I’m sure I’m not the only person who is still scratching their head and trying to figure out why this is a primetime game. Both teams are struggling with the game and fighting injuries leaving fans less than thrilled.

What do I think you should watch for in this game? Check it out.

The Rams

When it comes to the Rams’ offense, it’s a guessing game.

Both quarterback, Sam Bradford and AJ Feeley, have struggled with injuries and both sat out of practices this week. Even with Bradford back on the field Saturday, Coach Steve Spagnuolo was not ready to decide on a starter for Monday’s game. If both Bradford and Feeley are ruled out, the Rams will most likely start Tom Brandstater, who has yet to take his first NFL snap.

Their struggle to keep key offensive players healthy has shown. The Rams are at the bottom of the league for average points per game (11.7) and ranked 30th for total number of yards per game (284). Guard Jacob Bell has joined offensive tackles Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold on the IR.

The defense is not a lot of help to St. Louis’ mess either.

The Rams are horrible at stopping the run. Counters and cutbacks bring out the flaws in the defense, exposing where linebackers fail to fill the proper gaps. While this team is only ranked 25th in the league for the number of total yards (366.2) given up per game, they sit at the bottom of the league for rushing yards (157.8). Injuries are surely a huge part of their struggle.

The Seahawks

While the Seahawks could come close to finishing 7-9 like last year’s team, they won’t be lucky enough to get a home playoff game again. This Seattle team has struggled a lot as well, but they look a little better than their Monday night opponent.

Quarterback Travaris Jackson is inconsistent. His first two passes against the Rams on November 20th were intercepted, setting up St. Louis’ only touchdown of the game. Jackson has thrown for 2,225 yards on the season, with a completion percentage of 60.2, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Seattle has a small gem in running back Marshawn Lynch, who has run for 854 yards with 8 touchdowns. Lynch, who has recently blossomed into a key player, will be the one to watch during this game.

The Seahawks defense has held their own this season. The team is ranked 10th in the league for number of points given up (20.5) and 14th for total yards (339.7) given up per game. Defensive end Chris Clemons has had 8 sacks this season and will look to get more from the Rams injury plagued offense.

My Seahawks-Rams Prediction

This is an easy one.

Offensively, the Rams don’t have a lot going for them except for injuries. If they can incorporate running back Steven Jackson involved into their game plan, the Rams could put up a decent fight on offense; but considering their QB woes, they probably won’t.

With key running back Lynch healthy and in a groove, and the Rams inability to stop a run, the Seahawks will be sitting pretty by the end of this game. The Rams defense will continue to be their downfall.

While both teams are struggling this season, the Rams are a bigger mess.

Final Score: Seattle Seahawks: 21  | St. Louis Rams: 10

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St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks            

• Rams-Seahawks Date: Monday, December 12 at 8:30 PM on ESPN
• Rams-Seahawks Announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, and Ron Jaworski
• Rams-Seahawks Point Spread: Seahawks -10
• Rams-Seahawks Over-Under Odds: 36.5

Big Names Who Could Disappoint

Andy Dalton

Dalton has burst onto the scene as a rookie, and would be a favorite to win Rookie of the Year if a certain Cam Newton was not doing even better than Dalton. Last week was tough for the Andy Dalton, and the Bengals as a whole, as the Steelers took care of business at home with a 35-7 win. Dalton went 11 for 24 with a touchdown, but sat out the fourth quarter due to the large deficit.

Things will only get harder this week as the Bengals are taking on the Texans. Houston’s defense is ranked third in passing yards per game (183.4) and is second in sacks (35). I would expect Dalton to be towards the bottom of the fantasy quarterback ratings this week, and sitting him would be a wise choice.

Steven Jackson

Jackson and the Rams are going up against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football, in a game that is scheduled for the wrong time on the wrong day. (Really NFL schedulers, this game is on MNF?)

Jackson has been held under 100 yards for three straight games, after having over 100 in three straight, and has not scored a touchdown since Week 8 against New Orleans. The 2-10 Rams have not been able to live up to high expectations for this season, and Jackson is a part of this. The Seahawks held him to 42 yards in Week 11, and will once again be held under 100 yards on Monday night.

Brandon Marshall

The Dolphins have been one of the hottest teams as of late, the only problem being that they lost their first seven games. Matt Moore has turned the team around, but Brandon Marshall has not had a major impact.

Marshall only has three touchdowns on the year, even though he is the Dolphins leading receiver. He has only had at least 100 yards in two of his last seven games, and he is going up against the Eagles secondary this week. I understand that the Eagles are playing well below their expectations, but the talent in their secondary is capable of shutting down talent like Marshall.

Under-the-Radar Players to Consider

In the past, I have always listed one quarterback in this category. This week I decided to leave out a quarterback because, with playoffs being underway, most teams already have a quarterback in place. Saying that Matt Moore could have a good game would not change someone’s mind about whether to start Moore over someone like Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers.

C.J. Spiller

Now that Fred Jackson is on IR, Spiller has taken over as the main running back for the Buffalo Bills. In his last two games, he has rushed for a combine 138 yards with a touchdown.

The Bills are going up San Diego and their 26th ranked rush defense, who allow over 131 yards on average. Spiller is also a threat as a receiver, and should be able to find the endzone one way or another.

Marion Barber

Barber is in a similar situation to Spiller, as his team’s leading rusher, Matt Forte, is injured. Barber is likely going to get the majority of the carries wtih Forte out, and will get a decent amount of points as a result.

Barber and the Bears are facing the Broncos, who own the 20th ranked rush defense in the league. The Broncos have been playing great defense as of late, but the Bears will be trying to establish a ground game due to Caleb Hanie being the quarterback. Giving Marion Barber a chance would be a safe bet this week.

