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Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007 01:53 PM

Week 8 value meter

By Jeff Erickson

Week 8: Bye Week - Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City, Seattle

Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay, San Diego return.

Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards.

Last updated October 23. * = check status (not necessarily injury status)

** = Game in London, England

Quarterback

  1. Tom Brady NE vs. WAS
    1. Peyton Manning IND at CAR
    2. Ben Roethlisberger PIT at CIN
    3. Eli Manning NYG at MIA*
    4. Brett Favre GB at DEN -- Note: Was limping after the Packers' game before the bye - we're assuming that it's a non-issue now.
    5. Carson Palmer CIN vs. PIT
    6. Brian Griese CHI vs. DET
    7. Derek Anderson CLE at STL
    8. Marc Bulger STL vs. CLE -- Note: Yes, I know that the Rams' OL has been beyond repair this season, but this is strictly a matchup play.
    9. Donovan McNabb PHI at MIN -- Note: Absent the blowout win over the Lions, McNabb has just three touchdown passes in five games.
    10. Philip Rivers SD vs. HOU
    11. Jay Cutler DEN vs. GB
    12. Drew Brees NO at SF
    13. Vince Young TEN vs. OAK -- Note: Young (quad) has officially been named the starter for this week. Kerry Collins played reasonably well in Young's stead against Houston.
    14. Jon Kitna DET at CHI -- Note: Fewer passes than expected last week - a new side to Mike Martz?
    15. Jason Campbell WAS at NE
    16. Jeff Garcia TB vs. JAC -- Note: Had a wrap on his throwing hand after Sunday's loss, but not on initial injury list.
    17. Matt Schaub HOU at SD -- Note: "Beat up" with hip, ankle and thigh injuries. Sage Rosenfels almost led the Texans to an improbable comeback in relief, although in fairness he contributed mightily to that hole in the first place by throwing three interceptions.
    18. Chad Pennington NYJ vs. BUF -- Note: Is this the week that the Jets turn to Kellen Clemens? Pennington actually didn't play too poorly in the loss to the Bengals.
    19. Daunte Culpepper OAK at TEN
    20. Quinn Gray JAC at TB -- Note: Taking over for the injured David Garrard for at least the next week. Too bad for the Jaguars that they have already had their bye week.
    21. David Carr CAR vs. IND -- Note: This is a very speculative call on who starts on Sunday. Vinny Testaverde might very well get the nod, but we might not know until just before kickoff. Put me in the camp that believes that the talk of a revitalized Vinny was overstated.
    22. Cleo Lemon MIA vs. NYG* -- Note: I'm sure that the NFL thought about showcasing Lemon, Jesse Chatman and Marty Booker when they scheduled this game to be played in London.
    23. Alex Smith SF vs. NO -- Note: Medically cleared to play, but seemingly unlikely to start. It's never a good thing when your head coach openly admits a lack of confidence in you, even if the reason is medically-related.
    24. Tarvaris Jackson MIN vs. PHI -- Note: Avulsion fracture on his middle finger. Kelly Holcomb could get back in the starting lineup again. How exactly did the Vikings find themselves in this mess? They have a world class run defense, an excellent offensive line, and of course Adrian Peterson. How did they end up with such poor options at quarterback?
    25. Trent Edwards BUF at NYJ -- Note: Once again, decision between Edwards and J.P. Losman should be made by Wednesday.

