The Hive – Week 11 edition

The Hive – Week 11 edition

 

 

Welcome back to The Hive everyone, I hope your week 10 IDP exploits were as successful as mine were. One loss out of my 7 IDP leagues last week, not too shabby. We have a full slate of IDP action to cover this week, 16 games in all, so lets get to it!

 

 

 

 

Atlanta @ Baltimore Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Atlanta

 

Studs – Keith Brooking – One of the most reliable guys in IDP, not going to put up massive numbers each week, but its hard to find guys as steady as Brooking.

 

Strong starts – Demorrio Williams – back to having value while Hartwell is out.

 

Michael Boley – should thrive if Fat Jamal is getting the rock.

 

Gut checks – Deangelo Hall – I’m not liking this matchup too much, but he is a possibility.

 

Stay away – Falcons DL’s – Abraham out, now Kerney joins him, they have no one worth starting, or even owning at this point.

 

 

Baltimore

 

Studs – Bart Scott – seemed to show signs of life with Ray Ray out. I don’t think Lewis will play this week, so expect Scott to take charge again.

 

Adalius Thomas – I think he will be in Vick’s face all day long.

 

Strong starts – Ed Reed – Ed has been up and down this season, but I like this matchup as Reed has been getting more involved in run support recently.

 

Dawan Landry – the rookie had 12 total tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and 2 passes defended last week, and I expect another solid game vs the Falcons.

 

Gut checks – Dennis Haley – many have rushed to nab the guy that took over for Ray Ray last week, but they may have wasted their time as Jarrett Johnson is working as the starting MLB in practice this week. As of now not only do we not know if Ray will be able to play, but we don’t know that Haley will replace him even if he is out. Don’t be the guy that loses this week because you started a practice squad player who had a good game.

 

Stay away – Ray Lewis – As of now he isn’t practicing, and had “minor surgery” to release a pool of blood that had built up in his back. I don’t think he will play this week.

 

 

 

 

 

Buffalo @ Houston Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Buffalo

 

Studs – London Fletcher – 14 total tackles last week. If you own him in your league take the time this week to taunt the Vilma owner when you have a chance, you know you wanna.

 

Strong starts – Angelo Crowell – I am hesitant to put him back up here as he has been extremely inconsistent since Spikes returned, but 12 solo tackles and a forced fumble last week leave me inclined to bump him up here. Hopefully his recent Jekyll and Hyde routine is over, if not we might have the Joey Galloway of IDP’s on our hands here, one week he is huge, the next week he vanishes. We will see.

 

Terrance McGee – has been steady (for the most part) this year, and is even better in leagues that reward return stats.

 

Aaron Schobel – as predicted in The Hive last week, the Bills were not able to get through the best pass protecting line in the game (Indy) last week, but they shouldn’t have much trouble vs the Texans.

 

Gut checks – Kelsay/Denney – these guys should find the Texans line more inviting as well.

 

Nate Clements – has been productive recently, but I think the Texans might try to pick on McGee and leave Clements alone.

 

Stay away – Takeo Spikes – 2001 called, they want their LB back.

 

 

Houston

 

Studs – Demeco Ryans – R.O.Y.

 

Strong starts – Morlon Greenwood – the A Train will make stops at Greenwood several times on Sunday.

 

Glen Earl – relatively quiet last week, but I think he bounces back this week.

 

Gut checks – Mario Williams – has been playing pretty well recently, but let’s see how that foot holds up the rest of the season.

 

Dunta Robinson – no Garrard this week, but Losman might throw 3-5 picks in his own right. Dunta also had 7 tackles last week.

 

Stay away – Lewis Sanders- broke his hand and is now on I.R.

 

 

 

Chicago @ New York Jets Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Chicago

 

Studs – Briggs/Urlacher – Briggs is going to get Defensive P.O.Y. consideration with the way he has been playing. Urlacher is still overrated, but he usually feasts on weaker opponents. The Jets certainly qualify.

 

Strong starts – Bears DL’s – the Jets line is superior to the last two the Bears have faced, but I still think they will wreck shop this week. Alex Brown and Tommie Harris should be in your lineup, and O-Gun and Anderson deserve consideration too.

 

Gut checks – Danieal Manning- the rookie is starting to pick it up as the season progresses. If you are in need of DB help he could be a sneaky play for you this

week.

 

Tillman/Vasher – Tillman had a pick last week, but these two are far from reliable.

 

Stay away – Chris Harris/Todd Johnson – DBBC!

