I've updated the walking wounded. I removed Michael Turner as the ankle problem turned out to be nothing, and updated just about everyone else. Darren McFadden is going to be tricky this weekend, and probably best avoided.
Willis McGahee owners should be rightfully scared. He's due back this week, but apparently will be splitting time on a bad offense. He's no longer a RB2 and should be benched until he proves otherwise.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Seattle Adds WRs Koren Robinson, Keary Colbert
The Seattle Seahawks have signed free agent WR Koren Robinson, and they have also traded a late round draft pick to the Denver Broncos for WR Keary Colbert.
You have to feel bad for Mike Holmgren in his final season in Seattle. Deion Branch isn't back from his torn ACL, Bobby Engram broke his shoulder in the preseason, Nate Burleson tore his ACL in week 1, QB/WR Seneca Wallace injured his calf in week 2, and then Logan Payne tore his ACL in week 2. That left the Seahawks with struggling youngster Courtney Taylor, and a bunch of street free agents at the WR position heading into week 3.
Fantasy Impact: Koren Robinson is worth speculating on as a WR5 because he knows Hasselbeck, and he knows the Seattle offense. He'll undoubted be rusty, but that should be offset by his knowledge of the system. Robinson was drafted by the Seahawks in 2001, exploded for 1240 yards and 5 TDs in his second season in 2002, and then his career was marred by drops and off-field problems, leading to Seattle cutting him after the 2004 season. The offense hasn't changed since then, so he should feel pretty much at home. He'll have a couple weeks to emerge until Branch and Engram come back, and even then he will probably remain a starter outside with Branch opposite him and Engram in the slot.
Keary Colbert had a very promising rookie season in Carolina in 2004, but much like Michael Clayton from TB, he has disappeared since then. Denver was going to give him a chance, but with Marshall back, the emergence of Eddie Royal, the slot presence of Stokley, and the reliable veteran Darrell Jackson, there was no room for him anymore. Perhaps he'll fit into the WCO run in Seattle. Given his lack of production in years, there's no reason to go pick him up, but keep an eye on him just in case.
You have to feel bad for Mike Holmgren in his final season in Seattle. Deion Branch isn't back from his torn ACL, Bobby Engram broke his shoulder in the preseason, Nate Burleson tore his ACL in week 1, QB/WR Seneca Wallace injured his calf in week 2, and then Logan Payne tore his ACL in week 2. That left the Seahawks with struggling youngster Courtney Taylor, and a bunch of street free agents at the WR position heading into week 3.
Fantasy Impact: Koren Robinson is worth speculating on as a WR5 because he knows Hasselbeck, and he knows the Seattle offense. He'll undoubted be rusty, but that should be offset by his knowledge of the system. Robinson was drafted by the Seahawks in 2001, exploded for 1240 yards and 5 TDs in his second season in 2002, and then his career was marred by drops and off-field problems, leading to Seattle cutting him after the 2004 season. The offense hasn't changed since then, so he should feel pretty much at home. He'll have a couple weeks to emerge until Branch and Engram come back, and even then he will probably remain a starter outside with Branch opposite him and Engram in the slot.
Keary Colbert had a very promising rookie season in Carolina in 2004, but much like Michael Clayton from TB, he has disappeared since then. Denver was going to give him a chance, but with Marshall back, the emergence of Eddie Royal, the slot presence of Stokley, and the reliable veteran Darrell Jackson, there was no room for him anymore. Perhaps he'll fit into the WCO run in Seattle. Given his lack of production in years, there's no reason to go pick him up, but keep an eye on him just in case.
Week 3 Waiver Wire Possibilities
QB:
J.T. O'Sullivan - You should have been watching him all along after he won the SF job simply because he's a QB playing in a Mike Martz run offense, and now he's posted the first of what should be several 300 yard passing games. He's a great fit for Martz's offense as Martz seems to look for things that most offensive minds don't in their QBs. That's the only explanation for why he's made stars out of prevous nobodies like Trent Green, Kurt Warner, and Marc Bulger. He's going to be in a pass-first offense, with a great RB behind him and a receiving group that Martz mostly put together in the offseason. Check out your starter's bye week and see if O'Sullivan has a favorable matchup that week.
