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| Doesn't look good for Smith | Sunday 9/7, 11:50 PM CT |
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According to the Mercury News, Alex Smith told the paper he wouldn't know the extent of his latest shoulder injury until Monday. When inactives were announced today, Smith was on the list due to injuring his shoulder in Friday's practice. The quarterback did not rule out the possibility that his season was already over. Asked if his season might be over, Smith responded: "We should find out tomorrow."
Our View: Suddenly, the long list of quarterbacks that are out of work enter the high side of "supply and demand," and this includes the recently retired Daunte Culpepper. We will update the future of Smith when the news is available. |
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| Leftwich sees action | Sunday 9/7, 11:44 PM CT |
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Byron Leftwich finished up at quarterback in the Steelers Week 1 rout of the Houston Texans. Leftwich was 0-for-4 and recorded two rushes for zero yards.
Our View: After Week 1 it's easy to figure Leftwich's quarterback rating. |
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| McClover goes down | Sunday 9/7, 11:41 PM CT |
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The Texans, who recently signed defensive lineman Stanley McClover after the final cuts on Saturday, lost him to an unspecified knee injury, this according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: The defensive end had no fantasy value. He had eight total tackles and one sack in 2007. |
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| Cards remove Oakley from PS | Sunday 9/7, 11:35 PM CT |
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The Arizona Cardinals removed OL Anthony Oakley from their practice squad on Saturday.
Our View: Oakley was with the Bears before joining the Cardinals. |
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| LT2 suffers toe injury | Sunday 9/7, 11:31 PM CT |
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The San Diego Union Tribune reports that LaDainian Tomlinson exited the season-opener with an injured big toe. The report notes that the Chargers running back shrugged off the injury as nothing serious.
Our View: The Chargers did not include LT2 on the post-game injury report. Tomlinson will have the toe re-evaluated on Monday morning. By the way, there is nothing minor when it comes to a first-round draft pick leaving a game to injury, e.g. Tom Brady. |
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| Lloyd contributes out of the gate | Sunday 9/7, 11:17 PM CT |
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Brandon Lloyd was one of three receivers to lead the team in catches for the Bears, catching two in the Sunday night win over the Colts. Lloyd had 26 yards, including a big 18-yard reception.
Our View: There isn't one Bears wide out fantasy owners can depend on, nor will traditional managers want to depend on the game-managing Kyle Orton. |
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| Bears tight ends rule | Sunday 9/7, 11:14 PM CT |
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Tight ends ruled in the Chicago offense Sunday night. Both veteran Desmond Clark and second-year player Greg Olsen recorded two catches, combining for 82 of quarterback Kyle Orton's 150 yards passing.
Our View: As long as the Bears continue to play two tight end sets, Olsen's fantasy value is tiny. |
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| McKie finds the endzone | Sunday 9/7, 11:10 PM CT |
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Bruising fullback Jason McKie received two carries in Chicago's Sunday night win over the Colts. He turned one of the touches into a touchdown.
Our View: McKie matched his touchdown total of 2007. The blocking back has no fantasy value in traditional formats. |
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| Jones produces in backup role | Sunday 9/7, 11:08 PM CT |
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Kevin Jones showed well in the Bears Sunday night win over the Colts. The veteran carried the ball 13 times for 45 yards in relief of rookie starter Matt Forte.
Our View: The Forte/Jones combo appear to be a complimentary team. Jones' value, however, rests in deep formats that start three running backs and/or a flex. |
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| Orton pedestrian in win | Sunday 9/7, 11:05 PM CT |
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Kyle Orton went a pedestrian 13-for-21 for 150 yards with no touchdowns, but the signal-caller didn't make any mistakes in the Bears 29-13 win over the Colts. Unlike his predecessor, Rex Grossman, Orton orchestrated a plan that coach Lovie Smith has been preaching for years. Run the football, protect the football, and stop the run on defense.
Our View: Orton completed passes to seven different receivers, no more than two to any one player. Veteran tight end Desmond Clark led all players in receiving yards with 46. |
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| Gonzo snares five | Sunday 9/7, 10:50 PM CT |
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Anthony Gonzalez caught five balls for 48 yards in Sunday night's loss to the Bears. The second-year receiver gets better with each game.
Our View: Gonzalez did have a couple of drops, but should be considered a third or fourth receiver in deep formats. |
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| Harrison productive in loss | Sunday 9/7, 10:46 PM CT |
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Marvin Harrison didn't look like an aging player with bad knees on Sunday night. The veteran receiver caught eight balls from quarterback Peyton Manning and recorded 76 yards receiving.
