The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Hi everyone,

We’re almost done with the bye weeks, but now we enter the Thursday night game portion of the schedule.  Here are my recommendations for Week 10 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

Baltimore at Atlanta (Thursday night) - This battle between two likely Super Bowl contenders has been overshadowed by talk about Le’Ron McClain’s tactics for infuriating opponents.  Thankfully for Atlanta none of their defenders are likely to get the “Channing Crowder treatment”, at least not from McClain.  Atlanta 27  Baltimore 24.

• Baltimore 
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  QB Joe Flacco, WRs Anquan Boldin & Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  RBs Ray Rice & Willis McGahee
• Atlanta 
  • Yes:  RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Questionable-ankle), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF, K Matt Bryant
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Ryan, WR Michael Jenkins

Detroit at Buffalo - The Battle of the Bottomfeeders will result in the close-but-no-cigar Bills gaining their first victory of the season as Ndamukong Suh clangs a 75-yard field goal attempt off the left upright.  Somewhere Trent Edwards will shed a tear.  Buffalo 24 Detroit 21.

• Detroit 
  • Yes: WR Calvin Johnson, TEs Brandon Pettigrew & Tony Scheffler, DEF
  • No:  QBs Sean Hill & Drew Stanton (whoever starts), WR Bryant Johnson, Ks Jeff Hanson & Ndamukong Suh
  • Maybe So:  RBs Jahvid Best & Kevin Smith, WR Nate Burleson.
• Buffalo
  • Yes: RB Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller, WR Steve Johnson, DEF
  • No:  K Rian Lindell
  • Maybe So:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Lee Evans (Questionable-ankle)

Carolina at Tampa Bay - Ladies and gentlemen, starting at quarterback for the Panthers, #16 - Tony Pike.  Okay, it hasn’t quite come to that for Carolina yet, but with Matt Moore now out for the season, Pike’s the alternative if Jimmy Clausen proves to be ineffective again.  Tampa Bay 30 Carolina 14.

• Carolina 
  • Yes:  RB Mike Goodson, TE Dante Rosario
  • No:  QB Jimmy Clausen; RBs DeAngelo Williams (Questionable-foot), Jonathan Stewart (Out-concussion), & Tyrell Sutton; DEF; K John Kasay
  • Maybe So:  None
• Tampa Bay 
  • Yes:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF, K Connor Barth
  • No:  WRs Sammie Stroughter (Questionable-foot) & Arrelious Benn
  • Maybe So:  QB Josh Freeman

Minnesota at Chicago - Never a dull moment in Favreville.  The star quarterback has a litany of injuries, the star wide receiver has migraines, and everybody seems to despise the head coach.  In spite of all the drama the Vikings will continue their ascent in the NFC North standings with yet another nailbiting victory.  Minnesota 21 Chicago 14.

• Minnesota 
  • Yes:  WR Percy Harvin (Questionable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe,  DEF
  • No:  RB Toby Gerhardt, WRs Bernard Berrian & Greg Camarillo, K Ryan Longwell
  • Maybe So:  QB Brett Favre (Probable-ankle)
• Chicago 
  • Yes:  WR Johnny Knox,  TE Greg Olsen, & DEF
  • No:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Chester Taylor, WR Devin Hester, K Robbie Gould
  • Maybe So:  RB Matt Forte, WR Earl Bennett

Houston at Jacksonville - Houston’s looked terrible the last two weeks in losing games a playoff contender should win, but they’ll right the ship (at least for one week) against the Jaguars.  Houston 28 Jacksonville 20.

• Houston 
  • Yes:  QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter, TE Joel Dreessen, DEF
  • No:  RB Derrick Ward, TE Owen Daniels (Out-hamstring), K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So:  WR Jacoby Jones
• Jacksonville 
  • Yes:  QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee
  • No:  DEF
  • Maybe So:  None

Tennessee at Miami - Miami has been a good road team and a bad home team this season, so head coach Tony Sparano made the logical move this wee, replacing the ineffective Chad (Henne) with the incapable Chad (Pennington).  It won’t work.  Tennessee 24 Miami 21.

• Tennessee 
  • Yes:  RB Chris Johnson, WR Randy Moss, TE Bo Scaife, DEF
  • No:  RB Javon Springer, WR Justin Gage, K Rob Bironas
  • Maybe So:  QB Vince Young (Questionable-ankle), WR Nate Washington
• Miami
  • Yes: RB Ronnie Brown, TE Anthony Fasano (Probable-chest), DEF
  • No:  QBs Chad Pennington & Chad Henne, RB Ricky Williams, K Dan Carpenter
  • Maybe So:  WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess

New York Jets at Cleveland - Rex Ryan has kept his team (and presumably his family) entertained this week by making fun of his twin brother, Rob, who also happens to be the Browns’ defensive coordinator.  Rex will also have the last laugh and bragging rights (and maybe an extra drumstick) at Thanksgiving dinner.  New York Jets 28 Cleveland 21.

• New York Jets 
  • Yes:  QB Mark Sanchez, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Shonn Greene, WRs Braylon Edwards & Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • No:  K Nick Folk
  • Maybe:  WR Jerricho Cotchery
• Cleveland 
  • Yes:  TE Ben Watson
  • No:  RB Peyton Hillis; WRs Mohamed Massaquoi, Chansi Stuckey, & Brian Robiskie; DEF; K Phil Dawson
  • Maybe So:  QB Colt McCoy, WR Josh Cribbs

Cincinnati at Indianapolis  - Cincinnati has the chast of familiar characters, but Indianapolis has more victories.  No Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, or Austin Collie?  No problem.  Indianapolis 31 Cincinnati 24.

