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NFC South Fantasy Outlook

October 4, 2007 @ 17:21:48

By Michael Egnak
Edited by Herija C. Green

NFC South

Do Not Bench List - All Positions

Wide Receiver Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers: Smith struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was able to catch five passes, but he gained just 32 yards on them. He averages 5.3 receptions, 78.2 receiving yards and one touchdown each week. He is a strong play Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints and obviously should remain in your starting lineup.

Quarterbacks

Player	Team	Gm	Pass Yds/G	Pass TD/G	INT/G	Rush Yards/G	Rush TD/G
Joey Harrington	Atlanta Falcons	4	245.8	1.00	0.50	3.2	0.00
David Carr	Carolina Panthers	2	105.5	0.50	0.50	13.5	0.00
Jake Delhomme	Carolina Panthers	3	208.7	2.67	0.33	8.7	0.00
Drew Brees	New Orleans Saints	3	225.7	0.33	2.33	7.7	0.00
Jeff Garcia	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	192.8	0.50	0.00	5.5	0.25

Harrington - Is Harrington becoming a useful fantasy player? He repeated his strong Week 3 performance by completing 23 of his 29 passes for 223 yards with two touchdowns last week. He will face the Tennessee Titans Week 5, where he will be a weak play. The Titans allow an average of 247.0 passing yards per game, as well as 0.67 passing touchdowns allowed and 1.67 interceptions per game over their past three games. He is worth using as a very low-end No. 1 quarterback or a Bye week replacement.

Carr - With Delhomme (elbow) sidelined because of an elbow injury, Carr earned his first start with the Panthers in Week 4 against the Buccaneers. It could have gone better, to put it lightly. Carr completed 19 of 41 passes for 155 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He did carry the ball five times for 28 yards as well. There are reports that Delhomme may need elbow surgery, but Delhomme is calling that a last resort and is optimistic rehabilitation will work. Either way, there is a good chance Carr will start again Week 5 against New Orleans. Even if he does, Carr is a weak play against the Saints and should be benched.

Delhomme - Due to his right elbow injury, Delhomme was forced to sit out the Week 4 game against the Buccaneers. Delhomme feels continued rehabilitation will get his elbow back in shape, but there is no timetable on how long that will take. He did say that he might try to throw later this week. Fantasy owners should head into Week 5 expecting Delhomme to miss another game.

Brees - Hopefully the Bye week will have given Brees enough time to clear his head and put his horrible start behind him. He has thrown just one touchdown to seven interceptions so far in 2007. He will play the Panthers in Week 5, and he should be viewed as a low-end No. 1 quarterback or as a Bye Week replacement.

Garcia - There are just two quarterbacks who have started every game so far this season that have yet to throw an interception, and Garcia is the only one who has started four games. Garcia was not anything special Week 4, but he did not have to be against the Panthers. He finished 15-for-25 with 176 passing yards during the game. He also ran the ball four times for 10 yards with one rushing touchdown. He will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. The Colts' defense allows an average of 185.8 passing yards and 0.75 passing touchdowns per game over their past four games. The team has allowed one rushing touchdown to a quarterback this year, so Garcia could find a way to sneak in if given the opportunity. However, Garcia should still be viewed as a weak play worth using as a low-end No. 1 quarterback or as a Bye week replacement.

Running Backs

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rush Yds/G	Rush TD/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Warrick Dunn	Atlanta Falcons	4	20.00 (33.81)	3.25 (39.01)	55.5	0.25	3.25	13.0	0.00
Jerious Norwood	Atlanta Falcons	4	10.50 (17.75)	1.50 (18.01)	31.0	0.00	2.00	21.8	0.00
DeShaun Foster	Carolina Panthers	4	18.50 (28.65)	2.25 (34.84)	75.5	0.25	2.25	14.2	0.25
DeAngelo Williams	Carolina Panthers	4	12.50 (19.36)	1.75 (27.10)	36.2	0.00	2.00	17.5	0.25
Reggie Bush	New Orleans Saints	3	18.00 (25.89)	2.67 (33.11)	26.7	0.67	5.33	23.3	0.00
Aaron Stecker	New Orleans Saints	3	3.67 (5.27)	0.67 (8.28)	9.0	0.00	1.33	11.3	0.00
Earnest Graham	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	8.25 (14.48)	2.50 (25.83)	34.0	0.75	0.50	4.2	0.00
Michael Pittman	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	11.75 (20.63)	2.00 (20.66)	42.5	0.00	2.25	19.5	0.00

Dunn - Dunn ran for 62 yards on 18 carries in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. He also caught four passes but managed just nine yards. He will play against a Titans' defense in Week 5 that is allowing an average of just 52 rushing yards with one touchdown per game over their past three games. Dunn should be considered a weak play and worth using as a No. 3 fantasy running back.

Norwood - The team had planned to give Norwood more carries, but he did not do much with those opportunities. He carried the ball nine times, but he managed just 29 yards. He did catch two passes for 16 yards as well. Norwood should be viewed as a very low-end No. 3 running back or Bye week replacement with a weak play in Week 5.

