Question 1: Asked by @NYLivinCAMind

Start 1: Bradford, Ryan or Cassel?

Answer

Even though Matt Ryan is a beast at home, I have to give the nod to Cassel here.  Ryan has a much taller-task to overcome with the Packers coming to town, than Matt Cassel faces by going to Qwest Field.  The Seahawks have the NFL’s 30th ranked pass defense and are allowing an average of just over 16 fantasy points per game to the opposing QB.  With the recent emergence of Dwayne Bowe as an elite WR for the Chiefs, Cassel finally has a reliable target on the outside to make big plays and help him convert on longer 3rd down attempts.

Question 2: Asked by Connor

Due to some inopportune injuries I really need to add some WR depth with huge upside down the road for the playoffs.  Who should I pickup: Steve Breaston, Blair White, Nate Burleson, or Davone Bess?

Answer

These are some pretty decent options for pickup.  Steve Breaston has been surprisingly consistent with the number of yards he is able to build up by the end of the game.  The Cardinals are a losing team and are typically forced to go to the air at the end of the game in effort to stay competitive.  To me, the stand out here is Blair White, however.  Austin Collie has had some serious issues with staying healthy and with Pierre Garcon not being the same go-to-guy that he was last season… there are a lot of targets to spread around in Indianapolis.

Question 2: Asked by wtb2612

Pick 2 to start (RB2 and FLEX): Keiland Williams, Mike Tolbert, Mike Goodson and Darren Sproles

Answer

You’re going to need to keep an eye on the status of Ryan Torain for the game this week.  As of now, it does not look as if he will be able to play (he is currently listed as questionable however) and Jonathan Stewart should be back to compete with Goodson for carries in that struggling Panthers offense.  Tolbert and Williams, due to injury, should be the ones to see the most carries and are on better offenses which are more likely to be in a position for them to score a TD. You can see my answer to this question and the answers of others on Fandemic.

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Pickups

Blair White, WR, IND - After Austin Collie left this game with an injury AGAIN, White was able to show what he can do with the chance to get on the field.  He was an effective slot receiver and Collie owners should go and pick this guy up to ensure they get the value that comes with Peyton’s slot receiver!  While initially it looked like Collie suffered a second concussion, there has been no confirmation of that and you will want to keep a close eye on this situation.

Mike Goodson, RB, CAR - Logic dictates that the Panthers will look to Jonathan Stewart to fill-in for DeAngelo Williams now that we know Williams is out for the season.  However, given the back-to-back 100 yard performances from Mike Goodson, this is no given.  The situation is hazy still, so both Stewart and Goodson should be owned… but I like Goodson due to the fact that he has been the most productive Panthers RB of the season thus far.

Nate Burleson, WR, DET - I really thought Burleson would lose all of his fantasy-value when Stafford was injured for the second time… but he has found a way to be productive and find the end zone.  I would rather own this guy than Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, Nate Washington, Mario Manningham and maybe Randy Moss…  To clarify this a bit, DO NOT DROP MOSS JUST YET.  He has the Texans and Jaguars in consecutive weeks and that is exactly what sparked the resurgence of Dwayne Bowe.  If he flops next week, you can drop him if there are better options.

Keiland Williams, RB, WAS - Portis suffered a setback in his week 11 return and with Ryan Torain also looking like he should miss at least one more week… Williams has a leg-up on his competition by simply being the healthiest back that the Redskins have on their roster.  Make sure that he is owned in your league!

TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR, BAL – I won’t start trusting a performance like this, but Anquan Boldin owners are searching for answers on how to add to their depth…. Housh appears to have settled into his role in the Ravens offense.  If you’re in a deeper format, look to this former-fantasy stud to bolster your bench going into the playoffs.

Davone Bess, WR, MIA - Brandon Marshall suffered a hamstring injury and has been a huge disappointment thus far this season.  Even with the poor QB play exhibited on Thursday night, Bess is worth a roster spot going into next week with a longer break than normal.

Steve Breaston, WR, ARI – Derek Anderson is not a great QB.  Despite that, the Cardinals offense has been able to move the ball down the field as well as find the endzone.  He probably isn’t available in your league still… but make sure because he could be a fill-in should you suffer injuries at any point late in this season.

Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG - There are rumors floating around that Ahmad Bradshaw has fumbled his starting job away.  While I don’t see how that could be true, if he keeps putting the ball on the ground while the team struggles… then it will certainly happen.  Jacobs is probably owned, but until now…. he probably shouldn’t have been.

