Week Eleven's Top Performers and Under Achievers

A Running Back in a Quarter Backs league.

If you recall last week's "Top Performers" article I made the point that based off fantasy scoring alone one could make the overwhelming case that the NFL is a QB's league. This Sunday the prosecution presented more evidence in the case of QB vs. everyone else as 6 out of the top 10 scorers were QBs. More notable names from Ben Roethlisberger (18/29 275 yards 3 tds plus a rushing td), Aaron Rodgers (22/31 301 yards 4 scores), and Drew Brees (29/43 382 yards and 4 tds) to the emerging Ryan Fitzpatrick (21/34 316 yards and 4 scores) who along with top performing RB Fred Jackson (21 carries for 116 yards and 2 scores), and top performing WR Steve Johnson (8 receptions for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns) made an amazing comeback against the cardiac cats in Cincinnati all but sealing another head coaching vacancy at seasons end.

Elsewhere, some guys who need to start playing like their paycheck demands, had some subpar games. In Tennessee, against a Redskins D that has let anyone and everyone score on them, the only thing Vince Young (12/16 165 yards) accomplished was getting benched in favor of rookie QB Rusty Smith. Meanwhile in Carolina, against a Panthers running defense that would let Barry Switzer rush for 100+ yards, Willis McGahee managed to rush 8 times for 23 yards and caught an amazing 2 catches for -10 yards! Furthermore in Dallas, Roy E. Williams is still continued to be haunted by the injury of Tony Romo and the new look Garrett Cowboys as he made it 5 straight weeks without a touchdown catching 2 passes for 20 yards. In the didn't know two guys who play the same position for different teams have the exact same name section of fantasy football Zack Miller of the Jaguars caught more passes and yards (3-27) as a backup to Mercedes Lewis then the Raiders starter Zack Miller (2-9).

In case you were looking for it, Brent Celek went 0-0-0 once again Sunday not receiving a single target from Vick against the Giants. That makes for an astounding 4 catches for 16 yards over the last 4 games. The FANTASY BLACK HOLE consumes another performance by Celek.

Week 10 Top Performers, & Under Achievers

I throw 4 touchdowns and we still can't win?

If you don't believe that the NFL is a QB's league then open up your eyes and look around. 4 out of the top 5 fantasy scorers Sunday were QB's; while 8 out of the top 15 were QB's. Coincidentally those top 4 QB's came from only 2 games (KC vs. Denver & Pittsburgh vs. New England); in which all 4 combined for 14 touchdowns, and over 1,500 yards of passing.

Statistically the top QB and WR came from the KC side of the ball as Matt Cassel went 35/49 for 4 scores throwing 2 of those touchdown to Dwayne Bowe who also brought in 186 yards on 13 catches. Granted these stats are a little inflated due to Kansas City having to abandon the run in order to catch up with Denver, however, as a fantasy owner of either guys you'll take the production however it comes.

While on the ground the damage was done in Jacksonville and Buffalo as Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Jackson helped propel their teams to wins. MJD ran the ball 24 times for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns while Fred Jackson had 25 carries 133 yards and caught a pass for a touchdown as well.

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh Rob Gronkowski showed why the Patriots used such a high draft pick on him to replace Ben Watson hauling in 5 catches; 3 of them for touchdowns.

Now on to some guys who need to earn their keep...

It would be an easy write to call out Peyton Manning for only having 185 yards and no touchdowns against a bad Bengals D, but its without saying that Manning can be forgiven for having an off day. However, the combo of Vince Young and Kerry Collins combined for 143 yards and 1 score and a pick. Speaking of lowered expectations, Cedric Benson who is looking more and more like a 1 year comeback story was supposed to dominate a bad Colts running defense yet ran the ball 14 times for 24 yards. Speaking of domination, Randy Moss has had a history of great first games with a new team, yet only caught one ball for 26 yards narrowly beating out Brandon Marshall's 3 catches for 34 yards as the worst performance by a top tier WR in Miami.

Week Nine Injury Report

• RB, Mike Hart, Indianapolis Colts: scheduled to undergo an MRI today on his left ankle. 
• WR, DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles: despite practicing Monday Jackson has yet to be cleared to play Monday because of his concussion. 
• TE, Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens: despite stiffness Heap expects to play Sunday against Miami. 
• WR, Dante Stalworth, Baltimore Ravens: after being out for more then half the season Dante is hoping this Sunday will be his season debut. 
• QB, Jake Delhomme/ Seneca Wallace, Cleveland Browns: both are limited by high ankle sprains, however, even after not practicing Monday both are eyeing a return Sunday. 
• RB, Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys: suffered a bruised forearm, and mild ankle sprain. 
• WR, Donald Driver, GB Packers: reaggrivated his quadriceps injury Sunday against the Jets. 
• QB, Aaron Rodgers, GB Packers: suffered a ankle sprain, but did return to play Sunday. 
• QB, Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings: received 8 stitches to his chin laceration, but is expected to play next Sunday.
• TE, Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders: was seen on crutches Monday because of a sore foot, but Coach Cable expects Miller to play Sunday against the Chiefs. 
• WR, Legadu Naanee, SD Chargers: is not expected to play Sunday against the Texans because of a hamstring issue. 
• QB, Tim Hasselback, Seattle Seahawks: did receive a concussion Sunday, but Coach Carroll expects him to play Sunday. 
• QB, Vince Young, Tennessee Titans: left Sundays game because of an ankle injury, but could play Sunday. 

Week Seven Stock Up/ Down

Me and my QB's have a connection

All signs in Tennessee are pointing towards what everyone knew and believed from last season; Kenny Britt and Vince Young have a connection. However, it wasn't so apparent at the beginning of the season. Through the first two games the Titans main receiving threat was Nate Washington as he posted 2 scores, and 122 yards on 7 receptions. Meanwhile Kenny Britt posted 5 receptions for 41 yards and no touchdowns.

However, since game three things have turned around and pointed in the direction of Kenny Britt. Though his yardage has been low he has scored in 4 straight games while Washington has only 1 touchdown in those same 4 games (a score against Dallas in which the td pass was his only reception of the game).

This week, at home, the Titans face a Philadelphia team that plays far better against the pass then they do against the rush (14th/23rd) so expect Fisher to take advantage of this matchup with a heavy dose of Chris Johnson. However, if red zone opportunities do present themselves look for Vince Young/ Kerry Collins to look towards Kenny Britt and not Nate Washington for the 5th week in a row.

Week Seven Injury Report

Run DMC could be back this Sunday

Welcome to concussion city! Population: a guy that will be questionable to out for next week.

• Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins: Ryan appeared in the Redskins locker room with his left knee heavily wrapped but indicated that he was fine. 
• Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: will test his hamstring Wednesday at practice to see if he can at full speed yet. 
• Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns: is still listed as probable with a thigh injury for this Sundays game against the Saints. 
• Lasean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: is probable for this Sunday with a rib injury.
• Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: probable with a thumb injury, but looks like a non-issue as of now. 
• David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: questionable with a concussion. 
• Vince Young, Tennessee Titans: questionable with a sprained knee. However, Kerry Collins looked good handling this offense.
• Donald Driver, GB Packers: sidelined with a thigh injury he is questionable but expected to play this Sunday. 
• Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins: hampered by a hamstring injury he is still expected to start against the Bears. 
• Nate Kaeding, SD Chargers: not expected to play Sunday, but no replacement has been named yet either. 
• Vernon Davis, SF 49ers: day to day with a knee injury; Davis is questionable for next week against Carolina. 
• Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos: questionable for next week with a hamstring injury.