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 Houston at Indianapolis, most of the games will be played on Saturday afternoon (Christmas Eve), Chicago will play at Green Bay Sunday (Christmas) night, and Atlanta will play at New Orleans Monday night.

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Caleb Hanie (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 16 opponents)
  • Matt Moore (@ NE)
  • Kyle Orton (vs Oak)
  • Rex Grossman (vs Min)
  • Josh McCown (@ GB)
  • T.J. Yates (@ Ind)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (vs SF)
  • John Skelton (@ Cin)
  • Seneca Wallace (@ Bal)
  • Kellen Clemens (@ Pit)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Johnny White (concussion)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Lance Ball (@ Buf)
  • Chris Ivory (vs Atl)
  • Sammy Morris (vs Phi)
  • Thomas Jones (vs Oak)
  • Tashard Choice (vs Den)
  • Khalil Bell (@ GB)
  • Stevan Ridley (vs Mia)
  • Evan Royster (vs Min)
  • Kregg Lumpkin (@ Car)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • A.J. Green (shoulder)
  • Johnny Knox (IR-neck)
  • Austin Pettis (suspended)
  • Ted Ginn Jr (ankle)
  • Mike Williams (Sea) (IR-leg)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Demaryius Thomas (@ Buf)
  • Jerome Simpson (vs Ari)
  • Andre Roberts (@ Cin)
  • Titus Young (vs SD)
  • Damian Williams (vs Jac)
  • Golden Tate (vs SF)
  • Brian Hartline (@ NE)
  • Chastin West (@ Ten)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (vs Jac)
  • Dane Sanzenbacher (@ GB)
  • Greg Little (@ Bal)
  • T.J. Houshmandzadeh (@ KC)
  • Chad Ochocinco (vs Mia)
  • Randall Cobb (vs Chi)
  • Devin Aromashodu (@ Was)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jake Ballard (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jared Cook (vs Jac)
  • Anthony Fasano (@ NE)
  • Todd Heap (@ Cin)
  • Zach Miller (vs SF)
  • Marcedes Lewis (@ Ten)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Billy Cundiff (calf)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Shayne Graham (vs Cle)
  • Olindo Mare (@ TB)
  • Graham Gano (vs Min)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Tennessee (vs Jac)
  • Seattle (vs SF)
  • Jacksonville (@ Ten)

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

Philadelphia at Seattle (Thursday night) – Both teams are 4-7 heading into the “Battle of the Birds”.  Even with LeSean McCoy potentially hampered by a toe injury, the emergence of QB Vince Young and wide receiver Riley Cooper as viable threats in the Eagles’ offense should give them a decisive edge in this contest.  Philadelphia 28, Seattle 20.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Vince Young, WRs DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant, & Riley Cooper; TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB LeSean McCoy (Questionable-toe), K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, WR Jeremy Maclin (Out-hamstring)
• Seattle
  • Start:  WR Doug Baldwin, TE Zach Miller
  • Neutral:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Ben Obomanu, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WR Mike Williams, K Steve Hauschka

 

Tennessee at Buffalo (Sunday early) – This game features two teams headed in opposite directions.  Depending on how effective T.J. Yates is at quarterback for Houston, Tennessee still has a shot at winning the AFC South, even though they’re currently two games behind with five to play.  At 5-6 Buffalo is now in third, a game behind the Jets in the AFC East.  Chris Johnson has been better lately, but he’s going to need to string together a series of top-notch performances (starting this weekend) for the Titans to overcome the recent struggles of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.  Bills’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has also struggled lately after having success earlier in the season.  Tennessee 24, Buffalo 21.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WRs Nate Washington & Damian Williams, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Javon Ringer, WR Lavelle Hawkins, TE Jared Cook (Probable-concussion), K Rob Bironas
  • Sit:  N/A
• Buffalo
  • Start:  WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WR David Nelson, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Tashard Choice & Johnny White, WRs Brad Smith & Naaman Roosevelt (Probable-shoulder), K Dave Rayner

 

Indianapolis at New England – For some inexplicable reason NBC decided several weeks ago that this game was no longer worthy of the Sunday night time slot.  Go figure.  Dan Orlovsky becomes the Colts’ third contestant this season in everybody’s favorite reality show “Who Wants to Be a Quarterback?” (note: Andrew Luck was contacted, but through his representatives, declined to be a contestant this season).  Orlovsky should have some success against the Pats’ pathetic pass defense, but it won’t be nearly enough to prevent an ugly blowout that won’t be nearly as “close” as the final score indicates.  New England 38, Indianapolis 20.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  RB Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: QB Dan Orlovsky, WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie, TE Jacob Tamme
  • Sit: RBs Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring) & Delone Carter, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
• New England
  • Start: QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral: N/A
  • Sit: RBs Danny Woodhead (Questionable-abdomen), Stevan Ridley, & Shane Vereen (Questionable-hamstring); WRs Chad Ochocinco (Probable-hamstring) & Julian Edelman (Questionable-back)

 

New York Jets at Washington – So, Redskins’ head coach Mike Shanahan says that it’s finally time to take the training wheels of rookie running back Roy Helu.  You know what that means - Evan Royster, recently promoted from the practice squad, will almost surely start and get 30+ carries this weekend while Helu watches from the comfort of the bench.  Rex Grossman looks to be in for a tough day against Darelle Revis and company (unless Steve Johnson gets cut by Buffalo and signs with Washington before Sunday), but Helu (or whoever gets the majority of the snaps at running back) should be in for a big game.  Mark Sanchez will continue to prove Pete “He Should Have Stayed In School for Another Year” Carroll correct, but he’ll connect with Dustin Keller just often enough to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat.  New York 21, Washington 17.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, RB Shonn Greene (Probable-rib), WR Plaxico Burress
  • Sit:  RBs LaDainian Tomlinson (Probable-knee) & Joe McKnight, WRs Jeremy Kerley (Probable-knee) & Patrick Turner, K Nick Folk
• Washington
  • Start:  RB Roy Helu, TE Fred Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Rex Grossman (Probable-shoulder), WRs Jabar Gaffney (Probable-foot) & Santana Moss
  • Sit:  RBs Ryan Torain & Evan Royster, WRs Terrence Austin (Probable-hamstring), Anthony Armstrong, & Donte’ Stallworth (Probable-foot)

