MONDAY NIGHT MATCHUP (WEEK 8)

Monday Night Matchup
Week 8...

Indianapolis Colts

@

Tennessee Titans

Clash of the Titans!

The Week 8 Monday Night matchup promises to be nothing less than a clash of thunderous proportions. When the season began prognosticators would have bet good money that the Indy Colts would be leading the way in the AFC South with the Titans likely in tow bringing up the rear of the division. Such has not been the case this season as the Titans have established one of the more dominant defenses in the league, led by defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (6 sacks on the season). This season the Titans are off to a fast start leading the division at 6-0. This is the first time these two team have met this season, with the Colts looking up at the division leaders with a 3-3 record.

The Colts are going to have to rely heavily on the arm of Peyton Manning tonight to have a chance in this matchup. The Cotls offensive line will be tested heavily facing a Titan's defense that will be minus Kyle Vanden Bosch. The Colts need to start fast and keep the pace moving quickly which won't be easy. The Colts have had trouble running the ball this season (ranked 32nd) and Peyton lives off the play action. If Indianapolis can not get the ground game out of first, Manning could see heavy pressure all night. When he has time, Manning has one of the scariest arsenals of pass-catching weapons at his disposal. Protection will be at a premium and could ultimately decide how this game will play out.

The Titans will like to slow things down with one of the leagues best ground games and backfield tandems with rookie RB Chris Johnson and RB LanDale White. The two backs are averaging over 140 yards on the ground combined. White leads the NFL with 8 rushing touchdowns, while the Johnson has chipped in three of his own to go with 549 total yards rushing (8th in the NFL). If the Titans can get the ball rolling on the ground and jump out front, their defense will be primed to takeover this Monday night affair. The Titans defense is ranked 3rd overall (4th against the Pass, 10th against the Run) and if they turn the dogs loose they can put tremendous pressure on opposing quarterbacks and get after it (18 sacks, 10 picks).

The game has the sounds and making of a one-sided affair, but one thing for certain looking at this classic matchup of NFL Giants, there will only be one left standing when the dust settles!

Monday Night's Game Notes:
Tennessee: The Titans offense leads the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns, the passing game will see the return of WRs Justin Gage and Justin McCareins, the running game is averaging 34.3 rushing attempts and 154.5 yards rushing per game. The defense will be without DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, the pass defense is ranked 4th and tied 3rd with 10 picks this season. The secondary is only allowing a 57.2 passer rating, best in the NFL, they have only allowed one pass play of 40 yards or more, and their 56 first downs allowed by pass ranks best in the AFC.

Key Injuires: DT Tony Brown (ankle) probable and CB Nicholas Harper (knee) probable.
Indianapolis: The Colts offense has sputtered the last few weeks led by Manning with an uncharacteristic 80.0 passer rating. The offense ranks last in rushing averaging only 70 yards per game and their 3.3 yards per carry is worst in the league. The defense has not fared much better allowing 153 yards rushing per game and 4.4 yards per carry.

Key Injuries: DB Kelvin Hayden (knee) OUT, RB Joseph Addai (hamstring) OUT, DB Bob Sanders (knee) OUT, and DB Marlin Jackson (shoulder) questionable.


Check back in the morning for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis with the "Tuesday (Football) Talk"

FSH: THE SUNDAY NIGHT NFL REPORT

October 26th, 2008 8:37pm PST


Week 8...
NFL Injury News


*The Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs injured his shoulder on Sunday against the Rams. He was in and out of the game and no further details related to the injury are available.

*The Brown's full-back Lawrence Vickers injured his ankle on Sunday against the Jaguars. No further updates available.

*The Texans running back Ahman Green suffered a setback on Sunday when he tweaked his left leg in the 4th quarter of his Week 8 contest. The injury looked like a possible groin or hamstring, but no further updates are available at this time.

