The Texans had a great opportunity to make a playoff surge with two straight games at home against the Titans and Colts. While the Texans started each game strong, they gave both games away late in the fourth quarter will unfortunate play.

Giving Away Playoff Dreams

The Colts were down until a 4th quarter touchdown from Peyton Manning to Dallas Clark. After that touchdown throw the Colts took the lead 21 to 20 and never looked back.

Matt Schaub could have been a hero but on the next drive, he threw an interception for a touchdown and the score was 28 to 20.

Then on the next drive Schaub fumbled the football and the Colts ran a touchdown in from 23-yards out to put the game away.

This was a very disappointing ending for the Texans for the third straight week in a row as they are now five and six on the season. Unless they can win out for the rest of the year the Texans will miss the playoffs once again.

Manning and Colts have Game Handed to Them

This was another shaky game for Manning and the Colts’ offense as they had to play from behind most of the game.

If this team is going to stay undefeated next week against the Titans one has to think they need to pick up their play for the future.

From a fantasy perspective, Manning has been slipping for the last month and today was just a continuation of his struggles. If fantasy owners with Manning hope to make a dent in the playoffs, they will need Manning to turn things around fast.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This was a pathetic display of an offense yet again by the Cleveland Browns, as they were shut out at home against the Ravens. I’m not sure how long it’s going to be before this organization turns things around, but it will take a few years.

Ravens Defense Pitches Shutout

This was the kind of game the Ravens’ defense needed as they dominated the Browns’ offense all game long. Not only did the Ravens shut out the Browns, but they also scored a defensive touchdown in the process.

Next week the Ravens will face much stiffer competition when they play against the Indianapolis Colts offense at home.

Peyton Manning has had this team’s number over the years, and it will be interesting to see if the Ravens can hold this team out of the end zone.

Browns Suck

Brady Quinn may end up being a decent backup quarterback one day, but he’s never going to make it as a starter with the Browns. Unfortunately, the Browns seem to not believe in throwing the football farther than five yards down the field.

If they could ever show some creativity in the passing game (down the field passing) then maybe we could find out if Quinn could get something done.

In the end fantasy football owners should look to start all defenses that play against this offense. The Browns are the worst offense in football (worse than the Raiders), and they’re not getting better any time soon.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

The Patriots had the Colts right where they wanted them but in the end they gave the game away. A poor call by head coach Bill Belichick allowed Peyton Manning to have the ball at the 28 yard line as he cruised his team down for the winning touchdown.

This loss should allow the Colts to have home field advantage for the playoffs. It looks like the road to the Super Bowl will go through Indianapolis once again.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Colts (9-0)

Until the final minutes of the final quarter between the Colts and Patriots it looked like Indianapolis’s undefeated season was done. Fortunately for the Colts they got the football back one more time and Peyton Manning hit Reggie Wayne for the winning touchdown.

This was a big game for the Colts’ chances for home field through the playoffs. It was also a game that got Manning going again after a few slow fantasy games. At this time, the Colts are the better of the two undefeated NFL teams.

2. Saints (9-0)

The Saints are still undefeated but for the fourth week in a row they didn’t have a strong game. This game was the most concerning close game as they were playing against the St. Louis Rams.

After the game head coach Sean Payton light into his team like they lost the game and in hind site he probably did the right thing.

Hopefully, the Saints will be able to start fast against the Buccaneers next week.

3. Vikings (8-1)

Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and the Vikings’ defense are firing on all cylinders right now and are a very good team. Look for the Vikings to play another spirited game against the Seahawks next week.

4. Bengals (7-2)

The Bengals are for real as they are now one victory against the Browns away from sweeping their division schedule this season. With a commanding lead in the AFC North, the Bengals are now looking to earn themselves a division championship and a first round bye in the playoffs.

Hopefully, Cedric Benson can return from his hip injury soon as they need their strong running game. If Benson continues to have problems than the team will lean on Bernard Scott and eventuality Larry Johnson.

5. Patriots (6-3)

I was ready to put the Patriots as possibly the top team in the power rankings before they lost at the end to the Colts. Even though the Patriots lost the game it is clear that they will be a factor when the playoffs come.

Look for Brady and the boys to put together a great ending of the fantasy football season for fantasy owners.

6. Steelers (6-3)

The Steelers have lost to the Bengals twice this season and are now two games back for the division lead. Look for the Steelers to bounce back and have a big scoring weekend this coming week against the Chiefs.

All Steeler players make for great fantasy plays this week.