Trent Edwards - I'll mention him one more time. He's a good, smart QB that has an excellent primary target in Lee Evans, a solid running game, and the return of All-Pro Jason Peters to protect his blind-side. Like I said before, he's not going to post big numbers, but he'll be efficient and avoid a real stinker game in what's shaping up to be a solid offense for Buffalo.
Brian Griese - A watch candidate. Griese has taken over as the starter for TB, and he posted his best run as a starter in Gruden's TB offense back in 2004. TB doesn't have any top shelf talent at WR, but Gruden manages to make things work, and both Graham and Dunn are capable receivers out of the backfield. Just someone to keep an eye on over the next couple weeks.
Brady Quinn - By no means am I suggesting to go pick him up right now, but that's two bad games in a row for Derek Anderson, and more importantly, 2 losses in a row for Cleveland. Quinn will have the weapons to make him a QB2 at worst should he take over, so keep him on your watch list for now to see how Anderson performs the next couple weeks.
RB:
Darren Sproles - Sproles only played when LT was out of the game having his toe looked at, but he exploded for 53 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and 1 TD in the wake of LT's absence. Now there's absolutely no reason LT owners shouldn't already own him, but he's an excellent speculation candidate on the bench of any team. SD's offense is going to be strong with or without LT, and without LT means with Sproles. Extra value in PPR leagues.
Michael Bush - As the injuries mouted up in the Oakland backfield with Fargas going down with a potentially serious groin injury and McFadden leaving early with a case of turf toe, Michael Bush exploded for 16 carries, 90 yards, and a TD. A broken leg during his senior year at Louisville tumbled his draft stock, but Bush remains a very good talent as a quick footed, solid receiving back at the imposing size of 6'1, 245 lbs. Assuming Fargas suffered a serious injury (he was injured without getting hit, and was carted off), McFadden will start, but we all know turf toes are very trick. Bush is worth grabbing to see what happens to McFadden this week.
Tim Hightower - 2 weeks, 2 TDs. He's not getting a lot of touches as Edge remains the primary RB, but he's in on the money downs (passing, goal line), and he's be an every down RB should Edge get hurt. Edge has been remarkably durable over his career, but there's absolutely no reason that Hightower should be a free agent given his upside should an injury befall Edge.
Fred Jackson - Jackson has re-emerged as the 3rd down RB for the Bills, and he racked up 90 receiving yards with some nifty footwork after the catch. I don't see him as a primary RB should anything happen to Lynch, but he's valuable insurance for Lynch owners as he would pick up enough touches to at least consider using.
LaMont Jordan - After Maroney left injured, it was Jordan, and not Morris who dominated carries in the 2nd half of the Patriots game. Given the uncertain nature of Maroney's injury (he did return) and the Denver-like situation brewing here, don't bother with Jordan, but do keep him in mind.
WR:
Justin Gage - Gage posted 59 yards and a TD with Collins behind center. Collins unquestionably raises the fantasy value of the Titans WRs, but they still remain an uninspiring bunch. Gage should be the best of them, but that's really no better than WR3 material only in the most ideal matchups.
Brandon Lloyd - Lloyd looks to be emerging as Orton's primary target, but on the Bears passing attack, that's like being the 4th WR on a great passing attack. I'd pass, but don't completely forget about him.
Robert Meachem - Watch list candidate. Meachem posted a TD in his one and only catch. With Colston sidelined for likely another 5 games, Meachem could carve out some fantasy value and he is easily the most physically talented of the Saints WRs. Keep a close eye on him.
TE:
John Carlson - Amazingly enough after the breakout performances of TEs Donte Rosario and Anthony Fasano in week 1, it was the rookie John Carlson who improved while the other 2 disappeared. With all the WR injures in Seattle, Hasselbeck is out of BFFs to toss the pigskin with, but he is quickly developing trust in Carlson. Seattle praises his all-around ability at TE, and with 130 yards in his first two games, he needs to be rostered. Hasselbeck trusts him, and Seattle's offense has always had the ability to produce a TE1.
