Players I like this week (week 7)

Since I had a fun time with this last week - thought I'd try it again. Here are some players that might be flying under the radar in week 7...and I think might exceed their average numbers per game.

Cedric Benson RB, CHI
Cedric actually looked pretty good against the Minnesota defense last week. Even though the Philly defense is ranked 9th on the season on rush defense the numbers have been a bit misleading. They've played the Packers (and we know how their run game has been) and an underwhelming performance from the Washington run game. Last week they allowed 130 yards to Thomas Jones and 80 yards to Derrick Ward the week before. We know that Benson is going to get the carries. This might end up being a big game for him.

Chris Cooley TE, WAS
This is sort of a no-brainer. Cooley got 10 targets from Campbell last week. Partly because the Washington WRs dropped about 6 balls. Arizona is 17th against the pass. Washington has a lot of their OL injured. I don't think Campbell will have time to throw it deep - and a lot of short drops mean a bunch of quick out patterns to Cooley.

Jeff Garcia QB, TB
Garcia is playing the Detriot defense and hasn't thrown a pick on the year. Do we really need any more details?

Lance Moore WR, NOS
Lance beat out Devery Henderson for the starting spot - partly based on a recommendation of Drew Brees. Patten caught a lot of balls last week - but do you expect that continue? Patten couldn't stay healthy in Washington...and more people will likely target him in this weeks free agent pickup. How can you go wrong with a guy that Brees says he likes his ability to catch the football?

Wednesday updates...

Well folks, if you're like me and were pretty happy with Sammy Morris and his efforts filling in for Laurence Maroney...this report from ESPN says he'll likely be out a month. I like the chances that Maroney comes back this week.

There is also news that the Patriots worked out Kevin Barlow on Monday...just when you thought Maroney might be in for all the goal line carries...

The Raiders defense is allowing the most yards per carry to opposing backs. This report from Inside Bay Area has some good analysis about the Raiders defense. Might be good news for those Larry Johnson (and maybe Priest Holmes) owners out there. Also note that the Raiders are on pace to give up 2300 yards for the year. Ouch.

The Saints looked pretty good on Sunday night. Pierre Thomas scored on a fumble recovery - but on special teams duty. Aaron Stecker's injury might open for the door for Pierre to get some more carries in relief of Reggie Bush.

A number of people, like this guy...believed Adrian Peterson would be a great player this year. You don't have to sell me, I was on the bandwagon in the preseason.

Reasons why we'll see Priest suit up...

I'm back from my trip for a friends wedding in Martha's Vineyard to post a few reasons why I think Priest Holmes might be a factor this year (BUT maybe not until playoff time)...

1) Larry Johnson ran for 119 yards on 31 carries this past Sunday. But wait you say, Larry IS BACK! He went over 100 yards in a game! Surely he's gotten this thing figured out. Ah - not so much. Larry ran for 106 yards on 16 carries in the first half. He then ran for 13 yards on 15 carries in the second half. Numerous mistakes, indecision and other things clouded Larry's performance this weekend. Do we need anymore reasons to give Mr. Diapers a slice of humble pie?

2) According to numerous reports, the Chiefs have traded Larry's backup Michael Bennett to Tampa Bay.

3) Herm Edwards has a lot of good things to say about Priest, and according to SI, he's been in almost daily contact with his Priest.

4) Coach Edwards said "You've got to find a way to get him in the game."

5) Because I told you about it last week.

We won't know for sure if Priest will play this week against Oakland until after he practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

Put a waiver request in...if you have someone expendable on your fantasy bench.