Bringin' the Noise: Job well Dunn

Watch the Noise, alongside fellow Yahoo! expert Brandon Funston and Rotowire's Chris Liss , answer your pressing lineup questions for a full hour every NFL Sunday on the two-time Emmy nominated webcast "Fantasy Football Live" at 9 AM PT/11 AM CT/Noon ET.

Tampa Bay's Warrick Dunn doesn't walk around in a dhoti, has never taken an oath of celibacy nor had his likeness portrayed on the silver screen by Sir Ben Kingsley.

Even at 33, Dunn looks 10 years Felix Jones' junior

(US Presswire)

But in terms of charitable works, the diminutive rusher is the Gridiron Gandhi.

Away from the field, Dunn's philanthropic record is extraordinary. In his native Baton Rouge, and Atlanta and Tampa, the 33-year-old has helped dozens of economically-challenged single parents purchase homes. He's also raised over five million dollars for Hurricane Katrina victims. And he, alongside other sports megastars Muhammad Ali, Jeff Gordon and Cal Ripken, helped form an organization designed to encourage other professional athletes to support their communities through volunteer work.

In the often overly self-indulgent NFL world, Dunn's unselfish humanitarianism is refreshing. So much so that other pigskin standouts, preferably those named Adam Jones, could stand to learn a lesson in regards to his generosity.

The 12-year vet also continues to give back to those who support his endeavors on the field.

Similar to the Phillies Jamie Moyer or the Pistons Antonio McDyess, Dunn is a productive post-prime fantasy commodity who unfairly gets buried each drafting season. Selected on average in Round 15 of 12-team drafts in August (176 ADP), the ageless scatback has been reborn in his second tour of duty with the Buccs. Mired in a four-year fantasy points per game decline prior to this season, he's rebounded by averaging a stout 9.3 points in standard scoring formats, up from a career-low 7.5 mark last season. Unbelievably, the 25th-ranked RB in Y! leagues has outperformed draft day giants Joseph Addai, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Grant. And currently, he's on pace to record his sixth 1,000-yard season of his career (1,029 rushing yards, 301 receiving).

Entering 2008, many scouts noted his baseline skills had eroded significantly over the past two seasons. Most declared his future in the league was limited to third-down exclusive duties. But Dunn has shown the resiliency of an emperor penguin. Determined to prove naysayers wrong, he remarked after being released by Atlanta in March that he could "still play." No words this season have proven more prophetic. The fantasy community should've listened more carefully. Per the Tampa Tribune May 18:

"I would never consider myself a third-down back. It's not my mentality. I don't play the game that way. I don't think Coach Jon Gruden brought me here just to play on third down. He believes in me, and I just have to go out and prove it."

At the same time, Gruden hinted that Dunn wasn't hired to be Earnest Graham's oxygen tank:

"I see him as being a front-line guy. He is going to play a lot."

The resolute rusher has indeed seen significant action, more so than any fantasy prognosticator projected.

Through six games, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound mighty mouse has routinely played with stalwart fortitude. His patience, sharp vision, instinctive cuts, versatility and toughness have artfully misdirected opponents. Dodgy and quick, he's averaged a robust 15.2 touches per contest for 83.2 yards per game. Also, his 2.7 receptions per game have made him indispensable in PPR formats.

Critics will maintain he's only useful as a Flex option in 12-team and deeper leagues. Their suggestions aren't completely unjustified. Because Dunn rarely finds the end zone, he truly is nothing more than an RB3 in shallow leagues. However, his consistent 8-11 point contributions cannot be underestimated, especially when dealing with bye weeks.

Take Week 6 for instance.

The Gridiron Gandhi educates Tony Siragusa on the benefits of fasting

(Getty Images)

With Earnest Graham forced into a blocking role due to the loss of fullback Byron Storer, Dunn rushed for 115 yards on 22 carries versus Carolina, his highest ground total since October 6, 2006. For a stiff Panthers defense, which had previously shackled marquee backs LaDainian Tomlinson, Matt Forte, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner and Larry Johnson, it was their first 100-yard performance allowed in seven games.

