Week 13 Fantasy Injuries Weekend Ed.

The Counselor is IN:

Cardinals: (Thursday Game)
No significant fantasy injuries.

Falcons:
WR Brian Finneran is questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice on Friday.

K Jason Elam has a hip injury and is questionable. Elam is no longer a young man. A hip injury for a kicker is bad news. I would start your backup Kicker if Elam is your normal kicker.

WR Laurent Robinson is out with a hamstring injury.

RB Jerious Norwood has a rib injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Roddy White is questionable with a back injury. He fully practiced on Friday.

Ravens:
WR Derrick Mason has a dislocated shoulder and is probable. He was limited in practice this week but it appears he will play this weekend.

TE Todd Heap is probable with an illness. He fully practiced on Friday. He will play.

WR Mark Clayton has a straining his lower back and is questionable. He was limited in practice all week.

Bills:
TE Derek Schouman is questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice this week. He is suppose to start with Royal out for this weekend. His value is limited at best.

TE Robert Royal is out with a hamstring injury.

Panthers:

RB Jonathan Stewart has a heel injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week. He should play this weekend.

QB Jake Delhomme is probable with a laceration on his throwing elbow.

Bears:
TE Desmond Clark has a knee injury and is questionable for this weekend. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Clark is the backup Tight End and has very limited value.

WR Marty Booker is questionable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice this week.

Bengals:
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh is probable with a back injury. He practiced on Friday but was limited in practice earlier in the year.

WR Chad Johnson has a sore knee and is probable. He will play this weekend.

QB Carson Palmer is out with an elbow injury. He is trying to rehab and play yet this season.

Browns:
TE Kellen Winslow has a shoulder injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice all week.

QB Brady Quinn is out with a broken right index finger.

Cowboys: (Thursday Game)
TE Martellus Bennett is questionable with an ankle injury. He has been limited in practice this week. He is not a violable option at TE at this point.

QB Tony Romo has a pinky finger injury and is probable. Tony will play. Start him if you have him.

TE Jason Witten is probable with bruised ribs. He is also expected to play on Thursday.

Broncos:

RB Selvin Young is questionable with a groin injury. He is not expected to play this weekend.

WR Eddie Royal has a toe injury and is questionable. He will be a game time decision. He was limited in practice this week.

Lions: (Thursday Game)
RB Kevin Smith is probable with a shoulder injury. He practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play on Thursday.

WR Mike Furrey is suffering from a concussion and is listed as questionable. He was limited in practice this week.

QB Drew Stanton is questionable with a concussion. Last weekend he received some playing time when Cullpepper struggled but he is not expected to play on Thursday.

Packers:

RB Brandon Jackson has an ankle injury and is probable. He fully practiced on Friday.

WR Greg Jennings is probable with a rib injury. He fully practiced on Friday. I am pretty sure that he will play this weekend.

Texans:
RB Ahmed Green was placed on the Injured Reserve.

QB Matt Schaub is questionable with a knee injury. He has started taking snaps. I do not look for him to play this weekend.

RB Steve Slaton has sore chest and is probable for this weekend. He practiced fully on Thursday and Friday. He continues to be a good RB/WR.

Colts:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Jaguars:
QB David Garrard is probable with a back injury. He fully practiced on Friday after being limited in practice earlier this year.

Chiefs:

WR Mark Bradley is questionable with a calf injury. He was limited in practice on Friday.

Dolphins:
WR Greg Camarillo is out with tore ligaments.


Vikings:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Saints:

RB Reggie Bush has a knee injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice all week. He is expected to play.

Patriots:
RB LaMont Jordan is questionable with a right calf injury. He did not practice this week.

Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is out with a hamstring injury.

RB Brandon Jacobs has a knee injury and is questionable. Jacobs should play this weekend.

WR Domenik Hixon is probable with an ankle injury. He is expected to start this weekend.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw has a neck injury and is probable. He was limited in practice early in the but fully practiced Thursday and Friday.

Jets:
WR Laveranues Coles has a thigh injury and is probable. Coles is expected to play.

K Mike Nugent is listed as probable for this week with a thigh injury. I would not start Nugent until he plays for a weekend.

Raiders:

WR Javon Walker has been placed on the Injured Reserve.

WR Chaz Schilens is questionable and has an Achilles injury. He will be a game time decision. He was limited in practice.

