Larry Johnson obviously doesn’t own himself in any of his fantasy leagues. It was announced this week that the Kansas City Chiefs running back will sit out Sunday’s game for “violating team rules.” Who is to blame in this situation? Is it the running back for breaking rules? Is it the coach for sitting the team’s top player? Either way, there is nothing you can do about the situation. So take a deep breath. It’s fantasy football – have fun and make some moves.
Pickups and plays of the week:
Sammy Morris (RB) – Even though the New England running back struggled a bit last week, only averaging 2.6 yards per carry, he looks to be a solid bye-week filler this week against Denver. With Laurence Maroney out, Morris has been getting the bulk of the carries and has also been involved in the passing game.
Jeff Garcia and Trent Edwards (QB) – Take your pick this week at the quarterback position. Both QBs face sub-par defenses, making them good bye-week fill-ins. Garcia took over for the injured Brian Griese last week and managed a good game leading the Bucs to a 24-7 win over Carolina. Garcia faces an easier task this week against Seattle in which he should be given the opportunity to air out the ball. As for Edwards, he comes back from an injury this week to face the San Diego Chargers’ 31st-ranked ranked passing defense.
Kevin Walter (WR) – Lining up opposite Andre Johnson in Houston definitely makes him second fiddle. However, over the last two weeks there has been plenty to go around with Matt Schaub throwing for 300-plus yards. Last week, Walter caught four passes for 98 yards and should do more of the same this week against a very weak Detroit Lions defense.
Injuries and solutions:
Tony Romo – The initial projection was that Romo would miss four weeks because of the broken pinkie suffered during overtime of last week’s game. However, after practicing Thursday, there is now talk that Romo may play hurt against the Rams this week. It looks like he’ll be a game-time decision and even if he does play, he won’t be 100 percent and might not play the whole game. Given this, I’d advise to sit Romo this week. The 40-year-old Brad Johnson will get the start if Romo sits.
Joseph Addai – A slightly torn hamstring should keep your first-round draft pick out for the next two to four weeks. If he is available, the appropriate add is Dominic Rhodes, who will start in Addai’s absence. Rhodes had a respectable game last week, rushing for 78 yards with a TD against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense.
Change of scenery:
Roy Williams – The Detroit Lions have officially given up on their season after trading their No. 1 WR, Roy Williams, to the Cowboys earlier this week. In Dallas, Williams will pair up with Terrell Owens to become the most feared wide receiver duo in the league. This trade is an immediate upgrade for Williams, who can once again be considered a No. 1 wide out in fantasy leagues.
Have any roster problems that were not addressed? Since I can’t look at specific roster needs I’d be happy to give any advice on your potential pick-ups, trades and sit-start decisions through e-mail. Good luck this week. Here are the byes: Atlanta, Jacksonville, Arizona and Philadelphia.
Mat Adams is a mathematics junior and a Mustang Daily sports columnist. He can be reached at madams03@calpoly.edu.