The Breakdown: Week 7
Kyle Boller will go again for the Ravens in this one, after getting the snot knocked out of him in Week 6 against the Rams. Taking shots from which Steve McNair never would've emerged, behind an offensive line with three rookie starters, Boller did enough to win, and chucked it downfield more than McNair ever does. And I mean chucked. Straight up. Demetrius Williams caught one, and Mark Clayton was interfered with on another. But realize this offense stalled numerous times (leading to five Matt Stover field goals). Despite how banged up the Bills are, I wouldn't start Boller if I could avoid it.
Fantasy Up: Willis McGahee scores! Willis McGahee scores! All right, it was his second touchdown of the season, but his first rushing. You'd imagine McGahee would have revenge on his mind heading to Orchard Park, N.Y., but he missed practice Wednesday. As of this writing, it remains to be seen if he's nursing an injury. … Marshawn Lynch has a pretty hopeless task going against Ray Lewis and Co., but you probably have to start him anyway. He's very good at the goal line, and there's always the chance of a cheap score. … The Ravens are my top fantasy D for the week, but (I can't believe I'm saying this) you could do worse than the Bills in a pinch. They're just as injured as ever, but Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay should generate pressure against this weakened Baltimore line.
Fantasy Down: Lee Evans spent the past week lobbying for J.P. Losman to get his job back. No wonder: Evans remembers the good old days, when he didn't average 22.6 yards receiving per game. It didn't work. Trent Edwards is the Bills' quarterback, probably for the rest of the year. Against the Ravens D, you shouldn't start anyone in this passing game, despite the fact that corner Chris McAlister probably won't play. … Todd Heap barely played last week, and he's almost surely out with his bad hammy this week. Quinn Sypniewski will start.
Speaking of revenge games: Welcome back to Detroit, Jeff Garcia. Garcia's 2005 season appeared to mark the end of his career, as he notched a 65.1 rating and six interceptions to three touchdowns as a Lion. The worm has turned, and Garcia makes a good play going against a Lions D that allows the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Fantasy Up: I'd love to see Garcia take more shots down the field, as he did late in the third quarter against Tennessee. Somehow the Titans bit on a play-fake (despite the fact that Earnest Graham ended the day with 29 yards on 13 carries), and Garcia drilled one to Joey Galloway, who made Nick Harper look like, well, Nick Harper. Play Galloway. … And I think you can play Graham, too. Michael Bennett might be on board, but it's hard to imagine he'll have grasped enough of Jon Gruden's offense to contribute immediately. The Lions have allowed seven rushing touchdowns in five games, and give up the most fantasy points in the NFL to opposing rushers. … The sheer volume of passes you can expect from Jon Kitna makes him and all the Detroit receivers worth playing. Remember, Rod Marinelli came from Tampa, and knows that defensive personnel very well. Roy Williams, Shaun McDonald, Mike Furrey and even Calvin Johnson (if he's healthy) are all usable. … You had to love Ike Hilliard's run after catch to set up Tampa's winning field goal last week. The last 13 yards were a dash across a minefield.
Fantasy Down: Despite Detroit's offensive firepower, I'd start Tampa's defense (because Kitna is so mistake-prone), but even though they've produced 19 turnovers and 14 sacks, I wouldn't start the Lions'. Too many college stars who haven't performed in the NFL (Ernie Sims excepted), and the corners aren't good enough. I think Garcia picks 'em apart. … Tatum Bell tried to whine his way out of town, but the Lions didn't trade him. He's purely a reserve now, as Kevin Jones will get starter's carries this week. … I will not make a Michael Clayton / George Clooney joke. I will not.
It's time for me to stop making excuses for Vince Young. Yes, he got hurt in this past week's loss, but he played poorly before he left. Actually, he played fine in stretches, but he made another of what are turning out to be signature bonehead decisions, tossing one long evidently in the direction of Roydell Williams, but actually right to Bucs has-been corner Phillip Buchanon. That makes three passing touchdowns and six picks on the season. I was as big a proponent of VY as there was before the season started, but he's got a long way to go. Maybe coming home to Houston this week'll help.
