*All fantasy numbers and projections will be used from our Fantasyknuckleheads.com fantasy league*

The number one fantasy player all season long has been Arian Foster, who was the only player to score over 400 fantasy points. Foster on average went in the 5^th-6^th round of most 12 team leagues; to be honest with you though, most years, the best fantasy player at the end of the year did not get drafted very early. To round out the top 5 fantasy players of the year: Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick and Drew Brees with Phillip Rivers at a very close 6^th. The thing to remember with the list though is that Michael Vick did not play at the beginning of the year and also was injured in the middle of the season with the rib injury. The reason people like Vick and Rodgers were on the top of this list is because of rushing yards as well, that really boosted a lot of their statistics. Just like Arian Foster had over 1,600 yards rushing, but what boosted his performance (in PPR leagues) to #1 was his 66 receptions for 600 yards and two touchdowns.

When looking at the total list of fantasy players that succeeded this season, I look at anyone who scored more than 200 total points; but the funny thing about making this list, is taking a look at some of the guys [absolute studs] who fell just below this mark, because to be honest with you, it really shocked me to take a look:

• Frank Gore: 201.44- had to have on list based on going on IR later in the season and ruining fantasy owners playoff run
• DeSean Jackson: 198.04- problem here was 9 games in single digit fantasy points killed owners, but made it up with 4 20+ point games this season
• Wes Welker: 188.98- real tough end to the year with 10 total fantasy points in last 3 games
• Brandon Marshall: 179.91- real disappointing this season; 8 straight games of single digit fantasy points does not work for owners
• Anquan Boldin: 165.74- 9 games of single digit fantasy points this year, and only two games above 20 fantasy points
• Chad Ochocinco: 152.39- Just under 5 fantasy points in final three games combined; exploded in week one with 32 fantasy points then went next 6 of 7 games in single digit fantasy land
• Ronnie Brown: 148.53- honestly where can I even start with him… As a Ronnie Brown owner, one of the most frustrating situations ever- had 4 games of double-digit fantasy points, in 9 games this year he scored between 7 and 8 fantasy points
• Ryan Matthews: 138.17- average draft position of around 20, frustrated the hell out of fantasy owners all season long; 4 games with zero FP, 6 games with under 7 FP- so that is 11 games under 7 FP this season, was almost as bad as the next two guys on this list
• Brett Favre: 125.16- two games of double-digit fantasy points this year… two, end of story
• Shonn Greene: 111.59- in some leagues, this guy went in the late first round… wow that’s frustrating for fantasy owners; I admit I traded Donald Driver for him earlier in the year, and it really never ended up mattering anyway. Four double-digit fantasy weeks, the one week people were banking on him exploding to win your championship, he “rested” with LT and Joe McKnight went nuts and did what you expected out of Greene.

The bottom of this list is really ridden with people who ended up on IR or just got buried below younger more talented players, but just shows how much productivity can take a hit when you lose studs really early in the season either way.

• Tony Romo: 120.73- played 6.5 weeks; projected total would equal around 270 fantasy points, will be good to go next year under Jason Garrett
• Vince Young: 91.70- played 10 of the first 11 weeks, scored negative fantasy points in week two versus Pittsburgh and scored single digit fantasy points in four other games
• Pierre Thomas: 87.46- either injured or in Sean Payton’s dog house all season long; missed 9 straight games in the middle of the season, but tons of potential; scored 46 fantasy points in the first three weeks of the year
• Randy Moss: 84.19- three different teams, 5 weeks of zero fantasy points, 4 weeks of double-digit fantasy points [all 4 weeks before week 8]
• Dallas Clark: 78.12- great player, especially because of how weak TE were this season [will talk about later]; played first 6 weeks, could have scored 200 fantasy points this year
• DeAngelo Williams: 55.16- played first 7 weeks of the season, shared carries with Jonathan Stewart, then Stewart came out and looked real good in the weeks he was healthy in Carolina
• Matthew Stafford: 51.50- fantasy owners got two games of 25 fantasy points in weeks 8 and 9 and basically nothing else at all- injuries killed his status this year
• Jermichael Finley: 51.07- projected as one of the best TE ends in the league pre-season, Finley played 4 games this year

The tight end position this season has been one of the worst things in fantasy sports history. 6 TE scored over 150 points this year [Witten, Gates, Vernon, Mercedes, Tony and Cooley]. There was a span this year where Antonio Gates was leading the league in fantasy points for a TE for weeks while he was still injured, it took Jason Witten a few big games to even catch Gates this season. If you were lucky enough to grab players like Jacob Tamme, Tony Moeaki or Jimmy Graham at points in the year, the TE position did not treat you that horribly. What is interesting though, is that if you started the season with Dallas Clark and was lucky enough to pick up Jacob Tamme at that moment, your “TE” position would have scored 213 total fantasy points this season.

