Z - From The Sidelines...

Locker Room Buzz - Week 13

November 30, 2007
17:00:21

We're entering Week 13 and life can be viewed in one or two ways. The first is with the cup half full and the second is half empty. Which should KFFL feel? We made it to a league championship game in two high-stakes leagues. To get to the championship game, you have to either be the regular season head-to-head winner (league champion) or have the highest points. To advance to the playoff rounds - where you compete with another hundred league champions and total points leaders - you have to win the championship game, and if not, qualify through your total points. In one league, we captured both the regular season title in head-to-head victories as well as the total points. We were clearly the best team in the league. Then a little lady came by that I call "Lady Luck". Rather, she left me. Some say "Mr. Murphy" showed up, because as dominant as we were, we endured our lowest scoring week of the year during the championship game - OUCH! Luckily, we got in with our total points, but our roster is one that resembles a M.A.S.H. unit.

We have quarterback Marc Bulger, running back Priest Holmes, Ricky Williams, Shaun Alexander and Selvin Young. Another OUCH! To top it off, we've had Todd Heap as our tight end. I'm actually proud that we were able to do as well as we did. Is the cup half full or half empty? I say both. Half full, because this is our fourth regular season championship in this high-stakes league and half empty, because the odds of winning this are slim-to-none, but we're not going down without a fight. In the other league, the championship game is this week, and it started with the Thursday night game. My opponent had quarterback Tony Romo, and I had quarterback Brett Favre going. You do the math, and there's another OUCH. Luckily, we're not quite out of the league championship game yet. There's still a lot of football left. Now, I know how the Buffalo Bills' four Super Bowl teams felt!

This week's poll question to our network which consists of beat reporters and insiders was, "Which is the worst team, in either conference, that you envision making the playoffs? Why?"

Detroit Lions = 8 votes
Cleveland Browns = 6 votes
Arizona Cardinals = 3 votes
New Orleans Saints = 3 votes
San Diego Chargers = 2 votes
Washington Redskins = 2 votes
Chicago Bears = 3 votes
Minnesota Vikings = 1 vote
New York Giants = 1 vote
Philadelphia Eagles = 1 vote
Tampa Bay Buccaneers = 1 vote

It's not a great stretch to imagine the Lions and Browns heading the list. Both have so many deficiencies, but through some lucky wins, some hard work and taking advantage of opportunities, those two teams deserve it as much as anyone else. It was surprising to see the Saints, Chargers and Giants to get votes. They are solid enough teams, but obviously some believe they are not the team's they once were. Some of the comments:

"Has to be in the NFC, right? I would guess Arizona. They're talent is better than they're record would indicate. They are a team that always lets you down in close games but they could wind up in the playoffs."
"Detroit - can't run, too shaky on "D." They'll back in, and be the second to last wild card, and they'll embarrass themselves."
"If Jacksonville and Cleveland are the final two in the AFC, I think that's pretty decent. If the Giants make it, they have a lot of holes throughout. I just don't see it; they've been off and on throughout."
"The Lions - trying to envision one of those teams making the playoffs. The Bears would be the worst. Anyone of the NFC teams that are 5-6 right now could make it in. Any one of them could be the worst. Watch out for Philadelphia as their defense may be able to get them in. Andy Reid has these guys playing well."
"Giants, Vikings, Bears, Tampa Bay ... most of the NFC - everyone that isn't Dallas and Green Bay. San Diego isn't far off."
"Detroit - they can't beat good teams, but they're still in line for a Wild Card spot."
"Cleveland. I'm not all that convinced they're that good. Their quarterback is just, 'a guy'. Jamal Lewis runs like he's in pain, it looks like it's painful. They just don't seem like they're all that talented."

Good luck with your playoffs as fantasy playoffs are getting ready to start in some leagues, and let's get to this week's buzz!

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

The Bills should be used to this sort of thing in 2007. Quarterback J.P. Losman has not raised a stir as he was benched in favor of rookie Trent Edwards for Week 13. Losman might have run out of chances to fight for his job and could be on his way out after the season.

Fantasy owners: Meet running back Fred Jackson. The new Bills starter officially assumed the position this week after both Marshawn Lynch (ankle) and Anthony Thomas (calf) were ruled out for Week 13. In case you were about to search, he attended the athletic powerhouse Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jackson has steady hands and he is expected to see some passes out of the backfield.

