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Chris Johnson has dominated the NFL this season. One would think he is included in this week's Can't Pass Up Matchups?
Chris Johnson
November 20th, 2009 at 12:04am
Is it too late to throw Ricky Williams on this week’s edition of Can’t-Pass-Up Matchups? Sadly yes, but there are plenty of big names ready to do some big things in Week 11.
Every now and then the best matchup belongs to a player who will obviously be started, so I leave him off the list [...]
November 18th, 2009 at 9:27pm
With Thanksgiving just a week from Thursday, it only seems appropriate next week to give recognition to the fantasy players we are thankful for in 2009. No, I’m not talking about first-rounders who have done what they were supposed to do, but more the sleepers and late pickups that have helped make your roster indestructible. [...]
November 15th, 2009 at 11:18pm
While Bill Belichick probably still is letting the repercussions of his decision to go for it set in, Reality Bites is upping the ante and letting the fantasy impact from all over the league set in. Here are some things we took from a big week of football.
Running backs had big days — if they [...]
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Brian Brohm admits he struggled with his confidence after getting off to a rough start in Green Bay.
"There were some issues kind of in my head, a little confidence-wise maybe, where I got off to bad start and really never got things rolling," said Brohm. The Bills have nothing in front of him, so he may see game action in December. The 2008 second-rounder is worth a flier in deep Dynasty leagues.
Source: buffalobills.com -
Nov. 20 - 10:33 am et
Cedric Benson (hip) said Friday morning that he remains a game-day decision for this Sunday.
Benson has yet to practice this week, and signs are pointing toward the Bengals holding their workhorse out in a game that should come easily with Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard holding down the fort. Larry Johnson says he's playing Sunday but doesn't know how much. We expect it to be very little. Check back Friday afternoon for an official update on Benson's status.
Source: Joe Reedy on Twitter -
Nov. 20 - 10:24 am et
Limas Sweed is out of the doghouse after three straight weeks of good practices.
"He's done it in practice. He's earned the right to get back out on the field," coordinator Bruce Arians said. "I have confidence in him, but we're not going to take Heath [Miller] out to put a fourth wideout in right now, especially with the zone blitz packages we're seeing. He just has to bide his time."
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -
Nov. 20 - 10:17 am et
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Troy Polamalu (PCL sprain) will not play Sunday at Kansas City.
The Steelers are optimistic about Polamalu's knee, but he's yet to practice this week and isn't ready to rejoin the lineup. Tyrone Carter will draw the start against a Chiefs offense missing its most explosive weapon in Dwayne Bowe (suspension)
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -
Nov. 20 - 10:13 am et
Jags LB Russell Allen is expected to start in place of Justin Durant (concussion) this week.
Allen has reportedly impressed the Jags with his "mobility and tackling ability" as a reserve, but he's not on Durant's level. Updgrade the matchup for Marshawn Lynch, who is still just a RB2/flex with Fred Jackson eating into his workload.
Source: National Football Post -
Nov. 20 - 10:00 am et
Bucs placed DE Maurice Evans on injured reserve, ending his season.
It's unclear what type of injury Evans sustained. He's been on and off the Bucs roster this season since signing as an undrafted free agent.
Source: Pewter Report -
Nov. 20 - 9:56 am et
According to beat writer John Crumpacker, the 49ers are "prepared" to use the franchise tag on pending free agent NT Aubrayo Franklin this offseason.
Franklin has emerged as the of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the game, keying a defense that allows just 3.3 yards per carry to opposing runners. He's part of a Pro Bowl caliber defensive nucleus that includes ILB Patrick Willis and DE Justin Smith.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle -
Nov. 20 - 9:53 am et
In addition to CB Rashean Mathis (groin), the Jags may also be without MLB Justin Durant (concussion) and SS Gerald Alexander (shoulder).
The Bills offense may have a fighting chance this week even with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. The Jags are talking about playing Reggie Nelson at corner again, which would be great news for Lee Evans in a highly favorable matchup.
Source: Florida Times Union -
Nov. 20 - 9:45 am et
Beat writer Darin Gantt believes Muhsin Muhammad's 14-year run as a productive receiver is "over."
