|
|
| Published: Oct 7, 2009 5:48 PM EST |
|
Week 4 in review |
|
|
Bears 48, Lions 24
FTW (For the win)
Jay Cutler threw for the lowest amount of yards (141) he's posted in two seasons. However, the Bears QB also accounted for three TDs (two passing, one rushing). Cutler's success in the passing game finally translated to the run game as well. Matt Forte had his best game of the season by far, rushing for 121 yards and a score on 12 carries. The Lions really are a cure-all for offensive woes.
Fail!
It's hard to finger a Bears receiver that can be counted on to produce consistently on a weekly basis. Even TE Greg Olsen isn't giving great results week in and week out. Earl Bennett led with 32 yards, while rookie Johnny Knox had a team-high five receptions. Knox did have a kickoff return for a TD, though. He's proven to be a fantastic return specialist, giving him more value than the Bears' other WRs, including Bennett and Devin Hester.
IDP
Knox is a rookie from Abilene Christian University -- one of the top Division II programs in the nation. He's the second player Chicago has drafted from ACU in the past four seasons. Danieal Manning was the first and happens to be a pretty good kick returner himself. Manning is Chicago's starting safety and led the team with nine tackles (all solo) Sunday.
The Godsend
It's hard not to give Knox the nod here as well. However, we'll highlight another player. Third-year RB Garrett Wolfe only has 11 carries this season, but he's making the most of his opportunities. Forte had a lot of mileage put on his legs during his rookie season in 208. Forte owners should be quick to nab Wolfe if he continues to wear down or if he suffers an injury. Wolfe had 22 yards rushing and 12 receiving along with a touchdown.
Notable
Calvin Johnson is being kept out of the end zone -- he only has one this season -- but the yards are piling up. Johnson was good for 133 yards Sunday, giving him 323 on the year. ... Matt Stafford had his second consecutive game with a QB rating better than 85. He completed a personal best 66.7 percent of his passes for 296 yards and a TD with one INT. He suffered a dislocated knee, but Coach Jim Schwartz is mum on Stafford's status. This could be an unfortunate setback for the rookie QB.
Bengals 23, Browns 20
FTW
While fans of the Bengals would like Carson Palmer to throw fewer interceptions, fantasy owners of Palmer are thankful he's putting up good yardage and touchdown totals. Palmer had 230 yards and two scores with an INT Sunday against the Browns. He also picked up some rare points running the football, gaining 20 yards on three carries, including 15 on a critical fourth down in OT that set up the Bengals' winning field goal.
Fail!
Browns WR Braylon Edwards was catchless for the first time in more than 60 games. After having a breakout season in 2007, Edwards has had very pedestrian numbers. He followed up his terrible day on the field with an idiotic fight at a night club apparently because he has some sort of jealousy for Lebron James. Edwards is a joke.
IDP
Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson led the NFL in tackles in 2008. He got off to a slow start in 2009, but placed himself into the top five among tacklers this season with his 14 tackles (13 solo) Sunday.
The Godsend
Jerome Harrison was basically all the Browns had left at RB for this game with starter Jamal Lewis and rookie James Davis both injured. Harrison showed he's worthy of being the featured guy with 152 total yards (5-31 receving, 29-121 rushing).
Notable
Chad Johnson (I won't call him anything else) was held to three catches Sunday, despite being targeted 11 times. Two of his three receptions were for TDs, though, giving him great value to his owners. ... The Browns had a second fantasy godsend. Mohammed Massaquoi, a rookie wide receiver out of Georgia, was good for 148 yards on eight catches. If Edwards continues to be distracted by off the field activities, Massaquoi could emerge as the Browns most consistent WR almost by default.
Colts 34, Seahawks 17
FTW
It's hard to believe but Peyton Manning is off to the best start in his career. Like he really needed to get any better than he has been before. Manning threw two TDs and an INT along with 353 yards Sunday. I suppose in a way Manning does have to be better than ever, since the Colts are yet to establish its ground game.
Fail!
