This is a rare game where an NFC team is a road favorite (and by more than a field goal). The matchup features each team’s strengths and weakness facing one another. The consistent Miami defense under Dom Capers defense takes on the Tony Romo show. Dallas’ rag-tag secondary tries to survive against Trent Green’s still-forming pass attack.

QB: Tony Romo: Must Play - The Cowboys are a big-play team. With Yeremiah Bell out for the year, the Dolphins should be vulnerable to some.

RB: Julius Jones: Strong Flex Play - Miami knew Washington was going to pound the ball, and they didn’t exactly stop Clinton Portis. Still, Miami’s strength should be their rush defense. The Cowboys say they will use Jones around the goal line more often, so we’ll have to see if it happens.

RB: Marion Barber: Strong Flex Play - I don’t love either Dallas running back as a RB2 in this matchup, but they are worth playing as flex options.

WR: Terrell Owens: Must Play - T.O. is a strong choice for our “perfect picks” on the 100K most weeks because he’s the favorite to lead all wideouts in touchdowns. Miami doesn’t have anyone who can physically match up with him.

Continue reading "Cowboys vs. Dolphins matchups" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I got a few emails asking why Jerious Norwood is so low on the rankings this week considering Bobby Petrino said he will use him in the offense more.

First of all, I don't trust most of what coaches say about playing time issues. Maybe they mean it at the time, maybe they don't, but a lot can happen on gamedays. The Clinton Portis owners who benched him at the last minute last week know what I mean.

Second, I'm not writing off the Jaguars rush defense after one terrible effort. They will be angry, and ready to take out their aggressions on an overmatched Falcons offense.

Continue reading "Norwood" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)

Welcome to the first ever fantasy football blog written from the back of a speeding cab. In a move that will sound all too familiar to those who know me, I'm running into some issues on the way to the airport today. On the train back to New York City from Connecticut (where we tape the Fantasy Fix), I left a suitcase on the train while spacily departing (I had been editing some Rotoworld stuff. All for the people!).

Continue reading "Defense pickups" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 01:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Turned on NFL Network when I got to work this morning and watched Mike Periera's weekly "Official Review" segment on Total Access. He basically admitted the obvious: The offensive pass interference called on Todd Heap late in the Bengals game was the wrong judgement. It should have been a non-call.

The wildly negative stories in Baltimore this week would have a much different tone if the right call had been made. And we wouldn't be talking about how Kyle Boller didn't come through.

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 08:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Every NFL week is full of surprises; the ones early in the year just get more attention. Here's a quick list of players I'm watching closely this week.

1. Marshawn Lynch - After watching the Shortcuts of this game, I'm pretty sure he's for real. You can't teach breaking tackles. A good game against Pittsburgh would solidify his RB2 status.

2. Chris Brown - The Titans offensive line was fierce. Let's see if they can blow up the Colts.

3. Jaguars runners - Their offensive line got pushed around. Look for a better effort against the Falcons.

4. Saints offense - I know it was only one game. But I still want to see what they do against the Bucs.

Continue reading "Surprises" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)

As a Patriots fan, of course I want this videotape scandal to go away. It's embarrassing. If they are breaking the rules, they deserve whatever punishment they get.

With that said, the incredulous response from the media is naive or manipulative. Of course they cheat and bend the rules every way possible - like any high-level business. They all cheat, and I'm sure there are varying degrees. Why else would coaches hold up the play-calling sheet to their mouths? Why else would you be forced to change signals so much? As John Czarnecki points out, cheating has gone on in the NFL for decades. And there are many teams out there doing the same thing. Anything for an edge.

Continue reading "Tapes n' Tapes" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)

Can three receivers on the Ravens be worth owning? Demetrius Williams' effort on Monday night indicates it's possible.

Derrick Mason had 12 targets, enjoying one of his better games in the last half-year. Mark Clayton was seemingly relegated to a third receiver role, probably because of his ankle injury, and had only two targets. It's way too early to give up on him.

Williams had nine targets and player starter-worthy snaps. He combines two qualities fantasy heads love: vertical skills and red zone skills.

Continue reading "Demetrius Williams" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Two tight ends scored more than ten fantasy points in standard formats in Week 1. Justin Peele was fifth in points with his breakout two-catch, 12-yard, one touchdown effort. And that's why most fantasy owners don't bother investing an early pick on the position.

Tight ends will usually emerge from the waiver wire, so here's a look at some encouraging first week efforts.

Continue reading "Waiver tight ends" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Had a number of emails wishing me to rank the various running backs who are likely available on your waiver wire, so here goes.

1. Chris Brown
2. Derrick Ward
3. Michael Pittman
4. Selvin Young
5. Adrian Peterson
6. Sammy Morris
7. Kenton Keith

Continue reading "Waiver rankings" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 06:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

One player I left out of Waiver Wired was Chris Brown, primarily because I thought he was owned in all leagues.

But a few emailers tell me I'm wrong, and a little research shows he's available in roughly 40% of fantasy leagues.

Continue reading "Chris Brown" »

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)