Our View: Harrison did have one big fumble that resulted in a Bears touchdown. The score turned the tide of what was a close game at the time. |
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| Wayne scores; records 10 catches | Sunday 9/7, 10:43 PM CT |
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Reggie Wayne recorded 10 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Chicago on Sunday night. For all the yards Wayne put on the stat sheet, the Colts offense seemed quiet for most of the night scoring only 13 points.
Our View: Wayne's big numbers, with a rusty Peyton Manning under center, bodes well for fantasy owners going forward. |
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| Manning rusty in loss | Sunday 9/7, 10:39 PM CT |
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As expected, Peyton Manning was rusty on Sunday night, and it resulted in a loss to the underdog Bears. The Colts offensive general was 30-for-49 for 257 yards and one touchdown, but he missed several open shots downfield and often put his receivers in line for big hits from the Bears defense.
Our View: The 10-point underdog Bears dominated the Colts and blitzed their quarterback early and often. Manning just wasn't sharp enough to take advantage of Chicago's blitz-heavy scheme. |
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| Forte shines in debut | Sunday 9/7, 10:34 PM CT |
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Matt Forte scored the first touchdown of his NFL career on a 50 Yd. run in the first quarter of the Bears Week 1 win over the Colts.
Our View: Forte lived up to his fantasy hype by gaining 123 yards on 23 carries. The rookie also caught three balls for 18 yards. |
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| Davis records three catches | Sunday 9/7, 10:30 PM CT |
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Vernon Davis was involved in the 49ers offense on Sunday, something that wasn't always the case last season. The talented tight end caught three passes for 51 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Cardinals.
Our View: Mike Martz has never had such a talented tight end to work with, and he would be wise to continue to utilize the big receiver. |
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| Addai suffers head injury | Sunday 9/7, 10:10 PM CT |
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Joseph Addai is on the sidelines Sunday night against the Bears while Peyton Manning and the offense are on the field. The NBC broadcasting crew reported that the Colts running back was suffering from head trauma.
Our View: We will update you when more information is available. |
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| McGahee doesn't play | Sunday 9/7, 10:03 PM CT |
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Willis McGahee, who was active for Sunday's game against the Bengals, didn't take a snap in the game. The Baltimore Sun reports that head coach John Harbaugh stated, "We were hopeful to get him into the game at some point in time, but the way the game shook out, we were unable to do it. He'll practice in a more physical manner this week, and then we should have him ready to go next week."
Our View: RB Ray Rice and FB Le'Ron McClain handled most of the ground work in his absence. |
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| Ayanbadejo injures leg | Sunday 9/7, 9:56 PM CT |
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The Baltimore Sun reports that linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo was in the training room being treated for a leg injury following the team's Week 1 win over the Bengals.
Our View: There was no mention on the severity of the injury. |
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| Heap injures back | Sunday 9/7, 9:54 PM CT |
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Todd Heap was being treated for a back bruise after Sunday's game, this according to the Baltimore Sun. The tight end has spent more time on the injury report than he has off during his NFL career.
Our View: Heap is typically a Sunday question mark, and has become such a high-maintenance player many refuse to draft him, despite his talent. |
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| Ivy injures ankle | Sunday 9/7, 9:49 PM CT |
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According to the Baltimore Sun, there is some concern about cornerback Corey Ivy's ankle injury. The report notes that the defensive back damaged a ligament when he sprained his right ankle midway through the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Bengals.
Our View: Ivy was on crutches after the game, but the team said more tests would be needed before making a definitive diagnosis. |
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| Bruce shutout in Week 1 | Sunday 9/7, 9:44 PM CT |
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Isaac Bruce didn't record a catch in the 49ers Week 1 loss to the Cardinals. The veteran receiver wasn't even targeted in the game.
Our View: It's too early to completely depart Bruce from whatever fantasy value he was believed to have in the Mike Martz offense. It is, however, worth noting that Bruce hasn't scored a touchdown in over two years on natural grass. All of his touchdowns have come at the E.J. Dome in that span. |
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| Young to miss 2-to-4 weeks | Sunday 9/7, 9:33 PM CT |
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After the Titans reported that they didn't believe quarterback Vince Young’s sprained left knee was serious, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that Young has a torn MCL, and will miss anywhere from two-to-four weeks.
