The Fantasy Football Sherpa

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

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

Quarterback

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

Running Back

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

Wide Receiver

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

Tight Ends

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

Kickers

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

Defenses

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

Good luck with your claims!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

 

Quarterbacks

1.      Aaron Rodgers       vs StL

2.      Drew Brees            @TB

3.      Tony Romo            @NE

4.      Eli Manning            vs. Buf

5.      Matthew Stafford vs. SF

6.      Tom Brady           vs. Dal

7.      Cam Newton          @Atl

8.      Ryan Fitzpatrick @NYG

9.      Matt Ryan              vs Car

10.  Colt McCoy           @Oak

11.  Jay Cutler               vs. Min

12.  Sam Bradford         @GB

13.  Donovan McNabb @Chi

14.  Michael Vick          @Was

15.  Andy Dalton           vs Ind

16.  Ben Roethlisberger vs. Jac

17.  Joe Flacco              vs. Hou

18.  Alex Smith             @ Det

19.  Josh Freeman         vs. NO

20.  Mark Sanchez        vs. Mia

21.  Rex Grossman        vs Phi

22.  Jason Campbell      vs. Cle

23.  Matt Schaub           @Bal

24.  Matt Moore           @NYJ

25.  Blaine Gabbert       @Pit

26.  Curtis Painter          @Cin

 

Running Backs    

1.      James Starks          vs StL

2.      Ahmad Bradshaw   vs. Buf

3.      Ryan Torain            vs Phi

4.      Adrian Peterson      @Chi

5.      LeSean McCoy      @Was

6.      Fred Jackson          @NYG

7.      Darren McFadden  vs. Cle

8.      Michael Turner       vs Car

9.      Cedric Benson        vs Ind

10.  Peyton Hillis           @Oak

11.  Matt Forte              vs. Min

12.  Ray Rice                vs. Hou

13.  Frank Gore            @ Det

14.  Reggie Bush           @NYJ

15.  Maurice Jones-Drew @Pit

16.  Ryan Grant vs StL

17.  Mark Ingram          @TB

18.  Darren Sproles       @TB

19.  Pierre Thomas        @TB

20.  Felix Jones @NE

21.  Roy Helu                vs Phi

22.  Jahvid Best vs. SF

23.  Stevan Ridley         vs. Dal

24.  DeAngelo Williams @Atl

25.  Jonathan Stewart    @Atl

26.  C.J. Spiller             @NYG

27.  Michael Bush          vs. Cle

28.  Bernard Scott         vs Ind

29.  Rashard Mendenhall vs. Jac

30.  Earnest Graham      vs. NO

31.  Steven Jackson       @GB

32.  Delone Carter         @Cin

33.  Tim Hightower        vs Phi

34.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. Dal

35.  Daniel Thomas        @NYJ

36.  Tashard Choice      @NE

37.  DeMarco Murray   @NE

38.  Danny Ware           vs. Buf

39.  Toby Gerhart          @Chi

40.  Mike Goodson       @Atl

41.  Ronnie Brown        @Was

42.  Isaac Redman         vs. Jac

43.  Jonathan Dwyer      vs. Jac

44.  Mario Hardesty      @Oak

45.  Marion Barber        vs. Min

46.  Brian Leonard        vs Ind

47.  Ricky Williams        vs. Hou

48.  Kendall Hunter       @ Det

49.  Shonn Greene         vs. Mia

50.  LaDainian Tomlinson          vs. Mia

51.  Ben Tate                @Bal

52.  Derrick Ward         @Bal

53.  Cadillac Williams    @GB

54.  Deji Karim @Pit

55.  LeGarrette Blount   vs. NO

56.  Joseph Addai         @Cin

 

