Gridiron Goldstein: Week Six (Part Two)
Tennessee at Washington – The Titans actually ran the ball well against the Colts last week, which means I can lift my ban on talking about them for this week. Of course, everyone runs well against the Colts, so I wouldn’t put too much stock into Travis Henry. The Redskins won’t let him go for more than 75 yards. As for the Skins, Clinton Portis is a great start. The Titans’ run defense is by far the worst in the league. Santana Moss is a solid start, and I think Chris Cooley is coming around a bit.
Kansas City at Pittsburgh – Strength on strength. This is intriguing for NFL fans, but annoying for fantasy owners. Larry Johnson hasn’t been as dominating as we prognosticators had hoped, but he is third in standard scoring. Essentially, Johnson is still a stud, and you never bench your studs. Tony Gonzalez has struggled, but you probably don’t have a better tight end option. Avoid all other Chiefs.
Ben Roethlisberger has gone a few weeks without needing surgery. That’s a positive. Still, leave him on the bench for now. The Chiefs’ pass defense has been…umm…passable. Willie Parker is a good start since he ran well against a tough Chargers’ team last week. Hines Ward and Heath Miller are marginal starts, but with the six teams on bye, that means they probably become solid starts.
Miami at N.Y. Jets – Umm, pass? Ok, Ronnie Brown, Randy McMichael, Leon Washington and Laveranues Coles (if he’s healthy).
San Diego at San Francisco – All LaDainian Tomlinson owners, please move away from the ledge. It will be okay. Michael Turner is taking some carries away, but the Chargers faced two of the tougher defenses in the league recently. Assume things will return to normal this week. Antonio Gates is also rounding into form.
Unfortunately for the 49ers, this is not the kind of game their offense was built for. The Chargers will do their best to take away the running game, which makes Frank Gore a marginal start. Throw Antonio Bryant into the same column. I would leave Alex Smith and Eric Johnson on the bench.
Oakland at Denver – Umm, pass? Okay, Tatum Bell, Javon Walker and maybe Randy Moss.
Chicago at Arizona – Rex Grossman’s success this season has been one of the biggest surprises of the year. Continue to roll with him and the entire passing offense in Chicago. Thomas Jones has picked up his game over the last couple weeks and should be a good second option against the Cardinals.
The Cardinals’ offense has taken some hits lately. First, Kurt Warner was benched in favour of rookie Matt Leinart, and now Larry Fitzgerald might miss some time due to injury. If he’s out, expect Edgerrin James to see even more action. I expect Anquan Boldin’s value to stay about the same. Yes, he should see an increase in looks, but he will also see an increase in double coverage.
Good luck in Week Six, and remember, if everywhere you go smells like dog doo-doo, make sure you check the bottom of your own shoes.
– Andy Goldstein