Our View: Young will undergo an MRI on Monday when more information is expected to be available. |
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| Romo receives 13 stitches | Sunday 9/7, 9:28 PM CT |
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Tony Romo needed 13 stitches to close the gash on his chin, this according to the Dallas Morning News. The quarterback injured his left middle finger in the game, too, but X-rays were negative.
Our View: The report noted that Cleveland linebacker Willie McGinest hit Romo in the chin.
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| Little tweaks hamstring | Sunday 9/7, 9:24 PM CT |
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According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, DE Leonard Little tweaked a hamstring on the game’s first series and didn't return.
Our View: The report mentioned that the injury didn't appear to be serious. |
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| Bennett to have MRI on foot | Sunday 9/7, 9:16 PM CT |
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According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a number of the Rams player personnel suffered injuries in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. The report mentioned that only one was considered serious; the foot of Drew Bennett .
Our View: The report didn't expound on Bennett's ailment other than to say he will have an MRI Monday. |
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| Jackson records TD | Sunday 9/7, 9:09 PM CT |
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Vincent Jackson recorded three catches for 47 yards in Sunday's loss to the Panthers, one for a five-yard touchdown.
Our View: Jackson led all Chargers wide receivers on Sunday, a group that doesn't forecast to have one standout from week to week. Philip Rivers has a plethora of options on any give Sunday, including Jackson, Chris Chambers, Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson. Throw in depth at the position with players like Craig Davis and Malcolm Floyd, and the fantasy wealth will be spread out this season. |
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| Simms to visit Patriots | Sunday 9/7, 9:08 PM CT |
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Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms will visit the New England Patriots on Monday, according to NBC.
Our View: With reports that Tom Brady is out for the year, New England is probably not comfortable with the inexperienced trio of Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez and rookie Kevin O'Connell leading the team. At the very least, Simms has starting experience. |
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| Rosario becomes fantasy relevant | Sunday 9/7, 9:00 PM CT |
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Jake Delhomme threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to relative unknown tight end Dante Rosario as time expired and the Carolina Panthers beat Philip Rivers and the Chargers Sunday.
Our View: Move over Jeff King, there's a catching tight end in town. The second-year player started two games in 2007 and showed his prowess for the end zone when he scored twice in only six catches. |
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| Gamble returns fumble | Sunday 9/7, 8:56 PM CT |
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Chris Gamble recovered a fumble and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown helping the underdog Panthers to a 26-24 victory over Chargers on Sunday.
Our View: The Panthers defense rewarded their fantasy faithful on Sunday with the defensive score. However, the unit gave up 24 points and over 300 yards of total offense to Phillip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers. |
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| Chambers scores in loss | Sunday 9/7, 8:50 PM CT |
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Chris Chambers caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers in the second quarter of the Chargers 26-24 loss to the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.
Our View: Chambers finished the game with just the one catch, and remains a fringe starting option in traditional formats. |
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| Clark injured; leaves game | Sunday 9/7, 8:45 PM CT |
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Dallas Clark left the Sunday night game against the Bears in the second quarter with what appeared to be a right knee injury. The Colts tight end went to the locker room, and is considered questionable to return.
Our View: The injury didn't appear to be serious as Clark jogged off the field under his own power. |
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| Barber's X-Rays negative | Sunday 9/7, 8:40 PM CT |
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According to the Dallas Morning News, Marion Barber's X-rays on his bruised ribs were negative, and the Cowboys are optimistic that he'll be able to play next week against the Eagles.
"I have no idea what his status is," Jerry Jones said. "I'm assuming that everything is going to be fine."
Our View: If Barber were not able to play, rookie Felix Jones and backup Tashard Choice would receive the ground work in his place. |
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| Williams gains 96 yards in win | Sunday 9/7, 8:23 PM CT |
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The starting running back role in Carolina was a hot topic of conversation for most of the summer. Would it be DeAngelo Williams or rookie Jonathan Stewart starting on opening Sunday? Williams carried the ball 18 times for 86 yards and added a reception for four yards to his total.
Our View: Stewart received plenty of work in the Panthers upset of the Chargers. The rookie recorded 10 carries for 53 yards in his professional debut. |
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| LT2 has 100-plus all purpose | Sunday 9/7, 8:17 PM CT |
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LaDainian Tomlinson led the Chargers in rushing Sunday afternoon, touching the ball 24 times for 113 total yards.
