Scouts’ Take: In which we discuss the implications of a Monday Night Football showdown, Joseph Addai’s disappearance, and fantasy collusion

Each week, our scouts gather to share their observations on the most noteworthy Sunday performances. Unfortunately, after attempting to save Tribune Co. by buying up copies of the Hartford Courant, we had to fire them all. In their place are Cousin Bowser, Lafayette Gold, Mr. T, The Slow Eater, and Torry Hallelujah, who let us know what they took away from the Week 14 action.

Mr. T: Michael J. Cox’s fate lies in the hands of Warrick Dunn. Lafayette couldn't seize the day and now waits to see whether he can back in.

Lafayette Gold: Mr. T, let’s hear your odds on Dunn coming through with 8 pts tonight.

Mr. T: A few things to consider here:

• In their first game, Tampa rushed for 142 yards. Dunn himself had 115 rushing and 18 receiving
• Carolina is allowing 112.8 yards per game on the ground
• In home games, Carolina has allowed the following fantasy points to starting RBs: 11, 5, 0, 5, 7, and 13
• In road games, Tampa has scored the following fantasy points with their starting RBs: 11, 5, 7, 6, 8, 18
• I'm pretty sure Tampa only has one road rushing TD this year and that was against the Lions, so it doesn't count

With all that said, I think the odds of Dunn scoring 8 or more points are 50%. Normally I'd think they'd be higher, but Dunn was on my hate list this week because I never like the road teams in these NFC South games (for an example, just take a look at yesterday's Saints/Falcons game).

The Slow Eater: ESPN’s fantasy projections are a joke, but if Dunn gets a couple receptions to go with his carries, he should be good to top 80 yards. Based on this weekend’s performance, I think I might have screwed myself for the playoffs by not holding out on moving out of my parent’s house for another month. Also, and most importantly, if Torry Hallelujah remembers to sit Delhomme on the bye in Week 9, he makes the playoffs. Let this never be forgotten.

Torry Hallelujah: I thought we determined that I still would’ve lost even if I’d started Delhomme? Oh well, at least I was able to wrench a weekly winner out of it.

Mr. T: Nope, I just looked. You lost by 16 and Frerrote had 17. The price paid for explosivity might be $480. And I'm sorry, as you'll most likely admit, there's absolutely no reason to not field a starting lineup when you have a whole week to make the change. There's no excuse that makes sense unless you're out of the country and devoid of internet, but in that case you can at least change out your bye week players a week in advance...

Mr. T: I thought it was ironic that in the week I need to beat Marble Ryan to make the playoffs, Thomas Jones scores 12 points, Matt Schaub scores 24, Fitzgerald scores 13 to Boldin's 6, Randy Moss scores 5, Romo scores 4, Eddie Royal scores 5, and Sammy Morris scores 9.

Mr. T: In other news, Peyton Hillis might be done for the year. It seems like no one can stay healthy in that Broncos backfield. And after Westbrook's performance yesterday, Addai creeps back up into most disappointing first round pick conversation.

Lafayette Gold: Addai killed me yesterday — he should have had a field day with the Bengals D. The Colts win 35-3 and I got 7 friggin' points total from Addai and Wayne! I am now the new president of the Warrick Dunn fan club!

Mr. T: Does anyone remember all the trash Marble Ryan was talking during the early games yesterday? And I kept telling him none of my players had played yet...

Lafayette Gold: Mr. T, lets be honest: you can thank the Colts defense for your clincher. 26 points! Wow! That is Raven-like.

Mr. T: That's something called roster management — picking up a defense with two favorable matchups coming up. Maybe Torry can take a lesson from this. But to balance out the Colts’ positive outing, I had the Evans, Colston, and Portis six-point combination. That's life, that's fantasy football…

Lafayette Gold: I find it funny Mr. T is promoting his Colts defense move and ripping Addai, but he never has given props for the key mid-season pickup of the Ravens D. That move won me a couple of games while my team was all banged up.

Mr. T: I didn't feel the need to pat you on the back for picking up a successful defense because your team is such a juggernaut without them. They fit right in with the all the talent on the roster.

The Slow Eater: Speaking of the Hillis injury, I now can stop kicking myself for dropping him the week before he became the starter. At least that probably won't be the reason I lose in the playoffs.

Mr. T: I'm very grateful for the one week Hillis provided my squad. After seeing what Tashard Choice did against the Steelers, I now have faith in him to carry the load if Barber is unable to suit up.

Mr. T: Slow Eater, where's your promotion of Lafayette’s team today? I expected more of a smoke blowing from you given that your playoff opponent is yet to be decided...

The Slow Eater: I don't want to say anything that could potentially jinx the outcome. I'm just going to say that I'll be watching Warrick Dunn's performance very closely tonight.

