Lightning Round: Setting Your Week 2 Lineup

Adrian Peterson, (Questionable, ACL): My, how much difference a week makes, huh? After tallying 17 carries last week and being a full participant in all practices this week, he looks revved up and ready to go. They’re talking about increasing his workload this week since he did not have anything more than minor patellar soreness (if they used a patellar tendon graft for his ACL reconstruction, this is a very common post surgical side effect as they had to take a piece of his patellar tendon to replace his torn ACL, just speculating though) during the week, but I can’t imagine they load him up quite yet. Depending on how the game goes, he can still be effective with less than 20 carries, so get him in that lineup. Just FYI: Don’t forget to trade for Gerhart as his handcuff; it may come in handy at some point and it’s worth it to protect your #1 back.

Denarius Moore, (Probable, Hamstring): He’s a sneaky play this week. He was actually dropped in quite a few leagues this week, but with Jacoby Ford out and Darius Heyward-Bey not a very good receiver, I think he gets quite a few targets this week from Carson Palmer against a porous Miami defensive backfield. The hammy appears to be just fine and the probable designation is a good sign. I kind of like him as a flex/WR3 option this week. SLEEPER O’ THE WEEK

Trent Richardson, (Probable, Knee): He practiced fully this week and had a pretty full workload in week 1. The numbers weren’t great, but as Brandon Weeden gets better, so will Trent. Run him out there this week.

Calvin Johnson, (Probable, Foot): He practiced fully Thursday and Friday. He defies common logic. Play him

Ryan Mathews, (Questionable, Fractured clavicle): I just can’t endorse him quite yet, and frankly, I’m getting kind of tired of talking about him. But there remains a chance he plays this week, I just don’t think he should be in your fantasy lineup quite yet. I like that he was cleared for contact, and considering he’s 5 weeks post op, he’s right on schedule. But from a physiologic standpoint (I’m going to get nerdy for a second, sorry), it takes approximately 6 weeks for bone to lay down and heal properly. Taking blows to an area that’s still in the healing process can set him back, and I bet that the Charger training staff/MDs know this. Next week’s game will put him at 6 weeks, so I’d sit him until he’s a full participant in practice. That’s just my gut feeling.

Jeremy Maclin, (Questionable, Hip): I have a feeling he plays, but I also have a feeling he won’t be terribly effective. These hip flexor/pointer injuries are not easy to bounce back from in one week. I think he plays mainly because Jason Avant becomes Vick’s #1 if he doesn’t play (and if Jackson doesn’t play, see below). I’m not a huge fan of Maclin this week against a VERY good Ravens team. Check the Active/Inactive list prior to the game to be sure either way.

Desean Jackson, (Questionable, Hamstring): I like Jackson more than Maclin this week. Both of them were limited participants this week, which can be just as much precautionary as it is necessary. He didn’t have any reported setbacks this week, but as I stated in a previous post this week, he really hasn’t done an awful lot when HEALTHY over the last year or so. But if you got him and usually run him out there, do so as long as you check the reports prior to game time.

(For both Jackson and Maclin, the only guys I touch in case both don’t play is Brent Celek and Jason Avant. Other than those two, it’s way too difficult to predict who gets targets)

Pierre Garcon, (Questionable, Foot): This is the definition of a game time decision. The report is he will test it out prior to the game and they’ll make a determination at that point if he will play or not. In all honesty, not a lot of the reports I read gave any indication of what type of injury he is suffering from, so it’s hard for me to make an argument one way or another. Have a backup ready to go and watch in the AM for injury reports to come out. Play him if you normally would if he’s active.

Jake Locker, (Questionable, Shoulder): He was a full participant all week, he had no setbacks, and the injury was to his non-throwing shoulder. I say that sounds as sure as it gets that he plays.

Marshawn Lynch, (Probable, Back): Looks like he got through Week 1 without any back issues. And he had no flare ups all week. Always remember, back spasms are volatile by nature, as they can flare up with one wrong twist or turn. Just know that’s always lingering there until he goes a few weeks without issue. But looks like he’s ready to go this week. Robert Turbin would pick up carries if Lynch is slowed at all, so have him stashed away if you don’t already.

Jason Witten, (Probable, Spleen): He has had 10 days of rest and he practiced every day this week. If he was able to suck it up and play Week 1, he will definitely be a go this week.

Antonio Gates, (Questionable, Ribs): I truly think it’s the Chargers just putting that designation on him and not how they feel about his chances to play. He’s played through worse foot issues, so some bruised ribs won’t keep him from playing this week. I think he plays his normal workload and only a setback will stop him from continuing on. He should be good.

Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, (Probable, Knees): They’re both basically in the same boat, easing their way back from injuries, although William’s torn patellar tendon was more serious. It looks like both will be suiting up and playing hits week against New England, but keep in mind that the Pats did hold Chris Johnson to 4 yards on 11 carries, and he is a significantly superior back. I don’t particularly like either guy this week or for the next few weeks because Beanie is made of china glass and Williams still needs 1-2 more weeks to really get into a rhythm after such a serious injury (the patellar tendon is attached to your quadriceps, which are the power muscles in the legs and the largest muscle group typically in terms of force production).

