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Must Start:
Steve Smith
v. NO: It wasn’t that long ago that Smith was a top receiver.
His own injuries combined with those of his quarterbacks have
forced many owners to bench their star. This year has given me
new-found respect for Andre Johnson. How he ever managed to get
anything done in Houston with David Carr attempting to throw to
him is amazing. This week, Vinny Testaverde is back and Smith
gets a sweet match up versus the ‘Aints.
Chris Chambers
v. BAL: Now that John Beck is starting in Miami, Chambers can
feel relieved that he didn’t miss out on anything at his old team.
Not that Philip Rivers is tearing things up or anything, but at
least he can occasionally throw a pass in the right general vicinity.
Chambers should be able to bring down one of Rivers’ jump ball
lobs for a touchdown against the Ravens’ secondary.
Chris Henry
v. TEN: Do you think Tennessee’s Chris Henry dropped his suspension
appeal just to keep the announcers from getting confused? Since
he has returned from his own suspension, the Cincinnati version
of Henry has 180 yards and a touchdown in two games. He should
only improve as he gets back into the swing of things.
Greg Jennings
@ DET: Jennings continues to be the main beneficiary of Brett
Favre’s resurgence with seven touchdowns in his last eight games.
The Detroit secondary is expected to continue trying to underwhelm
opposing receivers to death, which hasn’t really worked very well
for them so far. But, when you don’t have much talent back there,
you go with what you have.
Going Out On a Limb:
Sam Hurd
v. NYJ: With Patrick Crayton likely out for this contest versus
New York, Hurd gets to step into the #2 receiver spot in Dallas’
high-powered offense. Crayton has managed an inconsistent five
touchdowns this season, so Hurd has a shot at putting up good
fantasy points. Expect the Jets to unsuccessfully try to blanket
Terrell Owens, leaving Hurd with single coverage all day.
Grab Some Pine:
Dwayne Bowe
v. OAK: Bowe has looked good with Brodie Croyle at the helm of
the Kansas City offense, but that will change without the threat
of a running game. Kolby Smith will not strike fear into the hearts
of any defense, even Oakland’s. Without that run support, Croyle
will struggle.
Lee Evans
@ JAX: The New England defense completely shut down Evans last
week and it is unlikely Jacksonville will be any kinder to the
Bills’ offense. As long as Marshawn Lynch is out, the Buffalo
offense will be a shadow of its former self. And since they kind
of sucked before, imagine how horrible they will be going forward….
Reggie
Brown @ NE: This applies to all the Philadelphia receivers,
not just Brown. With Donovan McNabb out, the Philadelphia offense
isn’t much better than the one Buffalo sports. Traveling to New
England to play the team that just destroyed the Bills bodes very
poorly for all the Eagles’ skill players.
Santana Moss @ TB: Moss had his best game of the year playing
the Cowboys last week, tempting owners to start the diminutive
receiver this week against the Buccaneers. Wait until he strings
together a couple decent games before trusting him, particularly
with the Tampa Bay defense likely to spend most of the afternoon
beating on Washington’s young quarterback.
Jerricho
Cotchery @ DAL: With Laveranues Coles expected to miss this
game Cotchery gets to take over as the Jets #1 receiver. Unfortunately,
he isn’t up to the task and will be outplayed by the Dallas secondary
as his quarterback runs for his life from the Cowboys relentless
pass rush.
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