Fantasy Football Rankings Report

September 17, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

KFFL's Weekly Rankings Report focuses on the moves that may affect our fantasy football rankings. Think of this article as a bridge from one release of our rankings to the next to keep you informed of observations that might affect lineup decisions.

Quarterbacks

No notable developments at this position.

Running backs

• Mike Bell, New Orleans Saints: It's worth noting that Pierre Thomas (knee) still hasn't practiced. Despite his insistence that he'll play, Bell remains a moderate fantasy play.

• More Felix in Week 2?

  Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys: After being utilized only six times in the first game, Jones is expected to play a significant role in Week 2. Marion Barber III's very poor history against the New York Giants, so pay attention. Jones' case for a flex spot is becoming stronger.
• Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders: He'll be available this week for certain, but his role isn't. The Raiders have hinted that he'll be Darren McFadden's backup. He has a great matchup but is nothing but a true desperation play in a flex spot until the situation with he and Michael Bush shakes out.

Wide receivers

• T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks: Housh (back spasms) hasn't practiced yet this week but is reportedly not in danger of missing this week's contest against the San Francisco 49ers. Make alternative plans, just in case. Nate Burleson is already heavily involved. They can't depend on Deion Branch (knee), but he practiced for the first time Thursday and may draw a few looks - if he's active. Watch rookie Deon Butler in very deep leagues.
• Kevin Walter, Houston Texans: He missed Week 1, but Walter (knee) has practiced a bit and should start this week. Good news since Andre' Davis (concussion) is likely out. Walter could serve as a low-end No. 3 this week.
• Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings: The Vikes' No. 1 receiver hasn't been limited at all this week, meaning he's a more attractive choice in Week 2.

• Temper your expectations

  Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bryant (knee) isn't 100 percent and didn't practice for the second straight day. The Buffalo Bills present a great matchup, but he's looking like a less reliable fantasy play than Michael Clayton in Week 2.
• Johnnie Lee Higgins, Oakland Raiders: Picture him in the injured section. Done, thanks to his sprained AC joint. This affects leagues with special teams scoring most. Look elsewhere if so. Javon Walker (knee) is expected to be active, but you don't care.
• Limas Sweed, Pittsburgh Steelers: Sweed (foot) sustained an injury in practice Wednesday and didn't practice Thursday, so he'll probably find himself in the injured section by Sunday.
• Hank Baskett, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts officially signed Baskett for depth. He'll probably be active Sunday, but he's not a fantasy play, at least not yet.

Tight ends

• Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears: He'll no longer be listed in the rankings. Clark will not play because of a cracked rib.
• Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans: Bo Scaife (knee) hasn't practiced this week, and it's not looking like he'll go. Cook (ankle) missed the opener but appears ready to make his debut in Week 2. The Titans use the tight end a lot, but Alge Crumpler is showing his age. The rookie might be a nice desperation play in the deepest formats imaginable.

Place kickers

No notable developments at this position.

Defensive teams

No notable developments at this position.

Individual defensive players

• Lofa Tatupu, linebacker, Seattle Seahawks: It's doubtful that he'll be ready to play Sunday. His hamstring injury will probably result in his removal from the playable players.
• Chike Okeafor, linebacker, Arizona Cardinals: He's pretty iffy for Week 2 because of a hurt shoulder. Bertrand Berry becomes a decent gamble in deep IDP formats.
• Wesley Woodyard, linebacker, Denver Broncos: He'll start with Spencer Larsen (shoulder) sidelined for a few weeks. Don't play him, but remember that he had a couple of very good fantasy lines last season. He picked off a pass in Week 1.
• Aaron Rouse, defensive back, Green Bay Packers: He'll sub for Atari Bigby (knee) but isn't an attractive play per se, given the dull matchup.

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Nicholas Minnix

KFFL's baseball editor plays in LABR and Tout Wars and won the FSWA Baseball Industry Insiders League in 2010.

The University of Delaware alum is a regular guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and Baltimore's WNST AM 1570. Follow him on Twitter.

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