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2010 NFL Injury Notes: Week 2

17 September 2010


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Beanie Wells (knee) is headed to the dreaded game-time decision after being a limited participant in Arizona’s Friday practice. At this point I would make other plans for your roster. Tim Hightower can likely be used again.
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Percy Harvin (hip) is also a likely game-time decision, but all signs point to Harvin playing against Miami. Plan on using Percy, but check his status before kickoff.
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Kellen Winslow (knee) was listed as questionable for Tampa’s game against Carolina this week. Winslow has historically been able to play through pain so I would expect him to go. If you have a better option on your bench, I would use him, but I do expect Winslow to play.
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As expected Kevin Kolb (concussion) won’t play against Detroit this week. Michael Vick should be a strong play.
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Meanwhile, Matt Moore (concussion) was able to practice and will give it a go against Carolina. He wouldn’t be anywhere near my fantasy roster though.
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Hakeem Nicks (ankle) is making life difficult for his fantasy owners. It would be hard not to play him after his three-TD performance to open the season, but he’s also a game-time decision. The Giants don’t play until Sunday night so you’ll have to hope there is news before the early games. If you have another WR on the Giants, Colts, Saints, or 49ers that you can plug in if he doesn’t play, then you can gamble on Nicks. If not, and you don’t hear any positive news from Nicks’ camp, I would play it safe and leave him on your bench.

The Bucs do not bring much to the table for fantasy owners. Aside from Kellen Winslow, there isn’t a reliable option. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them all together.

 

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule:  Favorable
Too bad the Bucs don’t have more fantasy options because their schedule, on paper anyway, is very soft. They start off against the Redskins at home in Week 14. Then they have two home games against fellow bottom dwellers Detroit and Seattle.

 

Five Star Fantasy Options
None

 

Four Star Fantasy Options
Kellen Winslow – Winslow is forever an injury risk, but he has shown enough toughness to fight through the pain that you can rely on him. He has had at least 77 catches and 875 yards in three of the last four seasons.  The main knock on  him is that he doesn’t score TDs (only 16 career TDs). He has added value in PPR leagues.

 

Three Star Fantasy Options
None

 

Two Star Fantasy Options
Cadillac Williams – The Auburn duo of Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown have had more of their share of injuries. There aren’t many players that I pull for more than Cadillac because of everything he’s endured. He was overlooked last year because of the acquisition of Derrick Ward, yet managed to compile a 1040 total yard (823 rushing), 7 TD (4 rushing) season. You have to be a little skeptical that Ward will play a larger role, but as of now it appears Williams is the Bucsback to own.

 

Reggie Brown – Newcomer Reggie Brown has a chance to start over in Tampa Bay. He was passed in Philly’s depth charts by youngsters DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. He’ll have to hold off veteran Michael Clayton and rookies Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams.

 

Buccaneers Defense/Special Teams – For starters I like their Week 15 and 16 match-ups against the Lions and Seahawks respectively. They also take on the Browns (Week 1) and Rams (Week 7).  Plus, their second match-up against the Saints is after the fantasy season.

 

One Star Fantasy Options
Josh Freeman – Freeman has the tools to become a good NFL QB, but it’s going to take some size. Without quality options at the WR position or a solid ground game, it will take a little longer. He’ll have his moments, but they will be few and far between.

 

Derrick Ward –  Ward did not exactly live up to the hype last year combining for 559 total yards (409 rushing) and 3 TDs (1 rushing). His paltry 3.6 yards per carry didn’t help matters. He could make a run at the starting gig this summer, but until he earns the gig, his stock is very limited.

 

Michael Clayton, Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams – After an impressive 80 catch, 1193 yard, 7 TD rookie season, Clayton has just 141 catches for 1743 yards and 3 TDs over the past  five seasons. Surely you don’t expect him to suddenly remember how to be an elite fantasy WR. Benn could beat out Clayton or Brown for a chance to start, but I wouldn’t put much faith in a rookie WR given Tampa Bay’s offense. Williams has the tools, but will likely take longer to make an impact.

 

Click here for additional 2010 NFL Team Previews.

Zach Miller made huge strides in his second year hauling in 56 passes for 778 yards.  Unfortunately he only crossed the goal line once, but he’s still a serviceable TE.  He was consistently inconsistent with eight games with fewer than 50 yards and eight games with 50+.  Unfortunately he did score the occasional TD to buoy some of the low yardage games.  He’s clearly JaMarcus Russell’s top target though as the next closest Raider was Darren McFadden with 29 receptions.  Breakout candidate Chaz Schilens is out with a broken foot so Miller will continue to get a lot of looks.  He is an adequate TE1, but only because you’ll be getting him around the 13th round.  He should be good for 65 catches for 850 yards and 3 TDs.