"The Muhsin Muhammad Is Back Tour lasted one week," said Gantt after his 27-yard performance Thursday night. The Panthers desperately need to address wide receiver this offseason, and it's clear that Dwayne Jarrett is not the answer.
Source: Rock Hill Herald -
Nov. 20 - 9:35 am et
Jason Trusnik has started the past two games at outside linebacker for the Browns.
"I think we really got someone special here that we can develop," coordinator Rob Ryan said of the Braylon Edwards trade throw-in. "He'll be a final part of our defense for years to come." Trusnik is coming off an eight-tackle game after pushing David Bowens back inside.
Source: Canton Repository -
Nov. 20 - 9:29 am et
Braves purchased the contracts of LHPs Lee Hyde, Jose Ortegano and Jonny Venters and RHPs Jeff Lyman and Kyle Coffield.
The move protects all five pitchers from the Rule 5 Draft. These guys are far away from the majors, but are still promising members of the Braves organization. Hyde, a 24 year-old left-hander, posted a 3.00 ERA and 13/12 K/BB ratio in the Arizona Fall League this season.
Nov. 20 - 10:40 am et
According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Brewers plan to approach Prince Fielder with a long-term extension this offseason.
Fielder finished second in the majors with 46 homers in 2009 and tied Albert Pujols with 141 RBI. He finished with an impressive .299/.412/.602 batting line. The Brewers need to find solutions for the wretched starting rotation this winter, but locking up a hitter like Fielder can only be described as wise.
Source: Jon Heyman on Twitter -
Nov. 20 - 10:24 am et
Angels owner Arte Moreno indicated Thursday that the Angels will pursue free agent outfielder Jason Bay this winter.
Moreno told local media members that he's intrigued by Bay's "great bat and great makeup." The 31-year-old should come at a cheaper price than Matt Holliday and seems like a fine fit in Anaheim, where a spot has opened via the expected departure of Vladimir Guerrero. Bay hit .267/.384/.537 in 2009 with 36 home runs, 119 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 531 at-bats.
Source: Los Angeles Times -
Nov. 20 - 10:17 am et
According to FOXSports.com, the Mariners are considering sliding Jose Lopez to first base next season.
Lopez committed 15 errors at second base in 2009 and showed below average range. With first baseman Russell Branyan hitting the open market, the M's could move Lopez to a less demanding position and grab a solid free agent infielder like Placido Polanco or Orlando Hudson. "All options are left open at this time," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said Thursday. "It is one that we could talk about."
Source: FOXSports.com -
Nov. 20 - 9:54 am et
Paul Lo Duca told Sirius XM's Home Plate on Thursday that he still has a desire to play in the major leagues.
Lo Duca hasn't appeared in an MLB game since 2008, and hit just .243/.321/.295 in 173 at-bats that season. "I feel unbelievable," he said. "I’ve been hitting the last four or five days constantly and started my workouts... My heart’s into it and I want to go back in it full bore." He turns 38 years old next April and is doubtful to draw much interest from major league clubs.
Source: New York Daily News -
Nov. 20 - 9:34 am et
According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, the Yankees would like to re-sign Johnny Damon to a two-year contract.
Damon's agent Scott Boras is pushing for a four-year deal, but it's doubtful he'll find that this winter. Damon had a fantastic 2009 season, finishing with a .282/.365/.489 batting line, 24 home runs, 82 RBI and 107 runs scored. But he just turned 36 years old and is an awful defender. If the Yanks let him walk, the likelihood of them re-signing Hideki Matsui no doubt increases.
Source: New York Daily News -
Nov. 20 - 9:09 am et
According to Lynn Henning of the Detroit News, the Tigers will make an effort to re-sign shortstop Adam Everett this winter.
Everett, 32, hit a lousy .238/.288/.325 in 2009, but the Tigers were greatly impressed with his defense at the shortstop position. The lack of offense, for what it's worth, should leave him in Detroit's price range. The Tigers are struggling financially but can surely afford an inexpensive, defensive-minded shortstop. He's drawn little-to-no public interest thus far.
Source: Detroit News -
Nov. 20 - 8:56 am et
The Rockies told Garrett Atkins Thursday that he will not be released.