Lets now take a look at some of the great pick ups in drafts this season; who was the guy that won your league for you based on simply getting “lucky” with a waiver wire pick up? If you started the year with Kevin Kolb, Tony Romo, Ryan Matthews, Randy Moss and Jermichael Finley and ended up with Michael Vick, Arian Foster, Peyton Hillis, Dwayne Bowe and Jacob Tamme you most likely won your league and saved yourself from fantasy disaster.

• Arian Foster: 404.66- 51 fantasy points to start the year versus Colts, one game of single digit fantasy points this year, enough said
• Michael Vick: 331.32- did not play 4.5 games and still put up these numbers, expect him to go number one in 2011 fantasy football drafts, especially with the rushing yards helping owners out every week
• Peyton Hillis: 297.02- one of the biggest anomalies in the league this year, former Denver Bronco took advantage of a run-first offense in Cleveland and scored single digit fantasy points in three games [unfortunately it was the last 3 games of the year for fantasy owners]
• Darren McFadden: 271.51- started season with 4 straight 15+ fantasy point games, missed two games, then scored 68 points in two games. From week 12-16 he rattled off 101 fantasy points when it counted for fantasy owners
• Josh Freeman: 264.44- one game of single digit fantasy points [against Pittsburgh, isn’t it always though], he was an absolute beast this season and probably other than Brady, the most consistent QB all year long
• Brandon Lloyd: 253.75- led the NFL in receiving yards, 5 games of single digit fantasy points, 6 games of 20+ points- a very good season overall for a guy that probably was not even drafted in most leagues
• Matt Cassel: 248.14- only threw 7 interceptions this year, five 20+ fantasy points this season and led the Chiefs to the playoffs
• Kyle Orton: 245.88- 12 straight weeks of double digit fantasy points, then he played the Chiefs and Cardinals, then lost job to Tim Tebow… wow what a year
• David Garrard: 239.26- started the season kind of weak with 75 fantasy points through first 7 weeks, but finished with 163.34 fantasy points in the next 9 games [missed week 17 due to injury]
• Hakeem Nicks: 223.68- Nicks missed three games this season and still put up amazing numbers for a wide receiver this year. Scored double digit fantasy points every week but one for the first 11 weeks of the season [4 games of 20+]
• Ryan Fitzpatrick: 222.90- did not play first two week of the season, but literally stole the job away with only two single digit games before the debacle in New England in week 16 and not playing in week 17; scored over 20 twice and over 30 twice… very good year for the Harvard graduate
• Stevie Johnson: 219.55- after starting very slow [10 pts in two weeks], Stevie scored double digit fantasy points in 8 of the next 9 weeks, then scored double digit only once in final four games- so a little confusing, but shows how well Ryan Fitzpatrick played this year
• Sam Bradford: 208.78- only 4 games with single digit fantasy points, unfortunately one of them was week 17 against Seattle, but for a rookie season… wow
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 202.47- the “law firm” 10 weeks of double digit fantasy points, from week 8 on, Ellis scored single digit fantasy points only twice
• Mike Tolbert: 183.90- 5 games of 20+ fantasy points, some weeks he was a beast and some weeks he only saw a couple of goal line carries, the Chargers running back position could be a great fantasy option if it was down to 1 and not 3
• Davone Bess: 172.72- 9 weeks of double-digit fantasy points, he was the security blanket for Chad Henne all season long, a very good PPR possession receiver
• Jacoby Ford: 170.04- We saw his explosion in week nine, from week nine on Ford scored 143.69 fantasy points in 7 games, could be a very good option the entire year next season

To end my recap article, I just want to give you a list of back up quarterbacks who either made a start or played significant amount of time this year and give you a taste of some rankings and projections for fantasy football 2011.

Week 17 starters with * next to name: Not all QBs named

Rex Grossman, Colt McCoy, Shaun Hill, Drew Stanton, Joe Webb, Tavaris Jackson, Kyle Boller,, Bruce Gradkowski, John Skelton, Richard Bartel *, Max Hall, Brian Brohm *, Brian St. Pierre, Tim Tebow, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee, Matt Leinart, Matt Flynn, Trent Edwards *, Brodie Croyle, Chad Pennington, Tyler Thigpen, Kevin Kolb, Mark Brunell *, Troy Smith, Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon, Charlie Whitehurst, Kerry Collins and Rusty Smith

2011 fantasy football tid bit:

Players that will now enter into the top few rounds of fantasy drafts next season are Michael Vick, Arian Foster, Peyton Hillis, Brandon Lloyd, Josh Freeman, Mike Williams [TB] and Hakeem Nicks just to name a few. What I think will be the interesting question going into next year, will be if Vick stays with the Eagles and if that will effect his draft status in fantasy owners minds. Here are a few questions to look for going into the grind of the 2011 fantasy football season:

Will the return of Montario Hardesty hurt any production from Peyton Hillis?

When DeAngelo Williams returns to the field for Carolina [they have first pick in April’s draft as well], will he or Jonathan Stewart be able to share workload and will either become good fantasy option?