• Cincinnati 
  • Yes: RB Cedric Benson; WRs Chad Ochocinco (Probable-ankle), Terrell Owens, & Jordan Shipley, TE Jermaine Gresham, K Mike Nugent
  • No:  DEF
  • Maybe So:  QB Carson Palmer (Probable-shoulder)
• Indianapolis 
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning, RB Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme (Questionable-back), DEF
  • No:  RBs Joseph Addai (Doubtful-neck) & Mike Hart (Questionable-ankle), WR Austin Collie (Out-concussion), K Adam Vinatieri
  • Maybe So:  None

Kansas City at Denver (Sunday late) - Kansas City’s got the best ground game in the NFL, but Denver’s passing game will send the Chiefs to their second consecutive division loss.  Denver 30 Kansas City 27.

• Kansas City 
  • Yes: RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones,  TE Tony Moeaki
  • No: QB Matt Cassel, WRs Dexter McCluster (Questionable-ankle) & Chris Chambers, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Maybe So:  WR Dwayne Bowe
• Denver 
  • Yes:  QB Kyle Orton, WRs Brandon Lloyd & Jabar Gaffney, K Matt Prater
  • No:  RB Knowshon Moreno, DEF
  • Maybe So:  WR Eddie Royal

St. Louis at San Francisco - Troy Smith hasn’t shown much yet in his brief NFL career, but he’ll play well enough to get past the mediocre Rams.  San Francisco 24 St. Louis 21.

• St. Louis 
  • Yes:  WR Danny Amendola, TE Daniel Fells, DEF
  • No:  RB Stephen Jackson (Probable-finger), WRs Brandon Gibson & Laurent Robinson, K Josh Brown
  • Maybe So:  QB Sam Bradford
• San Francisco 
  • Yes:  WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, DEF, K Joe Nedney
  • No:  QB Alex Smith (Out-shoulder)
  • Maybe So:  QB Troy Smith, RB Frank Gore, WR Josh Morgan

Dallas at New York Giants - Unfortunately, firing the head coach won’t improve Dallas’ offensive line, so the Giants’ defense wil have a field day against Kitna’s Krew.  New York 30 Dallas 21.

• Dallas 
  • Yes:  TE Jason Witten, WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant
  • No:  QB Jon Kitna; RBs Felix Jones, Marion Barber, & Tashard Choice; TE Martellus Bennett; WR Roy Williams, DEF, K David Buehler
  • Maybe So:  None
• New York 
  • Yes:  QB Eli Manning, RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Brandon Jacobs, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • No:  WR Steve Smith (Out-arm)
  • Maybe So:  TE Kevin Boss 

Seattle at Arizona - It’s a shame that someone has to win this game, but Arizona will prevail.  Arizona 24 Seattle 21.

• Seattle 
  • Yes:  WR Mike Williams (Probable-finger)
  • No:  QB Matt Hasselbeck & Charlie Whitehurst, RB Justin Forsett, WRs Deon Butler, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Maybe So:  RB Marshawn Lynch (Probable-thigh)
• Arizona 
  • Yes:  WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Steve Breaston, DEF
  • No:  QB Derek Anderson, K Jay Feely
  • Maybe So:  RBs Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee) & Tim Hightower

New England at Pittsburgh (Sun night) Tom Brady is not having a great season from a fantasy football perspective, and the Patriots’ defense is a mess.  Meanwhile, Pittsburgh continues to look more and more like a Super Bowl contender.  Pittsburgh 34 New England 24.

• New England 
  • Yes: QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez 
  • No:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Danny Woodhead, DEF, K Shayne Graham
  • Maybe So: WR Deion Branch, TE Rob Gronkowski
• Pittsburgh 
  • Yes:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller (Questionable-knee), DEF, K Jeff Reed
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  WR Emmanuel Sanders

Philadelphia at Washington (Monday night) - Last month Donovan McNabb was riding high after defeating his former team in Philadelphia.  This month his own coach seems to doubt McNabb’s ability to beat anyone.  Things change quickly in the NFL, and it’s payback time for the Eagles.  Philadelphia 38 Washington 21.

• Philadelphia
  • Yes: QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF, K David Akers
  • No: None
  • Maybe So: WR Jason Avant
• Washington 
  • Yes:  QB Donovan McNabb, WR Santana Moss, TE Chris Cooley
  • No:  WR Anthony Armstrong, DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Maybe So:  RBs Ryan Torain (Questionable-hamstring), Keiland Williams, & Clinton Portis (Questionable-groin)

Good luck to your teams this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football SherpaThe Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

Finally, we get to the last of the seven bye weeks.  Just in time too - quarterbacks were dropping like flies during Week 9 - both Matt Moore and Matthew Stafford were lost for the season.  We’re back to just four teams with byes this week:  Green Bay, New Orleans, Oakland, and San Diego.  Note that if I like a player a lot who’s available in the majority of leagues, but his team has a bye in Week 9 (e.g. - Oakland’s Jason Campbell), I will not include him on the waiver wire targets list this week, but will probably do so next week.

