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| Published: Nov 5, 2009 3:38 PM EST |
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NFL Week 8 in review |
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Texans 31, Bills 10
FTW (For the win)
So the answer the Texans' woeful run game was Ryan Moats? More like the combination of Moats and the Bills pitiful run defense, which ranks last in the NFL. Still, Moats gets FTW honors for his performance after taking over for Steve Slaton who was benched after a first quarter fumble. Moats had 126 yards and three TDs on 23 carries along with another 25 yards on two receptions.
Fail!
Slaton was a first-round pick in many leagues, but has failed to produce consistently this season. He's been more of a threat in the passing game than the run game when it comes to putting TDs on the board. His benching is a warning to him and all of his owners. It's time to perform or he's going to find himself watching more and more from the sidelines. Slaton has one yard on one carry Sunday with 10 yards on two catches.
IDP
Two of the top contenders for Defensive Rookie of the Year were put on display in this game. For Buffalo, it's CB Jairus Byrd who had two INTs along with five tackles (two solo). Byrd has seven picks on the year, which leaves him tied for the league lead with New Orleans veteran Darren Sharper. All seven of his picks have come in the past four games. He's registerned two INTs in three of those games. For Houston, Brian Cushing has been just as impressive, flashing the ability to contribute as a run defender, pass rusher and in coverage. Cushing had a sack, an INT and 10 tackles (three solo).
The Godsend
Hardly anyone owned Moats entering last week, but he's quickly seen his owned percentage balloon to 52 percent. Is he a good pick up? He's still a future threat. Slaton is going to get another chance and maybe a threat on his job is all he needs for inspiration. However, if Slaton can't get the job done, then Moats has proved he can be productive against bad defenses anyway.
Notable
Matt Shaub played his worst game of the season, totaling 268 yards with two INTs and no scores. Likewise, Andre Johnson was also unproductive, racking up 63 yards on six catches. ... Schaub is losing a great target for the season, too. Owen Daniels, who was one of the best TE options this season, is going to be sidelined with a torn ACL. Unfortunate end to a breakout year for Daniels. ... Terrell Owens finally found the end zone. T.O. scored his second TD of the season on a 29-yard run on a reverse play. He also had five catches for 39 yards. This was his best fantasy output of 2009. Sad.
Bears 30, Browns 6
FTW
The stage was set for Bears RB Matt Forte to have a big game and his two rushing TDs provided just that for his owners. However, Forte still couldn't top 100 yards against a dismal run defense playing without its best player, LB D'Qwell Jackson. Forte had 90 yards on 26 carries along with 31 yards on two catches.
Fail!
Take your pick of QBs here. Hardly anyone owns Derek Anderson so we'll go with Jay Cutler in this slot. Cutler has been a disappointing acquisition for the Bears, who may be wishing they had held onto Kyle Orton. Orton has been the mirror of efficiency for the Broncos, while Cutler is throwing as many INTs as TDs this season. Sunday, he didn't register a TD, throwing one pick to go with his 225 yards.
IDP
Danieal Manning is better known for his return abilities than his playmaking skills as a safety, but it's his play in the Bears defensive backfield standing out in 2009. Manning had a team-high seven tackles (four solo) along with an INT and a fumble recovery.
The Godsend
No qualifiers for this award.
Notable
Cleveland was able to average four yards a carry against the Bears, but fell behind too early to focus on the ground game. The Browns continue to give Josh Cribbs his fair amount of carries, looking for ways to get him involved more on offense. He had six for 28 yards against Chicago.
Cowboys 38, Seahawks 17
FTW
Tony Romo has always been a solid contributor in fantasy football, particularly at this time of year. However, Romo is accomplishing feats he's never been able to achieve before. He went a third straight game without throwing an INT, picking apart Seattle's defense for 256 yards and three TDs. During that span, Romo has passed for more than 800 yards and eight TDs.
Fail!
While Romo is flourishing, the Dallas run game has taken a bit of a backseat. Marion Barber managed double digits with 53 yards and a score, but the Cowboys still aren't getting Felix Jones involved enough. Jones had eight carries for 39 yards and one reception for 30 yards. It's the passing game that Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett should consider utilizing Jones more in.
IDP
Keith Brooking has been a big time signing for the Dallas defense, providing leadership on and off the field. Brooking totaled a game-high 11 tackles (eight solo) and a sack and he took up permanant residence in Seattle's backfield.