Our View: Tominson failed to find the endzone as all of the Chargers points came through the air. |
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| Gates finds the endzone | Sunday 9/7, 8:15 PM CT |
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Antonio Gates, who was limited on Sunday as he continues to recover from a foot injury, caught a touchdown pass and recorded 61 receiving yards.
Our View: Gates, even in a part-time role, was the leading receiver for the Chargers. |
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| Delhomme throws walk-off | Sunday 9/7, 8:11 PM CT |
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Jake Delhomme threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dante Rosario as time expired to help the Carolina Panthers to a 26-24 season opening win over the Chargers on Sunday.
Our View: The Panthers starting quarterback was 23-for-41 for 247 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions on the day. |
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| Cards new No. 3 fitting in | Sunday 9/7, 8:07 PM CT |
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Steve Breaston caught three balls for 54 yards in the Cardinals Week 1 win over San Francisco. Arizona's No. 3 receiver was targeted six times, most coming in the first half when quarterback Kurt Warner and the offense were throwing the football. The second half consisted of grinding out yards on the ground and taking time off the clock in a 23-13 win over the 49ers.
Our View: Breaston replaces Bryant Johnson, who left during the offseason via free agency to San Francisco. |
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| Cassel to start ... for now | Sunday 9/7, 7:55 PM CT |
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Fourth-year quarterback Matt Cassel, who had thrown just 39 passes in his career before Sunday, will replace the injured Tom Brady for a length of time which has yet to be determined. According to reports, however, it could be the rest of the 2008 season.
Our View: Casel completed 13-of-18 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. Cassel is best known for backing up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at USC. |
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| Brady has torn ACL | Sunday 9/7, 7:49 PM CT |
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Yahoo Sports' Michael Silver is reporting that Tom Brady will miss the rest of the season to a torn ACL.
"It’s bad," a team source said. "We’re going to have to play without him." Even if the quarterback's ACL isn't torn, and the rumors that are running wild on the Internet are false, Matt Cassel will see several starts before Brady could return.
Our View: Cassel is an average quarterback that looked awful during the preseason. However, with the large number of talented weapons surrounding him, he will be a fantasy option in most formats. |
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| Edwards rusty in loss | Sunday 9/7, 7:43 PM CT |
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Braylon Edwards recorded only two receptions for a total of just 14 yards in Sunday afternoon's 28-10 loss to the Cowboys. The All-Pro receiver dropped two big passes, one that was a sure touchdown.
Our View: Edwards was just one of many players who sat out most of the preseason, and as a result looked rusty in their season openers. |
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| O'Sullivan mediocre in his debut | Sunday 9/7, 7:40 PM CT |
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J.T. O'Sullivan passed for 195 yards in his first NFL start, which happened to come under his last year's offensive coordinator, Mike Martz.
Our View: One start won't make or break O'Sullivan this year, and the 49er's starting quarterback only received six snaps the entire second half of the game as veteran Kurt Warner and the Cardinals worked most of the game clock with three long and time consuming drives. |
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| Boldin has eight catches | Sunday 9/7, 7:33 PM CT |
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Anquan Boldin recorded all eight of his catches for 82 yards in the second half of the Cardinals' season opening 23-13 win over the 49ers.
Our View: Boldin was targeted only three times in the first half, and it appeared that the Cardinals game-planned at half-time to throw more in the direction of the big receiver after the break. |
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| Felix scores in rookie debut | Sunday 9/7, 7:23 PM CT |
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Felix Jones scored in the first NFL game of this career in Sunday's 28-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Jones touched the ball nine times and gained 62 yards.
Our View: The rookie scored on an inside run where he zigzagged and finally ran over a Browns' defender for an 11-yard touchdown run. |
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| Lewis dresses | Sunday 9/7, 7:19 PM CT |
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Jamal Lewis, who was questionable coming into Sunday's season opener, recorded 14 touches for 76 total yards in the Browns' loss to the Cowboys.
Our View: Lewis missed a portion of Friday's practice with a sore hamstring. |
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| Anderson off his game | Sunday 9/7, 7:08 PM CT |
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Derek Anderson must still be suffering from the effects of the head trauma that struck him during the preseason. The Browns' starting quarterback was a disappointing 11-of-24 for 114 yards, and rarely looked comfortable.
Our View: In Anderson's defense, his top receiver Braylon Edwards, who had only two catches, dropped at least two big throws from Anderson. Including one in the first quarter, an easy touchdown pass and catch. |
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| Winslow scores in loss | Sunday 9/7, 7:03 PM CT |
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Cleveland's only touchdown pass in Week 1 against Dallas came on a Derek Anderson's 2-yard pass to Kellen Winslow Jr in the second quarter.
