The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Last week we had several key running backs who were lost to injury.  This week it was the quarterbacks’ turn to take a beating, although running backs had another rough week too.  Quality may trump quantity in most aspects of life, but when it comes to fantasy football, you can never have enough running backs.  Here’s a list of the players who were hurt during Week 11 action or were surprising scratches:

QB

• Marc Bulger (inj)
• Ben Roethlisberger (inj?)
• Kurt Warner (inj?)
• Tony Romo (inj?)
• Matthew Stafford (inj?)

RB  

• Ladell Betts (inj) 
• Reggie Bush (inj?) 
• Marshawn Lynch (inj?)
• Brandon Jacobs (inj?)
• Kolby Smith (inj?)

WR 

• Calvin Johnson (inj?)
• Jacoby Jones (inj?)

TE - none

K - none 

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  LT indicates players who may have fantasy value for the rest of the season, while ST indicates players whose fantasy usefulness is likely to be limited to the amount of time it takes a player ahead of them on the depth chart to recover from an injury/return from a suspension.  SPEC indicates a player whose fantasy worth may not be obvious now, but may be worth speculating on for use later in the season. 

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith (LT), Chad Henne (LT), Kyle Boller (ST), Vince Young (SPEC), Jason Campbell (SPEC), Josh Freeman (SPEC), Brady Quinn (SPEC), Daunte Culpepper (SPEC), Matt Leinart (SPEC), and Dennis Dixon (SPEC).

Running Backs

Justin Fargas (LT), Michael Bush (LT), Rock Cartwright (ST), Bernard Scott (SPEC), Chester Taylor (SPEC), Maurice Morris (SPEC), Derrick Ward (SPEC), Chris Jennings (SPEC), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Rashad Jennings (SPEC), Kahlil Bell (SPEC), and Lex Hilliard (SPEC).

Wide Receivers

Donnie Avery (LT), Malcom Floyd (LT), Greg Camarillo (LT), Chaz Schilens (LT), Anthony Gonzalez (inj, SPEC), Earl Bennett (SPEC), Sammie Stroughter (SPEC), Andre Caldwell (SPEC), Michael Clayton (SPEC), Mohamed Massaquoi (SPEC), Kenny Britt (SPEC), Michael Jenkins (SPEC), Brian Hartline (SPEC), Davone Bess (SPEC), James Jones (SPEC), Chris Chambers (SPEC), Lance Long (SPEC), Josh Morgan (SPEC), Bryant Johnson (SPEC), Nate Washington (SPEC), Robert Meachem (SPEC), Mark Bradley (SPEC), Early Doucet (SPEC), Dwayne Jarrett (SPEC), Maurice Stovall (SPEC), Jason Hill (SPEC), Ted Ginn (SPEC), and Brandon Gibson (SPEC).

Tight Ends

Brandon Pettigrew (LT), Fred Davis (ST), Marcedes Lewis (SPEC), and Randy McMichael (SPEC).

Kickers

Jason Elam (LT), Josh Scobee (LT), Jeff Reed (LT), Dan Carpenter (LT), Kris Brown (LT), and Matt Stover (ST).

Defenses

Atlanta (ST), Carolina (ST), and Seattle (ST).

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 12 games by Thursday morning.  If your league requires you to set your lineup before the first game of the week, this week’s Thanksgiving tripleheader features Green Bay at Detroit, Oakland at Dallas, and the New York Giants at Denver.

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Just three or four weeks left in the regular season for most fantasy football leagues.  Depending on your current position in the standings, it’s time to get your roster set for the playoffs, make that final push for the playoffs, or play the role of spoiler.  This week’s Thursday night contest pits Miami and Carolina.  Here are my recommendations for Week 11:

Miami at Carolina - With RB Ronnie Brown now out for the season, it’s RB Ricky Williams’ time to shine.  Let’s just hope that with all the pressure that comes with being the featured running back, Ricky will be able to stay away from the temptations that have sidetracked him in the past.  Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Williams is the only Dolphin worth starting this week - leave QB Chad Henne and WRs Greg Camarillo & Davone Bess on your bench.  Panthers to start include RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, WR Steve Smith, and the Defense.  Those in deeper leagues can also start QB Jake Delhomme.

Seattle at Minnesota - This game features the latest installment in the Steve Hutchinson vs. Nate Burleson contest (if you ignore the fact that the two players facing their former teams won’t be on the field at the same time).  Although Burleson has shown some signs of life this season, the Vikings definitely got the better of the team-switching that took place after the 2005 season.  Seahawks to start include QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Justin Forsett, TE John Carlson, and WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Burleson.  Those in deeper leagues can also start WR Deion Branch.  RB Julius Jones (Out-ribs) will miss the game.  Vikings to start include QB Brett Favre, RB Adrian Peterson, WR Visanthe Shiancoe, WRs Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, & Percy Harvin, and K Ryan Longwell.

Indianapolis at Baltimore - Indy managed to remain undefeated last week by pulling off an escape that David Blaine and Criss Angel couldn’t match.  Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick deserves a huge assist, of course, but even before his late-game brain freeze, the Colts had closed a 31-14 gap to a 34-28 deficit in less than one quarter.  This will be the weekend that the Colts’ luck finally runs out.  QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, TE Dallas Clark, and WR Reggie Wayne should all be started for the Colts.  WRs Austin Collie & Pierre Garcon can also be started in deeper leagues.  Keep RB Donald Brown and WR Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-knee) out of your lineup.  Ravens to start include QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, TE Todd Heap, WR Derrick Mason, and K Steven Hauschka.  WR Mark Clayton can also be started by those in deeper leagues.  I’d avoid RB Willis McGahee.

Buffalo at Jacksonville - A few weeks ago we put the spotlight on the website FireDickJauron.com.  What happens to such a website when the targeted coach actually does get fired?  Glad you asked.  Somewhere Turk Schonert is laughing.  New Bills’ Head Coach Perry Fewell - consider yourself forewarned.  Bills to start this weekend include RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Terrell Owens & Lee Evans, and K Rian Lindell.  Those in deeper leagues can also start QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and RB Fred Jackson.  Jaguars to start include RB Maurice “Kneel-Down” Jones-Drew (the Jets should have picked him up and forcibly carried him into the end zone) and WR Mike Sims-Walker.  QB David Garrard, and WRs Mike Lewis & Torry Holt can be started in deep leagues. 

New Orleans at Tampa Bay - Even though he’s one of the top tight ends in football, Kellen Winslow has made just as many headlines for comparing himself to a soldier or criticizing the Cleveland Browns as he has for his ability on the field.  Still, in spite of playing for a team almost as hapless as the Browns, Winslow is quietly putting together an outstanding season.  The Bucs have been much more competitive in their last two games, but it’s nearly impossible to imagine them handing the Saints their first loss of the season.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RBs Pierre Thomas & Reggie Bush, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Marques Colston, K John Carney, and the Defense.  Those in deeper leagues can also start WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem.  Leave RB Mike Bell on the bench.  The only Bucs worth starting are RB Cadillac Williams and Winslow (Questionable-knee).  QB Josh Freeman and WRs Maurice Stovall & Sammie Stroughter can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave RB Derrick Ward and WR Antonio Bryant (Questionable-knee) on the bench.

Atlanta at New York Giants - It’s been a slow week over at Big Blue Interactive, a blog for Giants’ fans.  Bloggers have been reduced to dissecting the Giants’ post-bye-week record in the Tom Coughlin era.  Fortunately for these hard-core fans, the Giants are back on the field this week to face a team with an identical record and identical post-season ambitions.  The Falcons will have a tough time overcoming the loss of star RB Michael Turner (Doubtful-ankle) - even though RB Jason Snelling filled in admirably last week against the Panthers, look for the Giants to finally post their sixth win.  Falcons to start include Snelling, TE Tony Gonzalez, and WR Roddy White.  Leave QB Matt Ryan on the bench, and don’t expect RB Jerious Norwood (Questionable-hip) to contribute much this week if he’s able to return.  Giants to start include QB Eli Manning, RBs Brandon Jacobs & Ahmad Bradshaw, TE Kevin Boss, WR Steven Smith, and K Lawrence Tynes.  Those in deeper leagues can also start WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham and the Defense.

