The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 9 Bench/Start Defenses

Week 9 brings another round of challenging BYE week players including Drew Brees, Philips Rivers, LT, and Frank Gore to name a few. The San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers are all on BYE this week, so find your waiver players early because there will be allot of people hunting. If you have a deep bench, get ready to use it. Here are our week 9 picks.

DEFENSES AND YOU MUST START
We not liking the matchup for the Buffalo Bills defense, but you have to start them this week at home against the Jets. Jacksonville looked bad last week, but we think they can make it up against Cincinnati this week. Cleveland always plays well at home and they have Baltimore in their sites. Start them. Tampa Bay is a must start this week, even on the road. We think Green Bay will beat Tennessee and it starts with their defense.

Others: Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Houston

Other DEFENSES To Consider Starting With Some Risk
The New York Giants defense will get their fair share of sacks and INTs against the Cowboys this week. We wouldn't recommend starting Arizona's defense, but they can put up some good numbers if they play good football vs the Rams. Its without a doubt a risky start, but has some big payoff. If Bob Sanders is back, you have to start Indianapolis at home. You have too. Finally, the NY Jets defense needs to put pressure on Edwards and if they can, he will make mistakes. They have 24 sacks through 7 games.

Others: Dallas, Baltimore, Tennessee, Miami, Oakland, Washington, Minnesota, Dallas, New England

Please Bench These DEFENSES

Cincinnati, Detroit , St. Louis, Kansas City, Seattle, Denver

Sleeper Defenses

Detroit's defense has looked sharp against good teams this season when not expected. They are a deep sleeper, but expect a possible TD return and some sacks for the Lions. We really like Atlanta's defense to do some damage in Oakland against the Raiders. They are our sleeper trench defense. Another long shot is the Kansas City defense. They play well at home and matchup well against Tampa Bay.

The True Guru

NFL Teams Policing Themselves

Have you noticed something about the NFL Conduct Policy this year? Maybe how, it’s working – masterfully, in fact?
Players are not going to stop getting in trouble – human nature won’t allow it. Any collection of 1,600 young adult males is going to have a few bad apples. (Numbers show that the NFL actually has fewer bad apples than American society on average, if we are to believe the arrests numbers.) But what the NFL Conduct Policy has done is empowered, or coerced, teams into reprimanding their own problem children.
We have seen an unprecedented amount of team-issued discipline handed down this season. Individual clubs have taken the initiative to clean up any messes that arise. And it’s not just about players who get in legal trouble; proverbial head cases have felt the iron fist, as well. Take a look at all the team-issued discipline this season. You’ll notice that ALL of the players listed below are guys who have had cloudy reputations in the past.

New York Giants, Plaxico Burress – suspension
The defending World Champions have discovered that their foundation is stronger than their individual parts – including the talented yet roguish 6’5” wide receiver. The Giants suspended Burress for a game earlier this year after he skipped a Monday meeting. They also benched him in the first quarter of last Sunday’s contest at Pittsburgh after he failed to show up for a treatment on his neck.

New York Giants, Jeremy Shockey – traded
The Giants first came to realize that they could survive – nay, thrive – without some of their narcissistic stars when they made their Super Bowl run while the Pro Bowl tight end was out with a broken leg. Shockey’s reclusive behavior during the offseason, and derisive outburst at GM Jerry Reese in training camp, eventually got him traded.

Kansas City Chiefs, Larry Johnson – benched
Four times in five years the star running back has been accused of assault on a woman (usually at a nightclub). Factor in his sporadic whining and moping and it becomes easy to see why the Chiefs have gotten fed up. Herm Edwards has inactivated Johnson for each of the past two games. This ordeal may not be finished; on Tuesday, Johnson went to New York and met with Roger Goodell. To the running back’s credit, he has publicly owned up to his latest mistake and has acknowledged a need for significant changes in his life.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Santonio Holmes – suspended
The Steelers chose to face arguably the best team in football last week without their leading receiver and most dynamic offensive threat. Why? Earlier in the week, Holmes was stopped by police and admitted to having marijuana in his possession. This was the young wideout’s third run-in with the law since being drafted. Holmes has publicly apologized for the incident, though don’t be shocked if he too winds up meeting with Goodell at some point.

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The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 9 Bench/Start WRs & TEs

Week 9 brings another round of challenging BYE week players including Drew Brees, Philips Rivers, LT, and Frank Gore to name a few. The San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers are all on BYE this week, so find your waiver players early because there will be allot of people hunting. If you have a deep bench, get ready to use it. Here are our week 9 picks.

WIDE RECEIVERS YOU MUST START
Again, Wes Welker will be thrown to quite a bit especially if this game develops into a shootout. Terrell Owens will get more action this week. We called it last week and he failed us, but he cannot be this bad this long. Donnie Avery makes it to our big list for the first time. He will be involved in the shoot out in St. Louis. Brandon Marshall is back and should have lots of success at hoe against Miami.

Others: Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Greg Jennings, Randy Moss, Bobby Wade, Hines Ward

TIGHT ENDS YOU MUST START

Chris Cooley, Anthony Fasano, Owen Daniels, John Carleson, Marcedes Lewis, Zach Miller, Tony Scheffler, Bo Scaife

Other Wide Receivers To Consider Starting With Some Risk
Farve has a good history of throwing well against good defenses. Start both Lavernues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery with confidence. We think that Roddy White will have a down week against Oakland, but he is still a must start. We really like Antonio Bryant this week as well for a great game against Kansas City. If Reggie Brown plays and he is healthy, look for a good game out of him. The risk here is, will he be healthy. Steve Breaston should continue to catch lots of passes, but not many TDs. You have to start him this week. Derrick Mason should be very active against Cleveland's defense and could find the end zone. Torry Holt hasn't been much this season, but look for him to shine a bit against Arizona. We have a feel this is a week he will score. Regardless what anyone says, Plaxico Burress is a risky start, but he's a must start against Dallas. Keep our fingers crossed.

Others: Donald Driver, Chansi Stuckey, Marvin Harrison, Kevin Walters, , Greg Camarillo, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Braylon Edwards, Eddie Royal, Roy Williams, Steve Smith (NYG), Santana Moss, Kevin Curtis, Nate Washington

Other Tight Ends To Consider Starting With Some Risk

Donald Lee, Dustin Keller, Benjamin Watson, Jason Witten(Check Injury Status), Kevin Boss

Please Bench These Wide Receivers
Bench Chad Johnson against Jacksonville. He is becoming less valuable all the time and this is not a good matchup for him. We actually like Donte Stallworth this week, but his quadricep injury could hold him back, so we say bench him. Dwayne Bowe will catch passes, but not much against Tampa Bay's defense.

