Monday Night Football Fantasy Versus: Coin Flip

Having trouble figuring out who you want to insert into your starting line-up for Monday night ? Look no further than NFL Soup’s special edition of Fantasy Versus: Coin Flip.

This column takes a quick look at each team’s studs at each position, pits them against each other, and decides for you which one should start .

Read one for analysis and a final fantasy verdict:

 

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers, vs. Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos

Big Ben has a slew of weapons in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Mike Wallace, as well as two capable backs in Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker ar his disposal. As one of the league’s better yardage quarterbacks, Roethlisberger routinely shows up, especially in big games in front of the nation.

He faces a tough Denver Broncos defense, but will likely be forced to go to the air enough to make starting him worth your while.

Kyle Orton, on the other hand, is facing a Pittsburgh defense that has progressed as the season has gone on, and is finally fully healthy with a confident Troy Polamalu starting his third game back from injury. While the pass defense is still coming together, the Steelers run defense will leave no holes for Knowshon Moreno and co., forcing Orton to the air.

The difference here, however, is that Big Ben thrives under pressure, while Orton historically wilts. If you’re judging these passers tonight strictly on the defenses they are facing and the weapons they have at their disposal, you have to run with Roethlisberger, who will continually keep plays alive and make things happen.

Verdict: Go with Big Ben. He has done a terrific job this season when defenses get in his face, as he routinely escapes the pass rush and makes things happen on the run. Orton, while solid all season long, simply isn’t flashy enough to keep up with Roethlisberger’s numbers all night long.

In addition to going with Roethlisberger, run with the Steelers wide-outs, namely Hines Ward and Mike Wallace, as the Broncos top corner, Champ Bailey, will likely focus on the speedy, big-lay threat, Santonio Holmes.

On Denver’s side of things, only Brandon Marshall holds any actual value, and remains a consistent WR2.

 

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers, vs. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos

Mendenhall surprised everyone in Week Eight with a solid effort against the formidable Williams Wall of the Minnesota Vikings, topping 60 yards on the ground, and showing that he isn’t easily slowed down, even against elite defenses.

While Denver is very good against the run, they were exposed last week by the Baltimore Ravens, and Mike Tomlin and co. will start the game trying to make a statement: that these Pittsburgh Steelers can run the ball on anyone .

Knowshon Moreno is no push-over, either, and should be heavily involved in the offense, but should split his carries with Correll Buckhalter, and is facing an aggressive Steelers run defense that hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher all season long. Don’t expect that trend to stop.

Verdict: Mendenhall may not win you the game all on his own, but he’s turning out to be a very productive NFL back, and is quickly making a name for himself in the fantasy realm, as well. It’s close, but give Mendy the nod.

 

For more fantasy guidance, head over to NFLSoup.com.

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Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry Goes On Injured Reserve

Just a day after sustaining a broken forearm in Sunday’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati deep threat Chris Henry’s season is over .

Henry provided a spark with play-making ability, but with just 11 receptions on the season, was never actually a huge part of the Bengals offense.

Since Cincinnati has been relatively a run-first team with Cedric Benson being so successful in his second year with the team, the loss of Henry won’t have as big an impact as many would believe.

Fantasy Perspective: There’s no doubt that Henry’s talent and play-making ability will be missed, but to assume it’s a big blow to this Bengals offense would be incorrect.

With him out of the offense, however, Carson Palmer will look to Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell to step up, but neither player’s value should increase enough to send you out after them on the waiver wire just yet.

 

For more breaking NFL news and fantasy advice, go to NFLSoup.com.

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Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook Questionable For Week 10

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will reportedly continue to miss practice and will be unable to play in NFL games until his headaches cease.

Westbrook, who sustained a concussion in Week Eight, practiced all week leading up to Philadelphia’s Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys, but was held out due to post-concussion ailments.

Add some ankle issues to the list for Westbrook, and he’s suddenly a huge question mark for the Eagles match with the San Diego Chargers, and is in danger of missing action for the second week in a row.

Fantasy Perspective: This is especially annoying for fantasy owners, as Westbrook would be feasting on a horrible San Diego rush defense. Owners will be held in limbo all week long, and if his headaches continue, Andy Reid has no qualms about sitting him again, according to reports.

LeSean McCoy’s value continues to rise, as he’s a decent Flex play even with Westbrook in the line-up. Monitor Westbrook’s status all week, but don’t fret over the 30-year-old back. Make plans to have someone else take his spot in your line-up for the second consecutive week.

 

For more NFL news and Fantasy Football updates, go to NFLSoup.com

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NFL Soup’s Week 10 Bye Week Saviors

We’ve already addressed the Waiver Wire this week, so now it’s time to combine that research and logic with the roster make-up you currently have to find the best possible replacements for the key players you’re losing due to Week 10 byes.

