Here’s a quick glimpse of some of the players we like, and don’t like, for your fantasy lineup this week.
START
DeShaun Foster, RB, Panthers at Cardinals – Remember Week 16 of the 2006 season? That week, the Panthers went into Atlanta losers of four in a row, two very badly with backup QB Chris Weinke under center. Rather than put their fate in the hands of Weinke, they ran the ball 52 times and attempted only seven passes. This week, their QB options are a banged-up, and thus far unimpressive, David Carr or recently signed geriatric quick fix Vinny Testerverde or undrafted rookie Matt Moore. The point is, don’t be surprised if the Panthers pull out their QB-less shotgun formation with a backfield full of running backs. In this regard, we also believe DeAngelo Williams is a decent play as a desperate bye-week fill-in.
Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings at Bears – Believe it or not, the Bears rank near the middle of the pack in run defense. Figure this to be a low-scoring affair, with the Vikings’ rookie RB the only solid fantasy contributor.
Derek Anderson, QB, Browns vs. Dolphins – We’re not buying Miami’s third-ranked pass defense. We think it is more a by-product of teams not throwing because they are so far ahead, rather than the Dolphins’ ability to physically forbid opposing air attacks. And we don’t think Cleveland will get far enough ahead to abandon the passing game.
Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles at Jets – We know, D-Mac has killed us more than once this year. But the Jets are weak against the pass. And McNabb is too good to be bad every week. We’re not expecting a Detroit-size breakout, but he could be this week’s top QB who isn’t playing in Dallas.
Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants at Falcons – He looked good in his return last week. Assuming the Giants get out in front (as they should), we’ll see a lot of the running game late.
SIT
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers at Cardinals – Remember use telling you how the Panthers are likely to be run-centric this week? Well that means fewer passes, which means fewer receptions for Smith. You should see the dynamic WR get the ball on reverses and some wide receiver screens, but don’t expect 150 worth of yardage.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bears vs. Vikings – His disappointing fantasy campaign will continue vs. a stiff run defense.
Brett Favre, QB, Packers vs. Redskins – We know, Favre is a legend, one of the greatest, football royalty, etc. But the Redskins can defense the pass. And Favre still knows how to throw picks.
Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers vs. Titans – Little known fact: Tennessee ranks third against the run.