.      Steve Smith            vs Ten

10.  Mike Thomas         @ Ind

11.  DeSean Jackson     vs Ari

12.  Laurent Robinson   vs Buf

13.  Jordy Nelson          vs Min

14.  Jason Hill                @ Ind

15.  Kevin Walter          @ TB

16.  Mario Manningham @ SF

17.  Torrey Smith          @ Sea

18.  Jeremy Maclin        vs Ari

19.  Jacoby Jones          @ TB

20.  Vincent Brown       vs Oak

21.  Brandon Marshall   vs Was

22.  Roddy White          vs NO

23.  Santonio Holmes    vs NE

24.  Steve Johnson        @ Dal

25.  Brandon Lloyd       @ Cle

26.  Julio Jones              vs NO

27.  Dwayne Bowe        vs Den

28.  Percy Harvin          @ GB

29.  Damian Williams     @ Car

30.  Jabar Gaffney         @ Mia

31.  Larry Fitzgerald      @ Phi

32.  Preston Parker       vs Hou

33.  Lance Moore         @ Atl

34.  Eddie Royal            @ KC

35.  Jason Avant            vs Ari

36.  Titus Young            @ Chi

37.  James Jones           vs Min

38.  Nate Burleson        @ Chi

39.  Donald Driver         vs Min

40.  David Nelson         @ Dal

41.  Mike Wallace         @ Cin

42.  Deion Branch         @ NYJ

43.  Steve Breaston       vs Den

44.  Jacoby Ford           @ SD

45.  Davone Bess          vs Was

46.  Michael Jenkins      @ GB

47.  Antonio Brown       @ Cin

48.  Darrius Heyward-Bey @ SD

49.  Terrence Austin      @ Mia

50.  Earl Bennett            vs Det

51.  Jeremy Kerley        vs NE

52.  Denarius Moore     @ SD

53.  Donald Jones          @ Dal

54.  Johnny Knox          vs Det

55.  Austin Pettis           @ Cle

56.  Reggie Wayne        vs Jac

57.  A.J. Greeen            vs Pit

58.  Early Doucet          @ Phi

59.  Josh Cribbs            vs StL

60.  Jerome Simpson     vs Pit

61.  Pierre Garcon         vs Jac

62.  Greg Little              vs StL

63.  Andre Roberts        @ Phi

64.  Michael Crabtree    vs NYG

65.  Wes Welker           @ NYJ

66.  Plaxico Burress       vs NE

67.  Hakeem Nicks       @ SF

68.  Mike Williams        vs Hou

69.  Braylon Edwards    vs NYG

70.  Devin Hester          vs Det

71.  Patrick Crayton      vs Oak

72.  Devery Henderson @ Atl

73.  Robert Meachem    @ Atl

74.  Brandon LaFell       vs Ten

75.  Legedu Naanee      vs Ten

76.  Brian Robiskie        @ Ind

77.  Demaryius Thomas @ KC

78.  Ramses Barden      @ SF

79.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh @ SD

80.  Harry Douglas        vs NO

81.  Naaman Roosevelt @ Dal

82.  Dane Sanzenbacher vs Det

83.  Ted Ginn Jr            vs NYG

84.  Leonard Hankerson @ Mia

85.  Anthony Armstrong @ Mia

86.  Brandon Gibson     @ Cle

87.  Jonathan Baldwin    vs Den

88.  Julian Edelman        @ NYJ

89.  Chad Ochocinco    @ NYJ

90.  Dez Briscoe            vs Hou

91.  Arrelious Benn        vs Hou

92.  Austin Collie           vs Jac

93.  Doug Baldwin         vs Bal

94.  Ben Obomanu        vs Bal

95.  Hines Ward            @ Cin

96.  Sidney Rice                    vs Bal

97.  Andre Johnson              @ TB

98.  Nate Washington           @ Car

99.  Danario Alexander        @ Cle

100.  Emmanuel Sanders       @ Cin

101.    Jerricho Cotchery         @ Cin

102.    Andre Caldwell            vs Pit

103.   Mohamed Massaquoi   vs StL

104.   Mike Williams             vs Bal

105.   Malcom Floyd              vs Oak

106. Miles Austin                  vs Buf

Tight Ends

1.      Jimmy Graham        @ Atl

2.      Jermichael Finley    vs Min

3.      Antonio Gates        vs Oak

4.      Brandon Pettigrew @ Chi

