Tim Rattay Status

Tim Rattay, QB - 49ers is inactive for tonights game against the Chicago Bears. Ken Dorsey will start.

Corey Dillon Inactive for Week 8

As reported in StatLeader.com's Final Countdown at 3:21 pm EST: Patriots running back Corey Dillon is inactive and will not play today. Kevin Faulk is expected to get the lions share of the work Sunday.

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Ahman Green Update

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Green Bay Packers intend to limit Ahman Green's action to "about 18 touches."

Tune into Final Countdown for more late breaking news!

Final Countdown is Active for Week 8

Final Countdown is reporting that Bengals' wide receiver Peter Warrick and running back Chris Perry are innactive for today's game.

If you want late breaking player status reports before every game - check out Final Countdown.

Week 8 Player Status Updates

49ers: Tim Rattay, QB is a game time decision due to soreness in his forearm. Look to another QB this weekend.

Cardinals: Anquan Boldin, WR will play. We wouldn't count on much more than limited action.

Jaguars: Running Back Fred Taylor has been upgraded to probable. Looks like a solid start.

Titans: Both Steve McNair, QB and Chris Brown, RB were held out of practice Friday. We don't expect McNair to start, Brown will be a game time decision.

Vikings: Randy Moss, WR upgraded to probable. Looks like Moss will play - but in how large of a role is hard to tell at this time. Moe Williams, RB is probable and will play.

Eagles: We don't expect to see anything out of Brian Westbrook, RB this weekend.

Lions: Roy Williams, WR should get some catches this week. With the exciting young receiver nursing an injury however, it's hard to estimate his durability for the entire game.

Redskins: Kicker John Hall will not play Sunday.

Dolphins: Sammy Morris, RB is questionable for Monday's game - but he practiced this week and should get some carries. Even if he were to start, we see Travis Minor, RB sharing a substantial amount of the carries.

Moss will suit-up for Vikings

Vikings receiver Randy Moss will definitely suit up for Minnesota's game against the New York Giants this weekend despite a hamstring injury, coach Mike Tice said Thursday.

Tice still wouldn't say what kind of role Moss would play. Moss strained his right hamstring Oct. 17 at New Orleans. He made a token start last week against Tennessee to keep his consecutive games streak alive at 102, but was limited to two snaps of decoy duty.

But Tice was encouraged by Moss' progress in practice this week. He was held out for portions of practice Wednesday and Thursday.

"Randy looked very good in the things that he approached and the things that he did today," Tice said. "His approach is much more focused and (he'll) definitely suit up this week and not just to keep the string going."

Fantasy Football Analysis: Yeah, right! After last weeks sad display, it continues to be hard to respect Moss (except for his ability to score me fantasy points!)

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Injuries and More for Week 8

Running Back McGahee to Start for Bills: Willis McGahee will start at running back Sunday for the Buffalo Bills in hopes of igniting a sputtering offense.

"He's made some more yards after first contact," coach Mike Mularkey said in announcing that the second-year back will start ahead of veteran Travis Henry.

Westbrook Questionable With Rib Injury: Brian Westbrook has a cracked rib, discomfort and trouble sleeping. Still, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid remained hopeful Westbrook, the Eagles' leading rusher, can play Sunday against Baltimore. Westbrook was listed as questionable and did not practice Wednesday. See our article on Westbrook.

McNair Misses Practice for Death in Family: Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair missed practice Wednesday not because of his bruised chest, but because of a death in the family.

Moss Practices With Strained Hamstring: Randy Moss practiced Wednesday despite a strained right hamstring, but Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice wouldn't say what kind of role his star receiver would play Sunday.

49ers QB Tim Rattay Rests Sore Arm: Quarterback Tim Rattay didn't participate in throwing drills with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday to rest his sore forearm.

Rattay is expected to play Sunday at Chicago, but might not throw the ball in practice this week unless his ailing arm feels better.

Griffin's Season Over With Knee Injury: The season ended for Denver's opening-day starting tailback Wednesday when the team placed Quentin Griffin on injured reserve with a torn ligament in his right knee.

Deanna Favre diagnosed with Breast Cancer

The Associated Press is reporting that Deanna Favre, the wife of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet more bad news in a year full of heartache for the family.

Deanna Favre was recently released from Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York after undergoing a lumpectomy, Bonita Favre, the quarterback's mother, told The Sun Herald on Monday.

Deanna Farve will undergo chemotherapy treatments which could last up to five months and is expected to make a full recovery, Bonita Favre said.

The Packers had no comment on the matter, and Brett Favre was unavailable Tuesday. He usually addresses the media on Wednesdays.

It has been a difficult year for the Favre family. In December, Brett's father, Irvin, died from a heart attack. Deanna's brother, Casey Tynes, 24, was killed three weeks ago in an ATV accident on Brett Favre's property near his home in Oak Grove.

Favre was told about his wife's cancer on Oct. 14 and he left practice to be with his family for a day before the Packers' game against Detroit on Oct. 17.

