As you know, the purpose of reviewing each game is so fantasy footballers can see each team’s players’ fantasy football stats in one place. This should help fantasy footballers get a feel for where their players are in their team’s offenses, as well as provide a feel for other players that could become fantasy relevant in the near future. In the end, the fantasy football game reviews let fantasy footballers evaluate players so you can set positional rosters each and every week. It can also help you decide whether to go get a player off waivers, whether to try and make a trade, or whether to sit tight with the players on your roster.
The Fantasy Greek is joined again by Matt Hurley and Giorgos Kassakos, contributing to the game reviews. Matt has been a fantasy footballer for over ten years and is no stranger to writing about fantasy football as he is a frequent contributor to a fantasy football league website, providing reviews, and player and team outlooks. Matt is a marketing writer for one of the largest independent broker/dealers in the U.S. and The Fantasy Greek looks forward to his fantasy football insight again this week. Giorgos formerly wrote for the Bleacher Report. He is a sports management graduate and self-described “Sports Fan/Wacko.” Follow Giorgos on Twitter at @Greek_QB.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
CHIEFS 13 (1-7) v. CHARGERS 31 (4-4)
By The Fantasy Greek
Chiefs
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Matt Cassel | 181 | 37 | 1 | 1 | ||||
| RB Jamaal Charles | 39 | 27 | ||||||
| RB Peyton Hillis | 14 | 7 | ||||||
| RB Shaun Draughn | 6 | 1 | 21 | |||||
| WR Dwayne Bowe | 79 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Steve Breaston | 17 | |||||||
| WR Dexter McCluster | 17 | 17 | 1 | |||||
| WR Jonathan Baldwin | 13 | |||||||
| TE Tony Moeaki | 0 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Chiefs DST | 1 | 1 | 339 |
The Chiefs didn’t play well enough to make this an exciting game as Matt Cassel continues to struggle connecting with most of his receivers. Besides Dwayne Bowe, whose box score performance was hurt by a fumble, no player on the Chiefs offense had a worthy, notable fantasy performance to speak of. Further, for a fourth week in a row, Jamaal Charles has failed to post more than 40 yards rushing. Jamaal Charles is a “buy low” player for those fantasy players needing some running back depth. If you haven’t noticed, you can likely start your defense/special team against a Chiefs team giving up the most fantasy points to opposing DSTs. In fact, you can also likely pick-up and play most defenses in this fashion.
NEXT UP: at Steelers (Monday Night)
Chargers
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Phillip Rivers | 220 | 2 | -2 | 1 | ||||
| RB Ryan Mathews | 67 | 5 | ||||||
| RB Ronnie Brown | 38 | 35 | ||||||
| RB Jackie Battle | 20 | |||||||
| WR Malcolm Floyd | 48 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Danario Alexander | 61 | |||||||
| WR Seyi Ajirotutu | 28 | |||||||
| TE Antonio Gates | 43 | 1 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Chargers DST | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 289 |
The Chargers needed a feel good win this week even if it was against the Chiefs. And really, this was about the Chargers winning a winnable game. Phillip Rivers was solid. While the interception hurt, the fact is it was just one interception. Rivers was able to connect with his primary targets Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates for touchdowns. With Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal game-time scratches, recent free agent signee Danario Alexander made a genuine case for more playing time over Robert Meachem, who has fallen short of expectations. While it is a situation to monitor, expect Alexander to be one of the hottest waiver wire adds this week.