Wide Receivers

1.      Jordy Nelson          vs StL

2.      Greg Jennings          vs StL

3.      Marques Colston    @TB

4.      Miles Austin           @NE

5.      Dez Bryant @NE

6.      Hakeem Nicks       vs. Buf

7.      Victor Cruz            vs. Buf

8.      Santana Moss         vs Phi

9.      Calvin Johnson       vs. SF

10.  Wes Welker           vs. Dal

11.  Deion Branch         vs. Dal

12.  Steve Smith            @Atl

13.  DeSean Jackson     @Was

14.  David Nelson         @NYG

15.  Denarius Moore     vs. Cle

16.  A.J. Green              vs Ind

17.  Mike Wallace         vs. Jac

18.  Mohamed Massaquoi @Oak

19.  Johnny Knox          vs. Min

20.  Roddy White          vs Car

21.  Anquan Boldin        vs. Hou

22.  Mike Williams        vs. NO

23.  Santonio Holmes    vs. Mia

24.  Brandon Gibson     @GB

25.  Mike Sims-Walker @GB

26.  Reggie Wayne        @Cin

27.  James Jones           vs StL

28.  Lance Moore         @TB

29.  Robert Meachem    @TB

30.  Laurent Robinson   @NE

31.  Mario Manningham vs. Buf

32.  Jabar Gaffney         vs Phi

33.  Titus Young            vs. SF

34.  Chad Ochocinco    vs. Dal

35.  Michael Jenkins      @Chi

36.  Legedu Naanee      @Atl

37.  Brandon LaFell       @Atl

38.  Jeremy Maclin        @Was

39.  Naaman Roosevelt @NYG

40.  Darius Heyward-Bey vs. Cle

41.  Jason Avant            @Was

42.  Harry Douglas        vs Car

43.  Jerome Simpson     vs Ind

44.  Andre Caldwell      vs Ind

45.  Hines Ward            vs. Jac

46.  Antonio Brown       vs. Jac

47.  Emmanuel Sanders vs. Jac

48.  Greg Little              @Oak

49.  Brian Robiskie        @Oak

50.  Dane Sanzenbacher vs. Min

51.  Torrey Smith          vs. Hou

52.  Plaxico Burress       vs. Mia

53.  Jeremy Kerley        vs. Mia

54.  Brandon Marshall   @NYJ

55.  Danario Alexander @GB

56.  Mike Thomas         @Pit

57.  Jason Hill                @Pit

58.  Austin Collie           @Cin

59.  Pierre Garcon         @Cin

60.  Percy Harvin          @Chi

61.  Michael Crabtree    @ Det

62.  Arian Foster           @Bal

63.  Donald Driver         vs StL

64.  Devery Henderson @TB

65.  Jesse Holley           @NE

66.  Kevin Ogletree       @NE

67.  Nate Burleson        vs. SF

68.  Bernard Berrian      @Chi

69.  Jacoby Ford           vs. Cle

70.  Louis Murphy         vs. Cle

71.  Steve Smith            @Was

72.  Roy Williams          vs. Min

73.  Devin Hester          vs. Min

74.  Preston Parker       vs. NO

75.  Arrelious Benn        vs. NO

76.  Kevin Walter          @Bal

77.  Derrick Mason       @Bal

78.  Davone Bess          @NYJ

79.  Brian Hartline         @NYJ

80.  Jacoby Jones          @Bal

81.  Bryant Johnson       @Bal

82.  Damian Williams     @Pit

83.  Anthony Armstrong vs Phi

84.  Josh Cribbs            @Oak

85.  Earl Bennett            vs. Min

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jermichael Finley    vs StL

2.      Jimmy Graham        @TB

3.      Jason Witten           @NE

4.      Fred Davis             vs Phi

5.      Brandon Pettigrew vs. SF

6.      Rob Gronkowski    vs. Dal

7.      Visanthe Shiancoe  @Chi

8.      Greg Olsen @Atl

9.      Kevin Boss vs. Cle

10.  Jermaine Gresham  vs Ind

11.  Ben Watson           @Oak

12.  Heath Miller           vs. Jac

13.  Ed Dickson            vs. Hou

14.  Vernon Davis         @ Det

15.  Kellen Winslow      vs. NO

16.  Dustin Keller          vs. Mia

17.  Owen Daniels         @Bal

18.  Dallas Clark           @Cin

19.  Jake Ballard           vs. Buf

20.  Jeremy Shockey     @Atl

21.  Scott Chandler       @NYG

22.  Evan Moore           @Oak

23.  Kellen Davis           vs. Min

24.  Joel Dreessen         @Bal

25.  Anthony Fasano     @NYJ

26.  Marcedes Lewis     @Pit

27.  Tony Gonzalez        vs Car

28.  Kyle Rudolph         @Chi

29.  Brent Celek            @Was

30.  Dennis Pitta            vs. Hou

31.  Lance Kendricks    @GB

32.  Chris Cooley          vs Phi

33.  Aaron Hernandez   vs. Dal

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Cincinnati Bengals vs Ind

2.      Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jac

3.      Green Bay Packers vs StL

4.      New York Jets       vs. Mia

5.      Miami Dolphins      @NYJ

6.      New Orleans Saints @TB

7.      Detroit Lions          vs. SF

8.      Baltimore Ravens    vs. Hou

9.      Oakland Raiders     vs. Cle

10.  Minnesota Vikings @Chi

11.  Indianapolis Colts   @Cin

12.  Jacksonville Jaguars @Pit

13.  Carolina Panthers   @Atl

14.  Houston Texans      @Bal

15.  Philadelphia Eagles @Was

16.  Chicago Bears vs. Min

17.  Cleveland Browns  @Oak

18.  Atlanta Falcons       vs Car

19.  New York Giants   vs. Buf

20.  Washington Redskins vs Phi

21.  San Francisco 49ers @ Det

22.  Dallas Cowboys     @NE

23.  Buffalo Bills            @NYG

24.  New England Patriots vs. Dal

25.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NO

26.  St. Louis Rams       @GB

 

Kickers

1.      Mason Crosby       vs StL

2.      John Kasay            @TB

3.      Dan Bailey  @NE

4.      Lawrence Tynes     vs. Buf

5.      Graham Gano         vs Phi

6.      Jason Hanson         vs. SF

7.      Stephen Gostkowski vs. Dal

8.      Ryan Longwell        @Chi

9.      Olindo Mare           @Atl

10.  Alex Henery           @Was

11.  Rian Lindell            @NYG

12.  Sebastian Janikowski vs. Cle

13.  Matt Bryant            vs Car

14.  Mike Nugent          vs Ind

15.  Shaun Suisham       vs. Jac

16.  Robbie Gould         vs. Min

17.  Phil Dawson           @Oak

18.  Billy Cundiff            vs. Hou

19.  David Akers           @Det

20.  Connor Barth         vs. NO

21.  Nick Folk               vs. Mia

22.  Dan Carpenter        @NYJ

23.  Neil Rackers          @Bal

24.  Josh Brown            @GB

25.  Josh Scobee           @Pit

26.  Adam Vinatieri       @Cin

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

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

Quarterback

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

Running Back

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

Wide Receiver

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

Tight Ends

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

Kickers

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

Defenses

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

Good luck with your claims!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

• Green Bay

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

 

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

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

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Quarterbacks

1. Michael Vick @Buf

2. Drew Brees @Car

3. Matt Schaub vs Oak

4. Matthew Stafford vs Chi

5. Aaron Rodgers @Atl

6. Philip Rivers @Den

7. Matt Ryan vs GB

8. Ben Roethlisberger vs Ten

9. Tom Brady vs NYJ

10. Eli Manning vs Sea

11. Cam Newton vs NO

12. Ryan Fitzpatrick vs Phi

13. Matt Hasselbeck @Pit

14. Kevin Kolb @Min

15. Matt Cassel @Ind

16. Tarvaris Jackson @NYG

17. Curtis Painter vs KC

18. Jay Cutler @Det

19. Mark Sanchez @NE

20. Donovan McNabb vs Ari

21. Josh Freeman @SF

22. Jason Campbell @Hou

23. Alex Smith vs TB

24. Andy Dalton @Jac

25. Blaine Gabbert vs Cin

26. Kyle Orton vs SD

27. Kerry Collins vs KC

 

 