Our View: Arguably the two top fantasy tight ends when heads up on Sunday afternoon, with Winslow taking Week 1. Winslow has one less catch and 40 less yards, but he scored a touchdown giving him the slight edge in the head-to-head battle. |
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| Crayton solid in Boyz win | Sunday 9/7, 7:00 PM CT |
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Patrick Crayton showed what kind of value he will have this year as the Cowboys' No. 2 receiver. He recorded six catches for 82 yards on the day.
Our View: At this pace Crayton will have 96 catches for 1300 yards on the season. Not bad for a mid-rounder in most formats. Now all he has to do is keep the pace for... 15 more games. |
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| Romo to Owens; Part I | Sunday 9/7, 6:57 PM CT |
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Terrell Owens caught a 35-yard pass from Tony Romo at the 9:48 mark of the second quarter putting the Cowboys ahead for good. On a day that saw the Dallas offense dominate the Browns' defense, the touchdown pass from Tony Romo to T.O was the shortest of their drives; four plays for 69 yards in just under three minutes.
Our View: Owens finished Week 1 with five catches and 87 yards. |
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| Witten just short of 100 yards | Sunday 9/7, 6:55 PM CT |
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Jason Witten had six receptions for 96 yards helping the Dallas Cowboys rout the Cleveland Browns 28-10 on Sunday afternoon.
Our View: On the Cowboys first drive Tony Romo went 5-for-5 for 66 yards - 49 of them were credited to Witten. |
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| Barber scores twice | Sunday 9/7, 6:53 PM CT |
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Marion Barber scored on a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs and the Cowboys' rolled past the Browns in the season opener 28-10 on Sunday.
Our View: Barber rushed for 80 yards and caught three passes for 21 yards. |
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| Romo throws for 300-plus | Sunday 9/7, 6:46 PM CT |
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Tony Romo completed 24-of-32 passes for 320 yards and one touchdown on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. Dallas' offense dominated the game, the Cleveland defense and the clock.
Our View: Romo was also picked off once. It came on a nonchalent play in the Browns' redzone when the Cowboys were up by two-plus touchdowns and the Boyz quarterback got lazy on his pass to Terrell Owens. |
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| Colts inactives of note | Sunday 9/7, 6:37 PM CT |
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Colts inactives of note: The only relevant inactive is starting C Jeff Saturday (knee), who had been ruled out of the game on Friday.
Our View: Rookie OL Jamey Richard starts for Saturday and can claim in his first NFL game, Peyton Manning had his Hall of Fame hands on his arse. |
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| Bears' Inactives of note | Sunday 9/7, 6:32 PM CT |
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Chicago Bears inactives of note: Wide receivers Mark Bradley and Earl Bennett, safety Craig Steltz, guard Dan Buenning, tackle Chris Williams, and defensive tackles Anthony Adams and Matt Toeaina. Caleb Hanie is the third quarterback.
Our View: DT Dusty Dvoracek is expected to start for Harris. DB Kevin Payne will start for Steltz |
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| Brady has torn ACL? | Sunday 9/7, 6:01 PM CT |
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While we await testing on Tom Brady's left knee, the rumors are flying. "Everybody I talked to said it's a torn ACL," one Jets player tells NBCSports.com. "Players and coaches. When we came in here that's what people were saying, 'Brady's got a torn ACL.'"
Our View: So, since the Patriots always keep things behind closed doors, we should assume the Jets have inside info? We're not ready to buy into this season-ending news yet, even though the pictures of the hit don't look promising. Matt Cassel stands to start and gain a lot of fantasy value if Brady is indeed out for a while. |
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| Barber exits game with bruised ribs | Sunday 9/7, 5:52 PM CT |
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Running back Marion Barber departed the game against Cleveland with bruised ribs, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Our View: He was taken to the locker room and is unlikely to return to the game with Dallas leading by 18 points in the fourth quarter. The Barbarian did reward his owners with 101 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, prior to his departure. |
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| Peters passes physical | Sunday 9/7, 5:50 PM CT |
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Offensive tackle Jason Peters passed his physical on Sunday and will practice in the week ahead, the team's official web site reports. The Bills have not officially placed him on the 53-man roster, yet.
