After Further Review: Week 7

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Minnesota at Pittsburgh: Those of you who were heckled at your drafts for reaching on Pittsburgh’s defense were rewarded with a big day. In fact, with two long TD returns off turnovers, the defense provided more fireworks than any of the Steelers’ offensive cogs. The defensive scoring limited the Steelers’ time of possession and Ben Roethlisberger’s(notes) passing attempts (26). Roethlisberger was inaccurate at times (54-percent completion rate) and finished the game with 175 passing yards and a TD. Rashard Mendenhall(notes) started off slow, but showed nice burst on second half runs on his way to 69 rushing yards. Notably, Mendenhall was benched for Mewelde Moore(notes) late in the game after a bonehead fumble inside the red zone. Willie Parker(notes)? Well, he had fewer carries (one) than Mike Wallace(notes) (two). Fast Willie is quickly becoming Irrelevant Willie. Wallace continued to show big-play potential with a 40-yard TD reception and 91 total yards on five touches. Wallace is a nice option in deeper leagues. The Vikings went with an air attack as Brett Favre(notes) launched 50-plus passes for the first time this season. On 14 targets, through a variety of routes, Sidney “Don’t Call Me Jerry Quite Yet” Rice had 11 catches for 136 yards. The chemistry between Favre and Rice is absolutely freakish, and has elevated Rice to WR2 status. While Favre finished with 334 passing yards, he did not find the end zone and committed two critical turnovers. Like Mendenhall, Adrian Peterson ran especially well in the second half and ended the game with 129 total yards and a score. – Bill Root

Green Bay at Cleveland: Aaron Rodgers(notes) was efficient and decisive, going 15-of-20 for 246 yards and three TDs. In addition, Rodgers wasn’t sacked for the first time this season and even chipped in 23 rushing yards while escaping trouble. Donald Driver(notes) once again outshined Greg Jennings(notes), with two receptions for 84 yards and a TD. Possession receiver? Shoot, be careful with that label. Driver displayed exceptional YAC speed and agility on his 71-yard TD reception. Jennings caught five balls for 52 yards. Jermichael Finley(notes) left the game with a knee sprain and will reportedly miss a few weeks. The Packers’ potent passing attack has a favorable matchup next week against a subpar Vikings’ secondary that will be without stud CB Antoine Winfield(notes). Ryan Grant’s(notes) owners were begging for a strong week and he responded with 148 rushing yards and one TD (5.5 YPC). Grant found huge holes in the middle of the defense and displayed old school acceleration when he hit the second level. Cleveland’s offense was pathetic as usual, with 139 total yards. Derek Anderson(notes) was his usual inefficient self, going 12-of-29 for 99 yards and an INT. The Mohamed Massaquoi(notes) love (eight targets/one catch/22 receiving yards) is fading fast with Anderson consistently misfiring. As I previously mentioned, this squad should just go 80-percent “Wildcat” with Joshua Cribbs(notes) at the helm. Could it get worse? Jamal Lewis(notes) tip-toed for 47 yards on 15 carries. The veteran RB doesn’t have a chance without a complementary passing game. – Bill Root

Atlanta at Dallas: Tony Romo(notes) looked confident and comfortable, going 21-of-29 for 311 yards and three TDs. You know it was a good day when he’s cracking jokes about his breakup with Jessica Simpson in the post-game press conference. Romo has clearly found his soul mate on the field, Miles Austin(notes). On eight targets, Austin had six receptions for 171 receiving yards and two TDs. That’s 28.5 yards-per-reception for those without a calculator handy. Austin has established himself as a YAC machine and a solid WR2 with upside. Jason Witten(notes) (five receptions, 53 receiving yards) failed to reach six catches or 60 receiving yards for the third straight game. Trust me, Witten owners, Austin’s emergence will begin to pry defenses off the star TE. Marion Barber(notes) and Felix Jones(notes) received all the carries, but only combined for 87 rushing yards. There was no need to run with Romo and Austin shredding Atlanta’s defense. Matt Ryan(notes) had been sacked two times prior to this game, but the Cowboys defense put heat on him all afternoon and posted four sacks. Ryan still found a way to throw for 198 yards and two TDs. As usual, Roddy White(notes) was Ryan’s favorite target, catching six balls for 50 yards and a four-yard TD reception on a crisp out pattern. Michael Turner’s(notes) carries (18) were limited because the Falcons were playing catch-up for most of the game. Turner struggled to find running room when he got his chances because Atlanta’s offensive line was consistently confused and abused. However, the barreling back still fought for 50 rushing yards and a TD. Turner has a tough matchup next week against a Saints rush defense ranked in the top 10. – Bill Root

