After Further Review: Week 8

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NY Giants at Philadelphia: It’s officially open season on the Giants’ injury-decimated defense. Donovan McNabb(notes) was agile and accurate, going 17-of-23 for 240 yards, three TDs, and zero INTs against a clearly overmatched New York secondary. McNabb will also put up sweet numbers next week in a home matchup against a sub-par Dallas pass defense. LeSean McCoy(notes) filled in for a concussed Brian Westbrook(notes) and put up solid numbers (82 rushing yards/one TD). Don’t be fooled, though. He was held in check for most of the game, and earned most of his yardage on a 66-yard TD run after the defense had tapped out. DeSean Jackson(notes) is the best deep threat in the NFL. “Action” Jackson caught three passes for 78 yards, including a 54-yard TD pass. Following a weak game against the Redskins, Brent Celek(notes) solidified his back-end TE1 status with four receptions for 61 yards and a 17-yard TD catch in traffic. Eli Manning(notes) has simply embarrassed the family name since his foot injury in Week 5. Manning was woefully inaccurate, going 20-of-39 for 222 yards, one TD, and two INTs. Don’t even think about using Manning as a spot starter until he breaks out of this funk. Brandon Jacobs(notes) posted solid rushing yardage despite the romp (20 carries/86 rushing yards), but was the unfortunate victim of an Ahmad Bradshaw(notes) (nine carries/21 rushing yards) vulture TD. Steve Smith re-established himself as Manning’s main target, catching eight balls for 68 yards through a variety of short routes. Smith is a WR2 with upside going forward. Keep the faith in the superb route runner. – Bill Root

Miami at NY Jets: They say the best offense is a great defense. Unfortunately, this motto doesn’t ring true in the fantasy world unless your “D” is taking turnovers to the house. Let’s hope you started Miami’s team defense/special teams if you own them and sat any Dolphins’ offensive cogs. Miami posted a 30-spot despite the fact its offense was pathetic (104 total yards). Amazingly, Ted Ginn Jr.(notes) had his best game, even though he lost his starting WR job to Brian Hartline(notes). The burner had two 100-plus yard kick returns for TDs. Jason Taylor(notes) also chipped in a 48-yard fumble return for a score for the D/ST unit. Fish QB Chad Henne(notes) once again proved he’s an afterthought, with 112 passing yards and one TD. Further, a Kris Jenkins(notes)-less Jets’ rush defense shut down the well-hyped Wildcat offense, and held Ronnie Brown(notes) and Ricky Williams(notes) to 54 rushing yards. Mark Sanchez(notes) had the best game of his career, throwing for 265 yards and two TDs. Sanchez also scored on a deceptive one-yard bootleg run where he walked across the goal line. The Jets pounded Thomas Jones(notes) (27 carries) with Leon Washington(notes) out for the season. Jones responded with 127 rushing yards, but could not find the end zone for the first time since Week 3. Notably, while Shonn Greene(notes) had eight carries, he coughed up the ball that Jason Taylor took back for a score. For you waiver wire gurus who scooped him up last week, these types of mistakes will only cause him to lose touches. Braylon Edwards(notes) was targeted eight times (four receptions/74 yards) and scored after he forced a rugby scrum over the stripe post-catch. Dustin Keller(notes) finally busted out with eight receptions for 76 yards and a diving TD grab. Look for a strong second half as he develops chemistry with Sanchez. – Bill Root

Denver at Baltimore: Joe Flacco(notes) went into game manager mode, going 20-of-25 for 175 yards and a TD. Start Flacco next week as a solid QB1 against a Cincinnati defense that is weak against the pass and without its top pass rusher, Antwan Odom(notes), who was placed on injured reserve. Ray Rice(notes) had a strong day (108 total yards/one TD) and continued to keep Willis McGahee(notes) (three touches) firmly entrenched on the bench. Rice is now a well-established RB1 in all formats. Derrick Mason(notes) had pedestrian day (four receptions/40 receiving yards), but did score on an impressive post route in the red zone. Todd Heap(notes) had a miserable week (three receptions/16 receiving yards) and killed owners who depended on him as a bye week replacement. Kyle Orton’s(notes) limitations were exposed in this game. Baltimore suffocated Denver’s short passing game and Orton didn’t have the deep ball accuracy or arm strength to make them pay. Even though Brandon Marshall(notes) was targeted eight times, he only had four catches for 24 yards due his spaghetti-armed QB. Knowshon Moreno(notes) only managed 39 rushing yards and a TD against an aggressive defense. Moreno will only be a flex option in the second half because he’s still splitting carries with Correll Buckhalter(notes) (16 rushing yards/30 receiving yards). The rookie RB also better shed his Steve Slaton(notes)-esque fumbling tendencies (three fumbles lost this season) or he will lose even more touches to Buckhalter. – Bill Root