Seattle RB Julius Jones is alternating his good performances with bad ones. In Weeks 1 and 3, Jones posted solid days with more than 100 total yards and a TD. Week 2 he was good for 9 total yards and a touchdown. There was no score for Jones Sunday as he was held to 35 total yards (11-25 rushing, 3-10 receiving). I suppose that means start him next week against Jacksonville.
IDP
Dwight Freeney still gets all the pub among Indy's front four, but its Robert Mathis who makes Freeney's production even possible. Mathis was a man amongst boys when facing Seattle's OL Sunday, setting up permanent residence in the Seahawks' backfield as he registered three sacks.
The Godsend
There was a lot of press about Colts second-year WR Pierre Garcon last week with several analysts comparing him to a faster version of Reggie Wayne. Garcon had some big catches for Indy (3-71), but it was a rookie who put up better production. The Colts drafted Austin Collie in the second round out of BYU and Manning targeted the rook three more times than Garcon, including one for a 21-yard TD. Collie finished with six catches for 65 yards.
Notable
The Indy run game struggled, but Joseph Addai showed he can still make a difference in the passing game. Addai finished with 96 total yards (7-50 receiving, 12-46 rushing) while splitting opportunities with rookie Donald Brown (9-33 rushing, 1-13 receiving). Both Brown and Addai scored a rushing TD each. ... T.J. Houshmandzadeh finally had a game worth talking about Sunday, catching eight balls for 103 yards -- both season highs. However, he still hasn't found paydirt all year.
Giants 27, Chiefs 16
FTW
While Mario Manningham is capable of making bigger plays in the passing game for the Giants, it's the receiver across from him that's going to prove to be the more consistent force. Steve Smith played a similar role in college at USC where touchdown-catching machine Dwayne Jarrett often overshadowed the smaller Smith. Smith isn't a burner and he doesn't have elite size. However, he catches everything thrown his way and has a knack for finding open spaces. He's just tough to cover. Smith caught 11 balls for 134 yards and two TDs Sunday. He's been pivotal in Eli Manning's best start to a season of his career as he leads the league in receiving after four weeks with 411 yards, four TDs and 34 catches. Eli stayed hot, passing for 292 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He also lost one fumble.
Fail!
Larry Johnson hasn't even been a blimp on the radar for the Chiefs, but this past week against the Giants, the Chiefs' WRs also disappeared, most notably Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was able to pull in just one catch for 11 yards Sunday after scoring in both games he's appeared in -- he sat out Week 3's matchup with Philly -- this season.
IDP
There are plenty of big names on the Giants defense. Justin Tuck has become the head of the marquee and right below him is fellow DE Osi Umenyiora. At LB, there's Antonio Pierce with Mathias Kiwanuka receiving hype as a LB/DE hybrid-type of player. However, give some love to LB Michael Boley as well. Boley was picked up as a free agent from Atlanta and has made a difference. Particularly in Sunday's game, when Boley had five tackles (all solo) and one sack. While it's not amazing numbers, five of Boley's tackles were for loss and he also had two pass deflections. This signifies Boley was in position to make some potential big plays on numerous occasions. Keep him in mind should you need a LB at some point this season.
The Godsend
Giants WR Hakeen Nicks got some looks late in the fantasy drafts this year as many were trying to figure out how the G-Men would approach the position with the loss of Plaxico Burress. In fact, Nicks was probably the highest-selected Giant in fantasy drafts. He's only had one catch Sunday, but took a screen pass 54 yards for a TD. Expect Nicks to challenge Manningham for playing time as the season progresses. The Giants love the size he brings to the table.
Notable
Manningham also had only one reception, going for 43 yards. Only one Giant other than Smith had more than one catch Sunday. TE Kevin Boss was good for four catches and 41 yards. ... Speaking of tight ends, Kansas City fans are accustomed to the team's leading receiving playing that position. However, Tony Gonzales is now in Atlanta. Still, TE Sean Ryan led the Chiefs with five catches for 58 yards and a score. ... L.J. continues to be a non-factor this season with a mere 53 yards on 18 carries for a 2.9 average. He has 189 yards and no TDs through four games, while averaging 2.6 yards a carry. The Chiefs should consider utilizing the quicker Jamaal Charles at tailback more.