 

Carolina at Tampa Bay – Cam Newton has cooled off some since his consecutive 400+ passing yard games to start his career, but he could put up astounding numbers yet again this week against one of the league’s worst overall defenses.  Expect DeAngelo Williams to continue his resurgence, and expect Josh Freeman to continue his season-long struggle if he’s even healthy enough to start.  Carolina 31, Tampa Bay 20.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WRs Legedu Naanee & Brandon LaFell
  • Sit:  TE Jeremy Shockey
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral: QB Josh Johnson, WRs Preston Parker & Arrelious Benn
  • Sit: QB Josh Freeman (Out-shoulder), WR Dez Briscoe, DEF, K Connor Barth

 

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - If you’re asking yourself, “Hey, didn’t these two teams play each other just a few weeks ago?”, the answer is “yes”.  Not much has changed in the last three weeks, except that both teams lost to Baltimore, giving the Ravens control of the AFC North.  Cincinnati rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are unquestionably the top first-year quarterback-wide receiver tandem in the league, but with Jermain Gresham the only other viable offensive weapon against the Steeler defense, the Bengals will come up just short once again.  Rashard Mendenhall won’t do much against the Bengals’ defense, but Ben Roethlisberger will yet again rely heavily on the pass and lead his team to victory.  Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 20.

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

 

Kansas City at Chicago – The storyline couldn’t be better - Kyle Orton returns to face the team that traded away to get Jay Cutler and gets the Chiefs’ playoff march back on track by leading his new team to an upset victory on the road against his former team.  The only thing wrong with this scenario is that it won’t happen.  Orton may serve another week as Tyler Palko’s clipboard caddy, but even if Orton starts, he’ll be at a major disadvantage because Jackie Battle and the Chiefs’ running game have been missing in action for several weeks now.  Bears’ fans and fantasy owners are concerned about the drop-off in Matt Forte’s production after a great start to the season, but chances are very good that Forte will get back on track against what passes for the Chiefs’ run defense.  Chicago 27, Kansas City 24.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton (if he starts), WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  RB Dexter McCluster, WR Steve Breaston, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Sit:  QB Tyler Palko (if he starts), RBs Jackie Battle & Thomas Jones, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope
• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
  • Neutral:  RB Marion Barber, WRs Roy Williams & Earl Bennett, DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  QB Caleb Hanie, WR Devin Hester, TE Kellen Davis

 

Atlanta at Houston – Houston has a two-game cushion over Tennessee in the AFC South, which is a good thing given that T.J. Yates is now their starting quarterback.  It’s almost as if the football fates are teasing the Texan faithful and conspiring to keep the franchise from making its first playoff appearance yet again.  At least Houston’s NFL-leading defense is still largely intact, so that should keep the game close, but even with Michael Turner hobbled, Atlanta should generate just enough offense to win.  Atlanta 20, Houston 17.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Harry Douglas
  • Sit:  QB Matt Ryan, RBs Michael Turner (Questionable-groin), Jason Snelling, & Jacquizz Rodgers; WR Julio Jones (Questionable-hamstring), K Matt Bryant
• Houston
  • Start:  TE Owen Daniels (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Neutral:  TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-neck)
  • Sit:  QB T.J. Yates, RBs Arian Foster & Ben Tate, WRs Andre Johnson (Probable-knee), Kevin Walter, & Jacoby Jones; K Neil Rackers

 

Oakland at Miami – Miami’s bubble burst in its Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys as they lost on a last-second field goal (somewhere Leon Lett was smiling).  Still, the Dolphins are much better than their 0-7 record to start the season indicated, and they’ll be competitive in this game too.  The Raiders have suffered some injuries to key players, and there’s still no timetable for Darren McFadden’s return, but the offense has been much improved since the trade for Carson Palmer.  Michael Bush will continue to pick up the slack on the ground for Oakland, and they’ll maintain their lead in the AFC West.  Oakland 24, Miami 20.

• Oakland
  • Start:  QB Carson Palmer, RB Michael Bush, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Chaz Schilens & Louis Murphy, TE Kevin Boss, K Sebastian Janikowski (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Sit:  RBs Taiwan Jones (Out-hamstring), Darren McFadden (Out-foot), & Marcel Reece; WRs Denarius Moore (Out-ankle), Jacoby Ford (Out-foot), & T.J. Houshmandzadeh
• Miami
  • Start:  RB Reggie Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Moore, RB Daniel Thomas, WR Davone Bess, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Lex Hilliard, WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter (Probable-groin)

 

Denver at Minnesota – Tim Tebow going against a quarterback named Christian - perhaps not the stuff game promos are made of, but interesting nonetheless.  Tim Tebow should have the more useful day fantasy-wise and lead his team to victory.  Willis McGahee should also have a good day against a run defense that isn’t as intimidating as it was earlier in the season, and Eric Decker is worth starting too, even though Tebow may not throw 20 passes the entire game.  With Adrian Peterson declared out for the game, the Vikings will spend most of the game throwing, so expect a big game out of Percy Harvin.  Denver 24, Minnesota 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Willis McGahee, WR Eric Decker, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Matt Prater
  • Sit: RB Lance Ball, WRs Eddie Royal (Questionable-toe) & Demaryius Thomas, TE Daniel Fells (Probable-hand)
• Minnesota
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  QB Christian Ponder, RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Percy Harvin (Questionable-illness) & Greg Camarillo, TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Probable-hamstring), DEF
  • Sit:  RB Adrian Peterson (Out-ankle), WR Devin Aromashodu, TE Kyle Rudolph (Questionable-quad), K Ryan Longwell

Baltimore at Cleveland (Sunday late) – At first blush this seems like a game Baltimore should win easily, but keep in mind that all three of their defeats this season have come at the hands of inferior teams when the Ravens have been on the road (Jacksonville, Tennessee, Seattle).  Cleveland would seem to fit that bill as well, but knowing that they’ll win the division if they can stay at least tied with Pittsburgh record-wise (by virtue of their two wins over Pittsburgh), the Ravens won’t stumble this time.  Cleveland may be lucky to score as many points as I’m projecting, so don’t start any of their offensive players this week unless you absolutely have to.  Baltimore 24, Cleveland 10.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, DEF
  • Neutral:  TEs Eric Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff
    
