Week 9...
NFL Weekly Storylines
AFC
Ravens defense stuff the Raiders.
The Ravens defense shut down the Leagues 5th ranked rushing offense limiting the Raiders to 47 yards rushing for their Week 8 game. Raider running back Justin Fargas was held in check with just 24 yards on the ground on 12 carries.
fantasy impact: Fantasy owners need to check your fantasy running back schedules and make sure they do not face the Ravens. The defense is in full shut down mode and no running back can escape, only Dominic Rhodes in week 6 was able to surpass the 70 yards-on-the-ground barrier.
Texans keep rolling.
The Houston Texans' offense has been playing more like the 2007 Patriots this season rolling up the points and the yards in the last several weeks. In their past four games the Texans have averaged 416 yards of offense and almost 30 points per game. On Sunday the offense was led by Schaub's 280 yards passing and three scores.
fantasy impact: The Texans passing game has the hot hand right now with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson lighting it up. Fantasy owners can expect this trend to continue with the Vikings 20th ranked pass defense next on the slate.
Patriots keep finding a way.
The upstart Rams came to town in Week 8 and for moments on Sunday it looked like their were going to pull off the upset. Somehow the Patriots keep finding a way to win and on Sunday the answer came in the form of running back Kevin Faulk. Faulk carried the ball 13 times and caught 4 passes for a total of 107 yards. He also added the game-winning 15 yard catch and run score in the 4th quarter.
fantasy impact: With injuries riddling the Patriots backfield, "who's going to carry the ball" had to be the question of the day on Sunday. Kevin Faulk appeared to be the answer with 107 total yards, although he only carried the ball 13 times. Until the big boys, Morris or Jordan get back, I would expect to see Faulk carry the load. He's worth a flex play or bye week insert if you are in need, especially in PPR leagues.
Thigpen breathes life into pass game.
The Chiefs offense has been one of the poorest in the leagues this season, in particular the passing game (ranked 28th). On Sunday the Chiefs' pass found life in quarterback Tyler Thigpen's arm and his 280 yards passing. Thigpen was accurate completing 25 of 36 passes and mistake free with two touchdowns and no turnovers.
fantasy impact: The Chiefs recently signed free agent quarterback Quinn Gray which could explain the improved play of Thigpen, but it's not likely he will be able to hold off Gray for the starting job. It could just be a matter of weeks as Gray becomes familiar with the offense, before he takes over the job, although I wouldn't recommend picking him up anytime soon.
Johnson to sit Week 9.
The Chiefs running back already declared OUT for week 9 seem to be headed for more trouble. Reports are Johnson will be meeting with the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and likely as a result of his recent actions off the field, could be facing more time off with suspension. This is not new information, but it is a signal that the suspension could come sooner than later.
fantasy impact: With Johnson OUT and the rookie running back Jamaal Charles likely to miss with a high ankle sprain, running back Kolby Smith appears to be the team's featured back next week. Smith has not been particularly effective the past few weeks, and even though he could get a longer look with both Charles and Johnson expected to miss, he's not worth picking up at this time with the Bucs due next on the schedule.
NFC
Singletary is the Man!
The game may have been lost, but there's no question that head coach Mike Singletary has no intention of losing control of his team. The fiery coach stood his ground and made a point to his team, that he's in charge and things will be done his way. When Niners' tight end Vernon Davis, pulled a bone-headed play late in the game that cost the team a 15-yard personal foul infraction, Singletary dismissed the first round draft choice and sent him to the showers.
fantasy impact: The immediate concern for fantasy owners, if you know the history of Davis (fantasy bust) is whether or not he will be around and for how long. Davis has been a disappointment and this recent display of dissatisfaction coming from the coach can not be good. Any owners holding out for the Davis ship to right,...that may be one ship that has left port unmanned and little chance of turning around on its' own.
Boldin's return a success.
