Fantasy Football: End of Dwayne Bowe

 

OK, it’s not technically the end for Kansas City WR Dwayne Bowe, but he will be out for four weeks after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This failed test could also ensure that he won’t be back with the Chiefs next year as he already was in Coach Todd Haley’s doghouse earlier this year.

Bowe is set to return in Week 15 against the Browns. While it would be hard to use him in the fantasy playoffs after a month-long hiatus, it is the Browns. He finishes up against Cincinnati. No way I’d gamble on Bowe in the fantasy championship against the Bengals.

If you can afford to sit on him for four weeks I suggest you do so for that Browns game. If you can’t, start shopping the waiver wire. Here are some possible replacements.

Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kevin Walter, Houston Texans
Patrick Crayton, Dallas Cowboys
Laveranues Coles, Cincinnati Bengals
Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts
Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams
Chris Chambers, Kansas City Chiefs

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week 10: Injuries Galore

It seemed the chic thing to do this weekend was get hurt. Here’s an early look at how some of the trendiest players have responded the morning after.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fourth-and-1 Debate: Thursday Football Adjustments

Eric of www.rotoprofessor.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth-and-1 Round Table debate topic.

Click here to see the full article .

This Week’s Topic

What adjustments do you make to your fantasy strategy in the second half, with games
now being played on Thursdays?

My Response

My first thought was the short week was hard on running backs, since they take such a beating game after game. I decided to look back to last year’s games to see how the RBs fared.

Week 10
Jamal Lewis: 19-60, TD (3.2 ypc)
I disregarded Denver since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 11
Thomas Jones: 30-104, TD (3.5 ypc)
I disregarded New England since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 12
Cedric Benson: 16-35 (2.2 ypc)
I disregarded Pittsburgh since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 13
Chris Johnson: 16-125, 2 TDs (7.8 ypc)
LenDale White: 23-106, 2 TDs (4.6 ypc)
Kevin Smith: 12-22 (1.8 ypc)

Week 14
LaDainian Tomlinson: 25-91, TD (3.6 ypc)
I disregarded Oakland since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

Week 15
Pierre Thomas: 22-87, TD (4.0 ypc)
Matt Forte: 11-34, TD (3.1 ypc)

Week 16
Maurice Jones-Drew: 20-91 (4.6 ypc)
I disregarded Indy since they didn’t have a consistent running game.

At first glance, I noticed the majority of the RBs had a low yards per carry ratio. I also noticed that a good portion of them score anyway.

Judging by these numbers, I would stick with my top backs in standard leagues and look for replacements in heavy yardage leagues.

I also decided to look at QB play.

Week 10:  Cutler 447 yards, 3 TDs; Quinn 239 yards, 2 TDs
Week 11:  Favre 258 yards, 2 TDs; Cassel 400 yards, 3 TDs
Week 12:  Big Ben 243 yards, TD; Cincy didn’t count
Week 13:  TENN-DET game didn’t count
               Romo 331 yards, 3 TDs; Hasselbeck 287 yards
               McNabb 260 yards, 4 TDs; Warner 235 yards, 3 TDs
Week 14:  Rivers 214 yards, 3 TDs; Oakland doesn’t count
Week 15:  Brees 232 yards, 2 TDs; Chicago doesn’t count
Week 16:  Peyton Manning 364 yards, 3 TDs, Garrard 329 yards, TD

Now we’re talking.

Almost every QB that mattered had a monster game during the short week. Looking back to last year as guidance, I am starting a QB that plays on Thursday whenever the situation arises.

Panelists

Junkyard Jake of  www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of  www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of  www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of  www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of  www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of  www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of  www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of  www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of  www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of  www.hattywaiverwireguru.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football: Talkin’ About Practice Week Ten

Practiced (No Worries)

Anquan Boldin (ankle)—Boldin could have played last week if it were a playoff game. He should be good to go this week and hopefully in the clear. Oh, and Kurt Warner didn’t miss him last week.
Calvin Johnson (knee)—Megatron is too good to bench when he can give it a go.

Practiced (Don’t Use)

Donald Brown (shoulder)—Brown practiced, but he did that last week as well. He could play this week in the showdown against New England, but I wouldn’t gamble on him until he proves he’s back.
Darren McFadden (knee)—It’s good to know he practiced, but he likely won’t reclaim the starting job from Justin Fargas this week.

Limited (No Worries)

Bernard Berrian (hamstring)—Should be fine, and a nice play against the Lions.
Brett Favre (groin)—He’s the Chuck Norris of football.
Aaron Rodgers (foot, toe)—The Pack are just giving him rest because he’s under attack on game days.

