TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

FANTASY FOOTBALL TIP SHEET

ADVERTISEMENT

By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 19, 2007

We're heading into Week 7 of the NFL season, and we're finally starting to see solid production from some top fantasy picks.

Larry Johnson took advantage of a favorable matchup against the Bengals last week, touching the ball 33 times for 143 total yards and a touchdown. Maurice Jones-Drew also proved that a 52-yard TD run two weeks ago against Kansas City was a sign of things to come, amassing 184 total yards on just 16 touches, including two scores on the ground.

LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 198 yards and four scores against Oakland, while Brandon Jacobs continued his successful return from injury with 86 yards on just 13 carries in the Giants' Monday night win over Atlanta.

Other perceived fantasy studs are still having a rough time getting things going, some due to injury. Marc Bulger is set to return this week from cracked ribs, but to an 0-6 Rams team that is still missing Steven Jackson.

And while Lee Evans' stat sheet last week did bear a striking resemblance to most of his games so far this year, don't worry, he was on a bye week. Shaun Alexander continues to disappoint fantasy owners, especially those who took him ahead of runners like Joseph Addai and Brian Westbrook.

Oh, and this just in: Adrian Peterson is pretty good.

MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

If you have these guys on your roster, make sure they're in the starting lineup this week.

Jets RB Thomas Jones: Jones is coming off an impressive performance last week, carrying the ball 24 times for 130 yards against the Eagles. This week, Jones goes up against a Bengals run defense that has allowed 145.8 yards per game (29th in the NFL) and 10 rushes of 20 yards or more (most in the NFL). Look for Jones to put up numbers similar to what Larry Johnson did against Cincy last week.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason: Who leads the NFL in receptions? It's Mason, who has hauled in 49 passes despite shaky QB play in Baltimore. This week, Mason and the Ravens take on the Bills, who rank 31st in the league in pass defense (287.8 ypg). So, no matter who is throwing the ball this weekend for the Ravens, count on Mason being the one to catch it.

WAIVER-WIRE WONDERS

Seahawks RB Leonard Weaver: This one is especially for deep leagues (12 or more teams), but he's worth keeping an eye on in 10-teamers, as well. Weaver had just seven touches last week against New Orleans, but they went for 93 yards. Even more importantly, Seattle kept Weaver on the field, in place of Shaun Alexander, for the team's final drive as the Seahawks tried to come from behind and win the game. With Weaver showing some explosive ability, and fans and Seattle booing Alexander's performances, don't be surprised to see Weaver getting more touches as the season goes on.

Saints WR David Patten: The Saints have spent all season looking for a reliable No. 2 receiver behind Marques Colston, and Patten is stepping up to the plate. Last week against Seattle, Patten snagged eight passes for 113 yards and looks to have built up a solid rhythm with Drew Brees. For owners of Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem, now would be the time to drop either in favor of Patten. And, if you have room to stash Patten on your bench, do it now before he starts putting up these numbers on a consistent basis.

INJURY REPORT

Another tough week for quarterbacks, as Kurt Warner suffered a torn ligament in his elbow, while Marc Bulger is trying to recover from cracked ribs in time to start this weekend. Steve McNair should be able to return to his starting role in Baltimore this week after missing last week's game, while the situation in Carolina is still up in the air as Vinny Testaverde won last week while filling in for the injured David Carr.

LaMont Jordan took on a small load last week after returning from a back injury, but look for that load to increase this week, barring any setbacks. The Patriots will be without Sammy Morris this week, so the team is hoping that Laurence Maroney can finally return from a groin injury in time to start this week. Brian Westbrook seems to be recovering well from an abdominal strain, and should be near 100 percent when he starts this week. Derrick Ward has been limited in practice this week, but the same was true last week, and he still played well and found the end zone.

Good news for owners of Anquan Boldin, Hines Ward and Javon Walker, as it looks like all will return to the starting lineup this week. Torry Holt missed practice on Wednesday with a knee injury, while Laveranues Coles was limited in practice because of a calf injury. Even so, expect both to start this week.

At tight end, the big news is that Ben Watson is likely to miss a couple of weeks with an ankle injury he sustained during last Sunday's win over Dallas.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT