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NFC North Fantasy Outlook

September 20, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Herija C. Green
Edited by Ryan Dodson

NFC North

Do Not Bench List - All Positions

Wide Receiver Roy Williams, Detroit Lions: After four catches for 20 yards and a score in Week 1, Williams broke out with 111 yards and a touchdown (his second of the year) in Detroit's overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The Detroit passing game is flourishing thus far in the young season, and they hardly missed a beat when starting quarterback Jon Kitna (concussion) was knocked out of the game and backup quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan had to go to the air 23 times. Williams is going to get his looks every week so he needs to remain in your lineup.
Wide Receiver Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers: Driver remains the top option when quarterback Brett Favre goes to the air, and with the struggles of their running game that has been quite often of late. The talented receiver had eight receptions for 73 yards and a score against the New York Giants and could find some room to work against a San Diego Chargers secondary that was exposed Sunday night. Expect another solid game from Driver, and keep him in your lineup in Week 3.
Chicago Bears Defensive/Special Teams: The Bears were their dominant selves defensively in Week 2 as they sacked Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard four times, forced a pair of turnovers and watched as return specialist Devin Hester brought a punt back for a touchdown. They have allowed just 24 points through two weeks but face a stern test in Week 3 against a Dallas Cowboys team that has racked up 82 points in their first two games. Nonetheless, Chicago's defense has too much big-play potential to be on the bench even with a tough matchup this Sunday night.

Quarterbacks

Player	Team	Gm	Pass Yds/G	Pass TD/G	INT/G	Rush Yards/G	Rush TD/G
Rex Grossman	Chicago Bears	2	152.5	0.50	1.50	-1.5	0.00
Jon Kitna	Detroit Lions	2	267.0	2.00	1.50	15.0	0.00
Brett Favre	Green Bay Packers	2	246.0	1.50	1.00	-2.0	0.00
Tarvaris Jackson	Minnesota Vikings	2	164.5	0.50	2.50	13.0	0.50

Grossman - It was another appearance of "Bad Rex" in Week 2 as the embattled signal-caller threw two picks and was sacked three times. On the plus side he did throw his first touchdown pass of the season. Grossman has yet to demonstrate any kind of fantasy value and is a weak No. 2 or bench play this week.

Kitna - Kitna went to the air 33 times last week - and he missed much of the game! The fact that the team was facing off against arguably the NFL's top run defense certainly led to more throwing than usual, but it also illustrated the danger of dropping back so many times as the veteran sustained a concussion during the game. The blitzing Philadelphia Eagles defense doesn't promise to be gentle on the Lions' field general so consider him a decent No. 1 choice with a weak play in Week 3.

Favre - For one half last week Favre looked like he was still in his prime as he engineered four touchdown drives in the second half to lead Green Bay to a 35-13 win over the Giants. For the day Favre completed over 75 percent of his passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns to justify his strong play status a week ago. This Sunday he faces a San Diego team that looked great against Chicago and awful against the New England Patriots. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. View Favre as a solid No. 2 fantasy quarterback this Sunday.

Jackson - The second-year quarterback was brutal in Week 2 as he completed just over half of his passes with an amazing four interceptions against a Lions team not really known for their ball-hawking secondary. He did manage to run for a touchdown but is not really showing anything to suggest he'll be a viable fantasy option anytime soon. Bench him.

Running Backs

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TD/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Cedric Benson	Chicago Bears	2	23.00 (41.22)	2.50 (42.31)	71.5	0.00	1.00	10.0	0.00
Tatum Bell	Detroit Lions	2	18.50 (26.10)	3.50 (25.14)	50.5	0.50	4.00	15.5	0.00
Kevin Jones	Detroit Lions	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
Brandon Jackson	Green Bay Packers	2	21.50 (32.00)	2.00 (26.51)	37.5	0.00	4.00	29.5	0.00
DeShawn Wynn	Green Bay Packers	2	7.50 (11.16)	0.50 (6.63)	29.0	1.00	1.50	18.0	0.00
Vernand Morency	Green Bay Packers	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--
Chester Taylor	Minnesota Vikings	1	6.00 (4.59)	0.00 (0.00)	18.0	0.00	1.0	3.0	0.00
Adrian Peterson	Minnesota Vikings	2	22.50 (34.46)	0.50 (25.00)	84.5	0.00	2.50	56.0	0.50

Benson - Benson was much improved in Week 2 as he toted the rock 24 times for 101 yards (his second career 100-yard game) as the Bears ground out a 20-10 victory over the Chiefs. He's been a non-factor in the Bears passing game, but then again who hasn't? The bottom line with Benson is he is getting the vast majority of the carries and should be played as a weak No. 2 or strong No. 3 running back this week.

Bell - Facing the unforgiving Vikings run defense last Sunday, Bell gained just 14 yards on the ground and was a complete bust for anyone that put him in their lineups. His value is further muddied heading into Week 3 not only by a somewhat surprisingly stout Eagles run defense but also by the potential return of running back Kevin Jones (foot). Consider Bell a low-end No. 3 against Philly.

