The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Jana’s view

In my mind off-the-field issues should be taken into account when you prepare for your fantasy football draft.  I think you need to look at each player and his specific situation.  Was there legal trouble?  Is it a locker room or contract issue?  Has a suspension been handed down?  Is the player a repeat offender?  Things like that will be different for each player.  Obviously, some players will be affected more than others.  A lot of that will depend on what their character and mental toughness are like.  Having a good support system and a stable locker room or team will help as well.  Somebody’s who’s unhappy with their contract or team is a guy I’m likely to stay away from on draft day.  Same goes for a repeat offender with a multi-game suspension to start the season.  Personally, I’d rather draft somebody else and not deal with the shenanigans.  But if you were to not draft every single playe who’s ever had a run-in with the law or a contract problem, that would be a little extreme.  Basically, my advice would be to look at each player and decide for yourself.  Also look at how your draft is going and how your team is shaping up.  Choose wisely for what’s going to fit your needs best and be aware of the potential risks.

Sherpa’s response

If you were to not draft every single player who’s ever had a run-in with the law, you’d never have any Bengals on your team (thank you, thank you - I’ll be here all week).  The contract issue seems like the strongest argument to me:  if a guy misses most or all of training camp, he may be more susceptible to injuries once he returns because he won’t yet be in “football shape”.  Sure, all else being equal I’d rather draft a team of choirboys, but doing so will cause you to pass up on opportunities to draft players who will likely help your fantasy team more.

Sherpa’s view

You’re doing some research in the final hours before your fantasy draft.  The QB you like is in trouble with the law.  The RB you’re eyeing and his movie starlett girlfriend just split up, and the sordid details are plastered all over the tabloids.  Your favorite TE is holding out in hopes of renegotiating his below-maket value rookie contract.  The WR who did so well for you last season seems preoccupied with his new reality show.  The head coach and star player for your sleeper Defense don’t get along.

Should you devalue, or even ignore, players with off-the field issues?  Everyone, regardless of their profession, has non-work-related issues that affect their job performance at least once in awhile.  What distinguishes professional athletes from the rest of us, aside from their freakish physical skills, are (1) the ability to pay money to others to “manage their affairs” (translation: make problems go away), and (2) mental toughness that most of us can only dream about.  You’ll often hear how professional athletes say that the playing field become their “sanctuary” that allows them to set aside their off-the-field concerns, at least temporarily.

My point?  If a player has an injury or an on-field issue (e.g. - an inability to hold onto the football), feel free to lower them in your rankings.  However, if you’re marking them down solely because of off-the-field issues, you’re unnecessarily putting yourself at a serious disadvantage for your draft.

Jana’s response

Sure, actual injuries are going to impact your fantasy football player in a bigger way, but I think it’s crazy to say that off-the-field issues won’t impact them at all.  Some players seem to be more prone to being affected by these things than others.  One of your star players is having trouble with the law?  It’s going to distract him.  If they’re having contract disputes?  That’s definitely going to affect most people.  Don’t decide not to draft a player solely because of off-the-field issues, but I think it’s certainly something you need to take into account and prepare for.  Think twice before you draft them.  If your fantasy team is solid around that player and it won’t hurt your team overall if/when he underperforms, then go ahead and draft him.  But just be aware that it could happen.

Tune in to the “4th & Inches with Jana & The Sherpa” program, Wednesday nights from 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio! 

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

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Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 13 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry is a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Once again Thanksgiving is upon us.  Two things come to mind when I think of this special holiday:  football and John Madden talking about turducken.  There used to be just two turkey day games to keep track of - one in Detroit, and one in Dallas.  However, believing that you can never have too much of a good thing, the NFL added a third game in 2006.  Many households aren’t able to watch the NFL Network, where the third game is telecast, but given the quality of the announcers in the past, that may actually be a good thing.  Here are my recommendations for Week 12:

Green Bay at Detroit - The Packers and the Lions have participated in many memorable Thanksgiving Day games, but with the current disparity in talent levels between the two teams, this game doesn’t figure to join that list.  Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford (Doubtful-shoulder, knee) won’t win many games this season, but he won the admiration of his teammates and many people who aren’t Lions fans with his gutsy performance at the end of last week’s victory over the Browns.  Unfortunately, the left shoulder injury he suffered on the next-to-last play of the game will probably keep him on the sidelines for this game.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant (Probable-neck), TE Jermichael Finley, WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings, K Mason Crosby, and the Defense.  The only Lions worth starting are TE Brandon Pettigrew and (if he’s able to play) WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-hand, knee).  RB Kevin Smith (Probable-hip) can be started in deeper leagues, but don’t start the Lions’ quarterback, regardless of whether it’s stafford or Daunte Culpepper.

Oakland at Dallas - Oakland’s internal squabbles this season have been well-documented, but not to be outdone, the Cowboys also head into this Thanksgiving showdown with a sideshow of their own.  You can rest assured that CBS will have a “Campo Cam” set up this week just in case there’s a rematch.  TE Zach Miller is the only Raider worth starting this week, although RBs Michael Bush & Justin Fargas can be started if you’re in a deep league.  QB Bruce Gradkowski and the Raiders’ wide receivers shouldn’t be anywhere near your lineup.  Cowboys to start, in what figures to be a cakewalk for the home team, include QB Tony Romo (Probable-back), RB Marion Barber (Probable-thumb), TE Jason Witten (Questionable-foot), WRs Miles Austin & Roy Williams, K Nick Folk, and the Defense.  Add RBs Tashard Choice & Felix Jones and WR Patrick Crayton to the list if you’re in a deep league.  If Witten is unable to play, add TE Martellus Bennett to the list.  Basically, anyone in a Cowboys uniform who plays a skill position should be in your lineup this week to take advantage of this favorable matchup.

New York Giants at Denver - Will the real Brandon Marshall please stand up?  During training camp he was suspended for insubordination.  Now he’s being hailed as a fiery team leader for getting in teammate Knowshon Moreno’s face last week during a blowout loss to the Chargers after the rookie fumbled a ball on the Chargers’ one-yard-line.  Hopefully, Broncos’ Head Coach Josh McDaniels has learned to keep his pregame thoughts about his opponents to himself.  Both teams have been in a tailspin lately, but the Giants were able to pull out of theirs, however briefly, last week.  Giants worth starting this week are TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, and the Defense.  QB Eli Manning (Probable-foot), RB Brandon Jacobs (Probable-knee), and WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham can be started in deep leagues.  RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Out-ankle, foot), who’s been hurt all season, will finally miss a game.  RB Knowshon Moreno is the only Bronco who should definitely be started this week.  If you’re in a deep league, WRs Brandon Marshall & Eddie Royal and the Broncos’ Defense can also be started.  The Broncos’ quarterback, whether it’s Kyle Orton (Probable-ankle) or Chris Simms, and RB Correll Buckhalter should not be in your lineup.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore - Fortunately for the Steelers, it looks like they won’t have to rely on third-string QB Dennis Dixon for this week’s game with their division rivals.  If you haven’t heard Dixon’s name in awhile, here’s a quick refresher course.  Backup QB Charlie Batch broke his wrist and is unavailable, but starting QB Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-concussion) is apparently going to play and should be in fantasy lineups if he does.  Other Steelers to start are TE Heath Miller and WRs Hines Ward & Santonio Holmes.  Add WR Mike Wallace to the list if you’re in a deep league.  Do not start Dixon on the off chance he starts.  Ditto for RBs Rashard Mendenhall & Willie Parker, who will find it tough going against the Ravens’ run defense.  The only Ravens I’d start are TE Todd Heap (Questionable-Chest) and WR Derrick Mason.  If you’re in a deep league, add QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, and WR Mark Clayton to the list.  If RB Willis McGahee is on your bench, keep him there.