Jackson is expected to see at least 15 touches and perhaps upwards of 20, with a 70-30 carry split over running back Dwayne Wright. Wright has fallen out of favor because of his fumble in the game against the New England Patriots, and the team felt Jackson's played well enough during his practice time to run with him.
With Losman now out of the mix, where does wide receiver Lee Evans stand? When he was starting, Edwards didn't really look towards Evans as much as Evans' friend Losman did. If the offense starts to click and Evans is a part of it, this may not be an issue. But with the running game in its current flux status, Evans could see more double teams in the near future.

Miami Dolphins

Talk about a burnout. Running back Ricky Williams' (chest) comeback lasted just six carries, and he was placed on Injured Reserve this week due to a torn right pectoral muscle and underwent surgery Thursday, Nov. 29. Williams' injury most certainly hurts his trade value, and the Dolphins might not have a choice but to keep him. Williams barely had a chance to prove himself. All in all, he remains a talented enigma.

Quarterback John Beck has not had the best sample size from which to judge his performance as starter. It was hard to get a read, especially in Week 12's Monday Night Slop Football contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. He has avoided sacks and is reading the field well. His throws have not been dead-on, but he hasn't made too many poor decisions. He hasn't been given the green light in the vertical passing game just yet.

The injury to Williams leaves the Dolphins with even less offensive firepower, especially heading into what could be their best shot at halting their winless season. But after their agonizing 3-0 loss to the Steelers in the Week 12 slop, the Dolphins might have zapped some life into their clubhouse. The Dolphins have lost six games by three points or less this season.
With Williams once again out of the picture, running back Jesse Chatman (ankle, neck) is left uncontested as the starter. He is limping around due to his dual injuries, but he was reportedly healthier than last week. He's listed as probable for Week 13.

New England Patriots

Perfection was almost blemished last week when the Philadelphia Eagles pushed the Patriots to their limit, but the Patriots eventually burst through with a 31-28 victory. Eagles quarterback A.J. Feeley was able to pick them apart in the middle of the field, where he completed all three of his touchdown passes. Every team has a weakness and that may be there's.

The Pats locker room took the close call as more of a bump-in-the-road game instead of a lucky victory. Head coach Bill Belichick probably has some more motivational ammo to ride his undefeated team, but linebacker Tedy Bruschi emphatically embraced the challenge, reportedly saying something to the effect of, "This is how football games are won."

Much of this motivation has been implemented from their outward support of wide receiver Randy Moss, who reportedly may have had some discussions within the organization about his effort. There was some evidence of Moss' old lethargic self creeping out in the Philadelphia game, but the Pats haven't outwardly acknowledged anything. Belichick maintained his usual non-responsive responses. Quarterback Tom Brady did spend some extra time with reporters Friday (a day during which he usually avoids the media) and was defending his tallest target. However, the fact that they went out of their way to address it as a non-issue makes one wonder if the opposite is in fact the truth.

Moss has also been dropping passes at a more frequent rate, but those mostly came on routes over the middle and when he was under physical pressure from defensive backs. He never liked to work the middle of the field, so he was seemingly out of his element on those plays.
Running back Laurence Maroney continues to see his fantasy stock float in the abyss. This is not exactly like when the Indianapolis Colts rested running back Joseph Addai at the end of last season; it's just that Maroney knows his role has become secondary in the offense and seems comfortable with it. Running back Kevin Faulk is better for pass protection and passing downs, so he remains more of a natural fit into Brady's air assault.

New York Jets

Running back Thomas Jones posted two of his three 100-yard rushing performances behind the solid blocking of fullback Darian Barnes. He'll have to find another way to break the century mark as Barnes was cut by the Jets this week since the team felt he was lacking in special teams skills. Speculation is floating around that a rift with management - specifically head coach Eric Mangini - could have led to his departure. The Jets now lack a true fullback, but are using tight end Joe Kowalewski as an H-Back.

Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (finger) has been listed as out for Week 13 and wideout Laveranues Coles (ankle) is expected to play despite being limited in practice Friday, Nov. 30. Coles goes back into the No. 1 spot. Cotchery's absence opens the door for wide receiver Brad Smith to step into the No. 2 slot with wideouts Justin McCareins and either Wallace Wright or Chris Davis to follow in the pecking order. Smith is the only reliable option outside of Coles.