Demaryius Thomas

Thomas was the main beneficiary of Tim Tebow primarily throwing the ball last week, as he had four catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

The Broncos seem to be trying to get Tebow throwing the ball more often, and Thomas is his most likely target. It also seems that Tebow has a few long passes per game, which was evident last week as Thomas caught one of these for a touchdown. Look for Thomas to have a big day, given that Tebow looks to throw more than run.

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Also check out this week’s start/sit column, our waiver wire pickups, and the Week 14 Sunday live chat.

With some many teams rich in fantasy talent (Patriots, Giants, Eagles, Bills, plus the 49ers and Bengals) observing their bye this week, it means that we all are having to dig deep into our benches and even onto the waiver wire just to field complete lineups. During such weeks is when start/sit advice is its most valuable, and as always we have you covered here at MSF.

First, check out the consensus top 10 start em and sit em picks below, delivered just a few minutes ago from our friends at PlayThisGuy.com. They compile start/sit picks from numerous proven, trusted sources across the web (including MSF) to come up with these picks.

Second, click over to Jon’s Week 7 Start em, Sit em column, where he breaks down every position in detail, telling you who to start, who to sit, and who will be the best and worst performer at each position, along with stat projections. Also see the Week 7 rankings and Andy’s waiver wire pickups column.

(Oh, and don’t forget to the enter this week’s fantasy college football freeroll tournament. It’s free to enter, but the prizes are real. You’d be a fool not to play.)

And now, without further ado, here are the consensus Week 7 Start/Sit picks from PlayThisGuy.com:

Fantasy Football Week 7 Start em, Sit em Advice

Consensus Top 10 Start/Sit Picks

The comment section is yours if you have any questions about your Week 7 roster. We’ll do our best to get every question answered by Sunday morning.

And now, for no good reason at all, here is a picture of consensus Start #4 Matt Cassel, apparently in a little bit of pain.

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Let’s take a look at the fantasy football-relevant injuries going into week 3, including Peyton Hillis, Tony Romo, and Beanie Wells.

AFC North

Wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, Lee Evans, was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, despite his confidence in his ankle to handle the game.

Cincinnati Bengals AJ Green, wide receiver, is listed as probable for Sunday’s game. His toe injury isn’t keeping him off the depth chart for the Bengals where he’s first in the lineup.

Peyton Hillis, running back for the Cleveland Browns, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins due to illness. However, the Browns still have Hillis listed first in the lineup, but I’d check back Sunday morning to make sure he’s still there.

AFC South

Houston Texans will make a game time decision on whether or not to play running back Arian Foster for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Foster is not listed on the depth chart. I’d keep him off, folks.

Dallas Clark, tight end for the Indianapolis Colts did not practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clark is dealing with a foot injury.

Receiver for the Tennessee Titans, Kenny Britt cut practice short on Wednesday when his hamstring tightened up but was back practicing Friday.

AFC East

Steve Johnson, wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, was out earlier this week suffering from a groin issue. However, he’s first on the Bills depth chart for their game against the Patriots.

New England tight end, Aaron Hernandez, is out of Sunday’s game against the Bills because of a knee injury. I am a little disappointed in this one because he was one of my better fantasy players.

AFC West

It looks like Denver Broncos’ Brandon Lloyd will be back in the lineup for Sunday’s game. Both Lloyd and running back Knowshon Moreno are first in their respective positions on the Broncos depth chart.

Jacoby Ford, wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders is out for the week 3 game against the Jets due to a hamstring injury. It’s unclear when he will return.

Both Mike Tolbert and Antonio Gates have struggled with injuries for the San Diego Chargers. I’d check back Sunday morning. No one seems sure of their status.

NFC North

Jermichael Finley, tight end for the Green Bay Packers, is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against division rival the Chicago Bears. However, Finley is not listed on the line up. Check back tomorrow morning.

The Detroit Lions are dealing with injuries to Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew but have put them as first in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

NFC South

Both Roddy White, wide reciever, and Matt Ryan, quarterback, for the Atlanta Falcons were suffering from knee injuries but both are listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

No worries, Panther fans, Cam Newton has been practicing in full since Wednesday and is listed as probable for tomorrow’s game against Jacksonville.

While Bucaneer tight end, Kellen Winslow, practiced Thursday and Friday, his knee is still listed as questionable, but he is still listed as first in the lineup.

NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys have a plethora of injuries they are dealing with. Tony Romo states that his lung has healed. Now they are waiting on his ribs. No one has mentioned whether or not he will play on Monday. Wide receiver, Dez Bryant, did not participate in Friday’s practice and Felix Jones was limited at practice.

New York Giant, Mario Manningham, did not practice on Friday and is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.

Speaking of Eagles, quarterback Michael Vick looks as though he will be ready to play on Sunday. He was practicing on Friday and looks to be ready to go. I’d still check back Sunday morning.

NFC West

Chris Wells, running back for the Arizona Cardinals, is suffering from hamstring injury and is will be a game time decision. Arizona plays a later game on Sunday, so you need to make a decision before the team decides.

San Fransisco 49ers wide receiver, Michael Crabtree, is probable for Sunday’s game and is in the lineup.

Wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, Sidney Rice, will make his season debut against the Arizona Cardinals this week. Rice missed the first two games due to a shoulder injury.

Steven Jackson, running back for the St. Louis Rams, is going to be a game time decision.

There’s your injury update for week 3. Have a happy football Sunday!

The first week was full of hard-hitting action and high scores, and with that combination comes the injuries. Here’s your injury update to make sure your second week goes better than my first!

AFC North Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Baltimore Ravens

Wide receiver Lee Evans from the Baltimore Ravens was spotted in a boot early this week after having zero catches against the Pittsburg Steelers. However, John Harbaugh claimed he was ready to go after practicing in full the past two days. Expect Evans to play against the Tenenssee Titans on Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, Andy Dalton was cleared to start Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Dalton, who was hit on his throwing arm during week 1′s game against the Cleveland Browns, has not officially been named the starter but speculation from media sources assume he will.

