QUICK RECAP AND Q&A

Another Thursday night goes by with the inability of the majority of America to watch the NFL. Luckily it was the second straight week that the NFL Network through a real clunker at us. However next Saturday a Cowboys-Falcons game is on the NFL Network schedule in what should be a game with playoff implications. Luckily I'll be at my house since I get the NFL Network. Oh wait, Patriot Cable is too cheap to carry the game even though I pay for the channel, but I digress.

Willie Parker- Thursday night was all about Fast Willie Parker. The Steelers RB started off strong, and finished the night with a franchise record 223 rushing yards. In the midst of the record performance, Parker also scored his 13th TD of the season. It was the second time all year that Parker topped 200 yards rushing in what is turning into one of the best seasons for a RB in 2006. If you owned Parker in fantasy, you have to be liking your chances of advancing right now. Next up for Parker is a trip to Carolina. He has been dreadful on the road this season with a season high of only 83 years away from Heinz Field. Don't be surprised if next week is a letdown game.

Ben Roethlisberger- For the second straight week the Steelers went back to their 2005 style football by limiting their reliance on the passing game. Big Ben threw the ball only 21 times, but still managed to have 201 yards passing and 2 total TDs. If he can limit the turnovers, he's a terrific fantasy QB. With matchups against Carolina and Baltimore in the next two weeks, this is more of a time to see what Roethlisberger can do going forth to next year rather than foolishly starting him with your season on the line.

Derek Anderson- Filling in for the injured Frye yet again, Anderson looked pretty solid going up against the Steelers defense without any resemblance of a running game. His final numbers were 21 for 37 with 276 yards and a TD and INT. Anderson would have had a much better day were it not for his receivers inability to actually catch balls thrown to their hands. Anderson is as good if not better than Frye in what he has shown in two starts. The Browns will likely give both QBs a look to assess the future going forward.

Now time for your urgent questions.....

Q. I have Ahman Green and Corey Dillon and I need to choose one to start this week. I figure Dillon will get more carries, but Green has the much better matchup. What do you think I should do?

A. Yes, Dillon will get more carries, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be more productive this week. Dillon has benefited from splitting carries this season with Laurence Maroney because he no longer has to take that abuse a running back gets with a full load. If Maroney misses the game, the Patriots will try to work in Kevin Faulk more. Dillon's matchup in the first place is not too favorable. Miami does a great job against the run so it could be a tough day for Dillon.
On the other hand there is nothing not to like about Ahman Green this week. San Francisco has looked awful at times trying to defend the run. Green should be able to total around 100 yards and score at least once. Therefore, Green looks like the better option this week.

Q. What do you think about Jeff Garcia for the rest of the season?

A. What's different about Garcia's third job since leaving his Pro Bowl status in San Francisco is that this time around Garcia has capable weapons around him. Originally, there was some question whether Garcia could throw the deep ball to such explosive threats as Donte' Stallworth and Reggie Brown. The only question mark is how he will react to facing three division rivals in the next three weeks on the road. He's still a great start this week against Washington, but going forward he's a real question mark.

-David Cassilo
Contact at asuhouse@aol.com