Week 7 showcases a Monday Night Football matchup between the 6-0 Colts vs the 4-1 Jags, while undefeated New England looks to keep their winning streak going against the winless Dolphins. Fresh off the waiver wire, Kenny Watson, Brian Leonard and possibly Kevin Faulk will play prominent roles in their teams’ offenses once again. Injuries continue to plague several top players, including Vince Young, Kurt Warner, Rudi Johnson, Deion Branch and Javon Walker, so fantasy football owners will have to manage well if they’re going to go far this season.
The Weekly Forecast will get you up to speed on the latest injury news in the NFL. As we approach the halfway point of the fantasy football season, we’ll break down who is expected to sit and who should start for a very important Week 7.
Quarterbacks
The once-called Greatest Show on Turf has somehow transformed into one of the biggest disappointments of the season thus far. The winless Rams, however, will get somewhat of a shot in the arm this week with the return of starting quarterback Marc Bulger. After sitting out the past two games, he’ll return vs Seattle. Gus Frerotte, the career backup, will return to clipboard duties and injury prone vet, Isaac Bruce, will also be back in action. After being dropped in numerous fantasy leagues, Bulger will have something to prove. He’s been a top-10 QB the past few years in St. Louis run-and-gun offense so the potential is obviously there. Can he produce though? Only time will tell…
Quarterback Sneaks
Kurt Warner remains a game-time call, while Steve McNair is expected to sit out his second straight contest. Trent Dilfer will make another start for the Niners and Vince Young’s status won’t be determined until Sunday morning. If Air McNair is unable to go, consider using Kyle Boller against the weak pass defense of the Bills, who rank No. 31 vs the pass. Although Alex Smith could return in Week 8 vs New Orleans, he has proved he’s not worth in any fantasy league. If V.Y. cannot go, Kerry Collins will start, but should not be starting on your fantasy squad.
Injury List
Marc Bulger (ribs) – probable, expected to start
David Carr (back) – bye, questionable, status uncertain
Jake Delhomme (elbow) – out for the season
Trent Green (concussion) – likely out for the season, Cleo Lemon would start
Tarvaris Jackson (groin) – probable, likely will play
Matt Leinart (neck) – out for the season
J.P. Losman (knee) – Trent Edwards will start
Josh McCown (foot) – Out indefinitely, Daunte Culpepper will start
Steve McNair (back) – questionable, Kyle Boller would replace
D.J. Shockley (knee surgery) – out for the season
Alex Smith (shoulder) – questionable, likely will be 3rd QB, Trent Dilfer will start
Chris Simms (hip) – out indefinitely
Michael Vick (personal) – out for the season
Kurt Warner (elbow) – probable, game-time decision, Tim Rattay would replace
Vince Young (quadriceps) – questionable, likely will not play
Running Backs
There have been multiple reports about Maroney – and unfortunately each update seems to contradict the previous news. Some reporters claim he’ll miss his fourth straight contest, while others claim he’ll be more of a game-time decision. It ultimately looks like he’ll be sidelined for another contest, but it is definitely worthwhile for Maroney-owners to monitor his health until injuries are announced at around noon time eastern time to see if he’ll be healthy enough to suit up. Sammie Morris (chest) is also expected to sit out the contest so Kevin Faulk could be in store for a huge performance against the winless Dolphins, who rank No. 31 vs. the rush (168.5 YPG). If he’s still available and Maroney is definitely unable to go, expect a big stat line from Faulk. Opposing teams top RBs vs. MIA have finished with 98, 89, 110, 179, 40 and 59 this season.
Rudi Johnson has missed practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Week 7. Therefore, it appears undrafted Kenny Watson will get his third straight start at halfback in his stead. Rudi left Week 3’s contest with a hamstring injury and hasn’t fully recovered since, so Watson appears in store for respectable numbers in Cincy’s high-powered offense. Most leagues saw Johnson drafted in the middle of the first round, however he’s averaging just 3.0 YPG with no touchdowns and two fumbles. The Jets rank No. 23 versus the rush (131.5 YPG), so Watson is a strong surrogate starter if Rudi isn’t at full power again. This is a 4:05pm ET game so make sure you scout Johnson’s health until the 11th hour.