Running Backs

1. LeSean McCoy @Buf

2. Mark Ingram @Car

3. Arian Foster vs Oak

4. Stevan Ridley vs NYJ

5. BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs NYJ

6. Fred Jackson vs Phi

7. Ahmad Bradshaw vs Sea

8. Marshawn Lynch @NYG

9. Chris Johnson @Pit

10. Dexter McCluster @Ind

11. Thomas Jones @Ind

12. Joseph Addai vs KC

13. Adrian Peterson vs Ari

14. Matt Forte @Det

15. Darren McFadden @Hou

16. Frank Gore vs TB

17. Cedric Benson @Jac

18. Maurice Jones-Drew vs Cin

19. Darren Sproles @Car

20. Pierre Thomas @Car

21. Jahvid Best vs Chi

22. John Starks @Atl

23. Michael Turner vs GB

24. Mike Tolbert @Den

25. Ryan Mathews @Den

26. Isaac Redman vs Ten

27. Danny Ware vs Sea

28. Jonathan Stewart vs NO

29. C.J. Spiller vs Phi

30. DeAngelo Williams vs NO

31. Javon Springer @Pit

32. Michael Bush @Hou

33. Shonn Greene @NE

34. LaDainian Tomlinson @NE

35. LeGarrette Blount @SF

36. Delone Carter vs KC

37. Marion Barber @Det

38. Willis McGahee vs SD

39. Ronnie Brown @Buf

40. Ryan Grant @Atl

41. Jason Snelling vs GB

42. Jacquizz Rodgers vs GB

43. Mike Goodson vs NO

44. Alfonso Smith @Min

45. LaRod Stephens-Howling @Min

46. Toby Gerhart vs Ari

47. Earnest Graham @SF

48. Kendall Hunter vs TB

49. Bernard Scott @Jac

50. Deji Karim vs Cin

51. Knowshon Moreno vs SD

52. Beanie Wells @Min

53. Ben Tate vs Oak

54. Rashard Mendenhall vs Ten

55. Danny Woodhead vs NYJ

56. Brandon Jacobs vs Sea

 

Wide Receivers

1. DeSean Jackson @Buf

2. Jeremy Maclin @Buf

3. Marques Colston @Car

4. Calvin Johnson vs Chi

5. Jordy Nelson @Atl

6. Greg Jennings @Atl

7. Malcom Floyd @Den

8. Julio Jones vs GB

9. Mike Wallace vs Ten

10. Roddy White vs GB

11. Vincent Jackson @Den

12. Steve Johnson vs Phi

13. David Nelson vs Phi

14. Victor Cruz vs Sea

15. Hakeem Nicks vs Sea

16. Steve Smith vs NO

17. Wes Welker vs NYJ

18. Sidney Rice @NYG

19. Larry Fitzgerald @Min

20. Dwayne Bowe @Ind

21. Michael Williams @SF

22. Reggie Wayne vs KC

23. Santonio Holmes @NE

24. Johnny Knox @Det

25. Denarius Moore @Hou

26. Percy Harvin vs Ari

27. Michael Crabtree vs TB

28. A.J. Green @Jac

29. Jason Avant @Buf

30. Steve Smith @Buf

31. Lance Moore @Car

32. Robert Meachem @Car

33. Jacoby Jones vs Oak

34. Titus Young vs Chi

35. Nate Burleson vs Chi

36. Kevin Walter vs Oak

37. Antonio Brown vs Ten

38. Patrick Crayton @Den

39. Emmanuel Sanders vs Ten

40. Hines Ward vs Ten

41. Mario Manningham vs Sea

42. Donald Jones vs Phi

43. Legedu Naanee vs NO

44. Brandon LaFell vs NO

45. Deion Branch vs NYJ

46. Steve Breaston @Ind

47. Doug Baldwin @NYG

48. Early Doucet @Min

49. Ben Obomanu @NYG

50. Andre Roberts @Min

51. Nate Washington @Pit

52. Derrick Mason @NE

53. Preston Parker @SF

54. Michael Jenkins vs Ari

55. Plaxico Burress @NE

56. Pierre Garcon vs KC

57. Austin Collie vs KC

58. Arrelious Benn @SF

59. Jerome Simpson @Jac

60. Andre Caldwell @Jac

61. Eric Decker vs SD

62. Brandon Lloyd vs SD

63. Donald Driver @Atl

64. James Jones @Atl

65. Jerricho Cotchery vs Ten

66. Harry Douglas vs GB

67. Chad Ochocinco vs NYJ

68. Jonathan Baldwin @Ind

69. Damian Williams @Pit

70. Donnie Avery @Pit

71. Devin Hester @Det

72. Darius Heyward-Bey @Hou

73. Roy Williams @Det

74. Bernard Berrian vs Ari

75. Chaz Schilens @Hou

76. Jacoby Ford @Hou

77. Josh Morgan vs TB

78. Jason Hill vs Cin

79. Mike Thomas vs Cin

80. Devery Henderson @Car

81. Louis Murphy @Hou

 

 

Tight Ends

1. Jimmy Graham @Car

2. Owen Daniels vs Oak

3. Brandon Pettigrew vs Chi

4. Jermichael Finley @Atl

5. Tony Gonzalez vs GB

6. Heath Miller vs Ten

7. Rob Gronkowski vs NYJ

8. Greg Olsen vs NO

9. Jared Cook @Pit

10. Zach Miller @NYG

11. Dallas Clark vs KC

12. Kevin Boss @Hou

13. Visanthe Shiancoe vs Ari

14. Kellen Winslow @SF

15. Dustin Keller @NE

16. Vernon Davis vs TB

17. Jermaine Gresham @Jac

18. Marcedes Lewis vs Cin

19. Randy McMichael @Den

20. Jeremy Shockey vs NO

21. Scott Chandler vs Phi

22. Jeff King @Min

23. Brent Celek @Buf

24. Jake Ballard vs Sea

25. Leonard Pope @Ind

26. Kellen Davis @Det

27. Kyle Rudolph vs Ari

28. Todd Heap @Min

29. Daniel Fells vs SD

30. Antonio Gates @Den

31. Aaron Hernandez vs NYJ

 

 