Jones - Head coach Rod Marinelli is "optimistic" that Jones will play this Sunday in Philadelphia, but his return is by no means a certainty at this point. Even if he plays it seems likely the club will ease him back into action. Don't insert Jones into your lineups just yet.

Jackson - The good news is that Jackson is seeing a lot of carries (16 per game). The bad news he is averaging just 2.3 yards on each of those carries. He has added a little value in the passing game, but not enough to offset his poor effort on the ground. The improved play of fellow rookie Wynn casts some doubt as to the number of touches he'll receive in Week 3 as well. Jackson owners should play him only as a shaky No. 3 with a weak play against the Bolts.

Wynn - Wynn's 50 yards on 10 rushing attempts is pretty deceiving when you consider he had a 38-yard touchdown run, which leaves just 12 yards for his remaining nine carries. Still, one of those other nine rushes was another touchdown so he is already displaying a nose for the end zone. He looks like he has some potential going forward and is a player worth adding if you're in need of running back depth. For this week play him as a weak No. 3 or injury replacement.

Morency - Morency (knee) is still recovering from a knee injury, and his return date remains unknown. He gave it a go during practice leading up to Week 2, but soreness kept him out of the lineup. Don't start him until further notice.

Taylor - Taylor (hip) joined fellow NFC North backs Jones and Morency in street clothes last Sunday as he was inactive with the hip injury he sustained in Week 1. Monitor the situation before considering putting Taylor into your lineup.

Peterson - The one-man show that is the Vikings offense in 2007 had another strong week with 118 total yards against the Lions despite facing 12-man fronts (I kid, I kid). The talented rookie is the only reliable offensive player in Minnesota these days, and he can be played as a decent No. 1 with a weak play against the Chiefs in Week 3.

Wide Receivers

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Bernard Berrian	Chicago Bears	2	8.50 (15.23)	0.50 (8.46)	5.00	74.0	0.00
Muhsin Muhammad	Chicago Bears	2	4.50 (8.06)	0.00 (0.00)	1.00	7.5	0.00
Calvin Johnson	Detroit Lions	2	8.50 (11.99)	2.00 (14.36)	4.00	65.5	1.00
Shaun McDonald	Detroit Lions	2	8.50 (11.99)	1.00 (7.18)	6.50	80.5	0.50
Mike Furrey	Detroit Lions	2	6.00 (8.47)	1.00 (7.18)	5.00	56.0	0.00
Greg Jennings	Green Bay Packers	--	--	--	--	--	--
James Jones	Green Bay Packers	2	6.00 (8.93)	0.50 (6.63)	4.00	52.0	0.00
Bobby Wade	Minnesota Vikings	2	6.00 (9.19)	0.50 (25.00)	3.00	31.0	0.00

Berrian - The fourth-year pro continues to be the only semi-viable weapon in Chicago's passing game with his second straight five-catch outing in Week 2. However he still hasn't found the end zone, and he lost a fumble last week. Not good. Perhaps facing a Dallas secondary that has permitted a league-worst 236 yards per game to the receiver position will help. Play Berrian as an iffy No. 2 or strong No. 3 wideout this Sunday night.

Muhammad - It's never a good sign when an offensive lineman (tackle John St. Clair) has more fantasy points than you do as a starting NFL receiver. Definitely keep him on the pine in Week 3.

Johnson - Another week, another touchdown for "Megatron." The rookie is off to a great start with eight catches for 131 yards and a pair of scores already under his belt - not to mention a cool nickname (always a plus). Play Johnson as a solid No. 2 receiver against a struggling Eagles team this week.

McDonald - One of fantasy's bigger surprises to date, Shaun McDonald, has already matched his 2006 receptions total after just two weeks and shows no sign of slowing down. He's a strong No. 3 fantasy option for Week 3.

Furrey - Furrey has hauled in five receptions in each of his first two games, but unlike Johnson, McDonald and Williams, he has not scored for the Lions. His 11.2 yards-per-reception average is solid but hardly awe inspiring. He's looking a little bit like the odd-man out thus far and should only be played as an injury replacement with a weak play this Sunday.

Jennings - Speaking of injuries, Jennings (hamstring) has yet to take the field this season. Recent reports have head coach Mike McCarthy considering holding Jennings back in practice this week in the hopes he is ready for game time against San Diego. Regardless of whether or not he takes the field he should not be in your starting lineup until he shows he is healthy and productive.

Jones - Jones has done a nice job in Jennings' absence, and he clearly has the confidence of Favre. The two hooked up on a 46-yard completion Sunday, and Favre just overthrew him on what would have been a long touchdown in Week 1 so when the Packers take shots down the field they are looking for Jones. He is an injury replacement or bench option this week.

Wade - Listed merely to placate the rabid Minnesota fan base, Wade should be benched unless your receiving corps has been decimated by injuries or requires multiple starters from the NFC North. Even then he's a weak play.

