Week 8 Major Injuries Report from Sunday Update

Original post: Week 8 Major Injuries Report from Sunday

Most of that post is included below with the updated parts in bold. If you want to read any old deleted portions refer to the link above.

Week 8 Major Injuries Report from Sunday

Week 8 was much lighter in terms of injuries to key players than Week 7. Let's get to them and their fantasy implications:

Hakeem Nicks- suffered a strained hamstring and will undergo a MRI on Monday. If he is out, Victor Cruz will start alongside Mario Manningham. 

Montario Hardesty- will have a MRI on his right calf on Monday. If he is out and Peyton Hillis is also out, then the Browns will turn to Chris Ogbonnaya in Week 9.

Beanie Wells- told reporters after the game that he is expecting his knee-problems to be year-long, but there are no imminent threat of him being out.

Ahmad Bradshaw- injured his foot in the second half, but was able to return to the game. He has acknowledged that it was an aggravation of a preexisting injury, but it sounds like he will be playing in Week 9.

Joseph Addai- was active, but did not play a single snap as he was the emergency running back. Delone Carter and Donald Brown were unable to take advantage of this opportunity and it is possible that Addai could return next week. 

Week 8 Start/Sit Part 5: Ks and Defenses

For previous parts:
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 1: QBs
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 2: RBs
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 3: WRs
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 4: TEs


K

Start 'Em

Jason Hanson (at Broncos)- Detroit's offense has putting up points this season with Matthew Stafford healthy (he is not healthy this week, but is expected to start) and Hanson has benefited from this. He will also be kicking in the Mile-High City of Denver.

Sit 'Em

Phil Dawson (at 49ers)- Dawson had about one fourth of his fantasy production last week and his team will struggle to move the ball against a tough San Francisco defense.

DEF

Start 'Em

Saints (at Rams)- same as Week 7 just a different team in this spot with New Orleans, St. Louis offense has been pathetic and without Sam Bradford for this game don't expect them to suddenly turn the switch and light up the scoreboard.

Bengals (at Seahawks)- Cincinnati has one of the top defenses in the NFL and will be going against one of the worst offenses, no reason to expect the unexpected out of this game.

Sit 'Em

Chiefs (vs. Chargers)- Kansas City is not a good defense and will have to deal with Philip Rivers and a San Diego team that is looking to right themselves this week.

Vikings (at Panthers)- Minnesota is no longer the elite defense it used to be and should be no match for rookie sensation Cam Newton.  

Week 8 Start/Sit Part 4: TEs

For previous parts:
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 1: QBs
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 2: RBs
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 3: WRs


TE

Start 'Em

Fred Davis (at Bills)- Chris Cooley is done for the season and Santana Moss is also out, his number of targets should stay high for the foreseeable future.

Aaron Hernandez (at Steelers)- Hernandez should be fully healthy after a bye week and will be up against a Pittsburgh defense that struggles against athletic tight ends.


Sit 'Em

Heath Miller (vs. Patriots)- Miller has produced in recent weeks, but he will be going against a New England defense that is tough on tight ends even with its weak pass defense.

Dallas Clark (at Titans)- Clark had a juicy matchup last week against New Orleans and the result was zero targets and catches. There is no reason to expect much improvement this week.

Week 8 Start/Sit Part 3: WRs

For previous parts:
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 1: QBs
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 2: RBs

WR

Start 'Em

Demaryius Thomas (vs. Lions)- with Brandon Lloyd in St. Louis, Thomas and not Eric Decker was Tebow's favorite target in Week 7. It is still too early to predict how Denver's receiving corps is going to shake out, but after one week, Thomas appears to be in the lead if he can stay healthy.

Brandon Marshall (at Giants)- Marshall has been targeted 22 times in the past 2 weeks going against 2 of the top shutdown corners in the NFL in Darrelle Revis and Champ Bailey. There is no reason why he should see less balls his way in an easier matchup.

Antonio Brown (vs. Patriots)- Hines Ward is probably out and Brown should be able to take advantage of this great matchup against a leaky New England secondary.