  • Sit:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ricky Williams, WRs Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, & Lee Evans
• Cleveland
  • Start: TE Ben Watson
  • Neutral: WRs Josh Cribbs & Greg Little, DEF
  • Sit: QB Colt McCoy (Probable-elbow), RBs Peyton Hillis (Probable-hamstring), Montario Hardesty (Questionable-calf), & Chris Ogbannaya; WR Mohamed Massaquoi, TE Evan Moore, K Phil Dawson

 

St. Louis at San Francisco – Many pundits were picking St. Louis to win the NFC West handily this season.  Of course that hasn’t happened, and Sam Bradford’s health woes have played a major part in that.  Of course, some of Bradford’s health woes may be attributed to his offensive line’s ability to keep him upright and in one piece.  There’s a good chance that with Bradford still ailing the Rams will go back to A.J. Feeley at quarterback this week; either way, San Francisco and its strong defense/just-good-enough offense will win the game handily.  San Francisco 28, St. Louis 14.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  WR Brandon Lloyd
  • Neutral:  WR Austin Pettis, TE Lance Kendricks, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Sam Bradford (Questionable-ankle), RBs Steven Jackson & Cadillac Williams, K Josh Brown
• San Francisco
  • Start: RB Frank Gore (Probable-ankle), TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Kendall Hunter, WRs Michael Crabtree & Braylon Edwards (Questionable-shoulder), K David Akers
  • Sit:  QB Alex Smith, TE Delanie Walker

 

Green Bay at New York Giants – I picked the Giants to give the Saints a run for their money last Monday night, and that obviously didn’t happen.  So, why am I picking the Giants to keep another game close against a superior opponent?  As good as Green Bay’s offense has been this season, their pass defense leaves a lot to be desired.  Anyone who thinks that Eli Manning has been the cause of the Giants’ recent woes should watch what he does to the Packers’ secondary - 350+ passing yards is not out of the realm of possibility.  Unfortunately, the Giants’ running game is in such disarray that they won’t be able to keep the Packer defense from using extra men in coverage and producing a game-clinching interception.  Green Bay 34, New York 27.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  RBs James Starks (Probable-knee) & Ryan Grant, DEF
  • Sit:  WRs James Jones & Donald Driver
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Hakeem Nicks (Probable-ribs) & Victor Cruz, TE Jake Ballard
  • Neutral:  WR Ramses Barden; K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit: RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-foot), Brandon Jacobs,  D.J. Ware, & Da’Rel Scott; WR Mario Manningham (Doubtful-knee), DEF

 

Dallas at Arizona – While the Giants are struggling against (and ultimately losing to) the Packers, the Cowboys will be 2,500 miles west adding to their NFC East lead.  The calls for Tony Romo’s arm on a platter have ceased, DeMarco Murray has finally given the Cowboys a legitimate ground game, and Laurent Robinson has filled in so well that Dallas has barely missed the still-injured Miles Austin.  To top that all off, the Dallas defense has played well in recent weeks too.  It’s too early to say for sure, but Dallas looks to me like the team with the best shot to prevent Green Bay from getting to the Super Bowl.  Meanwhile, Kevin Kolb may or may not return, and Beanie Wells may or may not play; the Cowboys will still win handily.  Dallas 31, Arizona 21.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten , DEF, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones, WR Miles Austin (Out-hamstring)
• Arizona
  • Start:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral: QB John Skelton or QB Kevin Kolb (Probable-toe) (whoever starts), RB Beanie Wells (Probable-knee), WRs Early Doucet & Andre Roberts
  • Sit:  RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Probable-shoulder), TEs Jeff King, Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring) & Rob Housler (Probable-groin); DEF, K Jay Feely

 

Detroit at New Orleans (Sunday night) – At least NBC made a good choice for a replacement game when they moved Indianapolis-New England out of the Sunday prime time slot.  Don’t expect Ndamukong Suh’s two-game suspension to stomp out the Lions’ defensive intensity, but the Saints have just a bit more offensive firepower than the Lions, and that will be the difference in this game.  Don’t expect Kevin Smith to have an impact for Detroit, but expect Mark Ingram to continue his return with another strong performance.  New Orleans 34, Detroit 28.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle) & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew
  • Neutral:  RB Maurice Morris, WR Titus Young, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit:  RBs Kevin Smith (Questionable-ankle) & Keiland Williams, DEF
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RBs Darren Sproles & Mark Ingram, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RB Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore, DEF
  • Sit: RB Chris Ivory, WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem

San Diego at Jacksonville (Monday night) – With the Chargers’ season (and Norv Turner’s job) rapidly spinning down the drain, Philip Rivers and company have one last chance to pull out of their five-game tailspin.  It won’t be easy because Jacksonville’s defense is better than most people give them credit for, but Jacksonville’s offense (or more to the point, rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert) is so overmatched that San Diego will get back on track with a win.  San Diego 24, Jacksonville 17.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, DEF
  • Neutral:  RBs Mike Tolbert & Ryan Mathews, WR Malcolm Floyd (Probable-hip) & Vincent Brown, K Nick Novak
  • Sit:  N/A
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim, WR Jason Hill, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, WRs Jarett Dillard & Brian Robiskie, K Rob Bironas

