Tuesday, October 14, 2008

FSH: (NFL WEEK 7) THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES

October 13th, 2008 11:37pm PST



Week 7...
NFL Weekly Storylines


AFC

Palmer ruled out for week 7.
According to new reports from the team's official website, the Bengal's quarterback Carson Palmer has already been ruled out of week 7. Rumors are now surfacing that Palmer could potentially shut it down for the season. On Monday Palmer was in new York to visit with the Met's team doctor and according to John Clayton of ESPN.com, he will not need Tommy John surgery.
fantasy impact:
As we stated more than a week ago, this injury does not look like it's going away anytime soon. Right now the plan is to rest Palmer's sore elbow. With the situation apparently not getting any better, while he is sidelined Ryan Fitzpatrick will likley start. This could mean it's time for fantasy owners to start planning on life without Carson.

Peyton and Marvin Marvelous again.
The Colts quarterback and wide receiver looked like their old selves hooking up on Sunday for two scores. Manning seems to be getting his sea legs back, while Harrison looked as if he never lost his. Harrison only had three catches on Sunday, but averaged almost 28 yards per catch. Manning finished the day with 271 yards passing and threw three touchdowns.
fantasy impact:
What a differnece a bye week can make. Manning to Harrison looked pretty good in week 6 and going forward this looks like a good bet to bank on. Fantasy owners should count on bigger games from Manning and Harrions in weeks to come, especially with the running game taking a slight hit with the injury to Addai.

Chargers find swagger.
On national TV the Chargers made a huge statement in the AFC West race polishing off the defending AFC champs in rather easy fashion. San Diego took control early, jumped out fast to a 10-0 lead and never looked back. Phillip Rivers and the Chargers took the competitive nature out of this game early in the third quarter when the defense stuffed the Patriots scoring drive to open the 2nd half. The offense then took all the wind out of the Patriots sails, when Rivers connected with WR Vincent Jackson for 59 yards, which led to another Charger score that put this one away.
fantasy impact:
It did not take long for the Chargers to look like their old selves Sunday night. The only missing element was a big game from LT. Certainly the passing games appears to be in good hands with Rivers, Jackson, Gates, and Chambers. The running game however not quite up to par, did show signs of nearing health. LT did not have the fantasy numbers that owners are accustomed to seeing, but his 20 carries were a good sign that he is nearing 100% and on the verge of having a breakout game.

Jets flying not so high in Week 6.
It wasn't pretty on Sunday, but one thing to know about the Jets win in week 6, the team is now 3-2 and a contender in the AFC East. The offense is still a work in progress committing 3 turnovers in week 6, but Favre and company did just enough to keep the Jets flying. Led by Thomas Jones' three touchdowns the Jets offense outgained the Bengals 252 to 171.With the Pats on a two game slide, the Jets are now tied for 2nd in the division.
fantasy impact:
The Jet's offense need to get well soon. 252 yards of offense is hardly much to shout about the three turnovers against better teams will be tougher to overcome. One good sign for fantasy owners, it seems Favre has now developed a rapport with both Coles and Cotchery (both had 8 catches on Sunday).

NFC

Saints expect Colston Back.
The Saints have been one of the leagues most potented offenses averaging over 400 yards of offense every week and now it looks as though they will be getting their top reciever from a year ago. Word is out that the Saints are expecting the return of wide receiver Marques Colston in week 7. He is expected to fully practice this week and the Saints could also be looking at the return of tight end Jeremy Shockey.
fantasy impact: While the Saints head coach Sean Payton was not forthcoming with any deccisive information regarding Shockey's status for week 7, it is expected that he will need to see how the tight end practices this week. With Colston expected to fully practice, there's little doubt about his return to action in week 7. Fantasy owners should feel comfortable inserting him in their lineups as a low WR2 option (at least until he gets back to football speed).

Cowboys making plans without Romo.
Reports quickly circulated earlier today about the broken pinkie on quarterback Tony Romo's throwing hand. The Cowboy's passer will miss up to four weeks with the broken finger and back up quarterback Brad Johnson will take over the starting duties. It was first thought that the injury might not be as serious, but according to ESPN's Michael Smith Romo will likely be out until week 11.
fantasy impact: It could be time to scramble for fantasy owners that are holding Romo and Ownes. Johnson is not an appealing replacement option and his lack of a big arm is going to downgrade TO's value slightly (not that he was doing much before Romo's injury). TE Jason Witten could be the biggest winner with Johnson's short arm.

Alexander visits Washington.
And no, that is not Alexander visiting the Capitol. The Redskins are actually looking at possibly signing the former Seahawk running back. According to NFL.com with the loss of running back Ladell Betts, the Redskins could be looking to add some depth. Alexander is expected to visit with the team on Tuesday and could sign later in the week.
fantasy impact:
With Clinton Portis running like a freight train as of late, it's not likely the Redskins would need another back to contribute on the field. The acquistion would likely be only to add some depth on the bench, meaning Alexander would have no value to fantasy owners.

Hasselbeck will not play in week 7.
The Seahawks quarterback continues to fight through injuries, but will not be available to go in week 7. Hasselbeck's latest injury, a bulging disc in his back. The Seahawk's passer was sent to Los Angeles where he will see a specialist and rehab. The plan will be for Hasselbeck to return in week 8 against the Niners. With Hass out, the Seahawks could start Seneca Wallace over Charlie Frye who played very poorly in week 6.
fantasy impact:
Fantasy owners should start searching for a replacement now. Hasselbeck with his 28 touchdowns from last season was likely taken as a low QB1, but his chances of returning to form could be bleek if his run of injuries continues.


Other headlines...
*Raiders could be making changes to WR position.
*Willie Parker resumes practicing.
*Betts likely to miss a couple of weeks.
*Cowboys rookie Jones likely to miss two weeks.
*McFadden expected to practice fully this week.
*Broncos rookie Torain expected to practice this week.
*Rams Bennett close to returning.




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