*The Buccaneers safety Jermaine Phillips appeared to suffer a broken arm according to the St.Petersburg Times and could be out an extended period of time.

*The Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss exited early from Sunday's match with the Lions with a hamstring injury. No word on the severity of the injury is available at this time.

*The Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu left Sunday's game against the Niner's early with a groin injury. No further update available.

*The Cowboy's tight end Jason Witten leaves Sunday's game early with a rib injury. X-rays taken we're negative and Witten did return for one series. Owners will have to follow his progress during the week.

*The Falcons defensive end Jamaal Anderson left Sunday's game with a possible concussion. There is no further word on Anderson's status.

*The Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer left Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury and no further updates are available.

*The Rams defensive Leonard Little suffered a strained hamstring on Sunday. He is considered day-to-day and will have an MRI on Monday.

*The Niner's tight end Delanie Walker left Sunday's game with an elbow injury. No word on the severity of the injury.

Sunday's Game Notes:
*It was a very poor performance for the Niner's on Sunday in Week 8 against the Seahawks. The Niner's were blowout at home 34-13 by the Seahawks and the afternoon was highlighted by head coach Mike Singletary tossing one of his own players out of the game. TE Vernon Davis was verbally reprimanded for his bonehead play and penalty late in game on Sunday, leading to Singletary's sending Davis to hit the showers.

*The Eagles returned their full-arsenal of weapons (minus WR Reggie Brown) on Sunday with the return of RB Brian Westbrook and WR Kevin Curtis. With pretty much his full compliment, QB Donovan McNabb led the Eagles offense to 432 total yards of offense and their 4th win of the season.

*The Texans offense exploded for 35 points and 384 yards of offense in Week 8, as the team rolled to their third straight win this season. The offense was led by QB Matt Schaub's 280 yards passing and three touchdowns. The defense kept the Bengals out of the end-zone and forced three turnovers in the 35-6 blowout.

*The New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers made their Week 8 Trans-Atlantic flight to the international stage when they meet on Sunday in London. Both teams put on an impressive aerial display combining for 680 yards passing in the late afternoon affair. There were 69 points scored in the contest with 860 yards of total offense, giving the European fans a full dose of NFL action at its' best!


Check back in the morning for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis with the "Monday Morning Huddle"





http://www.fantasyfootballdirectory.com/

FSH: SUNDAY'S HEROES

October 19th, 2008 8:37pm PST


Week 8...
SUNDAY'S HEROES

Every week on Sunday at the same time and on the same channels, football fans and fantasy gamers are glued to their sets watching and tracking the every move of their favorite players and teams in the National Football League. For some of us the ritual has become an addiction with a purpose. All week long we are researching, checking the news wire services, and looking for updates not on those closest to us or even friends of the family, but more important individuals in our fantasy football lives. We are checking the health and well-being of our most prized football possessions, our top fantasy football draft choices, our fantasy stud receiver who has become an unstoppable force this year, or our big-armed fantasy franchise quarterback! It's a phenomenon that has spread across the nation like a wild fever and every Sunday we are dying to know one thing......who were this week's Sunday's Heroes in the NFL!

The Fantasy Spotlight (notable mentions)....
*The Raven's rookie QB Joe Flacco was solid on Sunday in the team's Week 8 win over the Raiders. While Flacco did not put the ball up much, only 12 of 24 for 140 yards, he did have a touchdown pass and a 13-yard touchdown scamper. Flacco also added a 43 yard touchdown reception to his credit on Sunday.

*The Cardinal's WR Anquan Boldin made a triumphant return to action in Week 8 against the Panthers. Boldin caught 9 passes for 63 yards and scored twice. Q also added a run for 30 yards.

*The Texans continued their roll, winning their third straight game in Week 8. The team was led by the passing of QB Matt Schaub, who completed 24 of 28 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns!

*One of the Texans other stars on Sunday in Week 8, was WR Kevin Walter. Walter caught 5 passes for 70 yards and scored two touchdowns in the team's win.