7. Cowboys (6-3)

Last weeks loss to the Packers was a disappointment but I believe the Cowboys will get back on track this weekend. With a home game against the Redskins on deck all players on this team make for good starts on your fantasy team.

One player that fantasy football owners need to keep an eye on is Marion Barber. Barber had a relapse with his fractured thumb and is losing carries because of it.

8. Chargers (6-3)

The Chargers are one more win away from taking the division lead back from the Denver Broncos. So much for the Broncos six wins to start the season as they have now dropped their last three in a row.

I believe the Chargers will get it done in Denver and take the lead back.

9. Cardinals (6-3)

The Cardinals have now put two wins together, and they will face the St. Louis Rams this up coming week. This team’s offense is starting to find another dimension as Chris Beanie Wells is becoming a force on the ground.

Look for Arizona to make easy work of the Rams next week and roll to their seventh victory of the season.

10. Broncos (6-3)

It took awhile before the Broncos fell apart and started to lose games, but it has finally come to pass. This teams Cinderella start is over, and they are now one win away from losing the once commanding lead in their division.

If Kyle Orton can’t play in this up coming game than the Chargers should make easy work of the Broncos.

• 11. Texans (5-4)
• 12. Eagles (5-4)
• 13. Giants (5-4)
• 14. Falcons (5-4)
• 15. Packers (5-4)
• 16. Jaguars (5-4)
• 17. Ravens (5-4)
• 18. 49ers (4-5)
• 19. Panthers (4-5)
• 20. Titans (3-6)
• 21. Dolphins (4-5)
• 22. Jets (4-5)
• 23. Bears (4-5)
• 24. Seahawks (4-5)
• 25. Bills (3-6)
• 26. Redskins (3-6)
• 27. Chiefs (2-7)
• 28. Buccaneers (1-8)
• 29. Rams (1-8)
• 30. Lions (1-8)
• 31. Raiders (2-7)
• 32. Browns (1-8)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This game looked like the Patriots’ victory all the way up to the two minute warning of this game. In the end, the Colts were given one last opportunity and took advantage for a 35 to 34 victory at home.

Brady to Moss

If you own Randy Moss or Tom Brady on your fantasy football team you had another great performance from both. The Patriots threw the football with confidence and success all night long against the Colts respectable pass defense.

For the game Brady threw for over 300 yards and had three touchdown passes. Moss benefited from that production for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

Look for both these players to have continued success as we move along this season. Brady is back and looks fully healthy, so there is no cause for concern about this offense slowing down.

Manning to Wayne

While Moss and Brady had a big game the Colts’ connection of Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne was effective as well. On their final hook up Wayne made a spectacular catch in the end zone to take the lead over the Patriots with 13 seconds left in the game.

Manning had over 300 yards passing and posted four touchdown passes in the comeback win. Wayne benefited from that production for 126 yards receiving and two touchdown passes.

The Colts are still undefeated and now have a commanding lead over the Patriots for home field advantage. Look for the road to the Super Bowl to go through Indianapolis this year in the AFC.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

As we move into week ten for the NFL football season there are still two teams that are undefeated and atop the NFL power rankings. Outside of the Colts and Saints fabulous starters we still have other teams like the Vikings, Patriots, Steelers and even Bengals that are closing in the rankings.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Saints (8-0)

Drew Brees and the Saints are still winning ball games but the last three weeks they’ve been close to losing.

Looking past this teams recent struggles it is easy to see they are vastly improved from last year. The big turnaround for this team is when they picked up defensive coordinator Greg Williams.

His impact on the defense has given them respectability on that side of the football. Not to mention fantasy football relevance.

2. Colts (8-0)

Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense have slowed down in touchdown production the past two weeks. If they have any shot of staying undefeated this week against the Patriots, they will need to turn up the point scoring once again.

3. Vikings (7-1)

Brett Favre has made a major impact on this team as they now have balance on offense and as a team. With Favre at the helm forgotten receivers like Sidney Rice have come out of the wood work and become fantasy starting players.

As long as Favre continues to stay healthy this team will continue to roll and could be atop the NFL power rankings soon.

4. Patriots (6-2)

The Patriots’ offense has come on strong in the past three games and Tom Brady is looking better all the time. If the Colts continue their struggles in scoring offense than I fully expect the Patriots to win this weekend.

Going forward I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots’ defense gets stronger and the end up in the Super Bowl.

5. Steelers (6-2)

Sure the Bengals are 6 and 2 and have beaten the Steelers this year, but I’m still going with the champs. The Steelers proved on Monday night against the Broncos why they are still one of the best teams in football.