With Cotchery's absence, the Jets could rely more on tight end Chris Baker - "The Touchdown Maker" as Jets fans dub him.
One option could be for the Jets to line up running back Leon Washington as a wide receiver. However, they tried it once this season, and he dropped his only look. The team hasn't gone back to it since.
After his torrid debut, it's hard to remember that linebacker David Harris probably won't put up 20-tackle games every week. Nonetheless, he has become one of the few steady parts of the Jets defense and looks to stay there for awhile in the 3-4 system.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Fantasy owners, and fans alike, should continue to expect the Ravens to keep quarterback Kyle Boller on the field. The team is committed to having him finish out the year. If Boller were to look so bad to the point that they can't keep putting him out on the field, then quarterback Steve McNair (shoulder) might suddenly be feeling a lot better.

If tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) is able to return this week, the Ravens will try to utilize him by attacking the intermediate middle, because that's where they feel the New England Patriots are most vulnerable. Fantasy owners could look for Heap to put up similar numbers to what he is used to; four or five receptions for 50 yards. A source tells us that they don't see him being a big touchdown threat and not to expect him to stretch the field this week.

Some players, like cornerback Samari Rolle (epilepsy), aren't keeping their heads down about the daunting task of trying to beat the Patriots. In fact, Rolle called it their Super Bowl. In the team's eyes, this game is one of their last chances to show that they're not as bad as they've been.

Cincinnati Bengals

Running back Rudi Johnson had a good game last week and it looks like it could be a sign of good things to come. He's got timing with the offensive line and he's healthy; helping him to hit the holes quicker. There is a reason he has rushed for all those yards and touchdowns in his career.

Running back Chris Perry (ankle) wasn't activated off of Injured Reserve this past week because it didn't make sense with five games left to bring in a guy who hasn't played in more than a year. Plus, they are healthier than they've been before in the backfield.

Cleveland Browns

The team will likely find it difficult to win the AFC North after losing two times to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team would have to run the table, and though it's possible, it seems hard to think they'll finish with seven straight victories, with the Steelers losing two games.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The team isn't overly concerned with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger getting hurt considering the amount of sacks he has received. He is a big guy and they feel that he can take a little punishment. One thing they are concerned about is the lack of continuity in the offense because they can't block. Roethlisberger is able to create outside of the pocket, but they can't count on that from him on a regular basis. The offensive line simply needs to protect him better if the team plans on going deep into the playoffs.

Running back Willie Parker is no Jerome Bettis, according to a source. Parker doesn't get many calls inside the red zone because he isn't that kind of runner. He doesn't run with the power that Bettis does, and although the team has powerful halfback Najeh Davenport, even he is no Bettis.
The loss of wide receiver Santonio Holmes (ankle) eliminates one thing that the team likes to do on offense, and that is going deep. Wide receiver Hines Ward isn't a game breaker like Holmes and lacks the speed to go downfield. The other receivers, Nate Washington and Cedric Wilson are possession guys and don't run anything like Holmes does. His absence will almost certainly affect their ability to spread defenses.
The odds that the team switches to artificial turf for next season seems to be a long shot. Both the players and owner Dan Rooney don't want to change the natural look of Heinz Field. It may become an issue if the NFL makes it one, and then, it may turn into something that they will have to consider.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Wide receiver Kevin Walter was targeted more than star wideout Andre Johnson was last week, but that is largely because the Cleveland Browns removed the vertical game from the Texans. Houston was forced to rely more heavily on the intermediate and short routes, thus resulting in a lot of targets for Walter. Don't expect this to continue, just as long as opponents don't continue to shutdown Johnson in the deep game.

Running back Ron Dayne should glean 20-plus carries this week against a defense that has allowed more than 150 total yards and almost two touchdowns per game to the position in the past month.

Offensive guard Chester Pitts was arrested recently and charged with felony evading a police officer. This resulted from a routine traffic stop in which Pitts decided driving away while the officer ran his information was actually a GOOD thing! Well, it turns out that Pitts, according to team owner Bob McNair, believed the officer had waived him along to proceed with his day, but that clearly wasn't the case. The team isn't likely to take action against Pitts, but the NFL could have something else to say about it. With respect to fairness, Pitts doesn't have a legal history as far as getting in trouble is concerned.

Indianapolis Colts

Star running back Joseph Addai did not practice Friday, Nov. 30, but fantasy owners shouldn't fear, because the team simply opted to rest him to keep him fresh.

