Week 8: Friday Injury Update

Here are some injury status updates for you as you set your rosters for Week 8:

QB Tony Romo (DAL): Romo (finger) is out this week. Advice: QB Brad Johnson will start again for Romo, but is not worth a spot on your roster. Although I do not expect him to repeat his abysmal performance from last week, it is clear that the Cowboys are not in a good place right now as a team.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): Hasselbeck (knee) will miss his third straight game. Advice: QB Seneca Wallace will get his second straight start, but he is not worth a spot on your roster.

QB Carson Palmer (CIN): Palmer (elbow) is out this week. Advice: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in place of Palmer, and actually could be worth a start if you are having bye week or injury issues. The Texans do not have a great defense, and Fitzpatrick is throwing to WR Chad Johnson/Ochocinco and WR TJ Houshmandzadeh.

RB Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson (thigh) has been limited in practice this week and will likely be a game-time decision. Advice: I am sure many Jackson owners got excited after last week’s blow up performance, but you may end up without him this week. I think he will play, but if you have other reasonable options, you should probably look elsewhere.

RB Joseph Addai (IND): Addai (hamstring) is out this week. Advice: RB Dominic Rhodes will start in his place, but is not worth a start on your team, because he is up against a very tough Titans run defense.

RB Willis McGahee (BAL): McGahee (knee) was limited in practice this week, but is expected to play this weekend. Advice: McGahee had one of his best games of the year last week against a tough Miami run defense, so look for him to do well this weekend.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (SD): Tomlinson (toe) is still battling with his turf toe injury, but should play. Advice: I cannot advise benching Tomlinson, but as with most previous weeks, you cannot expect too much from him.

RB Felix Jones (DAL): Jones (hamstring) is out this week, and may miss the next three weeks. Advice: Look for RB Marion Barber to continue to get the bulk of the carries while Jones is out.

RB Brian Westbrook (PHI): Westbrook (ribs, knee) claims he is ready to play, but his status for this week remains unclear. Advice: I think Westrbook will be back in the lineup this weekend, but he may not be 100% and may share time with RB Correll Buckhalter, to lessen the chances that he will reaggravate his injuries. If you have other (attractive) options, you might want to bench him this week, because even if he does play he will likely not receive a full load.

RB Sammy Morris (NE):Morris (knee) is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Advice: If you need RB help, go pick up rookie RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis, who will likely start if Morris and RB LaMont Jordan are, in fact, out (you can never really trust the Patriots injury report). But also look for RB Kevin Faulk to get some touches (mostly in the passing game, though).

RB LaMont Jordan (NE): Jordan (calf) missed practice this week and is unlikely to play. Advice: See Morris, Sammy.

RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee) missed practice this week and is likely out this weekend. Advice: Once again, RB Mewelde Moore will take his place in the lineup. However, the Giants have a good defensive line, so do not expect Moore to put up numbers like he did last week. Only use him if you do not have any better options.

RB Larry Johnson (KC): Johnson is not injured, but will not play this week. Advice: RB Kolby Smith and RB Jamaal Charles will fill in for Johnson. Smith got more carries last week, but Charles was just as effective. However, neither are a very good option.

WR Plaxico Burress (NYG): Burress (neck) is back at practice, but his status for this week remains unclear. Advice: Burress has a history of playing through injuries, so I expect him to be in the lineup this weekend. However, neck injuries can be tricky, so check his status on Sunday afternoon before the game.

WR Chris Chambers (SD): Chambers (ankle) was back at practice this week, but was still somewhat limited. Advice: Chambers will likely be a game-time decision, and will not be 100% even if he does play. WR Malcom Floyd, who has 2 TD catches in his two starts in place of Chambers, will likely see some action either way, and makes a good start if Chambers is out.

WR Justin Gage (TEN): Gage (knee) was limited in practice this week but hopes to be ready for MNF. Advice: Since the Titans play on MNF, Gage will have an extra day to get ready. However, since the game is on Monday, you will be in a tough spot if you rely on him and he ends up not playing. Either way, I would not start Gage, since the Titans will likely rely heavily on the run, and he will not be 100% even if he does play.

WR Reggie Brown (PHI): Brown (groin) was limited in practice this week, but should be able to play this week. Advice: I would only start Brown if you really need him. WR Kevin Curtis (see below) will be back in the starting lineup this week, which means Brown will likely be used sparingly if his groin acts up.