Although the Rams are expected to get Bulger back behind center this week, they will be without stud RB Steven Jackson for the fourth straight week. Brian Leonard will get another shot in the backfield and has an attractive matchup vs the division rival Seahawks. They are surrendering 116.5 (No. 18) yards on the ground. Seattle has swept the Rams 4-0 the past two seasons and St. Louis remains without a victory. If you are hurting at your RB3 or flex position, seriously consider Leonard – he’s a legitimate threat for 100 yards rushing.
Halfback Draws
With Chris Brown questionable, the Titans will likely give LenDale White the brunt of the carries this weekend. He had a career-high 25 carries and scored for the third time in four games last contest. The Texans are currently No. 19 vs the rush (116.8 YPG). … Joseph Addai is fully expected to return to his starting RB duties on MNF vs the Jags. Kenton Keith will go back to being the backup, so make sure Addai is active in all lineups. … Ahman Green is expected to start at RB for Houston again this weekend, while Ron Dayne will be his backup. Samkon Gado - or possibly Dayne - could very possibly be inactive as a result. … Travis Henry will make another start for Denver while he continues to fight his possible suspension. A hearing for his appeal has been set for Nov. 5, but there is a possibility it could be postponed again. Selvin Young continues to salivate for his chance.
Injury List
Joseph Addai (shoulder) – questionable, expected to play
Mike Alstott (neck) – out for the season
Chris Brown (ankle) – questionable, likely will not play, LenDale White will start and Chris Henry will likely be backup
Michael Bush (leg) – might return in Week 7
Brian Calhoun (knee) – out for the season
Ahman Green (knee) – probable, likely will play
Travis Henry (suspension?) – will start, Selvin Young will likely take over soon
Noah Herron (knee) – out for the season
Priest Holmes (neck) – return date uncertain
Kenny Irons (knee surgery) – out for season
Brandon Jacobs (ankle) – questionable, Derrick Ward/Reuben Droughns would replace
Steven Jackson (groin) – doubtful, Brian Leonard will replace
Rudi Johnson (hamstring) – doubtful, Kenny Watson will likely start
Maurice Jones-Drew (thigh) – probable, expected to play for MNF
LaMont Jordan (back) – probable, expected to play, Dominic Rhodes/Justin Fargas would replace
Jamal Lewis (foot) – bye, might return in Week 8
Laurence Maroney (groin) – questionable, Kevin Faulk would replace
Deuce McAllister (knee surgery) – out for the season
Sammie Morris (chest) – questionable, likely out 2-4 weeks
Alvin Pearman (knee surgery) – out for the season
Chris Perry (ankle) – return Week 7
Michael Pittman (leg) – out indefinitely
Clinton Portis (knee) – questionable, expected to play
Fred Taylor (groin) – questionable, likely will play
Derrick Ward (ankle) – questionable, likely will play, Droughns would replace
Carnell Williams (knee) – out for the season
Ricky Williams (suspension) – applying for reinstatement
Wide Receivers
The Cards expect to have the explosive Anquan Boldin back in the starting lineup after three consecutive DNPs. Arizona has had four of their six games decided by exactly three points, so it’s very likely we’ll have another close game vs the Skins this week. Along with Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin is a definite must-start despite going against a tough Washington pass defense (179.4 YPG). Boldin snatched 14 receptions for 181 yards and two TDs in his last appearance and should be considered a top-10 WR when healthy.
Quick Slants
Marvin Harrison, Isaac Bruce and Hines Ward will likely be back in action for Week 7, while Deion Branch, Javon Walker and Andre Johnson will be remain in street clothes.
Injury List
Drew Bennett (hamstring) – questionable, likely will not play
Bernard Berrian (toe) – questionable, likely will play
Anquan Boldin (hip) – expected to return this week
Deion Branch (foot) – out, might return in Week 9
Troy Brown (knee surgery) – questionable
Isaac Bruce (hamstring) – questionable, might return this week
Plaxico Burress (ankle) – questionable, expected to play
Laveranues Coles (knee) – questionable, expected to play
Brian Finneran (knee surgery) – out for the season
David Givens (knee surgery) – out for the season
Terry Glenn (knee surgery) – out indefinitely, might return in late October
D.J. Hackett (ankle) – questionable, likely will not play
Marvin Harrison (knee) – questionable, expected to play
Chris Henry (CIN) (suspension) – return Week 9?
Chad Jackson (knee) – might return in Week 8?
