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  Westbrook has fractured ribs
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Brian Westbrook, RB PHI |
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| News: Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday that RB Brian Westbrook had two fractured ribs suffered in the team's Week 5 loss vs. Washington. His status is unknown at this time for Week 6 at San Francisco. Westbrook had just 84 total yards against the Redskins in Week 5 with a touchdown and left for a spell because of the injury but played through it and finished the game. "We'll see how it works out for him over the next couple of days," Reid said. "Right now, he's very sore. We'll see how he does." |
Analysis: Until the severity of Westbrook's injury is known, there's no way to know if he'll be ready for Week 6. He might be able to wear a flak jacket and play through the injury, or if the injury is more serious, he'd sit out, but if that were the case now Reid would likely say so (he's never been overly coy with injuries). Owners should be prepared to roll with Correll Buckhalter next Sunday; the last time Westbrook was iffy leading up to kickoff, he missed Week 4 at Chicago and Buckhalter started. We'll keep you posted on all developments concerning the Eagles' running game throughout the week. |
 Royal to miss two games?
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Eddie Royal, WR DEN |
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| News: Denver rookie WR Eddie Royal sprained his ankle in the third quarter of Week 5's game against the Bucs on a punt return. The Denver Post reports that X-rays were negative but the ankle sprain will force him out of Week 6 vs. Jacksonville and possibly Week 7 at New England. Royal finished Week 5 with three catches for 23 yards before leaving. "I tried to plant and I guess it rolled on me," Royal said. "A guy hit me and twisted me up a little bit and it rolled." |
Analysis: Expect Darrell Jackson and Brandon Stokley to see more work in Royal's absence. Fantasy owners should keep Royal benched since he's shown flashes of being a quality option when healthy. |
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McMichael placed on IR; Fells signed
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Randy McMichael, TE STL |
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| News: Rams TE Randy McMichael was placed on IR Monday, officially ending his season. TE Daniel Fells was signed from Tampa Bay's practice squad to take McMichael’s place on the roster. |
Analysis: McMichael can now safely be released in all formats, while Fells should also be ignored for now. |
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Gruden still undecided on QB
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Buccaneers, TQB TB |
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| News: The St. Pete Times reports that Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden is still not sure who will be his starting QB in Week 6 against the Panthers, Jeff Garcia or Brian Griese. "We're going to address the quarterback situation as soon as we get all the facts," Gruden said. "Obviously health is going to be an issue. Jeff did some good things. His health has been an issue and his return to health is something we're excited about. We'll evaluate and let you know on Wednesday." |
Analysis: Griese didn't disgrace himself on Sunday before getting hurt, but he didn't exactly distinguish himself either. If Griese's elbow is OK, he will likely get the start, but you saw how Gruden benched a barely hurt Garcia earlier this season, so we wouldn't be surprised if a less-than-100 percent Griese sits against Carolina. Keep an eye on this developing situation as the week progresses. |
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Burress back from suspension
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Plaxico Burress, WR NYG |
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| News: WR Plaxico Burress returned to the Giants on Monday, with his two-week, one-game suspension officially over. He lifted weights, ran with teammates and still didn't really clear up what happened to get himself suspended. "I just ran into some family issues, as far as taking my son to school and things like that, said Burress, who last played in Week 3. "It was not like I purposely missed out. It just seemed to happen that way. I didn’t feel any reason to explain to them what happened or why I missed, because I don’t feel it’s anybody’s business. If I have decisions to make for my family and son, I wouldn’t change anything about it. I would still make the same decision. Maybe I would’ve put a phone call in. That’s about it.” |
Analysis: If Burress was watching the Giants play on Sunday he will have seen Domenik Hixon do a fine job in his place. Hopefully that will have inspired Burress to come out with guns blazing in Week 6 at Cleveland. He remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy WR and should be able to burn the Browns on Monday night. |
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Ruud optimistic about Week 6
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Barrett Ruud, MLB TB |
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| News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Buccaneers LB Barrett Ruud said his sore right knee is unlikely to keep him out of Sunday’s big game against Carolina. Ruud left Tampa's Week 5 game against Denver with the injury. |
Analysis: Ruud had a breakout season in 2007 and continues to be a stat machine for the Bucs. Ruud is a must-start Fantasy LB, so here's hoping that the injury turns out to be minor. Continue to track his progress leading up to Week 6 against the Panthers. |
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Redskins DL Griffin to have MRI
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Cornelius Griffin, DT WAS |
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| News: The Washington Post reports that Redskins DT Cornelius Griffin is scheduled to have an MRI on his injured left shoulder on Monday. |
Analysis: Griffin is a starting tackle with the Redskins, but he doesn't produce much Fantasy-wise. Continue to ignore him in all formats. |
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McMichael placed on IR; Fells promoted
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Daniel Fells, TE TB |
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| News: Rams TE Randy McMichael was placed on IR Monday, officially ending his season. TE Daniel Fells was signed from Tampa Bay's practice squad to take McMichael’s place on the roster. |
Analysis: McMichael can now safely be released in all formats, while Fells should also be ignored for now. |
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Buckhalter's name to be called again?