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

Quarterback

• Bye weeks
  • Philip Rivers
  • Drew Brees
  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Jason Campbell
• Injuries/benchings - (those that weren’t on this list last week)
  • Matthew Stafford (shoulder-out for season)
  • Matt Moore (shoulder-out for season)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 10 matchups)
  • David Garrard (vs Hou)
  • Matt Cassel (@ Den)
  • Sam Bradford (@ SF)
  • Vince Young (@ Mia)
  • Chad Henne (vs Ten)
  • Troy Smith (vs StL)
  • Drew Stanton (@ Buf)
  • Jimmy Clausen (@ TB)
  • Jon Kitna (@ NYG)
  • Derek Anderson (vs Sea)
  • Charlie Whitehurst (@ Ari)

Running Back

• Bye weeks
  • Darren McFadden
  • Mike Tolbert
  • Michael Bush
  • Brandon Jackson
• Injuries/benchings
  • Joseph Addai (neck)
  • Jonathan Stewart (concussion)
  • Chris Ivory (bye) (concussion)
  • Ryan Mathews (bye) (ankle)
  • Tyrell Sutton (ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Donald Brown (vs Cin)
  • C.J. Spiller (vs Det)
  • Fred Jackson (vs Det)
  • Tim Hightower (vs Sea)
  • Marshawn Lynch (@ Ari)
  • Mike Goodson (@ TB)

Wide Receivers

• Bye weeks
  • Greg Jennings
  • Marques Colston
  • Robert Meachem
  • Lance Moore
  • Devery Henderson
  • Patrick Crayton
  • James Jones
• Injuries/benchings
  • Hakeem Nicks (ankle)
  • Austin Collie (concussion)
  • Donald Driver (bye) (quad)
  • Malcom Floyd (hamstring)
  • Louis Murphy (chest)
  • Legedu Naanee (hamstring)
  • Roscoe Parrish (wrist)
  • Golden Tate (ankle)
  • Sammie Stroughter (foot)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Danny Amendola (@ SF)
  • Nate Burleson (@ Buf)
  • Michael Jenkins (vs Bal)
  • Greg Camarillo (@ Chi)
  • Josh Cribbs (vs NYJ)
  • Jordan Shipley (@ Ind)
  • Anthony Armstrong (vs Phi)
  • Mike Thomas (vs Hou)
  • Mike Williams (Sea) (@ Ari)
  • Nate Washington (@ Mia)
  • Brian Hartline (vs Ten)
  • Deion Branch (@ Pit)
  • Earl Bennett (vs Min)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (vs NYJ)
  • Chansi Stuckey (vs NYJ)
  • Bryant Johnson (@ Buf)
  • Bernard Berrian (@ Chi)
  • Greg Lewis (@ Chi)
  • David Gettis (@ TB)
  • Brandon LaFell (@ TB)
  • Deon Butler (@ Ari)
  • Jason Avant (@ Was)

Tight Ends

• Bye weeks
  • David Thomas (bye)
• Injuries/benchings
  • Anthony Gates (bye) (toe/foot)
  • Jeremy Shockey (bye) (ribs)
  • Zach Miller (bye) (foot)
  • Anthony Quarless (bye) (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Ben Watson (vs NYJ)
  • Greg Olsen (vs Min)
  • Tony Moeaki (@ Den)
  • Tony Scheffler (@ Buf)
  • Dante Rosario (@ TB)
  • Rob Gronkowski (@ Pit)
  • Joel Dreessen (@ Jac)

Kicker

• Bye weeks
  • Mason Crosby
  • Garrett Hartley
  • Sebastian Janikowski
  • Kris Brown
• Injuries/benchings
  • Stephen Gostkowski
  • Nate Kaeding (bye) (groin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Lawrence Tynes (vs Dal)
  • Neil Rackers (@ Jac)
  • Josh Scobee (vs Hou)
  • Mike Nugent (@ Ind)
  • Ryan Succop (@ Den)
  • Jay Feely (vs Sea)
  • Shayne Graham (@ Pit)

Defense

• Bye weeks
  • San Diego
  • Green Bay
  • Oakland
  • New Orleans
• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Tampa Bay (vs Car)
  • Kansas City (@ Den)
  • Arizona (vs Sea)
  • Atlanta (vs Bal)

Final Thoughts

• Hopefully the Lions’ game this week won’t come down to an extra point or field goal attempt by Ndamukong Suh.
• Don’t look for Wade Phillips to be hired as an in-studio analyst anytime soon.
• Can’t wait for the (yawn) showdown games in the NFC West this week.  It’s a shame some team has to win that division.

Have a great week!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

Our latest football blog entry has been published on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/a8PLl2 

Enjoy!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

What is Randy Moss up to this weekend? What does Jay Cutler really think about his offensive line?  Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/cNMk7i  Enjoy!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

If you’re sick of Randy Moss, clap your hands . . . If you’re sick of Randy Moss, clap your hands . . . oh, hi there.  If you’re like me, you don’t care what Randy Moss eats (and even less what his dog eats) - you just care about football.  At least Randy Moss managed to do something few others have accomplished this season - push Brett Favre largely out of the news for a week.  I guess we should all be grateful for that.  Here are my recommendations for Week 9 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

New York Jets at Detroit (Sunday early) - Mark Sanchez has looked like his rookie self again the last two weeks (which is a bad thing).  Matthew Stafford also looked like his rookie self again in his return last week (which is a good thing).  However, it’s asking too much of Detroit to stop the Jets’ ground game.  New York 27  Detroit 24.

