Quarterbacks Week 7

Quarterbacks
Bye Weeks: Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, and the NY Jets, so that means Matthew Stafford and Drew Stanton, Matt Schaub, Peyton Manning and Mark Sanchez are all benched.

Start 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Max Hall @ SEA
The good news is that undrafted rookie quarterback Max Hall won his first NFL start and is completing nearly 60 percent of his passes. The bad news is that he has no TDs, has been sacked 10 times in one and a half games, and has 3 fumbles (1 lost) and an INT. So why am I recommending starting him? The Seattle Seahawks 30th-ranked pass defense is why. Seattle gives up 291 yards and 1 TD per game through the air, in addition to the third most big plays and the seventh highest yards per completion (7.4) in the league. And remember, Hall still has Larry Fitzgerald to throw the ball to.

Matt Cassel vs. JAX
The Jaguars are just what the doctor ordered for Matt Cassel and his weak 170 yards per game. Cassel is 23rd in the league in passing yards but does have 7 TDs against just 3 INTs, and his 4 sacks are the lowest in the league for any starting quarterback. Heck, Jay Cutler gets sacked four times in one offensive series. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are giving up 264 yards and 2.5 TDs per game on average. Only Houston has given up as many passing TDs this season, and their 8.8 yards-per-completion average and 33 big plays allowed are both worst in the league. Cassel should thrive against a team allowing opposing quarterbacks a 67 completion percentage and a 110 QB rating.

Trent Edwards @ KC
Trent Edwards will likely fill in for the concussed David Garrard, although it could be Todd Bouman if Edwards can’t play with a sprained right thumb. Edwards started the first two games of the season in Buffalo, was benched, then cut, and didn’t see action until last week when he had to step in for the injured Garrard. Edwards’ totals this year are horrible: 43 for 76 with 381 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs, and 9 sacks in three games. But last week aside, the Jaguars have been putting up points, and this week’s matchup should result in another high-scoring game. So I’m going out on a limb here and saying Edwards will get lots of chances to rack up some yards and a score or two against the league’s 27th-ranked pass defense that is giving up 250 yards and more than a TD per game.

Jay "Ragdoll" Cutler.

Jay Cutler vs. WAS
Sure, Cutler is the NFL’s official ragdoll, getting sacked 23 times in five games (almost 5 sacks per game); but he’s averaging 240 yards per game (10th best in the league) and 8.5 yards per completion (2nd best) to go along with his 60 percent completion rate and his 1 TD per game average. And this week he faces the Redskins, the leagues 31st-ranked pass defense. Washington is one of just two teams giving up more than 298 yards per game through the air (Houston is the other). The Redskins have given up the fourth most big plays and have allowed 9 TDs, the eighth highest QB rating (90.9), and the eighth worst passer completion percentage (65%). As long as Cutler can stay on his feet—and, granted, that’s a big “if”—he should have a nice day throwing the ball and getting you some solid fantasy points.

Bench 'Em:
Quarterbacks Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Inactives Week 6

Sunday
10/17 - 12:15 PM EST

• INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS, 8:20 P.M. (ET)
  
  Colts - WR Anthony Gonzalez, S Bob Sanders, CB Jacob Lacey, RB Donald Brown, LB Kavell Conner, LB Gary Brackett, G Jacques McClendon, DT Ricardo Mathews
  
  Redskins - 3rd QB John Beck, DT Albert Haynesworth, CB Kevin Barnes, RB Clinton Portis, LB Rocky McIntosh, G Derrick Dockery, TE Logan Paulsen, DT Anthony Bryant
  
  
• OAKLAND RAIDERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, 4:05 P.M. (ET)
  
  Raiders - 3rd QB Bruce Gradkowski, RB Darren McFadden, RB Michael Bennett, WR Chaz Schilens, LB Thomas Howard, LB Travis Goethel, DT John Henderson, CB Walter McFadden
  