 

 

New York

 

Studs – Vilma – suffering from the Antonio Gates Syndrome, which occurs frequently in players who, while performing extremely well, are vastly underperforming their draft position. Vilma is still an every week start, even if he isn’t where you expected him to be in the LB rankings. And as an Vilma owner in an IDP dynasty league, I will say yet another prayer that the Jets abandon the 3-4 this offseason.

 

Kerry Rhodes/Erik Coleman – Rhodes is a no brainer, and Coleman seems to have reverted to his 2005 form.

 

Strong starts – Bryan Thomas – Da Bears have been doing a pretty good job of keeping Rex upright, but Thomas is still a strong start in DL required leagues.

 

Gut checks – Eric Barton – has cooled after a hot start

 

Stay away – Jets CB’s – I don’t see the Bears having to pass much to win this game.

 

 

 

 

Cincinnati @ New Orleans Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Cincy

 

Studs – Justin Smith – though the Saints don’t give up many sacks I doubt you have the depth at DL to bench this guy.

 

Strong starts – Ahmad Brooks – should be solid this week

 

Madieu Williams – should get lots of tackles with the way Brees has been airing it out.

 

Gut checks – Landon Johnson – left twice last week with an ankle injury, but somehow still led the team in tackles with 7. Keep your eyes on the injury report with him.

 

Stay away – Brian Simmons – even IF he can come back this week he will be playing SAM. I wouldn’t bother.

 

 

New Orleans

 

Studs – Charles Grant– this will be a shootout and the Bengals line is banged up. Grant should get a couple sacks by default

 

Strong starts – Josh Bullocks – has been a bit down on the tackle numbers lately, but with Palmer chucking the rock downfield and Rudi running it up the gut Bullocks should be busy this week.

 

Fujita/Shanle – they should be busy too

 

Gut checks – Will Smith – questionable with a banged up hip, if he can go bump him up to a strong start. As I said above the Bengals line is banged up and Smith can take advantage if he is in there.

 

Stay away – Fred Thomas – normally I would be all over this as he would be on CJ, but Thomas missed last week with a bad hammy and was replaced by Jason Craft. Even if Thomas can go I’d be hesitant to start any DB with an injured hamstring.

 

 

 

Minnesota @ Miami Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Minnesota

 

Studs – E.J. Henderson – should be busy with Ronnie all day long

 

Antoine Winfield – Stud.

 

Strong starts – Dontarrious Thomas – led the team in tackles last week. Napoleon Harris might not have a job to come back to if he sits much longer.

 

Gut checks – Fred Smoot – will play this week after missing last weeks game to attend his brothers funeral, but has been sharing snaps with rookie Cedric Griffin. This is a similar scenario as what is going on with Richard Marshall and Ken Lucas in Carolina, its just too hard to predict who will do what and when.

 

Stay away – Napoleon Harris – El Busto will be out for a few more weeks with a wrist dislocation. No indication if the wrist is limp or just broken.

 

 

Miami

 

Studs – Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas – IDP studs since 1983. Well, it seems that way at least.

 

Strong starts – Channing Crowder – if this kid had performed the 1^st month of the season like he has for the last month and a half he would be a top 15 LB. Start him, especially vs a run oriented team like Minny.

 

Gut checks – Yeremiah Bell – has done well in his 1^st 2 starts, but I’m not convinced yet.

 

Vonnie Holiday – had another sack last week.

 

Stay away – Keith Traylor – yeah he has 4 sacks this year. No he is not worthy of IDP consideration.

 

 

 

New England @ Green Bay Sunday 10am PST

 

 

New England

 

Studs – None – no Rodney = no studs on this D

 

Strong starts – ummm, uhhhh, Junior Seau?? – double digit tackles the last 2 weeks. I’m really stretching here, I know, but even the Niners IDP’s are more useful than this lot.

 

Gut checks – Tedi Bruschi – if you even own this guy you are either a massive Pats homer or you just don’t get the concept of IDP’s. See you want IDP’s who produce points.

 

Stay away – everyone else – you have better odds of picking out which Pats WR will perform this week than you do picking out which random IDP will get 6 tackles out of the Pats D.

 

 

Green Bay

 

Studs – Aaron Kampman – down week last week, but you cant sit this guy. The five layers of Visa protection aint what they used to be.

 

Nick Barnett – I could physically cut off one of Barnett’s legs and he could still catch Dillon on a breakaway run.

 

Strong starts – AJ Hawk – not the game changing defender a lot of people (including me) thought he would be, but is starting to produce for his IDP owners. Rejoice.

