The Fantasy Football Blog

Muhsin Muhammad (with ball, AP)

Each Monday we overreact to the biggest news and stats from the previous Sunday and preview the Monday night game.

OVERREACTION 1 — The injury to Rex Grossman (CHI-QB) was the best thing that could have happened to fantasy owners of Muhsin Muhammad (CHI-WR).

Muhammad seems to be developing a relationship with rookie starter Kyle Orton (CHI-QB), who has a better arm than Grossman. The difference could work out to 20 or so more catches and a few extra touchdowns this season.


Joey Harrington (with ball, AP)

OVERREACTION 2 — Joey Harrington (DET-QB) is done. He threw for five interceptions in the 38-6 loss to the Bears and managed 196 yards and one touchdown. If Jeff Garcia (DET-QB) was healthy, Lions fans would be going crazy asking for a change. Heck, even UConn alum and rookie Dan Orlovsky (DET-QB) could be better.

OVERREACTIONS 3 — I’m officially worried about Jamal Lewis (BAL-RB). Apparently, spending the offseason in jail isn’t the best way to prepare for the NFL season. Who knew?
Anyway, 10 carries for nine yards against the Tennessee Titans completely wrecked many fantasy owners’ weeks and has all of us scratching our heads. Maybe the bye week will help the Ravens figure things out.


Willie Parker (AP)

OVERREACTION 4 — Willie Parker (PIT-RB), who had 111 yards on 25 carries in Sunday’s win over Houston, can’t possibly lose the starting job once old-timers Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB) and Duce Staley (PIT-RB) return from injuries.

He may lose some goal-line and short-yardage touches, but coach Bill Cowher would be crazy not to give him 22-25 carries per game the rest of the year.

OVERREACTION 5 — The Jaguars defense may be the best in the NFL. Any team that can hold Peyton Manning (IND-QB) to 13-of-28 passing for 122 yards and no touchdowns is OK by me.

MISC — You really, really don’t want to have a stud running back taking on Tampa Bay. ... Who the heck is Ran Carthon (IND-RB)? ... I’m begging, begging Vikings coach Mike Tice to PICK A RUNNING BACK AND USE HIM! ... It may be time to start worrying about the Patriots running game. Playing the Steelers next week isn’t going to help. ... The Panthers made it clear Sunday that Stephen Davis (25 carries, 77 yards, three TDs) is the featured runner if he’s healthy. ... You didn’t really think Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB) and Terrell Owens (PHI-WR) were going to struggle against San Fran, right? ... Carson Palmer (CIN-QB) is officially "there." ... Decent job by Marcell Shipp (ARZ-RB) in Sunday’s loss to St. Louis (12 carries, 54 yards). I wish Dennis Green would give him a legitimate chance. ... How ugly are the Miami Dolphins games? ... Monday’s Cowboys-Redskins game could be even uglier. Thankfully, we have another option that may be entertaining:

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Two games, two sets of questions

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints at Giants Stadium
(ABC, 7:30 then moves to ESPN, 9)
Will the Saints come back to reality after last week’s emotional win or are they going to last?
Will Deuce McAllister (NO-RB) improve on last week’s 64 yards?
Is Donte Stallworth (NO-WR) ever going to have 100 yards receiving in a game?
Is Brandon Jacobs (NYG-RB) the real deal?
Is Eli Manning (NYG-QB) ready for prime time?
How will the fans act on what promises to be a somber night?

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
(ABC, 9)
Will anyone watch this game before the Giants/Saints game ends?
Can the Redskins tough defense stop Julius Jones (DAL-RB)?
With Patrick Crayton (DAL-WR) continue where he left off in last week’s win over San Diego (six catches, 89 yards, one TD)?
Can the Redskins, who scored just nine points in last week’s win over Chicago, get their offense going?
Will Mark Brunell (WAS-QB) look more like the 2000 version or the 2004 version?
Is Washington coach Joe Gibbs finally figuring out how to use Clinton Portis (WAS-RB)?
Will our collective brains explode while trying to keep an eye on two games that could determine fantasy outcomes tomorrow night?