J.T. O'Sullivan - You should have been watching him all along after he won the SF job simply because he's a QB playing in a Mike Martz run offense, and now he's posted the first of what should be several 300 yard passing games. He's a great fit for Martz's offense as Martz seems to look for things that most offensive minds don't in their QBs. That's the only explanation for why he's made stars out of prevous nobodies like Trent Green, Kurt Warner, and Marc Bulger. He's going to be in a pass-first offense, with a great RB behind him and a receiving group that Martz mostly put together in the offseason. Check out your starter's bye week and see if O'Sullivan has a favorable matchup that week.
Trent Edwards - I'll mention him one more time. He's a good, smart QB that has an excellent primary target in Lee Evans, a solid running game, and the return of All-Pro Jason Peters to protect his blind-side. Like I said before, he's not going to post big numbers, but he'll be efficient and avoid a real stinker game in what's shaping up to be a solid offense for Buffalo.
Brian Griese - A watch candidate. Griese has taken over as the starter for TB, and he posted his best run as a starter in Gruden's TB offense back in 2004. TB doesn't have any top shelf talent at WR, but Gruden manages to make things work, and both Graham and Dunn are capable receivers out of the backfield. Just someone to keep an eye on over the next couple weeks.
Brady Quinn - By no means am I suggesting to go pick him up right now, but that's two bad games in a row for Derek Anderson, and more importantly, 2 losses in a row for Cleveland. Quinn will have the weapons to make him a QB2 at worst should he take over, so keep him on your watch list for now to see how Anderson performs the next couple weeks.
RB:
Darren Sproles - Sproles only played when LT was out of the game having his toe looked at, but he exploded for 53 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and 1 TD in the wake of LT's absence. Now there's absolutely no reason LT owners shouldn't already own him, but he's an excellent speculation candidate on the bench of any team. SD's offense is going to be strong with or without LT, and without LT means with Sproles. Extra value in PPR leagues.
Michael Bush - As the injuries mouted up in the Oakland backfield with Fargas going down with a potentially serious groin injury and McFadden leaving early with a case of turf toe, Michael Bush exploded for 16 carries, 90 yards, and a TD. A broken leg during his senior year at Louisville tumbled his draft stock, but Bush remains a very good talent as a quick footed, solid receiving back at the imposing size of 6'1, 245 lbs. Assuming Fargas suffered a serious injury (he was injured without getting hit, and was carted off), McFadden will start, but we all know turf toes are very trick. Bush is worth grabbing to see what happens to McFadden this week.
Tim Hightower - 2 weeks, 2 TDs. He's not getting a lot of touches as Edge remains the primary RB, but he's in on the money downs (passing, goal line), and he's be an every down RB should Edge get hurt. Edge has been remarkably durable over his career, but there's absolutely no reason that Hightower should be a free agent given his upside should an injury befall Edge.
Fred Jackson - Jackson has re-emerged as the 3rd down RB for the Bills, and he racked up 90 receiving yards with some nifty footwork after the catch. I don't see him as a primary RB should anything happen to Lynch, but he's valuable insurance for Lynch owners as he would pick up enough touches to at least consider using.
LaMont Jordan - After Maroney left injured, it was Jordan, and not Morris who dominated carries in the 2nd half of the Patriots game. Given the uncertain nature of Maroney's injury (he did return) and the Denver-like situation brewing here, don't bother with Jordan, but do keep him in mind.
WR:
Justin Gage - Gage posted 59 yards and a TD with Collins behind center. Collins unquestionably raises the fantasy value of the Titans WRs, but they still remain an uninspiring bunch. Gage should be the best of them, but that's really no better than WR3 material only in the most ideal matchups.
Brandon Lloyd - Lloyd looks to be emerging as Orton's primary target, but on the Bears passing attack, that's like being the 4th WR on a great passing attack. I'd pass, but don't completely forget about him.