Jacksonville at San Francisco - It’s hard to believe it’s already been a decade since WRs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce teamed up with QB Kurt Warner as part of The Greatest Show on Turf.  Remarkably, all three are still in the league, and although the two pass-catchers are now in supporting roles, they’ll be reunited when their teams face off this weekend.  Jaguars to start include QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Questionable-knee), TE Marcedes Lewis, and WR Mike Sims-Walker.  WRs Holt & Mike Thomas can also be started in deep leagues.  49ers to start include QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree, & K Joe Nedney.  Keep WRs Bruce (Questionable-ankle) & Josh Morgan out of your lineup. 

Kansas City at San Diego - Newly-signed Chargers’ OT Jon Runyan is a man who apparently believes strongly in advance planning.  He’s already announced plans to retire at the end of this season so that he can run for Congress next year in New Jersey.  There’s been a lot of talk lately about the long-term impact of concussions on football players, particularly linemen.  Runyan suffered a concussion himself in 2007; hopefully the aftereffects of that injury won’t interfere in any way with his campaign for his next job.  The only Chief worth starting this week is RB Jamaal Charles, although QB Matt Cassel and WRs Chris Chambers & Mark Bradley can be started in deeper leagues.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson (back out of the Sherpa doghouse) & Darren Sproles, TE Antonio Gates, WR Vincent Jackson, K Nate Kaeding, and the Defense.  Add WR Malcom Floyd to the list if you’re in a deep league.

Indianapolis at Houston - If you think that NFL kickers have an easy job, consider the plight of Texans’ K Kris Brown.  Three weeks ago Kris missed a potential game-tying field goal at the end of the Texans’ loss to the Colts, and last week he missed another potential game-tying field goal at the end of the Texans’ loss to the Titans.  In a scheduling quirk the Texans play the Colts again for the second time in three games - can “Kris Miss” pull off the hat trick?  For his sake let’s hope not.  Colts to start include QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai (Probable-knee), TE Dallas Clark, WR Reggie Wayne, and K Matt Stover.  Add RB Donald Brown and WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie to the list if you play in a deep league.  The only must-start Texans are QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson, but RB Steve Slaton (Questionable-neck) and WR Kevin Walter can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave WR Jacoby Jones (Probable-calf) on the bench.

Washington at Philadelphia - It’s obvious that not every NFL player can start every game, but Redskins’ RB Rock Cartwright may be on the verge of setting a record this weekend when he starts against the Eagles - it will be his first start in six seasons.  Coincidentally, his last start was also against the Eagles (Andy Reid/Donovan McNabb), so the Birds may need to blow the dust off some old game films (or videos).  How did Cartwright do in that game?  Glad you asked.  Just remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future success (or lack thereof).  The only Redskin worth starting this week is TE Fred Davis, although QB Jason Campbell, WR Santana Moss, and the Defense can be started in deep leagues.  The part of you that roots for the underdog wants to see Cartwright succeed, but don’t bet your fantasy team’s fortunes on it - leave him out of your lineup.  RB Ladell Betts (knee) is out for the season after his injury last week.  TE Chris Cooley (ankle) and RB Clinton Portis (concussion) will also miss this contest.  The Eagles to start are RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, and the Defense, but feel free to start QB Donovan McNabb and WRs DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, & Jason Avant in deeper leagues.  RB Brian Westbrook (Out-concussion) will miss at least another week.

Carolina at New York Jets - Jets’ Head Coach Rex Ryan, who earlier this season was badmouthing everyone from the Patriots to Channing Crowder, seemed a little hypocritical this week when he accused the Patriots of “disrespect” because they threw a deep pass late in their blowout victory over the Jets last week.  That shouldn’t be a problem this week: since the Panthers have no passing attack to speak of, in the unlikely event they’re blowing out the Jets late in the game, they’ll continue to do what they do best - run.  Panthers to start include RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart (Probable-Achilles’) and WR Steve Smith.  Those in deep leagues can also start the Panthers’ Defense.  Do not start QB Jake Delhomme (note to self:  copy previous sentence and paste in next week’s recommendations).  Jets to start include RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller, and the Defense.  RB Shonn Greene can be started in deep leagues, but stay away from QB Mark Sanchez and WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery.

Chicago at Minnesota - Here in Sherpaville we like to look for dissension among the football fan masses and use it as a leading indicator of developing stories.  Our crack research team has discovered that there’s no JakeCutlerSucks.com website yet, but there is a “Jake Cutler Sucks” discussion forum (where, ironically, no inappropriate comments are tolerated).  Bears’ QB Jake Cutler will definitely need to avoid his trademark red-zone interceptions this week if his team is to have a chance of beating the Minnesota FavresVikings.  The only Bears to start this week are Cutler (surprised?) and TE Garrett Olsen.  RB Matt Forte and WR Devin Hester can also be started in deep leagues, but leave WRs Earl Bennett & Johnny Knox on your bench.  Vikings to start include QB Brett Favre, RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WRs Bernard Berrian (Probable-hamstring), Sidney Rice, & Percy Harvin (Probable-hip), K Ryan Longwell, and the Defense.  RB Chester Taylor can be started in deep leagues.

Seattle at St. Louis - From our Useless Statistics department comes this numerical nugget:  last week marked the first time all season that the 3-7 Seahawks didn’t win when QB Matt Hasselbeck threw for more yards (231) than the opposing quarterback (213).  Of course, the opposing quarterback last week was Brett Favre, he was out of the game before the third quarter ended, and the Vikings won 35-9.  So much for statistics.  Seahawks to start in this clash of NFC West bottom-dwellers include Hasselbeck, RB Justin Forsett, TE John Carlson, WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Nate Burleson, K Olindo Mare, and the Defense.  Add WR Deion Branch to the list if you’re in a deep league and desperate for a Flex starter.  Avoid RB Julius Jones (Questionable-chest) even if he plays.  As is the case many weeks the only Ram who should be started is RB Stephen Jackson (Probable-back).  Add TE Randy McMichael to the list in deeper leagues.  Avoid fill-in QB Kyle Boller and WRs Donnie Avery & Brandon Gibson.  QB Marc Bulger (Out-groin/head/knee) will miss the first of what will most likely be several games.  Bulger and Boller may differ by two letters, but the Rams’ results are likely to be the same with either of them at the helm.

Arizona at Tennessee - Titans’ owner Bud Adams keeps apologizing for flipping Bills’ fans the bird, and his team keeps winning (although they had a little help last Monday night from Texans’ kicker Kris Brown).  It’s not obvious which streak will end first, but my bet would be on the latter.  Cardinals to start in this contest are QB Kurt Warner (Probable-concussion), RBs Tim Hightower & Chris Wells, WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Bolden, K Neil Rackers, and the Defense.  Add WR Steve Breaston (Probable-knee) to the list in deeper leagues, and add QB Matt Leinart to the list if Warner’s concussion prevents him from playing.  The only Titan I’d start is RB Chris Johnson, but RB LenDale White can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave QB Vince Young and all Titan receivers out of your lineup.

Cleveland at Cincinnati - It’s been almost 20 years since former Bengals’ Head Coach Sam Wyche took this intense rivalry and kicked it up a notch.  This week it was Browns’ Head Coach Eric Mangini’s turn to get himself in trouble, although his wrath was aimed at the Detroit Lions rather than the Bengals.  In spite of last week’s offensive explosion against the Lions, there are no Browns worth starting this week.  That includes QB Brady Quinn, RB Jamal Lewis, and WRs Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, & Chansi Stuckey (Probable-calf).  Bengals to start include QB Carson Palmer, RB Bernard Scott, WR Chad Ochocinco, K Shayne Graham, and the Defense.  Add WRs Laveranues Coles (Questionable-chest) & Andre Caldwell to the list in deep leagues.  Leave RBs Cedric Benson (Questionable-hip) & Larry Johnson (Questionable-judgment) out of your lineup.

Miami at Buffalo - For all the haters out there, admit it - Bills’ WR Terrell Owens still has something left in the tank.  Discussion involving Buffalo football have recently focused on who will be the next head coach to get the pleasure of coaching T.O.  Bruce Cowher has publicly taken himself out of the running, but Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, and Eric ManginiMarty Schottenheimer are all names that have been bandied about.  In the meantime the Bills will focus on containing the Dolphins’ explosive running game.  RB Ricky Williams (Probable-chest) is Miami’s only must-start this week, but add unproven backup RB Lex Hilliard to the list in deep leagues.  Don’t bother this week with QB Chad Henne or any of his receivers.  Owens and fellow WR Lee Evans are the only Bills who should be started this week, but add RBs Marshawn Lynch (Probable-shoulder) and Fred Jackson to the list in deep leagues.  It’s fun to root for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, but you still shouldn’t have him in your lineup.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta - I’m not suggesting that Buccaneers’ rookie Head Coach Raheem Morris is a control freak, but already this season he’s fired his Offensive Coordinator, changed starting quarterbacks twice, and now taken over as Defensive Coordinator.  If I were Bucs’ owner Malcolm Glazer, I’d be locking my office door when I left for the night.  The Buccaneers to start this week are RB Cadillac Williams and TE Kellen Winslow.  Add QB Josh Freeman and WRs Maurice Stovall & Sammie Stroughter to the list in deeper leagues.  I’d advise against starting WR Antonio Bryant.  Falcons to start include QB Matt Ryan, RB Jason Snelling, TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), and K Jason Elam.  Add WR Michael Jenkins and the Defense to the list in deeper leagues.  Leave RBs Michael Turner (Questionable-ankle) & Jerious Norwood (Questionable-hip) on your bench.

New England at New Orleans - Fantasy owners who spent an early draft pick this year on Saints’ RB Pierre Thomas are hoping that going forward PT will get more PT, and Mike Bell will get less.  Of course, as fantasy “experts” are so fond of saying, Saints’ Head Coach Sean Payton doesn’t give a —- about your fantasy team.  Neither does Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick, who may activate RB Sammy Morris (Questionable-knee) this week just to make his backfield more aggravatinginteresting for those who have RB Laurence Maroney on their fantasy squads.  Patriots to start in this Monday night showdown include QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker & Randy Moss, & K Stephen Gostkowski.  Add TE Ben Watson to the list in a deep league.  If Morris is able to play, add him to the list.  If not, add Maroney to the list.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RBs Pierre Thomas & Mike Bell, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Marques Colston, and K John Carney.  Add WRs Robert Meachem & Devery Henderson to the list in deep leagues, and add RB Reggie Bush (Questionable-knee) to the list if he plays.  Leave WR Lance Moore (ankle) out of your lineup even if he returns this week.

Good luck to your teams this weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

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Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 6 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry will be a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 2 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry will be a regular feature on Fridays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

With the bye weeks now receding in the distance, there’s no reason (unless your rosters are frozen before your league’s playoffs start) to carry backups at Tight End, Kicker, or Defense.  You’re much better off speculating on a high-upside Quarterback, Running Back, or Wide Receiver.  Fortunately, options may still be available at each of these key positions.

Here’s a list of recommended free agent/waiver wire pickups who may be available in your league.  I’ll give an indication of whether I believe these players should be picked up for just the short term (ST), for the long term (LT), or as speculation plays (SPEC).  Short term recommendations are players who should help fantasy owners in the next few weeks (due to injuries, benchings, suspensions, favorable schedules, etc.) but who will probably drop in value again later in the season.  Long term recommendations are players who have the potential to help their owners’ fantasy teams for the remainder of the current season.  Speculation plays are players who are unlikely to help your fantasy team in the short run (barring injuries, benchings, suspensions, etc.) but may have value later this season or in future seasons (for those in Keeper leagues).

Quarterbacks

Shaun Hill (LT), Kerry Collins (ST), Ryan Fitzpatrick (SPEC), Daunte Culpepper (SPEC)

Running Backs

Patrick Cobbs (SPEC), Ahman Green (SPEC), Jamaal Charles (SPEC), T.J. Duckett (SPEC).

Wide Receivers

Bobby Wade (LT), Steve Smith (SPEC), Shaun McDonald (SPEC), Amani Toomer (SPEC), Brandon Jones (SPEC), Justin Gage (SPEC).

Tight Ends

Dustin Keller (LT), Marcedes Lewis (ST), Donald Lee (SPEC), David Martin (SPEC), Desmond Clark (SPEC).

Kickers

Mason Crosby (LT), Ryan Longwell (LT), Jay Feely (LT), Joe Nedney (LT), Josh Brown (LT), Robbie Gould (LT), Garrett Hartley (LT), Connor Barth (LT), Matt Stover (LT), Dan Carpenter (LT), Olindo Mare (LT), Phil Dawson (ST), Jason Hanson (SPEC), Sebastian Janikowski (SPEC).

Defenses

Dallas (ST), Kansas City (ST), Denver (ST), Washington (SPEC)

Until next time,

The Sherpa

We finally come to the last of the bye weeks, and the last 4 teams have their byes Week 10: Cincinnati, Dallas (for whom the bye week couldn’t come at a better time), Tampa Bay, and Washington.  Unless you’re in a league that’s so competitive that team owners speculate on players with bye weeks, I’d avoid picking up anyone from any of these teams this week.

Here’s a list of players who are probably on a roster in your league and will need to be replaced because of the bye week if they’re in a starting lineup:

Quarterbacks

Jeff Garcia, Jason Campbell

Running Backs

Marion Barber, Earnest Graham, Clinton Portis

Wide Receivers

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, Antonio Bryant, Santana Moss

Tight Ends

Alex Smith, Chris Cooley (I’m assuming Jason Witten was already out of your starting lineup last week)

Kickers

Shayne Graham, Nick Folk, Steve Suisham

Defenses

Dallas, Tampa Bay, Washington

Here’s a list of recommended free agent/waiver wire pickups who may be available in your league.  I’ll give an indication of whether I believe these players should be picked up for just the short term (ST), for the long term (LT), or as speculation plays (SPEC).  Short term recommendations are players who should help fantasy owners in the next few weeks (due to injuries, benchings, suspensions, favorable schedules, etc.) but who will probably drop in value again later in the season.  Long term recommendations are players who have the potential to help their owners’ fantasy teams for the remainder of the current season.  Speculation plays are players who are unlikely to help your fantasy team in the short run (barring injuries, benchings, suspensions, etc.) but may have value later this season or in future seasons (for those in Keeper leagues).