Sit 'Em

Sidney Rice (vs. Bengals)- Rice is a member of one of the worst offenses in the league and will be going against the second ranked defense, is there anymore that needs to be said?

Michael Crabtree (vs. Browns)- Crabtree had his best game of the season in Week 6 against the Lions, but he will be facing Joe Haden who is quickly cementing himself as one of the elite corners in the NFL.

Percy Harvin (at Panthers)- Harvin has been playing with injured ribs and will be in a road game with a rookie quarterback against a bad Carolina run defense, he should be parked in your bench.

Week 8 Start/Sit Part 2: RBs

For previous part:
Week 8 Start/Sit Part 1: QBs


RB

Start 'Em

Ryan Matthews (at Chiefs)- Mike Tolbert is likely out and Matthews will be going against a Kansas City team that has difficulties stopping the run.

DeMarco Murray (at Eagles)- Murray had a breakout game in Week 7 against St. Louis and will have another great matchup on his plate against Philadelphia.

Pierre Thomas (at Rams)- with Mark Ingram officially out, Thomas should see an increased role this week against a St. Louis team that just got torched by DeMarco Murray. The Rams are bad enough that both Darren Sproles and Thomas should be able to put up monster fantasy numbers.

Sit 'Em

DeAngelo Williams (vs.Vikings)- Williams has been losing carries to Jonathan Stewart and goal line carries to Cam Newton, he should be rooted firmly on everyone's bench.

Maurice Morris (at Broncos)- Morris was unimpressive last week against the Falcons and will be going against a strong Denver run defense, in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.

Peyton Hillis (at 49ers)- Hillis (appears to be suffering the effects of the Madden curse) is officially listed as questionable and is not likely to play this week, but even if the does he will be sharing carries with Montario Hardesty against a top San Francisco run defense. Don't expect either running back to do much this Week 8.

Week 8 Start/Sit Part 1: QBs

This topic will take a look at some weekly matchups not involving top-tier players such as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Chris Johnson, Darren McFadden and Calvin Johnson. Here are the starts and sits for Week 8:

QB

Start 'Em

Tim Tebow (vs. Lions)- Tebow faces a tougher Detroit defense this week, but he should still produce enough fantasy points especially with no Willis McGahee to compete for goal line carries. 

Joe Flacco (vs. Cardinals)- Flacco was terrible against the Jaguars on Monday night, but he will be going up against one of the weakest secondaries in the league. 

Ben Roethlisberger (vs. Patriots)- Roethlisberger has been on fire the past 3 weeks and should be able to continue along against a weak New England pass defense.

Sit 'Em

Colt McCoy (at 49ers)- McCoy struggled Week 7 against Seattle and will be going against a strong San Francisco defense without Mohamed Massaquoi and Benjamin Watson.

Christian Ponder (at Panthers)- Ponder had a decent debut against Green Bay last week, but will be on the road against a Carolina team with suspect run defense so expect a big dose of Adrian Peterson.

Kevin Kolb (at Ravens)- Kolb surprisingly had a good game against Pittsburgh in Week 7, but it is still questionable whether he has turned the corner and he will be facing a still top Baltimore defense.

Week 8 Friday Practice: Injuries Report

For reference, Week 8 Thursday Practice: Injuries Report

The major change today is that Mike Tolbert is now not likely to play in Week 8. Some players that were either expected or likely to be out on Sunday, have been confirmed and ruled out today.  Players that were not mentioned yesterday will appear below the updates for yesterday (and in bold).Here are the major injury related news from Friday's practice around the NFL:

Andre Johnson- was held out of practice and both Johnson himself and coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged that he is not ready to play yet. Officially he is still a game time decision, but will likely be out.

Adrian Peterson- participated fully in practice on Friday and is probable for Week 8.

Joseph Addai- he returned to full practice today and is listed as questionable. Addai's situation is similar to last week when he only practiced on Friday and was able to play in Week 7. If he does play, the of course Delone Carter will not get as many touches.

Mark Ingram- he has finally been ruled out. Look for Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles to split the carries and Chris Ivory to possibly vulture some goal line carries.

Daniel Thomas- he was limited in practice again on Friday and is listed as questionable, but should play against the Giants.

