Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

Locker Room Buzz - Week 14

December 7, 2007 @ 09:24:02

What a week ... one that ended with a great game with an ending like a soap opera when the New England Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens. Now this week, a Pittsburgh Steeler guarantees a victory. The Patriots look human after all, and their fantasy owners have had a reality check the last two weeks. Things won't get any easier as it seems their opponents come with their "A" game to be the team that knocks them out.

We asked our network the following: "(1) Four years after the trade that effectively swapped QBs, who is the better quarterback - Philip Rivers or Eli Manning? (2) Who will be better in 3-4 years?"

Question: (1) "Who is the better quarterback?"

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers = 56%
Eli Manning, New York Giants = 44%

Question: (2) "Who will be better in 3-4 years?"

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers = 53%
Eli Manning, New York Giants = 47%

There were some interesting comments we'll list below, but what a difference a year makes. Most were surprised at how much Rivers has regressed and/or Manning has improved.

That is a great question. I think ... Eli is better right now. And, uh, Rivers will be better in the long run. Eli has just done more. But I think Rivers ... I think Rivers at his best has looked better than Eli, and that's a little debatable, I know.
Rivers, now and the future, for this reason: I watched him in college, and he was a winner from his freshman season on. I'll take Philip Rivers' weapons; they're just a bit better. I like Norv Turner's offense; I know he's a horrible head coach, but look at his offense.
I think they're both ... I think Philip Rivers is the most overrated QB in the league. Manning is nothing great either. If I had to pick one, Manning would over the long haul - I think his decision making is up and down. We saw last year, he had a different QB coach, I think he got it more. Rivers collapses under pressure. Everybody talks about his fourth quarter QB rating last year, but all he did was hand off and throw maybe two or three times in the fourth. Of course, it's going to be good.
Rivers is the whiniest, most overrated quarterback in the league. He whines about everything. I think A.J. Smith is really regretting letting Drew Brees go at this point. When Rivers was screaming about how Ellis Hobbs was so overrated. He hasn't won anything. He needs to take charge of his team.
Well, that's a tough one. I would still say at this time Eli, even though he's so streaky. I think Eli is the better one under pressure, especially late in the game. In Chicago he was able to pull something together. I don't think I've really seen that out of Rivers yet. That's the only reason; neither one has played up to their potential. Just going on that basis, that's why I would go with Eli at this point. Probably Rivers. It's a much better situation for him. I think he has a lot more around him, a better defense - he is set up to have a better career than Eli.
Eli. I don't think it's close. I'm not a Philip Rivers guy. I don't think it's close. Obviously Eli hasn't played great, but I don't think he gets flustered easily, and he has a good arm to make all the throws. I'm just not a Rivers fan. They regret getting rid of Brees. He has the weapons on offense, I'm not a big fan of him. Don't think he has a big enough arm. 3-4 years? (Eli). I don't think Rivers has much of an upside.
At some point players have to be accountable, and I can't understand why Rivers isn't better considering he has LT and Gates and now Chambers and even that up and coming kid - Vincent Jackson - Philip doesn't have any pocket presence.
I would take Rivers. Manning ... every time I see the guy there hasn't been a whole lot there. He's not a bust but certainly not worth the No. 1 pick in the draft. Rivers will be better in 3-4 years.
Neither one has lived up to their billing, neither guy has a huge arm, can make all throws, but not huge arms. They seem to make boneheaded decisions at the wrong time, but then they'll make some plays that make you say, Wow! One, they'll just do something boneheaded, great play. Too inconsistent right now.
Although the Chargers "won" the trade because of the pieces they acquired, Manning is the better quarterback, I think at this point.
Rivers has to show me more. I guess he disappoints me more because he has a better team around him. As a team the Chargers should be better.
I've seen them both in last month and a half, and they're both terrible. Something happened to both somewhere. In the game Peterson set the rushing record, Rivers statistically was terrible. He had no idea what he was doing. Both look lost. Right now, it looks like a wash. If you are asking me if one team made out better, I think it's a wash. I'm amazed at how bad both are.
Manning just lacks that swagger or confidence.