  49ers - 3rd QB Troy Smith, WR Kyle Williams, TE Delanie Walker, S Curtis Taylor, T Barry Sims, G Tony Wragge, T Alex Boone, WR Jason Hill
  
  
• NEW YORK JETS AT DENVER BRONCOS, 4:05 P.M. (ET)
  
  Jets - 3rd QB Kellen Clemens, RB Joe McKnight, LB Jamaal Westerman, T Vladimir Ducasse, TE Jeff Cumberland, DT Marcus Dixon, DT Howard Green, LB Jason Taylor
  
  Broncos - 3rd QB Brady Quinn, T Chris Clark, G Eric Olsen, LB Robert Ayers, LB Wesley Woodyard, CB Andre Goodman, S Brian Dawkins, S Darcel McBath
  
  
• DALLAS COWBOYS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS, 4:15 P.M. (ET)
  
  Cowboys - 3rd QB Stephen McGee, LB Leon Williams, LB Brandon Williams, C Phil Costa, T Sam Young, T Jermey Parnell, WR Kevin Ogletree, DE Sean Lissemore
  
  Vikings - 3rd QB Joe Webb, WR Hank Baskett, S Tyrell Johnson, CB Chris Cook, FB Naufahu Tahi, G Chris DeGeare, DT Jimmy Kennedy, DE Everson Griffen
  
  
• DETROIT LIONS AT NEW YORK GIANTS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Lions - 3rd QB Matthew Stafford, LB DeAndre Levy, LB Landon Johnson, RB Aaron Brown, DE Willie Young, CB Nathan Vasher, T Jason Fox, DE Turk McBride
  
  Giants - K Lawrence Tynes, CB Brian Jackson, RB D.J. Ware, FB Madison Hedgecock, LB Keith Bulluck, LB Phillip Dillard, LT Will Beatty, DE Mathias Kiwanuka
  
  
• ATLANTA FALCONS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Falcons - 3rd QB John Parker Wilson, CB Dominique Franks, RB Gartrell Johnson, T Garrett Reynolds, G Mike Johnson, DE Lawrence Sidbury, DT Trey Lewis, LB Sean Weatherspoon
  
  Eagles - 3rd QB Michael Vick, RB Jerome Harrison, WR Riley Cooper, CB Trevard Lindley, LB Keenan Clayton, T Jason Peters, TE Clay Harbor, DT Brodrick Bunkley
  
  
• NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Saints - CB Randall Gay, CB Tracy Porter, RB Pierre Thomas, RB Reggie Bush, LB Scott Shanle, T Charles Brown, TE Tory Humphrey, DE Junior Galette
  
  Buccaneers - 3rd QB Rudy Carpenter, RB LeGarrette Blount, RB Kregg Lumpkin, CB Elbert Mack, FB Chris Pressley, C Jeff Faine, WR Maurice Stovall, DE Kyle Moore
  
  
• CLEVELAND BROWNS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Browns - QB Jake Delhomme, QB Seneca Wallace, WR Carlton Mitchell, G Shawn Lauvao, T John St. Clair, TE Alex Smith, DE Jayme Mitchell, DE Robaire Smith
  
  Steelers - 3rd QB Charlie Batch, CB Keenan Lewis, CB Crezdon Butler, RB Jonathan Dwyer, G Trai Essex, T Tony Hills, WR Antonio Brown, LB Thaddeus Gibson
  
  
• KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT HOUSTON TEXANS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Chiefs - S Kendrick Lewis, FB Tim Castille, S Reshard Langford, LB Justin Cole, DE Alex Magee, T Ryan O'Callaghan, WR Chris Chambers, DE Tyson Jackson
  
  Texans - 3rd QB Matt Leinart, WR Dorin Dickerson, CB Sherrick McManis, LB Darryl Sharpton, LB Xavier Adibi, G Mike Brisiel, DE Jesse Nading, LB Kevin Bentley
  
