[the late evening edition]
Monday Morning Huddle
Week 14 in the NFL
With the NFL regular season ready to start its' final quarter, fantasy owners are licking their chops getting set for the own post season magic. Now is not the time to take a chance on a flier or invest your playoff life on a sleeper that has yet to wake. With most fantasy leagues gearing up for their post season play, owners need to know who are the best players to roll with, who are the disappointment, who's been the surprise, which players to remember, those that need to be kicked to the curb.
Studs:
Through 13 weeks of action, a couple of players that have become the more reliable fantasy options for owners to look toward going into the playoffs have been the Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams who has averaged nearly 22 fantasy points over his past five games. Another gridiron gladiator that has been Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has averaged 24 fantasy points in his last three starts. One more notable fantasy stud this season has been running back Marshawn Lynch who is looking more like the players owners had hoped he would. In Lynch's last three starts he has averaged nearly 17 fantasy points and looks strong going into the fantasy post season.
Disappointments:
A couple of big names that jump out are the Rams WR Torry Holt (2 touchdowns this season), WR Chad Johnson (428-yards receiving this year) and the Ravens RB Willis McGahee (489-yards rushing this season). None of these players have done much in the 2008 season and with the post season upon us, it could be past the point to count on any. A few notable players that have just fallen off the map recently, WR Plaxico Burress who is facing more trouble than just missing action and TE Ben Watson who has just two catches in his last two starts.
Surprises:
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the solid play of rookie running backs Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, and Steve Slaton. Johnson (958-yards rushing, 7 touchdowns) and Forte (1,012-yards, 6 touchdowns) began the season slated as starters, so while they have been pleasant surprises, they were expected to produce. Slaton on the other hand was not pegged to be the teams starter, but when the opportunity came, he answered (904-yards rushing, 8 touchdowns). Another surprise this season has been the rise of wide receiver Steve Breaston, who's managed to become a mainstay in the Arizona offense. Breaston has caught 60 passes for 773-yards this season
Kickin to the curb:
Now that its time to get serious and no room for mistakes, a couple of players that need to go; the Titans tight end Algee Crumpler (1 touchdown this season) has just four receptions in his last three games, Saints running back Deuce McAllister (only 317-yards this season) has gained just 36-yards on the ground in his last three starts, Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano (only 23 receptions) has just 1 catch in his last three starts, and wide receiver Donte Stallworth (one touchdown) has just two catches in his last three games.
THE WEEKEND THAT WAS
Sunday's Scoreboard [Week 13]
The Niners became the first West coast team to travel east and win on Sunday this season. They were led by wide receiver Isaac Bruce who scored the game's only touchdown to lift the Niners to a 10-3 victory over the Bills.
The Ravens defense dominated and the offense rolls up 451-yards. Quarterback Joe Flacco led the offense with 280-yards passing and two touchdowns, while linebacker Ray Lewis led the defense with 7 tackles in the teams 34-3 win over the Bengals.
The Tampa Bay defense used three turnovers to stop the Saints high-powered offense. The Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips came up big on Sunday with 8 tackles and a pick to lead his team to a 23-20 win.
The Giants did not need their running game on Sunday, they had Eli Manning. The other Manning passed for 305-yards and threw one touchdown to lead the G-men to a 23-7 win over the Redskins.
The Dolphins survives a scare on Sunday against the Rams. Miami used three field goals from kicker Dan Carpenter to defeat the Rams in Week 13, 16-12.
The Colts needed a solid effort from the defense to hold off the Browns in Week 13. The Colts defense led by defensive back Antoine Bethea (10 tackles and an interception), limited the Browns to just 193-yards of offense in their 10-6 win.
The Panthers used big plays for their running and passing games to hold off the Packers on Sunday. DeAngelo Williams led the way for Carolina scoring four times in the teams 35-31 win in Week 13.
The Falcons got another solid effort from the rookie quarterback in Week 13. Matt Ryan passed for 207-yards and tossed two touchdowns to lead Atlanta to a 22-16 victory over the Chargers.
The Broncos found a ground game and rolled up 484-yards of offense in Week 13. Led by running back Peyton Hillis (129-yards rushing) the Broncos defeated the AFC East leading Jets 34-17.
The Steelers used defense (5-sacks) and a bruising ground game in Week 13 to defeat the defending AFC Champion Patriots. Running backs MeWelde Moore and Willie Parker led the Steelers charge with 152-rushing yards combined in the teams 33-10 win.
The Chiefs traveled to Oakland on Sunday to meet the Raiders in the Black Hole. It was not a pretty game, but the Chiefs used 145-yards on the ground in Week 13 to defeat the Raiders 20-13.
The Vikings used a goal line stand and a big 99-yard pass play to Bernard Berrian to stuff the Bears. Led by Adrian Peterson's 131-yards rushing, the Vikings easily defeated the Bears 34-14 on Sunday night.