*The Niner's RB Frank Gore was a solid RB1 fantasy play in Week 8. In the team's loss to the Seahawks, Gore totaled 159 yards of offense!

Another Sunday and another week in the NFL, here are your week 8 "Sunday's Heroes!"

AFC / NFC

300-PASSING CLUB

QB-Kurt Warner (Ari).....the Cardinal's passer once again threw for a ton of yardage on Sunday. Against the Panthers Warner completed 35 of 49 passes (71% completion) for 381 yards passing and two touchdowns!

QB-Phillip Rivers (SD).....the Chargers field general had a big passing day against the Saints completing 25 of 40 passes for 341 yards. Rivers also threw 3 touchdowns to go with an interception in the team's loss to the

QB-Drew Brees (TB).....the leagues top ranked passer threw for 339 yards completing 30 of 41 passes with three touchdowns in the Saints Week 8 win over the Chargers.

QB-Jason Campbell (Was).....the Redskins kept their winning ways led by quarterback Jason Campbell and his 328 passing yards in Week 8. Campbell completed 23 of 28 passes and threw one touchdown in the road win over the Lions!

QB-Chad Pennington (Mia).....the Dolphins quarterback turned in a solid performance in Week 8 to lead the victory charge. Pennington completed 22 of 30 passes for 314 yards and a touchdown in the team's win on Sunday over the buffalo Bills.

QB-Marc Bulger (Stl).....the Rams quarterback made his first appearance in the 300 club this season. Facing the Patriots in Week 8, quarterback Marc Bulger passed for 301 yards completing 18 of 34 passes and threw one touchdown!

100-RUSHING CLUB

RB-Brian Westbrook (Phi)....the Eagles running back was huge Sunday in his return to action in Week 8. Westbrook carried the ball 22 times for 167 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns. He also added 6 receptions for 42 yards in the Eagles win over the Falcons.

RB-Clinton Portis (Was)....the leagues leading rusher continued his stellar play rushing for over 100 yards for the 5th straight week. Portis finished Sunday with 24 carries for 126 yards (5.2 yds/carry).

RB-DeAngelo Williams (Car)....the Panthers running back broke loose in Week 8 and scampered his way to 108 yards on the ground. In the team's win over Arizona, Williams carried the ball 17 times and scored one rushing touchdown.

RB-LaDanian Tomlinson (SD)....the Chargers running back turned in an outstanding performance in Week 8 against the Saints. On Sunday LT totaled 170 yards of offense (105 rush, 65 receive) and scored on a 32 yard catch and run.


100-RECEIVING CLUB

WR-Tedd Ginn Jr (Mia)....the Dolphins receiver finally had a breakout performance on Sunday in Week 8. The 2nd year receiver pulled in 7 passes for 175 yards, including a 64 yard catch and run.

WR-Donnie Avery (Stl)....the Rams rookie receiver exploded in Week 8 against the Patriots. Avery hauled in a total of 6 passes for 163 yards receiving, which was highlighted by a 69 catch and run for a touchdown.

WR-Andre Johnson (Hou)....the Texans wide receiver turned in another huge performance on Sunday in Week 8. Johnson was once again unstoppable catching 11 passes for 143 yards.

WR-Santana Moss (Was)....the Redskins small quick receiver turned in a very big game on Sunday on the road against the Lions. Moss caught 9 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in the team's win.

WR-Matt Jones (Jax)....the soon to be suspended Jaguar receiver turned in his best game of the season. Jones caught 8 passes for 117 yards (both season highs) with a touchdown in the team's Week 8 loss.

WR-Steve Smith (Car)....the Panthers continued their winning ways at home in Week 8, led by the play of wide receiver Steve Smith. Smith caught 5 passes for 117 yards receiving with two touchdowns!

WR-Lee Evans (Buff)....the Bills receiver continued his fantasy all-star play in Week 8. Evans had 7 receptions for 116 yards receiving in the team's loss on Sunday.

