The halfway point for this season is fast approaching. The NFL is as competitive as ever, with only one undefeated team left and a number of teams that were expected to run away early in the year sitting just above or just below a .500 winning percentage. Anything can happen in this league, and the stars are always re-aligning for NFL players, directly affecting the fortunes of their fantasy owners. Let’s take a look at last week’s action headed into tonight’s Thursday night football game.
Injuries
RB Maurice-Jones Drew, Jaguars: MJD went down early Sunday after only two carries with what has been reported as a foot sprain. Luckily, it has not been designated as the season-killing Lisfranc injury, but the Jag’s feature back is expected to miss at least a few weeks. Rashad Jennings will once again pick up the running game for the unavailable Jones-Drew.
WR Greg Jennings, Packers: Jennings has not played since week 4, though there is speculation that he may be able to return this week against the defensively challenged Jaguars. He was even a limited participant at practice this week, increasing the probability that he’ll play. However, even if he does see the field, chances are that it will not be in a full capacity. For fantasy owners the safest thing to do is let him keep riding the bench this week.
RB Trent Richardson, Browns: Richardson attempted to tough it out last week after sustaining a painful rib injury in week 6, but he only managed 8 yards on 8 carries. He seems positive he will play again this week, wearing the same flak jacket as a precaution. He will be limited in his role however, and backup Montario Hardesty is in line to receive the bulk of the work if Richardson is unable to produce.
TE Jimmy Graham, Saints: Graham hasn’t played in three weeks thanks to an ankle injury and a bye week. Though he has been at practice this week, he didn’t play last week against the Bucs after practicing last week as well. The team seems confident that he will be on the field come Sunday, but it would be best to double check before kickoff.
WR Nate Burleson, Lions: Burleson had established himself as a viable number two option for Matt Stafford this year, and a solid fantasy contributor as well. Unfortunately, after fracturing his leg Monday night, Burleson’s season has been cut short, officially going on the Injured Reserve. Calvin Johnson and Titus Young should see increased targets due to the loss of Burleson.
Free Agents
RB Rashad Jennings, Jaguars: He has already proven in a small sample size that he is no force to be reckoned with, but Jennings is now the lead back in Jacksonville after MJD went down against Oakland. He carried the ball 21 times for only 44 yards, but salvaged his day with a touchdown.
WR Josh Gordon, Browns: Gordon has officially emerged as the Browns’ deep ball target, scoring four touchdowns in his last three games. Brandon Weeden obviously trusts the young receiver, and targeted him a team high ten times last week. With Richardson’s injury struggles, expect Gordon to play a large role in this offense moving forward.
WR Titus Young, Lions: Young has had a few inconsistent solid games this year, but should begin to see his success and fantasy value rise after the injury to Burleson. Megatron is having an off year as well, only finding his way into the end zone once so far this year. This sets up big potential for young, who hauled in 6 passes for 81 yards last week against a stingy Chicago defense.
Matchups
TE Heath Miller vs. Washington Defense: Once again, the Redskins’ atrocious pass defense sets up a great matchup for the opposition. The ‘skins have given up 5 touchdowns to Tight Ends alone this year, and Heath Miller is having a career year. The Steeler’s Tight End has put up 5 touchdowns of his own and a two point conversion this season, marking himself as Roethlisberger’s most deadly red zone target. This is an outstanding matchup for fantasy owners.
QB Cam Newton vs. Chicago Defense: The Chicago Bears are playing on a whole different planet this year, taking the ball away 21 times in only six games this year! 14 of those have been interceptions, and Cam has thrown 6 in 6 games, only passing for over 250 yards twice this year. Start him if you must, but this is a nightmare for Newton and the Panthers’ offensive unit.
RB Reggie Bush vs. Jets Defense: There is always an element of rivalry between these two east coast franchises, but Rex Ryan’s outspoken Jets and the dynamic Reggie Bush have heated things up tremendously this year. Bush’s comments implying that Darrelle Revis’ season ending injury was deserved have inflamed the Jets, who readily admitted that they keyed on Bush during week 3 when these two teams first met. The Jets run defense has been terrible, giving up the second most rushing yards in the league, including over 180 in the previous matchup. Reggie Bush should have a great day against a struggling run defense.
Week 8 marks the mid-way point for the season and kicks off tonight at 8:20 PM EST when the Buccaneers (2-4) visit the surprising Vikings (5-2) in cold Minnesota. Good Luck in week 8, and remember to check back next week for more fantasy updates.