The Godsend
Add a third WR outproducing Roy Williams. Dallas spent big money and important draft picks on Roy, but have gotten lackluster production in return as he can't seem to connect with Romo. Romo isn't struggling to connect with anyone else, though, including Sam Hurd, who is No. 4 on the depth chart. Hurd had only one catch for 36 yards, but it went for a score. He's not worth picking up, but I needed a spot to bash Roy after using the Fail! category on the lack of Felix in the game plan.
Notable
Miles Austin posted the most productive first three starts for a WR in NFL history. Austin had 61 yards and a score -- mediocre production when compared to the numbers he posted in his two prior starts. He's now No. 3 in scoring at his position this season. Austin has 482 yards on 21 catches with five TDs in that time span. ... Matt Hasselbeck ended up with solid numbers against Dallas, passing for 249 yards and two TDs. A majority of his production came with the game in hand. Dallas managed to sack him three times, but consistently had pressure in Hasselbeck's face throughout the game.
Rams 17, Lions 10
FTW
Steven Jackson is a great player on a pitiful team. However, the playing field was even in this battle of wretched teams. Jackson led the Rams to its first win of the season with 149 yards and a game-winning TD on 22 carries.
Fail!
Who knew it was even possible, but neither QB in this game could complete 50 percent of their passes against detestable defenses. Marc Bulger was 17-of-35 for the Rams, passing for 176 yards and an INT. Rookie Matt Stafford also threw a pick to go with 168 yards on 14-of-33 passing.
IDP
It's hard to describe either defense as playing well. The low score was due more to inept offenses than paramount defenses. Rookie James Laurinaitis continues to make his bid for Defensive Rookie of the Year, registering seven tackles (six solo).
The Godsend
No qualifiers.
Notable
Detroit starting RB Kevin Smith is likely to lose more and more carries to Maurice Morris as the season progresses. Smith hasn't even gotten going in the run game behind a shoddy OL. However, Morris has proven capable of finding tough yards easier than Smith has. Morris had 14 carries for 63 yards Sunday, while Smith finished with 45 on 16 totes, averaging less than three yards a carry. Smith is a good option in the passing game, though, catching four balls for 49 yards Sunday.
Colts 18, 49ers 14
FTW
Peyton Manning played a game without a TD pass?! Hard to fathom. Reggie Wayne still managed to pull in a score, though. Wayne caught what turned out to be the winning TD from RB Joseph Addai early in the fourth quarter. Wayne finished with 147 yards and a score.
Fail!
Does this not go to Manning? Owners have become expectant of at least two TDs a game from the living legend QB. Manning did have nice yardage numbers (347), but not getting a pass into the end zone is not typical.
IDP
Bob Sanders was finally on the field for the Colts, making his presence known with an INT. In the past, Indy's defense has struggled without the injury-prone Sanders, but an argument could be made the Colts have missed him less this season. The biggest reason for this is the development of Antoine Bethea. Bethea is a fourth-year pro out of Howard and leads the Colts in tackles this season. He had seven tackles (five solo) Sunday.
The Godsend
It appears training camp, and a good bit of the season, wasn't needed for 49ers rookie WR Michael Crabtree. In his second game as a pro, Crabtree looked like he could become a great one, snagging six balls for 81 yards. He did have a hiccup with a lost fumble, though. Still, Crabtree is underowned, being picked up in just 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He's only going to get more productive as the season wears on.
Notable
Manning continued to spread the ball around, despite targeting Wayne 20 times. Dallas Clark caught eight balls for 99 yards, while Austin Collie was good for six catches and 66 yards. ... Frank Gore needs more touches. The 49ers big play RB had just 13 carries, but managed seven yards per attempt on his way to a 91-yard performance. However, 64 of those yards came on one play which resulted in the first score fo the game. Gore also had 43 yards on five receptions. ... Vernon Davis has become an elite fantasy TE. Davis had only three catches for 20 yards, but found the end zone for the seventh time this season. He's scored at least once in four of the past five games.
Dolphins 30, Jets 25
FTW
The Jets outgained Miami 378-104 in total offense. Thank goodness for Ted Ginn Jr. Ginn returned back-to-back kickoffs for TDs, leading the Dolphins to victory. He didn't catch a single pass or register even a yard on offense, but his 201 yards on two returns made the difference. Technically, if you play in a league that awards special teams TDs to a team defense then the Miami D was the top producer in this game as LB Jason Taylor also returned a fumble 48 yards for a score.
