Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday morning updates -- Week 9

Good morning, Fools.  You remembered to "fall back," right?

Here's the news you need to know to set your best lineups for the day.  It's another week with 6 teams on bye -- Cards, Broncos, Lions, Jags, Giants and 49ers -- so the pickins are slim out there…

Jeff Tuel will get the start for the Bills today, as both EJ Manuel and Thad Lewis are injured.  This can't be good news for Stevie Johnson, and you have to figure Kansas City is going to put a premium on shutting down Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller.  Unless Tuel pulls out a performance that few expect, it could be an ugly day for your Bills playmakers.

If you were concerned by Marshawn Lynch's absence from practice this week, fear not.  He'll play today, sore knee and all.

DeMarco Murray looks to be full go today.  That's good news for the Cowboys' offense, and for Murray's owners.  He has a sweet matchup today against the Vikes.

Zac Stacy remains questionable for today's tilt with the Titans.  It would be a shame if he can't go, because he's developing into a workhorse that the Rams seem content to ride while Sam Bradford is on the mend.  We'll learn soon enough whether he's active.  If he is, I like his chances for 100+ yards and a score.

We won't know for certain until tonight, but the most recent soundings suggest that Arian Foster (hamstring) will be good to go against the Colts.  Ben Tate (ribs) is also expected to suit up.  Just understand there's risk involved if you plan to start Foster and his hammy tightens up during the day.  Hopefully you have a fall-back plan -- ideally named Tate.

Jonathan Stewart is expected to see action for the first time in 2013, further crowding a Panthers backfield that has left little room for DeAngelo Williams or Mike Tolbert to be consistently productive.  Avoid it altogether if you can.

Marques Colston just might sit out with his balky knee today.  If he does, rookie Kenny Stills jumps up the rankings considerably.  I still have my doubts about Lance Moore's reliability, and don't forget both Nick Toon and Robert Meachem will also be in the mix.

There's a decent chance James Jones will suit up on Monday, as he practiced on Saturday.  This is an important development for those counting on Jarrett Boykin.  Jones' return would make Boykin a very risky start.  And since Jones will likely be a game-time decision, it may be best to go with a safer option today.

I'm not sure how big a deal this is, but the 49ers are planning to activate Mario Manningham this week, and he could return to the field as soon as Week 10.  We know Kaepernick hasn't been playing with a full deck at the receiver position, so this should be welcome news for him.  But I still have this feeling that Manningham's days as a fantasy-relevant wideout are behind him.  Wake me when Michael Crabtree returns.

Finally, we extend our wishes for a speedy recovery to Broncos head coach John Fox, who may be facing open-heart surgery this week.  Godspeed, coach.

Inactives coming next, via Twitter (@ladd_biro).  Good luck, Fools!

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