The Fantasy Football Blog

There has been no official news on Corey Dillon (NE-RB) but the Patriots released Mike Cloud (FA-RB) Tuesday, which seems to point to the team expecting to have Dillon back this weekend. We'll keep an eye on this one.

Byron Leftwich (JAX-QB) broke his ankle and will miss 4-6 weeks. David Garrard (JAX-QB) will play in his plaec and is an OK option if you need someone.

Jamie Martin (STL-QB) suffered a concussion Sunday and was replaced by rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick (STL-QB) who played out of his mind in a comeback win over Houston. No word on who's starting this weekend, but don't expect 330 yards and 3 TDs from Fitzpatrick every week.

Chester Taylor (BAL-RB) missed Sunday's game with an ankle injury and Jamal Lewis (BAL-RB) had his first good game of the season. If Taylor plays this weekend, he'll split carries.

It appears that rookie No. 1 pick Alex Smith (SF-QB) will start the rest of the season for the 49ers.

Bubba Franks (GB-TE) was carted off the field and spent the night in a hospital Sunay after a collision to the head. He did have feeling in his extremeties and motioned to the crowd. He could easily be out for at least a few weeks and maybe the rest of the season.

I'll update the latest in Friday's Extras. See you then.

Hope everyone had a nice, safe Turkey Day. Here are the reactions for this week:

REACTION 1: Jay Feely (NYG-K) was considered one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL headed into this week. Then he missed three game-winning kicks as the Giants lost to Seattle in overtime. In all seriousness, shouldn't Feely owners get negative points for this one?

REACTION 2: What an incredible debut for Ryan Fitzpatrick (STL-QB) a seventh-round pick in the 2005 draft. After backup Jamie Martin (STL-QB) suffered a concussion in Sunday's game against Houston, the former Harvard QB led the Rams back from a three-touchdown deficit to an overtime win. He finished with three passing touchdowns. Fitzpatrick, the 250th overall pick this season, threw for 310 yards and a 117.4 QB rating. Wow.

REACTION 3: In that same game, it was nice to see the Houston offense actually do something. After weeks of pure terror, David Carr (HOU-QB), Andre Johnson (HOU-WR) and Domanick Davis (HOU-RB) all had respectable fantasy weeks. Carr finished with 293 passing yards and three touchdowns. Johnson had 12 catches for 159 yards and a score and Davis tallied 130 rushing/receiving yards and a TD. Of course, the Texans STILL didn't win.

REACTION 4: Nice to see Joey Galloway (TB-WR) go over the 1,000 receiving yard mark for the first time since 1998. Galloway has consistently been a fantasy disappointment every year since 1998 and owners who still had faith in him in this year's draft are certainly being rewarded with a great season.

REACTION 5: Could anyone owning a star Cincinnati player have been disappointed this week? Fantasy starters Carson Palmer (CIN-QB), Rudi Johnson (CIN-RB), Chad Johnson (CIN-WR) and TJ Houshmandzadeh (CIN-WR) were all strong fantasy scorers this week. Palmer passed for 302 yards and three scores. R. Johnson rushed for 114 yards and two TDs. C. Johnson had 88 receving yards and a score and Housh went for 147 receiving yards and a TD. Can't go wrong there.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL QUESTIONS
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts (ABC, 9)
Can Ben Roethlisberger (PIT-QB) bounce back from after sitting out since knee surgery after Week 8?

Is the Pittsburgh defense good enough to shut down what some commentators are calling the best offense in NFL history? Can any defense throw off the comfort level of Peyton Manning (IND-QB)? If not Pittsburgh, who?

Who will get the bulk of the carries for the Steelers - Willie Parker (PIT-RB), Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB) or Duce Staley (PIT-RB)?

Who will have the big game among the Indianapolis receivers - Reggie Wayne (IND-WR), Marvin Harrison (IND-WR) or Brandon Stokely (IND-WR)?

See you Tuesday with the injury/roster updates. Sounds there will be quite a few to update. Be sure to check it out.

The column won't run until it's normal Friday slot, but I wanted to post the Extras a little early because of the Thanksgiving Day games.