Quarterbacks

Sage Rosenfels (ST), Rex Grossman (ST), Shaun Hill (SPEC), Matt Hasselbeck (SPEC), Tyler Thigpen (SPEC), Joe Flacco (SPEC), Brady Quinn (SPEC), JaMarcus Russell (SPEC),

Running Backs

Jamaal Charles (LT), Ray Rice (LT), Kevin Smith (LT), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Fred Jackson (SPEC),  Michael Bush (SPEC), Ahmad Bradshaw (SPEC), Lamont Jordan (SPEC), Kenny Watson (SPEC), Selvin Young (SPEC), Ryan Torain (SPEC)

Wide Receivers

Michael Jenkins (LT), Reggie Williams (ST), Rashied Davis (SPEC), Steve Smith (SPEC), Chansi Stuckey (SPEC), Demetrius Williams (SPEC), Shaun McDonald (SPEC), Mike Furrey (SPEC),

Tight Ends

Robert Royal (LT), David Martin (LT), Desmond Clark (ST), Dustin Keller (SPEC)

Kickers

Neil Rackers (LT), Mason Crosby (LT), Jay Feely (LT), John Kasay (LT), Dan Carpenter (SPEC), Joe Nedney (SPEC)

Defenses

Indianapolis (LT), NY Jets (LT)

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Several years ago the Tennessee Titans were one of the laughingstocks of the NFL.  Vince Young, the third pick in the 2006 draft, has been a bust to date.  Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth was suspended for five games and fined $190K in 2006 after stomping on the helmetless head of Cowboys’ Center Andre Gurode, who, fortunately, was able to resume his career and made the Pro Bowl in 2007.  The Defense was always fairly strong, but an anemic Offense kept the team from being successful.

Fast forward to 2008.  Vince Young has been replaced at quarterback (at least for the time being) by Kerry Collins, who had some issues of his own earlier in his career.  The emergence of Running Backs LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson has given the Titans’ Offense the best one-two running punch in the NFL.  Albert Haynesworth has kept his temper in check, even joined Gurode in Hawaii as a Pro Bowl participant in 2007, and now anchors one of the strongest defensive units in the NFL.

With a record of 7-0 heading into Week 9, the Titans are the NFL’s last remaining unbeaten team.  While their below-average passing game will prevent anyone from mentioning the 2008 Titans in the same breath as the 1972 Dolphins, or even the 2007 Patriots, the question remains, is an undefeated season realistic?  It’s easy to look at their far below average passing game and conclude that the answer is “no”.  Fair enough - then which team will be the one to knock the Titans from their lofty perch?  And even if they don’t go undefeated, are they a legitimate Super Bowl contender?

In order for a team to defeat the Titans, they would have to either have a very strong running game and/or a very strong run Defense of their own.  Looking over the Titans’ remaining schedule, the teams that fit these criteria the best are the Bears (Week 10 on the road), NY Jets (Week 12 at home), the Houston Texans (Week 15 on the road), and the Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 16 at home).  And to answer the second question, I believe the answer is a resounding “no” - without a legitimate air attack to keep an opposing Defense honest, teams will be able to overplay the run against the Titans and defeat them.  Pittsburgh is one team that comes to mind.  Super Bowl winners need to have at least the appearance of balance on Offense, and right now the Titans are a long way from having that, in spite of their unblemished record.

Here are some thoughts on games and players for Week 9’s games:

Arizona at St Louis - We constantly hear about parity in the NFL and wonder if that’s a good thing.  Case in point - if the host Rams are able to win this week’s matchup with the Cardinals (a distinct possibility), then they would be a mere one game behind the first place Cardinals, in spite of having a record of 3-5.  For Arizona QB Kurt Warner, RBs Edgerrin James & Tim Hightower, WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Boldin, and K Neil Rackers all deserve to start.  For the Cardinals, leave RB Steven Jackson (Questionable, thigh) on the bench unless you’ll have access to your team’s lineup right before gametime.  QB Marc Bulger, WRs Torry Holt & Donnie Avery, and K Josh Brown should all be in your starting lineup.  Leave both Defenses out of your lineup - I could easily see the losing team in this game scoring 28+ points.

Houston at Minnesota - Democratic candidate for Senate Al Franken may be able to run in Minnesota, but it’s unlikely the Texans will be able to do the same in Sunday against the host Vikings’ stout run Defense.  Leave Steve Slaton on your bench this week if you have alternatives with better matchups.  Houston players who should be started include QB Matt Schaub, TE Owen Daniels, and WR Andre Johnson.  WR Kevin Walter (Probable, knee) is a decent bye week replacement, while K Kris Brown is a bye week replacement for only the truly desperate.  For the Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WR Bernard Berrian, and K Ryan Longwell should all be in your lineup.  QB Gus Frerrotte is an adequate bye week replacement, as is WR Bobby Wade (especially in points per reception leagues).  Again, leave both Defenses on your bench in anticipation of a fairly high scoring game.

Jacksonville at Cincinnati - On paper this game appears to be a mismatch.  Still, as the cliche goes, games are played on the field, not on paper.  True enough, but my guess is that the Bengals will prove to be little more than paper tigers on Sunday.  Don’t be deceived by the Bengals’ ranking eighth in the NFL in fewest yards allowed rushing - the Bengals give up 4.3 yards per rushing attempt (which ranks 20th overall) - the only reason teams don’t run more on them is that it’s even easier to pass against them.  Jaguars who should be started this week include QB David Garrard, RBs Fred Taylor & Maurice Jones Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis, WR Matt Jones (check to make sure he’s not suspended by the NFL, although that doesn’t appear likely at this point), K Josh Scobee, and the Defense.  In spite of some of the “second half sleeper” hype you may have been reading about WR Reggie Williams (Questionable, hamstring), I’d leave him on the bench this week.  The pickings are much slimmer for Cincinnati - WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Chad Johnson are the only Bengals you should consider definite starts this week.  However, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick makes a low-end bye week replacement, since he figures to throw many times against a weak Jaguars’ pass Defense.  Avoid RB Cedric Benson and the Bengals’ Defense at all costs.

NY Jets at Buffalo - This matchup pits two teams whose fans were disgusted with their team’s performance last weekend.  Cheer up, Jets’ fans, at least your team got a victory (albeit an ugly one against a cellar dwelling Chiefs team), and unlike ice skating, gymnastics, and diving, the NFL doesn’t care about style points.  Looking ahead to this game, I don’t see the Bills being able to run against the Jets’ Defense, but their passing game is also hurting with WR Josh Reed out with an ankle injury.  As a result, I expect a Jets’ victory, but since these are the Jets we’re talking about, it won’t be easy, and it won’t be pretty.  Start Jets’ QB Brett Favre, and RB Thomas Jones.  RB Leon Washington, TE Dustin Keller, and WR Chansi Stuckey all make good bye week replacements.  I’d avoid WRs Jericho Cotchery (Questionable, Shoulder) and Laveranues Coles (Questionable, thigh) unless you know that you’ll have access to your lineup shortly before gametime Sunday.  For the Bills start QB Trent Edwards (Probable, ankle) and WR Lee Evans.  TE Robert Royal can be started as a bye week replacement, but I’d steer clear of RB Marshawn Lynch for this week.  Both Defenses are adequate bye week replacements.

