Saturday, November 28, 2009

Defensive Corner: Sleepers, Injury & Impact


Sleeper:
Chargers (v. Kansas City): Last time these two met the Chargers Defense racked up an amazing 23 points (ESPN default scoring). Since then the Chiefs have lost top RB Johnson and have suspended top WR Bowe. Oh, and the Chargers are on a five game win streak consisting of wins against quality opponents such as the Giants and Eagles.

Injury and Update

Bengals (v. Browns)
Keith Rivers
, LB, Calf, Limited Practice
Morgan Trent, CB, Knee, Limited Practice
*Rey Maualuga, LB, Foot, Did Not Practice
*Domata Peko , DT, Knee, Did Not Practice
*Robert Geathers, DE, Hip, Limited Practice
*Tank Johnson , DT, Knee, Limited Practice
*Johnathan Joseph, CB, Foot, Limited Practice

Status: Coming off an unexpected loss to the Raiders, the Bengals will be looking for redemption this week against the Browns. This, in addition to the Browns generally horrendous play, should have fantasy owners salivating this week. However, although starting the Bengals Defense should not be only be safe, but wise, keep your eye on this situation, as for any team the possible benching of five starters would mark a drop in production.


Vikings (v. Bears)
*E.J. Henderson, LB, Knee, Full Practice
Benny Sapp , CB, Groin, Full Practice
*Antoine Winfield, CB, Foot, Limited Practice

Status: The limited play/non-play of Winfield hurts, but the Vikings are facing the Bears and their turnover machine of a quarterback. Start.

Eagles (v. Redskins)
Akeem Jordan
, LB, Knee, Did Not Practice
*Asante Samuel, CB, Neck, Did Not Practice
Victor Abiamiri, DE, Knee, Full Practice
Quintin Demps, S, Ankle, Full Practice
Victor Harris, S ,Eye, Full Practice
*Mike Patterson, DT, Wrist, Full Practice
*Sheldon Brown , CB, Hamstring, Limited Practice

Status: The Eagles may be down two cornerbacks (if that), but the Redskins are a complete mess organization wise and are down Clinton Portis and possibly Ladell Betts leaving them to rely on third-string Cartwright on the ground. This should be a fantastic week for fantasy owners, especially considering Philly’s Defensive dominance in their last meeting.

Steelers (v. Ravens)
*James Farrior, LB, Not Injury Related, Did Not Practice
*Troy Polamalu, S, Knee, Did Not Practice
*Travis Kirschke, DE, Calf, Limited Practice

Status
: The Steelers have demonstrated that the absence of Polamalu equals the absence of defensive consistency and domination. This, in addition to the fact that the Steelers may be starting an inexperienced third-string quarterback and will therefore probably be heavily reliant on the defense, does not bode well for fantasy owners this week.

Ravens (v. Steelers)
Matt Birk, C, Neck, Did Not Practice
*Ray Lewis, LB, Foot, Did Not Practice
*Ed Reed, S, Foot, Did Not Practice
*Terrell Suggs, LB, Knee, Did Not Practice
*Jarret Johnson, LB, Shoulder, Full Practice
*Haloti Ngata, DT, Ankle, Limited Practice

Status: Even against a mediocre Steelers team, I would be hesitant to start the Ravens. However, as mentioned above, this week the Steelers may be starting Dixon, an inexperienced third-string QB. Due to this, the Ravens offense will probably dominate time of possession and will be able to eventually wear out and exploit the Polamalu-less Steelers’ defense. Keep you eye on whether Big Ben is cleared to play.






Related Posts by Subject



0 comments: