The Fantasy Football Sherpa

4 teams with Week 5 byes:  Dallas, Detroit, Oakland and Tampa Bay.

Arizona at St. Louis (Thursday night) – Sherpa Says:  St. Louis 21, Arizona 20.

• Arizona
  • Start: WR Larry Fitzgerald, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Ryan Williams, WR Andre Roberts
  • Sit: QBs Kevin Kolb & John Skelton (Probable-ankle), WRs Early Doucet & Michael Floyd, TEs Jeff King, Rob Housler, & Todd Heap (Questionable-knee), K Jay Feely
• St. Louis
  • Start: WR Danny Amendola (Probable-ankle), TE Lance Kendricks, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Sam Bradford, RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-groin), WR Brandon Gibson (Probable-knee)
  • Sit: RBs Daryl Richardson & Isaiah Pead, K Greg Zuerlein

Green Bay at Indianapolis (Sunday early) – Sherpa says:  Green Bay 28, Indianapolis 20.

• Green Bay
  • Start: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Cedric Benson, WRs Randall Cobb & James Jones, K Mason Crosby
  • Sit: RB James Starks, WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings (Out-groin)
• Indianapolis
  • Start: RB Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: QB Andrew Luck, WRs TY Hilton & Donnie Avery, TEs Coby Fleener (Questionable-concussion) & Dwayne Allen, DEF
  • Sit: RB Vick Ballard, K Adam Vinatieri

Baltimore at Kansas City – Sherpa says:  Baltimore 31, Kansas City 28.

• Baltimore
  • Start: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WRs Torrey Smith (Probable-ankle) & Anquan Boldin, K Justin Tucker
  • Neutral: WR Jacoby Jones, TE Dennis Pitta, DEF
  • Sit: RB Bernard Pierce, TE Ed Dickson
• Kansas City
  • Start: QB Matt Cassel, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral: WRs Jon Baldwin (Probable-hamstring) & Steve Breaston, TE Tony Moeaki, K Ryan Succop
  • Sit: RBs Peyton Hillis (Out-ankle), Shaun Droughn, & Cyrus Gray; WR Dexter McCluster, TE Kevin Boss (IR-concussion), DEF

Miami at Cincinnati – Sherpa says  Cincinnati 35, Miami 31.

• Miami
  • Start: RB Reggie Bush (Probable-hip), WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter
  • Neutral: QB Ryan Tannehill (Probable-thumb), WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Sit: RBs Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, & Javorski Lane; DEF
• Cincinnati
  • Start: QB Andy Dalton, WRs A.J. Green & Andrew Hawkins; TE Jermain Gresham, K Mike Nugent
  • Neutral: WR Armon Binns
  • Sit: RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Bernard Scott (Probable-ankle), WRs Brandon Tate & Mohamed Sanu, TE Orson Charles, DEF

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh - Sherpa says:  Philadelphia 27, Pittsburgh 17.

• Philadelphia
  • Start: RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Michael Vick, WRs Jeremy Maclin & Jason Avant (Probable-wrist); K Alex Henery
  • Sit: RBs Dion Lewis & Bryce Brown, WR Damaris Johnson (Probable-foot) & Riley Cooper (Probable-collarbone)
• Pittsburgh
  • Start: QB Ben Roethlisberger, WRs Mike Wallace & Antonio Brown, TE Heath Miller
  • Neutral: WR Emmanuel Sanders, DEF
  • Sit: RBs Rashard Mendenhall (Probable-knee), Isaac Redman, & Jonathan Dwyer; K Shaun Suisham

Atlanta at Washington – Sherpa says Washington 34, Atlanta 31.

• Atlanta
  • Start: QB Matt Ryan, WRs Roddy White & Julio Jones (Probable-hand), TE Tony Gonzalez, K Matt Bryant
  • Neutral: RB Michael Turner, WR Harry Douglas
  • Sit: RBs Jacquizz Rodgers & Jason Snelling, DEF
• Washington
  • Start: QB Robert Griffin III, RB Alfred Morris, WRs Leonard Hankerson & Pierre Garcon (Probable-foot), TE Fred Davis, K Billy Cundiff
  • Neutral: WRs Santana Moss & Joshua Morgan
  • Sit:  RBs Evan Royster (Questionable-knee) & Ryan Grant, WR Aldrick Robinson (Probable-concussion), DEF

Cleveland at New York Giants – Sherpa says:  New York 31, Cleveland 17.

• Cleveland
  • Start: RB Trent Richardson, WR Greg Little
  • Neutral: QB Brandon Weeden, WR Jordan Norwood, TE Ben Watson
  • Sit: RB Chris Ogbanaya, WRs Josh Cribbs (Probable-concussion), Josh Gordon, Mohamed Massaquoi (Doubtful-hamstring) & Travis Benjamin (Doubtful-hamstring), TE Jordan Cameron, K Phil Dawson
• New York
  • Start: QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Victor Cruz, TE Martellus Bennett, K Lawrence Tynes, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Andre Brown, WRs Domenick Hixon & Rueben Randle
  • Sit: WRs Hakeem Nicks (Out-foot) & Ramses Barden (Out-concussion)

Seattle at Carolina (Sunday late) – Sherpa says:  Carolina 27, Seattle 24.

• Seattle
  • Start: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Sidney Rice
  • Neutral: QB Russell Wilson, RB Robert Turbin, WR Doug Baldwin, TE Zach Miller, K Steven Hauschka, DEF
  • Sit: WRs Golden Tate & Ben Obomanu
• Carolina
  • Start: QB Cam Newton, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral: RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, WR Brandon LaFell, K Justin Medlock, DEF
  • Sit: RB Mike Tolbert

Chicago at Jacksonville – Sherpa says:  Chicago 27, Jacksonville 17.

• Chicago
  • Start: RB Matt Forte (Probable-ankle), WR Brandon Marshall, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Jay Cutler, RB Michael Bush, WR Alshon Jeffery, TE Kellen Davis, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit: WRs Earl Bennett (Questionable-hand) & Devin Hester
• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Justin Blackmon, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Neutral: WR Cecil Shorts, DEF
  • Sit: QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Rashad Jennings, WR Laurent Robinson (Out-concussion), K Josh Scobee

Denver at New England – Sherpa says:  New England 28, Denver 27.

• Denver
  • Start: QB Peyton Manning, WRs Demaryius Thomas & Eric Decker, TE Jacob Tamme
  • Neutral:  RBs Willis McGahee & Ronnie Hillman, WR Brandon Stokley, TE Joel Dreessen, K Matt Prater, DEF
  • Sit: RBs Lance Ball & Knowshon Moreno
• New England
  • Start: QB Tom Brady, RB Stevan Ridley, WRs Wes Welker & Brandon Lloyd
  • Neutral: TE Rob Gronkowski (Questionable-hip), K Stephen Gostkowski, DEF
  • Sit: RBs Brandon Bowen (Questionable-knee), Shane Vereen (Questionable-foot), & Danny Woodhead, WR Julian Edelman (Out-hand), TE Aaron Hernandez (Questionable-ankle)

Buffalo at San Francisco – Sherpa says:  San Francisco 28, Buffalo 21.

