Will McNair Start Sunday?

If you ask Marty! Schottenheimer said he expects to see McNair play Sunday.

Schottenheimer said yesterday during a conference call with Nashville-area media. "I have heard all the stories about he gets off the bus in a walking boot and he takes a crutch and he walks into the locker room and he doesn't show up out there early. Then the other team is saying, 'We don't have to deal with McNair today,' and all of a sudden he comes jogging out on the field and throws for 300 yards."

"I will only believe he doesn't play when the game is over. I don't know him personally well, but his history speaks volumes. He is arguably one of the toughest guys in the National Football League, irrespective of the position he plays."

McNair's teammates say the situation is simple.

"If Mac can play, he'll play," wide receiver Derrick Mason said. Fisher said McNair is "much better" than he was earlier in the week. Although McNair stayed in the hospital two nights, the Titans said he only had an X-ray and CAT-scan, and both were negative.

If McNair's condition doesn't improve, there's a chance he could stay in Nashville instead of making the long flight to San Diego, but Fisher indicated that wasn't a serious option.

Behind Volek is No. 3 quarterback Doug Johnson. Behind Johnson, Fisher mentioned punter Craig Hentrich and wide receiver Drew Bennett as emergency options.

"In the event Steve cannot play it would make sense to have him as a No. 3 so he could go in and hand the ball off," Fisher said. "But I am not anticipating us getting all the way to the third quarterback."

Fantasy Football Analysis: Steve McNair has not performed to his normal level in 2004 - and I'm not sure that the weekend after a two-day hospitalization is a great week to hope he comes out of it (even if you are going against the Chargers.) Knowing McNair's history, however, this will probably be the week he throws two and runs one in! Stay tuned to StatLeader.com and Final Countdown on game day for last minute updates on Steve McNair.

Thanks Rush Limbaugh!?

A year has passed since Rush Limbaugh's "racially insensitive" comments about Donovan McNabb.

In an article posted by Ashley McGeachy Fox of philly.com, she points out that since Rush's comments, McNabb has delivered an answer to Limbaugh's assessment on ESPN's popular Sunday NFL Countdown that the quarterback was a figment of a media "desirous that a black quarterback do well."

In the 19 games since Limbaugh's criticism on Sept. 28, 2003, McNabb has led - the Eagles to a 16-3 record, completing 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,161 yards, 26 touchdowns and a 90.9 passer rating. He has also scored five rushing touchdowns. He was also just named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Month.

"When I heard about it, and got to see it, it was kind of just a motivational push," McNabb said. "As of right now, I haven't even thought about it. My focus, as it was last year at that time, is to continue to do the right things for this team, know what I have to do in order to help us win, and in doing that prepare to go out and have a great game. The focus has never changed."

Still, the lingering stereotype of a black quarterback - that they are "athletes" rather than pure passers - gnaws at McNabb. That is why he is loath to run more, even though he frequently should. McNabb wants to be known not as a scrambler like Michael Vick or Brett Favre, but as a pure pocket passer like Dan Marino.

"People are seeing that I can sit in the pocket and pass the ball," McNabb said, "so I guess we have erased that whole stereotype of me not being a pocket passer."

Fantasy Football Analysis: McNabb can't help but react to what people say about him - because he is a person, just like you and me. His reaction to the biggest controversy of his career was to go out and prove Rush wrong. That has been great news for the Eagles - and the fantasy football owners that have him on their fantasy teams.

Early Season Discount Ends After MNF

StatLeader.com's early season discount ends with the final tick-of-the-clock at the Kansas City Chiefs - Baltimore Ravens Monday Night Football game.

Rates for new members, effective October 4, 2004 will be as follows:

Basic $19.99 ($9.99 currently)
Total Package: $29.99 ($19.99 currently)

We will be providing 5-day trials in conjunction with the rate increases.

Thank you for your support, and we hope you continue to enjoy StatLeader.com!

Week 4 Player Projections Are UP

We have updated and posted player projections for Week 4! You can view your teams projected scoring over all 11 leagues we track (Yahoo, AOL, FOX Sports, ESPN, CBS/Sportsline, Sporting News, and NFL.)

Projections will be adjusted as player injury updates come in - right up until "game time," so that you are making decisions based on the latest information available.

Monitor "Final Countdown" on game days for the latest player news.