NEXT UP: at Buccaneers
November 4, 2012, 1:00 p.m. EST
CARDINALS 17 (4-5) v. PACKERS 31 (6-3)
By The Fantasy Greek
Cardinals
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB John Skelton | 306 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| RB William Powell | 3 | |||||||
| RB Stephens-Howling | 51 | 1 | 8 | |||||
| WR Larry Fitzgerald | 74 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Andre Roberts | 86 | |||||||
| WR Early Doucet | 0 | |||||||
| WR Michael Floyd | 80 | |||||||
| TE Jeff King | 0 | |||||||
| TE Rob Housler | 55 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Cardinals DST | 1 | 1 | 384 |
While the Cardinals got the passing game going against the Packers, the Cardinals couldn’t get the ball in the end-zone more than once, which would not have been good if you played John Skelton this week. However, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts made for solid fantasy starts. Fitzgerald and Roberts remain solid fantasy starts when the Cardinals play in a game where the Cardinals can be expected to pass the pigskin. The Cardinals rushing game was awful and LaRod Stephens-Howling would have disappointed had he not scored a touchdown. As expected, the Cardinals DST was a poor fantasy football play this week. The unit has struggled as of late and could be losing some of its fantasy football mustard. Fortunately, the Cardinals are on the bye this week and the hope is that the team returns healthy.
NEXT UP: BYE
Packers
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Aaron Rogers | 218 | 4 | 33 | 1 | ||||
| RB Alex Green | 53 | 25 | ||||||
| RB James Starks | 61 | |||||||
| WR Jordy Nelson | 0 | |||||||
| WR James Jones | 61 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Randall Cobb | 29 | 37 | 2 | |||||
| WR Donald Driver | 10 | |||||||
| WR Jarrett Boykin | 7 | |||||||
| TE Jermichael Finley | 6 | |||||||
| TE Tom Crabtree | 72 | 1 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Packers DST | 2 | 1 | 340 |
Aaron Rodgers continues to show why he is one of the most valuable players in reality, and in fantasy. The multiple touchdowns made up for a low yardage game. What’s more, Rodgers was able to keep tossing the touchdowns to his top-receivers, who because of the Jordy Nelson injury ended up being Randall Cobb and James Jones. However, it’s possible fantasy players may have avoided one or the other with the return of Jordy Nelson to the line-up this week. As for Nelson, Rodgers was throwing to him just outside the end zone when Nelson hurt his ankle. Nelson is not expected to miss much time, if any. Continue starting the top Packers receiving options in fantasy. When the Packers get back to the gridiron in Week 11, the hope is the receiving corp. will be healthy. The Packers running game continues to struggle such that both Alex Green and James Starks toted the rock. Until one or the other can distinguish himself in the offense, both are difficult to play in fantasy football as anything more than a bye week replacement. Tight-end Jermichael Finley continues to disappoint. Finely is unplayable in fantasy football until he can work his way back into the passing game. Indeed, tight-end Tom Crabtree had a nice game and would be a better fantasy start if the Packers commit to him as a starter. The Packers DST didn’t do anything significant this week in fantasy but keep the score low. Still, the unit is a weekly consideration because it can get to the quarterback, cause turnovers, and score.
NEXT UP: BYE
RAVENS 25 (6-2) v. BROWNS 15 (2-7)
By Matt Hurley
Ravens
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Joe Flacco | 153 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| RB Ray Rice | 98 | 1 | 6 | |||||
| RB Bernard Pierce | 26 | 1 | ||||||
| FB Vontae Leach | 8 | |||||||
| WR Anquan Boldin | 57 | |||||||
| WR Torrey Smith | 46 | 1 | ||||||
| TE Ed Dickson | 11 | |||||||
| TE Dennis Pitta | 33 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Ravens DST | 1 | 2 | 290 |
The Ravens found a way to win yet again against the Browns, its tenth straight win against their AFC North opponent. Ray Rice carried the load once more for the Ravens with 98 yards rushing and a touchdown, helping them to an early two touchdown lead. Joe Flacco wasn’t great, with just 153 yards passing, but he had a late touchdown pass and two-point conversion to put the Ravens ahead for good. The receivers benefitted from the late go ahead drive. Torrey Smith had 46 yards and a touchdown while Aquan Boldin had 57 yards and caught the two-point conversion. The Ravens’ defense wasn’t stellar from a fantasy standpoint, but they got the job done. They allowed 290 yards and recorded two interceptions and a sack. The Ravens defensive unit held the Browns to just five field goals, keeping them out of the end zone on five trips inside the red zone.
