The Answer Man

Monday, November 20, 2006

SUNDAY RECAP: AFC VARIETY

Tom Brady- After two lackluster performances for the Patriots QB, Brady bounced back with a huge 244 yard 4 TD performance. Brady tore apart the weak Packers secondary and found a nice rhythm with TE Ben Watson. The Patriots will look to get on a roll before the end of the season to lock up a bye. Next week should be a tough test against the Bears’ defense.

Leon Washington/Kevan Barlow/Cedric Houston- The Jets continue to mix in all their RBs, and it’s unclear each week who will turn out receiving the most carries. This week Washington ran 13 times for 22 yards, Barlow had 4 carries for 2 yards, and Houston had 11 carries for 50 yards. Barlow seems to have become the team’s short yardage back while Houston and Washington continue to get the bulk of the carries. They all face a good matchup next week against Houston’s thin rush defense.

JP Losman- Rarely does Losman ever make any sort of headline in fantasy sports, but a career day gives him a little recognition. Losman tore apart the Texans defense en route to 340 yards passing and 3 TDs. Most of his production came on two early first quarter bombs to WR Lee Evans. While Losman is far from an option as your QB, it’s good to see him finally step in the right direction.

Lee Evans- It was supposed to be a big season for Evans, but up until this week Evans has done nothing but disappoint. However, he finally busted out to a huge 11 catch 265 yard 2 TD performance. Evans set a Bills franchise record by totaling 205 yards receiving in the first quarter. While he hasn’t been the stud we expected, he’s still a good WR 3.

Ronnie Brown- It seemed like a bad idea to play an injured Ronnie Brown against the number one rush defense in football, and if you didn’t listen to the advice and started him you are most likely very upset right now. Brown finished with 12 carries for 2 yards and a fumble. The injury didn’t seem like a problem which is promising considering he has the quick turnaround of a Thursday game. Expect a much better day against Dallas.

Corey Dillon/Laurence Maroney- It was once again a very typical day for the Patriots running game. While Dillon was less productive (12 carries 31 yards) he did punch in a TD. On the other hand, Maroney had a far better 19 carries for 82 yards. Dillon left the game with an injury after scoring his touchdown, but the injury does not seem serious at all. Expect more of the same next week against Chicago.

Ben Roethlisberger- Big Ben had what we can now call a typical game for him this season. He threw all over the place completing 25 of 44 passes for 272 yards 2 TDs and 3 INTs. Roethlisberger has amazingly transformed into the biggest gunslinger in all of football. If it weren't for the interceptions, Big Ben would be having a tremendous year. The Steelers would prefer to run the ball, but it seems like they wind up throwing 40 times a game anyway.

Willie Parker- The Steelers RB is quietly turning in a very productive season while carrying the full load. After scoring twice on Sunday, he already has 12 total touchdowns. He's become one of the most reliable RBs in all of football, and he has also been a major threat in the passing game. However, he goes up against Baltimore next week, and he should have one of his worst outings of the year.

Chad Johnson- In one of the most remarkable individual turnarounds of the season, Chad had another huge game with 190 yards receiving and once again 3 TDs. His combined 450 yards receiving are the most ever for a WR in consecutive games. What's even more shocking is that despite the start he got off to he now elads the NFL in receiving yards. He should have another great day next week against Cleveland.

Jamal Lewis- It was a huge day for Jamal Lewis as he reached the endzone three times to lead the Ravens to victory. He had 91 yards on the ground and a solid 4.1 yards per carry. It was the best day for Lewis in some time who is having a pretty solid bounce back season. He's held off Mike Anderson and Musa Smith to keep carrying the load. Lewis should have a tougher game next week against the Steelers.

Peyton Manning- Eventually Peyton Manning was bound to have a letdown game, and this was it. However, throwing for 254 yards and 2 TDs is not bad for a letdown game. The problem for him was the three turnovers forced by the Dallas defense. They applied pressure to him all game, and Peyton was clearly uncomfortable. Philadelphia likes to apply pressure to but is susceptible to the big play, so Peyton should have a better game next week.

Joseph Addai/Dominic Rhodes- It really wasn't a good day for either Colts RB on Sunday. Rhodes finished with 9 carries for 30 yards, while Addai had 13 carries for 50. Addai looked impressive like always, but the Colts clearly have no desire to give him a full workload this season. Expect more of the same next week.

Travis Henry- It was another huge day for the Titans RB as he had 18 carries for 143 yards and a TD. It was very surprisingly considering Philadelphia had done a nice job on RBs for the majority of the season. Henry's good play has been one of the biggest shocks in the NFL this season. He should have over 1000 yards and 7-8 TDs. He has another tough matchup against the Giants next week, but he's been so hot it'd be hard to sit him.

Vince Young- The former national champion showed flashes of greatness as he led the Titans to victory on Sunday. He ran very effectively and made some crucial passes on third down. Young should have had a few passes intercepted, but got lucky because no one on Philadelphia knows how to catch. Young takes a small step each week, but it looks like when he gets there he'll be a star.

David Carr- Remember when Mark Brunell set an NFL record by completing 22 consecutive passes and everyone made a huge deal about it? Well David Carr tied that mark yesterday, but nobody cares. Despite the lack of respect, Carr's great season cannot be taken away. Tying the record was just another reason why the Texans made a smart choice by sticking with Carr. The Texans appear to be heading in the right direction, and expect Carr to have a real breakout next season.

Larry Johnson- LJ broke the 1000 yard mark on Sunday during his 154 yard 2 TD performance. Johnson took care of buisness against an Oakland defense that he was supposed to excel against. This is a preview of when LJ takes on Oakland in week 16 which is commonly the fantasy football finals. Johnson should have a tougher time on Thursday against Denver.

LaDainian Tomlinson- He has 14 touchdowns in the last 4 weeks. Do you realize how rediculous that statistic is? Tomlinson single handedly beat the Broncos on Sunday night. He's on pace to shatter the single season TD record, and he will battle Peyton Manning for league MVP. Tomlinson should have another huge day next week against Oakland's defense. He's the most dominant player in fantasy this season.

Philip Rivers- Another good day for Rivers who hasn't been under 200 yards passing since week 3. Rivers had his first multi-interception game of the season, but also tossed in two touchdowns. It's good to see that Rivers played well enough against one of the better defenses in football. Next week against Oakland should be another solid game in a solid season.

Tatum Bell/Mike Bell- In another clear sign of evidence that Mike Shanahan enjoys to screw with fantasy owners, Tatum Bell was inactive after being listed as probable all week. In relief, Mike Bell was very productive after being inactive the previous week. Mike finished with 90 yards and 2 TDs in his start. Honestly, I have no idea who will start for Denver on Thursday.

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