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Correll Buckhalter, RB PHI |
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| News: Eagles coach Andy Reid said Monday that RB Brian Westbrook had two fractured ribs suffered in the team's Week 5 loss vs. Washington. His status is unknown at this time for Week 6 at San Francisco. Westbrook had just 84 total yards against the Redskins in Week 5 with a touchdown and left for a spell because of the injury but played through it and finished the game. "We'll see how it works out for him over the next couple of days," Reid said. "Right now, he's very sore. We'll see how he does." |
Analysis: Until the severity of Westbrook's injury is known, there's no way to know if he'll be ready for Week 6. He might be able to wear a flak jacket and play through the injury, or if the injury is more serious, he'd sit out, but if that were the case now Reid would likely say so (he's never been overly coy with injuries). Owners should be prepared to roll with Correll Buckhalter next Sunday; the last time Westbrook was iffy leading up to kickoff, he missed Week 4 at Chicago and Buckhalter started. We'll keep you posted on all developments concerning the Eagles' running game throughout the week. |
 Orton has career-best 334-yard game
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Updated 10/5/2008 |
| Kyle Orton, QB CHI |
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| News: Bears QB Kyle Orton set career highs in yards passing, completions and quarterback rating while throwing two touchdowns to lead the Bears to a 34-7 win over Detroit on Sunday. He was 24-of-34 passing for 334 yards and had a 121.4 rating, improving to 3-0 against Detroit. He also had no interceptions. He already had Fantasy owners' attention after last week's three-TD effort vs. the Eagles. He had four completions for at least 30 yards. |
Analysis: It's time to take notice of Orton as a legitimate Fantasy option, and possibly one we can lean on as a starter in the coming weeks. Orton's showing a disciplined yet strong arm, and he's making the most of his less-than-stellar receiving corps (334 yards passing with Rashied Davis, Devin Hester and Marty Booker as his best receivers is really a feat). He'll have a solid matchup at Atlanta in Week 6, so consider him at least a quality bye-week replacement option for that game. If anything, try to get him off the waiver wire as a speculative player you could pawn off for help in a couple of weeks. |
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Johnson has first big week
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Updated 10/5/2008 |
| Andre Johnson, WR HOU |
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| News: Texans WR Andre Johnson had nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Colts. It was Johnson's first touchdown this season and his best output of the year. |
Analysis: Johnson remains a No. 1 option because he's capable of games like this. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for Johnson, who faces his hometown team in Week 6 when Miami comes to Houston. Start Johnson in all leagues. |
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Slaton has huge game
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Updated 10/5/2008 |
| Steve Slaton, RB HOU |
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| News: Texans RB Steve Slaton, the CBSSports.com Start of the Week, had 16 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Colts. He also had one catch for 3 yards. |
Analysis: We expected Slaton to have a big game against the Colts, who could not stop the run all year. He lived up to expectations and should be considered a good start in Week 6 against Miami. Consider Slaton a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against the Dolphins. |
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Edwards carted off with concussion
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Updated 10/5/2008 |
| Trent Edwards, QB BUF |
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| News: Bills QB Trent Edwards suffered a concussion early in the first quarter Week 5 against the Cardinals and was carted to the locker room. He completed three of three passes for 18 yards before leaving and will not return. J.P. Losman took his place in the lineup. "Trent was responding, but he was still a little groggy," coach Dick Jauron said after the game. "Hopefully, he'll be fine as time goes by here. It's a good time to have a bye." |
Analysis: Edwards has had a highly efficient start to the season, contributing right around 200 yards and one touchdown per game. If this concussion ends up serious, his loss will have an impact in Fantasy leagues, but he might just end up missing this one game. Normally, he's a No. 2 Fantasy QB, but with the Bills on bye this week, you don't have to worry about his health until Week 7 against the Chargers. |
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Ravens stop speedy rookie Johnson
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Updated 10/5/2008 |
| Chris Johnson, RB TEN |
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| News: Fantasy owners knew going in to the Titans' Week 5 matchup at Baltimore that Chris Johnson would be facing a stiff run defense. No one knew it would get this rough: Johnson had his worst game as a pro so far, rushing 18 times for 44 yards and catching two passes for 4 yards. He started off strong with 13-yard run on his first rush and averaging nearly 9.0 yards per carry through his first five touches, but cooled off as the Ravens' run defense zeroed in on him. |