WR-Leonard Weaver (Sea)....the Seahawks full-back was solid on Sunday, doing much of his damage in the passing game. Weaver caught 4 balls for 116 yards and scored two touchdowns in the team's victory over the Niners.

WR-Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)....the Cardinal's outstanding wideout was once again solid in Week 8 against the Panthers. Fitzgerald caught 7 passes for 115 yards in the team's loss on Sunday.

WR-Roddy White (Atl)....the Falcon's receiver continued to be a fantasy force, turning in yet another spectacular performance on Sunday. White, facing a tough matchup against the Eagles, caught 8 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns in the team's Week 8 loss.

WR-Dwayne Bowe (KC)....the Chiefs receiver continues to perform like a number one receiver this season, despite being on a bad team. On Sunday, Bowe caught 6 passes for 102 yards receiving in the team's Week 8 loss.

WR-Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ)....despite the reports that he could sit, the Jets receiver not only played on Sunday, but was a solid fantasy start. Cotchery caught 9 passes for 102 yards.

WR-Randy Moss (NE).....following a solid MNF appearance, the Patriots receiver was a solid fantasy play in Week 8. Moss caught 7 more passes for 102 yards in the team's win on Sunday.

Check here every Sunday night for This Week's "Sundays Heroes!"

http://www.tailgate365.com/

FSH: THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT WEEK 8

October 26th, 2008 7:45am PST


THE SUNDAY MORNING REPORT

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

Week 7: The Week that was...
**The Titans running game received a huge boost from their "Dynamic duo" running backs, Chris Johnson and LenDale White. The two backs total over 300 yards on the ground and combined for four rushing touchdowns (White 3, Johnson 1) in Week 7.

**The Buccaneer's veteran QB Jeff Garcia turned in a large game last Sunday night completing 27 of 36 passes over 300 yards passing to lead the Bucs to a win over the Seahawks.

**The Texans WR Andre Johnson continues to play at the highest of levels. Last Sunday against the Lions Johnson pulled in 11 more receptions for 141 yards receiving to lead the Texans to their second win this season.

**Last Sunday the Packers RB Ryan Grant continued to show signs of life rushing for over 100 yards on 31 carries. Fantasy owners are hopeful that Grant will breakout soon!

**The Redskins RB Clinton Portis continues to roll the hot hand turning in another big fantasy performance in Week 7. Last week against the Browns Portis carried the ball 27 times and ran for 175 yards with a touchdown!

More notable performances....
...WR Calvin Johnson needed just two receptions to record 154 receiving yards and a touchdown.....the Jets RB Thomas Jones plowed his way through the Raiders defense last Sunday for 159 yards on the ground.....in relief starting for the Steelers RB MeWelde Moore was highly productive totaling 134 yards of offense with 3 scores.....the Ravens RB Willis McGahee running closer to 100% rushed for 105 yards last week....the Bears QB Kyle Orton continues to impress passing for 283 yards with two scores.....and the Bills WR Lee Evans, fresh off the bye continues to be a fantasy stud catching 8 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown!

This Week at a glance...
***Suspensions, deactivations, and failed steroids testing dominated the headlines as the practice week wrapped up for Week 8 of the NFL. The short term ramifications, only Santonio Holmes (D-Act) and Larry Johnson (Susp) will be unavailable this week for fantasy owners, while the players identified in the failed tests will likely not see any suspensions handed out prior to next week.

***Quarterbacks seem to be dropping like flies this season with starters such as Matt Hasselbeck, Carson Palmer, Tony Romo, OUT and two Chief's quarterbacks placed on the Injured Reserve in Week 7.

***This week will mark the return of RB Brian Westbrook and WR Kevin Curtis in Philly and in Arizona WR Anquan Boldin will make his return to action since suffering that brutal hit back in Week 4.
Just as was reported last week, the Steelers running back MeWelde Moore will get the start this week for starter Willie Parker and in New England, the rookie RB BenJarvous Green-Ellis set to see lots of action with Maroney, Morris, and Jordan OUT.