5.      Jason Witten           vs Buf

6.      Brent Celek            vs Ari

7.      Owen Daniels         @ TB

8.      Jake Ballard           @ SF

9.      Greg Olsen            vs Ten

10.  Rob Gronkowski    @ NYJ

11.  Joel Dreessen         @ TB

12.  Fred Davis             @ Mia

13.  Vernon Davis         vs NYG

14.  Aaron Hernandez   @ NYJ

15.  Visanthe Shiancoe  @ GB

16.  Kevin Boss            @ SD

17.  Ben Watson           vs StL

18.  Kellen Winslow      vs Hou

19.  Jacob Tamme         vs Jac

20.  Daniel Fells            @ KC

21.  Marcedes Lewis     @ Ind

22.  Dennis Pitta            @ Sea

23.  Scott Chandler       @ Dal

24.  Ed Dickson            @ Sea

25.  Anthony Fasano     vs Was

26.  Jeremy Shockey     vs Ten

27.  Heath Miller           @ Cin

28.  Evan Moore           vs StL

29.  Tony Gonzalez        vs NO

30.  Jermaine Gresham  vs Pit

31.  Dustin Keller          vs NE

32.  Jared Cook            @ Car

33.  Randy McMichael vs Oak

34.  Kellen Davis           vs Det

35.  Leonard Pope        vs Den

36.  Kyle Rudolph         @ GB

37.  Jeff King                 @ Phi

38.  Zach Miller             vs Bal

39.  Lance Kendricks    @ Cle

40.  Todd Heap             @ Phi

41.  Rob Houssler         @ Phi

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Baltimore Ravens    @ Sea

2.      Jacksonville Jaguars @ Ind

3.      St. Louis Rams       @ Cle

4.      Philadelphia Eagles vs Ari

5.      Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cin

6.      Houston Texans      @ TB

7.      Miami Dolphins      vs Was

8.      Cleveland Browns  vs StL

9.      Denver Broncos     @ KC

10.  Green Bay Packers vs Min

11.  Cincinnati Bengals vs Pit

12.  New York Jets       vs NE

13.  New York Giants   @ SF

14.  Washington Redskins @ Mia

15.  Carolina Panthers   vs Ten

16.  New England Patriots @ NYJ

17.  San Diego Chargers vs Oak

18.  Dallas Cowboys     vs Buf

19.  Detroit Lions          @ Chi

20.  New Orleans Saints @ Atl

21.  Indianapolis Colts   vs Jac

22.  Kansas City Chiefs vs Den

23.  Tennessee Titans    @ Car

24.  Seattle Seahawks   vs Bal

25.  San Francisco 49ers vs NYG

26.  Chicago Bears        vs Det

27.  Buffalo Bills            @ Dal

28.  Oakland Raiders     @ SD

29.  Arizona Cardinals   @ Phi

30.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Hou

31.  Atlanta Falcons       vs NO

32. Minnesota Vikings   @ GB

 

Kickers

1.      Neil Rackers          @ TB

2.      Mason Crosby       vs Min

3.      Alex Henery           vs Ari

4.      Dan Bailey  vs Buf

5.      Nick Novak           vs Oak

6.      John Kasay            @ Atl

7.      Lawrence Tynes     @ SF

8.      Matt Prater @ KC

9.      Josh Scobee           @ Ind

10.  Olindo Mare           vs Ten

11.  Billy Cundiff            @ Sea

12.  Matt Bryant            vs NO

13.  Dan Carpenter        vs Was

14.  Rob Bironas           @ Car

15.  Dave Rayner          @ Dal

16.  Robbie Gould         vs Det

17.  David Akers           vs NYG

18.  Nick Folk               vs NE

19.  Jason Hanson         @ Chi

20.  Rian Lindell            @ Dal

21.  Graham Gano         @ Mia

22.  Josh Brown            @ Cle

23.  Ryan Succop          vs Den

24.  Stephen Gostkowski @ NYJ

25.  Ryan Longwell        @ GB

26.  Shaun Suisham       @ Cin

27.  Connor Barth         vs Hou

28.  Jay Feely                @ Phi

29.  Mike Nugent          vs Pit

30.  Adam Vinatieri       vs Jac

31.  Steven Hauschka    vs Bal

32.  Sebastian Janikowski @ SD

33.  Phil Dawson  vs. StL

 

