(Barber should see less action than Tashard Choice.)
Dwight Freeney Back For Colts, Bob Sanders Still Out
This could mean that Julius Jones could still have a great fantasy day without Sanders around, but Freeney’s presence bot makes Seneca Wallace a shaky bye week fill-in, and also hurts Seattle’s overall pass offense.
Indy has one of the best pass defenses as far as fantasy numbers go, so be careful about starting Nate Burleson and John Carlson.
Jones should still get a hefty workload, so he’s not as big of a concern.
Wes Welker to Face Baltimore Ravens
It’s about time. Randy Moss was officially off the injury report yesterday, and now you can throw Welker back into your receiving corps mix.
Bill Belichick wouldn’t play him if he didn’t think he could do some damage, so throw him in as your WR3 and let Julian Edelman sit this week out.
Welker’s mere presence also could help Tom Brady a ton, as his best and only truly fantasy relevant game came when Welker was active in week one.
Clinton Portis to Play, but Could Lose Carries
Despite going up against the league’s 31st ranked run defense, Portis is still no lock for fantasy success. He will be playing against Tama Bay despite injuries to his calf and ankles, but is almost certain to lose some carries to Ladell Betts and Marcus Mason.
There is upside with the Buccaneers being so bad defensively, but if you have a safer, healthier alternative, you would be best-advised to sit Portis.
Tashard Choice to Handle Most of Load For Cowboys
Marion Barber is relatively healthy, but Choice is fresh off an impressive Monday night performance, and is completely healthy.
Look for Barber to wiggle his way to 10-12 carries, while Choice should get closer to 20. That is, of course, if the Denver defense turns out to be the shame everyone keeps saying it is, and Dallas finds no trouble running on them.
Dwayne Bowe Active Against New York Giants
Bowe was questionable all week and missed last week with a bad hamstring, but after practicing on Friday, got the “okay” to play against the Giants.
Even when completely healthy (which he isn’t), Bowe doesn’t make too sexy of a start, considering how solid the Giants’ defense is. Play him as a strong WR3 with confidence.
Kevin Smith Starting For Detroit
He’s still banged-up, but if you were ready to rely on Smith, he’s available to help as a capable RB2 this week against the Chicago Bears.
We strongly suggest starting a healthier, quieter play like Glen Coffee or Carnell Williams if possible, but Smith should still get the ball enough to warrant a start in most leagues this week.
The important thing is that he’s active and he’s a big part of Detroit’s offense.
