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Must Start:
Edgerrin James @ CIN: Even though there continues to be talk of
job shares and backups stealing carries, Edge still got over twenty
touches last week and should do the same again this week. Anyone
playing the Bengals and expecting twenty touches should also be
expecting significant fantasy points.
Chester Taylor v. OAK: Once upon a time, a long time ago, Taylor
had more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage in a season. Wait –
it was just last year and he had the same lackluster supporting
cast as now. Although he has been eclipsed by his rookie teammate,
Taylor knows how to get the job done and against a horrible Oakland
run defense, all a back really has to do is head towards the end
zone.
 Laurence
Maroney @ BUF: Maroney is too good of a running back to not
have any scores yet this season, particularly in the explosive
New England offense. It isn’t like the Bills are going to stop
the Patriots from scoring, or slow them down all that much, so
this could be the week for Maroney. Even if he doesn’t break his
scoreless streak, he will be able to pile up some solid fantasy
numbers with the 15 – 20 touches he has been getting each week.
Steven Jackson @ SF: He passed the big test last week and actually
finished a game without leaving in an ambulance or on a stretcher,
much to everyone’s surprise. He carried a full load with
27 touches for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Saints and
will do something similar facing a dismal San Francisco team.
After this week he will be a clear-cut every week starter.
Going Out On a Limb:
Maurice
Morris v. CHI: With Shaun Alexander absent, Morris carried
28 times for 87 yards and a touchdown plus a few catches. True,
the 49ers don’t represent much of a challenge, but the Chicago
defense is just a shell of its former greatness. Expect the Bears
to try defending against the Seahawks’ aerial attack, leaving
a lot of room for Morris to grind out his customary three yards
per rush.
Grab A Gatorade:
Thomas Jones @ PIT: Everything is going against Jones this week.
Here is the most likely scenario. The Jets completely sucky defense
allows the Steelers to score early and often, leaving Pittsburgh
up by 62 at the end of the first quarter. At that point, Leon
Washington comes into the game and Jones watches his team suffer
another humiliating defeat from the sidelines.
Jamal Lewis @ BAL: Over the last three games, Lewis is averaging
a whopping 2.5 yards per carry. True, he had to face the daunting
Pittsburgh defense, but also got a free shot at the Seattle and
St. Louis defenses during that stretch. In a grudge game against
his former teammates, my money is on the Baltimore defense which,
while not nearly as good as it once was, is still much better
than Lewis.
Priest
Holmes @ IND: Let’s face it. The Chiefs offense wasn’t very
good before they benched their starting quarterback in favor of
second-year signal caller Brodie Croyle. Coach Edwards is looking
for a “spark”, but Croyle’s presence won’t create any more running
room for Holmes than he had last week. Now we can all appreciate
how good Larry Johnson is to have gotten anything for fantasy
teams with his swiftly declining supporting cast.
Justin
Fargas @ MIN: If Oakland had a quarterback that could be mistaken
for a real NFL QB on any day other than Halloween, Fargas might
have a chance against the Minnesota defense. With Josh McCown
ailing, the team may have to (God forbid) turn back to Daunte
Culpepper or, if they want to completely destroy Fargas’ fantasy
value, rookie JaMarcus Russell could get the start.
Warrick
Dunn v. TB: Jerious Norwood has a decent chance at returning
this week and Dunn hasn’t done anything to justify the full workload
he has enjoyed the last couple of weeks. He had decent numbers,
but was playing the Panthers and 49ers, not exactly world class
defenses. Tampa Bay always plays Atlanta tough.
Wide Receivers
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