***The Colts RB Dominic Rhodes will get his second start Monday night with Addai not likely to play and with the rookie RB Darren McFadden suffering a setback this week with the toe injury, RB Justin Fargas will likely see a heavier work load.

Notable Game-time plays today...
***Leading the show here is the Rams RB Steven Jackson, whose status remains questionable for Sunday. Fantasy owners will have to wait up till the last minute to see if Jackson is a gamer.
***Fantasy owners waiting for the return of WR Joey Galloway will have to wait and see how he does in warm-up this morning before any decision is made concerning his status.
***The Chargers WR Chris Chambers has been limited in practice all week, but has not been ruled and remains a likely game-time decision today. Word is Chambers has done a little more each day and has a chance to be active.

Don't forget to Check "Sunday Morning Game-time" for those last minute injury updates!

The Otherside of the ball...

Check here each week for weekly key IDP injuries.
The Jets DT Kris Jenkins (back) is expected to play this Sunday, good news for the Jets 4th ranked run defense.....the Redskins DE Jason Taylor did not practice Friday and is questionable today (check his status), the Redskins CB Shawn Springs has been ruled OUT today.....the Buccaneers LB Barrett Ruud practiced Friday and is a go today against the Cowboys.....the Patriots DE Jarvis Green was limited Friday and is questionable for today against the Rams.....the Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie is hobbled with an injured hip and may not play today.....the Eagles DB Lito Sheppard practiced Friday is expected to play today.

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

Two Minute Drill!

Fill the Void:
With the fantasy season now reaching critical stages, every game becomes important. If you are looking for a possible fill-in receiver to cover a bye position, consider the Giants WR Steve Smith. Eli and the G-men will be facing a very difficult task against the leagues best pass rushing defenses, 25 sacks on the year. Hot routes and quick reads are going to be at a premium this Sunday. Eli and Smith have quickly developed a good rapport and the younger Manning has been leaning more towards the former Trojan underneath. Look for these two to get together often today.

The Texans have been rolling for two week straight, getting a balanced attack from their offense. Last Sunday Schaub and Johnson led the aerial attack, while their rookie running back was not alone leading the ground charge. Veteran RB Ahman Green was in the mix carrying the ball 14 times for 62 yards and touchdown. This week the Texans have a favorable matchup against the Bengal's 27th ranked run defense. Consider Green a reliable flex option and bye week insert for those owners hurting at the position.

The Rams rookie WR Donnie Avery is quickly becoming a notable fantasy option. Over his last three starts, Avery has 11 receptions for 150 yards, rushed for 49 yards, and scored twice. Today he will face a struggling Patriots secondary and could have a big day. He could be an appealing flex option today against the leagues 14th ranked pass defense that has allowed 5 pass plays for 40 or more yards this season.

My Weekly Fantasy Picks!

THE FOUR HORSE-MEN...

QB-JT O'Sullivan (SF)...the Niners quarterback has been struggling lately, but has a great chance to rebound this week against a defense that has trouble surrendering the big pass play this season.
Prediction: 20 of 35 passing for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns!

RB-Maurice Jones-Drew (Jax)....the Jaguars running back has been handed the baton from veteran Fred Taylor. MJD could see a heavier load of carries today and facing the Brown's 26th ranked run defense, he could break loose for some big yardage!
Prediction: 20 carries for 125 yards rushing and a touchdown!

WR-Marques Colston (NO)....the Saints wideout was completely out of sync and struggled last week. There's no question Brees and offense will work hard to get Colston in the mix early against the leagues worst pass defense. Expect a big day from the former standout from Hofstra.
Prediction: 7 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown

TE-Jason Witten (Dal).....the Cowboys tight end has been steady this season. With Johnson in the line up once again, the short and intermediate routes become prevalent and Witten could be a big beneficiary. Expect Witten to see a lot of targets today!
Prediction: 7 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown!

