Stupid Early Weeks!

So, because the first game this week is played TOMORROW night, I’m doing my lineups today. And, with a couple guys banged up (Jackson and Bomber Mo) it makes it that much more difficult.

My opponent…2-7 Hometown Fanboys.

QB – Rivers is not only back but playing the Kansas City Chiefs. Me likey. Matt Ryan has had a really good rookie year for the Falcons, and the Saints don’t have a great D either, but it’s still advantage me.

RB – This is where things get messy this week. White stays in…Chicago has a good run D, but I’m hopeful he can pound one in from the 2. Addai stays in…Pittsburgh’s run D is murder, but I really don’t have a lot of options at the moment, because Portis is on a bye and Jackson doesn’t sound healthy. Hopefully he’ll catch a bunch of passes! And Jonathan Stewart checks in for Portis…facing Oakland’s ramshackle franchise should be good. The Fanboys answer with Atlanta’s Michael Turner…he’s been boom or bust, but should boom against a mediocre at best Saints D, the Giants Ahmad Bradshaw, who’s pretty much just a kick returner, and Baltimore’s Willis McGahee…Houston’s Run D isn’t great, but Willie’s banged up and likely to split carries with Ray Rice. This is basically a draw unless either Turner or White explodes.

Receiver – Winslow remains in, as do Breaston and Marshall, who should do more against a bad Cleveland secondary. Replacing the Bye-week vacationing Moss is Vincent Jackson who, like Rivers, faces the Kansas City Chiefs, who are currently starting 2 rookie cornerbacks not used to covering 6’5″ 235 pound receivers who can run fast. On the other side, KC’s Dwayne Bowe has had a GREAT year considering his quarterbacks suck ass, and San Diego’s pass D has been pretty lenient. San Diego tight end Antonio Gates has struggled so far and is obviously still not fully healthy after multiple knee and foot surgeries in the offseason, but the Chiefs should give him a bounce, too (this also puts me in the awkward position where I want my QB to throw TDs, but not to certain guys). Aside from them, I’m not overly worried…Javon Walker might not even BE a member of the Raiders by game time, and even if he is, he has nothing left. And Houston’s Andre Davis is pretty much just a return guy. This guy basically has no other options, as everyone is either on a Bye or hurt. Advantage me.

K – Lindell goes again, and with the Patriots defense no longer performing as an every week wrecking crew, he could have a good game. Tennessee’s Rob Bironas could also have a good game, though, against the Bears. This looks like a wash.

D – With DJ Williams hurt, Thomas Davis gets a chance to play again. Aside from that, everything’s the same for me. Hopefully Kerry Rhodes gets back on track…I don’t expect 60 points every week, but a solid 25-30 should be doable. He has a couple guys who worry me…Buffalo’s Terrence McGee makes plays as a top notch returner AND a starting corner, and Albert Haynesworth is pretty much a lock at this point for defensive player of the year. Aside from them, I’m not overly worried. He’s starting 5 DBs, which is just odd (unless they’re all ballhawks…that isn’t the case here. If you’re starting Will Blackmon AND Ellis Hobbs, your D isn’t very good. It’s also weird, because there are much better players available on the free agent wire).

Yahoo has me favored by about 80. I’m fairly confident in the win, but with the subpar situation at RB this week (hopefully with a week off Portis can get healthier), I’m not convinced it will be a whupping by any stretch.