Colts thriving in final quarter

Call it the fatigue factor, the state of weakened physical condition by the fourth quarter that can have as much impact on an NFL game's outcome as any statistic.

In three games, the Indianapolis Colts have the league's highest-scoring offense with 100 points. They have proven with an onslaught of Peyton Manning passes and punishing Edgerrin James runs that they can wear down an opponent. Coach Tony Dungy's team is also best in the league in fourth-quarter point differential at plus-31, scoring 38 points and allowing just seven.

While the Colts rank last in the league in yards allowed at 416.7 per game, defensive linemen say they have an edge late because of a rotation system that keeps the likes of Dwight Freeney, Montae Reagor and Josh Williams rested. The Colts (2-1) put away Tennessee and Green Bay in back-to-back weeks with key turnovers in the final 15 minutes.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Will the Jacksonville Jaguars defense wear down too? We believe the Colts will face their toughest test yet in Week 4.

More Surgery for Winslow Kills Season

The AP is reporting that Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. needs a second operation on his right leg and will miss the remainder of this season.

Winslow, who broke his fibula during a loss on Sept. 19 in Dallas and had it operated on last week, will have surgery Wednesday to stabilize ligaments.

Winslow, the No. 6 overall pick in this year's draft, was initially expected to be out for at least eight to 10 weeks but will now need longer to recover.

Bears sign Hutchinson

The AP is reporting that the Chicago Bears signed former Dallas quarterback Chad Hutchinson to a two-year contract Tuesday as insurance after Rex Grossman was lost for the season with a knee injury.

Hutchinson passed a physical Tuesday and will begin practice Wednesday. A former St. Louis Cardinals baseball prospect, the 6-foot-5 Hutchinson started nine games as a rookie with Dallas in 2002.

Jonathan Quinn will start Sunday against the unbeaten Eagles at Soldier Field after the loss of Grossman, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday's loss at Minnesota.

Roethlisberger "Weathers" His First Start

Ben Roethlisberger literally faced a storm in his first NFL start. Hurricane Jeanne stuck around long enough for torrential downpours to hit during the Pittsburg Steelers - Miami Dolphins game on Sunday night.

But after a rough start, when he came out and threw and interception on the first play from scrimmage, he bounced back and weathered the storm just fine.

"Talk about getting thrown into the fire. To come out playing in a hurricane and against that type of defense was a challenge for us, but we came out and did some good things" Roethlisberger said.

He completed 12 of 22 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and the early interception when he was trying to throw the ball away.

"I thought he played well," said head coach Bill Cowher. "He made some plays; he never lost his composure. He played like we thought he would play."

Roethlisberger led the Steelers on a seven-play, 61-yard drive in the fourth quarter for the only touchdown of the night.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Props to Ben for not shooting himself in the foot - but I don't think he's ready for your fantasy football team yet.

Is it Aarron Brooks Year?

There is a difference in New Orleans' QB Aaron Brooks this year. The Saints quarterback is more mature, more confident and more businesslike in his approach to the game.

He''s also more successful.

Three games into his fourth season as a starter, Brooks is off to the best start of his career, and the Saints have ridden his red-hot play to consecutive come-from-behind wins.

"It's hard to explain," Haslett said Monday. "You can just watch his mannerisms, and the way he handles his business. He's all business. And he expects everyone around him to be all business. I think that's the biggest thing."

With running back Deuce McAllister sidelined with a sprained ankle, Brooks needed to come through. So far, he hasn't disappointed.

"I feel great," Brooks said. "With the success I am having, it is not me alone. It is the guys around me playing their heart out, particularly, the receiving corps. The offensive and defensive lines are controlling the ball and putting us in good position to put points on the board."

Fantasy Football Analysis: As his critics will point out, though, Brooks always has had good numbers. Well guess what critics - in fantasy football, numbers are all that counts.

Season over for Gannon?

An MRI exam revealed that Oakland Raider QB Rich Gannon suffered a fractured vertebra in his neck when he collided with Tampa Bay linebacker Derrick Brooks on Sunday. Gannon will wear a heavy neck brace for a minimum of six weeks. Gannon fractured the C-7 vertebra in the base of his neck during the collision.

Fantasy Football Analysis: First, I am sure that six weeks is a very optomistic schedule - and second, Kerry Collins is going to be very productive and hard to unseat from the starting role. We think Collins moves into a strong #2 fantasy football QB position. Pick him up for your starter's bye week - and you may find you use him the rest of the year!