Where will Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens end up next season? And how will that effect Carson Palmer?

Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton? Can they exist on same team? Where will Orton end up?

Does the Cowboys RB situation get any clearer next year?

Does return of Ben Tate and Derrick Ward effect status of Arian Foster being top 5 pick next season?

The Return of injured players from this year: Dallas Clark, Ryan Grant,

How will the Vikings treat their QB situation next year without Brett Favre?

With emergence of Chris Ivory, how will Saints RB situation work with fantasy?

Watch for Miami QB situation for status of Marshall, looked like he had no connection with Henne this year

Eli Manning turned over the ball over 40 times this year, that does not translate well into fantasy football success

LaDanian Tomlinson versus Shonn Greene should be very interesting to watch going into next year

Is Darren McFadden a top 10 RB?

How will Ryan Matthews, Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles work in SD next year?

Will Josh Freeman, LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams turn into fantasy studs again?

Who will be the quarterback in front of the most dangerous RB in football in Tennessee?

What will happen to the Redskins QB position and where will Donovan McNabb end up?

See you next season and thank you for reading my column

Waiver Wire Week 17

The Waiver Wire pick ups for week 16 were really good with Danny Amendola, Jimmy Graham, Andre Caldwell and Tim Tebow; while had a big dud with Mike Sims-Walker, who lost to Rex Grossman and the Redskins to basically forfeit any chance at making the playoffs. Here comes week 17, it is the most hated week of them all in terms of fantasy football. So, to start out the article I am going to make a list of which teams have clinched and have the chance to sit their players and which teams either need to play for seeding, or are yet to clinch a playoff berth. Anytime you hear about championships played in week 17, people constantly are against it; but for you fantasy owners that do have a big championship in week 17 [I have 3 of them, I understand], here are your waiver wire pick ups for week 17… let’s go out there and win a championship people [a lot more players than usual due to injuries + clinching byes].

Updated Injuries and Resting Players:

Hakeem Nicks- DOUBTFUL with broken toe

David Garrard- DOUBTFUL with surgery on middle finger on right hand

Maurice Jones-Drew- DOUBTFUL; he needs surgery on his knee, report says he has not gone on IR because he is waiting to see if team makes the playoffs; would be “tremendous miracle” if he was not OUT for Sunday

Michael Vick- OUT with rest

Playoff Scenarios-

NFC:

Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles [check status of LeSean McCoy, possible good pick up for Jerome Harrison; Michael Vick has now been ruled OUT for Sunday versus the Cowboys, so Kevin Kolb should get the start there] all have clinched playoff spots, but neither of them has clinched home field advantage; so they all have something to play for.

St. Louis Rams play the Seattle Seahawks [Charlie Whitehurst] for the right to clinch their division and host a playoff game; both teams have something to play for.

Green Bay Packers, New York Giants [Hakeem Nicks now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday with a broken toe] and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all can clinch playoff berths with different scenarios, but they all have something to play for.

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

Washington Redskins- Rex Grossman and Ryan Torain

Minnesota Vikings- Joe Webb/Brett Favre [Favre seems to be ruled out for Tuesday Night Football] and Adrian Peterson/Toby Gerhart

Detroit Lions- Shaun Hill and Jahvid Best/Maurice Morris

San Francisco 49ers [New Head Coach]- Troy Smith/Alex Smith and Brian Westbrook [I think has distinct advantage over Anthony Dixon]

Arizona Cardinals- John Skelton and Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower [Week 16: Beanie 11 carries, Hightower 6 carries]

Dallas Cowboys- Stephen McGee/Jon Kitna [looks to be leaning on McGee with injury to Kitna] and Felix Jones/Tashard Choice/Marion Barber [Felix getting bulk of carries and starting]

Carolina Panthers- Jimmy Clausen and Jonathan Stewart [will be Clausen last start before the Panthers are on the clock for April’s NFL Draft]

AFC:

New England Patriots have both clinched their division and have been earned home field advantage for the playoffs; they have nothing to play for this week at home versus the Dolphins. Possibly expect Brian Hoyer to replace Tom Brady at some point in this game and possible limited carries and touches for Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets have both clinched playoff berths and have nothing to play for because they cannot move up or down in terms of seeding. Keep updated all week on the status of Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles/Thomas Jones and Dwayne Bowe for Kansas City and for the Jets keep an eye on Mark Sanchez, LaDanian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes.

Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have both clinched playoff berths, but both can also win their respective divisions, which would give one of these teams the number two seed and the other one, the number five seed. Both teams will play all of their starters and expect the same amount of targets and touches for all studs.

Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars have neither clinched playoff berths, but both will play all of their starters with the opportunity to make the playoffs with a few different scenarios. What you are watching for here is the status of Maurice Jones-Drew [reportedly listed as OUT with his knee injury], if he does not go again this week; Rashad Jennings remains a very good option. David Garrard is now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday due to surgery on his right middle finger, so if this is someone you are relying on, you will have to look in some other places [Shaun Hill, Tim Tebow, Joe Webb or Kevin Kolb most likely].

