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AFC East Fantasy Outlook

September 13, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Herija C. Green
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

Do Not Bench List - All Positions

Quarterback Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Given all day in New England's season-opening dismantling of the New York Jets, Brady picked apart the Jets' secondary to the tune of 297 yards and three touchdowns. He figures to face a stiffer challenge in Week 2 against a San Diego Chargers team that excels at pressuring opposing quarterbacks, but Brady remains a player that cannot be removed from your lineup.
Wide Receiver Randy Moss, New England Patriots: Any doubts about Moss' ability to excel in New England's offense were assuaged by his explosive performance in Week 1 as the mercurial receiver hauled in nine passes for 183 yards and a touchdown. The 183 yards through the air was Moss' highest total since he had 204 yards against the Chicago Bears back in 1999. Moss is definitely back as a must-start option for your roster.
Wide Receiver Laveranues Coles, New York Jets: One of the steadiest receivers in fantasy football demonstrated in Week 1 that he can get the job done even when his team doesn't, snagging seven balls for 59 yards, including a pair of touchdowns. He may not be a No. 1 fantasy receiver week in and week out, but he deserves a weekly spot in your lineup.
New England Patriots Defensive/Special Teams: The Patriots defense was as advertised in Week 1, recording five sacks while holding the Jets to only 227 yards of total offense. Add to that the record-setting kickoff return by cornerback Ellis Hobbs and the Patriots team defense is off to a strong start with the only downside being their inability to force a turnover in their opener. They may have their hands full with the Chargers in Week 2, but they're still a must start this Sunday night.

Quarterbacks

Player	Team	Gm	Pass Yds/G	Pass TD/G	INT/G	Rush Yards/G	Rush TD/G
J.P. Losman	Buffalo Bills	1	97.0	0.00	1.00	13.0	0.00
Trent Green	Miami Dolphins	1	219.0	1.00	0.00	0.0	0.00
Chad Pennington	New York Jets	1	167.0	2.00	0.00	3.0	0.00
Kellen Clemens	New York Jets	1	50.0	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00

Losman - Viewed as a promising fantasy talent heading into the 2007 season, Losman did virtually nothing in Week 1, passing for just 97 yards in a 15-14 loss to the Denver Broncos. Things don't get much easier in Week 2 as the Bills travel to the Keystone State to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers may lack the type of shutdown corners the Broncos possess, but they do an excellent job of applying pressure to the quarterback, which is bad news for Losman. It's looking like another long week for Losman, so keep him benched as a weak play this Sunday.

Green - The veteran showed signs that reports of his demise may have been greatly exaggerated, throwing for over 200 yards and a touchdown in a hard fought road loss to the Washington Redskins. The Dolphins will stay on the road in the NFC East in Week 2 traveling to take on the Dallas Cowboys, who were absolutely torched by New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in Week 1 (312 yards, four scores). Given his favorable matchup this week, Green makes a solid No. 1 quarterback with a strong play against the Cowboys.

Pennington - It's never a good sign when the home fans cheer as you limp to the sidelines, but that's exactly what happened to Pennington (ankle) in the third quarter of the Jets' loss to New England. He finished with marginal numbers against the Patriots and faces another tough defensive test in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. Pennington will sit this wee in favor of quarterback Kellen Clemens after spraining his ankle in Week 1.

Clemens - Clemens replaced Pennington for a brief time in Week 1, and he finished with five completions in 10 attempts for 50 yards. He did not score, nor did he turn over the ball. Clemens is a weak play and should be benched in Week 2.

Running Backs

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TD/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Marshawn Lynch	Buffalo Bills	1	22.0 (44.21)	1.0 (33.16)	90.0	1.00	2.00	9.0	0.00
Ronnie Brown	Miami Dolphins	1	17.0 (26.67)	4.0 (36.00)	32.0	0.00	6.00	40.0	0.00
Jesse Chatman	Miami Dolphins	1	14.0 (22.79)	3.0 (27.00)	15.0	0.00	6.00	48.0	0.00
Laurence Maroney	New England Patriots	1	20.0 (31.17)	4.0 (25.32)	72.0	0.00	0.00	0.0	0.00
Thomas Jones	New York Jets	1	16.0 (29.15)	2.0 (33.45)	42.0	0.00	1.00	6.0	0.00
Leon Washington	New York Jets	1	7.0 (12.75)	0.0 (0.00)	15.0	0.00	3.00	30.0	0.00

Lynch - The rookie back ran hard in Buffalo's Week 1 loss to Denver, gaining 90 yards on 19 carries and scoring the Bills' lone offensive touchdown. He faces a Steelers defense that allowed just 46 yards rushing to opposing running backs last week, the lowest total in the NFL. Coming off a strong performance Lynch is a solid No. 2 back this week, but he is a weak play versus a strong defense.