WR Kevin Curtis (PHI): Curtis (sports hernia) was not on the injury report. Advice: Expect Curtis to be in the starting lineup for the Eagles this week, but do not expect too much from him, as he has been out since before the start of the season. He is definitely a sleeper, though.

WR Anquan Boldin (ARI): Boldin (head) is back to practice, but it is not certain that he will play this week. Advice: Unless you are desperate, I would leave Boldin on the bench. He does not have a good matchup, even if he does play.

WR Joey Galloway (TB): Galloway (foot) wants to play this weekend, but it is still not clear whether he is ready. Advice: Again, unless you are desperate, I would stay away. Galloway has a pretty good matchup against a weak Cowboys secondary, but he has been out for awhile.

WR Santonio Holmes (PIT): Holmes is not injured, but he has been suspended for one game by the Steelers a the result of an arrest related to marijuana possession on Thursday. Advice: It is not clear yet whetehr the NFL will get involved and suspend Holmes for any additional games, but he is out at least 1 game. And while he is out, WR Nate Washington will take his place in the starting lineup. Washington has 2 long TD catches in the last two games, and is a sneaky good play against a NYG’s defense that has been struggling against the pass recently (see the Browns game from two weeks ago).

TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Shockey (sports hernia) was limited in practice this week but is expected to play. Advice: Shockey has a very good matchup against the Chargers, so he makes a good play, assuming he does not have any setbacks.

TE Kellen Winslow (CLE): Winslow is not injured, but he has been suspended for one game. Advice: Bench him and look for help elsewhere. If you are absolutely desperate, his backup (TE Steve Heiden) is a sleeper, although he has missed some practice time this week himself. Rooke TE Martin Rucker, who is ready to play after missing the early part of the season with a knee injury, is a super-sleeper.

Week 8: Waiver Wire

Here are some guys you might want to add if they are still available in your league:

QB Kyle Orton (CHI): Although his past few games have been against some easy defenses, he has looked good. And he should continue to do well enough to warrant a roster spot.

QB Gus Frerotte (MIN): Frerotte has been playing well and is worth a start against easy matchups.

QB Jeff Garcia (TB): Garcia had a huge game against the Seahawks (who are awful), but is worth a roster spot going forward. He does not make many mistakes and is a good bye week fill in.

RB Ryan Torain (DEN): I expect him to be the starter by week 9 or week 10 in Denver. Shanahan compared him to former Broncos RB Terrell Davis. Tough to predict, but I expect big things. Worth the risk.

RB Mewelde Moore (PIT): Rumors are Willie Parker should be back to practice this week, but given how many setbacks he’s had, I would add Moore if you need help this week. He has done well in place of Parker.

RB Pierre Thomas (NO): With Bush out for a month or so, someone has to split time with McAllister. And I think it will be Thomas, who has done fairly well in spot-duty over the past two years.

RB Cedric Benson (CIN): He is not great, but he is the starter in Cincy. And he wil get most of the carries. Which means he is worth owning.

WR Mike Furrey (DET): With Roy E. Williams in Detroit, Furrey steps into the starting lineup. He is definitely worth a roster spot in PPR leagues. But is also good depth in most other leagues.

WR Malcom Floyd (SD): He has played very well while Chris Chambers has been out, and should continue to be involved even after Chambers gets back.

WR Josh Morgan (SF): He had a great preseason, but was slowed by a staph infection. But last week, in his first start of the year, he had 5 catches for 89 yards and a TD. Mike Martz loves to throw the ball, so he could work out pretty well. It might be worth noting that Morgan was the college teammate of Eddie Royal, another rookie WR who is playing very well.

WR Donnie Avery (STL): Speaking of rookies, Avery (the first rookie WR drafted in 2008) has been performing very well lately. And now that the Rams are winning games, they are worth owning.

WR Kevin Curtis (PHI): After missing the first part of the season with a sports hernia, Curtis is finally scheduled to return this week. I do not expect too much from him right away, but he and McNabb did seem to have some chemistry last year.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN): He will not put up a ton of yards, but he does have 3 TDs in his last 5 games (all with Gus Frerotte at QB). TEs are very hit-and-miss this year. But Shinacoe is doing pretty well — in fact, he is the 6th highest scoring TE. But note that he is on a bye this week.