Redskins 16, Buccaneers 13
FTW
Talk about two pitiful offenses. Jason Campbell threw up a prayer late in the third quarter and it was answered as the ball landed in the hands of Santana Moss for a 59-yard touchdown. Moss ended up with just two catches -- he was targeted a mere four times by Campbell -- for 74 yards and a score.
Fail!
Campbell's performance in the second half was redeeming, but remember how bad Tampa Bay's defense has been this season. Campbell was responsible for four turnovers, throwing three INTs and losing a fumble. Those turnovers countered the good production he gave in the second half and probably forced a few headaches for the few fantasy owners forced to start him because of a bye week.
IDP
All three of Campbell's picks went to the same player, CB Aqib Talib. Talib had 61 return yards on the three INTs and also recorded four tackles (all solo).
Notable
Clinton Portis had his best outing of the season, rushing for 98 yards on 25 attempts. He's still been held out of the end zone this year. ... Tampa Bay QB Josh Johnson had some bright spots, including an 8-yard TD pass to Antonio Bryant. Johnson also rushed for 41 yards on seven carries, showing he can add an extra dimension to the game. However, he passed for a mere 106 yards and also threw an INT in his first career start. ... Campbell continues to look TE Chris Cooley's way more than any of the other weapons he has available. Cooley was targeted 10 times, catching five balls for 65 yards and a TD. ... Cadillac Williams appears to be healthy for now and had a solid yardage day, racking up 99 total (16-77, 4-22). With Derrick Ward on the mend, Williams is getting the nod by the Bucs coaching staff over Earnest Graham, who remains a complete non-factor.
Jaguars 37, Titans 17
FTW
Take the day off MJD. David Garrard has everything under control. The Jags are known better for their run game than they are for airing it out, but with an already struggling Titans pass defense missing two starters in the secondary, Jacksonville decided to go to the air. Garrard didn't let his coaches down for scheming the offense around his arm either, passing for 323 yards and three TDs. Ironically, the Jags and Titans are currently tied for the worst pass defense in the league.
Fail!
Have you not dropped LenDale White yet? The Titans were taking more and more carries away from the big back toward the end of last season and weren't happy with his new diet as he dropped 20-30 pounds in the offseason. White has 23 carries on the year with just one TD. He only got two totes for 2 yards as the Titans fought from behind Sunday.
IDP
When the Jags took CB Derek Cox out of William & Mary in the third round of the NFL Draft this past April, with one resonant voice the Jags faithful screamed, "Who?!" I promise Cox has let them all know who he is by now. While he's not a regular you'd want to play as an IDP, Cox had seven tackles (all solo) with a pick Sunday. He's been a bright spot in a bad Jacksonville seconday.
The Godsend
Believe it or not, Mike Sims-Walker is owned in only 62 percent of Yahoo! leagues as of Tuesday. Sims-Walker's production has been more than adequate and he's turning into Garrard's favorite target. He had seven catches for 91 yards and two TDs against Tennessee.
Notable
Tennnessee knew it had to address its WR position this offseason and added free agent Nate Washington from Pittsburgh, then drafted Kenny Britt out of Rutgers in the first round this past April. Both players had nice games Sunday with Britt going for 105 yards on seven catches, while Washington also had seven grabs for 66 yards and a TD. Strangely, Kerry Collins isn't performing better as a QB with the upgrade in WRs, throwing more INTs (6) than TDs (5) after four games. ... Titans RB Chris Johnson continues to lead the league in rushing with 434 yards. He's averaging 6.3 yards a carry and had 83 yards on 16 totes Sunday. Unfortunately, the Titans fell behind quickly, taking Johnson out of the gameplan.
Texans 29, Raiders 6
FTW
Houston's offense should be fairly grateful for Oakland's inability to run anything close to looking like an offense. Because of Oakland's inaptitude to either run or throw the ball, Houston's poor showing on offense was overshadowed. Matt Schaub barely completed 50 percent of his passes and the run game still can't average more than 3.5 yards a carry. However, while RB Steve Slaton did struggle to get going consistently, the second-year back did account for 89 total yards (21-65 rushing, 2-24 receiving) and two TDs.