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

Oakland at San Diego (Thursday night) – Can Philip Rivers pull both himself and the Chargers out of a tailspin?  Can Michael Bush build on his momentum from last week?  The answer is “yes” to both of these questions, but without Darren McFadden, the Raiders will still come up short.  San Diego 31, Oakland 24.

• Oakland
  • Start:  RB Michael Bush, TE Kevin Boss
  • Neutral:  QB Carson Palmer (Probable-quad), WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, & Jacoby Ford
  • Sit:  RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot) & Marcel Reese (Probable-shoulder), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski (Questionable-hamstring)
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Mike Tolbert, WRs Vincent Jackson & Vincent Brown, TE Antonio Gates, K Nick Novak
  • Neutral:  RB Ryan Mathews (Probable-groin), DEF
  • Sit:  WR Patrick Crayton, TE Randy McMichael, WR Malcom Floyd (Doubtful-hip)

 

New Orleans at Atlanta (Sunday early) – The team that wins this game will be in the driver’s seat in the NFC South.  The Falcons were my preseason pick to win the Super Bowl, but unless they stop with the Jekyll and Hyde routine, that’s not going to happen.  Plenty of fantasy value to go around on both teams in this contest, but New Orleans has just a bit more offensive firepower, even with Julio Jones at full strength.  New Orleans 31, Atlanta 24.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RB Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Mark Ingram  (Questionable-heel) & Chris Ivory (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WRs Roddy White & Julio Jones
  • Neutral:  TE Tony Gonzalez (Questionable-back), K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  RBs Jacquizz Rodgers & Jason Snelling, WR Harry Douglas, DEF

 

Houston at Tampa Bay – Both starting quarterbacks in this game have been fantasy disappointments so far this season, but Tampa Bay’s defense will make Matt Schaub look like Aaron Rodgers, at least for one day.  Start virtually any Texan on your fantasy roster, and you should be rewarded handsomely.  Houston 34, Tampa Bay 17.

• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WRs Jacoby Jones & Kevin Walter (Probable-ankle), TEs Owen Daniels & Joel Dreessen, DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Neutral:  RB Ben Tate (Probable-ankle)
  • Sit:  WR Andre Johnson (Questionable-hamstring)
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman (Probable-thumb), WR Preston Parker, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  WR Mike Williams (Questionable-thigh)
  • Sit:  RBs LeGarrette Blount & Kregg Lumpkin, WRs Dez Briscoe & Arrelious Benn, DEF, K Connor Barth

 

Arizona at Philadelphia – Just when you thought the Eagles were back on track following their demolition of Dallas, they laid an egg Monday night against Chicago.  The Eagles are already three games behind the Giants; a loss here would be nearly fatal to their slim playoff hopes.  Still, with all their injuries on offense the Cardinals don’t figure to put up much of a fight.  Philadelphia 31, Arizona 17.

• Arizona
  • Start:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral:  QB John Skelton, RB Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee), WRs Early Doucet & Andre Roberts
  • Sit:  QB Kevin Kolb (Questionable-toe), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Questionable-shoulder), TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring), Rob Houssler (Questionable-groin), & Jeff King, DEF, K Jay Feely
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy (Probable-shoulder), WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Jason Avant, K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Washington at Miami – Neither quarterback in this game was expected to start this season, but due to injury (Chad Henne) and poor play (Rex Grossman) both Matt Moore and John Beck are getting their opportunity.  These teams are headed in opposite directions, and Miami will continue its “no suck for Luck” surge by winning its second straight.  Miami 24, Washington 21.