• Buffalo
  • Start: RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler (Probable-concussion)
  • Neutral: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WR Donald Jones (Probable-concussion) & T.J. Graham, DEF
  • Sit: RB Tashard Choice, K Rian Lindell
• San Francisco
  • Start: RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral: WR Mario Manningham, K David Akers
  • Sit: QB Alex Smith, RBs Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs (Questionable-knee) & LeMichael James; WR Randy Moss

Tennessee at Minnesota – Sherpa says:  Minnesota 27, Tennessee 13.

• Tennessee
  • Start: WR Nate Washington
  • Neutral: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WR Kendall Wright, TEs Craig Stevens & Jared Cook (Probable-shoulder), DEF
  • Sit: QB Jake Locker (Out-shoulder), RB Javon Ringer, WRs Kenny Britt (Questionable-ankle) & Damian Williams, K Rob Bironas
• Minnesota
  • Start: QB Christain Ponder (Probable-knee), RB Adrian Peterson, WRs Percy Harvin & Jerome Simpson, TE Kyle Rudolph, DEF
  • Neutral: K Blair Walsh
  • Sit: RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Michael Jenkins (Questionable-ribs) & Devin Aromashodu, TE John Carlson

San Diego at New Orleans (Sunday night) – Sherpa says: New Orleans 30, San Diego 28.

• San Diego
  • Start: QB Philip Rivers, WRs Malcom Floyd, TE Antonio Gates
  • Neutral: RBs Ryan Mathews & Jackie Battle, WRs Robert Meachem & Eddie Royal, K Nick Novak
  • Sit: RBs Curtis Brinkley & Ronnie Brown, K Nate Kaeding (Out-groin), DEF
• New Orleans
  • Start: QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K Garrett Hartley
  • Neutral: RBs Mark Ingram & Pierre Thomas, WR Devery Henderson, DEF
  • Sit: RB Chris Ivory, WR Lance Moore (Out-hamstring)

Houston at New York Jets (Monday night) – Sherpa says:  Houston 27, New York Jets 10.

• Houston
  • Start: RB Arian Foster (Probable-hamstring), DEF
  • Neutral: QB Matt Schaub, WRs Andre Johnson (Questionable-groin) & Kevin Walter, TE Owen Daniels, K Shayne Graham
  • Sit: RB Ben Tate (Questionable-toe), WRs Keshawn Martin, DeVier Posey, & Lestar Jean (Out-knee)
• New York Jets
  • Start: N/A
  • Neutral: TE Jeff Cumberland (Probable-ribs), DEF
  • Sit: QBs Mark Sanchez (Probable-back) & Tim Tebow, RBs Shonn Greene, Bilal Powell, & Joe McKnight; WRs Jeremy Kerley (Probable-finger), Stephen Hill (Questionable-hamstring), & Chaz Schilens, TE Dustin Keller (Questionable-hamstring), K Nick Folk

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

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@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

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

2 teams with Week 4 byes:  Pittsburgh and Indianapolis

Cleveland at Baltimore (Thursday night) – Sherpa Says:  Baltimore 38, Cleveland 20.

• Cleveland
  • Start: RB Trent Richardson (Probable-knee)
  • Neutral: QB Brandon Weeden, WRs Greg Little, Josh Gordon, & Travis Benjamin; TEs Jordan Cameron & Ben Watson
  • Sit: WRs Mohamed Massaquoi (Out-hamstring) & Josh Cribbs (Questionable-knee), K Phil Dawson, DEF
• Baltimore
  • Start: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WRs Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin, & Jacoby Jones; TE Dennis Pitta, K Justin Tucker, DEF
  • Neutral: N/A
  • Sit: RB Bernard Pierce, TE Ed Dickson

Minnesota at Detroit (Sunday early) – Sherpa says:  Detroit 34, Minnesota 27.

• Minnesota
  • Start: QB Christian Ponder, RB Adrian Peterson, WRs Percy Harvin & Jerome Simpson
  • Neutral: WR Michael Jenkins, TE Kyle Rudolph (Questionable-thigh), K Blair Walsh
  • Sit: RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Jarius Wright & Devin Aromashodu, TE John Carlson, DEF
• Detroit
  • Start: QB Matthew Stafford (Questionable-hip) or QB Shaun Hill (whoever starts); RB Mikel Leshoure (Probable-groin), WRs Calvin Johnson & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral: WR Titus Young (Questionable-knee), DEF
  • Sit: RBs Kevin Smith & Joique Bell, TE Tony Scheffler (Questionable-calf)

Seattle at St. Louis – Sherpa says:  Seattle 24, St. Louis 17.

• Seattle
  • Start: RB Marshawn Lynch, DEF
  • Neutral: WRs Sidney Rice & Golden Tate, TE Zach Miller, K S Hauschka
  • Sit: QB Russell Wilson, RB Robert Turbin, WRs Doug Baldwin (Questionable-shoulder), Braylon Edwards, & Ben Obomanu; TE Anthony McCoy
• St. Louis
  • Start: WR Danny Amendola, TE Lance Kendricks
  • Neutral: WR Brandon Gibson, DEF
  • Sit: QB Sam Bradford, RBs Steven Jackson (Questionable-groin), Darryl Richardson, & Isaiah Pead; WR Steve Smith, K Greg Zuerlein

San Francisco at New York Jets – Sherpa says:  San Francisco 28, New York 17.

• San Francisco
  • Start: RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Alex Smith, RB Kendall Hunter, WRs Mario Manningham & Randy Moss, K David Akers
  • Sit: RB Brandon Jacobs (Questionable-knee)
• New York
  • Start: WR Santonio Holmes
  • Neutral: WRs Stephen Hill (Questionable-hamstring) & Jeremy Kerley, TEs Dustin Keller (Questionable-hamstring) & Jeff Cumberland, DEF
  • Sit: QB Mark Sanchez, RBs Shonn Greene, Bilal Powell, & Joe McKnight; K Nick Folk

San Diego at Kansas City – Sherpa says  Kansas City 31, San Diego 30.

• San Diego
  • Start: QB Philip Rivers, RB Ryan Mathews, WRs Malcom Floyd & Robert Meachem, TE Antonio Gates, K Nate Kaeding
  • Neutral: N/A
  • Sit: RBs Curtis Brinkley, Jackie Battle, & Ronnie Brown; WR Eddie Royal, TE Dante Rosario, DEF
• Kansas City
  • Start: QB Matt Cassel, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, K Ryan Succop
  • Neutral: WRs Steve Breaston & Jon Baldwin, TE Tony Moeaki
  • Sit: RBs Peyton Hillis (Questionable-ankle) & Shaun Draughn, WR Dexter McCluster (Questionable-shoulder), TE Kevin Boss (Questionable-concussion), DEF

Tennessee at Houston - Sherpa says:  Houston 31, Tennessee 13.