  
• SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT CHICAGO BEARS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Seahawks - T Allen Barbre, CB Kennard Cox, T Breno Giacomini, TE Anthony McCoy, DT Brandon Mebane, S Nate Ness, T Chester Pitts, DE E.J. Wilson
  
  Bears - 3rd QB Todd Collins, LB Lance Briggs, G Roberto Garza, S Major Wright, CB Joshua Moore, RB Kahlil Bell, DE Charles Grant, DT Marcus Harrison
  
  
• SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT ST. LOUIS RAMS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Chargers - 3rd QB J.T. O'Sullivan, WR Legedu Naanee, S Darrell Stuckey, LB Larry English, LB Brandon Siler, T Adam Terry, DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, DE Vaughn Martin
  
  Rams - RB Chauncey Washington, CB Kevin Dockery, TE Fendi Onobun, LB Chris Chamberlain, T Renardo Foster, DE Eugene Sims, DT Clifton Ryan, DT Darell Scott
  
  
• BALTIMORE RAVENS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Ravens - WR Donte' Stallworth, CB Josh Wilson, LB Tavares Gooden, T Scott Kooistra, DT Arthur Jones, T Jared Gaither, DT Lamar Divens, DE Paul Kruger
  
  Patriots - RB Thomas Clayton, T Mark LeVoir, DT Kyle Love, G Rich Ohrnberger, WR Taylor Price, RB Fred Taylor, CB Terrence Wheatley, S James Sanders
  
  
• MIAMI DOLPHINS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS, 1:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Dolphins - 3rd QB Tyler Thigpen, WR Marlon Moore, LB Austin Spitler, DE Robert Rose, T Patrick Brown, G John Jerry, TE Jeron Mastrud, DE Jared Odrick
  
  Packers - LB Clay Matthews, LB Brandon Chillar, T Mark Tauscher, G Nick McDonald, T Marshall Newhouse, DE Ryan Pickett, TE Jermichael Finley, DE Mike Neal

SORRY!

Sorry Ive been a bit inactive, had to go out of town this past week for a few days.

Im back now and tomorrow is another NFL SUNDAY! Woohoo cant wait. Will update later today with some more fantasy information

Through The Wire Week 5

Running Backs

Off The Top

Felix Jones, DAL (@MIN, NYG, JAC, @GB) – Jones rushed 15 times for 109 yards in Sunday’s loss to Tennessee, setting season and career highs, adding a much-needed spark the Cowboys running game and freeing up Tony Romo’s capable receivers. While Dallas inexplicably lost the game, Jones appears to have surpassed Barber on the depth chart with this performance and should get the bulk of carries going forward.

Digging Deeper

Donald Brown, IND (@WAS, BYE, HOU, @PHI) – The injury-plagued sophomore tailback has missed the past two games (hamstring), but the Colts running game is really holding out for a hero – which could be Brown. If Joseph Addai (shoulder, neck) isn’t available on Sunday, Brown could get a start.

Scouring The Barrel

Fred Taylor, NE (BAL, @SD, MIN, CLE) – Taylor’s supposed to return from a lingering toe injury in Week 6, but the situation in New England remains cloudy because of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the changing personnel in the passing game, and fringe performers like Danny Woodhead and Sammy Morris.

Earnest Graham, TB (NO, STL, @ARI, @ATL) – Fantasy owners anxious for some semblance of order to the Bucs running game might be nippy at Graham’s heels after his big day Sunday. While he’s not getting enough work to be a relevant starter, it’s a situation worth watching, as the veteran fullback was once a successful tailback and fantasy RB2.

Updates

Michael Bush, OAK (@SF, @DEN, SEA, KC) – Bush, returning from a broken thumb that kept him out of the first two games, rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries in Sunday’s victory against San Diego. The Raiders can take their time easing Darren McFadden back into the rotation, and when both are healthy, this situation smells like a pretty even time share. But if one is inactive, the other will flourish.

Ryan Torain, WAS (IND, @CHI, @DET, BYE) – Torain didn’t gain large chunks of yardage on Sunday, but he’s active in the passing game and Clinton Portis won’t be back anytime soon. Consider Shanahan’s favorite pet a RB2 with upside.

Ladell Betts, NO (@TB, CLE, PIT, @CAR) – The early word is that Pierre Thomas could return to action in Week 6. Keep an eye on the injury report; it’s clear that the veteran Betts has more value than Christopher Ivory in Thomas’ stead.

Mike Bell, PHI (ATL, @TEN, BYE, TB) – With LeSean McCoy active, Bell didn’t see much work. He’s nothing more than a low-grade handcuff at this point.

Kareem Huggins, TB (NO, STL, @ARI, @ATL) – I don’t understand the carry distribution in Tampa Bay, but with Cadillac Williams struggling, it seems the perfect opportunity to roll out the youngsters (Huggins, LeGarrette Blount) a little more than three or four times a game. Don’t give up just yet, optimistic Huggins owners.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Off The Top

WR Michael Crabtree, SF (OAK, @CAR, DEN, BYE) – The much-maligned Crabtree is available in about one-fourth of fantasy leagues (including one ultra-competitive 14-teamer I’m in), and has benefited from a change in the offensive playcalling. He broke out against the Eagles on Sunday night, catching nine passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, and has gobs of risk/reward value as a WR3. We all saw what the Chargers did to the Raiders last week with a fast TE and athletic No. 1 WR, so the favorable matchup elevates Crabtree’s Week 6 value to WR2.

WR Mike Williams, TB (NO, STL, @ARI, @ATL) – Williams caught a career-high seven passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in the Bucs’ victory over the Bengals on Sunday. The rookie is the most dynamic target at Josh Freeman’s disposal, and with the running game a major question mark, he’ll get lots of work.

Digging Deeper

TE Marcedes Lewis, JAC (TEN, @KC, DAL, BYE) – You can’t argue that his production in the red zone has been awesome, so why not just add him? He’s not going to catch two TD passes every game, but he’s done it twice this season and Garrard has a soft spot for his tight end once the Jaguars offense gets close to the paint.

WR Danny Amendola, STL (SD, @TB, CAR, BYE) – The primary benefactor of Mark Clayton’s torn patella (placed on IR), Amendola caught 12 passes for 95 yards in Sunday’s blowout loss to Detroit. While it’s an unfortunate turn of events, the talented Amendola is the new No. 1 in St. Louis.

Scouring The Barrel

WR Deion Branch, NE (BAL, @SD, MIN, @CLE) – Branch heads from the uncertainty of Seattle to nebulous New England, where the football workforce is in a state of flux. While the best years of Deion’s career were in the Boston of yesteryear, the veteran is on the wrong side of 30 and coming off a few lackluster campaigns. Don’t expect a repeat of the days of yore, especially with Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate and Aaron Hernandez clamoring for targets, but in deeper leagues, I can easily justify a roster spot for Branch.

WR Anthony Armstrong, WAS (IND, @CHI, @DET, BYE) – Armstrong had a big hand in beating the reeling Packers on Sunday, snagging three passes for 84 yards, including a game-changing 48-yard touchdown. His athletic TD grab helped ignite the Redskins rally, and going forward, he’s a viable deep threat for Donovan McNabb, who still throws one of the best long balls in the NFL.

Updates

Derrick Mason, BAL (NE, @BUF, BYE, MIA) – While Mason had just three receptions for 47 yards during Sunday’s win over Denver, he led the team with six targets in a game the Ravens won on the ground.

Roy Williams, DAL (@MIN, NYG, JAC, @GB) – Williams had another solid game Sunday, catching six passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. He’s a high-risk WR3/FLEX moving forward.