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Fantasy Down: In their past three games, the Texans had the ball on an opponents' 3-yard-line or closer six times, and scored zero touchdowns. Andre' Davis has played well, but held the ball out to the goal line and had it slapped away last week, and guard Chester Pitts completely whiffed his block on a goal-line quarterback sneak. Finally, Ahman Green is, as I believed he'd be, borderline useless. It's hard to imagine him doing anything against a rough Titans' rush defense. … Kevin Walter caught 12 passes for 160 yards in Week 6, but he's too inconsistent to use. … If Kerry Collins has to start in place of VY, stay away. … Chris Brown is questionable with a bad ankle. Chris Henry might be active for the first time, but you can't use him.
Twelve times last week, the Dolphins had Cleveland in third-and-long situations. Eight times, the Browns converted. Is Yeremiah Bell really that good a player? (No.) Bell, the Fins' erstwhile starting strong safety, is out for the season, and his injury set off a series of ridiculous position changes and signings that have left Miami reeling. Now they just cut Donovin Darius, who couldn't play anymore but who started two of Miami's last three games. Now they're relying on Cameron Worrell, who's struggled in coverage (to put it mildly). Enter New England. Oh boy.
Fantasy Up: Vonnie Holliday isn't even that good, but Miami really misses him opposite Jason Taylor. Taylor has eaten Tom Brady's lunch on numerous occasions, but I doubt that'll happen Sunday. The Pats will focus everything they've got on him. ... Now it appears that Wes Welker is worth exactly the same amount Chris Chambers is. Miami traded Welker to the Pats for a second-rounder, and just got a second-rounder from the Chargers for Chambers. ... If I'm guessing about Laurence Maroney, I'd say he'll play, but take that with a grain of salt. This is an early game, so you should have time to adjust your lineup if Maroney can't go. Kevin Faulk is his handcuff for now, though if Maroney's out, you can bet Heath Evans will get goal-line touches. ... Ronnie Brown carried it 17 times for 39 yards against New England last year (then missed the second game with injury). Still, considering how hot he's been, use him.
Fantasy Down: I'm having a difficult time remembering the NFL's last 17-point home underdog. It strikes me the wise guys are begging you to take Miami, which isn't a good sign for the Fins. Outside Brown, I can't see using any Dolphins. Cleo Lemon will start, and it'll be interesting to see if he can do anything against a semi-exposed secondary that allowed Tony Romo to pass for two scores. ... Sammy Morris is down for at least a month, and probably can be dropped in shallower leagues. It's actually very good news for Maroney owners, who might get some touchdowns eventually.
To my eyes, Jonas Jennings hasn't played particularly well at left tackle since the Niners signed him from Buffalo, and he was hurt most of last year. That said, the team missed him in Week 5. He's back now, sending Adam Snyder to the bench. Rookie Joe Staley has been very good on the right side, but the interior line (including ageless Larry Allen) has been awful. This is all relevant because the Giants' pass rush is suddenly on fire. Considering the Niners have allowed 18 sacks in five games, look for another big game from the Big Blue D.
Fantasy Up: Eli Manning can't find consistency, and I mean quarter-to-quarter, not game-to-game. He blistered the Falcons in the first half Monday night, but kind of stunk it up in the second: 10-for-18 for 97 yards and a bad pick. But in aggregate, he's on pace for 3,677 yards and 29 touchdowns. Remember, he had similar numbers at the beginning of 2006 and faded badly. I'd use him this week, but this Niners D isn't a complete pushover. ... Plaxico Burress, as if you didn't know, has a touchdown in every game this year. ... Brandon Jacobs' ankle seems fine, but you don't like seeing him lose short scores to Reuben Droughns, a man who's five inches shorter and 44 pounds lighter. Jacobs is just huge, isn't he? I'm not a big fan, because he's so slow to the hole, but you have to be awed by a 6 foot, 4-inch rusher. ... Derrick Ward should play, too, but is only a flex option. ... It sounds like Vernon Davis might play, and the Giants are still a top-five team in allowing fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
Fantasy Down: As of this writing, Trent Dilfer is expected to start, and you can't use him. He's a weak-armed signal-caller who'll be under too much pressure, and I don't think he'll have time to take advantage of New York's weak corners. ... Darrell Jackson has fallen on such hard times, the San Francisco media is clamoring for Ashley Lelie. Have they not, like, watched football in the last five years? ... I love Patrick Willis, I love Nate Clements, but you can't use the Niners' fantasy defense. It only has three picks (tied for worst) and 11 sacks (tied for 17th). Plus, with an offense this bad, there's too much pressure on the D.