Analysis: The Ravens are known for their vicious run defense, and Johnson learned about it first hand. Johnson has throttled many teams already this year, but this was the first time he saw a 3-4 defense (including in the preseason) that was as fast to the outside edges as he was. The good news: Johnson is done with the Ravens for the rest of the regular season. Tennessee is on bye in Week 6 and return to action Week 7 at Kansas City, and considering the Chiefs' woes against the run, Johnson will be rested and ready for a huge week. We'll be calling him a must-start for that game. |
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Big Ben toughens up for best game
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Steelers, TQB PIT |
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| News: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, battling injuries to his right hand and right shoulder, threw for more than 200 yards for the first time this season Week 5 at Jacksonville. In fact, he threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, connecting once with Nate Washington, Hines Ward and Heath Miller. Roethlisberger finished 26-of-41 passing, rebounding from an interception on his third pass that Rashean Mathis returned 72 yards for a score. "That's Ben," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "Sometimes he holds the ball too long, and the offensive line catches a bad rap for it. But you take the good with the bad because he can step up and deliver the way he delivered tonight. He's very good at what he does, and the guys have a great deal of belief in him. He delivers time and time again." |
Analysis: Roethlisberger also ran two times for two yards. His Fantasy owners had no doubt grown frustrated with his performance after drafting him as a near-elite option, but maybe this game will give him some momentum going forward. Don't forget he threw 32 touchdown passes last season. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, but Roethlisberger looks like a No. 1 Fantasy option again Week 7 at Cincinnati. |
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Ward finds himself back in end zone
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Hines Ward, WR PIT |
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| News: Steelers WR Hines Ward, who went the last two games without scoring a touchdown, returned to the end zone for his fourth score of the season Week 5 at Jacksonville, connecting with Ben Roethlisberger on an eight-yard strike in the fourth quarter. He finished with seven catches for 90 yards -- both season highs. |
Analysis: The Steelers frequently look to Ward in the end zone, and their passing game finally looked decent in Week 5. You'd like to see a 100-yard game or two from Ward, but he looks like a worthy No. 2 Fantasy WR right now. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6 before visiting the Bengals in Week 7. |
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Holmes back not scoring touchdowns
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Santonio Holmes, WR PIT |
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| News: Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, who scored his first touchdown Week 4 against the Ravens, didn't cross the goal line Week 5 at Jacksonville. He caught four passes for 65 yards and still doesn't have a 100-yard game this season. |
Analysis: Holmes has disappointed so far in Fantasy -- and not just with the lack of touchdowns. Hines Ward has seemingly replaced him as the go-to guy in Pittsburgh. Still, his potential makes him worth starting as a No. 2 Fantasy WR most weeks. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6 before visiting the Bengals in Week 7. |
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Four Steelers don't record stats
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Matt Spaeth, TE PIT |
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| News: Steelers TE Matt Spaeth, TE Sean McHugh, WR Dallas Baker and QB Byron Leftwich didn't record offensive statistics Week 5 at Jacksonville. |
Analysis: None of these players do enough on offense to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers. |
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Washington has biggest game of year
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Nate Washington, WR PIT |
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| News: Steelers WR Nate Washington led the team in receiving yards with 94 in Week 5 at Jacksonville, catching six passes. He also scored his first touchdown, catching a 48-yard pass in the second quarter. |
Analysis: Washington is the third wide receiver on a team that doesn't normally pass all that often. Despite his big performance Sunday, you shouldn't consider him an option to add off the waiver wire except in deeper 14- or 16-team Fantasy leagues. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6 before visiting the Bengals in Week 7. |
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TE Miller finally in the end zone
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Heath Miller, TE PIT |
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| News: Steelers TE Heath Miller scored his first touchdown of the season on a one-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger in the first quarter Week 5 at Jacksonville. He caught a season-high five passes for 45 yards. |
Analysis: Miller is mostly just a factor in the red zone, but he'll have to get more than one touchdown for you to rely on him in Fantasy. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, but Miller looks like a low-end No. 1 option for Week 7 at Cincinnati. |