[Thurs games]
The Titans did not take long to decide this one. Led by their dynamic duo of running backs Chris Johnson (125-yards) and LenDale White (106-yards), the team ran for 292-yards on the ground on their way to a 47-10 blowout win over the Lions.
With a big effort from quarterback Tony Romo, 331-yards passing and three touchdowns, the Cowboys easily handled the Seahawks on Turkey day 34-9.
In the Thanksgiving night cap, the Eagles offense could do no wrong. Led by quarterback Donovan McNabb, 260-yards passing and the Brian Westbrook (110-yards rushing, 4 touchdowns) the offense rolled up 437-yards of offense in their 48-20 rout of the Cardinals..
TWO MINUTE BLITZ
Is it too early to talk MVP?
So for the past several weeks, there have been just two names dominating the conversation when it comes to this year's MVP. Naturally with both Kurt Warner and Drew Brees having what appears to be a recording setting season with both on pace to eclipse Dan Marino's single season passing yards record, why wouldn't we consider these two for the coveted award. Each player has merit when considering, but perhaps a name many people have overlooked is Tony Romo.
In his 9 starts this season, Romo has passed for over 300-yards and thrown three touchdowns in a game six times. His season numbers are borderline, but deserve some consideration; 2,559-yards passing, 64.0% completion, 21-touchdowns, and 103.2 passer rating. Probably the most compelling factor to consider, since his return to the teams lineup the Cowboys have now won three straight and are 7-2 with Romo under center.
So the question is, when it's time to vote who will you select Warner, Brees, Romo, or is there another name that we should consider?
Who's going to make an Impact?
For fantasy owners looking toward the fantasy playoffs, the question of the day is "who will make an impact?" Players that should be on your watch for Week 14; Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian will face the Lions secondary, always a favorable matchup for opposing receivers, the Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers faces the Texans 15th ranked pass defense next Sunday, the Chiefs running back Larry Johnson will see the Broncos 28th ranked run defense, the Titans running back LenDale White will face the Browns run defense that allows 141-yards per game, the Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan faces the Saints 24th ranked pass defense that has surrendered 19 touchdowns, the wide receiver Marques Colston matchup against the Falcons 23rd ranked pass defense, and the Cardinals wide receiver Steve Breaston will face the Rams secondary that is ranked 22nd against the pass.
For fantasy owners looking toward the fantasy playoffs, the question of the day is "who will make an impact?" Players that should be on your watch for Week 14; Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian will face the Lions secondary, always a favorable matchup for opposing receivers, the Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers faces the Texans 15th ranked pass defense next Sunday, the Chiefs running back Larry Johnson will see the Broncos 28th ranked run defense, the Titans running back LenDale White will face the Browns run defense that allows 141-yards per game, the Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan faces the Saints 24th ranked pass defense that has surrendered 19 touchdowns, the wide receiver Marques Colston matchup against the Falcons 23rd ranked pass defense, and the Cardinals wide receiver Steve Breaston will face the Rams secondary that is ranked 22nd against the pass.
MONSTERS OF THE GRIDIRON
Week 13
Here are the very best, Week 13's Monsters of the Gridiron!
Week 13
Here are the very best, Week 13's Monsters of the Gridiron!
Monster QB
Tony Romo (Dal).....the Cowboys quarterback came up big on Thanksgiving day with a huge effort to lead his team. Romo passed for 331-yards completing 22 of 34 passes, and completely dissecting the Seahawks secondary. Romo also added three touchdown passes on the night.
Monster RB
Brian Westbrook (Phi)....the Eagles running back finally made his return on Turkey day with a big effort. Since his injuries Westbrook had been quiet, but on Thursday night the Eagles back flew rushing for 110-yards and scoring four times. Westbrook also added 3 catches for 20-yards.
Tony Romo (Dal).....the Cowboys quarterback came up big on Thanksgiving day with a huge effort to lead his team. Romo passed for 331-yards completing 22 of 34 passes, and completely dissecting the Seahawks secondary. Romo also added three touchdown passes on the night.
Monster RB
Brian Westbrook (Phi)....the Eagles running back finally made his return on Turkey day with a big effort. Since his injuries Westbrook had been quiet, but on Thursday night the Eagles back flew rushing for 110-yards and scoring four times. Westbrook also added 3 catches for 20-yards.
Monster WR
Mark Clayton (Bal).....the Ravens receiver was a fantasy sleeper come alive in Week 13. Clayton caught 5 passes for 164-yards receiving and had a scintilating one-handed 70-yard catch and run for a score in the Ravens win.
Monster TE
Jason Witten (Dal).....the Cowboys tight end was a huge factor in the teams Thanksgiving day win. Witten turned in a solid effort with 9 receptions for 115-yards and a touchdown.
Mark Clayton (Bal).....the Ravens receiver was a fantasy sleeper come alive in Week 13. Clayton caught 5 passes for 164-yards receiving and had a scintilating one-handed 70-yard catch and run for a score in the Ravens win.