"Brett was relieved to learn that the situation is not as bad as it could have been," Deanna's brother-in-law, Scott Favre said. "We think that they got (all of the cancer) out."

Deanna Favre runs the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, which has raised more than $1 million for disadvantaged or disabled children in Wisconsin and Mississippi.

"The family has been through a great deal and we will get through this," Bonita Favre said. "We would like to thank everyone for the prayers and support. We're a strong family and with the help of the Lord, we'll get through this."

Ex-NFL Receiver Mark Ingram Jailed

Former Meat Chicken State star and NFL wide receiver Mark Ingram, a key to the New York Giants' 1991 Super Bowl victory, has been sentenced to one year in jail for stealing a credit card at a Michigan golf course.

Ingram, 39, now being held in a federal prison on a parole violation, received the sentence in a deal after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor for stealing a credit card from Copper Ridge Golf Course in Genesee County's Davison Township in July 2003.

In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a felony fraud charge and a charge that he stole a club at the course.

At Thursday's sentencing, District Judge John L. Conover said the jail term may run concurrent to Ingram's current federal sentence.

Earlier this month, federal prosecutors charged Ingram with laundering drug money, dealing in stolen cars and cashing counterfeit checks.

In a federal indictment made public in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., authorities say Ingram cashed more than $300,000 in phony checks and laundered $200,000. He also was accused of laundering drug money and of committing other crimes in a criminal complaint unsealed Oct. 4 in New York.

Ingram already has served a six-month federal sentence for possessing counterfeit bills. He was being held at the federal detention center in Brooklyn on accusations of violating terms of his release on an earlier charge.

A first-round draft pick by the Giants in 1987, Ingram also played for the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. In 1994 he tied a Dolphins record with four touchdown receptions in a game, all on passes from Dan Marino. He retired after the 1996 season.

Moss and McNair - Injured Again.

Steve McNair, the oft-injured Tennessee Titans quarterback, went down again with a recurrence of the bruised chest that kept him in the hospital for two nights last month.

McNair was hurt on the first play of the second quarter of Tennessee's 20-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and finished 2-for-5 for 2 yards. He walked slowly off the field with a grimace after lying on the turf for a few minutes.

He was hurt on an incomplete pass intended for Derrick Mason. McNair was brought down by the Vikings' rush and apparently hurt in the pile.

And McNair acknowledged he might have to take some more time off.

"This is not going to heal in one or two weeks if I continue to go out there and play," McNair said. "I don't want to sit, but if I have to that's fine. We'll have to discuss that when we get to the evaluation. If I can't go out there and perform I'm not going to play."

That was the situation facing the Vikings.

McNair's injury was somewhat neutralized by Minnesota's loss of Moss, who extended his consecutive games streak to 102, but was limited to two snaps and no catches because of an aggravation of a right hamstring injury.

"It was never un-aggravated," Vikings coach Mike Tice said.

That ended the All-Pro receiver's streak of 101 straight games with a reception, spanning his entire career. Moss, who left the locker room without commenting, also had his streak of 10 straight games with a touchdown catch stopped.

Moss didn't return to the field after halftime.

Week 7 Final Countdown

The Final Countdown for Week 7 is now active on the member site. We will remain active until after the start of the late games today. Due to the World Series there is no evening game today.

Should you pick up a 49er?

If you are hurting bad - and need some help...then you already know what it's like to BE a 49er. Maybe you should pick one up!

The San Francisco 49ers' come out of their Week 7 bye with their next 6 opponents having a combined win/loss record of 5-21. That's right folks, 6 opponents with a combined 5 wins. In spite of their troubles and injuries, the 49ers rank in the middle of the pack both offensively and defensively. So, if they are better than their record (as it may seem,) we can expect a favorable streak over the next six outings.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Keep an eye on the niners - we see some fantasy value there, even if the team's year is shot.

McCardell could start for Chargers

The AP is reporting that newly acquired wide receiver Keenan McCardell will make his season debut on Sunday - and might even start for the San Diego Chargers in their road game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Chargers obtained McCardell from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two draft picks on Tuesday, just before the NFL trading deadline. McCardell was the league's last holdout, skipping the first six games with Tampa Bay because he was unhappy his contract wasn't renegotiated.

``It's not out of the realm of possibility that Keenan starts,'' coach Marty Schottenheimer said Friday.

If McCardell starts, it will be opposite Eric Parker. Schottenheimer wasn't sure if wide receiver Bobby Shaw, signed as a free agent on Tuesday, will play against Carolina.

Fantasy Football Analysis: McCardell might start Sunday for the Chargers - just don't let him start on your fantasy football team. A recent hold-out + a new system + limited practice = caution.

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Seattle's Gain is Oakland's...

Just about everyone who can spell football (that's f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l for our University of MeatChicken readers) knows that the Raiders traded wide receiver Jerry Rice to Seattle for what amounts to two old buttons and a shoelace. Now why would a team that allegedly wants to win games trade away a receiver who has more catches than the rest of the known universe combined?