Week 7 shapes up nicely for New Orleans. Atlanta will start Byron Leftwich at quarterback, a man so immobile he makes Andy Reid look like Baryshnikov, and if Week 7 is any indication, the Saints will blitz the living heck out of him. New Orleans brought the house against Seattle's middling line Sunday night and recorded five sacks (they had one entering the game). Strong safety Roman Harper just kept coming, and logged two sacks of his own. The combination of young tackles and Leftwich's leaden feet could make it a long day for the Falcons O. I have the Saints D 17th this week, which is very high for a unit with just six sacks and six takeaways.
Fantasy Up: At least Leftwich has a far bigger arm than Joey Harrington, which might bode well for Roddy White. Get White alone on either Mike McKenzie or Jason Craft, and you might score a long one. White is a borderline No. 2 wideout. … Reggie Bush was terrific in the first half against Seattle, but once the Seahawks decided to concentrate on him in the second, he rushed for 11 more yards and lost a fumble. The Falcons are already below-average against the run, though Rod Coleman's return helps; either way, they'll be focused on Bush. Start him, and hope for a couple big plays. … Marques Colston got only three targets Sunday night, and caught just one for two yards, but it was a touchdown. Colston hadn't dipped below seven targets in a game, so I'd expect he'll bounce back.
Fantasy Down: Alge Crumpler, why have you forsaken us!?! Crumpler got just five targets again Monday, and caught one ball, with a couple awful, concentration-free drops mixed in. Most of his lack of production comes from having to block, but he's also psyched himself out. Maybe the Leftwich change is good for him, but for the moment, you can't start him. … Somehow Atlanta has scored 57 of its 79 points in the first half. … Lance Moore was solid in his first career start. He had three catches for 35 yards and a rushing score. He's not starter-worthy yet, but give him time. … I know Drew Brees looked better. But I'm letting him do it one more time, against a good pass defense, before I'm starting him.
Midway through the second half last week, Washington basically ran out of offensive linemen. Center Casey Rabach and tackles Todd Wade and Stephon Heyer all got hurt; once Heyer went out, Wade had to come back in, despite having aggravated a groin injury. Given that the Cardinals are tied for sixth in the NFL with 16 sacks, this could be an issue for Jason Campbell.
Fantasy Up: That said, I still have Campbell as a top-10 option this week. Arizona creates turnovers (a respectable 10 this year), but they'll let receivers get free on plays where an O-line can stand up to the Cardinal blitz. (Then again, whose defense doesn't?) Arizona also has been mistake-prone; they committed nine penalties in the second half against Carolina last week. Also, weak-side linebacker Karlos Dansby will miss this game. ... Anquan Boldin returns, and although his quarterback will be a question mark, you get Boldin back in there. Larry Fitzgerald has been good, but he's just not the touchdown threat Boldin is. ... I wish there was a Washington receiver I could love against the oft-clueless-looking Rod Hood in the Arizona secondary. Antwaan Randle El might be the closest thing. He didn't do a ton with his bad hammy in Week 6, but he appears to be the deep threat Santana Moss isn't, at least right now. ... I like Clinton Portis more than Edgerrin James this week, simply because of the Cardinals' quarterback situation.
Fantasy Down: Moss took himself out of last week's game, either because of a cramp or because he was sulking after almost single-handedly blowing a win. I'll probably amend my ways and rank him on Friday, but for the moment, I want to be sure he'll play. ... As of this writing, I don't know what to make of Kurt Warner. One news outlet says he's out this week, one says he's probable. This is an early game, so you'll know for sure before your lineup is due. Clearly, Warner is more valuable than Tim Rattay, and raises the profile of everyone else in this offense. Note, however, that Washington has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks of any team in the league.
Carson Palmer is on pace to set franchise records for completions, yards and touchdown passes, and he's having a stinky year. Seriously: His completion percentage is 62.6, 17th in the NFL, and his eight interceptions put him on pace for 25, which would equal his total from 2005 and 2006 combined. Interestingly, six of those picks have been intended for Chad Johnson, who's also having a subpar season, performance-wise, despite 578 yards receiving. This formula leads one to believe: (a) Using T.J. Houshmandzadeh even more each week is a good plan, and (b) everyone here probably gets healthy against the Jets' sad pass rush.
Fantasy Up: Thomas Jones broke two long runs for a combined 47 yards on New York's first series against the Eagles Sunday, and thereafter carried it 22 times for 83 yards. Not that that's terrible, but I'm just saying let's control ourselves. Regardless, I've got Jones 15th against a Cincy rush defense that's tied for 24th in fantasy points allowed to rushers. ... Keep using Jerricho Cotchery. He hasn't scored, but he's got 485 yards receiving, most among touchdown-free receivers, and he's a nice, big red-zone target. Laveranues Coles is Chad Pennington's favorite target, but when the move to Kellen Clemens happens (that's right, when), Cotchery will ascend.