TE Zach Miller has a groin injury and is questionable. The Raiders believe he will play on Sunday.

Eagles: (Thursday Game)
RB Brian Westbrook is questionable with an ankle injury. He will be a game time decision.

Steelers:
RB Willie Parker is questionable with a knee injury. He practiced on Thursday and Friday.

Chargers:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Seahawks: (Thursday Game)

WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He fully practiced on Wednesday. He is expected to play.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is probable. He will play this week but I would not start him until he shows one week that he is not rusty.

49ers:
WR Arnaz Battle is questionable with a foot injury.

WR Josh Morgan has a groin injury and is questionable for this weekend.

Rams:

RB Steven Jackson is questionable with a quad injury. He will be a game time decision.

QB Mark Bulger has a concussion and is probable. He is expected to play.

Buccaneers:

WR Ike Hillard is probable with a shoulder injury. He fully practiced this week.

RB Earnest Graham has an ankle injury and was placed on the Injured Reserve.

RB Warrick Dunn is probable with a back injury. He should receive a majority of the carries and should be a great fantasy start.

RB Carnell Williams has a knee injury and is probable.

TE Alex Smith is probable with an ankle injury.

QB Brian Griese has an elbow injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice.

Titans: (Thursday Game)
No significant fantasy injuries.

Redskins:
RB Clinton Portis is questionable with a knee injury. He will be a game time decision.

The Counselor is OUT:

Comments on the Counselor

The Counselor is IN:

As the Fantasy Sports Counselor, I attempt to give the best possible fantasy advice. But I am not always right. Sometimes my advice backfires. I research and invest a lot of my time for the articles that are posted.

I do enjoy hearing other opinions. I encourage readers to comment and let me know what you are thinking. T.D. had the following comments on my latest "Line 'em up/ Bench their butts".

I have to respectfully disagree with some of your sits, owing to the "ride your studs" theory. Matchups are relevant, don't get me wrong. But tell that to the poor slobs (me being one of them) who benched Michael Turner last week because of his allegedly "tough matchup" against the Panthers' D. At this point, looking at the Panthers' recent woes against ATL and DET (although they did win that game thanks to a late bad decision courtesy of Daunte Culpepper ... they were underwhelming IMHO) in the past few weeks, I would say their defense is toeing the line of getting the "overrated" label. In any event, I think they are no longer deserving of the "really good" label as you describe them here.

So, if it were me, I would not be concerned about Driver due to the matchup. Clearly Jennings is the #1 option, so I think you could expect what you'd ordinarily get from Driver: a few receptions, maybe 70 yards, and possibly a TD although likely not. I don't think that would be any different no matter who GB is facing for an opponent.

To me, Forte has earned the 'must-start' or 'unbench-able' label regardless of the matchup. You have alluded to this, so we're on the same wavelength, I just wouldn't bench him.

And Calvin Johnson ... I would play him. Lav Coles looked pretty good against the Titans' stout D, and to me he doesn't have nearly the freakish skills that Megatron has. That said, admittedly CJ also doesn't have the great one Brett Favre throwing him the football. Still, on Turkey Day I think he will be looking to make an impact in front of a national TV audience (rare for the Lions!). And if the Titans take an early lead as we might expect, Detroit will be forced to throw even more and Calvin might be good for some "garbage time" stats even if he struggles early.

Here is my response:

T.D.,

There are a lot of people that will tell you to never sit your studs. There is a level of truth to dancing with the girl that you brought. I could simply say that every week but then my "Line 'em up/ Bench their butts" post would be pointless on the bench their butts section. To bench one of your studs because of matchups, you have to have good options behind them. You can not bench Calvin Johnson for Patrick Crayton. Now if you have an underrated Kevin Walter on your bench, then you could consider benching Megatron.

Donald Driver is usually a WR3 or a flex player. I do think the Panthers Defense has struggled lately but so has Rogers. I look for them to get it back on track against a sporadic Packers offense. I think Jennings will get his catches against the Panthers but I think Driver will struggle more than usual. Again, I would not bench him for Furrey but I would for a good backup option.

Forte has become a stud runningback. I would not hesitate to start him unless you have another good RB on your bench. I think Forte will not produce his usual fantasy numbers because the Vikings are going to line 8 or 9 men in the box and make the Bears beat them through the air.