Our View: An official move will come within the next couple days. We don't know if Peters will immediately regain his starting left tackle spot, but we don't imagine it will take the Pro Bowler more than a week or two. |
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| Morris scheduled to undergo MRI | Sunday 9/7, 5:46 PM CT |
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Running back Maurice Morris exited the game against Buffalo with a knee injury and is scheduled to undergo an MRI tomorrow, according to the News Tribune.
Our View: His availability for next week's tilt against San Francisco is uncertain. If he's unable to play, then Julius Jones' stock will take a northward bump. |
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| Burleson scheduled for MRI tomorrow | Sunday 9/7, 5:41 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Nate Burleson has been diagnosed with a sprained knee, and will undergo an MRI tomorrow to determine the extent of the damage, according to the News Tribune.
Our View: His status is unclear. Burleson advised the Seattle media that he felt OK, but head coach Mike Holmgren doesn't appear to be as optimistic regarding Burleson's availability for next week. Stay tuned. |
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| Holt pulls disappearing act | Sunday 9/7, 5:31 PM CT |
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Perennial all Pro receiver Torry Holt struggled against the Eagles posting one lone reception for nine yards in the season opening loss.
Our View: Despite playing from behind all day long, the Rams couldn't generate any offense against Philadelphia. Don't go into panic mode on Holt, who is a veteran with a proven track record of excellence. |
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| Jackson struggles in season opener | Sunday 9/7, 5:20 PM CT |
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Newly paid running back Steven Jackson carried the football 14 times for 40 yards and chipped in three receptions for 34 yards in the loss to the Eagles.
Our View: Jackson, who looked rusty following a 27 day holdout, averaged only 2.8 yards per tote. Things don't get much easier next week when the Rams host the world champion New York Giants. |
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| Young using crutches | Sunday 9/7, 5:08 PM CT |
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Vince Young was using crutches after Sunday's season opener against the Jaguars, the AP notes. The quarterback sprained his left knee. Young is due to undergo testing.
Our View: Using crutches doesn't necessarily mean the injury is serious, but legs injuries are generally bad news for a quarterback who moves around and runs as much as Young. |
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| Croyle has separated shoulder | Sunday 9/7, 4:57 PM CT |
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Brodie Croyle suffered a separated right shoulder in Sunday's season opener, the Kansas City Star reports. The team has not said how long they expect him to be out. His arm was in a sling after the game.
Our View: If you recall, Eli Manning separated his right shoulder in the season opener last year. Reports initially said he'd miss a month, and he ended up suiting up in Week 2. In other words, we imagine it will take a day or three for the Chiefs to figure out how bad this injury is. Damon Huard stands to start if Croyle is out. |
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| McMichael off to a good start | Sunday 9/7, 4:55 PM CT |
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Tight end Randy McMichael posted five receptions for 77 yards, and was the lone bright spot in the Rams 38-3 loss to Philadelphia in the season opener.
Our View: New offensive coordinator Al Saunders has a proven track record with tight ends, so keep an eye on McMichael, who is likely available on the waiver wire in some leagues. |
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| Smith crosses the imaginary plane | Sunday 9/7, 4:51 PM CT |
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Tight end L.J. Smith got his 2008 campaign off on the right foot by catching five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.
Our View: Smith had his 2007 campaign derailed by injuries, so it's nice to see him get off to a good start. |
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| Baskett makes most of opportunities | Sunday 9/7, 4:47 PM CT |
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With starters Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis unable to play due to injuries, wide receiver Hank Baskett stepped up to the plate and posted two receptions for 102 yards and a score in the season opener.
Our View: Baskett only had two receptions but he scored from 90 yards out on one of them, and will continue to provide value in the Eagles pass happy attack, as long as the frontline starters are sidelined. |
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| Lewis passes the century mark | Sunday 9/7, 4:43 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Greg Lewis posted five catches for 102 yards in the season opening win over St. Louis.
Our View: You know the Eagles passing offense was hitting on all cylinders when Lewis passes the century mark. |
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| Gates injures hip | Sunday 9/7, 4:40 PM CT |
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Antonio Gates left the season opener in the first half due to a bruised hip. He headed to the locker room but is expected to return.
Our View: Initial reports make this ailment sound minor, and we'll follow up when more information becomes available. He currently has two catches for 30 yards. |
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| Jackson builds on preseason performance | Sunday 9/7, 4:37 PM CT |
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Rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson notched six catches for 106 yards in his professional debut against the Rams.
