Monday Morning Hangover: Week Nine

Jeff Haverlack

freeman

Editor’s Note: Make sure you check out the lower left on the DLF Home page – you’ll discover our Member Corner articles are back and better than ever.

Every Sunday we’re featuring the Sunday Six Pack that covers the day’s biggest storylines. We follow this up each and every Monday with the Monday Hangover, which looks back on those stories and covers what we learned. These back-to-back articles are sure to get you primed, pumped and informed throughout the entire season. In addition, reading these articles will ensure you understand the dangers of not paying attention or drinking too much on Sundays.

Can #1)  Free Ray Rice?

True to the recipe, the Ravens gave Ray Rice 25 carries in addition to two receptions on as many targets.  In the end, Rice didn’t have a stellar day, gaining 104 total yards, but he did chip in with a touchdown in the first quarter.  Ultimately, the Ravens outlasted the Browns 25-15 in anything other than a convincing performance.  Had it not been for a rushing touchdown by Bernard Pierce, Rice may have added a second score in the first quarter.  In the end, Pierce himself ran for 26 yards on seven attempts.  The 6-2 Ravens play host to the Raiders in week ten.  Fresh off of a contest in which Tampa’s Doug Martin rushed for 251 yards, you have to believe that Baltimore Head Coach John Harbaugh will be advising Rice to eat his Wheaties come Sunday.

Can #2) Arian Foster’s Record Day?

Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans are becoming a balanced offense.  Arian Foster commands so much defensive attention that Matt Schaub and his capable receivers have been able to keep to a balanced game plan.  On Sunday, Foster was showcased again and ran for 111 yards on 24 carries and scored on a three yard run.  Surprisingly, Foster had no receptions on the day and only one target.  With Ben Tate potentially limited for a week or two to come, expect a heavy dose of Foster again when they travel to Chicago.  The Bears haven’t been kind to visiting teams and the match-up isn’t one to be excited about.  But regardless of who the opponent is, Foster is a must start every week without question.

Can #3) Cam vs. RGIII

Chalk one up for Cam Newton.  Newton and the Panthers rolled into Landover and put together as statistically sound performance, besting Robert Griffin III and his Redskins by a score of 21-13.  RGIII didn’t account for even a single touchdown on Sunday and it’s obvious that the lack of dynamic receivers will likely continue to dog the Redskins for the remainder of the season.  The inside word on Pierre Garcon is that he may be shut down for the remainder of the season and there isn’t much in the cupboard to get excited about.  To Newton’s credit, he showed poise and confidence on the field and seemed to have a swagger that has been missing in recent weeks.  Cam threw for a single touchdown (the first of the year for Steve Smith) and ran for another while he totaled 201 yards through the air, while RGIII could only muster 215 yards.  The two dynamic quarterbacks combined for a total of 90 yards rushing between them.  Next up for the Panthers is a visit by the surging Broncos, while RGIII and the Skins get a much needed bye.

Can #4) Stafford Reborn?

Matt Stafford did throw for 285 yards, but didn’t score a touchdown as the Lions had little problem with the struggling Jaguars.  One can’t pin this performance on Stafford, however, as the Detroit run-game needed little assistance.  A combination of Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell ran for 143 yards and four touchdowns, Leshoure himself scoring three times.  Stafford owners will be happy to see Calvin Johnson net 129 yards on seven receptions while battling an ailing knee likely to limit him for the remainder of 2012.  The Lions at 4-4 travel to Minnesota next before welcoming Green Bay to town.  Until Stafford can reclaim some level of consistent fantasy productivity, he’s best used as a high-end QB2.

Can #5) Won’t You Fly Freeman?

Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman turned in yet another fine performance vs. the Raiders, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns.   Doug Martin ran roughshod over the Oakland defense, churning out 251 rushing yards and four touchdowns.  Freeman connected with nine separate targets, Vincent Jackson leading all Tampa receivers with 84 yards on two receptions and a single touchdown.  Continuing on his 2012 comeback tour, Mike Williams reeled in four receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.  With his perfomance, Freeman is making a strong case as a low-end QB1.  In week ten, the Bucs host the mediocre Chargers and he will be an intriguing option.

Can #6) Tannehill v. Luck

Not many believed Ryan Tannehill would be playing as he has thus far into the 2012 season.  But you’d have found still fewer that believed Andrew Luck isn’t destined for greatness, the only debate being as to when.  It was with great anticipation that many tuned in on Sunday as these two rookie quarterbacks met for the first time.

In a very competitive game, neither slinger disappointed, but Luck was the better passer, amassing 433 yards through the air and two touchdowns, breaking Cam Newton’s single game rookie passing record in the process.  For his part, Tannehill threw for 290 yards and a single touchdown.  In the end, the Dolphins fell short, losing 23-20.

For the Colts, Luck displayed the ability to effectively distribute the ball, with four receivers notching at least six receptions.  Tannehill relied on his two veteran receivers, Brian Hartline and Davone Bess, but neither one getting into the end zone; you should fully expect a first round receiver selection in Miami.   Regardless of why fantasy owners drafted one of these rookies, both are making a strong case to be long term players in the league.  With Luck, there is little doubt about the legacy he will eventually leave on the field.  With Tannehill, it would seemingly appear that those that took a chance in the second or third round of a rookie draft are going to be well rewarded.

jeff haverlack