Charlie Garner Likely Lost for Season

Tampa Bay Buccaneer running back Charlie Garner is likely lost for the season after tearing the patella tendon in his right knee during Sunday night's loss to the Oakland Raiders.

"We lost a couple of key players," coach Jon Gruden said. "We probably lost Charlie for the season."

Garner was carted off in the second quarter. He slipped and appeared to twist his right leg during a run. A teammate and a Raiders' defender also tripped over him.

It wasn't immediately known whether Garner would need surgery.

Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon left in the first quarter after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit by linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Gannon was taken to the locker room for examination of his back, then returned to the sideline in the second half wearing a jacket and cap and his uniform pants.

Coach Norv Turner said Gannon had hurt his neck, but said, "It doesn't seem to be too serious."

Streak Comes To End In Seattle

History was made in Seattle today. The San Francisco 49ers lost their third consecutive game, but also falling on this day was one of the longest running streaks in professional sports.

After 420 games, the 49ers failed to score in a game. The last time this happened was October 9, 1977 during a 7-0 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco.

And now, some 27 years later, the streak is over as they dropped a 34-0 decision to the Seattle Seahawks.

Fantasy Football Analysis: For those of you ready to pencil in Ken Dorsey as the 49ers QB for the rest of the year - it looks like Tim Rattay might get to keep the job after all.

Winless Dolphins' Woes Continue

Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Gordon left Sunday's game against Pittsburgh in the first quarter with a left shoulder injury. Gordon was replaced by Leonard Henry, making his NFL debut in his third pro season.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Just when you think things can't get worse - they do. QB problems, injuries, surprise retirements, killer storms...just trade whoever you have from the Dolphins and put it behind you!

Final Countdown Updates Continue

Members, remember that the Final Countdown player updates are continuing throughout the day.

Non-members...Come on and Join

WR and Additional RB Updates on Final Countdown

More Player updates have been posted on the Final Countdown

Confirming Holmes Will Start

ESPN has confirmed the KC RB Priest Holmes will start today.

Hey Larry Johnson, looks like you don't have to worry about losing that well earned diaper today. Lat's face it, since leaving the Knitting Lions, you have haven't been one of the teams top producers. In fact, you haven't done much at all. Coach Vermeil's comments were only shown to be well earned by your "It don't mean nothing to me" response. "Don't mean nothing"??? What a horrible double negative. Guess in addition to all those missed opportunities at KC you missed a few English classes at Penn State.

Holmes, James, Suggs, and other RBs

Sources are reporting the following:

• Priest Holmes (KC - RB) is likely to start today's game against Houston.
• Edgerrin James (IND - RB) will play today but will split carries with Dominic Rhodes for as long as he lasts.
• Lee Suggs (CLE - RB) will be inactive for today's game.
• LaDainian Tomlinson (SD - RB) will start today.
• Najeh Davenport (GB - RB) will not play today.
• Tony Hollings (HOU - RB) will be inactive for today's game vs. KC
• Duece McAlister (NO - RB) is out for togay's game. Aaron Stecker will start.
• Travis Minor (MIA - RB) will not play tonight against Pittsburgh.
• Julius Jones (DAL - RB) is out.

Philly - Detroit

For the Eagles:

• No significant injuries to report

For the Lions:

• Boss Bailey (LB) - Out
• Az-Zahir Hakim (WR) - Probable

Baltimore - Cincinnati Update

On the Ravens:

• Travis Taylor (WR) - Out
• Todd Heap (TE) - Out
• Mike Flynn (C) - Out

For the Bengals:

• Rich Braham (C) - Out
• Carl Powell (DE) - Out
• Kim Herring (S) - Out
• Matthias Askew (DT) - Out
• Peter Warrick - Probable

Pittsburgh - Miami Game Delayed

Due to Hurricane Jeanne, the Steelers - Dolphins gane has been tentatively reschuled for 8:30 Eastern tonight.

First of the Byes

The Final Countdown is active for 9/26. Remember Buffalo, Carolina, New England, and the Jets have Byes this week.

Final Countdown Reminder

The Final Countdown will be active tomorrow starting a 11:00 AM Eastern (8:00 Pacific). It will remain active on the member site through the start of the Tampa Bay - Oakland game at 8:30 PM Eastern. Information will also be posted on the public site (this site) from 11:00 Eastern until noon.