Defense & Special Teams

1. San Diego Chargers @Den

2. Cincinnati Bengals @Jac

3. Kansas City Chiefs @Ind

4. New England Patriots vs NYJ

5. Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cin

6. Arizona Cardinals @Min

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @SF

8. San Francisco 49ers vs TB

9. Detroit Lions vs Chi

10. Houston Texans vs Oak

11. New York Giants vs Sea

12. Indianapolis Colts vs KC

13. Pittsburgh Steelers vs Ten

14. New Orleans Saints @Car

15. Minnesota Vikings vs Ari

16. Philadelphia Eagles @Buf

17. Seattle Seahawks @NYG

18. New York Jets @NE

19. Tennessee Titans @Pit

20. Denver Broncos vs SD

21. Green Bay Packers @Atl

22. Atlanta Falcons vs GB

23. Oakland Raiders @Hou

24. Chicago Bears @Det

25. Carolina Panthers vs NO

26. Buffalo Bills vs Phi

 

 

Kickers

1. Alex Henery @Buf

2. John Kasay @Car

3. Jason Hanson vs Chi

4. Neil Rackers vs Oak

5. Mason Crosby @Atl

6. Shaun Suisham vs Ten

7. Matt Bryant vs GB

8. Nick Novak @Den

9. Stephen Gostkowski vs NYJ

10. Olindo Mare vs NO

11. Lawrence Tynes vs Sea

12. Rian Lindell vs Phi

13. Ryan Succop @Ind

14. Steve Hauschka @NYG

15. Rob Bironas @Pit

16. Jay Feely @Min

17. Nick Folk @NE

18. Robbie Gould @Det

19. Sebastian Janikowski @Hou

20. Adam Vinatieri vs KC

21. Connor Barth @SF

22. Ryan Longwell vs Ari

23. Mike Nugent @Jac

24. David Akers vs TB

25. Josh Scobee vs Cin

26. Matt Prater vs SD

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

Teams with Week 5 byes:  Baltimore, Cleveland, Dallas, Miami, St. Louis, & Washington

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Ben Roethlisberger (foot)
  • Chad Henne (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 5 opponents)
  • Donovan McNabb (vs Ari)
  • Jason Campbell (@Hou)
  • Matt Cassel (@Ind)
  • Alex Smith (vs TB)
  • Charlie Batch (vs Ten)
  • Matt Moore (bye)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring)
  • Ben Tate (groin)
  • Tim Hightower (shoulder)
  • Michael Bush (ankle)
  • Danny Woodhead (ankle)
  • Mewelde Moore (ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Isaac Redman (vs Ten)
  • Stevan Ridley (vs NYJ)
  • Jacquizz Rodgers (vs GB)
  • Ryan Torain (bye)
  • Roy Helu (bye)
  • Ricky Williams (bye)
  • Tashard Choice (bye)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Andre Johnson (hamstring)
  • Vincent Jackson (leg)
  • Michael Williams (Sea) (concussion)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (shoulder)
  • Donald Driver (shin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Denarius Moore (@Hou)
  • Titus Young (vs Chi)
  • Preston Parker (@SF)
  • Andre Caldwell (@Jac)
  • Early Doucet (@Min)
  • Victor Cruz (vs Sea)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs NO)
  • Legedu Naanee (vs NO)
  • Jason Avant (@Buf)
  • Jason Hill (vs Cin)
  • Doug Baldwin (@NYG)
  • Donald Driver (@Atl)
  • Darius Heyward-Bey (@Hou)
  • James Jones (@Atl)
  • Derek Hagan (@Hou)
  • Danario Alexander (bye)
  • Brian Hartline (bye)
  • Torrey Smith (bye)
  • Greg Little (bye)
  • Laurent Robinson (bye)
  • Austin Pettis (bye)
  • Josh Cribbs (bye)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jeremy Shockey (concussion)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jermaine Gresham (@Jac)
  • Zach Miller (Sea) (@NYG)
  • Jared Cook (@Pit)
  • Todd Heap (@Min)
  • Kevin Boss (@Hou)
  • Kyle Rudolph (vs Ari)
  • Randy McMichael (vs Den)
  • Ed Dickson (bye)
  • Ben Watson (bye)
  • Lance Kendricks (bye)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Olindo Mare (vs NO)
  • Mike Nugent (@Jac)
  • David Akers (vs TB)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Cin (@Jac)
  • Ind (vs KC)
  • KC (@Ind)
  • SF (vs TB)

Good luck with your claims!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Quarterbacks

1. Philip Rivers vs Mia

2. Aaron Rodgers vs Den

3. Tom Brady @ Oak

4. Drew Brees @Jac

5. Michael Vick vs SF

6. Ben Roethlisberger @ Hou

7. Eli Manning @ Ari

8. Cam Newton @ Chi

9. Sam Bradford vs Was

10. Rex Grossman @StL

11. Matt Stafford @Dal

12. Kevin Kolb vs NYG

13. Kyle Orton @ GB

14. Tony Romo vs Det

15. Joe Flacco vs NYJ

16. Donovan McNabb @ KC

17. Jason Campbell vs NE

18. Andy Dalton vs Buf

19. Ryan Fitzpatrick @Cin

20. Matt Hasselbeck @Cle

21. Josh Freeman vs Ind

22. Chad Henne @ SD

23. Matt Ryan @ Sea

24. Jay Cutler vs Car

25. Mark Sanchez @ Bal

26. Matt Cassel vs Min

27. Alex Smith @Phi

28. Matt Schaub vs Pit

29. Colt McCoy vs Ten

30. Tarvaris Jackson vs Atl

31. Blake Gabbert vs NO

32. Curtis Painter @ TB

33. Kerry Collins @ TB

 