Foster - Foster continues to earn the majority of touches out of the team's backfield and continues to be productive with those opportunities. He carried the ball 15 times for 64 yards in Week 4 against Tampa Bay. Foster will play the Saints in Week 5. New Orleans' defense has allowed running backs to earn an average of 106.3 rushing yards, 1.33 rushing touchdowns, 3.67 receptions and 21 receiving yards over their past three games. Foster is a strong play against New Orleans and is usable as a No. 2 fantasy running back.

Williams - Williams was given just two carries for five yards last week. However, he did catch a 24-yard touchdown during the game. He is a strong play that is worth using as a No. 3 running back this Sunday.

Bush - With running back Deuce McAllister (knee) down for the year, Bush may now be asked to shoulder even more of the load in New Orleans. He should have some help with running backs Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas. He will play the Panthers in Week 5, and they have allowed an average of 110 rushing yards, 0.5 rushing touchdowns, 5.25 receptions and 33.8 receiving yards to running backs over their past four games. Bush is worth using as a No. 2 fantasy running back for the upcoming week.

Stecker - Stecker is expected to see the bulk of McAllister's carries for the near future. However, there may be some extra pressure for him to perform well with Thomas behind him. Thomas hasn't played in the regular season, but he tore up opposing defense during the preseason. Stecker should be viewed as a No. 3 running back against Carolina.

Graham - With running back Cadillac Williams (knee) out for the year, the Buccaneers will have to find a replacement out of the backfield. Graham is doing well in the running game, but he will likely split time with Pittman. Graham ran the ball 17 times last week, earning 48 yards with one touchdown during the game. He plays a Colts defense that has allowed an average of 134.3 total yards and 0.75 touchdowns to running backs over their past four games. Graham should be viewed as a No. 3 back for the week.

Pittman - Pittman should see more playing time with Williams sidelined. Pittman gained 90 yards off 15 carries in Week 4 against the Panthers, and he should be viewed as a No. 3 fantasy running back for the week.

Wide Receivers

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Joe Horn	Atlanta Falcons	4	4.00 (6.76)	0.50 (6.00)	1.75	22.2	0.00
Roddy White	Atlanta Falcons	4	6.75 (11.41)	0.50 (6.00)	4.50	75.2	0.25
Drew Carter	Carolina Panthers	4	3.75 (5.81)	0.75 (11.61)	2.25	25.5	0.50
Marques Colston	New Orleans Saints	3	8.67 (12.47)	1.33 (16.56)	6.00	61.7	0.33
Joey Galloway	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	5.00 (8.78)	0.25 (2.58)	3.50	64.0	0.50

Horn - Horn continues to struggle this year, catching just one pass for five yards in Week 4. He will play Tennessee in Week 5, where he is a weak play that should remain benched.

White - White earned just three receptions against Houston but he was able to gain 64 yards. He will play a Titans defense allowing an average of 12 receptions, 166.7 receiving yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game to wide receivers over their past three games. White should be viewed as a No. 3 fantasy wide receiver for the game.

Carter - Carter caught just two passes for 16 yards during the team's Week 4 game against the Buccaneers. He'll play New Orleans in Week 5. The Saints defense allows an average of 8.67 receptions, 171.3 yards and two touchdowns per game to wide receivers over their past three games. Carter is a strong play for the game, but he should only be used as a low-end No. 3 wide receiver or as a Bye week replacement.

Colston - Colston will look to build on his solid season Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers' defense allows an average of 12 receptions, 155.2 receiving yards and 1.3 receiving touchdowns to opposing wide receiver over their past four games. Colston is a strong play Week 5 and is worth using as a low-end No. 2 or as a No. 3 fantasy wide receiver.

Galloway - Galloway was nearly invisible in Week 4, earning just one reception for seven yards. Galloway will go up against the Colts in Week 5. The Colts defense' allows an average of 10.25 receptions, 111 receiving yards and 0.5 receiving touchdowns per game to opposing wide receivers over their past four games. Galloway is a weak play against the Colts, but he is still worth using as a No. 2 fantasy wide receiver.

Tight Ends

Player	Team	Gm	Util (%)/G	RZ (%) Plays/G	Rec/G	Rec Yards/G	Rec TD/G
Alge Crumpler	Atlanta Falcons	4	4.75 (8.03)	1.25 (15.00)	4.00	47.5	0.25
Jeff King	Carolina Panthers	4	5.75 (8.90)	0.50 (7.74)	3.50	36.0	0.25
Eric Johnson	New Orleans Saints	3	6.67 (9.59)	0.67 (8.28)	5.33	32.7	0.00
Alex Smith	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	4.00 (7.02)	0.25 (2.58)	2.75	28.0	0.00

Crumpler - Crumpler was held to just three catches for 34 yards during the team's Week 4 game. However, he should have an easier time catching more passes in Week 5 against the Titans. The Titans' defense allows an average of 7.67 receptions, 55.7 receiving yards and 0.33 receiving touchdowns per game to opposing tight ends over their past three games. Crumpler is a strong play for the game and remains a useful No. 1 option for your fantasy team.