OK, so at 42 Rice doesn't have the same level of talent that he possessed when he was 22 or even 32. But even 50% of the peak Rice is better than 150% (if there is such a thing) of most other receivers. Perhaps most importantly, Rice still has the burning desire to play. I'll take that over a young complacent pup anytime.

Once Jerry is fully integrated into the Seattle offensive scheme, I'm expecting to see two things, impressive numbers for Rice and Koren Robinson's butt on the bench (even after his suspension.) Why? Because in addition to Rice's superior talents (sorry Koren), the Seahawks provide him with the infrastructure and support sadly missing from within the Raiders' organization.

What did Rice have to deal with Oakland? How about an owner without the brains to keep him, a coach without the courage to use him, and a quarterback without the heart to throw to him. Given the pathetic mode of operation currently resident in the Raiders' organization, Oakland might just as well plan on drafting Dorothy and Toto next year to round out the team.

I lived in the SF Bay Area for about 3 years and have a 22-year-old daughter who is a die-hard Raiders fan. She proved it last weekend by sitting through every play of the Oaklands' embarrassing 31-3 loss to Denver. She deserves better, so do the members of "The Black Hole", and the entire Raider Nation. But even the worst of teams can be looked up to if they demonstrate a "touch of class" both on and off the field. Unfortunately, with Mr. Rice, the Raiders did neither. There is no excuse not to find a way of completing at least one pass to a man who has amassed a streak of 274 consecutive games with a reception (my daughter was 7 when he started that streak).

Perhaps if the Raiders had paid a little more attention to Rice they would have found not only is he still a great player but also that "touch of class" they so woefully seem to be lacking. When speaking of the fact that he would be able to continue to wear his trademark #80 in Seattle, despite that number having been retired in honor of Seahawks' WR Steve Largent, Rice stated: "It's an honor to wear number 80 in honor of him". See guys, it's easy to behave in a first-class manner. Even a scarecrow has enough brains to know that.

Week 7 Fantasy Football Point Projections

Week 7 fantasy football point projections, player ratings, and statistics are up and adjusted for currently reported player injuries.

StatLeader.com Player Rating for Week 7 - Yahoo Fantasy Football

Quarterbacks: Player Name / StatLeader.com Player Rating
Daunte Culpepper / 26.87
Peyton Manning / 19.13
Donovan McNabb / 15.63
Tom Brady / 12.35

Tight Ends: Player Name / StatLeader.com Player Rating
Daniel Graham / 6.67
Antonio Gates / 5.05
Eric Johnson / 4.58
Tony Gonzalez / 4.53

Interested in league-specific point projections, player ratings, and statistics? Join StatLeader.com.

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Bucs Jurevicius returns to practice

Joe Jurevicius practiced for the first time this season Wednesday and expects to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears after being sidelined most of the past year by knee and back injuries.

"I'm going to treat it as if it's my first game ever in the NFL," Jurevicius said. "I am going enjoy the fans. I am going to enjoy the grass. I am going to enjoy putting my helmet on, having the opportunity to catch a football and hit somebody."

One of the keys to the Tampa' Super Bowl run two years ago, Jurevicius was poised to have a breakout season in 2003 when he tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the second game.

He played sparingly in three other games before being placed on injured reserve on Dec. 2 and undergoing surgery. He was optimistic about being healthy for the start of training camp, but hurt his back in June and wound up having surgery the first week of August and going on the reserve non-football injury list.

"I thought he looked good," coach Jon Gruden said after watching Jurevicius practice. "I expect him to go out and play."

"He impacted our offense a couple of years ago and was off to a great start (in 2003). If he's right physically, there's no telling how he can impact the game," coach Jon Gruden said.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Jurevicius is a good ball control receiver that can make some big plays near the end zone. Keep an eye on this free-agent!

Chargers Lose Caldwell - Add McCardell

The San Diego Chargers got some bad news yesterday, but they got some good news too.

The Chargers lost their emerging wideout Reche Caldwell for the year with a knee injury. However, coming on the heals of that devastating news was that the Chargers had reached agreement with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Keenan McCardell in exchange for draft picks.

San Diego also added free agent receiver Bobby Shaw, who may be available for action Sunday.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Caldwell was emerging as the man in San Diego. If you picked Reche up this season from your free agent pool...it's time to go swimming again.

Jerry Rice Traded to Seahawks

Jerry Rice got his wish Monday night when the Oakland Raiders traded the NFL's most prolific receiver to the Seattle Seahawks.

The trade will be finalized after Rice undergoes a physical and the league gives its approval. The Raiders did not say what they received in return for Rice, but two Internet sites reported it was for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.

Rice asked for a trade last week as his role on the Raiders diminished. Earlier Monday, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said the team was looking into a possible deal.

"I would think it would give any team a boost, but really it's up to the Raiders," Holmgren said. "It's really their call." (Full Article)

Moss Status Uncertain

The AP reports that Randy Moss could miss a game for the first time in his NFL career, but the Minnesota Vikings won't decide before Friday whether he'll be forced out by a strained right hamstring.

Coach Mike Tice described the injury as more than mild, but Moss has always been a fast healer and could be able to play a limited role in next weekend's home game against the Tennessee Titans.

