October 5, 2007, 2:23 PM

The Breakdown: Week 5

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Harris By Christopher Harris
ESPN.com
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Too bad the Dolphins can't get players like that Daunte Culpepper kid, huh? Miami is all kinds of bad now, especially on defense. They've missed Zach Thomas, who should be back this week, but they'll be without Vonnie Holliday, and Channing Crowder could miss Sunday's game. This team allowed Oakland (Oakland!) to rush for 299 yards Sunday. Ricky Williams ain't walkin' through that door. (What's that? OK, I'm being told Ricky Williams might be walking through that door.)

Fantasy Up: Ahman Green missed Week 4 with his sore knee, and will be a game-time decision. This is an early game, though, so you'll know in time. Either Green or his likely replacement, Ron Dayne, would make an excellent start against a defense giving up over 23 fantasy points a game to running backs. … As I said in this week's Big Rotowski, I'm coming late to the Chris Chambers party, but I've arrived. Trent Green has pretty well stunk, but Chambers is tied for No. 11 in receiving yards. The touchdowns will come. It helps that the Texans appear unsettled between DeMarcus Faggins (who was awful last week) and Fred Bennett at corner. … Ronnie Brown is No. 11 in the NFL in rush yards, and first in receiving among running backs. He's No. 6 at his position on my list. … The Houston defense was disappointing in Week 4. It didn't generate pressure, and hasn't created a turnover in two games. But I'd still use 'em against the struggling Green.

Fantasy Down: I have Matt Schaub No. 13 among quarterbacks. Houston's desperately trying to find playmakers, as evidenced by Schaub's one-yard flip to Dayne on third down on the Atlanta goal line, which bounced off Dayne's face. If he had Andre Johnson and/or Jacoby Jones, I could see starting Schaub. He doesn't, so I don't, not quite. … Green's second interception against Oakland was typical of his season. He was retreating, under pressure, and tossed up a wobbly pass that looked like a punt. He's playing dumb. … It's hard for me to get excited about Andre Davis. Good athlete. Good special teams player. Shaky hands. He could be a flex play for the truly desperate this week, but that's it.


One team was playing Martyball in San Diego last week, and it wasn't the Chargers. The Chiefs are hammered out in the mold of Schottenheimer: no mistakes, few downfield throws, punt and wait for the other team to screw up. It's the reason I said, after Week 2, Kansas City wouldn't be terrible this year. Herm Edwards will field a decent team, but he won't win the big prize, because the best opponents won't beat themselves. Jacksonville, however, isn't such an opponent.

Fantasy Up: Larry Johnson had 123 yards rushing last week, but the stat's misleading: 62 of those came on KC's final possession, as they ran out the clock. He entered the fourth quarter with 49 yards on 16 carries.

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Defenses always will attack the Chiefs this way, daring them to throw. We're a month into the season, and no TDs for Johnson? Jacksonville will be no different, and will focus on No. 27. Still, you start him every week. … Dwayne Bowe has a whiff of the fluke about him, but it's hard to ignore the numbers: 18 catches for 299 yards and three scores, plus none of the shaky hands he evinced at LSU. Even with Eddie Kennison back this week, Bowe starts. … No word yet on whether Khalif Barnes will be disciplined for his second car-related mishap in a year. Fred Taylor owners should hope Barnes plays. Barnes isn't an elite tackle, but he's better than Maurice Williams. Taylor has been the guy to own on this run-oriented team so far this year; he might not score a ton of touchdowns (Greg Jones got the only run score in Week 3), but he'll rack up yards.

Fantasy Down: Maurice Jones-Drew absolutely can be Marion Barber III. But he's only getting 3.3 yards per carry, has only six receptions in three games, and is losing short-yardage carries to Jones. Until he shows something, Jones-Drew is a flex play at best. … These defenses are both bye-week options. Jacksonville's stop unit is more tempting, as it submitted a terrific rush-defense effort in Denver two weeks ago, and get John Henderson back from a concussion. Their Week 1 meltdown is a memory. The Chiefs are third in yards allowed, ninth in points allowed, and have 11 sacks. Jared Allen has made a big difference.