Andre Johnson (knee) – doubtful, slim chance he could return in Week 8
Calvin Johnson (back) – questionable, likely will play
Brandon Jones (knee surgery) – out for 2-3 weeks
Jacoby Jones (shoulder) – probable, likely will play
Joe Jurevicius (knee) – bye, questionable, likely will play in Week 8
Eddie Kennison (hamstring) – out, Dwayne Bowe will still get playing time
Derrick Mason (knee, back) – probable, will start
Santana Moss (groin) – probable, will play
Eric Parker (toe) – out for the season
Tab Perry (hamstring) – out for the season
Peerless Price (neck) – out for the season
Koren Robinson (suspension) – reinstated, expected to play
Marcus Robinson (quadriceps) – out for the season
Rod Smith (hip) – likely out for the season
Steve Smith (NYG) – questionable, status uncertain
Donte Stallworth (knee) – probable, expected to play
David Tyree (wrist) – likely out this week
Javon Walker (knee) – out, likely will miss 6 weeks, Brandon Stokley replace
Hines Ward (leg) – will play
Tight Ends
Injury List
Chris Baker (back) – questionable, status uncertain
Mark Campbell (back) – out for the season
Alge Crumpler (knee) – doubtful, Martrez Milner/Dwayne Blakley are backup
Vernon Davis (knee) – expected to return this week
Bubba Franks (knee) – bye, might return in Week 9
Todd Heap (hamstring) – doubtful, not expected to play
David Martin (ankle) – questionable
Alex Smith (ankle) – questionable, Jerramy Stevens would replace
L.J. Smith (groin) – doubtful, likely will not play
Ben Watson (ankle) – questionable, didn’t practice all week, Kyle Brady would replace
Daniel Wilcox (ankle) – questionable
Kickers
Josh Scobee (quadriceps) – out, might return in Week 9, John Carney will likely replace
Matchups for Week 6
Toughest against the pass
1. Denver (145.6 YPG) – Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes
2. Pittsburgh (163.0 YPG) – Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley
3. Indianapolis (172.8 YPG) – David Garrard, Dennis Northcut, Reggie Williams
4. New England (178.7 YPG) – Cleo Lemon, Marty Booker, Derek Hagan/Ted Ginn Jr.
5. Washington (183.7 YPG) – Kurt Warner/Tim Rattay, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin/Bryant Johnson
Easiest against the pass
32. Minnesota (288.4 YPG) – Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten/Patrick Crayton
31. Buffalo (287.8 YPG) – Steve McNair/Kyle Boller, Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton
30. Detroit (263.6 YPG) – Jeff Garcia, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard
29. Cleveland (263.5 YPG) – BYE
28. Cincinnati (247.4 YPG) – Chad Pennington, Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery
27. New York Jets (243.3 YPG) – Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Toughest against the run
1. Tennessee (63.8 YPG) – Ahman Green, Ron Dayne/Samkon Gado
2. Minnesota (66.2 YPG) – Julius Jones, Marion Barber
3. Baltimore (66. YPG) – Marshawn Lynch, Anthony Thomas
4. Pittsburgh (72.6 YPG) – Travis Henry, Selvin Young
5. New England (78.3 YPG) – Ronnie Brown, Jesse Chapman
Easiest against the run
32. Denver (187.6 YPG) – Willie Parker, Najeh Davenport
31. Miami (168.5 YPG) – Laurence Maroney (questionable), Kevin Faulk
30. Cleveland (149.5 YPG) – BYE
29. Cincinnati (145.8 YPG) – Thomas Jones, Leon Washington
28. Oakland (144.8 YPG) – Larry Johnson, Khreem Smith/Priest Holmes
27. St. Louis (134.5 YPG) – Shaun Alexander, Maurice Morris
Week 7 Schedule
Sunday, October 21 1:00pm ET
Tennessee @ Houston
Tampa Bay @ Detroit
Atlanta @ New Orleans
Baltimore @ Buffalo
San Francisco @ New York Giants
Arizona @ Washington
New England @ Miami
Sunday, October 21 4:05pm ET
Kansas City @ Oakland
New York Jets @ Cincinnati
Sunday, October 21 4:15pm ET
Minnesota @ Dallas
Chicago @ Philadelphia
St. Louis @ Seattle
Sunday, October 21 8:15pm ET
Pittsburgh @ Denver
Monday, October 22 8:30pm ET
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville
Byes
CAR, CLE, GB, SD