Fail!
We all know JaMarcus Russell is a failure, but many figured Oakland should have a chance to at least run the ball. Guess again. The Raiders managed 45 yards on 22 carries Sunday and Darren McFadden is out for the next 2-4 weeks after having surgery to repair cartilage in his knee. McFadden was held to -3 yards on six carries Sunday. Michael Bush was good for 10 yards on three totes, while Justin Fargas was the most productive runner with 24 yards on 10 attempts. If for any reason you still own a Raiders offensive player on your team, drop him now.
IDP
Houston wasn't very secretive in its targeting of Brian Cushing with the 15th overall pick in April's draft and he showed them why Sunday. Cushing had seven tackles (five solo) along with a safety in the fourth quarter when he pulled down Fargas in his own end zone. Cushing got the the QB often as well, barely missing on sacking Russell on three different occasions.
The Godsend
How about Houston's defense? It's not often a team defense makes any of the awards handed out in this column. Houston's scored 16 points Sunday -- unless your league counts special teams in the mix, then the Texans delivered 22 points courtesy of a Jacoby Jones punt return -- and are owned in just 6 percent of Yahoo! leagues. For good reason, though, as the Texans have surrendered massive amounts of yards and points, particularly in the run game. That just tells you exactly how bad Oakland is as an offensive unit.
Notable
The Texans did make a concentrated effort in jumpstarting their run game and even brought Ryan Moats in for 15 carries to spell Steve Slaton. Moats finished with 56 yards and had a better average per carry (3.7) than Slaton (3.1). ... Russell continues to easily be the league's worst QB, passing for 128 yards and no touchdowns. He didn't throw any INTs, either. Still, he failed to complete 50 percent of his passes for the third time this season and has successfully found a receiver less than 40 percent of the time all year.
Patriots 27, Ravens 21
FTW
As far as QBs go, Joe Flacco has been the surprise of the fantasy world thus far. The Ravens' second-year signal caller is the No. 4 overall QB and posted another fantastic game Sunday, passing for 264 yards and two TDs with one INT.
Fail!
Willis McGahee had been fantastic this season, finding the end zone twice in the first three games of the year. McGahee punched it in on a 13-yard pass from Flacco Sunday, but that was his only reception and he managed a mere 11 yards rushing. After his hot start, posting fewer than 10 points is a disappointment for McGahee.
IDP
Ray Lewis is not slowing down. Lewis is considered one of the best MLBs of all time and he's production this season is only giving further support to those sentiments. Lewis had 14 tackles (seven solo) against the Pats.
The Godsend
Pats RB Sammy Morris is owned in only 13 percent of Yahoo! leagues and even fewer have him in the starting lineup. Those few utilizing him Sunday got an 11-point performance as Morris had 56 total yards (5-35 receiving, 6-21 rushing) and a TD. There's no reason to rush out and pick Morris up, though. The Pats aren't going to give any back consistent carries. Morris, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and Laurence Maroney each had at least five carries and no more than seven. All four also had at least one reception.
Notable
Tom Brady and Randy Moss finally hooked up for a TD. Moss has been posting solid yardage totals, but Sunday was the first time he found the end zone. He finished with three catches and 50 yards. Brady's QB rating was better than 100, but his yardage totals (258) were pedestrian for him and the TD to Moss was the only one he threw. If you're still wondering, you are not going to get 2007 Tom Brady numbers. ... While McGahee struggled, Ray Rice was torching the Pats defense, finishing with 152 total yards (11-103 rushing, 5-49 receiving). Rice was also kept out of the end zone, though. ... Wes Welker was back on the field for the Pats and remains Brady's favorite target. Brady looked Welker's way 10 times. The former Texas Tech Red Raider caught six balls for a paltry 48 yards. His biggest value remains in PPR leagues.