Brown - It was a mixed bag for Brown in the opener as he struggled to get it done on the ground (11 carries, 32 yards) but was active in the Dolphins' short-passing game with six catches for 40 yards. He could be in for a better game this Sunday against a Cowboys team that struggled to contain Giants backup running back Derrick Ward. Consider him a weak No. 2 or strong No. 3 with a strong play capability in Week 2.

Chatman - Chatman opened some eyes in his first game action since 2004, gaining nearly as many yards (63) as Brown (72). Based on his work load Chatman could be played as a decent No. 3 back against Dallas if his knee sprain doesn't affect him too much.

Maroney - In his first game as New England's featured back, Maroney toted the pigskin 20 times for 72 yards, which have to be considered modest totals. His complete omission in the passing game is a little worrisome as well. Facing a Chargers defense that stifled the Bears' running attack in Week 1, Maroney is best viewed as a low-end No. 2 or high-end No. 3 option with a weak play.

Jones - It was a forgettable debut for Jones as he was stymied in the first half (six carries, two yards) before finding a little running room when the Patriots loosened up their defense with a big lead in the second half. Unfortunately for Jones it would appear the schedule makers have it in for him as the Jets take on a Ravens defense that allowed just 53 rushing yards to the Cincinnati Bengals' running backs Monday night. View Jones as a No. 3 fantasy running back this week with a weak play.

Washington - Washington gained 45 total yards in a non-descript season opener. He's still worth holding onto, though, as he is good depth and can even be played this week as a low-end No. 3 or flex option with a weak play.

Wide Receivers

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Lee Evans	Buffalo Bills	1	5.0 (10.05)	0.0 (0.00)	2.00	5.0	0.00
Peerless Price	Buffalo Bills	1	2.0 (4.02)	1.0 (33.16)	1.00	-2.0	0.00
Jerricho Cotchery	New York Jets	1	9.0 (16.40)	1.0 (16.73)	6.00	57.0	0.00
Donte' Stallworth	New England Patriots	1	2.0 (3.12)	0.0 (0.00)	1.00	19.0	0.00
Wes Welker	New England Patriots	1	9.0 (14.03)	2.0 (12.66)	6.00	61.0	1.00
Chris Chambers	Miami Dolphins	1	13.0 (21.16)	0.0 (0.00)	6.00	92.0	0.00
Marty Booker	Miami Dolphins	1	7.0 (11.39)	1.0 (9.00)	3.00	20.0	0.00

Evans - It was unquestionably a maddening day for owners who spent a high draft pick on Evans, but it has always been that way with the talented receiver as he mixes phenomenal performances with disappearing acts like no one else in the NFL. Buffalo squares off with Pittsburgh in Week 2, and the Steelers did a nice job of limiting opposing receivers last week, albeit against the dysfunctional passing game of the Cleveland Browns. This week Evans can be slotted into your lineup as a flex play or injury replacement with a weak play.

Price - It's been a long time since Price was a relevant fantasy force, and following a Week 1 performance that featured one catch for negative yardage, it seems safe to say he's not showing signs of a miraculous renaissance. Keep him far away from your lineup.

Cotchery - Cotchery had a decent game in Week 1, finishing the day with six receptions for 57 yards, which were comparable numbers to those posted by Coles minus the touchdowns. Baltimore's secondary struggled to contain the Bengals' receiving duo in Week 1; they could have similar problems shutting the Jets' one-two punch of Coles and Cotchery. Against the Ravens, Cotchery is a weak No. 2 or strong No. 3 option with a strong play.

Stallworth - Not every new Patriots player enjoyed a memorable debut as Stallworth caught just one pass for 19 yards. He's still a home run threat, but seems to behind Moss and Welker in Brady's pecking order. He can be played as an injury replacement or flex this Sunday night.

Welker - Welker wasted little time in matching his 2006 touchdown total as he reached the end zone in the first quarter of New England's Week 1 victory over the Jets. For the day, Welker caught six balls for 61 yards and the aforementioned score. He has the look of a favored target in one of the league's most high-powered offenses, which makes him a weak No. 1 or strong No. 2 option at receiver in Week 2.

Chambers - Fantasy owners who selected Chambers this year on the heels of a terrible 2006 season breathed a collective sigh of relief when they saw the seventh-year receiver get within eight yards of the century mark against a tough Redskins secondary on the road. Facing a Dallas defense that was burned by opposing receivers in Week 1 to the tune of 20 receptions, 251 yards and three touchdowns, Chambers makes a weak No. 2 or strong No. 3 receiver with a strong play.