Detroit at Chicago - Neither of these teams can stop the pass, so neither team’s Defense should be in your starting lineup this weekend.  Lions’ QB Dan Orlovsky may have reminded viewers of George Plimpton shortly after taking over the reins from the injured Jon Kitna, but he has played better the last couple of weeks and should be on your radar as a possible bye week replacement given this favorable matchup.  WR Calvin Johnson and K Jason Hanson are both worth starting, and WRs Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey are low-end bye week replacements.  For the Bears QB Kyle Orton, RB Matt Forte, TEs Greg Olsen & Desmond Clark, and K Robbie Gould are all worth starting.  WRs Devin Hester, Rashied Davis, and Marty Booker (Probable, knee) are all decent bye week replacements.

Baltimore at Cleveland - The Ravens’ rushing game figures to run roughshod over the Browns’ Defense this weekend, which would be great if we could only figure out which Ravens’ RBs will be healthy enough to play.  Willis McGahee is listed as Questionable with an ankle injury - don’t include him in your fantasy lineups unless you’ll have access to your starting lineup shortly before game time.  Ditto for Le’Ron McClain, who’s listed as Probable, also with an ankle injury.  Rookie Ray Rice is the healthiest of the bunch, and this week may finally be his turn to shine - he’s worth starting as a bye week replacement, as are TE Todd Heap and K Matt Stover. WR Derrick Mason and the Ravens’ Defense are both worth starting.  The Browns don’t figure to be able to run or throw against the stout Ravens’ Defense - TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards should both be in your starting lineups, if only because QB Derek Anderson will likely complete at least a few passes to somebody during the game - hopefully, somebody who isn’t wearing a Ravens’ jersey.

Tampa Bay at Kansas City - When former Bucs’ coach John McKay was once asked, “What do you think of your team’s execution?”, he famously replied, “I’m all for it!”.  Although Chiefs’ coach Herm Edwards is far too diplomatic to say anything like that, the thought must have at least crossed his mind.  Even though the Chiefs have managed to win a game this season (against Denver), they may be even worse than the winless Cincinnati and Detroit squads (Stinkball league participants, take note - the Chiefs host the Bengals Week 17.  Plan accordingly!)  Tampa Bay RB Earnest Graham, TE Alex Smith, WR Antonio Bryant, and the Defense should all be started this week, while QB Jeff Garcia and K Matt Bryant should be high-end bye week replacements.  For the Chiefs, start TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Dwayne Bowe if you must, but don’t expect them to lead your team to victory this week (or any week)!

Green Bay at Tennessee - Tennessee figures to spend most of the game rushing against the Packers’ Defense, and Green Bay figures to spend most of the game throwing against the Titans’ Defense.  The Titans’ run Offense figures to be successful, but Green Bay’s pass Offense figures to have a tougher time against the Titans’ pass Defense, and that’s why I like the Titans to remain undefeated.  For the Packers TE Donald Lee and WR Greg Jennings are the only players I’d start this week - hopefully, you have better options this week at QB than Aaron Rodgers and better options at RB than Ryan Grant.  For the Titans RBs LenDale White & Chris Johnson and TE Bo Scaife are worth starting.  Both Defenses worth starting in a game where the winning team may have trouble scoring 21 points.

Miami at Denver - This game may not feature Dan Marino and John Elway, but it still figures to be one of the highest scoring games of the weekend.  Dolphins who should be started include QB Chad Pennington, RB Ronnie Brown, TEs Anthony Fasano & David Martin, WRs Ted Ginn & Greg Camarillo, and K Dan Carpenter.  Start-worthy Broncos include QB Jay Cutler, WRs Brandon Marshall & Eddie Royal, and K Matt Prater.  RBs Michael Pittman and Ryan Torain are also low-end bye week replacements.

Philadelphia at Seattle - The Eagles have the misfortune of playing in the NFC East, football’s toughest division top to bottom bar none.  Seattle has the misfortune of being a bad football team when injured QB Matt Hasselbeck is out, which will be the case once again for this matchup.  For Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, WR DeSean Jackson, K David Akers, and the Defense should all be started.  For the Seahawks the list of fantasy starters is a short one:  TE John Carlson and WR Bobby Engram.  Enough said.

Dallas at NY Giants  - Both starting QBs in this game have a Super Bowl ring; that’s about all that Cowboys’ QB Brad Johnson and Giants’ QB Eli Manning have in common.  Johnson is the proverbial “X factor” in this game - if he plays well, this could be a very interesting game with a close final score.  However, my bet is that won’t happen, and the Giants will win rather handily.  For the Cowboys WR Terrell Owens is the only must-start, but WRs Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton are also worth starting if your other WRs have lousy matchups this week.  For the Giants QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, and WR Plaxico Burress should all be starting, and WRs Amani Toomer & “Other” Steve Smith and the Giants’ Defense are good bye week replacements.  The Giants kicking situation remains muddled, so continue to stay away.

Atlanta at Oakland - Two young, inconsistent QBs with strong rushing games behind them suggest that the fantasy options for this game are limited.  For the Falcons RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White are the only must-starts, while QB Matt Ryan, WR Michael Jenkins, and K Jason Elam are all decent bye week replacements.  For the Raiders RB Justin Fargas and TE Zach Miller are the only players you’d want to start, although QB JaMarcus Russell can also be considered a low-end bye week replacement.  Avoid both Defenses, even with the question marks at quarterback for both teams.

New England at Indianapolis - Both of these teams have been set back this season by serious injuries to key players.  For the Patriots it’s obvious I’m referring to QB Tom Brady.  It may be less obvious that I’m referring to Colts’ RB Joseph Addai - without a rushing game to keep opposing Defenses honest, Peyton Manning has struggled to put up the consistently great fantasy numbers we’ve all come to expect from him over the years.  For the Patriots WRs Wes Welker & Randy Moss and K Stephen Gostkowski are the only players worth starting this week, but if you’re in need of a bye week replacement or two, QB Matt Cassel, RBs Kevin Faulk & BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and TE Ben Watson all are worthwhile options.  Addai is still listed as Questionable with his hamstring injury, but all indications are that he will attempt to play this week.  Assuming he does, Addai, Manning, TE Dallas Clark, WRs Marvin Harrison & Anthony Gonzalez, and K Adam Vinatieri should all be started.  I’d avoid WR Reggie Wayne (Questionable, knee), and I’d also avoid both Defenses.

Pittsburgh at Washington - ESPN has announced that it will air taped interviews with presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain Monday evening.  This figures to be a waste of air time, as it’s hard to believe that even undecided voters will hear anything new during these interviews that will help push them off the fence.  While the game itself will not involve focus groups or spin control, it figures to be infinitely more interesting, especially if you like strong Defenses.  For the Steelers only TE Heath Miller and the Defense should be in your starting lineup this week.  For the Redskins only TE Chris Cooley and the Defense should be in your starting lineup.  For all the other positions, hopefully you have better matchups this week; if not, sit back and enjoy the game!

Good luck this week!

The Sherpa

Here are some thoughts on games and players for Week 4’s games:

Denver at Kansas City - The Broncos high-octane passing attack figures to keep on rolling this weekend - the big question is whether the Chiefs will be able to muster any semblance of an offense against a Denver defense that has given up lots of points the last couple of weeks to San Diego and New Orleans at home.  For the Broncos start QB Jay Cutler, RB Selvin Young, TE Tony Scheffler, WRs Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal (in spite of the latter’s calf injury), and Kicker Matt Prater; then wait for the big numbers to roll in.  Damon Huard will start at QB for the Chiefs, but I’d avoid him even against Denver’s defense unless I were really desperate for a bye week replacement.  RB Larry Johnson should be started in spite of his recently expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the Chiefs’ offense - it’s put up or shut up time for him this weekend - Jamaal Charles is waiting in the wings.  TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Dwayne Bowe should also be started, but I’d stay away from K Nick Novak.  Both Defenses should be avoided, especially Kansas City’s.

Minnesota at Tennessee - Two struggling offenses face off against two strong defenses - something’s got to give. With RBs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor both Questionable for Sunday’s game, the Vikings may be forced to rely on Gus Frerotte’s arm to win the game.  If Peterson plays, he’s worth starting, even with his hamstring problem.  Hopefully, Frerotte is not your #1 QB, but he should be an adequate bye week replacement if you need him to fill that role.  TE Visanthe Shiancoe and WR Bernard Berrian figure to see a number of Frerotte’s passes and are both worth starting, as is Kicker Ryan Longwell.  I don’t have as much confidence against Titans’ QB Kerry Collins against the Vikings’ defense, and I wouldn’t start him unless absolutely necessary.  Ditto for RBs LenDale White (Questionable with a shoulder injury) and Chris Johnson, who isn’t injured but still figures to have a tough time against the Minnesota defense.  I’d also stay away from the Titans’ receivers and Kicker Rob Bironas.  Both Defenses are worth starting, especially Minnesota’s.

Cleveland at Cincinnati - Good news for fantasy team owners - both teams offenses should wake up this weekend, even if the final score isn’t quite the 51-45 shootout from Week 2 of the 2007 season.  For Cleveland QB Derek Anderson, RB Jamal Lewis, TE Kellen Winslow, and Kicker Phil Dawson should all be starting.  WR Braylon Edwards is listed as Questionable with a shoulder injury, but it’s hard to imagine him sitting out this game, and he should be started if he plays.  For the Bengals QB Carson Palmer is listed as Questionable with an ankle injury, but like Edwards, it’s hard for me to imagine he would miss this game unless the team doctors chained him to the training table.  If he starts for the Bengals, Palmer should be started in all fantasy leagues.  RB Chris Perry, WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Chad Ocho Cinco, and Kicker Shayne Graham should all be started, and if you’re desperate for a bye week TE replacement, Reggie Kelly can also be started (funny, no one calls him “R. Kelly” - wonder why).  At the risk of stating the superobvious, do NOT start either Defense unless you want to be the laughingstock of your league Monday morning.

San Francisco at New Orleans - Another game where both Defenses figure to be MIA, so keep both out of your fantasy lineups this week (and most other weeks too).  This week is last call for 49ers’ QB J.T. O’Sullivan - he’s worth starting this week, but look to sell high on him, if possible, after this week - San Francisco’s schedule gets significantly more difficult starting in Week 5.  The Bush-Gore RB showdown figures to get most of the attention in this game from the announcers/commentators desperate to display a sense of “humor” - more importantly, both figure to rack up big fantasy stats and should be in your lineups this week.  Other 49ers worth starting include TE Vernon Davis, WR Isaac Bruce, K Joe Nedney, and, if you’re desperate for a bye week replacement, WR Bryant Johnson (listed as Questionable with a hamstring injury - check his status Sunday before gametime).  Besides Bush, other Saints worth starting include QB Drew Brees; RB Pierre Thomas (who seems to have usurped Deuce McAllister’s role); WRs Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, and Robert Meachem; and Kicker Martin Gramatica.

Arizona at NY Jets - This game may not be quite the offensive shootout that other games figure to be this week, but I’d still avoid both Defenses.  Cardinals’ QB Kurt Warner, RBs Edgerrin James & Tim Hightower, WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Boldin, and Kicker Neil Rackers should all be started.  I’d avoid Jets’ QB Brett Favre if at all possible - I don’t expect him to miss the game and break his consecutive games streak, but coming off a short week and playing on a bum ankle that figures to limit his mobility even more than usual, I’d pass.  RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller (who appears to be the Jets’ best TE fantasy option, even if he’s not starting yet), WRs Laveranues Coles & Jericho Cotchery, and Kicker Jay Feely are all worth starting.

Atlanta at Carolina - This is another week where I’ll say that Falcons’ rookie QB Matt Ryan has great fantasy potential, but don’t bet on his demonstrating it this weekend against the Panthers’ Defense (i.e. - don’t start him).  RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood should both be starting this weekend, but expect their results to look more like what they were against Tampa Bay than what they were against Detroit and Kansas City.  WRs Roddy White & Michael Jenkins, and Kicker Jason Elam should be avoided unless you’re desperate for bye week replacements.  For the Panthers QB Jake Delhomme, TE Jeff King, WRs Steve Smith & Muhsin Muhammad, and Kicker John Kasay should all be started.  However, I’d stay away from both Panther RBs (DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart) for different reasons (ineffectiveness and possible injury, respectively).  Avoid the Falcons’ Defense, but the Panthers’ Defense is worth starting.

Houston at Jacksonville - This game hinges on whether Texans’ rookie RB Steve Slaton is able to duplicate his results from last week’s game against Tennessee.  My bet is that he will, so I would start him and expect him to do well.  QB Matt Schaub has been ineffective in the Texans’ first two games, but if you need a bye week replacement, he’s worth starting.  TE Owen Daniels, WR Andre Johnson, and Kicker Kris Brown are also worth starting.  Jaguars’ RBs Fred Taylor (hand) and Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle) are both listed as Questionable, so check on their status again before Sunday.  If either of them is in the Jaguars’ starting lineup, they’re worth having in your starting lineup too.  QB David Garrard and TE Marcedes Lewis are also worth starting, as is Kicker Josh Scobee.  WR Matt Jones makes a decent starter if you need a bye week replacement.  I’d start either Defense on the assumption that both will force several turnovers.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay - I expect the Packers’ offense to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Dallas.  RB Ryan Grant appears to be healthy, and he should be started.  QB Aaron Rodgers, TE Donald Lee, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver, and K Mason Crosby are all worth starting too.  If you’re in desperate need of a bye week replacement at WR, consider starting Packers’ rookie Jordy Nelson.  For Tampa Bay I’m not sold on QB Brian Griese in spite of his amazing performance last weekend against the Bears - I attribute that more to his familiarity with his former team’s Defense than a sudden increase in his skill level, and I wouldn’t start him this week unless I needed a bye week replacement.  RB Earnest Graham is the only other Buc I’d start this week - no, I’m not sold on WR Antonio Bryant either (see previous note on Brian Griese).  Green Bay’s Defense is worth starting; Tampa Bay’s is not.

Buffalo at St. Louis - Things figure to go from bad to worse this weekend with the Rams, who appear to be the worst team in the league through the first three weeks of the season.  Bills’ QB Trent Edwards, RB Marshawn Lynch, TE Robert Royal, WRs Lee Evans & Josh Reed, and Kicker Rian Lindell should all be started.  Rams’ Head Coach Scott Linehan has scapegoated QB Marc Bulger for the team’s horrible start, replacing him with QB Trent Green.  It’s doubtful Green will inspire an offensive line that’s yielded 11 sacks in its first three games to play better, and he should not be started.  RB Stephen Jackson is Probable with a groin injury, but he’s still worth starting on the assumption that the Rams will rely heavily on their ground game in the early stages of the game to keep the pressure off Green.  TE Randy McMichael and WRs Torry Holt should also be started, but I’d avoid Kicker Josh Brown this week due to my doubts that the Rams will score many points.  The Bills’ Defense should be started; the Rams’ Defense should not.