Saints 24, Jets 10
FTW
I'll never understand why an NFL game like this one can receive so much hype from the media. I heard Mike Ditka declare time and time again that this game will go a long way to leading each team to the Super Bowl. OK. Maybe somwhat, but both squads have 12 games still left on the schedule. That's a lot of football to be played. Moving on. There was a lot of talk about the matchup between the Jets great defense and the Saints prolific offense. However, the biggest difference maker in the game was the Saints suddenly underrated defense. The Saints are forcing turnovers galore and Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez was their latest victim. New Orleans picked off three Sanchez passes -- one returned for a TD by Darren Sharper, who had two INTs -- and made him fumble in the end zone once -- recovered by LB Remi Ayodele for a TD. New Orleans also sacked Sanchez four times. Welcome to the NFL, rook.
Fail!
While it's worth mentioning Drew Brees didn't throw a TD pass, making this a very odd outing for him, no one provided less for fantasy owners than Sanchez. The Jets QB was beginning to garner the starting nod for many fantasy owner, especially with bye weeks starting to take place. He ended up posting -1 points due to his four turnovers. Sanchez passed for a mere 138 yards and rushed for 24.
IDP
Sharper is one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game. He's a ballhawk, playing center field in the secondary as well as anyone ever has. Not only did Sharper have two INTs -- one returned 99 yards for a TD -- but he also led the Saints with eight tackles (five solo).
The Godsend
Does the Saints defense not belong here as well? The group was not one getting drafted and was regarded as one of the worst possible team defenses available this season. Instead, New Orleans leads the league with 13 takeaways and is tied with Green Bay in turnover margin at plus-7. Time to start giving the Saints D some love. While they're on bye in Week 5, consider picking them up for the rest of the year if possible.
Notable
Saints RB Pierre Thomas was becoming a forgotten commodity as he fought off injury early this season. He's back on the radar after Sunday, posting 132 total yards (19-86 rushing, 4-46 receiving) and a TD. Thomas led the Saints in receiving against the Jets. See, it was a strange offensive day for New Orleans. ... The top fantasy scorer for the Jets was Thomas Jones, who managed to score the team's only TD to go along with 48 rushing yards.
Dolphins 38, Bills 10
FTW
No Chad Pennington, no problem. Just give the ball a combined 36 times to RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. While both players averaged more than 5 yards a carry against the Bills defense, Brown found paydirt twice and gained 115 yards for the more productful outing. Williams wasn't bad, though, going for 86 yards and a TD.
Fail!
Maybe it's just rust, but Marshawn Lynch didn't exactly impress in his first live action of the regular season. Lynch rushed for a mere 4 yards on eight carries. His only saving grace was gaining 43 yards on five receptions. He's going to have to produce more than that as Fred Jackson continues to flash his abilities with every opportunity. Jackson had 42 yards rushing and 26 receiving.
IDP
The great question for the Miami defense going into the game with the Bills was where would the pass rush come from with Joey Porter on the bench. Journeyman Cameron Wake gave a resounding answer, recording the first three sacks of his career, while also posting six tackles (all solo). Wake was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Penn State by the Giants. He didn't make the team and made his way to the Canadian Football League where he was named the Most Outstanding Rookie in 2007. He recorded 39 sacks over his first two seasons in the CFL. He's not going to be starting over Porter, but the future at OLB for Miami's 3-4 scheme might have been profiled in this game.
The Godsend
Is Chad Henne worth picking up on the free agent wire? Henne was used a bus driver Sunday and did his job by making no turnovers, despite fumbling twice. Henne was a double-digit fantasy performer, passing for 115 yards and a one TD to rookie Brian Hartline. Hartline was drafted out of Ohio State. Henne's a Michigan alum. Fans from both schools just cringed.
Notable
Terrell Owens was targeted more than any other receiver in the game, which is will keep him somewhat happy for now. T.O. had three catches for 60 yards. ... What T.O. will be upset with is the play of his QB. Trent Edwards was horrid, tossing three INTs. He finished with 192 yards and a score.