There's still more football to be played. Here's what we're hearing:

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Fantasy owners who are looking for quarterback Trent Edwards to continue throwing the ball 30-plus times might be surprised to learn that it is very much a possibility. He is 4-1 as a starter and is completing 64 percent of his passes. A source notes that we shouldn't expect an explosion from Edwards, but he is getting more comfortable week-to-week, and the team is feeling more comfortable with the way he has performed.

Running back Marshawn Lynch (ankle) is expected to play this week for the first time since Week 10. However, he isn't expected to carry a full load. Fantasy owners should temper their expectations as it is possible to see him get 60 percent of the carries and running back Fred Jackson to get the other 40 percent.
Jackson might have played his way onto the team for next season with his performance last week. He's unlikely to make a push for Lynch's starting job, but the team feels like he's a hidden gem. That is pretty high praise for a guy who was out of the league and was undrafted. Unless he was to get hurt, expect to see him on the roster for next season.

Miami Dolphins

There doesn't seem to be a clear cut option in the running game this week for the Dolphins if running back Jesse Chatman (ankle) is unable to start. Running back Samkon Gado is expected to get the start, but the team may look to running back Lorenzo Booker on passing downs. Gado is good between the tackles, but his ability to be effective is in serious doubt considering the Houston Texans released him, when they are arguably in more dire need of a back than the Fins.

The team used a third-round pick on Booker, and at this point, he has failed to make an impact. The team has doubts that he can be an effective runner because he is so limited. He has a chance to disprove that, but it looks unlikely that he will be able to do so.
Quarterback John Beck hasn't found a go-to threat in the passing game. First-round pick Ted Ginn Jr. isn't ready to take on that role yet, and wide receiver Marty Booker (knee) isn't healthy enough. Our source let us know that he isn't confident that Beck will pass for more than 150 yards in a game this year, or at least not this week.
Linebacker Zach Thomas (migraine headaches, concussion) isn't the type of player to throw in the towel. It is likely that he will attempt to play again next season, either with the Dolphins or with another team. He is a Pro Bowl linebacker, who should be able to find a home somewhere considering he hasn't had a long problem with concussions.

New England Patriots

Running back Laurence Maroney should continue to get the usual 15-18 carries in the coming weeks, but don't expect any carries around the goal line. The team is very happy with their goal line package of running back Heath Evans as the main back, linebacker Junior Seau as the fullback and linebacker Mike Vrabel as the tight end.

The defensive linemen addressed the issue of why they have been playing poor against opposing running backs. After Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee ran all over them, they let it be known that they aren't taking care of their responsibilities. With head coach Bill Belichick, that's their job. Stick with their assignments, hold their gaps and try not to do too much. The team has been really hard on themselves this week, and it would be surprising to see them allow that type of yardage to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker.

The team hasn't wavered due to the fact that they have played in consecutive close games. In fact, they feel that it has reinforced to them that, in crunch time, they can get it done.

New York Jets

Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (finger) is listed as doubtful and wideout Laveranues Coles (ankle) is looking like a game-time decision for Week 14. That could mean a twin billing of - gulp - receivers Brad Smith (back) and Justin McCareins. In that scenario, wideout Wallace Wright would likely be the third receiver. This might be McCareins' last hurrah as a Jet since his contract runs out after this season.

Quarterback Kellen Clemens has been a slight upgrade over benched quarterback Chad Pennington. The strong-armed Clemens can make plays on the run and has proven to be an effective leader in the huddle. His pocket presence and accuracy, however, leave more to be desired.
Running back Leon Washington could get some more touches after posting 68 rushing and 35 receiving yards last week. The dual threat could see about six or seven touches to eat into running back Thomas Jones' time.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Coming off the meltdown at the end of their near-upset of the New England Patriots last week, four Ravens were fined for their actions. Linebacker Bart Scott (hand) was docked $25,000 for verbally abusing the referees as well as his game of penalty flag long toss. In addition, cornerbacks Samari Rolle (shoulder) and Chris McAlister and wide receiver Derrick Mason were each penalized $15,000 for "publicly questioning the integrity of officiating" in Monday's game.

