October 20th, 2008 9:57pm PST
Week 8...
NFL Weekly Storylines
AFC
Patriots place Maroney on Injured reserve.
It had been speculated something was wrong with running back Laurence Maroney and finally today the Patriots annouced that Maroney had been placed on the injured reserve. Maroney has been hobbled most of the season with a shoulder injury, an injury that had limited his playing time. Maroney finishes the season with just 28 carries and 93 yards rushing.
fantasy impact: The move comes as no surprise. Maroney has not played much this season and when he's been in there he's been ineffective. It was apparent something was very wrong and that Maroney was not able to play with the shoulder injury that had slowed him thus far. With Maroney out, the Patriots running back Sammy Morris looks like a good flex insert and serviceable RB3 option going forward.
Titan Combo to go.
The Titans 1-2 punch or 2008 version of Thunder and Lightning with running backs LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson has been spectacular through seven weeks this season. The "TItanic Two-some" have combined to average 154.5 yards per game on the ground. Johnson is leading the way with 549 yards rushing with a 5.3 yds/carry average, while White has scored 8 touchdowns this season. The Titans offense boasts the number four ranked rushing offense in the NFL.
fantasy impact: Perhaps the biggest secret in Tennessee is the team's offensive line, which has to be one of the most under-rated and could very well be the very best. For the season, this unit has allowed only 2 sacks and the team's 11 rushing touchdowns leads the NFL. Behind this line, White and Johnson figure to be safe plays week in and week out!
Addai could return soon.
It was originally reported that Addai had a partially torn hamstring and could miss up to 4 weeks, but it is now being reported according to the Associated Press that head coach Tony Dungy says Addai wanted to play in week 7. When asked about Addai's availability for Week 8, Dungy was vague during discussion.
fantasy impact: While it sounds promising for Addai to return soon, hamstring injuries can typically be a bit tricky. Reading into it, Dungy's vagueness could be an indicator that Addai is not quite ready and the team's unwillingness to risk injury. It could be a safer bet to sit him in week 8.
Broncos woes on defense continues.
Following Monday night's dismantle, the Bronco's defense is in need of a serious overhaul. Poor tackling, blown assignments, and a 41-7 trouncing resemble more of a 2-4 team than a first place team that is 4-2. It was just another night of the same debacle for the defense, watching the New England Patriots run wild up the middle to the tune of 257 yards on the ground. Despite the numerous breakdowns on the Patriots offensive line (allowed 6 sacks), the Broncos defense could not come up with any big plays or critical stops, instead they committed bonehead plays and infractions.
fantasy impact: While some fans could claim that the Chiefs, Rams, or Lions are the worst teams in the league (which may be true), it is highly unlikely they have a defense that is worst. If you are hoping for your player to rebound and he has the Bronco's on the schedule, right now he'd be ranked a must play against this defense.
Johnson's troubles continue.
The Kansas City Chiefs have had a rough start this season with injuries, poor play, and a very poor start this season. As if the team could use more negative news, their high paid star running back Larry Johnson appears to have more troubles than just missing meetings. New reports out indicate Johnson's latest ventures off the field could land him a suspension. The league is expected to investigate the matter.
fantasy impact: The good news, LJ has been relatively ineffective and a non-factor since week 4, so this latest information should not affect fantasy owners teams too greatly. Where to go from here, with the Chiefs reduced to Tyler Thigpen as their starter, both Charles and Smith are hardly servicable options. Only in deeper leagues would either offer any kind of help as a flex.
NFC
Niners fire head coach.
According to ESPN the Niners organization apparently trying to shake things up in the bay area have fired head coach Mike Nolan. The team has suffered a couple of disappointing losses the past few weeks and at 2-5 appears to be heading the wrong direction. The team has named Mike Singletary the team's new head coach.
fantasy impact: Unfortunately, with Singletary or Nolan as the head coach, you won't see a change in the offense. The offense is run by OC Mike Martz and what you see is what you get. The only change to note for fantasy owners, is the promotion of Josh Morgan to the starting lineup. Morgan was productive in Week 7 and will likely get better moving forward. Owners holding Bryant Johnson may want to let go now.
Saints lose Bush for up to 4 weeks.
The have been several injuries this season, but the loss of Reggie Bush to this Saints offense could be huge. The Saints all-purpose running back underwent knee surgery today to repair a torn medial meniscus according to ProFootballTalk.com. The expected time missed is 2-4 weeks, but rumors are flying that Bush could sit longer.
fantasy impact: The Saints are likely to play it safe here with their big homerun hitter, who has scored 8 times this season. Fantasy owners can expect Bush to sit no less than 4 weeks and it could be longer. In the interim, many experts are leaning toward Pierre Thomas to pick up much of the load in the absence of Bush. In traditional leagues the obvious pick up may be Thomas, but PPR leagues might lean more towards Stecker who could pick up Bush's role in the passing game (Stecker had 36 receptions last season).
Jackson injured but expected to play.
The Rams explosive running back Steven Jackson exited Sunday's game late in the 4th quarter with an apparent thigh injury. Initial reports were speculating that Jackson could miss time, but more recent reports are now saying he is good to go and expected to play against New England in Week 8. The injury appears to be a slight strain.
fantasy impact: The Rams running back has been Ram-tastic the past several weeks and the recent news is very good for fantasy owners. Jackson is playing like one of the elite backs in the game and when healthy is considered a must start every week!
Boldin could return Sunday.
The Cardinal's receiver participated in a light practice on Monday and was looking "quick" according to the Arizona Republic. His return to practice is a good indicator that he could play Sunday in Week 8. Word is that Boldin could be medically cleared to play as early as Tuesday. Boldin disclosed that he suffered more injuries from the Week 4 brutal hit that's had him sidelined since. His lower jaw had to be corrected and he also suffered a concussion.
fantasy impact: While Anquan is as tough as they come, even if cleared to play, fantasy owners might be wise to sit the Cardinal stud receiver before jumping back on the band wagon. Just ask Bobby Engram, Deion Branch, and Marques Colston fantasy owners. Owners that grabbed Steve Breaston, even as a number three receiver in Arizona, should be safe playing him in Week 8.
Other headlines...
*Bucs receiver Bryant expected to remain starter in Tampa.
*Jaguars receiver Matt Jones suspended for 3 games.
*Edwards, Bills continue strong play with win over Chargers.
*The Eagles WR Curtis returns to practice this week.
*Niners rookie Morgan will replace Bryant Johnson as starter.
*Bengal's quarterback Carson Palmer will not play in Week 8.
*Colston ineffective in Week 7, sits down late in the game.
*Bronco's play no defense in Monday night blowout!
*Randy Moss scores twice in big win over Bronco on MNF.
No comments:
Post a Comment