Game by Game Injury Report

Denver @ Cincinnati

Denver has issues all over their offense. Kyle Orton is still listed as questionable with his finger issue, and the team’s third receiver, Jabar Gaffney, is questionable with a thumb problem.

Given the turmoil this offseason in Denver, and Brandon Marshall not being with the team for a couple weeks, these two injuries against an improved Bengals defense might lead to a heavier work load for the Denver running game. Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter could benefit, and Cincinnati’s DEF becomes a strong fantasy play.

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Minnesota lists receiver Bernard Berrian as questionable with a hamstring. He could be a game-time decision. Meanwhile, Cleveland lists defensive lineman Shaun Rogers as questionable with a foot issue.

Considering the Browns were near the bottom in the NFL in rush defense last year, and the Vikings have Adrian Peterson, the loss of Rogers might minimize the loss of Berrian. Peterson should have a big week.

Jacksonville @ Indianapolis

Jacksonville comes into the game relatively healthy, while the Colts list safety Bob Sanders as OUT while still recovering from knee issues last year.

David Garrard ended last year in the top ten in passing yards in the NFL, and the Jags upgraded their receivers to now include NC State products Torry Holt and Tory Williamson. Sanders absence makes Garrard a strong fantasy play this week.

Detroit @ New Orleans

This game might turn into a shoot out. Obviously, the Saints love to throw the ball, and with Pierre Thomas officially OUT for Sunday’s game, the Saints will have to choose between backup Mike Bell getting carries or putting the ball in the air.

Helping the Saints decision making process is Detroit listing one of their veteran upgrades from this summer, corner Philip Buchanon, as questionable with neck issues. If the Lions already-bad defense lost Buchanon, the Saints might prefer to chuck all afternoon.

These situations make Drew Brees a great fantasy play this week, and increases the potential value of Marques Colston and, potentially, Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey.

Philadelphia @ Carolina

The Panthers are listing safety Chris Harris as questionable with a knee problem, while the Eagles have guard Shawn Andrews listed as OUT with a bad back.

Harris was a good run support safety last year, and the loss of an interior lineman for the Eagles might lead Philly to get Brian Westbrook and rookie LeSean McCoy to the edge. Carolina missing a safety also helps tight end Brent Celek’s value.

Kansas City @ Baltimore

The Ravens look to be totally healthy on defense, which is the worst scenario possible for the Chiefs. Quarterback Matt Cassell is listed as a game-time decision with his bad knee.

If the Ravens weren’t already a strong play given their personnel and the Chiefs not having an offensive coordinator, the quarterback being a question mark makes them the top team DEF play this week.

New York Jets @ Houston

The Jets should be totally healthy on Sunday, but they’ll also be starting rookie Mark Sanchez at quarterback. He’ll be throwing against a secondary missing safety Eugene Wilson, who’s knee was hurt by Brett Favre a couple weeks ago. Wilson is OUT for Sunday.

On the other side of the ball, the Texans have receiver Kevin Walter listed as a game-time decision with a bad hamstring. If he’s out, or not 100 percent, Matt Schaub will have to rely heavily on Andre Johnson in the passing game. Look for Johnson and running back Steve Slaton to have additional fantasy value based on Walter’s status.

Washington @ New York Giants

The Giants will be without corner Aaron Ross on Sunday, which could improve the fantasy value of Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell and receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El.

San Francisco @ Arizona

The 49ers should be healthy this week, but that doesn’t help their questionable offense. Their defense was decent last year, and won’t be facing a full compliment of weapons from last year’s NFC Champions.

Anquan Boldin is somewhere between doubtful and questionable with a bad hamstring, while his handicap, Steve Breaston, is listed as probably with a minor knee issue. It appears rookie running back Beanie Wells will be able to go, and he might have additional fantasy value based on the health of the Cardinals receivers. Larry Fitzgerald should have a big day (as expected).

St. Louis @ Seattle

The Rams should have their offense in one piece, but it’s their defense that will be looked to for this game to be a victory. The Rams will be without defensive tackle Adam Carriker against a banged up Seattle line. The Seahawks will be without linemen Walter Jones and Chris Spencer, as well as receiver Deion Branch being OUT with a hamstring, which makes nobody on their offense an exceptional play this week.

Chicago @ Green Bay

Green Bay is healthy everywhere, which isn’t great for a Bears team that could be without corner Charles Tillman. If the Packers start throwing against a banged up Bears secondary effectively, it could minimize Ryan Grant’s fantasy impact and increase Aaron Rodgers’, Greg Jennings’ and Donald Lee’s values.

One injury that could impact the game is Chicago’s backup running back Kevin Jones being out for the season. With the Packers making the move to a 3-4 defense and the Bears having questionable depth behind second year star Matt Forte, the value of Forte and tight end Greg Olsen could increase this week.

MONDAY

Buffalo @ New England

The questions here are at receiver. Terrell Owens hasn’t played since the first drive of the preseason because of a toe injury, while Wes Welker is questionable with a knee. With Marshawn Lynch out (suspension), Owens’ health could impact the entire Buffalo offense, while Welker’s availability and production ability should increase Randy Moss’ touches.

San Diego @ Oakland

There aren’t too many injuries of note for this game, other than Oakland running back Justin Fargas being questionable with a hamstring. However, the addition of Richard Seymour to the Raiders defense could make them a less-terrible fantasy play against a good Chargers’ offense.

Tab Bamford @ Top Fantasy Football