Tight Ends

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Desmond Clark	Chicago Bears	2	4.50 (8.06)	1.00 (16.92)	3.50	33.5	0.00
Greg Olsen	Chicago Bears	--	--	--	--	--	--
Dan Campbell	Detroit Lions	2	0.50 (0.71)	0.50 (0.71)	0.50	0.5	0.00
Donald Lee	Green Bay Packers	2	5.00 (7.44)	0.50 (6.63)	4.00	31.0	0.50
Bubba Franks	Green Bay Packers	2	5.50 (8.19)	0.50 (6.63)	3.00	18.5	0.50
Visanthe Shiancoe	Minnesota Vikings	2	2.00 (3.06)	0.00 (0.00)	1.00	9.00	0.00

Clark - Clark's four receptions in Week 2 covered just 29 yards, and the team's lone touchdown went to an eligible tackle instead of him. He doesn't have much value now, and when Olsen returns he could have even less. Keep him benched this week.

Olsen - The rookie tight end still hasn't made his NFL debut, and it is unclear exactly when that will happen. Olsen (knee) could be ready as early as this Sunday, but he does not belong in your lineup until he shows something on the field.

Campbell - Starting Campbell in fantasy football is sort of like holding O.J. Simpson memorabilia without his permission... sure you could do it... but I would strongly advise against it.

Lee - A porous running game has necessitated the use of the short pass as an extension of the run to the benefit of the Green Bay tight ends. Lee caught four passes for 35 yards (including a touchdown) in their Week 2 romp over the Giants. He's a decent No. 1 play this week with a strong play against the suddenly vulnerable looking Chargers.

Franks - Lee's partner in crime matched him in both receptions and touchdowns in Week 2 while quietly reemerging as an option in the Packers offense. His productivity creates a rare situation where two tight ends from the same team are No. 1 options and strong plays this week.

Shiancoe - Shiancoe recorded a goose egg in Week 2 and has no business on your fantasy roster.

Place Kickers

Player	Team	Gm	XPA/G	XP/G	FGA/G	FG/G	Kick Pnts/G
Robbie Gould	Chicago Bears	2	1.00	1.00	1.50	1.50	5.5
Jason Hanson	Detroit Lions	2	2.50	2.50	3.00	2.50	10.0
Mason Crosby	Green Bay Packers	2	3.00	3.00	2.00	1.50	7.5
Ryan Longwell	Minnesota Vikings	2	2.50	2.50	1.50	1.00	5.5

Gould - The Bears have just one offensive touchdown and three field goals through the first two weeks of the season. That lack of production is hurting Gould (who led all NFL kickers in points last season), and it makes him a prime bench candidate this Sunday.

Hanson - Detroit has done a nice job offensively this season, and the trickle down has boosted Hanson's value considerably. There is always some concern about the longevity of Detroit's offensive success due to the beating their quarterback takes, but for now just enjoy the ride. Hanson is a strong No. 1 kicker for Week 3.

Crosby - A storybook Week 1 gave way to a less than stellar Week 2 as Crosby pushed his lone field goal attempt left and had to settle for five extra points (good for Packer fans, bad for Crosby owners) the rest of the way. The rookie is a weak play and should be benched against San Diego.

Longwell - Longwell had a chance to end things in regulation but missed a 52-yard attempt in Minnesota's 20-17 loss to Detroit, an effort that endeared him neither to Vikings fans nor fantasy owners (that's five points in distance leagues Longwell!). Against a Chiefs team that has done an admirable job defensively he is a weak play and should be benched this week.

Defensive Teams

Team	Gm	Off Pnts Allw/G	INT/G	Sacks/G	FR/G	DEF/ST TD/G
Detroit Lions	2	16.0	3.00	2.5	1.00	0.00
Green Bay Packers	2	13.0	1.00	1.5	1.50	0.50
Minnesota Vikings	2	11.5	2.50	5.0	1.00	1.50

Lions - At first glance one might think the Lions are playing some good defense until you see they've played a pair of terrible offenses in the Oakland Raiders and the Vikings. This week they travel to Philadelphia to face another struggling offense. However, the Eagles are 0-2 and desperate for a win so expect them to pull out all the stops in a critical game for them this week. Detroit's defense is a weak No. 1 or bench unit this Sunday.

Packers - Green Bay allowed just 13 points for the second straight game in Week 2, and this time it was against a Giants team that had scored 35 points in their season opener. The Packers are doing a nice job forcing turnovers (2.5 per game) and they have had a solid pass rush even though it is not reflected in their sack totals. San Diego figures to be fired up coming off a humiliating loss on national television in Week 2, but the Packers are still a decent No. 1 defense in Week 3.

Vikings - Minnesota is rapidly closing in on "must-start" status as they have scored three defensive touchdowns and recorded 10 sacks in their first two outings. They draw the anemic Chiefs offense in Week 3, and they will be looking to add to their offensive woes (6.5 offensive points per game). Minnesota is our No. 1 fantasy defense this week with a strong play.