Jon Kitna, QB, DAL – Cowboys football is fun to watch again?! He isn’t a savior… he isn’t even a great player.  But, if he can use the weapons that the Cowboys have at their disposal… he is a better backup than most.

Dump List

Willis McGahee, RB, BAL – The chance that McGahee sees the goal line carries is declining.  That is 100% of his value, so now that he isn’t a shoe-in to to get the short rushing TDs… why own him?

Lance Moore, WR, NO – Reggie Bush was so close to coming back for the game this week, that he is sure to make his return in week 12.  Moore saw increased touches in the passing game on the same kind of plays where Brees usually looked to Bush.  Moore is now down with Meachem in the rankings from here on out.

Kenny Britt, WR, TEN – I know he is hurt, but a lot of people held onto him after his huge performance in week 7.  Now that the locker room is melting down and the QB situation is a mess, there is no need to reserve a roster spot for a guy who has no solid information available about his return.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA - I know that I for one expected Lynch to have a big comeback in Seattle… Justin Forsett is now the Seattle RB you want to own, so if there are any good alternatives on the waiver wire… bail now before it is too late.

Mario Manningham, WR, NYG - Watch the Steve Smith injury very closely over the next few days.  We expected him to make it back after two weeks off and when he returns the value of Manningham goes out the window.

Clinton Portis, RB, WAS - I usually don’t include injured players here, you can read the reports to see how bad it is and make your decision.  Nothing I have seen does this justice however.  Get out now, my guess is he is done for the season and will likely not suit up as a Redskin again in his career.

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Pickups

James Jones, WR, GB - If you are in a very competitive league with people that do their homework, Jones will not still be available.  He had a huge day filling in for Driver this week and if he can keep it up while Driver gets back to 100% it is entirely possible that Jones becomes the new #2 receiver for Rodgers and the Packers. Don’t let him remain unowned in your league for another day.

Mike Tolbert, RB, SD - With Ryan Mathews leaving this game after re-aggravating the same injury that has been hampering him all season, it is easy to see a scenario where Tolbert takes the reins of this rushing offense and with him already getting the goal line carries he will be a top 20 RB if Mathews does miss time after the Chargers week 10 bye.

Mike Goodson, RB, CAR - Admittedly, you are going to need to be pretty desperate to pick up and start Goodson.  But, with DeAngelo Williams being out for 2 weeks in a row, Jonathan Stewart leaving this game with a concussion and Tyrell Sutton unable to finish the game either… Goodson could see 20 plus carries next week if Williams is not able to go.

Nate Burleson, WR, DET - This may all be a waste since Stafford is hurt again and has been the reason that Burleson has value.  But, if you are in a PPR league you should go for it anyways.  Calvin Johnson runs the deep routes all game and Burleson handles all of the possession routes.  In standard formats you should watch to see if Stafford is going to be OK before making a move on Burleson.

Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN - Anyone who thought Brett Favre was done was mistaken.  There is no quit in that senior citizen and that is demonstrated by him putting up a career-high 446 passing yards in a tough overtime victory over the struggling Cardinals.  This value will only hold until Sidney Rice returns and that could be as soon as this week.

Jacoby Jones, WR, HOU - With a game coming up against the Jaguars, who can’t cover receivers to save their lives, Jones is a sleeper pick for Week 10.  Jones is a big, physical receiver much like Andre Johnson and this is one of the only weeks left on the schedule that is favorable for the Texans passing attack.

Mario Manningham, WR, NYG - The Giants are an incredibly streaky team that goes from looking like an elite Super Bowl contender to looking inept on both sides of the ball.  For now, they look more like one of the best teams in the NFC and with a game against the Cowboys coming up in week 10, all their receiving threats get a significant upgrade in the rankings this week.  Manningham should be able to cover for you as a flex play this week if your having injury or bye-week issues.

Mike Thomas, WR, JAC - Thomas is my third option as a injury/bye-week fill-in this week.  The team that allows the second most points per week to the WR position is the Houston Texans.  This game should be filled with big passing plays due to how inept each secondary is and before their last game in week 8, Thomas was the best receiver for the Jaguars.

Dump List

Darren Sproles, RB, SD – It really looked like Sproles was going to go back to being used by the Chargers offense this week considering all the injuries to receivers and how effective he is in the passing game.  Unfortunately even when Mathews was knocked out of the game, Sproles did not get used and shouldn’t be trusted at all the rest of the year.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR – He just doesn’t have it in him anymore.  The Panthers offense is struggling and there is no telling who will lineup at QB for them any given week.  That inconsistency and the below-average play of Stewart make him a complete bust for this season, so get out while you still may be able to salvage your team!