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan had authority to call the timeout that negated the Ravens' dramatic 4th-and-1 stop against the Patriots that would have essentially given Baltimore the game. Head coach Brian Billick gives Ryan control over the defense since he doesn't sit in on the defensive meetings. Ryan saw the wrong personnel on the field, so he called the timeout. Despite the unfortunate timing of the timeout call, he retains that ability.

For the tight end split, expect tight end Quinn Sypniewski to continue to see most of the snaps, but tight end Daniel Wilcox should continue to go in on red zone packages. He's the better receiver, and Sypniewski excels at blocking.
Don't count on seeing former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith anytime soon unless current starting quarterback Kyle Boller hits the injury list.

Cincinnati Bengals

Running back Rudi Johnson will reportedly continue to get the bulk of the carries as the starter, with running back Kenny Watson once again retaining pass-catching duties. Running back DeDe Dorsey should still get his looks, though. Head coach Marvin Lewis laid part of the blame on the offensive line for the struggling running game.

Lewis hasn't received much blame despite the team's sluggish performance. The team is sold out through the rest of the season, and if they run the table they could reach the playoffs. His contract runs through 2010, and they will likely let him finish out his contract. However, the coaching staff - especially on the defensive side - will most likely go under the microscope after this season.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns were seemingly pushed out of a victory last week as tight end Kellen Winslow appeared to be shoved out of bounds in midair on the final play of the game. The Browns haven't raised a fit over the play, saying that despite their disappointment over the call, it should not have come down to one play. Even if head coach Romeo Crennel's complaint gets a response from the league, he probably wouldn't share the league's comments with reporters anyway.

Quarterback Derek Anderson won't be the only Brown engaging in contact talks after this season. Running back Jamal Lewis is a free agent after this season, and it's still unclear as to what they'll do with him. If Lewis commands a huge contract, they won't get into a bidding war with other teams. If the Browns could grab him at $4 million or $5 million per year, they'll likely bring him back. However, it's a bit hard to think many teams will throw that much money at him.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Free agent Anthony Smith might have awakened a sleeping giant with his guarantee that the Steelers would beat the Patriots. This behavior should have been predicted; Smith celebrated after an interception last season when the Steelers were far out of playoff contention. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau reprimanded his arrogance, especially when the team wasn't headed to the postseason.

Look for the Steelers to keep the ball away from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady by riding running back Willie Parker, who has had some trouble holding onto the football (four fumbles in Week 13). However, the field conditions should be better in Foxboro, Mass. The offensive line hasn't been too reliable lately, with right tackle Marvel Smith (back) on the injured list all year and guard Sean Mahan being manhandled. If he somehow becomes healthy enough to play, running back Najeh Davenport (foot) should occasionally spell Parker this weekend.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes (ankle) is expected to return from a high-ankle sprain, but he might not run as many deep routes and quick slants.
However, the Steelers don't expect safety Troy Polamalu (knee) to play this week; he is listed as doubtful and watched practice in street clothes.

AFC South

Houston Texans

The team placed running back Ahman Green (knee) on Injured Reserve officially ending his 2007 season. Look for the team to continue asking running back Ron Dayne (ankle) to carry the load this week. The thought is that even though his ankle is still tender, he will continue to get the bulk of the carries.

Running back Darius Walker is expected to be the No. 2 back, meaning that running back Adimchinobi Echemandu would be the No. 3 option. The team wants to see where Walker is at before making a definite decision on who will be their No. 2 back heading into the final weeks.
The team hasn't thrown in the towel on quarterback Matt Schuab (shoulder) just yet, but they only plan on bringing him back if he gets cleared by doctors. The only reason the team would consider shutting him down is if he were to require surgery.

