| Newsbreakers |
|
|
| Philadelphiaeagles.com reports that Brian Westbrook missed all three practices this week. Westbrook, who sat out of workouts with inflammation in both his knee and ankle, seems to be a game-time decision Sunday in Baltimore as he is dealing with various knee and ankle ailments. |
Our View: It looks like Correll Buckhalter will see the bulk of the carries for Philadelphia this week against a very stout run defense. |
|
|
|
| Philadelphiaeagles.com reports that Correll Buckhalter will do the bulk of the running this Sunday as the Eagles square off with the Ravens. Brian Westbrook has been limited by a bad ankle. |
Our View: Despite making the occasional big play when he gets the ball, Buckhalter has combined for just seven touches in the last three games. But with those touches, Buckhalter has gained 76 yards – nearly 11 per touch. He gained 44 yards on one catch in Cincinnati last week. He has three touchdowns this season. Were he not facing Baltimore, he would probably make a decent starter. |
|
|
|
| Running back Brian Westbrook sat out a second straight practice with knee and ankle injuries, according to PhillyBurbs.com. "I'm pretty sure it's not going to be completely healed, this week or next week or whenever. It's one of those situations where you try to get it as good as you can get it on Sunday and then play through it,” Westbrook said. |
Our View: We're betting Westbrook gives it a go on Sunday, but we don't recommend starting him as he faces a tough matchup against a Baltimore run defense that was somewhat embarrassed last week. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook said that his ankle injuries will continue to be a problem for the rest of the season until he can rest, according to the Eagles' official site. |
Our View: Westbrook isn't as productive when he's playing hurt, but he's still a better bet in fantasy than many alternatives. We'll keep you posted on his status for the weekend. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook did not practice Wednesday while nursing knee and ankle ailments, according to the Eagles' official website. |
Our View: The Eagles have a tough match-up against the Ravens this weekend, so fantasy owners may not be wise to go with Correll Buckhalter as a replacement if Westbrook is unable to go. |
|
|
|
| Jason LaCanfora of the Washington Post is hearing that Brian Westbrook is badly hurt and wonders if the Eagles will shut him down, at least for a week or two. |
Our View: To make matters worse, the Eagles have to contend with a relentless and hard-hitting Ravens' defense in Week 12. It was previously reported that Westbrook looked hobbled during practice earlier in the week. Fantasy owners should have insurance in place in case he is unable to go. |
|
|
|
| The Eagles have signed defensive lineman Babatunde Oshinowo to their practice squad, according to the Eagles' official website. He replaces linebacker Andy Studebaker, who was signed by the Chiefs.
|
Our View: He was a sixth-round pick of the Browns in 2006, and spent the 2008 preseason with the Redskins prior to being released on August 24. He will hold no value for IDP leagues if called into action. |
|
|
|
| Donovan McNabb was unable to lead the Eagles to a win over the Bengals in Week 11, but coach Andy Reid noted that his job is secure, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Reid is not considering replacing McNabb with Kevin Kolb at quarterback, and the coach said, "The easy thing is to point fingers at Donovan. I'm not saying he isn't responsible, but there are other people that also have a piece of that, and we need to get that straightened out." |
Our View: This is good news for fantasy owners that his job is safe, but will be a gut-check for fantasy owners this weekend against a strong Ravens' pass defense. |
|
|
|
| NFL.com reports that Eagles coach Andy Reid said the fact that some of his players, such as quarterback Donovan McNabb, were unaware that NFL games could end in ties did not factor into how the game was played. |
Our View: McNabb said after the Eagles tied the Bengals that he "never even knew it was in the rulebook," that games could end in ties, which is a startling acknowledgment for a veteran who has played in the league for so long. |
|
|
|
| Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb may be playing his final games for the franchise in 2008, as the team could look to move to Kevin Kolb next year, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. |
Our View: McNabb has had a pretty good year, throwing for 14 scores, but his completion percentage is once again under 60 percent, and his performance in Philly's tie against the Bengals was horrid, with four turnovers, including three interceptions. Not to mention the fact that he said he had no idea there could be ties in the NFL, and that he thought another overtime period would be played, which is fairly inexcusable for a player with his experience. |
|
|
|
| Defensive end Trent Cole finished with five solo tackles, five assists, and two sacks in the Week 11 tie with the Bengals. It was his first multiple-sack game of the year. |
Our View: Cole has been a disappointment from the sack standpoint this year, but he is an excellent tackler for a defensive lineman. He remains a higher-end lineman for IDP leagues. |
|
|
|
| Running back Brian Westbrook rushed 14 times for 60 yards and caught three passes for 11 yards in the Week 11 tie with the Bengals. |