Due to Dunn's rollercoaster upcoming schedule, he'll likely only be sporadically effective. Still matchups against flaccid defenses in Weeks 9 (at KC), 12 (at Det), 13 (vs. NO) and 15 (at Atl) should make him one of virtual pigskin's unsung heroes.

This week consider Dunn an upside Flex/RB2 in 12-team and deeper leagues against an underachieving Seattle defense that has yielded 151 total yards per game and four touchdowns to rushers over the past four weeks, equal to the 12th-most fantasy points surrendered. Although he's expected to return to a near 50-50 timeshare with Graham, he should see roughly 14-17 touches. Given his elusiveness in space, the Tampa Bay O-Line's brilliant play and Jeff Garcia's incredibly accurate arm (75.7 completion percentage since Week 5), 100 total yards and a touchdown is certainly attainable.

Maybe someday Dunn's uplifting story too will be retold in theaters.

But if that occurs expect TV's Webster, not Kingsley, to play the lead role.

Week 7 Fearless Forecast: 15 carries, 76 rushing yards, 3 receptions 22 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Here are this week's flames, lames and stars of video games:

Each week the Noise highlights five somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined for flame madness or lame sadness. In honor of waiver wire hero Ron Dayne's legendary three-game dominance late in '06, the "Shocker Special" segment spotlights one player owned in less than a third of Yahoo! leagues who is poised for instant greatness. The Noise, an accountability advocate, will tally his hits and misses and post the results, whether genius or moronic, each week using the scoring system listed at the end of the lames segment.

*BNRK = Big Noise weekly position ranking
*Y!% = Percentage owned, started in Yahoo! Plus leagues

Week 7 Fantasy Flames
	Player	Team	Pos	Opp	BNRK	Y!%
	Trent Edwards		QB		9	66, 18
	Lowdown: With his cerebral marbles firmly nestled back into their proper lobes, Edwards is a sound QB1 this week. The second-year slinger has experienced some minor residual effects from a concussion suffered in Arizona Week 5, but he told the Toronto Star Monday, "I'm getting better each day." Cloudy or not, looking at San Diego's weaknesses on paper should have Edwards psyched. Despite housing enormous talent in their secondary, the Chargers have surrendered 267 passing yards and 1.7 air strikes per game to signal callers, equal to the third-most fantasy points allowed. Bills offensive coordinator Turk Schonert has been creative with his play calls this season, infusing more high percentage slant patterns and swing passes into the offense to keep Edwards' confidence up and defenses guessing. Given San Diego's troubles plugging the run (4.5 YPC allowed to RBs), Edwards, fresh off the bye, should pick apart Ted Cottrell's 3-4 by connecting with a variety of targets. Anticipate a top-10 QB return.
	Fearless Forecast: 22-31, 249 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions

	DeAngelo Williams		RB		15	95, 60
	Lowdown: The Puli-headed rusher may pack a surprising bark in a crucial tilt with NFC South rival New Orleans. Over the past three weeks, the Saints have performed brilliantly against the run. During that span, they've limited backs (Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson and Oakland's three-headed muskrat) to just 3.3 yards per tote, 91 total yards per game and zero scores. However, all of those superb efforts were logged under the Superdome lights. Away from the Crescent City, 'Nawlins has been more run vulnerable. In its two road games (at Wash and at Den), its conceded 4.4 yards per carry and three scores to rushers. Yes, inconsistencies, poor execution and O-line injuries have hampered the Panthers ground attack. Add to that Jake Delhomme's struggles and it explains why defenses have stacked the box against Carolina. But because Williams is one of the league's most dangerous rushers in space, look for John Fox to work him on the peripheries and in the passing game to maximize his explosiveness. Tag the Little Napoleon, averaging 68 total yards per game, as an upside Flex play in 12-team leagues, especially PPR formats.
	Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 74 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 19 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