Minnesota at Green Bay: Brett Favre(notes) used the raucous Lambeau Field boos as motivation on his way to 244 passing yards and four TDs. Favre continued to display unbelievable arm strength and an uncanny ability to look off safeties even when he’s under duress. Adrian Peterson did his part with 141 total yards and a TD. On his longest run of the day (33 yards), “All Day” showed off his entire package of speed, balance, and power. Sidney Rice(notes) showed he’s human, with four catches for 40 yards, after 16 catches for 312 yards over the previous two weeks. Continue to start Rice as a solid WR2 because of his connection with Favre. Rice’s quiet day allowed Percy Harvin(notes) to flash his receiving skills (five catches/84 receiving yards/one TD). Harvin amusingly left three Green Bay defenders sprawled on the field together on his athletic 51-yard TD grab down the middle of the field. As usual, Visanthe Shiancoe(notes) scored a red zone TD on his only catch. Even though it was lost in Favre’s heroics, Aaron Rodgers(notes) had a sparkling day with 287 passing yards and three TDs. Rodgers was pressured all day and sacked six times, but chipped in 52 rushing yards while running for his life. Greg Jennings(notes) was Rodgers’ favorite target and finally rewarded his patient owners with eight receptions for 88 yards and a score. Ryan Grant(notes) had a down day (30 rushing yards) because the Packers were in comeback mode. Don’t be hesitant to throw Grant out there next week as a RB2 against a laughable Tampa Bay run defense. – Bill Root

Seattle at Dallas: Seattle’s offensive line continues to struggle, but Matt Hasselbeck(notes) put up 249 passing yards and two TDs despite taking a few big shots from the Dallas pass rush. Nate Burleson(notes) was the focal point of the passing game with six catches and 89 yards on 12 targets. T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes) had 24 receiving yards on four receptions and just six targets, which should lead to some complaints this week. Tight end John Carlson(notes) managed 36 receiving yards (all in the first half). He’s posted unimpressive reception and yardage totals since Week 1 and is consistently being asked to stay in and block. With 88 total yards, Julius Jones(notes) achieved his best total since Week 3 but remains a risky flex play at best. Even so, it’s reasonable to start all your Seahawks against Detroit next week. Tony Romo’s(notes) good play continued, with 256 yards and three scores. He now has eight TDs and no picks in the last three games, but he faces a tougher test against Philadelphia next week. Romo’s new favorite weapon, Miles Austin(notes), caught another TD and was targeted a team high nine times, which he converted into five catches for 61 yards, and two pass interference calls. Roy Williams still doesn’t have much chemistry with Romo but managed to find the end zone on one of his two catches. He was targeted eight times, the same number as Jason Witten(notes). With Witten drawing so much attention from opponents, he’s managed more than 53 yards just twice this year. Marion Barber(notes) received the bulk of the carries with 14 attempts for 53 yards and a goal-line TD, although 10 of those attempts went for three yards or less. Felix Jones(notes) had eight carries for 39 yards and should see around 10 touches per game, while Tashard Choice(notes) is seeing duty only in garbage time. – Andy Bottoms

San Francisco at Indianapolis: Outside of the two-minute drill at the end of the first half, Alex Smith didn’t recapture his Week 7 magic. Smith finished with 198 passing yards, one TD, and one pick, which Michael Crabtree(notes) could have caught. In his second game, Crabtree led the team with nine targets, six receptions, and 81 yards. He also lost a fumble, but he clearly has the eye of Alex Smith and can be a decent WR3 going forward. Vernon Davis(notes) hauled in another TD but was relatively quiet otherwise, with three catches and 20 yards on six targets. Frank Gore(notes) had a solid all-around game with 91 rushing yards, including a 64-yard TD, and five catches for 43 yards. For the first time this season, Peyton Manning(notes) failed to register a TD pass but did throw for 347 yards. The lone Colts TD pass came from the arm of Joseph Addai(notes), who salvaged a mediocre fantasy day when he connected with Reggie Wayne(notes). Addai saw 20 carries with Donald Brown(notes) out of action, and he managed 62 rushing yards to go with two catches for four yards. Fifteen of his 20 carries went for three yards or less, but he remains a RB2 given his TD production and his role in the Indianapolis offense. Reggie Wayne was dominant both before and after the injury to 49ers CB Nate Clements(notes), totaling 12 receptions, 147 yards, and the aforementioned TD on an astounding 20 targets. Dallas Clark(notes) turned in another strong game with eight catches and 99 yards. Austin Collie(notes) and Pierre Garcon(notes) continue to receive a similar number of targets, but Collie had the better fantasy day with six catches and 66 yards compared to four receptions and 53 yard for Garcon. Collie remains the more valuable option. – Andy Bottoms

