Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Bucs 19, Cardinals 13
Tampa Bay: Quarterback Jeff Garcia threw his first interception of the season last week and it was a costly one… a pick-6 that eventually led to two more INTs and a 24-23 loss to the Jaguars. Garcia has been serviceable the last three weeks throwing four TDs and topping 260 yards in every contest. Joey Galloway is a starter in most leagues especially those that start 3 wide receivers and comes off a 100-yd, 1 TD game against Jacksonville. Earnest Graham continues to receive the majority of the touches (15 last week) but Michael Bennett's touchdown last week should earn him more carries as the weeks go on. Tight End Alex Smith continues to be bothered by an ankle injury and will likely be inactive. Jerramy Stevens will start in his place.
- Start: WR Joey Galloway
- Consider: QB Jeff Garcia, RB Earnest Graham
- Sit: TE Jerramy Stevens TE Alex Smith, WR Ike Hilliard
Arizona: Warner will again get the start wearing a brace on his left elbow but don't expect big numbers against the Buccaneers defense that is surprisingly tough against fantasy QBs… in fact they're best in the league allowing 13.1 FPts per game with only 6 passing touchdowns against. Edgerrin James should fine some success exploiting the weakness in the Bucs defense but the Cardinals are 1-3 on the road and will have significant lineup changes along the offensive line to compensate for injuries… not a recipe for success. This will be a competitive close game, but take the Bucs at home.
- Start: RB Edgerrin James, WR Larry Fitzgerald
- Consider: WR Anquan Boldin, QB Kurt Warner
- Sit: WR Bryant Johnson, TE Leonard Pope