 Running Backs

1. Ray Rice vs NYJ

2. Adrian Peterson @ KC

3. Darren McFadden vs NE

4. James Starks vs Den

5. Mark Ingram @Jac

6. Ahmad Bradshaw @ Ari

7. Cedric Benson vs Buf

8. Tim Hightower @StL

9. Fred Jackson @Cin

10. Chris Johnson @Cle

11. Reggie Bush @ SD

12. Matt Forte vs Car

13. Michael Turner @ Sea

14. Peyton Hillis vs Ten

15. Maurice Jones-Drew vs NO

16. Ryan Mathews vs Mia

17. Mike Tolbert vs Mia

18. Pierre Thomas @Jac

19. BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ Oak

20. Darren Sproles @Jac

21. Shane Vereen @ Oak

22. Danny Woodhead @ Oak

23. LeSean McCoy vs SF

24. Rashard Mendenhall @ Hou

25. Steven Jackson vs Was

26. DeAngelo Williams @ Chi

27. Brandon Jacobs @ Ari

28. Felix Jones vs Det

29. Jonathan Stewart @ Chi

30. Ricky Williams vs NYJ

31. Roy Helu @StL

32. DeMarco Murray vs Det

33. LeGarrette Blount vs Ind

34. C.J. Spiller @Cin

35. Jahvid Best @Dal

36. Ben Tate vs Pit

37. Alfonso Smith vs NYG

38. Javon Springer @Cle

39. LaDainian Tomlinson @ Bal

40. Mario Hardesty vs Ten

41. Marshawn Lynch vs Atl

42. Joseph Addai @ TB

43. Kendall Hunter @Phi

44. Deji Karim vs NO

45. Beanie Wells vs NYG

46. Frank Gore @Phi

47. Michael Bush vs NE

48. Bernard Scott vs Buf

49. Tashard Choice vs Det

50. Toby Gerhart @ KC

51. Ronnie Brown vs SF

52. Willis McGahee @ GB

53. Shonn Greene @ Bal

54. Dexter McCluster vs Min

55. Thomas Jones vs Min

56. Delone Carter @ TB

57. Cadillac Williams vs Was

58. Arian Foster vs Pit

59. Marion Barber vs Car

60. Knowshon Moreno @ GB

61. LaRod Stephens-Howling vs NYG

 

 Wide Receivers

1. Wes Welker @ Oak

2. Greg Jennings vs Den

3. Steve Smith @ Chi

4. Hakeem Nicks @ Ari

5. Mike Wallace @ Hou

6. DeSean Jackson vs SF

7. Percy Harvin @ KC

8. Jordy Nelson vs Den

9. Santana Moss @StL

10. Brandon Gibson vs Was

11. Denarius Moore vs NE

12. A.J. Green vs Buf

13. Deion Branch @ Oak

14. Lance Moore @Jac

15. Jabar Gaffney @StL

16. Devery Henderson @Jac

17. Mike Sims-Walker vs Was

18. Brandon LaFell @ Chi

19. Andre Caldwell vs Buf

20. Robert Meachem @Jac

21. Victor Cruz @ Ari

22. Larry Fitzgerald vs NYG

23. Calvin Johnson @Dal

24. Mike Williams vs Ind

25. Brandon Marshall @ SD

26. Santonio Holmes @ Bal

27. Johnny Knox vs Car

28. Dwayne Bowe vs Min

29. Eric Decker @ GB

30. Brandon Lloyd @ GB

31. Julio Jones @ Sea

32. Nate Burleson @Dal

33. Davone Bess @ SD

34. Reggie Wayne @ TB

35. Sidney Rice vs Atl

36. Vincent Jackson vs Mia

37. Malcom Floyd vs Mia

38. Dez Bryant vs Det

39. Patrick Crayton vs Mia

40. Antonio Brown @ Hou

41. Michael Jenkins @ KC

42. Anquan Boldin vs NYJ

43. Mario Manningham @ Ari

44. Emmanuel Sanders @ Hou

45. Danario Alexander vs Was

46. Jeremy Maclin vs SF

47. Torrey Smith vs NYJ

48. Steve Smith vs SF

49. Jason Avant vs SF

50. Andre Johnson vs Pit

51. Steve Johnson @Cin

52. David Nelson @Cin

53. Titus Young @Dal

54. Preston Parker vs Ind

55. Devin Hester vs Car

56. Nate Washington @Cle

57. Brian Hartline @ SD

58. Derrick Mason @ Bal

59. Early Doucet vs NYG

60. Plaxico Burress @ Bal

61. Donald Jones @Cin

62. Andre Roberts vs NYG

63. Steve Breaston vs Min

64. Pierre Garcon @ TB

65. Austin Collie @ TB

66. Mike Williams vs Atl

67. Roddy White @ Sea

68. James Jones vs Den

69. Darius Heyward-Bey vs NE

70. Donald Driver vs Den

71. Randall Cobb vs Den

72. Chad Ochocinco @ Oak

73. Bernard Berrian @ KC

74. Jerome Simpson vs Buf

75. Hines Ward @ Hou

76. Jesse Holley vs Det

77. Kevin Ogletree vs Det

78. Lavelle Hawkins @Cle

79. Donnie Avery @Cle

80. Arrelious Benn vs Ind

81. Damian Williams @Cle

82. Dane Sanzenbacher vs Car

83. Roy Williams vs Car

84. Harry Douglas @ Sea

85. Brian Robiskie vs Ten

86. Greg Little vs Ten

87. Josh Morgan @Phi

88. Ben Obomanu vs Atl

89. Jason Hill vs NO

90. Mike Thomas vs NO

91. Jacoby Jones vs Pit

92. Kevin Walter vs Pit

93. Michael Crabtree @Phi

94. Jacoby Ford vs NE

95. Marques Colston @Jac

96. Anthony Armstrong @StL

97. Danny Amendola vs Was

98. Mohamed Massaquoi vs Ten

99. Josh Cribbs vs Ten

 

