Ed Barkowitz: With one-quarter of season gone, what has happened, what to expect

By Ed Barkowitz
Philadelphia Daily News

Daily News Sports Writer

WITH SEPTEMBER IN the rearview mirror, here's a look at what we've learned and what we will learn about the remainder of the fantasy season. While we're pondering the final three quarters of the year, can you believe Mewelde Moore is back on the fantasy radar?

* What we thought: With Tom Brady injured, the Patriots offense would have to rely on Laurence Maroney and the running game.

* What has happened: The Patriots offense has been pathetic and the running game invisible. New England failed to crack 20 points in its first three games, Maroney had another September without a touchdown and Randy Moss fans are second-guessing themselves for not drafting Chansi Stuckey instead.

* What to expect: The bye week should have helped Matt Cassel become more comfortable with the offense. The Patriots have a decent matchup this week at San Francisco and Moss, Wes Welker and, yes, even Maroney deserve another chance to start.

* What we thought: Brett Favre would be a decent fantasy backup quarterback.

* What has happened: Even without Sunday's ridiculous six touchdowns, Favre would still be in the top 10 in TD passes.

* What to expect: Unfortunately, the Cardinals are on the Jets' schedule only once, so six TDs will be a season high. But if Favre continues to get comfortable with Laveranues Coles, he'll be a top 5 fantasy QB. The Jets have a great schedule after Thanksgiving, when fantasy season begins its stretch run.

* What we thought: The ugly 29-13 opening loss to the Bears was an aberration for the Colts.

* What has happened: They barely beat Minnesota and lost to Jacksonville on a last-second field goal. The offensive line is ravaged by injuries and it's hurting everybody's numbers. Peyton Manning, for instance, has more interceptions than touchdowns.

* What to expect: The Colts, coming off a bye, should have a big week this Sunday against a Texans defense that has given up 92 points in the first three games. If Indy's offense struggles, keep that panic button handy.

* What we thought: If Randy Moss wasn't the first receiver drafted, then Terrell Owens was.

* What has happened: They both have been dusted by Denver's Brandon Marshall, an incredible talent on the field and a loose cannon off. If the draft was redone today, Marshall would be top 8 pick.

* What to expect: That's the key question. After a month of facing soft defenses, the Broncos play Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and New England.

* What we thought: If Darren McFadden wasn't the top rookie prospect, then Kevin Smith probably was.

* What has happened: Any momentum McFadden had from a 164-yard effort in Week 2 is gone after injuring his toe. Smith had a decent start, but has lost work to Rudi Johnson of all people.

* What to expect: Matt Forte had his toughest game last week against the rugged Eagles defense, but will continue to be the focal point as the Bears have favorable matchups against the Lions twice and Atlanta over the next five weeks.

Memory lane

The last time Kerry Collins started against Baltimore was on Dec. 15, 1996, when, as a Carolina Panther, he engineered a 27-16 win. Collins threw for 268 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. That was the year the Panthers, in just their second season, advanced all the way to the NFC Championship, losing at Green Bay.

Three Up

* Mewelde Moore, Steelers running back: He's likely to be a one-game option since Willie Parker is expected back after next week's bye. Don't like this week's matchup against Jacksonville, but if you're hurting, he's an option.

* Kevin Curtis, Eagles wide receiver: Should be coming off the shelf soon and stepping into a role as the Birds' 1A receiver.

* Chris Cooley, Redskins tight end: Cooley owners aggravated by his end-zone drought are looking for him to break through against an Eagles defense that has given up big plays to tight ends.

Three Down

* Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders kicker: Sure hope nobody lost last week because of a points deduction after Janikowski missed a 76-yard field goal attempt. That would hurt more than losing to Brett Favre's six bleepin' touchdowns.

* Marc Bulger, Rams quarterback: While getting rid of the coach was a start, St. Louis still has the same offensive line that nearly got Bulger killed. The Rams have three tough matchups after this week's bye, at Washington, Dallas and at New England. Leave him on the waiver wire.

* Lawrence Tynes, Giants kicker: There was some thought that Tynes (knee) would be back after the bye. He's still having problems with swelling, which makes replacement John Carney safe for now. *

Ed Barkowitz, who lost directly because of Brett Favre's monster day last week, is also a fantasy football consultant for CBS3's Sunday morning Eagles pregame show. Send e-mail to

fantasyfootball@phillynews.com.

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