• Tennessee
  • Start: WR Nate Washington
  • Neutral: WRs Kenny Britt (Questionable-ankle) & Kendall Wright, TEs Jared Cook (Questionable-shoulder) & Craig Stevens
  • Sit: QB Jake Locker, RBs Chris Johnson & Javon Ringer (Questionable-ankle), K Rob Bironas, DEF
• Houston
  • Start: QB Matt Schaub (Probable-shoulder), RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels, K Shayne Graham, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Ben Tate, WR Kevin Walter
  • Sit: WRs Keshawn Martin & Lestar Jean (Out-knee), TE Garrett Graham

Carolina at Atlanta – Sherpa says Atlanta 28, Carolina 27.

• Carolina
  • Start: QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral: WR Brandon LaFell, K Justin Medlock, DEF
  • Sit: RB Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-ankle)
• Atlanta
  • Start: QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WRs Julio Jones & Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez
  • Neutral: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, K Matt Bryant, DEF
  • Sit: WR Harry Douglas

New England at Buffalo – Sherpa says:  New England 34, Buffalo 31.

• New England
  • Start: QB Tom Brady, RB Stevan Ridley, WR Brandon Lloyd & Wes Welker, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral: N/A
  • Sit: RBs Shane Vereen (Questionable-foot) & Danny Woodhead, WRs Julian Edelman (Questionable-hand) & Deion Branch, TEs Aaron Hernandez (Out-ankle) & Kellen Winslow, DEF
• Buffalo
  • Start: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell
  • Neutral: RBs Tashard Choice & Fred Jackson (Questionable-knee), WR Donald Jones
  • Sit: RB C.J. Spiller (Questionable-shoulder), WR T.J. Graham, DEF

Cincinnati at Jacksonville (Sunday late) – Sherpa says:  Cincinnati 37, Jacksonville 31.

• Cincinnati
  • Start: QB Andy Dalton, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WRs A.J. Green & Andrew Hawkins, TE Jermaine Gresham, K Mike Nugent
  • Neutral: WR Armon Binns
  • Sit: RB Bernard Scott, DEF
• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Justin Blackmon, TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee
  • Neutral: QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Laurent Robinson (Questionable-concussion)
  • Sit: RB Rashard Jennings (Questionable-knee), WR Cecil Shorts, DEF

Miami at Arizona – Sherpa says:  Miami 24, Arizona 21.

• Miami
  • Start: QB Ryan Tannehill, WRs Brian Hartline & Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF
  • Neutral: RBs Daniel Thomas & Lamar Miller, K Dan Carpenter
  • Sit: RB Reggie Bush WR Anthony Armstrong
• Arizona
  • Start: QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral: RB Ryan Williams, WR Andre Roberts, TE Jeff King
  • Sit: QB John Skelton, RB Beanie Wells (IR-toe), WR Early Doucet, TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-knee) & Rob Housler, K Jay Feely

Oakland at Denver – Sherpa says:  Denver 27, Oakland 24.

• Oakland
  • Start: QB Carson Palmer, WR Denarius Moore & Rod Streater
  • Neutral:  RB Darren McFadden, WR Derek Hagan, TE David Ausberry, K Sebastian Janikowski, DEF
    
  • Sit: RBs Mike Goodson & Taiwan Jones, WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey (Questionable-concussion) & Juron Criner (Questionable-ankle), TE Brandon Myers (Questionable-concussion)
• Denver
  • Start: QB Peyton Manning, WRs Demaryius Thomas & Eric Decker, TE Jacob Tamme
  • Neutral: RB Willis McGahee (Questionable-ribs), TE Joel Dreessen, K Matt Prater, DEF
  • Sit: RBs Ronnie Hillman, Lance Ball, & Knowshon Moreno

Washington at Tampa Bay – Sherpa says:  Washington 27, Tampa Bay 21.

• Washington
  • Start: QB Robert Griffin III, TE Fred Davis
  • Neutral: RB Alfred Morris, WRs Leonard Hankerson (Probable-neck), Josh Morgan, Aldrick Robinson, & Santana Moss, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit: RBs Evan Royster (Questionable-knee), Ryan Grant & Roy Helu (IR-toe); WR Pierre Garcon (Questionable-foot), DEF
• Tampa Bay
  • Start: QB Josh Freeman, WRs Vincent Jackson & Mike Williams
  • Neutral: RB Doug Martin, TE Dallas Clark, DEF
  • Sit: RB LeGarrette Blount, K Connor Barth

New Orleans at Green Bay – Sherpa says:  Green Bay 31, New Orleans 28.

• New Orleans
  • Start: QB Drew Brees, RBs Mark Ingram & Darren Sproles, WRs Marques Colston & Lance Moore, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Pierre Thomas, WR Devery Henderson, K Garrett Hartley
  • Sit: RB Chris Ivory
• Green Bay
  • Start: QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Cedric Benson, WRs Jordy Nelson, James Jones, & Randall Cobb; TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral: RB James Starks (Probable-toe), WRs Greg Jennings (Questionable-groin) & Donald Driver, DEF
  • Sit: RB Alex Green

New York Giants at Philadelphia (Sunday night) – Sherpa says: Philadelphia 31, New York 27.

• New York
  • Start: QB Eli Manning, WR Victor Cruz, TE Martellus Bennett
  • Neutral: RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Andre Brown, WR Hakeem Nicks (Questionable-foot) & Ramses Barden, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit: RB David Wilson, WRs Domenick Hixon (Probable-concussion) & Rueben Randle, DEF
• Philadelphia
  • Start: QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs Jeremy Maclin (Probable-hip) & DeSean Jackson, TE Brent Celek, K Alex Henery
  • Neutral: WRs Jason Avant & Damaris Johnson, DEF
  • Sit: RBs Dion Lewis & Bryce Brown

Chicago at Dallas (Monday night) – Sherpa says:  Chicago 24, Dallas 21.

• Chicago
  • Start: RB Michael Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Jay Cutler, TE Kellen Davis, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit: RB Matt Forte, WRs Alshon Jeffery, Earl Bennett, & Devin Hester
• Dallas
  • Start: WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten
  • Neutral: QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Kevin Ogletree, DEF
  • Sit: RB Felix Jones, K Dan Bailey

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

Fantasy football drafts are challenging under the best of circumstances, but this year with a new CBA and the ensuing free agent frenzy imminent, things will be even crazier than usual.  Here is a partial list of players who stand a good chance of changing teams when the game of musical chairs begins:

Quarterbacks

1. Carson Palmer
2. Donovan McNabb
3. Kevin Kolb
4. Alex Smith
5. Vince Young
6. Matt Hasselbeck
7. Matt Leinart
8. Tarvaris Jackson

Running Backs

1. Ahmad Bradshaw
2. DeAngelo Williams
3. Ronnie Brown
4. Cedric Benson
5. Darren Sproles
6. Ricky Williams
7. Joseph Addai
8. Marion Barber
9. Jerome Harrison
10. LeRon McClain
11. Cadillac Williams
12. Earnest Graham
13. Clinton Portis
14. Laurence Maroney

Wide Receivers

1. Vincent Jackson
2. Santonio Holmes
3. Steve Smith (NYG)
4. Sidney Rice
5. Steve Smith (Car)
6. Malcolm Floyd
7. Mike Sims-Walker
8. Santana Moss
9. Lance Moore
10. Braylon Edwards
11. James Jones
12. Chad Ochocinco
13. Plaxico Burress
14. Randy Moss
15. Michael Jenkins
16. Devin Aromashodu

Tight Ends

1. Zach Miller
2. Kevin Boss
3. Dante Rosario

Kickers

1. David Akers
2. Matt Bryant
3. Ryan Longwell
4. Adam Vinatieri
5. Olindo Mare
6. John Carney

If you insist on drafting before the feeding frenzy commences, my suggestion would be to avoid as many of these players as possible; alternatively, if you just have to have some of them, make sure you draft them at least one round later than you would if you already knew which team they were playing for this season.