• New York
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Shonn Greene, WRs Braylon Edwards & Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF, K Nick Folk
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  None
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  QB Mark Sanchez, WR Jerricho Cotchery
• Detroit
  • Yes:  QB Matthew Stafford (Probable-foot), WR Calvin Johnson (Probable-shoulder), TE Brandon Pettigrew (Probable-ankle), DEF, K Jason Hanson
  • No:  RBs Jahvid Best (Probable-toe) & Kevin Smith (Questionable-knee)
  • Maybe So:  WRs Nate Burleson & Bryant Johnson (Probable-foot)

Miami at Baltimore - This battle of disappointing quarterbacks will be decided by the two defenses.  Expect Miami’s underrated defense to outplay Baltimore’s overrated defense, resulting in yet another road victory for the Dolphins.  Miami 24 Baltimore 21.

• Miami
  • Yes: RB Ronnie Brown, WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF
  • No:  WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter
  • Maybe So:  QB Chad Henne, RB Ricky Williams
• Baltimore
  • Yes: RB Ray Rice, WRs Anquan Boldin & Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap, DEF
  • No:  WR Donte Stallworth (Probable-foot), K Billy Cundiff
  • Maybe So:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Willis McGahee, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh

New England at Cleveland - Former Patriots’ defensive coordinator Eric Mangini gets yet another opportunity to match wits with his mentor-turned-tormentor Bill Belichick.  The teacher still outsmarts his former pupil, and New England holds on for the win against Colt McCoy and the improving Browns.  New England 30 Cleveland 27.

• New England
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • No:  DEF
  • Maybe So:  RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Danny Woodhead, WRs Brandon Tate & Deion Branch (Questionable-hamstring)
• Cleveland
  • Yes:  QB Colt McCoy, WR Josh Cribbs, TE Ben Watson, K Phil Dawson
  • No:  QBs Jake Delhomme (Doubtful-ankle) & Seneca Wallace (Questionable-ankle), DEF
  • Maybe So:  RB Peyton Hillis; WRs Brian Robiskie, Mohamed Massaquoi, & Chansi Stuckey

San Diego at Houston - San Diego’s receiving corps has probably lost two more players in the time it took you to read this sentence.  However, with Philip Rivers in such a zone and the Texans’ secondary in such disarray, San Diego will win this game easily.  San Diego 38 Houston 17.

• San Diego
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Darren Sproles, WR Patrick Crayton, DEF, K Nate Kaeding
  • No:  WRs Buster Davis (IR-ribs), Malcom Floyd (Doubtful-hamstring), & Legedu Naanee (Doubtful-hamstring)
  • Maybe So:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert, TE Randy McMichael
• Houston
  • Yes:  RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson (Probable-ankle),  TE Owen Daniels (Questionable-hamstring)
  • No:  RB Derrick Ward, DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Schaub, WRs Kevin Walter & Jacoby Jones

Chicago at Buffalo (in Toronto) - Jay Cutler was one player who wished his bye week would never end.  Perhaps he spent his free time pulling footballs out of a hot oven and getting rid of them quickly to compensate for the very offensive line in front of him.  Chicago 24 Buffalo 20.

• Chicago
  • Yes:  RB Matt Forte, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No:  WRs Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, & Devin Aromashodu; K Robbie Gold
  • Maybe So:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Chester Taylor, WR Johnny Knox
• Buffalo
  • Yes:  WRs Steve Johnson & Lee Evans, DEF, & K Rian Lindell
  • No:  RBs Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller
  • Maybe So:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, TE Shawn Nelson

Arizona at Minnesota - It really doesn’t matter whether Derek Anderson or Max Hall starts for the Cardinals - unless either of them switches to defense and figures out a way to slow down Adrian Peterson, the Vikings will win easily (even without Randy What’s-his-name).  Minnesota 27 Arizona 17.

• Arizona
  • Yes:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • No:  QBs Derek Anderson & Max Hall, DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So:  RBs Tim Hightower & Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee), WR Steve Breaston (Probable-knee)
• Minnesota
  • Yes: RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin (Questionable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Brett Favre (Probable-chin), RB Toby Gerhardt, WRs Bernard Berrian & Greg Camarillo

Tampa Bay at Atlanta - The Bucs have been winning in spite of lackluster performances by quarterback Josh Freeman.  LeGarrette Blount came to the rescue last week against Arizona, but don’t expect similar results this week against the Falcons’ defense.  Atlanta 27 Tamp Bay 24.

• Tampa Bay
  • Yes:  WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee)
  • No:  RB Cadillac Williams, DEF, K Connor Barth
  • Maybe:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount
• Atlanta
  • Yes:  RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF, K Matt Bryant
  • No:  WR Harry Douglas
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Ryan, WR Michael Jenkins

New Orleans at Carolina  - Regardless of whether Drew Brees’ meniscus is torn or not the Saints will win this game as long as his leg remains attached.  New Orleans 20 Carolina 13.