Mr. T: It's only fitting that I face Marble Ryan after everything that happened this year. Let the games begin!

Cousin Bowser: I'd like to steer the conversation in a different direction for a second. We all know that I have adamantly spoken against schedule unfairness this whole season. Aside from the fact that I had to play 4 weekly winners (and would have myself been the weekly winners of two of those weeks had my opponent not beaten me), I think it is absurd that the team that has scored the lowest point total has even the slightest chance of making the playoffs. I haven't contributed to the Basketball on Grass bashing that has gone on this whole season, but now as I sit looking at tonight's matchup, on the eve of the start of the playoffs, I can't help but wonder if I should take it upon myself to make sure that Lafayette doesn't make the playoffs by sitting Warrick Dunn tonight. That said, and considering that I obviously wouldn't really do that (because I think he's good for 60 points tonight and a $20 WW prize), what do you think the actions of the collective league would be if:

1. I sat him out of spite for Lafayette
2. I sat him in exchange for Michael J. Cox funding a small piece of my overall loser fee

We've never really had this kind of scenario before. What are your thoughts on this?

Mr. T: My friend at work told me a while back that his league institutes a policy that you need to play a full lineup every week. In the same way you couldn’t bench the Giants D to guarantee a win, you couldn't bench someone to guarantee a loss. I say let Dunn play and let nature take its course.

The Slow Eater: While it might be tempting to sit him out of spite, doing it would be collusion between you and Michael J. Cox (even if Cox had nothing to do with it, and especially if MJC agreed to pay some of your loser's fee). Collusion is one of the few things expressly forbidden in fantasy leagues. The whole reason we put in the weekly winner prize and the loser's fee is so everyone would be trying their hardest to win every week and people wouldn't quit before the season was over. You have to play to win, especially in a league among friends. Play Dunn. It's very possible the karmic gods we'll reward you by having his leg ripped off on the opening drive.

Lafayette Gold: That would be pretty harsh considering I didn’t make the schedule or set the rules.... In my old league I actually tied the championship game and according to ESPN, total points was the tie breaker (in this league I was actually first in total points) and the commish was bush league and decided to overrule ESPN and set bench points tie breaker so I got nothing.

The Slow Eater: Mr. T, what's the tiebreaker system for our league set at? Considering how many freaking ties we've had in the league this year, it coming up in the playoffs is a definite possibility.

Mr. T: It’s total TDs that week by your starting roster and then QB points. Load the buses!
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Scouts’ Take: In which we discuss the exceedingly mediocre Donovan McNabb, the RGIOQB playoff race, and the NFL MVP candidates

Each week, our scouts gather to share their observations on the most noteworthy Sunday performances. Unfortunately, after blowing all our savings on a Toyota Corolla with 0% financing, we had to fire them all. In their place are Bruno, Marble Ryan, Mr. T, Steve Stevens, the Slow Eater, and Torry Hallelujah, who let us know what they took away from the Week 12 action.

Mr. T: So, do we think this is the end of the road for Donovan McNabb? At 5-6-1, the Eagles are still not completely out of the playoff run. Benching the dude at halftime really sends a message, especially when you're not getting blown out. Add the fact that Westbrook obviously is less than 75%, and it might be time to close the book on that Eagles offense. At least Cousin Bowser can turn to Shaun Hill, who, typical of a Mike Martz quarterback, has been effective for fantasy purposes since becoming the starter.

Marble Ryan: McNabb is done. Reid can't go back on his decision. McNabb on another team next year is a foregone conclusion, and they're not winning the Super Bowl, so they might as well get Kolb in there now and see what he can do. He looked pretty bad yesterday, too, though. A more interesting question is what kind of interest does McNabb get in the offseason? He's not very good, but I feel like someone is going to pay him way too much money.

Mr. T: Minnesota would sign him up right now. Some other teams would be on that line too. Kolb's basically a rookie, so you can't have any expectations for his play. Not everyone is as seasoned as Matt Ryan, with the ability to step in there and produce right away. If Kolb starts the rest of the season, we're talking about a major downgrade to DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis. Buckhalter sprained a knee ligament this week, so he's probably out for a little while. They might just shut down Westbrook too.

Steve Stevens: Lafayette Gold pulls out another win. The guy just knows how to win.

Marble Ryan: The Slow Eater’s karma play actually worked. Looks like the A-Team and KL Crew are neutralized, no matter who wins tonight.

Mr. T: The Slow Eater should strop worrying about Lafayette. Now that he's made the Brooklyn move official, his team's karma is about to go down the toilet. Watch Rodgers blow the game for him this week. By the way, if things hold this week, Lafayette beats the Slow Eater next week and Michael J. beats Marble Ryan, Lafayette jumps to 9-5 and takes over first place. I'm not sure I can live in a world where Basketball on Grass is a first place team...