You stand forewarned.

The Sherpa

Hi everyone,

Only the diehards who can’t stand to watch a football game without having some rooting interest in it join fantasy football leagues that play their league championship games during the last week of the NFL’s regular season.  With that in mind here are my recommendations for Week 17 - all games are on Sunday this week, and all 16 games are division rivalry games, including a doozy of a regular-season finale in the NFC (yawn) West:

Miami at New England (Sunday early) - New England has a history of playing their starters most of the game even during season-ending contests that have no bearing on the Pats’ playoff seeding.  It’s understandable, given that the Patriots often have a bye the first week of the playoffs.  Still, with several key starters dealing with nagging injuries, it’s hard to believe that a big-picture coach like Bill Belichick would take unnecessary risks in what amounts to a glorified preseason game.  Miami 24 New England 21.

• Miami
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess, TE Mickey Shuler, DEF
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  RB Ricky Williams, WR Brian Robiskie, TE Anthony Fasano (Out-knee), K Dan Carpenter
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown
• New England
  • Yes:  DEF
  • No:  QB Tom Brady (Probable-foot), RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Danny Woodhead, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch (Questionable-knee), TEs Aaron Hernandez (Questionable-hip) & Rob Gronkowski, K Shayne Graham
  • Maybe So:  None

Carolina at Atlanta - It’s easy to imagine Carolina rolling over and playing dead in this game against a superior opponent, but don’t underestimate the players’ desire to send John Fox out on a winning note in what will be his last game after a nine-year run coaching the Panthers.  Carolina will put up a good fight, but the Falcons will pull this one out late in the game.  Atlanta 21 Carolina 20.

• Carolina
  • Yes: WR Steve Smith (Questionable-calf), TE Dante Rosario, DEF, K John Kasay
  • No:  QB Jimmy Clausen, RB Mike Goodson, WRs Brandon LaFell & David Gettis
  • Maybe So:  RB Jonathan Stewart (Probable-foot)
• Atlanta
  • Yes:  RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • No:  WR Michael Jenkins, K Matt Bryant
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Ryan

Minnesota at Detroit - It wouldn’t be a Vikings’ game if we knew how healthy Brett Favre was.  Thanks to the hole in the Metrodome roof this will be Minnesota’s second game of the season in Detroit, and they’ll make themselves right at home.  The margin of victory will depend on how much the Vikings play injured star Adrian Peterson, but the outcome won’t.  Minnesota 24 Detroit 13.

• Minnesota
  • Yes:  RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-knee)/Toby Gerhart (whoever starts), WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF
  • No:  QB Brett Favre (Doubtful-concussion), WR Sidney Rice (Doubtful-concussion), K Ryan Longwell
  • Maybe So:  QB Joe Webb, WR Greg Camarillo
• Detroit
  • Yes:  WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-ankle), TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • No:  QB Shaun Hill, RBs Maurice Morris & Jahvid Best (Probable-toe), WR Nate Burleson, K Dave Rayner
  • Maybe So:  None

Pittsburgh at Cleveland - Hard as it is to believe, if the Steelers lose this game they could possibly drop to the AFC’s sixth seed, even with an 11-5 record.  Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, and the Steelers’ stout defense will ensure that doesn’t happen.  Pittsburgh 27 Cleveland 10.

• Pittsburgh
  • Yes:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  WR Emmanuel Sanders
• Cleveland
  • Yes:  TE Ben Watson (Probable-ankle)
  • No:  QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis (Questionable-ribs), WR Josh Cribbs, DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Maybe So:  WRs Mohamed Massaquoi & Brian Robiskie

Oakland at Kansas City - A month ago it looked like a playoff berth might be at stake in this game, but the two teams have gone in opposite directions since then.  Jason Campbell’s first season with the Raiders has been a huge disappointment, but at least he can look forward to a new head coach next season.  Kansas City 24 Oakland 21.

• Oakland
  • Yes:  RB Darren McFadden (Questionable-toe)/Michael Bush (whoever starts), WR Jacoby Ford, TE Zach Miller (Probable-foot), DEF
  • No:  WR Louis Murphy, K Sebastien Janikowski
  • Maybe So:  QB Jason Campbell
• Kansas City
  • Yes:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Moeaki, DEF
  • No:  WR Chris Chambers, K Ryan Succop
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Cassel

Tampa Bay at New Orleans - Josh Freeman had the best game of his young career last week, but don’t let that trick you into starting him against New Orleans’ secondary.  New Orleans has already punched its ticket to the playoffs, while Tampa Bay still has a shot, albeit a long one.  Tampa also sports arguably both the best rookie running back (LeGarrette Blount) and the best rookie wide receiver (Mike Williams).  That speaks well to the Bucs’ future, but they’ll come up short this Sunday.  New Orleans 23 Tampa Bay 20.

• Tampa Bay
  • Yes:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF, K Connor Barth
  • No:  QB Josh Freeman, WR Arrelious Benn
  • Maybe So:  None
• New Orleans
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, RB Chris Ivory (Probable-hamstring), WR Marques Colston (Questionable-knee), TE Jimmy Graham, DEF, K Garrett Hartley
  • No:  RBs Reggie Bush (Probable-chest) & Pierre Thomas (Questionable-ankle), TE Jeremy Shockey (Questionable-groin)
  • Maybe So:  WRs Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem (Probable-toe), & Lance Moore

Cincinnati at Baltimore - Carson Palmer is another quarterback coming off a stellar performance last week who figures to  have a much tougher time this week.  It would be fun to see Cincinnati’s young receivers come through with an encore performance against Ed Reed and crew, but that doesn’t figure to happen with a division title still within Baltimore’s grasp.  Baltimore 24 Cincinnati 21

• Cincinnati
  • Yes:  WRs Andre Caldwell & Jordan Shipley, DEF
  • No:  RBs Cedric Benson & Bernard Scott (Questionable-toe), TE Jermaine Gresham (Doubtful-knee), K Clint Stitser, WR Chad Ochocinco (Out-ankle)
  • Maybe So:  QB Carson Palmer, WR Jerome Simpson
• Baltimore
  • Yes:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • No:  WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, TE Todd Heap (Questionable-thigh), K Billy Cundiff
  • Maybe So:  WR Derrick Mason (Probable-ankle)

Buffalo at New York Jets - With the Jets having very little chance of moving up to the fifth seed there’s a good chance ailing quarterback Mark Sanchez’ day will be a short one.  It doesn’t matter whether Mark Brunell or Kellen Clemens follows Sanchez - New York will rely on its ground game to grind out the victory and head into the playoffs with what passes as a head of steam for them.  New York Jets 24 Buffalo 17.