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers and Ryan Matthews/Darren Sproles [Matthews has advantage here with recent injury to Mike Tolbert]

Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne and Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams

Oakland Raiders- Jason Campbell and Michael Bush/Darren McFadden [early reports have McFadden questionable, and Oakland could rest him with nothing to play for]

Tennessee Titans- Kerry Collins and Chris Johnson

Houston Texans- Matt Schaub and Arian Foster

Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis

Denver Broncos- Tim Tebow and Knowshon Moreno/Correll Buckhalter [Moreno was banged up last week, check on status against San Diego this week]

Buffalo Bills- Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson/C.J. Spiller [Fred Jackson should get a bulk of the carries, but check status later in the week]

Cincinnati Bengals- Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson/Bernard Scott [could definitely share carries this week, check on injury status to both backs by Sunday]

Here is a list of some back ups that could come in handy:

Jay Cutler- Todd Collins

Mark Sanchez- Mark Brunell

Matt Ryan- Chris Redman

Joe Webb- Brett Favre [if Favre cannot go, Patrick Ramsey]

Drew Brees- Chase Daniel

Matt Cassel- Brodie Croyle

David Garrard- Trent Edwards then Todd Bouman

Michael Vick- Kevin Kolb

Michael Turner- Jason Snelling

Matt Forte- Chester Taylor

Andre Johnson- Jacoby Jones

Waiver Wire: Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets- With LaDanian Tomlinson possibly resting up for the playoffs, I think this is my top waiver wire pick up based on the match up with Buffalo and the style of football the Jets will play in a game that does not mean anything to them.

Waiver Wire: Joe Webb, QB, Minnesota Vikings- Depending on what happens on Tuesday Night Football, Joe Webb is a great option for people that have him as a “WR/QB” in some leagues it’s a good option in fantasy standards. If he does not start and Brett Favre goes in week 16 or 17, make sure you have a replacement for him.

Waiver Wire: Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars- All season long I have been picking the wide receivers that play against Houston, I will not change that just because it is week 17. Mike Thomas has been good in the second half of the season and I think he will see a good amount of targets against this poor secondary. UDPATE: David Garrard now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday, which really hurts the status of Mike Thomas, Mike Sims-Walker and Mercedes Lewis.

Waiver Wire: Atlanta Falcons, Defense- Cannot deny the good match up against Carolina and they just lost at home in week 16 versus the Saints. This is a must win in terms of seeding and home field advantage for them and I see their defense stepping up big time in this one.

Waiver Wire: Jerome Harrison, RB, Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles might decide to rest LeSean McCoy due to injury and a multitude of options in terms of seeding, Jerome Harrison was a fantasy savior in the playoffs last year and I think he has the ability to show that potential again this year in week 17.

Waiver Wire: Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants- I am sure this guy is owned in a good percentage of leagues, but Eli Manning has been looking for him every week and they are playing the week Washington Redskins secondary and the Giants will be out for blood after two very poor performances in the past few weeks. UPDATE: great pick up now due to injury to Hakeem Nicks with a broke toe [listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday].

Waiver Wire: Blair White, WR, Indianapolis Colts- With Austin Collie on IR for the rest of the season, Blair White steps in as Peyton Manning’s new slot target and that receiver, whoever it is, always produces for the Colts and this week will be no different against the Tennessee Titans. White caught a TD last week and I see that trend continuing in a must win game for the Colts.

Waiver Wire: Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders- Like I said earlier, with Darren McFadden hurt at the moment wait and see if Oakland decides to sit him or limit his carries against a Chiefs team that has nothing to play for and have already clinched. Bush had 2 TD in week 15 versus the Broncos, so there is a good chance he can extend that success.

Waiver Wire: Emmanual Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers- He has caught 11 passes for 132 yards in his past two games and it really seems Roethlisberger is looking for him on a more constant basis than in the past. He seems to have slid right into the number 3 receiver for the Steelers and is being targeted multiple times per drive.

Like I said, a lot more information than usual this week, but since it is the last week before the playoffs I thought I would give you as much information as possible to help win you your championship this week. If your league already ended in week 16, hope I helped this season and very much look forward to week 1 next season.

In terms of my picks, they were very touch and go to say the least.  In a week where Eli Manning should have highlighted Kevin Boss he was really more of a side note with 2 catches for 28 yards on only 3 targets.  Jason Witten certainly helped my cause before coming up lame with an ankle injury with 5 catches for 42 yards and a score.  Speaking of coming up lame, Todd Heap was unable to continue his solid play as he strained his hamstring on the first play of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  How unfortunate.  So without those injuries I could have done better, but those are the things you can never predict in the world of fantasy sports.  Oh well.  On the other side of the spectrum, Jimmy Graham proved he is for real despite my doubts with a solid encore performance with 3 catches for 72 yards against the Bungles.  Besides Mister Graham I was spot on with the other two “Sit” selections as Zach Miller and Visanthe Shiancoe continue their fantasy football disappearing acts with a combined 3 catches for 22 yards.