With the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall in the running game the Steelers can now lean on the running game when they need to. I expect them to win this weekend against the Bengals.

6. Bengals (6-2)

This season has been a pleasant surprise for the Bengals. With Cedric Benson doing his best Rudi Johnson impersonation and the defense emerging this team is ready for the playoffs.

Cincinnati has already beaten the Ravens twice this season and beat the Steelers. This week they play the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and I expect the Bengals to lose. If the Bengals do, in fact, win, they will be the clear favorite to win the AFC North.

7. Broncos (6-2)

The past two weeks have been tough for the once undefeated Denver Broncos. This weekend they should get healthy with a blowout win against the Redskins.

From a fantasy perspective, we need to see this team go down the field more often. Doing so with help fantasy football values of Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler.

8. Cowboys (6-2)

If the Cowboys can put two road wins together this weekend against the Packers I will truly believe in their turnaround. As it stands right now Dallas is the favorite to win the NFC East as they are in first place.

Miles Austin has made a major impact on this team and will be a top 15 fantasy receiver coming into next year.

9. Falcons (5-3)

Having the Falcons ranked this high is very debatable, but I just believe they are the more balanced team of all the 5 and 3 teams. With Matt Ryan’s steady play in the passing game and Michael Turner’s re-emergence, this team is rolling.

10. Cardinals (5-3)

I would have the Eagles above the Cardinals if they prove to me, they can win without the big play in the air. For a team like the Eagles to drop a game to the Raiders is just not worthy of being in the top ten teams right now.

While the Cardinals haven’t run the ball great they have proven they can win on the road this season. Because of their undefeated record on the road and solid run defense, I’m willing to give them a pass for their loss to the Panthers.

• 11. Eagles (5-3)
• 12. Chargers (5-3)
• 13. Texans (5-4)
• 14. Giants (5-4)
• 15. Ravens (4-4)
• 16. Jets ( 4-4)
• 17. Packers (4-4)
• 18. 49ers (3-5)
• 19. Dolphins (3-5)
• 20. Bears (4-4)
• 21. Jaguars (4-4)
• 22. Titans (2-6)
• 23. Seahawks (3-5)
• 24. Panthers (3-5)
• 25. Bills (3-5)
• 26. Raiders (2-6)
• 27. Chiefs (1-7)
• 28. Buccaneers (1-7)
• 29. Lions (1-7)
• 30. Redskins (2-6) Has this team given up?
• 31. Rams (1-7)
• 32. Browns (1-7)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This week Tom Brady and Peyton Manning face off on Sunday night football. While this should be a fun game fantasy football owners are hoping for a massive shootout that see’s both quarterbacks putting up big stats.

While this week will be all about the Patriots and Colts for fantasy it’s really about the stud running backs and great matchups.

At this time of the year, we start to see the running backs around the league play more of a factor. Every week we go from here the weather starts to worsen around the country and teams lean on the running game for production. Make sure you pick wisely when choosing your running backs.

Below we have our survivor pool rankings split into three sections, and they are studs, mid range and poor plays.

We hope these survivor pool rankings help you choose those stud players you need this week for a successful start to the 2009 survivor fantasy season.

Quarterbacks

Studs

• Tom Brady @ Colts
• Peyton Manning vs Patriots
• Drew Brees @ Rams
• Tony Romo @ Packers
• Aaron Rodgers vs Cowboys
• Kurt Warner vs Seahawks

Mid Range

• Ben Roethlisberger vs Bengals
• Donovan McNabb @ Chargers
• Philip Rivers vs Eagles
• Brett Favre vs Lions
• Jay Cutler @ 49ers

Poor Plays

• Carson Palmer @ Steelers
• David Garrard @ Jets

Running Backs

Studs

• Adrian Peterson vs Lions
• Steven Jackson vs Saints
• Chris Johnson vs Bills
• Pierre Thomas @ Rams
• Ronnie Brown vs Buccaneers
• Michael Turner @ Panthers
• Ray Rice @ Browns
• DeAngelo Williams vs Falcons

Mid Range

• Rashard Mendenhall vs Bengals
• Maurice Jones-Drew @ Jets
• Frank Gore vs Bears
• Matt Forte @ 49ers
• Thomas Jones vs Jaguars
• Marion Barber @ Cowboys

Poor Plays

• Cedric Benson @ Steelers ( Better Matchups Coming Soon Use Then)
• Kevin Smith @ Vikings
• LaDainian Tomlinson vs Eagles (Already Talking Retirement)