• Washington
  • Start:  QB John Beck, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis (Probable-ankle)
  • Neutral:  RBs Roy Helu & Ryan Torain, WR Terrence Austin, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Tim Hightower & Tashard Choice (Probable-hamstring), WRs Leonard Hankerson & Anthony Armstrong, K Graham Gano
• Miami
  • Start:  QB Matt Moore, RB Reggie Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Daniel Thomas, WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, K Dan Carpenter
  • Sit:  RB Lex Hilliard

 

Tennessee at Carolina – Based on last week’s “outburst” it’s time to give Chris Johnson another start in what appears to be a favorable match-up against a poor Panther rushing defense.  Damian Williams won’t make anyone forget Kenny Britt, or even Nate Washington, but he’s quietly turning into a useful fantasy option.  Look for Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams to put a disappointing season behind him and post a useful fantasy line.  Carolina 27, Tennessee 24.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-knee), RB Chris Johnson, WR Damian Williams
  • Neutral:  RB Javon Springer, TE Jared Cook (Questionable-knee), DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • Sit:  WR Nate Washington (Questionable-hip)
• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Sit:  WRs Brandon LaFell & Legedu Naanee

 

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati – Top to bottom the AFC North boasts the best group of team defenses of any division in football.  While the Bengals may not yet be in the same class with Baltimore and Pittsburgh defensively, they’re good enough to make life very difficult for Ben Roethlisberger and crew this week.  Other than the two defenses look elsewhere if you’re desperately seeking fantasy points this weekend.  Pittsburgh 20, Cincinnati 17.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, WRs Antonio Brown & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller
  • Sit:  RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Emmanuel Sanders (Questionable-knee), Jerricho Cotchery (Questionable-knee), & Hines Ward (Probable-concussion), K Shaun Suisham
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton, WRs A.J. Green & Jerome Simpson, TE Jermaine Gresham (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Sit:  RBs Cedric Benson & Bernard Scott, WR Andre Caldwell (Questionable-groin), K Mike Nugent

 

St. Louis at Cleveland - Steven Jackson will run wild against the Browns, but he’s going to be one of few offensive weapons for the Rams this week.    Fortunately for St. Louis, Cleveland has been hit hard by the injury bug, and the Rams should have just enough offense to eke out the victory.  St. Louis 21, Cleveland 17.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-foot), WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral: WR Austin Pettis
  • Sit:  QBs Sam Bradford (Questionable-ankle) & A.J. Feeley, WRs Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander (Questionable-hamstring), & Greg Salas (IR-leg); TE Lance Kendricks (Questionable-foot), K Josh Brown
• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Chris Ogbannaya, TE Ben Watson, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Josh Cribbs & Greg Little, TE Evan Moore
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy, RBs Montario Hardesty (Out-calf) & Peyton Hillis (Out-hamstring), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Questionable-concussion), K Phil Dawson (Questionable-migraines)

 

Buffalo at Dallas – Buffalo’s season is at a crossroad.  Win this game and they’ll be right in the thick of the AFC’s playoff hunt.  Drop this game and they’ll not only fall out of their three-way tie for first place in their division, but they’ll also likely fall behind a handful of wild card contenders.  Dallas is in a similar position sans the opportunity to win their division.  Ryan Fitzpatrick will bounce back this week, but Tony Romo will be victorious, even with Laurent Robinson starting for the re-injured Miles Austin.  Dallas 30, Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson
  • Neutral:  WRs David Nelson & Donald Brown, TE Scott Chandler, K Dave Rayner
  • Sit:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Naaman Roosevelt, DEF, K Rian Lindell (Questionable-shoulder)
• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo (Probable-ribs), RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones (Questionable-ankle), WR Miles Austin (Doubtful-hamstring)

 

Jacksonville at Indianapolis – The Jaguars’ offense is several rungs south of mediocre, but the Colts will make them look like the 2007 Patriots.  Jacob Tamme, stepping in for the injured Dallas Clark, may be the Colts’ leading receiver in his first start of the season.  That’s not a good sign.  Jacksonville 27, Indianapolis 14.

• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill, DEF
  • Neutral:  TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee
  • Sit:  QB Blake Gabbert, RB Deji Karim, WR Brian Robiskie
• Indianapolis
  • Start:  TE Jacob Tamme
  • Neutral:  RBs Delone Carter & Donald Brown, WRs Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Curtis Painter, RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring), WR Austin Collie, TE Dallas Clark (Out-leg), K Adam Vinatieri

 

Denver at Kansas City – Denver’s offense under Tim Tebow’s direction is reminiscent of watching Navy and Army run the wishbone: it’s not very interesting to watch, but it often gets the job done.  With the Chiefs sporting a poor run defense both Tebow and backfield mate Willis “One Hand” McGahee are good starts.  Kansas City gets another chance to prove that its four-game winning streak wasn’t a mirage, but they don’t have enough offense to win this contest.  Denver 27, Kansas City 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Willis McGahee (Probable-hand), WR Eric Decker, DEF
    
  • Neutral:  RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Eddie Royal, TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
    
  • Sit:  RB Lance Ball, WR Demaryius Thomas
• Kansas City
  • Start:  RB Jackie Battle, WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Steve Breaston, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope, K Ryan Succop

 

Baltimore at Seattle (Sunday late) – After watching the conclusion to last Sunday’s Ravens-Steelers slugfest, you may conclude that Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco has shaken off his season-long slump and is finally back on track.  That would be a mistake.  Baltimore will win this game easily, but Ray Rice will carry the bulk of the load on offense.  Baltimore 27, Seattle 10.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, TEs Ed Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams
• Seattle
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson, RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Sidney Rice (Probable-foot), Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu, & Mike Williams (Questionable-ankle), TE Zach Miller, K Steven Hauschka

 

Detroit at Chicago – It won’t matter who starts at running back for the Lions - the way for them to beat Chicago is to throw the ball early and often, which should lead to a big day for Matthew Stafford and his receivers.  Earl Bennett had a great game for the Bears in their Monday night victory over the Bears - stash him on your bench if you must, but don’t count on him putting up a similar performance this week.  Detroit 28, Chicago 24.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matt Stafford (Probable-finger), WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew (Probable-elbow)
  • Neutral:  WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, DEF, K Jason Hanson (Questionable-knee)
  • Sit:  RBs Jahvid Best (Doubtful-concussion), Maurice Morris, Keiland Williams, & Kevin Smith (Doubtful-one leg),
• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte
    
  • Neutral:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Marion Barber, WRs Earl Bennett & Devin Hester (Questionable-ankle), DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  WRs Johnny Knox & Dane Sanzenbacher, TE Kellen Davis (Questionable-shoulder)

 

New York Giants at San Francisco – In the same vein as the previous game the Giants’ only hope for beating the 49ers is to rely heavily on Eli Manning and their passing game (my, how times have changed).  Whether you think Eli Manning is now an elite quarterback or not, he should definitely have a field day against the 49ers’ secondary.  Assuming that they’re healthy enough to play, Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter should fine plenty of room to run against the Giants’ defense, but quarterback Alex Smith is in for a stiff test against the G-men’s pass rush.  New York 27, San Francisco 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Victor Cruz & Mario Manningham, TE Jake Ballard
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Hakeem Nicks (Questionable-hamstring), DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-foot) & D.J. Ware, WR Ramses Barden
• San Francisco
  • Start:  TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral: QB Alex Smith, RBs Frank Gore (Questionable-ankle) & Kendall Hunter (Questionable-ankle), WRs Michael Crabtree (Questionable-foot) & Braylon Edwards (Questionable-knee), DEF, K David Akers
  • Sit:  WR Ted Ginn Jr

 

New England at New York Jets (Sunday night) – Between the Jets’ pass defense and the Patriots’ injuries this is a good week to bench Tom Brady if you’ve got another quarterback with a more favorable match-up (e.g. - the Jets’ Mark Sanchez).  BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ rushing made the difference in the Patriots’ victory over the Jets earlier this season, but he’s banged up and shouldn’t be in your starting lineup this weekend.  If Plaxico Burress and Dustin Keller are able to play, they should join Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley in having big days against the Pats’ woeful pass defense.  New York Jets 24, New England 21.