Week 7 Start-Sit: Right & Wrong

For my Week 7 start-sit predictions, (by my calculations) I was right 20 times and wrong 9 times, for an accuracy rating of 69%. Not great, but pretty good considering I tried to avoid the obvious must-start players. I was much better on my “starts” (15-5) than my “sits” (5-4). Judge for yourself. Here is a recap:

I said Start:

QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, WR Donald Driver (GB) vs. Indianapolis Colts: Rodgers performed well enough to start (186 yards, 1 TD), although it was not on par with his usual performances. But Jennings and Driver each had less than 40 yards, though. (1-2)

QB Trent Edwards, WR Lee Evans (BUF) vs. San Diego Chargers: Both played well. (3-2)

QB Drew Brees (NO) at Carolina: Brees played his worst game of the year, but he is still a must-start player, I think. Either way, I was wrong. (3-3)

QB Gus Frerotte, WR Bernard Berrian (MIN) at Chicago Bears: Frerotte had 4 picks, but he also had 298 yards and 2 TDs, making him a top-10 fantasy QB this week. And Berrian had 86 yards and a TD. (5-3)

QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton, WR Andre Johnson (HOU) vs. Detroit Lions: All three played very well. And TE Owen Daniels had his best game of the year. (9-3)

QB Tony Romo or QB Brad Johnson (DAL) at St. Louis Rams: Romo was out, and Brad Johnson was awful. I was wrong. But RB Marion Barber did play pretty well (18 carries, 100 yards, TD). (10-4)

RB Willie Parker (PIT) at Cincinnati Bengals: Parker did not play, but as I predicted, RB Mewelde Moore performed well in his stead. (11-5)

RB Chris Johnson (TEN) at Kansas City Chiefs: 168 yards and a TD. I also suggested starting LenDale White, but did not endorse him all that strongly, so I will not take the credit. (12-5)

RB Dominic Rhodes (IND) at Green Bay Packers: Rhodes had 114 total yards and 2 TDs. (13-5)

RB Matt Forte (CHI) vs. Minnesota Vikings: Once again, it was not pretty, but Forte put up fantasy points. (14-5)

RB Kevin Smith (DET) at Houston Texans. Smith was my “Sleeper-of-the-Week” pick and he delivered with 10 carries for 60 yards and a TD. (15-5)

WR Randy Moss (NE) vs. Denver Broncos: We will see tonight.

I said Sit:

QB Chad Pennington (MIA) vs. Baltimore Ravens: Pennington had 295 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT, plus 25 rushind yards, and was the second highest scoring fantasy QB this week. Definitely wrong. (15-6)

RB Ronnie Brown, RB Ricky Williams (MIA) vs. Baltimore Ravens: Brown: 28 total yards. Williams: 16 total yards. Both very ugly. (17-6)

RB Chris Perry, RB Cedric Benson (CIN) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Perry was benched in favor of Benson. But Benson only totaled 62 yards. (19-6)

RB Jonathan Stewart, RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR) vs. New Orleans Saints: Williams had 70 total yards. Stewart had 71, but did score a TD. So he would have been an okay start. (20-7)

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. Tennessee Titans: Bowe had 86 yards, which puts him 21st on the list of WRs. Not great, but probably good enough to start in most leagues. (20-8)

WR Santana Moss (WAS) vs. Cleveland Browns: I was definitely wrong. He bounced back. Moss had 75 yards and a TD. (20-9)

Week 7: Friday Injury Update

Here are some key players who are injured heading into week 7:

QB Tony Romo (DAL): Romo (finger) might play this weekend, but the Cowboys will not say whether he will for sure. Advice: Unfortunately, we may not know until right before the game if Romo will play. Whether it is Romo or QB Brad Johnson, he is worth a start. But check back for updates on Romo.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): Hasselbeck (knee) is out this week. Advice: After missing last week, backup QB Seneca Wallace will start this week against the Bucs. However, I would not advice starting Wallace unless you are absolutely desperate.

QB Eli Manning (NYG): Manning (chest) was injured against the Browns last week. Advice: Manning is expected to play this weekend and is a safe start.

RB Clinton Portis (WAS): Portis (hip flexor) missed practice this week but is expected to play. Advice: Portis has been an absolut beast this year and has a great matchup against a Browns defense that gave up over 180 rushing yards last week against the Giants. Start him with confidence.