The teams that have a bye this week are the Houston Texans and New York Giants.

We’re not missing a ton of studs, but depending on your roster, you still may have to scramble to replace some starters.

Key players that need to be replaced this week:

Studs: Matt Schaub, Eli Manning, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw.

Role Players: Hakeem Nicks, Mario Marringham, Kevin Walter, Steve Slaton, and Ryan Moats are all fairly easy to replace, as they are all WR3’s or Flex plays currently.

Read on for the best available players to replace each position:

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Hasselbeck was solid against the Lions, going over 300 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He faces another weak secondary in the Arizona Cardinals this week, and there’s no reason why he can’t find success again. True, he didn’t fare very well against them last time, but Hasselbeck’s pass protection was stellar in Week Nine, and after seeing Jay Cutler throw 300+ yards and three touchdowns against them, there’s plenty of room for optimism.

Available in 46% of leagues.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Sanchez, another Waiver Wire alum, is playing very well, and has a nice match-up with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. The Jaguars are inept enough against the run that Thomas Jones and co. should be able to take the pressure off, while their pass defense is weak enough that Sanchez should be able to find some big plays. With five total touchdowns in his past two games, “Sanchize” could be a sneaky sleeper start this week.

Available in 63% of leagues.

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

He made our Waiver Wire Watch as well, simply because he’s availability is astonishing, despite throwing for six touchdowns in his last three games, and throwing for at least 198 yards in each contest over that span. Smith goes up against a Chicago Bears defense that just allowed Kurt Warner to throw five touchdowns, so we like his chances.

Available in 89% of leagues.

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints

Bell’s carries dropped down to just five against Carolina, but that was almost completely because New Orleans fell to an early deficit and had to pass their way out of it. Before last week’s sub-par effort, Bell has toted the ball at least 15 times in four of his six contests. He shares the ball with starter Pierre Thomas, but the Saints are committed to the run and the touches are there. With an easy match-up against the St. Louis Rams, you could see Bell running more than usual toward the end of the game.

Available in 59% of leagues.

Ladell Betts, RB, Washington Redskins

Clinton Portis sustained a concussion in Week Nine’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and Betts stepped in and ran for 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, while also hauling in a reception for 23 yards. Betts proved to be a quality fantasy back the last time he took over for Portis (season-ending injury), and with Portis likely to miss Week 10, Betts will get the bulk of the carries against the Denver Broncos.

Available in 91% of leagues.

For the rest of NFL Soup ‘s Bye Week Saviors, go here .

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The Red Zone Report’s NFL Quick Hits (Nov. 9)

Chiefs Cut RB Larry Johnson

The Kansas City Chiefs finally cut ties with disgruntled and gay-slurring running back Larry Johnson. This is really good news for everybody, especially KC fans, who prayed for Johnson’s release so he couldn’t break the Chiefs rushing record.

Oh, Priest Holmes, you are still loved.

Bengals’ Chris Henry Breaks Forearm

Henry wasn’t as huge a part of the offense as some would guess, but his presence will still be missed on the field, if only as a decoy.

Despite breaking two bones in his arm, Henry and the Bengals remain mum on whether or not this injury will end his 2009 season.

Receivers Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell see limited value boosts in the fantasy realm.

Clinton Portis Doubtful For Week 10

Portis sustained a concussion on a vicious helmet—to—helmet hit and did no return to Sunday’s game, exiting with just four yards on four carries.

Fantasy owners everywhere imploded upon hearing this news, and now have to worry about whether or not the Redskins star running back will play in Week 10.

Considering Brian Westbrook sustained the same injury and sat out of the Eagles game against the Cowboys, despite being cleared, it’s not looking good for Portis.

Michael Vick to Buffalo?

NBC Commentator and Vick adviser Tony Dungy reportedly said that it’s possible that Vick could find himself throwing passes to Lee Evans in 2010. We don’t know Buffalo’s exact stance on Vick and/or their feeling toward their current franchise quarterback, Trent Edwards, but due to how this season has played out, they have to be considering it.

Vick’s option is for $4.5 million with the Eagles, and considering he hasn’t done much this season, it’s an almost certainty that they let him walk .

Brian Westbrook to Practice on Wednesday

He practiced most of last week after sustaining a concussion in Week Eight, but was not allowed to play in Philly’s Sunday night game, despite being cleared.

Westbrook should be well on his way to being 100 percent now, and he should make for a quality RB2 as long as he’s healthy.

Cleveland Browns Considering Pursuing Mike Holmgren

Owner Randy Lerner is looking for an experienced ex-coach or GM that knows the league and knows how to win, so Holmgren falls under that category.