AFC South Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Houston Texans

Arian Foster, running back for the Houston Texans, will play at Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. According to NFL.com, Foster might be limited on the amount of playing time he gets to slowly ease him back into the game after his hamstring injury. If you are expecting big points from him, you might want to rethink your strategy for week 2.

Don’t expect Derrick Ward of the Texans, to play. From the team website, they noted Ward is out and probably won’t even make the trip.

AFC East Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson is dealing with a nagging groin issue. The team stated he rested on Thursday and practiced in full on Friday. I would expect to see him play on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders after noting he practiced in full today.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins continue to search for the perfect balance between Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, with both recovering from hamstring injuries. Thomas, who missed week 1, practiced in full on Friday. I would expect to see the Dolphins to try to incorporate both running backs into action against the Texans.

New York Jets

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Plaxico Burress, who was dealing with ankle issues, practiced in full on Friday and is expected to play on Sunday.

AFC West Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Denver Broncos

Knowshon Moreno, running back for the Denver Broncos, did not practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. I wouldn’t expect him to play since rumor has it they are lining up others to take his spot. Brandon Lloyd practiced Friday and will most likely play Sunday.

Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders’ running back, Darren McFadden, was one of the players with a minor shoulder injury. However, they expect him to play on Sunday against the Bills.

NFC North Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Chicago Bears

Roy Williams, wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, didn’t practice on Thursday and is questionable for Sundays game. While the Bears still have him listed as first string on the depth chart, I would be wary that his groin injury could keep from the game.

Teammate and running back Marion Barber will not participate in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints after experiencing soreness in his calf.

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley is expected to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Finley was limited at practice this week because of an ankle issue.

Detroit Lions

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is expected to play in the Lions game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson returned to practice on Friday, but the final decision won’t be made until Sunday. Because he played in full at practice, I would play Johnson.

 NFC South Fantasy Football Injury Updates

New Orleans Saints

Lance Moore, wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. He expects to play but his owners will check his status on Sunday.

NFC East Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Dallas Cowboys

It’s not looking good for the Dallas Cowboys. Both wide receivers Dez Bryant and Miles Austin have suffered from injuries this week. Bryant hasn’t practiced all week and remains questionable, while Austin was able to practice to some extent on Friday. I’d leave out Bryant but think you could consider Austin in your roster.

New York Giants

Hakeem Nicks, wide receiver for the New York Giants, expects to play on Monday night against the St. Louis Rams. After running some drills at Friday’s practice, he feels confident that his knee will hold up just fine in the game.

NFC West Fantasy Football Injury Updates

St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams running back, Steven Jackson, didn’t practice on Friday. Most likely he will be out Monday night. Sit ‘em folks.

Seattle Seahawks

Sidney Rice, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks will not play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he has practiced with limitations all week, the Seahawks don’t want to throw one of their key players in too soon.

Alright week 2…Let’s GO!

Like I said before, it’s not that fun to draft Ichiro.  You know exactly what you’re getting.  (Or at least you used to know, before this season.) On the flip side, thinking about Jason Heyward’s upside gives us all visions of glory.

But when it comes to drafting running backs for your fantasy football team this year, save the “sleepers” for other positions.

Assuming you are in a 10 to 12 team league, or a fun weekly challenge game like FanDuel, and you have to start at least two running backs, it won’t be good enough to simply know which guys are in the top five.

Here are my top 25 running backs for 2011, along with some guys I think you should stay away from. The latter group is who we’ll start with.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: The “Stay-Aways”

• Mark Ingram – The Lockout will hinder rookies greatly this year.  The rookie running back slump continues, even though the kid has unreal talent.
• Joseph Addai – As a Colts fan, I think I speak for everyone else in Hoosier Country when I say, “You just can’t trust this guy.”
• All Other Colts’ Running Backs – If you need me to explain this one, you have probably never played fantasy football.
• Jonathan Stewart – Just a hunch, but I think the Panthers will try to justify spending a billion dollars on DeAngelo Williams…if only for this season.
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Also a hunch, but I have a feeling that the Patriots are going to be high-flying, just like they were in their 18-1 season.  Expect a lot of passing, yards, and scoring…through the air.
• CJ Spiller – At this point, he’s destined to become a homeless man’s Devin Hester.  And in a league that no longer has kickoff returns, that isn’t a good thing.
• LaDainian Tomlinson – Eight steps beyond washed-up at this point.
• Daniel Thomas – See Ingram, Mark.
• Fred Jackson – I just don’t see the Bills leading a lot of games this year.  Their running game and Mr. Jackson will suffer.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #21-25

The boring guys who will win you games

• Marshawn Lynch
• Ryan Mathews
• Mike Tolbert
• Ahmad Bradshaw
• Shonn Greene

Ironically, these guys are all pretty similar.  Most of them like to pound it inside and eat up short yardage situations.  Expect all of them to be able to punch it into the end zone for you as well.

Of these five, Greene has the most upside since the Jets will likely be good, but Sanchez will still struggle, causing them to rely heavily on their defense and running game.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #16-20

Your “all or nothing” guys…that will win you weeks, and break your heart.

• Jahvid Best
• Felix Jones
• Knowshon Moreno
• Ryan Grant
• LeGarrette Blount

These guys are all on the same level to me. 

Best intrigues me the most because I feel that he has the most raw talent of the bunch…but as we are all well-aware, his injury history will scare many away.

I really think this could be Knowshon Moreno’s breakout year, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he ended up as a top seven running back…though the QB situation will make his job that much more difficult.

Beware of Ryan Grant.  The Packers’ RB was injured for most of last season, and he will come back hungry, ready to show everyone that he is, in fact, very important to his team’s success.  Also, it’s probably a safe bet that Green Bay will be winning a lot of games this year, and Grant will be benefactor #1.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #11-15

It’s just not fun taking them, but you can’t let them slide past you.