Laurence Maroney and Brian Westbrook murdered fantasy owners last week. I mean, sure, you're injured, don't play. But why must you mock us so!?! I won my primary-league game 41-40 when my opponent got squadoosh from Maroney. Expect more of the same from him this week; he'll be a game-time decision. Fortunately, that game is at 1 p.m. ET.

Fantasy Up: The single-season record for quarterback completion percentage is 70.55 (Ken Anderson, 1982). Tom Brady currently sits at 79.2. … Last week, the Ravens had 26 first downs to the Browns' 12, 418 yards to the Browns' 303, and 34 minutes, 30 seconds of possession time to the Browns' 25:30. But Cleveland used Braylon Edwards (and a great Joshua Cribbs opening kickoff return) to get out to a 14-0 lead, and weren't threatened thereafter. Edwards is a clear every-week start now; he's sixth in the NFL in receiving yards, and second in the league in yards per reception. Want an indication of what a downfield threat Edwards is? He's racked up that 20.8 ypc average with only 4.0 yards after catch. … Start Sammy Morris even if Maroney plays. The two backs have exactly 54 carries each; Morris has 268 yards to Maroney's 252. … Randy Moss? Yes. Benjamin Watson? Check. Wes Welker? Flex.

Fantasy Down: Jamal Lewis is a tough call in Week 5; I have him 23rd among running backs. The Pats have allowed just 69.8 rush yards per game (third-best), but Lewis is almost automatically good for 20 carries a game. Getting Ryan Tucker back from suspension could pay dividends eventually, though it's unclear what kind of shape the tackle's in just now. … Derek Anderson doesn't make as bad a play as you might think against New England. I still maintain the Pats are without a big-time corner, and Edwards will get free if Anderson gets time. That'll be the problem Sunday, of course. I have 18 quarterbacks rated higher than the Browns' starter this week.

Carolina Panthers (2-2) at New Orleans Saints (0-3)
Sure, Julius Peppers is getting a lot of attention from opposing offenses, but that's no different from past seasons. Peppers has as many sacks this year as I do, and it's really hurting Carolina. They've lost four straight home games going back to last year, and are 10-10 since making the 2005 NFC title game. They were 23 seconds away from being shut out against Tampa last week, and allowed 189 yards on the ground. My point: Neither of these teams is very good.

Fantasy Up: Exactly two men are definite starts in this game, yet each comes with a huge asterisk. Reggie Bush finally gets the spotlight to himself Sunday; with Deuce McAllister out for the year, Bush should be New Orleans' feature back. Sean Payton has said he expects Bush to get 18-to-20 carries, though he might lose some receptions to Aaron Stecker. Unfortunately for Bush owners, the Panthers have been easier to throw against; they've got zero interceptions, and rank 20th in pass yards allowed. If Bush stops dancing, he'll put up numbers, but watch Pierre Thomas stealing red-zone carries. … Steve Smith is handcuffed by Jake Delhomme's elbow injury, and a full 42 percent of Carolina's drives last week were three-and-outs. Still, I maintain while David Carr is bad, he's not this bad, and he'll be able to get Smith open against a secondary that's allowing a league-worst 10.0 yards per pass play. … DeShaun Foster is less of a no-brainer, because he didn't do much with his full-time gig last week against Tampa. Still, the Saints give up over 20 fantasy points to opposing rushers, and Foster appears to be the starter.

Fantasy Down: That's right, I'm temporarily giving up on Drew Brees. If I'm a Brees owner, I don't mind sitting him, and potentially missing a big game. This is not all about O-line, or receivers, or play-calling. Brees has looked tentative and inaccurate from snap one. … I can see using Marques Colston (he's 24th on my list), but I'd rather start someone else for now.

