Week 9: Box Score Bandit

Week 8 was more of a prep for Week 9's showdown between unbeatens New England and Indianapolis. And neither team disappointed as each throttled their opponents, combining for 83 points.

The wins gave fantasy studs, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, a league-record in wins over 31 different teams. Let the hype begin, the upcoming duel is sure to set stage for which team gets the inside track to Super Bowl XLII.

Don't have time to scour the box scores? No need to worry, the Bandit is here every week to break down all of the games for owners - fantasy style. Check out the latest quick hits on the studs, bench plays, sleepers, and injuries from the week that was.

Jaguars Win Battle of Florida Over Tampa, 24-23
Fantasy Stud: WR-Joey Galloway (TB) made his TD catch and run look easy on his way to finishing with 6 receptions, 115 yards, 1 TD.
Bench Play: RB-Fred Taylor (JAC) is putting up very average numbers. His 68 yards rushing were nothing for owners to write home about.
Sleeper: RB-Michael Bennett (TB) debuted for the Bucs and showed that he will contribute. He had only 2 carries, but took one to the house for a 19-yard TD.

Philadelphia Finds its Groove, Beats Minnesota, 23-16
Fantasy Stud: RB-Brian Westbrook (PHI) was again the catalyst for the Eagles, gaining 92 total yards, catching 4 passes, and scoring 2 TDs.
Bench Play: RB-Adrian Peterson (MIN) was held in check with 70 yards and 0 TDs.
Sleeper: WR-Reggie Brown (PHI) led all receivers with 8 receptions for 105 yards. He could be sitting on wires in some leagues to give owners a solid pickup.
Injuries: QB-Kelly Holcomb (MIN) got knocked out of the game with a neck injury.

Cleveland Keeps St. Louis Winless, 27-20
Fantasy Stud: WR-Braylon Edwards (CLE) continues to prove that he is an elite fantasy option. He hauled in 8 balls for 117 yards with 2 TDs.
Bench Play: QB-Marc Bulger (STL) is a sitting duck behind his porous OL. He did throw for 301 yards with 1 TD, but there's no telling if he can stay healthy enough to produce going forward.
Sleeper: QB-Derek Anderson (CLE) is a definite player grab in a trade for owners that need QB help. He's posted back-to-back weeks with 3 TDs and had 248 yards in this contest.
Injuries: Bulger (right thumb) and RB-Steven Jackson (back) both missed snaps.

Steelers Take Care of Business, Defeat Bengals, 24-13
Fantasy Stud: WR-Hines Ward (PIT) enjoyed his biggest game of the season, catching 8 balls for 88 yards and 2 TDs.
Bench Play: WR-Chad Johnson (CIN) hasn't been living up to expectations and the talk is that he'll be somewhere else next season. His 5 receptions for 51 yards aren't enough of what owners need from him.
Sleeper: RB-Kenny Watson (CIN) is making the most of his chances in this offense. He totaled 114 yards and also had 5 receptions.

Lions Claw Past Bears, 16-7
Fantasy Stud: RB-Kevin Jones (DET) is back to form and rewarded owners that stashed him on their bench with 115 total yards and 1 TD.
Bench Play: QB-Jon Kitna (DET) has not been putting up #1 numbers. He had 268 yards, but failed to toss a TD.
Sleeper: TE-Greg Olsen (CHI) is a nice option for owners in need of a TE. He caught 6 passes for 58 yards and scored the team's only TD.

Buffalo Jumps on Jets, 13-3
Fantasy Stud: WR-Lee Evans (BUF) broke the game open in the 4th quarter. He had a big game with 5 receptions, 138 yards, and 1 TD.
Bench Play: WR-Laveranues Coles (NYJ) had a stinker for his owners. He had just 1 catch for 13 yards.
Sleeper: QB-JP Losman (BUF) may be back in the fold. He came in for an injured Trent Edwards and threw for 113 yards and 1 TD.
Injuries: Edwards left with a wrist injury.