 

Limited (Don’t Use)

Matthew Stafford (knee)—Stafford is going to under heavy fire against Jared Allen and the Vikings. Multiple INTs seems inevitable.
Muhsin Muhammad (knee)—Moose returned to practice. Even if he is good to go this week against Atlanta, he has no business on a fantasy roster at this point.

Missed Practice (No Worries)

Marques Colston (flu)—He’ll should be fine.
Jonathan Stewart (heel)—This is part of his routine.
DeAngelo Williams (knee)—D-Will should be good to go.

 

Missed Practice (Worry)

Antonio Bryant (knee)—It’s beginning to look like a lost season for Bryant.
Terrell Owens (hip)—T.O. is a gamer, but even if he’s good to go, he appears to have lost it this year.
Clinton Portis (concussion)—I’m convinced he’ll miss this week’s game.
Brian Westbrook (ankle)—I can’t trust him until he suits up.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Debate: Laurence Maroney vs. Jamaal Charles

OK, quick fantasy football question. Please weigh in.

Who would you rather have on your fantasy football team, Laurence Maroney or Jamaal Charles?

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football: Talkin’ About Practice Week Nine Edition

 

It’s looking like Anquan Boldin will finally be forced to sit out because of his ankle injury.  It’s not healing properly because he keeps tweaking it.  They’ll need him at full strength if they’re going to make another run at the division and beyond.  Steve Breaston will get the start, and makes a great play this weekend.

Jake Delhomme (chest) has been able to practice, but I wouldn’t even use him in two-QB leagues at this point.  If he struggles, it will be Matt Moore time.  He is also a risk to aggravate his injury.  Oh yeah, and he must be color blind because he can’t figure out which team to throw the ball to.

Calvin Johnson (knee) was able to return to practice for the Lions, which is a good indication that he’ll be ready to return to the field finally.  Detroit desperately needs him in their lineup.  If he can go, he makes for a great play against Seattle.

Brian Westbrook (concussion) got medical clearance to play this weekend against Dallas.  He’ll probably be in a reduced role because LeSean McCoy has played so well.  Westy isn’t a must-start at this point, but he should be a solid option as long as he’s given the green light by the Eagles’ coaching staff.  McCoy has the flu, which could cause the Eagles to lean on Westy a bit more.  Monitor this situation.

Limited (No Worries)
Steve Breaston (knee)
Donald Driver (neck)
Matt Hasselbeck (ribs)
Todd Heap (ankle)
Devin Hester (ankle)
Greg Olsen (ankle)
Aaron Rodgers (foot, toe)
Kevin Smith (shoulder)
Jonathan Stewart (heel)

Limited (Don’t Use)
Lance Moore (ankle)—Not because he’s hurting, but because he’s been bad this year.
Muhsin Muhammad—Even if he plays, he shouldn’t be in your lineup.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Files: Talkin’ About Practice, Week Eight

Aaron Rodgers (foot) and Brett Favre (hip) were both limited in practice today. There is no chance that either quarterback will miss the Grudge Match Part Deux.

Here’s some more practice-related news:

 

Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings

Berrian missed practice because of a hamstring injury that he suffered against Pittsburgh last week. The Vikings play the afternoon game, limiting your replacement options if he’s not good to go. A speed receiver with a bad hammy is not a good combo. I’d look elsewhere.

 

David Clowney, New York Jets

An ankle injured caused Clowney to miss practice. Even if he can play, he’s not a good fantasy option despite a strong showing last week.

 

Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets

Now this is a Jet that you should use this week. His hammy appears healed and Sanchez will be glad to have his top playmaker back.

 

Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks

Hasselbeck was held out of practice to rest his ribs. Even if he’s good to go, I don’t trust him against Dallas.

 

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles

Jackson’s foot briefly knocked him out of action against the Redskins. He was able to return to the game, which eases my concerns over his missed practice today.

 

Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

AJ missed practice because of a bruised lung but is expected to play this week. I don’t need to tell you that if he plays, he’s a must-start.

 

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Calvin (knee) missed practice again. Until he shows signs that he’s going to play, I can’t endorse gambling on him.

 

Muhsin Muhammad, Carolina Panthers

His ankle kept him off the practice field, but his inability to make plays should keep him off your fantasy rosters. That and poor QB play. Cut Moose loose.

 

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

J-Stew has missed Wednesday practice all year.

 

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

A groin injury kept Wayne from practicing, but there’s little concern of his availability this week.

 

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles

Westy’s concussion knocked him out of the Monday Night Football game, and it will likely force him out of action this week as well.