Davone Bess, MIA (@GB, PIT, @CIN, @BAL) – Before the Week 5 bye, Bess racked up 15 catches over two games. He’s not a great red zone weapon because of Brandon Marshall’s presence, but he’s a viable option in PPR formats.

Mike Thomas, JAC (TEN, @KC, DAL, BYE) – Thomas totaled over 100 yards on Sunday, catching four passes for 51 yards and running for 53 on three carries. He’s a more consistent option than Mike Sims-Walker and a must-own WR in deeper leagues.

Devin Thomas, CAR (BYE, SF, @STL, NO) – Thomas was released by the Redskins and claimed by the Panthers. We’ll see how much the Panthers plan to use him after the bye week, but the mess in Carolina isn’t an ideal situation.

Through The Wire Week 5

Targeting weekly waiver picks is a completely subjective business, but this column hopes to point out some obvious and not-so-obvious selections to help your team from week to week while you strive to collect fantasy wins, reach your league playoffs, and win the elusive title that your friends say is out of your grasp. While I’m a big proponent of making trades to bolster your roster, the waiver wire can be an almost limitless resource when it comes to discovering fantasy value in strange places. Each week, I’ll target both offensive and defensive players — sometimes breakout stars that eluded your team’s draft — as well as players who can help your squad that may still be lurking in deeper leagues.

Off the Top - Includes my premier recommendations. These are sometimes players available only in more shallow leagues, and occasionally guys who are more readily but are thrust into the fantasy spotlight because of opportunity or exceptional production.

Digging Deeper - Covers the next tier of quality waiver wire specimens, usually players available in a majority of online leagues. There are a lot of gems in this range who can be plucked rather easily.

Scouring the Barrel - Chronicles the deepest of fantasy adds — and sometimes highlights players being tacked onto fantasy squads who I don’t have much confidence in. Make sure you read the fine print.

Each week, I’ll also provide a brief update on the 30-40 players I covered the previous week. It’s the most accurate, comprehensive one-stop waiver-wire column available on the Internet, and it’s only available here at fftoday.com.

Feedback is always welcome, appreciated and encouraged. I’ll get to as many e-mails as I can.

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Note: Each player’s next four matchups are listed in parentheses ()

For my initial column, I’ll focus on guys that your league owners may have missed on draft day.

Quarterbacks

The upcoming schedule looks pretty for Bradford.

Off The Top

Sam Bradford, STL (@DET, SD, @TB, CAR) – The rookie turned in another solid game on Sunday, leading the Rams to their second straight win. He’s got come favorable matchups on the schedule and probably has more value than Brett Favre, Jay Cutler and Donovan McNabb at this point.

Digging Deeper

Matthew Stafford, DET (STL, @NYG, BYE, WAS) – Stafford will test the shoulder this week, but given the success of the Lions’ offense without him, he’s worth adding in all formats if he’s healthy.

Kevin Kolb, PHI (@SF, ATL, @TEN, BYE) – The Vick injury propels Kolb into relevance again, but expectations have to be lower given what we’ve seen and so far. More should be known about the Vick injury in the coming days and weeks; Kolb may not have much value in a week or two, when Vick is expected to return.

Scouring The Barrel

Jake Delhomme, CLE (ATL, @PIT, @NO, BYE) – The Browns may have won a game with Seneca Wallace, but Delhomme will resume the reins once his ankle his healed. Does that mean he should be on your fantasy team? Probably not, but it’s a situation worth watching.

Updates

Kyle Orton, DEN (@BAL, NYJ, OAK, @SF) – Orton continued the Denver air show with another big game. He’s a solid QB1 in all formats.

Chad Henne, MIA (BYE, @GB, PIT, @CIN) – If you forgive the three INTS, Henne had a nice game against the Pats, completing 29 of 39 passes for 302 yards and two TDs. He’s an excellent fantasy backup with value as a starter given the right matchup.