Pittsburgh at Kansas City - It’s been a strange week for Chiefs’ fans (assuming that such a species still exists).  First, recently-released RB Larry Johnson signed on with the Cincinnati Bengals.  Then, star WR Dwayne Bowe was suspended for four games, allegedly because he took a diuretic in an effort to appease new Head Coach Todd Haley by losing weight.  Now the Steelers come to town fresh off a loss to the division-leading Bengals.  Put it all together and the Chiefs should be in store for another long afternoon culminating in another loss.  Steelers to start include QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, & Mike Wallace, K Jeff Reed, and the Defense.  There are absolutely no Chiefs I’d want to start in this game - that list includes QB Matt Cassel, RBs Jamaal Charles & Koby Smith, TE Sean Ryan, and WRs Chris Chambers, Mark Bradley, Lance Long, & Bobby Wade.  Hopefully, you are not a Chiefs fan who stacked their roster with players from the hometown team - if so, chances are you’re already looking ahead to next season for both your fantasy team and your real team.

San Francisco at Green Bay - With his team 5-4 even after last Sunday’s beat-down of the Cowboys, you’d think Packers’ Head Coach Mike McCarthy would be focused solely on making the playoffs.  However, McCarthy is being accused of playing a role in the recent firing of a long-time Packers’ maintenance worker, who apparently does not have much of a future as a motivational speaker.  The Packers should have all the motivation they need for this week’s contest with the 49ers:  with the Vikings in control of the division and showing no signs of faltering, Green Bay is going to have to fight its way into the playoffs as a wild card.  Coming off a Jay Cutler-aided win against the Bears, the 49ers (4-5) have even less margin for error if they hope to be involved in the playoffs.  The only 49ers to start against a Packers’ defense that’s better than you think are RB Frank Gore and TE Vernon Davis.  Leave QB Alex Smith and WRs Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan, & Isaac Bruce (Probable-ankle) on the bench.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant, WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings, K Mason Crosby, and the Defense.  Those in deeper leagues can also start WR James Jones.  Leave the Packers tight end on the bench, regardless of whether it turns out to be Jermichael Finley (Probable-knee), Donald Lee, or Spencer Havner.

Cleveland at Detroit - In a play that’s indicative of how the entire season’s gone for the Browns, WR Josh Cribbs (Questionable-neck) was injured on the final play of the Browns’ 16-0 Monday night loss to the Ravens.  The real question isn’t whether Ravens’ DE Dwan Edwards delivered a cheap shot; it’s what the Browns were thinking by having arguably their best offensive weapon on the field for a meaningless kick return on the final play of a game they had absolutely no chance of winning.  It’s easy to second guess, but one could argue that was a much worse decision than Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick’s choice to go for it on 4th-and-two from his 28 yard line.  Meanwhile, the Lions, who, before Week 8’s game against the Rams, hadn’t been favored since Week 1 of the 2008 season, are now favored for the second time in four weeks.  The only Brown who’s a must-start this week is RB Jamal Lewis (Questionable-ankle), who’s probably busy counting the days to retirement.  QB Brady Quin, and WRs Mohamed Massaquoi & Mike Furrey can be started in deeper leagues.  Lions to start include QB Matt Stafford, RB Kevin Smith, TE Brandon Pettigrew, WR Calvin Johnson, K Jason Hanson, and the Defense.  WR Bryant Johnson can also be started in deeper leagues.

Washington at Dallas - It’s not every day that an NFL player is called “classless” by another NFL player, especially one who’s been arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and aggravated assault against a police officer.  Yet that’s exactly what happened when Redskin RB Rock Cartwright drew the ire of former Cowboy DT Tank Johnson by dancing on the star at midfield to celebrate the Redskins’ upset victory following their final visit to Texas Stadium.  Chances are the Cowboys, playing the first of their traditional two home games during Thanksgiving week, will be the ones celebrating following this game.  Redskins to start include QB Jason Campbell, RB Ladell Betts (Probable-ankle), TE Fred Davis, and WR Santana Moss.  RB Clinton Portis (Questionable-concussion) is likely to miss his second consecutive game, and TE Chris Cooley (Out-ankle) will definitely miss his third consecutive game.  Cowboys to start include RBs Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, & Felix Jones and TE Jason Witten.  Leave QB Tony Romo and WRs Roy Williams & Miles Austion on the bench.

Arizona at St. Louis - Cardinals QB Kurt Warner can be forgiven if he has a sense of deja vu.  He’s already beaten one of his former teams this season (the Giants); this week he gets his first of two shots against the Rams, the team he led to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV (although some Titans fans apparently still haven’t accepted that fact).  Warner and the Cardinals figure to have their way with the Rams, who put up a surprisingly good fight last week against the undefeated Saints.  Cardinals to start include Warner, RBs Tim Hightower & Chris Wells, WRs Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, & Steve Breaston, and K Neil Rackers.  Rams to start include QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson, TE Randy McMichael, WR Donnie Avery, and K Josh Brown.  Those in deeper leagues can also take a flier on WRs Brandon Gibson & Danny Amendola.

San Diego at Denver - Before this season began many fantasy football analysts, including yours truly, figured that Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson would bounce back strong this season from the toe injury that plagued him last season.  That hasn’t turned out to be the case.  Maybe he is still bothered by his injury.  Maybe it was just the ravages of time.  Or perhaps he never recovered from his workouts with Kimbo Slice.  Whatever the cause, LT managed to turn back the clock for at least one day in last week’s victory over the Eagles.  Was that performance a fluke or a sign of more good things to come?  This week’s contest against the free-falling Denver Broncos should be a good test.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, RBs Tomlinson & Darren Sproles, and TE Antonio Gates.  Leave WRs Vincent Jackson & Malcom Floyd on the bench as they go against a tough Broncos secondary.  The only Bronco worth starting is RB Knowshon Moreno, although RB Correll Buckhalter can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave QB Kyle Orton (Questionable-ankle) and WRs Brandon Marshall & Eddie Royal on the bench.

Cincinnati at Oakland - It’s hard to imagine where the Bengals got their newfound strength from.  WR Chad Ochocinco’s rededication to football?  Head Coach Marvin Lewis’ leadership?  DT Domata Peko’s Samson-like hair?  Whatever the source, the Bengals figure to have more than enough muscle to push aside the Raiders this weekend and retain their perch at the top of the AFC North.  Bengals to start this weekend include QB Carson Palmer, RB Bernard Scott, WRs Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, & Andre Caldwell, K Shayne Graham, and the Defense.  If you’re in a deep league and a speculative mood, take a chance and start newly-acquired RB Larry Johnson.  Leave RB Cedric Benson (Questionable-hip) on the bench even if he’s able to play.  The only Raider I’d start is TE Zach Miller.  Leave RBs Justin Fargas, Michael Bush, & Darren McFadden and WR Chaz Schilens on the bench.  The quarterback switch from JaMarcus Russell to Bruce Gradkowski won’t make much of a difference - Gradkowski, like Russell, also struggles mightily in the accuracy department, and like Russell, he doesn’t belong in your lineup (or on your roster).

New York Jets at New England - Following his decision to go for the first down on 4th-and-2 from his own 28-yard-line in last week’s game against the Colts, Bill Belichick has been second-guessed to death by every talking head and person with access to a keyboard.  In spite of that, he’s still had a better week than Kansas Head Coach Mark Mangino.  The Jets beat the Patriots 16-9 in Week 2, but look for the Patriots to win this rematch handily.  Jets to start include RBs Thomas Jones & Shonn Greene and TE Dustin Keller.  Leave QB Mark Sanchez and WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery on the bench.  Patriots to start include QB Tom Brady (Probable-coach with a brain-crampshoulder), RB Laurence Maroney, TE Ben Watson, WRs Randy Moss & Wes Welker, K Stephen Gostkowski, and the Defense.  Fred Taylor (Questionable-ankle) and Sammy Morris (Questionable-knee) will miss another week.