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez's performance last week (six catches for 105 yards) instilled a little confidence in the rookie from quarterback Peyton Manning, who generally doesn't trust rookie receivers.

Given all of the injury troubles facing the Colts, there is strong sentiment by some observers that the team isn't much better than average. Our sources say that is anything but the truth, and the team is now starting to get healthy again. We were told that if it wasn't for blown coverage on New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss and a missed field goal versus the San Diego Chargers, you're looking at the only undefeated team in the league. That may be all true, but the reality is that the Colts have two losses, are without star wideout Marvin Harrison (knee), and are generally beaten up across the board. This week's tilt with the Jacksonville Jaguars should be an accurate indication of how good they truly are.

Colts president Bill Polian recently told an Indianapolis-area newspaper that Harrison is dealing with a "tricky" injury. It was described as a bursa sac and could continue to hamper him for the rest of the season, as previously reported. The current theory is that the team will shut him down for the rest of the regular season and let him gut it out in the playoffs, especially if the team faces the Patriots once again.

There is reason to believe starting left tackle Tony Ugoh (neck, shoulder) will return this week. He is expected to be a game-time decision. Ugoh, interestingly enough, has practiced each day of the past two weeks but hasn't played. The reasoning behind this is conjectured to be due to the team not wanting to damage the rookie's confidence level.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) is on Injured Reserve with a Lisfranc injury, and there may be a unique reason as to why he hurt himself. Against San Diego that week, Freeney injured his foot on what was a sloppy, muddy field. Freeney was wearing specialty cleats during that game to help compensate for the lack of traction, and we were told that he was pretty much the only player on the field with traction. One has to wonder if the cleats may have caused the injury.

The nickel backs of the Colts have surrendered a touchdown in three of the last four games.
This Sunday should be the first time that all three starting linebackers will be on the field together since Oct. 22, ironically, versus the Jaguars.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Wide receiver Reggie Williams has stepped up his play this year, but he still isn't close to being considered a No. 1 receiver yet. He started young and is finally reaping the benefits of hard work, as well as maturity.

Look for tight end Marcedes Lewis to become drastically more involved in the offense after tight ends Greg Estandia (shoulder) and George Wrighster (knee) were placed on Injured Reserve. Lewis has the hands and size to be a viable fantasy pickup.

Tennessee Titans

Running back LenDale White has been so ineffective recently that the team may consider using fellow tailback Chris Brown more than usual. Keep in mind, though, that running back Chris J. Henry, is suspended for four games. White hasn't run well, and Brown's involvement could go up, but it may not matter if the defense can't keep the offense in the game.

At wide receiver, for fantasy purposes, the pecking order is as follows:

1) Justin Gage

2) Brandon Jones

3) Roydell Williams

4) Mike Williams

Yes, that is the former Detroit Lions' and Oakland Raiders' Mike Williams. The team likes his size in the red zone, and it doesn't hurt that offensive coordinator Norm Chow is familiar with Williams from their days together at the University of Southern California. Furthermore, it's not like the team is very proven at the position, so they'll take any help they can get!

AFC West

Denver Broncos

This Sunday is likely to mark the first time the Broncos will have both running backs Travis Henry (knee) and Selvin Young (knee) splitting the workload this year. Don't be surprised if Henry's injury does not affect him and our sources tell us (an educated guess) to look for about a 60/40 split favoring Henry.

Here's a great tidbit for the stat geeks of the world, i.e. many fantasy players! Last week Broncos wideout Javon Walker (knee) was in for eight third-down situations and that was it. Interesting stat and look for his role to increase a bit this week. As his role increases, it figures to come at the expense of receiver Brandon Stokley (knee) who has played well, though you should be safe with him in your lineup this week.

Kansas City Chiefs

Right now the Chiefs are happy with the play of running back Kolby Smith. However, some want to see him do it against a real team. Remember they faced the Oakland Raiders, one of the worst run defenses in the league. Right now the team has no one else until running back Larry Johnson (foot) returns.

Oakland Raiders

Raiders running back Justin Fargas is playing for a contract, and we're hearing the more yards he piles up, the less chance he comes back to the Raiders. Remember, the team has running back Michael Bush (leg) stashed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List waiting in the wings. Also, the team may feel that Fargas is a "time-bomb" waiting to happen, in other words he's injury prone and Fargas may not embrace a time-share role next year.

