Sunday Observations

Tampa v Atlanta
Both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner went down with injuries, not sure how serious either are, but they will need to be watched. Kudos to Chris Redman for replacing Ryan and posted a solid 243 and 2 TDs. Antonio Bryant posted his best game of the year and with Josh Freeman learning on the job, if you need WR help, Bryant might be a solid pick up.

Miami v Buffalo
Another fine effort for Ricky Williams with 115 and a score. Terrell Owens is back is seems and could help a fantasy owner to a championship if his chemistry with Ryan Fitzpatrick continues. Is there any doubt Fred Jackson is the better back in Buffalo (72 yards on 15 carries and 2 TDs)? Where did Lee Evans go this year?

Washington v Philladelphia
I like LeSean McCoy's game and production (101 combined and a TD). DeSean Jackson went out with a concussion, so keep an eye on that development and an uptick for Maclin and Avant. Brent Celek has been pedestrian in the past few weeks.

Seattle v St. Louis
Steven Jackson continues to roll with 100+ combined and a score. Kyle Boller was solid with almost 300 yards and a score, the only black mark being 2 INTs. Matt Hasselbeck has been stinking it up from a fantasy perspective. Could it be he likes Justin Forsett behind him? And what's not to like about 130 yards and 2 TDs on the ground? TJ Housh and John Carlson posted identical, sorry 2 receptions, 14 yard days.

Carolina v New York Jets
You expect Mark Sanchez to post a poor fantasy day lately, but Delhomme was back to his "Culter" ways, throwing 4 INTs. All in all the games was nothing from a fantasy perspective, although Thomas Jones did post 75 yards and a TD, which is ok.

Cleveland v Cincinnati
I would have expected the Bengals to score better than the 17 points the put up, which affected the fantasy scoring from the game. The Browns were customarily pathetic. And other than a decent 87 yards for Bernard Scott, Larry Johnson has the best day, with 107 yards on the ground. LJ could be a hot pick up this week.

Indianapolis v Houston
Both Manning and Schaub put up good games, but not outstanding, marred by a combined 4 INTs. And Kevin Walter is starting to show what we were expecting a few weeks ago when Owen Daniel went down. Dallas Clark keeping rolling with a solid game (9-63-1 TD), and Pierre Garcon was solid with matching 5-63-1 TD.

Kansas City v San Diego
Phillip Rivers is nearing the elite fantasy QB heights (317-2 TDs). Jamaal Charles has shown to be a good replacement for LJ with 140 combined and a TD. And Chris Chambers continues his solid play after being cast off by the Charges with 7-70-1 TD. Antonio Gates was strong with 7-118-2 TDs, while LaDainian Tomlinson remains a solid play only because of his recent TD surge, posting 2 more today on limted yards and carries.

Jacksonville v San Francisco
Alex Smith continues his steady play and is a decent back up option going into the stretch run. Frank Gore has been puzzling and inconsistent and would have been a poor play today except for a receiving TD. Vernon Davis continues his excellent play with 6-69-1 TD. MJD posted 110 combined, but sans a TD.

Chicago v Minnesota
What is going on with Brett Favre? A ridiculous 392 and 2 TDs. AP was solid with 100+ combined and a score. Percy Harvin was sweet with 45 rushing yards and his 6-101-1 TD, while Sidney Rice continues his march up the receiver charts with 6-89. And Vianthe Shiancoe remains a solid TE play. Now for the Bears. Culter's erratic play is costing those counting on him and honestly, there are better options out there, even for a back up. And I am now proclaiming Matt Forte a bust, with another sub par performance.

Arizona v Tennessee
Dare I say it, but not only is Vince Young playing better, but he is achieving fantasy relevance with 387 and a score. yes, that's right... 387. Chris Johnson is absolutely ridiculous, posting 154 and a score on the ground plus 3-32 receiving. I am also putting Kenny Britt on my pick up list with his 7-128-1 TD performance. The late scratch of Kurt Warner hurt the entire Cards offense. Matt Leinart seems like a bust, doesn't he?

Pittsburgh v Baltimore
Dennis Dixon had an ok game in replacing Big Ben, but it hurt the numbers. Only Santonio Holmes posted anything worth mentioning (6-74-1 TD). Mendenhall posted 100+ combined. Ray Rice broke 150 combined without a score. and Mark Clayton (yeah, Mark Clayton) had 7-129, plus Derek Mason posted 7-62-1 TD. Hope Big Ben is back next week.
Have to mention, I am REALLY looking forward to the Patriots v Saints game tomorrow evening.

Today's Hottie: Alex Zerega or MySpace

Quick Injury Updates

Just a few quick but important injury updates as I have them from today.

Ben Rothlisberger - Reports out of Pittsburgh are that Big Ben will be sitting on the side lines. This bears watching, who knows what tomorrow will bring, but have your back up plan in place.

Kurt Warner - Nothing definative on Warner and his concussion, but again, for a top flight fantasy QB, this bears watching as he is listed as questionable still, again have your back up ready and monitor the reports on Sunday

Julius Jones - This is more important for those who snapped up Justin Forsette, who is a good start if he plays. More monitoriing.