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

Quarterback

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

Running Back

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

Wide Receiver

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

Tight Ends

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

Kickers

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

Defenses

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

Good luck!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Quarterbacks

1.      Tom Brady @Mia

2.      Michael Vick          @StL

3.      Aaron Rodgers       vs NO

4.      Philip Rivers           vs Min

5.      Matt Schaub           vs Ind

6.      Kevin Kolb            vs Car

7.      Jason Campbell      @Den

8.      Alex Smith  vs Sea

9.      Tony Romo            @NYJ

10.  Kyle Orton vs Oak

11.  Sam Bradford         vs Phi

12.  Josh Freeman         vs Det

13.  Colt McCoy           vs Cin

14.  Matt Cassel            vs Buf

15.  Drew Brees            @GB

16.  Eli Manning            @Was

17.  Jay Cutler   vs Atl

18.  Matt Hasselbeck    @Jac

19.  Tarvaris Jackson     @SF

20.  Matt Ryan  @Chi

21.  Kerry Collins          @Hou

22.  Rex Grossman        vs NYG

23.  Joe Flacco  vs Pit

24.  Ben Roethlisberger @Bal

25.  Matthew Stafford   @TB

26.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @KC

27.  Donovan McNabb @SD

28.  Mark Sanchez        vs Dal

29.  Chad Henne           vs NE

30.  Luke McCown       vs Ten

31.  Cam Newton          @Ari

32.  Andy Dalton           @ Cle

33.  Tim Tebow vs Oak

    

Running Backs             

1.      BenJarvus Green-Ellis @Mia

2.      LeSean McCoy      @StL

3.      Darren McFadden  @Den

4.      Frank Gore            vs Sea

5.      Beanie Wells          vs Car

6.      Knowshon Moreno            vs Oak

7.      Felix Jones @NYJ

8.      Jamaal Charles vs Buf

9.      Steven Jackson vs Phi

10.  Peyton Hillis           vs Cin

11.  LeGarrette Blount vs Det

12.  Matt Forte  vs Atl

13.  Ahmad Bradshaw @Was

14.  Marshawn Lynch @SF

15.  Chris Johnson         @Jac

16.  Tim Hightower vs NYG

17.  Joseph Addai         @Hou

18.  Adrian Peterson @SD

19.  Maurice Jones-Drew vs Ten

20.  Jahvid Best @TB

21.  Cedric Benson        @ Cle

22.  Fred Jackson          @KC

23.  Danny Woodhead @Mia

24.  Ryan Grant vs NO

25.  James Starks          vs NO

26.  Ronnie Brown        @StL

27.  Ryan Mathews vs Min

28.  Mike Tolbert          vs Min

29.  Ben Tate    vs Ind

30.  Derrick Ward         vs Ind

31.  Michael Bush          @Den

32.  Wilis McGahee vs Oak

33.  Thomas Jones         vs Buf

34.  Brandon Jacobs @Was

35.  Mark Ingram          @GB

36.  Pierre Thomas        @GB

37.  Michael Turner @Chi

38.  Delone Carter         @Hou

39.  Reggie Bush           vs NE

40.  Shonn Greene         vs Dal

41.  Deji Karim vs Ten

42.  DeAngelo Williams @Ari

43.  Jonathan Stewart    @Ari

44.  C.J. Spiller @KC

45.  Arian Foster           vs Ind

46.  Kendall Hunter vs Sea

47.  LaRod Stephens-Howling vs Car

48.  Anthony Dixon       vs Sea

49.  Chester Taylor                    vs Car

50.  DeMarco Murray   @NYJ

51.  Tashard Choice      @NYJ

52.  Earnest Graham      vs Det

53.  Le’Ron McClain     vs Buf

54.  Cadillac Williams    vs Phi

55.  Dexter McCluster   vs Buf

56.  Darren Sproles       @GB

57.  Justin Forsett          @SF

58.  Leon Washington @SF

59.  Roy Helu vs NYG

60.  Jason Snelling         @Chi

61.  Donald Brown  @Hou

62.  Javon Ringer           @Jac

63.  Ryan Torain            vs NYG

64.  Ray Rice    vs Pit

65.  Ricky Williams vs Pit

66.  Rashard Mendenhall           @Bal

67.  Daniel Thomas vs NE

68.  Toby Gerhart          @SD

69.  LaDainian Tomlinson          vs Dal

70.  Joe McKnight         vs Dal

71.  Maurice Morris @TB

72.  Jerome Harrison @TB

73.  Ike Redman            @Bal

74.  Bernard Scott         @ Cle

 