Fail!
So much for Jets coach Rex Ryan being unable to scheme against the Wildcat. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams were bottled up, leaving the Miami offense stagnant. Both backs had just 27 yards rushing, while Williams added another 41 receiving to his totals.
IDP
Taylor isn't posting many tackles and his sacks are coming in bunches, but the veteran pass rusher is still a playmaker, showing he's still got a burst after picking up the fumble in the second quarter and racing 48 yards for a score. He also had four tackles (three solo).
The Godsend
Next to noone owns Ginn anymore. He's been picked up in just 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues. He brings a nice edge in leagues that value return yardage, but other than that, leave him in FA.
Notable
Mark Sanchez has been up and down during his rookie year, which should be expected of a first-year QB. Sunday was an up in a losing effort. Sanchez threw two TDs along with 265 yards. His connection with recently acquired Braylon Edwards had disappeared since Edwards' first game with the Jets tin Week 5 against the Dolphins. Maybe it's just the Fins the duo can hook up as Edwards was good for 74 yards and a TD on four catches Sunday. ... No worries on Thomas Jones losing carries to Shonn Greene. Jones was the workhorse against Miami, topping 100 yards on 27 carries. Greene had just 18 yards on eight attempts.
Eagles 40, Giants 17
FTW
Where have all the good Giants gone? Donovan McNabb took advantage of a reeling Giants squad, passing for 240 yards and three TDs. The Eagles can score at will once they get in sync.
Fail!
A few weeks ago, Steve Smith led the league in receptions, receiving yards and TDs. However, with Eli Manning's sudden demise, Smith's production has likewise declined. Manning's struggles are costing Smith's owners dearly. He managed eight receptions Sunday, so owners in PPR leagues have to be feeling good about his production last week. However, he was good for just 68 yards and hasn't scored a TD in four weeks.
IDP
The Eagles have always had success finding obscure athletes that fill in fantastically for them at the LB position. Their latest discovery is Akeem Jordan -- a third-year pro out of James Madison. Jordan had a game-high nine tackles (eight solo) against the Giants.
The Godsend
LeSean McCoy's day had been rather pedestrian until he flashed some of the speed that made many teams desire him in the second or third round of this past draft in the fourth quarter. The rookie out of Pitt broke off a 66-yard TD run, giving him 82 yards and a score on 11 carries. McCoy is owned in just 52 percent of leagues, but Brian Westbrook is due back this week. Westy appears more injury prone than every this season, though, but McCoy still lacks great value based on how little Philly is running the ball this season.
Notable
DeSean Jackson has become the best deep threat in football. McNabb found Jackson running away from defenders for a 54-yard TD late in the first half. The Eagles passing game is quickly becoming one of the league's best and it's because of the weapons surrounding McNabb. There's plenty of speed to go around between Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin who also had a TD. Plus, TE Brent Celek has quickly become an elite option at the position. McNabb found Celek in the end zone for the third time this season in the first quarter.
Ravens 30, Broncos 7
FTW
The Broncos fell from the undefeated ranks and did so in anticlimatic fashion. Baltimore RB Ray Rice has proven to be one of the best two-dimensional backs in the NFL this season. Rice had 84 yards and a TD on 24 carries, while adding 24 more yards on five receptions. Baltimore is making a concerted effort to getting Rice 25-30 touches a game.
Fail!
Kyle Orton didn't do anything to lose the game for Denver, which is typical of how he's played this season. However, Orton has generally come up with plays to lead the Broncos to a victory as well. That wasn't the case against Baltimore. Orton was good for a mere six points, passing for 152 yards and no TDs.
IDP
Andra Davis has been frequently overshadowed in Denver, but put together an impressive display Sunday, registering nine tackles (eight solo) and one sack.
The Godsend
No qualifiers.
Notable
One of the biggest issues with a timeshare at RB is the inability to get a player into a rhythm. This seems to be hurting Denver's run game in recent weeks. Knowshon Moreno had just 10 carries, picking up 39 yards and a score Sunday. Correll Buckhalter had eight carries for 16 yards. Sometimes teams are better off sticking with one back and using the other in certain situations that maximize their talents. That's not happening in Denver right now. The Broncos seem to be running two backs out there just to do it.
