Fantasy Football Today - fantasy football rankings, cheatsheets, and information
A Fantasy Football Community!




Create An Account  |  Advertise  |  Contact      







Staff Writer
Email Joe

Joe's Articles

Steppin' Up Steppin Down
Week 7
10/19/07

Quarterbacks

Steppin' Up

Philip Rivers, SD: If you've been relying on Philip Rivers, chances are you've been less than thrilled with his performance on a weekly basis. Despite strong outings against Green Bay and Denver, Rivers has failed to throw a touchdown pass in three of his six games played. He's also gone over 250-yards just twice while accumulating 7 interceptions early in the year. The combination had him score single-digits one too many times for most owners to consider him a reliable starting option. With the addition of Chris Chambers before the league trading deadline however, Rivers' forecast suddenly looks a little brighter.

Chambers comes to San Diego having already caught 31 receptions for 415 yards in six games with the Dolphins. He joins an offense currently composed of superstars LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. Third year veteran Vincent Jackson (20 receptions, 320 yards, 2 TDs) had been the Chargers lead receiver prior to Chambers arrival.

With Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron having installed in Miami the offense he orchestrated with the Chargers during his previous five seasons, Chambers has an advanced understanding of what will be run in San Diego. Look for Rivers to make quick use of his new wide receiver following the BYE this week. It should result in more yardage and scoring opportunities for him throughout the season.

Steppin' Down

Jay Cutler, DEN: Against the Chargers last week Cutler's streak of nine consecutive starts with at least one touchdown pass was snapped. He'll face the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday night. The Steelers defense is allowing just 163.0 passing yards per game. They've currently surrendered only 3 scores through the air as well. Combine that with the news Javon Walker will miss much more time than originally thought and there is little reason to be excited about Cutler's chances this Sunday.

His schedule appears to get easier over the second half of the season, but there has been little to indicate he'll finish any stronger than he has started. The possible suspension of tailback Travis Henry doesn't bode well for him either. Keep him on your bench this Sunday, and while he'll have some solid outings in the weeks ahead, don't expect anymore than your standard 10-13 points from him at the QB position.

Running Backs

Steppin' Up

Kevin Jones, DET: The Lions surprised many when they removed Kevin Jones from the PUP-list just before the season began. An injury to his left foot suffered late in 2006 was expected to keep him inactive through the first 6 games of the year. After missing the first two weeks, Jones has seen increased playing time in each of the past three games. His performance during the second half of a Week 5 loss against the Redskins earned him the starting role this week as the Lions return from their bye.

Jones couldn't have wrestled the starting job away from Tatum Bell at a more opportune time. Detroit plays host to Tampa Bay this Sunday, a defense ranked 21st against the run (119.3 ypg). A week later they face a Chicago unit ranked 26th against the run (134.2 ypg), before a home outing against the Broncos; currently allowing a league worst 186.6 (32nd) yards per game on the ground.

Detroit isn't about to change from their pass first philosophy, but if Jones starts to handle about 15 carries a game he could earn you a few nice outings. In 12 games with the Lions last season he had 61 receptions for 520 yards in the same system. There's no reason to think he won't see more receptions come his way now that he's back as the starter. He should even be good for handful of touchdowns by the end of the year if the Detroit's offense continues putting 20-plus points a game on the board.

Steppin' Down

Shaun Alexander Shaun Alexander, SEA: If it weren't for the upcoming opponents on Seattle's schedule there would be plenty of reason to panic over Shaun Alexander's lack of production the past few weeks. Since hitting the century mark twice in his first three games Alexander has failed to go over eighty in any of his last three outings. He hasn't scored a touchdown since the second week of the season and does little in way of receptions anymore. His current 3.6 ypc matches a career low set for himself last season when he missed 6 games due to a foot injury. This year he's been hampered by a sprained left wrist.

Seattle hosts the St. Louis Rams this week who are currently allowing 134.5 rushing yards per game (27th). The nine rushing touchdowns opponents have scored against them are second most in the league. If the former 3-time Pro-Bowler can't find the end zone this week expect his value to plummet as Seattle heads into the bye.

He'll face the Cleveland Browns in Week 9 (30th against the run) followed by San Francisco (22nd), Chicago (26th), and St. Louis again. These are units Alexander would have eaten up in years past, but based on outings dating back to last year are no longer sure things from the Seahawks franchise back. The recent loss of fullback Mack Strong to a career-ending injury also detracts from Alexander's value going forward.

Wide Receivers

Steppin' Up

Dennis Northcutt, JAC: At 19 receptions, 288 yards, and 1 touchdown this season Dennis Northcutt isn't a receiver to put your team over the top, but he is the type that should be owned in most 12-team leagues or larger. He's had 4 or more receptions and 40 or more yards in all but 1 game this season. Averaging 15.2 yards per catch Northcutt's been getting the most out of his receptions.

Jacksonville likes to stick with a run oriented attack, which keeps Northcutt's value at a minimum. Emerging as David Garrard's favorite target however has made him a viable #4 option among fantasy receivers. Use him as a bye week replacement or as a #3 WR if you are hurting at the position.

Steppin' Down

Darrell Jackson, SF: It's been less than a year, but Jackson is far removed from his days as a Seattle Seahawk. While a member of the Seahawks Jackson had periods of time in which he performed among the best fantasy receivers in the league. When he wasn't injured he was a consistent threat to record 100-yards and a touchdown on a weekly basis.

In fact it was just a season ago that Jackson set a career high in touchdown receptions with 10, and finished with 956 receiving yards in 13 games. Many were hoping that success, or at least a portion of it, would carry over with him to San Francisco. But it appears that is not to be.

In five games to date with the 49ers Jackson has posted totals of just 16 receptions for 210 yards. No touchdowns. Starting quarterback Alex Smith appears set to miss a second straight start this Sunday with a separated right shoulder. His injuries along with the failure of Vernon Davis to emerge as a weapon in the offense have only hindered Jackson's value on the field. Jackson may have time to turn things around, but at the moment he might be best left on your leagues waiver wire.

Tight Ends

Steppin' Up

Greg Olsen, CHI: After missing the first two games with a sprained right knee, Olsen made his NFL debut Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys posting 2 receptions for 28 yards. When he was held without a stat the following week in Detroit the rookie had quickly become an afterthought in fantasy leagues, especially since starting TE Desmond Clark (22 rec, 279 yards, 2 TDs) had been performing so well for the Bears. A couple weeks later and Olsen has shown he can make an immediate impact on Chicago's offense.

In the past two games the first round pick out of Miami has recorded 9 receptions for 120 yards and 1 touchdown. Desmond Clark has continued to start and post meaningful stats for himself during that span, proving both tight ends can be effective at the same time within the offense. If you need help at the position Olsen is worth a roll of the dice. At the moment he looks like a great back-up to own.

Steppin' Down

L.J. Smith, PHI: If you were among those using a roster spot on L.J. Smith in the hopes he'd return healthy enough to make an impact following groin surgery a few weeks ago feel free to drop him now. Smith returned to action last week against the Jets but was limited to just 1 reception for 8 yards. He has since been bothered by soreness in the area and continues to miss practice with the team.

The injury appears to be one which may hamper him throughout the season making him almost useless in fantasy leagues. Keep an eye out for any updates concerning his health and grab him only if reports are promising about his condition.