San Diego at Oakland - The health of the Chargers’ two primary offensive threats, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates, is still in question, but since both are listed as Probable on this week’s injury report, they should both be started.  QB Philip Rivers, WRs Chris Chambers & Vincent Jackson, and Kicker Nate Kaeding should also be started, but RB Darren Sproles should not - he probably won’t see enough touches to make a fantasy impact if Tomlinson is healthy enough to start.  Raiders’ QB JaMarcus Russell should be started only by those desperate for a bye week replacement.  RB Justin Fargas is out and RB Darren McFadden is once again listed as Questionable with a lingering case of turf toe.  I would not start McFadden this week unless I had no other options.  However, I would start RB Michael Bush on the assumption he will get the majority of carries with McFadden still less than 100%.  TE Zach Miller and WRs Javon Walker & Ronald Curry should also be started against a Chargers’ Defense that has thus far failed to live up to its preseason billing as the league’s top Defense.  Kicker Sebastian Janikowski is also worth starting.  I’d avoid starting either Defense.

Washington at Dallas  - While Dallas’ offense has been predictably explosive so far, the Defense has not looked nearly as strong and figures to get another stern test this week from the Redskins’ offense.  QB Jason Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, TE Chris Cooley, WRs Santana Moss & Antwaan Randle El, and Kicker Steve Suisham should all be started this week.  Their Cowboy counterparts, QB Tony Romo, RBs Marion Barber & Felix Jones, TE Jason Witten,WRs Terrell Owens & Patrick Crayton, and Kicker Nick Folk should all be started this week.  I wouldn’t start either Defense in anticipation of a high-scoring game.

Philadelphia at Chicago - Ordinarily I’d be touting the Eagles offensive players as starters, but QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, and TE L.J. Smith are all nursing injuries heading into this weekend’s showdown with a Bears’ Defense that has faltered after its Week 1 demolition of the Colts.  Of these three McNabb is the only one I’d consider a must-start, assuming that he’s healthy enough to play.  If you have healthier options than Westbrook with more favorable matchups, I’d keep Westbrook on the bench this week.  Smith is listed as doubtful, so I’d avoid him at all costs.  WR DeSean Jackson should be started, but I’d stay away from Kicker David Akers.  Bears’ QB Kyle Orton should be started only as a last-resort bye week replacement.  RB Matt Forte is the only Bears’ offensive player worth starting.  Both Defenses should be started in anticipation of a low-scoring game - I’d be surprised if the winner scores 21 points.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh - Two strong Defenses face off against two struggling offenses - I’d expect a low-scoring game here too.  I would not start Steelers’ rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall against the Ravens’ Defense, and I’d start the rest of the Steelers offensive players only if I had no other options.  That goes double for the Ravens’ offensive players.  In fact, the two teams’ Defenses may be the only performers from this game worth starting.

Good luck this week!

The Sherpa

Here are some thoughts on games and players for Week 2’s games:

Chicago at Carolina - Not much to like in this game from a fantasy perspective - I expect a fairly low-scoring game.  With Bears’ RB Matt Forte’s ankle bothering him, I’d bench him if you have healthier options.  QB Kyle Orton will probably be forced to throw more than he did in Week 1, but I’d still stay away from both him and his WRs.  TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen should be the primary beneficiaries if Orton does throw more, but since they split time and catches, I’d stay away from both.  On the Panthers’ side, I expect all of their offensive players to struggle; I’d stay away from all of them.  Week 1 star Dante Rosario is questionable with a foot injury, so find another option for this week.  Both Kickers (Robbie Gould for the Bears; John Kasay for the Panthers) are decent options, as they may each get several field goal opportunities.

Tennessee at Cincinnati - A tough game to figure.  Ordinarily, you’d expect a backup QB, even one as experienced as Kerry Collins to struggle in his first start of the season; however, this is the Bengals’ defense we’re talking about here.  Still, RBs LenDale White and Chris Johnson, along with TE Alge Crumpler figure to rack up decent fantasy stats in this game.  Bengals’ QB Carson Palmer will almost certainly look better than he did last week against the Ravens; he’s worth starting, as are his dynamic duo of WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco.  Both Kickers (Titans’ Rob Bironas and Bengals’ Shayne Graham) are worth starting this weekend, but I’d avoid both defenses.

Green Bay at Detroit - Both offenses figure to be productive on Sunday.  For the Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, TE Donald Lee, and WRs Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are all worth starting.  If RB Ryan Grant’s hamstring is healthy enough to allow him to play, he’s also worth starting.  For the Lions QB Jon Kitna, RB Kevin Smith, and WRs Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are all worth starting.  Both Kickers (Green Bay’s Mason Crosby and Detroit’s Jason Hanson) are also worth starting.  In anticipation of a high-scoring game, I’d avoid both defenses.

Buffalo at Jacksonville - I believe that Bills’ QB Trent Edwards will put up good, but not great, fantasy numbers this year, and if you’re looking for a replacement for injured QBs Tom Brady or Vince Young, he’s definitely worth a free agent claim.  Still, this is probably not the weekend to start him.  Start Bills’ RB Marshawn Lynch, but stay away from the Bills’ receivers.  Jacksonville’s offensive line has been decimated by injuries, which may limit the effectiveness of QB David Garrard and RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, but they’re still all worth starting.  TE Marcedes Lewis and WR Matt Jones should also produce decent fantasy numbers this weekend.  Jacksonville Kicker Josh Scobee and the Jaguars’ defense are also worth starting.

Oakland at Kansas City - Two weak offenses against two seemingly weaker defenses.  Raiders’ QB JaMarcus Russell, RBs Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden, TE Zach Miller, and WRs Ronald Curry and Javon Walker are worth starting.  Do not be fooled by WR Ashley Lelie’s TD reception last weekend - with Walker returning, his playing time figures to decrease significantly.  Chiefs’ Head Coach Herm Edwards has spoken this week about instituting a QB platoon with starter Brodie Croyle out, so steer clear of both Damon Huard and Tyler Thigpen (not that you had either of them on your roster anyway!).  Assuming that Huard gets the start this week, RB Larry Johnson, TE Tony Gonzalez, and WRs Dwayne Bowe and Devard Darling are all worth starting.  If you have roster space, Chiefs’ RB Jamaal Charles is also an intriguing pickup under the assumption that Johnson may not stay healthy for the entire year.  Both Kickers are worth starting this weekend (Sebastian Janikowski for the Raiders; Nick Novak for the Chiefs), but I’d avoid both defenses.

Indianapolis at Minnesota - Hard to believe that one of these supposed Super Bowl contenders will start the season 0-2.  Expect Colts’ QB Peyton Manning to shake off the rust this weekend and have a big game facing the Vikings’ secondary.  Assuming that Manning is able to throw effectively, RB Joseph Addai also figures to be in for a big game.  WRs Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, and Anthony Gonzalez are all worth starting, but I’d stay away from TE Dallas Clark this week due to injury concerns.  For the Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is the only start-worthy option this weekend.  The Colts’ defense and Kicker Adam Vinatieri are also good starts this weekend.