Titans 30, Jaguars 13
FTW
Look who decided to put one up in the win column. The key wasn't having Vince Young as a starter, either, although he did have a solid, mistake-free performance. The Titans rode RB Chris Johnson, who punished the Jags for 228 yards and two TDs on 24 carries. Jacksonville might have been smart to do the same thing with its stud RB. Maurice Jones-Drew was amazing, totaling 177 yards and two scores on just eight carries. That's the problem, though. Why did he only touch it eight times?
Fail!
The answer to the above question: Jacksonville obviously wanted to attack a beat up Titans secondary. After all, that's how every other opponent has beaten Tennessee. The Jags coaching staff was apparently incapable of changing this game plan during the contest as David Garrard struggled again, passing for just 139 yards and tossing two INTs. Tennessee had been allowing opposing QBs to complete better than 70 percent of their passes. Garrard barely topped 50 percent.
IDP
Tennessee ran the ball 49 times. That means plenty of chances for LBs to amass tackles. Jacksonville's Justin Durant took advantage of said opportunity, racking up 16 tackles (12 solo).
The Godsend
Vince Young quietly put forth a 14-point performance Sunday. He completed 15-of-18 passes for 125 yards and a TD. He also rushed for 30 yards. Vince might be a darkhorse option at QB if he can show some consistency and chances are he's available in your league. He has a 10 percent owned rating.
Notable
Monitor the Jags QB situation. Many owners jumped on Mike Sims-Walker early this season, but his value, along with all other Jax WRs, is quickly on the decline with Garrard's inability to post solid numbers. Luke McCown is the backup and that doesn't bode well for the Jags' supporting staff.
Chargers 24, Raiders 16
FTW
There's little argument left that Ladainian Tomlinson has lost a couple steps. He hasn't come close to sniffing the 100-yard mark this season and is averaging a paltry 3.4 yards a carry. However, if he can somehow continue to find paydirt like he did against Oakland, then he's going to hold nice value. Tomlinson had just 56 yards on 18 carries, but two of those totes carried him across the goal line, giving him his best fantasy output of the season.
Fail!
JaMarcus Russell's name should be placed down in this category in permanent ink. While it would have to be extremely desperate measures to have Russell starting this week, any unfortunate owner that was forced to do so received two whole points from the first-round bust. He had 109 yards and an INT.
IDP
It's nice to see Shawne Merriman does remember his way to the QB. Merriman hasn't been the same since missing all of last season to injury. Actually, he hasn't been the same since he was busted for taking an illegal suplement. Regardless, Merriman posted his first two sacks of the season Sunday, while also registering seven tackles (all solo).
The Godsend
Justin Fargas is owned in just 15 percent of leagues, but scored a TD for those with him on their unit. He also had 59 yards. Fargas' touches are about to decline, though, as Darren McFadden is slated to make a return this week.
Notable
Phillip Rivers was somewhat stymied against an underrated Oakland defense as he was held to 249 yards passing and just one TD while also tossing an INT. Rivers lone score was thrown to his favorite target this season, WR Vincent Jackson. Jackson caught eight balls for 103 yards and a score. He was targeted 12 times.
Panthers 34, Cardinals 21
FTW
Don't look now, but the Carolina run game is starting to find its groove. It's not too late for the Panthers to start making a bid for a playoffs spot, either. It was the run game that led the Panthers there last season and the combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are capable of dupicating that effort. The Panthers rushed for 270 total yards against the league's best run defense. Williams did most of the dirty work, racking up 158 yards on 23 carries. However, Stewart got the glory runs, scoring twice to go along with 87 yards on 17 carries.
Fail!
Five INTs by any QB is unacceptable, but especially for elite signal-callers like Kurt Warner. Warner was forced to air it out after Arizona fell behind by three TDs at the half. Carolina teed off on him and picked the former league MVP off five times. Warner did manage two TD passes as well with 242 yards. However, the five INTs and one fumble completely erase any points Warner had with his TDs.
IDP
Julius Peppers is one of the best athletes in the NFL and he put his athleticism on display Sunday, picking off Warner and returning it 16 yards for a TD. He also had one sack.
The Godsend
Believe it or not, but Stewart has a fair chance of being available in your league. He holds just a 75 owned percentage. He could be an elite addition for several owners if Carolina continues to flash the ability to run the ball at will.