Our View: Jackson was the Eagles most explosive player during the preseason, and displayed more highlight reel plays today, including a 47-yard reception and a 60-yard punt return. |
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| Westy scores twice | Sunday 9/7, 4:30 PM CT |
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Running back Brian Westbrook carried the ball 19 times for 91 yards and posted two receptions for one yard and two touchdowns in the season opener.
Our View: Westbrook, who appears to be in mid-seaason form, has picked up where he left off in the prior two seasons. In other words he's still a stud. |
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| McNabb dominates in win over Rams | Sunday 9/7, 4:28 PM CT |
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Quarterback Donovan McNabb completed 21-of-33 passes for 361 yards with three touchdowns against no inteceptions in the Eagles 38-3 drubbing of the Rams.
Our View: McNabb was just sick, hooking up on scoring tosses to running back Brian Westbrook, tight end L.J. Smith and wide receiver Hank Baskett. |
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| Graham posts solid yardage digits | Sunday 9/7, 4:24 PM CT |
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Running back Earnest Graham compiled 10 carries for 91 yards and chipped in three receptions for 27 yards in the Buccaneers season opening loss to New Orleans.
Our View: Graham totaled 118 yards from scrimmage, but split the carries almost evenly with Warrick Dunn. Graham should handle the work at the stripe going forward, but it's definitely concerning to see Dunn pilfer so many carries. |
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| Bush gets off to great start | Sunday 9/7, 4:17 PM CT |
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Running back Reggie Bush posted eight receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown through the air, and added 14 carries for 51 yards on the ground in the season opener.
Our View: Bush compiled 22 touches for 163 yards and a score, and is off to a great start in 2008. With McAllister obviously not at 100 percent, it appears the Saints are ready to increase Bush's workload this season. |
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| Brees hits the trifecta | Sunday 9/7, 4:13 PM CT |
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Quarterback Drew Brees completed 23-of-32 passes for 343 yards with three touchdowns against one inteception, to lead the Saints to a 24-20 victory over the Buccaneers.
Our View: Brees was not only efficient, but he also spread the ball around getting seven different receivers involved in the passing game. |
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| Burleson has a bittersweet afternoon | Sunday 9/7, 4:08 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Nate Burleson compiled five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown, but left the game against Buffalo in the third quarter with a left knee injury.
Our View: No word on the severity of the injury, but the Seahawks can ill afford anymore injuries to an already decimated receiver corps. |
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| Williams leaves early | Sunday 9/7, 4:07 PM CT |
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Defensive tackle Jamal Williams left Sunday's opener in the first quarter due to an undisclosed injury.
Our View: That's bad news for the Bolts defense. Williams is the rock in the middle of the line, and one of his backups, Brandon McKinney, is inactive this week. |
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| Jones takes shot to head | Sunday 9/7, 4:00 PM CT |
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Cornerback David Jones took a shot to the head during the first half of Sunday's season opener, and he did not return, the Cincinnati Enquirer notes.
Our View: Jones is a second-year back and a backup behind Leon Hall. This injury could hurt the Bengals depth but won't hinder IDP fantasy clubs. |
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| Williams hits paydirt | Sunday 9/7, 3:59 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Roy Williams notched three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown in the season opener.
Our View: The Lions offensive line looked horrible today, which means the Lions could lean on the passing game early in the season. With less multiple receiver sets, Williams has a chance to be a fantasy stud this year, if he can stay healthy. |
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| Smith scores a touchdown in debut | Sunday 9/7, 3:55 PM CT |
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Rookie running back Kevin Smith carried the ball 16 times for 48 yards and chipped in four receptions for 32 yards and a score in the season opener.
Our View: Smith only averaged three yards per carry, but the touchdown saved an otherwise middling performance. |
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| Kitna tosses two touchdowns | Sunday 9/7, 3:51 PM CT |
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Quarterback Jon Kitna completed 24-of-33 passes for 262 yards with two touchdowns against one interception in the Lions loss to Atlanta.
Our View: Kitna hasn't received much respect during the offseaason, but he continues to provide stellar fantasy output in the Motor City. |
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| No update on Brady | Sunday 9/7, 3:45 PM CT |
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Tom Brady was not available after Sunday's season opener, and head coach Bill Belichick did not provide much regarding the superstar's left knee. "I don't have an update on Tom," Belichick tells The Providence Journal. "They're looking at him, doing some tests on him."
Our View: What? Did you think Belichick would actually say anything? This is a nightmare for Patriots fans and fantasy owners. |
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| Megatron eclipses 100 receiving yards | Sunday 9/7, 3:43 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Calvin Johnson posted seven receptions for 107 yards in the opening game loss to the Falcons.