• DeAngelo Williams
• Frank Gore
• Matt Forte
• Steven Jackson
• Peyton Hillis

None of these guys will earn you high praise on draft night, but they will all give you an easy 1000 yards, 8 TDs, and receptions out of the backfield.  Again, the lockout will affect a lot of young guys, players on new teams, and players with new coaches.

While Williams, Gore, and Hillis are all playing for new coaches, they will definitely be one of the foundational elements that their coaches are hoping to build upon.  Gore, Forte, and Jackson are about as “Ichiro-esque” as you can get.  Barring injury, expect solid numbers from them across the board.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #10

I have to place him this high, but I’m scared to death of him myself.

• Michael Turner

It’s possible he’s past his prime.  It’s possible that all of the carries the past few years have killed his legs.  It’s possible that Atlanta will become more of a passing team this year.  It’s also possible he has one more year left in him.

This is all I know.  Someone will draft Michael Turner in your league this year, and it will either make, or break his team.  I am scared to death of him, but I also know he could have one more good year left in him, and I understand he could very well come back to bite me.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #8-9

“Old Reliables” that may not be so reliable.

• Maurice Jones-Drew
• Rashard Mendenhall.

If healthy, both Jones-Drew and Mendenhall will easily be top-ten RBs.  Both of their teams love to grind it out, and both guys can do the job.  However, Mendenhall has had fumble issues in the past, and just how long can a guy as small as Mo-Joe stay healthy?

If it were me, and I drafted either of these guys early, I would take his backup late in the draft – especially if I had Mo-Jo, because I think Rashard Jennings could really surprise some people this year, if given the opportunity.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #6-7

The new kids on the McBlock.

• Darren McFadden
• LeSean McCoy

These two guys have more “home-run” ability than anyone besides Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, and maybe Adrian Peterson.

McCoy will be playing in a high-powered offense that has surprisingly less weapons than you thought.  Seriously, they have Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and…yeah you thought they had more, didn’t you?  Well, McCoy will surprise a lot of people this year that didn’t take notice before.  He is one of the smoothest runners in the game, and can also catch the ball out of the backfield.

McFadden, on the other hand, finally seemed to figure it out last year.  If he is finally putting the work in to match his unbelievable talent, the Raiders could have a top five fantasy player on their team, easily.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #4-5

Don’t be disappointed with these guys.

• Ray Rice
• Arian Foster

We have all been there.  We get the fourth pick in the draft, and we love three guys.  Obviously, those three guys go 1-2-3, and we are stuck fuming to ourselves for the next four picks.  On draft day, don’t be “disappointed” with Rice or Foster.

Sure, maybe the next three guys will have marginally better years, but the fact is that in most seasons the difference between guys 1-3 and 4-6 isn’t really that big.  Be happy with either of these guys, and then focus on building out the rest of your team.  Nobody has ever won a fantasy league with just one guy, but plenty have lost it by not concentrating for half of their draft.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #2-3

The enigmas

• Chris Johnson
• Jamaal Charles

I think these are the only two guys in the league that could rush for 2000 yards.  They could also both get injured or, in CJ’s case, randomly miss a lot of time because of contract issues.  Either way, if things go well, Charles and Johnson will make a LOT of fantasy owners happy with their home run ability coupled with their coach’s love for the running game.

Fantasy Football RB Rankings: #1

Old Faithful

• Adrian Peterson

In my opinion, he’s still the best in the biz.

So sit back, relax, and strap it down as I go through a few running backs dealing with injuries that could affect their Week 4 performance, then link you to a rundown of every injury that will affect your fantasy football week 4 lineup decisions.

Note: Follow this link, as I just posted the latest injury update on Ray Rice.

There are plenty of other running backs, many from teams with Midwest ties, who are hobbled this week. Among them:

Steven Jackson Week 4 Injury Update

Steven Jackson did not practice on Thursday as he tries to recover from a groin injury. The latest injury update on SJax is that he is expected to test out the groin today in practice, at which time we should know more about his expected availability for Sunday.

We’ve seen Jackson have nagging injuries and still play, and play well, so perhaps that will happen here. Keep your eye on today’s reports and grab Kenneth Darby if you haven’t already.

Jahvid Best Week 4 Injury Update

Lions rookie RB Jahvid Best has been out of practice this week while dealing with a turf toe injury. The latest injury update on Best is that he is, however, expected to practice today and thinks he’ll be able to play Sunday.

Watch the reports from practice today, but temper expectations if he does play. The Lions face Green Bay, a team very adept at stopping the run.

Cedric Benson Week 4 Injury Update

Cedric Benson has a knee issue, but practiced fully on Thursday and should be fine for Sunday’s matchup against Cleveland. I like him to have a solid day.

And in other Midwest-related injury news, Colts WR Austin Collie, who has been one of the best and most surprising fantasy players this year, has a heel issue that has limited him in practice. He is expected to be fine for Sunday.

There are plenty of other injured players, including Andre Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Fred Taylor, and Louis Murphy. Click over to MSF Fantasy Sports for the complete rundown of all the Week 4 injuries that will affect your fantasy lineup decisions.

We’ll start in Minnesota, where Percy Harvin is – surprise, surprise – uncertain for Sunday.

The good news is that the issue for Harvin is not migraines. The bad news is that the latest Harvin injury update shows that he now has a hip malady that is slowing him down. According to reports, Harvin says he’ll be fine for Sunday. Watch this one as the weekend progresses. You may need to make a last minute switcheroo if Harvin is unable to go. Otherwise, I like his chances to have a decent week.

In related news, Brett Favre remains old. He will also start his millionth game in a row despite his continuing ankle issues.

In St. Louis, Steven Jackson had an MRI on his knee early in the week that showed he’s fine. He practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play. Teammate Laurent Robinson was a limited practice participant Thursday. He’ll need to be monitored.

Head over to MSF Fantasy Sports to see the rest of our Friday Injury Updates, including the latest injury news on Anquan Boldin, Hakeem Nicks, Michael Bush, Beanie Wells, and many more.

Also, here is the official NFL injury report.

Jay Cutler, finally, did not throw a interception and actually looked great for at least a quarter, throwing 131 yds in the 1st quarter alone. After that the Bears did nothing but pound the ball with the running game.

That descsion angered me. The Bears had two 48+yd throws in the 1st quarter, and it looked like the passing game was coming alive, but the coaches decided to stop throwing and to start running. This made the game closer than it needed to be as the running game didn’t prove to be that dominate against a extremely sub-par Ram’s defense.

The passing game was fluid for once and I am ashamed to see Lovie  change the game plan after the 1st qaurter. Cutler was finally hitting his receivers, especially on the deep balls. I know it’s the Rams and it doesn’t truly impress me that much, but it was a positive. Cutler completed 8 throws out of 17, but what he didn’t do was throw the ball to the other team. This simple fact could be and was a huge factor in this Bears team winning this game.

The defense only allowed 113 passing yds, but everyone knows the only offense the Rams have is Steven Jackson and Jackson ran for 112 yds, one yard shy of beating Kyle Boller’s 113 yds passing,  against the Bears. Jackson wasn’t able to get in the endzone, but what running back would be able to when he’s in such a terrible offense?  It was a modest performance for Jackson as he was playing with a bad back.

A great defensive stand by the Bears didn’t allow the Rams to score on a final drive in the dying minutes, sealing the win and the Bears’ 5th, and first win in 4 weeks.

It could have be a little bit more of a dominant win than it ended up to be, but it’s a win, and I am not complaining when the Bears win this season.

The Week 17 start em, sit em lineup advice post is up.

——————–

Watching the Packers-Vikings game as I type this, so I will try not to be too distracted. Week 5 is a big week and we’ve all got to be on top of our games this week.

If you’re 0-4, this is your last chance to stay alive and have a prayer’s chance at the playoffs. If you’re 1-3 or 2-2, a win in Week 5 can potentially get you into first place or a game back, depending on your league. And if you’re 3-1 or 4-0, you’re looking to put some distance between you and your foes.

Either way, Week 5 is a huge swing week that will put you in the position of either being the chased or the chaser over the next few weeks.

Let’s hop to it, starting out with a quick look back at Week 4 and then a glance forward to Week 5 with your usual rundown of start ems and sit ems.

Update: Fraschetti and I did the first edition of the our new weekly fantasy football podcast this week.  And I promise we discuss some different players than are included in this post…meaning you should definitely listen!  Here you go:

Here’s a look at how my picks worked out last week:

• Start ‘em hits: Eli Manning (3 TDs, 1 INT); Knowshon Moreno (76 total yards, TD); Brandon Marshall (4 rec, 91 yards, TD); Cincinnati D/ST (TD, 20 points given up, 2 TOs, 2 sacks)
• Start ‘em misses: Dustin Keller (3 rec, 31 yards)
• Sit ‘em hits: Fred Taylor (38 total yards, 0 TDs); Roy Williams (3 rec, 35 yards);
• Sit ‘em misses: Philip Rivers (3 TDs, 0 INTs); Visanthe Shiancoe (TD); Denver D/ST (10 pts given up, 2 TOs, 5 sacks)

So, not too bad.

And I feel like I did an even better job this week answering peoples’ questions in the comment section (Mike Sims-Walker baby!). Let’s hope we can continue that for another week.

Okay, here we go folks. The Week 5 Start Em, Sit Em.

Fantasy Football

Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Lineup Advice

Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Detroit)

Simply put, Ben Roethlisberger is on the verge of becoming a weekly must-start. When he’s facing a team that has given up 12 passing touchdowns through four games (Detroit), you absolutely put him in your lineup unless Peyton Manning against Tennessee is your other option.

Look at these per game pass attempt numbers for Ben Roethlisberger so far in 2009: 43, 35, 31, 33. There was a time not too long ago when Roethlisberger would be lucky to get 20 attempts in a game, severely limiting his fantasy upside.

Those days are long gone, especially with the Steelers’ running game being inconsistent this year. Ben Roethlisberger is the centerpiece of this offense and he has four solid targets in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, and Heath Miller. Yes, Rashard Mendenhall was great Sunday night, but his challenge now becomes doing it in back-to-back games (which, coincidentally, I think he will do).

Meanwhile, Roethlisberger will be having one of the best fantasy weeks of any QB against the Lions.

Ben Roethlisberger Week 5 projection: 275 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs

Other QBs I like in Week 5: Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub (Houston at Arizona); Donovan McNabb, PHI (vs TB); Brett Favre, MIN (at STL)

Sit ‘Em: Eli Manning, New York Giants (vs Oakland)

Eli Manning has been great so far this year, the Giants are 4-0, Oakland is terrible…so you may be wondering why Manning is listed here. I’ll give you a few reasons:

1. Oakland is terrible against the run, but better against the pass than you might think. The Raiders give up only 210.5 yards passing per game (13th) and have given up only four passing TDs.
2. Manning recently admitted that he has plantar fasciitis, which could hinder his mobility. We’ll have to see if it hinders his ability to deliver the football.
3. I think New York will dominate this game and be salting away a win on the ground in the second half. That does not bode well for racking up fantasy stats.

If you have no other options, Manning could obviously still have a decent game, and he’s not going to hurt you. But I would bet that many owners have more favorable options in Week 5.

Eli Manning Week 5 projections: 195 yards passing, 1 TD, 0 INT

Other QBs I don’t like in Week 5: Matt Ryan, ATL (at San Francisco); Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Miami); Carson Palmer, CIN (at BAL)

Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Running Backs

Start ‘Em: Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Detroit Lions)

The Steelers have been patiently awaiting what they saw Sunday night: a dominant running performance from former first round pick Rashard Mendenhall.  He carried the ball 29 times for 165 yards and 2 TDs. Of course, this comes a week after being deactivated and quadrupled what he produced through the season’s first two games.