Others: Michael Jenkins, Javon Walker, Brandon Jones, Justin Gage, Antwaan Randle El

Please Bench These Tight Ends

Todd Heap, Alge Crumpler, Kellen Winslow

Sleeper Wide Receivers
We really like Ted Ginn Jr. to have a repeat performance against Denver's awful secondary. Look for 105 yards and a TD. A nice deep sleeper this week is Brandon Stokely. First make sure he will be playing after suffering the concussion a few wee back. If he plays he should catch 4-5 passes for 85 yards and score at least once. We like Austin Miles his week to catch a long pass, so look for him to have a solid fill in week.

Good luck. Next are our Defenses!

The True Guru

The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 9 Bench/Start Runningbacks

Week 9 brings another round of challenging BYE week players including Drew Brees, Philips Rivers, LT, and Frank Gore to name a few. The San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers are all on BYE this week, so find your waiver players early because there will be allot of people hunting. If you have a deep bench, get ready to use it. Here are our week 9 picks.

RUNNINGBACKS YOU MUST START
Marion Barber and Brandon Jacobs will go at it in a game where running will be needed to win. Figure both for nice games. Marshawn Lynch should have a great game against the NY Jets. Big week for Ernest Graham and company to hammer the Kansas City Chiefs. This should be a big game for Michael Turner against the Raiders. The Raiders can stop the pass, but not the run. Big Matt Forte is back. He should have a great game on the ground and catching passes for your PPR leagues.

Others: Ernest Graham, Brian Westbrook, Maurice Jones-Drew, Steven Jackson (Check Injury Status), Adrian Peterson, Willis McGahee

Other Runningbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
Tim Hightower has to start from this point on. He won't get allot of carries, but he almost good for 1, maybe 2 TDs a game and will start getting more carries. The Jets will lean on Thomas Jones to establish the pass against Buffalo. There is risk, but he should do alright. IF Warrick Dunn is healthy he is a good play this week to get some catches and carries against the woeful KC defense. We said IF. We like Joseph Addai to comeback this week and have a solid game against New England. He won't get more than 15-16 carries as they spell him with Rhodes, but he should be effective. Just monitor his injury status through Sunday. Tough week for Clinton Portis against Pittsburgh. You can't bench him, so hope for the best. We'd say, bench him. We like LenDale White cause we figure he will score 1 TD on 10 carries for 7 yards.

Others: Jamal Lewis, Kevin Faulk, DeAngelo Williams, Julius Jones, Ernest Graham, Ronnie Brown, Michael Pittman, Fred Taylor

Please Bench These Runningbacks
Bench Cedric Benson. Jacksonville's defense will dominate this game. If Addai is back, then bench Rhodes. Dominic Rhodes will get 10-12 carries, but not enough to matter and Addai will get the important carries. Chris Johnson is a bench. The Green Bay defense is very good and should neutralize the Titans offense. Bench Ryan Grant as well. This is not his game. People expecting a repeat performance from Leon Washington are kidding themselves.

Others: Rudi Johnson, Kevin Smith, Edgerrin James, Darren McFadden, Kolby Smith, Selvin Young, Julius Jones, Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Ahman Green

Sleeper Runningbacks
This week we like Justin Fargas against Atlanta. This is a good week to start Ricky Williams. He will find the end zone against Denver and get 75 total yards. We called BenJarvus Green-Ellis a sleeper last week and we will do it again. Look for 50 yards and a TD.

Good luck. Next are our Wide Receivers and Tight Ends!

The True Guru

The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 9 Bench/Start Quarterbacks

Week 9 brings another round of challenging BYE week players including Drew Brees, Philips Rivers, LT, and Frank Gore to name a few. The San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Diego Chargers are all on BYE this week, so find your waiver players early because there will be allot of people hunting. If you have a deep bench, get ready to use it. Here are our week 9 picks.

QUARTERBACKS YOU MUST START
Kurt Warner is a confirmed stud whether you like it or not and he has a fantastic matchup going back to St. Louis where it all started. Eli Manning will be a fight with the Cowboys, so we expect him to come through. We assume Buress is playing. Marc Bulger will pop up this week in the must start section. He will match egos with Warner or at least try. David Garrard is heating up and he is quickly becoming the QB we expected him to be. If you have Peyton Manning don't be afraid to start him this week. The Colts need a win badly and they are at home against a rival. Also start him counterpart Matt Cassel.

Others: Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Matt Schaub, Brett Farve, Ben Roethlisberger

Other Quarterbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
Matt Ryan should be a solid start to what should be a solid home pass defense of the Raiders. Jeff Garcia should make up for the loss in Dallas with a much better start against KC. Brett Farve won't put up the biggest number, but he should get a couple of TDs against Buffalo. Brad Johnson is a desperation start, but with all that talent he's hard not to start if you are desperate.

Others: , Trent Edwards, Derek Anderson, Kyle Orton, Gus Frerotte, Aaron Rodgers

Please Bench These Quarterbacks
Tyler Thigpen Will have a very bad day against Tampa Bay. Tony Romo is still OUT, so that sucks for Romo owners.

Others: Dan Orlovsky, Joe Flacco, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kerry Collins, Seneca Wallace

Sleeper Quarterbacks
Chad Pennington should be able to throw early and often against Denver. If you have a QB on th BYE week, this is your week to use Pennington. We aren't saying that he will do big things, but this game against Atlanta is a great matchup for the Raiders at home and we can see Russell throwing 1 and running 1. Either way, JaMarcus Russell will get 2 TDs.

Good luck. Next are our Runningbacks!

The True Guru

The Guru Gridiron Report: Expert League Week 8 Games

2008 Fantasy Football Search Expert League

The Guru Gridiron Report has an exciting week 6 of action in the Fantasy Football Search Expert League. Another huge week as teams are needing wins badly and a separation is beginning to form. With only 6 playoff spots up for grabs, 14 teams battle for those prized spots in week 6.

The expert league being hosted at http://www.fantasyfootballsearch.com/2008_fantasy_football_expert_league.asp. Every week will bring you updates, scores, and analysis of what went on in that week in The 2008 Fantasy Football Search Expert League.

BLOWOUT OF THE WEEK
For the second week of the season, Fantasy Playbook takes the blowout of the week. This time at the hands of Johnny Archive. It was the biggest lose of the week, and a hard one to swallow AJ's team has been decimated by injuries, the biggest being Tom Brady. Let's be honest, the BYE week killed Fantasy Playbook as they couldn't even man an entire roster, only 7 players. Johnny Archive had huge days from Donnie Avery, Matt Schaub, and Santan Moss to lead the way to victory. With this loss AJ is pretty much eliminated from the playoffs, but we wouldn't count him out for some more wins this season.