Brent Celek, TE, PHI - Vick just doesn’t look for Celek with any regularity.  You may not be able to find a better option on free agency, but if you can then don’t feel bad about dumping Celek.

CJ Spiller, RB, BUF - I don’t care how dynamic of a play maker he is, you can’t wait forever for this guy to prove his worth.  He is on a bad team, with an inconsistent offense and since he has only had one decent week all year, you can’t trust him to start him… so just drop him and let him be someone else’s headache.

Marion Barber, RB, DAL - The Cowboys are a bad team.  It may not have looked like it going into the season, but as they fight with the Bills for the number 1 draft pick and are completely unable to run the ball, there is no reason to hold on to their number 2 RB.

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With the first weekend of free agency drawing to a close its time to look at how the moves that have been made so far impact next years Fantasy Football season.  Many big-names have changed teams during this week, and  will shake up next seasons pre-draft rankings quite a bit.  Here are the roster moves made so far during this free agency period that have an impact on fantasy football:

Anquan Boldin traded to Ravens – The biggest move of the free agency period was not a signing, but a trade.  With the addition of Anquan Boldin to the Ravens offense three different players all receive a bump in my rankings; Joe Flacco, Anquan Boldin (shocker!), and Ray Rice.  The biggest weakness of the Ravens last year was balance in the passing game.  They have been lacking a serious play-maker at the wide receiver position, and Flacco’s production was hurt the worst by it.  Mason is getting old and may not be back in a Ravens uniform next year, but with the addition of Stallworth and now Boldin the Ravens will finally have two polished receivers that can stretch the field AND get open over the middle.  The impact on Ray Rice will also be significant, with Boldin on the roster the Ravens will have a balanced offensive attack instead of the Ray Rice show that was last season.  Next year he wont be a surprise, people know what he can do now and without a balanced attack he would be vulnerable to being schemed against.  With game-breaking talent at wide-out defenses will need to respect the deep ball and Rice will remain a top tier back.

(Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / September 23, 2007 )

Antonio Cromartie traded to the Jets – Another trade tops my list of moves made during free agency week, and yes I know it was the day before but its so significant I’m sneaking it in!  This move will solidify the Jets as my #1 Defense for next season barring some unforeseen incident.  While Cromartie  is certainly no Revis, he is a very gifted player filling the area of biggest need for the Jets already number one ranked defense.  Oh, and the Jets were already first in the league in passing defense last year… 30 yards fewer per game than the number two Bills.

(AP Photo/Chris Park)

Bears sign Chester Taylor – I am really excited to see what Taylor can do outside the shadow of Adrian Peterson… but I do not think we will know his full potential until at least next year.  The Bears have no picks in the first two rounds, and have an offensive line that could use quite a bit of work.  Good news for the Bears however, this is a VERY deep draft class at offensive line and there is a real chance they could find a diamond in the rough.  Taylor is a very complete back and he will likely take over the primary role leaving Forte to handle third downs.

Taylor runs through an arm tackle.

Lions sign Nate Burleson – Calvin Johnson finally has someone that could pull some double teams away from him… ok not quite. However,  Burleson has 7 years of experience and a fair few left in him.  His veteran leadership and experience at being on mediocre teams could go a long way to helping the Lions on the road to average.  And lets face it, with a tough and talented kid like Stafford at the helm they could get there pretty quick.  Burleson will likely see similar production as he had in his disappointing last season, but he could really help Megatron get open a couple more times per game… and that is certainly a good thing.

(AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)

Bears sign Julius Peppers – The Bears make my list twice since they needed to use the limited free agent pool as their draft, and lets face it… you cant draft the best pass rushing defensive end and that is what the Bears got in Peppers.  The biggest weakness for the Bears defense last year was… well… their offense.  With Cutler throwing such a large number of interceptions as well as the Bears’ inability to extend drives and provide some rest for their defenders, just about every game the defense was worn out by the fourth quarter and unable to stop much of anything.  Hopefully Taylor and Manumaleuna help to extend drives and give those poor guys a break.  If the Bears find a good lineman or two, their defense could be a top5 fantasy defense again soon.

(REUTERS/Jason E. Miczek)

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LOVE

Thomas Jones – Bills are soft against opposing RBs given the injuries that have plagued their entire team.  Jones has been a model of consistency all season there is no reason it doesn’t happen again.

Matt Forte – I love all offensive players against the Rams unless they are Browns.