Wide Receivers

Studs

• Randy Moss @ Colts
• Reggie Wayne vs Patriots
• Larry Fitzgerald vs Seahawks
• Marcus Colston @ Rams
• Devin Hester @ 49ers

Mid Range

• Miles Austin @ Packers
• DeSean Jackson @ Chargers
• Roddy White @ Panthers
• Wes Welker @ Colts
• Greg Jennings vs Cowboys
• Donald Driver vs Cowboys
• Brandon Marshall @ Redskins
• Sidney Rice vs Lions

Poor Plays

• Terrell Owens @ Titans
• Chad Ochocinco @ Steelers

Tight Ends

Studs

• Vernon Davis vs Bears
• Dallas Clark vs Patriots
• Greg Olsen @ 49ers
• Jeremy Shockey @ Rams

Mid Range

• Heath Miller vs Bengals
• Tony Gonzalez @ Panthers
• Antonio Gates vs Eagles
• Dustin Keller vs Jaguars
• Brent Celek @ Chargers

Poor Plays

• John Carlson @ Cardinals (Needs to Get it Going)

Kickers

Studs

• David Akers @ Chargers
• Nick Folk @ Packers (Check Weather Before Sunday)
• Stephen Gostkowski @ Colts
• Nate Kaeding vs Eagles
• Ryan Longwell vs Lions

Mid Range

• Robbie Gould @ 49ers
• Rob Bironas vs Bills
• Shayne Graham @ Steelers
• Mason Crosby vs Cowboys

Poor Plays

• John Kasey vs Falcons
• Jason Hanson @ Vikings

Defense/ ST

Studs

• Ravens @ Browns
• Vikings vs Lions
• Saints @ Rams
• Broncos @ Redskins

Mid Range

• Dolphins vs Buccaneers
• Titans vs Bills
• Steelers vs Bengals
• Cowboys @ Packers

Poor Plays

• Packers vs Cowboys
• Bengals @ Steelers

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Standing atop the highlights for week nine in fantasy football has to be the reemergence of stud running back Michael Turner. In the past two weeks Turner has a yards per carry of over eight yards.

Not to mention that he has racked up over 300 yards rushing in those games and has three touchdowns.

Before this surge, it looked like Turner was going to be a bust for as high as fantasy football owners drafted him. Now, he looks like his old self and is ready to have a very strong second half of the season.

Below I have some observations from the ninth week of the regular season and how I see those points of interest playing out from a fantasy perspective.

2009 NFL Regular Season Week Nine

• Falcons vs Redskins
• Cardinals vs Bears
• Bengals vs Ravens
• Colts vs Texans
• Patriots vs Dolphins
• Buccaneers vs Packers
• Chargers vs Giants
• Titans vs 49ers
• Cowboys vs Eagles
• Steelers vs Broncos

Regular Season First Eight Weeks

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
• Week Seven
• Week Eight
  

Fantasy Football Regular Season Week Nine Notes:

Failure to Launch

The stats for Peyton Manning don’t look that bad as he did have 50 passing attempts for 318 yards and a touchdown score.

However, Manning has lost the killer instinct that he had early in the season as he’s now only thrown one touchdown pass in that past two weeks.

For the game Manning found his star tight end Dallas Clark up and down the field for 14 catches and 119 yards. While this was a great effort from Clark, fantasy owners want to see Clark stick one or two of those into the end zone.

Hopefully, the Colts will get back to their stellar play next week when the New England Patriots come to town.

Cedric Benson Runs Hard

This season has been a great one for fantasy football owners with Cedric Benson on their team(s).

The last time Benson played the Ravens, he posted the first 100 yard rushing game against their defense in years. This time around one had to believe that the Ravens would be ready for Benson and not allow him to go over the century mark twice.

By games end Benson posted 34 carries for 117 yards rushing and a touchdown run. The Bengals road Benson for their second win against the Ravens and their 4th win in the division.

The Bengals are still atop the division as they get ready for the Steelers next week . If they can win that game, they will have swept the Steelers and Ravens for the season.

Randy Moss Big Down the Stretch

In the middle of the third quarter both teams were tied 17 all but that was until Tom Brady found Moss.

Close to the end of the quarter Moss caught a pass and put a stiff arm on a defender and took the play to the house. The touchdown went for 71 yards and helped the Patriots take control of the game.

For the game Moss had six catches for 147 yards and the score.