The Slow Eater: I'm worried that finally getting an apartment might have killed my karma, although I think the change in my team's fortune's can be traced back to three weeks ago when I dropped Matt Cassel and he immediately turned into Kurt Warner.

Mr. T: Yeah that turned out to be pretty stupid, although I doubt you would've started Cassel over Rodgers or Cutler in any week. Cutler does look like crap from time to time. He needs to get his head in check because I see him complaining way too much. If the Raiders get under your skin, that's not a good sign for your mental stability.

Marble Ryan: Ever since Cutler made that comment about having a stronger arm than John Elway, his season has gone downhill and he hasn't done jack. Talk about bad karma.

Mr. T: Meanwhile, D-Mac looked rather explosive yesterday. He might finally be healthy. Fargas couldn't get moving down there near the goal line. We might be seeing more of D-Mac in these final few weeks. Shame he can't slot in at WR, or else it'd help the A-Team.

Marble Ryan: D-Mac could put up numbers like he did against Kentucky and it still wouldn't change the fact that the Z-Team will be watching the playoffs from the Carl Farbman chair.

Mr. T: Life's not over for Mr. T's A-Team just yet. A Steve Stevens win over Michael J. puts me one game out of the playoffs. Unfortunately Bowser couldn't take care of things on his end with Lafayette or we'd truly be alive. I ain't dead. And importantly for Mr. T's portfolio, I've got 2 playoff guarantees in other leagues and another knocking on the door, thus leaving the possibility of another net positive year on the table.

Mr. T: Eddie Royal had another explosive WR3 day. 14 yards on two catches is one hell of a day.

Marble Ryan: I think Nnamdi was covering him yesterday. Royal dropped a 45-yard diving grab that would've helped him out, but I blame the past two weeks on Cutler's shitty play. I think I'd be 1-3 without the trade versus 4-0 with it, so you can kiss my balls.

Mr. T: He wasn't guarded by Nnamdi. Nnamdi drew Marshall most of the game, but there were times when certain receivers were moved around the field, so Nnamdi switched off. At least that’s what the report said. Your trade only worked out because of the karma, which led to the injuries of Schaub and McGahee. Those aren't things that could've been predicted unless you had a DeLorean in your garage.

Mr. T: Someone get Steve and Bruno a few shots of Jameson after that Randy Moss 3 TD game this week...

Bruno: Fuck Karma! She is a dirty whore.

Cousin Bowser: Will someone please explain to me what I have going on for me that's so great as to warrant my team going 2-75 this season and playing 6 weekly winners?

Marble Ryan: You're just living the dream, Bowser.

Mr. T: Here’s a list of reasons why your fantasy karma is terrible:

1. You work for a company that has laid off thousands and you're still there
2. If that goes wrong you have a Jersey City job in your back pocket
3. You report to guys in Singapore and Hong Kong
4. You showed up to work at 12 last week after accidentally sleeping late and basically run your own schedule
5. You finally got to lay Spoons, twice, fulfilling a lifelong dream

Mr. T: After Manning's performance last night, I think the MVP race is really heating up. The Cardinals and the Colts now have the same record at 7-4. Where would the Colts be without Manning? 2-9? His numbers still aren't great, but now that he's healthy, it's all coming around. He's got 9 TDs and 1 INT in his last 4 games. With games against Cleveland, Cincy, Detroit, Jacksonville, and Tennessee remaining, he'll be able to put up good enough numbers to be competitive. The Colts will probably finish at 11-5 or 12-4. His team would be in really rough shape if he weren’t involved. That's why he's the most "valuable."

Torry Hallelujah: I’m starting to agree — I think a lot of guys could put up numbers in the Arizona offense. Anytime Sports Guy comes out and basically says, “There’s no question — Peyton Manning is the NFL MVP,” you have to give it some thought.

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Scout’s Take: In which we discuss a trade of Dominic Rhodes for Santonio Holmes, Peyton Manning’s inconsistency, and the fate of LaDainian Tomlinson

Each week, our scouts gather to share their observations on the most noteworthy Sunday performances. Unfortunately, after spending it all on the company outing to Montego Bay, we had to fire them all. In their place are Cousin Bowser, Lafayette Gold, Marble Ryan, Mr. T, the Slow Eater and Torry Hallelujah, who let us know what they took away from the Week 7 action.

Cousin Bowser: I think it’s due time for one of those patented Mr. T schedule analysis emails. There's no way anyone has had a tougher schedule than me so far. I'm not saying that 114 points should guarantee me a victory, but I would have beaten 6-7 teams this week and this is like the fourth time this season this has happened.