---

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Injury Updates: Anquan Boldin & More

 

Anquan Boldin returned to practice today, which dramatically improves his chances of playing on Sunday. Nonetheless, I suggest you keep in on your fantasy bench if possible—due to his late starting time. He could aggravate his ankle in warmups, leaving you high and dry. Even if he does go, the Cardinals face the Giants tough pass defense.

Boldin’s teammates Steve Breaston (knee) and Beanie Wells (hip) were limited in practice today. They both should play as well, but only Breaston should be counted on by fantasy owners. Even when healthy, Beanie hasn’t proved reliable yet.

Donnie Avery (hip) was able to practice today. He should play against the Colts, but I suggest you look elsewhere.  Indy is ninth against the pass and has allowed just two passing touchdowns.

Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) practiced today and is likely to play against Arizona, which has been tough on the run. Use him if you must, but I don’t like him this week.

Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) will not play this week against Oakland.

Percy Harvin (shoulder) was limited in practice today. Even if he plays against the Steelers, he shouldn’t be in fantasy lineups. Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian have left Percy in the dust.

Greg Jennings (hip) returned to practice today. He’s a lock to play against the Browns this weekend, a team he should tear up. Start him with confidence.

Felix Jones (knee) is set to play on Sunday against Atlanta. He should remain on fantasy benches though as Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice are ahead of him in pecking order.

Eli Manning (foot) was able to practice today. He’s going to play. That’s a given.  He should do well against the Cardinals’ weak pass defense. Use him as you normally would.

Mario Manningham (back) was able to practice as well. He makes  a decent play this week against the Cards. I would only use, but only out of necessity. 

Chad Ochocinco (hip) missed practice today, but nothing suggests that he will be unavailable against the Bears on Sunday. Ocho is having a great year, and is a must-start against the Bears.

Terrell Owens sat out of practice today. He’s not hurt. He’s just old and sucky now.  Don’t use him against Carolina this weekend.

Adrian Peterson (ankle) was able to practice today. He is a must-start despite his tough matchup against Pittsburgh on the road.

Clinton Portis (ankle) missed practice again, but he’s a good bet to play on MNF against the Eagles. I don’t like the matchup though, so if you have another option, by all means go with it. Portis is fading big time.

Jonathan Stewart (heel) was able to practice and makes a nice flex play against the Bills this week. Carolina has to rely heavily on its ground game to get back in the playoff chase.

Roy Williams (ribs) will likely play against Atlanta, but runs a high risk of aggravating his injury. I’d look elsewhere.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Anquan Boldin: Game-Time Decision

If you’re an Anquan Boldin owner, I’m sure you were preparing to hear the phrase Game-Time Decision regarding Boldin’s availability for Sunday’s clash with the Giants.  He injured his ankle in last week’s win over Seattle and was held out of practice today.

He was able to play, albeit sparingly, in the second half of last week’s game, which leads me to believe he’ll at least make an attempt to play this week.  That, and the fact that he is a tough, physical receiver.

The problem, however, is that his game is the Sunday Night game, which makes it hard to gamble on plugging him into your lineup.  If you don’t have a Steve Breaston, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, or Santana Moss, it would be hard to depend on Boldin this week. If he can’t go, his replacement options are limited.

Stay tuned as this story develops, but for now I’d make alternate plans at WR this week.

Click here for some possible replacements.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football: Talkin’ About Practice Week Seven

 

Felix Jones (knee) managed to practice for the Cowboys, but his fantasy value took a hit when he went down.  Tashard Choice has passed him as Marion Barber’s primary backup.

Jerious Norwood (hip) will miss this week’s game against Dallas.  Jason Snelling will be Michael Turner’s primary backup, but doesn’t offer much fantasy value.

 

Limited in Practice :

Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle)—Should be fine, but has tough matchup this week against Arizona.
Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring)—Could be a game-time decision.  Proceed with caution.
Percy Harvin (shoulder)—Forgotten man in Minny.  Wouldn’t play him anyway.
Eli Manning (foot)—He’ll be good to go against Arizona’s weak pass D.
Rashard Mendenhall (knee)—He’ll be good to go, but has tougher test against the Vikings.
Adrian Peterson (ankle)—He’ll play on Sunday.  Gotta start him despite tough matchup.
Jeremy Shockey (shoulder)—Should be fine against Miami.

 

Missed Practice :

Donnie Avery (hip)—Likely game-time decision.  Stay away.
Trent Edwards (concussion) – He’ll miss this week, but who’s using him anyway?
Jerome Harrison (flu)— Should be fine on Sunday, but should not be in lineups.
Sammy Morris (knee)—Likely won’t play this week.  Hard to get a read on his status.
Clinton Portis (ankle)—He’ll likely play, but has tough test against Eagles.
Jonathan Stewart (heel)—Heel be good to go (pun intended). This is part of his routine.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010