Fantasy Down: Bengals starting left tackle Levi Jones was humbled by the Chiefs' Jared Allen Sunday; after allowing three sacks in 17 minutes, Jones was benched in favor of Andrew Whitworth. The Jets certainly don't have anyone to bring the heat like Allen, but Cincy's tackle problems (Willie Anderson sat out last week) are troublesome. Jones and Anderson both might play in Week 7, but neither appears to be at full strength. ... Rudi Johnson will get more touches this week, but Kenny Watson will play a significant role (and Chris Perry is warming up in the wings). Despite how friendly the Jets defense is, it's hard to consider Johnson or Watson more than a flex. ... Johnathan Joseph returns from his one-game suspension to play corner for the Bengals, but frankly I don't believe he's great anyway. This game sets up well for Pennington, and I'd start either of his receivers. But the mistakes that Pennington's made lately give me pause. I won't be shocked to see him produce against the fourth-friendliest defense to opposing fantasy signal-callers, but I wouldn't use him.
It was interesting to see the Chiefs play Patrick Surtain on Chad Johnson and Ty Law on T.J. Houshmandzadeh all game on Sunday. Surtain had a pick and controlled Johnson, while Law allowed Housh 145 yards and two scores, though one of those touchdowns was safety Jarrad Page's fault. Regardless, Law is suddenly looking highly suspect. Expect the Raiders to find either Ronald Curry or Jerry Porter when Law is on one of them.
Fantasy Up: Larry Johnson followed through on my promise, racking up more than 100 yards before halftime on Sunday. Still, his mysterious spike of the ball with five minutes left and the Chiefs hanging on by their fingernails was curious (and selfish) to say the least. It stopped the clock and might have cost KC the game. You start LJ for sure this week, but beware his immaturity. ... LaMont Jordan gave the fantasy football world (Justin Fargas owners in particular) a big middle finger by suddenly deciding to play against San Diego. Jordan amassed just 42 yards on 18 carries, but came through healthy. He'll start. ... I'm hanging in there with Dwayne Bowe as a passable No. 2 receiver. Eddie Kennison's still out, and Samie Parker will return to start opposite Bowe. That makes Bowe the top passing option.
Fantasy Down: Daunte Culpepper is 37-of-63 since becoming a Raider, and his two interceptions and two fumbles on Sunday were wince-worthy. Add an offensive line that committed five penalties and allowed six sacks against San Diego, and you've got a recipe for trouble. Josh McCown is a game away from returning; if Culpepper doesn't perform at home this week, he'll be out. ... Oakland stacked the box against LaDainian Tomlinson from the word "go" and still couldn't stop him. Derrick Burgess is back and got his first sack, and Thomas Howard did an excellent job shadowing Antonio Gates, but overall the tackling was atrocious. You can't use this defense. ... A poor Larry Johnson block got Damon Huard absolutely lit up against the Bengals. If that keeps up, we're going to see Brodie Croyle again, and soon. ... Hang onto Dominic Rhodes, but wait until he gets more than one carry (which was nullified by a penalty) before starting him.
If you watched the highlights of the Vikings-Bears game, you might be thinking, "Boy, that Minnesota air attack is coming around!" Well, Tarvaris Jackson went 9-of-23 for 136 yards, 60 of which came on a bomb where Adam Archuleta was torched (surprise!) by Troy Williamson. Jackson is not, suffice it to say, coming around.
Fantasy Up: Minnesota's front seven is terrific. E.J. Henderson's transition to middle linebacker has been a great underreported story this season; he's been dominant. But the secondary is so disappointing. Granted, teams are throwing more times per game (41.4) against the Vikes than any other team, in part because of how harsh the rush defense is. But the breakdowns at both corner and safety are legion, and make Dallas's passing game as startable as ever. What in the world was free safety Dwight Smith doing on that last touchdown to Devin Hester? Argh. ... Tony Romo was much better against New England. Start him with impunity. Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton and Jason Witten, too. ... I'd like to credit Adrian Peterson's massive day to the Vikes' O-Line, and it's true there were some great holes at the first level. But Peterson made most of the yardage himself, aided by ridiculous Chicago tackling. Sure, he'll split touches with Chester Taylor, and yes, Dallas is allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing rushers. But Peterson starts no matter what.