Philadelphia at Chicago - Following his five-interception performance last week against the 49ers, Bears QB Jay Cutler was criticized by a multitude of people, including Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who seems to be making a living these days by speaking ill of current NFL players.  The Bears, losers of two straight, host the Eagles, another team that’s lost two in a row and appears headed in the wrong direction.  Eagles to start include QB Donovan McNabb, RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, WR DeSean Jackson, and K David Akers.  WR Jeremy Maclin and the Eagles’ Defense can also be started in deeper leagues.  RB Brian Westbrook (Out-concussion) has more important things to deal with right now than getting back on the football field.  Bears to start include Cutler, RB Matt Forte, TE Greg Olsen, and WR Devin Hester.  Those in deeper leagues can also start WRs Earl Bennett & Johnny Knox.

Tennessee at Houston - Titans owner Bud Adams just can’t seem to stay out of the news.  Earlier this season he publicly requested that Head Coach Jeff Fisher replace struggling QB Kerry Collins with QB Vince Young.  Apparently emboldened by Young’s 3-0 record as a starter, Adams decided to push the envelope even further, flipping off Bills’ fans at the end of the Titans’ victory.  In the era of Hammurabi’s Code, Adams would have had both his middle fingers cut off; in the era of Roger Goodell, Adams was fined $250K (or $125K per finger), which probably would have paid for the surgical reattachment of his middle fingers many times over.  We’ll see if the Titans will be motivated this week to win one for the Flipper.  The only Titans to start this week are QB Vince Young and RB Chris Johnson, but those in deeper leagues can also start TE Bo Scaife and WRs Kenny Britt & Nate Washington.  The injury status of WR Justin Gage (back) is unknown, but he should be left out of lineups even if he’s able to play.  Texans to start include QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton, WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter, and K Kris Brown.  If WR Jacoby Jones (Questionable-calf) is able to play, he’s also worth starting in deeper leagues, but RB Ryan Moats should be left on the bench in all leagues.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

Week 11 figures to be a busy waiver wire week for running backs since several key performers were hurt on Sunday (note:  this list does not include Maurice Jones-Drew, although some of you may have wanted to hurt him after he did his best Brian Westbrook impression against the Jets).  At least we’re finally through the bye-week minefield.  This week we have several injuries and even a suspension to deal with:

QB

• Kyle Orton (inj?)

RB 

• Cedric Benson (inj) 
• Michael Turner (inj)
• Ronnie Brown (inj)
• Brian Westbrook (inj)
• Julius Jones (inj)

WR 

• Dwayne Bowe (susp)
• Josh Cribbs (inj?)
• Keenan Burton (inj)

TE - none

K - none 

DEF - none 

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  LT indicates players who may have fantasy value for the rest of the season, while ST indicates players whose fantasy usefulness is likely to be limited to the amount of time it takes a player ahead of them on the depth chart to recover from an injury/return from a suspension.  SPEC indicates a player whose fantasy worth may not be obvious now, but may be worth speculating on for use later in the season. 

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith (LT), Chad Henne (LT), Marc Bulger (LT), Jason Campbell (SPEC), Josh Freeman (SPEC), Matthew Stafford (SPEC), and Vince Young (SPEC).

Running Backs

Justin Fargas (LT), Ladell Betts (ST), Justin Forsett (ST), Jason Snelling (ST), Larry Johnson (SPEC), Bernard Scott (SPEC), Kolby Smith (SPEC), Michael Bush (SPEC), Chester Taylor (SPEC), Maurice Morris (SPEC), Derrick Ward (SPEC), Jerome Harrison (SPEC), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Bernard Scott (SPEC), and Rashad Jennings (SPEC).

Wide Receivers

Donnie Avery (LT), Malcom Floyd (LT), Mike Wallace (LT), Greg Camarillo (LT), Chaz Schilens (LT), Anthony Gonzalez (inj, SPEC), Earl Bennett (SPEC), Sammie Stroughter (SPEC), Andre Caldwell (SPEC), Michael Clayton (SPEC), Louis Murphy (SPEC), Mohamed Massaquoi (SPEC), Kenny Britt (SPEC), Michael Jenkins (SPEC), Brian Hartline (SPEC), Davone Bess (SPEC), James Jones (SPEC), Chris Chambers (SPEC), Lance Long (SPEC), Josh Morgan (SPEC), Bryant Johnson (SPEC), Justin Gage (SPEC), Nate Washington (SPEC), Robert Meachem (SPEC), Bobby Wade (SPEC), Early Doucet (SPEC), Dwayne Jarrett (SPEC), Maurice Stovall (SPEC), Jason Hill (SPEC), Ted Ginn (SPEC), Jacoby Jones (SPEC ), and Brandon Gibson (SPEC).

Tight Ends

Brandon Pettigrew (LT), Fred Davis (ST), Marcedes Lewis (SPEC), Sean Ryan (SPEC), and Randy McMichael (SPEC).

Kickers

Jason Elam (LT), Josh Scobee (LT), Jeff Reed (LT), Dan Carpenter (LT), Kris Brown (LT), and Matt Stover (ST).

Defenses

Jacksonville (ST) and Detroit (ST).

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 11 games on Thursday.  If your league requires you to set your lineup before the first game of the week, this week’s Thursday night game features Miami at Carolina.

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 10 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry is a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

We’re almost through with the bye week nonsense, as only the Giants and Texans are out of commission this week.  However, starting with tonight’s Bears-49ers’ game, we’ll now have Thursday night games to deal with, so be sure to set your lineups early.  Here are my recommendations for Week 10:

Chicago at San Francisco - It’s easy to take shots at Chicago’s defense these days.  Having been blown out in two of their last three games by the Bengals and Cardinals, they’ve now been dissed by 49ers’ TE Vernon Davis.  Davis singled out the Bears’ defensive line, which may be playing tonight without Tommie Harris, who’s getting a head start on his future career as an MMA fighter.  Bears to start in what could well be a shootout include QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, TE Greg Olsen, WR Devin Hester, and K Robbie Gould.  Those in deeper leagues may also start WR Earl Bennett, but leave WR Johnny Knox on your bench.  The lucky 49ers who get to face the Bears’ defense, and therefore should be in starting lineups, include QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, Davis (Probable-shoulder), WRs Michael Crabtree & Josh Morgan, and K Joe Nedney.  Leave WR Jason Hill on the bench in spite of his two-touchdown performance last Sunday.  WR Isaac Bruce (Questionable-ankle) should also be left out of starting lineups.

Atlanta at Carolina - Carolina WR Steve Smith, not content with merely playing wide receiver, apparently wants to be an Offensive Coordinator in his next life.  I’m always amazed by how often insubordination is tolerated in professional sports.  How many other professions are there where you can get angry at your boss in public, yet still have a job (don’t try this at work)?  Then again, how many other professions are there where the “worker” gets paid many times what the “boss” makes?  Falcons to start this week include QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Roddy White (Questionable-knee), and K Jason Elam.  Those in deeper leagues can also start WR Michael Jenkins.  RB Jerious Norwood (Questionable-hip) should once again be left out of starting lineups.  Panthers to start include RBs DeAngelo Williams (Questionable-knee) & Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-Achilles’), Smith, and K John Kasay.  QB Jake Delhomme and WR Muhsin Muhammad (Questionable-knee) can be started in deeper leagues.

Denver at Washington - Halt the presses - in an effort to single-handedly halt the Broncos’ two-game losing streak without even setting foot on the field, QB Kyle Orton has shaved off his beard and moustache.  Denver fans, book your trip to Miami for the Stupor Super Bowl now to beat the rush.  Fortunately for the Broncos, a game against a Redskins team in disarray is likely just what the doctor ordered.  Broncos to start include RB Knowshon Moreno, QB Brandon Marshall (Questionable-back), and the Defense.  RB Correll Buckhalter can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave Orton and WR Eddie Royal out of your lineup.  Redskins to start are TE Fred Davis and the Defense.  Leave QB Jason Campbell (Questionable-ankle), RB Clinton Portis (Questionable-concussion), RB Ladell Betts, and WR Santana Moss on the bench.  TE Chris Cooley (Out-ankle) will miss at least several more games.

Jacksonville at New York Jets - You probably know that Jets’ CB Darrelle Revis is good.  But you may not know just how good he is unless you’ve read the modest bio on his Twitter page.  Jaguars’ RB Maurice Jones-Drew is on a roll, but he’s the only Jaguar who’s a must-start this weekend.  I wouldn’t start WR Mike Sims-Walker this week if I had other options with more favorable matchups - he’s likely to be covered a good deal of the time by the aforementioned Revis.  Stay away from QB David Garrard, TE Marcedes Lewis, and WR Torry Holt.  Jets to start following their bye week include RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller, WR Braylon Edwards, K Jay Feely, and the Defense.  QB Mark Sanchez, RB Shon Greene, and WR Jerricho Cotchery may also be started in deeper leagues. 

