Week 4 Sep 28, 2007 | More

Player Notes: Tidbits, quotes and rumors of the week.

Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones (Hou) have already been ruled out for this week. - Eddie Kennison (KC) is expected to miss this week. - Hines Ward (Pit) left last Sunday's game with a knee injury and an MRI showed no structural damage, but he was on crutches Monday and is doubtful for this week. - Anquan Boldin (Ari) missed practice Wednesday, but he'll be ready to play this week. - Plaxico Burress (NYG) played last Sunday despite an ankle injury, but came out of the game because of soreness and indicated this week that it was something he'd have to deal with for awhile. He was also seeking a second opinion of his sprained ankle this week - Calvin Johnson (Det) left last Sunday's game with a back injury, but the Lions say he's likely to play this week. - Michael Clayton (TB) was benched last week after a drop and lost fumble, but later returned to the game. - Coach Lane Kiffin said "the word "pleased" is not anywhere near Mike Williams (Oak) right now" after being asked about his two drops and lost fumble. - Chris Chambers (Mia) DWI and reckless driving charges from this past summer have reportedly been dismissed after an agreement on a plea bargain.- During an interview Roy Williams (Det) revealed that he is very cheap, he does not tip the pizza guy and he takes dates to the casino to get her the free buffet.

Injury Watch: A list of injuries reported throughout the week, some teams did not report and player status will be reported when the official injury report is released on Friday.

Ari: Anquan Boldin (hip) - Bal: Mark Clayton (calf), Demetrius Williams (heel), Derrick Mason (back) - Buf: Sam Aiken (groin) - Cle: Tim Carter (knee) - Dal: Terry Glenn (knee) - Det: Calvin Johnson (back) - GB: Donald Driver (toe), Greg Jennings (hamstring) - Hou: Andre Johnson (knee), Jacoby Jones (shoulder), Jerome Mathis (foot) - Ind: Roy Hall (shoulder) - KC: Eddie Kennison (hamstring) - Min: Troy Williamson (hamstring) - NE: Donte Stallworth (knee), Kelley Washington (hamstring) - NYG: Steve Smith (shoulder), Plaxico Burress (ankle) - NYJ: Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder) - Pit: Hines Ward (knee) - TB: Ike Hilliard (ankle) - Teams not reporting: Cin, Den, SD, SF, Sea.

Favorable Matchups:

Bal @ Cle: Cleveland remains the worst group against the receiver position, fantasy wise. They are also the worst group against the quarterback position. They have allowed more points to those two positions, than any other team. Thay have allowed 788 yards and 11 touchdowns to the quarterback, 567 yards and 8 touchdowns of which, has gone to the receivers. 

Mia vs Oak: Oakland is the 4th worst group against the receiver position, fantasy wise. They have allowed 588 yards and 5 touchdowns to the receivers. They also rank 6th worst against the quarterback position. Oakland ranks 8th for most points allowed this season. The defense seems to have taken a step back from what was considered it's strongest point coming into the season.

NYJ @ Buf: Buffalo is the 5th worst group against the receiver position, fantasy wise. They have allowed 643 yards and 4 touchdowns to the receivers. They also rank 5th worst against the quarterback position. They are starting to rack up some injuries to the defense. They have 1 starting defensive end, 2 starting linebackers out and starting corner Terrence McGee, while likely to play, has injured ribs. They also have one of the youngest starting secondaries in the league.

Unfavorable Matchups:

Ind vs Den: Denver has the best ranked group against the receiver position, fantasy wise. They have only allowed 18 receptions, 181 yards and 2 touchdowns to the receivers. They also happen to rank out as the best group against the quarterback position. They have only allowed 324 yards passing by the quarterback position. Only 3 other teams have given up less than 500 yards. Lower your expectations.

Ari vs Pit: Pittsburgh is the 5th best group against the receiver position, fantasy wise. They have only allowed 26 receptions, 334 yards and 1 touchdown. They also rank as the 8th best group against the quarterback position. Pittsburgh's swarming defense is leading the league in fewest points allowed at 26.

Hou @ Atl: Atlanta is the 4th best group against the receiver position, fantasy wise. They have only allowed 22 receptions, 332 yards and 1 touchdown. They also rank as the 13th best against the quarterback position. Houston has too many injuries on offense. 3 of their top 4 receivers are out or injured and starting RB Ahman Green is out as well.

Watchlists:

Vets: Guys that have been in the same system for a few years. They have good quarterback play. They will be consistent, not spectacular, and could have some above average games when the matchup is right.

Marty Booker - Mia: 22 targets, 12 receptions, 159 yards, 1 touchdown and a 55%RC (reception conversion).

Amani Toomer - NYG: 21 targets, 15 receptions, 163 yards, 0 touchdowns and a 71%RC.

Bobby Engram - Sea: 17 targets, 13 receptions, 197 yards, 1 touchdown and a 76%RC.

Young Bucks: These guys have been in the league or a system less than 5 years. They have produced with limited opportunity. They could surprise with more playing time or better quarterback play and the right matchup.

Nate Burleson - Sea: 21 targets, 10 receptions, 156 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 48%RC.

Roddy White - Atl: 20 targets, 15 receptions, 237 yards, 1 touchdown and a 75%RC.

Dwayne Bowe - KC: 17 targets, 10 receptions, 135 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 59%RC.

Biggest Bust of the Year:

4. Donte Stallworth - NE: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 66 yards, 0 touchdowns and a  57%RC.

3. Reggie Brown - Phi: 16 targets, 5 receptions, 64 yards, 0 touchdowns and a 31%RC.

2. Mark Clayton - Bal: 10 targets, 6 receptions, 33 yards, 0 touchdowns and a 60%RC.

1. Lee Evans - Buf: 19 targets, 5 receptions, 29 yards, 0 touchdowns and a 26%RC.