New York Jets (1-3) at New York Giants (2-2)
Philly's off this week, so I have to use this space to talk about Winston Justice. I know starting left tackle William Thomas was out. I know Todd Herremans, the guard on that side, was also hurting and couldn't help much. But Justice was torched by Osi Umenyiora for six sacks. That's as many as Umenyiora had all last year. Never mind that Justice looked like the biggest draft bust this side of Cade McNown. Why the bleep didn't Andy Reid leave a tight end or a running back in on every play to help Justice? As it is, the Eagles' brain cramp made the Giants defense look more than capable, which, I maintain, it is most decidedly not.

Fantasy Up: I'm a little gun shy about saying, "Start all your Jets!" I did that last week, and they laid an egg in Buffalo. Still, Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles are 10th and 12th in the NFL in targets, and I remain unconvinced about corners Aaron Ross (rookie) and Sam Madison (Methuselah). ... I was all set to leave Derrick Ward as a fantasy starter for one more week, despite the return of Brandon Jacobs; Ward's 4.8 ypc is just outside the top 10 among NFL starters, and he's run with impressive authority at every turn. However, now word comes from Giants camp that Ward hasn't been able to practice with his bad ankle. This sounds like a good excuse to get Jacobs, who's off the injury list entirely, back on track. Plus realize the Jets are allowing the third-most fantasy points to rushers. ... Plaxico Burress's ankle may also hurt, but he's got at least one TD in every game. He and Eli Manning are must-starts.

Fantasy Down: Amani Toomer almost rewarded his owners with a 50-yard TD pass last week against (surprise!) William James, but James intentionally committed pass interference. Still, Toomer's too risky. … I know you have to start Jeremy Shockey, but those mitts of his belong in the Easter Island hall of fame. I wrote this Wednesday, but it bears repeating: 31 targets, 16 receptions. Gaa. … If you could take the Giants' pass rush and the Jets' secondary, you'd have something. As it is, I couldn't start either defense.


In this rematch of Super Bowl XL, Seattle will be in position for a game-tying drive, but Bill Leavy will throw a mystery flag that takes the Seahawks out of contention. Asked after the game what he saw, Leavy will say, "Listen, this job is all about intent. Sean Locklear intended to hold, even though he sort of fell down. But I read minds, people." You can't stop Bill Leavy. You can only hope to contain him.

Fantasy Up: Willie Parker only amassed 37 yards on 19 carries last week, and that included a 20-yard scamper. Why, it was almost as if Arizona knew what was coming. (The Cardinals did.) Expect Parker to bounce back against a Seattle rush defense I still don't trust, despite an impressive effort against Frank Gore last week. … Ben Roethlisberger began the second half in Arizona going 2-for-10, and threw a bad interception in the end zone with the score tied 7-7. Seattle's pass rush is stout, and the Steelers' O-line was shaky last week, but I still can see using both Big Ben and Matt Hasselbeck here. As you'll see below, I don't think the Seahawks will have much luck rushing, but their pass offense is fifth in the NFL. … After putting up a doughnut in the first game, Deion Branch has caught 20 passes since, and has been well over 100 yards in two of three contests. I'd love to see Ike Taylor on Branch Sunday; Taylor played poorly against Larry Fitzgerald last week, and hasn't lived up to expectations. … Big Ben will need time, and I think he'll get sacked some, but there'll be plays where both Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward break free. Marcus Trufant posted the first two-interception game of his career last week, but we've watched star receivers walk up and down the field on this former first-rounder for too long.

Fantasy Down: You probably have to start Shaun Alexander, but realize the Pittsburgh defense hasn't allowed 100 yards to an opposing rusher in 54 games. The Pittsburgh philosophy will continue to be blitz like crazy, plug run gaps, and hope the free safety makes smart decisions on pass plays when the Steelers don't get to the quarterback. … I have the Seattle defense No. 12, even though I'm worried about Pittsburgh breaking out offensively. The Seahawks have playmakers at end and outside linebacker, and they're fourth in the NFL with 14 sacks.