Booker - The veteran wideout had just three catches for 20 yards in Week 1, but against Dallas in Week 2 he can be plugged in as a decent No. 3 wideout with a strong play.

Tight Ends

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Robert Royal	Buffalo Bills	1	1.0 (2.01)	0.0 (0.00)	1.00	12.0	0.00
Chris Baker	New York Jets	1	3.0 (5.47)	0.0 (0.00)	2.00	29.0	0.00
Benjamin Watson	New England Patriots	1	2.0 (3.12)	1.0 (6.33)	2.00	9.0	1.00
David Martin	Miami Dolphins	1	3.0 (4.88)	0.0 (0.00)	1.00	7.0	0.00

Royal - A total non-factor in Week 1, Royal was targeted just once for a 12-yard reception. He has no fantasy value at this point and should remain benched indefinitely.

Baker - I'm dying to call him Chris Baker, "The Touchdown Maker" (the obligatory nickname for all offensive players with the surname Baker), but for that to happen he actually needs to score once. Sadly, his 29 receiving yards were more than the other three starting AFC East tight ends combined. Against the Ravens in Week 2, Baker is a flex option, at best, but is better off on your bench as a weak play.

Watson - An otherwise disappointing day for New England's talented tight end was offset by reaching the end zone in Week 1. He could see more action in Week 2 as San Diego is unlikely to give Brady the kind of time he saw in the pocket last week, necessitating some shorter throws. Watson is a solid No. 1 choice at the position this week.

Martin - A semi-popular sleeper in deeper leagues, Martin kept right on snoring in Week 1, catching one pass for seven yards. Fellow tight end Justin Peelle did score his team's lone touchdown against Washington, which means Green is at least looking their way. Martin can be used as a flex option this week but is better off on your bench.

Place Kickers

Player	Team	Gm	XPA/G	XP/G	FGA/G	FG/G	Kick Pnts/G
Rian Lindell	Buffalo Bills	1	2.00	2.00	1.00	0.00	2.0
Mike Nugent	New York Jets	1	2.00	2.00	0.00	0.00	2.0
Stephen Gostkowski	New England Patriots	1	5.00	5.00	1.00	1.00	8.0
Jay Feely	Miami Dolphins	1	1.00	1.00	2.00	2.00	7.0

Lindell - It was not a good day for Lindell, who missed his lone field goal attempt (a 45-yarder) and ended the day with just two points. With the Buffalo offense struggling to move the ball and a date with the Steel Curtain up next on the docket keep Lindell benched this Sunday.

Nugent - The Jets were dominated by New England in Week 1, so it should come as no surprise that Nugent's scoring chances were few and far between as the third-year kicker tallied just two picks while attempting no field goals. He's a weak No. 1 or bench choice this week against the Ravens.

Gostkowski - The first AFC East kicker to break the elusive two-point barrier in Week 1, Gostkowski did most of his damage on extra points, connecting on all five of his tries. He's expected to find the going a lot tougher in Week 2 and should be played only as a very weak No. 1 with a weak play. If you have other options, consider benching Gostkowski outright.

Feely - The lone divisional kicker to attempt (and make) more than one field goal during kickoff weekend, Feely could be a busy man against a Dallas team that gave up a ton of yardage in Week 1. Feely is a solid No. 1 kicker against the Cowboys.

Defensive Teams

Team	Gm	Off Pnts Allw/G	INT/G	Sacks/G	FR/G	DEF/ST TD/G
Buffalo Bills	1	15.0	1.00	1.0	0.00	1.0
New York Jets	1	32.0	0.00	0.0	0.00	0.0
Miami Dolphins	1	16.0	2.00	2.0	0.00	0.0

Bills - The Bills hemorrhaged yards against the Broncos, but held them to just one touchdown and 15 total points. Hard to imagine they can do that against a Pittsburgh offense that seemed to be firing on all cylinders Sunday. Wide receiver Roscoe Parrish gave the team a boost with a punt return for a score, but that's not enough to warrant having the Buffalo defense anywhere but your bench this week.

Jets - It would be nearly impossible to play a less effective game from a fantasy perspective than the Jets did in Week 1 when they couldn't apply any pressure, failed to force a turnover and yielded 32 offensive points. They face a distinctly less dynamic offense with some uncertainty at the quarterback position this Sunday so view the Jets as a decent No. 1 fantasy defense with a strong play in Week 2.

Dolphins - Miami's defense did a decent job in Week 1, recording a pair of sacks and two turnovers to boot. However, things figure to be much tougher against the Cowboys offense, which absolutely lit up the scoreboard against the Giants this past Sunday. Miami is a low-end No. 1 or bench option with a weak play for Week 2.