Rich McKay and Ron Wolf are also being mentioned in reports, among others.

For more news and updates, head over to www.theredzonereport.com

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Eagles’ Michael Vick Buffalo Bound In 2010?

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has been used sparsely since his over-hyped return to the NFL, which has prompted speculation about his status with the team next season. Many are wondering where he could end up if the Eagles don’t pick up his option.

Picking up Vick’s option would cost Philadelphia over $4 million, and since he’s contributed just 31 total yards of offense through seven games, it’s a safe guess that the Eagles will pass.

If that stands as the Eagles’ course of action, the 29-year-old Vick will be a free agent. NBC commentator Tony Dungy (and Vick’s personal advisor) has suggested that Buffalo could be in the mix as a potential suitor.

The Bills are at a crossroads with their own injury-riddled quarterback, Trent Edwards, and are likely going to make a coaching change from current signal-caller Dick Jauron.

Dungy admitted that the Bills were in talks with Vick before he signed with Philadelphia, and he also noted that the Rams, Redskins, and Browns could all be vying for the veteran’s services.

For more NFL news and Fantasy advice, go to NFLSoup.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Brian Westbrook Inactive For Sunday Night Football

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier in the day that Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook may miss tonight’s game  with the Dallas Cowboys, but now it’s official.

Westbrook is still dealing with post-concussion issues, and despite practicing in full for three days this week, he will sit on the sidelines as LeSean McCoy takes over.

McCoy’s value gets a decent boost, but consider the fact that the Eagles are a pass-first team, there’s no guarantee he has a huge break-out game as his owners are surely hoping for.

McCoy has been solid, albeit unspectacular, in his last few outings, as he’s received over 10 carries in three of his last five games, and has at least two receptions in three of his last five, as well.

The Dallas Cowboys are no slouches defensively, allowing just 19.4 points per game (10th in the NFL), and giving up just 105 yards per game on the ground (13th).

Regardless, McCoy’s new starter status makes him a reliable RB2 and an elite Flex play for Sunday night’s contest.

For more NFL news and Fantasy Football updates, head over to NFLSoup.com

 

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NFL Soup Injury Update: Bengals’ WR Chris Henry Breaks Forearm

Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry suffered a broken forearm in Cincinnati’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The troubled wideout was actually behaving quite well—on and off the field— for the Bengals this year. Before his injury he had registered 11 receptions for 216 yards and two scores this season.

This is a moderate loss to the Bengals passing offense, but considering how little Henry was actually involved through the first seven games, it won’t cripple the now 6-2 Bengals.

 

Fantasy Perspective : The loss of Henry takes a bit away from Cincy’s vertical game, which could hamper Carson Palmer’s overall effectiveness, but this injury mostly just benefits Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles. They’ll be the recipients of whatever targets Henry would have seen.

Andre Caldwell should now be able to hold onto the third receiver job without worrying about sharing duties with Henry.

There is no word yet how long Henry will be out, but this is an injury that could keep him out through your fantasy playoffs, if not for the entire NFL season.

For more NFL news and Fantasy guidance, go to NFLSoup.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Risers: Chris Chambers

The Kansas City Chiefs just found goal, regardless of how “washed up” San Diego may have felt Chris Chambers is.

The former Dolphin and Charger hauled in three catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns (including a 54-yard score) in his Kansas City debut, in an amazing effort after joining the team earlier this week.

While this could be a fluke performance, Chambers appears to have quickly separated himself from lesser talents on the roster, and is already looking to be Matt Cassel’s number two target behind Dwayne Bowe, and well ahead of Bobby Wade.

Chambers had fallen out of the loop in San Diego over the course of the 2008 season, despite starting that year with a touchdown catch in five consecutive games.

Chambers then faded down the stretch last season, and continued into this season with a reduced role, often being targeted as low as the Chargers fifth option in the passing game.

For Chambers’ outlook with the Chiefs and more, go to NFLSoup.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Soup’s Fantasy Football Player Breakdowns: Week Nine

You can check all the fantasy columns you want, and while they all give you solid info and analysis, nothing prepares you for setting your Sunday lineup like a solid player breakdown.