Detroit at Minnesota - Another week, another controversy involving a quarterback and a wide receiver from the same team.  Last week it was Cowboys’ QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams.  This week it’s Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson.  Even if everything were peaches and cream for the hapless Lions, this week’s game against a Vikings team coming off their bye week would be a tall order.  Lions to start include RB Kevin Smith (because he figures to be involved in the passing game), TE Brandon Pettigrew, and Johnson.  Stafford (Questionable-knee) and WR Bryant Johnson can also be started in deeper leagues.  Vikings to start include QB Brett Favre (Questionable-groin), RB Adrian Peterson, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WRs Bernard Berrian (Questionable-hamstring), Sidney Rice, & Percy Harvin, and K Ryan Longwell.  Those in deeper leagues may also start RB Chester Taylor.

Tampa Bay at Miami - Tampa Bay rookie WR Sammie Stroughter has overcome a lot just to make it to the NFL, so it’s uplifting to see him getting a chance to showcase his ability.  Now that former backup QB Josh Freeman has been elevated to the starting role, there may be even more opportunities for “Sergeant Stroughter” to shine.  Bucs to start in this week’s intrastate matchup with the ‘Fins include Freeman, TE Kellen Winslow, and WRs Stroughter & Maurice Stovall.  I’d leave RBs Cadillac Williams & Derrick Ward, and WRs Antonio Bryant (Questionable-knee) & Michael Clayton (Questionable-knee) on the bench.  The only Dolphins I’d definitely start are RBs Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams, although those in deeper leagues should also consider QB Chad Henne, TE Anthony Fasano (Questionable-hip), and WR Greg Camarillo.  Leave TE Joey Haynos and WRs Ted Ginn, Davone Bess, & Brian Hartline out of your lineup.

New Orleans at St. Louis - Say this for Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo - he knows how to enjoy his bye week.  Unfortunately for Spagnuolo and the rest of the Rams, their back-to-work week culminates with a visit from the Saints’ high-octane offense.  Saints to start in this matchup include QB Drew Brees, RB Pierre Thomas, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Marques Colston, K John Carney, and the Defense.  RB Mike Bell and WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem can also be started in deeper leagues.  WR Lance Moore (Questionable-ankle) should be kept out of starting lineups.  The only Ram worth starting, as usual, is RB Steven Jackson, although those in deeper leagues can start TE Randy McMichael and WR Donnie Avery.  I’d recommend leaving QB Marc Bulger and WR Keenan Burton out of lineups this week (and most other weeks).

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis has little tolerance for the antics of WR Chad Ochocinco, and he demonstrated that again this week.  Fortunately, Ochocinco has chosen to do most of his talking on the field this season, and he’s a big part of the reason the Bengals are tied with the Steelers atop the AFC North standings heading into this week’s showdown.  Bengals worth starting are QB Chad Palmer and Ochocinco.  WRs Laveranues Coles & Andre Caldwell may also be started in deeper leagues.  I’d recommend leaving RB Cedric Benson out of your lineup this week if you have other running backs on your roster with more favorable matchups - I just don’t see him doing much against the Steelers’ run defense.  Steelers to start include QB Ben Roethlisberger, TE Heath Miller, WRs Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, & Mike Wallace, K Jeff Reed, and the Defense.  In spite of his great performance Monday night against the Broncos’ vaunted run defense, I’d recommend sitting RB Rashard Mendenhall for this unfavorable matchup.  RB Willie Parker should be left out of fantasy lineups unless he regains at least a share of the carries, and at this point I don’t foresee that happening.

Buffalo at Tennessee - Although he’s slightly more popular in Buffalo than Panthers’ QB Jake Delhomme is in Charlotte, Bills’ QB Trent Edwards doesn’t enjoy a great deal of fan support either.  The only Bills worth starting this week are RB Marshawn Lynch and the Defense.  WRs Lee Evans & Terrell Owens (Questionable-hip) may also be started in deeper leagues.  Edwards (Probable-concussion) and RB Fred Jackson should not be in starting lineups.  The news is just as bleak for the Titans - RB Chris Johnson and the Defense are the only worthwhile fantasy starters.  Avoid starting QB Vince Young, RB LenDale White, TE Bo Scaife, and WRs Justin Gage (Questionable-back) & Nate Washington.

Kansas City at Oakland - Teams are tripping over themselves in the race to deny that they have any interest in former Chiefs’ RB Larry Johnson.  It’s easy to make comparisons with the Michael Vick experience, but my hunch is that NFL teams will have a much easier time overlooking insubordination than dog-fighting, and Johnson will sign with another team within a week.  Meanwhile, opportunity is knocking loudly for Chief RBs Jamaal Charles & Kolby Smith.  Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, and the Defense are worth starting.  Expand the list to include Smith and TE Sean Ryan if you play in a deeper league.  Keep QB Matt Cassel, WRs Chris Chambers (Questionable-foot), Bobby Wade, & Lance Long out of your lineup.  Raiders to start include RB Justin Fargas, TE Zach Miller, and the Defense.  RB Michael Bush and WR Louis Murphy may also be started by those in deeper leagues.  QB JaMarcus Russell, RB Darren McFadden, and WR Chaz Schilens (Probable-foot) should remain on the fantasy bench.

Philadelphia at San Diego - Speaking of tripping over yourself, pundits are tripping over themselves in a race to declare Chargers’ RB LaDainian Tomlinson’s career over.  While I was one of Tomlinson’s biggest supporters before the season began and expected a big rebound season for him, I finally have to admit that it just isn’t going to happen.  Accordingly, Tomlinson (Questionable-hip) should be left out of your fantasy lineup this week for this unfavorable matchup with the Eagles’ defense.  The only Eagles who should definitely be in lineups this week are RB LeSean McCoy and TE Brent “Captain Morgan” Celek.  QB Donovan McNabb and WRs DeSean Jackson (Probable-foot) & Jeremy Maclin can also be started in deeper leagues.  As with Tomlinson, I’d leave RB Brian Westbrook (Questionable-concussion, ankle) on the bench.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot), and WRs Vincent Jackson & Malcom Floyd.  Add RB Darren Sproles to the list in deeper leagues.

Dallas at Green Bay - Cowboys’ QB Tony Romo is enjoying an experience that’s completely different from LaDainian Tomlinson’s.  Romo has been ripped in the press frequently since taking over the starting quarterback job in Dallas.  Now, however, people are revising history on the fly and annointing Romo a star.  The truth probably lies somewhere in between these two extremes, but Romo, RBs Marion Barber (Questionable-thumb), TE Jason Witten, and WRs Miles Austin & Roy Williams are all worth starting this week.  Add RBs Tashard Choice & Felix Jones to the list if you play in a deeper league.  Packers worth starting include QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant, WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings, and K Mason Crosby.  Add WR James Jones to the list in deeper leagues.  I’d leave TE Jermichael Finley (Questionable-knee) and Donald Lee out of starting lineups, regardless of how much (or little) Finley is able to play this week.

Seattle at Arizona - What a difference a week makes.  Two weeks ago Cardinals’ QB Kurt Warner threw 5 interceptions during his team’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.  Last week Warner rebounded against the Bears, throwing 5 touchdown passes in a game for the first time in over a decade and earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in the process.  Fellow “old pro” QB Matt Hasselbeck leads the Seahawks into town for what figures to be a Punt, Pass, & Kick Pass, Pass, & Pass competition.  Seahawks to start include Hasselbeck (Questionable-shoulder), TE John Carlson, and WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Nate Burleson.  Leave RBs Julius Jones & Justin Forsett on the bench.  Cardinals to start include Warner, RB Tim Hightower, TE Ben Patrick (Questionable-knee), WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Steve Breaston (Questionable-knee), and K Neil Rackers.  Add RB Chris Wells to the list if you’re in a deeper league.  I’d leave WR Anquan Boldin (Probable-ankle) out of your starting lineup this week even if he is able to play.