Next week the Patriots will go to Indianapolis and will play against he rival Colts on Sunday night football. Get for fantasy players in for this one as it should be a great game.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

In what was expected to be a high scoring game turned out to be a game for dink and dunk offense and conservative play. In the end, the Colts won the game but fantasy football owners would like to see them be more aggressive in the future.

Failure to Launch

The stats for Peyton Manning don’t look that bad as he did have 50 passing attempts for 318 yards and a touchdown score.

However, Manning has lost the killer instinct that he had early in the season as he’s now only thrown one touchdown pass in that past two weeks.

For the game Manning found his star tight end Dallas Clark up and down the field for 14 catches and 119 yards. While this was a great effort from Clark, fantasy owners want to see Clark stick one or two of those into the end zone.

Hopefully, the Colts will get back to their stellar play next week when the New England Patriots come to town.

Moats Out Works Slaton

For the game, running back Ryan Moats continued to carry a bigger load of the ground game than former starter Steve Slaton. We can now officially say that Slaton needs to be on fantasy benches and should remain there until he wins his job back.

Moats is taking away too much work in the ground game and should continue to for the next few games.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Safety Bob Sanders has been a fixture on the Indianapolis Colts defense for a few years now. While Sanders has consistently played at a high level (when on the field) he’s missed a lot of time in his career to injury.

Today, Sanders was officially placed on injured reserve effectively ending his season. This now means that Sanders will only participate in two games for this entire season.

Including the rest of this season, Sanders has now missed more games (played in 47 missed 48) in his career than he has played in the regular season.

For all of Sanders injuries it is undeniable (before this season) that he was the Colts heart and soul in their defense. Especially when it came to the defenses’ ability to stuff the run.

Is It Over?

In a column from IndyStar.com, it is suggested that this season could in fact be Sanders final year with the Colts.

Part of the reason for letting Sanders go is money and another reason is because of the play of safety Melvin Bullitt.

Not only has Bullitt played solid this season, but he has shown an ability to stay healthy. Beyond that Sanders will be turning 29 years old next season and Bullitt will only be 25.

If this is the end for Sanders as a Colt I will always remember how he came back from missing almost the entire 2006 season and help the Colts win a championship. Until Sanders came back and played at the end of that season the team couldn’t stop the run if their lives depended on it.

It is reasonable to say that if Sanders wasn’t able to return that season Peyton Manning would still be looking for his first title.

Sanders greatest personal achievement came a season later when the league named him the defensive player of the year in 2007.

Colts Secondary is Hurting

Since Sanders had not played much this season his loss may not be felt as bad in the defense’s performance going forward.

However, one has to wonder just how many secondary players can this team lose before it becomes a big problem. This week corner back Marlin Jackson was also placed on IR because he tore an acl in practice.

Beyond Sanders and Jackson’s season ending injuries the team will also be without starting corner Kelvin Hayden for another month because of a knee injury.

With all these injuries mounting one has to be concerned about his defense’s ability to stop the pass.

Fantasy Football Breakdown

If the secondary should suffer than look for the Colts to engage in more shootouts when they play good offenses. Injuries to the Colts secondary make apposing passing games more attractive to fantasy football players.

On the other side of the coin Manning and the boys may have to start throwing the football more often to win games. Because of the issues in the secondary Manning could post some big numbers in the next few weeks.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

If you thought Peyton Manning and the Colts would blow away the 49ers in this game you were sadly mistaken. Manning failed to produce a touchdown score for the first time this season as Joseph Addai saved the day with a touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne.

49ers Impress On All Fronts

The 49ers may have dropped their third game in a row, but it is clear to see that this team is much improved over years past.

Quarterback Alex Smith is taking strides to actually becoming the quality quarterback the 49ers drafted him to be.

Smith’s number wouldn’t blow you away, but he did have 199 yards passing and found his favorite target in Vernon Davis for a touchdown.

Michael Crabtree had another strong performance as he totaled six receptions for 81 yards receiving. At this time, Crabtree is worth starting in PPR fantasy football leagues as he is a reception beast.

Frank Gore got things going again with a nice 64-yard touchdown run early in the game. Look for Gore to continue to stay hot as we move ahead as he now seems to be fully healthy from his ankle issue.

The 49ers defense did a great job of applying pressure on Manning for the entire game. Manning was sacked only two times this entire season coming into this game. By games end the 49ers sacked Manning a total of three times and pressured him all day long.

Look for the 49ers to give the Cardinals all they can handle for the NFC Western Division title.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com