So which Mendenhall will show up this Sunday? And will Willie Parker be there to steal some carries as well?

I think that deep down Mike Tomlin and the Steelers want Mendenhall to take hold of this job. Willie Parker doesn’t have the same burst he once did and is struggling to stay healthy. Mendenhall can be a solid every down back and give the Steelers their old smash-mouth identity back.

Playing the Lions is a good matchup for Mendenhall to try to author a repeat performance. The Lions are giving up 121.2 yards and average giving up one TD per game. I like those numbers for what Mendenhall will provide in Week 5.

Rashard Mendenhall Week 5 projection: 121 rushing yards, 1 TD, 2 rec, 15 yards

Other RBs I like in Week 5: Jerome Harrison, CLE (at Buffalo); Knowshon Moreno, DEN (vs New England); Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs Oakland); Chester Taylor, MIN (at St. Louis);

Sit ‘Em: Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams (vs Minnesota Vikings)

Yes, you probably spent a high draft pick on Steven Jackson. And you may have another running back on a bye week, meaning that you have no choice but to start Jackson.

However, if you have  a decent alternate option (examples: Jerome Harrison of Cleveland, Rashard Mendenhall of Pittsburgh) I would play them.

Jackson’s only value right now is his ability to rack up yardage, because he certainly isn’t finding his way to the end zone much. But with the Rams set to play the Vikings’ stellar run defense, I don’t see too many holes opening up for Jackson. He has more value in a PPR league, but in TD-heavy scoring systems I would seek points elsewhere in Week 5.

Steven Jackson Week 5 projection: 42 rushing yards, 3 rec, 21 yards, 0 TD

Other RBs I don’t like in Week 5: Kevin Smith, DET (vs Pittsburgh); Cedric Benson, CIN (at Baltimore)

Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em: Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville (at Seattle)

I’ve been singing this guy’s praises in sleeper posts for the last couple of weeks. Now that he’s proven me correct, and has a nice matchup in Week 5, Mike Sims-Walker makes his first appearance as an official start ‘em.

Sims-Walker is developing a great relationship with David Garrard and is averaging just over six catches per game, 93 yards, and a TD over the last three games. Those are outstanding numbers for a #2 WR, let alone a #3 WR or flex spot, which is probably where you have Sims-Walker playing.

Seattle’s defense is not playing will this year and the Seahawks are giving up more than a TD per game through the air to go along with 219.8 yards. David Garrard and the Jags’ passing attack seems to be clicking, and it’s a gravy train I will personally be hoping to ride in Week 5 and beyond.

Mike Sims-Walker Week 5 projection: 6 rec, 85 yards, 1 TD

Other WRs I like in Week 5: Desean Jackson, PHI (vs TB); Percy Harvin, MIN (at St. Louis); T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA (vs Jacksonville); Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (at Miami); Pierre Garcon, IND (at Tennessee); and if you’re looking deep…Mohammed Massaquoi, CLE (at Buffalo);

Sit ‘Em: Ted Ginn, Jr., Miami Dolphins (vs New York Jets)

This one really isn’t all that difficult.

The Dolphins are facing the Jets’ staunch defense, which means that Ted Ginn will most likely be facing the currently unbeatable Darrelle Revis. Ginn struggles as a receiver against regular cornerbacks. Against an emerging star in Revis, with an inexperienced QB under center, I don’t like Ginn’s chances.

Ginn will have some value as a flex play if he’s returning kicks and getting reverses, but he also has to fight just to get on the field as his snaps were reduced last week because of his recent ineffectiveness.

Ted Ginn Week 5 projection: 2 rec, 27 yards, 0 TD

Other WRs I don’t like in Week 5: Torry Holt, JAC (at Seattle); Laveraneus Coles, CIN (at Baltimore); Steven Smith and Mario Manningham, NYG (vs Oakland…still start them, but just temper your expectations with Oakland’s decent secondary on the other side and Manning hampered); Roy Willians, DAL (at Kansas City…especially if injured, obviously)

Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Tight Ends

Start ‘Em: Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers (vs Atlanta Falcons)

Yes, I still love Vernon Davis.

He has three TDs over the last two weeks and I think he could very well get another one this week. Atlanta gives up 245.3 yards per game through the air, and Davis is one of QB Shaun Hill’s favorite targets. I think Davis’ numbers in Week 5 are right between what he did the last couple of weeks.

Vernon Davis Week 5 projection: 5 rec, 70 yards, 1 TD

Other TEs I like in Week 5: Dante Rosario, CAR (vs Washington); Dustin Keller, NYJ (at Miami); Brent Celek, PHI (vs TB)

Sit ‘Em: Mercedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars (at Seattle)

Lewis had a solid day last Sunday against the Titans, but don’t get too excited about this 4-catch, 76-yard, 1-TD performance.

Everyone has been putting up numbers this year through the air against the Titans, and one week does not change the fact that Lewis had only seven receptions on the season coming into last week’s game and that he is one of the more inconsistent tight ends in the NFL.

Seattle looks like an enticing matchup, but look elsewhere if you can.

Mercedes Lewis Week 5 projection: 2 rec, 27 yards, 0 TD

Other TEs I don’t like in Week 5: Kellen Winslow, TB (at Philadelphia); Todd Heap, BAL (vs Cincinnati)

Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Defense / Special Teams

Start ‘Em: Dallas Cowboys D/ST (at Kansas City Chiefs)

You probably drafted the Cowboys’ D to start for you, but have probably been disappointed thus far in 2009 by their inability to force turnovers and sacks. This Sunday, the Cowboys’ D gets to face a Chiefs offense that is known for giving up both sacks and turnovers in plentiful, fantasy-friendly quantities. Dallas should be a solid, albeit perhaps unspectacular, play this week.