Cowboys/Giants: In Game Thoughts

Miles Austin looks solid overall, much more spectacular in the 2nd half. Not sure if the 1st half was rust or what, but he was not involved in the slightest. The 2nd half, including his TD catch, has been much different, as he looks like his dynamic self again. And he’s changing directions and speeds without hesitation, which can be an issue with hamstring pulls. I like his value a lot based on what we’re seeing tonight from an injury standpoint.

Jason Witten, do I have to say anything I haven’t already said about him playing tonight?? Just wait it out and he should be fine long term. He was at least blocking well without an issue

Hakeem Nicks looks a bit off. I personally didn’t see anything related to his foot injury that appears to be limiting him. He just doesn’t see in the flow of the game. I’d lean more towards rust than anything else, considering he didn’t really practice at all this preseason. It’s looking like it could take a week or two for him to get back to his old self, but part of his issue tonight could be Brandon Carr/Morris Claiborne as well, as they looked every bit as advertised against Nicks and Cruz.

Dez Bryant hasn’t had too much involvement tonight, but at the very least he doesn’t look limited. He just seems like he’s getting a lot of attention from the Giants D and can’t seem to get anything going. Maybe it’s because Kevin Ogiltree has 1,210 targets tonight (sorry, I’m a little bitter). Bottom line: His knee injury looks like it’s behind him. I think he’ll be just fine.

Victor Cruz, there’s no injury here, just interesting how many balls he’s dropping tonight. Not a clean start tonight for the G-Men receivers.

Cowboys/Giants Injury Updates

Hakeem Nicks, Giants: Sat out of practice today, which makes it two days in a row following his sitting out yesterday. It’s a little discouraging seeing him sit out two days in a row, especially since he looked good in the last preseason game of the season against the Pats. One report, courtesy of the New York Daily News, has him saying “…it’s nothing that is going to stop me from playing.” Soreness is very normal for anyone post surgery, especially with as much as he’s been ramping up to get ready for week 1. I’m still confident he’ll play, but sitting out two days in a row makes me think it’s a little more than precautionary. His official status tomorrow will give us some much needed clarity, but I still think you roll with him.

Jason Witten, Cowboys: Limited participation in practice today, still did not take part in contact drills. I don’t expect him to play, especially with how much contact he can potentially take the midsection being both a blocker and a pass-catcher. Sit him for week 1.

UPDATE: Jason Witten has officially been listed as Doubtful for tomorrow’s game. Adjust accordingly, but plan on him being out.

Miles Austin (hamstring)/Dez Bryant (knee): Both were full participants in practice today and both look ready to roll. I like Austin a lot here, especially with starting corner Prince Amukamara being likely to miss the game on Wednesday and with Witten (Romo’s safety valve) also not at 100%. Austin is much more likely than Bryant to have increased targets due to their skill sets, as Austin is more of a possession-type receiver than the speedy, athletic Bryant.

Cowboys Defense: Jay Ratliff is likely to sit out Wednesday’s game with an ankle sprain, meaning the middle of the Cowboys front 4 will be significantly hurt. Also, linebacker Dan Conner (hip) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (shoulder) were both limited in practice today, meaning all 3 levels of the Cowboys defense is hurting a bit. Looks like this could be a run-and-shoot type of game if the Giants put up a couple early scores, which negatively affects the Cowboy defense, but significantly favors both offenses’ passing games. Look for a high scoring one on Wednesday. Jenkins’ injury is a bit more concerning, coming off a rotator cuff and labrum repair, which essentially provide the majority of the stability to the shoulder joint itself. He probably sits out Week 1, which means Nicks/Cruz will have one less DB to worry about.

Thoughts From Today’s Games and Other News

Redskins vs Buccaneers: This was the final chance for Evan Royster and Roy Helu to show they are capable of the starting running back spot. Royster came out fast and furious, but Helu seemed to grab the spotlight, finishing with 90 yards on the ground and two scores while looking very elusive and nimble. He showed no signs of hesitation and seemed to push off well, something that can plague anyone who has issues with their Achilles tendon. Royster also looked good, showing no signs of lingering problems with his sore right knee. He also did a good job of planting and cutting, which could both be limited by knee injuries. 

Put simply, this running back situation in Washington, for lack of a better word, sucks. Last week Alfred Morris was the media darling. This week Helu will grab the headlines. This is a tough code to crack, so your best bet is to hope these guys fall past round 8 or so and take a flier on one of these guys. Based on their ailments, I’d draft Helu and Royster, in that order, as mid (Helu) and late (Royster) round fliers, but wouldn’t touch Morris or Tim Hightower. They belong on the waiver wire.

Patriots vs Giants: Well Brian Hoyer really shined tonight. He looks like a lock to be the Patriots starting quarterback after his performance ton….Wait, this game really meant nothing. Sorry, got a little carried away. Hakeem Nicks played a little, didn’t have any setbacks, and looks ready to start the season. The rest of game? No importance from a fantasy standpoint.