• Buffalo
  • Yes:  WR Steve Johnson, DEF
  • No:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Questionable-knee), RBs Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller, WRs David Nelson (Out-ribs) & Donald Jones (Out-concussion), K Rian Lindell
  • Maybe So:  None
• New York Jets
  • Yes:  RB Shonn Greene, WR Santonio Holmes (Probable-quad), TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • No:  QB Mark Sanchez (Probable-shoulder), WR Jerricho Cotchery, K Nick Folk
  • Maybe So:  RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Braylon Edwards

New York Giants at Washington (Sunday late) - Depending on whether the Giants are able to win and gain an unlikely playoff berth, this could well be Tom Couglin’s last game.  Washington has also had a messy season, but Anthony Armstrong’s recent emergence has been one of few bright spots.  New York Giants 24 Washington 17.

• New York
  • Yes:  QB Eli Manning, RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Brandon Jacobs, WRs Mario Manningham & Derek Hagan, TE Kevin Boss, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • No:  WR Hakeem Nicks (Out-toe)
  • Maybe So:  None
• Washington
  • Yes:  WRs Anthony Armstrong & Santonio Moss, TE Chris Cooley
  • No:  RBs Ryan Torain (Questionable-ribs) & Keiland Williams, DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Maybe So:  QB Rex Grossman

Tennessee at Indianapolis - Indy’s in a win-and-you’re-in situation; it’s hard to imagine they won’t win with Peyton Manning at the helm in a game like this.  Tennessee’s season has been a huge disappointment from start to finish.  Indianapolis 31 Tennessee 21.

• Tennessee
  • Yes:  RB Chris Johnson, WR Kenny Britt, TE Jared Cook
  • No:  RB Javon Springer, WRs Justin Gage & Randy Moss, DEF, K Rob Bironas (Probable-groin)
  • Maybe So:  QB Kerry Collins, WR Nate Washington
• Indianapolis
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, DEF
  • No:  K Adam Vinatieri
  • Maybe So:  RBs Joseph Addai, Domenic Rhodes, & Donald Brown; WR Blair White

Chicago at Green Bay - Green Bay controls its own (wild card) destiny.  Chicago would like to win, but with nothing to play for, it’s hard to see them risking injuries to their starters by playing them the whole game.  Green Bay 24 Chicago 17.

• Chicago
  • Yes:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Earl Bennett (Questionable-ankle) & Devin Hester, K Robbie Gould
  • Maybe So:  None
• Green Bay
  • Yes:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver, TE Anthony Quarless
  • No:  RB Brandon Jackson, K Mason Crosby
  • Maybe So:  WRs James Jones & Jordy Nelson

Arizona at San Francisco - When the NFL’s schedule-making wizards set this season’s schedule, this is probably the game they figured would decide the NFC Worst West.  Things obviously haven’t worked out that way.  At least Jim Tomsula gets to face the Cards in his first (and in all likelihood last) game as the 49ers’ head coach.  San Francisco 27 Arizona 21.

• Arizona
  • Yes:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • No:  RB Beanie Wells, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Maybe So:  QB John Skelton, RB Tim Hightower, WR Steve Breaston
• San Francisco
  • Yes:  QB Alex Smith, TE Vernon Davis (Probable-thumb), DEF
  • No:  QB Troy Smith
  • Maybe So:  RBs Brian Westbrook & Anthony Dixon (Probable-ankle), WR Josh Morgan

Dallas at Philadelphia - Here’s another game that the NFL’s schedulers probably figured would decide a division title.  Michael Vick and Wade Phillips made sure that wouldn’t be the case.  At least Vick will still be on his team’s sideline (presumably) Sunday.  Philadelphia 24 Dallas 21.

• Dallas
  • Yes:  RB Felix Jones, WR Miles Austin, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • No:  RBs Marion Barber & Tashard Choice, WR Roy Williams (Probable-groin), K David Buehler
  • Maybe So:  QB Stephen McGee/Jon Kitna (Questionable-abdomen) (whoever starts)
• Philadelphia
  • Yes:  QB Kevin Kolb, RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • No:  QB Mike Vick (Out-quad), WR DeSean Jackson (Questionable-foot) & Jeremy Maclin, K David Akers
  • Maybe So:  WRs Jason Avant & Riley Cooper

San Diego at Denver - San Diego has arguably the best offense in football, the best defense in football, and the worst special teams in football (sorry, Giant fans).  It all adds up to another season of shattered dreams and wasted opportunities.  Look for the Chargers to take out their frustrations on the Tebows Broncos.  San Diego 31 Denver 17.

• San Diego
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, RBs Ryan Mathews & Darren Sproles, WRs Vincent Jackson & Legedu Naanee, TE Randy McMichael, DEF
  • No:  RB Mike Tolbert (IR-shoulder), TE Antonio Gates (IR-foot), K Nate Kaeding
  • Maybe So:  None
• Denver
  • Yes:  WRs Brandon Lloyd & Jabar Gaffney, DEF
  • No:  QB Tim Tebow (Probable-ankle); RBs Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-ribs), Lance Ball, & Correll Buckhalter, K Steve Hauschka
  • Maybe So:  WR Eddie Royal (Questionable-groin)

Jacksonville at Houston - Houston was expected to contend for a playoff berth this season; Jacksonville wasn’t.  It’s still highly unlikely for Jacksonville to get the necessary help from Tennessee against Indianapolis, but even without the services of Maurice Jones-Drew the last two games of the season, they’ve had a better year than their last two fans had any right to expect.  Jacksonville 27 Houston 24.

• Jacksonville
  • Yes:  QB Trent Edwards, RB Rashad Jennings, WRs Mike Sims-Walker (Probable-ankle) & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF, K Josh Scobee
  • No:  QB David Garrard (IR-finger), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Out-knee)
  • Maybe So:  None
• Houston
  • Yes:  QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WR Jacoby Jones
  • No:  WR Andre Johnson (Out-ankle), K Neil Rackers (Probable-hamstring)
  • Maybe So:  WR Kevin Walter

St. Louis at Seattle (Sunday night) - It’s hard to believe this is the best NBC could do for a regular-season finale, but it’s the only game that amounts to a playoff game for both teams.  Rest assured, if you find something else to do Sunday night, you’ll have plenty of company.  St. Louis 24 Seattle 17.

