Fantasy Football: Monday News and Notes

Sunday continued to prove that there are good days and bad days when it comes to predicting statistics. When you make certain assumptions, you base it off as much as you can, then reality steps in and throws it all to hell.

They say you don't play the games on paper, but I think we should change that. All games need to be played on paper going forward. Alright, let's get to it. 

Apparently, Teams Can Throw on the Browns

Let's forget for a second that the Jacksonville running backs were beyond awful Sunday. David Garrard became the first quarterback this season to throw for more than one touchdown pass in a game against the Browns' defense. Doesn't make sense to me either. We should note, though, that Reggie Williams looked much better. That's important, given that Matt Jones may be suspended as of this week.

Steal of the Draft—Roddy White

Matt Ryan has developed some serious chemistry with this guy, and he's scoring on a regular basis against almost any team he faces. Last season was a lost year for White, given the quarterback issues. As long as Ryan is at the helm, White is a top-10 receiver. Scary stuff. 

In Case You Haven't Heard...

Donnie Avery had a pretty good game yesterday. Avery made several big plays against a weak secondary. They've been able to take advantage of teams sending too many guys after Torry Holt, and Bugler's ability to throw the ball deep when he has time. Avery should be considered an add in all deep leagues, especially those that give weight to receptions. 

So Much for Beating up on Seattle

Just when it looked safe to start anyone and everyone against the Seahawks, the 49ers go and throw us a curveball. Here's what I don't believe about that game: That Leonard Weaver should be added to fantasy teams, that Seneca Wallace is a valid fantasy quarterback, that Seattle's defense is that good, and that Matt Hasselbeck has lost his job. Just not buying any of it. 

Maybe He Needed to Play with a Broken Jaw

Anquan Boldin grabbed a touchdown reception in his fourth consecutive game, one shy of the franchise record. Boldin played just a couple weeks after getting blasted in the end zone against the Jets. His two touchdowns for 65 yards proved he's okay going forward. Yes, I'm one of the owners that was burned by this late decision. 

Even You Can Run for 100 Yards against Kansas City

One of my sleeper pickups this week was Leon Washington. Normally, Washington is barely worth mentioning, unless Thomas Jones is hurt. The Chiefs, though, helped me come through, as Washington ended up with over 200 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. We've talked about how bad the AFC West is, but this is insane. Someone should have given that to Mangini, as he continued to let Favre be Favre. 

Brett Favre is Fantasy Kryptonite

Really, do you really want to dance this dance each week? I'm in a rather lucrative survivor pool. Thanks to Favre, all my cursing toward him is going to send me to confession. This week, I went with the Jets, figuring that Mangini could read stats and would be handing the ball off 85 times. Apparently, I was wrong.

Favre made sure he could add to his fourth quarter comebacks, throwing a ridiculous interception that was taken back. Add two more interceptions and a myriad of dumb throws, and you have fantasy kryptonite. Don't let the headlines that he led them to victory fool you. He was awful. 

Matt Cassel Wasn't Much Better

He put up yardage numbers, but he takes too long to get rid of the football and made his own number of dumb throws yesterday. The Patriots needed all the help they could get to beat a Rams team without one of the hottest running backs in the NFL. Cassel made some fantastic throws, and his pass to Faulk was one of the best I've watched this season, but when his primary isn't open, he cannot find the safety valve. 

The Cowboys' Offense Was Frightening

And not in that good Halloween-type of way. Brad Johnson had slightly more passing yards than Roddy White had receiving yards, and several receivers were close on his heels. Johnson seems like he's scrambling. He couldn't get the ball to his receivers and only threw what looked to be one decent pass.

When teams don't respect your ability to throw the ball, they gang up on the run. Ask Marion Barber about that. I don't think Brooks Bollinger is the answer, but Johnson is certainly not either. 

Welcome back, Brian Westbrook

In case you had questions about his health, they should be considered answered now. Westbrook was just filthy against the Falcons yesterday. As an aside, if anyone has seen McNabb's passing attack, please return it to the Eagles' locker room immediately. 

I'm Off the Eli Bandwagon

That was another lackluster performance for Manning. Whether Burress was there or not, Manning is not doing enough damage in the passing game to justify being started under most circumstances. In leagues where Chad Pennington is available, I'd rather own him. I know, I shouldn't start saying things that can't be taken back...let alone putting them in writing. 

My "Milk Was a Bad Choice" Moment of the Week

Recommending that everyone shy away from the Houston passing attack against Cincinnati. Those of you that benched Kevin Walter as a result of the fellas here at the 'Table are owed an apology. Consider it given.

The Bengals just didn't seem to even want to be on that field. Owners of their divisional opponents should keep that in mind. Peter King pointed out today that this is a team without a quarterback that just doesn't care and has tuned out their coach. 

Check back tomorrow for the Hangover.