Adrian Peterson - Besides a nagging ankle, Peterson was out of practice due to an illness and is questionable, keep an eye open and if he is out and you have Chester Taylor, get him warmed and and expect a big day if he starts.

Steve Smith - Word from Carolina is Smith is nursing sore ribs, and with his recent resurgence, watch on Sunday for the inactive report

Rock Cartwright - He could be a good spot starter for the Redskins if you need help.

It is Sarah Saturday again!
Today's Hottie: Sarah Stage

Hit the field or Take some Pine?

I am not a fan of the Thursday night games, especially the Thanksgiving Day gamut, with three games already in the books. Doesn't give us pundits much time to sum up the week past and then turn around for the Thursday games, plus get on to Sunday. Jamie Eisenberg put out his Start 'Em and Sit 'Em for this week on the 25th. I generally like what he writes, so here is my spin on what is left for Sunday. Read his article here

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em:
Brett Favre - The Chicago D is not what is once was... too many injuries... not enough talent, Favre should have a good game here.
Carson Palmer - If Cleveland can give up 300+ and FIVE TDs to a rookie like Stafford, Palmer should do pretty well too.
Ben Rothlisberger - This only works if Big Ben starts, which it looks like he will. Surprisingly, except for a few weeks ago, the Ravens D has not been stellar and Rothlisberger could have a good game.
Matt Hasselbeck - The match up with St. Louis is favorable for Hasselbeck, but he continues to disappoint, I wouldn't call him a must start.
Matt Ryan - Ryan bounced back with a good game last week and Tampa should allow him to continue the trend

Sit 'Em
Joe Flacco - Without Polamalu, the Steeler D is missing something, but is still formidable.
Jay Cutler - The only way Culter does well is in garbage time when they are behind
David Garrard - Garrard is never a starter in my mind.

Running Backs

Start 'Em
Joseph Addai - Addai continues to have a steady fantasy season, scoring TDs and yardage just enough to keep him on your starting team, and should again
LeSean McCoy - McCoy is a good fill in for Westbrook, I would start him the rest of the year
Bernard Scott - Benson should be on the bench again so Scott should start again Cleveland

Sit 'Em
Jamaal Charles - The Chargers have been playing better and should be tough on the entire KC offense
Jamal Lewis - Yup sit him.

Wide Receivers

Start 'Em
Santono Holmes - Again, Hines Ward is the start here, Holmes has been a big disappointment this season
Terrell Owens - I would start him too.
Nate Burleson - I am not a Burleson fan, not sure I would start him, perhaps a passable game, but not an outstanding
one.
Michael Crabtree - If San Fran goes to the spread offense more, Crabtree will excel

Sit 'Em
Santana Moss - Definately agree, sit him
Jerricho Cotchery - Until Sanchez starts to play a bit steadier, I wouldn't count on any Jet receivers
Donnie Avery - I might start him in this match up

Tight Ends

Start 'Em
Greg Olsen - The Vikings give up points to TEs, but that is what they said last week for John Carlson and he got blanked
Kellen Winslow - Winslow is up and down, spectacular and horrible... could this be a spectacular week?
Visanthe Shiancoe - Favre seems comfortable with Shiancoe, but take away three big scoring weeks and Shiancoe is a mediocre TE... he might do ok this week, but I would temper expectations

Sit 'Em
Brent Celek - Celek is a must start each week
Jeremy Shockey - This is a good sit week for Shockey

Today's Hottie: Natalia Ramirez

Merry Turkey Day

Hello All!

I had to take Thanksgiving off. So, I ate turkey, watched football and napped. A perfect holiday! I hope everyone else had a great day as well! Posting again later this evening as normal!

Hate / Love

Matthew Berry from ESPN writes a weekly column he calls his Love Hate list. He runs through players he loves for the weekend's matchup and those he hates. And well Berry is an "expert" and gets paid big jack to express his opinions, I often disagree. So, here is my spin in the Talented Mr Roto's thoughts, which can be found here

Berry "Loves"

JerMichael Finley - I have to agree, he and Rodgers are on the same page

Calvin Johnson - I think the Lions will find it harder going against Green Bay, even with their defensive losses.

Marion Barber - The Raider defense is much better than people give them credit for, plus the continuous time share. Did anyone else hear Jerry Jones would like to see more from Felix Jones?

Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw - Denver's defense has been horrible against the run, and well, against the pass too. Even with the time share, both could do ok.

Jason Snelling - After a successful debut, he won't sneak up on anyone, I would expect an ok day against Tampa Josh Freeman - There has to be a better option for you than Freeman... Kyle Boller, Alex Smith...

Kellen Winslow - He might do ok, but he is so inconsistent week to week... if you want to gamble, go ahead

Ricky Williams - Buffalo is not stout against the run, and Williams should do well

Terrell Owens - I read some good analysis on TO, new offensive coordinator, more TO... makes sense

Fred Jackson - With Lynch hobbled, more touches for Jackson is a good thing

LeSean McCoy - Replacing Westbrook, if he gets enough touches, he should do well

Justin Forsette - I am not sure if Jones is back or not, but a time share would not help either back. I like Forsette if Jones doesn't play

Chris Chambers - Chambers has been great since joining the Chiefs, lots left in his tank, and a payback game could produce well

Jamaal Charles - His TD return helped, but San Diego's defense will slow him down

Greg Olsen - Against Minnesota, I don't like Olsen in this one.

