Here's what KFFL's inside sources are saying this week.
Quarterbacks
So why Brian St. Pierre over Tony Pike? Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox thinks the former gives them a better chance to win. Maybe Fox is sticking it to management, who kind of forced him to play Jimmy Clausen. Expect Clausen (concussion) to re-enter the starting gig when he gets back.
Carson Palmer (shoulder) probably will resist if the Cincinnati Bengals try to rest him or shut him down, even if they fall further out of playoff contention.
The Detroit Lions' Shaun Hill was rusty and the object of careful offensive handling in his first week back from injury. Still, they're going to keep him in there over Drew Stanton because Hill, the superior passer, gives them a better chance to win.
Rough week may only get worse
The Houston Texans'Matt Schaub(knee) is expected to play this weekend.He has been running for his life for much of the season, and that probably won't change when Houston faces Rex Ryan's New York Jets.
Issues for the Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning last week: Wideout Pierre Garcon's erratic play and dropsies; having to incorporate former practice squad receiver Brandon James, who doesn't know the hand signals; and the continued issues in the running game. The backups at running back and wideout are looking more like backups.
Though the Kansas City Chiefs don't want to make it a habit, they would be comfortable if Matt Cassel were forced to throw in a comeback effort like he has in the last two games. He instilled some confidence in the coaching staff.
The one thing Drew Brees seems to have focused on in his upcoming matchup with the Seattle Seahawks is their propensity for giving up big plays. Given the New Orleans Saints' problems coming up with them this year, they seem pretty intent to take a fair number of shots in this one.As long as he doesn't turn the ball over, Jason Campbell has a long leash as Oakland Raiders quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers OC Mike Johnson enjoyed tinkering with Troy Smith's role last week, installing more designed rollouts to get him to throw on the move. Smith's arm strength has pleasantly surprised folks.
Donovan McNabb's extension means he's unlikely with the Washington Redskins past a pending 2011 season. There's sentiment that Daniel Snyder pushed for it, not Mike Shanahan. There was clearly some sort of disconnect between the QB and OC Kyle Shanahan. Mike, aka the Mastermind, will get to draft a QB next spring, though.
Regardless, to avoid looking bad, McNabb needs some weapons and - you heard that - to work on his conditioning. He needs a lot more (structure, protection) going for him now to be successful than he did six or seven years ago. "It's like a bad Brett Favre."
Fred Jackson will carry just about a full workload for the Buffalo Bills this week. C.J. Spiller (hamstring) is on track to return for Week 12, but even then, it'll be more of the same split that was in play before Spiller took a spill.
Recent Injured Reserve placementDeAngelo Williams(foot) has a bad foot sprain but probably would've returned to the Carolina Panthers within two to three weeks; however, the team needed a roster spot. Maybe there's a chance that since they were that cautious that they're thinking about re-signing him, but that's still up in the air.
With DAW done and Jonathan Stewart (concussion) out for Week 11, Josh Vaughanwill probably spell Mike Goodsonagain. Since Carolina cut Andre Brown, Vaughan is the only other back, yet he'll see just a handful of touches. Upon his return, Tyrell Sutton will phase Vaughan out.
The Cincinnati Bengals will, as many expect, run often this week with Cedric Benson (foot), who's questionable but expected to play. They're facing the Buffalo Bills, after all, and Cincy wants to control the clock more.
A correct offensive line group lends to a rejuvenated Knowshon Moreno being the undisputed carrier in the Denver Broncos' offense. Expect Denver to establish him as often as possible to help balance out the O.
Expect Jahvid Best(toe) - who also has a shoulder injury but shouldn't be affected by it - to get the same workload as he did last week. The Detroit Lions will look to spread the ball out more this week against the Dallas Cowboys' dinged secondary.
Though James Starksmight lose out to Dimitri Nance for a 53-man spot this week, don't be surprised if the Green Bay Packers throw Starks onto the gameday dress list after that. Maybe he gets mixed into backfield work down the stretch. The running backs coach is excited about him.
If Joseph Addai (neck) plays, it would surprise our Indianapolis Colts source, who guesses they would either have him at a full go, or don't dress him at all. They're playing the New England Patriots; it isn't a time to test out his condition.
Bush in the hand worth a fantasy play?
The Minnesota Vikings kept Adrian Peterson out of some red zone snaps last week, chiefly because they ran packages that involved Toby Gerhart ... Just an explanation for next time they defy logic.
Riding a wave of momentum, Shonn Greene has a good chance to be the majority carrier for the New York Jets moving forward, but LaDainian Tomlinson's mix of receiving reps and carries will keep their workload about even.
A nightmare season continues for Ryan Mathews (ankle). It doesn't look good for him to suit up Monday night. Mike Tolbertcould be in for another full workload, with Darren Sprolessprinkled in.
The New Orleans Saints will probably have four backs active when Reggie Bush (fibula) - likely - plays this Sunday. The feeling: If you have to play one of these guys, make it Bush, and only in PPR leagues. If you can avoid the situation, do so. Chris Ivory is the best bet for most carries, but you can't expect him to hit double-digit attempts.
Pierre Thomas (ankle) remains New Orleans' best ball carrier when he's healthy, and they miss him dearly in the screen game. So, when he does come back, it'll be in a big role. It might come too late for non-playoff fantasy football teams, though.
No matter what, expect to see Thomas suit up somewhere different in 2011.
Obviously, the Philadelphia Eagles are finally happy with Jerome Harrison's pass protection and familiarity with the playbook. Historically, Philly hasn't utilized its backup back consistently, though. Don't bank on much unless LeSean McCoy is seriously injured.
The Steelers may not seem particularly confident in their running game. They're missing both starting tackles, certain matchups dissuade them from using it, and they're quick to believe that Ben Roethlisberger can win games for them.
But Pittsburgh has some evidence that they give up on it too easily. If the Steelers can run it, they will, which is good news for Rashard Mendenhall owners.
The Washington Redskins expect to have Clinton Portis (groin) this weekend and may give him the ceremonial start. A 50-50 split of the workload between him and Keiland Williams is not much more than guesswork.
Speaking of Williams, the LSU product isn't a future franchise runner by any stretch. But he's definitely the type to put in efforts similar to the one he gave last week whenever his squad's top man is unavailable. Sounds like nice handcuff and surprise flex play material.
RB James Starks (GB Packers) is the real deal for the Packers. While management pays lips service to Brandon Jacksson being an everydown back .. its Starks who will be delivering the mail come the busy season. Like Ryan Grant he's big, strong and powerful. He explodes runs North South, explodes through the hole with power, has that one step Ryan Grant signature move that gets him to the third level, and from there its "Katy Bar the Door" cause he's going to the house. Take this to the bank come the end of the year, Starks will be the talk of the NFL, he will carry the PACK deep into the playoffs, and next year they will be asking Ryan Who ..
Since the Boston University alum joined KFFL in 2006, his work has been featured by USA Today/Sports Weekly and Yahoo! Sports, among numerous publications.
Tim competes in Tout Wars and LABR and appears every Wednesday on 1570 AM WNST in Baltimore, as well as frequently on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio.
