Wahoo Wire

photo courtesy of examiner.com

News from Week 9

-After Green Bay dropped 45 points on the Cowboys, Wade Philips was fired and Jason Garrett was promoted to head coach. When asked about their upcoming game against the Boys, Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said it was like playing “a sleeping giant. You don’t want to be the one to wake him up.” I agree, but I don’t think the Giants will be one to wake up the sleepy Cowboys. I would, however, be wary of throwing all your Lions or Saints players in for Weeks 11 and 12.

- After nine weeks of having no idea what the Tiny Football League was, I looked it up. Apparently nine Pop Warner teams are fighting for 5 and 10 thousand dollar prizes by playing videos of their team and allowing people to vote. Now I know what the TFL is, but now I have no idea why it exists.

- It’s apparently “Rivalry Week” on Yahoo Fantasy. I also have no idea what this means.

-Wes Welker filled in for Gostkowski left the game with a thigh injury. He kicked an extra point and also filled in on kickoffs. Unfortunately, kicking stats do not translate into fantasy points, something Welker has been lacking since Moss’ departure.

-The Ravens take on the Falcons tonight at 8:20 in the Georgia Dome. Make sure you put in your players (including Roddy White who will be starting) before kickoff.

Winners of the week

David Garrard, QB and Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars: Before the bye, Garrard torched the Cowboys for 5 touchdowns and Houston has the distinction of being the worst pass defense in the league. I’d say Garrard and Thomas are both starts this week even with Sims-Walker lurking.

Josh Freeman, QB, Bucs: I love Josh Freeman and the Bucs. He sliced through Carolina’s pass defense in Week 2 and plays them again this week. His worst game this season has been against the Steelers and since then has put up solid numbers. Although the Panther’s pass defense is solid, the Bucs like to take chances and I like his odds at a multi touchdown day.

Nate Washington, WR, Titans: See Harvin, Percy and Welker, Wes. Randy Moss is really, really good at making the other guy look good. My money is on Washington having the bigger fantasy day Sunday, sorry Randy.

Arizona Defense: Okay, I know. The Cardinals? Also known as the team that is ranked somewhere in the low 20s in total defense? Yes, those Cardinals. They rank fourth in terms of total fantasy points for the season so far and Seattle looks bad. If you’re willing to take a gamble for a defensive touchdown, this is the way to go.

Losers of the week

Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers: Williams sat out practice Wednesday and Goodson was told he’s getting the starting nod. I just want to take this opportunity to say to all those DeAngelo Williams owners that I feel your pain… and anger…and depression. Anyway, Mike Goodson versus a cushy Tampa Bay run defense sounds good, but keep in mind he still plays for the Panthers and that’s a road you don’t want to go down.

Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys: Not that you were really tempted to start him after watching his performance at Lambeau, but I just don’t see Kitna having a lot of time against a tough Giants defense at home. Miles, I think it’s about time for you to take Kim back. It’s time to just take one for the team, man.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots: You know I love the Law Firm. I loved his 24-point effort against the Vikings and his fairly consistent production since week 3, but this is a week where you should look elsewhere. The Steelers have a tougher run defense than the Browns and he only managed 19 yards against them.

Brett Favre, QB, Vikings: In a week with Rivers, Brees and Rodgers out, you might be in the market for a new quarterback. Yes, his 446 yard performance against Arizona was impressive, but all you Favre-ians (I’m looking at you, guy in my genetics class that wore his Favre jersey Monday) need to calm down. He’s playing in Soldier Field, a place he typically struggles in, against a tough Bears pass defense. I recommend looking elsewhere.

“You know the difference between you and me? I make this look good.”

Will Smith, Men in Black

The difference between quarterbacks like Derek Anderson and Shaun Hill versus Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers is that they can make anybody look good. With injuries all over both sides, Manning and Rivers have managed to scrape fantasy gold out of almost anybody. Seyi Ajirotutu went for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns last week against the Texans. Similarly, Jacob Tamme (or Dallas Clark Light, whichever you prefer) had 108 and 1 touchdown last week against the Eagles. The Chargers are on a bye, so we’ll see what their injuries look like next week. As for Indianapolis, Wayne and Garcon look ready to go, while Collie is out with a concussion. If you need a receiver, I’d give Blair White a second look.

Cavalier of the Week

John St. Clair, OT, Browns: No, St. Clair is not fantasy relevant but he deserves a nod. St. Clair is part of an offensive unit that led Peyton Hillis to his standout fantasy performance this season and has helped to make Colt McCoy look like a real NFL QB. St. Clair was a four-year letterman at UVA and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for best blocker in the ACC in 1999 before being drafted by the Rams in 2000. He then moved to the Dolphins and then to Chicago, playing in the 2007 Super Bowl against the Colts. St. Clair was signed by the Rams last year and starts at right tackle. The Browns face the tough Jets defense this weekend at 1pm.

That’s all for this week. Good luck and go Hoos!