Fantasy Football: Inside the Trenches

Defenses took some big hits in this week’s Inside the Trenches.  Some big name guys on some big time defenses along with injuries to already thin units will raise expectations for a number of skill position players.

• James Harrison Steelers LB eye socket- Quarterbacks across the league can breathe a sigh of relief for at least a few weeks as one of the league’s most feared defenders is out.  The Titans’ Matt Hasselbeck has been playing well early this season and his job just got a little easier this Sunday.

• Bryan Thomas Jets LB Achilles out for season- While not the impact player of Harrison, Thomas started three of the first four games for a surprisingly struggling Jets defense.  Tom Brady was licking his chops even before the news of Thomas’ injury.

• Eric Foster Colts DL out for season- Another part time starter, he has started 3 of 4 games, but an ugly injury on Monday night ended that season.  The run defense becomes weaker without Foster, but the pass rush with those ends still should be strong.

• Chris Hope Titans S Forearm- Pretty good defensive back who will hurt both the pass and run defense of the Titans.  They might get away with covering his loss this week with the struggling Steelers offense, but down the road Hope’s absence will be felt.

• Tramaine Brock 49ers CB hand- Brock is not a starter, but is in during nickel or dime situations.  In today’s National Football League that is at least half the time.  While mainly a running team, there could be some more opportunities for Buccaneers’ receivers.

• Demetrius Bell Bills T shoulder- This could be a big loss for the Bills.  As the starting left tackle he protects Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blind side.  Bell and the offensive line is a big reason that Fred Jackson has started strong as well.

• Derek Cox Jaguars CB groin- Cox was one of Jacksonville’s starting corners his loss will help a surprisingly effective Bengals passing game.  With bye weeks starting, someone like Andy Dalton or AJ Green will benefit from the weak corner play.

• Jerod Mayo Patriots LB knee- The Pats defense can’t afford to lose anyone with the amount of yards they are giving up.  Mayo’s loss hurts more in the passing game than the running game.  Dustin Keller is someone to expect a little more from this week.

• Trent Cole Eagles DE calf- No more ‘Dream Team’ references, but Cole’s loss is a nightmare for the Eagles.  The defense is not living up to its preseason hype and losing its most consistent defensive lineman actually makes the Bell loss in Buffalo a little easier to handle this week.

• Bradley Fletcher Rams CB ACL out for season- Things keep getting worse for the Rams.  Although on bye this week, with the rash of injuries in the defensive backfield, quarterbacks will be licking their chops when playing St. Louis.