What to Make of Week 9

What to Make of Week 9-By David Ortega for Football Reporters Online

Chambers has a new home
It did not take long for Chris Chambers to go from the unemployed to starting in Kansas City. Almost as fast as he was released by San Diego was Chambers claimed by the Chiefs. Once he cleared, the team released wide receiver Bobby Wade and Chambers was quickly inserted into the lineup. Following his impressive debut as a Chief, their is great room for improvement. Chambers only caught three passes and was only targeted four times. It just makes you wonder what might happen once he and his quarterback are in sync.

Broncos Offense has lost its air
It does not take a rocker scientist to see the Broncos offense has no passing attack. The days of the dink-and-dunk are over in the Mile High City if you can not go downtown. The Broncos' passing attack ranks amog those with the fewest big pass plays. In the last two weeks, although the offense has racked up 373 yards in the air, their longest pass play has been a 23 yard toss to a tight end. In the two games the offense has only scored 10 points. Unless Orton and company ignite a little life and get the passing attack off the ground, no air will mean no wins and few fantasy points.


Looking Under the Microscope

The Chiefs offense could be on the rise with the arrival of some needed hands. With the acquisition of Chris Chambers (3 catches, 70 yards) and the emergence 1st year receiver Lance Long (seven receptions), and add stud receiver Dwayne Bowe the Chiefs would appear to have their passing attack in place. If these three can develop some chemistry and consistency, quarterback Matt Cassel could suddenly rise from the doldrums of the fantasy doghouse as evident on Sunday; 262 passing yard and two touchdowns. With the Raiders up next, look for Cassel to continue his rise.


More Fantasy Notes

Both Cardinals running backs Tim Hightower (75 yards) and Chris Wells (72 yards) ran the ball extremely well on Sunday. Two things can be taken from this account, both backs will see plenty of work going forward and the Bears run defense can be had (allowing 119 yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry).

Another notable from Sunday was Packer's running back Ryan Grant. The Pack's ball carrier kind of gets lost in the shuffle playing in the shadow of the team's potent vertical game. On Sunday Grant rushed for 96 yards on 21 carries raising his season total to 621 (ranks 9th in the NFL). This season Grant is averaging just over four yards a carry with four rushing touchdowns.