New England at Indianapolis - This week brings the latest installment of the NFL’s best quarterback rivalry.  It’s hard to determine the better signal-caller on the field, but when it comes to Saturday Night Live appearances, Colts’ QB Peyton Manning wins easily against Patriots’ QB Tom Brady.  Fortunately for Brady (and his teammates), this week’s competition will take place on a football field.  Patriots to start include Brady (Probable-here we go again shoulder), RB Laurence Maroney, TE Ben Watson (Probable-back), WRs Randy Moss & Wes Welker, and K Stephen Gostkowski.  Expect RBs Sammy Morris (Questionable-knee) & Fred Taylor (Questionable-ankle) to remain sidelined this week.  Colts to start include Manning, RB Joseph Addai, TE Dallas Clark, and WR Reggie Wayne.  I would recommend against starting RB Donald Brown and WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie.  WR Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-knee) will likely be out at least another week.

Baltimore at Cleveland - If he is to be believed, Browns’ RB Jamal Lewis will face his former team for the last time Monday night.  Lewis claims to have made up his mind prior to the start of the season that he would retire at the end of this year; Browns’ fans can be forgiven for wondering if Lewis hasn’t already retired on the job.  Ravens to start in this matchup include QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, TE Todd Heap, WRs Derrick Mason & Mark Clayton, K Steven Hauschka, and the Defense.  Once again, I’d leave RB Willis McGahee on the bench until further notice.  There are no Browns worth starting this week - that includes QB Brady Quinn (who starts the second half of his Grover Cleveland act this week), Lewis, and WR Mohamed Massaquoi.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

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Week 9 included an injury to Clinton Portis as well as the unexpected absences of Brian Westbrook and Anquan Boldin. Fortunately, only two teams have byes in Week 10 (New York Giants & Houston), so waiver wire replacements should be a bit easier to come by than they have been for the past few weeks.  Players who were injured, or have a bye week include

QB

• Matt Hasselbeck (inj?) 
• Trent Edwards (inj?)
• Matt Schaub (bye)
• Eli Manning (bye) 

RB 

• Brian Westbrook (inj) 
• Clinton Portis (inj)
• Donald Brown (inj)
• Darren McFadden (inj)
• Frank Gore (inj?)
• Brandon Jacobs (bye)
• Ahmad Bradshaw (bye)
• Steve Slaton (bye)
• Ryan Moats (bye)

WR 

• Anquan Boldin (inj?)
• Antonio Bryant (inj)
• Lance Moore (inj)
• Anthony Gonzalez (inj?)
• Muhsin Muhammad (inj)
• Austin Collie (inj)
• Isaac Bruce (inj)
• Andre Johnson (bye)
• Kevin Walter (bye)
• Steve Smith (bye)
• Hakeem Nicks (bye)
• Mario Manningham (bye)

TE

• Owen Daniels (inj, bye)
• Vernon Davis (inj?)
• Chris Cooley (inj)
• Jermichael Finley (inj)
• Dante Rosario (inj)
• Randy McMichael (inj?)
• Kevin Boss (bye)

K 

• Adam Vinatieri (inj)
• Lawrence Tynes (bye)
• Kris Brown (bye) 

 DEF

• New York Giants (bye)

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  LT indicates players who may have fantasy value for the rest of the season, while ST indicates players whose fantasy usefulness is likely to be limited to the amount of time it takes a player ahead of them on the depth chart to recover from an injury/return from a suspension.  SPEC indicates a player whose fantasy worth may not be obvious now, but may be worth speculating on for use later in the season.  An asterisk (*) indicates a player whose team has a bye this week.

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith (LT), Chad Henne (LT), Marc Bulger (LT), Jason Campbell (SPEC), Josh Freeman (SPEC), and Vince Young (SPEC).

Running Backs

Jamaal Charles (LT), Justin Fargas (LT), Mike Bell (LT), Ladell Betts (ST), Correll Buckhalter (SPEC), Kolby Smith (SPEC), Michael Bush (SPEC), Chester Taylor (SPEC), Maurice Morris (SPEC), Derrick Ward (SPEC), Jerome Harrison (SPEC), Justin Forsett (SPEC), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Bernard Scott (SPEC), Rashad Jennings (SPEC), and Aaron Brown.

Wide Receivers

Laveranues Coles (LT), Malcom Floyd (LT), Mike Wallace (LT), Greg Camarillo (LT), Anthony Gonzalez (SPEC), Earl Bennett (SPEC), Sammie Stroughter (SPEC), Andre Caldwell (SPEC), Michael Clayton (SPEC), Louis Murphy (SPEC), Mohamed Massaquoi (SPEC), Keenan Burton (SPEC), Kenny Britt (SPEC), Michael Jenkins (SPEC), Brian Hartline (SPEC), Davone Bess (SPEC), James Jones (SPEC), Chris Chambers (SPEC), Lance Long (SPEC), Josh Morgan (SPEC), Bryant Johnson (SPEC), Justin Gage (SPEC), Nate Washington (SPEC), Robert Meachem (SPEC), Bobby Wade (SPEC), Early Doucet (SPEC), Dwayne Jarrett (SPEC), Maurice Stovall (SPEC), Josh Cribbs (SPEC), Jason Hill (SPEC), Ted Ginn (SPEC), Chaz Schilens (SPEC), and Jacoby Jones (SPEC *).

Tight Ends

Brandon Pettigrew (LT), Ben Watson (LT), Fred Davis (ST), Marcedes Lewis (SPEC), Jermichael Finley (inj, SPEC), Sean Ryan (SPEC), Chris Baker (SPEC), and Randy McMichael (SPEC).

Kickers

Neil Rackers (LT), Jason Elam (LT), Josh Scobee (LT), Jeff Reed (LT), Dan Carpenter (LT), and Matt Stover (ST).

Defenses

Miami (ST) and Arizona (ST).

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 10 games on Thursday.  If your league requires you to set your lineup before the first game of the week, keep in mind that there’s a Thursday night game this week (Chicago at San Francisco).

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

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Another week with six teams having a bye, including the Bills, Browns, Raiders, and Rams.  It will be interesting to see how many owners latch onto the NFL’s latest trend and apologize this week for their team’s poor play.  Here are my recommendations for Week 9:

Washington at Atlanta - According to Redskins’ QB Jason Campbell, it’s easier for the team to play on the road.  That’s not surprising - it must be hard to call signals when you’re being drowned out by the boos of your home crowd.  Campbell gets his wish this week as Washington and their underrated defense take on an underachieving Atlanta offense.  Redskins to start include Campbell, RB Clinton Portis, fill-in TE Fred Davis, WR Santana Moss, and K Shaun Suisham.  TE Chris Cooley (Out-ankle) will miss at least another three weeks.  Falcons to start include QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Roddy White (Questionable-knee), and K Jason Elam (assuming the Falcons’ coaching staff forgives him for his missed FGs against the Saints).  RB Jerious Norwood (Questionable-hip) is a long-shot to play and should not be in your lineup this weekend.

Kansas City at Jacksonville - Chiefs fans’ disgust with suspended RB Larry Johnson apparently knows no bounds - there’s actually a petition circulating to stop him from becoming the Chiefs’ all-time leading rusher.  No word on whether potential replacement RBs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith have signed yet.  Chiefs to start against the struggling Jaguars’ defense include QB Matt Cassel, TE Sean Ryan, WR Dwayne Bowe, and K Ryan Succop.  Charles and WR Bobby Wade can also be started in deep leagues, but I’d leave Smith and the newly-acquired WR Chris Chambers out of starting lineups.  Jaguars to start include QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis, WR Mike Sims-Walker, and K Josh Scobee.  WRs Torry Holt and Mike Thomas can also be started in deeper leagues.

Green Bay at Tampa Bay - With the Brett Favre circus now behind them, the Packers can turn their attention to more important matters, such as helping Tampa Bay in its quest for a second winless season.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers (Questionable-feet), RB Ryan Grant, WRs Donald Driver (Questionable-neck) & Greg Jennings, K Mason Crosby, and the Defense.  TEs Donald Lee & Spencer Havner can also be started in deeper leagues, but expect TE Jermichael Finley (Questionable-knee) to be out for at least another week.  The only Buccaneer I’d recommend starting this week is TE Kevin Winslow, although those in deeper leagues can also consider starting RB Cadillac Williams and WRs Antonio Bryant (Probable-knee), Michael Clayton (Probable-wrist), and Sammie Stroughter.  Leave QB Josh Freeman and RB Derrick Ward out of your lineups.