Moss, who has played in 101 consecutive regular-season games, leads the league with eight touchdown catches.

The All-Pro receiver was hurt in the second quarter of Sunday night's game in New Orleans when he tripped and fell after getting tangled up with Saints safety Jay Bellamy on a pass that was intercepted in the end zone.

Culpepper sets NFL mark with 3rd 5-TD game

Daunte Culpepper lost his top receiver, but did not miss a step in setting an NFL record.

Culpepper threw five touchdown passes to lead the Minnesota Vikings (4-1) to a 38-31 victory over the New Orleans Saints (2-4) on Sunday night. He did it without having Randy Moss for much of the second half.

It was the third time this season Culpepper threw five TD passes in a game, an NFL record.

Culpepper, thanks in-part to very little pressure from the Saints defense, completed 26-of-37 passes for 425 yards. He threw two interceptions and was sacked twice.

The Vikings had 605 yards of offense.

Moss, who leads the NFL in TDs receiving, injured his hamstring in the second quarter. He had two receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. It was the 10th consecutive game in which Moss had a touchdown reception.

Oakland Raiders / Denver Broncos RB Status

As reported earlier in Final Countdown:

Oakland Raiders Running Back Tyrone Wheatley will not play today vs. Denver: Amos Zereoue to get the start.

Denver Broncos' Running Back Reuben Droughns gets the start (and most of the carries today). Quentin Griffin will be used only as a 3rd down back (despite supposedly being 100% healthy.)

Who will start at RB? WR?

The latest information on who will start and who will sit today is currently posted on the Final Countdown.

Final Countdown is StatLeader.com's game day news and player status report. We start updating player information and news 1 hour before the first game and continue throughout the day. Never miss last minute player changes again!

Week 6 Final Countdown

The Final Countdown for Week 6 will be active in approximately 10 minutes.

NFL "This and That"

One of the first things Tom Coughlin did after becoming the Giants' head coach was sit Tiki Barber down and insist he change the way he carries the ball. Barber fumbled nine times last season, losing six of them. This season, he's touched the ball 115 times and hasn't fumbled yet.

The Eagles are the only team in the league with a perfect record against the spread. The Colts are 4-0-1 and the Patriots are 3-0-1.

Linebacker Julian Peterson's decision to turn down a six-year, $37.8 million contract offer from the 49ers that included a $15.5 million signing bonus isn't looking very smart right now. Peterson signed a one-year, $6.1 million contact as the club's franchise player. Then, last week against the Chargers, he tore his left Achilles tendon.

Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson sent Cleveland's defensive backs several bottles of Pepto-Bismol this week. The Bengals and Browns play each other Sunday. "Just adding a little spice to the game," Johnson said. "I've been going against the same dudes for the last four years. This will make it a little more fun. I figured I'd send them Pepto because I'm going to make them sick."

In the first five weeks, just four games have been decided by 20 points or more.

There are 11 teams with fewer than two losses through five weeks. That's the second most at this point since 1990. There were 12 in `96.

Minnesota's Randy Moss has at least one touchdown catch in the last nine games. He can become only the fifth player in NFL history to do it in 10 straight with a TD Sunday against the Saints and their 21st-ranked pass defense.

Jags running back Fred Taylor has gone five consecutive games without rushing for 100 yards. That equals the longest 100-yard drought of his career.

The Chargers have scored 72 points in their last two games. That's their largest two-game output since putting up 77 in the final two weeks of the 1993 season.

The Packers have lost the last eight games in which Ahman Green has fumbled.

The Redskins had just 107 offensive yards in their 17-10 loss to the Ravens. That was the fewest by the Redskins since they were held to 97 by the Colts in....1961.

Seahawks are 0-6 under Mike Holmgren in the game after the bye week. Since getting his first NFL head-coaching job with the Packers in 1992, Holmgren is 2-11 in post-bye week games.

Through five games, the Browns have yet to score an offensive touchdown in the first half. They've gone three-and-out on their first possession in each of those five games.

FOX Sports / Sporting News Week 6

FOX Sports / Sporting News Ultimate League:

Which running backs are gonna knock 'em dead in Week 6? Your top 5 RB's are:

1. Curtis Martin
2. Brian Westbrook
3. Priest Holmes
4. Shaun Alexander
5. Rudi Johnson

Remember: Unlike other fantasy football resources with generic statistics and recommendations - this information is custom prepared for the default FOX/SportingNews Ultimate Salary scoring system. If your team is not using that scoring system, these projections do not apply. Join StatLeader.com to receive customized information for your league!

CBS / Sportsline Fantasy Football

CBS / Sportsline Fantasy Football: Default

If your team is in this league - who are you gonna start at QB?

A good number of QB's from the top 10 are going to have good weeks. However, one of our favorites, Donovan McNabb, Eagles is not going to come off the bye week quite as pretty as he went in. We project McNabb to score BELOW his points per week average. Our projection for Donovan is 18 points (with a range of 9 pts.) Another high-flyer that will be coming down to earth a little is Tom Brady, Patriots. We project Brady will score 14 points (with a range of 7 pts.)