Robert Meachem - Watch list candidate. Meachem posted a TD in his one and only catch. With Colston sidelined for likely another 5 games, Meachem could carve out some fantasy value and he is easily the most physically talented of the Saints WRs. Keep a close eye on him.
TE:
John Carlson - Amazingly enough after the breakout performances of TEs Donte Rosario and Anthony Fasano in week 1, it was the rookie John Carlson who improved while the other 2 disappeared. With all the WR injures in Seattle, Hasselbeck is out of BFFs to toss the pigskin with, but he is quickly developing trust in Carlson. Seattle praises his all-around ability at TE, and with 130 yards in his first two games, he needs to be rostered. Hasselbeck trusts him, and Seattle's offense has always had the ability to produce a TE1.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week 3 - Walking Wounded
QB:
Carson Palmer - Palmer sprained his ankle in week 2, but it doesn't appear serious. Outside of the injury, you should be debating starting your QB2 at this rate. The offense is clearly a mess right now. *edit* He's probable and will start.
Ben Roethlisberger - Big Ben is dealing with a separated AC joint in his shoulder. It appears that the injury is bothering him, but not to the point of limiting his play. His numbers have been underwhelming so far, but the blowout in week 1 negated the passing game in much of the 2nd half, and the windy/rainy weather conditions last night wreaked havoc on both teams. Given his 48 yard bomb to Holmes in the 2nd half, his arm strength is just fine. *edit* He's probable and will start.
RB:
LaDainian Tomlinson - The most famous toe in football right now. LT was clearly limited by his toe in week 2, and even had to miss some time during the game to have it looked at, but he did return later. Toe injuries are extremely trick and often remain a lingering problem for players, so this has become a concern for his owners. As long as he practices at some point this week, you simply can't sit him. *edit* He might be a game time decision on Monday night, but my guess is that he'll play.
Ryan Grant - Grant wasted a very promising matchup against the ghastly Lions defense in week 2 as he continues to be limited by his nagging hamstring. He has a tough matchup in week 3, and his practice time in leading up to week 3 needs to be monitored. *edit* Grant practiced on a limited basis this week, will probably be questionable, and might be a game time decision.
Justin Fargas - Fargas went down untouched running a pass pattern with a groin injury. He had to be carted off. The severity of the injury hasn't been released yet, but this could be pretty bad. *edit* Fargas is week to week, but is out for week 3.
Darren McFadden - This is horrible luck. McFadden owners watched Fargas go down with a groin injury in week 2, but then McFadden came up lame in the 4th quarter with a case of turf toe. Much like LT, this injury bears close montoring in regards to his practice schedule. Assuming Fargas misses week 3, McFadden will have a decent matchup against BUF, but not unless he's at full strength. *edit* McFadden practiced Thursday, but was very sore Friday and barely practiced. He's an official game time decision. If he starts, he's extremely risky as we saw with LT last weekend how this injury works. If he doesn't start, Michael Bush will be a solid RB2 play.
Laurence Maroney - Maroney left with a shoulder injury, although he did re-enter the game late. He continues to lose touches all over the place, and the fact he got nicked up again won't help his cause for being the primary RB. Given he re-entered the game, I can't imagine the injury is serious, but his injury is probably the lesser concern compared to his inconsistent time on the field. *edit* Maroney returned to practice on Friday, but he looks likely to share time at best. Don't start him.
WR:
Joey Galloway - Galloway sprained his foot on Sunday, and this could be an injury that threatens his availability for week 2. Keep a close eye on his practice reports. *edit* Galloway is week to week, and he is out week 3.
Sydney Rice - Rice sprained his PCL on Sunday. I'd say watch his practice reports, but that would infer that you're thinking about starting him. Unless your fantasy WR situation rivals the Seattle Seahawks, there's no reason for that.
Javon Walker - Walker's hamstring (and his mental state) are still a very large concern. Drop him if you haven't already.
Logan Payne - Payne instantly became a sleeper once all the injuries struck the Seattle WRs, but much like those ahead of him, Payne suffered a knee injury that will likely end his season. Drop him.
TE:
Antonio Gates - Gates continues to be a bit limited by his toe and hip, but he's put up two solid games despite the injuries. Expect him to improve as his injuries heal. *edit* Gates will start in week 3.
Ben Utecht - Utecht suffered a chest injury in week 2. He might miss week 3, but he's not worth wasting a roster spot on right now. *edit* Utecht is doubtful and won't play in week 3.
Carson Palmer - Palmer sprained his ankle in week 2, but it doesn't appear serious. Outside of the injury, you should be debating starting your QB2 at this rate. The offense is clearly a mess right now. *edit* He's probable and will start.
Ben Roethlisberger - Big Ben is dealing with a separated AC joint in his shoulder. It appears that the injury is bothering him, but not to the point of limiting his play. His numbers have been underwhelming so far, but the blowout in week 1 negated the passing game in much of the 2nd half, and the windy/rainy weather conditions last night wreaked havoc on both teams. Given his 48 yard bomb to Holmes in the 2nd half, his arm strength is just fine. *edit* He's probable and will start.
RB:
LaDainian Tomlinson - The most famous toe in football right now. LT was clearly limited by his toe in week 2, and even had to miss some time during the game to have it looked at, but he did return later. Toe injuries are extremely trick and often remain a lingering problem for players, so this has become a concern for his owners. As long as he practices at some point this week, you simply can't sit him. *edit* He might be a game time decision on Monday night, but my guess is that he'll play.
Ryan Grant - Grant wasted a very promising matchup against the ghastly Lions defense in week 2 as he continues to be limited by his nagging hamstring. He has a tough matchup in week 3, and his practice time in leading up to week 3 needs to be monitored. *edit* Grant practiced on a limited basis this week, will probably be questionable, and might be a game time decision.
Justin Fargas - Fargas went down untouched running a pass pattern with a groin injury. He had to be carted off. The severity of the injury hasn't been released yet, but this could be pretty bad. *edit* Fargas is week to week, but is out for week 3.
Darren McFadden - This is horrible luck. McFadden owners watched Fargas go down with a groin injury in week 2, but then McFadden came up lame in the 4th quarter with a case of turf toe. Much like LT, this injury bears close montoring in regards to his practice schedule. Assuming Fargas misses week 3, McFadden will have a decent matchup against BUF, but not unless he's at full strength. *edit* McFadden practiced Thursday, but was very sore Friday and barely practiced. He's an official game time decision. If he starts, he's extremely risky as we saw with LT last weekend how this injury works. If he doesn't start, Michael Bush will be a solid RB2 play.
Laurence Maroney - Maroney left with a shoulder injury, although he did re-enter the game late. He continues to lose touches all over the place, and the fact he got nicked up again won't help his cause for being the primary RB. Given he re-entered the game, I can't imagine the injury is serious, but his injury is probably the lesser concern compared to his inconsistent time on the field. *edit* Maroney returned to practice on Friday, but he looks likely to share time at best. Don't start him.
WR:
Joey Galloway - Galloway sprained his foot on Sunday, and this could be an injury that threatens his availability for week 2. Keep a close eye on his practice reports. *edit* Galloway is week to week, and he is out week 3.
Sydney Rice - Rice sprained his PCL on Sunday. I'd say watch his practice reports, but that would infer that you're thinking about starting him. Unless your fantasy WR situation rivals the Seattle Seahawks, there's no reason for that.
Javon Walker - Walker's hamstring (and his mental state) are still a very large concern. Drop him if you haven't already.
Logan Payne - Payne instantly became a sleeper once all the injuries struck the Seattle WRs, but much like those ahead of him, Payne suffered a knee injury that will likely end his season. Drop him.
TE:
Antonio Gates - Gates continues to be a bit limited by his toe and hip, but he's put up two solid games despite the injuries. Expect him to improve as his injuries heal. *edit* Gates will start in week 3.
Ben Utecht - Utecht suffered a chest injury in week 2. He might miss week 3, but he's not worth wasting a roster spot on right now. *edit* Utecht is doubtful and won't play in week 3.
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