Indianapolis Colts

The team is in a situation right now where they feel that they don't have to risk playing anyone that is currently injured. Currently sitting atop their division with a 10-2 record, it has afforded them the ability to sit guys who might normally have to play if they were fighting for a playoff spot. This week's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens is essentially not the end of the world to the Colts.

Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (thumb) managed only one reception last week and had a touchdown called back after pass interference was called on him in the end zone. He may be able to become a bigger part in the offense this week, with tight end Dallas Clark healthy and drawing attention in the passing game. Clark and wide receiver Reggie Wayne figure to be the focal points for the Ravens defense, possibly creating more opportunities for Gonzalez this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite wide receiver Dennis Northcutt being the No. 1 option in the passing game, wide receivers Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford are the most likely candidates to put up big numbers. Williams has made it difficult on himself of late, making an abundance of mistakes. He has been able to do some good things, working hard to become a better receiver. If fantasy owners are looking for a Jaguars receiver to have a big game, Williams would be their best bet.

Defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is set to return this week after missing four games due to a suspension. He is expected to have an immediate impact on the defensive line. Teams may no longer be able to double team defensive tackle John Henderson, and may instead be forced to double team Stroud.

Tennessee Titans

While quarterback Vince Young has been able to make some strides this year, he has also suffered some setbacks in his progress. The second-year pro has avoided throwing the ball into double and triple coverage, utilizing short passes and increasing his completion percentage. However, he has made some bad reads increasing his interception totals compared to this time last year.

The running back split between running backs LenDale White (finger) and Chris Brown should still lie in White's favor, but the percentages seem to be getting closer. Expect White to get about 65 percent of the carries to Brown's 35 percent.
With wide receiver Brandon Jones (groin) out of the lineup for this week's game, the team could see wide receiver Mike Williams get more chances. Along with Williams, wide receivers Justin Gage and Roydell Williams should see an increase in their workload this week.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

The Broncos running back situation is on everyone's mind. Halfback Travis Henry (knee) is set to start again and will probably see about 15 touches. The reason he saw that many last week was due to running back Selvin Young (knee/arm) getting hurt. That stated, Henry's the starter and Young owners should expect approximately a dozen touches, possibly less. As for tailback Andre Hall (ankle)? Well, a handful but not much more.

While wideout Javon Walker (knee) is not 100 percent, receiver Brandon Stokley (knee) is worse off. Stokley may not play but Walker is expected to. Walker has gone from eight to 25 plays (against the Oakland Raiders) the last two weeks. Look for him to start if Stokley can't go. Should you play him? It depends on your roster, but he should see more looks this week.

Kansas City Chiefs

So has quarterback Brodie Croyle (back) shown enough to be an NFL quarterback? We're being told he has ability and there's no question about that. He might be a good player so the early consensus would be yes. Keeper league owners, make note of that.

Why don't the Chiefs simply put running back Larry Johnson (foot) on Injured Reserve? Because they are 1) still trying to win games this year, and 2) paid him $19 million in guarantees and want him to play. He is participating in individual drills, doing some light work right now but nothing extreme. They wouldn't be doing this with him if they didn't expect him to play again this season.

Oakland Raiders

We all know the Raiders quarterback situation is a mess for fantasy owners. In fact, the question must be asked; "Has anyone actually used any Raiders quarterbacks as a starter?" This week if quarterback Daunte Culpepper (quadriceps) can't play, look for quarterback Andrew Walter, last year's forgotten starter to be the back up. Looking into the future don't be surprised to see quarterback Josh McCown (finger) return next year as the backup. Simply put, Culpepper believes he should be a starter somewhere. Walters? He should have asked for his release months ago. This staff has no respect for him.

Running back Justin Fargas appears to be the only bright spot in an anemic offense. Fantasy owners should not be worried about his carries dropping or being shared as the team feels he is not overused. For the record, over the last month Fargas has been utilized nearly 30 times per game. That's tied for tops in the league with Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook and is very impressive considering Fargas' injury history.