Of the two games, there is one dreadful one (Atlanta at Detroit at 12:30 p.m.) and one fantastic one (Denver at Dallas at 4:15 p.m.). My advice is to push the family to eat early and then sit back and enjoy two of the league's top teams square off. Maybe it'll even keep you awake after all that turkey (maybe not).

Obviously, since their are games Thursday, be sure to have your lineup set before the Detroit game. If your league doesn't allow transactions after the start of the week, you'll need to do them Wednesday night/early Thursday to get them in in time.

The NFL Injury Report is posted every week at www.nfl.com/injuries. Check it out for updates. There will be no breakdown this week (holiday and all) but you'll be able to get the info needed with one extra click.

For some reason, I'm very much looking forward to the Cleveland Browns at Minnesota Vikings game Sunday at 1 p.m. The Vikings are back to .500 (5-5) and a win Sunday would have them right on the playoff bubble, which is incredible with everything the team has gone through. Also, Braylon Edwards (CLE-WR) is really starting to come into his own and maybe he'll be able to take another step forward this week.

Injury/Roster Updates
Word out of Ravens camps is that Chester Taylor (Baltimore-RB) will keep taking mor and more carries from Jamal Lewis (BAL-RB). I'll have more on this in Friday's column.

Despite suffering a concussion in last week's loss Denver, Brooks Bollinger (NYJ-QB) is expected to start for the Jets against New Orleans on Sunday night.

Rescent reports are suggesting that Tony Fisher (GB-RB) may start ahead of Sam Gado (GB-RB) at Philadelphia this week. Apparently, Gado is in coach Mike Sherman's doghouse after a costly fumble in Week 11. Keep an eye on it.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck this week. The playoffs are right around the corner and it should be fun to see which players will carry their teams.

See you Monday with the Reactions.

Programming note: The column will run in its regular spot on Friday, despite the games on Thanksgiving Day. I'll have the Extras up early this week (probably on Wednesday night/Thursday morning). On to the reactions:

REACTION 1: I can't believe I didn't name the Indianapolis-Cincy game as my game of the week. It isn't that I thought Chicago-Carolina was more intruiging (although it probably turned out that way with the Bears' win) I honestly thought in my head that the Colts-Bengals were on Monday night. Since I haven't been selecting MNF games as the game of the week, I didn't use it. What a slip. Sorry about that.

REACTION 2: I know it was against Houston, but Larry Johnson (KC-RB) officially became the Chiefs starting runner for the foreseeable future Sunday night with 211 yards and two TDs. He should never split carries with anyone again.

REACTION 3: The previously mentioned Colts-Bengals game lived up to the hype with 82 total points (45-37 Indy) and the offensive stars certainly came out, especially quarterbacks Peyton Manning (IND-QB) and Carson Palmer (CIN-QB). The pair combined for 700 yards in the air and five touchdowns.

REACTION 4: Mike Anderson (DEN-RB) completely outperformed committee-mate Tatum Bell (DEN-RB) in the Broncos 27-0 beating of the dreadful Jets. Anderson had 113 yards and three TDs on 26 carries, while Bell had just 10 carries for 34 yards. Touch differential like that has to make Anderson owners happy.

REACTION 5: Apparently, Reuben Droughns (CLE-RB) isn't the worthless pile some expected him to be outside of the Denver Broncos' ridiculous rushing attack. Droughns torched a pretty good Miami defense for 166 yards and one touchdown in the Brown's suprisingly easy 22-0 win.

MONDAY NIGHT QUESTIONS
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (ABC, 9 p.m.)

Could there be a better argument for allowing the league to switch the Monday night game a couple of weeks in advance? I can't imagine how bad the ratings are going to be for this one.

Will Sam Gado (GB-RB) continue his impressive, out-of-nowhere rushing attack and further reward the fantasy owners who picked him up three weeks ago?

How many times will Al Michaels and John Madden (ABC-TV) fawn over Brett Favre (GB-QB)? There has to be an over/under on this posted somwhere, right?

Will Mewelde Moore (MIN-RB) get the start, or will coach Mike Tice again pull a late switch and play Michael Bennett (MIN-RB) for virtually all of the game?

Can Nate Burleson (MIN-WR) start to get back on track after a disappointing first 10 weeks?

See you Tuesday with the Roster/Injury updates.