	LenDale White		RB		19	92, 35
	Lowdown: This week, Chiefs tacklers will bounce off the Baron of Blubber. The portly back, severely handicapped by a nagging shoulder injury since Week 2, has averaged an unexciting 2.6 yards per carry on 12.6 touches per game. White conveyed his frustration with the injury to the Nashville City Paper October 8, "I did it in the second game up at Cincinnati. It's been nagging me, but it's got time to get right. We've got a bye week. I'm getting healthy and I look forward to playing Kansas City." With his dinged wing well-rested, he's close to full strength and primed for sizable numbers. Kansas City has been embarrassed by the run this season. In five games, its yielded 211 total yards per contest, 5.3 yards per carry and nine end-zone plunges to backs, equal to the most fantasy points allowed. Sure, Chris Johnson will net the lion's share of the carries, but White's bulldozing, down-hill running style combined with KC's inadequacies upfront suggest he's strong RB2 material in Week 7. His yardage totals may again underwhelm, but the potential for multiple scores definitely exists.
	Fearless Forecast: 15 carries, 66 rushing yards, 1 reception, 8 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

	Bernard Berrian		WR		7	95, 68
	Lowdown: Loaded and cocked, the BB-Gun is ready to engage in some friendly fire. In his return to the Windy City, Berrian should go ballistic. An already susceptible Bears defense could potentially be without the services of premiere cover corner Charles Tillman, who suffered a shoulder injury last week in Atlanta. Even with "Peanut" healthy, the Bears have been more cuddly than ferocious against the pass. They've conceded the most yards and the fifth-most fantasy points to wideouts. Berrian's scorching production over the past two weeks (5.5 rec/g, 120.5 ypg, 2 TDs) has largely been due to Gus Frerotte's crisp delivery of downfield passes. Considering Chicago has given up 16 pass plays of 20-plus yards, the ninth-most in the NFL, the journeyman QB will undoubtedly target and connect with Berrian on several deep patterns. The Vikes No. 1, amped about playing in front of his once adoring fans, will likely outscore noteworthy names Braylon Edwards, Santana Moss and Randy Moss in Week 7. Currently only active in 61 percent of Y! Plus leagues, he's an imperative start in all formats.
	Fearless Forecast: 7 receptions, 127 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

	Derrick Mason		WR		11	68, 38
	Lowdown: Thumped by eight-time All-Pro and professional Bruce Springsteen head-bobber Peyton Manning last week, the Ravens will attempt to end their three-game tailspin by leaning on rookie Joe Flacco's golden arm. Picked off three times last week, the youngster was humbled by Tony Dungy's perplexing Cover 2. However, a Week 7 matchup with Miami bodes well for the Ravens passing game. The Fins' 3-4 has excelled in the trenches but has been humiliated through the air. In total, they've yielded 20 pass plays of 20-plus yards, the second-most in the NFL, and the most fantasy points to wide receivers. At 34, Mason has yet to lose a step. Still one of the game's savviest route runners, he's played tremendously well considering the situation, averaging 5.4 receptions and 66.2 yards per game. As his T.O. alter-ego told the Indy Star before last week's game, "You throw me the ball and it's going to be caught." Expect Mason to grip the pill an appreciable amount of times this week. Activate him in all PPR leagues.
	Fearless Forecast: 8 receptions, 86 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Other Flame candidates: Gus Frerotte (at Chi), Dominic Rhodes (at GB), Sammy Morris (vs. Den), Ryan Grant (vs. Ind), Kevin Walter (vs. Det), Eddie Royal (vs. NE)

Shocker Special of the Week
	Player	Team	Pos	Opp	BNRK	Y!%
	Kevin Faulk		RB		27	24, 12
	Lowdown: After another porous offensive display last week, Bill "Beelzechick" will likely devise a game plan to renew confidence in erratic QB Matt Cassel. Because Cassel's strength is completing passes in the short-field, the versatile Faulk could become his primary weapon this week. The Broncos have performed horrendously in the trenches this season, allowing 200.7 total yards per game, 5.4 yards per carry and nine scores to rushers, equal to the fourth-most fantasy points conceded. More encouraging, Denver has surrendered 8.7 receptions per game to backs, the most in the NFL. Two weeks ago, Belichick described Faulk as a "clutch, dependable player" who "does things well, whether it's blitz pickup, pass receiving on third down, or running the ball around the goal line." In a must-win game for the Pats, he'll be just that for fantasy owners in Grand Canyon-deep leagues. Expect the 32-year-old Cuisinart to net roughly 10-12 touches. Confidently start him at the Flex in 12-team and deeper leagues.
	Fearless Forecast: 10 carries, 47 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 33 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Other potential Shockers: Jeff Garcia (vs. Sea), Rudi Johnson (at Hou), Donnie Avery (vs. Dal), Justin Gage (at KC), Bobby Wade (at Chi), Miami Defense (vs. Bal)

Week 7 Fantasy Lames
	Player	Team	Pos	Opp	BNRK	Y!%
	Derek Anderson		QB		14	87, 31
	Lowdown: It was good to be a Chihuahua last week. A film about the pampered SoCal fashion accessories was No. 1 at the box office for the second straight week (Although "Sex Drive," a film based on a book by my colleague Andy Behrens, will send the miniature pooches to the pound this week). And in Cleveland, the diminutive Dawgs, spearheaded by Anderson's first 200-plus yard day of the season, finally had their day. Yes, the D.A. is back to his law-abiding, touchdown-tossing ways. Dismantling the Giants for 310 yards, two touchdowns and, most encouragingly, zero turnovers, Anderson hopes to march his rediscovered mojo on Washington. However, the Redskins will be wearing riot gear. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache has steered the 'Skins away from last year's Tampa-2 and installed more man-to-man schemes packed with zone pressures. So far, the results have been fruitful. Washington has yielded just 209.3 passing yards and one touchdown per game to signal-barkers this season, equal to the 11th-fewest fantasy points allowed. Anderson should have a stellar second half, but this week he regresses. Categorize him as a borderline starter in 12-team and deeper leagues.
	Fearless Forecast: 19-31, 211 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions

	Frank Gore		RB		21	100, 98
	Lowdown: This week, Gore is fantasy's version of Joe the plumber. Stud supporters (e.g. Chris Liss) would argue that benching him is outrageous. Meanwhile, a matchup backer like myself would argue that he's demote worthy, especially if you have friendlier options available. However, both sides would push their proposed tax plans. Although he hasn't expressed it outright, Gore seems unhappy with Mike Martz's play-calling. After the Niners blew a significant lead against Philadelphia last week, he threw a subtle jab at the coaching staff, telling the San Jose Mercury News, "I'm not the coach, and I don't make the calls. We made mistakes and lost the game. Our coach did what he thought was the best thing for us to get a first down and move the ball." Anticipate Gore's frustrations to continue to mount this week in the Big Apple. The Giants have been stalwarts in the trenches, limiting rushers to 3.9 yards per carry, 99.4 total yards per game and two scores in five contests, equal to the third-fewest fantasy points surrendered. Gore is an all-around monster (120 yards per game, 5.6 yards per touch) who can demolish opponents a variety of ways, but the speed of the G-Men's aggressive blitz-crazed defense will prove costly to fans of No. 21. Absolutely keep him active in 10-team and deeper leagues, especially PPR-friendly formats, but an effort similar to Week 5 (78 total yards, 1 TD) could be in the cards.
	Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 66 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 21 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

	Julius Jones		RB		28	98, 55
	Lowdown: Jones' shark fin hairstyle would appear dangerous peaking out of the water, but underneath his helmet its as docile as a dolphin. Without the services of Matt Hasselbeck, the stagnant Seattle offense will again struggle on the road. Backup Seneca Wallace is an effective scrambler who can deliver accurate passes downfield. However, when caged in the pocket, his lack of size makes him vulnerable to mistakes. If Wallace cannot stretch the field efficiently, Jones will undoubtedly flounder. The Bucs have conceded just 3.4 yards per carry, 124.7 total yards per game and two touchdowns to RBs this season, equal to the ninth-fewest fantasy points allowed. Total that with Jones' 3.6 yards per carry average over the past two weeks and a disastrous fantasy performance seems a certainty. Hawks right tackle Sean Locklear summarized the recent ground game woes best on October 12: "It's frustrating. We started early in the season with injuries and stuff, and I don't think as an offense we've settled down into a rotation where guys are in there playing together. Every week it seems like a different combination of guys." Discombobulated and disorganized, Seattle is a sputtering offense that will have minimal success Sunday night, especially on the ground.
	Fearless Forecast: 17 carries, 62 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 13 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

	Terrell Owens		WR		12	100, 99
	Lowdown: The Fonzworth Bentley of the NFL will be crying in his cardigan sweater after this week's tilt in St. Louis. At first glance, Whine-O's matchup appears very fantasy friendly. The repulsive Rams have yielded the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers this season. However, coming off a shocking come-from-behind victory in Washington, Jim Haslett's bunch is playing with renewed confidence, in particular on defense. The Lou's newly installed 3-4 scheme was very effective at bottling up Redskins receivers last week, especially standout Santana Moss, who finished with a mere two catches for 22 yards. Regardless if Brad Johnson or Tony Romo suits up, this game will be the Marion Barber show. Dallas' physical frontline will obliterate a Rams trench team that has given up 185.6 total yards per game to backs. Yes, Whine-O can't be demoted, but he could post similar totals as his vanishing acts in Weeks 3 (2-17) and 6 (4-36). We can only hope the geriatric Johnson will tell T.O. to respect his elders if another sideline meltdown ensues.
	Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 51 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

	T.J. Houshmandzadeh		WR		27	100, 94
	Lowdown: Harvard is known for producing Nobel laureates, leaders of the free world and plume-haired late-night talk show hosts – not serviceable NFL quarterbacks. Crimson product Ryan Fitzpatrick's efforts this week will produce bitter results for Housh owners. Without any semblance of a running game, Cincinnati's offense will be anemic this week against Pittsburgh. Defensive mastermind Dick LeBeau will throw the kitchen sink at Fitzpatrick in an attempt to bewilder and fluster the young QB. Minus Carson Palmer, Housh has still been relatively useful in PPR-heavy leagues, totaling 13 catches for 99 yards in two games. But given Fitzpatrick's inconsistencies and the fact that Pittsburgh has surrendered just nine 20-yard pass plays (the fewest in the NFL) and one TD to receivers this season it appears likely the sticky-fingered wideout will total underwhelming numbers in conventional formats. Keep him active in all PPR leagues, but standard scoring formats should demote Housh in favor of upside plays like Kevin Walter (vs. Det), Devin Hester (vs. Min) or Eddie Royal (at NE).
	Fearless Forecast: 7 receptions, 47 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

Other Lame candidates: Ben Roethlisberger (at Cin), Le'Ron McClain (at Mia) Adrian Peterson (at Chi), Vincent Jackson (at Buf), Santonio Holmes (at Cin)

NOTABLE NOISE
Do you ever question why on earth you're not a fantasy expert? This is the place for you to vent your thoughts, tirades and frustrations. Can you bring the noise?

Brad, I'm going to take it that the guys that read these columns and write to you have never "played" real football. They don't realize that actual pain, sickness, vibes, game plans and determination factor into each player's fantasy numbers each week. They also don't get that (to quote "Pirates of the Caribbean") "the code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules". So, lay off "Big Noise" Evans. He's giving you guidelines. Think for yourself, and make your own decisions with his and other experts' "guidelines." – Darren, Springfield, VA

Your quote: "the Bearded One (Kyle Orton) will shatter empty Jack Daniels bottles over the heads of Atlanta's amateurish corners in Week 6." Freakin' hilarious! Keep up the great work! – JoJo, Tampa, Fla.

Just have to wonder about your Lame pick of Slaton. You pumped him last week, why back down? If Matt Schaub is going to have a big day, odds are Slaton will see a few red zone carries, and in goal-line situations he proved himself capable last week. I would say 19 rushes, 74 yards, 1 TD with 5 receptions and 37 yards. By no means a lame. And a great play in PPR leagues. (Which you did mention, so credit there) – Steven, Boulder, Col.