 Tight Ends

1. Rob Gronkowski @ Oak

2. Jermichael Finley vs Den

3. Jason Witten vs Det

4. Jimmy Graham @Jac

5. Greg Olsen @ Chi

6. Jermaine Gresham vs Buf

7. Ed Dickson vs NYJ

8. Visanthe Shiancoe @ KC

9. Kevin Boss vs NE

10. Heath Miller @ Hou

11. Owen Daniel vs Pit

12. Tony Gonzalez @ Sea

13. Brandon Pettigrew @Dal

14. Dustin Keller @ Bal

15. Ben Watson vs Ten

16. Kellen Winslow vs Ind

17. Jared Cook @Cle

18. Evan Moore vs Ten

19. Vernon Davis @Phi

20. Dallas Clark @ TB

21. Brent Celek vs SF

22. Marcedes Lewis vs NO

23. Zach Miller vs Atl

24. Fred Davis @StL

25. Chris Cooley @StL

26. Scott Chandler @Cin

27. Lance Kendricks vs Was

28. Anthony Fasano @ SD

29. Daniel Fells @ GB

30. Leonard Pope vs Min

31. Dennis Pitta vs NYJ

32. Kyle Rudolph @ KC

33. Jake Ballard @ Ari

34. Jeremy Shockey @ Chi

35. Jeff King vs NYG

36. Luke Stocker vs Ind

37. Tony Scheffler @Dal

38. Kellen Davis vs Car

39. Todd Heap vs NYG

40. Antonio Gates vs Mia

 

 Defense & Special Teams

1. New Orleans Saints @Jac

2. Atlanta Falcons @ Sea

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Ind

4. Philadelphia Eagles vs SF

5. Minnesota Vikings @ KC

6. Seattle Seahawks vs Atl

7. Tennessee Titans @Cle

8. Green Bay Packers vs Den

9. Baltimore Ravens vs NYJ

10. Carolina Panthers @ Chi

11. San Diego Chargers vs Mia

12. Indianapolis Colts @ TB

13. Cincinnati Bengals vs Buf

14. Cleveland Browns vs Ten

15. New York Giants @ Ari

16. Pittsburgh Steelers @ Hou

17. Dallas Cowboys vs Det

18. Kansas City Chiefs vs Min

19. Buffalo Bills @Cin

20. St. Louis Rams vs Was

21. Washington Redskins @StL

22. Chicago Bears vs Car

23. Detroit Lions @Dal

24. Houston Texans vs Pit

25. Arizona Cardinals vs NYG

26. New York Jets @ Bal

27. San Francisco 49ers @Phi

28. New England Patriots @ Oak

29. Denver Broncos @ GB

30. Jacksonville Jaguars vs NO

31. Oakland Raiders vs NE

32. Miami Dolphins @ SD

 

 Kickers

1. Nick Novak vs Mia

2. Sebastian Janikowski vs NE

3. Mason Crosby vs Den

4. John Kasay @Jac

5. Stephen Gostkowski @ Oak

6. Graham Gano @StL

7. Dan Bailey vs Det

8. Billy Cundiff vs NYJ

9. Shaun Suisham @ Hou

10. Ryan Longwell @ KC

11. Olindo Mare @ Chi

12. Mike Nugent vs Buf

13. Josh Brown vs Was

14. Lawrence Tynes @ Ari

15. Alex Henery vs SF

16. Jay Feely vs NYG

17. Jason Hanson @Dal

18. Dan Carpenter @ SD

19. Rian Lindell @Cin

20. Neil Rackers vs Pit

21. Rob Bironas @Cle

22. Connor Barth vs Ind

23. Matt Prater @ GB

24. Robbie Gould vs Car

25. Phil Dawson vs Ten

26. Ryan Succop vs Min

27. Nick Folk @ Bal

28. Matt Bryant @ Sea

29. David Akers @Phi

30. Adam Vinatieri @ TB

31. Steve Hauschka vs Atl

32. Josh Scobee vs NO

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

Detroit at Dallas (Sunday early) – The up-and-coming Lions versus the bumbling, injury-stricken Cowboys, led by the wounded Tony Romo.  Detroit escaped with a victory last weekend after falling 20 points behind the Vikings in the first half, but their luck will run out this week.  Dallas 27, Detroit 24.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matt Stafford, WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle) & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew (Probable-shoulder)
  • Neutral: RB Jahvid Best, WR Titus Young, DEF, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit: TE Tony Scheffler
    
• Dallas
  • Start: QB Tony Romo (Questionable-ribs), WR Dez Bryant (Questionable-thigh), TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral: RB Felix Jones (Probable-shoulder) & DeMarco Murray, DEF
    
  • Sit: RB Tashard Choice, WRs Miles Austin (Out-hamstring), Kevin Ogletree & Jesse Holley

 

New Orleans at Jacksonville – Jacksonville looked horrible last week while losing to Carolina, and it wasn’t just the monsoon-like conditions that were to blame.  Jacksonville has just one legitimate offensive weapon at this point, and New Orleans will counter with more weapons than Jacksonville can possibly defend (especially if Marques Colston is able to return).  New Orleans 30, Jacksonville 13.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WRs Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, & Robert Meachem, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF, K John Kasay 
  • Neutral: RBs Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, & Darren Sproles
  • Sit: WR Marques Colston (Questionable-shoulder)
• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Neutral: RB Deji Karim
  • Sit: QB Blake Gabbert, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill, DEF, K Josh Scobee

 

Tennessee at Cleveland – Chris Johnson can’t continue to look this bad all season, can he?  Don’t bet on it - Cleveland’s run defense should be fairly easy pickings for Johnson and fellow running back Javon Springer.  If Johnson has another subpar game here against a below-average Browns defense, then it’s officially time to worry.  Tennessee 24, Cleveland 20.