NEXT UP: Raiders
Browns
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Brandon Weeden | 176 | 11 | 2 | |||||
| RB Trent Richardson | 105 | 31 | ||||||
| WR Greg Little | 52 | |||||||
| WR Josh Gordon | 38 | |||||||
| WR M. Massaquoi | 6 | |||||||
| WR Travis Benjamin | 19 | |||||||
| TE Ben Watson | 22 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Browns DST | 1 | 282 |
The Browns had their chances. But, five trips inside the red zone resulted in five field goals, and they came up short again. Fantasy owners who started kicker Phil Dawson were rewarded by his efforts, the top fantasy scorer on the team. Trent Richardson had another big day, finishing with 136 total yards, but he failed to score for the third time in four weeks. He’s still a must start in all formats, but owners must be hoping for more touchdowns in the coming weeks. Brandon Weeden had his second straight poor outing, managing just 176 yards with two interceptions. He has clearly dropped off from his three straight weeks with two touchdowns. His receivers are suffering as well, as Greg Little was the top receiver with just 52 yards.
NEXT UP: BYE
BILLS 9 (3-5) v. TEXANS 21 (7-1)
By Matt Hurley
Bills
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Ryan Fitzpatrick | 239 | 18 | 1 | |||||
| RB Fred Jackson | 21 | 14 | ||||||
| RB C.J. Spiller | 39 | 63 | ||||||
| WR Steve Johnson | 29 | |||||||
| WR Donald Jones | 65 | |||||||
| WR TJ Graham | 4 | |||||||
| TE Scott Chandler | 51 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Bills DST | 2 | 374 |
The Bills continued to struggle Sunday, and have now lost four of their last five games. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 239 yards, but fumbled the ball away once and never found the end zone. The Bills managed just nine points on three Rian Lindell field goals against one of the top defenses in the league. The running game was completely stuffed as Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller combined for just 60 yards on the ground. And, the receivers didn’t fair much better. Top wide-out Steve Johnson (bruised thigh) was held to just 29 yards. Donald Jones led all receivers with 65 yards on the day, and could be primed for a big week against the Patriots next week. Jones had 90 yards and a touchdown the last time the Bills and the Patriots played.
NEXT UP: at Patriots
Texans
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Matt Schaub | 268 | 2 | -1 | |||||
| RB Arian Foster | 111 | 1 | ||||||
| RB Justin Forsett | 7 | |||||||
| FB James Casey | 49 | |||||||
| WR Andre Johnson | 118 | |||||||
| WR Kevin Walter | 28 | |||||||
| TE Owen Daniels | 62 | 1 | ||||||
| TE Garrett Graham | 11 | 1 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Texans DST | 3 | 1 | 308 |
The Texans continued to prove why they’re the team to beat in the AFC, dominating the Bills on both sides of the ball. Matt Schaub threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, while Arian Foster ran for 111 yards and a score. Andre Johnson had 118 yards receiving, but the touchdowns went to the tight ends as Owen Daniels and Garrett Graham each caught a pass in the end zone. The Texans’ defense also did their part. They held the Bills to just three field goals while recording three sacks and recovered a fumble. The fantasy numbers may not reflect it the way it has in weeks past, but the Texans’ defense is still a must start, boasting one of the best defenses in the league.
NEXT UP: at Bears (Sunday Night)
PANTHERS 21 (2-6) v. REDSKINS 13 (3-6)
By Giorgos Kassakos
Panthers
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Cam Newton | 201 | 1 | 37 | 1 | ||||
| RB DeAngelo Williams | 37 | 1 | ||||||
| RB Jonathan Stewart | 51 | 6 | ||||||
| RB Mike Tolbert | 7 | |||||||
| WR Steve Smith | 41 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Armanti Edwards | 82 | |||||||
| TE Greg Olsen | 48 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Panthers DST | 4 | 337 |
The season is not going very well for the Panthers, mainly due to Cam Newton’s lackluster performances. In the last couple of weeks, however, the Panthers appear a lot more threatening and on Sunday, they got their second win for 2012. Cam Newton showed improved decision-making and threw for 201 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 37 more yards and getting a score himself. This week, DeAngelo Williams (37 yards, 1 touchdown) and Jonathan Stewart (57 yards) got Carolina’s running game going, while Mike Tolbert had just 7 receiving yards. With Brandon LaFell inactive, Armanti Edwards had the most receiving yards for the Panthers (on one catch though) with 82, but Steve Smith (41 yards) was the one that scored. Greg Olsen was targeted 9 times, but still didn’t do much, finishing the game with just 48 yards. The Panthers DST had a pretty nice (and surprising too) performance as it held the Redskins to 13 points, while bringing RGIII down 4 times and keeping him out of the end zone. A tough game awaits the Panthers next week against the Broncos. Newton is improving and Stewart looks like the No.1 option at running back. The Broncos defense has been solid, however.