Arizona Cardinals (2-2) at St. Louis Rams (0-4)
Arizona is the closest thing the NFL has to smashmouth. The quarterback rotation is, by definition, ugly. (Matt Leinart has been awful two straight weeks and Kurt Warner was last seen having a ball snapped over his head) and the pass defense is shaky, but Edgerrin James is playing great. Levi Brown has been above-average, though he could miss this week with a bad ankle, but the O-line in general has improved quite a bit. In particular when Leinart's in, the play-calling is so conservative. It's better for the starting wideouts in Arizona when Warner plays.

Fantasy Up: Anquan Boldin sounds mighty iffy again with his bad hip. The pattern with these receivers goes: When one's hurt, the other goes nuts. Larry Fitzgerald caught 10 passes for 120 yards last week, and the Rams are defenseless. Get Fitz in there. … With Marc Bulger riding pine, Torry Holt's value takes a hit. You'd normally love Holt's technical precision against corners who take chances (to cover for their lack of skills), but the question is: Can Gus Frerotte get Holt the ball? I'm guessing yes. Frerotte isn't a complete stooge, and the way the NFL works, just when you write off a team, it turns in a good effort. I'm guessing the Rams exhale a little bit, and get some work done via the air, turning this one into a shootout. … The Cardinals make an OK bye-week play on defense, though. Even if they allow some points, you'd imagine they'll clamp down on the run (Karlos Dansby should be okay to play), and force some mistakes.

Fantasy Down: You probably can't start Frerotte unless you're in dire straits. He had his moments leading Scott Linehan's offense as Miami's starter in 2005, but he also had 13 interceptions to go with his 18 touchdowns. … The Rams' D can be had however you want to have them. Entering the Dallas game, they looked like a decent pass-defending team on paper, but as I wrote last week, that was simply because no one had needed to throw against 'em. Sure enough, Dallas torched the Rams via the air. Arizona wants to get its work done on the ground, so James will go nutty. Keep the St. Louis D far, far away from your fantasy team. … Isaac Bruce is having hamstring problems. What, is it 1999 again? Stay away.


Rod Coleman holds the key to Atlanta's season. This past week's decent effort against Houston notwithstanding, this defense has been gashed by the run to the tune of 128.5 yards a game, and only the fact that the Falcons have allowed just one rushing touchdown (after stopping the Texans on two third-and-goals from the 1) prevents them from displaying extreme generosity to opposing fantasy backs. Coleman is almost back from his broken kneecap and could play this week. If he does, the middle will get a lot less friendly.

Fantasy Up: I'll assume opposing rushers and quarterbacks have one more Coleman-free weekend, which gives LenDale White a big boost. He missed Wednesday's practice with illness but returned Thursday, so he's a definite start Sunday. Even with Chris Brown taking touches, White is tied for 22nd among fantasy backs and is the only red zone name you need to know in Tennessee. … Vince Young has been very good this year, but he hasn't had a breakout fantasy game. I don't think it'll come this week; the Titans will have more success on the ground. But because Young partakes of that ground game, you still should start him. … Fourth is the highest I think I've ever rated a Tennessee defense. I know Atlanta's passing game has looked recharged the past two weeks, but Jeff Fisher will focus his troops on stopping the pass and let Albert Haynesworth stop the run. This unit is second in the league against opposing rushers.

Fantasy Down: Joey Harrington hasn't done enough yet to make me recommend him. As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, people were mocking me for praising Atlanta's offensive line, but it's an above-average unit; still, between Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch, I think Harrington will get pressure. He doesn't have the downfield arm to keep the Titans honest. … Warrick Dunn is the Falcons' starting rusher, but that and a quarter will buy you one-eighth of a cup of coffee. It's nice for Dunn owners that their squirty running back was the tool Bobby Petrino used to salt away Sunday's win, and that Jerious Norwood's nowhere to be found. But the sledding's going to be tough against the Titans. I'd look elsewhere if I could. … I don't have Roddy White as an every-week starter yet, but he's 31st on my list, making him a decent flex or bye-week guy. I like him more than last week's two-TD scorer, Michael Jenkins.