One more note on Fargas - the team views him as the poster boy in their belief that it's not, "who you are," rather it's how you perform. Based on that don't worry about Fargas losing playing time.

Because he had a 159-yard rushing performance against the Broncos earlier this season, don't be surprised to see running back LaMont Jordan play the No. 2 role to Fargas this week against Denver.

If you're desperate for a tight end, Zach Miller - while a long-shot - may be a factor down the middle of the field this week. The team may not challenge cornerbacks Dre' Bly and Champ Bailey. The one downside is that the team has not used Miller in that capacity, and he's been forced to stay in and block a lot this year.

San Diego Chargers

Fantasy owners would probably agree with the Chargers fans who booed quarterback Philip Rivers early on during last week's game. Rivers went on to play his best fantasy game of the year but told the fans to shut up. Maybe someone should tell Rivers, if you weren't inconsistent, ranking among the league leaders in interceptions, heaving the ball and ignoring your receivers, you wouldn't be booed. Oh why did the Chargers get rid of quarterback Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)?

Fantasy owners in keeper leagues can take solace if they want to keep Rivers. The team likes to lock up its players early and general manager A.J. Smith will almost certainly not bring in another quarterback considering how he dumped Brees for Rivers. That stated, does Rivers warrant an extension? The 2008 season will be interesting indeed in watching his career unfold.

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson does not plan to stay in the game to chase records and does not see himself playing past five years from now. At least we know how long we'll have him in our fantasy leagues!

There was a wide receiver Vincent Jackson sighting last Sunday! The Chargers No. 2 wideout had five receptions for 65 yards but it's not a given he's going to be involved every week. Be careful when choosing him as a fantasy starter.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Who's the MVP of America's Team; quarterback Tony Romo or wideout Terrell Owens? One vote goes to Romo - the quarterback makes everything go.

It's considered a bit of a surprise that cornerback Anthony Henry (ankle) isn't starting yet. There's no rush, apparently, but at some point he should start again.

The Cowboys aren't holding their breath waiting for wide receiver Terry Glenn (knee) to return. If he does return, look for Glenn to step in as the team's No. 3 receiver behind Owens and wideout Patrick Crayton..

New York Giants

On quarterback Eli Manning's first interception against the Minnesota Vikings, Manning expected two linebackers to blitz and tight end Jeremy Shockey to run a hot route. Shockey didn't read it that way and ran his planned route. Shockey actually read it correctly. Result: pick. Manning told the press that he read hot route and Shockey didn't, but apparently Manning never mentioned that he was at fault. Shockey was a bit miffed, of course. It's water under the bridge at this point, we're told.

Running back Derrick Ward (ankle, groin) will probably start this week over running back Reuben Droughns. Ward may not be at 100 percent, but he probably won't be under any restrictions.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle, knee) can't get deep anymore, so the only method he really has of getting open is to find an open spot in the defense. After that, defenders swarm him, so it's nearly impossible for him to gain yards after the catch.

The Giants held a players-only meeting this week, largely to help take some heat off of Manning.

Philadelphia Eagles

Why was Eagles backup quarterback A.J. Feeley successful against the Patriots? Mostly because he got rid of the ball quickly. Philly had a good game plan - spread them out, don't throw deep a lot. When he did go deep, that ended their comeback attempt.

Feeley played well, and the fans think he gives them a better chance to win than injured starter Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb), but head coach Andy Reid doesn't. In the long run, Reid is probably right. Will they get the McNabb they need, though?

There's speculation that, when the Eagles drafted quarterback Kevin Kolb, it affected McNabb more than it should have. They drafted his replacement, and they didn't draft him another receiver. Maybe he mentally checked out - he seems to think he's gone after this year. He probably is unless he comes back and leads them to the playoffs.

While he seems to have the talent, it's questionable whether wide receiver Reggie Brown has the attitude to ever become a No. 1-caliber receiver.

Washington Redskins

Obviously, the focus in Redskins camp centers around the tragic death of free safety Sean Taylor. Expect the team to respond - they don't want to lose this game. It might have been an exhausting week emotionally, but they're on autopilot right now. Running back Clinton Portis seems particularly jacked up.

Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell has taken a liking to veteran wideout Keenan McCardell, particularly on third downs.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Despite leading the team on game-tying and game-winning drives last Sunday, quarterback Rex Grossman continues to be up and down. He has done a better job since returning from his benching, but the team was terrible offensively for the first three quarters of their Week 12 game. Without the work of return man Devin Hester they would've been blown out.

Those that have been screaming for a change at the halfback position may be in for a rude awakening now that running back Cedric Benson (ankle) is done for the season and tailback Adrian N. Peterson figures to carry the load. A lot of Chicago's problems running the ball stem from poor offensive line play, and there are reasons that Peterson has made just one start in his six-year career entering this Sunday. The one thing he does do better than Benson is catching the ball out of the backfield, which could serve to open up the playbook a little.

The team has to be hoping Peterson can remain healthy with undersized rookie running back Garrett Wolfe now second on the depth chart. According to one source, the team would be "completely (in trouble)" if they had to rely on Wolfe. He also added the Bears are significantly worse off without Benson in the lineup.

Despite Peterson giving the team a bit of a different skill set in the backfield, don't look for Chicago to changes things up offensively. In terms of workload, Peterson figures to be the guy with Wolfe maybe getting a handful of touches each week.

Looking for a reason Chicago is having a poor season? Take your pick. The team has not drafted well, they have had sub-par play out of the quarterback as well as running back positions, their play-calling has been awful and there could be lingering effects from the departure of last year's defensive coordinator Ron Rivera (San Diego Chargers) during the offseason. Given their multitude of problems it doesn't look like there is a quick fix to be had.

Detroit Lions

Nagging injuries may be playing a part in quarterback Jon Kitna's recent struggles, but there appears to be more going on. His struggles are part of the reason the team is running more, but there are currently no plans to sit him down to get completely healthy.

While he may not be back to the form he showed during the second half of his rookie campaign, running back Kevin Jones is probably as good as he is going to get this season as he continues to deal with foot problems. He played well on Thanksgiving Day, but he could struggle against a tough Minnesota Vikings run defense this Sunday.

Speaking of running the football, offensive coordinator Mike Martz clearly committed to the run last Thursday, though his reasons are more likely related to the struggles of the passing game than a shift in philosophy. He doesn't expect them to have much success running the ball this week, so don't be surprised to see a pass-heavy attack from the Lions.

The team feels it has the foundation in place to be an annual playoff contender, but they have some holes to fill defensively, and Kitna seems to be aging exponentially this season.

Green Bay Packers

Running back Ryan Grant ran for two more touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night and is clearly the best back Green Bay has had this season. However, there is no question he is benefiting from the team's outstanding passing game and their ability to spread the field.

Tight end Bubba Franks (knee) is expected to return in Week 14, but don't look for it to impact the number of looks tight end Donald Lee receives.

Despite the huge numbers wide receiver Greg Jennings has put up this season, wide receiver Donald Driver remains entrenched as quarterback Brett Favre's favorite target.

Minnesota Vikings

Running back Adrian Peterson (knee) is expected back this week, which is good news for Vikings fans and fantasy owners alike. However, Peterson is said to be wearing a knee brace, and he is nearing the time of year when a lot of first-year players hit the rookie wall. From a fantasy perspective you may want to look to move him for another stud that has already proven he can hold up to the rigors of an NFL season. That is of course provided that your trading deadline hasn't already passed.

As for Peterson this week, look for him to only get around 35 percent of the carries with running back Chester Taylor getting the rest of the work.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

For the Falcons this season, it appears that quarterback Joey Harrington is the guy that gives them the best chance to win. They have won three games with him under center and have had success moving the ball. He and wide receiver Roddy White have been able to develop some chemistry, and though it may not seem like much, it's more than what quarterback Byron Leftwich has done.

For all the fantasy owners out there expecting running back Jerious Norwood to see an increase in carries, it might be time to give up on that hope. It has been made known to a source that the coaching staff has said more than once that they're running the offense through running back Warrick Dunn. The team doesn't think Norwood can carry the load and is just a good third-down and change-of-pace back.

Tight end Alge Crumpler (foot) might not be the viable threat in the offense that he once was. Injuries are starting to pile up, and he may be in a position where he has to show the team something over the stretch run of the season. Crumpler doesn't look to be in any danger of being cut, but the team could look to a tight end in the draft or to an in-house candidate in tight end Martrez Milner (ankle). The team really likes his downfield speed, but he has had issues with dropped passes. He could get a look in organized team activities (OTAs), minicamps, etc.