John Carlson would be higher on my list after a 55 catch, 627 yard, 5 TD rookie season, but with the additional of T.J. Houshmandzadeh at WR, I’m afraid he won’t get as many targets.  Plus with Walter Jones sidelined following knee surgery, Carlson’s blocking duties could increase.  He’s still a big, talented target though, so he should be productive.  Just don’t expect him to make the leap into the top five fantasy TEs this year.  Although for a guy going in the 10th round of fantasy drafts, you shouldn’t really expect that much of a leap.  He should be good for 60 catches for 700 yards and 4 TDs.

Kellen Winslow is not short on talent or determination, that’s for sure.  However, his volatile behavior can be detrimental to a team.  His ability to control his emotions leaves plenty to be desired.  He is injury-prone, but for the most part guts them out.  He should be in a better situation in Tampa where he can better keep his emotions in check, but new Coach will not allow Winslow’s antics to make him lose control of the team.  He will get plenty of targets because the WRs outside of Antonio Bryant don’t pose a threat, but that will also mean he garners more attention from the opposing defense.  He’s going around the 7th round of fantasy drafts, and while he could finish with better numbers than Zach Miller of John Carlson, he’s a riskier proposition.  If he stays healthy he should catch 70 passes for 850 yards and 5 TDs.  I just wouldn’t bank on him playing a full season.

Kellen Winslow was traded from the Browns to Tampa.  He immediately upgrades their Tight End position and their passing attack, giving Antonio Bryant a compliment.  I don’t see Winslow’s value taking a hit, and I think he’ll enjoy playing for Raheem Morris.  In Cleveland, second-year TE Martin Rucker will get a chance to show his worth after putting up big numbers at Missouri in 2007.  Steve Heiden had his best year in 2005 when Winslow missed the season.  He should contribute as well. 
 
The Vikings also made a trade, acquiring Sage Rosenfels from the Texans.  Here’s the thing.  He turns 31 next week and has a whopping 562 pass attemps since 2002.  Of course, 414 have come the pass two years as Matt Schaub has been unable to stay healthy.  He’s played in 15 games over that stretch, completing 65.2% of his passes for 3115 yards with 21 TDs and 22 INTs.  Decent numbers, and an upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson, but not the best choice for a team knocking on the door of a playoff run.  He’s not throwing the ball to the likes of Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels in Minnesota. 
 
The Patriots landed Fred Taylor.  New England is the master at milking the last few drops out of veterans.  He’ll be added to the mix of RBs Belichick has assembled.  I’m not sure there’s much fantasy value in him, but it’s worth pay attention to see what sort of role he carves out for himself.  LaMont Jordan will be looking for a new home thanks to Taylor’s signing.  Maurice Jones-Drew’s value sees an increase since he won’t have to split carries with Taylor anymore.

Cleveland Browns Preview

31 August 2008

The Browns were the surprise team last year.  Now that they can’t sneak up on anybody, I’m interested to see how they will do.

Offensivley they were one of the best units last year.  Derek Anderson was an unbelievable find racking up nearly 3800 yards and 29 TDs.  He suffered a concussion this preseason, which hopefully won’t carry with him into the seasons.  If it does, Brady Quinn will be waiting in the wings.  From what he’s shown this preseason, he needs a little more time learning the position.  At Running Back Jamal Lewis had a surprising year as well.  He tallied over 1550 total yards and 11 TDs.  He was particularly effective down the stretch.  At Wide Receiver the Browns added Donte Stallworth to compliment Braylon Edwards.  At Tight End Kellen Winslow is one of the game’s best. Their Offensive Line is great, anchored by second-year Left Tackle Joe Thomas.   They are even well-stocked in their return game with Joshua Cribbs.

Defense is, and will continue to be, their weekness.  They did add Shaun Rogers, which should help.  LB D’Qwell Jackson (101 Tackles) and FS Sean Jones (96 Tackles, 5 INTs) are their biggest playmakers.  They had a few guys with 4 or 5 Sacks, but nobody who put real pressure on the Defense.  Hopefully Rogers can either provide that pressure or draw enough attention that somebody else will be able to.

I think they will be decent this year, but I don’t see a playoff berth in their cards.  The AFC is just too loaded.  8 or 9 Wins is what I expect.

Fantasy-wise the Browns are stacked.  I’m not a huge DA guy, but he did produce monster numbers at QB.  I cant’ justify taking him early, so he’d only make it to my team if he fell into my lap.  Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow are beasts in their respective positions.  Jamal Lewis should be productive again, and as long as he seems to be associated with a decline like the Edge, he’ll be a great value.  Donte Stallworth is worth snagging as a 4th or 5th WR.  Phil Dawson is a solid Kicker.  I wouldn’t reach for him, but if he’s there on your last pick, he’s worthy of a roster spot.


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