NY Giants at St. Louis - Reports of the Rams’ offensive demise have been greatly exaggerated.  Even without a legitimate second WR to throw to, I’d expect QB Marc Bulger to bounce back from his disastrous showing last weekend.  RB Steven Jackson, WR Tory Holt, and TE Randy McMichael are also worth starting.  For the Giants QB Eli Manning, RB Brandon Jacobs, and WR Plaxico Burress all figure to have big days against a weak Rams defense.  Once again, both Kickers are worth starting (Josh Brown for the Rams; John Carney for the Giants), but I’d avoid both defenses.

New Orleans at Washington - Another game that figures to be an offensive shootout.  Even with star WR Marques Colston out for the Saints, QB Drew Brees, RB Reggie Bush, TE Jeremy Shockey, and WR David Patten should all be started this weekend.  Do not start Saints’ RB Deuce McAllister or WRs Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem unless you are in a very deep league and don’t have other options.  For the Redskins QB Jason Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, TE Chris Cooley, and WRs Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are all worth starting.  Both Kickers are worth starting (Martin Gramatica for the Saints; Steve Suisham for the Redskins), but I’d avoid both defenses.

San Francisco at Seattle - Seattle has been decimated by injuries, which makes this game tough to analyze.  This is the week where we find out if Seahawks’ RB Julius Jones has anything left in his tank - I’d start him on the assumption that he does.  QB Matt Hasselbeck is worth starting, and since he’s got to complete passes to someone,TE John Carlson and WR Courtney Taylor are also worth starting in deeper leagues.  If any NFL team has a weaker pair of QBs than the 49ers’ J.T. O`Sullivan and Shaun Hill, I’m hard-pressed to name them (KC, perhaps?)  49ers’ RB Frank Gore is worth starting, and if you’re really desperate TE Vernon Davis and WR Bryant Johnson also figure to catch a few passes each.  Seattle’s Kicker (Olindo Mare) and defense are both worth starting too.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay - Will the real Falcon team please stand up?  Is it the team that looked impressive (at least on offense) last weekend against the defensively challenged Lions?  Or is it the team that most experts figured would be in for yet another losing season due to a Swiss cheese defense?  I still vote for the latter.  QB Matt Ryan is worth a speculative add if you have room on your roster, but it’s unrealistic to expect him to look as good this week facing the Buccaneers’ defense.  RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood are worth starting, and if you’re in a deeper league WRs Roddy White and Michael Jenkins are too.  With Brian Griese taking the reigns from Jeff Garcia at QB for Tampa Bay, I’d avoid all of the Bucs’ offensive players this week (even facing a Swiss cheese defense!), even RB Earnest Graham and WR Joey Galloway.  Expecting a low-scoring game I would avoid both Kickers but start either Defense.

Miami at Arizona - If you’re looking for a Tom Brady replacement in a deeper league, you could certainly do worse than Miami QB Chad Pennington or Arizona QB Kurt Warner.  I’d prefer Warner over Pennington simply because he has better receivers to throw to, but both are worth starting this weekend against suspect defenses.  The Dolphins’ RB situation continues to be muddled - I’d avoid starting either Ricky Williams or Ronnie Brown this weekend unless I had no other options.  I suspect Brown will eventually prove to be the more effective of the pair, but that’s still no reason to start him this weekend.  Along with Pennington, WR Ted Ginn and TE Anthony Fasano are worth starting this week.  I’m not a fan of Cardinals’ RB Edgerrin James in spite of his 100-yard game last weekend against the 49ers, but he’s worth starting against the Dolphins’ defense.  If you have room on your roster, rookie Arizona RB Tim Hightower is worth a speculative pickup.  WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are both worth starting this week (as they are every week), as are Kicker Neil Rackers and the Cardinals’ defense.

San Diego at Denver - Another potentially high-scoring game.  Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, and TE Antonio Gates should all be starting this weekend on your roster.  I’d avoid the inconsistent WRs Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson unless you’re in a deeper league and don’t have other options.  For the Broncos QB Jay Cutler, RB Selvin Young, and WR Brandon Marshall are all worth starting this weekend.  I’m not sold on WR Eddie Royal yet, but if you already own him, chances are you’ll start him this weekend to see whether he can have another big day with Marshall back to divert the Charger defense’s attention.  I’d stay away from both defenses, but Kickers Matt Prater for the Broncos and Nate Kaeding for the Chargers are both worth starting.

New England at NY Jets - Finally, a week without Tom Brady being listed on the Patriots’ injury report with a sore shoulder!  No one can say for certain how the Patriots’ offense will react after practicing with new starting QB Matt Cassel for a full week.  Unless you picked him up as a replacement for Tom Brady or Vince Young, I wouldn’t start him this week.  He may prove to be a viable fantasy option as the weeks go by, but probably not this week.  Given the uncertainty in the Patriots’ backfield, I’d avoid both RBs Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris this week as well.  WRs Randy Moss and Wes Welker are still worth starting, even with Cassel at quarterback, and TE David Thomas (who may start for Ben Watson) may also do well this weekend, given that he’s probably more familiar with Cassel than the other Patriots’ receivers.  On the Jets’ side I’m still not counting on Brett Favre putting up fantasy results worthy of a starter, and I’d avoid him this weekend unless you have no other options.  The only Jets’ offensive players I like this weekend are WR Jerricho Cotchery and TE Chris Baker.  Expecting a low-scoring game, I’d stay away from both Kickers but start either defense.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland - Let me be (one of) the first to jump off the Browns’ bandwagon - at least for this week!  While not every team (check that, maybe no other team) is as talented as the Cowboys, the Steelers still figure to do well against a questionable Browns’ defense.  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Willie Parker, TE Heath Miller, and WRs Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes should all be starting this weekend if they’re on your roster.  For Cleveland QB Derek Anderson, RB Jamal Lewis, TE Kellen Winslow, and WR Braylon Edwards are all worth starting, but don’t expect any of them to lead your team to victory this week.  Both Kickers are worth starting this weekend (Jeff Reed for the Steelers; Phil Dawson for the Browns), as is the Steelers’ defense.

Philadelphia at Dallas - I expect a high-scoring game here too, so plenty of fantasy options on both sides.  For the Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, RB Brian Westbrook, TE L.J. Smith, and WR DeSean Jackson are all worth starting.  For the Cowboys QB Tony Romo, RB Marion Barber, TE Jason Witten, and WRs Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton are all worth starting this week.  Both Kickers are worth starting this week (David Akers for the Eagles; Nick Folk for the Cowboys), but in anticipation of a high-scoring game, I’d avoid both defenses.

Baltimore at Houston - The magic carpet ride (if you can call it that) is probably over for Ravens’ rookie QB Joe Flacco after just one week - even if you picked him up this week as a free agent, he’s not worth starting against a defense that figures to put more pressure on him than the Bengals did.  RB Willis McGahee is a risky start this week due to ongoing injury concerns - RB Ray Rice is a good alternative, but RB Le`Ron McClain is not.  TE Todd Heap is still worth starting in spite of injury concerns, but I’d avoid WRs Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason this week if you have better alternatives.  For the Texans I’d avoid starting QB Matt Schaub and rookie RB Steve Slaton, but TE Owen Daniels and WRs Andre Johnson and Ken Walter should be started.  I’d avoid both Kickers, but both defenses are worth starting this week in anticipation of a low-scoring game.

Good luck this week!

The Sherpa