The trading/free agent deadline is probably closing in for your league, so be sure to have all your backups set in case any starters go down in the playoffs. Don't waste all those weeks of preparation on not having a backup QB.

Looks like Willie Parker (PIT-RB) will start for the Steelers this week. He'll likely share carries with both Duce Staley (PIT-RB) and Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB). While that isn't ideal, you have to figure Pittsburgh will run the ball a bunch because Tommy Maddox (PIT-QB) is starting under center.

With the injury to Cedric Benson (CHI-RB), it looks like Thomas Jones (CHI-RB) will be good to go, but he'll face a good Panthers defense. Use Jones only if needed.

The full NFL Injury Report can be viewed HERE.

OUT
Bryant Johnson (ARZ-WR) Cedric Benson (CHI-RB), Rex Grossman (CHI-QB), Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB) Darrell Jackson (SEA-WR), Moe Williams (MIN-RB)

DOUBTFUL
Fred Taylor (JAX-RB), Arnaz Battle (SF-WR)

QUESTIONABLE
Anquan Boldin (ARZ-WR), Kelly Holcomb (BUF-QB) Kris Mangum (CAR-TE), Jeff Garcia (DET-QB), Jimmy Smith (JAX-WR), Samie Parker (KC-WR), Domanick Davis (HOU-RB), Gus Frerotte (MIA-QB), Donte' Stallworth (NO-WR), Troy Brown (NE-WR), Corey Dillon (NE-RB), David Givens (NE-WR), Daniel Graham (NE-TE), L.J. Smith (PHI-TE), Jeremy Shockey (NYG-TE), Willie Parker (PIT-RB), Ben Roethlisberger (PIT-QB), Michael Clayton (TB-WR) Tony Fisher (GB-RB)

See you Monday with reactions.

As always, the NFL Injury Report will be posted HERE at some point Wednesday. It is then updated Friday.

Now for word from around the league.

Cedric Benson (CHI-RB) could be out for several weeks with a sprained knee.

Domanick Davis (HOU-RB) missed Sunday's game with a knee injury. It was his second straight week out of uniform.

Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB) is unlikely to play against the New York Giants this week after suffering a groin injury Monday night.

Latest word has Darrell Jackson (SEA-WR) aiming at returning on Nov. 27. Jackson has been out with a knee injury, but could be a good boost to your WRs in the playoffs.

LJ Smith (PHI-TE) left Monday's game with a sprained ankle. His status will be updated later in the week.

Anquan Boldin (ARZ-WR) is hoping his knee is good enough to go Sunday against St. Louis.

Michael Clayton (TB-WR) should return this week after missing Week 10 with a knee injury. He's been a big disappointment this year, however, and should stay on your bench.

See you Friday with the Extras.

REACTION 1: Hope you didn't have a bunch of Minnesota's offensive players, see that they had scored a lot of points and thought you were in good shape. If you had the Vikes D/ST, however, you hit the jackpot with three TDs.

REACTION 2: Welcome back Roy Williams (DET-WR). Returning from injury, Williams and Joey Harrington (DET-QB) hooked up for three scores in the 29-21 win over Arizona.

REACTION 3: Cadillac Williams (TB-RB) continues to struggle. He managed just 20 yards on 10 carries and Mike Alstott (TB-RB) scored on two short runs. Big drop off from the ridiculous numbers of the first few weeks that had Mike Ditka calling him the next Walter Payton.

REACTION 4: Chris Simms (TB-QB) finally looked like a pro with two touchdowns, 279 yards and no interceptions in Sunday's loss to Washington. That's pretty good numbers against a pretty good defense. Could Simms be coming into his own?

REACTION 5: Samkon Gado (GB-RB) scored three touchdowns Sunday! Are you kidding me!? God bless the NFL.

MONDAY NIGHT QUESTIONS
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (ABC, 9)

Will Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB) play with a big chip on his shoulder and carry the Eagles, who can't/won't run the ball?

Will any of the Eagles receivers take steps into Terrell Owens' (PHI-WR) suspended shoes?

How much will Julius Jones (DAL-RB) and Marion Barber (DAL-RB) share carries after Barber admirably replaced Jones during his injury?

Weird week coming up as it looks like the oddmakers are expecting many blowouts. Will our star fantasy players lose out on touches because of garbage time?

