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What to Expect: Without one of their starting defensive ends this past week, the Titans were more average than not on the defensive front. The Packers are more healthy, coming off a bye.
This will be a tougher game for Tennessee than many might think, but strictly because of venue more than anything else. Yes, you can run on the Packers. They give up 140 yards per game on the ground. Johnson and White should both be started, potentially as RB2's in many formats. Both will find the end zone; both will have good days running the football.
You don't start Kerry Collins, but Bo Scaife and Justin Gage continue to be valuable members of the Titans' offense. Gage is a decent bye week fill-in option as a flex play. He's better in PPR formats but could grab a touchdown pass and will top 70 yards. Bo Scaife is the safer play and a top-10 tight-end play this week. The Packers have a physical secondary and are sitting at sixth against the pass.
The Colts, though, are good against the pass, too, and the Titans were able to throw on them by varying their offensive sets. Look for more of the same.
The Packers' offense is in for a rougher go of it, but the Colts did show the way to attack such a good defense. I would keep Rodgers and Driver reserved if I have better option, but Jennings should still be a valuable commodity this week. Look for him to catch a touchdown to go with 90 yards. I just don't see a whole lot of upside for the passing attack beyond his numbers.
Ryan Grant, though, should be more effective. Rhodes had himself a decent game against this defense, and I like Grant to follow suit. 85 yards and two touchdowns on the ground for Grant. Sometimes you have to go with the hunches here.
Sleeper Pickup: Gage. He's valuable in PPR formats because of the consistent targets.
Sleeper Pickup: Gage. He's valuable in PPR formats because of the consistent targets.
Tampa Bay at Kansas City
Who to Start: Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn (beware, he's still banged up), Antonio Bryant
Who to Sit: Tyler Thigpen, Larry Johnson, Jeff Garcia
What to Expect: The Chiefs employed a spread offense last week and are likely to expand on that this week against one of the toughest defenses in football to throw on. The Bucs will look to run all over a defense that can't stop anyone on the ground.
Who to Sit: Tyler Thigpen, Larry Johnson, Jeff Garcia
What to Expect: The Chiefs employed a spread offense last week and are likely to expand on that this week against one of the toughest defenses in football to throw on. The Bucs will look to run all over a defense that can't stop anyone on the ground.
I don't know what Mangini's gameplan was last week against the Chiefs, but don't expect Jon Gruden to make that same mistake. Graham will be used heavily to punish a defense that cannot stop teams on the ground. Warrick Dunn may or may not be available. If he is, he makes a decent flex option. I'd start Graham regardless of that fact.
With the running game so prevalent, Jeff Garcia could see a diminished role in what he's asked to do. Given his ability to put up some lousy fantasy numbers, at least this takes the decision out of owners' hands. Keep him reserved, but look to use Antonio Bryant. Bryant is the most consistent receiver and merits attention in deeper leagues.
I'm not a believer in Tyler Thigpen. He'll have to do more than start one decent game against a bad team to make me look to him. He did, though, make other pieces to the offense more valuable. Bowe and Gonzalez looked much more at ease in the newer format, and should be good going forward.
I wouldn't grab him yet, but keep an outside eye on Mark Bradley this week. He looked good against the Jets, and the AFC West has weak defenses in general. He could be a steal in the second half for some matchup plays.
Larry Johnson practiced with the scout team yesterday, so it's not exactly likely that he takes a snap here. Kolby Smith is the better play in our estimation. The Bucs, though, are eighth against the run and haven't allowed a rushing score yet this season. Just saying.
Sleeper Pickup: Kolby Smith. Not this week, but going forward.
Sleeper Pickup: Kolby Smith. Not this week, but going forward.
Arizona at St. Louis
Who to Start: Kurt Warner, Steve Breaston, Donnie Avery, Marc Bulger
Who to Sit: Edgerrin James
Who to Sit: Edgerrin James
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