Miami at New England - You would think that after his record-setting kickoff returns last week against the Jets that WR Ted Ginn would be back in the good graces of all Dolphins’ fans.  Rest assured, that is not the case.  Miami figures to be in for a long day against the Patriots - RBs Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams are the only Dolphins who should be in starting lineups this weekend.  Leave QB Chad Henne, TE Anthony Fasano, and WRs Ginn, Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, & Greg Camarillo on the bench (or waivers).  Patriots to start include QB Tom Brady (Probable-will this charade never end?shoulder), WRs Randy Moss & Wes Welker, and K Stephen Gostkowski.  Those in deeper leagues should also consider starting RB Laurence Maroney, TEs Ben Watson (Questionable-back) & Chris Baker, and the Defense.

Houston at Indianapolis - Houston actually won its game last weekend against the Bills, but you would never know that given all the handwringing this week over RB Steve Slaton’s fumbling problem.  Face it, it’s highly unlikely that either RB Ryan Moats or RB Chris Brown will keep Slaton on the bench for long.  Now that TE Owen Daniels has been lost for the season, the Texans have an even greater need for a back who’s also a receiving threat (i.e. - Slaton).  That said, I would only start Slaton this week if I didn’t have better alternatives - it’s possible he doesn’t play as many snaps as he usually would, but I still believe he’ll see the bulk of the backfield work for Houston.  Texans who should be in your starting lineup this week include QB Matt Schaub and WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter.  Leave Moats, Brown, and replacement TE Joel Dreessen out of your lineup.  Colts to start this week include QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai, TE Dallas Clark, and WR Reggie Wayne.  RB Donald Brown, WR Austin Collie, and the Colts’ Defense can also be started in deeper leagues.  I would not start WRs Pierre Garcon & Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-knee).

Baltimore at Cincinnati - Ray Lewis may not have a future as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance, but he and the rest of the Ravens’ defense have less pressure on them than in the past thanks to the emergence of the offense under second-year QB Joe Flacco.  This week the Ravens get a chance to avenge a loss earlier this season to the Bengals, and they should do so.  Ravens to start this week include Flacco, RB Ray Rice, TE Todd Heap (Questionable-ankle), WRs Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, & Kelley Robinson, and K Steven Hauschka.  The Defense can also be started in deeper leagues, but I wouldn’t start RB Willis McGahee this week (or any other week, unless something happens to Rice).  The only sure-fire Bengal starters this week are QB Carson Palmer and WR Chad Ochocinco, although WR Laveranues Coles may also be started in deeper leagues.  I would not start RB Cedric Benson against the Ravens’ defense.

Arizona at Chicago - Noted diabetic Jay Cutler gave blood at the office last Sunday thanks to an illegal hit by Browns’ LB Kamerion Wimbley.  This week it will be Arizona’s turn to see whether they can extract a pound of flesh from the Bears’ offense.  Cardinals to start include QB Kurt Warner, RB Tim Hightower, WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Steve Breaston (Questionable-knee), and K Neil Rackers (Questionable-hamstring), assuming he’s healthy enough to play.  RB Chris Wells is also a good start in deeper leagues.  I would leave WR Anquan Boldin (Questionable-ankle) on the bench this week.  Bears to start include Cutler, RB Matt Forte, TE Greg Olsen (Questionable-ankle), WR Devin Hester (Questionable-ankle), and K Robbie Gould.  WRs Earl Bennett & Johnny Knox can also be started if you’re in a deeper league and need a one-week fill-in.

Carolina at New Orleans - Not many NFL players can claim that people go out of their way to make jokes at his expense.  Unfortunately for Panthers’ QB Jake Delhomme, he’s one of them.  Kidding aside, Delhomme figures to be in for another rough week against the Saints’ pass defense and should not be started.  The only Panthers worth starting this week are RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-Achilles’) and WR Steve Smith.  TEs Jeff King & Dante Rosario and WRs Muhsin Muhammad (Questionable-knee) & Dwayne Jarrett don’t belong in starting lineups either.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RB Pierre Thomas, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Marques Colston, and K John Carney.  RB Mike Bell is also worth starting in deeper leagues.  I’d leave WRs Lance Moore (Questionable-ankle), Robert Meachem, and Devery Henderson out of your lineup.

Detroit at Seattle - Seahawks’ WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is unhappy with his lack of involvement in Seattle’s offense.  Maybe this shouldn’t come as a big surprise, given that Houshmandzadeh announced earlier this year that he’s “boycotting” Madden 2010.  Given the injuries to their key players, perhaps the Lions should consider boycotting this game.  QB Matthew Stafford (Questionable-knee) and WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-knee) are both worth starting if they’re healthy enough to play.  Ditto for RB Kevin Smith (Questionable-shoulder), who may miss the game.  If Smith can’t play, consider starting RB Maurice Morris in a favorable matchup against his former team.  TE Brandon Pettigrew & WR Bryant Johnson should also be considered as starters by those in deeper leagues, but leave WR Dennis Northcutt on the bench.  Seahawks to start include QB Matt Hasselbeck (Questionable-ribs), TE John Carlson, WRs Houshmandzadeh & Nate Burleson, K Olindo Mare, and the Defense.  Those in deeper leagues should also consider starting RBs Julius Jones & Justin Forsett and WR Deion Branch.

Tennessee at San Francisco - Titan QB Vince Young is not a man to be messed with.  In spite of barely having seen the field the last season and a half, Young still managed to garner one vote in the election to determine the NFL’s dirtiest player.  Presumably, Young’s vote came courtesy of a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense.  Young gets a chance to bolster that reputation this weekend against a shaky San Francisco secondary and could be in for a big day.  Titans to start include Young, RB Chris Johnson, and WRs Justin Gage & Kenny Britt.  TE Bo Scaife and WR Nate Washington can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave RB LenDale White out of your lineup - his 15 rushing TDs last season now seem like a distant memory.  49ers’ QB Alex Smith should also be in for a big day against a bad Titans’ secondary.  He should be started, along with RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree, and K Joe Nedney.  WRs Josh Morgan & Isaac Bruce, along with the 49ers’ Defense, can also be started in deeper leagues.

San Diego at New York Giants - Now that the Chris Chambers Era is over in San Diego, WR Malcom Floyd should get many more opportunities to shine.  Just don’t expect that to happen this weekend against the reeling Giants - leave Floyd out of your starting lineup.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Darren Sproles, TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot), WR Vincent Jackson, and K Nate Kaeding.  The only Giants I’d start for sure this weekend would be RB Brandon Jacobs and TE Kevin Boss (Questionable-ankle).  RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-ankle, foot) and WR Steve Smith can also be started in deeper leagues, but I’d leave QB Eli Manning and WRs Mario Manningham (Questionable-shoulder) & Hakeem Nicks on the bench this week.

Dallas at Philadelphia - Much has been made this week of the fact that Cowboys’ QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams “aren’t on the same page”.  Thankfully for the Cowboys, the emergence of WR Austin Miles has made that less of an issue than it might have been otherwise.  Cowboys to start in this week’s matchup include Romo, RB Marion Barber (Probable-thumb), TE Jason Witten, Miles, and K Nick Folk.  Williams should also be started in deeper leagues.  I’d leave RBs Tashard Choice and Felix Jones on the bench.  Eagles to start include QB Donovan McNabb, RBs Brian Westbrook (Probable-concussion) & LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, WRs DeSean Jackson (Probable-foot) & Jeremy Maclin (Probable-foot), and K David Akers.