I went back and forth on the recommendation to bench C.J. He has been playing at a WR1 level. I think he will still play some what well but not up to his usual level. He is currently their only weapon and I see a lot of game planning against him. I would start Ginn or Walter instead of him this week but I would keep him in the lineup instead of several other options.

Again thanks for your thoughts and comments. I enjoyed the comments and the interaction.

The Counselor is OUT:

Week 13 Fantasy Injuries Thursday Ed

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Week 13 fantasy injuries and my commentary. Starting this week I will start posting a Thursday's edition along with the regular Weekend edition. The Thursday Edition will list injuries for the Thursday's game only.

Thursday's Game

Cardinals:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Cowboys:
TE Martellus Bennett is questionable with an ankle injury. He has been limited in practice this week. He is not a violable option at TE at this point.

QB Tony Romo has a pinky finger injury and is probable. Tony will play. Start him if you have him.

TE Jason Witten is probable with bruised ribs. He is also expected to play on Thursday.


Lions:
RB Kevin Smith is probable with a shoulder injury. He practiced on Wednesday and is expected to play on Thursday.

WR Mike Furrey is suffering from a concussion and is listed as questionable. He was limited in practice this week.

QB Drew Stanton is questionable with a concussion. Last weekend he received some playing time when Cullpepper struggled but he is not expected to play on Thursday.


Eagles:
RB Brian Westbrook is questionable with an knee injury. He practiced on Wednesday after missing practice earlier this week.

RB Correll Buckhalter is suffering from an MCL sprain and is questionable. He is not a good starter even if Westbrook goes down.


Seahawks:

WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He fully practiced on Wednesday. He is expected to play.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is probable. He will play this week but I would not start him until he shows one week that he is not rusty.


Titans:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Look for the Weekend update for the rest of the games.

The Counselor is OUT:

Line 'em up/ Bench their butts

The Counselor is IN:

Line ‘em Up

QB Chad Pennington of Miami. Pennington has resurrected his career in Miami. They are playing against the Rams this week. Nuff said.

QB Joe Falcco of Baltimore. Falcco is having a good rookie year. He is putting up some decent fantasy numbers. This week they are playing against the Bengals.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw of New York Giants. Brandon Jacobs is ailing and he will probably be on the bench resting or limited in playing time with the Giants all but guaranteed the number one position in the playoffs.

RB Justin Fargus of Oakland. The Raiders like to run the ball a lot. This gives Fargus and McFadden several carries each. They are playing against the Chiefs. It should allow Fargus to have a great game.

WR Ted Ginn of Miami. Ginn has slowly developed into a good Wide Receiver. He has great breakout speed. He is playing against the Rams.

WR Kevin Walter of Houston. He continues to produce on the field. He is not a glamour pick but he scores decent points every week.

Bench their Butts

QB Jason Campbell of Washington. Campbell will be playing against a tough Giants defense this week. Let him ride your bench this week.

QB Donovan McNabb of Philadelphia. : McNabb had a bad game last week and was benched for the second half. Benching could have a very negative effect on McNabb. I would bench him this week and she how he responds.

RB Matt Forte of Chicago. It would be difficult not to start Forte but they are playing against a stingy Vikings’ defense.

RB Clinton Portis of Washington. Portis is questionable and they are going against a tough Giants team. Keep Portis on the bench.

WR Calvin Johnson of Detroit. CJ is the only real weapon for Detroit. He has been fantasy money. This week they are taking on the excellent Titans defense. If you have other options, leave Johnson on the bench.

WR Donald Driver of Green Bay. Driver is not the same fantasy option he used to be. They are playing against a really good Panthers defense. I expect the Packers to struggle against the Panthers.

The Counselor is OUT:

The Weekly Thermometer

The Counselor is IN:

Who is Hot?

QB Matt Cassel was fiery hot. He threw for 415 yards on 30 completions and 43 attempts. He threw three touchdowns and one interception. Cassel is hot on the field and in fantasy football.

RB Matt Forte was steaming hot. He had 132 yards on 20 carries with 2 touchdowns.

WR Terrell Owens was volcano hot. He had 7 receptions for 213 yards. T.O. has been squawking about getting the ball. I guess this shows us what can happen when he does get the ball.


Who is Lukewarm?