QB's that will over-achieve this week include David Carr, Texans, Aaron Brooks, Saints, and Chad Pennington, Jets. Each of these fellows are projected to score ABOVE their points per week average.

Remember: Unlike other fantasy football resources with generic statistics and recommendations - this information is custom prepared for the default CBS / Sportsline scoring system. If your team is not using that scoring system, these projections do not apply. Join StatLeader.com to receive customized information for your league!

Good Luck in Week 6 - and don't forget to tune to StatLeader.com's Final Countdown on game days for all of the last minute news.

EPSN Fantasy Football

ESPN Fantasy Football: League Manager, Standard

If you have a team in ESPN LM Standard, here is some info you can use!

Running Backs:

Brian Westbrook, Eagles and Rudi Johnson, Bengals will score ABOVE their point per week average. Our projection for Westbrook is 19 points (with a range of 4 pts.,) while Johnson is projected to score 15 points (also with a range of 4.) I am assuming that you already know to start Curtis Martin if he is on your roster!

LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers and Thomas Jones, Bears will score BELOW their point per week average. Our projection for Tomlinson is a very weak 9 points (with a range of 5 pts.,) and Jones is projected to score 12 points (with a range of 7).

A side note about the "range" number. All of StatLeader.com's player projections come with an associated range figure. There is a direct connection between the consistency of a player's scoring and the volatility of the range. The LARGER the range number - the more INCONSISTENT a scorer the player is. We have all had the player that scores 22 one week and 2 the next. Sure makes it hard to win consistently with those kind of players.

A perfect example of this is Tim Rattay and Jake Delhomme. Both average right about 15 points per week. Delhomme has a range figure of "2" and Rattay has a range figure of "15." Who would you start under those conditions? If you are looking for a "sure thing" you would start Delhomme. If you were looking for a chance at the "big score" you could start Rattay with the potential of scoring 0 or 30.

We give you that choice at StatLeader.com

Fantasy Football Picks for Week 6

Are you tired of other fantasy football resource sites that offer information (usually free) that everyone already knows? I really want to know!

I register with our competitors sites as many of you have - heck, its frequently free so why not? I get the "hot tip," "can't miss" emails with the "fantastic out-of-the-blue recommendations" to start Daunte Culpepper or Priest Holmes in Week 6. If I had Pep or Priest on my team - do you really think I would have them on the bench? Guess what? These guys aren't available in my free agent pool either! What a freakin' surprise!

If you are tired of the same lame recommendations - and want to find out what you should do when you don't have the #1 player at every position - email me, let me know what you want in a fantasy football resource, and I will send you a little surprise that might make competing in your league a little easier.

Thanks for visiting StatLeader.com

Week 6 Fantasy Football Player Projections are UP

Week 6 predicted player point projections and Week 5 player statistics are uploaded and available.

Review your teams projected score for Week 6 in the MyTeam area.

Visit the League Leaders area to find out how your players are performing statistically for your specific league.

Good Luck in Week 6!

StatLeader.com: We are fantasy football!

NFL Dishonors Tillman, Plummer

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the story surrounding Pat Tillman, the NFL player who left football, joined the Army Rangers, and lost his life in Afghanistan. You also probably recall a few weeks ago when the NFL honored Tillman by allowing players to wear a black circle emblazoned with Tillman's number 40 in white. A simple yet honorable tribute.

Now the NFL has "rules regarding personal messages on uniforms" which they say they need to apply "consistently". So when Denver QB Jake Plummer chose to wear the same circle on his helmet last week, the NFL started to cry like a bunch of kindergartners about their precious little rule being violated. Come on guys, act like the adults you profess to be.

No one wants to see an NFL uniform look like something a NASCAR driver would wear, but Tillman was one of your own. Plummer's sticker wasn't obnoxious, in fact, it was the same one you sanctioned earlier this season.

Tillman gave his life for his country and the freedom that it stands for. He was a credit to a league whose players often come across as overpaid, boastful, and spoiled. (Seems to me it wasn't that long ago that the NFL was said to stand for the National Felon's League.)

So what does the NFL management do? Rather than honor the very things Tillman gave his life for, you come out and try to intimidate Plummer, a man who was friends with Tillman and who played with him at both Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals.

Maybe you should look into your own house. If you are so adverse to Mr. Plummer's reference to Pat Tillman, why then do you still sell the official "Tillman Replica Jersey" (for which you have no problem charging $49.99 and $64.99) on your NFL Shop.

Now, I know you worked out (strong armed?) an agreement to get Plummer to remove the sticker. But as far as I am concerned, everything you agreed to should have been done anyway. Pat Tillman was a man of courage. If you, the NFL, had even a fraction of that courage, you would suspend your petty little rule this once and allow the players to use that simple sticker to pay tribute to their fallen comrade. That's what real men of honor would do.