Take a look at the top plays for each team and their matchup in Week Nine, as well as a rating out of five (*) stars:

 

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

QB Joe Flacco: Could have some success against so-so secondary. ***
RB Ray Rice: Has been unstoppable and had three scores in last two games. ****
WR Derrick Mason: Very solid, always a decent WR3. ***
WR Mark Clayton: Has been getting low-end WR3 numbers and that won’t change. **
TE Todd Heap: Isn’t a huge part of the offense, so don’t expect much. **

QB Carson Palmer: Coming off of a five-TD game and Ravens pass defense is spotty. ****
RB Cedric Benson: Played well in last meeting but it will be tough. ***
WR Chad Ochocinco: Burned them for 94 yards last time, and should be active. ****
WR Kelley Washington: He’s not elite, but he’s more active than Coles or Henry. **

 

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

QB Chad Henne: Dolphins will work mostly with Wildcat and ground game. **
RB Ronnie Brown: Patriots aren’t amazing against run, and should get plenty of touches. ****
RB Ricky Williams: Is always good for a play or two, and the touches will be there. ***
WR Davone Bess: Only a decent option by default. Not a lot of upside here. *
WR Ted Ginn Jr: Mostly only valuable in return leagues right now. *

QB Tom Brady: Facing average defense with all his weapons in place. *****
RB Laurence Maroney: Could have a big day, but probably won’t need to. ***
WR Randy Moss: Is facing two rookie corners. We like his chances. *****
WR Wes Welker: Should be extremely active underneath. *****
TE Benjamin Watson: Doesn’t get a ton of looks, but scores decently. **

Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars

QB Matt Cassel: Is facing horrible overall defense, so potential is there. ***
RB Jamaal Charles: Facing run defense that gave up 200+ on the ground last week. ***
WR Dwayne Bowe: Always a decent player, and especially so against weak defense. ***
WR Chris Chambers: Not a factor in San Diego, but new role could change things. **

QB David Garrard: KC corners are slow, but Garrard hasn’t looked good. **
RB Maurice Jones-Drew: A must-start. Always. ****
WR Mike Sims-Walker: Should do better than last week’s horrible nine yard effort. ***
WR Torry Holt: Can he finally get in the end zone? This would be the week, you’d think. ***
TE Marcedes Lewis: If Garrard gets it going, he could be OK. **

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

QB Matt Schaub: Indy lost both Marlin Jackson and Bob Sanders for the season. Do the math. ****
RB Steve Slaton: Had one carry and a fumble last week. Very risky play. **
RB Ryan Moats: Was huge after taking over for Slaton. Not sure what his role will be. **
WR Andre Johnson: Should put up huge numbers against decimated secondary. *****
WR Kevin Walter: Takes over for the injured Owen Daniels over the middle. Targets should increase. ***

QB Peyton Manning: Houston pass defense is pretty average, and Manning is always rock-solid. *****
RB Joseph Addai: Wasn’t awesome last week by himself, and Brown should be back. ***
RB Donald Brown: Is still banged up, but should get 10-12 touches if ready to go. **
WR Reggie Wayne: The best in the game. Going up against beatable matchup. *****
WR Austin Collie: Has been very consistent, and should get open underneath plenty. ***
WR Pierre Garcon: Has been quiet, but is due for some big action. Monitor his recent injury. **
TE Dallas Clark: Always gets solid targets as Manning’s No. 2 guy. *****

 

Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears

QB Kurt Warner: Threw five picks last week and Bears top corner Tillman playing well. ***
RB Tim Hightower: Splitting carries and hasn’t been too impressive. **
RB Chris Wells: Carries dipped last week, but should see 10-15 touches. **
WR Larry Fitzgerald: Always a good play, but isn’t finding deep balls. ****
WR Anquan Boldin: Huge injury risk, but looks safe to play this week. ***
WR Steve Breaston: Also dealing with an injury, but has been consistent. **
WR Jerheme Urban: Could see more work with Breaston and Boldin ailing. **

QB Jay Cutler: Should fare well against weak secondary if Forte takes the pressure off. ***
RB Matt Forte: Doesn’t show up against decent run defenses, so can’t expect much. **
WR Devin Hester: Has been targeted well and is fully healthy. ***
WR Earl Bennett: Not a playmaker and doesn’t have a huge role in the offense. **
WR Johnny Knox: Can make huge plays, but doesn’t see the field as much as he should. **
TE Greg Olsen: Has been a disappointment, but could do some damage this week. ***

 

Washington Redskins @ Atlanta Falcons

QB Jason Campbell: Obviously hasn’t been great, but not a terrible matchup. **
RB Clinton Portis: Good matchup because Falcons don’t stop the run all that well. ***
WR Santana Moss: Could find some deep balls if Campbell gets it going early. ***
TE Fred Davis: Was great in place of Cooley last week, and Atlanta stinks against tight ends. ***

QB Matt Ryan: Can’t get much worse than what he’s been, but Washington D is solid. **
RB Michael Turner: Should be leaned on heavily, but facing good run defense. ***
WR Roddy White: Has turned into a must-start guy, regardless of the matchup. ***
WR Michael Jenkins: Not a major factor in the offense, so not a great play. **
TE Tony Gonzalez: Should be more active than last week as Ryan’s safety net. ****

For the rest of the matchups and player breakdowns, head over to NFLSoup.com

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