Beanie Wells- he increased his participation in Friday's practice and is officially a dreaded game time decision (signs points toward him playing Week 8), but exercise caution when counting on the fragile Wells.

Peyton Hillis- was held out of practice again and is listed as questionable, but is not expected to play. Look for Montario Hardesty to get the start against a good San Francisco defense.

Matthew Stafford- took part in full practice today and is listed as questionable. Barring a set back, he should be ready to go against the Broncos this Sunday.

Mike Tolbert- he missed practice again on Friday his status for week 8 is now not likely to play. If he is indeed out for Monday Night Football then Ryan Matthews will have a big workload. 


Officially Out: Jahvid Best, Sam Bradford, Mark Ingram. 

World Series Game 6: Hometown Hero David Freese's Highlights

Wow!! What a game and what an ending!!! Here is the short version highlights of David Freese's triple and walk-off homer:



And the fantasy baseball relevance of this post is that David Freese's fantasy stock is skyrocketing this postseason. He will shooting up draft boards as long as he is healthy.

Week 8 Thursday Practice: Injuries Report

For reference, Wednesday's report: http://fantasysportscoach.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-8-wednesday-practice-injuries.html

There were a few positive updates on some of the players listed in yesterday's post. Jahvid Best and Sam Bradford are still expected to be out and I won't mention them again in either the space below or in Friday's report unless there are unexpected news. Players that were not mentioned yesterday will appear below the updates for yesterday (and in bold).Here are the major injury related news from Thursday's practice around the NFL:

Andre Johnson- practiced for a second straight day and according to coach Gary Kubiak he will be a dreaded game time decision.

Adrian Peterson- returned to limited practice on Thursday and is expected to play in Week 8.

Joseph Addai- he missed practice for a second straight day and the Colts are waiting to hear from team doctors. As stated in yesterday's post, "at this point it's too early to tell if he will be available for Sunday or not. After all, he played Week 7 and did not practice until Friday."

Mark Ingram- he missed practice again, but coach Sean Payton has not ruled him out. If he is out Chris Ivory could vulture some goal line carries.

Daniel Thomas- he returned to a limited practice on Thursday and should play against the Giants.

Beanie Wells- he returned to a limited practice on Thursday and signs points toward him playing Week 8, but exercise caution when counting on the fragile Wells.

Peyton Hillis- took the first team reps on Wednesday in limited practice, but did not practice today due to his hamstring flaring up with soreness. He is questionable at this point.

Matthew Stafford- he practice for a second straight day and worked with the first team offense in Thursday's limited practice. Barring a set back, he should be ready to go against the Broncos this Sunday. 

Week 8 Wednesday Practice: Injuries Report

Today, there were a few running backs that did not practice or were held out. Some of them have already been ruled out for Week 8. The other major news was that Andre Johnson practiced. Here are the major injury related news from Wednesday's practice around the NFL:

Andre Johnson- practiced, but didn't feel good immediately after practice. The Texans should have a better idea whether he suits of this Sunday after Thursday's practice.

Adrian Peterson- he was held out of Wednesday's practice and was seen limping late in Week 7. Keep an eye on Toby Gerhart if this injury turns out to be serious.

Jahvid Best- according to Adam Schefter, Best will not play in Week 8. With the Lions having a Week 9 bye week, this news is not surprising.

Joseph Addai- he was held out of practice after aggravating his hamstring injury against the Saints. At this point it's too early to tell if he will be available for Sunday or not. After all, he played Week 7 and did not practice until Friday.

Mark Ingram- he was held out of practice and is considered "day to day." Expect Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles to carry the load if Ingram is out for Week 8.

Daniel Thomas- he was held out of practice, but there are no news on any injuries. It is important to note that he did practice last week on a limited basis.

Beanie Wells- he was held out of practice and while Wells expects to play this week, don't count on his words turning out to be true. If he is out, then Cardinals will use a three way committee against the Ravens.

Sam Bradford- he had his cast removed, but is considered doubtful (high ankle sprain) for the game against the Saints. A.J. Feeley should get another start in his place.