You Get What You Pay For in Fantasy Football!

Why should I pay StatLeader 10 Bucks for information on my Yahoo Default League when I can get free scoring projections from Yahoo?

That's a fair question, and one we love to answer. Now, you can go directly to their site to verify what we are telling you (we've even included the link for you) but to save time and effort, we've provided a screen shot below:






First let's start by looking at the Yahoo Default scoring system for Offensive players. It goes as follows:

Every 50 passing yards: 1 point

Every Passing TD: 6 points

Every Interception Thrown: -2 points

Every 20 Rushing Yards: 1 point

Every Rushing TD: 6 points

Every 20 Receiving Yards: 1 point

Every Receiving TD : 6 points

Every Offensive Fumble Return TD: 6 points

Each Return TD: 6 Points

Each 2 point Conversion: 2 points

Each fumble lost: -2 points

Now, let's look at what is in the Yahoo Week 3 projections table. Starting with the passing stats for Daunte Culpepper, Yahoo is predicting 309 yards and 2.3 TDs. 2.3 TDs??? How the heck do you get 2.3 TDs??? Best I can figure is that Culpepper makes a weak "dying quail" toss that only makes it about a third of the way into the end zone. So does this extra .3 TD count for 1.8 points? You'll see a little further down in the article.

Next, we'll check the rushing numbers. They (Yahoo) are projecting Daunte to get 36 rushing yards and -here we go again- 0.2 rushing TDs. Combine this with Onterrio Smith's projected 0.4 rushing TDs and Moe Williams' 0.1 rushing TDs and you get a grand total of 0.7 rushing TDs for the team. (None of the Minnesota receivers are projected to have any rushing TDs). Looks like it's gonna be a tough week for the Vikes.

OK, so how does Yahoo use this marvelous information to get Culpeppers' predicted 21.8 points? (When was the last time you had a QB get 21.8 points in a game?). Well, the closest Rocket Man can figure is that they appear to calculate the values as follows:

309 Passing Yards gives 6 points (309/50 = 6 with 9 extra yards

2.3 Passing TDs produces 13.8 points (2.3 * 6)

36 Rushing Yards yields 2 points (36 rounded up to 40, then 40/20 = 2)

No points for the 0.2 Rushing TD

Now, any of you that have lost your weekly match-up by one point know that you can't round 36 yards up to 40, no matter how hard you try. Likewise, you don't get partial TDs, it's either 2 or 3! That's a potential swing of 6 points, a pretty significant amount when you're only about 21.8 total points.

Oh, one more thing, the Yahoo projections forget to take into account the rest of the scoring system including such things as interceptions, fumbles, etc. Daunte might not throw a pick, but has has a fumbles per game average of more than 1. Also...where are the Kicker and Defense projections?

Come on Yahoo, you actually pay someone to produce this for you??

When StatLeader calculates our projected values, we do it based on the full scoring system. We don't bother wasting time trying to figure out whether Peyton Manning will throw for 251, 252, or 299 yards (5 points in all three cases). We developed our approach to take into account not only past scoring, but also other items such as:

How consistent a player is in week-to-week Fantasy Football points production.

His weekly level of participation.

His scoring trends.

The performance of the defense he is playing against relative to how many passing, rushing, and receiving Fantasy Football points (not yards) they have previously allowed.

Finally, we pass all the numbers, I'm told it comes out to more that 280 per player per week, through some proprietary statistical routines (known only to our two Rocket Scientists, Rocket Man and KirkC) to get the final predictions.

Yes, StatLeader does charge for our information ($9.99 for any one of the 11 leagues we follow or $19.99 for all 11, and your membership is good for a full year). Add to this all of the extra features currently on the member site, well, you'll be making a pretty good investment.

Finally,

Doc's Bottom Line: Same as the headline. You get what you pay for. In my humble opinion, any system that forecasts Ahman Green to score 0.7 rushing TDs this week is worth about as much as you paid for it, nothing.

Note: If you have a question for Doc, or a comment on this or any of his articles, you can reach him here.

Vikings Bennett Ready to Go After Bye Week

The AP is reporting that Minnesota Vikings running back Michael Bennett was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, but a new exam on his injured knee showed he should be ready following the team's bye week.