• New Orleans
  • Yes: QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston (Probable-hand), TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Garett Hartley
  • No:  RBs Ladell Betts & Reggie Bush (Doubtful-leg)
  • Maybe So:  RB Chris Ivory (Probable-concussion); WRs Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, & Lance Moore; TE David Thomas
• Carolina
  • Yes:  WR Steve Smith, TE Dante Rosario, DEF
  • No:  QB Matt Moore, RB DeAngelo Williams (Doubtful-foot), K John Kasay
  • Maybe So:  RBs Jonathan Stewart & Mike Goodson, WRs David Gettis & Brandon LaFell

New York Giants at Seattle (Sunday late) - The Giants have a history of disappointing efforts under Tom Coughlin following a bye week, but they’ll buck that trend this year against the Charlie Whitehurst-led Seahawks.  New York Giants 34 Seattle 14.

• New York
  • Yes: QB Eli Manning; WRs Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, & Mario Manningham; TE Kevin Boss, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • No: RB Brandon Jacobs
  • Maybe So:  RB Ahmad Bradshaw
• Seattle
  • Yes:  WR Mike Williams (Probable-knee), TE John Carlson
  • No:  QBs Matt Hasselbeck (Out-concussion) & Charlie Whitehurst, RBs Marshawn Lynch & Justin Forsett, WRs Golden Tate (Out-ankle) & Deon Butler, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Maybe So:  None

Indianapolis at Philadelphia - The big question heading into this game concerns the healthy of Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson.  The bigger question should be whether Indianapolis will have enough healthy receivers and backs to field a team.  Peyton Manning has a chance as long as Reggie Wayne is healthy, but this week that won’t be enough.  Philadelphia 27 Indianapolis 24.

• Indianapolis
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme
  • No:  RBs Josheph Addai (Doubtful-neck), Mike Hart (Questionable-ankle), WRs Austin Collie (Questionable-hand) & Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-knee), DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
  • Maybe So:  RB Donald Brown
• Philadelphia
  • Yes:  QB Michael Vick (Probable-ribs), RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson (Probable-concussion) & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF, K David Akers
  • No:  QB Kevin Kolb
  • Maybe So:  RB Jerome Harrison, WR Jason Avant

Kansas City at Oakland - Many football fans are too young to remember that Chiefs-Raiders was one of the NFL’s best rivalries in the 1960s and 70s.  Only Al Davis remains from the glory days, but as was usually the case back then, the Raiders will win a hard-fought game.  Oakland 24 Kansas City 20.

• Kansas City
  • Yes:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, TE Tony Moeaki
  • No:  QB Matt Cassel, WRs Chris Chambers & Dexter McCluster (Questionable-ankle), DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Maybe So:  WR Dwayne Bowe
• Oakland
  • Yes:  QB Jason Campbell, RB Darren McFadden, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Probable-shoulder), DEF
  • No:  QB Bruce Gradkowski (Probable-shoulder), RB Marcel Reese, WR Louis Murphy (Out-chest), TE Zach Miller (Doubtful-foot), K Sebastian Janikowski,
  • Maybe So:  RB Michael Bush

Dallas at Green Bay (Sun night) Any thoughts that Dallas might rally around Jon Kitna and turn their season around were officially put to rest last week.  They’ll turn in a more inspired effort this week than they did against Jacksonville, but the result will be the same.  Green Bay 27 Dallas 21.

• Dallas
  • Yes: QB Jon Kitna; WRs Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, & Roy Williams, TE Jason Witten, K David Buehler
  • No:  RBs Marion Barber & Tashard Choice, DEF
  • Maybe So: RB Felix Jones (Probable-ankle), TE Martellus Bennett
• Green Bay
  • Yes:  QB Aaron Rodgers (Probable-ankle), WR Greg Jennings, TE Anthony Quarless (Questionable-shoulder), DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • No:  RB John Kuhn, WR Donald Driver (Out-quad), TE Donald Lee
  • Maybe So:  RB Brandon Jackson, WRs James Jones & Jordy Nelson

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (Monday night) - The NFL’s schedule-makers figured this would be a marquees matchup between two playoff-bound teams, but only Pittsburgh has held up their end of the bargain.  The Bengals will make it interesting, but, as usual, a critical turnover by Carson Palmer will seal their fate.  Pittsburgh 28 Cincinnati 24.

• Pittsburgh
  • Yes: QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • No: WR Emmanuel Sanders, K Jeff Reed
  • Maybe So: None
• Cincinnati
  • Yes:  QB Carson Palmer, WRs Terrell Owens & Chad Ochocinco, TE Jermaine Gresham
  • No:  RB Cedric Benson, DEF, K Mike Nugent
  • Maybe So:  WR Jordan Shipley

Good luck to your teams this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football SherpaThe Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

I hope you survived Week 8 with six teams on bye and several others playing as though they were on a bye (e.g. - NY Jets).  Thankfully, we have only two weeks left of this bye nonsense, so setting lineups should get easier going forward.  Of course, most people don’t have the luxury of waiting two weeks to get their full roster back - they’re involved in battles for playoff spots, and every week’s matchup counts the same in the standings.  Don’t overlook the possibilities offered by trades, but try to avoid making trades out of desperation - even if you win the battle (i.e. - get a win this week) you may lose the “war” (i.e. - weaken your team for the playoff weeks).  Of course when it comes to the playoffs you have to been in ‘em to win ‘em.

Six more teams have byes this week:  Denver, Jacksonville, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tennessee, and Washington.  Note that if I like a player a lot who’s available in the majority of leagues, but his team has a bye in Week 9 (e.g. - Washington’s Anthony Armstrong), I will not include him on the waiver wire targets list this week, but will probably do so next week.