Cedric Benson – Benson was over rested to ensure his production deep into the playoffs.  He is aching to get back and they wont be afraid to use him in a great match up!

Brandon Marshall – The fact that the Chiefs have been on a tear as of late only makes it more likely that the passing game will be relevant deep into the game.

Jason Avant – Avant is a great pickup this week as Jackson’s absence is going to be missed against a weak Falcons secondary in week 13.  Avant is the lead candidate to fill the void Jackson will leave in the offense.

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson – The game is in Jacksonville but the Jags are quite bad against the pass.  This duo is all set to have quite a great week for fantasy owners especially considering coach Kubiak is intent on ruining their running game.

Randy Moss – Bill Belichick is not pleased with the outing Monday night and is out for revenge against a team Ryan Fitzpatrick just torched!

Rashard Mendenhall – He’s been a bit quiet this past few weeks but with Ben Roethlisberger on the mend they will lean on the running game.

Pierre Thomas – Thomas looked good last week and the Saints wont need to pass against the leagues number one passing defense with Thomas ready to carry it as much as the Saints let him.

Ladainian Tomlinson – The Browns are really soft and if the Chargers can get to the goal line LT can still punch it in.

Vincent Jackson – Jackson has been a big disappointment over the past few weeks but the Browns have been much more disappointing for a lot longer.

Michael Crabtree – Seattle has the 25th ranked pass defense allowing an average of 231 yards per game.  Coach Singletary has this team believing in itself and they are still on the skirts of the wild card hunt.

Burleson and Houshmandzadeh – SF has the 28th ranked passing defense allowing 256.5 yards per game.  I do not think both can put up big numbers but one should have a big game and the other one should be respectable.  It’s up to Hasselbeck and the 49ers defense who gets the scores!

Donald Driver – Driver and Jennings have reversed their roles from what we thought they would be preseason and I have seen nothing to make me expect the roles to switch back.

Brett Favre and Sydney Rice – It’s near impossible to develop the kind of chemistry these two have over the single season time frame that these two have known each other.  I was skeptical but have recently hopped on board…

HATE

Terrell Owens – Guess whose turn it is to get shut down by Darrelle Revis!

Beanie Wells – Hightower got more work last week, and it appears that the Cards trust him more in the critical scenarios!

Calvin Johnson – Now that he has had some good production over the last fort night I’m afraid he has peaked, certainly I can’t expect much from the playoff bound Bengals.

Ryan Grant – I don’t foresee that much production from Grant Monday night against a stout Ravens run defense and struggling secondary.

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STUDS

Drew Brees (NO) went 18/23 with 371 yrds and 5 TDs in what was the biggest chance the Saints had left to be beaten.  No team but Dallas has much chance of beating the Saints this season and Romo in December is a pretty good opponent to have.  If your in the playoffs with Brees your only concern is him sitting out in weeks 16 or 17 if its relevant.

Brett Favre (MIN) – All season I have been warning people of what would happen at the end of the season, and it sure wasn’t this!  We are at the end now and he tallied 392 yards and 3 TDs, I can no longer advise anyone to not trust him till he gives you a reason not to.  You gotta have a short memory in fantasy football so forget last season already!

Justin Forsett (SEA) – This was a big game, and Forsett owners will be using him again, but maybe not this week as apparently the Seahawks don’t want to start him over Jones once he is healthy.  I cannot see the reasoning here as Jones is elusive and explosive and Jones is not so much of either any more. 130 yards and 2 TDs, break out game!

Fred Jackson (BUF) – The Lynch injury was kept really quiet and we knew he would be active but they made Jackson the feature back and Lynch the backup given his shoulder.  The Bills appear to be keeping this dynamic even as Lynch gets back to full strength.  Jackson proved he gets better with more carries and that he can be a very productive part of the offense when given the feature role.  He ran for 73 yards and 2 scores while also catching all five throws that came his way for another 43 yards.

Jamaal Charles (KC) -Despite losing pretty big Charles was still able to rack up 93 yards rushing and a TD. He also added 54 yards on just 3 catches making for pretty impressive output from a RB whose team lost 43-14.  His point totals over the last three weeks have been 18, 17, and 18.

Donald Driver (GB) – Driver beat out Jennings for the majority of the workload on Thanksgiving again this season, he has been a big surprise for the Packers at his age. He pulled down 142 yards and a score.