Berrys "Hates"

Tony Romo - The Raiders have been tough on the passing game, and the Cowboys are definately off right now, 14 points in the past two games

Jason Witten - So goes Romo, so goes Witten

Eli Manning - Manning will do ok, but if the Giants can get their pathetic running game going, it will be less, if they continue struggling on the ground, then Eli will do better

Steve Smith - Smith has been consistent in the last few weeks, not posting monster games, but nice ones and he will again

Brent Celek - I would start Celek every week these days

Beanie Wells - If he can get involved in the running game, he could do well, I would expect him to do ok though

Jay Culter - Yeah, I would not expect great things from Culter this week in Minnesota

Today's Hottie: Brandy SkyAlso, check out www.brandysky.net coming soon!

The Waiver Wire

I don't have a ton of time to write tonight. But I did read Roger Rotter's Waiver Wire top 10 and thought you might like to see it. Here is the article. Below are his top ten and some of my thoughts

10) Kahill Bell - Matt Forte's back up. Yeah, who knew? But with a couple week defenses coming up soon, he might be worth a spot if you have room. Just an interesting thought. I did notice that Forte just seems to be running right up the backs of his line... little cutting or anything. No holes, yeah, I don't see him helping.

9) Brandon Gibson - This one depends on his chemistry with Kyle Boller with Bulger going down, hold onto this thought a week and see what happens

8) Miami D - A one week wonder if you need help. Against Buffalo, I might take grandma and the bridge club.

7) JerMichael Finley - I am all over this one. I have had Finley on my roster since the draft.

6) Matthew Stafford - Not so fast. Stafford is injured and doesn't play too many defenses as bad as Cleveland, who I would start my local peewee team against and expect decent fantasy points.

5) Alex Smith - If San Fran goes with the spread offense that worked in the 2nd half at Green Bay, this might make sense, but what I heard was Smith didn't like it (did they say this guy was smart before the 2005 draft?)

4) Rock Cartwright - yeah, I would do this if I needed help.

3) Fred Jackson - I doubt he is on the wire, but if he is there, grab him... Lynch is nicked up.

2) Bernard Scott - He is gone in most leagues, but if not, pick him up until Benson is back.

1) Justin Forsett - Again, he is gone probably, but pick him up. I don't know how long Julius Jones is out, but he might not get his job anyhow.

Later all. Out!

Today's Hottie: CJ Caprio
Check out CJCaprio.com - coming soon!

R & R - Ramblings and Rantings

Injury Impacts - Not a great deal of injury, but still some things to talk about.

Ben Rothlisberger - Sitting here watching the Monday night game. ESPN just reported, according to Chris Berman, that Big Ben has told the media he will be playing on Sunday, despite his concussion against the Cheifs. Make sure to keep an eye on it anyhow... besides, with the injury to Charlie Batch, it's either Rothlisberger or nothingin Pittsburgh.

Kurt Warner - Reports are today that Warner is just fine after his own minor concussion. Again, with head injuries, keep your eye on this one during the week.

Green Bay Defense - Two pro bowl level players went down for the Packer D, Aaron Kampman and Al Harris. Normally, I don't talk much about defenses, but this will really hurt their performance.

LaDell Betts - A severe knee injury has put LaDell on the pines for the rest of the year. Rock Cartwright is next up for the Redskins and might be worth picking up. He did a good job after Betts' injury.

Marc Bulger - Bulger is out for the year with a broken bone in his leg, so Kyle Boller is the QB in St Louis for the rest of the year is my guess. Not much fantasy value unless you are desparate.

What's Up? Guys who you might want on your roster.

Chris Chambers - If he is out there, snap him up. Two solid performances in a row speaks volumes. On a side note, if owners dropped Dwayne Bowe, and if you have room on your roster, you might want to consider him. He is coming back in time for the playoffs.

Kenny Britt - Still sitting here watching the Titans v Texans and Vince Young has some chemistry with the rookie. If you need WR help, he might be worth a gamble.

Jason Snelling - Snelling has a solid game stepping in for Michael Turner. If you need a short term starter, and if he is available, he is worth a roster spot and a spot start.

Bernard Scott - Scott had a solid if not spectacular game against the Raiders, and it also worth a roster spot for a spot start.

Justin Forsett - Again, Forsett had a nice game in replacing Julius Jones in Seattle, even against the Viking defense. If you have room and need a spot start, Forsett might be worth it.

Michael Crabtree - I wouldn't think Crabtree would be available, but he had a mini coming out party against a tough Green Bay defense, posting his first TD.

Robert Meachem - even with his poaching on Sunday (2 receptions, 10 yards, 2 TDs), I don't see Meachem as worth a roster spot, just too many other weapons on New Orleans.

Today's Hottie: Marla Foust