As most leagues come to a close and playoff berths and victories are on the line it is important to monitor the matchups.  It’s all about the matchups.  So as we enter Week 14 of the fantasy/NFL season I have turned my focus to guys who can bring it in the clutch, and have the best chance to succeed against their opposition… obviously.

So here are my TE Start / Sit Picks for Week 14…

And here is who to sit in Week 14:

Will Brandon Marshall get back to his playmaking ways?

Week Three Fantasy Football Projections

Denver @ Oakland – The Broncos cruise into this game undefeated, that being said both wins came against Ohio teams so take their 2-0 record for what its worth – not much. Kyle Orton has been surprisingly efficient, as he has yet to throw in interception, but his numbers are still severely skewed by the 87 yards game-winner in week one. Without that freak play Orton’s yards-per-attempt drops from a healthy 7.8 down to a meager 6.5. Correll Buckhalter has looked like the better back over the first two weeks, but Knowshon Moreno has the talent to create a bigger role for himself as the season progresses. Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall have under-produced thus far. Royal could break out of his funk this week, but if Oakland shadows Marshall with Nnamdi Asomugha it will be a long day for anyone with Marshall in their starting lineup.

At what point is the Raiders coaching staff going to look at each other and say “why did we cut Jeff Garcia?”? JaMarcus Russell has only thrown 2 interceptions in two games, but his 5.9 YPA and 35% completions make him easily the worst starting QB in the NFL. Talented receivers Zach Miller and Louis Murphy are virtually unplayable in fantasy leagues because Russell cannot be relied upon to deliver them the ball. Because of their ineptitude through the air, opposing defense have been able to lock in on the Raiders running game, holding Darren McFadden to just 3.6 yards per carry. Denver’s defense has held its first two opponents to a combined 13 points. Playing at home, Oakland will be doing well if they can match last week’s points total of 13.

Kyle Orton – 230 passing yards, 1 TD

Correll Buckhalter – 80 total yards, 1 TD

Knowshon Moreno – 80 total yards

Eddie Royal – 8 receptions 100 yards, 1 TD

Brandon Marshall – 3 receptions 35 yards

JaMarcus Russell – 150 passing yards

Darren McFadden – 80 total yards

Michael Bush – 60 total yards

Louis Murphy – 4 receptions 70 yards

Zach Miller – 6 receptions 80 yards

Final Score – Denver 17, Oakland 6

Miami @ San Diego – The Dolphins did everything right on Monday night against the Colts. They dominated the running game on offense and defense, they controlled the clock, and they didn’t turn the ball over. So how did they lose? Similar to the Chargers week two loss, Miami played very well on offense, but just couldn’t put the ball in the end zone. Both San Diego and Miami were forced to attempt four field goals in week two instead of scoring TDs, and for both team that was the difference between winning and losing. Recent trends suggest the Chargers will have trouble running the ball but Philip Rivers should be in for another big game. Miami is just so imbalance on offense and defense they will continue to give up passing yards and without any explosiveness in their passing game Chad Pennington will be under a lot of pressure to step up his game and make some plays down-field. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, that plays into the Chargers strengths.

Philip Rivers- 300 passing yards, 2 TDs

LaDainian Tomlinson – 75 total yards, 1 TD

Darren Sproles – 100 total yards

Vincent Jackson- 5 receptions 100 yards 2 TDs

Antonio Gates – 5 receptions 75 yards

Final Score – San Diego 31, Miami 23

If Matt Cassel doesn't improve soon he could find himself back in a familiar place - the bench

Kansas City @ Philadelphia – Will Donovan McNabb play this week, or will it be Kevin Kolb? If its Kolb, who’s number two, Vick or Garcia? Well, quite simply, even if DeSean Jackson took every snap from the wildcat the Eagles would have no problem beating the Chiefs. With all the money and draft picks KC gave up for Matt Cassel, he is the second best QB on the team. Whether or not management will allow their big offseason pickup to be benched, perennial ER visitor Brodie Croyle outplayed Cassel throughout the preseason and looked much better in the opener versus the Ravens than Cassel did against the Raiders. You can argue all day whether Larry Johnson is washed up or if KC’s O-line just isn’t opening holes, either way the Chiefs running game will not be taking any pressure off of the passing game any time soon. Dwayne Bowe is easily the best offensive player for the Chiefs so he will be targeted constantly, but I just don’t think KC sniffs the end zone this week.

Matt Cassel – 225 passing yards, 0 TD 3 INTs

Larry Johnson – 50 total yards

Dwayne Bowe – 5 receptions 70 yards

Final Score – Philadelphia 35, Kansas City 3

Vincent Jackson could be much better this week without Nnamdi Asomugha covering him.

