Marquee players Larry Johnson and Chad Johnson were carted off the field with injuries in Week 9, Adrian Peterson broke the NFL-record with 296 yards rushing against San Diego and the Patriots rallied back to defeat the Colts in a battle of the unbeaten. It was quite a week of action – we saw Jamal Lewis plunge in four TDs, Drew Brees throw for 445 yards and Clinton Portis rush for a career-best 196 yards in an OT win.
Peterson looked like he could find the end zone almost every time he touched the ball in the second half, racking up an amazing 252 yards. He’s already eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the season and currently has 310 yards more than the next highest rusher (726 Willie Parker, playing tonight on MNF). The rookie is averaging an amazing 6.6 YPC and has a league-best eight TDs. Fellow rookie Marshawn Lynch currently ranks No. 4 (690 yards). Incidentally, Chester Taylor was the backup for Peterson’s record rushing performance and was also the backup for the former record holder, Jamal Lewis with the Ravens (295 yards).
Meanwhile, Tom Brady continued to BUILD HIS LEGEND as the Patriots maintain their march at perfection, defeating the Colts 24-20 in Indianapolis. Chutes ‘n’ Ladders will scrutinize the newest free agent options on your waiver wires, recap the latest news on the injury front and discuss the fantasy implications for each.
Quarterbacks
Free Agent Possibilities
Quinn Gray, JAC 20-for-33, 354 yards, two TD, three INT (David Garrard might return as early as Week 10 sending Gray back to reserve role)
Kellen Clemens, NYJ 23-for-42, 226 yards, TD, 48 yards rushing (showed flashes off brilliance in his first action as Jets new starting QB. NY got off to a fast start, but then fizzled late as Washington made a nice comeback)
J.P. Losman, BUF 24-for-34, 295 yards, TD, INT, 21 yards rushing (has probably re-cemented himself as the Bills starting QB)
Safe Rosenfels, HOU 11-for-19, 181 yards, TD, INT, 19 yards rushing (could very well remain Texans starter in Week 11 after bye)
Patrick Ramsey, DEN 29-for-46, 262 yards, TD, INT (if Cutler misses time, Ramsey will get the start)
Brooks Bollinger, MIN 7-for-10, 95 yards, TD (Tarvaris Jackson will keep starting job if he’s healthy enough, but Bollinger looked great)
Major Offensive Injuries
The Broncos lost their starting quarterback, Jay Cutler, early on in Sunday’s whitewash loss to Detroit because of a leg injury. Cutler was reportedly worried that he may have a hairline fracture in his leg and will undergo an MRI on Monday. He could miss considerable time with this ailment, apparently. Patrick Ramsey relieved him in Week 9 and would take over behind center if Cutler misses any time. Ramsey finished 29-for-46 for 262 yards in the loss. An MRI came back negative on Monday so we’ll see if he’s healthy enough to practice.
Tarvaris Jackson was carted off the field with a neck injury at the end of the first half of Sunday’s victory against San Diego. He was replaced by Brooks Bollinger, who sparked the Vikings offense. Jackson has been atrocious at times this year so don’t be surprised if the Vikings have their third different starting QB in the past three weeks vs the Packers in Week 10.
The quarterback position has been a revolving door for the Panthers this season. After losing Jake Delhomme for the season, David Carr has been knocked out of three games and Vinny Testaverde has also been taken out of action via injury once. Carr left again in Week 9 in the fourth quarter after he reportedly re-injured his back and suffered a concussion. His numbers were horrendous for the contest, as he finished 15-for-27 for 107 yards and no TD. Who knows who will be starting next week – if neither can go, Matt Moore would get the next audition.
The Dolphins have announced that Cleo Lemon will get another start at QB, but he’s been using Lemon and John Beck during practice. Miami comes off their bye to face Buffalo in Week 10. With that 0-8 record, it will just be a matter of time before Beck gets a chance. … After Houston’s Week 10 bye, don’t be surprised if Sage Rosenfels kept the starting QB job. Coach Greg Kubiak expressed some doubt as to whether or not Schaub would be able to return in two weeks. Rosenfels vs New Orleans in Week 11 is A DREAM FANTASY matchup. … It’s possible No. 1 selection JaMarcus Russell could be the Raiders starting quarterback as early as Week 12.
Running Backs
Oakland started Justin Fargas in their backfield Sunday over struggling LaMont Jordan, and Fargas responded with 104 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown. Jordan was held to just 10 yards on the ground and appears to have taken a backseat in the workload in Oakland. Fargas is available in many leagues still – make sure you put a waiver claim in for him if you still have a chance to acquire him. On Monday, the team announced Fargas will be the starter until he loses the job.
Free Agent Possibilities
Justin Fargas, OAK 23 rushes, 104 yards, TD, two receptions, 15 yards
Ron Dayne, HOU 21 rushes, 122 yards, TD
Leon Washington, NYJ 13 yards rushing, four rec, 18 yards, KO TD
Kevin Faulk, NE 29 yards rushing, three rec, 20 yards, TD
Chester Taylor, MIN nine rushes, 60 yards, TD, two rec, 23 yards
Maurice Hicks, SF 49 yards rushing, TD
Maurice Morris, SEA nine rushes, 55 yards, two rec, 43 yards
T.J. Duckett, ATL 48 yards, TD
Michael Robinson, SF 17 rushes, 67 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
The Chiefs got a major scare on Sunday vs Green Bay when he was carted off the field with a right ankle sprain. He was unable to put any weight on the ankle after the injury so he was helped off the field and did not return. He ended up with 53 yards rushing, 42 yards receiving and a TD. Priest Holmes, fresh off the PUP, replaced him at running back and three rushes for eight yards. L.J. will undergo some tests on Monday and will likely take at least a few days of practice off. If he’s unable to suit up, next Sunday will belong to Priest – that makes him a top free agent option heading into Week 10. The Chiefs take on Denver, who entered Week 9 ranked dead last against the rush.