Let's stick with Fargas. Will he be the Raiders running back of the future? Maybe not! What many don't realize is that the Raiders have adopted the Broncos running back system and believe that if they get a decent back that fits the system then it doesn't matter. Don't be surprised if Fargas walks because the Raiders will not break the bank for him.

San Diego Chargers

Let's step away from the fantasy talk for one moment and discuss quarterback Philip Rivers. When asked, we were told he probably does not have the ability to lead this team deep into the playoffs. The logic is sound because he's been inconsistent. It's hard to picture him playing well in three straight playoff games when the stakes are high and everybody is at their best.

Fantasy owners should be thrilled with running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He broke out of his funk last week and with the line playing better, it could be a great playoff stretch run for LT owners. They face the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Broncos and then close out with the Raiders. You have to love that!

We've seen both wideouts Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers play well. Have you noticed when one plays well the other does not? With LT and tight end Antonio Gates as the primary receiving weapons, don't expect the wideouts to be consistent.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Cornerback Terence Newman verbally challenged Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna, who badmouthed Newman and Cowboys linebacker Bradie James after the Lions defeated Dallas last year. Newman threatened that he would hit Kitna on a blitz because he had the money to pay for the fine. Head coach Wade Phillips talked to Newman, who claimed that he was joking about the incident. Newman rarely blitzes off the corner, but the league was still wary of the comments.

Last week, the Cowboys were able to abuse and then knock out Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Their constant pressure turned him into "Bad Favre," the version that recklessly throws the ball downfield trying to force something to happen. They overloaded on the side of right tackle Mark Tauscher (ankle) with pass rush from defensive end Anthony Spencer and linebacker DeMarcus Ware, along with various cornerback blitz schemes.

Wide receiver Terry Glenn (knee) still has no timetable to return. He hasn't practiced, so there's no word on him yet. Wideout Patrick Crayton has excelled with the opportunity, so Dallas' brass could have a decision to make.

Another young wide receiver stood out against the Packers last Thursday - not for his stats, but for the two pass interference penalties he drew, with one of them setting up the game-winning touchdown. Receiver Miles Austin was utilized to test a secondary that was missing cornerback Charles Woodson (toe). The speedster is starting to settle into a more frequent role in the offense but still doesn't figure to see upwards of 15 snaps in a game anytime soon. He has also come close to breaking off several kick return touchdowns this season, and Detroit has already allowed two of them this year.

New York Giants

Quarterback Eli Manning fought off the media hounds last week after his comeback victory against the Chicago Bears. The media instead lauded him because the team said they knew he could bring them back.

Expect running back Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) to get the bulk of the carries when he returns from his injury this week. Fellow halfback Reuben Droughns should once again serve in short-yardage and goal line carries, and running back Ahmad Bradshaw would be lucky to see a few touches.

Jacobs could serve as more of a factor if he didn't have such a high running style. The 6-foot-4, 264-pound back often leaves himself vulnerable to injury with his upward style and his inability to know when to go down on a play. However, the coaches don't seem to want to dissuade him from his natural form.
Tight end Jeremy Shockey's numbers have dwindled because they have needed him to stay in more on pass blocking.

Philadelphia Eagles

It's time for your weekly dose of rumors involving quarterback Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb). Team President Joe Banner said on a local radio show that he "can't envision a situation in which [McNabb] is not our quarterback next year." If the Eagles make the playoffs that would almost certainly be the case. Their 2007 second-round draft pick quarterback Kevin Kolb isn't ready to start yet, and McNabb's status will likely depend on the last four games of the season.

As he returns to the starting lineup this week, McNabb could look more towards tight end L.J. Smith to regain his comfort. However, Smith might not be able to go out for too many passes as he will probably help out on pass protection. The Giants sacked McNabb 12 times in their last meeting, so McNabb might have to worry about staying upright.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Regardless of how running back Adrian N. Peterson plays down the stretch, expect the Bears to give halfback Cedric Benson (leg) every chance to be the primary back again next season. Peterson is ideally suited as a receiver out of the backfield, but his actual running hasn't been any better than Benson's own highly criticized effort. In fact, in 39 carries as the starter Peterson has accounted for just 102 yards - 2.6 yards per carry.