It was a very exciting week one for the AFC West, with every game going down to the last two minutes. Oakland and Kansas City were big surprises in defeat, while Denver and San Diego pulled out last-second touchdown drives to win. San Diego is still the clear favorite to win this division, but week one produced many questions about the Chargers and the other teams in the West:

Is LT really done being a fantasy stud?

Has Legedu Naanee replaced Chris Chambers as San Diego’s #2 wide receiver?

Can Darren Sproles be an every-down back in the NFL?

Will one back emerge in Denver, or will they continue to make each other fantasy-irrelevant?

Will Brandon Marshall increase his production as he learns the offense in Denver?

Which Oakland back, McFadden or Bush, is the one to own?

Will Louis Murphy be the best rookie WR this year?

Could Brodie Croyle push Matt Cassel for the starting job even when Cassel is healthy?

Week Two Fantasy Football Projections:

Baltimore @ San Diego – After surviving a close call against Oakland on Monday Night, the Chargers will have a much more challenging matchup this week. The 24 points Baltimore surrendered to the lowly Chiefs is a misleading stat, as KC managed under 200 yards of total offense. Combine that with the Ravens’ suddenly potent offense and San Diego will be given all they can handle.

LT was once again on the sideline during a pivotal drive, which is becoming an all too familiar sight. Darren Sproles filled in nicely once again, scoring the game-winner on a brilliant draw play. I am still skeptical about Sproles’ ability to take the reins from Tomlinson, but it is becoming very difficult to overlook the 5’6 spark-plug.

Philip Rivers – 200 passing yards, 1 TD 1 INT

LaDainian Tomlinson – 70 total yards, 0 TD

Darren Sproles – 80 total yards, 0 TD

Vincent Jackson – 4 receptions 80 yards, 1 TD

Antonio Gates – 6 receptions 75 yards, 0 TD

Final Score – Baltimore 24, San Diego 13

Cleveland @ Denver – On one hand, the Browns defense was horrible, giving up 310 total yards and 34 points to Minnesota in week one. On the other hand, Denver doesn’t have Adrian Peterson. Almost one-third of the Broncos total offense came on that freak-play tipped ball on their last offensive snap, and they were only able to muster 12 points against the traditionally bad Bengal defense.

Despite the huge day Peterson had against them, I still think Cleveland’s defense is significantly better than Cincinnati’s. Bad news for the Broncos who rushed for just 75 yards against the Bengals, including a lackluster 2.4 YPC from first-round pick Knowshon Moreno. The majority of Kyle Orton’s fantasy points came on the aforementioned “immaculate deflection”, as he was just 16/27 for 156 yards and 0 TDs to that point.

Kyle Orton- 200 yards passing, 1 TD 2 INTs

Correll Buckhalter – 60 total yards 1 TD (receiving)

Knowshon Moreno – 50 total yards 0 TD

Eddie Royal – 5 receptions 55 yards 0 TD

Brandon Marshall – 4 receptions 60 yards 0 TD

Final Score – Cleveland 23, Denver 7

Darren McFadden is in for a big day in Week Two.

Oakland @ Kansas City – Both of these teams put in surprising performances against superior teams last week, but neither one was able to close the deal. Oakland’s defense looked good for three quarters, but JaMarcus Russell continues inching closer and closer to “bust” status. The Chiefs took advantage of big plays on defense and special teams but just weren’t able to get enough offensive production against the vaunted Ravens D.

We still don’t know for sure who will play QB for the Chiefs with Matt Cassel still recovering for a preseason knee injury. Brodie Croyle was fairly efficient considering the Chiefs complete lack of a running game against Baltimore. He completed 67% of his passes for 2 TDs and no picks. Maybe the most impressive stat for Croyle was that he actually finished the game.

For Oakland it was an inspired performance that turned into another heart-breaking loss to the team that has dominated them over the last 6 seasons. Russell struggled with accuracy once again, completing only 40% of his passes and throwing two picks. However, the Raiders showed that they can run the ball and stop the run which is usually the first step in the rebuilding process. Kansas City will have to come up with more big plays on defense and special teams to win this, or any other, game this year.

JaMarcus Russell – 175 yards passing, 0 TD 1 INT

Darren McFadden – 125 total yards, 2 TD

Michael Bush – 40 total yards, 0 TD

Louis Murphy – 3 receptions 65 yards, 0 TD

Zach Miller – 5 receptions 60 yards, 0 TD

Croyle/Cassel – 200 yards passing, 1 TD 1 INT

Larry Johnson – 50 total yards, 0 TD

Dwayne Bowe – 5 receptions 60 yards, 1 TD

Final Score – Oakland 17, Kansas City 13

Cassel is questionable for Week 1 for the Chiefs. Brodie Croyle is expected to start in his absence.