What a huge win for Rhett. Facing complete mathematical elimination he beats a tough team team in Scout Fantasy Football and handed Jeff Mans his 3rd loss of the year. Scout Fantasy Football was without Steven Jackson and that cost him big. BYES also hurt him as he had to start Brad Johnson. Lets just state this. Out of his whole team, 2 players scored more than 10 points. Shaun McDonald and Duece McCallister. Need we say more. Fantasy Sports Zone had big gems from Lavernues Coles, Antonio Gates, and Kevin Faulk to lead his team.

Owners Box Sports finally got back to winning ending a losing slide. It was a close matchup with Fantasy Football Starters, but in the end he muscled his way to victory with huge days from Drew Brees and Anquan Boldin. They totaled 64 of his total points. Fantasy Football Starters was really beat by those two guys and held strong with great performances Frank Gore and Steve Smith. In the end Edgerrin James did him in with a -1 score.

Big Game Fantasy Sports continues his winning streak with a 5th consecutive win and this time over a tough team in Junkyard Jake. Except for LJ Smith, his entire team played well. Notably Andre Johnson and DeAngelo Williams scoring a combined 50 points. Junkyard Jake kept it close with Marshawn Lynch, Dwayne Bowe, and Matt Ryan, but came up short in this matchup of Goliaths. With this win, Big Game Fantasy Sports takes the lead in the West Division.

Team Bowser came off his first lost angry and ripped his clothes off like the Hulk and dominated Nooseason.com. Paul ran for cover this week and managed an alright performance. Roddy White and Kurt Warner laid down the rules for this game and put up a combined 64 points on his way to a huge victory. Larry Fitzgerald dropped in 21, so between the 3 players he matched Nooffseason.com's entire team with 85 points! Xtreme Fantasy Football remains the # power ranking team in the league to date.



The tightest matchup of the week goes to these guys, but in the end a big win for Mock Draft Central. Both teams played very well, but in the end, MDC won with gritty performances from Jason Campbell and Dominic Rhodes. Fighting Chance Fantasy kept pace with surprise performances from Chad Pennington and Tony Gonzalez. Overall this was the closest and best matchup of the week that went all the way into Monday night to determine the winner.

Fantasy Football Search is in a free fall. The True Guruhas taken two significant injuries by losing Tonyo Romo and Reggie Bush. This week with some BYEs I started Malcolm Floyd, Green-Ellis, and Kolby Smith. It was brutal, but I put up a good fight. I have to win from this point on and that will be tough being I have the best team in the league next week in Xtreme Fantasy Football at 7-1. Pro Fantasy Games put u a huge day from Brian Westbrook (41) and Jake Delhomme added in 22 points to secure the big victory. Pro Fantasy Games moves ahead of FFS , but they remained tied with 4-4 records.


Week 7 Match Ups:

Fantasy Football Starters (4-4) Vs Fantasy Sports Zone (2-6)

This is a badly needed win for Fantasy Football Starters to keep pace. Fantasy Sports Zone is eliminated yet, but another loss should do it.

Xtreme Fantasy Football (7-1) Vs Fantasy Football Search (4-4)
XFF is going into week 9 facing the reeling Fantasy Football Search team. Fantasy Football Search needs wins badly and this will be a tough week to get one.

Big Game Fantasy Sports (5-3) Vs. Pro Fantasy Games (4-4) Big matchup for both teams. Pro Fantasy Games is one game from tying for the division lead and Big Game Fantasy Sports is going for a 6th straight win.

Fighting Chance Fantasy (2-6) Vs. Nooffseason.com (4-4)
Nooffseason.com looks to virtually eliminate Fighting Chance Fantasy with a 3d straight win.

Johnny Archive (3-5) Vs Mock Draft Central (4-4)
Johnny Archive is facing a hot Mock Draft Central team and needs a big win to keep pace in the West. MDC can use a win to move into better position in the East.

Junkyard Jake (5-3) Vs Scout Fantasy Football (5-3)
Two 5-3 teams hammer it out. Neither need a win badly, but both want this game badly.

Owners Box Sports (5-3) Vs. NFL Fantasy Playbook (2-6)
Owners Box Sports needs to play carefully. NFL Fantasy Playbook isn't a very good team, but they can sneak up on you.

The Guru Gridiron Report: The True Guru Goes 3-3 In a Smash Mouth Week!

Leagues: 6 (3 Yahoo!, 2 CBS Sportsline, 1 ESPN)
Total Record: 35-13

This was a smash mouth week of football as nearly every match was against a top-notch opponent in the respected league. Add in the fact that injuries and BYEs brutalized my teams I have to say I was happy to walk away 3-3 and I remain undefeated in the Coast-2-Coast league. Here are my six matchups for week 8:

Coast 2 Coast League

This week I faced my nemesis and the only man to beat me in this league last season, Tharp's Titans. This week I had Brain Westbrook and Kurt Warner back and they lead my team to a huge victory. They combined for 62 of my 116 points on the way to my 8 consecutive victory in this league. I did have a 50+ point lead going into Monday night with only Reggie Wayne left. The Titan's had Manning, Bironas, and the Titans DEF. I held strong.

Football Dynasty VI

A very tough loss. This is a league where you start 10 offensive guys and 10 defensive guys and with only 4 bench spots. Add in that I have Tony Romo and Reggie Bush out. Needless to say I had allot of holes I could not fill and it was exploited. I felt I would have won this if I didn't lose 5 players to BYES or if I had Romo and Bush, but overall I'm 6-2 and only 1 game out of 1st place and I face that first place team this week!

J.A.I.L. LeagueMy latest rival and good friend RC Rizza from Junkyard Jake has beaten again for the second consecutive week in a different league. This game remained tight all the way until when Chris Johnson slashed in for that final TD on Monday night. Overall, my team did well enough to beat 10 teams, but losing Jason Witten who put up a goose egg hurt. This week I made a trade and acquired Andre Johnson for Plaxico Burress and Jonathan Stewart. He was my biggest scoring player with 19 points. Terrell Owens, along with DeSean Jackson, and Jason Witten did me in combining for only 13 points.

Vegas Vs Texas League
The biggest win of the week for me and I scored high score for the season. The 6-1 Ravens got smashed by my team that was nearly whole except for Brandon Marshall. I moved within 1 game of the division with this win. I had a huge week from Brian Westbrook, David Garrard, and the Redskins DEF/ST. LarryFitzgerald and Andre Johnson didn't score, but both had huge games. Even my kicker Shaun Suisham had a huge day. This was a badly needed win as I remain in second place in my division at 5-3 with most points.