The Cardinal's receiver proved to any and all critics that may have doubted his readiness to return, not only was he ready, but he didn't lose a beat. The
All-Pro receiver caught 9 passes for 63 yards, carried the ball once for 30 yards, and scored twice in the team's Week 8 loss.
fantasy impact: Not only did Boldin look good, but he looked very good and very much like the fantasy stud he is. Boldin is healthy and fantasy owners should have him back in their lineups every Sunday!
Jackson is a no-show Sunday.
The Rams superstar running back Steven Jackson was unavailable Sunday in Week 8. Jackson suffered a thigh injury back in Week 7 that kept him out of practice all week and eventually deactivated for Sunday. Running back Antonio Pittman started in his place.
fantasy impact: The Rams running back has been a fantasy beast of late. All signs are looking good for Jackson to return this week, so owners should keep tabs on the wire services or "David's Daily Digest" to be sure. If he's healthy, he is a must start at home against the Cardinals in Week 9.
Eagles are flyin again!
The Eagles had their full compliment of weapons on Sunday and did not disappoint the home crowd. With running back Brian Westbrook and wide receiver Kevin Curtis back in the line up, McNabb and company ran up 432 yards of offense and posted 27 points in their Week 8 win.
fantasy impact: Now that the Eagles are healthy, expect to see McNabb's value shoot through the roof. Westbrook not only looked healthy, but he looked good and should be in every fantasy owners lineup every Sunday. Curtis was not spectacular, but he did get in the mix and his numbers will get better each week as he and mcnabb find their timing. He should be a safe mid-high end WR3 at this time, but will improve.
Rams rookie the New KOTB!
Although the Rams came up short in Week 8, the team did discover the newest kid on the block with rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery. The high flyer from the University of Houston caught 6 passes for 163 yards which including a dazzling 69 yard catch and run for a touchdown. Avery has 20 receptions this season, with 4 of those going for 40 or more yards this season!
fantasy impact: There's no doubt about this kid. He is a big-time playmaker with already 4 pass play for more than 40 yards. In week 7 Avery had a chance to score three times (and should have). He may be a sleeper at the moment (pick him up), but it's just a matter of time before the secret is out (if it's not already too late).
Week 8 (One-liner) Sunday's headlines...
- Raven's rookie Ray Rice has nice day (101 total yards) in Week 8 win.
- Raiders Linebacker Kirk Morrison busy with 13 tackles Sunday.
- Cards QB Warner another big passing day with 381 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Panthers Linebacker Jon Beason leads charge with 8 tackles and one pick.
- Cowboys WR Roy Williams scores first touchdown with team in win.
- Cowboys Linebacker Zach Thomas leads defense with 11 tackles Sunday.
- Redskins win with play of Big-Three Campbell, Moss, and Portis!
- Megatron scores again on Sunday in Week 8 against Skins.
- Dolphins QB Pennington leads team to big win with 300 yard passing day!
- Dolphins WR Ginn Jr has big day receiving with 175 yards.
- Dolphins Linebacker Joey Porter has big Sunday with 2 sacks and 4 tackles.
- Patriots RB Faulk total 107 yards and a touchdown in win.
- Rams RB Pittman fills in with 105 total yards.
- Chargers RB Tomlinson has big day on Sunday with 170 total yards and TD.
- Saints RB McAllister rushes for 55 yards and receives for another 30 yards.
- Jets RB Washington has big Sunday with 101 total yards and 2 scores.
- Falcons WR White terrific again with 113 yards receiving and touchdown.
- Eagles QB McNabb passes for 253 yards and adds rushing touchdown.
- Browns RB Lewis rushes for 81 yards and a score in Sunday win.
- Texans WR Johnson superb on Sunday with 11 catches for 143 yards.
- Giants RB Jacobs limited to 47 yards in team's win on Sunday.
- Giants DE Kiwanuka leads defense with 3 sacks and a forced fumble.
- Seahawks FB Weaver leads offense with 129 total yards and 2 scores.
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