Week 8 Adds

This post will provide a list of some of the best available waiver pickups for this upcoming Week 8 and beyond. None of the Redskins running backs are included in this list because who knows what Mike Shanahan is going to do with his backfield on any give Sunday. Without rambling anymore, here's the list:

DeMarco Murray- not much to say after his record setting game on Week 7. Run and grab him if he is still available. He has a chance of turning out to be a difference maker down the stretch.

Jackie Battle- he is the number one running back in Kansas City now. He is this year's Mike Tolbert, a solid but not spectacular pound-it runner.

Knowshon Moreno- with Willis McGahee out, he should have a heavy workload in the ultra conservative Tim Tebow led Broncos offense.

Demaryius Thomas- he was targeted 10 times by Tim Tebow in his first game back and remember that he was drafted ahead of Dez Bryant so the upside is there.

Jabar Gaffney- with Santana Moss out, Jabar Gaffney is now the top receiver on the Redskins. He should get most of the targets with Fred Davis.

Cincinnati Defense- for those that use defenses based on weekly matchups, here is the one for this week. The unheralded Bengals defense gets to face one of the weakest offenses in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks.

Top 25 from Week 7

Week 7 ended with the Ravens being upset by the Jaguars and the Top 25 points scorers in a standard Yahoo! Public League also contains a few surprising names. Here's the the list:

Week 7 Yahoo! Top 25 Scoring
Player	Fantasy Points
Arian Foster	41.4
Drew Brees	33
DeMarco Murray	31.3
Ben Roethlisberger	26.24
Aaron Rodgers	26.2
Cam Newton	26.14
Matt Forte	24.3
Adrian Peterson	23.5
Tim Tebow	22.94
Darren Sproles	22.7
Marques Colston	21.8
Greg Jennings	20.7
Plaxico Burress	20.5
Mark Sanchez	20.42
Matt Schaub	19.84
Kevin Kolb	19.28
John Beck	19.16
Christian Ponder	17.86
Mike Wallace	17.8
Calvin Johnson	17.5
Jimmy Graham	17.4
Michael Jenkins	17.1
Matt Ryan	16.92
Dez Bryant	15
Steve Smith	14.9

As expected, Tim Tebow did well in terms of fantasy scoring and the only quarterbacks with more points were Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton. Tebow should continue to be at least a top 10 quarterback, but nobody should be surprised if he keeps on appearing in or near the top 5. The other major surprises in the top 10 were DeMarco Murray at the #3 spot and Darren Sproles sneaking in at #10. Out of the the two Murray has a better shot at having another week in this list with the absence of Felix Jones. Jimmy Graham keeps on marching along as the top tight end of this season. Plaxico Burress made it to this list, but is anyone really expecting 3 touchdowns out of him again?

As usual for Yahoo! leagues, quarterbacks have a large presence at the top thanks to the scoring format and everybody should keep this in mind when looking at the numbers from some of the quarterbacks in the bottom range.

Week 7 Major Injuries Report from Sunday Part 2 (Update)

Link to original post: http://fantasysportscoach.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-7-major-injuries-report-from_23.html

Willis McGahee- fractured his hand in the third quarter of the game and was not part of the Tim Tebow led comeback against the Dolphins. No word yet on how long he is out He will have surgery on the fracture fourth metacarpal in his left hand and is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball received carries in his absence today and should continue to do so if he is out. 

Matthew Stafford- suffered knee and ankle injuries, but the early word is that he is likely to play in Week 8 against the Broncos. He is considered "day to day," but he is in a walking boot and seeking a second opinion. 

Darren McFadden- suffered a right foot sprain, no timetable on how long he is out. The good news are that he has an upcoming bye week. If he is out for an extended period then Michael Bush will see the majority of the carries for the Raiders. 

Joseph Addai- returned and injured his hamstring again. There's no update on whether it was a major or minor setback, but he did tell Michele Tafoya that he would have been fully healed by Tuesday and was not at 100% for Sunday's game. Delone Carter took advantage in garbage time against the Saints this week and should be in line for carries again next week. 