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Davenport gets a three-yard carry
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Najeh Davenport, RB PIT |
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| News: Steelers RB Najeh Davenport, signed with Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall both injured, carried the ball only one time for three yards Week 5 at Jacksonville. |
Analysis: Davenport might not remain on the roster for long. The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, so Parker has a decent chance of returning Week 7 at Cincinnati. Even if he doesn't, Davenport doesn't deserve a roster spot in Fantasy as strictly a backup option for the Steelers. |
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Moore rushes for nearly 100 yards
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Mewelde Moore, RB PIT |
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| News: Steelers RB Mewelde Moore, starting for the first time since 2005 with Willie Parker sidelined by a sprained knee and Rashard Mendenhall out for the season, carried the ball 17 times for 99 yards Week 5 at Jacksonville. He also caught three passes for 17 yards. |
Analysis: The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, so Parker might return Week 7 at Cincinnati. If he doesn't, though, Moore has proven he can carry the load and would deserve to start as a No. 3 Fantasy RB. If nothing else, Moore at least deserves a roster spot as a handcuff to Parker. |
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Russell carries the ball six times
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Gary Russell, RB PIT |
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| News: Steelers RB Gary Russell, fresh off the practice squad with Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall out, carried the ball six times for 25 yards and caught a pass for minus-2 Week 5 at Jacksonville. |
Analysis: The Steelers have a bye in Week 6, so Parker has a decent chance of returning Week 7 at Cincinnati. If he does, Russell won't even get token carries anymore, and if he doesn't, Russell will just back up Mewelde Moore. He's not worth adding off the waiver wire. |
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Reed nails two more field goals
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Jeff Reed, K PIT |
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| News: Steelers K Jeff Reed scored eight points Week 5 at Jacksonville, going 2-for-2 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points. His longest field goal went for 38 yards, and he now has multiple field goals in three straight games. |
Analysis: The Steelers don't always give Reed consistent scoring opportunities, but he has a strong leg. Think of him as a decent bye-week replacement in Fantasy. The Steelers themselves have a bye week in Week 6 before visiting the Jaguars in Week 7. |
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Four Jaguars don't pick up stats
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Montell Owens, RB JAC |
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| News: Jaguars RB Montell Owens, TE Greg Estandia, TE Richard Angulo and QB Cleo Lemon didn't record offensive statistics Week 5 against the Steelers. |
Analysis: None of these players ever does enough statistically to matter in Fantasy. Leave them all on waivers. |
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Porter factors even less in Week 5
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Jerry Porter, WR JAC |
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| News: Jaguars WR Jerry Porter, who caught only one pass in Week 4 and complained to the Florida Times-Union afterward, played even less of a role on the offense Week 5 against the Steelers. He didn't catch a single pass. |
Analysis: Porter missed the first three weeks this season with a hamstring injury, and the recent emerge of Mike Walker has made him a non-factor on offense. He still has a chance to contribute before season's end, but he probably doesn't deserve a roster spot in Fantasy right now. The Jaguars visit the Broncos in Week 6. |
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Williams struggles again in Week 5
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Reggie Williams, WR JAC |
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| News: Jaguars WR Reggie Williams continued to start Week 5 against the Steelers, but he continued not to factor on offense. He went without a statistic for the second time this season and has no more than 46 yards receiving in any game this season. |
Analysis: The emergence of second-year receiver Mike Walker is pushing Williams, a former first-round pick, out of the picture. He never was a game-breaking receiver, though, so he probably doesn't deserve a spot on any Fantasy roster. The Jaguars visit the Broncos in Week 6. |
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G. Jones gets a 15-yard reception
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Updated 10/6/2008 |
| Greg Jones, FB JAC |
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| News: Jaguars RB Greg Jones went without a carry for a fifth straight game to open the season Week 5 against the Steelers, but he did catch a 15-yard pass. |
Analysis: Jones could get the occasional vulture score in 2008, but we can't recommend him in Fantasy because he won't get steady looks on offense. Leave him on the waiver wire for Week 6 at Denver. |
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