Marble Ryan: Interesting trade on the tape today with Mr. T sending Dominic Rhodes to Lafayette Gold for Santonio Holmes. That's the value of being active on the waiver wire, I guess. Mr. T traded a free agent pickup for a top-line WR3 with the value of probably a 7th or 8th round pick in a re-draft today. Nicely done. It doesn't change the fact that he's still living with JTO and Favre behind center.

Torry Hallelujah: I know Mr. T is a Santonio guy, but I figured that his wariness of hamstring injuries would be cause for him to hold onto Nique Rhodes for a little while longer.

Lafayette Gold: With Reggie & Addai down, Basketball on Grass needed to make a move for a RB. Plus now I got insurance with both Colt RBs.

Mr. T: I figured I needed a little depth at receiver. And I can handle the lack of QB talent for the time being when I have Portis and Barber – the best RB combo in the league. Besides, JTO has a nice little stretch in front of him: Seattle, bye, Arizona, St. Louis, Dallas. That should bring him back to form. And when you got Tom Jones ready to step in, it's not unusual to trade Dom Rhodes. Marble, you getting worried about Manning at all? This inconsistency couldn’t have been what you were looking for when you drafted him in the first round…

Marble Ryan: I did not like what I saw from Manning, and I'm sure that as a Colts fan, Steve Stevens was pretty dismayed as well. What I saw was a Colts team that was completely outcoached, and a group of receivers that were getting tossed around at the line like a bunch of little kids. The Colts WRs are flimsy and can’t break press coverage, and with Harrison now down about three steps, he's not quick enough to get off the line anymore either. My guess is this is going to be a problem throughout the year, although not every team has corners as big and strong as the guys in Green Bay. I couldn't believe it when Harrison couldn't get his feet in bounds on that long pass in the fourth quarter. That used to be automatic! You expect a guy to lose some speed, but not body control. Even Jerry Rice could keep his feet in bounds when he was a 50-year-old on the Raiders.

Mr. T: Yeah I think Steve is on his way back from Indy. It must have been a somber day in the Stevens’ household watching them get cut up by the Packers. The funny thing is the Packers D has been lit up before by Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay. After they blew out the Ravens last week, you would’ve figured they could’ve done a lot more this week. Even if Harrison is a step slow, Gonzalez should be able to step up and get some things done. I think it all comes back to the offensive line, which is just in shambles. Apparently Tony Ugoh is benched – Johnson started over him yesterday even though Ugoh was healthy. Manning didn't get sacked this week, but he was definitely under a lot of pressure.

Marble Ryan: The line played bad, and maybe it was just a product of Manning not having the time, but the receivers were never open yesterday. Manning was constantly checking down, but even his check-downs were never open. Gonzalez really is terrible, though. That second pick 6 was completely his fault. Come back to the ball! He's undersized, has no speed and was flat-out useless yesterday. It's tough to come back to the ball on a play like that, plus I don't think he saw Rouse there. He's trying to maintain position in the end zone so if he makes the catch it's an automatic TD.

Mr. T: I blame Manning for that pick. When you're throwing to the far side of the field like that, you either need more space for the receiver or more zip on the ball. That's a throw a rookie makes. It's second down. Don't force the ball.

Marble Ryan: There was no reason for Gonzalez to stand two yards deep in the end zone – all he had to do was come back to the goal line and it would have been 6. Gonzalez looked like he was leaning back. Last night, though, Tiki pointed out that it looked like Manning misread the defense (saw Cover 1 but it was actually Cover 4), although who knows what was actually going through Manning’s mind. The play was to come back to the goal line and Gonzalez just stood there with cement in his shoes. All that said, Manning’s stat line was totally unacceptable; he gets paid what he gets paid to play a whole lot better than that. We'll see where this goes, but the inconsistency has been brutal.

Mr. T: I Also, I think everyone has given up on LDT as a RB1 for this year. 63.7 yards a game and 3.6 yards a carry aren't the numbers of a first round pick. I'm not sure if it’s a result of his toe injury, but the Chargers would be better off resting him vs. the Saints and then use the bye week to give him two full weeks rest. Sproles isn't that much of a downgrade from the sub-par LDT we've been getting.

Marble Ryan: He should retire after this year. He's done, time to go out while you still have some dignity. He shouldn't be like Emmitt, slogging through miserable seasons as a back up in Arizona or some other hell hole.

The Slow Eater: My theory is that the Chargers are purposely mismanaging LDT's injury as a favor to you guys. The Chefs with Tomlinson at 100% would just be unfair to the rest of the league. The NFL wants parity in all of its leagues, fantasy or otherwise. I might be biased, but that's the only explanation I can think of why they haven't rested him to let him recover.

Mr. T: Keep talking like that, Slow Eater. Cutler's arm will get ripped off by Rodney Harrison at this rate...
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