NSP Experts League
This expert league never lets me down and this week I took on a good friend in Johnny Archive and it was a virtual beat down. This game was over before it started. Massive performances from Drew Brees, Brian Westbrook, and Antonio Gates. Even a BYE week grab in Nate Washington produced a decent game with a touchdown and 13 points. I scored the most points in this league and my team definitely has the momentum in this league. I acquired Westbrook during his BYE week and next week I should get Addai back to replace Rhodes on my team. I'm in third place 1 game out of first place at 5-2. Next weeks game is a big one against AJ Pelletier.

Fantasy Football Search Expert League This team is in a free fall. The Fantasy Football Search expert league, which I'm hosting is by far my worse team. I've taken two significant injuries by losing Tonyo Romo and Reggie Bush. This week with some BYEs I started Malcolm Floyd, Green-Ellis, and Kolby Smith. It was brutal, but I put up a good fight. I have to win from this point on and that will be tough being I have the best team in the league next week in Xtreme Fantasy Football at 7-1.

The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 8 Review & Recap

Wow was week 8 a strange week. There were many good teams and great fantasy players out on the BYE and mix that in with tough injuries to guys like Tony Romo, Steven Jackson, and Reggie Bush sent guys scrambling for backup players. When the dust settled the results were mixed, but most big name players came to play and some new guys like rookie Donnie Avery came and showed his stuff. Let's analyze player values through week 8.

(Note: We missed week 7 with The True Guru down with the flu, so are new FVR values do reflect week 7 as well.)

Quarterbacks

Jay Cutler - EVEN FVR: 8.9

Hopefully the BYE will help him with the nagging injuries, but he has been in a slow decline since week 2. There is talk of benching him for others in some fantasy leagues.

Derek Anderson UPGRADED FVR: 8.0

Anderson is slowly doing better. 246 yards and a TD is another big step for him improving and being the QB we expect him to be. Its worth noting he did it against a great defense as well.

Gus Frerotte EVEN FVR: 7.0

He threw a TD and had one big play in this game to Berrian. He is at best a desperation BYE week start.

Philip Rivers UPGRADED FVR: 9.4

Rivers does two things well, throw TDs and lose. Whatever he does, he is an outstanding fantasy QB.

Tony Romo EVEN FVR: 8.9

Inured. Out till week 11.

Aaron Rodgers EVENFVR 8.9

BYE WEEK.

Jake Delhomme UPGRADED FVR: 8.4
Another solid game for Jake and he is really getting his chemistry back with Steve Smith.

Drew Brees EVEN FVR: 9.6

Another great game for Brees. He is one of the best fantasy QBs.


Donovan McNabb UPGRADED FVR: 8.6
He's getting back weapons and looking good. He rushed one him, but didn't throw any. Still, a good game.


J.T. O'Sullivan DOWNGRADED FVR: 6.0
He is no longer the starter for the 49ers. We expected this. Our favorite all year was Shaun Hill. Get him now.


Matt Schaub UPGRADED FVR: 8.7
Another great game for Schaub. He has the weapons and is really building chemistry.


Jason Campbell UPGRADED FVR: 8.4

Still needs more TDs, but he's getting the yards.

Matt Cassel UPGRADED FVR: 7.8
Needs to cut down on the INTs, but not a bad game overall. Still a backup fantasy QB.

Kurt Warner UPGRADED FVR: 9.5
381 yards and 2 TDs on the road. Pray he stays healthy.

Matt Hasselbeck EVEN FVR 7.2 LOOK TO TRADE
Injured.

Brett Farve - DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.5
Farve is throwing way too many INTs and not enough TDs. He had 2 this week, but against tougher defenses he would have had a terrible week. We were very high on Farve coming in and we can only hope the second half of the season produces better results.


David Garrard UPGRADED FVR: 8.0

Great week for Garrard, 283 yards and 2 TDs. As we expected he is in mid-season form and looking good.

Trent Edwards DOWNGRADED FVR: 7.7
Not the best on the road and should only be started at home and as your second QB.


Runningbacks


Marion Barber DOWNGRADED FVR: 9.1

He needs Romo back. The Cowboys just aren't moving the ball.


Steve Slaton EVEN FVR: 8.7

He didn't have much of a game, but remains a great runningback.


Reggie Bush EVEN FVR: 9.0
Injured for 2 to 4 weeks.


Tim Hightower UPGRADED FVR: 8.4 LOOK TO ACQUIRE
He got a TD and not much else. Not a bad 3rd RB if you need one.

Ronnie Brown - DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.4
We were expecting this decline. Expect more.

Matt Forte EVEN FVR: 8.8
BYE WEEK


Michael Turner DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.5
Turner is one of the top runners in the league, but lacks consistency Great game, good game, bad game, etc..

Ryan Grant EVEN FVR: 7.1 LOOK TO TRADE
BYE WEEK

Thomas Jones UPGRADED FVR: 8.5
Jones had a solid week and scored another TD.

Jonathon Stewart EVEN FVR: 6.9
Another tough week for Stewart.

Steven Jackson DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.6
Jackson was out with a quad injury. Hopefully its a one week injury.

Leon Washington UPGRADED FVR: 7.4
Big game. 2 TDs and he runs back punts.

Leonard Weaver UPGRADED FVR: 6.8
2 TDs for Seattle on passes nonetheless. Keep an eye on him, but don't get too excited.

Sammy Morris DOWNGRADED FVR 7.4
Out with Knee injury.

Wide Receiver

Terrell Owens DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.9
Wow. First double coverage, then no Romo. Now, Johnson stinks.



Donnie Avery UPGRADED FVR: 8.0
Quickly he is becoming Bulger's new friend and main target.

Kevin Walters UPGRADED FVR: 8.3
Very inconsistent, but another huge game with 2 TDs.

Jerricho Cotchery EVEN FVR: 8.7
Had a solid game, but no TDs. Still, he's Farve's favorite target.


Plaxico Buress DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.2 Look To Trade
Another bad week. Almost didn't play.

Andre Johnson UPGRADED FVR: 9.2
Another big game. He should continue to climb.

Torry Holt EVEN FVR: 6.0 LOOK TO TRADE
Its almost like he's not there.

DeSean Jackson DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.4
He had an OK game, but he is getting downgraded with the return of Westbrook, Curtis, and eventually Brown.


Greg Jennings EVEN FVR: 9.5
BYE WEEK

Roy Williams UPGRADED FVR: 8.1
He got his first TD as a Cowboy and is getting more reps.

