We are almost there. Not just close to the playoffs but we are just
about passed the bye weeks. The NFL's new format of grouping byes
in the middle weeks of the season made things difficult on owners
for a little while, but it will make the home stretch a lot more
exciting, since you should have your full squad in, barring any
injuries. This is the mid-point of the NFL season and the knees
of Fred Taylor, Edgerrin James, and Jamal Lewis have all held up.
It is encouraging to know that if your player suffers a huge injury
they can make it back. Hopefully the secondaries can take it a little
easier on some of our wide receivers, Ouch!
Remember, always play your studs, unless of course injury is a concern.
Good luck this week!
Best
QB Peyton Manning vs. Tennessee
This defense even made Cincinnati look like they could move the
ball. Expect 300+ from Manning.
QB Jeff Garcia vs. Oakland
Expect a lot of passing at the "Battle of the Bay".
The Raiders defense is still too banged up to keep up with Garcia
and Owens.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson
Although the Jets have held the last few backs in check, none
are the quality of LT. Expect a big day as he is rested from the
bye.
RB Stephen Davis vs. Seattle
He may be a little banged up, but there is nothing better than
facing the worst rushing defense to make you feel all nice and
tingly.
WR James Thrash vs. Chicago
The Eagles will probably look to grind it out with the run game,
but when they do go to the air, look for Thrash to be the man.
WR Joey Galloway vs. Detroit
He still shows signs of his old self and he faces a weak secondary.
TE Billy Miller vs. Cincinnati
His stock is definitely on the rise. He has obviously caught the
eye of David Carr and is starting to emerge as another threat
in the weak Houston offense.
TE Bubba Franks vs. Miami
Tight ends who play against tough defenses tend to emerge to have
solid games as their QB usually looks to them when coverage is
tight. Expect some of this on Monday night.
Average
QB Donovan McNabb vs. Chicago
Look for Urlacher to try to contain McNabb as he has done to other
rushing QB's this season, such as Culpepper, Brooks & Vick,
but expect another solid outing.
QB Brad Johnson vs. Minnesota
Cracked ribs could not keep anyone from facing the worst passing
defense not on a bye this week. He has practiced all week, so
expect a good performance
RB Corey Dillon vs. Houston
Expect him to follow up last weeks big game with another as Cincy
may get one this week.
RB Charlie Garner vs. San Francisco
If he is not running he is catching. Expect a good result regardless
of where it comes from.
WR Donald Driver vs. Miami
Besides, Favre himself, Driver has to be the happiest person to
see that his deliverer will be back in the saddle.
WR Torry Holt vs. Arizona
They are 5th worst against WR in fantasy and look for Torry to
exploit them like TO did last week.
TE Jeremy Shockey vs. Jacksonville
While he is still bothered by the toe expect a decent game this
week. The Jags have given up the most TDs to TEs this year.
TE Christian Fauria vs. Buffalo
This offense was non-existent last week, but look for Brady to
try and get back on track this week and expect him to get his
tight ends involved.
Worst
QB Daunte Culpepper vs. Tampa Bay
In Tampa, this will be his toughest challenge. This defense has
completely shut down offenses and hasn't let up yardage or scores.
QB Steve McNair vs. Indianapolis
He hasn't thrown a pick since week 5 and is coming off of a 3-TD
game last week, however he still doesn't throw for big yardage
and he hasn't used his running ability this season.
RB Curtis Martin vs. San Diego
Only one back has rushed for over 100 yards against one of the
stingiest rush defense. If C-Mart will do anything it will be
mainly from the air.
RB Anthony Thomas vs. Philadelphia
Talk about a team doing a 180. A-Train and the Bears are awful
this season. Thomas who was probably a 1st or 2nd rounder in most
drafts has been a major disappointment and shouldn't fare much
better against a tough Eagle defense.
WR Jimmy Smith vs. New York Giants
Although he is a must start every week, he is seems as though
he may be on the decline. At best, he needs another receiver to
take off some of the pressure.
WR Marty Booker vs. Philadelphia
The only bright spot on the offensive side of the ball, should
find it hard to get open against the tough Eagles who held the
Giants in check last week.
TE Roland Williams vs. San Francisco
The Niners will look to tighten the screws on this highly powered
offense in what could be a heated battle.
TE Freddie Jones vs. St. Louis
He has been way inconsistent and this might be a week that the
defense will be on the field a lot longer than the offense.