As insanely good as Detroit's fantasy defense was in Week 4, it could've been better. The 25 fantasy points it scored (including an onside kick returned for a touchdown, a blocked kick, six sacks and three interceptions) might have been more because somehow the Bears fumbled five times and didn't lose one. And you know what? You'd still be crazy to use Detroit's D.

Fantasy Up: Jon Kitna averages 34.5 attempts a week, and that includes the Minnesota game he left at halftime. That's why it was curious in Week 4 to see the Lions try to run so frantically for three quarters. With five minutes left in the third, Detroit had called 17 run plays and 18 pass plays, clearly a comedown from their Air Martz attack. For the rest of the game, the Lions passed it with better than a 3-1 ratio (before they were in clock-killing mode) and here's a surprise: they took it from a 13-3 deficit to a 37-27 win in that one quarter. … And although Brian Griese was awful in the red zone, he predictably got tons of chances. That's why you should start Jason Campbell this week. Detroit's still allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. … With Santana Moss sounding more and more doubtful because of his groin, Antwaan Randle El makes a sneaky-good play this week. I listed him 21st among receivers. … I know Tatum Bell's a nuisance, but Kevin Jones should start this week. The two Detroit backs split carries in Week 4, but Jones is working his way back. … Detroit's offense allows 11.8 fantasy points per game to defenses, which is why Washington's also a good start here.

Fantasy Down: Don't lose your head over Sean McHugh's touchdown in Week 4. It was an onside kick return. He's not a terrible tight end option (he plays fullback but is tight-end-eligible), but he's not a starter. … Reche Caldwell is an interesting Hail Mary. Brandon Lloyd is hurt and in the doghouse anyway, so Caldwell might see significant time opposite Randle El. I probably wouldn't start him, but keep an eye open.


Call me crazy, but in most weeks, I'd like Jeff Garcia's patient, short-pass-oriented arm against Indy's umbrella zone. The Colts can tackle, so it's not likely Ike Hilliard's taking one to the house, but I can envision Garcia putting up a 200-yard, two-score day. He's the only quarterback who has started all his team's games who has yet to throw an interception. Just one thing gives me pause: Donald Penn. He's the undrafted rookie tackle from Utah State who'll replace Luke Petitgout and face Dwight Freeney. Gulp.

Fantasy Up: Penn's presence is one big reason to start the Indy defense. The real thing to watch here is Bob Sanders: will Sanders' ribs get healthy enough by game time? … If Marvin Harrison misses this game, Dallas Clark probably benefits most. He played out of the slot a lot in the second half in Week 4. He's already an elite tight end option. … I still put Joey Galloway among the starters, although he'll have safeties rolling his way, cutting off slants and deep balls. The Colts will make Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham beat them Sunday. … Either of those Cadillac Williams replacements makes an OK flex play, but I wouldn't expect a ton. I value Pittman more right now.

Fantasy Down: Harrison and Joseph Addai both figure to be game-time decisions, and this is a 4 p.m. ET start. Argh. The best way to check whether they'll play is to see whether they practice Friday. Aaron Moorehead would go for Harrison if his knee doesn't allow him to play, and Kenton Keith would start for Addai and his bad shoulder. Keith, in particular, is a must-handcuff right now. … Perhaps you're tempted to start the Bucs defense? Un-tempt yourself, please. Hey, Tampa's allowing the fewest points in the NFL right now and is fifth-best in total yards and sixth-best in passing yards. But the Bucs' opponents are a combined 2-9. This week'll be different.