Rattay Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Tim Rattay, QB has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. Rattay led the 49ers to a come-from-behind 31-28 overtime win, helping San Francisco overcome a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Don't be surprised to see this trend continue. The 49ers are beginning to sense a clear direction for their offense (finally!) If it sticks and Rattay stays healthy - he will rebound to finish the year as a leading fantasy football QB.

Injuries becoming 49ers' Achilles Heel

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Julian Peterson underwent season-ending surgery on his torn left Achilles' tendon Tuesday. Playing in only four games after a lengthy contract holdout, Peterson had 2 1/2 sacks and was making his presence known. Peterson is a two time Pro Bowl selection.

Backup fullback Jasen Isom also had surgery for the same injury.

"Julian and Jasen each had surgery on their Achilles this morning and both went well," team physician Dr. Michael Dillingham said. "Each of them will be in a cast for six-to-eight weeks.

Fantasy Football Analysis: The niners' will miss Julian to be sure! Looks like Rattay will continue to get come-from-behind opportunities...

Best Buy Fantasy Football - An Open Letter

This is an open letter to Sean Salisbury of ESPN.

StatLeader.com would like to offer you a free membership. We want you to be able to take advantage of the Best Buy Fantasy Football statistics and analysis we offer our members.

Why? Because all of our lineups sizably outscored your Best Buy Fantasy Football team last week. (and yes we had Roy Williams too)

Now we know that it's not because we know football better than you - because we don't. We all have a great deal of respect for your football knowledge and expertise. How do our teams outscore your team then?

It's because of the exclusive statistical analysis StatLeader.com provides its members. Statistics and analysis based on league-specific fantasy point production, consistency, trends, and player participation. In this case it is our information custom tailored to the Best Buy Fantasy Football League. We also have information customized for Yahoo, ESPN, AOL, FOX Sports/SportingNews, CBS/Sportsline, and more.

Mr. Salisbury, we invite you to visit our site and see what we offer yourself - and if you want to use our Best Buy tools to facilitate building your weekly Best Buy teams - we would be most honored. Feel free to contact us at your convenience.

Respectfully,

The Staff of StatLeader.com

P.S. We won't even tell.

NY Giants WR Carter Out for Season

NY Giant's WR Tim Carter will miss the rest of the season with a hip injury suffered in the Giant's win Sunday over the Dallas Cowboys.

Carter suffered a fractured hip socket when he became entangled with Cowboy's Safety Tony Dixon in the end zone.

Carter has been the #3 receiver behind Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Carter has been an "injury waiting to happen" since he was drafted as a second round pick in 2002. Maybe next year...

A Glimpse of the Future in Buffalo?

Buffalo Bills' Running Back Willis McGahee's absence from the Buffalo Bills' offense has been a major topic of discussion among fans and media. Although McGahee had gotten some playing time in the first three games, he didn't have much of an impact. Until Sunday.

McGahee ran for 42 yards on eight carries during the Bills' 16-14 loss to the New York Jets. In doing so, he gave a glimpse of what everyone has been waiting to see since his comeback from major knee surgery.

"It felt good to get out there," said McGahee, who had only 11 carries for 28 yards in the previous three games.

McGahee's biggest run was a 21-yard sprint on a quick toss to the outside. It came on a third-and-9 situation and set up the Bills' first touchdown.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Nothing to write home about yet!

Colts TE Questions

Conflicting reports are being received concerning the status of Colts TEs Marcus Pollard and Dallas Clark. Earlier reports indicated that Clark would start in place of Pollard who missed Friday's practice with a knee injury. However, more recent reports are now saying that Pollard will start.

Join StatLeader.com to have access to Final Countdown - our late breaking news and player information service.

Updates on Final Countdown

The latest information on Domanick Davis, Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster, Deuce McAllister, Deuce Staley, William Green, Lee Suggs, Troy Brown, Deion Branch and more are now posted on the Final Countdown,

Final Countdown is Active on the Member Site

The Final Countdown brings you the latest breaking information on today's player status will continue to be active until the start of tonight's late game.

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AOL Draft and Play

Fantasy Football Wide Receivers:

For the AOL Draft and Play League: Look for Roy Williams, DET, Randy Moss, MIN, Javon Walker, GB, all to have scoring days ABOVE their point per game average this Sunday.

We say Eric Moulds, BUF, and Hines Ward, PIT, will score BELOW their point per game average this Sunday.

Good Luck and Score Big!

Week 5 Projections are UP

Week 5 Player Projections:

Player projections, adjusted by player status, are posted. Any player status change between now and game time will be incorporated into the player's point projection.

Don't forget to tune into "Final Countdown" for last minute player updates throughout the day Sunday and before Monday Night Football.

StatLeader.com: We are fantasy football!

Fantasy Football Injury Updates

The Pittsburgh Steelers have downgraded running back Duce Staley from probable to questionable on Thursday according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Staley had an infected big right toenail, and the nail has been removed. Coach Bill Cowher said, "All indications are, at this point, he should be ready to go Sunday."

San Francisco 49ers' tight end Eric Johnson had to leave practice early on Wednesday due to a rib injury he suffered during the Cardinals game. X-rays taken after the game were negative, but Johnson was unable to finish his first practice since Sunday.

