Fantasy Football: Monday News and Notes

Monday night last week capped off what wasn't exactly the best weekend in football, but did so with an exciting game. This Sunday made up for everything about last Sunday. The number of last-second wins was impressive, and the guys that stepped up big from a fantasy perspective made it pretty good for owners as well. Those that had been waiting for some to bust out finally got their wish! 

Let's get to it. 

-The Colts figured out how to beat the Ravens: Make them play from behind. The Indy offense actually looked like it was clicking early yesterday, and at the end of the day put three touchdowns up through the air.

When you get a run-first team behind early, it takes the run out of the game. Joe Flacco isn't able to make these kinds of throws yet, nor can he necessarily bring his team back. It hurt owners because McClain was basically taken out of the game. McGahee and Rice are much more valuable pass-catching backs.

-With Chris Chambers out, Vincent Jackson took on a huge role in the San Diego offense. He's a more-than-capable receiver with the size (6'4") to do some damage against smaller cornerbacks. Jackson will help to take the pressure off of Chambers in future weeks, as long as he remains healthy. Upgrade him to a third receiver or flex option in all formats.

-Matthew Berry made a solid point regarding Adrian Peterson in his roundup of the Sunday games. With the fumbles, this is the third week in a row of single digit points for AP. Yes, he ran for over 100 yards, but this Lions team has an awful defense.

The fact he didn't find the end zone and struggled hanging on to the football is not a good thing for owners. This should have been a 20-point day at a minimum. His schedule is favorable, but keep these numbers in mind.

-Touchdown-heavy leagues need to value Reggie Bush more than normal leagues. While Bush is getting touches and has solid value as an RB2 in any format, his potential for big plays every time he touches the ball make touchdown-dependent owners smile. He may not lead the team in yardage categories, as was evident yesterday, but he finds ways to get the ball into the end zone. At the end of the day, that's important.

-Roddy White's value last season was negligible, at best. With Matt Ryan under center, he has found new life. White is scoring regularly and has become a favorite target for the rookie quarterback. This isn't exactly a buy-low situation, strictly because it is known that he's playing well. It is, though, a hold strategy if you have him. I think he'll maintain these production levels.

-Tony Romo reportedly has a broken pinky on his throwing hand and will miss four weeks. If that's the case, owners need to give Kyle Orton a serious look as a pick up in the mean time. This is the type of move that will continue to allow your team to produce and do well. In deeper leagues, even Gus Frerotte is putting up numbers that won't hurt you.

-The Bengals continued their strong performance against the pass. They allowed Brett Favre to throw for just 189 yards in total, but couldn't stop the ground game of Thomas Jones. While Cincinnati's offense hasn't been good, their pass defense is going to keep them in games. It has done so against both New York teams now.

-On the Jets, one of the questions we got this weekend was whether to play Michael Turner or Thomas Jones. We went with Jones as our answer. Here's why: matchups.

Turner was facing one of the best rush defenses in football in the Bears. Thomas Jones, though, had one of the lowest-ranked rush defenses on the other side. While he only ended up with 65 yards, the soft front allowed him to bust in for two rushing scores. Even when yardage is similar, poor defenses give up more touchdowns. Shocking, I know.

-Teams continue to run all over the Broncos. Maurice Jones-Drew has had two solid games, against Indy and Denver. Both teams are having major issues against the run. Denver has given up yardage to everyone, and that would be of major importance next week if their opponent wasn't New England. With the injuries the Patriots have, Sammy Morris could be a solid dark-horse play moving into that Monday matchup next week.

-When Reggie Brown had to miss yesterday's game with an injury, Hank Baskett became a play in deeper leagues. Baskett has a similar role in the offense to Brown, and is able to go and catch the deep ball very well. The weak secondary out in San Francisco made sure that he was able to go and get one touchdown pass, while allowing DeSean Jackson to do exactly what he did during the first game of the season, as he nearly recorded 100 yards.

-Jason Campbell likely burned more than a few owners this week. As poor as the Rams have been, you wouldn't have known it by looking at the defensive performance they put out against Washington. Campbell should have been able to exploit a myriad of matchups, but struggled. Santana Moss was a complete disappointment. Yet, owners can't lose faith in him. He's still a reliable option, but has just had two rough games.

-New Orleans is going to give owners fits all year. Marques Colston is due back soon, but until that point we're going to play a roulette game of who is the better play. We know, though, that Lance Moore is going to have the most value in PPR leagues, as he works the middle and has posted solid yards after contact.

Owners in those formats should look to him. Devery Henderson is going to be the best of the big-play threats. He only had two catches yesterday, but nearly 70 yards. That will be his niche. Look for him to grab four passes a game, but put up 100 yards in the process. Colston will most likely take away looks from Moore or Patten. Moore could move to the slot spot, allowing Colston to work the outside with Henderson.

-Watch the health status of Joseph Addai this week. He left yesterday's game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury, paving the way for Rhodes to put up 73 yards against a tough defense. 48 of those yards came on one carry. Without it, he would have had 24 carries for 35 yards. Not good numbers, but this is a tougher defense to run against.