Shaun Alexander is scheduled to under X-rays on his knee after another disappointing performance in an OT loss to the Browns. His ankle was also injured in the game, as he left several times. Maurice Morris spelled him and actually outperformed him for the fourth straight week. Morris rambled for 55 yards, while the former MVP had just 32 on 14 carries. It might be time for a change in the backfield in Seattle. Consider picking up Morris if you need help at RB.
Frank Gore was a late scratch for the Niners just before game-time because of an ankle injury. In his place, Maurice Hicks had seven carries for 49 yards and a TD, while Michael Robinson had 67 yards rushing on 17 carries. Gore is questionable for Week 10 against Seattle and will be a very risky option because it’s on Monday Night Football. Hicks ran with a bit more explosiveness on Sunday and could get the lion’s share of carries next time.
Travis Henry sat out the fourth quarter after he aggravated a knee injury. He had just 31 yards rushing on nine carries before leaving and being replaced by Selvin Young. After the game, Henry downplayed the injury but might still find himself on the injury report. There’s talk he might not start serving his suspension for another four weeks, so Selvin Young-owners will have to remain patient.
After starting at RB, Ryan Grant suffered a slight concussion in Sunday’s win over Kansas City. He left the game at the end of the fourth quarter and was replaced by Brandon Jackson. Teams have to be cautious with head injuries like this one, so it’s very possible the Packers could have their fourth different starting running back in Week 10 against Minnesota. Grant, who finished with 92 total yards, will undergo an MRI on Monday. Vernand Morency would also figure into the workload.
Jerious Norwood was forced to leave Week 9 with an ankle injury against the Niners. He had 39 yards rushing on six carries before departing in the third quarter when he aggravated an existing injury. Warrick Dunn had a season-high 100-yard effort and a TD for the Falcons to pick up the slack. Norwood will undergo some tests early this week and could find himself iffy for Week 10 vs Carolina. … Ahman Green also departed this week’s contest, after a very impressive start too. He departed with a knee injury after totaling 81 total yards in the first half. Ron Dayne then took over and rambled for 122 yards with a TD. Houston has a bye in Week 10, so he’ll Green will get some time to rest. … Steven Jackson (groin, back) is expected to play in Week 10 vs New Orleans – Brian Leonard will back him up. Jackson should be a nice play despite the rough first half.
Wide Receivers
Free Agent Possibilities
Lee Evans, BUF nine rec, 165 yards, TD
Reggie Williams, JAC six rec, 128 yards, TD
Shaun McDonald, DET five rec, 78 yards, TD
Nate Burleson, SEA four rec, 59 yards
David Patten, NO four rec, 81 yards, TD
Sidney Rice, MIN four rec, 66 yards, TD
Ike Hilliard, TB seven rec, 70 yards
Brandon Stokley, DEN four rec, 32 yards, TD
Major Offensive Injuries
Chad Johnson was carted off the field when he injured his neck near the end of Cincinnati’s loss to the Bills. He went to a Buffalo hospital, underwent a CT Scan and was able to fly with the team on its charter flight later that night. The test came back negative, so that’s great news for the Bengals. He’ll likely miss some practice this time and will find himself on the injury report. With Chris Henry returning from suspension this week and the Bengals out to a 2-6 start, it’s very possible Johnson could miss his first game of the year.
Anthony Gonzalez sustained a dislocated left thumb on the first play of the game against New England. He missed a tough potential TD pass in the loss and hasn’t performed all that well thus far in his rookie year. Consider more reliable options. … Glenn Holt lost his front two teeth when he was celebrating a 100-yard kickoff TD. He’s been decent as the slot receiver for Cincy this season, but will likely be replaced by the aforementioned Chris Henry at that spot next weekend. … Steve Smith suffered a hip contusion against the Titans. He had just three catches for 15 yards in the loss and has dropped off the fantasy map recently – it’s time to consider benching the superstar. … Andre Johnson (ankle) is expected to return after Houston’s Week 10 bye. Andre Davis will become the slot receiver, while Kevin Walter starts along side Johnson.
Tight Ends
Free Agent Possibilities
Robert Royal, BUF two rec, 35 yards, TD
Donald Lee, GB four rec, 78 yards
Billy Miller, NO three rec, 75 yards
Bo Scaife, TEN six rec, 35 yards
Week 10 Schedule
Sunday, November 11 1:00pm ET
Atlanta @ Carolina
Buffalo @ Miami
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh
Denver @ Kansas City
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Minnesota @ Green Bay
Philadelphia @ Washington
St. Louis @ New Orleans
4:05pm ET
Cincinnati @ Baltimore
4:15pm ET
Chicago @ Oakland
Dallas @ N.Y. Giants
Detroit @ Arizona
8:15pm ET
Indianapolis @ San Diego
Monday, November 12, 2007
San Francisco @ Seattle
Byes
Houston, New England, N.Y. Jets, Tampa Bay