Thursday Night Football Early Reactions

Everyone that follows professional football knows that week 3 of the preseason is THE week to follow closely. It’s the week that the starters play the most snaps and we get to see how well certain rising and falling stars really do. In the end, this week doesn’t mean much for the stars of the league, but for rookies and unproven guys, this could be a make or break type week.

• Torrey Smith is dominating the Jaguars secondary and Flacco is looking his way consistently. In three quarters of work Torrey has 8 catches for 103 yards on 11 targets. He is moving up my rankings after this showing.

• Cedric Benson should be good for the Packers this year. In his first game action of the year, after not being with a team all preseason, Benson has 6 carries for 38 yards and 1 catch for 10 yards. Not bad. He will also be moving up the ladder.

• In a Dennis Green voice, “Blaine Gabbert is who we thought he was.” Gabbert may not be as bad as he was in 2011 but he’s not going to be much better. His first two preseason games were decent but this game has more of an NFL type feel. Players really give an effort in week 3 of the preseason and he is showing his true colors. Two good things coming from the Jaguars is that Rashad Jennings has looked good again, and Justin Blackmon may just be a difference maker in year one for fantasy.

• Of course John Skelton blew it! He gets the start and could easily put Kolb in the rearview but NO. He goes out and lays an egg. Which wouldn’t mean too much, but then Kolb actually performs decently. So this mess probably won’t get settled till week 16… But on the more predictable side, Beannie Wells started and looked awful. Then Ryan Williams came in and looked better.

-FFJ

Rashad Jennings on Injured Reserve

For those of you who handcuffed MJD with Jennings, it is safe to put him back into the free agent pool. Jennings has been put on season ending injured reserve. Automatically making Deji Karim into the handcuff Maurice Jones Drew owners should be concerned with owning. As a rookie in 2010, Karim totaled 160 yards averaging 4.6 per carry. Not bad, but he only saw work when the Jags were either up or down huge. We’ll see how he does when there is something on the line.

I feel safe owning MJD this year, but many do not. I wouldn’t waste a spot on Karim yet. I would rather spend that roster spot on another up and coming player or decent #2 like Michael Bush or Dexter McCluster.

-FFJ

Junkie’s Week 17 Players to Start

This is mostly for fun but you never know. Some championship games are being held and a lot of players are going to rest, if not the whole game, at least a quarter or two. So choose wisely as this week is crazy for fantasy. People will sit Brady even though he will probably play a half at least. Crazy, unless you snagged Kolb off of waivers! In all honesty I like Kolb and Brady to make the top 10 this week!

This Just In… MJD Doubtful

If you have been riding Jones-Drew into the playoffs this message is for you. According to John Clayton of ESPN, Maurice is doubtful to play this week against the Redskins. He has missed practice for three straight days. With that in mind, all leagues should have Rashad Jennings owned immediately if not already. He should be considered a top 15 back this week if Maurice is indeed inactive.

Junkie’s 2010 Week 15 Players to Start

Just got done watching the season finale of The Walking Dead with my Bro-In-Law. And now writing this column on his couch using his wireless internet. Thanks Tony. You’re internet is as wonderful as your Zombie Review BLOG: The G.O.R.E Score.

I know everyone is searching for that spark but you should probably look elsewhere because the NFL is so freaking unpredictable this year. I mean seriously. McNabb is going to be the emergency QB this Sunday? What? Mike Shanahanigans wants to see what Grossman and John Beck can do. Allrighty then Mike. We’ll see how that works out for you. Just admit that you hate McNabb and that you are throwing the rest of the season to get Cam Newton or Jake Locker. Because you won’t lose enough games to get Luck. But, I’m sure going to try and find that spark for you, my dedicated reader. It’s tough but somebody has to do it. And by somebody I mean one of a thousand of us that think we have a clue.