Our View: Johnson is already on the fast track to elite status in 2008. If the defense doesn't improve, the Lions will be passing the ball a lot more than new OC Jim Colletto envisioned when he took over the reins of the offense. |
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| Ward scores twice | Sunday 9/7, 3:42 PM CT |
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Hines Ward caught six passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener against the Texans.
Our View: The veteran reminded everyone that he's not ready to hand over the top billing to speedster Santonio Holmes. We still prefer Holmes in the long run, but Ward is a quality producer when healthy. |
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| Lynch solid in opener | Sunday 9/7, 3:40 PM CT |
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Running back Marshawn Lynch rushed 18 times for 76 yards and a touchdown in the season opener. He also caught three passes for 18 yards.
Our View: We'll take it. The Bills kept some wear off Lynch by using Fred Jackson late, and we're fine with that, too. Lynch didn't have a lot of huge games as a rookie, but he is one of the more consistent, solid fantasy scorers. |
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| Stallworth tweaks groin | Sunday 9/7, 3:37 PM CT |
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Donte Stallworth tweaked his groin during pre-game warm-ups and wasn't able to start. The Browns are working on him, and he hopes to show up in the second half, the FOX telecast notes.
Our View: Leg injuries have been a big part of Stallworth's career, and this news isn't surprising. His ailment allows the Cowboys to sit on Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. |
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| Norwood shines in Falcons win | Sunday 9/7, 3:35 PM CT |
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The Falcons ran the ball so well against Detroit, that there was plenty of leftovers for Jerious Norwood, who compiled 93 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a 10-yard score.
Our View: Norwood also notched two receptions for six yards, and it appears he will provide the lightning to Michael Turner's thunder in the Atlanta ground attack. |
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| Palmer struggles against Ravens | Sunday 9/7, 3:34 PM CT |
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Carson Palmer struggled in his season opener against the Ravens. He completed only 10-of-25 passes for 99 yards, no scores, and one inerception.
Our View: Palmer has had his share of mixed performances against the Ravens in the past, but this was pretty bad. It was the first time Palmer had been on the field with both Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and they may not have been on the same page. |
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| Flacco successful in debut | Sunday 9/7, 3:31 PM CT |
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Joe Flacco completed 15-of-29 passes for 129 yards, no scores, and no picks in his NFL regular season debut. He also added four rushes for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Our View: We certainly didn't anticipate Flacco supplying a 38-yard scoring scamper. The best news for Ravens fans may be that the rookie didn't turn the ball over. |
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| White finds the end zone | Sunday 9/7, 3:28 PM CT |
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LenDale White did not start in the season opener, but he did rush 15 times for 40 yards and score a one-yard touchdown.
Our View: White capped off a scoring drive in which both Chris Johnson and Vince Young suffered injuries. We're not certain that LenDale would have been called upon for that one-yard plunge under different circumstances. If Johnson's injury is minor, White's fantasy value will go down after today. |
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| Jenkins posts one big play | Sunday 9/7, 3:22 PM CT |
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Wide receiver Michael Jenkins notched one lone catch, but it resulted in a 62-yard touchdown in the Falcons victory over Detroit.
Our View: Jenkins, who was likely on the bench in all but the largest leagues, won't be a consistent weekly performer, but at least he's now on the fantasy radar. |
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| Jones-Drew, Taylor struggle | Sunday 9/7, 3:21 PM CT |
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Running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor got off to a slow start in Week 1. They combined to rush 14 times for 31 yards against the Titans. Jones-Drew did add four receptions for 37 yards, and he nearly scored in the second quarter. The Jaguars challenged the ruling, but the officials upheld the call that he came up short.
Our View: When Albert Haynesworth is healthy, the Titans can be very, very difficult to run against. It probably didn't help that the Jags were without center Brad Meester. Fantasy owners shouldn't be too down on Taylor and MoJo yet. They got off to a similar start in Week 1 against the Titans last year. |
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| Scaife goes over 100 yards | Sunday 9/7, 3:17 PM CT |
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Bo Scaife led the Titans with six catches and 105 receiving yards in the season opener against the Jaguars. The career-best outing included a career-long 44-yard reception.
Our View: Scaife's big day may be an indication that Vince Young isn't yet comfortable with newer faces like Justin McCareins and Alge Crumpler. This backup tight end has been a decent safety value in the past, but this big outing probably won't turn into a trend. |
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