• St. Louis
  • Yes:  QB Sam Bradford, WR Danny Amendola, DEF
  • No:  K Josh Brown
  • Maybe So:  RB Steven Jackson; WRs Brandon Gibson, Laurent Robinson & Danario Alexander
• Seattle
  • Yes:  WRs Mike Williams & Ben Obomanu, TE John Carlson, DEF
  • No:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Questionable-hip)/Charlie Whitehurst (whoever starts), RB Marshawn Lynch, K Olindo Mare (Probable-back)
  • Maybe So:  None

Good luck in your fantasy league championship games 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

Hi everyone,

Week 16 featured a number of injuries and several inactive players, undoubtedly affecting many fantasy leagues’ playoff matchups.  Congratulations to those of you who survived the obstacles and are now basking in the glow of a league championship.  For the rest of you let’s take a look and see which players might be available on your league’s waiver wire who could make an impact in your league’s fantasy Super Bowl.

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

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Michael Vick (quad)
  • Jon Kitna (oblique)
  • Tim Tebow (ankle)
  • Ryan Fitzpatrick (knee)
  • David Garrard (finger)
  • Mark Sanchez (shoulder)
  • Troy Smith (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 17 matchups)
  • Trent Edwards (@ Hou)
  • Kevin Kolb (vs Dal)
  • Alex Smith (vs Ari)
  • Stephen McGee (@ Phi)
  • Rex Grossman (vs NYG)
  • Jason Campbell (@ KC)
  • Kerry Collins (@ Ind)
  • John Skelton (@ SF)
  • Colt McCoy (vs Pit)
  • Charlie Whitehurst (vs StL)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Maurice Jones-Drew (knee)
  • Darren McFadden (toe)
  • Ahmad Bradshaw (toe)
  • Peyton Hillis (ribs)
  • Jonathan Stewart (foot)
  • Mike Tolbert (neck)
  • Chris Ivory (hamstring)
  • Knowshon Moreno (ribs)
  • Ryan Torain (ribs)
  • Jahvid Best (toe)
  • Reggie Bush (collarbone)
  • Mike Hart (ankle)
  • Bernard Scott (toe)
  • Earnest Graham (neck)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Domenic Rhodes (vs Ten)
  • Correll Buckhalter (vs SD)

Wide Receivers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Andre Johnson (ankle)
  • Calvin Johnson (ankle)
  • DeSean Jackson (foot)
  • Roddy White (knee)
  • Hakeem Nicks (toe)
  • Marques Colston (knee)
  • Sidney Rice (concussion)
  • Derrick Mason (ankle)
  • David Nelson (ribs)
  • Chad Ochocinco (ankle)
  • Steve Breaston (knee)
  • Earl Bennett (ankle)
  • Robert Meachem (toe)
  • Eddie Royal (groin)
  • Malcom Floyd (hamstring)
  • Donald Jones (concussion)
  • Roy Williams (groin)
  • Demaryius Thomas (ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Anthony Armstrong (vs NYG)
  • Jacoby Jones (vs Jac)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (@ Cle)
  • Jacoby Ford (@ KC)
  • Blair White (vs Ten)
  • Ben Obomanu (vs StL)
  • Josh Morgan (@ StL)
  • Greg Camarillo (@ Det)
  • Riley Cooper (vs Dal)
  • Legedu Naanee (@ Den)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (vs Car)
  • Jason Hill (@ Hou)
  • Andre Caldwell (@ Bal)
  • James Jones (vs Chi)
  • Jordy Nelson (vs Chi)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (vs Pit)
  • Laurent Robinson (@ Sea)
  • Brandon Gibson (@ Sea)
  • Brian Robiskie (vs Pit)
  • Nate Washington (@ Ind)
  • Danario Alexander (@ Sea)
  • Michael Jenkins (vs Car)
  • Jerome Simpson (@ Bal)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (@ NYJ)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Antonio Gates (IR-foot)
  • Kellen Winslow (knee)
  • Aaron Hernandez (hip)
  • Jermaine Gresham (knee)
  • Ben Watson (ankle)
  • Owen Daniels (knee)
  • Vernon Davis (thumb)
  • Anthony Fasano (knee)
  • Todd Heap (thigh)
  • Jeremy Shockey (groin)
• Waiver Wire Targets
  • Jimmy Graham (vs TB)
  • Jared Cook (@ Ind)
  • Tony Moeaki (vs Oak)
  • John Carlson (vs StL)

Kicker

• Injuries/benchings
  • Neil Rackers (hamstring)
  • Rob Bironas (groin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jeff Reed (vs Ari)
  • Shaun Suisham (@ Cle)
  • Josh Brown (@ Sea)
  • Shayne Graham (vs Mia)

Defense

• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Seattle (vs StL)
  • St. Louis (vs Sea) (gives you some idea of what I think of this game!)
  • Kansas City (vs Oak)
  • Buffalo (@ NYJ)

Final Thoughts

• Commissioner Roger Goodell couldn’t have embarrassed himself more in this whole Brett Favre investigation if he had tried.
• Accept the fact that random events can determine the outcome of your championship game, no matter how much homework you’ve done.
• Above all else remember that this is a game, and we play fantasy football as an escape from the rest of our lives.  Sure, we’d all like to win the championship in every league we’re in, but losing a fantasy football game, even a title game, ranks way down the list of life’s calamities.

Have a great week, and good luck in your championship games!

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,

How humble is Michael Vick?  What great opportunity did Mike Singletary miss?  Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!

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

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,

Down the stretch they come!  Whether you’re managing an undefeated first-place team, or you find your roster loaded with turkeys, your time grows short to qualify for your league’s playoffs  Here are my recommendations for Week 11 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

Chicago at Miami (Thursday night) - Last Sunday was a bad day to be a Miami Dolphins’ quarterback named Chad.  Tonight third-string quarterback Tyler Thigpen takes center stage for the Cutler vs Tyler show.  Cutler throws yet another key interception, ala Brett Favre blinks first, and Miami gets its second straight home victory.   Miami 21  Chicago 17.

• Chicago
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  WR Johnny Knox (Probable-ankle), TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  QB Jay Cutler, RB Chester Taylor, K Robbie Gould
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  RB Matt Forte; WRs Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, & Devin Hester (Probable-shoulder)
• Miami
  • Yes:  WR Brandon Marshall (Probable-hamstring), TE Anthony Fassano, DEF
  • No:  QBs Chad Pennington (IR-shoulder) & Chad Henne (Doubtful-knee), RB Ricky Williams, WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter
  • Maybe So:  QB Tyler Thigpen, RB Ronnie Brown, WR Davone Bess

Buffalo at Cincinnati (Sunday early) - Buffalo’s season has gone pretty much as expected.  Cincinnati’s has gone much worse than expected.  Buffalo got to celebrate a victory last weekend against Detroit, but the Bengals will win this Game of the Weak.  Cincinnati 27 Buffalo 21.