Monster TE
Jason Witten (Dal).....the Cowboys tight end was a huge factor in the teams Thanksgiving day win. Witten turned in a solid effort with 9 receptions for 115-yards and a touchdown.
IN THE MIX
With the return of Steven Jackson to the playing field on Sunday and more importantly his 22 touches for 110-yards from scrimmage, it is hard to avoid the fact the Action Jackson is going to have an impact in the fantasy playoffs. Even while playing on a bad team this season, when healthy Jackson has been productive. With four games left in the season and a favorable schedule with games against the Cardinals, Seahawks, Niners, and Falcons, Jackson is not only in the mix, but could be huge down the stretch.
Now that he has his security blanket back under center, a fantasy stud a year ago that was cast aside by many earlier in the season, Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens could be back at the top of fantasy stardom. In TO's last two games he has caught 12 passes for over 300-yards and two touchdowns and is looking more and more like the fantasy stud many owners drafted high in the preseason. With Romo healthy and starting to play like a league MVP, expect TO to be very much in the mix and a huge factor in your fantasy playoffs.
Now that he has his security blanket back under center, a fantasy stud a year ago that was cast aside by many earlier in the season, Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens could be back at the top of fantasy stardom. In TO's last two games he has caught 12 passes for over 300-yards and two touchdowns and is looking more and more like the fantasy stud many owners drafted high in the preseason. With Romo healthy and starting to play like a league MVP, expect TO to be very much in the mix and a huge factor in your fantasy playoffs.
The Eagles played extremely well on Thursday night against the Cardinals rolling up 451-yards of offense. One reason was the solid play of quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb had struggled the last couple of weeks, but his turnaround this past week could be a sign of things to come and something Kevin Curtis owners should take note of. While Curtis has yet to put up big numbers over his last five starts he has been targeted 47 times. Curtis seems primed and ready and figures to be in the mix for the Eagles going forward. While sleepers at this point are a risky play, McNabb is looking his direction to often to ignore Curtis' upside.
4TH QUARTER TIMEOUT
fantasy notes from the past week....
The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook came out of his shell Thursday night and had his best game of the season with over 100-yards rushing and four touchdowns. Westbrook had been stuck in a rut for the past couple of weeks playing through injuries, but his breakthrough performance could be a sign of his nearing health and most importantly be a telling sign that fantasy owners should figure on having Westbrook in their line ups.
4TH QUARTER TIMEOUT
fantasy notes from the past week....
The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook came out of his shell Thursday night and had his best game of the season with over 100-yards rushing and four touchdowns. Westbrook had been stuck in a rut for the past couple of weeks playing through injuries, but his breakthrough performance could be a sign of his nearing health and most importantly be a telling sign that fantasy owners should figure on having Westbrook in their line ups.
With McGahee sitting out of last Sunday's contest, fantasy owners may have to worry about what impact the Ravens running back will have in the coming weeks. With head coach John Harbaugh indicating that McGahee's sitting was a strategic move, owners may be taking a huge risk relying on the Raven's running back. With the fantasy post season here, taking a safer route may be in order.
With both running backs Steven Jackson and Larry Johnson back in action in Week 13, two players that at one point this season were non-factors sitting out and missing time, both have become very relevant to the upcoming fantasy post season. Both players will see favorable matchups down the stretch and could make serious noise for fantasy owners.
With both running backs Steven Jackson and Larry Johnson back in action in Week 13, two players that at one point this season were non-factors sitting out and missing time, both have become very relevant to the upcoming fantasy post season. Both players will see favorable matchups down the stretch and could make serious noise for fantasy owners.
more football notes....
With their win on Sunday over the Jets, the AFC West leaders are now three games out front and in complete control of the division. With the Chiefs up next the Broncos have a great chance of closing the door on the second place Chargers.......Suddenly Favre and the Jets have become the talk of the town in the NFL leading the AFC East, but over in Packer-land, fans may be losing patience with the heir apparent, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers (5-7) have suddenly lost four of their last five games and are now looking in from the outside........With the recent events happening to the Giants and wide receiver Plaxico Burress, many would have to figure that not only is the Giants receiver future in New York in jeopardy, but his career could be over. Burress faces a dire situation with the outcome possibly landing him in prison.
With their win on Sunday over the Jets, the AFC West leaders are now three games out front and in complete control of the division. With the Chiefs up next the Broncos have a great chance of closing the door on the second place Chargers.......Suddenly Favre and the Jets have become the talk of the town in the NFL leading the AFC East, but over in Packer-land, fans may be losing patience with the heir apparent, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers (5-7) have suddenly lost four of their last five games and are now looking in from the outside........With the recent events happening to the Giants and wide receiver Plaxico Burress, many would have to figure that not only is the Giants receiver future in New York in jeopardy, but his career could be over. Burress faces a dire situation with the outcome possibly landing him in prison.
Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!
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