Running Back

  1. LaDainian Tomlinson SD vs. HOU
    1. Willie Parker PIT at CIN
    2. Adrian Peterson MIN vs. PHI
    3. Brian Westbrook PHI at MIN
    4. Joseph Addai IND at CAR -- Note: Evolving into a time-share, but I'm not that concerned. Addai got carries in the red zone, and also is going to be continually involved in the passing game. There should be plenty to go around here.
    5. Marshawn Lynch BUF at NYJ
    6. LenDale White TEN vs. OAK
    7. Frank Gore SF vs. NO -- Note: Downplaying the significance of the ankle injury.
    8. Reggie Bush NO at SF
    9. Brandon Jacobs NYG at MIA* -- Note: Sore ankle, but didn't need an MRI exam. The injury somewhat lessens the tantalizing matchup.
    10. Kevin Jones DET at CHI
    11. Cedric Benson CHI vs. DET -- Note: Sore knee, but "should be fine."
    12. Thomas Jones NYJ vs. BUF
    13. Travis Henry DEN vs. GB -- Note: Bruised ribs.
    14. Jamal Lewis CLE at STL -- Note: Returning from a strained foot.
    15. Earnest Graham TB vs. JAC -- Note: Given how well he played against Detroit, don't expect a significant decline in his workload.
    16. Maurice Jones-Drew JAC at TB -- Note: Got more carries than Taylor on Monday night, but sprained his knee late.
    17. Clinton Portis WAS at NE
    18. Jesse Chatman MIA vs. NYG* -- Note: Takes over the starting job for the injured Ronnie Brown.
    19. DeShawn Wynn GB at DEN
    20. DeShaun Foster CAR vs. IND
    21. Kenny Watson CIN vs. PIT
    22. Fred Taylor JAC at TB
    23. Ahman Green HOU at SD
    24. Laurence Maroney NE vs. WAS -- Note: On the field for just seven snaps against Miami. Workload should be increased this week.
    25. Kenton Keith IND at CAR -- Note: Got 15 carries in a backup role, including a touchdown on Monday night. He's now the new Dominic Rhodes.
    26. LaMont Jordan OAK at TEN -- Note: Only 11 carries against the Chiefs.
    27. Steven Jackson STL vs. CLE -- Note: "Really good chance" that Jackson will play this week.
    28. Chester Taylor MIN vs. PHI
    29. DeAngelo Williams CAR vs. IND
    30. Brian Leonard STL vs. CLE -- Note: Diminished workload if Jackson comes back this week.
    31. Rudi Johnson CIN vs. PIT -- Note: Inactive last week and Watson went off - even if he returns, he's going to have to share the workload.
    32. Jason Wright CLE at STL
    33. Reuben Droughns NYG at MIA*
    34. Michael Turner SD vs. HOU
    35. Leon Washington NYJ vs. BUF
    36. Derrick Ward NYG at MIA*
    37. Dominic Rhodes OAK at TEN
    38. Chris Brown TEN vs. OAK -- Note: Should be able to return from his sprained ankle this week.
    39. Kevin Faulk NE vs. WAS
    40. Michael Bennett TB vs. JAC
    41. Adrian Peterson CHI vs. DET
    42. Selvin Young DEN vs. GB
    43. Aaron Stecker NO at SF
    44. Vernand Morency GB at DEN
    45. Ladell Betts WAS at NE
    46. Correll Buckhalter PHI at MIN
    47. Brandon Jackson GB at DEN
    48. Najeh Davenport PIT at CIN
    49. Justin Fargas OAK at TEN
    50. Tatum Bell DET at CHI
    51. Ron Dayne HOU at SD
    52. Pierre Thomas NO at SF
    53. DeDe Dorsey CIN vs. PIT
    54. Anthony Thomas BUF at NYJ
    55. Greg Jones JAC at TB
    56. Samkon Gado HOU at SD
    57. Travis Minor STL vs. CLE
    58. Patrick Cobbs MIA vs. NYG*
    59. Chris Henry TEN vs. OAK
    60. Ronnie Brown MIA vs. NYG** -- Note: The hits keep on coming for the Dolphins - Brown is out for the season.

Wide Receiver

  1. Randy Moss NE vs. WAS
    1. Steve Smith CAR vs. IND
    2. Reggie Wayne IND at CAR
    3. Plaxico Burress NYG at MIA*
    4. T.J. Houshmandzadeh CIN vs. PIT
    5. Chad Johnson CIN vs. PIT
    6. Braylon Edwards CLE at STL
    7. Donald Driver GB at DEN
    8. Hines Ward PIT at CIN -- Note: Usually chews up the Bengals. Knee didn't seem to be a problem last week.
    9. Kevin Curtis PHI at MIN -- Note: Look for the Eagles to throw often this week.
    10. Laveranues Coles NYJ vs. BUF -- Note: Calf injury not a problem.
    11. Torry Holt STL vs. CLE -- Note: Still grinding out with the knee injury.
    12. Wes Welker NE vs. WAS
    13. Santonio Holmes PIT at CIN
    14. Roy Williams DET at CHI -- Note: Really hurt by the Lions' passing struggles the last two games.
    15. Jerricho Cotchery NYJ vs. BUF
    16. Donte Stallworth NE vs. WAS
    17. Brandon Marshall DEN vs. GB -- Note: DUI after Sunday's win.
    18. Bernard Berrian CHI vs. DET
    19. Marvin Harrison IND at CAR -- Note: Limited on Monday night.
    20. Joey Galloway TB vs. JAC
    21. Greg Jennings GB at DEN
    22. Andre Davis HOU at SD
    23. Marques Colston NO at SF -- Note: Still limited by a sore back.
    24. Ike Hilliard TB vs. JAC
    25. Calvin Johnson DET at CHI
    26. Reggie Brown PHI at MIN -- Note: Three drops against the Bears.
    27. Muhsin Muhammad CHI vs. DET
    28. Marty Booker MIA vs. NYG*
    29. Chris Chambers SD vs. HOU
    30. Lee Evans BUF at NYJ -- Note: Starting to be rehabilitated.
    31. Joe Jurevicius CLE at STL
    32. Amani Toomer NYG at MIA*
    33. Shaun McDonald DET at CHI
    34. Ronald Curry OAK at TEN
    35. Brandon Stokley DEN vs. GB
    36. Jerry Porter OAK at TEN -- Note: Injured shoulder in loss to the Chiefs.
    37. Arnaz Battle SF vs. NO
    38. Kevin Walter HOU at SD
    39. Roydell Williams TEN vs. OAK
    40. Devery Henderson NO at SF
    41. Vincent Jackson SD vs. HOU -- Note: Reduced role with Chambers aboard?
    42. Mike Furrey DET at CHI
    43. Dennis Northcutt JAC at TB
    44. Antwaan Randle El WAS at NE
    45. Darrell Jackson SF vs. NO
    46. Roscoe Parrish BUF at NYJ
    47. David Patten NO at SF
    48. Anthony Gonzalez IND at CAR
    49. Santana Moss WAS at NE
    50. Isaac Bruce STL vs. CLE
    51. Ernest Wilford JAC at TB
    52. Keary Colbert CAR vs. IND
    53. Lance Moore NO at SF
    54. James Jones GB at DEN
    55. Keenan McCardell WAS at NE
    56. Drew Carter CAR vs. IND
    57. Bobby Wade MIN vs. PHI
    58. Ted Ginn Jr. MIA vs. NYG*
    59. Jacoby Jones HOU at SD
    60. Reggie Williams JAC at TB
    61. Antonio Chatman CIN vs. PIT
    62. Sidney Rice MIN vs. PHI
    63. Derek Hagan MIA vs. NYG*
    64. Jason Avant PHI at MIN
    65. Andre Johnson HOU at SD -- Note: Practicing this week, but odds of playing still aren't that good.
    66. Drew Bennett STL vs. CLE -- Note: Scratched last week with the hamstring injury.