Donald Driver EVEN FVR: 8.2
BYE WEEK

Braylon Edwards DOWNGRADED FVR 8.7
Needs to get open more and Anderson has to improve.

Randy Moss EVEN FVR: 8.4 LOOK TO TRADE
Coming off of last weeks game he's still Moss.

Larry Fitzgerald EVEN FVR: 9.7
Boldin got the TDs, but Fitzgerlad got the yards.

Steve Breaston UPGRADE FVR: 8.0
He may be #3, but 9 catches and 100+ yards says he is still a fantasy WR.

Tight Ends

Mercedes Lewis EVEN FVR: 7.8
We like this guy and as Garrard get hotter, so will Lewis. Caught a long TD in week 6.

Antonio Gates EVEN FVR: 9.5
Back to #1 in Tight Ends for Gates.


Jason Witten DOWNGRADED FVR: 8.5
No Romo and now some bad ribs. Big drop.


Dustin Keller EVEN FVR: 6.1
Where was this guy week 6?

John Carlson DOWNGRADED FVR: 7.9
Not much activity for Carlson this week.

Tony Gonzalez UPGRADED FVR: 8.6

Had a big game against the Jets and caught a TD.

Chris Cooley EVEN FVR: 8.8
6 catches and some yards. Not a bad day.

Visanthe Shiancoe EVEN FVR: 7.2
BYE WEEK

We apologize For Calling Terrible Defenses In Week 7

I want to apologize to our readers for our calls on team defenses for week 8 We did have some successful calls, but overall it was a dismal week for defenses. We apologize for the following defenses and hope you will forgive us:

MUST START DEFENSES:
New England
Jacksonville

START WITH RISK DEFENSES:
New Orleans
Indianapolis
Buffalo

BENCH THESE DEFENSES
Pittsburgh
NT Giants
Seattle

SLEEPER DEFENSES
NY Jets
San Francisco

I promise we will do much better in week 9. We don't normally apologize for bad weeks, but this was an especially bad week on the defenses. I hope nobody lost because of their defense this week.

NFL TOUCHDOWN SUNDAY SNIDE REMARKS - WEEK 8

New York Giants 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 14
Great win for the Giants – they were clearly the better team on Sunday. The New York secondary absolutely stifled the Steeler receivers (you may have noticed Ben Roethlisberger holding the ball for half an hour every time he dropped back). Also, Pittsburgh’s mediocre offensive line could not handle the Giants’ aggressive front seven.

Steve Spagnuolo might be the best defensive coordinator in the league right now. Few dial up blitzes as effectively as him. Sure, he has some stars to work with, but overall, the Giant D is middle of the road in terms of raw talent. Yet it’s performing at an elite level.

Can’t remember the last time I saw a Giants game that didn’t include the announcers beating an Eli Manning storyline to death. Thank you, Kenny Albert and Troy Aikman.

Speaking of the Fox broadcast, did anyone see Pam Oliver botch her report at the beginning of the second half? It might be worth You Tubing (if you have an extra minute or two).

James Harrison sailed a long snap over Mitch Berger’s head for a late game-tying safety. Here’s what I don’t understand: why doesn’t the backup center, or even starting center, handle the long snap duties in emergency situations?

New York has the best rushing attack in football this season. This alone should be enough to finally send one of these starting offensive linemen to Hawaii (I vote for right guard Chris Snee).

Plaxico Burress didn’t get an opportunity to truly stick it to his former team Sunday because he began the game on the bench as punishment for missing a treatment on a neck injury. Ironically, it’s this kind of behavioral garbage that helped make the Steelers Burress’s former team to begin with.

Dallas Cowboys 13, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9
This was a very good defensive struggle, highlighted by two ravenous run-stopping front sevens. For the Bucs, the speed of the defensive line gave Dallas trouble. For the Cowboys, linebacker Bradie James and nose tackles Jay Ratliff and Tank Johnson were big difference-makers.

Terrell Owens had only 33 yards receiving, but he stayed positive afterward. A sign that Owens has maybe grown up – a little – is that he seems to realize the offense is going to be treading water as long as Brad Johnson is under center.

Jeff Garcia is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Few quarterbacks elude the rush and keep their eyes downfield as well as he does. And few can move on from their first read, progress through two more, then come back and hit their first read later in the play.

The formula for beating Dallas is blitzing Johnson and jamming the wide receivers. Tampa Bay did that on Sunday, they just didn’t get any big plays offensively or on special teams.

Cowboys rookie corners Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick had excellent games. Obviously, they must continue to play at a high level while Terence Newman, and now possibly Anthony Henry, sit out. But one concern with both rookies is their level of confidence. It’s bordering on “too high.” Jenkins loves to jump routes, and Scandrick is becoming an all-out tackler. If I’m Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo, I spend Monday taking both rookies through the film, praising them and then scaring them with foreboding tales about giving up big plays.

After this game I heard Wade Phillips and several Cowboy players refer to the team’s upcoming bye week. One problem: Dallas’s bye is in Week 10. I don’t see any way the Cowboys go on the road and beat the Giants next week.

New Orleans Saints 37, San Diego Chargers 32
Are you like me? When watching this game, did you find yourself thinking, “I wonder if these Brits understand what’s going on.” The Brits had a lot of complicated football thrown at them in this one, including an onside kick and Drew Brees taking a bizarre safety in the closing seconds. (By the way, considering New Orleans was well past the 20-yard-line when they did that, and that it trimmed the lead from seven to five while still leaving eight seconds on the clock, you have to say that was one hell of a stupid decision by Sean Payton).

The Chargers lost, but the good news is they can still win the AFC West (thank you, overrated Denver), and LaDainian Tomlinson appears to be himself again.

Of course, San Diego has to stop somebody. And we’re discovering that without Shawne Merriman, that’s not something they can do.

If the Saints can get a few games above .500, you’ll start hearing Drew Brees’s name loudly in MVP discussions. The way he worked the ball around Sunday without the threat of Reggie Bush was extremely impressive.

Overall, I still don’t like sharing our game with the British. I think any European who attends an NFL game should first have to sign a document acknowledging that football is 1,000 times more complex and exciting than soccer.

Cleveland Browns 23, Jacksonville Jaguars 17
Two organizations badly needed this outcome: the Browns, and ESPN. From a television standpoint, thank God this darling team is still in it.

By the way, at 3-4, are the Jaguars still in it? What’s the deal with them?

Derek Anderson appears to be one of those players who performs well only when he has something to prove. Playing for his starting job again this past week, Anderson was mentally sharper, and thus, less predictable.