Matt Cassel, KC (@IND, @HOU, JAC, BUF) – Cassel will have four straight favorable matchups coming off his bye week. I’m into it.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (JAC, BYE, @BAL, @KC) – What a bizarre situation in Buffalo. In his second start (a blowout loss to the Jets), Fitzpatrick completed just 12 of 27 passes for only 128 yards, but managed to toss a couple TD passes rushed for 74 yards, making him one of the better fantasy plays of the week. He’s actually a decent option against the Jags this week.

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Inside the Matchup Week 5

Titans @ Cowboys - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Vince Young had a relatively big passing day in Week 1 against the Raiders but has been his usual unreliable self (from a fantasy perspective at least) since. He has not broke 200 yards passing nor has he thrown for more than 1 TD pass in any game during Weeks 2-4. His lack of running while trying to prove himself as a pocket passer, hasn’t helped his fantasy owners either. Former Rutgers star Kenny Britt has caught a TD pass the last two weeks but must begin to show some consist production before he can make a real fantasy impact. With that said, he is far too talented to lose targets to mediocre veterans like Justin Gage and Nate Washington, so if Vince Young ever develops into a adequate NFL passer, Britt could blossom.

Young is the type of QB that can neutralize the Cowboys above average pass rush if he can mange to escape the pocket and make some big plays with his legs early in the contest. If that does happen, with the Cowboys being a middle of the road pass defense (215 ypg and 4 TDs in 3 games), the former Texas star may be able to post adequate stats for those that need a bye week filler. You likely can find a better option though.

Running Game Thoughts: Chris Johnson has fallen way off the pace from achieving his goal of 2,500 rushing yards. However, he has had a few big runs called back due to penalties and he is still a “sure thing” in your starting line-up even when he has a “down” week. The Cowboys however may present a stiff test for Johnson, as they have only allowed 83.7 rushing yards per game and have not allowed a rushing TD on the season.

Projections:
Vince Young: 185 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 Int. / 45 yds rushing
Kenny Britt: 75 yds receiving, 1 TD
Nate Washington: 65 yds receving
Bo Scaife: 15 yds receiving
Chris Johnson: 105 yds rushing, 1 TD / 40 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Tony Romo had his best season as a pro in 2009 (4,483-26-9) but got off to a slow start in 2010 largely as a result of his makeshift o-line. The line has been getting a little more healthy in recent weeks and will now be coming off a bye which should allowed them to come back strong. Rookie WR Dez Bryant has been targeted often by Romo this early season, but in the last game it was forgotten man Roy Williams that starred in the passing game. However, it’s Mile Austin and TE Jason Witten that are the ones that fantasy owners can truly rely on as they offer the talent and targets necessary for consistent production.

After a miserable 2009, the Titans pass defense has come back around this season (210.8 and 3 TDs). Cortland Finnegan is developing into one of the better coverage CBs in the league and may make life difficult for Miles Austin this week, allowing the other options to see an increase in targets.

Running Game Thoughts: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Jerry Jones came out this week and said that everyone involved from the coaching staff down to the guy selling peanuts at the stadium are in agreement that Felix Jones needs to be more involved in the offense going forward. Of course that really means that Jerry Jones thinks that Felix Jones needs to be more involved in the offense going forward. Felix has bulked up, looking stronger while still maintaining his big play ability so it wouldn’t be an unwise decision, but we’ll see if it happens. OC Jason Garrett seems to fall in love with the passing game once the whistle blows which makes any Cowboy RB a risky start.

The Titans are the 10th ranked run defense in the NFL. They are giving up only 92 yards per game and have only allowed one rushing TD on the season, so for this week at least abandoning the run may not be such a bad way to go for the Boys.

