In Between the Tackles: Flexing Some Muscle

Sunday Preview: One of the most highly anticipated non-playoff games in recent memory takes place on Sunday when the New England Patriots face the Indianapolis Colts. "Obviously with the history between these teams, it makes for a great matchup," Tom Brady said. Led by Joseph Addai, the Colts have the league's fifth-ranked run offense averaging 140 yards per game and top the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. The Colts also have the NFL's best pass defense, while New England boasts by far the best passing offense with 303.8 yards per game.
Source: Yahoo! Sports - November 2, 2007

Wow...what a difference a year makes. With Sunday night's terribly disappointing matchup between New England and Indianapolis on the horizon, let's dig a little deeper into some of the other interesting storylines that have developed as of late and how they might affect your fantasy football team.

'Roid Rage

Since Friday morning, reports and rumors have been flying that anywhere between 6 and 15 players have violated the NFL's drug policy by testing positive for Bumetanide, a weight-loss diuretic that can be used to mask steroid use. While details are still fuzzy and mostly unconfirmed due to the league's strict confidentiality policy, a few of the names involved have leaked out over the past few days. This is a situation every fantasy owner has to keep an eye on because it could have a big effect on a handful of players and teams down the stretch.

As of today, Saints RB Deuce McAllister is the biggest name rumored to be involved in the drama. Last week I discussed Reggie Bush's surgery (link) and Deuce looked to be one of the main beneficiaries of extra carries - now that may change. Following the Week 9 bye, New Orleans faces the weak defenses of Atlanta and Kansas City, but Pierre Thomas is now the man to own in Bush's absence. If someone in your league already has Thomas, then keep an eye on Aaron Stecker as well. There is a chance he could become useful if Thomas proves he can't be relied upon as an every down back.

While McAllister was the biggest name involved because he is a well-known running back, two other names caught my attention that I think could have an even bigger impact on the remainder of the fantasy season: Minnesota Pro Bowl Defensive Tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. Minnesota broke the bank during the summer to bring in DE Jared Allen and unite him with the Williams' and the reigning top run defense in the league. After seven weeks, the Vikings run defense is not surprisingly ranked #2 in the league and atop the NFC. If both Williams' are suspended at the same time, Minnesota could be in major trouble. Future Pro Bowler and budding star MLB EJ Henderson recently underwent total reconstructive surgery on his foot and is already lost for the season. Since the suspensions (likely to be four games) won't happen for at least another couple weeks, RB options on Tampa, Chicago, Jacksonville, Detroit and maybe Arizona have to be salivating at the possibility of facing replacements Ellis Wyms and Fred Evans. Also take note of this situation if you own Minnesota's Defense as well. You likely drafted them in the top two or three defenses this summer, but you need to consider packaging them in a trade this week before they get exposed.

The last name involved worth mentioning is Atlanta NT Grady Jackson. If he should end up suspended, it would be a big hit to an already mediocre Falcons run defense. If you're looking to speculate on a weak matchup in Weeks 11-15 without Jackson, Atlanta will be facing Denver, Carolina, San Diego, New Orleans and Tampa. Like I said, keep a close eye on this situation as it continues to develop and it will take most owners a few weeks to digest the fantasy impact.

Ginn 'n Tonic

When the Miami Dolphins surprised everyone and selected WR Ted Ginn Jr. with the 9th pick in the 2007 draft instead of Brady Quinn, Dolphins fans were furious. After a season and a half of frustration and minimal production, Ginn finally had his coming out party on Sunday with seven catches and 175 yards. Is Ginn finally on the fantasy radar as a legit receiver, or is this just a tease? Let's take a closer look...

Coming into the game, Buffalo CB Terrence McGee was thrust into the lineup after missing the last two weeks with a sprained knee. McGee was sporting a bulky knee brace and heavy wrap so common sense says it would be wise to test the weak link. The first play of the game Ginn toasted McGee for a 46-yard score and the Dolphins knew this was the matchup to exploit. Prior to Sunday, Ginn's longest reception of the season was 19 yards but he soon added a 64-yarder later in the game to solidify his big day. If you've followed football for the last few years, this performance seemed eerily reminiscent of former Dolphin Chris Chambers 238-yard smackdown three years ago in an upset of the Bills. While it's hard to argue with Ginn's athletic ability, I think the jury is still out on him becoming a reliable WR option on your fantasy team. On the flip side, the remaining defenses on the Dolphins schedule are anything but challenging, starting next week with Denver. If you're willing to take the risk of -1 and 9 yard performances from Ginn like he put up earlier this year, take a gamble. Just remember, with Chad Pennington's weak arm and facing legitimate healthy cornerback's, Ginn's threat to go deep just isn't there.

Extra Points

- Denver RB Michael Pittman (ribs) is questionable for Sunday. With Selvin Young (groin) and Andre Hall (wrist) also banged up you need to really give Ryan Torain a hard look as I recommended two weeks ago (link).
- If you've watched any games this season, Cincinnati RB Cedric Benson has been a bright spot in an otherwise dim year for the Bengals. Don't get too excited though - his next five weeks feature Jacksonville, Bye Week, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. Get anything you can for him now and don't expect him to provide any value to your team for the next month, even as a fill-in.
- If your QB has a late bye week or he just isn't producing to your liking, consider Browns QB Brady Quinn. With the Browns finally winning a few games as of late, the demise of Derek Anderson has been delayed. The Ravens will feast on Anderson's lack of confidence this week and I wouldn't be surprised if that gives Cleveland an excuse to finally begin the Quinn-era.

Hail Mary

Just gonna throw this up and see what happens...

Last Week: I predicted a 21-point Philadelphia win...they won 27-14, but the real turning point in the game came on a huge referee blunder (link to video).

This Week: The NY Giants will manhandle Dallas, highlighted by 7 sacks and 170+ yards receiving for Plaxico Burress. I don't really think the Giants are as good as they're cracked out to be, but this matchup plays into their strengths just like last week against the Steelers. Dallas CB Anthony Henry (quadriceps) will likely miss the game, in addition to previous injuries to CB Terence Newman (groin surgery) and S Roy Williams (broken forearm). That leaves Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins starting at corner "trying to" cover Burress. Throw Dallas TE Jason Witten's broken ribs into the mix and I think the Giants win big.

Make sure to stop by next Wednesday for another edition of "In Between the Tackles" when I will break down who you should be looking to trade for to give your team that extra boost heading down the home stretch. As always, if you have any questions and/or comments feel free to post below.

Related Posts by Subject