Week 7 Major Injuries Report from Sunday Part 1 (Update)

Link to original post: http://fantasysportscoach.blogspot.com/2011/10/week-7-major-injuries-report-from.html

Week 7 brought on a bunch of significant injuries to major fantasy football assets. Let's get them and their fantasy implications:

Tim Hightower- suffered a non-contact injury, which the Redskins believe could be a torn ACL it has been confirmed as a torn left ACL and he is done for this season. If this is true then Ryan Torain will most likely be up next in Washington's backfield, but keep Roy Helu in mind since it's hard to predict what coach Mike Shanahan will do next (nobody was expecting Hightower to be the lead back this week). 

Santana Moss- most likely out 3-4 weeks with broken bone in his left hand he underwent surgery and will be sidelined for 5-7 weeks. Jabar Gaffney and Fred Davis should see increases in targets. 

Earnest Graham- suffered a torn Achilles and is done for the rest of the season. After their bye week, if LeGarrette Blount is not healthy then the Buccaneers will give the ball to Kregg Lumpkin and whoever they sign off the street.

Week 7 Major Injuries Report from Sunday Part 2

Willis McGahee- fractured his hand in the third quarter of the game and was not part of the Tim Tebow led comeback against the Dolphins. No word yet on how long he is out. Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball received carries in his absence today and should continue to do so if he is out. 

Matthew Stafford- suffered knee and ankle injuries, but the early word is that he is likely to play in Week 8 against the Broncos. 

Darren McFadden- suffered a right foot sprain, no timetable on how long he is out. The good news are that he has an upcoming bye week. If he is out for an extended period then Michael Bush will see the majority of the carries for the Raiders. 

Joseph Addai- returned and injured his hamstring again. Delone Carter took advantage in garbage time against the Saints this week and should be in line for carries again next week. 

Week 7 Major Injuries Report from Sunday Part 1

Week 7 brought on a bunch of significant injuries to major fantasy football assets. Let's get them and their fantasy implications:

Tim Hightower- suffered a non-contact injury, which the Redskins believe could be a torn ACL. If this is true then Ryan Torain will most likely be up next in Washington's backfield, but keep Roy Helu in mind since it's hard to predict what coach Mike Shanahan will do next (nobody was expecting Hightower to be the lead back this week). 

Santana Moss- most likely out 3-4 weeks with broken bone in his left hand. Jabar Gaffney and Fred Davis should see increases in targets. 

Earnest Graham- suffered a torn Achilles and is done for the rest of the season. After their bye week, if LeGarrette Blount is not healthy then the Buccaneers will give the ball to Kregg Lumpkin.

Week 7 Start/Sit Part 5: Ks and Defenses

K

Start 'Em

Jason Hanson (vs Falcons)- Detroit's offense has putting up points this season with Matthew Stafford healthy and Hanson has benefited from this.

Sit 'Em

Sebastian Janikowski (at Saints)- Janikowski has a left hamstring injury and the Raiders signed Dave Rayner for this week's game.

DEF

Start 'Em

Cowboys (vs. Rams)- St. Louis offense has been pathetic and without Sam Bradford for this game don't expect them to suddenly turn the switch and light up the scoreboard.

Broncos (vs. Dolphins)- Denver is coming off its bye week while Miami will be playing after a short week, the Broncos have the pass rushers to take advantage to the Dolphins' questionable offensive line.

Sit 'Em

Falcons (at Lions)- Atlanta has been a disappointment this season and it should be no different this week facing Detroit's offense and Megatron Calvin Johnson.

Vikings (vs Packers)- Minnesota is no longer the elite defense it used to be and should be no match for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers receiving corps.  

Week 7 Start/Sit Part 4: TEs

TE

Start 'Em

Fred Davis (at Panthers)- Davis leads the team in receptions and with Chris Cooley is out, his number of targets should be in an upswing even with John Beck at quarterback for Washington.

Dallas Clark (at Saints)- no longer an elite tight end without Peyton Manning, but he has a decent matchup against New Orleans.

Sit 'Em

Jared Cook (vs. Texans)- Cook has been targeted 15 times in the last 2 games, but he only caught 6 of those targets and will have a tough Houston defense.