NY Jets at Oakland: The Jets’ rushing attack is absolutely lethal. Well, at least against atrocious run defenses. Thomas Jones(notes) carried the rock 26 times for 121 yards and a TD. Jones has now gone over 100 yards in two straight weeks and has a career best 4.9 YPC. Amazing what a little taste of the Buffalo and Oakland rush defenses can do for a running back’s stats, huh? It’s a sad day for Leon Washington’s(notes) owners, who were hoping he would bust out at some point this season. Washington fractured his fibula on his only carry and is done for the year. Obviously, Shonn Greene(notes) will be the hottest pickup off the waiver wire after he tallied 144 rushing yards and two TDs on 19 carries. Greene will be an excellent flex player in the second half. Mark Sanchez(notes) utilized his game management skills to perfection, going 9-of-15 for 143 yards and a TD. The downside to the Jets’ emphasis on the run is that it’s killing Braylon Edwards’(notes) value (one reception, 14 yards). Edwards will still have some big games when the Jets fall behind. At least for one game, the Raiders finally pulled the plug on scouting combine legend JaMarcus Russell(notes) after he turned the ball over three times in the first quarter. Don’t worry JaMarcus lovers, head coach Tom Cable has announced the overrated QB will start next week. Hmm, if only they awarded fantasy points for being able to throw 70 yards from your knees. Justin Fargas(notes) split carries with Michael Bush(notes) and posted 90 total yards. That said, it’s hard to have much confidence in Fargas as a flex player given the squad’s offensive woes. – Bill Root

Indianapolis at St. Louis: As expected, this one wasn’t close. The only drama was whether Peyton Manning(notes) would hit the 300-yard mark. He missed it, ending with “only” 235 passing yards, but the three TD passes still made for a nice fantasy day. Despite briefly exiting the game with a groin injury, Reggie Wayne(notes) led the team with seven receptions, 83 yards, and a score. Austin Collie(notes) caught a TD pass for the third straight game and had four catches on six targets. Pierre Garcon(notes) received 10 targets but dropped a couple passes and ended with three receptions for 24 yards. When Anthony Gonzalez(notes) returns, Collie has emerged as the more reliable option over Garcon and may remain a top target. By his standards, Dallas Clark(notes) had a subpar game, but still managed 44 yards and a TD on a day when Indy didn’t need to throw it much. Donald Brown(notes) exited with a shoulder strain after two carries, which went for 58 yards. His absence led to even more carries for Joseph Addai(notes), who tallied season highs in carries (20) and rushing yards (64). Despite a poor per carry average, Addai found the end zone for the fourth straight week. If Brown misses significant time, Addai becomes an even stronger RB2. Steven Jackson is the Rams offense. He ran for 134 yards, including 95 yards on nine third quarter carries. Scoring TDs will be difficult for S-Jax given the Rams’ offensive woes, but he remains an every-week starter. Marc Bulger(notes) threw for 140 yards and two picks, although his receivers did him no favors with a number of drops. Donnie Avery(notes) led the team with 58 receiving yards, with 50 of those coming on a flea flicker. No other Rams pass-catchers are worth mentioning or owning. – Andy Bottoms

New England vs. Tampa Bay: The London crowd didn’t see a competitive game, but that’s what they get for giving us the Spice Girls. Tom Brady(notes) concentrated largely on the short passing game, racking up 308 yards and three scores to go with two interceptions. Wes Welker(notes) was Brady’s go-to receiver with 10 catches, 107 yards, and a TD (his fourth in three weeks) on 12 targets. Randy Moss(notes) had a decent day with five catches and 69 yards but took a couple big shots in the process. With Julian Edelman(notes) injured and Joey Galloway(notes) released, Sam Aiken(notes) stepped in as the third receiver and caught a 54-yard touchdown thanks to Tampa Bay’s poor tackling. Laurence Maroney(notes) rushed for 43 yards and a late TD on 13 carries. He was generally unimpressive with eight of his attempts going for two yards or less. Four of BenJarvus Green-Ellis’(notes) seven carries came late, so Maroney is clearly the guy to own with Sammy Morris(notes) out. The Josh Johnson(notes) era may have ended in Tampa Bay, as the second-year QB was yanked in the second half after completing 9-of-26 passes with three picks. Josh Freeman(notes) was promptly sacked on his first pass attempt, but he’s the likely starter after their Week 8 bye. Neither Josh is worth owning. Derrick Ward(notes) saw a season-high 13 carries, which netted 48 yards. The split was virtually even with Carnell Williams(notes) rushing 11 times. Both are flex options at best. Antonio Bryant(notes) caught Johnson’s best pass for a 33-yard score but ended with two receptions despite nine targets. Meanwhile, Kellen Winslow(notes) Jr. saw just five targets and wound up with two catches and nine yards. The Patriots focused on taking him away, and he has eclipsed 30 yards just twice in seven games. Both teams are on bye next week. – Andy Bottoms