• Tennessee
  • Start: RB Chris Johnson, TE Jared Cook, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Javon Springer, WR Nate Washington, K Rob Bironas
  • Sit: WRs Damian Williams, Lavelle Hawkins, Donnie Avery
• Cleveland
  • Start: RB Peyton Hillis (Probable-illness), TEs Ben Watson & Evan Moore
    
  • Neutral: RB Mario Hardesty, DEF, K Phil Dawson
  • Sit: QB Colt McCoy, WRs Mohamed Massaquoi (Questionable-ankle), Brian Robiskie, Greg Little, & Josh Cribbs (Questionable-groin)
    

 

Buffalo at Cincinnati – Why am I picking against the Bills and their magic carpet ride yet again (one of these weeks I’m bound to be right)?  They’ve been outscoring opponents so far, but their defense has been mediocre, and the Bengals’ strengths match up well with the Bills’ weaknesses.  Hope you enjoyed the ride while it lasted.  Cincinnati 27, Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson
  • Neutral: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WRs Steve Johnson (Probable-groin), David Nelson, & Donald Jones; TE Scott Chandler, DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • Sit: N/A
• Cincinnati
  • Start: RB Cedric Benson, WRs A.J. Green & Andre Caldwell, TE Jermaine Gresham
    
  • Neutral: QB Andy Dalton, DEF, K Mike Nugent
  • Sit: RB Bernard Scott, WR Jerome Simpson

 

Washington at St. Louis – St. Louis lost at home last week to the other half of the Beltway duo, while the Redskins are coming off a road loss at Dallas and have had a short week.  Why will Washington prevail?  St. Louis can’t stop the run, and they’re also below-average against the pass.  Meanwhile, Steven Jackson is probably not 100% yet, and the Rams don’t have any consistent receivers for Sam Bradford to throw to.  Washington 28, St. Louis 27.

• Washington
  • Start: QB Rex Grossman, RB Tim Hightower, WRs Santana Moss & Jabar Gaffney, K Graham Gano
    
  • Neutral: RB Roy Helu, TEs Fred Davis & Chris Cooley (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Sit: WR Anthony Armstrong (Questionable-hamstring)
• St. Louis
  • Start: QB Sam Bradford, WRs Brandon Gibson & Mike Sims-Walker
  • Neutral:  RB Steven Jackson (Probable-quad), WR Danario Alexander, TE Lance Kendricks, DEF, K Josh Brown
  • Sit:   RB Cadillac Williams (Probable-hamstring), WR Danny Amendola (Questionable-elbow)

 

San Francisco at Philadelphia - San Francisco lost on the road last week, while Philadelphia lost at home.  Michael Vick’s broken, er bruised hand is well enough for him to take snaps from center, and if he keeps his focus on the game and off the refs, the Eagles should win easily.  The 49ers’ defense is better than you think, but they’ll be no match for the Eagles’ offense.  Philadelphia 27, San Francisco 17.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith, RBs Frank Gore (Questionable-ankle) & Kendall Hunter, DEF
  • Sit:  WRs Braylon Edwards (Out-knee), Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot) & Josh Morgan, K David Akers
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick (Probable-hand), WR DeSean Jackson, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB LeSean McCoy, WRs Jeremy Maclin (Probable-hamstring), Jason Avant, & Steve Smith (Probable-knee); K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown

 

Minnesota at Kansas City – The Chiefs finally scored a touchdown last week in their third game of the season, but it wasn’t enough.  This week they’ll score twice as many touchdown as they have season-to-date, but it still won’t be enough to win.  If Adrian Peterson’s healthy enough to play for the Vikings, he should have a field day.  Minnesota 27, Kansas City 20.

• Minnesota
  • Start: RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-calf), WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF
    
  • Neutral: QB Donovan McNabb, WR Michael Jenkins, K Ryan Longwell
    
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WR Bernard Berrian, TE Kyle Rudolph
• Kansas City
  • Start:  WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Steve Breaston, TE Leonard Pope, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Sit:  RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin (Out-thumb)

 

Pittsburgh at Houston – The matchup between the Steelers’ defense and the Texans’ offense should be the best of the day.  Pittsburgh’s defense will prevent the Texans from turning this game into the kind of shootout they had last week with New Orleans, and that should be enough to pull out the victory.  Regardless of whether or not Arian Foster’s healthy enough to start, do yourself a favor and don’t play him this week unless you have no other options.  Pittsburgh 27, Houston 24.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Mike Wallace (Probable-ribs), TE Heath Miller
  • Neutral:  RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Emmanuel Sanders & Antonio Brown, DEF, K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  WR Hines Ward
• Houston
  • Start:  TE Owen Daniels
  • Neutral:  RB Ben Tate (Probable-back), WR Andre Johnson (Probable-knee), DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Sit: QB Matt Schaub, RBs Arian Foster (Probable-hamstring) &  Derrick Ward (Out-ankle), WRs Kevin Walter (Probable-shoulder) & Jacoby Jones (Probable-knee)
    

 

Carolina at Chicago – Cam Newton’s performance last week against Jacksonville was an aberration - Tom Brady would have had trouble throwing for 200 yards in that slop.  Expect the Panthers to get their aerial attack back on track against a weak Bears’ secondary.  Carolina 27, Chicago 21.

• Carolina
  • Start: QB Cam Newton, WRs Steve Smith & Brandon LaFell, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • Neutral: RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, K Olindo Mare
    
  • Sit:  TE Jeremy Shockey
• Chicago
  • Start: RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
    
  • Neutral: QB Jay Cutler, WR Devin Hester, DEF, K Robbie Gould
    
  • Sit: RB Marion Barber (Probable-calf), WRs Roy Williams, Earl Bennett (Out-chest), & Dane Sanzenbacher; TE Kellen Davis

 

Atlanta at Seattle (Sunday late) – Atlanta certainly won’t be accused of peaking too early in the season, not after losing a game they should have won last week in Tampa.  Hard to believe that was the same team that staged a fourth-quarter comeback against the Eagles the previous week.  Seattle’s defense has been pretty good so far this season, but as long as Tarvaris Jackson remains at quarterback, don’t expect much fantasy value from its offensive players.  Atlanta 20, Seattle 14.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  RB Michael Turner, WR Julio Jones, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
    
  • Neutral: QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White (Questionable-thigh)
    
  • Sit: RB Jason Snelling (Out-concussion), WR Harry Douglas, K Matt Bryant
    
• Seattle
  • Start:  WR Sidney Rice, TE Zach Miller, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Mike Williams
    
  • Sit: QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Ben Obomanu, K Steve Hauschka
    

 