Dustin Keller (vs. Chargers)- Keller started the season on fire just like like last season, but he started to slow down after Week 3 and now with the Jets run first offense, his number of targets is decreasing.

Week 7 Start/Sit Part 3: WRs

WR

Start 'Em

Eric Decker (at Dolphins)- with Brandon Lloyd in St. Louis, Decker is the new No. 1 option in Denver and he should continue to lead the Broncos in targets, receptions and touchdowns.

Greg Little (vs. Seahawks)- Little was a preseason sleeper that has finally shown up with 12 targets last week, he is now the top receiver in Cleveland and should eventually start turning some of those targets into touchdowns.

Mike Williams (vs. Bears)- Williams has been a disappointment this season, but he had 13 targets last week and should be able to do well underneath against Chicago's defense.

Sit 'Em

Santonio Holmes (vs. Chargers)- he is still the No. 1 option, but he is now part of a run first offense going against one of the top pass defenses in the NFL.

Jacoby Jones (at Titans)- Jones was great in Week 6 against the Ravens, but we have to remember that he was just as terrible in Week 5 against the Raiders so don't expect much with Matt Schaub injured against the Titan's secondary.

Lance Moore (vs. Colts)- this is a good matchup for the Saints, but New Orleans has too many weapons and now with Marques Colston back, Moore is behind Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles and Colston in the pecking order.

Week 7 Start/Sit Part 2: RBs

RB

Start 'Em

Rashard Mendenhall (at Cardinals)- Mendenhall finally broke out of his slow start last week with at monster game, look for him to continue building on that breakout this week against a soft Arizona defense.

DeMarco Murray (vs. Rams)- Murray has not impressed so far this season, but he should be explosive enough to step up and take advantage of this great matchup against St. Louis.

Earnest Graham (vs. Bears)- LeGarrette Blount is still out and Graham did a great job filling in for him last week vs. New Orleans, look for Graham to do a well against Chicago both in the ground and through the air.

Sit 'Em

Delone Carter (at Saints)- Carter was a major disappointment last week and with the news of Joseph Addai's return to practice on Friday, he should be stuck on everyone's bench this week.

Steven Jackson (at Cowboys)- Jackson is a hard player to bench, but he will have much room to run this week with A.J, Feeley at quarterback and going against the top run defense of Dallas.

Shonn Greene (vs. Chargers)- Greene has seen a lot of touches recently with the Jets renewed emphasis on running the ball, but his numbers are still pedestrian and he will be going against a tough San Diego defense.

Week 7 Start/Sit Part 1: QBs

This topic will take a look at some weekly matchups not involving top-tier players such as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Chris Johnson, Darren McFadden and Calvin Johnson. Here are the starts and sits for Week 7:

QB

Start 'Em

Tim Tebow (at Dolphins)- it's Tebow Time, his first start of the season will have a home game atmosphere with the Miami Dolphins planning to honor his 2008 Florida Gators at halftime and he should produce at least Cam Newton light type of numbers.

Tony Romo (vs. Rams)- Romo has not lived up to his preseason sleeper status, but he will be going up against a St. Louis team that has allowed quarterbacks to go off with both Dez Bryant and Miles Austin available. 

Ben Roethlisberger (at Cardinals)- Roethlisberger has been inconsistent this season, but he should be able to have his way with one of the weakest secondaries in the league.

Sit 'Em

Matt Schaub (at Titans)- Schaub is injured (he was limited in Wednesday's practice) and will face a stingy Tennessee defense without Andre Johnson.

Mark Sanchez (vs. Chargers)- Sanchez has been one of the surprises at quarterback this season, but he will be facing one of the top pass defenses in the league and with the Jets new commitment to running the ball.

Kevin Kolb (vs. Steelers)- Kolb has been a disappointment after Week 1 and he will be facing a still top Pittsburgh defense.

First Post and Welcome to this Blog!

Week 7 in fantasy football is tomorrow and I finally got around to starting this blog. My intend is to give out advice for fantasy football, fantasy basketball and fantasy baseball. Advice will include who to start, who to sit, hot waiver pick-ups, sleepers to watch, rankings, trade advice, injuries and more.

Information for tomorrow will be up soon!