Cowboys vs Dolphins: Nothing to note on the field. But there was a report prior to the game that Jason Witten was “50/50” for the opener against the Giants a week from today. Take that for what it’s worth, as it really doesn’t tell us anything new. However, like I’ve said in previous posts, my money is on one of two things: He misses week 1 to rest and take it slow or he plays week 1, but just isn’t full strength or productive. Either way, I think you can get Witten for real cheap if owners are scared off by this, as this does not seem to be an issue he’s going to be dealing with all season. He will end the season as a Top 5 TE, so if you can get him in the 6th/7th, snap him up. I’d even recommend him in the 5th.

Other News:

Bernard Scott, Bengals: He still hasn’t had the pins removed from his surgically-repaired hand and seems to be in doubt to the season opener. My take: I think he misses a game or two, but with his injury being to his hand, I’d feel more comfortable about snatching him up late. I drafted him in the 14th round as a “high reward” pick as the Law Firm is not an every down back due to him not being a great pass catcher. I think he contributes and isn’t limited by his hand surgery, but temper your expectations for a few weeks into the season.

Matt Flynn, Seahawks: He will play in tomorrow’s final tune up. My take: Watch to see how he looks and keep him on your watch list for later in the season. He could contribute later on.

Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks: He’s been dealing with back spasms and has already been ruled out of the final game of the preseason. My take: Lots of questions about Lynch. With the back spasms and his legal issues, I’d be a bit concerned. I don’t think the back spasms will hinder him, as back spasms are just a soft tissue injury that can be managed well in the next 7-10 days before the season starts. But he does have a history of injuries and coming off a monster year and new contract, complacency is written all over him. I think he has a big year, but drafting Robert Turbin as a handcuff is a very smart idea

Tony Moeaki, Chiefs: Similar to Jamaal Charles, he’s had about 1 year to recover from his ACL tear. My take: He seems to be right on track to start the season as the starting tight end for the Chiefs. He will not be as limited as Charles because explosiveness and quickness are not his strong suits. However, he will have doubts in his head just like any other player who suffers an ACL tear. Moeaki is owned in only 10% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and could be a huge sleeper with the developing weapons on the Chiefs offense (Bowe, Baldwin, Charles, Mcluster) if Cassel gets back to his old ways. He’s definitely worth a late round (possibly last round) flier as a backup to a higher ranked TE.

Quick Hits: Injury Report

Matthew Stafford, broken blood vessel on non-throwing hand: Roll with him as you would. Besides some mild swelling that will subside in a few days, he won’t have any lingering effects into the season. He’s still a top 6 QB

Jahvid Best, concussion: Boy this has gotten real ugly. He was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, so he’s definitely out the first 6 games of the season. He dealt with this all of last year as well and really didn’t contribute at all. Seems like a flier in the 10th or 11th rounds may be justified, but with the nature of concussions and Kevin Smith/Mikel Leshoure in front of him now, probably best to steer clear.

Andre Johnson, ribs: He sat out light practice today, which he probably would have anyways to rest his bum hamstring. Seems like just a minor bruise that won’t limit his ability to start the season. He’s dealt with so many injuries the last 3 years, who really knows how he’s going to hold up. But these recent injuries don’t seem to be so serious, so roll with him as a top 3-5 WR with relative confidence.

• Update 8/28/12 (8:55pm): Johnson missed practice today as a precautionary measure. He is still on pace to play in Week 1, but he may be dealing with post-bruise rib pain into the season. This should not affect his production.

Jason Witten, spleen: He participated in practice today, although it seems like he was more doing drills with the training staff than anything else. The fact that he doesn’t need surgery is a definite good sign and the fact that it was reported that his lab work came back clean also bodes well for Tony Romo’s top target. He’s the 4th best TE when healthy and I’ve seen him go as low as the the 7th round, which would be great value. I say roll with him (because I drafted him, I better say that)

• Update 8/28/12 (8:50pm):  Witten had his spleen scanned today (not sure what type of image, assuming a CT scan) and will not get the results until possibly the AM. No word on his Week 1 status yet; however, things are starting to look like he may miss the first week of the season. Plan accordingly, consider a sleeper such as Jacob Tamme or Greg Olsen as a backup just in case you need a temp fill in.

Ryan Mathews, broken clavicle: He had surgery two weeks ago to repair the broken collarbone and recent reports say he’s doing well and that he still has Week 1 in his sights. Don’t be so optimistic. I say he misses at least 2 weeks, and if he comes back sooner, he won’t be the same. He may have improved shoulder range of motion, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to be excited about inside runs and that first big hit he takes. Be cautious with him and build some depth to get you through at least the 1st two weeks. He’ll be fine after that, but depending on the caution the Chargers take, don’t expect legit production worthy of his top 10 back status until week 3-4.

Hakeem Nicks, foot: All signs point to full production right off the bat in Week 1. He and Victor Cruz formed a spectacular 1-2 combo during the Giants super bowl run ( As a Patriots fan, that sentence just made me throw up) and  things shouldn’t be any different this year. Draft with confidence, expect top 8-10 WR production from him.