Pittsburgh at Denver - Broncos’ WR Eddie Royal is another player who came into the season with high expectations and has fallen off the fantasy football map.  Fortunately for both Royal and the Broncos, rather than spout off in the press, he’s been keeping himself busy with his Facebook page.  Steelers to start in this Monday Night Football contest include QB Ben Roethlisberger, TE Heath Miller, and WR Hines Ward, recently voted the “dirtiest player in the NFL”.  I would not start RBs Rashard Mendenhall & Willie Parker or WRs Santonio Holmes & Mike Wallace.  The only Broncos I’d definitely start would be QB Kyle Orton & Brandon Marshall, although TEs Tony Scheffler & Daniel Graham and WR Royal can also be considered by those in deeper leagues.  Leave RBs Knowshon Moreno & Correll Buckhalter on the bench.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

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Injuries to Owen Daniels, Anquan Boldin, & Kevin Smith and the benching of Steve Slaton will send owners scrambling to the waiver wire this week. The six teams with a Week 9 bye are Buffalo, Cleveland, Minnesota, New York Jets, Oakland, and St. Louis (half of them contenders for the first pick in the 2010 draft).  Players who were benched, injured, or have a bye week include

QB

• Jake Delhomme (inj?) 
• Brett Favre (bye)
• Mark Sanchez (bye) 

RB 

• Brian Westbrook (inj) 
• Kevin Smith (inj?)
• Marshawn Lynch (bye)
• Fred Jackson (bye)
• Jamal Lewis (bye)
• Adrian Peterson (bye)
• Thomas Jones (bye)
• Steven Jackson (bye)

WR 

• Calvin Johnson (inj) 
• Anquan Boldin (inj?)
• Lance Moore (inj?)
• Anthony Gonzalez (inj?)
• Terrell Owens (bye)
• Lee Evans (bye)
• Bernard Berrian (bye)
• Sidney Rice (bye)
• Percy Harvin (bye)
• Braylon Edwards (bye)
• Jerricho Cotchery (bye)

TE

• Owen Daniels (inj)
• Visanthe Shiancoe (bye)
• Dustin Keller (bye)
• Zach Miller (bye)

K 

• Adam Vinatieri (inj)
• Rian Lindell (bye)
• Ryan Longwell (bye)
• Jay Feely (bye) 

 DEF

• Minnesota (bye)
• New York Jets (bye)

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  LT indicates players who may have fantasy value for the rest of the season, while ST indicates players whose fantasy usefulness is likely to be limited to the amount of time it takes a player ahead of them on the depth chart to recover from an injury/return from a suspension.  SPEC indicates a player whose fantasy worth may not be obvious now, but may be worth speculating on for use later in the season.  An asterisk (*) indicates a player whose team has a bye this week.

Quarterbacks

Chad Henne (LT), Marc Bulger (LT *), Alex Smith (LT), Vince Young (LT), Jason Campbell (SPEC), Josh Freeman (SPEC), Derek Anderson (SPEC), Shaun Hill (SPEC), Matt Moore (SPEC), A.J. Feeley (SPEC), Seneca Wallace (SPEC), Kevin Kolb (SPEC), and Matt Leinart (SPEC).

Running Backs

Mike Bell (LT), Justin Fargas (LT *), Jamaal Charles (SPEC), Correll Buckhalter (SPEC), Ryan Moats (SPEC), Maurice Morris (SPEC), Derrick Ward (SPEC), Jerome Harrison (SPEC), Justin Forsett (SPEC), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Bernard Scott (SPEC), Rashad Jennings (SPEC), Aaron Brown (SPEC), Michael Bush (SPEC *), and Chester Taylor (SPEC *).

Wide Receivers

Mark Clayton (LT), Anthony Gonzalez (SPEC), Kenny Britt (SPEC), Michael Jenkins (SPEC), Brian Hartline (SPEC), Sammie Stroughter (SPEC), Mike Wallace (SPEC), Mike Thomas (SPEC), Davone Bess (SPEC), Ted Ginn (SPEC), Greg Camarillo (SPEC), Earl Bennett (SPEC), Josh Morgan (SPEC), Muhsin Muhammad (SPEC), Devery Henderson (SPEC), Deion Branch (SPEC), Kelley Washington (SPEC), Bryant Johnson (SPEC), Nate Washington (SPEC), Robert Meachem (SPEC), Jacoby Jones (SPEC), Bobby Wade (SPEC), Mark Bradley (SPEC), Andre Caldwell (SPEC), Michael Clayton (SPEC), Louis Murphy (SPEC *), Mohamed Massaquoi (SPEC *), Keenan Burton (SPEC *), Chansi Stuckey (SPEC *), Mike Furrey (SPEC *), Joe Cribbs (SPEC *).

Tight Ends

Fred Davis (LT), Donald Lee (ST), Jeff King (ST), Marcedes Lewis (SPEC), Brandon Pettigrew (SPEC), Anthony Fasano (SPEC), Jermichael Finley (inj, SPEC), Ben Watson (SPEC), Sean Ryan (SPEC), Chris Baker (SPEC), Randy McMichael (SPEC *), and Michael Gaines (SPEC *).

Kickers

Neil Rackers (LT), Jason Elam (LT), Josh Scobee (ST), Jeff Reed (ST), Dan Carpenter (ST), and Matt Prater (ST).

Defenses

Seattle (ST) and Jacksonville (ST).

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 9 games on Thursday.

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 8 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry is a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Another week with six teams having a bye, including the Chiefs.  Hopefully, Larry Johnson (the running back formerly known as @ToonIcon) will use his time off to consider the dark side of social networking.  Here are my recommendations for Week 8:

Houston at Buffalo - The Buffalo Bills are more than likely the first NFL team to replace a Stanford grad with a Harvard grad at quarterback.  Unfortunately for the Bills, Texans’ QB Matt Schaub (a Virginia grad), will more than outlikely outshine Bills’ QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in this matchup.  Texans to start include Schaub, RB Steve Slaton, TE Owen Daniels, WR Kevin Walter, and K Kris Brown.  Add WR Andre Johnson (Questionable-lung) to this list if he’s healthy enough to play.  Bills to start include RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Lee Evans & Terrell Owens, and K Rian Lindell.  Fitzpatrick and RB Fred Jackson may also be started in deeper leagues.  Bills’ QB Trent Edwards remains out with a concussion.

New York Giants at Philadelphia - In case you haven’t heard, the starting time for this clash between NFC East rivals has been moved up from 4:15 pm to 1 pm due to another sporting event later that day across the street.  Giants who should be in starting lineups include RB Brandon Jacobs, WRs Steve Smith & Hakeem Nicks, and K Lawrence Tynes.  If you’re in a deeper league, QB Eli Manning, TE Kevin Boss, and WR Mario Manningham can also be started.  Add RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-ankle/foot) to the deeper league list if he’s able to play.  Eagles to start include RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, and K David Akers.  Add QB Donovan McNabb and WRs DeSean Jackson (Questionable-foot) & Jeremy Maclin (Probable-foot) to the list if you’re in a deeper league.  I would leave RB Brian Westbrook (Questionable-concussion/knee) on the bench this week even if he’s able to start.  WR Kevin Curtis remains out with a knee problem.

Denver at Baltimore - Why is it that certain star wide receivers feel the need to constantly be in the limelight?  Following news that Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are getting their own iPhone apps comes word that Broncos’ WR Brandon Marshall, who’s made news too many times in his career for the wrong reasons, is now getting a shot to host a television program.  Fresh off their bye week, the 6-0 Broncos figure to have a good day against an underwhelming Ravens’ pass defense.  Broncos to start include QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno, WRs Marshall & Eddie Royal, and K Matt Prater.  Add RB Correll Buckhalter and TE Tony Scheffler to the list if you’re in a deeper league.  Ravens to start include QB Joe Flacco (Probable-ankle), RB Ray Rice, TE Todd Heap, WR Derrick Mason, and K Steven Hauschka.  Those in deep leagues should also consider starting WR Mark Clayton.  Do not start RB Willis McGahee.

Miami at New York Jets - This week’s Dolphins-Jets game should be a lot more competitive than last week’s Jets-Raiders game was, so don’t look for Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez to be eating any hot dogs on the sidelines during the game.  Both teams have strong running games and questionable passing games, so look for lots of rushing yards from the running backs involved in this game.  Dolphins to start include RBs Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams and the Defense.  Add TE Anthony Fasano to the list if you play in a deeper league.  Leave QB Chad Henne and WRs Ted Ginn & Davone Bess on the bench.  Jets to start include RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller, WR Braylon Edwards, and the Defense.  RB Shonn Greene can be started in deeper leagues.  QB Mark Sanchez and WRs Jerricho Cotchery (Questionable-hamstring) & David Clowney (Questionable-ankle) should not be started.