New York Giants at Arizona – Did the Giants turn a corner with last week’s upset of the Eagles?  That remains to be seen, but their running game, which has been mediocre to date, should get a big boost facing the Cardinal defense.  Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald should rebound nicely from last week’s fiasco at Seattle, but questions remain about Beanie Wells’ health.  New York 27, Arizona 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Hakeem Nicks (Probable-knee) & Victor Cruz
    
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Marion Manningham (Probable-concussion), DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
    
  • Sit: TE Jake Ballard
• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Beanie Wells (Questionable-hamstring) & Alfonso Smith; WRs Andre Roberts & Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely
    
  • Sit: RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Questionable-hand), TEs Todd Heap (Probable-ribs) & Jeff King
    

 

Denver at Green Bay – There may yet be a team that can slow down Green Bay’s offense, but it certainly won’t be the Broncos this week.  Donald Driver and James Jones have been disappointments, and the situation at running back is still muddled, but that’s just picking nits.  Denver’s offense has done less than expected this season, especially through the air, but that could change quickly this week against a suspect Packer secondary.  Green Bay 31, Denver 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton, WRs Brandon Lloyd & Eric Decker
    
  • Neutral:  TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
    
  • Sit:  RBs Knowshon Moreno (Probable-hamstring) & Willis McGahee, WRs Eddie Royal (Out-groin) & Demaryius Thomas (Out-finger), DEF
    
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB James Starks, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley (Probable-ankle), DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RB Ryan Grant (Out-kidney), WRs Donald Driver, James Jones, & Randall Cobb

 

New England at Oakland – It’s been awhile since Oakland’s been in a shootout, but it could well happen this week.  Don’t expect Tom Brady to throw four interceptions again, but the Patriots’ defense will continue to be their Achilles’ heel.  Oakland 31, New England 30.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral: RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Shane Vereen, & Danny Woodhead,
  • Sit: WR Chad Ochocinco, TE Aaron Hernandez (Out-knee), DEF
    
• Oakland
  • Start:  RB Darren McFadden (Probable-shoulder), WR Denarius Moore, TE Kevin Boss, K Sebastian Janikowski
    
  • Neutral:  QB Jason Campbell (Probable-foot)
    
  • Sit:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Louis Murphy (Out-groin), Darius Heyward-Bey, and Jacoby Ford (Questionable-hamstring), DEF
    

 

Miami at San Diego – Will this be the game that finally puts Dolphins’ Head Coach Tony Sparano out of his misery?  Even though some of his receivers are nursing injuries, Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers should put up pinball-like numbers against the Dolphins’ “defense”.  San Diego 41, Miami 24.

• Miami
  • Start:  RB Reggie Bush, WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess
    
  • Neutral:  QB Chad Henne, WR Brian Hartline, TE Anthony Fasano, K Dan Carpenter
    
  • Sit:  RB Daniel Thomas (Out-hamstring), DEF
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philp Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson (Questionable-abdomen) & Malcom Floyd (Questionable-groin), K Nick Novak
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews (Probable-foot) & Mike Tolbert, WR Patrick Crayton, DEF
  • Sit:  TE Antonio Gates (Doubtful-foot)

 

New York Jets at Baltimore  (Sunday night) – Rex Ryan seems to do well in games against his brother and his former team, but his current team has inexplicably abandoned the run this season in favor of the pass.  That might be a good thing for most teams, but with the inaccurate Mark Sanchez at the helm, this strategy will come back to bite the Jets in this game.  Baltimore 28, New York 21.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes (Probable-shoulder), TE Dustin Keller
  • Neutral: QB Mark Sanchez, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Plaxico Burress (Probable-hamstring) & Derrick Mason, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Shonn Greene, K Nick Folk
• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ricky Williams, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  WRs Lee Evans (Out-ankle), TE Dennis Pitta

 

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay (Monday night) – Unless new Colts’ starting QB Curtis Painter is horrible (as he has been in past starts), it’s likely he’ll remain the starting quarterback for the duration of the season.  This will serve the dual purposes of allowing Indy the chance to “evaluate” Painter, while simultaneously increasing their chances in the Andrew Luck lottery.  Tampa Bay 24, Indianapolis 17.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark
  • Neutral:  RB Joseph Addai, WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie, DEF
  • Sit:  QBs Curtis Painter & Kerry Collins (Questionable-concussion), RB Delone Carter, K Adam Vinatieri
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Preston Parker, K Connor Barth
  • Sit:  WR Arrelious Benn, TE Luke Stocker

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

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

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Michael Vick (hand)
  • Sam Bradford (toe)
  • Kerry Collins (concussion)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 4 opponents)
  • Chad Henne (@SD)
  • Donovan McNabb (@KC)
  • Jason Campbell (vs NE)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Frank Gore (ankle)
  • Beanie Wells (hamstring)
  • Peyton Hillis (illness)
  • Ryan Grant (kidney)
  • Felix Jones (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Daniel Thomas (@SD)
  • Montario Hardesty (vs Ten)
  • DeMarco Murray (vs Det)
  • Kendall Hunter (@Phi)
  • Alfonso Smith (vs NYG)
  • Deji Karim (vs NO)
  • Delone Carter (@TB)
  • Roy Helu (@StL)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Kenny Britt (Out for the season-knee)
  • Jeremy Maclin (hamstring)
  • Mario Manningham (concussion)
  • Braylon Edwards (knee)
  • Jacoby Ford (hamstring)
  • Lee Evans (ankle)
  • Anthony Armstrong (hamstring)
  • Torrey Smith (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (vs Ten)
  • Victor Cruz (@Ari)
  • Titus Young (@Dal)
  • Denarius Moore (vs NE)
  • Andre Caldwell (vs Buf)
  • Brian Hartline (@SD)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Antonio Gates (foot)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Brandon Pettigrew (@Dal)
  • Greg Olsen (@Chi)
  • Ed Dickson (vs NYJ)
  • Kevin Boss (vs NE)
  • Leonard Pope (vs Min)
  • Luke Stocker (vs Ind)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Billy Cundiff (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Dan Bailey (vs Det)
  • Graham Gano (@StL)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Ten (@Cle)
  • Cle (vs Ten)

Good luck!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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