Fantasy Football
Players You Should Bench | Gene's Team
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005; Page E10
RB DeShaun Foster, Panthers | Opp: Cowboys
Foster is the undisputed No. 1 runner for the Panthers with Stephen Davis on injured reserve, and the reeling Cowboys have allowed more than 100 yards rushing to each of their past four opponents, including three straight individual 100-yard performances.
Last week's lock: RB Carnell Williams 23 yards, no touchdowns vs. Patriots.
Playing his best as the playoffs approach.
Carson Palmer, Bengals | BUF | 274 | 3 | 2
League's second rated passer has Bengals clicking.
Jake Plummer, Broncos | OAK | 259 | 2 | 0
Should find open receivers off play-action.
The best back in the league over the past seven games.
Clinton Portis, Redskins | NYG | 112 | 0
Redskins are emphasizing the power running game.
Carnell Williams, Buccaneers | ATL | 23 | 0
Falcons' run defense leaves a lot to be desired.
Cardinals might as well throw on every play.
Chris Chambers, Dolphins | TEN | 34 | 1
Coming on strong late in season.
Steve Smith, Panthers | DAL | 85 | 1
Only wide receiver who could be considered MVP candidate.
Raiders appear to have given up.
Eli Manning, Giants | WAS | 186 | 1 | 1
Has been far too inconsistent in recent weeks.
Ravens have been tough recently against the run.
Julius Jones, Cowboys | CAR | 79 | 0
Cowboys are having little success with their rushing attack.
Steelers will put pressure on Charlie Frye.
Greg Lewis, Eagles | ARI | 26 | 0
Stay away from the Eagles' quarterback mess.
QB | Mark Brunell, Redskins | NYG
RB | Shaun Alexander, Seahawks | IND
RB | Mike Anderson, Broncos | OAK
WR | Plaxico Burress, Giants | WAS or
WR | Terry Glenn, Cowboys | CAR or
WR | Roy Williams, Lions | NO
TE | Antonio Gates, Chargers | KC
K | Mike Vanderjagt, Colts | SEA
DEF | Eagles | ARI
Opponent's Potential Starters
Pos. | Player, Team
QB | Carson Palmer, Bengals | BUF
RB | Edgerrin James, Colts | SEA or
RB | Tiki Barber, Giants | WAS
RB | Larry Johnson, Chiefs | SD
WR | Keenan McCardell, Chargers | KC or
WR | Deion Branch, Patriots | NYJ or
WR | Darrell Jackson, Seahawks | IND or
WR | Bobby Engram, Seahawks | IND
TE | Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs | SD
K | Shayne Graham, Bengals | BUF
DEF | Broncos | OAK
*First-round playoff bye in Week 15 as league's top seed.
The League
Season record: 14-0
Scoring: TD, six points; FG, three points (no distance bonuses); each 25-yard increment rushing or receiving, one point; each 50-yard increment passing beginning at 150 yards, one point; defensive shutout, nine points; opponent scores single digits, six points; opponent scores 10-17 points, three points.
QB Mark Brunell, Redskins: Would have accounted for 25 fantasy points.
RB Shaun Alexander, Seahawks: Would have accounted for 12 fantasy points.
RB Mike Anderson, Broncos: Would have accounted for 15 fantasy points.
This Week (League Semifinals)
QB Quandary: Before this past weekend, starting Jake Delhomme over a struggling Brunell seemed a no-brainer. With Brunell's four-touchdown game against the Cowboys, that strategy needs to be revisited. Delhomme is at home against the Cowboys, whose defense has been flimsy over the past six games. But Brunell has a home game against the Giants, who are ranked 25th against the pass. Brunell three times has thrown for three touchdowns or more, and two of those performances came at home.
WR Quandary: Terry Glenn had a big game two weeks ago but was a no-show -- much like the rest of the Cowboys -- against the Redskins. Plaxico Burress has gone three straight games without a touchdown or 100 yards. Roy Williams appears the only consistent receiving option in Detroit, but the quarterback situation is so muddled that it's risky to start anyone on that offense.