Our View: Did the Eagles mistakenly replace Westbrook with Reno Mahe a few weeks ago? The stud is clearly not 100 percent, as he's gone three straight games without a score and without a 100 total yards. His current streak of sub-par play is worrisome. |
|
|
|
| Quarterback Donovan McNabb tossed three picks and lost a fumble in the Week 11 tie with the Bengals. He completed 28-of-58 passes for 339 yards and one touchdown. |
Our View: Our unofficial count was 11 bad overthrows, 10 tipped balls by defensive linemen, and five more could-have-been picks. We're exaggerating, but McNabb was awful. |
|
|
|
| Wide receiver DeSean Jackson during the fourth quarter of the Week 11 game against the Bengals. He walked off under his own power. |
Our View: Jackson might not be back with only a few minutes remaining, but the initial look is that he avoided a serious injury. |
|
|
|
| Safety Brian Dawkins limped off the field late in the first quarter of the Week 11 game against the Bengals. |
Our View: Dawkins is a tough guy who tends to fight through injuries, so we wouldn't be surprised if he comes back in this game. We'll update his status when more is known. |
|
|
|
| Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (groin) is active for the Week 11 game against the Bengals. |
Our View: The rookie should be a decent fantasy start against a weak Bengals defense. |
|
|
|
| Running back Brian Westbrook (knee) is active for the Week 11 game against the Bengals. |
Our View: Westbrook may be less than 100 percent, but he is a good start against the lowly Bengals. |
|
|
|
| Week 11 inactives: QB A.J. Feeley (3rd), RB Lorenzo Booker, RB Kyle Eckel, LB Joe Mays, DE Bryan Smith, G Shawn Andrews, G Mike McGlynn, TE Matt Schobel. |
Our View: Brian Westbrook, Asante Samuel, Brian Dawkins, and DeSean Jackson are all active, as expected. The Eagles are near full strength for this matchup in Cincinnati. |
|
|
|
| Asante Samuel practiced Friday and is expected to start Sunday at Cincinnati, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He has been dealing with a sore hip but coach Andy Reid said, "He practiced all day. He's fine."
|
Our View: Samuel hasn't been racking up many tackles this season with the Eagles, but hauled in three interceptions. He will be counted on to slow down Chad Johnson and the Bengals' aerial attack. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook is expected to be fine despite sitting out the end of Friday's practice, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Coach Andy Reid said, "He's fine. When you go on that turf like we did yesterday, it bangs up his legs a little. So I was just giving him a little bit of a breather."
|
Our View: He should be penciled into fantasy lineups in a favorable match-up against the Bengals' 25th ranked run defense. |
|
|
|
| Asante Samuel did not practice on Thursday because of his injured hip, according to the Bengals Official Website. |
Our View: Samuel was not on the injury report for Wednesday, so make sure you check in on his status at practice before you roll with him in your lineup this weekend. |
|
|
|
| Eagles guard Shawn Andrews had complications following his back surgery, which is why he has been in California for three weeks, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He had a little bit of bleeding back there, I guess, is what they described it as," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. |
Our View: The team still has not placed Andrews on injured reserve, meaning they expect him back sometime before the season ends. |
|
|
|
| Quarterback Donovan McNabb missed practice on Wednesday because of personal reasons, according to the Eagles official web site. |
Our View: Head coach Andy Reid said that the issue is not expected to last through the entire week. |
|
|
|
| Guard Shawn Andrews is scheduled to have a doctor's appointment in California on Wednesday to see if he can travel back to Philadelphia following back surgery, according to the Eagles official web site. |
Our View: It is unknown at this time when Andrews could make a return to the playing field.Head coach Andy Reid said that he is leaving the option open for him to come back by keeping his spot open on the roster. |
|
|
|
| Long snapper Jon Dorenbos missed Wednesday's practice with an AC sprain, according to the Eagles official web site. |
Our View: Head coach Andy Reid said he does not expect Dorenbos to miss the Eagles game this weekend against the Bengals. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Eagles' official website. He is listed on the injury report with his knee injury. |
Our View: He is banged up, but today's full participation is encouraging news. He has a great match-up this weekend against the Bengals' 25th ranked run defense. |
|
|
|
| DeSean Jackson is listed on the injury report with a groin injury, but fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Eagles' official website. |
Our View: The dazzling rookie should be available for this weekend's match-up with Cincinnati. |
|
|
|
| Shawn Andrews is awaiting approval to return to Philadelphia after spending the past three weeks in California while recovering from surgery to fix a herniated disc in his back, according to the Eagles' official website. The Eagles remain hopeful he can return to the gridiron this season, and coach Andy Reid said, "We'll just see. Right now we're OK without that spot with him doing what he's doing right now, and we'll just see what time does here for him."