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

Quarterback

• Bye weeks
  • Kyle Orton
  • Donovan McNabb
  • Sam Bradford
  • Vince Young
  • David Garrard
• Injuries/benchings - (those that weren’t on this list last week)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (concussion)
  • Max Hall (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 9 matchups)
  • Jon Kitna (@ GB)
  • Colt McCoy (vs NE)
  • Matt Cassel (@ Oak)
  • Josh Freeman (@ Atl)
  • Chad Henne (@ Bal)
  • Matt Moore (vs NO)
  • Jason Campbell (vs KC)

Running Back

• Bye weeks
  • Chris Johnson
  • Maurice Jones-Drew
  • Frank Gore
  • Steven Jackson
  • Ryan Torain (hamstring)
  • Knowshon Moreno
• Injuries/benchings
  • Beanie Wells (knee)
  • Felix Jones (arm)
  • Mike Hart (ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Donald Brown (@ Phi)
  • Chris Ivory (@ Car)
  • Tashard Choice (@ GB)
  • Chester Taylor (@ Buf)
  • Darren Sproles (@ Hou)
  • Ladell Betts (@ Car)
  • Toby Gerhardt (vs Ari)
  • Mike Goodson (vs NO)
  • Marcel Reese (vs KC)
  • John Kuhn (vs Dal)

Wide Receivers

• Bye weeks
  • Brandon Lloyd
  • Santana Moss
  • Mike Sims-Walker
  • Eddie Royal
  • Randy Moss
  • Mike Thomas
  • Jabar Gaffney
  • Nate Washington
  • Anthony Armstrong
  • Justin Gage
  • Devin Hester
  • Jason Avant
• Injuries/benchings
  • Andre Johnson (ankle)
  • Percy Harvin (ankle)
  • Kenny Britt (bye) (hamstring)
  • Donald Driver (quad)
  • Derrick Mason (finger)
  • Deion Branch (hamstring)
  • Buster Davis (IR-ribs)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Patrick Crayton (@ Hou)
  • Michael Jenkins (vs TB)
  • Josh Cribbs (vs NE)
  • Darrius Heward-Bey (vs KC)
  • Jordan Shipley (@ Pit)
  • James Jones (vs Dal)
  • Mike Williams (Sea version) (vs NYG)
  • Kevin Walter (vs SD)
  • Jerricho Cotchery (@ Det)
  • Devery Henderson (@ Car)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs NO)
  • Earl Bennett (@ Buf)
  • David Gettis (vs NO)
  • Jordy Nelson (vs Dal)
  • Jason Avant (vs Ind)
  • Brandon Tate (@ Cle)
  • T.J. Houshmandzadeh (vs Mia)
  • Brian Hartline (vs Bal)

Tight Ends

• Bye weeks
  • Chris Cooley
  • Marcedes Lewis
  • Bo Scaife
• Injuries/benchings
  • Antonio Gates (plantar fasciitis)
  • Vernon Davis (bye) (ankle)
  • Zach Miller (foot)
  • Owen Daniels (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Ben Watson (vs Cle)
  • Brandon Pettigrew (vs NYJ)
  • Anthony Fasano (@ Bal)
  • Tony Moeaki (@ Oak)
  • Jermaine Gresham (vs Pit)
  • Jacob Tamme (@ Phi)
  • Greg Olsen (@ Buf)
  • John Carlson (vs NYG)
  • Kevin Boss (@ Sea)

Kicker

• Bye weeks
  • Matt Prater
  • Rob Bironas
  • Josh Scobee
  • Graham Gano
  • Joe Nedney
  • Josh Brown
• Injuries/benchings - None
• Waiver wire targets
  • Nate Kaeding (@ Hou)
  • Matt Bryant (vs TB)
  • Lawrence Tynes (@ Sea)
  • Jeff Reed (@ Cin)
  • Mike Nugent (vs Pit)

Defense

• Bye weeks
  • San Francisco
  • Tennessee
  • Washington
  • St. Louis
  • Denver
  • Jacksonville
• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Kansas City (@ Oak)
  • Oakland (vs KC)
  • Miami (@ Bal)
  • Cleveland (vs NE)
  • Detroit (vs NYJ)
  • Arizona (@ Min)
  • Atlanta (vs TB)

Final Thoughts

• Thank goodness Randy Moss signed with a team that has a bye this week - I was beginning to feel bad for him thinking he wouldn’t get a bye week this season (although he almost had the rest of the season off).
• The Toronto Bills doesn’t have quite the same ring to it that the Buffalo Bills does.  I guess I’m addicted to alliteration.
• Perhaps the refs should get a bye week too.

Have a great week!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

Our latest football blog entry has been published on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link: http://huff.to/cNplw1

Enjoy!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

What do Roddy White and Ozzy Osbourne have in comon? Who does Rex Ryan want to be for Halloween?  Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/bWEAC5  Enjoy!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

I’m going out on a limb here and guessing that I’m not the only one sick of hearing about Brett Favre’s ankle, although I guess that beats reading about how he apparently spends his free time.  Hard as it may be to believe, there are plenty of intriguing storylines for this weekend’s slate of 13 games that have nothing to do with #4.  Here are my recommendations for Week 8 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

Buffalo at Kansas City (Sunday early) - Is Ryan Fitzpatrick as good as he’s looked the past four weeks?  Is Matt Cassel as good as he looked in 2008?  Even if both quarterbacks play up to their potential this week, Kansas City will keep Buffalo winless thanks to its overpowering ground game.  Kansas City 27  Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WRs Steve Johnson & Lee Evans
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  RBs Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller, TE Shawn Nelson
• Kansas City
  • Yes:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Moeaki, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • No:  WRs Chris Chambers & Dexter McCluster (Questionable-ankle)
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Cassel

Green Bay at New York Jets - The battle of Brett Favre’s former teams - oh, wait - I promised not to do that.  The contrast in offensive styles will be interesting - the Packers move the ball primarily through the air, while the Jets have one of the best ground games in the league.  Something’s gotta give, and in the game’s waning moments it will be the Packers’ defense.  New York 27 Green Bay 24.