Projections:
Tony Romo: 285 yds passing 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 15 yds rushing
Roy Williams: 25 yds receiving
Miles Austin: 40 yds receiving
Dez Bryant: 55 yds receiving, 1 TD
Jason Witten: 95 yds receiving, 1 TD
Felix Jones: 80 yds rushing, 1 TD / 30 yds receiving
Marion Barber: 35 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
Prediction: Cowboys 24 Titans 20 ^ Top

Vikings @ Jets - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Ho Hum, another boring Monday Night contest lacking any subplots or intrigue. Yes, Brett Favre makes his return to his one time home of New Jersey to face his former team. While it’s not exactly Favre returning to Lambeau Filed as an opponent, the fact he returns with Randy Moss as his pitch and catch partner helps add some luster. Moss and Favre will only have a few days to create some chemistry, however given Brett’s gunslinger mentality and Moss’ deep speed the transition should come quickly for the two future first ballot Hall of Famers. Moss’ presence should also help open up the underneath routes for Percy Harvin and Favre favorite Visanthe Shiancoe which could be the real story come Monday Night.

Randy Moss v. Revis 2010 II (a/k/a the slouch v. the stud) was not expected to unfold until much later in the season. However, in a strange twist of fate, Revis makes his return to the field three weeks after tweaking a hamstring while covering Moss on his amazing one handed TD catch to once again face Moss. It’s always a difficult decision to bench a stud like Moss, but in a week where he is learning a new playbook, meeting new teammates and will be facing a very difficult matchup, it’s something to at least consider, even if he will potentially be rejuvenated by his new surroundings. Also keep in mind, the return of OLB Calvin Pace should really help the Jets’ pass rush which could in turn make those deep routes a dangerous proposition given Minnesota’s o-line issues and Brett’s bum ankle.

Running Game Thoughts: Adrian Peterson will be in the house as well, a fact that’s easy to overlook with all the Favre/Moss hype that is sure to come. The Vikings would be wise to try and pull back the reigns on the Jets blitzes by running Peterson up the gut early in the game. Peterson is a game changing back and will be the key to Minnesota pulling out a tough road win. If the Vikings can run the ball, it will make it more likely that Moss makes more of an impact on the field than he will during the pre-game show.

Of course the Jets 7th ranked run defense will be looking to keep Peterson in check, as they have done to all opposing running games thus far. With my sincere apologies to Ray Rice, Fred Taylor, Ronnie Brown and Marshawn Lynch, this will however be the stiffest test they have faced.

Projections:
Brett Favre: 235 yds passing 1 TD, 2 Ints.
Randy Moss: 45 yds receiving
Percy Harvin: 80 yds receiving
Visanthe Shiancoe: 65 yds receiving, 1 TD
Adrian Peterson: 105 yds rushing, 1 TD / 5 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Mark Sanchez has thrown for 8 TDs with zero interceptions through four weeks. That is quite a turnaround from last season where he finished with 12 TDs against 20 interceptions. Sanchez has worked extremely well with third year TE Dustin Keller, who is part of the new breed TEs that create mismatches wherever they line up. This week the former Trojan adds another weapon to the mix, former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes. Holmes is a playmaker that can run the short routes or stretch the field with equal aplomb and should form a dangerous duo with Keller. Holmes’ arrival will push Jerricho Cotchery to the WR3 role further diminishing his already minor fantasy value.

Sanchez’ progress will be tested this week as he faces the leagues 3rd ranked pass defense. (189.0 ypg and 3 TDs). The Vikings have turned around what was a very poor pass defense last season and have received strong play from CB Antoine Winfield. Surprisingly the Vikings have played the pass well without the benefit of a strong pass rush – only 4 sacks on the season – but with a player like Jared Allen on the team that could change any given week.

Running Game Thoughts: LaDainian Tomlinson has looked remarkable during the 2010 season and is clearly out to prove that he’s not finished yet. Last week he rushed for 133 yards and 2 TDs, including a 26 yarder where he left safety Donte Whitner grasping at air. Shonn Greene joined the party with a 100 yard game of his one – but unfortunately the Jets will not be playing the Bills every week so don’t expect both backs to be able to generate so much production on a weekly basis.