 

Nick Collins – seems to be healthy, so keep on playing him

 

Gut checks – Charles Woodson – up and down

 

Stay away – Abdul Hodge – this guy must have ticked someone off on the Packers staff, he is healthy, and claims he has been ready to play for weeks, but is still inactive. You cant possibly tell me that Brady flippin Poppinga and Ben flippin Taylor are more talented than this kid, especially after his total domination in training camp and the preseason. Something is up.

 

 

 

 

Oakland @ Kansas City Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Oakland

 

Studs – Kirk Morrison/Thomas Howard – vs LJ? Yes please!

 

Strong starts – Derrick Burgess – up and down, but I expect a better performance this week. The Chiefs are not what they used to be along the o line.

 

Gut checks – Warren Sapp – yes Warren Sapp is making an appearance here in The Hive. He now has 6 sacks on the season and 4 in the last 3 games. And he is on your wire, unless you are in a league with one of his relatives. Could be a fine DL fill in if you need help, especially in DT required leagues.

 

Schweigart/Huff – I like Stuart more than Huff this week, but I wouldn’t be too keen on starting either one.

 

Stay away – Tyler Brayton – not only stupid, but a terrible football player.

 

 

 

Kansas City

 

Studs – Jared Allen – if Peppers wasn’t facing a backup LT this would be the pimp D line start of the week. Allen is going to go INSANE, and I would like to offer my condolences if you play against his owner this week.

 

Strong starts – Tamba Hali – it’s the Raiders man, plenty for the rookie too. The corpse of Derrick Thomas will also get 2 sacks.

 

Gut checks – Kawicka Mitchell – will the Raiders run enough to make Mitchell relevant? I say no, but this is a true gut check.

 

Greg Wesley – inactive last week, but listed as questionable right now. If he plays, he pretty much owns the Raiders regardless of how good or bad they are. FYI.

 

Stay away – Derrick Johnson – already ruled out for this week too. Ungood.

 

 

 

 

 

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Pitt

 

Studs – James Farrior – the Keith Brooking of the AFC. Gets no love, but puts up steady numbers every week. Gotta like that.

 

Strong starts – Haggans/Porter – normally these two are gut check types, but the Cleveland OL is sad. If the Falcons weren’t down to using the equipment guy and the team chaplain they would have had 8 sacks last week easy.

 

Gut checks – Troy Polamalu – questionable with a concussion. If he keeps getting concussions he isn’t going to be around for long. Lets hope that isn’t the case. Keep an eye on the injury report; if he plays you must start him.

 

Stay away – Steeler’s DL’s – they might get some vs this OL, but considering I don’t know any of their names I cant recommend them to you.

 

 

Cleveland

 

Studs – Sean Jones – the most consistent IDP on the Browns. Top 10 DB in most formats and tied for 2^nd in the NFL with 5 interceptions.

 

Andra Davis – 9 total tackles last week, and FWP is en fuego right now.

 

Strong starts – Kamerion Wimbley – the rook is heating up, with sacks in consecutive games.

 

Gut checks – Brodney Pool – starting to get PT, but not enough to start for you. Yet.

 

Stay away – Browns CB’s – Daven Holly and Ralph Brown??? Are you flippin kidding me?

 

 

 

St Louis @ Carolina Sunday 10am PST

 

 

St Louis

 

Studs – Will Witherspoon – will be looking for revenge on his old team. I love revenge matchups!

 

Strong starts – Leonard Little – on fire and should get to Delhomme at least once.

 

O.J. Atogwe – should mop up what the inept corners let get past them. Which will be a lot.

 

Gut checks – Tye Hill – vs Steve Smith. This should be hilarious.

 

Stay away – Travis Fisher – placed on I.R.

 

 

Carolina

 

Studs – Julius Peppers – this is your IDP matchup of the week right here. Orlando Pace is out and that means the baddest DL in the game gets a backup at LT. Pray for Marc Bulger.

 

Strong starts – Davis/Draft – Davis’ ribs seem to be good to go, and I like this matchup vs SJax for both him and Chris Draft.

 

Chris Gamble – should be on Holt which should mean lots of tackles and maybe some passes defended too.

 

Shaun Williams – seems to be back to his early season hotness, if he is on your wire and you need DB help this is the guy to look at.

 

Gut checks – Lucas/Marshall – as I said earlier in the article its just too difficult to predict who will do what out of these two. If Bulger is airing it out then one or both of them could have a solid game, but I am not about to try and predict who gets what.

 

Stay away – Victor Adeyanju – don’t get too happy about that TD last week.

