The season is moving along quickly, with another week come and gone. Aaron Rodgers and he Pack Attack finally looked up to their pre-season expectations against the previously undefeated Texans this weekend, the Falcons improved to 6-0 to remain the NFL’s only undefeated team, and the Jets seemed to gain a little more confidence against a developing Colts’ offense. Here are last week’s top story lines for fantasy owners.
Injuries
RB Demarco Murray, Cowboys: Murray left Sunday’s game with what has been reported as a left foot sprain. The severity of the sprain has yet to be released, as has any definite timeline as to Murray’s return. However he has been ruled out of this weekend’s game and Felix Jones will step into the starter’s role in his absence.
QB Kevin Kolb, Cardinals: Kolb suffered a rib injury in which several of his ribs separated themselves from his sternum on a massive hit this weekend. This is expected to be a multiple week injury in which he will miss significant playing time. John Skelton will take over under the center for the next few weeks, possibly altering the production of Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals offense was already in trouble after a slew of injuries at running back, and could begin to see trouble moving the ball.
RB Trent Richardson, Browns: After sustaining a rib injury and missing much of the game on Sunday, Richardson is expected to play this week. He may be hampered by the physical pain and is expected to wear extra padding to dull any contact. Feel free to roll with Richardson as you normally would, but be wary of lowered production due to his physical state.
Free Agents
WR Brandon Gibson, Rams: Gibson was thrust into the number one receiver role last week as the team was without top wideout Danny Amendola, where he performed admirably, hauling in seven receptions for 91 yards on nine targets. He is the clear number one option for Sam Bradford for at least the next few weeks.
RB Daryl Richardson, Rams: Steven Jackson is beginning to slow down as his age catches up with him, and it seems he is no longer expected to carry the running game’s entire burden
anymore. Richardson has earned a significant role in the backfield, carrying the ball 11 times for 76 yards last week while catching two passes for 23 yards. Look for his role to keep expanding if he can keep up a decent level of success as the handcuff for Jackson.
RB Felix Jones, Cowboys: When 2nd year back Demarco Murray went down with a foot injury, jones stepped up and carried the ball 18 times for 92 yards and a touchdown, looking very impressive. He will be expected to start over the next few weeks, and instantly becomes a viable fantasy option, considering he is the only real threat with starting experience in the cowboy’s backfield.
Matchups
RB Darren McFadden vs. Jacksonville: McFadden has under produced in his teams switch from power blocking to the zone-blocking scheme. However, he is still the talented back we all know him to be, and has the ability to break loose at any time. Jacksonville’s run defense has been terrible so far, allowing over 150 yards per game. McFadden had a decent fantasy week last week with 70 yards and a touchdown on the ground, catching 3 passes for 28 yards.
RB Chris Johnson vs. Bills: Chris Johnson owns the Bills, rushing for over 100 yards in his last two contests against the team. It doesn’t help matters that the Bills are giving up a league worst 173 yards per game and nine scored on the ground through six games this year. Johnson is coming off of a great game in which he rushed for 91 yards on nineteen carries. Expect him to take the momentum into this week and punish Buffalo.
QB Andrew Luck vs. Cleveland: For the first time all season, Andrew Luck looked like a rookie last week. He threw no touchdowns, two interceptions, and fumbled the ball once. Cleveland, however, has given up six TD’s over six weeks through the air and is giving up almost 300 passing yards per game. In addition, Luck has been unstoppable at home, throwing only two picks to six touchdowns in three games inside the protection of his dome. His fantasy production should improve immensely this week.
Eli Manning vs. Washington: The league’s worst passing defense through six weeks, Washington is surrendering 328 yards per game this season. Eli Manning has been struggling with a corps of injured receivers and backs, and gains back a health Hakeem Nicks again this week. He has 11 touchdowns on the year and only five interceptions, already vaulting himself into MVP talk with his brother. Last week’s showing against San Francisco was tough fantasy wise, but the quarterback was able to upset a team many thought would win easily. This matchup screams for a huge week from Manning.
The games begin tonight with an NFC West showdown as Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks take on the 49ers, who are dealing with hurt pride after losing to the defending super bowl champions once again. As always, keep watchful over your players, set your lineup with strategy, keep tabs on your matchups and injuries and check back before next week’s kickoff for more fantasy advice.