Linebacker Lance Briggs wants to remain in Chicago, and the Bears would like to keep him... but that doesn't mean he'll be back in 2008. Briggs is represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has a reputation for steering his clients towards the top-paying clubs.

One position the team will likely look to upgrade is free safety, where safeties Adam Archuleta and Brandon McGowan have both struggled. In fact, Archuleta has played so poorly he might be gone after this season.

Detroit Lions

With wide receiver Roy Williams (knee) out this Sunday, the belief that the Lions would lean more heavily on their running game seems like a no-brainer. Well, not exactly. The team is indeed likely to run more but not because of the injury; they might look to duplicate the strategy they tried against the Green Bay Packers where they ran to control the clock and keep their offense off the field. Now we'll see if they have more success doing it versus the Dallas Cowboys than they did on Thanksgiving.

Wondering whose value is going up with Williams out? Wide receiver Shaun McDonald will likely become the most valuable Lions receiver from a fantasy perspective, but expect wideout Mike Furrey to see the largest increase in usage.

The domino effect from Williams' injury doesn't figure to reach tight ends Sean McHugh and Casey FitzSimmons on a frequent basis. They've been essentially non-factors all season long. Don't look for that to change now.

Unsurprisingly, the Lions are fading fast with four straight losses, but an upset over the Cowboys would give them a huge psychological boost. If they lose, they might want to start making their offseason vacation plans.

Asked why he thought the Lions have collapsed, our source indicated that the team simply didn't know how to handle winning. They were sky high following their blowout win over the Denver Broncos, but then they dropped winnable games to the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. At that point they saw their tough remaining schedule, and the pressure of the playoff chase simply got to them.

Green Bay Packers

Head coach Mike McCarthy preached aggression as a key component of the game plan against Dallas in Week 13, and he may have instilled too much of that in quarterback Brett Favre (elbow, shoulder). While we may not see that type of approach again, it should be noted that Favre's second interception came after he was hit and cornerback Terence Newman made a diving catch. Had he not come out due to injury, who is to say he wouldn't have turned it around?

Clearly the team changed their game plan when backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers (hamstring) entered the game, but that was not because of the switch. McCarthy had decided to alter the strategy because it was clear their aggressive approach was not working.

As one might imagine, Rodgers' play against Dallas instilled the Packers with confidence for their future - whenever Favre hangs up the cleats. Of course, they won't know for sure until Rodgers is asked to do it on a weekly basis.

If defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (shoulder) is indeed done for the season, the team may target veteran free-agent defensive tackle Sam Adams, who was just released by the Denver Broncos this week.

The poor play of Green Bay's secondary against Dallas raised some questions about safeties Atari Bigby and Nick Collins. Both struggled in the game, but our source indicated that contrary to popular opinion Bigby is the more instinctual of the two players. He has unquestionably taken some foolish penalties, but he is a sure tackler. The team loves the size of safety Aaron Rouse (knee), and our source speculated we could see some sort of a rotation with their safeties down the road.

Even though they lost, the fact that the Packers were able to hang in the game against Dallas with a backup quarterback and without some key defensive personnel likely allowed them to maintain their mindset that they can compete with anyone.

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is definitely making strides and looks decidedly improved from earlier this season. He's making better decisions and building his confidence. Confidence is the key.

Rumors that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (thumb, ankle) could end up in Minnesota because of ties to head coach Brad Childress remain just that - rumors. There is nothing concrete at this point, but Jackson's play down the stretch could certainly play a factor in any potential decision. If he plays well, it would seem odd to go in another direction. Were he to start struggling again, it could be another story.

Look for running backs Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to continue splitting carries for the rest of the season. Both are playing well and it is working offensively.

Wide receiver Sidney Rice has emerged as the team's top receiver, which didn't come as a surprise to our source. In fact, he indicated some surprise that it took this long for Rice to reach this point.