The full NFL Injury Report is posted here.

Here's the breakdown:

OUT
Anquan Boldin (ARZ-WR), Ben Roethlisberger (PIT-QB), Rex Grossman (CHI-QB), Darrell Jackson (SEA-WR)

DOUBTFUL
Fred Taylor (JAX-RB), Tony Fisher (GB-RB), Moe Williams (MIN-RB), Kris Mangum (CAR-TE).

QUESTIONABLE
Bryant Johnson (ARZ-WR), Jeff Garcia (DET-QB), Mike Williams (DET-WR), Lee Suggs (CLE-RB), Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB), Willie Parker (PIT-RB), Randy Moss (OAK-WR), Michael Jenkins (ATL-WR), Domanick Davis (HOU-RB), Corey Dillon (NE-RB), David Givens (NE-WR), Daniel Graham (NE-TE), Alex Smith (SF-QB), Thomas Jones (CHI-RB), Isaac Bruce (STL-WR), Michael Clayton (TB-WR), Michael Pittman (TB-RB).

See you Monday with reactions and questions for MNF.

The Eagles said Monday that Terrell Owens (PHI-WR) will not play again this season, as they are suspending him for four gaems and then making him inactive from there. T.O. apologized at a news conference and said he would be ready to play Monday night against Dallas. The Eagles can't possibly by that dumb, right? RIGHT?

There's still no update on Priest Holmes (KC-RB) injury (head, shoulders) and whether he'll return this season. Hopefully, we'll have more news on this for Friday's extras. Obviously, Larry Johnson (KC-RB) is a great start in all leagues if Holmes isn't playing.

Julius Jones (DAL-RB) should be back for Monday's game against Philly, but he may have to share carries with rookie Marion Barber (DAL-RB) who has been very good in Jones' absence.

Still keeping an eye on Torry Holt (STL-WR) and Isaac Bruce (STL-WR). Both have practiced this week, but there's been no official word of their status for Sunday. Hopefully more info will be available for Friday.

Brooks Bollinger (NYJ-QB) will start Sunday for the Jets.

Numerous running backs went down with injuries this weekend. Keep an eye on Willie Parker (PIT-RB), Kevin Jones (DET-RB), Fred Taylor (JAX-RB), and Mewelde Moore (MIN-RB) as the weekend nears.

The NFL Injury Report will be updated at some point Wednesday. Keep refreshing the site.

REACTION 1 - What more can you say about LaDainian Tomlinson (SD-RB), who scored four touchdowns Sunday? It's at the point where you just assume that you are in trouble if you are facing him that week.

REACTION 2 - Fantasy owners who handcuffed Priest Holmes (KC-RB) and Larry Johnson (KC-RB) may actually benefit from Holmes' injury as Johnson will now get all the touches instead of them splitting them 65-35. Johnson had two scores and looked very, very good in Sunday's win over Oakland.

REACTION 3 - You got what you asked for if you drafted Terrell Owens (PHI-WR) before the fourth round.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Indianapolis at New England (ABC, 9)

This is obviously the best game of the week and everyone is wondering if Peyton Manning (IND-QB) and company can finally win at Foxboro. It's definitely the Colts' best chance since the Pats became the class of the NFL four years ago.

Will Manning light it up, which he hasn't had to do yet this season?

How will the Colts react to finally playing against a good team?

Will Corey Dillon (NE-RB) play or will he hurt fantasy owners who kept him in their lineups for this week?

That's it for today. See you Tuesday with the Roster/Injury updates.

Since we've gotten through eight weeks of the fantasy/NFL football season, let's take a look at the top 10 scorers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and the top five at tight end, team defense and kicker.

Quarterbacks:
1) Carson Palmer (CIN-QB)
2) Donovan McNabb (PHI-QB)
3) Drew Bledsoe (DAL-QB)
4) Brett Favre (GB-QB)
5) Jake Plummer (DEN-QB)
6) Drew Brees (SD-QB)
7) Tom Brady (NE-QB)
8) Kerry Collins (OAK-QB)
9) Aaron Brooks (NO-QB)
10) Mark Brunell (WAS-QB)

Running backs:
1) LaDainian Tomlinson (SD-RB)
2) LaMont Jordan (OAK-RB)
3) Edgerrin James (IND-RB)
4) Shaun Alexander (SEA-RB)
5) Steven Jackson (STL-RB)
6) Brian Westbrook (PHI-RB)
7) Willis McGahee (BUF-RB)
8) Tiki Barber (NYG-RB)
9) Thomas Jones (CHI-RB)
10) Priest Holmes (KC-RB)

Wide receivers
1) Steve Smith (CAR-WR)
2) Terrell Owens (PHI-WR)
3) Chad Johnson (CIN-WR)
4) Santana Moss (WAS-WR)
5) Joey Galloway (TB-WR)
6) Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ-WR)
7) Torry Holt (STL-WR)
8) Plaxico Burress (NYG-WR)
9) Terry Glenn (DAL-WR)
10) Anquan Boldin (ARZ-WR)

Tight ends
1) Antonio Gates (SD-TE)
2) Jerremy Shockey (NYG-TE)
3) Jason Witten (DAL-TE)
4) LJ Smith (PHI-TE)
5) Todd Heap (BAL-TE)

Team defense
1) Colts
2) Giants
3) 49ers
4) Bengals
5) Lions

Kickers
1) Neil Rackers (ARZ-K)
2) Jay Feely (NYG-K)
3) Shayne Graham (CIN-K)
4) Ryan Lindell (BUF-K)
5) Nate Kaeding (SD-K)

Check out the full NFL Injury Report HERE. Here's a quick breakdown:

OUT
Mark Bradley (CHI-WR), Rex Grossman (CHI-QB), Derrick Blaylock (NYJ-RB), Darrell Jackson (SEA-WR), Anquan Boldin (ARZ-WR), Drew Bennett (TEN-WR), Lee Suggs (CLE-RB)

DOUBTFUL
Kyle Boller (BAL-QB), Terrell Owens (PHI-WR), Robert Ferguson (GB-WR),

QUESTIONABLE
T.J. Duckett (ATL-RB), Michael Jenkins (ATL-WR), Michael Pittman (TB-RB), Jeff Garcia (DET-QB), Mike Williams (DET-WR), Roy Williams (DET-WR), Marcus Robinson (MIN-WR), Andre Johnson (HOU-WR), Arnaz Battle (SF-WR), Ken Dorsey (SF-QB), Alex Smith (SF-QB), Randy Moss (OAK-WR), Priest Holmes (KC-RB), Samie Parker (KC-WR), David Akers (PHI-K), Jerome Bettis (PIT-RB), Ben Roethlisberger (PIT-QB), Nate Kaeding (SD-K), Tyrone Calico (TEN-WR), Brandon Jones (TEN-WR), Steve McNair (TEN-QB), Ben Troupe (TEN-TE), Corey Dillon (NE-RB), David Givens (NE-WR), Patrick Pass (NE-RB), Ben Watson (NE-TE)

START HIM - If you are in a deep league, consider Larry Johnson (K-RB) this weekend. Johnson has the ability to post strong numbers every week, but with Priest Holmes (KC-RB) ailing, Johnson might see extra carries, even if Holmes still suits up.

SIT HIM - This should be brutally obvious by now, but don't start whoever is under center for the 49ers this week. I don't care if Phil Simms (CBS-QB) comes out of retirement to suit up against his former team, the NY Giants, go elsewhere for a QB.

See you Monday with the Week 9 reactions and questions for Monday night's big game between New England and Indianapolis.

Daunte Culpepper (MIN-QB) is out for the season with a knee injury. The Vikings are saying they expect Culpepper to return in time to start the 2006 season.

Cody Pickett (SF-QB) will start for the 49ers Sunday.

Anquan Boldin (ARZ-WR) has a bone bruise on his knee and may play Sunday.

Mark Bradley (CHI-WR) is out for the season with a knee injury.

I'm also keeping a close eye on the situation in St. Louis with Torry Holt (STL-WR), Isaac Bruce (STL-WR) and Marc Bulger (STL-QB). I'll be interested to see how they are listed on the NFL Injury Report this week.

Speaking of the injury report, check out the NFL Injury Report, which is updated every Wednesday and again on Friday.

PROGRAMMING NOTE
I'll hand out first-half fantasy awards in Friday's column and, as always, we'll have Friday Extras posted here as well.