Author: John Paulsen (Page 932 of 937)

A ton of players got injured Sunday – this means changes are in store for your roster & starting lineup. Post all of your fantasy football questions here.

In last week’s waiver watch, I mentioned Mark Brunell (322 yds, 2 TDs), Josh McCown (394 yds, 2 TDs) and Kelly Holcomb (169 yds, 1 TD). Okay, so maybe Holcomb’s numbers aren’t going to set the world on fire, but he did revive a comatose Buffalo passing attack and, in the process, made Lee Evans (3 catches, 65 yards) and Eric Moulds (7 catches, 59 yards, TD) relevant again in the world of fantasy football.

Who should you pick up this week?

QUARTERBACKS

Matt Schaub, ATL – Michael Vick was a scratch late Sunday morning and I’m sure more than a few owners didn’t bench him in time. In one league, I managed to take him out of the lineup and even picked up Schaub, but I started Drew Brees instead and lost by 14. Had I started Schaub, I would have won by five. But the past is in the past, and it’s time to look forward. Schaub looked very solid on Sunday (298 yards, 3 TDs) and is a must-have if you already own the oft-injured Vick, even if this is the only game he starts all season.

RUNNING BACKS

Tony Fisher, GB – Ahman Green should be back after the bye week, but Fisher is now his backup and holds decent value in leagues that reward one point per reception. He caught six passes for 40 yards on Sunday and figures to get a lot of action if Green misses any more time.

Antowain Smith, NO – Deuce McAllister is out for the year with a knee injury and Smith is his primary backup. The problem is he’ll be splitting time with Aaron Stecker, who is the better receiver and figures to get a lot of action with the Saints being behind every week. Proceed with caution.

Cedric Benson, CHI – Thomas Jones rumbled for 137 yards before leaving the game with what he called a “bone bruise” in his knee. He has vowed to be back next week, but if he isn’t able to go, Benson figures to get a lot more work. I think Jones is the best back in Chicago right now, but if his injury lingers, it could be the opportunity the rookie is looking for.

Patrick Pass, NE – Pass filled in for Corey Dillon when he left Sunday with a leg injury, rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown in limited action. His value is entirely dependent on Dillon’s availability, and the Patriots are notoriously secretive about their injuries.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Joe Jurevicius, SEA – Darrell Jackson’s status wasn’t revealed until after press time last week, but had I known he (and Bobby Engram) would miss the game against the Rams, I would have listed Jurevicius as a sure pickup. I did mention him in my Week 5 preview as a player to start and he didn’t disappoint, catching nine passes for 137 yards and a score. Jurevicius should be a solid play as long as Jackson is out.

Antonio Bryant, CLE – Bryant was probably drafted in most leagues, but found his way to many waiver wires after a lackluster start. With Braylon Edwards missing some time to an injury, Bryant caught six passes for 83 yards and 2 TDs on Sunday. Bryant has all the physical tools to be a solid #2 WR in most fantasy leagues, but whether or not he’ll get the opportunity to shine in Cleveland is up for debate.

First, let’s see how I did with last week’s picks:

START

Jake Delhomme – 206 passing yards, 2 TDs
Kevan Barlow – 55 total yards, 0 TD
Kevin Curtis – 6 catches, 78 yards

BENCH

Jake Plummer – 136 passing yards, 2 TDs
Kevin Jones – 38 rushing yards, 1 TD
Derrick Mason – 5 catches, 54 yards

What we learned: Barlow should ride the pine unless you are desperate – or Alex Smith somehow helps the running game. Curtis will get a lot of looks with Bruce still ailing. Denver’s record is 8-1 when Plummer passes for less than 200 yards, so Shanahan will continue to feature the running game.

On to this week’s picks:

START

QB – David Carr, HOU
He’s got a new offensive coordinator and he’s thrilled about it. He’s facing a Titans pass defense that has allowed 227 yards per game along with ten touchdowns. I’m not saying start him over your stud, but if you have a middle of the road guy and Carr on your bench, give the kid a look.

RB – Thomas Jones, CHI
Cedric Benson, where are you? Most thought the rookie would be carrying the load by now. But Jones has been excellent so far (276 yards and 4 TDs over the first three games) and Chicago is facing a Cleveland defense that has given up an average of 127 yards on the ground. Start him while you can.

WR – Joe Jurevicius, SEA
You may be asking – the third WR for Seattle? Well, Darrell Jackson and Bobby Engram are doubtful this week and the Seahawks face the Rams, so it should be a high scoring affair. If Jurevicius is on your roster, this would be the week to play him.

BENCH

QB – Byron Leftwich, QB
The Jaguars face Cincinnati, who is surprising a lot of people with some very stout defense – (195 ypg and only 2 TDs over the first four games). Leftwich owners can only hope for a shootout.

RB – Curtis Martin, NYJ
Tampa Bay is coming to town, coming to town, coming to town. Tampa Bay is coming to town, be-ench Martin. (Sorry.) Bench all of the Jets this week.

WR – Michael Clayton, TB
I already told you to bench Laveranues Coles, so I’m going to go with an opposing WR. Clayton revealed this week that he’s been playing with a separated shoulder. That can’t be good. Throw in the fact that the Jets have only allowed an average of 168 yards a game through the air, and you have the makings of a bad game for Clayton.

KEY INJURIES

Ahman Green – Q
Bobby Engram – D
Bubba Franks – Q
Carnell Williams – Q
Chad Pennington – O
Curtis Martin – P
Darrell Jackson – D
David Akers – O
Donovan McNabb – P
Drew Bennett – Q
Erron Kinney – Q
Hines Ward – Q
Isaac Bruce – D
Jason Hanson – P
Joe Horn – Q
Justin McCareins – P
Kurt Warner – O
Michael Clayton – P
Michael Vick – P
Rudi Johnson – P
Stephen Davis – P
T.J. Houshmandzadeh – Q
Terrell Owens – P
Todd Heap – P
Tom Brady – P