• Buffalo
  • Yes:  RB Fred Jackson
  • No:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller (Out-hamstring), DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • Maybe So:  WRs Steve Johnson & Lee Evans
• Cincinnati
  • Yes:  RB Cedric Benson (Questionable/foot)/Bernard Scott (if he starts), WR Terrell Owens, TE Jermaine Grisham, DEF, K Aaron Pettrey
  • No:  WR Jordan Shipley
  • Maybe So:  QB Carson Palmer (Probable-shoulder), WR Chad Ochocinco (Probable-shoulder)

Arizona at Kansas City - You almost have to root for Arizona to win this game just to see whether Todd Haley will shake hands with Ken Whisenhunt.  Kansas City 31 Arizona 20.

• Arizona
  • Yes:  WR Larry Fitzgerald, K Jay Feely
  • No: RB Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee), DEF
  • Maybe So:  QB Derek Anderson, RB Tim Hightower, WR Steve Breaston
• Kansas City
  • Yes:  QB Matt Cassel, RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, DEF
  • No:  WRs Chris Chambers & Dexter McCluster (Questionable-ankle), TE Tony Moeaki (Out-concussion), K Ryan Succop
  • Maybe So:  None

Green Bay at Minnesota - In all likelihood this will be the last time that Brett Favre faces his former team.  It will be a sad occasion for those who worship at the altar of drama queens, and a joyous day for the rest of us.  Minnesota 27 Green Bay 24.

• Green Bay
  • Yes:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver (Questionable-quad)
  • No:  RB John Kuhn, WR Jordy Nelson, TEs Anthony Quarless (Probable-shoulder) & Donald Lee, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Maybe So:  RB Bernard Jackson, WR James Jones
• Minnesota
  • Yes:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin (Probable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • No:  WRs Sidney Rice & Bernard Berrian (Questionable-groin)
  • Maybe So:  QB Brett Favre (Probable-ankle), WR Greg Camarillo

Washington at Tennessee - The Redskins celebrated Donovan McNabb’s new contract by getting blown out by McNabb’s old team on Monday Night Football.  The Redskins will bounce back and beat the Titans, who have quarterback troubles of their own.  Washington 31 Tennessee 24.

• Washington
  • Yes:  QB Donovan McNabb, RB Keiland Williams, WRs Santana Moss & Anthony Armstrong, TE Chris Cooley, DEF
  • No:  RBs Ryan Torain (Out-hamstring) & Clinton Portis (Questionable-groin)
  • Maybe So:  None
• Tennessee
  • Yes: RB Chris Johnson, WRs Randy Moss & Nate Washington, TE Bo Scaife
  • No:  QB Kerry Collins (Doubtful-calf), WRs Kenny Britt (Out-hamstring) & Justin Gage, DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • Maybe So:  QB Vince Young

Cleveland at Jacksonville - While both of these teams have slightly better-than-expected records, Cleveland’s future is brighter than Jacksonville’s.  That won’t matter this week as Jacksonville wins (without the aid of a Hail Mary pass).  Jacksonville 27 Cleveland 24

• Cleveland
  • Yes:  QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis, WR Mohamed Massaquoi, TE Ben Watson
  • No:  WR Josh Cribbs (Out-foot), DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Maybe:  WR Brian Robiskie
• Jacksonville
  • Yes:  QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Sims-Walker (Questionable-ankle) & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF, K Josh Scobee
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  None

Houston at New York Jets  - Houston loses games it should win; the Jets win games they should lose.  Matt Schaub is running out of healthy bodies to throw to, and the Jets will keep Arian Foster in check on their way to another victory.  NY Jets 34 Houston 24

• Houston
  • Yes: QB Matt Schaub (Questionable-knee), WR Andre Johnson (Probable-ankle), TE Joel Dreessen
  • No:  TE Owen Daniels (Out-hamstring), DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So:  RB Arian Foster, WRs Kevin Walter (Probable-knee) & Jacoby Jones
• NY Jets
  • Yes:  QB Mark Sanchez (Probable-calf), WR Santonio Holmes & Brayon Edwards
  • No:  WR Jerricho Cotchery (Out-groin)
  • Maybe So:  RBs LeShaun McCoy & Sean Greene

Baltimore at Carolina  - So it’s come to this for Carolina:  Tony Pike, the presumed replacement for Jimmy Clausen, who replaced Matt Moore, has been passed over for the Panthers’ starting quarterback job in favor of Brian St. Pierre.  Lots of luck with that.  Baltimore 24 Carolina 7.

• Baltimore
  • Yes: RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, TE Todd Heap (Probable-chest), DEF
  • No: K Billy Cundiff
  • Maybe So:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Willis McGahee, WRs Derrick Mason & T.J. Houshmandzadeh
• New Orleans
  • Yes:  TE Dante Rosario, DEF
  • No:  QBs Brian St. Pierre, Tony Pike, & Jimmy Clausen (Out-concussion); RBs Mike Goodson, Tyrell Sutton (Out-ankle), Jonathan Stewart (Out-concussion), & DeAngelo Williams (IR-foot), WRs Steve Smith, David Gettis, & Brandon LaFell (Out-concussion); K John Kasay
  • Maybe So:  None

Detroit at Dallas - Two weeks ago this matchup between the two traditional Thanksgiving game host teams looked to be a dreadful game, but then the Cowboys went out and destroyed the Giants last weekend for interim head coach Jason Garrett.  Go figure.  Dallas 24  Detroit 17

• Detroit
  • Yes:  WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-knee) & Nate Burleson (Probable-thigh), TEs Brandon Pettigrew & Tony Scheffler (Questionable-shoulder), DEF
  • No: RB Kevin Smith (IR-thumb), WR Bryant Johnson, Ks David Rayner & Jason Hanson (Out-knee)
  • Maybe So:  QB Shaun Hill, RB Jahvid Best (Probable-toe)/Maurice Morris (if he starts)
• Dallas
  • Yes:  QB Jon Kitna, WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • No:  RBs Marion Barber & Tashard Choice, K David Buehler
  • Maybe So:  RB Felix Jones, WR Roy Williams

Oakland at Pittsburgh - Oakland’s success this season has been surprising; Pittsburgh’s only mildly so.  This will be one of the weekend’s more interesting games - Oakland will pull off yet another upset.  Oakland 21 Pittsburgh 21

• Oakland
  • Yes:  QB Jason Campbell, WR Louis Murphy, TE Zach Miller (Questionable-foot), DEF
  • No: RB Michael Bush, K Sebastien Janikowski
  • Maybe So:  RB Darren McFadden, WRs Jacoby Ford & Darrius Heyward-Bey (Questionable-hamstring)
• Pittsburgh
  • Yes:  TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • No:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward (Probable-concussion) & Mike Wallace, K Shaun Suisham
  • Maybe So:  None

Atlanta at St. Louis (Sunday late) Matt Ryan showed last week that he can bring his team back from a deficit late in the game.  He may have to use that skill again this week, but the outcome will be the same as it was against the Ravens.  Atlanta 24 St. Louis 21