Mike Tice said Friday. "I think it's smart to give him two more weeks to get his legs underneath him."

Onterrio Smith will make his second straight start in Bennett's place Sunday. Short-yardage specialist Moe Williams, who started the opener but sat out Monday's loss at Philadelphia with a sprained ankle, also is expected to play.

Fantasy Football Analysis: A healthy Michael Bennett doesn't mean nearly as much to fantasy football owners as it does to the success of the Vikings. Bennett is a #2-#3 back at best.

Yahoo Fantasy Football

Who to start, who to sit - another weekend and another set of decisions that will win - or cost you your matchup.

Yahoo Fantasy Football: Default scoring system:

The following are five players that will score BELOW their points per week average.

Donovan McNabb, QB - Eagles
Priest Holmes, RB - Chiefs
Thomas Jones, RB - Chicago
Quentin Griffin, RB - Denver
Shaun Alexander, RB - Seahawks

The following are five players that will score ABOVE their points per week average.

Marc Bulger, QB - Rams
Aaron Brooks, QB - Saints
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB - Chargers
Joey Harrington, QB - Lions
Marshall Faulk, RB - Rams

If you want complete player-by-player point projections, that are based on true statistical analysis, then you need to join StatLeader.com

AOL Draft and Play WR Recommendations

So, it's coming down to the wire and you want to know who the top wide receiver's are for your league. If you have a team in AOL Draft and Play, their default scoring system and our analysis tells us that the top 5 wide receivers for AOL Draft and Play week #3 are:

1. Terrell Owens, Eagles - Projected Points: 20
2. Isaac Bruce, Rams - Projected Points: 17
3. Torry Holt, Rams - Projected Points: 17
4. Roy Williams, Lions - Projected Points: 14
5. Cedrick Wilson, 49ers - Projected Points: 14

Fantasy Football Analysis: Surprise, you will find two Ram receivers in the top 5! Are we going out on a limb? Nope - just wait until you see the battle between the Rams and Saints on Sunday!

Get the projections for your Yahoo, AOL, ESPN, CBS/Sportsline, FOX/SportingNews, or NFL league here!

More Shared Backfield Duties?

Running back Edgerrin James' strained hamstring appears to be healing up nicely. James returned to practice Thursday and could be ready to play when the Indianapolis Colts host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Edge, who strained his left hamstring last week against Tennessee, took part in individual and team drills before sitting out the final half-hour of Thursday's practice.

Tony Dungy said. "Based on what I saw today, he could probably play"

Fantasy Football Analysis - If Edge comes back Friday, and doesn't have any side effects, he will probably split carries with Dominic Rhodes in limited duty Sunday. Either of those two could break for big games - but who will get the bulk of the carries? Stay tuned for more updates!

Vermeil's remark upsets Johnson

According to a story by Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star, halfback Larry Johnson was upset at Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil's remark at his Tuesday news conference that it was time for Johnson "to take the diaper off and go play" because Priest Holmes' ankle injury is likely to keep him out of Sunday's game against Houston.

"If the man can't say something in my face... it don't mean nothing to me," Johnson said. Johnson has been unhappy over his lack of playing time almost since joining the Chiefs as their first-round draft pick last year. He vented at times last season but kept his frustration in check this year until Wednesday.

If Holmes doesn't play, Johnson will back up Derrick Blaylock.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Funny how much this stuff happens when a team is 0-2.

Update On Barlow MRI

According to 49ers.com, the results from Kevan Barlow's MRI are in and the 49ers starting running back has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain. Head coach Dennis Erickson said late Wednesday night that Barlow will not practice Thursday, but he will be listed as probable on the 49ers injury report.

Erickson also anticipates Barlow starting against Seattle.

Barlow left late in the Saints game and was replaced by the combination of Terry Jackson and Jamal Robertson. Erickson plans on using the pair again this week in relief of Barlow.

"We look at it now and we'll get both of them in the game a little sooner," Erickson said. "I would like Kevan to get a feel of the game earlier. Then as we get closer to the end of the half (I'd like to work those two in.)"

Fantasy Football Analysis: Looks like Sunday is going to be just like the Hearst/Barlow show of the recent past, except that the part of Garrison Heast will be played by Jackson and Robertson.