The team might not be so quick to get rid of Dunn after the season. It's a possibility that the team could cut him, but right now, it seems to make more sense for the team to restructure his contract. The owner likes him a lot, and Dunn does a lot of work in the community, so keeping him around appears to makes sense.

Carolina Panthers

A silent but strong statement is currently being made in Carolina. Quarterback David Carr has performed poorly of late leaving the team no option but to go with 44-year-old quarterback Vinny Testaverde as their starter. If for some reason Testaverde can't go, the team may turn to quarterback Matt Moore instead of Carr. It isn't out of the realm of possibility that the team could cut Carr.

Fantasy owners expecting running back DeAngelo Williams to break out and take over the starting job need to begin to temper their expectations. Williams has shown the team absolutely nothing. Carolina will likely keep going with running back DeShaun Foster for the remainder of the season and then look to address the running back position in the offseason.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints backfield looks to be taking on a more familiar role this week and possibly beyond. Running back Aaron Stecker is expected to be the feature back, with running back Reggie Bush coming in on passing downs. It figures to be similar to what they did with Bush in his rookie season, with Stecker playing the role of running back Deuce McAllister (knee).

There isn't a changing of the guard in terms of a new No. 1 tight end for the Saints. The team doesn't view tight ends Eric Johnson or Billy Miller as that guy, and in fact, they are seen as interchangeable. Johnson looks to be the guy on passing downs, while Miller fights in the trenches on running downs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A name that hasn't been tossed around much in the MVP talk is that of quarterback Jeff Garcia. He, along with the play of the defense, is arguably the only reason why the team is in the mix for a playoff spot and possibly a division title. He's not playing for team like the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots or Green Bay Packers, making him virtually lost in all discussions, but he should be in there.

The team may suffer tremendously if Garcia isn't able to go this week. Quarterback Brad Gradkowski doesn't appear to have a clue how to move the offense, and it is quite possible that quarterback Luke McCown will play if Garcia doesn't.
Running back Michael Pittman (ankle) isn't done for the season, and if he isn't able to go this week, he could be expected to be out there in Week 14 and into the playoffs.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are trying to play smarter football and it's starting with quarterback Kurt Warner (elbow/ribs) who has been going to check down passes and involving running back Edgerrin James a bit more in the passing game than earlier in the year. Good news as Edge's only saving grace most weeks is a touchdown as he's not gaining much rushing yardage.

St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan may well be fighting for his coaching job right now. However, we're hearing team president John Shaw does want to retain him. That's good for fantasy owners as a new coach means a new offense to learn.

Don't look for the play calling to change too much with quarterback Gus Frerotte at the helm versus quarterback Marc Bulger (concussion), who has been ruled out this weekend.

San Francisco 49ers

Don't be surprised to see 49ers quarterback Trent Dilfer starting for the rest of the season. Unimpressive starter Alex D. Smith (shoulder/forearm) could miss the rest of the season as he tries to rehab a serious shoulder injury while avoiding surgery.

49ers running back Frank Gore (ankle) finally went off last week. It was a combination of check downs in the passing game to him, an efficient offense and they ran more offensive plays than normal. Will it continue? His fantasy owners certainly hope so!

We're being told that some on the Niners are happy that Dilfer is the starting quarterback. It was so bad with Smith because he couldn't even throw the football. Now with Dilfer at least they can go downfield a bit. Will this mean increased fantasy production? Perhaps. The current pecking order at the wideout position for those wondering is: Arnaz Battle, Darrell Jackson and then Ashley Lelie (quad).

Seattle Seahawks

It's tough to get a read on the Seahawks running back situation. Our sources tell us from an educated guess standpoint that they can still envision halfback Maurice Morris starting. Even though running back Shaun Alexander (knee/wrist) has practiced this week and ran with the first team, as long as he still wears the cast to protect his wrist, you have to wonder how much the team will use him. To add to that, Morris has looked solid in practice and head coach Mike Holmgren stated he would keep him in during passing situations.

Seahawks wideout D.J. Hackett (ankle) has worked hard over the last few years and it paid off with a starting job this year. However, he simply can't stay healthy and is hurt again with another high ankle sprain. The pecking order with Hackett out is as follows: Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson. Look for Engram to start though that is not a given. It really doesn't matter due to all the multi-receiver sets the team uses.