RB Marshawn Lynch was lukewarm. He had 20 carries for 79 yards. As bad as the Chiefs’ defense was, they still held Lynch under 80 yards.

QB Brett Favre was lukewarm. He completed 25 of 32 for 224 yards. He had 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Brett has been a great leader on the field for the Jets. He is just a good fantasy QB.

WR DeSean Jackson was lukewarm. He had 5 receptions for 47 yards. He is having a great rookie year but this game was not stellar.


Who is Cold?

Quarterbacks for the Browns were absolute Zero cold. QB Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson went a combined for 13 for 32 with 145 yards and three interceptions.

Running attack of the Cardinals were freezer burnt cold. They combined for 15 carries and 23 yards. That is 1.5 yard per carry average- pitiful!

Kansas City Defense was Antarctic cold. They gave up 54 points. Ouch.

The Counselor is OUT:

Things I Have Learned... from the Giants at the Cardinals.

The Counselor is IN:

Things I Have Learned... from the Giants at the Cardinals.

1) QB Eli Manning has become a good quarterback for Giants. He is a decent fantasy QB but can be very sporadic. This week Eli had an excellent three touchdowns but he was only average on yardage with 240 yards.

2) WR Anquan Boldin is a great wide receiver and a wonderful fantasy starter. He is a gold mine in points per catch leagues- he has had 10 or more catches in the last three days.

3) WR/KR Domenik Hixon is a developing WR but is a stud returner. He had 180 yards in kick off returns. He can change a game in one play. If your team gives points for return yards, then Hixon is a must start.

4) The Cardinals running game was not impressive. They combined for 15 carries and 23 yards. That is 1.5 yard per carry average- pitiful!

5) The Giants running game was better than the Cards but still not impressive. They were without their big man- Brandon Jacobs. They were 27 carries for 87 yards for3.2 yards a carry.

6) QB Kurt Warner put up some great yards in 351. He had a touchdown and an interception. He has been a fantasy stud all year.

Those are a few things I learned from the Giants at the Cardinals.

The Counselor is OUT:

Week 12 Fantasy Injuries Weekend Ed

The Counselor is IN:


Cardinals:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Packers:
WR Donald Driver is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to start on Monday night. Driver is a good WR3 or flex player this weekend.


Texans:
WR Andre Davis has a finger injury and is probable. He fully practiced this week.

QB Matt Schaub is out with a knee injury. He is expected to be out for at least 2 more weeks.

RB Steve Slaton has sore chest and is probable for this weekend. He was limited in practice this week but is expected to start. He has been a great spot starter and a solid RB 2.

Colts:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Jaguars:
RB Fred Taylor is probable with a neck injury.

WR Matt Jones has a thigh injury and is probable. He missed practice earlier in the week and fully practiced on Friday.

WR Troy Williamson is out with a groin injury.

Chiefs:

WR Mark Bradley is probable with a calf injury. He is expected to play. He fully practiced on Friday and was limited earlier in the week.

TE Tony Gonzalez has a knee injury and is probable. He missed practice Wednesday but fully practiced the rest of the week.

Dolphins:
No significant fantasy injuries.


Vikings:
WR Bobby Wade is questionable with a thigh injury. He missed practice this week.

Saints:
RB Aaron Stecker was placed on the injured reserve after he aggravated a lingering hamstring injury

RB Reggie Bush has a knee injury and is questionable. He did not practice this week. He is not a safe start.

WR Marques Colston has a knee injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week.

TE Jeremy Shockey is probable with an ankle injury.

RB Deuce McAllister has a left knee injury and is probable. He missed some practice this week.

Patriots:
RB LaMont Jordan is questionable with a right calf injury. He did not practice this week.

Giants:
WR Plaxico Burress is questionable with a hamstring injury. He missed practice all week. He has been questionable and missed practice before but then played well on Sunday. Make him a game time decision if possible.

RB Brandon Jacobs has a knee injury and is probable. Jacobs should play this weekend.

Jets:
WR Laveranues Cole has a thigh injury and is probable He was limited in practice this week. He is expected to play. It has become common for him to be probable and for him to play every week.

K Mike Nugent is listed as probable for this week with a thigh injury. I would not start Nugent until he plays for a weekend.

TE Bubba Franks has a shoulder injury and is probable. He practiced all week.

Raiders:
RB Darren McFadden is probable with a turf toe injury. He practiced on Friday. He is expected to play this weekend.