Wide Receivers        

1.      Wes Welker           @Mia

2.      Greg Jennings         vs NO

3.      DeSean Jackson     @StL

4.      Jeremy Maclin        @StL

5.      Andre Johnson       vs Ind

6.      Kevin Walter          vs Ind

7.      Jacoby Jones          vs Ind

8.      Larry Fitzgerald      vs Car

9.      Vincent Jackson     vs Min

10.  Malcom Floyd        vs Min

11.  Braylon Edwards    vs Sea

12.  Brandon Lloyd       vs Oak

13.  Eddie Royal            vs Oak

14.  Dwayne Bowe        vs Buf

15.  Mike Williams        vs Det

16.  Marques Colston    @GB

17.  Mike Williams        @SF

18.  Hakeem Nicks       @Was

19.  Mario Manningham @Was

20.  Reggie Wayne        @Hou

21.  Kenny Britt @Jac

22.  Santana Moss         vs NYG

23.  Anquan Boldin        vs Pit

24.  Mike Wallace         @Bal

25.  Calvin Johnson       @TB

26.  Percy Harvin          @SD

27.  Santonio Holmes    vs Dal

28.  Brandon Marshall   vs NE

29.  Steve Johnson        @KC

30.  Roddy White          @Chi

31.  Chad Ochocinco    @Mia

32.  Deion Branch         @Mia

33.  Donald Driver         vs NO

34.  James Jones           vs NO

35.  Jordy Nelson          vs NO

36.  Josh Morgan          vs Sea

37.  Jacoby Ford           @Den

38.  Darius Heyward-Bey @Den

39.  Denarius Moore     @Den

40.  Dez Bryant @NYJ

41.  Eric Decker            vs Oak

42.  Greg Little              vs Cin

43.  Brian Robiskie        vs Cin

44.  Steve Breaston       vs Buf

45.  Mike Sims-Walker vs Phi

46.  Danny Amendola    vs Phi

47.  Brandon Gibson     vs Phi

48.  Danario Alexander vs Phi

49.  Robert Meachem    @GB

50.  Devery Henderson @GB

51.  Johnny Knox          vs Atl

52.  Roy Williams          vs Atl

53.  Earl Bennett            vs Atl

54.  Devin Hester          vs Atl

55.  Julio Jones              @Chi

56.  Pierre Garcon         @Hou

57.  Nate Washington    @Jac

58.  Jabar Gaffney         vs NYG

59.  Hines Ward            @Bal

60.  Nate Burleson        @TB

61.  Davone Bess          vs NE

62.  A.J. Green              @ Cle

63.  Jerome Simpson     @ Cle

64.  Jordan Shipley        @ Cle

65.  Steve Smith            @Ari

66.  Miles Austin           @NYJ

67.  Mohammed Massaquoi vs Cin

68.  Josh Cribbs            vs Cin

69.  Derrick Mason       vs Dal

70.  Julian Edelman        @Mia

71.  Andre Roberts        vs Car

72.  Early Doucet          vs Car

73.  Arrelious Benn        vs Det

74.  Dez Briscoe            vs Det

75.  Anthony Armstrong vs NYG

76.  Leonard Hankerson vs NYG

77.  Lee Evans  vs Pit

78.  Antonio Brown       @Bal

79.  Mike Thomas         vs Ten

80.  Jason Hill                vs Ten

81.  Bernard Berrian      @SD

82.  Greg Camarillo       @SD

83.  Brian Hartline         vs NE

84.  Andre Caldwell      @ Cle

85.  Donald Jones          @KC

86.  Roscoe Parrish       @KC

87.  David Nelson         @KC

88.  Brandon LaFell       @Ari

89.  Seji Ajirotutu          @Ari

90.  Legedu Naanee      @Ari

91.  Steve Smith            @StL

92.  Demaryius Thomas vs Oak

93.  Austin Collie           @Hou

94.  Plaxico Burress       vs Dal

95.  Taylor Price            @Mia

96.  Jonathan Baldwin    vs Buf

97.  Sidney Rice            @SF

98.  Jerricho Cotchery   @Bal

           

Tight Ends     

1.      Rob Gronkowski    @Mia

2.      Brent Celek            @StL

3.      Jermichael Finley    vs NO

4.      Antonio Gates        vs Min

5.      Vernon Davis         vs Sea

6.      Owen Daniel          vs Ind

7.      Todd Heap             vs Car

8.      Jason Witten           @NYJ

9.      Kellen Winslow      vs Det

10.  Lance Kendricks    vs Phi

11.  Jimmy Graham        @GB

12.  Zach Miller @SF

13.  Dallas Clark           @Hou

14.  Tony Gonzalez        @Chi

15.  Ed Dickson            vs Pit

16.  Brandon Pettigrew @TB

17.  Dustin Keller          vs Dal

18.  Marcedes Lewis     vs Ten

19.  Heath Miller           @Bal

20.  Jermaine Gresham  @ Cle

21.  Greg Olsen @Ari

22.  Aaron Hernandez   @Mia

23.  Kevin Boss @Den

24.  Evan Moore           vs Cin

25.  Jared Cook            @Jac

26.  Fred Davis             vs NYG

27.  Visanthe Shiancoe  @SD

28.  Anthony Fasano     vs NE

29.  Daniel Fells vs Oak

30.  Ben Watson           vs Cin

31.  Leonard Pope        vs Buf

32.  Chris Cooley          vs NYG

33.  Dennis Pitta            vs Pit

34.  Dante Rosario        vs NE

35.  Jeremy Shockey     @Ari

 

Defense & Special Teams    

1.      Kansas City Chiefs vs Buf

2.      Cleveland Browns  vs Cin

3.      Arizona Cardinals   vs Car

4.      New England Patriots @Mia

5.      Baltimore Ravens    vs Pit

6.      Dallas Cowboys     @NYJ

7.      Tennessee Titans    @Jac

8.      Pittsburgh Steelers  @Bal

9.      Chicago Bears        vs Atl

10.  New York Giants   @Was

11.  Jacksonville Jaguars            vs Ten

12.  Houston Texans      vs Ind

13.  Green Bay Pakers  vs NO

14.  Atlanta Falcons       @Chi

15.  San Francisco 49ers           vs Sea

16.  Washington Redskins          vs NYG

17.  Philadelphia Eagles @StL

18.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers      vs Det

19.  Detroit Lions          @TB

20.  Cincinnati Bengals   @ Cle

21.  Buffalo Bills            @KC

22.  New York Jets       vs Dal

23.  Oakland Raiders     @Den

24.  San Diego Chargers            vs Min

25.  Minnesota Vikings  @SD

26.  Indianapolis Colts   @Hou

27.  Seattle Seahawks   @SF

28.  Denver Broncos     vs Oak

29.  Carolina Panthers   @Ari

30.  New Orleans Saints            @GB

31.  St. Louis Rams       vs Phi

32.  Miami Dolphins      vs NE

 

Kickers          

1.      Stephen Gostkowski           @Mia

2.      Alex Henery           @StL

3.      Mason Crosby       vs NO

4.      Neil Rackers          vs Ind

5.      Nate Kaeding         vs Min

6.      Jay Feely    vs Car

7.      Sebastian Janikowski          @Den

8.      David Akers           vs Sea

9.      Dan Bailey  @NYJ

10.  Matt Prater vs Oak

11.  Ryan Succop          vs Buf

12.  Josh Brown            vs Phi

13.  Phil Dawson           vs Cin

14.  Conor Barth           vs Det

15.  John Kasay            @GB

16.  Lawrence Tynes     @Was

17.  Robbie Gould         vs Atl

18.  Steven Hauschka    @SF

19.  Matt Bryant            @Chi

20.  Adam Vinatieri       @Hou

21.  Rob Bironas           @Jac

22.  Graham Gano         vs NYG

23.  Billy Cundiff            vs Pit

24.  Jason Hanson         @TB

25.  Josh Scobee           vs Ten

26.  Shaun Suisham       @Bal

27.  Ryan Longwell        @SD

28.  Nick Folk   vs Dal

29.  Dan Carpenter        vs NE

30.  Rian Lindell            @KC

31.  Mike Nugent          @ Cle

32.  Olindo Mare           @Ari

 

Happy opening weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Happy opening weekend!

The Sherpa

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

Hi everyone,

This is the last week of the fantasy regular season for many of you - every lineup decision is critical if you’re on the playoff bubble.  Which big names are in for a bad week, and which unheralded players can put you over the top this week?  Here are my recommendations for Week 13 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

Houston at Philadelphia (Thursday night) - Cynics claim Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson wasn’t suspended for his fight last weekend with Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan because the Texans are featured on this week’s Thursday game.  Regardless, Johnson will play, but Michael Vick will bounce back from a subpar performance against the Bears and lead the Eagles to victory in a high-scoring game.  Philadelphia 34 Houston 24.

• Houston 
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-knee), RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-knee)
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  TE Owen Daniels (Out-hamstring), DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  WRs Jacoby Jones & Kevin Walter (Questionable-calf)
• Philadelphia 
  • Yes:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF, K David Akers
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  WR Jason Avant

Jacksonville at Tennessee (Sunday early) - Jacksonville would already be out of the playoff picture if not for a 59-yard field goal and a Hail Mary deflection.  Tennessee’s season is doomed due to Vince Young’s injury.  Still, this will be an interesting game to watch, and the home team will prevail.  Tennessee 27 Jacksonville 24.

• Jacksonville 
  • Yes:  QB David Garrard (Questionable-wrist), RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • No:  DEF, K Josh Scobee
  • Maybe So:  None
• Tennessee 
  • Yes:  RB Chris Johnson, DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Kerry Collins/Rusty Smith (whoever starts); WRs Randy Moss, Justin Gage, & Nate Washington; TEs Bo Scaife (Questionable-neck) & Jared Cook

Chicago at Detroit - For all the talk about how awful Jay Cutler and the offensive line have looked, the Bears are 8-3 with a chance to snag home field advantage in the NFC playoffs.  For all the talk about Ndamukong Suh and how much offensive firepower they now possess, the Lions will miss the playoffs for the 97th year in a row (or so it seems).  Detroit will continue a season-long pattern of hanging close but falling short in the end.  Chicago 28 Detroit 21.

• Chicago 
  • Yes:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No: K Robbie Gould
  • Maybe So:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Devin Hester & Earl Bennett
• Detroit 
  • Yes:  QB Drew Stanton, WRs Calvin Johnson & Nate Burleson (Questionable-hamstring), TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • No:  RBs Jahvid Best & Aaron Brown, TE Tony Scheffler (Questionable-ribs), K Dave Rayner/Jason Hanson (Questionable-knee) (whoever starts)
  • Maybe So:  RB Maurice Morris, WR Bryant Johnson

Cleveland at Miami - Peyton Hillis has been among the biggest surprises in fantasy football this season, but he’s about the only thing the Browns’ offense has going for it.  Chad Henne is finally healthy again, and Miami will pull out the victory.  Miami 27 Cleveland 21.

• Cleveland 
  • Yes:  RB Peyton Hillis, TE Ben Watson
  • Maybe So:  QB Jake Delhomme/Colt McCoy (Questionable-ankle) (whoever starts); WRs Josh Cribbs (Questionable-toe), Mohamed Massaquoi, & Brian Robiskie; DEF; K Phil Dawson
  • No:  None
• Miami 
  • Yes:  QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown, WRs Davone Bess & Brian Hartline, DEF, K Dan Carpenter
  • No:  WR Brandon Marshall (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Maybe So:  RB Ricky Williams, TE Anthony Fasano

Washington at New York Giants - Rarely do I predict a game to be this lopsided.  Then again, rearely does a team match up so poorly as the Redskins do with the Giants.  This could get ugly quickly.  New York 45 Washington 10.

• Washington 
  • Yes:  TE Chris Cooley
  • No:  QB Donovan McNabb, RBs Keiland Williams & Ryan Torain (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Anthony Armstrong & Santana Moss, DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Maybe So:  None
• New York 
  • Yes: QB Eli Manning, RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Brandon Jacobs, WR Mario Manningham, TE Kevin Boss, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • No:  WRs Hakeem Nicks (Doubtful-leg), Steve Smith (Questionable-arm)
  • Maybe So:  WR Derek Hagan

Denver at Kansas City - Denver has one of the best passing attacks and one of the worst defenses in football.  Kansas City has football’s best rushing game, and a passing game and defense that are just good enough to get the job done.  Kansas City will win this shootout on a late Ryan Succop field goal.  Kansas City 30 Denver 27.

• Denver 
  • Yes:  QB Kyle Orton; WRs Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, & Eddie Royal, K Matt Prater
  • No:  RB Knowshon Moreno, DEF, WR Demaryius Thomas (Out-ankle)
  • Maybe:  None
• Kansas City 
  • Yes:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Moeaki, K Ryan Succup
  • No:  DEF
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Chris Chambers

San Francisco at Green Bay  - Back in the mid-1990s 49ers-Packers was one of the league’s marquee matchups.  Sadly, that’s no longer the case.  San Francisco and Brian Westbrook may have given their fans a sense of false hope by demolishing Arizona on Monday night, but Green Bay will take advantage of a jet-lagged team with a short week to prepare.  Green Bay 30 San Francisco 21.

• San Francisco 
  • Yes: WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis,
  • No:  RBs Frank Gore (IR-hip), Brian Westbrook, & Anthony Dixon; WR Josh Morgan (Questionable-shoulder), DEF, K Joe Nedney 
  • Maybe So:  QB Troy Smith
• Green Bay 
  • Yes:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings (Questionable-foot), TE Anthony Quarless, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  RB Brandon Jackson; WRs Donald Driver, James Jones, & Jordy Nelson

Buffalo at Minnesota  - Adrian Peterson has had a week to let his sprained ankle heal.  Steve Johnson has had a week to let his bruised ego heal.  Unfortunately for Buffalo their ground game won’t generate enough yardage to keep Minnesota’s defense honest, so the Favres will triumph over the Bills and make it two consecutive wins for new Vikes’ coach Leslie Frazier.  Minnesota 24 Buffalo 20.

