THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT

FSH: THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT WEEK 5
October 5th, 2008 8:30am PST




THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT


If you're looking for more last minute information to help you make those last second critical descisionS, make sure you are here and check out the Sunday Morning Report.


This Week at a glance...

If you followed this weeks injury news, you heard Arizona Cardinal WR Anquan Boldin is OUT for Week 5, following his surgical procedure to repair his fractured sinus. His timeline to return is not known, but the team is hopeful Boldin can be back for Week 6. Cardinals third receiver Steve Breatson will move into the starting position in Boldin's absence.

With both RB Willie Parker sidelined with a knee injury and rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall OUT for the season, back up runner Mewelde Moore will make the start tonight against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers also added free-agent RB Najeh Davenport earlier in the week and he could be active today.

In the Meadowland the Giants will be without their normal stating receiver Plaxico Burress (suspension), but the visiting Seahawks will have a pair of familiar faces returning to the line up today. WR Deion Branch back from a severe knee injury, will make the start today and receiver Bobby Engram is back to fill the slot position. Both receivers are expected to play half of the teams offensive snaps today.

The Cincinnati Bengals looking for help on the offense signed RB Cedric Benson this week and have activated WR Chris Henry as of yesterday. The team released RB Kenny Watson to make room for Henry, so it's likely that Henry will be on the field Sunday. Benson is expected to be active, but it is not known if he will play.
The Buccaneers will be missing their top receiving target from a year ago with WR Joey Galloway still sidelined with a foot injury. Galloway was ruled out on Friday and did not make the trip with the team. WR Antonio Bryant will make the start in his place against the Broncos.

Noteable Game-time plays today...

If you are an owner of RB Brian Westbrook, you will want to keep your eye on the last minute reports leading up to kick-off. It is likely it will not be announced untill just before kick-off as to whether the Eagles running back will go. If Westbrook is out, RB Correll Buckhalter will step into the starting position with the RB Lorenzo Booker sharing some carries. the Eagles play at 1pm ET (10am PST).

The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be a gametime decision today, although a number of reports floating around did indicate there's a good shot that he will play today. Owners will have to check for the latest updates just before kick-off at 1pm ET (10am PST).

The Bengals are hopeful that quarterback Carson Palmer will be able to make the start today, but he will be a gametime decision. Fantasy owners need to check for last minute updates prior to kickoff. If Palmer can't go, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start, but he should not be used on any fantasy rosters this week.

The Otherside of the ball...

Check here each week for weekly key IDP injuries.
The Packers will have the services of linebacker AJ Hawk today against the Falcons. The Vikings linebacker EJ Henderson is not expected to play Monday night. The Bears could be with out defensive back Nathan Vasher today, while DB Charles Tillman sounds like he will play. The Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain is likely to play today against the Panthers, while linebacker Donnie Edwards is OUT. The Bills DB Terrence McGee was downgraded and will be OUT today. The Redskins corner Shawn Springs is questionable and could be game-time.

Check "Sunday Morning Game-Time" for the last minutes starts and sits for today's games.


Two Minute Drill!

Fill the Void:
If you are in a deep league or PPR league needing help at the RB position, a possible fill in this week (if available in your league) could be the Buc's Warrick Dunn. Even in a time share role, the veteran running back has been productive with catching passes and running the ball. Dunn has ran for 197 yards and has caught 10 passes for 82 yards, with a touchdown.

With the Broncos leaning heavy on a pass-happy camp this season, for owners in deep leagues or PPRs, last week Brandon Stokley emerged as a possible fill in or flex option with his 7 catch 80 yard performance on the road against the Chiefs.

The Giants are without WR Plaxico Burress this week, opening to door of opportunity for other players to step up and make plays. A possible servcieable option for the week, is WR Steve Smith. In week 3 the Giants wide out was productive with 7 catches for 60 yards.



Three and Out (RBs & WRs):
Three receiver I like in week 5 and one that I would

Wide Receivers...

(1st Down) WR-Brandon Marshall (Den)....the Broncos talented receiver "Optimus Prime" should have a huge day on Sunday matching up with the Buccaneers smaller corners. Marshall is the highest targeted receiver in the league and there is no chance this changes today. Play him, he will be busy all afternoon.

(2nd Down) WR-Andre Johnson (Hou)....the Texans offense is starting to warm-up, but this unit won't get off the ground unless they get their big stud receiver involved. Johnson has yet to find the end-zone this season, but today he could make multiple trips. A solid play against the Colts defense today, start him.

(3rd Down) WR-Lee Evans (Buf)...if you watched film from last week's shoot out between the Cardinals and the Jets, you have to be salivating if you own Evans. The Cards were burned for six touchdowns and all Evens does is catch the deep ball. I expect to see him make at least one trip to the house today, start him.

(OUT-sit him) WR-Ike Hilliard (TB)....with Galloway OUT and Bryant in, it sounds like Hilliard with draw Broncos corner Champ Bailey in coverage today. That's not a good matchup if you own Hilliard, could be a wiser move to sit him today, if you have other options.