Minnesota's big-play defense is a holdover from the philosophy of former defensive coordinator and current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who preached an aggressive blitzing style and worked heavily on defensive players returning fumbles and interceptions in practice - regardless of their position on the field. The pressure is what creates the opportunities.

Now back at .500, the team definitely believes they have a shot to make the playoffs. They close with games against the San Francisco 49ers, Bears, Redskins and Broncos, which is an attractive schedule. They do a great job of running the ball and stopping the run, so if they reach the postseason they could pull an upset.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Quarterback Chris Redman is set to get the start this Monday night, and he should offer an upgrade in passing accuracy and system knowledge over injured quarterback Byron Leftwich (tailbone) and unsuccessful quarterback Joey Harrington. He distributes the ball all over the field, but he hasn't shown much arm strength just yet. Redman might be able to expand his offense with wideouts Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, who in their last game against the New Orleans Saints combined for 14 catches and 180 yards.

The porous Saints pass defense might let Redman throw all over them. Any option other than Harrington or Leftwich undoubtedly excites the team. Harrington upset the coaching staff because he would always lock in on one receiver. It wouldn't be surprising if the Falcons tossed Harrington aside in the offseason.

Tight end Alge Crumpler, who has disappeared into the fantasy ocean for much of the season with injuries and inactivity, saw 12 looks last week with Redman at the helm. With Redman's aforementioned distribution, Crumpler could have a big week against the Saints' linebackers. Redman's all about the quick release, so he could find the tight end for some mid-range receptions.

Despite an eight-carry, 94-yard performance last week, running back Jerious Norwood is still expected to see only about 20 percent of the carries in Week 14. Running back Warrick Dunn is 400 yards away from his third straight 1,000-yard season with just four games to play. Norwood is expected to resume his third-down back and pass-catching roles.

Carolina Panthers

Is head coach John Fox playing the role of kindergarten teacher to emotionally vulnerable quarterback David Carr? After relegating the broken-down Carr to the No. 3 spot behind quarterbacks Vinny Testaverde and undrafted Matt Moore, Fox still said he had confidence in Carr as a quarterback. Despite the sugar-coating, it looks like this Carr might have to drive out of Charlotte next year.

The next Panther joining the "Carr-pool" could be running back DeShaun Foster, who is set to earn $4.5 million next season. The team has considered going with a backfield tandem of halfback DeAngelo Williams and a free agent or draft pick. However, they have many other needs to fill next year; they need an offensive tackle, and 33-year-old defensive end Mike Rucker is set to become a free agent after this season.

New Orleans Saints

The same aggressive playcalling that earned head coach Sean Payton praise last year has come back to haunt him. With the team deep in the playoff race and holding a three-point lead late in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he called for a double reverse that was pitched wildly by running back Reggie Bush (knee) and recovered by the Bucs.

Wide receiver Marques Colston seems to be making the grade as a No. 1 wide receiver. The Saints have thrown to him underneath coverage instead of sending him deep. They feel he goes out of his way to get a ball and are relying on him more to run possession-style routes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Quarterback Luke McCown torched the Saints' weak pass defense last week, going 29-for-37 for 313 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He certainly jumped quarterback Bruce Gradkowski in the depth chart, at least. But although McCown showed promise, the team looks to still be banking on quarterback Jeff Garcia (back) for next year, since he remains under contract for one more year.

While Sean Payton's aggression cost the Saints the game, Tampa Bay head coach John Gruden successfully rolled the dice on a key 4th-and-1 play that kept the drive going right into the end zone. He took the field goal team off the field during the two-minute warning, and he figured that if he couldn't get one yard against the Saints defense, he deserved to lose the game.

With 737 rushing yards, 228 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the year, running back Earnest Graham might have earned himself a role in the backfield for next season. Fellow back Cadillac Williams (knee) will most likely still be recovering from his torn patellar tendon when 2008 rolls around, so Graham looks to have a chance to return as the featured back heading into September.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

Right now the Cardinals are in a world of hurt. Their strength is the passing game, and it's possible both wideouts Anquan Boldin (toe) and Larry Fitzgerald (groin) could be out this Sunday. Both are game-time decisions. We're being told - an educated guess - Fitzgerald is going to do his best to get out on the field. The team can't afford for both to miss a game. It's truly a situation that could go either way. Remember this, toe and groin injuries are similar to a rib injury. The player may be good to go but tweaking it after any given play/hit, and the player is back on the bench re-injured.