|
Our View: Max Jean-Gilles is slated to make another start at right guard in Andrews' place this weekend against Cincinnati. |
|
|
|
| The Eagles are 5-4 and quarterback Donovan McNabb commented on the urgency to get on track, according to ProFootballTalk.com. McNabb said, "I hope that others see our situation as I see it. We have enough talent in our locker room to be a winning team. We certainly have our backs against the wall. We have to come out fighting from start to finish. I need to get into a rhythm early and stay in that groove till the final whistle. We all do."
|
Our View: McNabb has thrown five touchdown passes over his last two games, and should get the upper hand against the Bengals' 10th ranked pass defense this weekend. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook commented on his health, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Westbrook said, "It's tough to say what your percentage of health is. As a player, you go into every game ready to play, but of course, you're never going to be quite 100 percent during the season. Once you get injured once in the football season, it takes a long time to get completely healthy. For me, I'm still fighting the injury bug, tying to get completely healthy. There's no question I'm not 100 percent. My goal is to be out there and try to help this team. I want to be out there until coach feels I'm not able to help this team anymore. I think I'm still able to help this team win football games."
|
Our View: He is banged up but is still averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He should be able to exploit the Bengals' 25th ranked run defense and generate solid fantasy numbers this weekend. |
|
|
|
| Linebacker Stewart Bradley recorded 14 tackles in the Eagles' 36-31 loss to the Giants on Sunday night. |
Our View: Bradley has had a solid year for the Eagles. In 2008 the linebacker has recorded 64 tackles a sack and a fumble recovery. |
|
|
|
| Wide receiver DeSean Jackson led the Eagles in receiving in Philadelphia's 36-31 loss to the Giants. The rookie from California caught four passes for 61 yards. |
Our View: Jackson has had a great rookie season so far. He has recorded a touchdown and two 100 yard receiving games. |
|
|
|
| Donovan McNabb throw for three touchdowns and 194 yards in the Eagles Sunday night loss to the Giants. |
Our View: McNabb has returned to form as a leading quarterback on fantasy teams. This week was the second straight week he thrown for two touchdowns and has 12 on the year. |
|
|
|
| Eagles inactives: QB A.J. Feeley, DL Bryan Smith, LB Joe Mays, FB Kyle Eckel, RB Lorenzo Booker, TE Matt Schobel, OL Mike McGlynn, OG Shawn Andrews. |
Our View: None of these inactive players have any fantasy value. |
|
|
|
| Eagles wideout Greg Lewis may be inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants because all six of the team's receivers are healthy for the first time, according to Scout.com. |
Our View: Teams don't need six receivers to be active, so those with that many on the roster almost always inactivate one. Lewis has 16 catches for 225 yards this year, so his absence should not affect fantasy squads. |
|
|
|
| Lito Sheppard practiced for the first time Friday since leaving last week's game with a groin injury, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He said, "I feel well, swell. Today was a good indication that I was able to do what's necessary. I think I'll be fine."