The NFL season kicked off on Thursday with a big injury to the Steelers Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu. The hard hitting safety may miss 3-6 weeks according to coaches speculation, with a sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Here are other injuries around the NFL more relevant to the weekend matchups.

As reported per NFL guidelines Friday September 11

DALLAS COWBOYS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Cowboys

Out: CB Michael Hamlin (wrist), LB Curtis Johnson (hamstring), LB Jason Williams (ankle)

Questionable: QB Stephen McGee (knee)

Buccaneers

Out: CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder)

Doubtful: TE John Gilmore (ankle), LB Adam Hayward (ankle)

Questionable: DE Kyle Moore (groin)

Probable: WR Antonio Bryant (knee), WR Michael Clayton (hamstring), DT Ryan Sims (not injury related)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Bucs, Bryant and Clayton both participated in full practice Wednesday and Friday, while being limited on Thursday.

DENVER BRONCOS at CINCINNATI BENGALS

Broncos

Out: S Josh Barrett (shoulder), DT Le Kevin Smith (knee)

Questionable: WR Jabar Gaffney (finger), G Chris Kupar (ankle), RB Knowshon Moreno (knee), QB Kyle Orton (right finger), QB Chris Simms (ankle)

Probable: S Brian Dawkins (hand)

Bengals

Out: CB David Jones (foot), T Andre Smith (foot)

Questionable: G Scott Kooistra (knee)

Probable: WR Chris Henry (thigh), QB Carson Palmer (ankle), S Roy Williams (thigh)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Broncos, Gaffney, Moreno and Orton have been limited in practice Wed-Fri.

For the Bengals, Henry did not participate in Thursday’s practice but he participated in full on practice Friday. For Palmer, he participated in full practice Wed-Fri.

DETROIT LIONS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Lions

Doubtful: QB Drew Stanton (knee)

Questionable: CB Phillip Buchanon (neck), WR Yamon Figurs (finger), G Stephen Peterman (ankle)

Probable: K Jason Hanson (right knee), DE Jason Hunter (ribs), DT Grady Johnson (knee), WR Dennis Northcutt (hand)

Saints

Out: T Jamaal Brown (hernia), TE Darnell Dinkins (foot), RB Pierre Thomas (knee)

Probable: TE Jeremy Shockey (ankle), S Usama Young (shoulder)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Lions, Hanson and Northcutt were limited in practice Wed-Fri.

For the Saints, Thomas sat out practice Wed-Fri, Shockey did not participate on Friday.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Jaguars

Out: TE Zach Miller (knee)

Probable: DT Derek Landri (knee), T Tra Thomas (back)

Colts

Out: S Bob Sanders (knee), TE Tom Santi (ankle), CB Jamie Silva (abdomen)

Questionable: DT Fili Moala (knee)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Jags, Miller did not participate Wed-Fri.

For the Colts, Sanders and Santi did not participate Wed-Fri.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at BALTIMORE RAVENS

Chiefs

Questionable: QB Matt Cassel (knee), WR Terrance Copper (hamstring), CB Brandon Flowers (shoulder)

Ravens

Doubtful: TE L.J. Smith (hamstring)

Questionable: LB Dannell Ellerbe (knee)

Probable: LB Brandon Ayanbadejo (foot), DE Haloti Ngata (knee)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Chiefs, Cassel was limited in practice Wed-Fri. Copper was limited Thurs-Fri.

For the Ravens, Smith did not participate Wed-Fri. Ayanbadejo was limited Weds. But participated fully Thur-Fri. Ngata was limited Wed-Fri.

MIAMI DOLPHINS at ATLANTA FALCONS

Dolphins

Probable: CB Vontae Davis (knee)

Falcons

Out: S William Moore (hamstring)

Probable: DE John Abraham (knee), DE Chauncey Davis (foot), LB Tony Gilbert (hamstring), C Todd McClure (calf), RB Jerious Norwood (knee), LS Mike Schneck (knee)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Falcons, Turner participated fully Wed-Fri.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CLEVELAND BROWNS

Vikings

Out: LB Erin Henderson (calf)

Questionable: WR Bernard Berrian (hamstring)

Probable: TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand)

Browns

Out: G Rex Hadnot (knee)

Doubtful: RB Cedric Peerman (thigh)

Questionable: LB David Bowens (knee), RB Jerome Harrison (knee), DT Shaun Rogers (foot), CB Eric Wright (knee)

Probable: LB Alex Hall (shoulder), TE Steve Heiden (knee)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Vikes, Berrian was limited in practice Wed-Fri. Kleinsasser was limited Wed-Thurs, but participated fully on Friday.

For the Browns, Bowens, Harrison, Rogers, and Wright participated on a limited basis Wed-Fri. Peerman did not practice Wed-Fri. Heiden participated fully.