Fantasy Down: Julius Jones has 52 fewer carries and 256 fewer yards through six games than he did in 2006. It's a pure platoon in Dallas now, and neither Jones nor Marion Barber is a scintillating start in Week 7. Minnesota has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs, and leads the league with zero rushing touchdowns allowed. ... So much for Sidney Rice's breakout game against Green Bay. He caught one pass for 13 yards on Sunday. ... I don't have either of these defenses as definite starters, despite their impressive numbers. The Vikes have accounted for 16 turnovers, 13 sacks and three defensive scores, but figure to barely hang on against a high-powered Dallas aerial attack. The Cowboys have 16 turnovers, 15 sacks and two defensive scores, but are still missing Anthony Henry at corner, and I'm not betting against AP just now.
Tommie Harris and Darwin Walker will try to come back for Chicago, while Nathan Vasher is still out, but the most important returning player in this game is Lito Sheppard. Sheppard is a top-20 corner, and the trickle-down for Philly's defense is enormous. William James (who, I have to admit, has improved) goes back to nickel, Sheldon Brown has some pressure taken off and the Eagles can go back to a more ferocious approach to their creative blitzing. The news of Sheppard's return actually has caused me to dip Brian Griese out of fantasy starter territory this week.
Fantasy Up: Opposing quarterbacks have completed 67.7 percent of their passes against the Bears' secondary. Danieal Manning was a mess at corner, and is moving back to free safety. Apparently, Chicago is smart enough to keep Ricky Manning Jr. at nickel (he's no starter), so Trumaine McBride will start in place of Vasher. Hello, Donovan McNabb. I haven't been impressed with Donny Football, but he'll have some open receivers Sunday. ... Kevin Curtis will be one of them. Suddenly one of the elite catch-and-run players in the league, Curtis gets to sprint upfield against the hopeless Adam Archuleta, who's doing his best to torpedo a different defense for the third straight season. ... Both Bears tight ends are fantasy starters. Greg Olsen has gotten seven targets in each of the past two games, while Desmond Clark has just three. Clark is the better red-zone option, though.
Fantasy Down: According to Chicago offensive coordinator Ron Turner (paraphrasing here), Cedric Benson doesn't play in the Bears' two-minute offense because he's not a very good blocker. Just one more reason Benson's been a huge disappointment this season. ... Reggie Brown caught six passes for 89 yards after using the bye to reconnect with McNabb. Once more, and I'll start to believe. ... L.J. Smith re-injured his groin. Stay away. ... For all the smack I've just laid on them, and despite the fact that Brian Westbrook is my No. 1 rusher this week, I'd still use the Bears defense if I didn't have an elite option. They've still got those 18 sacks (fourth-best), and they've created a respectable 12 turnovers (two per game). I don't see the Eagles putting up a huge number Sunday.
It's a tale of two O-Lines. The Rams' problems up front have been well-chronicled in this space, and now center Brett Romberg is out with a bad ankle. The Ravens humiliated this unit, pressuring Gus Frerotte mercilessly (to the tune of five picks and a lost fumble, to go with four sacks). Meanwhile, the Seahawks don't create the creases through which Shaun Alexander used to run anymore, which makes Alexander look bad; he's always been a side-to-side rusher with tremendous vision, who felt his way along the line until he felt a gap. Those gaps aren't there anymore. Neither of these rush defenses are very good, but it's hard to get excited about either run game.
Fantasy Up: The Rams put a lot of pressure on Kyle Boller, knocking him around quite a bit, and Matt Hasselbeck will be a less-mobile target. I expect he'll take some hits. But the Rams are vulnerable when they don't get to the quarterback (and Leonard Little is hurting), so you still start Hasselbeck, who should hit some big plays. ... Torry Holt probably won't practice this week, but he'll play Sunday. Last season, Holt caught 15 passes for 227 yards and three scores against Seattle. With Marc Bulger back under center, Holt could fight through his sore knee and be effective. ... That said, I'd also play Seattle's defense. The pass rush isn't the 'Hawks problem: They've got 16 sacks, and have forced a league-high 10 fumbles. Julian Peterson should make himself known to Bulger early and often. ... Bobby Engram got 11 targets on Sunday as Seattle's flanker. While he won't get that much action unless the Seahawks fall behind early again, he's still a good No. 3 receiver.
