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I was going to post a picture of Josh Freeman, but I thought you might like this picture better.

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Significant Sunday Statistics – Week 9

Rookie Quarterback Shines in Starting Debut: Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman looked splendid in his upset victory vs the Packers. He totaled 205 passing yards, 3 TDs, one 2-pt conversion, 20 rushing yards, and 1 Int. He’s a big boy, ala JaMarcus Russell, but with skill. It’s a good thing he got his first victory out of the way, because Tampa could have gone 0-16 with their difficult schedule. Expect some growing pains like the other first round rookies. Mark Sanchez has been wildly inconsistent, and Matthew Stafford had a 5 interception performance against a mediocre Seahawks’ defense. If you own Freeman in a Dynasty league, you’ve got some solid value.

Larry Johnson Cut: Move along folks – nothing to see here. Even if he gets picked up by a running back-needy team (Redskins for example), he’s washed up and running on tired legs.

Burning Up the Yards: Do you realize that Michael Turner has at least one TD in every game this season except for week 1? Now he’s piling up the yards – 317 in the past two weeks. He’s a beast – clearly worthy of his Top 5 Draft Day status.

Top Ranked Receivers Looking Impressive: Larry Fitzgerald is the best-looking receiver I’ve ever seen. No, I don’t mean in a handsome way – “not that there’s anything wrong with it”. He’s just so smooth, and his skills were on display vs a putrid Bears’ secondary. He finished with 9 receptions, 123 yards, and 2 TDs. Also solid was Randy Moss, as he posted 6 receptions, 147 yards, 1 TD, one 2-pt conversion, and a tremendous stiff arm.

Other Receivers Stay Hot: Vincent Jackson (5 receptions, 58 yards, 2 TDs) and Giants’ Steve Smith (8 receptions, 57 yards, 1 TD) refuse to show any signs of returning to mediocrity. Chances are if you own them, you got them at great value and are one of the better teams in your fantasy league.

I’m Not Dead Yet: In his first game in Kansas City, Chris Chambers had 3 receptions, 70 yards, and 2 TDs. I suspect he’ll be picked up on waivers in a ton of leagues. After some early season injury concerns, Cortland Finnegan was back to elite levels. Seven solos, 1 Int, and 1 TD should make you feel confident to get him back in your starting lineup immediately. Another cornerback was back in the endzone – Josh Wilson picked off a pass and returned it for a TD to go along with 4 solos and 3 PDs. We’d like to see some kickoff return yards for Wilson, but solid defensive stats is a nice start to begin trusting him again. Clint Session had a huge week, finally, as he posted 13 solos and 1 Int.

Megatron Back: Calvin Johnson played, but was basically invisible in Seattle. He’ll have better days than 2 receptions for 27 yards. I still think he’s a top wide receiver option moving forward for the rest of the season.

Other Week Nine Heroes: Kurt Warner (261 yards, 5 TDs), Jay Cutler (369 yards, 3 TDs, 1 Int), Chris Johnson (135 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 25 receiving yards, 2 TDs), and Greg Olsen (5 receptions, 71 yards, 3 TDs).

Chargers Pass Rush Strong Against a Typically Tough Giants’ Offensive Line: Five total sacks, including 2 from Shawne Merriman and 1 from Shaun Phillips. Phillips also had 6 solos and 2 FF. The entire Chargers defense revolves around these 2 guys (and rookie Larry English), so if the pressure continues, look for the Chargers to make some noise in the second half of the season.

Waiver Wire Wonders for Week 10: Jonathan Babineaux (9 solos, 2.5 sacks), Jason Hill (4 receptions, 50 yards, 2 TDs), James Jones (4 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD), Ladell Betts (70 rushing yards, 1 reception, 23 receiving yards, 1 TD), Jerraud Powers (7 solos, 1 Int)

Ouch (Courtesy of CBS, organized by KLGM): Absolutely devastating loss for the Panthers and Thomas Davis owners. He was a dynamic source of IDP production, and his season ending injury will leave a gaping hole in the heart of fantasy teams. Landon Johnson is the early favorite to play the stat-friendly Will (weak-side) position, and is a must-add in all IDP leagues. Here’s the rest of the Week Nine injury report:

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