Week 7
10/19/07
Steppin' Up
Philip Rivers,
SD: If you've been relying on Philip Rivers, chances are you've
been less than thrilled with his performance on a weekly basis.
Despite strong outings against Green Bay and Denver, Rivers has
failed to throw a touchdown pass in three of his six games played.
He's also gone over 250-yards just twice while accumulating 7
interceptions early in the year. The combination had him score
single-digits one too many times for most owners to consider him
a reliable starting option. With the addition of Chris Chambers
before the league trading deadline however, Rivers' forecast suddenly
looks a little brighter.
Chambers comes to San Diego having already caught 31 receptions
for 415 yards in six games with the Dolphins. He joins an offense
currently composed of superstars LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio
Gates. Third year veteran Vincent Jackson (20 receptions, 320
yards, 2 TDs) had been the Chargers lead receiver prior to Chambers
arrival.
With Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron having installed in Miami
the offense he orchestrated with the Chargers during his previous
five seasons, Chambers has an advanced understanding of what will
be run in San Diego. Look for Rivers to make quick use of his
new wide receiver following the BYE this week. It should result
in more yardage and scoring opportunities for him throughout the
season.
Steppin' Down
Jay Cutler,
DEN: Against the Chargers last week Cutler's streak of nine consecutive
starts with at least one touchdown pass was snapped. He'll face
the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday night. The Steelers defense
is allowing just 163.0 passing yards per game. They've currently
surrendered only 3 scores through the air as well. Combine that
with the news Javon Walker will miss much more time than originally
thought and there is little reason to be excited about Cutler's
chances this Sunday.
His schedule appears to get easier over the second half of the
season, but there has been little to indicate he'll finish any
stronger than he has started. The possible suspension of tailback
Travis Henry doesn't bode well for him either. Keep him on your
bench this Sunday, and while he'll have some solid outings in
the weeks ahead, don't expect anymore than your standard 10-13
points from him at the QB position.
Steppin' Up
Kevin Jones, DET: The Lions surprised many when they removed Kevin
Jones from the PUP-list just before the season began. An injury
to his left foot suffered late in 2006 was expected to keep him
inactive through the first 6 games of the year. After missing
the first two weeks, Jones has seen increased playing time in
each of the past three games. His performance during the second
half of a Week 5 loss against the Redskins earned him the starting
role this week as the Lions return from their bye.
Jones couldn't have wrestled the starting job away from Tatum
Bell at a more opportune time. Detroit plays host to Tampa Bay
this Sunday, a defense ranked 21st against the run (119.3 ypg).
A week later they face a Chicago unit ranked 26th against the
run (134.2 ypg), before a home outing against the Broncos; currently
allowing a league worst 186.6 (32nd) yards per game on the ground.
Detroit isn't about to change from their pass first philosophy,
but if Jones starts to handle about 15 carries a game he could
earn you a few nice outings. In 12 games with the Lions last season
he had 61 receptions for 520 yards in the same system. There's
no reason to think he won't see more receptions come his way now
that he's back as the starter. He should even be good for handful
of touchdowns by the end of the year if the Detroit's offense
continues putting 20-plus points a game on the board.
Steppin' Down
Shaun Alexander,
SEA: If it weren't for the upcoming opponents on Seattle's
schedule there would be plenty of reason to panic over Shaun Alexander's
lack of production the past few weeks. Since hitting the century
mark twice in his first three games Alexander has failed to go
over eighty in any of his last three outings. He hasn't scored
a touchdown since the second week of the season and does little
in way of receptions anymore. His current 3.6 ypc matches a career
low set for himself last season when he missed 6 games due to
a foot injury. This year he's been hampered by a sprained left
wrist.
Seattle hosts the St. Louis Rams this week who are currently
allowing 134.5 rushing yards per game (27th). The nine rushing
touchdowns opponents have scored against them are second most
in the league. If the former 3-time Pro-Bowler can't find the
end zone this week expect his value to plummet as Seattle heads
into the bye.
He'll face the Cleveland Browns in Week 9 (30th against the run)
followed by San Francisco (22nd), Chicago (26th), and St. Louis
again. These are units Alexander would have eaten up in years
past, but based on outings dating back to last year are no longer
sure things from the Seahawks franchise back. The recent loss
of fullback Mack Strong to a career-ending injury also detracts
from Alexander's value going forward.
Steppin' Up
Dennis Northcutt, JAC: At 19 receptions, 288 yards, and 1 touchdown
this season Dennis Northcutt isn't a receiver to put your team
over the top, but he is the type that should be owned in most
12-team leagues or larger. He's had 4 or more receptions and 40
or more yards in all but 1 game this season. Averaging 15.2 yards
per catch Northcutt's been getting the most out of his receptions.
Jacksonville likes to stick with a run oriented attack, which
keeps Northcutt's value at a minimum. Emerging as David Garrard's
favorite target however has made him a viable #4 option among
fantasy receivers. Use him as a bye week replacement or as a #3
WR if you are hurting at the position.
Steppin' Down
Darrell Jackson, SF: It's been less than a year, but Jackson is
far removed from his days as a Seattle Seahawk. While a member
of the Seahawks Jackson had periods of time in which he performed
among the best fantasy receivers in the league. When he wasn't
injured he was a consistent threat to record 100-yards and a touchdown
on a weekly basis.
In fact it was just a season ago that Jackson set a career high
in touchdown receptions with 10, and finished with 956 receiving
yards in 13 games. Many were hoping that success, or at least
a portion of it, would carry over with him to San Francisco. But
it appears that is not to be.
In five games to date with the 49ers Jackson has posted totals
of just 16 receptions for 210 yards. No touchdowns. Starting quarterback
Alex Smith appears set to miss a second straight start this Sunday
with a separated right shoulder. His injuries along with the failure
of Vernon Davis to emerge as a weapon in the offense have only
hindered Jackson's value on the field. Jackson may have time to
turn things around, but at the moment he might be best left on
your leagues waiver wire.
Steppin' Up
Greg Olsen,
CHI: After missing the first two games with a sprained right knee,
Olsen made his NFL debut Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys posting
2 receptions for 28 yards. When he was held without a stat the
following week in Detroit the rookie had quickly become an afterthought
in fantasy leagues, especially since starting TE Desmond Clark
(22 rec, 279 yards, 2 TDs) had been performing so well for the
Bears. A couple weeks later and Olsen has shown he can make an
immediate impact on Chicago's offense.
In the past two games the first round pick out of Miami has recorded
9 receptions for 120 yards and 1 touchdown. Desmond Clark has
continued to start and post meaningful stats for himself during
that span, proving both tight ends can be effective at the same
time within the offense. If you need help at the position Olsen
is worth a roll of the dice. At the moment he looks like a great
back-up to own.
Steppin' Down
L.J. Smith, PHI: If you were among those using a roster spot on
L.J. Smith in the hopes he'd return healthy enough to make an
impact following groin surgery a few weeks ago feel free to drop
him now. Smith returned to action last week against the Jets but
was limited to just 1 reception for 8 yards. He has since been
bothered by soreness in the area and continues to miss practice
with the team.
The injury appears to be one which may hamper him throughout
the season making him almost useless in fantasy leagues. Keep
an eye out for any updates concerning his health and grab him
only if reports are promising about his condition.
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