Broncos 17, Cowboys 10
FTW
Kyle Orton is going to be very valuable on certain weeks. It's just a matter of figuring out which times he's going to play like he did Sunday and when he's going to not be worth even double digits. Dallas' pass defense hasn't been very stingy and its pass rush is pretty much non-existent for a majority of games as DeMarcus Ware has still failed to record a sack. Orton torched the Cowboys for 243 yards and two TDs.
Fail!
Tony Romo hasn't thrown a TD in two games now. Romo passed for 255 yards Sunday, but lost a fumble and threw one pick. Romo has lost his confidence. He's a gunslinger suddenly afraid to sling it. He was highly erratic the entire game, stuggling to hit receivers oon throws he's generally made throughout his short career. The ridicule of his turnovers has finally gotten to him. QBs have to have thick skin, and up until Sunday, it appeared Romo did. It wasn't until the last drive, which came up a few yards short of cashing in and tying the game at 17, that Romo finally uncorked his play and started to move around as he tried to make a play. What happened? He found Sam Hurd on fourth down to set up the Cowboys in the red zone with less than a minute left. Turnovers are just going to be a part of who Romo is with that style, but so are big plays and without that willingness to sling the ball Romo is about as effective as JaMarcus Russell. So can anyone tell I'm a Cowboys fan?
IDP
Champ Bailey is one of the best CBs to ever play the game. That fact makes him a poor fantasy option. However, the Cowboys didn't shy away from challenging Bailey and he made them pay. Bailey had eight tackles (all solo), an interception in the red zone and defended four passes, including two in the end zone on Dallas' final scoring bid.
The Godsend
Correll Buckhalter has always been that fallback guy, who produces everytime a team gives him the chance to prove himself. The Broncos are slowly putting more and more of the load on rookie Knowshon Moreno, but Buckhalter is being opportunistic and making it difficult for the Broncos to write him out of the game plan. Buckhalter averaged more than 6 yards a carry Sunday with 37 yards on six totes along with 55 yards on five receptions.
Notable
Dallas had rushed for more than 200 yards in the two games prior to this one. However, the Broncos defense stymied the Cowboys' run game enough in the first half that offensive coordinator Jason Garrett decided to abandon it almost completely in the second. Dallas rushed the ball six times in the third and fourth quarters combined with all carries going to Tashard Choice. Marion Barber didn't sniff an opportunity. Choice had 80 total yards (14-33 rushing, 5-47 receiving) while Barber was good for 68 (11-41 rushing, 2-27 receiving) and a TD. ... There was a Brandon Marshall sighting Sunday and it is wasn't of a negative nature. Marshall had a 51-yard touchdown reception, zigging and zagging his way across the field in order to cross the goal line, that put the Broncos up 17-10 with less than a minute to play. Marshall finished with 91 yards and a TD on four receptions.
49ers 35, Rams 0
FTW
Any defense that pitches a shutout is automatcally receiving 10 points in fantasy football. That wasn't enough for the 49ers. They also scored three defensive TDs, giving owners 28 points. Add three turnovers to that and you have 34 points. San Fran also had five sacks, and assuming your league awards the default 1 point per sack, gives the Niners D 39 fantasy points. So the MVP award goes to the Rams offense for being that poor.
Fail!
Does it really matter if it's Marc Bulger or Kyle Boller taking the snaps from center? Seriously, the Rams OL is still horrid even with the addition of rookie Jason Smith at tackle. Defenses feast on the Rams QBs. Boller threw for 108 yards and an INT.
IDP
Pat Willis is the best MLB in the league. Need proof? How does eight tackles (five solo) 2.5 sacks and interception returned 23 yards for a touchdown sit with you?
The Godsend
Shaun Hill is owned in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but provides solid scores on a weekly basis. The yardage totals are pedestrian, but Hill has five TDs with just one INT. He scored 18 points Sunday, throwing two TDs and for 152 yards.
Notable
Steven Jackson is not going to hold much value because the Rams can't take the attention of opposing defenses off of him. He managed 79 yards on 23 carries Sunday. ... Vernon Davis is going to be among the league leaders for TDs by a TE this season. He had his third TD of the season against the Rams along with 43 yards on three catches.