 

 

 

 

Philadelphia @ Tennessee Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Philly

 

Studs – Brian Dawkins – vs a rookie QB? Yes please!

 

Trent Cole – has been a little too quiet for my taste lately, but i think he will be huge vs a sorry o line this week

 

Strong starts –  Jeremiah Trotter – lots of tackles this week

 

Gut checks – Sheppard/Brown – again we are dealing with a rookie QB here, so i could see starting either of these guys if you need a DB.

 

Stay away – Matt McCoy – the early season production has trailed off.

 

 

Tennessee

 

 

Studs – Bulluck/Hope – really the only 2 guys on this defense that are absolute must starts.

 

Strong starts – Kyle Vanden Bosch – in a DL required league only

 

Stephen Tulloch – the rookie has been playing very well. I think he will have a solid game in his 3rd start.

 

Gut checks – Pacman Jones – wont be able to cover Stallworth or Reggie, which could result in some nice tackle numbers as he is beaten repeatedly.

 

Stay away – Albert Haynesworth – the big scumball will be back this week, but isnt an IDP factor.

 

 

 

 

 

Washington @ Tampa Bay Sunday 10am PST

 

 

Washington

 

Studs – none – no one is playing at a superb level for these guys right now.

 

Strong starts – Lemar Marshall – nothing like having a guy in your lineup who, although healthy, put up a big fat ZERO last week. Thanks Lemar. I think he bounces back this week vs an inept offense.

 

Sean Taylor – had 6 tackles, and also was burnt like Elvis “Toast” Patterson on Stallworth’s TD. Nice work Sean, that’s old school failure.

 

Gut checks – Marcus Washington – too unpredictable for my taste.

 

Stay away – Adam Archuleta – the highest paid safety in football is now a special teams player. Awesome.

 

 

Tampa

 

Studs – Ronde Barber – another guy who should get defensive P.O.Y. consideration, terrible team or not. He is having a flat out sick season.

 

Strong starts – Barrett Ruud – on the occasions where Betts makes it to the line of scrimmage he should find Ruud waiting for him.

 

Jermaine Phillips – should be in essence a 4^th LB in the box this weekend as I don’t think Gibbs will let Campbell go downfield much in his 1^st game.

 

Gut checks – DeWayne White –played well in relief of the injured Simeon Rice last week, and faces a 1^st time starter at QB this week. And intriguing matchup

 

Stay away – Quarles/Rice – both inactive last week, I think we might be seeing the beginning of a massive youth movement in Tampa. They need to see if Ruud and White can be starters for the team in 07.

 

 

 

Detroit @ Arizona Sunday 1:05pm PST

 

 

Detroit

 

Studs – Ernie Sims – will actually run in circles around Edgerrin, taunting him mercilessly before he brings him down for a 1 yard gain. I expect this to happen several times on Sunday.

 

Strong starts – Dre Bly – not normally an IDP factor, but this is a sneaky start vs a team with 2 stud WR’s and a completely pathetic running game. Plus Bly is a good bet for a pick against any rookie QB.

 

Gut checks – Kenoy Kennedy – back with a vengeance, but I’d give him one more week before you throw him out there.

 

Corey Redding – was the 1^st 2 sack game of his career the sign of things to come or an aberration. I vote for the latter.

 

Stay away – Daniel Bullocks- back to the bench with the return of Kennedy.

 

 

Arizona

 

Studs – Adrian Wilson – kiss the ring!

 

Gerald Hayes – led the team with 9 solos last week. Muy caliente.

 

Strong starts – Karlos Dansby – played last week (for once) and had a good game. If he practices Friday I’d feel good about starting him.

 

Bert Berry – should get back into the sack column this week

 

Gut checks – Antrel Rolle – every time I predict a good game from Rolle he tanks, so I will just leave him as a gut check and tell you he will be on Roy Williams this week. You make the call.

 

Stay away – Eric Green – got benched for Macklin this week. Dennis Green is grasping at straws here, Macklin is a journeyman and Green should be in there. Hopefully the next Cards coach will know what a defense is.

 

 

 

Seattle @ San Francisco Sunday 1:05pm PST

 

 

Seattle

 

Studs – Julian Peterson – again, I love revenge matchups! Julian is already woofing about how he wants to destroy his former team this week, and I think he will do just that.

 

Lofa Tatupu – as long as Gore is good to go I think Lofa will have a massive game.

 

Strong starts – Ken Hamlin – I still hate him for that zero on MNF, but he has another fine matchup here.