Jacksonville at Tennessee: David Garrard(notes) turned in a woeful performance against the league’s worst pass defense, completing 14-of-27 attempts for 139 yards and two picks. His decision-making was terrible, and he has zero touchdowns and six turnovers in his last three games, all of which were against subpar defenses. Despite receiving just eight carries, Maurice Jones-Drew(notes) had 177 rushing yards thanks to two long TD runs. It’s inexplicable that he didn’t receive a carry until the second quarter given how poorly Garrard played. Rookie wideout Mike Thomas(notes) led the team with four catches and 55 yards, and he now has at least four grabs in three of four games, making him someone to keep an eye on. Mike Sims-Walker(notes) caught two passes for nine yards in the first quarter and was targeted just once the rest of the way. He still has a nice matchup against Kansas City next week. Torry Holt(notes) posted two receptions and 17 yards on six targets, and he’s a desperation play at best. TE Marcedes Lewis(notes) had one catch and has been virtually invisible since his “breakout” in Week 4. In his first start of the year, Vince Young(notes) went 15-of-18 for 125 yards and a score to go with 30 rushing yards. The Titans kept things simple for Young and he acquitted himself nicely, but if they stick with a similar game plan, his fantasy ceiling is low. Chris Johnson proved why he is one of the most explosive RBs in the game with TD runs of 52 and 89 yards on his way to 228 rushing yards. He’s now averaging 6.9 YPC and has at least 94 total yards in five of seven games. LenDale White(notes) received 13 carries but seven came in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach. He’s a low-end flex play at this point. Justin Gage(notes) was targeted on five passes and does not appear to be threatened by Kenny Britt(notes), who had one catch for seven yards. Nate Washington(notes) caught Young’s lone TD but had just one other reception, while Bo Scaife(notes) led the team with four catches for 27 yards. With 10 of Young’s 18 passes directed at RBs and TEs, it’s tough to expect any pass-catchers to post big fantasy numbers. – Andy Bottoms

Oakland at San Diego: JaMarcus Russell(notes) threw a pick on Oakland’s first series but protected the ball the rest of the way. With 109 passing yards and less than five yards per attempt, that’s the best you can say. Michael Bush(notes) started at running back but had seven carries and took a back seat to Justin Fargas(notes). Fargas continued to play well in the absence of Darren McFadden(notes), ending with 59 rushing yards and a TD to go with 20 receiving yards. Even if McFadden returns after the bye, Fargas has earned a share of the workload. With Russell incapable of completing passes to his wideouts, TE Zach Miller remains Oakland’s top pass-catcher and led the team with five receptions and 52 yards. Oakland’s wideouts were running into each other on pass patterns late in the game, which tells you all you need to know. Philip Rivers(notes) had a quieter day than expected with 249 passing yards, one TD, and one interception. LaDainian Tomlinson(notes) scored twice and managed 56 yards on 18 carries, with nine attempts going for one yard or less. The red zone effectiveness is good news, but his YPC leaves him a RB2. Darren Sproles(notes) had six touches, and hasn’t had more than eight since Week 3. Even with his big-play ability, starting him is a huge gamble. Vincent Jackson(notes) continued his dominance with eight catches, 103 yards, and a TD on 12 targets. It was his fourth 100-yard game and fifth TD. Malcom Floyd(notes) started over the ineffective Chris Chambers(notes) and hauled in two passes for 64 yards. He’s worth a look if you need WR help. Antonio Gates(notes) was quiet with three catches for 49 yards but like Rivers, he’ll be needed to do more against the Giants next week. – Andy Bottoms

Cleveland at Chicago: Someone please put Derek Anderson(notes) (6-of-17 passing, 76 yards, 2 INTs, one rushing yard, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost) out of his misery. There were already rumblings that the Browns were considering giving Brady Quinn(notes) (1-of-3 passing, nine yards) another shot at starting. Quinn relieved Anderson late in the fourth quarter after Disastrous Derek’s second pick, and Quinn is a desperation add in 14-team or two QB leagues. Considering the ineptitude of the passing game, Jamal Lewis(notes) (16 carries, 69 yards) was decent. Hey, when expectations are lower than a limbo, a 4.3 yards-per-carry average is a mini-triumph. For what it’s worth, the Browns talked about giving Joshua Cribbs(notes) (six carries, 28 yards) more ground touches. If the dynamic Cribbs can begin to consistently see carries, he could make for an intriguing option in a few unique formats. Matt Forte(notes) (26 carries, 90 yards, two receptions, 31 yards) scored his second and third TDs of the season, but keep in mind this came against one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL. If Forte can turn in a nice effort next week against the Cardinals, then we can discuss removing his “Bust of the Year” title. Devin Hester(notes) (seven receptions, 81 yards) looked brilliant on a 33-yard catch-and-run late in the game. – Chris Carbonell