San Francisco at Indianapolis - Widely panned as a bust prior to leading an impressive comeback last week against the Texans, 49ers’ QB Alex Smith has been scooped off the waiver wire in nearly every fantasy football league in which he was still available.  Count me among the skeptics.  One of the reasons Smith has never been able to establish himself as the 49ers’ starting quarterback has been his maddening inconsistency.  One half does not a career make, and I’m guessing we’ll see the “Bad Alex” again soon, possibly this weekend.  Comparisons to former (and future?) Titans’ QB Vince Young are inevitable.  The only 49ers who should be in starting lineups this week are RB Frank Gore and TE Vernon Davis.  Leave Smith and WRs Michael Crabtree & Josh Morgan out of starting lineups.  Colts to start include QB Peyton Manning, TE Dallas Clark, WR Reggie Wayne (Questionable-groin), K Matt Stover, and the Defense.  Those in deeper leagues should also consider starting RB Joseph Addai and WRs Austin Collie & Pierre Garcon.  Leave RB Donald Brown (Questionable-shoulder) and WR Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-knee) on the bench.  K Adam Vinatieri (Out-knee) will miss another week. 

St. Louis at Detroit - If you can remember the last time the Lions were actually favored to win a game, you are either a die-hard Lions’ fan or a gambler with a serious problem.  Thanks to the presence of the Browns, Raiders, Bucs, and Chiefs, this game can’t even be described accurately as “Loser Bowl 2009″.  Scary thought.  Rams to start this week include RB Steven Jackson, TE Randy McMichael, WR Donnie Avery, and K Josh Brown.  QB Marc Bulger and WR Keenan Burton can also be started if you’re in a deeper league.  Lions to start include RB Kevin Smith, TE Brandon Bettigrew, and K Jason Hanson.  Add WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-knee) to the list if he’s able to play.  QB Matthew Stafford (Questionable-knee) can be started in deeper leagues if he’s healthy enough to play; otherwise, QB Daunte Culpepper is also worth starting in deeper leagues against the atrocious Rams’ pass defense.  WR Bryant Johnson is also worth starting in deeper leagues; WR Dennis Northcutt is not.

Seattle at Dallas - Seahawks’ QB Matt Hasselbeck is one of the few NFL players who will publicly admit to playing fantasy football himself.  Memo to Matt:  assuming you (Questionable-ribs) are healthy enough to play, this would be a good week to start yourself, along with teammates TE John Carlson and WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Nate Burleson.  Don’t start your backfield mate RB Julius Jones - undoubtedly, you know how that movie will end.  Cowboys to start this weekend include QB Tony Romo, RB Marion Barber (Probable-thumb), TE Jason Witten, WRs Roy Williams & Miles Austin, and K Nick Folk.  RBs Tashard Choice & Felix Jones may also be started in deeper leagues.

Cleveland at Chicago - Browns’ QB Derek Anderson made headlines this week for referring to his 2009 stats as “garbage”.  You’ve got to hand it to him - he has a penchant for the obvious.  Neither Anderson, nor RB Jamal Lewis (Probable-wrist), nor any of his other Browns’ teammates should be in your starting lineup this week for this contest, in which the Bears will likely take their frustrations out on Cleveland.  Bears to start include QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, TE Greg Olsen, K Robbie Gould, and the Defense.  I’m still unable to figure out the Bears’ three-headed monster at wide receiver from week to week, but WRs Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, & Johnny Knox can all be started by those in deeper leagues.

Oakland at San Diego - The good news:  Raiders’ Head Coach Tom Cable finally came to his senses last week and benched starting QB JaMarcus Russell.  The bad news:  that move was only temporary, and Russell will be starting again this weekend against the Chargers.  I’m certainly not arguing that Bruce Gradkowski is a better quarterback than Russell, but when a team is going as poorly as the Raiders are, sometimes change for the sake of change is necessary.  The best news the Raiders received all week is that Oklahoma Sooners’ QB Sam Bradford’s shoulder surgery went well, and he’s decided to forego his final year of eligibility for the 2010 NFL draft.  Back to the present - the only Raiders worth starting this week are RB Justin Fargas and TE Zach Miller.  RB Michael Bush can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave Russell and WR Louis Murphy on the bench in the unlikely event they’re even on your roster.  RB Darren McFadden (Questionable-knee) and WR Chaz Schilens should also be left out of starting lineups even if they’re finally able to return to action this weekend.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Darren Sproles, TE Antonio Gates, WR Vincent Jackson, K Nate Kaeding, and the Defense.  Leave WRs Chris Chambers & Malcom Floyd out of starting lineups.

Jacksonville at Tennessee - Titans’ Head Coach Jeff Fisher has held off on naming a starting quarterback for this week, unlike his owner, Bud Adams, who has not been bashful about making his preference known.  This puts Fisher in a no-win situation:  if he sticks with QB Kerry Collins, he appears stubborn; if he goes with QB Vince Young, he looks like a puppet.  Either way, this contest will pit the two weakest pass defenses in the NFL, so regardless of who starts for the Titans, passing yards should be plentiful for both sides.  Jaguars to start include QB David Garrard, RB Marcus Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis, WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Torry Holt, and K Josh Scobee.  Titans to start include RB Chris Johnson and K Rob Bironas.  The Titans’ starting quarterback (I suspect it will be Young) and WRs Justin Gage & Kenny Britt can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave RB LenDale White out of starting lineups since he’s not a big part of the Titans’ passing game.

Carolina at Arizona - JaMarcus Russell and Kerry Collins are not the only starting quarterbacks under fire.  Panthers’ QB Jake Delhomme has been awful this season, but Head Coach John Fox has already announced that Delhomme will start this week.  Fox stated that Delhomme still gives his team the best chance to win - that’s certainly debatable, but it’s a moot point (for at least the first series on Sunday).  Panthers to start this weekend include RB DeAngelo Williams, TE Jeff King, and WR Steve Smith.  Delhomme can also be started by those playing in deeper leagues and feeling lucky (or contrarian).  Leave RB Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-knee), TE Dante Rosario (Questionable-knee), and WR Muhsin Muhammed (Questionable-knee) on the bench.  Cardinals to start include QB Kurt Warner, RB Chris Wells (I refuse to call a grown man “Beanie”), WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Steve Breaston (Questionable-knee), K Neil Rackers, and the Defense.  Add RB Tim Hightower to the list in deeper leagues.  I would leave WR Anquan Boldin (Questionable-ankle) out of starting lineups this weekend even if he is able to play.

Minnesota at Green Bay - Mayor Jim Schmitt has been busy pulling out all the stops to welcome former Packers’ QB Brett Favre back to Green Bay on Sunday.  Note to Green Bay workers:  the Friday forecast calls for rain and a high of 60 degrees, so you may want to ignore the suggestion for that day.  Vikings to start this week include RB Adrian Peterson and TE Visanthe Shiancoe.  Favre (Questionable-hip) and WRs Sidney Rice & Percy Harvin can also be started by those in deeper leagues.  I’d leave RB Chester Taylor and WR Bernard Berrian (Questionable-hamstring) on the bench.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers (Questionable-foot), RB Ryan Grant, TE Donald Lee, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver, and K Mason Crosby.  I’d leave TE Jermichael Finley (Questionable-knee) on the bench even in the unlikely event that he’s able to play.

Atlanta at New Orleans - The days of the Aints are now a distant memory in New Orleans, where the modern-day Saints are 6-0 and looking like one of the better teams in the NFL.  The Falcons are 4-2, but QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner have been somewhat disappointing so far this season after outperforming expectations in 2008.  If that doesn’t change this week, the Falcons will find themselves three games behind the Saints and looking at a wild card berth as their only likely path to this year’s playoffs.  Falcons to start this week include Turner, TE Tony Gonzalez, and WR Roddy White.  Ryan and WR Michael Jenkins can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave RB Jerious Norwood (Questionable-hip) on the bench even if he is able to play.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RB Pierre Thomas, TE Jeremy Shockey, WRs Jeremy Shockey & Lance Moore, and K John Carney.  RB Mike Bell and WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem can also be started in deeper leagues.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

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