NEW YORK JETS at HOUSTON TEXANS

Jets

Questionable: DE Mike DeVito (hamstring)

Probable: QB Kellen Clemens (right elbow), RB Shonn Greene (ribs), TE Dustin Keller (toe), LB Bryan Thomas (ankle), WR Wallace Wright (knee)

Texans

Out: CB Jacques Reeves (fibula), CB Eugene Wilson (knee)

Questionable: DT Deljuan Robinson (calf), WR Kevin Walter (hamstring)

Probable: QB Matt Schaub (ankle)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Jets, DeVito was limited in practice Wed-Fri. Clemens, Greene, Thomas, Keller and Wright participated fully Wed-Fri.

For the Texans, Walter did not participate in practice Wed-Fri. Schaub participated fully Wed-Fri.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at CAROLINA PANTHERS

Eagles

Probable: T Shawn Andrews (back), G Todd Herremans (foot), LB Joe Mays (shoulder)

Out: C Nick Cole (knee), WR Kevin Curtis (knee), T King Dunlap (elbow), LB Moise Fokou (shoulder), DE Darren Howard (groin), T Winston Justice (shoulder), CB Dimitri Patterson (ankle), DT Mike Patterson (ankle), RB Leonard Weaver (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (knee), LB Tracy White (rib)

Panthers

Questionable: S Chris Harris (knee), CB Sherrod Martin (knee)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Eagles, Westbrook was limited Fri. Curtis and Weaver participated fully Wed-Fri.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS

49ers

Out: LB Ahmad Brooks (knee), WR Brandon Jones (shoulder)

Cardinals

Questionable: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring), WR Early Doucet (ribs), QB Brian St. Pierre (back)

Probable: WR Steve Breaston (knee), WR Sean Morey (ribs), S Matt Ware (shoulder)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Cardinals, Boldin did not practice Wed and was limited Thurs-Fri. Morey was limited Wed-Fri. Breaston participated fully.

ST. LOUIS RAMS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Rams

Out: S Craig Dahl (hamstring), T John Greco (wrist)

Questionable:  LB Larry Grant (knee)

Probable: QB Marc Bulger (right finger)

Seahawks

Out: T Walter Jones (knee), C Chris Spencer (quadricep)

Doubtful: CB Travis Fisher (hamstring), DE Derek Walker (hamstring)

Questionable: WR Deion Branch (hamstring), S C.J. Wallace (rib)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Rams, Bulger was limited Wed-Thurs. participated fully on Friday. Gado was limited Wed, and participated fully Thurs.

For the Seahawks, Branch did not practice Wed-Fri.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS at NEW YORK GIANTS

Redskins

Probable: CB Carlos Rogers (calf), T Mike Williams (ankle)

Giants

Out: CB Aaron Ross (hamstring)

Doubtful: T Adam Koets (ankle), LB Clint Sintim (groin)

Questionable: CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring)

CHICAGO BEARS at GREEN BAY PACKERS on Sunday night

Bears

Questionable: WR Devin Aromashodu (quadricep), CB Charles Tillman (back)

Probable: DT Israel Idonije (hamstring)

Packers

Doubtful: RB Brandon Jackson (ankle)

Questionable: CB Will Blackmon (quadricep), DT B.J. Raji (ankle)

Probable: QB Matt Flynn (right shoulder), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Bears, Aromashodu was limited Thurs-Fri. Tillman participated Wed-Fri.

For the Packers, Jackson did not participate Wed-Fri. Raji did not participate Wed, but was limited Thurs-Fri.

BUFFALO BILLS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS on Monday night

Stay tuned for updates as the game approaches.

Bills

Out: TE Fine, Derek (Hamstring), CB Florence, Drayton (Knee)

Probable: DT Johnson, Spencer (Thigh)

Patriots

Out: Slater, Matthew WR (Elbow)

Questionable: Edelman, Julian WR (Ankle) , OL Connolly, Dan (Back), DL Pryor, Myron  (Calf), WR Welker, Wes (Knee), CB Wheatley, Terrence (Knee)

Probable: QB Brady, Tom (Right Shoulder), DB Lockett, Bret (Chest), RB Morris, Sammy (Finger), CB Springs, Shawn (Knee), TE Watson, Benjamin (Hamstring)    

Fantasy Considerations: For the Patriots, Brady participated fully Thurs-Sat. Welker was limited Thurs-Sat. Morris was limited Thurs-Fri., and participated fully Sat.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at OAKLAND RAIDERS on Monday night

Chargers

Questionable: DT Jacques Cesaire (calf)

 Probable: T Marcus McNeill (hand)

 Raiders:

Out: WR Chaz Schilens (Foot)

Doubtful: WR Nick Miller (Shin), T Khalif Barnes (Ankle)

Questionable: WR Justin Fargas (Hamtring)

 Probable: CB Nmamdi Asomugha (Wrist), LB Isaiah Edejiuba (Shoulder), LB Kirk Morrison (Elbow)

Fantasy Considerations: For the Raiders, Fargas did not participate Thurs, and was limited Fri-Sat. Miller was limited Thurs, and did not participate Fri-Sat.