The 5th Rider...
(Flex/option) Surprisingly this week we have another Niner on the board. Last week WR Josh Morgan showed fantasy owners some of what the Niners were hoping to see more of coming out of camp. Morgan was expected to be a starter when the season began, but an infection derailed that opportunity. Now that he has emerged in the starting rotation, maybe last week was an indication for fantasy owners of what to expect from the rookie moving forward!

Three and Out (RBs & WRs):
Three running backs I like in week 8 and ones that I would strongly suggest that you have in your line up Sunday!

Running Backs...
(1st Down) Steve Slaton (Hou)....the Texans rookie is a solid start today facing the leagues 27th ranked run defense that allows 4.4 yards per carry and has surrendered 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Slaton has a shot at posting some big numbers today!

(2nd Down) RB-LenDale White (Ten)....the Titans running back has a great Monday night matchup with the Indy Colts. White is coming off a huge Sunday last week and will face the leagues 28th ranked run defense in Week 8. White has a great chance of adding to his 8 rushing TD total.

(3rd Down) RB-Willis McGahee (Bal)....the Raven's running back is healthy and should be ready to roll against the NFL's 24th ranked rush defense. McGahee rushed for more than 100 yards for the first time this season and will look to make it two in a row today!

(OUT-sit him) RB-Brandon Jacobs (NYG)....the Giants runner will face the NFL's 2nd ranked run defense. In 6 games this season the Steelers are only allowing 2.9 yards per carry and 15 yards is the longest run they have given up. Today could be a good day to look elsewhere.

FSH: THE ROOKIE REPORT CARD

October 26th, 2008 6:55am PST


THE WEEKLY ROOKIE REPORT CARD

Based on traditional standard scoring rules applied to the numbers from week 7
Here are the 2008 rookies of the NFL!

The grading scale: (A-being a weekly starter and F-being "why did I pick-up this guy?").

(Week 7) The Kids of America...

TOP 20
1. RB-Matt Forte (fantasy point Avg-14.571 / grade: A )
The Bears rookie was once again solid in Week 7 with 73 total yards and a score.
Grade This Week: A-

2. RB-Chris Johnson (fantasy point Avg-13.500 / grade: A-)
Last week the Titans running back led all rookies with 22 fantasy points. Johnson rushed for 168 yards with a touchdown.
Grade This Week: A++

3. RB-Steve Slaton (fantasy point Avg-13.000 / grade: A-)
The Texans rookie kept rolling in week 7 with 80 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Grade This Week: A

4. QB-Matt Ryan (fantasy point Avg-11.833 / grade: B+)
The Falcons quarterback was not in action last week.
Grade This Week: NG

5. RB-Jonathan Stewart (fantasy point Avg-8.571 / grade: B )
The Panthers running back got back on track with 71 total yards and a score.
Grade This Week: A-

6. RB-Kevin Smith (fantasy point Avg-8.333 / grade: B-)
The Lions rookie has seen limited touches, but is still making noise. Last Week 68 total yards and a score.
Grade This Week: B+

7. WR-Donnie Avery (fantasy point Avg-8.250 / grade: B-)
The Rams rookie receiver is quickly becoming a St.Louis household name. Last week 55 receiving yards with a touchdown.
Grade This Week: B-

8. RB-Tim Hightower (fantasy point Avg-8.000 / grade: C+)
The Cardinal's rookie was out of action on a bye.
Grade This Week: NG

9. WR-DeSean Jackson (fantasy point Avg-7.833 / grade: C+)
The Eagles receiving threat did not see action, on a bye.
Grade This Week: NG

10. WR-Eddie Royal (fantasy point Avg-7.500 / grade: C+)
The Broncos rookie returned to action last Monday night to catch 9 passes for 71 yards.
Grade This Week: C

11. RB-Felix Jones (fantasy point Avg-7.167 / grade: C )
The Cowboys rookie runner remains sidelined with a hamstring injury
Grade This Week: NG

12. QB-Joe Flacco (fantasy point Avg-7.000 / grade: C )
The Raven's quarterback played well in Week 7, passing for 232 yards with a touchdown.
Grade This Week: A-

13. RB-Darren McFadden (fantasy point Avg-6.833 / grade: C )
The Raiders rookie totaled 89 yards last Sunday in the team's win over the Jets.
Grade This Week: C

14. TE-John Carlson (fantasy point Avg-5.000 / grade: D+)
The Seahawks tight end did not see many chances last week, but did manage a score.
Grade This Week: C

15. TE-Dustin Keller (fantasy point Avg-4.750 / grade: D+)
The Jets rookie tight end was held to a single catch for 6 yards.
Grade This Week: F

16. RB-Ray Rice (fantasy point Avg-4.000 / grade: D )
The Raven's rookie did not see much action, but manage 59 total yards.
Grade This Week: C-

17. WR-Jordy Nelson (fantasy point Avg-3.500 / grade: D-)
The Packers rookie receiver was quiet in Week 7 with just 2 catches for 19 yards.
Grade This Week: F

18. WR-Josh Morgan (fantasy point Avg-3.167 / grade: D-)
The Niners rookie receiver came to life last Sunday catching 5 balls for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Grade This Week: A

19. WR-Mike Tolbert (fantasy point Avg-3.167 / grade: D-)
The Chargers running back did not make the box score in Week 7.
Grade This Week: NG

20. Two players tied!
Grade This Week:


Newest relevant Classmates making fantasy noise...
***The Cowboys have had to reach deeper in the backfield with Felix Jones sidelined. Last Sunday Tashard Choice got the call, but only saw a few touches. That will likely be the role playing behind featured back Marion Barber.
***The Patriots had to reach into their bag of tricks, but no "Felix" for them, instead try BenJarvous Green-Ellis. The Pats rookie will likely split time in the backfield with Kevin Faulk this Sunday!
These are my grades for the week, check back next week, when I will update The Rookie Report Card!

Rookie Rankings for Week 8
(rankings reflect matchups for week 8)

Quarterbacks...
1. Joe Flacco...draws the Raiders, so won't have much pressure to throw.
2. Matt Ryan...faces tough matchup with Eagles, will see many blitzes.
Running backs...
1. Chris Johnson....Colts struggle against run, could have another big game on MNF.
2. Steve Slaton....has a very good matchup against poor Bengal run defense.
3. Kevin Smith.....not a great matchup, but will see lots of action against Redskins.
4. Jonathan Stewart....could find the end-zone Sunday against Cardinals.
5. Tim Hightower.....will see increase work load and should find the endzone.
6. Jamaal Charles....sharing time with Smith, should get a few catches.
7. Ray Rice.....could see a few carries, but McGahee now the feature.
8. Darren McFadden....won't see a heavy load with turf-toe resurfacing.
9. Mike Tolbert....not likely to see to many touches with LT and Sproles playing.
Receivers...
1. Donnie Avery.....Patriots secondary not very good, could go deep.
2. Josh Morgan....should have success against Seahawks secondary.
3. DeSean Jackson....will have nice day against Falcons secondary.
4. Harry Douglas....should see some single coverage, could catch a few balls.
5. Martellus Bennett....Cowboys will start working into the routes.
6. Dustin Kelller....could see a few throws against the Chiefs.
7. John Carlson.....Will catch a couple of balls, but no score today.
8. Davone Bess....a slow work in progress, won't do much.
9. James Hardy....continues to struggle, won't find help against Dolphins.
10. Tom Santi....not likely to see many throws his direction.

By Allisterfiend
aka "The Prodigy"