Buffalo at Carolina: Thanks to more vintage Jake Delhomme(notes), the Bills managed to win with nine first downs. Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes) didn’t do anything special, but he protected the ball and ended with 123 yards and one TD pass. Lee Evans(notes) tallied five catches and 75 yards, including his second TD in as many weeks. With nine targets, Evans is back on the fantasy map, at least until Trent Edwards(notes) returns. Seven targets weren’t enough to get Terrell Owens(notes) on track, as he dropped a couple passes and wound up with three catches and 27 yards. The time share appears to be over at RB, with Marshawn Lynch(notes) netting 17 carries compared to five for Fred Jackson(notes). Lynch found the end zone but averaged 2.4 yards per carry against one of the league’s worst run defenses. He’s a low end RB2. Delhomme managed 325 passing yards, but three interceptions killed Carolina’s chances. Having him attempt 44 passes in a game is a death sentence, and after the game John Fox was noncommittal about his starter. Could A.J. Feeley(notes) and Matt Moore(notes) really be worse? Strong efforts from DeAngelo Williams(notes) and Steve Smith were the fantasy bright spots. Williams had 89 rushing yards and a TD to go with five catches and 50 receiving yards despite being hampered by a leg cramp. Smith caught six balls for 99 yards after his one-catch effort in Week 6. He was targeted 13 times and is the only reliable pass-catcher for Carolina. Don’t get too excited about the 77-yard effort from TE Gary Barnidge(notes), as 52 of that came on one play. Jonathan Stewart(notes) injured his hand early in the game and subsequently missed a few series. He ended with 25 rushing yards and a career-high four receptions for 20 yards. He is a risky flex play with the Arizona run defense up next. – Andy Bottoms

Chicago at Cincinnati: Whatever gameplan Chicago had was abandoned as the Bears fell way behind early. Consequently, Matt Forte(notes) had six carries, with four coming on Chicago’s first drive. He added four catches, but overall it was another poor showing. Next week’s date with the Browns couldn’t come at a better time. Jay Cutler(notes) was forced into obvious passing situations and finished with 251 passing yards, one TD, and three interceptions. The lone bright spot for the Bears was Devin Hester(notes), who caught eight passes for 101 yards and a TD. He’s a solid WR2 versus Cleveland next week. Earl Bennett(notes) and Johnny Knox(notes) continue to post similar numbers. Each had four catches, with Bennett gaining 48 yards on seven targets compared to Knox’s 42 yards and six targets. Greg Olsen(notes) also caught four passes but failed to score for the first time in four weeks. Carson Palmer(notes) had more TD passes (5) than incompletions (4) and led the Bengals to scores on seven consecutive drives to start the game. He’s having a nice bounce-back season with 14 total TDs in seven games, but matchups with Baltimore and Pittsburgh await after the bye. Ten of Palmer’s completions went to Chad Ochocinco(notes), who had eight catches for 103 yards and a score in the first half, tacking on 15 more yards and another score in the third quarter. Ocho has at least 89 receiving yards in five of seven games and is a must-start WR again. No other Cincinnati pass-catcher had more than two receptions, but Laveranues Coles(notes) and Chris Henry each scored. Cedric Benson(notes) exacted plenty of revenge on the Bears with 189 yards and a TD against a Chicago D-Line playing without Tommie Harris(notes). He continues to display a good mixture of speed and power and leads the NFL in rushing. – Andy Bottoms