Notable
Steve Smith finally discovered the end zone for the first time this season. Smith was on the receiving end of a 50-yard TD from erratic QB Jake Delhomme. The pass accounted for more than half of Delhomme's 90 yards passing. ... Warner's two TDs went to unusual suspects Ben Patrick and LaRod Stephens-Howling. Larry Fitzgerald was held to just 66 yards on six catches, while Anquan Boldin continues to be a fantasy non-factor with 23 yards on three receptions.
Vikings 38, Packers 26
FTW
Sunday's premier matchup featured two great QBs duel it out. Both the living legend Brett Favre and his Green Bay replacement Aaron Rodgers put forth brilliant efforts. Favre had 244 yards and four TDs against his former team, exacting the revenge he wanted at Lambeau. While Favre led the Vikings to the win, Rodgers actually outdueled him from a fantasy standpoint, not that anyone outside of fantasy geeks with no invested interest in this game cares. Rodgers had three TDs with 287 yards, but also led the Pack in rushing with 52 yards.
Fail!
Ryan Grant couldn't build on his brilliant game against Cleveland in Week 7 as the Vikings run defense suffocated him. Grant settled for a mere 30 yards on 10 carries. His only somewhat redeeming value came with 21 yards receiving on three catches.
IDP
When the NFL's best DL meets the worst OL, it's not hard to figure out what happens next. The Vikings pressured Rodgers all night and sacked him six times. Jared Allen had half of those sacks to go along with five tackles (all solo). Allen is a top contender for Defensive MVP at his juncture of the season.
The Godsend
Bernard Berrian hasn't had a natural chemistry with Favre and has also seen his playing time decrease with the emergence of Sidney Rice and rookie Percy Harvin. Berrian and Favre hooked up for a 16-yard TD Sunday that put the game away with less than four minutes to play. Berrian had 47 yards on three catches. He's owned in 68 percent of leagues.
Notable
Favre's four TD passes went to four different receivers. Harvin had his best day as an NFL WR, catching five balls for 84 yards and a score. Visanthe Shiancoe and Jeff Dugan also caught short TD passes. ... Adrian Peterson failed to top 100 yards again Sunday. He's accomplished the feat just twice this season. However, he did manage 97 yards rushing and had another 44 receiving to go along with a rushing score. ... Greg Jennings has been outperformed by veteran teammate Donald Driver this season, but Rodgers was determined to get Jennings more involved against the Vikings. He looked Jennings' way 12 times and the Pro Bowl WR caught eight balls for 88 yards and a score.
Saints 35, Falcons 27
FTW
There isn't a worse feeling in the world than to hold a slim lead heading into Monday night's game and knowing your opponent has Drew Brees left to play. I speak from recent experience. Brees led to more than just my demise this week I'm sure as he posted two TDs and 308 yards, while tossing just one INT and losing a fumble.
Fail!
Reggie Bush has become an afterthought in an explosive New Orleans offense. Bush touched the ball just four times on offense had only one punt return as well. He managed three yards rushing -- the same total as Brees -- and 11 yards receiving. He did get into the end zone once, though. Still, hard to believe one of the most electrifying players in college football history can't make his mark on the pro game.
IDP
New Orleans consistently pressured Atlanta QB Matt Ryan and forced him into throwing three INTs. One -- picked off by Jabari Greer -- was returned for a 48-yard TD. Greer also had six tackles (five solo).
The Godsend
No qualifiers.
Notable
Michael Turner topped 100 yards for the second time this season, posting his largest output of the season with 151 yards on the ground. He also scored once. ... The combination of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell appears to be the one New Orleans has settled on at the RB position. Thomas picked up most of the production, rushing for 91 yards and a score on 14 carries. However, Bell got more opportunities with 49 yards on 17 carries. It's going to vary from game to game on who produces more. The most encouraging thing about the combination is Sean Payton has a good idea on the best situation for each back. ... New Orleans continues to have one of the better pass defenses in the league after many thought the Saints might have the worst unit in that regards coming into the season. Credit Darren Sharper for this turnaround and not just because he has a league-leading seven INTs. Sharper has been a general on the field and the quarterback of the Saints defense. He should be given heavy consideration for Defensive MVP and if this writer had a vote, it would quickly go to the veteran safety. |
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| Published: Nov 5, 2009 3:38 PM EST |
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