Cleveland’s best play call this season came in the second quarter on a fourth-and-one. Anderson play-actioned and rolled right before hitting a wide open Steve Heiden for a momentum-boosting 51-yard-gain.

By the way, speaking of Heiden….Kellen Winslow, didya see the veteran tight end’s solid performance? Didya see his blocking? You think maybe you might shape up now that, you know, it’s obvious this team does not need you?

Don’t drink the Matt Jones Kool-Aid. Yes, the guy had his first 100-yard game of what has been a fairly stellar season, but understand the bottom line with Jones: he’s an ultra-athletic former first-round pick who runs horrendous routes, wastes more motion than player in the game and shows less energy than a hungover Eeyore.

Shaun Rogers is playing like a man on fire right now.

Click here to read Snide Remarks from all Week 8 games

BILL BELICHICK'S LATEST MIDDLE FINGER

There isn’t a more utilitarian gesture than the middle finger. If you’re a curmudgeon, the middle finger is your answer to every question you don’t like. Nobody illustrates this better than Bill Belichick.

For as long as he’s been a head coach in the NFL, Belichick has been raising his middle finger to every outsider who dare tries to gaze into his bubble. Opposing coaches shaking Belichick’s hand after beating him? Up goes the middle finger, as Belichick responds with a handshake icier than Lil Wayne’s wrist.

Opposing coaches trying to run out the clock when Belichick’s beating them? Ding – another raised finger, this one as Belichick protects a 28-point fourth quarter lead with a deep pass out of the shotgun on fourth down inside the red zone.

Or best of all, how about the suits at 280 Park Avenue who tell Belichick that he must wear official Patriots team apparel during games because, you know, it’s important that the league abide by the terms of its 10-year contract with Reebok and everything. Sure, the coach plays by the rules and wears the sweatshirt. But – here comes the middle finger – the rules say nothing about preserving the sleeves. So, he cuts them off. Factor in the mangy hair and the man in the raggedy sweatshirt looks terrible. Some might ask, Bill, why even pick such a petty fight? Bill’s answer? Another middle finger.

Reporters know what it’s like to have their questions answered with Belichick’s middle finger. It happens every time he has a press conference (i.e. all the time).

Sometimes the middle finger doesn’t work. Like when he would give it to management in Cleveland during his 36-44 five-year tenure. Or when he gave it to whoever sent out the memo from the Commissioner’s office last year telling coaches to stop filming opponents’ defensive signals during games.

But those are the only two viable examples of Belichick’s middle finger backfiring. Considering the man has three Super Bowl rings, simple logic says, overall, his middle finger strategy works.

This year, Belichick is giving perhaps his most intriguing middle finger yet.

He’s directing it to all the naysayers who are griping about the complex game plans that New England is heaping on backup-turned-starting quarterback Matt Cassel. The two-tight end and full house formations we thought we’d see from the Patriots after Tom Brady went down simply haven’t been there. Instead, the Pats have continued to spread the field and attack. They’re asking Cassel to work through his progressions and hit one of his four or five targets perfectly on every play – just like Tom did. To do this, a quarterback must have brilliant pocket presence and ingenious diagnostic abilities when surveying a defense. Oh – and a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy are also required. Tom always had all of these things; Matt sometimes has some of these things.

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The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 8 Bench/Start Defenses

Week 8 is the fictitious middle of the season week (17 totals weeks with the bye). Its a perfect point to not only gauge your team, but to figure out your chances of getting into the playoffs. If you are currently a long shot keep in mind that most teams still have a shot, so making the right moves now is critical in taking the necessary steps to getting a coveted playoff spot. Lots of players will be missing with the four teams on the BYE week; Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers , so check out our picks for week 8 and use the to the best of yours and our abilities.

DEFENSES AND YOU MUST START
We really like New England to bring the St. Louis Rams back to earth in week 8. We think Miami will upset Buffalo this week and if they do they will need a big contribution from their defense. Jacksonville is a must start against Cleveland this week.

Others: Washington, Houston, Philadelphia

Other DEFENSES To Consider Starting With Some Risk
You have to like Baltimore and Oakland hammering it out to a 13-10 game. There won't be to of flash and bang for your buck, but they should put up solid points. Carolina will give up points and yards to Arizona, but they should get a few sacks, INT, and fumble recovery and could score a TD. We are apprehensive about Arizona this week. They have a great matchup, but have failed to impress on the road. We won't start them because we'd like to see 1 game on the road they do matchup well.

Others: New Orleans, Dallas, Tamp Bay, Buffalo, Tennessee, Indianapolis

Please Bench These DEFENSES

Cincinnati, Detroit , St. Louis, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, NY Giants, San Diego, Atlanta

Sleeper Defenses

A great sleeper defense this week is San Francisco against Seattle. They are at home and eager to impress new head coach Mike Singletary. The NY Jets are facing the Kansas City Chiefs without a QB or Larry Johnson and they are coming off a loss and at home. This is a great sleeper start.

The True Guru

The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 8 Bench/Start WRs & TEs

Week 8 is the fictitious middle of the season week (17 totals weeks with the bye). Its a perfect point to not only gauge your team, but to figure out your chances of getting into the playoffs. If you are currently a long shot keep in mind that most teams still have a shot, so making the right moves now is critical in taking the necessary steps to getting a coveted playoff spot. Lots of players will be missing with the four teams on the BYE week; Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers , so check out our picks for week 8 and use the to the best of yours and our abilities.

WIDE RECEIVERS YOU MUST START
We start with the standard guys Larry Fiztgerald and Andre Johnson. Fitzgerald will probably be without Boldin again and dominating as usual even on the road in Carolina and making the long trip. Johnson should have no problem catching passes against Cincinnati's secondary and should have a huge game at home. We really like Wes Welker this week and here's why. With 15-30 MPH winds expected Sunday, Cassel will keep most of the passes short and therefore lots of targets for Welker. Terrell Owens will get at least 2 TDs and over match the aging Tampa 2 defense. Steve Smith should have the most targets his this game against Arizona, start him. Marques Colston should be back and a force for New Orleans.

Others: Reggie Wayne, Terrell Owens, Lavernues Coles, , Randy Moss, Santana Moss, Roddy White, DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson

TIGHT ENDS YOU MUST START

Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Chris Cooley, Anthony Fasano, Owen Daniels, John Carleson

Other Wide Receivers To Consider Starting With Some Risk
We really like Antonio Bryant, but we worry about how charged the Cowboys defense will be this week. He is an intriguing start against a defense that gets torched often. We say start him and take the chance. He could get 1-2 TDs and 130 yards at his best. Keep an eye on the weather in New England. Its hard to say bench Donnie Avery after how well he has developed with Bulger, but 15-30 MPH winds are tough. If its closer to 15, start him. Closer to 30, bench. So far it looks like Plaxico Burress isn't starting and he is in the coach's dog house. If he starts he plays hurt and probably does alright, but this is a week (weather as well) to maybe bench him. If you still own Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams should both have solid games and 1 one them will at least score. We are concerned about Bryant Johnson because of the emergence of Josh Morgan, but he's a good #3 WR this week against Seattle. We do like Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, and Nate Washington. None can be called a must start, but all should get plenty of looks and 2/3 should have great games. Reggie Williams will look to take over for the suspended Matt Jones. Start him.

