This is going to be a short one, since I'm posting via airplane wi-fi, and we're starting our descent into New York.
It's only the first quarter, but I'm not loving the Redskins getting three at home as my best bet anymore. Michael Vick looks like the greatest player of all time right now. An absolute cannon for an arm, faster than anyone on the field and making all the right decisions. Peyton Hillis (19 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches 27 yards against the Jets) is matchup proof. Benjarvus Green-Ellis (18 carries, 87 yards, 4 catches, 36 yards against the Steelers) might be matchup-neutral, though he's not reliable enough to be "matchup proof." Jahvid Best (at least for now) is "matchup irrelevant." I don't know whether it's the turf toe, or poor run blocking, but 17 for 35 against the Bills is damning. Despite being financially set for life and married to arguably the hottest woman in the world, Tom Brady seems as hungry as ever. He still needs a reliable deep threat to be a top-5 QB, though. Unless Mike Singletary wants to get run out of town, there can be no quarterback controversy in San Francisco - Troy Smith (356 yards, 12.7 YPA, no picks) is the guy. Same with Colt McCoy in Cleveland. The Dolphins are possibly the only team in history who can downgrade to their third-string QB and break even. The Bears defense is a top-five real-life unit. Except for the Panthers, the Cardinals are probably the worst team in the NFL. Ahmad Bradshaw is a factor (6 catches, 62 yards) in the passing game when the Giants play from behind. Brandon Jacobs (5 carries 17 yards) is a nonfactor in that case. With Steve Smith out, Kevin Boss will see more targets and should be a viable starter at tight end (7 targets, 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD Sunday). Shonn Greene had 20 carries to LaDainian Tomlinson's 18, though Tomlinson caught 6 passes to Greene's 3. The fantasy Gods do not discriminate between contested games and garbage time. If you went against Matt Cassel, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe or Jamaal Charles, you probably know that. Seriously, I've never seen a team get hit by a tidal wave like the Redskins have tonight.