"I know that I will be on another team next year," Atkins said Thursday. "And I am just getting ready to have a good season." The Rox are still hoping to find a trade partner for the 29-year-old third baseman, but teams aren't likely to bite with the knowledge that he'll be non-tendered in December. He hit 226/.308/.342 in 2009 with nine home runs and 48 RBI.
Source: Denver Post -
Nov. 20 - 8:36 am et
According to Bruce Levine of ESPN.com, John Grabow is expected to ink a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Cubs this weekend.
It's not clear what's taking so long; the two sides agreed in principle to the deal last week. Grabow, a 31-year-old left-hander, posted a 3.24 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 30 appearances for the Cubs after being acquired from the Pirates on July 30. He'll shore up a Chicago bullpen that just lost right-hander Aaron Heilman to the Diamondbacks.
Source: ESPN Chicago -
Nov. 20 - 8:28 am et
Torii Hunter will undergo surgery Monday to repair a sports hernia.
Hunter suffered the injury in late May when he crashed into the wall at Dodger Stadium and eventually spent five weeks on the disabled list. He still had a fantastic season, finishing with a .299/.366/.508 batting line and 22 home runs, and is expected to be fine by the start of spring training.
Source: Los Angeles Times -
Nov. 19 - 11:25 pm et
According to Cavaliers insiders, Anderson Varejao (hip) has been upgraded from "out" to "questionable".
Varejao is likely to still be limited but a return to the lineup is a very welcomed sight. The Cavs are probably going to test him out before and make a game time decision on his status.
Source: PDcavs insider on Twitter -
Nov. 20 - 10:37 am et
Mickael Pietrus suffered from a fever Wednesday night but is reported to be fully recovered in time for Friday night's game against Boston.
Pietrus is a shaky fantasy play as it is. If all you need is threes he might be a decent play, but it's worth checking before the game to make sure he's up for it tonight.
Source: Orlando Sentinel -
Nov. 20 - 10:31 am et
Andrew Bynum left the game Thursday night in the third quarter with a jammed right ankle and did not return.
"I'm gonna see how it feels in the morning," Bynum said, "but I should be okay. No treatment, just ice. I'll be ready for Sunday." On the one hand, it's looks like a minor injury. On the other, it's another injury for Andrew Bynum. Bynum is listed as day-to-day but isn't expected to miss time.
Source: Los Angeles Times -
Nov. 20 - 10:03 am et
Marcus Camby's lower back contusion will leave his as questionable for Friday night's game against the Denver Nuggets.
Camby insists that he will be in the lineup. "I'll definitely be out there...and give it a go," You knew what you were getting into when you drafted Camby. We have no sympathy.
Source: Los Angeles Times -
Nov. 20 - 9:57 am et
One of the noticeable absences from the Pistons lineup down the stretch in their Thursday loss to Portland was Ben Gordon.
Gordon sat out the entire fourth quarter as the Pistons tried to rally from a 20 point deficit. Gordon seemed fine with Coach John Kuester's decision to play fresh legs and to stick with a working lineup but owners better hope this doesn't become a habit.
Source: Detroit News -
Nov. 20 - 9:30 am et
Troy Murphy was mentioned as a possible play for the Pacers in the Friday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This is the first serious mention of him rejoining the lineup and it's a welcomed sight for fantasy owners. It's still best to be skeptical at this point and worth keeping him benched until he gets some actual time under his belt.
Source: NBA.com -
Nov. 20 - 9:09 am et
According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, D.J. Augustin has looked "shell-shocked" on the floor.
Despite Raymond Felton's less than stellar play at the point, D.J. Augustin has failed to take advantage and appears deep in the midst of a sophomore slump. With the addition of Stephen Jackson, Augustin and Felton have both seen decreases in minutes at the point.
Source: Charlotte Observer -
Nov. 20 - 9:05 am et
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will remain a game time decision for the Bucks Friday night.
Mbah a Moute is recovering from a sprained left foot and is eager to rejoin the lineup, but the strong play of Carlos Delfino in his absence may encourage the Bucks to continue to take things slow with Mbah a Moute. Check back before tipoff, but he's probably not worth playing if you own him.
Source: Charlotte Observer -
Nov. 20 - 8:56 am et
Tyson Chandler (back) is listed as probable to play Friday night versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
Chandler missed the second half of Wednesday's game due to this injury but apparently it wasn't major. Check closer to game time to see any further updates but for now assume he's going. If he can't go, Nazr Mohammed should get the start.
