If you're lucky enough to own Kurt Warner, you've got yourself some fantasy gold.
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It’s getting to that point in the season. You know what I’m talking about. The time in the fantasy football year when you’re either rolling, or you’re crying.
Maybe it’s because at 5-5, you’re not feeling too bad about your spot in the standings. Why? Because you’ve been waiting for a healthy Reggie Bush or Willie Parker, and you’re waiting is finally about to be awarded. Or maybe you’re the guy that held on tight to Tony Romo and/or Terrell Owens, and now you can quite possibly ride the Cowboys’ likely offensive success to the championship.
But mostly, you’re probably pretty happy because you have Kurt Warner and any one of the Cardinals top receivers, meaning you have quite possibly the best one-two quarterback and receiver punch in your entire league.
That, or you’re 0-10 and looking to next year. No, you won’t be drafting LT. Not because he’s lost it completely, but more because it’s become apparent that there are actually other players in the league.
The fact is, whether you’re waiting on a fantasy savior, your money guys to start paying off, or for the season to just friggin’ end already; this has been a season for the ages. Yeah, and it’s only week 11.
So, while we all keep watching in amazement at the statistical boundaries that may or may not be crossed (Drew Brees eyeing the single season yardage record), or if we believe in the Jets, it’s all still worth watching.
To get a good idea of who you may or may not want to start this week, here’s a look at each match-up this week, focusing on the main players. (Oh, and if you didn’t start Thomas Jones on Thursday, shame on you. The guy is red hot.)
The Broncos probably seem a little vulnerable going up against Atlanta with no proven running back, but if you’re looking for touches, run with Peyton Hillis. The fullback has more speed than you’d like to believe, and should get more touches than Tatum Bell. Also, if you’re not buying the running game doing well, play Eddie Royal if one of your other WR2 guys doesn’t have a great match-up. Jay Cutler has been loving him.
If you haven’t noticed, the Denver Broncos defense is pretty awful. With that said, Matt Ryan hasn’t had a poor showing against a bad defense all year. Yeah, so play him.
Now that Bob Sanders is back, the Colts’ defense isn’t nearly the pancake opponent people would like to believe. Considering this, don’t start anyone in Houston not named Andre Johnson. Indy’s run defense is solid with Sanders helping out (Mewelde Moore was held to under 60), so if you can afford to stay off Steve Slaton for a week, do so.
I shouldn’t have to say this, but all Oakland players deserve an emphatic pass. I like Chad Pennington, but not against a stingy secondary that has made Brett Favre and Jake Dehlomme look like average quarterbacks. Ronnie Brown could have a big day, but then again, so could Ricky Williams.
The Giants and Ravens match-up is anything but sexy, which probably means low games for just about everyone involved. If I had to pick a standout candidate, I’d go with Willis McGahee, and I actually think the Ravens win this one.
This would be a great week to play Carolina’s defense, and no, the Lions won’t get their first win this week. DeAngelo Williams should be productive, and a bounce-back game from Dehlomme is to be expected.
Everyone in Philadelphia is resting easy with a match-up with Cincinnati, but they’ve actually been a bit stingy on defense, which will probably result in a lower scoring game than we’d all like. I like Kevin Curtis again, though, and DeSean Jackson should have a game much like last week. Good or bad? You tell me.
Green Bay is vulnerable to the tight end; possibly even more so with a new guy in the middle, so don’t be afraid to play Greg Olsen. I love Matt Forte here, too, and don’t play Ryan Grant against a defense that shut down Chris Johnson last week. I’d also go with a different option than Aaron Rodgers.
New Orleans and Kansas City should be a shootout, with KC actually pulling it out. Even if Reggie Bush plays, he won’t play that much, and this could be a loss that kills their season. Drew Brees will obviously have a huge day, which means good numbers for all Saints receivers, particularly Lance Moore. Tyler Thigpen is a strong play against a secondary that lost Mike McKenzie for the year. Many would have you believe Larry Johnson will have a big day in his first game back, but I’d hold off for another week.
There aren’t a ton of appealing options in the Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay game, leaving Adrian Peterson as the only sure-fire play. However, the Bucs should have to throw a lot, so Antonio Bryant could reach 100 yards for the third time in four games.
The Rams, with or without Steven Jackson, will continue their drop, and the 49ers will finally win for their new coach. I like Frank Gore, but love no one in this match-up.
The Seahawks might stop Tim Hightower to a certain degree, but nothing can stop Kurt Warner and his trio of God-like receivers. All three cracking 100 yards isn’t impossible.
Chris Johnson gets back aboard the “must play” train, while both Jaguars runners hop right back off it. If Matt Jones is fully healthy and still able to play, he could get a few big plays mostly because the Jags’ will have to throw a ton.
Willie Parker is back (again), but a shoulder harness should scare you away for the week. Let him show you how healthy he truly is while you try someone else out this Sunday. If you check the game logs, you may want to stay away from Philip Rivers. Quarterbacks, aside from maybe Peyton Manning, haven’t had great success against the Steelers.
The media can talk up the Redskins’ defense all they want, but a Tony Romo return means a big day for Dallas receivers. Terrell Owens has been waiting for this day for almost a month. The return of number nine means a boost in value to all Dallas players.
Clinton Portis is out for Sunday, so Ladell Betts could be a solid pick-up fill-in.
I like Brady Quinn on Monday night, simply because the energy he brings, and because Braylon Edwards plays awesome in front of the nation (See Giants game). I’m not digging the Browns as a team, but that connection should be established for all to see. The same goes for Kellen Winslow.
If Marshawn Lynch is up to it, the Browns rush defense is there for the taking. At worst, you’ll probably see a big play or two from Lee Evans. As solidly boring as Trent Edwards has been, something tells me playing under the lights brings out the good in him. I’ll give you an emphatic “we’ll see”.
Any other comments, questions, or suggestions, e-mail me at Kevin.Roberts@cuw.edu. I try to help in the forums, but if you read this grumble column and need some extra help or advice, I’m more than happy to help.