NEXT UP: Broncos
Redskins
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Robert Griffin III | 215 | 53 | ||||||
| RB Alfred Morris | 76 | |||||||
| RB Evan Royster | 6 | 1 | 30 | |||||
| RB Darel Young | 3 | |||||||
| WR Santana Moss | 2 | |||||||
| WR Leonard Hankerson | 49 | |||||||
| WR Josh Morgan | 9 | 46 | ||||||
| WR Aldrick Robinson | 6 | |||||||
| WR Dezmon Briscoe | 8 | |||||||
| TE Logan Paulsen | 59 | |||||||
| TE Niles Paul | 22 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Redskins DST | 330 |
The Redskins got themselves a promising franchise quarterback, but they still need some key pieces to become true competitors. Robert Griffin III is definitely the future of the team, but he can’t do it all by himself. On Sunday, the rookie had 215 passing yards and 53 rushing yards, connecting with eight different targets, but unfortunately, no one in the end zone. Alfred Morris went for 76 rushing yards, but Evan Royster was the one that scored on a 2-yard run. Santana Moss was injured (concussion) and left the game with a disappointing 2-yard total. Leonard Hankerson (49 yards), Josh Morgan (55 yards) and tight end Logan Paulsen (59 yards) led the Redskins receivers. The Redskins DST was a non-factor for the greatest part of the game, with no sacks and takeaways. The Redskins have a bye next week.
NEXT UP: BYE
BEARS 51 (7-1) v. TITANS 20 (3-6)
By The Fantasy Greek
Bears
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Jay Cutler | 229 | 3 | 12 | 1 | ||||
| RB Matt Forte | 103 | 1 | 45 | |||||
| RB Michael Bush | 16 | 17 | ||||||
| RB Armando Allen | 32 | |||||||
| WR Brandon Marshall | 122 | 3 | ||||||
| WR Earl Bennett | 22 | |||||||
| WR Devin Hester | 19 | |||||||
| TE Kellen Davis | 0 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Bears DST | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 333 |
The Bears defense continued to dominate the gridiron as the No. 1 fantasy football defensive unit by sacking the quarterback twice, intercepting the ball, forcing three fumbles (recovered), and scoring twice. Still, the defense couldn’t do it alone. The offense was initially led by Matt Forte and the running game until Jay Cutler settled in to hit his favorite receiver, Brandon Marshall for three scores! If you played any of these playmakers for the Bears this week, you likely won your fantasy football game. No other Bears player ended up being worth a fantasy start. The Bears will likely need to be playing at their best with a game on tap against the Texans.
NEXT UP: Texans (Sunday Night)
Titans
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Matt Hasselbeck | 194 | 1 | 18 | 1 | ||||
| RB Chris Johnson | 141 | 1 | 4 | 2 | ||||
| RB Jaime Harper | 0 | |||||||
| WR Kenny Britt | 67 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Nate Washington | 35 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Damian Williams | 19 | |||||||
| WR Kendall Wright | 30 | |||||||
| TE Jared Cook | 6 | 1 | ||||||
| TE Craig Stevens | 26 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Titans DST | 3 | 2 | 1 | 358 |
It was clear early on that the Titans were simply overmatched this week. While running back Chris Johnson likely had the best game a running back has had against the Bears this season, his big runs were unexpected and came later in the game. It didn’t come easy either because Johnson fumbled twice. Matt Hasselbeck posted worse than pedestrian numbers and besides Nate Washington, who was aided by a score, the Titans passing game was fairly anemic and ineffective. The Titans DST got to Cutler but couldn’t keep the Bears from breaking big plays and getting the ball into the end-zone. The Titans should play better next week but it doesn’t necessarily mean they will beat an upstart Dolphins team.
NEXT UP: at Dolphins
BRONCOS 31 (5-3) v. BENGALS 23 (3-5)
By Matt Hurley
Broncos
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Peyton Manning | 291 | 3 | -2 | 2 | ||||
| RB Willis McGahee | 66 | 4 | ||||||
| RB Ronnie Hillman | 4 | 5 | ||||||
| RB Lance Ball | 7 | |||||||
| WR Demaryius Thomas | 77 | |||||||
| WR Eric Decker | 99 | 2 | ||||||
| WR Brandon Stokley | 43 | |||||||
| TE Jacob Tamme | 18 | |||||||
| TE Joel Dreesen | 38 | 1 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Broncos DST | 5 | 1 | 1 | 366 |
The Broncos won their third straight game on Sunday, proving they’re a contender in the AFC. Peyton Manning is proving he’s not washed up just yet, mounting another fourth-quarter comeback for the victory. He threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns, though his two second half interceptions allowed the Bengals back in the game. Eric Decker was the top receiver on the day, totaling 99 yards with two touchdown grabs, while favorite target Demaryius Thomas finished with 77 yards. The rushing game was held in check as Willis McGahee managed just 66 yards on the ground and failed to reach the end zone. The Broncos’ defense stepped up big in this contest with five sacks, and an interception, while the special teams ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
NEXT UP: at Panthers
Bengals
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Andy Dalton | 299 | 1 | 16 | 1 | ||||
| RB B Green-Ellis | 56 | 1 | -3 | |||||
| RB Brian Leonard | 15 | 13 | ||||||
| WR A.J. Green | 6 | 99 | 1 | |||||
| WR Brandon Tate | 17 | |||||||
| WR Mohammed Sanu | 29 | |||||||
| WR Andrew Hawkins | -2 | 32 | ||||||
| TE Germaine Gresham | 108 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allowed | |
| Bengals DST | 2 | 359 |
The Bengals cannot find a way to win and find themselves at 3-5 after starting the season 3-1. Andy Dalton was effective, throwing for 299 yards and a score. But a late interception sealed the loss as the Bengals dropped their fourth straight game. A.J. Green continued his outstanding season with 99 yards receiving and a touchdown, while tight end Germaine Gresham had 108 yards. The running game continued to struggle as BenJarvus Green-Ellis finished with just 56 yards on the ground, though he did score a touchdown. The Bengals’ defense recorded two interceptions in the second half that helped them take the lead, but couldn’t stop Manning from completing yet another fourth quarter comeback.
NEXT UP: Giants
LIONS 31 (4-4) v. JAGUARS 14 (1-7)
By The Fantasy Greek
Lions
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Mathew Stafford | 285 | -2 | ||||||
| RB Mikel Leshoure | 70 | 3 | ||||||
| RB Joique Bell | 73 | 1 | 36 | |||||
| RB Kevin Smith | 8 | 9 | ||||||
| WR Calvin Johnson | 129 | |||||||
| WR Titus Young | 20 | |||||||
| WR Ryan Broyles | 52 | |||||||
| TE Brandon Pettigrew | 11 | |||||||
| TE Tony Scheffler | 28 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Lions DST | 1 | 2 | 279 |
The Lions almost went completely old school this week by dominating the gridiron through the running game where both Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell each played like an RB1-plus! While we may not see these kinds of performances from Leshoure and Bell the rest of the season, they should both continue to make some noise with Mikel Leshoure as an RB2 and Joique Bell as a match-up based play. For those fantasy players who showed some patience with Calvin Johnson, and started him Sunday, they were rewarded with a solid performance, even though a touchdown would have been nice. Speaking of touchdowns, after blowing it up last weekend, Matt Stafford face planted in fantasy football with a touchdown-less performance. Worse yet, while the 285 yards passing was nice, having only 72 spread among Titus Young and Ryan Broyles, after the way they played the last two weeks was awful. Brandon Pettigrew struggled again too. The Lions DST was a solid pick-up and play this week. The Fantasy Greek expects the Lions fantasy players to play better in general, as we enter the second half of the season.
NEXT UP: at Vikings
Jaguars
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Blaine Gabbert | 220 | 2 | 4 | 2 | ||||
| RB Rashad Jennings | 45 | 7 | ||||||
| OT Guy Whimper | 15 | 8 | ||||||
| WR Justin Blackmon | 32 | 1 | ||||||
| WR Cecil Shorts | 56 | |||||||
| WR Laurent Robinson | 41 | |||||||
| WR Michael Spurlock | 35 | 1 | ||||||
| TE Marcedes Lewis | 41 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Jaguars DST | 1 | 434 |
Blaine Gabbert followed up last week’s solid outing, with a lesser one due to two interceptions. Sadly, Gabbert’s two touchdown passes went to Justin Blackmon and Michael Spurlock, two players who were likely not on fantasy gridirons this week. After being promoted to the X-receiver in the offense, Cecil Shorts disappointed. More disappointing was Rashad Jennings fifty-two all-purpose yard outing against a rush defense, that while generally having played well, can give up the rush yards. Expect Jennings and Shorts to bounce back. Shorts has some favorable match-ups coming up against the Colts, the Titans, the Bills, and the Patriots, while Jennings has favorable match-ups against the Colts, the Titans, the Bills, and the Jets. The Jaguars DST is hit-or-miss.
NEXT UP: Colts
DOLPHINS 20 (4-4) v. COLTS 23 (5-3)
By Matt Hurley
Dolphins
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Ryan Tannehill | 290 | 1 | -1 | |||||
| RB Reggie Bush | 31 | 1 | 25 | |||||
| RB Daniel Thomas | 37 | 25 | ||||||
| WR Davone Bess | 67 | |||||||
| WR Brian Hartline | 107 | |||||||
| WR Jabar Gaffney | 27 | |||||||
| TE Anthony Fasano | 8 | |||||||
| TE Charles Clay | 31 | 1 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Dolphins DST | 1 | 516 |
The Dolphins could be 7-1 right now, but for three heart-breaking losses. For the third time this season, they lost a game by just three points. Rookie Ryan Tannehill was out-dueled by his counterpart, but he finished with 290 yards and a touchdown, and avoided any turnovers. His biggest target was Brian Hartline, who had 107 yards receiving, while Davone Bess finished with 67. The running game was ineffective as both Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas each had less than 40 yards on the ground, though Bush did find the end zone. The Dolphins’ defense, which has been pretty impressive lately, gave up 23 points on 516 total yards while recording just one sack on no turnovers.
NEXT UP: Titans
Colts
| Player | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Rec Yds | Rec TDs | INTs | F |
| QB Andrew Luck | 433 | 2 | 5 | |||||
| RB Donald Brown | 0 | 7 | ||||||
| RB Vick Ballard | 60 | 38 | ||||||
| RB Delone Carter | 31 | 0 | ||||||
| WR Reggie Wayne | 78 | 1 | ||||||
| WR TY Hilton | 1 | 102 | 1 | |||||
| WR Donnie Avery | 108 | |||||||
| WR LaVon Brazil | 25 | |||||||
| TE Dwayne Allen | 75 |
| Sacks | INTs | DFR | DTD | KRTD | SFY | Yds Allwd | |
| Colts DST | 1 | 365 |
The Colts won again, its third straight, and it came as a result of a record-setting performance by rookie Andrew Luck. Luck threw for 433 yards, the most ever by a rookie, and had two touchdowns. He spread the ball around evenly too as TY Hilton and Donnie Avery each had over 100 yards receiving. Hilton, along with Reggie Wayne, also scored a touchdown. Vick Ballard got the starting nod at running back, and finished with 98 total yards, 60 on the ground. The Colts’ defense held the Dolphins to just a field goal in the second half, but they gave up 20 points and failed to turn the ball over.
NEXT UP: at Jaguars