Dallas D Week 5 projection: 17 points or less, 4 sacks, 2 TOs

Other D/ST units I like in Week 5: Indianapolis (at Tennessee); Carolina (vs Washington); San Francisco and Atlanta (playing eachother)

Sit ‘Em: Buffalo Bills D/ST (vs Cleveland Browns)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been searching for whatever defense is playing the Browns over the past few weeks. This was a pretty good strategy when Brady Quinn was playing QB, but I don’t like it this week.

The Bills have a banged up secondary and are not that great of a defense in the first place. Simply playing the Browns will not be the panacea for everything that ails the Bills’ D.

The Browns were surprisingly effective moving the ball last week with Derek Anderson at QB and Jerome Harrison at RB. And remember, the Browns had a pretty nice offensive output against the Bills last season.

Buffalo D Week 5 projection: 24 points or more, 2 sacks, 1 TO

Other D/ST units I don’t like in Week: Arizona (vs Houston); Cincinnati (at Baltimore)

And that’s it folks.  We’re still working on the move over to Explodium, but we will be adding some more community features to our fantasy discussion sometime soon. Until then, feel free to chime in all week in the comment section with your questions and I’ll get to them as quickly as I can.

Best of luck in Week 5!

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* – Mike Sims-Walker photo credit: AP Photo/Phil Coale

Here is the TV and odds info for this weekend’s game:

• Packers-Rams Date: Sunday, September 27th
• Packers-Rams Time: 1:00 ET
• Packers-Rams TV Network: FOX
• Packers-Rams Announcers: Chris Myers and Trent Green
• Packers-Rams Point Spread: Packers -6.5
• Packers-Rams Over-Under: 41

There may be more Packers fans at the Edward Jones Dome than Rams fans with thousands of Packers faithful traveling to see their team. Couple that with disappointed Rams season ticket holders selling their seats, and you’ve got another version of “Lambeau South,” as the Dome was referred to two years ago when Green Bay came to town and left with a lopsided victory.

If the Rams expect to stay close and have a chance to win at the end, they must do these three things.

Establish Steven Jackson early: The Rams finally got Jackson going last week in the loss to the Redskins. Jackson had 17 carries for 104 yards, and an additional four receptions for another 15 yards. He needs more touches this week, probably 20 by halftime, to soften the Packers secondary and open it up for Marc Bulger.

Hold onto the ball, Donnie Avery: Avery was the victim of a couple key drops last week, and is not looking like an NFL No. 1 receiver, as the Rams hoped he would be. The first receiver taken in the 2008 draft also had a fumble inside the Washington red zone that cost his team some points. If Avery has better ball control against Washington, the Rams win. They need him to secure the ball Sunday against the Packers.

Cover the tight ends:The Packers have two very good tight ends in Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley. St. Louis has had trouble covering tight ends through the first two weeks of the season. Seattle’s John Carlson caught six balls for 95 yards and two scores in week one, while Chris Cooley had six catches for 83 yards last week. If the Rams safeties and linebackers can take Lee and Finley away from Aaron Rodgers, things should be easier on the St. Louis defense.

Those are the three things the Rams must do. What they must avoid are these three things.

Giving Aaron Rodgers time in the pocket: Rodgers has a strong, accurate arm, and will pick apart most secondaries when given enough time. The Packers have allowed an NFL-high 10 sacks through two games, and starting tackle Chad Clifton is out with an ankle injury. The Rams got their first, and only, sack of the year last week. They must take advantage of a weak Packers line and force Rodgers to throw under duress.

Picking up dumb penalties: In week one, it was four personal fouls, including two from Richie Incognito. The Rams were also penalized for having 12 men on the field, which negated a touchdown on returned blocked field goal. Last week, there was a needless holding penalty on Avery on a long Jackson run. The Packers have picked up a lot of penalties through the first two weeks. It might come down to whichever team commits the fewest penalties wins.

Turnovers: The Packers have six interceptions in two games a season after leading the NFL in defensive touchdowns. Last week Charles Woodson, who had two picks of Carson Palmer, returned an interception 37 yards for a score to give Green Bay a 21-14 second-quarter lead. Bulger is completing just 50 percent of his passes (32 of 64), but he has yet to turn the ball over. Against a ball-hawking, aggressive defense like Green Bay’s, he has to get rid of the ball quickly, and not force anything.

If not, the Packers could turn this one into a laugher quickly.

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* – Steven Jackson photo credit: Top Fantasy Football

Veteran linebacker Chris Draft, the one member of the Rams most active in charitable events around St. Louis, was released by the club after refusing to take a pay cut.

“They said because of the their current salary cap situation, that down the line with the incentives they needed to pay to other players they’d end up being over the cap,” Draft told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It seems like there’s other people that that could have been directed to, that (a pay cut) wouldn’t have impacted that much. It’s a business decision; they feel like they have to do it.”

Draft did say that the club told him they’d re-sign him Monday if another team had not picked him up. That move would save the Rams nearly $400,000 against the salary cap.

The Rams asked Draft to take a $300,000 pay cut earlier in the week. He was due to receive just over $1.2 million, but was asked to play for the veteran’s minimum of $845,000. If re-signed by the club, Draft would get the minimum, minus a game check.

To replace Draft on the roster, the Rams re-signed linebacker Quinton Culberson. The third-year player from Mississippi State spent all of camp with the Rams before being cut last Saturday to get down to the 53-man roster limit. Culberson will see plenty of playing time Sunday as the Rams enter the game thin at linebacker, especially with Larry Grant nursing an injury.

The lack of depth makes Draft’s release even more of a head-scratcher, because Draft can play every position behind the line.

Thursday’s move overshadows what had been an optimistic camp, complete with enthusiasm and energy. According to the Post-Dispatch, quarterbacks Marc Bulger and Kyle Boller, and running back Steven Jackson are adapting well to Pat Shurmur’s new offense.