The Jets of course do not play the Bills this week, instead they face the Williams Wall and the Vikings 4th ranked run defense. The Vikings have been a tough opponent for opposing rushers for a few years running now – and it will interesting to see how Nick Mangold, Matt Slausen and Brandon Moore handle the tough interior of the Vikings front seven. If they can win their battles letting Tomlinson and Greene get their games going, the Jets should be able to defend their home field.

Projections:
Mark Sanchez: 240 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int. / 10 yards rushing
Braylon Edwards: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Santonio Holmes: 65 yds receiving
Dustin Keller: 80 yds receiving, 1 TD
Shonn Greene: 35 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
LaDainian Tomlinson: 75 yds rushing, 1 TD / 35 yds receiving

Prediction: Jets 28 Minnesota 17 ^ Top

Saints @ Cardinals - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Saints offense has started 2010 slower than most expected. Ranked fifth in passing is sluggish by their standards. Many factors may be involved but perhaps the most glaring has been the lack of big plays from top WR Marques Colston. In fact, both TE Jeremy Shockey and WR Lance Moore have better yards and more scores than Colston through four games. The Cardinals may provide just the dose of bad defense medicine that could kick-start the Saints engine. Colston will draw a tough cover corner in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, so he is still a bit of a risk, but odds are good that Lance Moore will extend his hot streak to three games. The Saints can take advantage of the Cards lack of cover ability at the safety and nickel corner positions. Moore has taken much of the quick hitting short routes the Saints usually reserve for Reggie Bush when active. Jeremy Shockey should also be licking his chops after seeing the Cards lose coverage on TE Antonio Gates for two scores last week. The sleeper play of the week is Devery Henderson. Henderson has been the main deep threat from the saints this season and draws one of the league’s most picked on CBs, Greg Toler. Henderson or Meacham will hit him for a big play, odds are its Henderson.

Running Game Thoughts: Pierre Thomas is questionable after missing last week with an ankle sprain. In his place Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory split carries evenly. Neither back has huge potential in that scenario even with a weak defense. Ivory is the more of the goaline threat, which may give him an edge. If Thomas plays, you have to assume he can have a big day.
Projections:
Drew Brees: 300 yds/2 TDs
Marques Colston: 60 yds
Lance Moore: 75 yds/1 TD
Devery Henderson: 70 yds/1 TD
Pierre Thomas: 65 yds rushing/40 yds rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: As the season quickly spins out of control the Cardinals will turn to QB Max Hall, a rookie from BYU. The coaches are big fans of Hall, and maybe with a week of reps he’ll improve, but he looked lost when he entered in relief against the Chargers last week. The passing offense will remain limited while the rook gets his sea legs. They will continue to target Larry Fitzgerald a ton, but the Saints pass rush and exotic blitzing will confuse Hall and bracket Fitz. Another rookie Stephen Williams, has been thrust into a great opportunity with Breaston and Doucet out, but so far hasn’t parlayed his preseason magic into real game contributions. If you drafted Fitz, you may be stuck playing him, things can’t get worse.

Running Game Thoughts: The Saints can be run on. The Cards will test put that theory to the test to protect their rookie signal caller. It will be interesting to see how RB Beanie Wells is used. Wells didn’t get his first carry last week until the end of the second quarter. With their current struggles, it is mysterious why the most talented healthy RB would not be thrust into action right away. His usage is apparently a mystery to Wells himself as his post game tirade showed. If he is second fiddle to Hightower again then it’s time to put a dog collar on him while he sits in the doghouse. For now, this backfield remains a split until proven otherwise.

Projections:
Max Hall: 150 yds/1 INT
Larry Fitzgerald: 60 yds
Stephen Williams: 35 yds
Tim Hightower: 45 yds rushing/30 yds rec
Chris Wells: 65 yds/1 TD

Prediction: New Orleans 31 Arizona 10 ^ Top