Westbrook On Track for Yardage Leagues

StatLeader.com's top pre-season running back pick for the ESPN LM Yardage League was Brian Westbrook, RB of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Currently, Westbrook is twelfth in the NFL in rushing yardage with 188 yards and a 6.5 yards per carry average, and is third in running back receiving with 111 yards and a 13.9 yards per catch average.

Westbrook's total yardage of 299 has him ranked third in the NFL after two games.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Westbrook is a great pick in scoring leagues too! If he was dropped from a team with no patience - pick him up now. He'll pay good dividends in virtually all scoring systems.

Kevan Barlow Injury Update

Fantasy Football Injury update

Running back Kevan Barlow, who missed the fourth quarter because of a rib contusion after rushing for 114 yards and two scores, is expected to practice Wednesday and should be available for the Seattle game, Erickson said.

Fantasy Football Injury Updates

Warrick Dunn (RB, ATL) - Knee: Out for unknown period
Brian Finneran (WR, ATL) - Ankle: Out for unknown period
Todd Heap (TE, BAL) - Ankle: Out 4-6 weeks
Mike Brown (S, CHI) - Achilles: Out for the year
Kellen Winslow (TE, CLE) - Broken Leg - Out 6-8 weeks
Julius Jones (RB, DAL) - Broken Shoulder: Out at least 8 weeks
Paul Spicer (DE, JAC) - Broken Leg: Probably out for the season
Edgerrin James (RB, IND) - Hamstring:
Priest Holmes (RB, KC) - Ankle: May miss 2-3 games
Eddie Kennison (TE, KC) - Hamstring:
Larry Chester (DT, MIA) - Knee: Out for unknown period
Deuce McAllister (RB, NO) - Ankle: Out 4-5 weeks
Josh Evans (DE, NYJ) - Back Surgery: Probably out for season
Sam Cowart (MLB, NYJ) - Knee: Out for unknown period
Kevin Mawae (C, NYJ) - Broken Hand: Out for unknown period
Drew Brees (QB, SD) - Concussion: Day-to-day
Ladainian Tomlinson (RB, SD): Toe: Day-to-day
Tommy Maddox (QB, PIT) - Elbow: Out at least 6 weeks
Mark Brunell (QB, WAS) - Hamstring: Day-to-day

Watch StatLeader.com for more Fantasy Football Updates!

Vikings - Eagles Inactive Lists

The Inactive Lists for tonight's Minnesota-Philadelphia game in now available on the Final Countdown located on our member site. The Final Countdown will be active until after the start of the game to bring any updated information.

Edgerrin James Doubtful Against Packers

Edgerrin James, RB is doubtful for the Colt's Week #3 game with the Green Bay Packers. James has a 2nd degree hamstring strain.

Fantasy Football Analysis: If James can't make his start, Dominic Rhodes is a good filler against the Pack while you ride out Edge's injury. Thomas Jones, RB of the Bears lit them up for 152 yards and a TD in Sunday's game in Green Bay.

Fantasy Football Injury Update

The status of many players injured in yesterday’s action is becoming clear. Our sources indicate the following:

Kellen Winslow, TE - Browns: Estimated return 6-8 weeks from broken leg
Tommy Maddox, QB - Steelers: Can't even begin throwing for 6 weeks, injured elbow
Julius Jones, RB - Cowboys: Out two months, broken shoulder
Todd Heap, TE - Ravens: Out two weeks

Fantasy Football Analysis: Looks like more action for Eddie George in Dallas. Keep an eye on the Steeler's #1 pick, Ben Roethlisberger, as he fills in for Maddox.

Fantasy Football Danger Zone

Nothing like a vote of confidence from your Coach!

Head Coach Jon Gruden announced in his press conference today that Brad Johnson would start in Tampa's Week #3 game against the Oakland Raiders. Johnson, who was pulled early in Sunday's game in favor of Chris Simms, was four of seven for 34 yards and one interception when Simms was inserted into the lineup.

Nothing like getting the "nod" because Coach thinks you aren't quite as bad as the back-up!

Fantasy Football Analysis: Stay away!

Impact Fantasy Football Injuries

Wow! The injury bug has been hitting hard the entire year. It can be tough to field a decent fantasy football team when your roster is stung with a string of injuries to key players.