• Green Bay
  • Yes: QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver (Probable-quad)
  • No:  DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Maybe So:  RB Brandon Jackson, WRs James Jones & Jordy Nelson, TE Anthony Quarless
• New York
  • Yes: RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Braylon Edwards & Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF, K Nick Folk
  • No:  WR Jericho Cotchery
  • Maybe So:  QB Mark Sanchez

Denver at San Francisco - The most interesting thing about this game is that it’s being played in England.  If memory serves, these same two teams played a preseason game in Japan about 15 years ago, which resulted in a VISA commercial that featured John Elway and George Seifert singing horribly out of tune in a karaoke bar.  Don’t ask me why I remember that.  Denver 28 San Francisco 21.

• Denver
  • Yes:  QB Kyle Orton, WRs Brandon Lloyd & Jabar Gaffney, DEF
  • No:  WR Eddie Royal (Probable-groin), K Matt Prater
  • Maybe So:  RB Knowshon Moreno
• San Francisco
  • Yes:  RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis (Questionable-ankle)
  • No:  QBs Alex Smith (Out-shoulder) & Troy Smith, WR Josh Morgan, DEF, K Joe Nedney
  • Maybe So:  None

Jacksonville at Dallas - Jacksonville’s quarterback hasn’t started a game in a month.  Dallas’ quarterback hasn’t started a game in two years.  In spite of the Cowboys’ woeful record Jon Kitna has a much better supporting cast than David Garrard, and that’s why Dallas will win handily.  Dallas 34 Jacksonville 20.

• Jacksonville
  • Yes:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee
  • No:  QB David Garrard (Probable-concussion), DEF
  • Maybe So:  WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Mike Thomas
• Dallas
  • Yes:  QB Jon Kitna; RB Felix Jones; WRs Miles Austin, Dez Bryant (Probable-ankle),  & Roy Williams, TE Jason Witten, DEF, K David Buehler
  • No:  QB Tony Romo (Out-collarbone)
  • Maybe So:  RB Marion Barber, TE Martellus Bennett

Carolina at St. Louis - Both teams have been bitten early and often by the injury bug.  Carolina’s Steve Smith has been hampered by a high ankle sprain; now DeAngelo Williams is likely to miss the game with a foot injury.  Things are only slightly better on the St. Louis side, where Steven Jackson may miss the game with a finger injury, and the depleted wide receiving corps will be without Danario Alexander.  Carolina will eke out a win in this battle of the walking wounded.  Carolina 20 St. Louis 17.

• Carolina
  • Yes:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WR Steve Smith, TE Dante Rosario, DEF, K John Kasay
  • No:  RB DeAngelo Williams (Questionable-foot)
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Moore, RB Mike Goodson, TE Daniel Fells, DEF
• St. Louis
  • Yes:  RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-finger), WR Danny Amendola, TE Daniel Fells, DEF
  • No:  WRs Laurent Robinson & Danario Alexander (Out-knee), K Josh Brown
  • Maybe So:  QB Sam Bradford

Miami at Cincinnati - This game features two teams that were expected to contend for playoff berths this season but have disappointed so far.  Chad Henne has not had the breakout season many predicted for him, while Carson Palmer’s high yardage totals have covered for a mediocre ground game.  Miami has a bit more balance than Cincinnati and pulls out the win.  Miami 28 Cincinnati 24.

• Miami
  • Yes:  QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown, WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF
  • No:  K Dan Carpenter
  • Maybe So:  RB Ricky Williams
• Cincinnati
  • Yes: QB Carson Palmer (Probable-hip), WRs Terrell Owens (Probable-hand) & Chad Ochocinco, TE Jermaine Gresham
  • No:  DEF, K Mike Nugent
  • Maybe So:  RB Cedric Benson, WR Jordan Shipley

Washington at Detroit - This game will feature much more offense than defense - the key to the game lies in the health of Matthew Stafford’s arm.  If he’s healthy, Detroit will win.  If not, flip a coin.  Detroit 31 Washington 28.

• Washington
  • Yes:  QB Donovan McNabb (Questionable-hamstring), RB Ryan Torain, WR Santana Moss, TE Chris Cooley (Questionable-foot)
  • No:  DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Maybe:  WR Anthony Armstrong
• Detroit
  • Yes:  QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew
  • No:  DEF, K Jason Hanson
  • Maybe So:  RB Jahvid Best (Probable-toe), WR Nate Burleson, TE Tony Scheffler

Tennessee at San Diego (Sunday late)  - If you went by the team stats, you’d think San Diego was the 5-2 team in this matchup and Tennessee was the 2-5 team.  Of course, this being the NFL, exactly the opposite is true.  Chris Johnson is dealing with a thigh injury and depending on your other available options, this may be a good week to sit him.  San Diego’s wide receiver corps and tight end Anthony Gates are both dealing with injuries, but expect San Diego to win this game relatively easily.  San Diego 30 Tennessee 17.

