How does a quarterback throw for nearly 350 yards and not record a passing touchdown? Peyton Manning did exactly that last weekend. But that wasn’t the biggest fantasy development of week 8. For that we head to Houston where Steve Slaton is probably sleeping with a football these days. Read More
“Hot Potato” Slaton fumbled away carries for the rest of the season and his fantasy owners. One of the top ten RBs coming into the season, Slaton is in the middle of a sophomore slump. I’m never one to write off a player who fumbles after seeing Ahman Green and Tiki Barber refine their ball security skills. Still, a decreased workload knocks Slaton’s value down a few pegs and seriously hampers any chance of him being a dominant force down the stretch for your fantasy team.
Michael Turner showed some nice burst in last night’s game. Turner’s production has slipped a bit from last season but I am expecting a nice second half from him. I hope you didn’t bench Ray Rice against the “vaunted” Bronco defense. It wasn’t a historic day but the dual threat is getting plenty of touches to help his owners. Barring a collapse, the former Rutgers standout will be a top 5 pick heading into your 2010 fantasy draft.
St. Louis got one in the left column for a change. In my opinion the Rams have the least talented roster in the league. Everyone knows Steven Jackson is getting the ball and he still manages to find enough room to run. If I’m in a keeper league I’d try to pry him away from his current owner and bank on a much better supporting cast in 2010.
In a day with several unusual stat lines, MJD’s 177 yards on the ground looks weird next to 8 carries. Where did Sims-Walker go? I jumped on the bandwagon but I’m not thrilled to see Garrard struggle.
The loss of Kenny Phillips in the Giants’ secondary hasn’t been fixed. You can talk about all the injuries and make excuses but the defensive backs lack leadership. Once they are exploited they have not shown an ability to bear down and make plays. Poor tackling is just as inexcusable in the second half as it is the first half. On a side note, I think it’s time to buy Hakeem Nicks. Steve Smith is a fine receiver but he is destined for a possession role. Nicks is the fantasy fruit you should be picking. I’m not sure if he’ll evolve into the better fantasy wideout this season but he should be the better guy to own next year.
Rex Ryan and his staff have made some rookie mistakes this year and it’s going to cost them a playoff appearance. Romo came to play again and Miles Austin caught another touchdown. I’m really uncomfortable with Dallas’ players fantasy wise. I may ok with Austin as a WR2, but Witten and the backfield are a crapshoot with low fantasy ceilings.
Last but not least…Brett Favre still doesn’t look right in a non-Packers uniform but I can’t bet against him in real life or fantasy. Minnesota’s defense is somewhat overshadowed by Favre and the offense but as long as they stay healthy the fantasy totals should keep piling up for the offense.
Bears Corner
Good job Chicago! Beating the Browns doesn’t really offer much insight into the state of this team. Can the Bears stop the pass? I don’t think so. Can the Bears improve their rush attack? I’d like to hope so. Is Jay Cutler going to “manage” his aggressiveness? Not this year.
With their backs against the wall, the Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals this week. Kurt Warner has absolutely picked apart defenses when given time to throw making the match up an ugly one. A win would restore a sliver of hope in my mind, however an expected loss should leave the Bears floundering to finish the season with eight wins.
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