What kind of world do we live in when Philip Rivers brings in 7 points (179 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT) and Tim Tebow brings in 23 points (161 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT, 65 yards rushing)? Rivers hasn't quite lived up to his expectations this year. Part of that has to do with losing Gates for a few weeks, but he should pick back up particularly with some sweet matchups down the road. I'm not ready to jump on the Tebow-bandwagon just yet. Let's see what happens when Ndamukong Suh and the Lions come visiting this week.
Sometimes it's a fine line between the personal and professional lives of NFL players. Rob Gronkowski is learning that as he's had to recently apologize for a photo with porn star BiBi Jones. Apparently some took offense to the photo which was taken during the Pats' bye week. While I have no stats to back this up, I'm pretty confident that for every 1 person who complained or thought it was in bad taste, at least 200 guys were thinking "that lucky s.o.b.". I'm also pretty confident that Tom Brady is happy that the press is finally off of him and his hairstyle(s).
FFN is set to release a new feature this week to help you analyze a potential trade. There will be more details on this shortly, but if you're interested in catching up on some new features across the web, CBS Sports has a nice selection of free interactive tools including a Defensive Matchup Tracker, Running Back Selector, Fantasy Points Prognosticator, Matchup Magnifier, and a Defense/Special Teams Selector.
As long as we're talking about CBS Sports, Dave Richard has a great article on what to do with players who haven't lived up to expectations. For example, Chris "CJ2K" Johnson has been a bust this year. If he can't have a solid day this week against the Colts, Dave recommends considering him a bust for the rest of the year.
We're working on the Week 8 Where to Put'em column, but if you can't wait, head over to FOX Sports for their Week 8 Sit/Start or Fantasy Football Shark's Week 8 Start/Bench List. Great reads!
Pop Quiz: How many NFL teams attended the open workout for Terrell Owens? How many? That's right - zero. Not a single NFL team showed up, but super-agent Drew Rosenhaus is sending tapes of the workout to every team. So far, no teams have called. "I only need one team," Owens told the NFL Network. "I only need one chance."
Last weekend was a difficult one for McFadden owners, but Sports Illustrated is reporting that McFadden has no structural damage in his foot. That's a good sign, and if it had to happen, it's good that it happened going into the Raiders' bye week. By all accounts, he should suit up for Week 9.
Two guys who won't be suiting up are Earnest Graham and Tim Hightower - both are out for the season. Chris Cooley has been placed on Injured Reserve. Add them to an ever-increasing list of notable injuries. Not all is doom and gloom - Andre Johnson may be coming back this week and word is that Peyton Hillis is making great progress to back in the starting lineup.
Finally, as an update on the FFN User's Leagues. I went 2-0 last week against Nate and Richard. Sorry guys - better luck next time. While it can be done, it's tough to take out the Nerd. Next on the hit list: Jeff and Sean. Get ready to lose guys.
In the FFN Experts League, I'm happy to report that I'm 1st in my division and 2nd overall. I'm trailing Pat Leonard from the New York Daily News who is a brilliant individual and a joy to read. Check him out on Twitter at @MrFantasticPL.
In the Fleaflicker Experts League, I'm sharing the lead with Marc from Bruno Boys undefeated at 7-0. That's a trend I'd like to see continue!