Yesterday's games added more notable players to the list including:

Kellen Winslow, Jr, TE - Browns
Deion Branch, WR, - Patriots
Duece McAllister, RB - Saints
Eddie Kennison, WR - Chiefs
Warrick Dunn, RB - Falcons
Kevan Barlow, RB - 49ers
Todd Heap, TE - Ravens
Tommy Maddox, QB - Steelers
Mark Brunell, QB - Redskins
Drew Brees, QB - Chargers

and don't forget about LaDainian Tomlinson's jammed big toe!

Stay tuned to StatLeader.com for updates to player status throughout the week. After all, we are all about fantasy football.

Brown's TE Winslow Injured

As reported on Final Countdown, Cleveland rookie TE Kellen Winslow suffered what appeard to be a leg injury in today's game. The injury was significant enough that Winslow needed help to make it off the field.

StatLeader.com - we are fantasy football.

Dolphins - Bengals Injury update on FC

Injury information for tonight's game has been posted on the Final Countdown.

Injury Updates

Information of several of today's key injuries has been posted on the Final Countdown.

We Don't Leave You When The Games Start

Final Countdown updates will be active throughout the day continuing through the start of tonight's Bengals - Dolphins game

More Updates Posted

Cedrick Wilson, Garrison Hearst and Tony Hollings updates now on Final Countdown

Titans, Dolphins, and Colts

Titans, Dolphins, and Colts updates now on Final Countdown

Redskins - Giants Update

ESPN is Reporting that both Redskins' OLB LaVar Arrington and Giants' DE Michael Strahan will play today.

Alexander Status

Reports are circulating the Seattle RB Shaun Alexander will start against Tampa Bay today.

49ers QB Situation

ESPN is reporting that QB Tim Rattay will be active today but only as a backup to Ken Dorsey.

Ravens Rumblings

Word out of Baltimore is that QB Kordell Stewart may get a significant amount of playing time today, replacing Kyle Boller in the red zone. This could obviously impact Boller's value. Also, Travis Taylor (WR) has been ruled out of today's game.

Carolina Update

With RB Stephen Davis and WR Steve Smith both out, DeShaun Foster will start at RB while Keary Colbert will get the start at WR.

Titan's Chris Brown to Start

ESPN is reporting that Tennessee RB Chris Brown will start today's game.

Other Titan's injuries:

Tyrone Calico (WR) - Questionable
Craig Hentrich (K) - Questionable
Brad Kassel (LB) - Out
Zach Piller (G) - Out

Minnesota Injury Status

As of now we have received the following player updates for the Vikings Monday night game:

Michael Bennett (RB) - Out
Moe Williams (RB) - Out
Jim Kleinsasser (TE) - Out
Rushen Jones (CB) - Probable

Check throughout the day and prior to Monday night's game for additional Minnesota updates.

Sunday's Final Countdown

Tomorrow's Final Countdown will be starting at 11:00 AM Eastern (8:00 AM Pacific). We will post important updates throughout the day, continuing through the start of the late game. The first hour tomorrow will be posted on both this site and the Member site. Starting at Noon Eastern and continuing the rest of the day the Final Countdown will only be available on the Member site (after all, membership has its privileges). See you tomorrow.

Tight Ends to Start in ESPN LM Yardage Leagues

Play in a yardage league like ESPN League Manager Yardage?

StatLeader.com's Week #2 player recommendation for the Tight End position:

Hot:

Antonio Gates, SD : Alge Crumpler, Atl : Randy McMichael, Mia : Eric Johnson, SF

Not:

Itula Mili, Sea : Ken Dilger, TB : Bubba Franks, GB : Billy Miller, Hou

Get the ESPN League Manager Fantasy Football Tools you need to win your league!

We are Fantasy Football!

Hot QB's for Yahoo Fantasy Football League

If you have a team in the Yahoo Fantasy Football league, we have your top 5 QB's for Week 2.

StatLeader.com tracks player statistics and point performance in 11 top leagues. Our QB recommendations for the Yahoo Fantasy Football League (default settings) are as follows for Week #2:

#1: Daunte Culpepper, Vikings
#2: Tom Brady, Patriots
#3: Chad Pennington, Jets
#4: Donovan McNabb, Eagles
#5: Peyton Manning, Colts

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Need a New Davis? Try Domanick!

As reported earlier, Stephen Davis of the Panthers will miss the next few weeks. If you can get a hold of Texans' RB Domanick Davis, now would be a good time. We are projecting a very good week for DD in virtually all of the 11 leagues we track.