King - King did not see many receptions with Carr throwing to him, finishing with just one reception for 14 yards. He will play New Orleans in Week 5. The Saints' defense allows an average of three receptions, 46.7 receiving yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game to opposing tight ends over their past three games. King is a strong play for the week, and he is worth using as a low-end No. 1 fantasy tight end or as a Bye week replacement.

Johnson - Johnson has been one of the few bright spots on the team's offense so far in 2007. On average, he hauls in more than five receptions per game. However, he is barely gaining 32 yards each game on those receptions. Johnson will look to continue his mixed success this against a Panthers' defense allowing an average of 4.8 receptions, 43.8 receiving yards and 0.25 touchdowns per game to opposing tight ends over their past four games. Johnson is worth using as a low-end No. 1 fantasy tight end or as a Bye week replacement.

Smith - Smith caught four passes last week but managed just 17 yards. Smith will take on Indianapolis in Week 5. The Colts' defense allows an average of 5.8 receptions and 49.8 receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends over their past four games, but they have not allowed a tight end to score a touchdown yet this season. Smith is a weak play, and his value is limited to being a very low-end No. 1 fantasy tight end or as a Bye week replacement.

Place Kickers

Player	Team	Gm	XPA/G	XP/G	FGA/G	FG/G	Kick Pnts/G
Morten Andersen	Atlanta Falcons	2	2.00	2.00	3.50	3.00	11.0
John Kasay	Carolina Panthers	4	2.50	2.50	1.25	1.00	5.5
Olindo Mare	New Orleans Saints	3	1.67	1.67	1.00	0.33	2.7
Matt Bryant	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	2.25	2.25	1.75	1.50	6.8

Andersen - Andersen performed well in Week 4, nailing four of his five field goals attempts and converting both of his extra points. Andersen's only miss came when he had a 42-yard field goal attempt blocked. Andersen will look to continue that success against Tennessee in Week 5. The Titans' defense allows opposing kickers an average of 5.33 kicking points per game over their past three games. Andersen is a strong play for the game and is worth starting as a high-end No. 1 kicker for your fantasy team.

Kasay - Kasay managed just one point in Week 4, and it was his only scoring opportunity of the game. He will try to rebound against the Saints this week. New Orleans allows opposing place kickers an average of 8.33 kicking points per game over their past three games. Kasay should be benched Week 5.

Mare - Like all the other players on the New Orleans roster, Mare is struggling so far in 2007. Mare will play Carolina in Week 5, who is allowing 8.2 kicking points per game over their past four games. Mare is a weak play Week 5 and should remain benched.

Bryant - Bryant had some success in Week 4. He converted both both of his field goal opportunities and both of his extra point attempts during the game. He will look for continued success in Week 5 against the Colts. The Colts' defense allows an average of 1.5 field goals and two extra points per game to opposing kickers. Bryant is a weak play for the game. His value is limited to that of a very low-end No. 1 place kicker or as a Bye week replacement.

Defensive Teams

Team	Gm	Off Pnts Allw/G	INT/G	Sacks/G	FR/G	DEF/ST TD/G
Atlanta Falcons	4	17.0	0.25	2.0	0.50	0.00
Carolina Panthers	4	20.2	0.00	0.5	1.50	0.00
New Orleans Saints	3	30.3	0.33	0.0	0.33	0.33
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	11.0	1.25	2.0	0.75	0.00

Falcons - The Falcons' defense held the Texans to 16 offensive points during their Week 4 game. They also managed one sack and two fumble recoveries. The Falcons will take on the Titans in Week 5. Tennessee's offense is averaging 21.3 offensive points, 0.67 interceptions, 1.67 sacks allowed and 0.67 fumbles lost per game over their past three games. The Falcons' defense is a weak play for the game and should stay benched.

Panthers - The Panthers' defense gave up 20 offensive points and recorded just one fumble recovery during their Week 4 game against Tampa Bay. The Panthers will play against the Saints in Week 5. The Saints' offense is averaging 12.7 offensive points, 2.33 interceptions, 1.33 sacks allowed and one fumble lost per game over their past three games. The Panthers' defense is a weak play for the game. Their value is limited to that of a very low-end No. 1 defense or as a Bye week replacement.

Saints - The Saints' defense will look to turn their season around Week 5 against Carolina. The Panthers' offense is averaging 20.5 offensive points, 0.5 interceptions, 2.25 sacks allowed and 1.25 fumbles lost per game over their past four games. The Saints' defense is a weak play for the game and should continue sitting on the bench.

Buccaneers - The Buccaneers' defense held the Panthers to seven offensive points during their Week 4 matchup. They also recorded three sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery. The Buccaneers' defense will likely have their hands full in Week 5 against Indianapolis. The Colts' offense averages 31.2 offensive points, 0.25 interceptions, 0.75 sacks allowed and 0.25 fumbles lost per game over their past four games. The Buccaneers' defense is a weak play in Week 5 and should not be used.

Author Bio

Michael Egnak
Michael Egnak is a Hot Off The Wire Analyst at KFFL and has been with the company since 2005. Covering both NFL and MLB, Egnak is also a key contributor to KFFL's fantasy services.