 

Gut checks – Grant Wistrom – hasn’t done much this season, but the Niners give up plenty of sacks. They aren’t the Raiders or anything, but Grant should be able to break into the sack column this week. He has 3 in the last 2 weeks.

 

Stay away – Marcus Tubbs – placed on I.R. this week.

 

 

San Francisco

 

Studs – Brandon Moore – I haven’t listed a Niners IDP in the stud column for a while, but Moore has earned it with his last 2 games. 7 solos and 2 sacks last week, and you can expect more of the same this week. Nab him if he is still on your wire.

 

Strong starts – Walt Harris – should be busy with DJax.

 

Derek Smith – a handful of tackles, as usual

 

Gut checks – Manny Lawson – too streaky for my taste, but is always a threat to get a sack.

 

Keith Lewis – the former Duck forced a fumble last week and seems to have the FS job on lockdown.

 

Stay away – Jeff Ulbrich – benched in favor of Moore.

 

 

 

Indianapolis @ Dallas Sunday 1:15pm PST

 

 

Indy

 

Studs – Cato June – has been on fire lately.

 

Strong starts – Robert Mathis – is a top DL option, but recognize that the Cowboys are giving up a lot less sacks now that their QB no longer wears cement cleats.

 

Gut checks – Bob Sanders – IF he plays, you start him. Enjoy the fun of the game time decision if you own this guy.

 

Marlin Jackson – is quite startable IF Sanders sits. Isn’t this fun?

 

Stay away – Gary Brackett – still at least a week out from a return.

 

 

Dallas

 

Studs – Roy Williams – should be busy vs this offense.

 

Strong starts – Bradie James – due for a big day

 

Newman/Henry – after seeing both McGee and Clements have solid games last week I would have no issues starting either of these guys vs Marvin and Reggie.

 

Gut checks – Demarcus Ware – I’m not fond of starting sack specialists against teams that don’t allow sacks. Call me crazy.

 

Stay away – Greg Ellis – not only done for the season, but might be done for his career.

 

 

 

Denver @ San Diego Sunday 5:15pm PST

 

 

Denver

 

Studs – Champ Bailey – another big game last week. I think he will come up huge again vs the Dolts.

 

Al Wilson – huge last week, and gets LT this week.

 

Strong starts – none

 

Gut checks – Ian Gold – listed as questionable, and Lord knows Satanahan isn’t going to tip his hand. If Gold plays he is a definite strong start vs LT.

 

Darrent Williams – showed his toughness by playing through an injury last week, but who knows if the Dolts will throw enough to the outside to allow him some stats.

 

Dumervil/Lang – Both have played well lately, but San Diego has kept Rivers upright for the most part recently.

 

Stay away – Ebenezer Ekuban – inactive last week with a thigh injury

 

 

 

San Diego

 

Studs – Donnie Edwards – on fire!

 

Strong starts – Marlon McCree – I think he will have a nice game this week.

 

Gut checks – Shaun Rogers – came back last week and had a big sack, but the Donkeys don’t give up a lot of sacks.

 

Quentin Jammer – could have a nice game as he gets beaten repeatedly by Javon Walker.

 

Stay away – Luis Castillo – inactive last week, and will probably be out for at least 2 more games.

 

 

 

New York Giants @ Jacksonville Monday 5:30pm PST

 

 

New York

 

Studs – Antonio Pierce – has been hot after a significant cold streak earlier in the season. Had 15 total tackles (9 solo) last week.

 

Strong starts – Matthias Kiwanuka – played very well in place of Osi and Strahan last week, and I think he will get to Garrard at least once this week, if not more.

 

Gibril Wilson – I think I may have had a pick against Garrard last week. Start Gibril.

 

Gut checks – Gerris Wilkinson – had a nice game last week with 5 solos and should start at WILL again this week.

 

Stay away – Sam Madison – out last week, and not looking good for this week either.

 

 

Jacksonville

 

Studs – Daryl Smith – Smith went nuclear last week with 12 solos, one sack and a forced fumble. Keep starting this guy.

 

Rashean Mathis – Eli was far from accurate last week, and Mathis has been hot. I like this matchup a lot.

 

Strong starts – Donovan Darius – up and down this season, but he usually has big games when he gets to play in prime time.

 

Gut checks – Paul Spicer – Bob Whitfield was abused by Alex Brown last week. Spicer might have his best opportunity for a studly game this week.

 

Stay away – Brian Williams – Mathis will be on Plex, and the Giants don’t have another WR worth covering.

 

 

 

Well that about wraps it up everyone. May you all run roughshod on your IDP opponents this week. Unless you play me that is! See you next week!