QB JaMarcus Russell is probable with endinitis in his right knee. He practiced on Friday and most of Thursday.

WR Javon Walker has an ankle injury and is out. He is expecting to be out for the rest of the year.

WR Chaz Schilens is questionable and has an ankle injury. He will be a game time decision. He was limited in practice

Eagles:
RB Michael Westbrook is questionable with an ankle injury. He will be a game time decision.

Steelers: (Thurs Game)
TE Health Miller is questionable with a high ankle injury. There is speculation that Miller might be able to go on Thursday. I would check on his status at game time before starting him.

RB Rashard Mendenhal has been placed in Injured Reserve for his fractured right arm.

Chargers:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Seahawks:
WR Deion Branch has a heel injury and is probable. He was limited in practice this week.

WR Koren Robinson is probable with a knee injury. He is expected to play.

QB Matt Hasselbeck has a back injury and is probable. He will play this week.

49ers:
WR Arnaz Battle is out with a foot injury.

TE Delanie Walker is questionable with a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice.

WR Josh Morgan has a groin injury and is out for this weekend.

Rams:

RB Steven Jackson is out with a quad injury.

Buccaneers:

WR Ike Hillard is probable with a shoulder injury. He fully practiced this week.

RB Earnest Graham has an ankle injury and was placed on the Injured Reserve.

RB Warrick Dunn is probable with a back injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday but fully practiced on Thursday and Friday. He should receive a majority of the carries and should be a great fantasy start.

RB Carnell Williams has a knee injury and is questionable. It appears that he still is not ready for live game action.

TE Alex Smith is questionable with an ankle injury. He did not practice this week. I would leave him on the bench.

Redskins:
RB Clinton Portis is questionable with a knee injury. He did not practice until Friday and it was on a limited basis. He will be a game time decision.

WR Antwaan Randle El has a hamstring injury and is probable. He is expected to play this weekend even though he did not practice until Friday in a limited fashion.

RB Ledell Betts is probable with a knee injury. Betts will play this weekend and will start if Portis continues to be injured.

WR Malcolm Kelly is questionable with a knee injury. He practiced fully this week.

The Counselor is OUT:

Line 'em up/ Bench their butts

The Counselor is IN:

Line ‘em Up

QB Jeff Garcia of Tampa Bay. Garcia is an under-rated fantasy QB. His Bucs are playing against a terrible 0-10 Detroit Lions team who are 31^st in Defense on points scored and yards. Garcia should have a big game.

QB Kyle Orton of Chicago. Orton has been a pleasant surprise this year. He has one game under his belt since coming back from injury. They are playing against dismal Rams defense.

RB Warrick Dunn of Tampa Bay. Tampa lost their leading rusher in Graham for the season. Dunn appears ready to pick up the slack. As mention before, the Bucs are playing against the Detroit Defense

RB Peyton Hillis of Denver. Hillis is the starter by default of injuries. The Broncos need to become balanced and run the ball and Hillis will be the man to do it in Denver. Oh yeah- They are playing the Raiders- 30^th against the rush.

WR Antonio Bryant of Tampa Bay. (former Cowboy) Bryant has always been talent but finally he started playing smarter on the field and off. He is Garcia’s favorite target. (Yes I like the Bucs this week)

WR Justin Gage of Tennessee. He is Kerry Collins favorite target. He has been showing his talent over the last several weeks. He is a good start as a WR3.

Bench their Butts

QB Mat Ryan of Atlanta. His favorite receiver, White, is suffering with an injury. The Falcons are playing the tough Panthers pass defense

QB Mark Bulger of St. Louis. : This has less to do with the Bears Defense and more about the Rams lack of offense and pass protection.

RB Brian Westbrook of Philidelphia. You almost always start Westbrook but this week he is playing the stingy Ravens defense which is 3^rd against the run.

RB Tim Hightower of Arizona. Hightower has been great sleeper turned fantasy stud but his is playing against the stout Giants defense. They are 1^st against the run. Let Hightower sit the bench this week.

WR Torry Holt of St. Louis. He went from a top 10 fantasy WR to not starting. Leave him on your bench if he has someone decent to replace him with.

WR of the Jets. mighty Titans are 6^th against the pass. I think Favre will have to rely on the short passes. This is not good for Coles and Cotchery.

The Counselor is OUT: