|
Must Start:
Laurence
Maroney @ IND: Even though the Indianapolis and New England
defenses are exceptionally good, their respective offenses are
even better. If this game lives up to even some of the hype it
will end up as a shoot-out. The Patriots need to get a rushing
attack going early to keep the pressure on Tom Brady to a minimum.
Maroney looks to be 100% healthy for the first time in recent
memory and should get around 20 touches.
Clinton
Portis @ NYJ: Portis hasn’t looked great for most of the season.
It should be no surprise to anyone that Portis is nicked up and
playing at less than 100%, but also note that he has still gotten
at least 16 touches in every game this season. After the Patriots
destroyed his quarterback last week, expect Portis to get even
more touches against a very beatable run defense that recently
lost one of its best players in Jonathan Vilma.
Marshawn
Lynch v. CIN: Any player guaranteed 20 carries against the
Cincinnati defense is a must start. The rookie has looked impressive
and Cincinnati has looked anything but. With J.P. Losman back
under center, for at least one game, it will be interesting to
see if his play is more inspired, thereby moving those safeties
back off the line of scrimmage and freeing up some running room
for Lynch.
Selvin
Young @ DET: Young received 24 touches for 120 yards in last
week’s tilt against Green Bay. With Travis Henry still limited,
Young will get more than enough opportunities even if Henry is
able to play. If Henry misses a second week with his rib injury,
Young is a top start. The youngster has looked amazing, with a
5.8 yards per carry average.
Going Out On a Limb:
Rudi Johnson
@ BUF: Who would have thought someone would have to go out on
a limb to recommend Rudi as a start? Another running back contending
for the title of biggest bust this season, Johnson will be the
primary beneficiary if Kenny Watson is unable to go. The rest
of the Bengals running corps is untested, leaving Rudi to carry
the load against a weak Bills defense.
Grab A Gatorade:
Willis McGahee @ PIT: After facing one of the easiest schedules
possible in the first half of the season, the competition will
get a little tougher in the second half, starting with Pittsburgh.
It is one thing to run all over Buffalo and Cleveland; something
completely different to do the same against the Steelers.
Ryan Grant @ KC: This week’s free agent darling will find
little running room against the Chiefs. At the rate Green Bay
has gone through backs, Grant is scheduled to get injured about
three minutes into the game and, considering how little the Packers
tend to run the ball, Grant is more risky than what little upside
he may have. When three running backs from the same team are owned
in most leagues there is a definite committee. It seems kind of
silly to go to all that trouble when dealing with the worst rushing
offense in the league.
 Adrian
Peterson v. SD: The Chargers defense took its lumps early
on this season, but has been improving each week, particularly
against the run. There isn’t a quarterback on the Vikings’ roster
that would scare a Junior Varsity football team, meaning that
AP will see many stacked lines. Until teams respect the Minnesota
passing attack, Peterson will be limited. Maybe next year things
will start looking up….
DeShaun
Foster @ TEN: Reasons to not like this match up: Foster gives
up about ten touches a game to DeAngelo Williams, Foster is not
100% healthy, David Carr will be Carolina’s starting quarterback,
and the Tennessee run defense is the best unit in the league.
Until the Panthers get Steve Smith more involved and the passing
game on track Foster will be horribly inconsistent.
LaMont
Jordan v. HOU: The Raiders offense continues to regress under
Daunte Culpepper and Jordan has had rush averages of 2.3, 2.6,
and 1.3 yards per carry over the last three games. His poor efforts
have led to talk of Justin Fargas getting increased looks. On
a bad team, having to split touches makes Jordan more trouble
than he (or any other Raider) is worth.
Wide Receivers
|