Fantasy Down: Corner Fakhir Brown is back from his suspension, but looked shaky in Baltimore; he was beaten deep once and committed a bad pass interference on another long ball. The Rams were sturdier on defense last week, and I'm not going to be surprised to see them be fantasy-relevant later in the season, because the personnel isn't atrocious. But you can't use 'em yet. ... Leonard Weaver has taken over for Mack Strong at fullback in Seattle, and he accounted for 40 yards rushing and 53 yards receiving in Week 6. It's worth noting Weaver appeared to be Mike Holmgren's choice over Maurice Morris, but neither guy is a fantasy factor now. ... Drew Bennett is out and Isaac Bruce is questionable.
Denver's defensive plan was to create a quick, strong rotation of six or seven linemen to be sturdy up front and rush the passer, and then fortify them with an extremely fast back seven. It hasn't worked. Simeon Rice is cooked (har), Jarvis Moss is overmatched in his rookie season, Sam Adams is finally at the end of the road and the Broncos line has been shoved around by every offense it's played this season. Mike Shanahan and Jim Bates spent their bye deciding how to stop Willie Parker, and you can expect to see linebackers and safeties up for this one. I actually think the Steelers will prosper most, at least in this game's beginning, via the air: big game for Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes, and Hines Ward if he's healthy enough, especially if Champ Bailey can't go.
Fantasy Up: That said, you start Parker, too. I expect to see him stuffed in the first quarter, maybe even the first half. But the Steelers will wear down the Broncos with their huge size advantage on the O-line, and by the fourth quarter, Fast Willie will gash. ... This is the toughest defense Travis Henry will face this season, and I don't only say that because he's probably going to miss the season's second half. The Steelers allow the fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. You still start him, but cross your fingers for a cheapie score. ... Against Seattle, the Steelers pretty much rushed three and dropped eight, daring the Hawks to run. They'll do the opposite this week, and it'll work. They're obviously an every-week play.
Fantasy Down: Jay Cutler will look into one of the league's fastest and most confusing defenses Sunday night, and his O-line will have to play a lot better to give him a chance. Denver misses center Tom Nalen a ton, and they're down to a guard, Chris Myers, calling protection schemes as the starting snapper. ... Javon Walker is now out for at least a few more weeks, which is all the more reason to avoid Cutler.
The Jaguars are seventh in offensive yards, but just 18th in points scored. That'll be the issue in this game: You can be fairly sure the Jags will try to eat the clock, but will they finish drives? The Colts aren't likely to go ballistic offensively; they haven't topped 28 points against Jacksonville in any of their 10 meetings since becoming division-mates. But while David Garrard still hasn't thrown a pick, he's also 22nd in pass attempts and 21st in completions. In other words, when push comes to shove, the Jags run. But the Colts are a respectable 12th in points allowed to fantasy backs.
Fantasy Up: Marvin Harrison returns, and he's got six touchdowns over the past three years against Rashean Mathis. Mathis is a good corner, but Harrison is his Kryptonite. ... Maurice Jones-Drew has been huge in consecutive weeks, scoring three times and rushing for 207 yards. I expect Fred Taylor to play, but MJD had two 100-yard games against the Colts last season. Expect him to be effective. ... Center Brad Meester returned from a broken ankle for the Jags last week, and by most accounts had a terrific game against Houston. ... Joseph Addai will play, and is still an elite option, but he'll run into a wall in John Henderson, who's outdone even his line-mate Marcus Stroud over the past month. Jacksonville is ninth in fantasy points allowed to opposing rushers, but remove their incongruous Week 1 manhandling by Tennessee, and they're fourth.
Fantasy Down: I believe in Jacksonville's defense, but not this much. Listen, it's as talented a group as there is in football, but there's no reason to go looking for trouble. I know I just finished saying the Colts never drop a half-a-hundred on the Jags, but do you want to be standing there when that trend reverses? ... Bob Sanders will be back for the Colts, which is terrific news for stopping the run. Sanders is a little overrated, but he's still really good. Nevertheless, I'm not ready to anoint Indy a run-stopping machine. Other than maybe Tennessee, they really haven't been faced with a powerhouse rush attack yet.
(Remember, you can find my weekly positional rankings in The Big Rotowski. Also, all ESPN.com fantasy columnists will update their rankings on Friday.)
Christopher Harris is a fantasy baseball, football and racing analyst for ESPN.com. You can e-mail him here.