• New England
  • Start:  TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
  • Neutral:  QB Tom Brady, RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Questionable-toe) & Stevan Ridley, WR Wes Welker (Questionable-ribs) & Deion Branch, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Kevin Faulk & Danny Woodhead, WRs Julian Edelman & Chad Ochocinco, K Stephen Gostkowski
• New York
  • Start:  QB Mark Sanchez, WR Santonio Holmes, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Joe McKnight, WRs Plaxico Burress (Questionable-back) & Jeremy Kerley, TE Dustin Keller (Questionable-concussion), K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RB Shonn Greene (Questionable-concussion)

Minnesota at Green Bay (Monday night) – Christian Ponder has brought an undeniable spark to the Vikings’ offense since replacing Donovan McNabb, but that’s still nothing compared to the inferno that Aaron Rodgers directs for the Packers.  Unless Minnesota figures out a way to get Adrian Peterson loose in the Green Bay secondary, the Packers should win this game easily.  Green Bay 31, Minnesota 21.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  QB Christian Ponder, RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Neutral:  WR Michael Jenkins
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, TE Kyle Rudolph, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  WRs James Jones & Donald Driver
  • Sit:  RBs John Starks & Ryan Grant

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?

Note:  all 32 teams are playing this week, and the Thursday night games begin this week (Oakland @ San Diego)

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 10 opponents)
  • Christian Ponder (@ GB)
  • Matt Moore (vs Was)
  • John Beck (@ Mia)
  • John Skelton (@ Phi)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Shonn Greene (concussion)
  • Ryan Mathews (groin)
  • Kevin Faulk (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Joe McKnight (vs NE)
  • Chris Ivory (@ Atl)
  • Jacquizz Rodgers (vs NO)
  • Roy Helu (@ Mia)
  • Kendall Hunter (vs NYG)
  • Donald Brown (vs Jac)
  • Dexter McCluster (vs Den)
  • D.J. Ware (@ SF)
  • Danny Woodhead (@ NYJ)
  • Bernard Scott (vs Pit)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Miles Austin (hamstring)
  • Nate Washington (hip)
  • Malcom Floyd (hip)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (knee)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion)
  • Devin Hester (ankle)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (thumb)
  • Hines Ward (concussion)
  • Greg Salas (leg)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jason Hill (@ Ind)
  • Michael Thomas (@ Ind)
  • Laurent Robinson (vs Buf)
  • Eddie Royal (vs KC)
  • Jeremy Kerley (vs NE)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (vs Den)
  • Josh Cribbs (vs StL)
  • Vincent Brown (vs Oak)
  • Donald Jones (@ Dal)
  • Damian Williams (@ Car)
  • Earl Bennett (vs Det)
  • Greg Little (vs StL)
  • Austin Collie (vs Jac)
  • Early Doucet (@ Phi)
  • Roy Williams (vs Det)
  • Terrence Austin (@ Mia)
  • Braylon Edwards (vs NYG)
  • Jerricho Cotchery (@ Cin)
  • Leonard Hankerson (@ Mia)
  • Doug Baldwin (vs Bal)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (@ Dal)
  • Preston Parker (vs Hou)
  • Andre Roberts (@ Phi)
  • Jerome Simpson (vs Pit)
  • Jacoby Ford (@ SD)
  • Ramses Barden (@ SF)
  • Brandon Gibson (@ Cle)
  • Andre Caldwell (vs Pit)
  • Denarius Moore (@ SD)
  • Austin Pettis (@ Cle)
  • T.J. Houshmandzadeh (@ SD)
  • Devin Aromashodu (@ GB)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Dustin Keller (concussion)
  • Dallas Clark (leg)
  • Jared Cook (leg)
  • Lance Kendricks (foot)
  • Rob Houssler (groin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Visanthe Shiancoe (@ GB)
  • Jacob Tamme (vs Jac)
  • Marcedes Lewis (@ Ind)
  • Ed Dickson (@ Sea)
  • Scott Chandler (@ Dal)
  • Anthony Fassano (vs Was)
  • Dennis Pitta (@ Sea)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Rian Lindell (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Lawrence Tynes (@ SF)
  • Shaun Suisham (@ Cin)
  • Ryan Longwell (@ GB)
  • Josh Scobee (@ Ind)
  • David Rayner (@ Dal)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Jacksonville (@ Ind)
  • Cleveland (vs StL)
  • Miami (vs Was)
  • Carolina (vs Ten)
  • Seattle (vs Bal)

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