StatLeader.com Members: Check your injury report for a complete detail of all player's status. We will continue to update injury status of all relevant fantasy football players. Tune into the weekend's "Final Countdown" for complete game day coverage of late breaking player news.

Broncos' Quentin Griffin Status Uncertain

Denver Broncos' running back Quentin Griffin missed his second straight practice Thursday because of a tweaked ankle.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Griffin's status for Sunday's game against Carolina won't be determined until after Friday's practice.

"If he can't go full speed and it doesn't look good, then obviously, he won't go during the game," Shanahan said.

Fantasy Football Analysis: We'll keep you posted on Griffin's status - and who might be stepping into his shoes. Right now the start would probably go to Reuban Droughns, FB

Favre's brother-in-law killed in accident

The Associated Press reports that the brother-in-law of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre died Wednesday evening after crashing an all-terrain vehicle on the player's property.

Casey Tynes, 24, the brother of Favre's wife, Deanna, was riding the ATV without a helmet when it flipped, Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel said. Tynes sustained head injuries, was transported to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg at 6 p.m. and was pronounced dead 20 minutes later, Deputy Coroner Randy Beck said.

The Favre family did not immediately issue a statement.

In Green Bay, Favre skipped practice Wednesday, still feeling the effects of a concussion. He was injured Sunday when William Joseph of the New York Giants tackled him, and his head hit the ground.

Last December, Irvin Favre, the quarterback's father, died of a heart attack or stroke while driving near his home in Kiln. His car ran into a ditch, but authorities said the crash did not kill him.

Brett played the next night in Oakland and had one of his best performances of his career. He threw for 399 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Packers to a crucial 41-7 victory over the Raiders.

Officials said Tynes' body was being taken to University Medical Center in Jackson for an autopsy.

Johnson joins Barlow as Fantasy Football Options

As funky as the San Francisco 49ers' offense has been in an 0-4 start, Eric Johnson, TE joins Kevan Barlow, RB as a rare bright spot.

Johnson has returned from the collarbone injury that kept him out over the last year and produced a team-high 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown. That pace (112 for the year) almost matches Jerry Rice's 122 catches from 1995.

Johnson has become the go-to-guy for a number of reasons. One, he is comfortable with the quarterbacks, runs sharp pass routes, and is a nice safety valve for dump-offs to avoid sacks.

Johnson set career highs Sunday with 10 catches for 113 yards in a 24-14 loss to the St. Louis Rams. "He turns and gives you his eyes so quick," Rattay said.

Johnson's receiving skills are what former 49ers' general manager Bill Walsh liked when he drafted him out of Yale in the seventh round of the 2001 draft. Johnson had 40 receptions as a rookie and 36 the following year when a back injury limited him to 12 games.

Fantasy Football Projection: Johnson will continue to have a great year regardless of how the 49ers do.

Best Buy Fantasy Football - Scoring to Win

Those of you that have signed up for Best Buy Fantasy Football know that they give away $20,000 in prizes every week to the teams amassing the highest overall weekly scores. The key to winning one of these prizes rests in determining how to pick the players that will perform the best while staying within the $240 salary cap imposed by the game.

Sounds easy enough until you actually try it. As we all know, predicting football performances for a given week is extremely difficult. There are, however, ways to shift the odds in your favor.

One of the most important of these, as my colleague Doc Bitters is fond of saying, is to know you scoring system. We have analyzed the Best Buy Fantasy Football scoring system and have developed key factors to ensure better scoring performance week in and week out.

Our goal here at StatLeader.com is to provide our members who participate in Best Buy Fantasy Football the information that will allow you to make the optimal choices for your Fantasy Football picks. Information aimed at increasing your odds of winning.

Join StatLeader.com today! Try our 5-day no-risk trial and get all of our insight for Best Buy Fantasy Football (and over 10 other leagues too!)

Ricky Williams wants to rejoin Dolphins?

The Associated Press is reporting that Ricky Williams wants to rejoin the Miami Dolphins and has asked the NFL how soon he can return, his agent said Tuesday.

It's unclear whether Williams must serve a suspension the rest of this season for repeated violations of the league drug program. He has asked the NFL for a hearing to clarify his status, but no date has been set.

"Ricky has asked me to explore and to try to facilitate his return," said his agent, Leigh Steinberg. "He has a passion for playing football and is excited about playing."

You'll need to read that last paragraph again. We'll wait while you wipe the tears of laughter from your eyes.

Fantasy Football Projection: Given enough time, even Ricky Williams can figure out the facts. He is not "above" us all - no matter how high he gets. There is no way he is going to play this year, so this has no bearing on fantasy football teams.

Best Buy League Player Analysis

Starting tomorrow, StatLeader will begin providing analysis and point projection services for the Best Buy Fantasy Football league. This is the same level of detailed information we currently provide for the ESPN, Yahoo, CBS/NFL, Fox/Sporting News, and AOL leagues and will help you choose the players most likely to produce the highest score while staying within the $240 salary cap.