Steelers 38, Chargers 28
FTW
No game produced 20-plus point scorers than this one did this weekend. Phillip Rivers was good for 28 points with three TDs and 254 yards. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 333 yards and two TDs, which translates to 26 fantasy points. Rashard Mendenhall made the most of his first NFL start, scoring 30 points on 165 yards rushing and two TDs, while picking up 26 more yards receiving. Even the tight ends were getting in on the action. Antonio Gates scored 24 for his owners with 124 yards and two TDs. Heath Miller came up just shy of the 20-point mark, scoring 19 on 70 yards and two TDs. Unless you play in a PPR league and Miller's eight receptions catapulted him past that mark. Needless to say, this Sunday night affair won and lost fantasy matchups for many owners.
Fail!
Yet, among all the points being scored, Ladainian Tomlinson remained a non-factor so far this season. LT picked up 15 yards on seven carries and didn't really get involved in the passing game either. Maybe he is washed up after all.
IDP
James Harrison is starting to look the part of his 2008 Defensive MVP self. Harrison had two sacks and five tackles (all solo).
The Godsend
No player has been picked up more in the fantasy world over the past few days than Mendenhall. Scoring 30 points in a single game does that, though. The Steelers aren't rushing Willie Parker back from injury, either, which indicates more opportunities for Mendenhall.
Notable
Santonio Holmes is starting to dictate the attention of opposing defenses and Big Ben and Hines Ward showed doing that can be a fatal mistake. Roethlisberger targeted Ward 11 times and the veteran do-it-all receiver pulled in eight balls for 113 yards. ... Speaking of Big Ben, I must say his appearance as guest host on WWE's Monday Night Raw was very entertaining. It was nice to see him bring his OL along for the ride, too. I have to admit, though, I was having some inappropriate comments going through my mind when he opened the show by introducing the first ever Diva Bowl.
Vikings 30, Packers 23
FTW
Like just about everyone else, I got sick to my stomach during the Brett Favre retirement fiasco. I've been sick of his stunts since 2005, when he started making the Packers wait until June each year for his official announcement. I agreed with Green Bay's choice to move on and force his hand on a decision. However, despite his constant waivering, I absolutely love watching Favre play and the magic he seems to bring to the field. Favre threw for 271 yards and three TDs, outdueling his Green Bay replacement Aaron Rodgers, who didn't have a bad game, either. Rodgers threww for 384 yards and two TDs with one INT.
Fail!
Greg Jennings has simply disappeared in two of the four games the Packers have played this season. Jennings caught only three balls for 31 yards against the Vikings. He really struggled to get away from Antoine Winfield, who had a defensive performance for the ages.
IDP
Winfield was just mentioned. He had a game-high 10 solo tackles along with an INT. However, it was Jared Allen, who stood out the most. Allen might have been confused for a terrorist by the Green Bay offense Sunday. He had 4.5 sacks along with seven tackles (six solo). Four of his tackles were for loss. One of his sacks was for a safety. He was a man possessed.
The Godsend
Green Bay TE Jermichael Finley had a career game Sunday, catching six balls for a 128 yards and a TD. Finley's score was a 62-yard reception. He's owned in just 7 percent of Yahoo! leagues and holds some value as he takes more and more reps from Donald Lee.
Notable
Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice finally had performances many thought they were capable of with Favre at QB. Berrian caught six balls for 75 yards and a score, while Rice went for 70 yards and a TD on five receptions. ... The Pack was determined to make Favre beat them, honing in on Adrian Peterson. AD was held to 55 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. ... Peterson's counterpart on the Packers, Ryan Grant, had a productive day in means of yards, racking up 101 total yards (11-51 rushing, 4-50 receiving). |
|
| Published: Oct 7, 2009 5:48 PM EST |
|
|
| |
RECENT
ARTICLES BY JONATHAN HULL |
|
|
|
| |
RECENT
FANTASY FOOTBALL ARTICLES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
WEEK 11 FANTASY
FOOTBALL INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
| |
WEEK 10 FANTASY
FOOTBALL INFORMATION |
|
| |
|
| |
RECENT FANTASY FOOTBALL ARTICLES |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