• Buffalo 
  • Yes: WR Steve Johnson, DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • No: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RBs Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller (Questionable-hamstring), WR Lee Evans
  • Maybe So:  No
• Minnesota 
  • Yes:  RB Adrian Peterson (Questionable-ankle)/Toby Gerhart (whoever starts), WRs Sidney Rice & Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Brett Favre (Questionable-foot), WR Greg Camarillo

New Orleans at Cincinnati - The fact that rookie Jordan Shipley is now a more reliable fantasy option than former All-Pros Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco tells you all you need to know about how the Bengals’ season has gone.  Newly-crowned Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Drew Brees will continue Cincinnati’s long journey into darkness.  New Orleans 28 Cincinnati 17.

• New Orleans 
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, RB Chris Ivory, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF
  • No: RBs Pierre Thomas (Questionable-ankle) & Reggie Bush, TEs Jeremy Shockey & David Thomas, K Garrett Hartley
  • Maybe So:  WRs Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, & Devery Henderson
• Cincinnati 
  • Yes:  WR Jordan Shipley, TE Jermaine Gresham
  • No:  QB Carson Palmer, DEF, K Clint Stitser
  • Maybe So:  RB Cedric Benson, WRs Terrell Owens & Chad Ochocinco

Oakland at San Diego (Sunday late) - Sure, the Chargers are only 6-5 and still trail the Chiefs by a game in the AFC West.  However, you could make a pretty convincing argument that San Diego is playing as well as anyone in their conference right now.  Unfortunately, that won’t mean anything in January when Norv Turner’s team will inevitably get knocked out of the playoffs two rounds sooner than they should, but for now that doesn’t matter.  San Diego 27 Oakland 14.

• Oakland 
  • Yes:  TE Zach Miller (Questionable-leg)
  • No: QBs Jason Campbell & Bruce Gradkowski (Out-shoulder), RB Michael Bush, DEF, K Sebastien Janikowski
  • Maybe So:  RB Darren McFadden, WRs Louis Murphy & Jacoby Ford
• San Diego 
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Mike Tolbert, WRs Malcom Floyd & Legedu Naanee, TE Antonio Gates, DEF, K Nate Kaeding
  • No:  RB Ryan Mathews (Questionable-ankle), WRs Vincent Jackson (Doubtful-calf) & Patrick Crayton (Doubtful-wrist)
  • Maybe So:  RB Darren Sproles

Carolina at Seattle I feel for you if you have to watch this game, especially if you live in neither Washington state nor North Carolina.  The less said, the better.  Seattle 21 Carolina 17.

• Carolina 
  • Yes: RB Mike Goodson, TE Dante Rosario, DEF
  • No:  K John Kasay
  • Maybe So: QB Jimmy Clausen; WRs Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, & David Gettis
• Seattle 
  • Yes:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Mike Williams (Questionable-foot), TE John Carlson, DEF
  • No:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, K Olindo Mare
  • Maybe So:  RB Justin Forsett, WRs Deon Butler & Ben Obomanu

St. Louis at Arizona - When a team with three wins and a six-game losing streak is just two games out of first place this late in the season, that gives you a pretty good idea of just how awful the division is.  There’s a very good chance the team that wins this division will finish with a sub-.500 record, and there’s also a very good chance that team will be St. Louis.  St. Louis 34 Arizona 14.

• St. Louis 
  • Yes:  QB Sam Bradford, RB Steven Jackson, WR Danny Amendola, DEF, K Josh Brown
  • No: None
  • Maybe So:  WRs Danario Alexander & Laurent Robinson
• Arizona 
  • Yes:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • No:  QB Derek Anderson, RBs Beanie Wells & Tim Hightower, WR Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Maybe So:  WR Steve Breaston

Atlanta at Tampa Bay - The Falcons’ bandwagon is getting crowded again - better hop on if you can still find room.  Tampa is involved in the scrum for the second NFC wild card spot, but a tough loss to Atlanta will make it hard to keep their playoff dreams alive.  Atlanta 24 Tampa Bay 21.

• Atlanta 
  • Yes: RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Questionable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • No: K Matt Bryant
  • Maybe So: QB Matt Ryan, WR Michael Jenkins
• Tampa Bay 
  • Yes:  QB Josh Freeman, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow, DEF
  • No:  RBs LeGarrette Blount & Cadillac Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, K Connor Barth
  • Maybe So:  None

Dallas at Indianapolis - Both teams come off disappointing efforts in Week 12.  Dallas was a Roy Williams’ fumble away from defeating the defending Super Bowl champions.  Indianapolis gave no indication they were a Super Bowl team last year in the drubbing they suffered at the hands of the Chargers at home.  Indianapolis will not be embarrassed two weeks in a row at home.  Indianapolis 34 Dallas 21.

• Dallas 
  • Yes: TE Jason Witten
  • No: QB Jon Kitna, RBs Felix Jones & Marion Barber (Questionable-calf), WR Roy Williams, DEF, K David Buehler
  • Maybe So: WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant
• Indianapolis 
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
  • No:  RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-neck), WR Austin Collie (Questionable-concussion)
  • Maybe So:  RB Donald Brown

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (Sunday night) - You can almost count on a close, hard-fought game when these two teams play each other.  Offense will be at a premium for both sides, but the Ravens will get just a bit more than the Steelers to grab the victory.  Baltimore 20 Pittsburgh 17.

• Pittsburgh 
  • Yes: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • No:  QB Ben Roethlisberger (Questionable-foot); WR Emmanuel Sanders, K Shaun Suisham 
  • Maybe So: None
• Baltimore 
  • Yes:  WRs Anquan Boldin & Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • No:  RBs Ray Rice & Willis McGahee, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
  • Maybe So:  QB Joe Flacco 

New York Jets at New England (Monday night) - Rex Ryan says he came to New York to “kick Bill Belichick’s ass”.  Bill Belichick says nothing in response.  Bill Belichick does nothing in response now that his team has been busted for taping opponents’ practices.  He arrives.  He watches.  He conquers.  He disdains the traditional post-game handshake after yet another home victory.  New England 30 New York 27.