Others: Josh Morgan, Derrick Mason, Chansi Stuckey, Marvin Harrison, Kevin Walters, Antwaan Randle El, Greg Camarillo, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Devery Henderson, Hank Basket

Other Tight Ends To Consider Starting With Some Risk

Donald Lee, Dustin Keller, Benjamin Watson, Billy Miller, Zach Miller

Please Bench These Wide Receivers
Bench Bobby Engram, until further notice. He will still get his share of plays, but he is no longer a fantasy value with other options out there. You have to bench Calvin Johnson against Washington. Amani Toomer has lost his skills. He can still catch the ball, but he cannot get open. Torry Holt will be useless this week, find someone else. Marvin Harrison is a no go this week. Justin Gage is again questionable, but he did practice. We would bench him until he plays 1 week.

Others: Robert Meachem, Michael Jenkins, Isaac Bruce, Ronald Curry, Javon Walker, Lance Moore, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown, Braylon Edwards Donte Stallworth, Dwayne Bowe, Miles Austin, Jerricho Cotchery

Please Bench These Tight Ends

Todd Heap, Alge Crumpler, Dante Rosario, Vernon Davis, Tony Scheffler (Out with injury), Kevin Boss, Kellen Winslow

Sleeper Wide Receivers
Javon Walker should have a solid game against the beat up Raven defense. He is a bit of a long shot, but the Ravens has nasty injuries in the secondary and are susceptible to the pass. Malcom Floyd will again fill in for Chris Chambers and will again have a good game against New Orleans in London. Anthony Gonzalez has a great matchup against Tennessee. Manning will go to him quick and often with the Titans pass rush. A deep deep sleeper would be Jerry Porter. He's Finally, Steve Smith of the NY Giants. He will have a big game if Burress doesn't play, but an equally good game if he does. He is the go to 3rd down, short pass guy for Manning and that is what he needs in the windy city of Pittsburgh.

Good luck. Next are our Defenses!

The True Guru

The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 8 Bench/Start Runningbacks

Week 8 is the fictitious middle of the season week (17 totals weeks with the bye). Its a perfect point to not only gauge your team, but to figure out your chances of getting into the playoffs. If you are currently a long shot keep in mind that most teams still have a shot, so making the right moves now is critical in taking the necessary steps to getting a coveted playoff spot. Lots of players will be missing with the four teams on the BYE week; Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers , so check out our picks for week 8 and use the to the best of yours and our abilities

RUNNINGBACKS YOU MUST START
Marion Barber will again be featured in the Dallas offense, but unlike the Rams, Tampa Bay will not score 31 unanswered points eliminating him. Great matchup for him. Frank Gore will absolutely slaughter Seattle. Steve Slaton will have another big game this time against Cincinnati. Start Thomas Jones. Anyone can run against Kansas City and Thomas Jones will have a huge day in New York.

Others: Ernest Graham, Clinton Portis, Jonathan Stewart, Brian Westbrook, Maurice Jones-Drew, LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson

Other Runningbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
Brandon Jacobs should have solid week against Pittsburgh, but temper your expectations. Willie Parker will be back this week, but we expect him to share some carries with Moore and his effectiveness will be minimal. You have to start him, but if you have better options sit him this week. Willis McGahee is back and has a great matchup this week against Oakland. We would make him a must start, but we still hold some concerns with McGahee. The 'R' brothers Ricky and Ronnie should get allot of carries against Buffalo and each should do some damage. We figure Ronnie Brown is good for at least 1 score, but Ricky Williams can run one in as well. It all depends if Buffalo can stop the Wildcat formation.

Others: Jamal Lewis, Kevin Faulk, DeAngelo Williams, Julius Jones, Ernest Graham, Marshawn Lynch, Michael Turner, Dominic Rhodes (Joseph Addai if he starts. We doubt he will)

Please Bench These Runningbacks
The Saints game in London will be a passing frenzy. Bench Duece McAllister and Pierre Thomas.

Others: Rudi Johnson, Kevin Smith, Chris Perry, Edgerrin James, Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, Kolby Smith

Sleeper Runningbacks
This will be a good week to start Tim Hightower if you got him. If you are desperate consider starting BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Sammy Morris did not pratcie on Wendesday and if he doesn't play Green-Ellis would get the start and split carries with Faulk, but ge the majority.

Good luck. Next are our Wide Receivers and Tight Ends!

The True Guru

The Guru Gridiron Report: Week 8 Bench/Start Quarterbacks

Week 8 is the fictitious middle of the season week (17 totals weeks with the bye). Its a perfect point to not only gauge your team, but to figure out your chances of getting into the playoffs. If you are currently a long shot keep in mind that most teams still have a shot, so making the right moves now is critical in taking the necessary steps to getting a coveted playoff spot. Lots of players will be missing with the four teams on the BYE week; Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers , so check out our picks for week 8 and use the to the best of yours and our abilities.

QUARTERBACKS YOU MUST START
Kurt Warner isn't as good on the road and Carolina is a better defense at home. That being said, Arizona's offense still over matches Carolina and as long as Warner's offensive line can protect him he should have a huge day. Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning will get into a shootout in Pittsburgh. As long as the weather is good both these QBs will make those top quality defenses look shabby. Start both with no hesitation. Philip Rivers will comeback this week and have a big game against the man he replaced, so start him. Drew Brees has his old team in his house now, and will try to dominate them.

Others: David Garrard, Jason Campbell , Donovan McNabb, Matt Schaub, Brett Farve

Other Quarterbacks To Consider Starting With Some Risk
Peyton Manning should have a decent game on the road against Tennessee, nut Tennessee can put pressure on him and cause him problems. He's a guy you invested too much into so start him. Jake Delhomme should be playing catch up with Kurt Warner and Arizona. Their defense isn't nearly as good as it should be on the road, so he's a safe start his week. J.T. O'Sullivan gets a chance at Seattle's poor pass defense and he's at home! If he can't get the job done this week, look for Singletary to make the change to Shaun Hill. Matt Cassel looked great against the struggling Denver pass defense, but he won't look that good this week again. Still worth a start against the quickly improving St. Louis defense. We do not like Marc Bulger this week, but in a game where they will need to pass early and often we can't say bench him.