|
Our View: He is expected to serve as the Eagles' No. 3 cornerback this weekend against the Giants. He will solidify the depth of the secondary, but holds no fantasy value in IDP leagues. |
|
|
|
| Brian Dawkins missed Thursday's practice due to hamstring spasms, but is expected to play this weekend against the NFC East rival Giants, according to PhillyBurbs.com. |
Our View: Dawkins is no longer in the elite class among safeties, but is still a solid pro, and will be needed while contending with Eli Manning and the Giants' efficient offense. |
|
|
|
| L.J. Smith was able to practice all week without any issues regarding his recovery from a concussion, and deems himself ready to play Sunday against the Giants, according to PhillyBurbs.com. |
Our View: Barring a setback, he will return to the starting lineup over Brent Celek in a potentially high-scoring game against New York. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook was limited in practice for a second straight day Thursday while nursing his rib and ankle ailments, according to the Eagles' official website. |
Our View: Assuming he can fully practice Friday, he should be good to go to start Sunday against the NFC East rival Giants. |
|
|
|
| L.J. Smith fully practiced for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Eagles' official website. He is recovering from a concussion. |
Our View: Barring a setback, he should be ready to return to his starting post at tight end this weekend in a NFC East slugfest with the Giants. |
|
|
|
| Lito Sheppard missed Wednesday's practice while nursing a groin injury, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He stated there is a chance he will practice Thursday. |
Our View: He is hopeful to be ready for Sunday's NFC East showdown with the Giants. He holds little to no fantasy value as the Eagles' No. 3 cornerback. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to the Eagles' official website. |
Our View: He was likely limited as a precaution as he had been dealing with knee and rib injuries, and should be fine to handle his normal workload Sunday in a key NFC East showdown with the Giants. |
|
|
|
| L.J. Smith, who is recovering from a concussion, fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Eagles' official website. |
Our View: He is expected to return to the lineup this weekend against the Giants. The game looks to be a classic NFC East slugfest. |
|
|
|
| David Akers had a big day for the Eagles, making four field goals from distances of 24, 39, 39, and 42 in addition to two extra points. |
Our View: Akers has been consistent on short attempts this year, and kept it up in Seattle. |
|
|
|
| Reggie Brown made one catch for a 22-yard touchdown reception on Sunday. |
Our View: Brown's had a very disappointing season, but perhaps this could be the beginning of a resurgence for him. |
|
|
|
| Kevin Curtis made six receptions for 83 yards on Sunday against the Seahawks. |
Our View: Curtis, who has been hampered by injuries all season, can be viewed as a solid pickup in most leagues, and could even be worth a start next week. |
|
|
|
| Brent Celek had six receptions for a career high 131 yards receiving. |
Our View: This outburst by Celek should be viewed as an outstanding game by a below average player. Celek won't have any real fantasy value unless he has a few weeks like this strung together. |
|
|
|
| Brian Westbrook only had 61 yards on 20 carries Sunday, but also added 35 yards through the air on six receptions. |
Our View: Westbrook neared 100 total yards on Sunday, and should remain in fantasy lineups for next week against the Giants. |
|
|
|
| Donovan McNabb had a huge game for the Eagles in Seattle. He went 28 for 43 for 349 yards and threw for two touchdowns. He also had one interception, and ran for six yards on two carries. |
Our View: McNabb has returned to form as a fantasy stud this season. Still, try and base your lineup off of matchups if you have another solid quarterback. |
|
|
|
| Lito Sheppard was forced out of Sunday's game against Seattle due to an apparent groin injury. |
Our View: The team is yet to update his status. He holds little to no fantasy value, but is the best No. 3 cornerback in the NFL. |
|
|
|
| QB A.J. Feeley (3rd), RB Kyle Eckel, LB Joe Mays, G Mike Gibson, G Shawn Andrews , G Mike McGlynn, WR Jason Avant, and TE L.J. Smith are all inactive for the Eagles.
|
Our View: With Shawn Andrews out, Max Jean-Gilles will make another start at right guard. Brent Celek looks to replace LJ Smith at tight end. Donovan McNabb has plenty of weapons to manage fine without Smith, who never carried his weight much as a blocker. |
|
A 95 mph heater. A perfectly executed hit and run. A blast into the sky. At Owners Edge MLB, we break down every conceivable fantasy angle from the simple to the complex to quench your fantasy thirst.
Power-plays. Goals. Fights. Great glove saves. If you are looking to augment your NHL experience with some of the most innovative fantasy hockey analysis on the Internet, then turn to Owners Edge NHL.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.