“It’s a fun offense, and it’s a proven winner,” Jackson said. “As we see time and time again, teams that run this kind of offense are among the tops in the NFL when it comes to offensive statistics.”

The offense has yet to be sharp in the preseason, but it will need to be against the Seahawks because it’s unknown how the defense will react without one of its most respected leaders.

The New Orleans Saints had held out hope that Reggie Bush would be able to suit up this weekend when the desperate Saints take on the Chiefs. However, despite partial participation in practice on Wednesday, Bush is officially listed as OUT on the NFL Injury Report. Reggie Bush did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Looks like Deuce McAllister and Pierre Thomas will be splitting carries again; and that Drew Brees will be airing it out a lot, as always. Marques Colston is listed as probable and should play, providing a boon to the Saints, as well as fantasy owners of Colston and Drew Brees.

For fans of the St. Louis Rams and owners of Steven Jackson, you will have to do without the dreadlocked one again this weekend. Steven Jackson is staying in St. Louis when the Rams travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers. Jackson will be seeing a specialist about his injured thigh. Steven Jackson also missed last week’s game, a week after carrying only 7 times against the Arizona Cardinals.

For more fantasy football knowledge for Week 11, head over to the Fantasy Sports Blog and check out Fraschetti’s Week 11 Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus. If you have any lineup questions, ask them over that Week 11 Start Em, Sit Em Live Chat.  You can submit questions any time and we’ll be answering between 9:00 and 11:00 ET tomorrow.

[tags]fantasy football, nfl injury news, steven jackson, reggie bush[/tags]

(And remember to check back this Thursday for the Week 10 Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus for that late playoff push.)

On with the show:

ON FIRE…. Any team Defense that is playing the Oakland Raiders. You can count on that Defense, unless of course it is the Cleveland Browns D, who plays to the level, or lack thereof, of their opponent. Oakland is pathetic at best, and most high school teams could play them and chalk up a “W”.

Tim Hightower, RB-Cardinals ON FIRE. He was my sleeper when I started my posts this year, and has done nothing but continue to gain confidence and carries each week. Remember, Tim Hightower is a rookie, was a 5th round draft pick, and just stole Edgerrin James’ starting job. No, better yet, he ran away with it, literally. Hightower posted a 1 Touchdown, 109-yard day on 22 carries yesterday. Remember, Edgerrin James only had 3 100+ yard games in all of 2007 and it doesn’t look like he will get any in 2008.

Kurt Warner, QB-Cardinals ON FIRE. Everyone had written this guy off years ago. The 37-year old landed in Arizona to serve in the back up role for Matt Leinart. It has not quite gone that way. Kurt Warner again beat out the former first round pick in the pre-season and has not looked back. Warner has a 104.2 QB rating with 2,431 yards and 16 touchdowns. Warner is having an MVP-like season. The Cardinals offense looks fantastic and Kurt Warner is the biggest reason why.

Chris Johnson, RB-Titans ON FIRE. As of late, I had advised everyone to start both Titans running backs, even if you have them both on your team. I still stand by that, as Tennessee stands by being committed to the run. This past week however, Chris Johnson took a step out in front of his partner in crime, LenDale White. Johnson had 24 carries to White’s 8. This 3:1 ratio of carries continued even though White broke off a 54 yard scamper. Both are quality starts, and I still recommend having both on my team, but I was asked before by one of my readers which one I would rather have, and my answer was then and still is Chris Johnson.

Bill Cowher, Former HC now Football Analyst. ON FIRE. Ok, this is a pipe dream for me, but I can hardly stomach another horribly coached Browns game where they give up an enormous lead to a pitiful offense. Romeo is a nice guy and all, but I want FIRE on the Cleveland Browns sideline. Who better to get the Browns over the landslide of losses to the Steelers then the Chin. Remember, the Chin has Cleveland ties, and I don’t remember EVER seeing Pittsburgh blow two touchdown leads. This Browns team is a playoff-caliber team, just like last year; and just like last year, the Browns will not make the playoffs again. I will make this prediction though: this team will win against the Titans if they are still undefeated when they play them. I say this just because the Browns play to the level of their opponents. Oh yeah, it would be an added bonus if Kellen Winslow didn’t play that game. Remember, Browns are 2-0 without Winslow with wins over the at-that-time undefeated Giants, and the Jaguars.

ON ICE… Any player on the following teams, including team defenses, due to their poor offensive play. The Cowboys, Raiders, Seahawks, Rams, and if no Orton, the Bears as well. You can remove a few teams from this list when Steven Jackson and Tony Romo return. The rest appear to be screwed for the duration.

I am not ready to give the Bengals any classification yet, but you have to admit that Cedric Benson looked impressive against the Jags, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting to look more like the Fitzpatrick who produced in St. Louis. With Benson’s performance on Sunday, this shows you how horrible the Bears offense will become if Rex Grossman has to continue to take snaps.

Please check back in on Thursday for this week’s fantasy football focus.

By the way, props to ESPN and it’s fantasy “guru” Eric Karabell (right) for his advice on starting Justin Fargas over Matt Ryan at the offensive flex position. It was in a live chat, so I can’t link out to it to properly take him to task. But I am definitely glad I didn’t listen.

Kurt Fraschetti

profootballinsight@live.com

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[tags]fantasy football, nfl, sports forum[/tags]

(This post was originally published in Week 8. The most recent injury update regarding Steven Jackson is that he will be ready to play in Week 9 when the Rams play Arizona.)

Breaking news out of New England: St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson will not play on Sunday versus the New England Patriots.

Adam Schefter reported on the NFL Network that Steven Jackson, who had been listed as a 50-50 proposition earlier this week with a leg injury, decided against playing after taking part in pregame warm-ups.

Filling in for Steven Jackson will be Travis Minor and Antonio Pittman.