• Atlanta
  • Yes: QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • No:  K Matt Bryant
  • Maybe So: WR Michael Jenkins
• St. Louis
  • Yes:  RB Steven Jackson, WR Danny Amendola, DEF
  • No:  WR Mardy Gilyard, K Josh Brown
  • Maybe So:  QB Sam Bradford, WRs Brandon Gibson & Laurent Robinson, TE Daniel Fells

Tampa Bay at San Francisco - San Francisco was expected to contend for a division title this season; Tampa Bay wasn’t.  Even though the Buccaneers are technically still in contention, both teams will be watching the playoffs on television this season.  At least Tampa Bay has the excuse of a strong division.  Tampa Bay 20 San Francisco 13

• Tampa Bay
  • Yes:  TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF, K Connor Barth
  • No: QB Josh Freeman, RBs Cadillac Williams & Earnest Graham (Probable-hamstring), WRs Arrelious Benn & Sammie Stroughter (Questionable-foot)
  • Maybe So:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Michael Williams
• San Francisco
  • Yes:  QB Troy Smith, RB Frank Gore (Probable-foot), WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • No:  QB Alex Smith, K Shane Andrus
  • Maybe So:  WR Josh Morgan

Seattle at New Orleans - To anybody who watches this game - please turn out the lights on the way home.  New Orleans 28 Seattle 10

• Seattle
  • Yes: TE John Carlson
  • No: QBs Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-wrist) & Charlie Whitehurst, RB Justin Forsett, WR Golden Tate (Doubtful-ankle), DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Maybe So: RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Michael Williams & Deon Butler
• New Orleans
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE David Thomas, DEF
  • No:  RBs Reggie Bush (Questionable-leg) & Chris Ivory (Probable-shoulder), TE Jeremy Shockey (Out-ribs), K Garrett Hartley
  • Maybe So:  WRs Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, & Devery Henderson

Indianapolis at New England - It’s the seemingly annual battle between Peyton Perfect and Tom Terrific.  While neither may win the league’s MVP award this season, the game will be as entertaining as always.  Indianapolis 34 New England 24

• Indianapolis
  • Yes: QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne (Questionable-knee) & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
  • No: RBs Joseph Addai (Out-neck) & Mike Hart (Out-ankle), WR Austin Collie (Questionable-concussion)
  • Maybe So: RB Donald Brown
• New England
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady (Questionable-foot), WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez
  • No:  DEF, K Shayne Graham
  • Maybe So:  RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Danny Woodhead, TE Rob Gronkowski

New York Giants at Philadelphia (Sunday night) - If the previous week’s NFL games had much predictive value, the Giants would be in a heap of trouble.  Sadly for the Eagles, they don’t.  New York 24 Philadelphia 21

• New York
  • Yes: QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham, TE Kevin Boss (Probable-back), DEF
  • No:  K Lawrence Tynes, WR Steve Smith (Out-arm)
  • Maybe So: RB Brandon Jacobs
• Philadelphia
  • Yes:  RB LeSean McCoy (Probable-shoulder), WR DeSean Jackson &  Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • No:  K Davd Akers
  • Maybe So:  QB Michael Vick, WR Jason Avant 
    

Denver at San Diego (Monday night) - San Diego’s season is playing out according to its usual script:  slow start, fast finish.  Denver will provide only token resistance.  San Diego 41 Denver 24

• Denver
  • Yes: QB Kyle Orton; WRs Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal (Questionable-hamstring) & Jabar Gaffney
  • No: RB Knowshon Moreno, DEF, K Matt Prater
  • Maybe So: None
• San Diego
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Malcom Floyd (Probable-hamstring), TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot), DEF, K Kris Brown
  • No:  RB Ryan Mathews (Doubtful-ankle), WR Legedu Naanee (Doubtful-hamstring)
  • Maybe So:  RBs Mike Tolbert & Darren Sproles, WRs Seyi Ajirotutu & Patrick Crayton

Good luck to your teams 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

Hi everyone,

The good news is that we’re finally through the seven bye weeks.  The bad news is that a number of quarterbacks and (yes) kickers were injured during last week’s game and need to be replaced by what remains on the waiver wire.

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

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings - (those that weren’t on this list last week)
  • Tom Brady (foot)
  • Matt Schaub (knee)
  • Chad Henne (knee)
  • Jimmy Clausen (concussion)
  • Kerry Collins (calf)
  • Chad Pennington (shoulder-out for season)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 11 matchups)
  • Sam Bradford (vs Atl)
  • Jon Kitna (vs Det)
  • Colt McCoy (@ Jac)
  • Troy Smith (vs TB)
  • Vince Young (vs Was) 
  • Jason Campbell (@ Pit)
  • Tyler Thigpen (vs Chi)
  • Brian St. Pierre (vs Bal)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • DeAngelo Williams (IR-foot) 
  • Ryan Torain (Hamstring)
  • C.J. Spiller (hamstring)
  • Chris Ivory (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Keiland Williams (@ Ten)
  • Bernard Scott (vs Buf)
  • Donald Brown (@ NE)
  • Mike Goodson (vs Bal)
  • Darren Sproles (vs Den)

Wide Receivers

• Injuries/benchings  
  • Reggie Wayne (knee)
  • Mike Sims-Walker (ankle)
  • Hines Ward (quad)
  • Jeremy Cotchery (hamstring)
  • Josh Cribbs (foot) 
  • Bernard Berrian (groin)
  • Brandon LaFell (concussion)
  • Dexter McCluster (ankle)hter (foot)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Mike Williams (Sea) (@ NO)
  • Deion Branch (vs Ind) 
  • Mike Thomas (vs Cle) 
  • Danny Amendola (vs Atl)
  • Kevin Walter (@ NYJ)
  • Patrick Crayton (vs Den)
  • Nate Burleson (@ Dal)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (@ Jac)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Tony Moeaki (concussion)
• Waiver Wire Targets
  • Ben Watson (@ Jac)
  • Anthony Fasano (vs Chi)
  • Jermaine Gresham (vs Buf)
  • Kevin Boss (@ Phi)
  • Tony Scheffler (@ Dal)

Kicker

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jason Hanson (knee)
  • Joe Nedney (knee)
  • Mike Nugent (IR - season-ending injury)
  • Jeff Reed (cut)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Ryan Succop (vs Ari)
  • Billy Cundiff (@ Car)
  • Shayne Graham (vs Ind)
  • Shaun Suisham (@ Oak)
  • Aaron Pettrey (vs Buf)
  • David Raynor (@ Dal)

Defense

• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Atlanta (vs StL)
  • Kansas City (vs Ari)
  • San Diego (vs Den)
  • Dallas (vs Det)
  • Cincinnati (vs Buf)

Final Thoughts

• Let’s see if Tom Brady leads his team to victory again this week by screaming at his teammates.
• Will someone pleases wake up the Giants before their Sunday night game in Philadelphia? 
• If you know of any quarterbacks please contact Miami head coach Tony Sparano immeidately.

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,

What is Jay Cutler getting his offensive line for the holidays? Why was Atlanta glad their game with the Ravens was on Thursday night?  Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/ad9ODb  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