St. Louis at Detroit: The Rams scored through the air this week, but it was kicker Josh Brown(notes) (1-of-1 passing, 36 yards) who completed the pass on a fake field goal. Marc Bulger(notes) just cannot let Halloween go. He continues to play like a walking corpse. Bulger threw another interception on Sunday, and has not scored in his last two contests. Steven Jackson (22 carries, 149 yards, three receptions, 17 yards) remains a one-man offensive army for St. Louis, scoring his first TD of the season on a game-winning 25-yard scamper. The yardage Jackson is racking up is stunning considering every opposing defense is centering their game plans around him. Matthew Stafford(notes) (14-of-33 passing, 168 yards, one INT, four rushing yards, one TD) played far better than his numbers suggest. With Calvin Johnson(notes) out again with a balky knee, the Lions receiving unit was atrocious. Several dropped passes kept stalling the Lions offense. Stafford is worth owning in deeper yearly leagues, but is really more of a keeper option. The shortcomings in the Lions aerial attack, combined with an injury, limited Kevin Smith(notes) (16 carries, 45 yards, four receptions, 49 yards). Smith’s pain was Maurice Morris’(notes) (14 carries, 63 yards) gain, as the backup RB saw significant action in the second half. Morris is not a threat to Smith’s playing time when Smith is healthy, but Smith has already displayed a penchant for getting hurt, so Morris could see some more important carries this year. – Chris Carbonell

Houston at Buffalo: Surprised that Buffalo kept Matt Schaub(notes) (25-of-34 passing, 268 yards, 2 INTs) honest? Don’t be. Over their last six games, the Bills have allowed just one passing TD compared to 11 INTs (thanks, in large part, to rookie safety Jairus Byrd(notes)). Schaub’s ineffectiveness this week can also be attributed to the loss of Owen Daniels(notes), who exited the game in the first quarter and is out for the season (leaving his fantasy owners as powerless as Jim Zorn at the TE position). With his star TE gone, Schaub’s value definitely takes a hit. Steve Slaton (one carry, one yard) fumbled again, and this time, it was enough for coach Gary Kubiak to bench him for the remainder of the game. Ryan Moats(notes) (23 carries, 126 yards, 3 TDs) took over and exploded. Slaton’s fumbling problems and Moats’ performance on Sunday should have fantasy owners worried. While the Texans are not likely to drop Slaton to a backup role, Moats may force a time share at RB. Pick up Moats in all leagues. Terrell Owens(notes) (five receptions, 39 yards) scored on a 29-yard reverse run. T.O.’s fantasy owners will take it. Fred Jackson(notes) (28 rushing yards) and Marshawn Lynch(notes) (43 rushing yards) each had nine carries, but both struggled thanks to a surging Texans rush defense and an ineffective passing game led by Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes) (15-of-23 passing, 117 yards, 2 INTs). – Chris Carbonell

Carolina at Arizona: The Panthers wisely employed their most run-happy game plan of the season, despite facing the league’s top-ranked rush defense. Both DeAngelo Williams(notes) (23 carries, 158 yards) and Jonathan Stewart(notes) (17 carries, 87 yards, 2 TDs) went off as a result. Carolina has spent the last few days insisting they are sticking with Jake Delhomme(notes) (7-of-14 passing, 90 yards, 1 TD) at QB, but Sunday’s game made it clear that the fate of each game has been somewhat removed from his clumsy hands. Stewart and Williams will be in line for plenty of work going forward. Steve Smith (three receptions, 56 yards) will lose value as a result, but fantasy owners should still deploy him as a WR2. Kurt Warner(notes) (27-of-46 passing, 242 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs, eight rushing yards, one fumble lost) is still a starting fantasy QB, but every now and then he’ll have an outing like this. Just pray it doesn’t happen during the fantasy playoffs. Beanie Wells(notes) (eight carries, 47 yards) couldn’t build on last week’s strong effort because the Cardinals were pass-happy after the half. Since Arizona is in that mode most of the time, Tim Hightower(notes) (eight carries, 39 yards, one TD, eight receptions, 57 yards) is the more valuable RB thanks to his involvement in the passing game. Beanie is a great talent, but barring a Hightower injury, this will not be his breakout season. Anquan Boldin(notes) (three receptions, 23 yards) aggravated an ankle injury and exited the game in the third quarter. The perpetually gimpy Boldin is capable of going off at any time, so he is an intriguing buy-low target. – Chris Carbonell

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