Tight End

  1. Antonio Gates SD vs. HOU
    1. Kellen Winslow CLE at STL
    2. Dallas Clark IND at CAR
    3. Jeremy Shockey NYG at MIA*
    4. Heath Miller PIT at CIN
    5. Chris Cooley WAS at NE
    6. Owen Daniels HOU at SD
    7. Desmond Clark CHI vs. DET
    8. Kyle Brady NE vs. WAS
    9. Greg Olsen CHI vs. DET
    10. Jeff King CAR vs. IND
    11. Donald Lee GB at DEN
    12. Vernon Davis SF vs. NO
    13. Eric Johnson NO at SF
    14. Randy McMichael STL vs. CLE
    15. Alex Smith TB vs. JAC -- Note: Questionable with an ankle injury.
    16. Zach Miller OAK at TEN -- Note: Frequent target against the Chiefs.
    17. Bo Scaife TEN vs. OAK
    18. Marcedes Lewis JAC at TB
    19. Matt Spaeth PIT at CIN
    20. John Madsen OAK at TEN
    21. David Martin MIA vs. NYG*
    22. Jeb Putzier HOU at SD
    23. Reginald Kelly CIN vs. PIT
    24. Chris Baker NYJ vs. BUF -- Note: Back injury.
    25. Tony Scheffler DEN vs. GB -- Note: Sprained ankle in win over Steelers.
    26. Visanthe Shiancoe MIN vs. PHI
    27. Bubba Franks GB at DEN -- Note: Probably out with a knee injury.
    28. Ben Watson NE vs. WAS -- Note: Could miss another game this week with his ankle injury.
    29. *L.J. Smith PHI at MIN -- Note: Scratched with a groin injury last week.

Kicker

  1. Adam Vinatieri IND at CAR
    1. Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. WAS
    2. Kris Brown HOU at SD
    3. Rob Bironas TEN vs. OAK
    4. Phil Dawson CLE at STL
    5. Mason Crosby GB at DEN -- Note: A homecoming game for the former Buffaloes kicker.
    6. Robbie Gould CHI vs. DET
    7. Lawrence Tynes NYG at MIA*
    8. Jeff Reed PIT at CIN
    9. David Akers PHI at MIN
    10. Jason Elam DEN vs. GB
    11. Nate Kaeding SD vs. HOU
    12. Jason Hanson DET at CHI
    13. John Kasay CAR vs. IND
    14. Shaun Suisham WAS at NE
    15. Shayne Graham CIN vs. PIT
    16. Jay Feely MIA vs. NYG*
    17. Jeff Wilkins STL vs. CLE
    18. Sebastian Janikowski OAK at TEN
    19. Joe Nedney SF vs. NO
    20. Matt Bryant TB vs. JAC

Defense

  1. New York Giants at Miami*
    1. Tennessee vs. Oakland
    2. Tampa Bay vs. Jacksonville
    3. San Diego vs. Houston
    4. Chicago vs. Detroit
    5. Minnesota vs. Philadelphia
    6. New England vs. Washington
    7. Philadelphia at Minnesota
    8. Jacksonville at Tampa Bay
    9. Indianapolis at Carolina
    10. New Orleans at San Francisco
    11. Green Bay at Denver
    12. San Francisco vs. New Orleans
    13. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
    14. Denver vs. Green Bay
    15. Detroit at Chicago
    16. Oakland at Tennessee
    17. Cleveland at St. Louis
    18. Buffalo at New York Jets
    19. New York Jets vs. Buffalo
    20. Carolina vs. Indianapolis
    21. Washington at New England
    22. Miami vs. New York Giants
    **
  2. St. Louis vs. Cleveland
  3. Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh
  4. Houston at San Diego