Miles Austin (DAL) – The return of Austin this week was very good for the Cowboys offense, same with Felix Jones who got him self a decent amount of work this week as well.  Austin had 145 yards and a TD Thursday evening and looks to be critical to their success.  If Romo can produce in December… big if… Austin will benefit greatly.

Percy Harvin (MIN) -146 all purpose yards Sunday as well as a receiving TD make the Vikings slot receiver tied for top fantasy WR in week 12.  a few more weeks with these kinds of numbers will give Harvin rookie of the year honors of Byrd or Britt.  Should the Bills somehow rally Byrd will give him a run for his money.

Terrell Owens (BUF) – Owens got 5 grabs for 96 yards and a TD Sunday in a solid victory for the Bills.  He’s starting to get exciting to watch again, he’s a low WR2 but a definite flex play for as long as Fitzpatrick plays like he has been.

Kenny Britt (TEN) – The Titans are for real and have a shot at making a playoff run.  They are on a tear and momentum is a powerful force.  Britt looked like his late 4th quarter fumble, but when the Titans got the ball back on their own one yard line 2 minutes and 37 seconds on the clock Britt redeemed himself by catching a 4th and 4 conversion from the 7 yard line as well as his last second TD catch to win the game.

Antonio Gates (SD) – Gates finally performed like owners have hoped for all season.  He caught all 7 passes Rivers threw to him getting  118 yards and two scores.  I said it in yesterdays entry, you play your most talented tight end regardless of match-up.  Since you didn’t draft Witten AND Gates then your playing Gates every single week.

New York Jets (D/ST) – Four INTs and a TD this week by Revis and the Jets in a win over the tough running Panthers.  Their fantasy value dropped off since the beginning of the year but they are still usable based on match-up.

DUDS

The Seahawks Passing Game – This is purely from a fantasy football sense, but we all expected at least one TD to go to Housh or Burleson.  Forsett got two and so did the return game putting them so far ahead they were able to just control the clock and get the win.  Good win for the team, but it was done in an unfortunate manner for plenty of fantasy owners.

Beanie Wells and Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Was a tough loss for the Cardinals who lost to a last second TD pass on Sunday while using back up QB Matt Leinart.  The offense didn’t have the rhythm it usually does and most all Arizona players suffered stat wise.  This should be fixed my Warner’s return next week.

Chad Ochocinco (CIN) -The Bengals won the game on the ground, and they really had no need to put the ball up in the air Sunday.  None-the-less he hurt some owners this weekend but he should be a viable starting WR in any format down the stretch.

Vincent Jackson (SD) – This makes three dud performances in a row for Jackson and it hurts but before that he’d been money ever week before that so deal with it he’s a stud and you have to start him.  Its not like shutting him down is working for these teams, they are still losing.

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Love

The Seahawks! – against the Rams, who love to give up big points to the passing game.  Forsett will have a huge game too!

Jason Snelling – he is no Michael Tuner, but he’ll do! ESPN is projecting 123 yards and two TD’s I won’t go that far but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did it!

Marion Barber – Raiders are terrible and Barber will be the workhorse to get this offense back on track.

Michael Crabtree – Look at what Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to do to this Jaguars defense.  I expect Crabtree’s second consecutive game with a TD.

Cedric Benson and Chad Ochocinco – Two studs at their position against a team that let the Lions score at will, gotta like the odds!

LeSean McCoy – He looked great last week and should have a monster game versus a soft run D that is also the top passing D.

Ricky Williams – Bills did contain MJD pretty well last week but that is the only back all season that they can say that about.  Trust the history more than the single performance! (for all Bills players!)

Brandon Jacobs – Ahmad Bradshaw was on crutches tuesday and now has two injured feet!  Jacobs will be the primary back again… If he wants to keep his career going he needs to step it up.  I think he will!

Hates

T.O. – Phins are too good on D to trust the inconsistency at QB

Matt Forte – great run D and unless he gets it done in the air he shouldnt do much at all!

Matt Shaub – Coach Kubiak keeps ruining this team by taking away thier balance.  Without a running game they cannot be successful, and CHRIS BROWN GOT MOST THE CARRIES?! Over Slaton!? Insanity!

Pierre Thomas – This should be a shootout, and Thomas doesn’t get the goal line carries.

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Studs

A breakout game this week from the Cardinal RB Beanie Wells. This back made a huge impact with 16 carries and 85 yards and TWO scores. Hightower still knows the blocking scheme’s better and is better at blitz pickup so Beanie will not become the feature back this season, but from a keeper league stand point I really think that next season he will be just that. For the rest of the season Wells is a great option if the Westbrook Turner or Brown injuries hit you particularly hard, or as a flex play depending on match up. Great upside from here on out, he seems to have taken the top fantasy RB spot between the two in Arizona. In ESPN standard scoring Wells was third this week in fantasy points with 23 and has a great match up vs a terrible Rams team.