San Diego's offense is 26th in the league in total yards. But (stop me if you've heard this before) that will change Sunday. The Broncos are as good as any franchise at taking what they have at the beginning of a season and rearranging the parts to best effect by midseason, but this year, Gen. George Marshall couldn't reapportion this defensive line effectively. Defensive tackles Sam Adams and Amon Gordon were benched for the Indy game, but Marcus Thomas and Antwon Burton weren't any better. They're the second-worst outfit against the rush. Oh, to be a LaDainian Tomlinson owner this week.

Fantasy Up: Third-and-19. That was the down and distance, after a Shawne Merriman sack, when Damon Huard hit Dwayne Bowe on a little slant that Bowe took to the house, and it encapsulated the Chargers' season to date. The secondary has lapses and can't tackle. The linebackers are injured and can't tackle. Can you believe these guys have allowed 99 points in their past three games? All that said, with Denver's injuries, I might consider using the Chargers D on the road. Matt Wilhelm's return at linebacker could really help. … If Travis Henry really might be out, because of his knee, his ankle or his looming drug suspension, the onus will fall on Jay Cutler. This is the first time I've rated him as a fantasy starter all year. If he doesn't have Javon Walker, we might need to rethink this, but the way to move the ball against San Diego is to throw. … Daniel Graham seemed as if he was everywhere against Indy in Week 4. He got four targets, and he has taken the reins from Tony Scheffler. … Antonio Gates had a combined 12 catches for 152 yards against the Broncos last year.

Fantasy Down: Is this the week Norv Turner gives Philip Rivers less to do? Rivers consistently makes two or three killer bad decisions per game; in Week 4, it was a bizarre checkdown in which Rivers suddenly and unexpectedly left Gates and whipped the ball at LDT, who practically ducked and had the ball bounce off him and fall into Derrick Johnson's arms. You can't use Rivers. … If Henry is cleared to play, you'll start him. If not, Selvin Young might make an interesting last-minute substitute, although the Chargers are still very rough against the run. Either way, with the legal problems Henry faces, Young needs to be owned in every league. … Vincent Jackson dives in my rankings this week. He dropped a sure touchdown that would've changed San Diego's game in Week 4 and admitted to being "distracted" afterward. Not good.


Chris McAlister and Ed Reed aren't supposed to be the guys opposing defenses pick on, but they were at least as responsible as anyone else for the big first-half hole the Ravens found themselves in this past week. Reed got burned by Joe Jurevicius, and McAlister was flambéed by Braylon Edwards. Without Trevor Pryce, the pass rush has been nonexistent. Terrell Suggs doesn't have a sack yet. There's still tons of talent on the Baltimore defense, and I don't buy the "over the hill" excuse. Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg are run-stopping mashers, and Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are playing excellently. But when you're pleading for Samari Rolle to come back and save your secondary, you're in trouble.

Fantasy Up: Fortunately for this defense, Trent Dilfer will helm San Francisco this week, which is why you can start the Ravens with pride. … Willis McGahee carried it only 14 times for 104 yards versus Cleveland, primarily because of the big early deficit. Still, you'd love to see him get 20-25 carries this week. … You have to use Frank Gore because of where you drafted him, but realize that Jamal Lewis got 36 yards on 22 of his carries in Week 4 (and 28 yards on the other). The Niners won't be able to run much; Baltimore's vulnerability comes against the pass.

Fantasy Down: Steve McNair posted some gaudy numbers trying to come back -- 34-of-53 for 307 yards -- but rarely have 300 yards been amassed so clumsily. He completes passes between the 20s because defenses let him and he can't go deep, then he flings passes all over the red zone and gets nothing accomplished. … Todd Heap sounds highly questionable with his hamstring, and this is a late game, so you might have to make your tight end decision with imperfect information. Quinn Sypniewski would make a good pickup right now for Heap owners, just in case. He'll start if Heap can't. … Vernon Davis is out again, until at least Week 7 this time. … Alex D. Smith is done for a month. Dilfer isn't as bad as he looked against Seattle in Week 4, but he's not good. … Derrick Mason skipped Thursday's practice because of a bad back. He's the most valuable Ravens receiver with McNair in there.