RB Joseph Addai (IND): Addai (hamstring) is out 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. Advice: Mike Hart (knee) is also out, so RB Dominic Rhodes will get the start. He makes a good play against a weak Packers run defense.

RB Reggie Bush (NO): Bush (knee) missed practice this week, but is expected to play this weekend. Advice: I think Bush will be fine (and so do his coaches), so you can put him in the lineup.

RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker (knee) was expected to return this week, but re-aggravated his knee injury in practice. Advice: It sounds like RB Mewelde Moore might get the start this weekend, as the Steelers rest Parker for one more week. Who ever starts makes a good play against the Bengals.

WR Marques Colston (NO): Colston (thumb) is expected to be back this week after being out since week 1. Advice: If you are this at WR, considering starting Colston. But I would not expect much in his first action in over a month.

WR Joey Galloway (TB): Galloway (foot) has practiced and could return this week. Advice: I would stay away from him until you know he is ready to go for sure. But if you need him, check back before the games on Sunday to see if he is active.

WR Chris Chambers (SD): Chambers (ankle) missed practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, and is unlikely to play this week. Advice: I expect WR Malcom Floyd, who had 3 catches for 75 yards and a TD last week, to step into the lineup for Chambers again this week.

WR Calvin Johnson (DET): Johnson (concussion) has been practicing and is expected to play this weekend. Advice: Even with Orlovsky at QB, Johnson is a guy you gotta keep in your lineup, especially against the Texans, who can struggle against the pass.

WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd (knee) is likely out this week. Advice: I expect WR Devin Hester to continue to get more looks while Lloyd is on the sideline. Lloyd is at least one more week away.

WR Eddie Royal (DEN): Royal (ankle) was a somewhat surprising scratch last week but is expected to play this week. Advice: I thought he would go last week and he ended up sitting out. But I think he is a much safer play this week.

WR Brandon Stokley (DEN): Stokley (concussion) has not practiced and is likely out this week. Advice: Although Stokley played well while Royal was sidelined, he would be back to 3rd on the depth chart this week even if he could play, so I would stay away regardless.

TE Tony Scheffler (DEN): Scheffler (groin) has been limited in practice this week and is unlikely to play. Advice: The Broncos will likely rest Scheffler, since next week is their bye. So look for him to return in week 9. TE Nate Jackson will get the start in place of Scheffler.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Like Colston, Shockey (sports hernia) is expected to return this week. Advice: Again, as with Colston, I would only start Shockey if you are desperate. It is hard to say what his role will be this weekend, if he plays at all.

TE Kellen Winslow (CLE): Winslow (unknown illness) was hospitalized last weekend and missed the MNF game against the Giants. Advice: Winslow returned to practice this week, but it is unclear whether he is ready to play this weekend. Check for updtes before the games on Sunday, but I would not rely on him this week.

Week 7: Start

Here is a list of players who either have good matchups this week, or have less than ideal matchups but I would still start. So, unless starting one (or more) of these guys means that you are benching one (or more) of your must-start players, they should be in your lineup.

QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, WR Donald Driver (GB) vs. Indianapolis Colts: Rodgers and Jennings are must-start players, even against the Colts, who only give up 169 passing yards per game. But remember that the Colts give up over 160 rushing yards per game, so most teams just keep it on the ground. However, with Ryan Grant struggling, the Packers will look to move the ball through the air. And both Jennings and Driver should put up good numbers.

QB Trent Edwards, WR Lee Evans (BUF) vs. San Diego Chargers: Edwards is coming off a concussion, but is expected to play. And the Chargers give up 267 passing yards and 1.7 passing TDs per game. Look for Edwards to connect with Evans (who is averaging over 17 yards per catch) for a long TD (or two).

QB Drew Brees (NO) at Carolina: Brees is a must-start player, even against the Panthers, who give up around 171 passing yards per game. Through 6 weeks of the season, Brees might be the MVP of the NFL.

QB Gus Frerotte, WR Bernard Berrian (MIN) at Chicago Bears: Berrian is a guy most would start anyway, but both him and Frerotte have a good matchup against the Bears, who give up over 250 passing yards per game. On top of that, RB Adrian Peterson has not been running the ball well (although you have to start him, too), so the Vikings will likely have to pass the ball to beat their division rivals.

QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton, WR Andre Johnson (HOU) vs. Detroit Lions: The Lions defense is simply awful. They give up over 170 rushing yards and 1.4 rushing TDs per game, and 261 passing yards and 1.8 passing TDs per game.  Look for Houston to get its second-straight win, and look for these three to have big days. TE Owen Daniels is a good start, too.

QB Tony Romo or QB Brad Johnson (DAL) at St. Louis Rams: The Rams rank 31st in total defense, so whether it is Romo or Brad Johnson at QB, he is worth a start. Also, expect RB Marion Barber to have a huge day, especially if Romo is out.

RB Willie Parker (PIT) at Cincinnati Bengals: The Steelers play against a Bengals defense that allows over 156 rushing yards per game. However, keep an eye on Parker’s injury status, because apparently he re-aggravated his knee injury and his status for this weekend is uncertain. If he cannot go, RB Mewelde Moore makes a good start.

RB Chris Johnson (TEN) at Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Johnson is bordering on must-start territory, in my opinion, but this week he has a great matchup against a Chiefs defense that allows over 180 rushing yards and 1.6 rushing TDs per game. Look for Johnson — and probably even RB LenDale White — to have a big day.

RB Dominic Rhodes (IND) at Green Bay Packers: Rhodes will be starting this week in place of the injured Joseph Addai, and should find some room to run against the Packers, who give up over 150 yards per game on the ground.

RB Matt Forte (CHI) vs. Minnesota Vikings: I am not a big Forte fan, but he has played well this year. And even though he has has been averaging less than 4 yards per carry lately, he is still putting up good (fantasy) numbers. As long as Forte gets enough carries, catches some passes, and finds the end zone (which he has done pretty regularly this year), he is worth a start — even against a Vikings defense that only allows 74 yards rushing per game.

RB Kevin Smith (DET) at Houston Texans. Smith is my “Sleeper-of-the-Week” pick. Although Smith is technically the backup to Rudi Johnson, he has out-played him over the past few games. And the the Texans give up 2 rushing TDs per game (most in the NFL). If you are desperate for RB help, consider putting Smith in your lineup.

WR Randy Moss (NE) vs. Denver Broncos: This is not 2007. And Matt Cassell is not Tom Brady. But this week, the Patriots play the Broncos, who give up over 265 passing yards per game. Moss may not be a must-start player anymore, but this is a great matchup for him (although he also had a good matchup last week against San Diego and did not do much…).

Week 5: Injury Updates

QB Carson Palmer (CIN): Palmer claims he will play this weekend, but I have my doubts. Advice: Even if Palmer does play, he will likely be somewhat limited due to his elbow. And they play a pretty tough Cowboys team. So he is not worth a start, either way.

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB): Packers coach Mike McCarthy said today that Rodgers would be a game-time decision due to his shoulder injury. He threw lightly at practice Friday, but otherwise has done very little. Advice: If you have another option, you should use it. Rodgers could play, but it is not worth the risk.

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): Roethlisberger has been limited in practice this week due to a shoulder injury. Advice: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he expects Big Ben to play this weekend against the Jags. If he is your starter, I think you are safe playing him.

RB Brian Westbrook (PHI): Westbrook is listed as “questionable” for the game sunday. Advice: If Westbrook is ready to go, he has to be in your lineup. And I think he will play. He has practiced a couple days in a row and should be ready by Sunday. But check on his status Sunday morning to be sure.

RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker will miss his second game this weekend. Advice: Mewelde Moore will start for the Steelers this weekend. If he is still available, grab him, although temper your expectations. The Jags are pretty tough against the run and Moore is not an elite NFL RB.

RB Willis McGahee (BAL): McGahee seems to have recovered from his knee injury, but hurt his ribs last week against the Steelers. Advice: I expect McGahee to play, but Le’Ron McClain will likely get quite a few carries (he has had at least 16 in each game so far this year), and McClain could take over if McGahee’s ribs limit him at all.

WR Anquan Boldin (ARI): Boldin has a “fractured sinus membrane” and will miss the Cardinals game this weekend. Advice: Steve Breaston (who played well last week) will take his place and is probably worth a start this weekend.

WR Bobby Engram, WR Deion Branch (SEA): Both Engram and Branch are listed as “probable” on the injury report and are expected to play this weekend against the Giants. Advice: Unless you are desperate, I would not start either this week. It will probably take them a week or 2 to get adjusted to the game, and the Giants are a tough matchup either way.