Best Buy Bonus, be sure to check back later tonight for a special Best Buy League scoring system analysis preview by one of our resident statistical experts, Rocket Man.

David Carr - Fantasy Football QB of the Future?

Taking over 90 sacks over the last two years, David Carr has learned what it means to be patient. Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, came the next chapter in patience - that the team can run the football.

The run was the key element in the Houston Texans' 30-17 win over Oakland. To the Raiders' embarrassment, it was the most points the Texans had scored in a game in their brief NFL history.

"The hard thing about playing this Oakland team is that they have Ted Washington in the middle and Warren Sapp, all those run stoppers," Carr said. "They like to crowd the box and bring eight down and drop the defensive backs.

Carr only had to throw 23 passes, but he averaged 9.9 yards an attempt, 16.3 yards a completion. The Texans ran 40 rushing plays.

The result was Houston's first set of back-to-back victories in team history and the confidence that they are in a division race for the first time.

"I think the goals have changed a lot for this organization and my teammates. We are trying to win a division, get a championship. It shouldn't be shocking for our players to think that or for me to say that. In this league everybody has a chance to get there. We've seen it in the last four years."

Fantasy Football Analysis: As the Texans gain balance and confidence, can David Carr as a viable Fantasy Football Quarterback be far behind?

Chiefs - Ravens Pregame Updates

Pregame injury status for tonight's KC - Baltimore game is now available on the Final Countdown.

Arizona Cardinals Rout Saints

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports: There were no sweaty palms, no heart palpitations and no last-minute heroics.

The Cardinals not only won Sunday, an unusual enough occurrence, but they did so easily, which happens every decade or so.

With youth and speed on defense and age and guile on offense, the Cardinals beat the New Orleans Saints 34-10 in front of 28,109 at Sun Devil Stadium.

It was the team's first win under coach Dennis Green and its largest margin of victory since 1993.

The Cardinals' previous six wins had come by a touchdown or less, so blowing out an opponent was a new experience for some players.

"It's different," said linebacker LeVar Woods, in his fourth season with the team. "I haven't played a game like that since I can't tell you when."

The Cardinals (1-3) were competitive in their first three games and had a realistic chance to win two of them. Green, an avid fisherman, compared the resulting anxiousness to seeing fish swimming all around but not being able to catch them.

"Today we caught our first one, and it feels good," Green said.

The Cardinals were far from perfect, and it took them until late in the first quarter to find a jump-start.

But when the game was over, the defense had kept another opponent out of the end zone. And running back Emmitt Smith, 35, had added another record to his impressive resume and had even tried something new.

Smith gained 127 yards on 21 carries, including a 29-yard touchdown run. And for the first time in 15 NFL seasons, he threw a pass. "I saw the two safeties bite, and I saw Obafemi go between them," Smith said, "and then it was a matter of letting it go."

It was the first time in almost two years that Smith gained more than 100 yards rushing. And he's now tied with Walter Payton for the most 100-yard rushing games (77) in NFL history.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Nice to see Emmitt have a great game - but don't start expecting a 1000 yard season from the veteran.

Jags "sour grapes" can't change loss

Jaguars.com reports - Jack Del Rio planned to do his own review of the penalty that allowed the Colts to continue their game-winning touchdown drive, and chances were Del Rio wasn't going to like what he would see.

"The last drive, we get an exceptionally late call, so I'll be taking a look at that one," Del Rio said following the Jaguars' 24-17 loss at Alltel Stadium on Sunday.

A holding penalty against cornerback Dewayne Washington on a third-and-five pass incompletion by quarterback Peyton Manning provided the Colts with a second chance, and they used that opportunity to drive 69 more yards in 11 more plays and score the game-winning touchdown on a three-yard run by Edgerrin James.

Let me get this straight... After the penalty, the Colts drove 69 yards in 11 plays and you are going to blame the Refs?! Couldn't hold them to a field goal? Where is the vaunted "Jag D" during those 11 plays and 69 yards?

That's what I would review Mr. Del Rio

Beware of Cheap Imitations

Seems like every time someone develops a better idea, someone else comes up with a knock off that just isn't quite as good. For example, you know that StatLeader has developed an innovative and all new approach to Fantasy Football statistical analysis and point prediction. We have also pointed out that our routines have been developed by two honest-to-goodness Rocket Scientists.

Well. one of our members recently (and laughingly) pointed out a site to us where the statistical analysis methods have been developed by three "potential PhDs". Translation, students. Take it from someone who has completed graduate school (Rocket Man), "potential PhDs" could simply be undergrads with dreams of getting into grad school. ("Potential PhDs" in what, ancient European rock paintings?)

When we tell you "Rocket Scientists" that's exactly what we mean. Rocket Man and KirkC have a combined 50+ years of professional level statistical experience. Together they have worked on projects including the Space Shuttle, Space Station Freedom, International Space Station, and X-37. They have developed control system and analysis routines for major NASA programs and have worked on-console in both the Shuttle Launch Control and Space Station Mission Control Centers. There. Take that you "potential PhD" pups.

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