Others: , Trent Edwards, Matt Ryan, Derek Anderson, Jeff Garcia

Please Bench These Quarterbacks
I don't care the Dan Orlovsky threw a 96-yard TD pass to Calvin Johnson, bench him!

Others: Jon Kitna, Joe Flacco, Chad Pennington, Ryan Fitzpatrick, JaMarcus Russell, Kerry Collins, Seneca Wallace, Tony Romo (OUT)

Sleeper Quarterbacks
We have one sleepers for you. Brad Johnson looked pretty bad last week, but he has the first week jitters out of the way and he's in Dallas. Look for him to have a solid 2 TD game and 225 yards against Tampa Bay.

Good luck. Next are our Runningbacks!

The True Guru

Fighting Chance Fantasy's Start/Sit Week 8

Is it really Week 8 already? By now you should have a decent idea of who your team is. We are way past “off to a good start” or “struggling out of the gate.”

Quarterbacks

Start: Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals. Delhomme has been on a nice little roll lately, as he has two touchdown passes in three of his last four games. Put that together with the fact that he is playing an Arizona pass defense which isn’t horrible against the pass in terms of yards, but has allowed the most touchdown passes in the NFL. Look for Delhomme to continue his hot streak with 250 yards and another two touchdown game.

Start: Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins. Edwards will most likely never throw 30 touchdowns in a season, but he is very efficient as he has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes this season. The good thing about him is that he rarely throws up the 10/39 for 75 yards and 3 INT kind of game. You can always count on Edwards for between 175-225 yards and one or two touchdowns. The Dolphins are among the league’s worst against the pass, and you can expect more of the same from Edwards this week.

Sit: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles. The rookie has been impressive this week, but the Eagles will throw things at him that he has never seen. Expect pressure like he has never seen, and I am looking for a couple interceptions and probably a fumble. 175 yards and probably no touchdowns for Ryan this week, the Eagles and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson are notorious for confusing offenses.

Sit: Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. This has the feeling of a knock down, drag out, old time classic football game. Look for the majority of the offense to be take place on the ground, as these are two run-first offenses and on top of that the Steelers are a great pass defense ranked number one in the NFL at under 160 yards per game. Eli is a good QB, but this is not the week to start him.

Running Backs

Start: Chris Johnson/LenDale White, Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts. After last week’s game against the Chiefs, do I really need to say too much more? The Titans ran for over 300 yards on the ground, and White scored three times and Johnson scored once. This week they go against another weak run offense as the Colts allow over 150 yards per game on the ground. Both Titans backs are good plays here in Week 8.

Start: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns. The Browns have allowed eight rushing touchdowns in six weeks, and Jones-Drew finally broke out of his season long slump right before the bye week. Look for him to top 100 yards and score once, or possibly twice against a weak Cleveland defense.

Sit: Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles. Turner has been great against bad defenses, and bad against good defenses. Problem for Turner and his owners, is that the Falcons face the Eagles this week, and they have only allowed three rushing touchdowns all season long. I don’t expect him to reach the 90 yards in the game that the Eagles average allowing per game. Try to find a better option this week than Turner.

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The Guru Gridiron Report: The True Guru Goes 4-2 again

Leagues: 6 (3 Yahoo!, 2 CBS Sportsline, 1 ESPN)

Total Record: 32-10

This was another brutal week for me. Things looked bad at the end of Sunday as I looked down the barrel at a 1-5 week. However, I had plenty of players still to go in the Monday night game and managed to pullout three tough matchups by narrow margins.
Here are my six matchups for week 7:

Coast 2 Coast League

Another tough week for me with a team that should dominate. Granted I haven't had Westbrook the past two weeks I still should be kicking butt. I had a 13 point lead going into Monday nights game with no players left and my opponent had Eddie Royal and Michael Pittman. I held for the 5 point win. The bright spot in this win was Chris Johnson who got me 27 points and in reality won this week for me. Without him I'd have lost my last undefeated team. This was a tough BYE week for me losing guys like Fitzgerald.

Football Dynasty VI

This was one of the games that I pulled out on Monday night. I went into Monday down by 16 points, but I had 2 defensive players and Michael Pittman, while my opponent only had 1 defensive player. As you can see by the number of points scored, a 12 point win is a knuckle scraper, but I pulled out one of the biggest wins of the season. I want to give shout outs to Nick Collins, Dominic Rhodes, and Matt Schaub.

J.A.I.L. LeagueThis was the one game I had in the bag going into Monday. Dominic Rhodes scored big for me here with 25 points. The Bears defense had a huge game with 24 points and Steve Slaton came through with 15 points. Surf City Sharks made a valiant effort at a comeback Monday night with the Patriots defense and Gostkowski, but fell short by 32 points. I have a huge matchup in week 8 against a good friend and rival RC Rizza from Junkyard Jake.

Vegas Vs Texas League This was a tough loss and the same guys that won if for me in the J.A.I.L. lost it for me in this league being Dominic Rhodes and the Bears defense. This was a tough matchup from the start missing Brain Westbrook and Larry Fitzgerald on the BYE week amongst others, but what made it real bad was Brett Farve's 14 point performance. We expected allot more out of him and Brandon Marshall and we did not get it. I have an even bigger matchup this week without Marshall against the LV Ravens. They are 6-1 and I already lost to them once this season.

NSP Experts League
Another game that went into Monday night and one I expected to lose. I had Kevin Faulk, Wes Welker, and Brandon Marshalll is this PPR league left. My opponent had Jay Culter, Matt Prater, and a 29 point lead. I ended up winning by 1 point on a last minute 16 yard run by Kevin Faulk who nearly got a TD. This was by far the most exciting game of the week and I have to give it up for Welker, Marshall, and Faulk who all played so well to pull out this big win. Overall it was a great week to put up a 112 points. To familiar names pop out in this league again, the Bears defense and Dominic Rhodes. Wow those two were good for allot of teams this week.

Fantasy Football Search Expert League Quit possibly the worse week I've had in the FFS Expert League. I got ran over by Junkyard Jake and this was a matchup that was over by the start of the second games on Sunday. Going into Monday I was down by a ton and I had Randy Moss and Michael Pittman. Both played well, but in the end it was a loss. I did play without Romo and Reggie Bush got knocked out for me in this matchup. I did make a terrible coaching call as well taking a chance on Kansas City's defense at home over the New England Patriots defense I had. Big mistake. Next week is a must win and I have to do it without Romo or Bush.