Fantasy Football: Week Eight Hangover

Just when you think you have a few things figured out about a crazy season in the NFL, you get thrown a few curves. Performances that can be sustained as opposed to those "blue moon" apparitions are what make the game that much more fun. Who's up? Who's down? Let's get to it and find out. 

Fantasy Up

1. Dallas Clark - The Colts offensive line looked much better last night against a tough Tennessee defense. When that happened, it gave Manning time to find Clark over the middle for several key passes and a couple scores. This bodes well going forward, especially with a depleted Patriots defense coming up next week.
2. Ted Ginn Jr. - The game we've been waiting for from him. Pennington has been throwing the ball effectively against the softer defenses, and Ginn was the beneficiary here. He has a favorable schedule coming up, and let's hope this is an indication of good things to come.
3. Anquan Boldin- I know, he shouldn't necessarily be here because of the automatic start. Boldin, though, proved beyond tough, catching two touchdown passes in putting up over 60 yards receiving and running for another 30. Keep him ready to go.
4. Leon Washington - He was a sleeper call but should be looked at favorably in leagues that count return yards. Against easier rush defenses, Washington can even be counted on to provide some of the numbers he did this past week. Just not an every-week play.
5. DeAngelo Williams - Williams has been more effective than Stewart in the last few weeks, and that was evident again this weekend. Williams is the leader in the clubhouse at this point and is the more valuable Carolina back in the short-term.

Fantasy Down

1. Jonathan Stewart - As Williams is going up, Stewart is going down. In keeper leagues, you still have to like what Stewart brings to the table, but he could be in for a dogfight as far as playing time the next few weeks.
2. Matt Jones - Why is he here? Strictly because of the pending suspension. Jones is slated for a hearing early this week that will determine his status for the next two or three weeks. As good as he was this past Sunday, owners need to know that they may not be able to count on him.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew - Ugly. In a game that Jones-Drew should have been able to put up solid numbers, he fell flat. The Browns aren't the easiest team to run on, but it didn't look there was any sort of desire to keep pounding the ball against the Cleveland front. The Bengals should be easier, but you have to be realistic right now.
4. Ronnie Brown - The Dolphins have spent two weeks throwing the football and have been relatively ineffective out of the Wildcat formation. They likely won't need that type of gimmick against Denver and how poorly they defend the run, but he's down right now. There's just upside potential.
5. Ben Roethlisberger - Wow. One TD and four INTs against a defense that teams have been able to throw against. Even Carson Palmer looked good against them. I'm not saying to cut the cord, but I'm definitely saying to explore other options. You just can't start him right now.

You Shouldn't Trust the Performance of...

...Tyler Thigpen. Maybe it goes without saying, but there will be plenty of teams in deep leagues looking to make quarterback moves after this past week. With O'Sullivan being benched, the uncertain status of Matt Hasselbeck, the growing problems in Detroit, and teams still facing byes, Thigpen may get a few looks.

He shouldn't. This is a rough team in Kansas City, and there is a distinct possibility he may not even hold the job, given that the Chiefs signed Quinn Gray as well. Duplication is not something to be anticipated.

It also goes without saying that if you trust Leonard Weaver, that's a mistake. He won't score two touchdowns the rest of the season.

I'm Most Concerned About...

...Ronnie Brown. This week will tell us a lot about the viability of Brown as a solid RB2. He needs to be able to have a good game against such a weak defense. The problem is, Tony Sparano has said that he wants to work Ricky Williams more into the offense. Maybe he sees something we all don't, specifically when it comes to concerns over Brown's long-term ability to take on all these carries.

He's just a year removed from major surgery on his knee. Expect Sparano to increase the workload on Williams, especially as he's getting back strength. Brown won't disappear, but there is pause for concern.

Workin' the Wire

• Donnie Avery - Avery was clearly the threat against the Patriots, and he draws another soft defense this week in Arizona. Don't look for as electric a game, since he won't be sneaking up on them this time, but he should still be good for numbers.
• Antonio Pittman - If you own Steven Jackson, you need to own Pittman. Handcuff rules apply here.
• Lance Moore- One of my concerns was how his touches would be impacted. Bush being out has helped alleviate that concern. Moore had 90 receiving yards against the Chargers in his last game. He's on bye this week, but look at him as a flex option in deeper leagues, especially with byes. Until Bush is back, he's going to be ok to own.
• Kevin Faulk - He got the majority of the touches, and gets one of the worst run defenses in football on Monday night. Green-Ellis didn't look great, but Faulk shouldered the load. With Morris expected out again, Faulk is the best play in the New England backfield.
• Chad Pennington and Ted Ginn - Both these guys can put up numbers. Pennington has done it a couple weeks in a row, and Ginn finally proved he knows how to catch a football. Pennington needs to be owned now, Ginn should be watched VERY closely.