• Tennessee
  • Yes: WR Kenny Britt, TE Bo Scaife
  • No:  QBs Vince Young (Probable-ankle) & Kyle Collins (Probable-finger) (regardless of who starts), DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • Maybe So:  None
• San Diego
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, WRs Buster Davis (Questionable-ribs) & Patrick Crayton, TE Anthony Gates (Questionable-toe), DEF, K Kris Brown
  • No:  RBs Mike Tolbert & Darren Sproles, WRs Malcom Floyd (Doubtful-hamstring) & Legedu Naanee (Doubtful-hamstring), K Nate Kaeding (Questionable-groin)
  • Maybe So:  RB Ryan Mathews

Tampa Bay at Arizona - Running backs LeGarrette Blount and Beanie Wells both figure to get their chance to shine, but Tampa Bay will win because their quarterback is not named Max Hall.  Tampa Bay 24 Arizona 21.

• Tampa Bay
  • Yes: RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF
  • No: RB Earnest Graham (Probable-hamstring), K Connor Barth
  • Maybe So:  QB Josh Freeman, RB Cadillac Williams
• Arizona
  • Yes:  RB Beanie Wells, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DEF
  • No:  QBs Max Hall (Probable-concussion)/Derrek Anderson (whichever starts), K Jay Feely
  • Maybe So:  RB Tim Hightower, WR Steve Breaston (Questionable-knee)

Minnesota at New England - Rumor has it that Brett Favre may not play, which would snap his consecutive starts streak at 295 but also might give his team a better chance to win.  Whether it’s Favre or Tarvarius Jackson under center the Vikings’ quarterback will face an inviting target in the form of the Patriots’ secondary.  Randy Moss’ former quarterback Tom Brady will play just well enough to give his team the victory.  New England 27 Minnesota 24.

• Minnesota
  • Yes:  RB Adrian Peterson,  WRs Randy Moss & Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • No:  DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • Maybe So:  QBs Brett Favre (Questionable-ankle)/Tarvarius Jackson (whichever starts)
• New England
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Wesley Welker & Deion Branch (Questionable-hamstring), TE Aaron Hernandez, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • No:  RBs Danny Woodhead & Fred Taylor (Questionable-toe)
  • Maybe So:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Seattle at Oakland - Seahawks’ wide receiver, a former Raider, has enjoyed a career revival in Seattle playing for his college coach Pete Carroll.  However, this game figures to be won by the team with the better ground game, and Darren McFadden/Michael Bush should get the better of Marshawn Lynch/Justin Forsett.  Oakland 24 Seattle 17.

• Seattle
  • Yes:  RB Marshawn Lynch, TE John Carlson, DEF
  • No:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, WR Deon Butler, K Olindo Mare
  • Maybe So:  RB Justin Forsett, WR Mike Williams
• Oakland
  • Yes:  QB Jason Campbell, RB Darren McFadden, TE Zach Miller (Questionable-foot), DEF
  • No:  RB Michael Bush, K Sebastian Janikowski, WRs Louis Murphy (Out-chest) & Nick Miller (Questionable-ankle)
  • Maybe So:  WR Darrius Heyward-Bey

Pittsburgh at New Orleans (Sun night) The Saints’ main problem hasn’t been a “Super Bowl hangover” - it’s been the health (or lack thereof) of their backfield.  Even a healthy Saints’ backfield would have trouble moving the ball against Pittsburgh’s defense, so expect Drew Brees to take to the air this week even more than usual.  New Orleans 27 Pittsburgh 20.

• Pittsburgh
  • Yes: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, K Jeff Reed
  • No:  DEF
  • Maybe So: QB Ben Roethlisberger
• New Orleans
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Garrett Hartley
  • No:  RBs Chris Ivory, Ladell Betts, Reggie Bush (Out-fibula), & Pierre Thomas (Out-ankle)
  • Maybe So:  WRs Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, & Robert Meachem

Houston at Indianapolis (Monday night) - Two weeks ago the Monday night contest featured Tennessee and Jacksonville; this week the other two AFC South teams take center stage.  Houston won their opening week matchup with the Colts in stunning fashion.  Indianapolis may be pulling people from the stands to play the skill positions by the end of the game.  Still, as long as Peyton Manning’s at the helm, and the inconsistent Texans are on the other side of the ball, you have to believe that the Colts will emerge victorious.  Indianapolis 35 Houston 31.

• Houston
  • Yes: QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter, TE Owen Daniels (Questionable-knee)
  • No: DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So: RB Derrick Ward
• Indianapolis
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne (Questionable-hamstring) & Pierre Garcon (Probable-hamstring)
  • No:  RBs Joseph Addai (Questionable-shoulder), Donald Brown (Questionable-hamstring), & Mike Hart; WRs Austin Collie (Questionable-thumb) & Anthony Gonzalez (Probable-ankle); TEs Jacob Tamme, Brody Eldridge, & Gigon Robinson; DEF; K Adam Vinatieri
  • Maybe So:  WR Blair White

Good luck to your teams this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football SherpaThe Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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

Hi everyone,

Our latest football blog entry has been published on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link: http://huff.to/alSqyA

Enjoy!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

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