New Orleans at Miami: There have been plenty of questions about who would be the most valuable rusher for the Saints this season, but did anyone predict Drew Brees(notes) in Week 7? Brees punched in two short touchdowns that made fantasy owners smile despite a pedestrian passing day (298 yards, one TD, three INTs). In the first half, the Saints couldn’t stop the Dolphins’ pass rush, and Brees suffered. His season sack and interception totals more than doubled in the game as he was sacked five times and tossed three picks. Mike Bell(notes) got the most carries among the RBs and rushed for 80 yards. Pierre Thomas(notes) disappointed with nine touches for 44 yards. Jeremy Shockey(notes) got the most receiving yards but Marques Colston(notes) had the most receptions, and the touchdown. Colston had another TD overturned by replay. Chad Henne(notes) didn’t impress with 211 yards and two INTs. Ronnie Brown(notes) again got more action, but this week Ricky Williams(notes) was the better fantasy RB. Williams scored three times (twice out of the Wildcat). His 68-yard rush in the first quarter set a career high. Brian Hartline(notes) caught three passes for 94 yards, but isn’t a good option until he produces consistently. – Adam McFadden

Arizona at NY Giants: Kurt Warner(notes) and Larry Fitzgerald(notes) couldn’t do much with the Giants’ pressure. Warner collected 231 yards and a score, and did a good job to only take two sacks. Fitzgerald finished the game with six catches for 83 yards. Anquan Boldin(notes) played with a bad ankle and had three catches for 75 yards. Beanie Wells(notes) looked solid and may be rounding into an answer for the Cardinals’ running woes. Wells took the majority of the carries (14 to Tim Hightower’s(notes) four) and gained 4.8 yards per rush. If the Cardinals establish a running game, expect the red zone targets to Fitzgerald and Boldin to dip. The Giants’ offense has hit the skids the past two weeks. Eli Manning(notes) let the Arizona defense get in his head. Many times safety Adrian Wilson(notes) would take a few steps towards the line of scrimmage and Manning would immediately check into a short route. The Cardinals got to him more than anyone else has this year, sacking him three times. Manning only had 118 passing yards late in the third quarter when Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(notes) left to injury. Manning finished with 243 and his only touchdown was a tip off of Rodgers-Cromartie’s hand to Hakeem Nicks(notes) for 62 yards. Brandon Jacobs(notes) was very efficient with 13 carries for 76 yards and a score. Nicks, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham(notes) had four catches each, so it didn’t help sort out which is the top option outside of Smith going forward. – Adam McFadden

San Francisco at Houston: Vernon Davis(notes) vastly improved when Alex Smith entered the game after Shaun Hill(notes) was benched. Hill played terribly under strong pressure from the Texans’ defensive line. Smith found Davis three times down the seam for touchdowns in the second half. Davis is becoming a great option at TE and could be even more valuable if Smith gets the starts going forward. Frank Gore(notes) did virtually nothing (13 rushes, 32 yards) in his return from injury. Houston was up 21-0 in the first half and the 49ers had to focus on passing for the balance of the game. Perhaps it was the absence of San Francisco safety Michael Lewis, maybe it was the focus on Andre Johnson(notes), but Owen Daniels(notes) blew up. The tight end caught seven passes for 123 yards and a TD. Daniels has been very active and continues to be a top TE option. Johnson had only two receptions, but he did total 62 yards. He landed on the ball after a catch and had to leave the game in the fourth quarter. Matt Schaub(notes) continued to be one of fantasy’s best with 264 yards and two TDs. Steve Slaton(notes) was average vs. Patrick Willis(notes) and Co., gaining 67 yards on 18 carries, but he did score twice. Michael Crabtree(notes) caught five passes for 56 yards and ran strong routes in his debut. – Adam McFadden

San Diego at Kansas City: To anyone who drafted LaDainian Tomlinson(notes) in the first round hoping for a resurgence, it’s officially time to call that a mistake. Tomlinson got eight carries within the Kansas City five-yard-line and didn’t score once. The best Chargers goal line option was Philip Rivers(notes). Tomlinson finished with 71 yards on 23 rushes. Darren Sproles(notes) caught a short pass with no Chiefs in the same area code and ran it in for a 58-yard score. He only had five carries (41 yards) in the blowout win. Rivers passed for 268 yards and three TDs against a non-existent pass rush from the Chiefs. Vincent Jackson(notes) had his best game of the year with five catches for 142 yards and a score. He’s had either a touchdown or 120 yards (or both) in every game but one this season and is a solid WR2 or fringe WR1. Matt Cassel(notes) did his best to earn a trip to waiver wires by completing just 40 percent of his passes for 97 yards and three INTs. He did have a TD to Dwayne Bowe(notes). That was one of Bowe’s two catches for 11 yards. Don’t give up on Bowe, since he’s been solid more than not, and Kansas City should definitely be throwing from behind plenty this season. Larry Johnson(notes) looks slow. He gained 49 yards on 16 rushes. Jamaal Charles(notes) gained 33 yards on four rushes. – Adam McFadden

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