If you counted up all the stories written and produced about these teams' respective quarterback situations, who'd have more? The Bears and their soap opera of hatred? Or the Packers and their orgy of Favre love?

Fantasy Up: The Packers defense hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown, and it gets to face the offense that has turned it over more than anyone else in the NFL. There are warning signs for Green Bay: Charles Woodson is playing off receivers more than he has before, and nickel man Jarrett Bush got lit up by Sidney Rice for a long bomb that Kelly Holcomb overthrew. Still, with the Bears' propensity to put it on the ground or up for grabs, the Packers remain elite this week. … And so does Brett Favre. Listen, it's a good recipe: Chicago probably will still be missing its starting corners, meaning Favre's receivers will be open in and among the zones. That's perfect for latter-day Favre, who should get enough time to throw his favored slants and crosses. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings against Trumaine McBride and Corey Graham? Yum. … But you know, I'd still play the Bears defense, too. Minnesota forced four fumbles (Green Bay lost two) in Week 4, and there'll be some anti-Favre backlash one of these weeks.

Fantasy Down: Cedric Benson carried it 15 times for 50 yards in Week 4 and was benched temporarily after losing a fumble. Green Bay is a top-10 defense against fantasy rushers, making Benson a borderline start Sunday night. … Nor do I particularly prefer rookie DeShawn Wynn of the Packers, except maybe as a flex play. He got the most carries of any Packers back Sunday (10), but managed just 20 yards. He'll start, but Vernand Morency and Ryan Grant will steal carries. Brandon Jackson is out. … Brian Griese played an awful game in the red zone, yet still posted big fantasy numbers (286 yards, two TDs) in Detroit. He's not a shootout quarterback. He's suited for the 13-3 lead Chicago had heading into the fourth. And as such, you don't want him.


When ESPN got this game, it looked interesting. Now, however, it would appear to be an excuse for TV personalities to wax rhapsodic about Tony Romo for three hours.

Fantasy Up: Romo has the top spot on my quarterback board this week. Buffalo allows 16.0 fantasy points to quarterbacks, and Romo scores 25.5. … Marion Barber III played second fiddle to Julius Jones in Week 4 (eight carries compared with 13, and Jones got the goal-line carry), but I'd still rather have Barber. Buffalo did a really nice (and surprising) job on Thomas Jones, but Dallas comes at you with so many weapons. It's still more likely the Cowboys will do more of their damage with Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton, but Barber's an easy start and Jones can be a flex. … Marshawn Lynch is worth getting excited about. I'm amazed he hasn't broken 100 yards yet, and it might not happen Sunday if the Bills have to catch up. But to watch him run is to be impressed with quickness and violence. Seeing him and Thomas Jones on the same field in Week 4 was very interesting because there are style similarities. Of course, Lynch is faster and a better receiver.

Fantasy Down: Lee Evans absolutely hung Trent Edwards out to dry on a one-on-one pass in the end zone, when Evans sort of lazily fell backward as Andre Dyson (not exactly Deion Sanders) rose to the highest point and picked off the ball. Buffalo won the game, but it would have been a shame had that play ruined what was otherwise a very fine introduction for Edwards. That said, he's not equipped to handle the big stage just now. And as tempting as it is to go with receivers against the Dallas secondary (Anthony Henry excepted), I'm off Evans for now, too. … How did it happen, Rian Lindell? How did you go from one of the most underappreciated kickers in fantasy, booting in nasty winds for years, to water boy for a post-pubescent Dallas kicker named Nick Folk? That's harsh, man.

Christopher Harris is a fantasy baseball, football and racing analyst for ESPN.com. You can e-mail him here.