Davis' projected performance for week 2 by StatLeader.com is as follows:

AOL Draft and Play: #1 RB
CBS/Sportsline: #1 RB
FOX Sports / Sporting News Ultimate: #3 RB
ESPN Yardage: #9 RB

How will Domanick Davis perform in your league? Join StatLeader.com today!

Stephen Davis Out 2-5 Weeks

Stephen Davis, RB Carolina Panthers will miss the next 2-5 weeks with a knee injury. The injury was "scoped" earlier today in surgery that will cause the RB to miss action this Sunday.

Davis' knee injury is added to the broken leg last week of WR Steve Smith - leading the Panthers to rely on backups to carry the load. "As I told the team, we have got 53 men out here we think we can start and win for us. They have got to step up,"' Fox said. `"It is part of the game."

Fantasy Football Analysis: Looks like DeShaun Foster will need to step it up. While Foster is a good back, he is no Stephen Davis. Look for Foster to catch 1 TD out of the backfield Sunday and carry for about 60 yards.

Lee Suggs or William Green?

The Cleveland Browns will try and get their running attack in full gear against the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Averaging only 2.9 yards per carry in a lackluster 85 yards against the Ravens, the Browns plan to give the Cowboys a steady dose of running plays. The biggest question is not if the Browns will try and run - but who with?

Lee Suggs is "chomping at the bit" to get into a game and contribute, but a shoulder stinger has kept him out of the action to date. William Green had 65 yards rushing on 22 attempts Sunday against a stingy Raven D - but feels he "made too many mistakes" and is anxious to do better against the Cowboys.

It will probably come down to a game time medical decision on whether Suggs will play. Follow StatLeader.com's Final Countdown for all the game time decisions, injury updates, and more. Final Countdown begins before the first action starts, and doesn't stop until 10 minutes into the last game of the day.

Fantasy Football at StatLeader.com

Newberry Out with Knee Injury

Two-time Pro Bowl center Jeremy Newberry won't play for the San Francisco 49ers this week and could be out longer with a new problem in his right knee.

Newberry started all 16 games last season with a completely torn ligament in his left ankle. He had reconstructive surgery on the ankle in January, and didn't practice with the team again until training camp began in July.

Fantasy Football Analysis: For those of you with Kevan Barlow who were excited to see a glimmer of hope with the return of Fred Beasley this week - this and a back-up QB starting will probably take a little wind from those sails...

Storms Continue to Batter the South - and the NFL

The San Francisco 49ers' game Sunday in New Orleans could be moved or even postponed because of Hurricane Ivan. Hurricane's are continuing to pummel the southern US and have already caused the re-scheduling of one game - the Titans/Dolphins in Week 1.

The game is expected to be played as scheduled, however the Superdome is being used as a shelter for those who didn't join the 1.2 million people fleeing the storm.

The New Orleans Saints have moved their base of operations to San Antonio for the week - and in a worst-case scenario, the game could be played there in the Alamodome.

Cornerback Jimmy Williams, who's from Baton Rouge, made sure most of his family got out of harm's way this week - but his in-laws, who live in New Orleans, stubbornly refused to leave.

"My wife got in this big fight with them on the phone," Williams said. "She was saying they need to get out of there, but they wouldn't listen."

In 1992, Dennis Erickson's Miami home was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew.

Cornerback Mike McKenzie Ends Holdout

Cornerback Mike McKenzie returned to the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday after holding out throughout training camp and missing the season opener.

"Mike McKenzie is back here to play for the Packers, and that is where we are right now. We will take it one day at a time," coach and general manager Mike Sherman said Wednesday.

Tai Streets to Start for Lions Sunday

Tai Streets, WR is listed as starter alongside rookie wide receiver Roy Williams.

The season ending collarbone injury to Charles Rogers opens the door for Tai Streets to move into a starting position. Az-Zhair Hakim is listed as 3rd on the depth chart.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Starting ahead of Hakim on the depth chart is like kissing your sister - it may be a kiss, but it doesn't mean anything. Rogers was our pick to star this year for the Lions. While we predicted Williams would become a fantasy option later in the season, we now see him as the Lion's only hope at WR unless Streets really steps it up. Of course Doc Bitters (Grad from THE Ohio State) tells me "never to expect anything from a product of the University of MeatChicken."