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McNabb, Eagles awake from fantasy slumber
By Eric Lansing
lansing@mscd.edu

My last week prediction that Cincinnati against Seattle might produce Week 3’s 100-point game was way off, as the Philadelphia and Detroit matchup was the high scoring game of the week. Well, it was more of the Eagles offense that contributed 56 of the 77 total points. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb finally came out of hibernation for owners throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns. Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook also reaped the benefits rushing for 110 yards, grabbing five catches for 111 yards and scoring three touchdowns after being questionable all week with an abdominal strain. I almost second-guessed myself about sitting Westbrook on my bench with that injury thinking I should go with a healthier option.

But I thank my lucky stars I didn’t and you other Westbrook owners remember Week 3, as he will be questionable all season and you should start him every week.

Now I am going to toot my own horn, as last week I told fantasy owners to pick up Seattle wide receiver Bobby Engram off of the free-agent market if they needed a solid option at the last minute. Engram came through with five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown and helped all of you readers who thought better of my knowledge and used it to your advantage. Those who didn’t will assuredly heed my call this week.

MATCHUPS:
Cincinnati against New England: This will be the game all of you fantasy owners better be a part of because these teams are two of the top point scorers in the league. Tom Brady to Randy Moss for a touchdown will be a recurring event as Carson Palmer tossing touchdown passes to Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will also be the norm in this Monday night affair. I will even throw out a fantasy sleeper for those who may be searching the free agent market for a player. Patriots’ running back Sammy Morris will split carries with Laurence Maroney and could also catch a few passes and expect a touchdown from this guy. All receivers should be played in this contest if you have the means.
Philadelphia against the New York Giants: I really don’t have to say that if you own any Eagles’ players, start them. The Giants are one of the worst pass-defending teams in the league and McNabb and company should continue their high-flying ways.
Also, don’t discredit Giants quarterback Eli Manning, wide receiver Plaxico Burress, tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Derrick Ward as the Eagles gave up 446 yards passing to the Lions. So I would start every Giants offensive player if possible.
Pittsburgh against Arizona: Hey, was it just me or was there a Kurt Warner sighting in the Cardinals’ game against the Baltimore Ravens last week? In fact, he played well in place of benched quarterback Matt Leinart, but don’t expect to see similar numbers against a very stingy Steelers’ defense who have given up only 26 points all season. On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh has been on fire scoring 97 points in its three contests. Start Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, running back Willie Parker and, of course, the Steelers’ defense. Stay away from all Cardinals unless you like to lose in fantasy football.

WHO TO START:
Quarterbacks: Donovan McNabb against the New York Giants, Tom Brady against Cincinnati and Tony Romo against St. Louis

Running backs: Thomas Jones against Buffalo, Joseph Addai against Denver, Marion Barber III against St. Louis and Sammy Morris against Cincinnati

Wide Receiver: Bernard Berrian against Detroit, Kevin Curtis against the New York Giants, Plaxico Burress against Philadelphia and Lee Evans against the New York Jets

Tight Ends: Antonio Gates against Kansas City, Heath Miller against Arizona and Dallas Clark against Denver

Kickers: Jeff Reed against Arizona, Adam Vinatieri against Denver and Jay Feely against Oakland

Defenses: Indianapolis against Denver, San Diego against Kansas City and Tampa Bay against Carolina

LATE FREE AGENT PICKUPS:
Carnell Williams, running back, Tampa Bay: The bye weeks begin in Week 4 and you may need someone to fill a void, or if you are like me, has to fill the spot of Saints running back Deuce McAllister, whose season ended after knee surgery. Williams has played well the past few weeks accumulating three rushing touchdowns. So get him while he’s hot because once defenses realize Tampa Bay can’t throw, this Cadillac may be stopped in his tracks before too long.

Joey Harrington, quarterback, Atlanta: Hold on before you say, “Eric, are you crazy?” The answer is obviously yes, but for other reasons. Listen to me for a bit as Harrington found a rhythm and he completed 31 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns.

The most interesting stat is he had zero interceptions on the day, which is a usual staple from this quarterback bust from Oregon. Houston gives up 237 yards passing per game so expect over 250 yards and a couple of scores, but I am not promising zero interceptions, so good luck.

Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver, Kansas City: I know what you’re thinking. “Wouldn’t I be an idiot if I picked up any Chief these days with them averaging less than 10 points per game?”

Well, yes but the free agent pool is slim and Bowe is at least the No. 1 wideout on the team and will face off against the Chargers who give up more than 250 yards per game through the air. If, and this is a big if, the Chiefs can get Larry Johnson going in the running game, the passing game will open up for Bowe and he will get the catches.