Who do you look towards if either player can't go? Obviously receiver Bryant Johnson should be on all rosters right now. Wideouts Sean Morey, Steve Breaston and Jerheme Urban (heel) will try to ease the load as well. Here's what we know in regards to the type of wideouts they are. Morey came into the year with just three career receptions, and in the end he's just a special teams player who works hard but does not have great hands. He has played better lately, but you can't count on him. Breaston has decent speed but is a rookie. There were questions about him being suited only for the vertical game as well as questions about his hands. If everyone was healthy including Urban, Morey would be fifth on the depth chart and with Breaston it is just too early to tell.

In regards to tight end Leonard Pope, don't be surprised to see him involved but don't look for an eight-reception type game, either. Pope simply isn't that type of tight end. You never say never but look for Johnson to have the big game if any receiver does. In the end though look for quarterback Kurt Warner (elbow) to try and spread the ball around.

San Francisco 49ers

While the 49ers are a void in the fantasy world, part of the reason is due to their offensive line. Once known as a quality player, guard Larry Allen appears to be a shell of his former self and is possibly at the end of his career. He's not very good in pass protection, does not get off the line of scrimmage well and can't get into second gear anymore. This could very well be his final season with the 49ers and possibly his last in the league.

Let's shift over to the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Bryant Young seems to discover the fountain of youth every year. Sources close to the situation state he's pretty steady and while plans for next year are not known, odds are the team would like to have him back. He's still effective and leads the team with 6.5 sacks. For those wondering this is his 14th season!

Seattle Seahawks

Running back Shaun Alexander ran hard last week. In fact, according to sources, many were surprised how hard he ran as he had three runs of 10 yards or more! He's looked good in practice this week, and the time off seems to have helped his legs as he looked fresh last week. In regards to halfback Maurice Morris, the backup has played well, but the team wants to see how explosive Alexander can be. Morris is not as explosive but will likely remain the team's third-down running back.

Should you start Morris? Not really because you can't count on him to have an explosive long run for a touchdown every week on approximately five touches. Morris does struggle at times to break tackles and is not someone who could probably take the week-in and week-out pounding long-term. In the end, Morris' touches will likely be determined by how well or how badly Alexander plays. In fact fullback Leonard Weaver is playing a lot as well and is a solid receiver and better blocker than Morris. There isn't the trust factor with Weaver yet but next year there should be.

Moving on to the Seahawks receivers, while wideout Nate Burleson has been solid for fantasy owners, the team is still not thrilled with his route running. He's had problems as he's broken off routes. Despite that, he's an explosive talent and has been beneficial at both the receiver position and in the return game.

St. Louis Rams

Many fantasy owners have running back Brian Leonard backing up staring halfback Steven Jackson. You may want to rethink that with the name of rookie running back Antonio Pittman. The team likes Pittman as the player to relieve Jackson. Leonard is playing a lot, but he is getting snaps as the fullback and as the third-down back when Jackson's not in. Pittman's hold up was learning the playbook, and the team likes what they've seen of him. In the end Pittman's the natural runner as he's more fluid and has greater speed. Leonard is the better pass receiver.

Some would think Rams special teams ace receiver Dante Hall (ankle) may be a one and done with St. Louis. He was just placed on Injured Reserve and has not made the impact many thought he would. Think again. He has another year left on the contract, and the team really likes him. He may not be the player he once was, but he's still good enough. He leads the league in punt return average and had an 84-yard kickoff return and an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown. He can still make a difference with field position.

Speaking of the Injured Reserve, Hall was the 11th player to be placed on it. How you can hold the Rams coaching staff responsible for this season is beyond any logical thought process!