If you had Reggie Bush in your flex this week than you’re probably in a good mood after this weekend. The speedy back rushed only 6 times but totaled 83 yards rushing and had both a rushing and receiving score. Bush has a speed and elusiveness that makes him a threat from anywhere on the field. Bush becomes a solid flex play and has an excellent match up vs a surging Buccs team. Regardless of how promising play has been from the Buccaneers lately this is the 9-0 Saints so there is no concern in starting Bush in a flex role.

LaDainian Tomlinson was running for two this Sunday in a great game vs the Eagles that no one, myself included thought he had left in him. His wife left him a surprise of a positive pregnancy test in his locker for game day morning and he has his best game of the season with 24 carries 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns. This comes one week after his appearance on a great many dump lists so check your waiver wire and see. LT will be a solid flex play in some deeper leagues, but apart from a really good matchup we should see any more games like this. LT isn’t that old, and he can run through big wholes if they are there. Play him vs any bad defenses he is going to face such as KC and Cle in weeks 12 and 13.

Sydney Rice racked up just over 200 yards Sunday in a Vikings win over the Detroit Lions. Rice is a talented receiver that has built a relationship with Brett Favre. We will need to keep an eye on his production with Berrian back in the lineup and Favre’s recent trend of sliding off late in the season.

Lee Evans has put up respectable fantasy numbers with as much consistency as the Bills have had at quarterback. Evans will remain a flex option in desperate times that might be ahead given the lack of depth many of us are experiencing after this weeks injuries. Bowe was just suspended and this creates a small void for some fantasy owners. Evans can help you through this 4 week gap, but you don’t want to have to play him each week. Also worth noting is that while writing this entry the Bills fired Dick Jauron, how this will effect the offense is unknown but the defensive coordinator is taking over on an interim basis.

Duds

The Cowboy’s new fantasy stud Miles Austin had a terrible game this weekend vs a solid Green Bay secondary. Austin saw four catches for only 20 yards and showed his ability to be contained by a good defense that is able to plan for him. I believe whole-heartedly in Tony Romo’s inability to perform after the month of December begins, but typically this is after a near perfect November for the Cowboys QB. Austin will not be more than a flex play except against good match ups from here on out. With that said, he will be a very good flex play as Roy Williams get introduced into the passing game more and more. This will cause defenses to pick their poison over the course of a game by double covering one of them, leaving the other in single coverage where both are very dangerous.

Nate Burleson wasn’t able to catch a single ball Sunday versus a better than advertised Cardinals secondary. His teammate T.J. Houshmandzedeh saw 17 targets while pulling down 9 of them for 165 yards! It certainly is starting to look like the primary receiver in Seattle is Houshmandzedeh, however Burleson will not be gone completely. I do expect a role reversal here fantasy wise.

Marques Colston gobbled up every pass thrown to him Sunday against the Rams.  Yep, both of them!  The Saints WR was held in check the entire game and only totaled 17 yards in what should have been a big game.  So far this season defenses have been rolling coverage Colston’s way all season.  This hasn’t helped a single team to beat the undefeated Saints so I would expect decent production from Colston the rest of the way, just not at the level we hoped in the preseason.

Joe Flacco had a TERRIBLE game (from a fantasy perspective only!) Monday night versus a VERY favorable match up… the lowly Browns.  There was an inability on a part of the Ravens offense to move the ball in the first half.  This was definitely the case on the other side of the ball, so there was little urgency on the part of the Ravens to take any risks at all.  To compound the issue, very shortly after this first TD there was an pick six for the Ravens D, and from then out it was a ball control game featuring Ray Rice.  Don’t panic here Flaccoholics, no picks, no risks, and a good completion percentage.  This was no where near a game where Flacco needed to make plays.

Lastly, Pierre Thomas had only 11 carries and 37 yards in the same great matchup that Colston under-produced in.  Reggie Bush was the top Fantasy RB in New Orleans this weekend, however neither saw a large amount of carries.  We’ve seen Thomas’ ability after returning from an injury in week 3, and this is still the same guy.  He is the main back for the Saints still, he just had an off week.  I read nothing into this at all!  This is still his job, and Bell shouldn’t see any added work because of this performance.  Bush may see a few while he has the hott hand, but thats about it.

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