• New York 
  • Yes: QB Mark Sanchez, RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Santonio Holmes & Braylon Edwards, TE Dustin Keller
  • No: WR Jerricho Cotchery (Questionable-groin), DEF, K Nick Folk
  • Maybe So: None
• New England 
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady (Probable-foot), WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, K Shayne Graham
  • No:  RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Danny Woodhead, DEF
  • Maybe So:  TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez

Good luck to your teams this week, and have a great 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

Hi everyone,

Week 7 was a bad week for several widely-owned quarterbacks, including Tony Romo and Brett Favre.  Romo is definitely out for 6-8 weeks with a broken collarbone, and even if Favre is able to start this Sunday’s game at New England, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to play effectively.  As if losing a quarterback weren’t enough of a challenge, fantasy owners also have to deal with six teams on bye this week instead of the usual four.  No one ever said that winning a fantasy football championship would be easy - embrace the challenge.

As mentioned above six teams have byes this week:  Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, the New York Giants, and Philadelphia.  Note that if I like a player a lot who’s available in the majority of leagues, but his team has a bye in Week 8 (e.g. - Atlanta’s Michael Jenkins), I will not include him on the waiver wire targets list this week, but will probably do so next week.

Who are the players who are injured/have byes, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Quarterback

• Bye weeks
  • Eli Manning
  • Matt Ryan
  • Joe Flacco
  • Jay Cutler
  • Colt McCoy
• Injuries/benchings - (those that weren’t on this list last week)
  • Kevin Kolb (bye) (losing his job to Michael Vick following bye week)
  • Tony Romo (clavicle)
  • Brett Favre (ankle)
  • Alex Smith (shoulder)
  • Max Hall (concussion)
  • Todd Bouman (finger) (losing his job to David Garrard)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 8 matchups)
  • Chad Henne (@ Cin)
  • Matt Cassel (vs Buf)
  • Sam Bradford (vs Car)
  • Josh Freeman (@ Ari)
  • Matthew Stafford (vs Was)
  • Max Hall (@ Sea)
  • Vince Young (@ SD)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (@ Oak)
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick (@ KC)
  • Jason Campbell (vs Sea)
  • Matt Moore (@ StL)
  • Jon Kitna (vs Jac)
  • Troy Smith (vs Den) (game is actually in England)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (@ NE)

Running Back

• Bye weeks
  • Ahmad Bradshaw
  • Michael Turner
  • Ray Rice
  • LeSean McCoy
  • Peyton Hillis
  • Matt Forte
  • Brandon Jacobs
• Injuries/benchings
  • DeAngelo Williams (foot)
  • Earnest Graham (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Fred Jackson (@ KC)
  • Donald Brown (vs Hou)
  • LeGarrette Blount (@ Ari)
  • Chris Ivory (vs Pit)
  • Derrick Ward (@ Ind)
  • Darren Sproles (vs Ten)
  • Cadillac Williams (@ Ari)
  • Toby Gerhardt (@ NE)
  • Javon Ringer (@ SD)
  • Mike Hart (vs Hou)
  • Keiland Williams (@ Det)

Wide Receivers

• Bye weeks
  • Roddy White
  • Hakeem Nicks
  • Anquan Boldin
  • Steve Smith (NYG version)
  • Derrick Mason
  • Johnny Knox
  • Mario Manningham
  • Jeremy Maclin
  • Josh Cribbs
  • Earl Bennett
  • Devin Hester
  • Jason Avant
• Injuries/benchings
  • Louis Murphy (clavicle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Mike Williams (@ Oak)
  • Steve Johnson (@ KC)
  • Davone Bess (@ Cin)
  • Steve Breaston (vs TB)
  • Danny Amendola (vs Car)
  • Anthony Armstrong (@ Det)
  • Nate Burleson (vs Was)
  • Jordan Shipley (vs Mia)
  • Lee Evans (@ KC)
  • David Gettis (@ StL)
  • Brandon LaFell (@ StL)
  • Mike Thomas (@ Dal)
  • Patrick Crayton (vs Ten)
  • Nate Washington (@ SD)

Tight Ends

• Bye weeks
  • Tony Gonzalez
  • Brent Celek
  • Ben Watson
  • Todd Heap
  • Greg Olsen
  • Kevin Boss
• Injuries/benchings - None
• Waiver wire targets
  • Brandon Pettigrew (vs Was)
  • Tony Moeaki (vs Buf)
  • Jermaine Gresham (vs Mia)
  • Owen Daniels (@ Ind)
  • John Carlson (@ Oak)
  • Anthony Fasano (@ Cin)
  • Tony Scheffler (vs Was)
  • Bo Scaife (@ SD)

Kicker

• Bye weeks
  • Lawrence Tynes
  • Matt Bryant
  • David Akers
  • Billy Cundiff
  • Robbie Gould
  • Phil Dawson
• Injuries/benchings - None
• Waiver wire targets
  • Adam Vinatieri (vs Hou)
  • Neil Rackers (@ Ind)
  • Dan Carpenter (@ Cin)
  • Jeff Reed (@ NO)
  • Nick Folk (vs GB)
  • David Buehler (vs Jac)
  • Ryan Succop (vs BuX)
  • Rian Lindell (@ KC)
  • Graham Gano (@ Det)

Defense

• Bye weeks
  • New York Giants
  • Philadelphia
  • Baltimore
  • Atlanta
  • Cleveland
  • Chicago
• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • St Louis (vs Car)
  • Tampa Bay (vs StL)
  • Arizona (vs TB)
  • Carolina (@ StL)
  • Denver (@ SF) (in England)
  • Oakland (vs Sea)
  • Kansas City (vs Buf)
  • Washington (@ Det)

Final Thoughts

• Notice the absence lately of articles bashing Al Davis?
• Why is it that England gets to host an NFL game each year, but Los Angeles doesn’t?
• Things change quickly in the NFL:  a month ago the Giants were 1-2 and looking awful; now, they’re 5-2 and being mentioned in the discussion of the NFC’s best teams.
• The teams playing the best in late October are rarely the same teams that are playing the best in late January.

Have a great week!

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

Hi everyone,

Why is @JayCutler6 upset? Who sent Brett Favre a sympathy card?  Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/9WDU4H  Enjoy!

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