Source: Charlotte Observer -
Nov. 20 - 8:47 am et
Boris Diaw has been dealing with a sore back recently but is fully expected to play Friday when the Bobcats face the Milwaukee Bucks.
This doesn't appear to be something to be concerned about yet, but it's worth keeping an eye on.
Source: Charlotte Observer -
Nov. 20 - 8:43 am et
Brandon Sutter continues to be the top Hurricane with a four game point streak.
He has two goals and six points during that stretch and has helped turn the Hurricanes around. He has five goals and nine points through 12 games and is usually the top forward in ice time. He's worth owning in most fantasy leagues right now.
Source: Raleigh News & Observer -
Nov. 20 - 10:31 am et
Mike Grier is doubtful to play against Boston Friday.
It will be the third straight game he's missed with a groin injury. It sounds like one of those nagging groin injuries that will linger longer than expected.
Nov. 20 - 10:19 am et
Thomas Vanek is turning his season around with a four game point streak.
He has one goal and five points during the streak. His point total is about where it should be now, but he's on pace for 30 goals rather than the usual 40. Be patient, he'll be fine.
Source: Buffalo News -
Nov. 20 - 10:18 am et
Marc Savard (foot) is close to returning to the lineup.
The cast on his broken foot was removed last week and he practiced hard on Thursday, but he's doubtful for Friday. A more likely return is some time next week. Savard is also reportedly close to signing a contract extension with the Bruins shortly. The latest rumor has Savard signing a seven-year deal worth $39 million. An announcement is expected in the next week or two.
Source: Boston Herald -
Nov. 20 - 10:00 am et
Dennis Wideman had one of his best games Thursday after coach Claude Julien switched up his partner.
Wideman was playing with Matt Hunwick, both of whom have an offensive bent to their game. Julien paired defensive defenseman Andrew Ference with Wideman. By "putting a more defensive-minded defenseman with Wides, [it] would allow him to go up the ice and make some offensive plays," Julien said. It worked. Wideman had two assists in the 4-3 win over Atlanta. He now has one goal and six points in 18 games. It might be a good time to buy low on him.
Source: Boston Globe -
Nov. 20 - 9:56 am et
Tim Thomas didn't play Thursday due to a minor undisclosed injury.
It must be very minor because he looked fine in practice Thursday and again in the pre-game warmup. He still dressed as the backup. We'd be surprised if he didn't play Friday against the Sabres.
Source: Boston Globe -
Nov. 20 - 9:51 am et
Maxim Afinogenov collected two more points Thursday, raising his season total to 19.
He has eight goals and is a nice complement to Ilya Kovalchuk on the top line. He just needed to get out of Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff's doghouse. He should hover near the point-per-game mark all season.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution -
Nov. 20 - 9:26 am et
Pavol Demitra (shoulder) will begin skating again on Friday.
Demitra has been out the entire season thus far as he needed surgery to fix his ailing shoulder a month ago. He had hoped to avoid the arthroscopic surgery and was rehabbing it during training camp and the start of the season but the shoulder stopped responding and surgery was required. There is no timetable for his return but it is a good start that he is about to start skating.
Source: Vancouver Province -
Nov. 20 - 9:15 am et
Roberto Luongo will face the Colorado Avalanche for the second time in six days on Friday.
Luongo's Canucks defeated the Avs 8-2 on Saturday so Colorado will be looking for some revenge. Luongo has played well his last two starts and is rounding back into form after missing a couple of weeks earlier in the season with a rib injury. He is 7-7 with a 2.69 GAA and a .906 save percentage.
Source: Vancouver Province -
Nov. 20 - 9:12 am et
Ryan Kesler will likely drop to the second line when Daniel Sedin returns on Sunday.
Sedin has been out since early October with a broken foot and Kesler has teamed up with Henrik Sedin and Mason Raymond in the last three games to form a dynamite top line. But while they will play together on Friday, it will end there. Kesler has three assists in his last three games and has 19 points in 21 games this season. Keep him in your lineup.
Source: Vancouver Sun -
Nov. 20 - 9:08 am et