Noise: For those keeping track, Slaton finished with 61 total yards on 16 touches with zero touchdowns – slam dunk lame material. Look, the Noise has housed inappropriate feelings for Slaton since he first laid eyes upon him in Texans threads this past July. But when an unfavorable matchup presents itself, objectivity must be exercised, no matter how lustful the overall feelings are toward a player. Based on Houston's remaining schedule (Det, at Min, Cin, at Ind, at Cle, Jac, at GB, Ten, at Oak, Chi), Slaton will be a top-10 fantasy force in several of those contests. Still, even though he's become a name-brand back, it doesn't mean he's an absolute must start regardless of the matchup (e.g. at Min, vs. Ten and Chi).

If you're still thinking Miami is the putrid defensive guppy of last year, think again. Tony Sparano's nails-tough mentality has changed the personality of the team. The Fins' stunt-heavy 3-4 scheme has worked masterfully in the trenches. Since yielding 101 yards to Thomas Jones in Week 1, they've allowed zero touchdowns, 43.8 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry to No. 1 backs.

You got a problem with McClain's negative total last week? Blame your obtuse fantasy intuition the Noise

(Getty Images)

You stupid (expletive) ass. I listened to you and started Le'Ron McClain over Correll Buckhalter. I had Buckhalter in all the way until I heard you claim McClain would outscore Gore. (Expletive) (expletive)! I will continue to watch your stupid pre-game show (only because it is the only one in town), however I will always choose opposite of what you advise, you (expletive) geek. You never played football did you? (Expletive)! Why don't you go and give Funston a kiss, and go back to fantasy tennis, it's more your speed. – David, Laguna Beach, Calif.

Noise: It's only appropriate that an email from the epi-center of shallow-thinking, spoiled teenagers and superficiality is laced with hindsight insults and F-bombs. Way to feed the MTV stereotype, David.

The "you never played football" argument is quite possibly the lamest and most played-out attempt at derision hurled at fantasy "experts." Did Mike Tirico play football? Probably not, but he's one of the game's most respected announcers and football minds. Unscrupulous attacks such as these are equivalent to the lack of experience line directed at certain political candidates. Just because someone never played the sport competitively, doesn't automatically decrease their knowledge of the game.

Yes, the McClain prognostication was a major blunder. As my apparent boyfriend Brandon Funston argued in Monday's Skinny, the NFL is often illogical. On paper, McClain was easily a top 15 play last week. Prior to Week 6, his opponent, Indianapolis, had allowed 204 total yards per game and five touchdowns to backs, equal to the third-most fantasy points yielded. Given John Harbaugh's ball-control style, it seemed likely he was destined to net 15-20 touches en route to 80 yards and 1-2 scores. But the Peyton Manning buzzsaw immediately dashed McClain's hopes for a big afternoon. Look, in-game circumstances are extremely difficult to predict. In the end it was a painful misfire, but the Noise stands by his convictions. When players are ranked close together, I will always advocate matchup over name.

One last thing, don't knock fantasy tennis. Scoring "grunt points" for female participants definitely makes it a lively virtual game. Maria Sharapova's passionate moans are the sole reason why she's the LT of the courts.

Hacksaw Brad Evans. I typically read your claims and predictions with confidence, and most of the time, if I've got an opportunity to give one of your fearless fantasy projections a shot, I go for it. This week however, I disagree big-time with your Jerricho Cotchery "Fantasy Lame" prediction. Granted, your prediction wasn't terrible, and it is quite possible that Cotch could have a dud of a fantasy week, but it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. After watching Favre throw for 6 TDs, and then head into the bye week, I think that he will target Laveranues Coles early and often, which essentially will open things up for Jerricho. Look for this Jets offense to have another huge game vs. the Bengals. My fearless fantasy projection is 7 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD. Let's see who wins this one. I bet you Ricky Williams' stash that I win. – Rob, New York, NY

Noise: Well, Rob, it appears we'll be splitting the bet. I'll bring the White Castle sliders.

Granted, you're fearless forecast was closer than the Noise's (5 rec. 54 yards) but Cotchery never found pay-dirt. Still, praise to you for showing the gall to ridicule a projection prior to kickoff. As you may have already read, many spineless knuckleheads (*cough* David from the LB) tend to coat fanalysts in tar and feathers after the fact.

On another note, it's time for people to come to the realization that the Bengals secondary isn't exactly a friendly-fantasy matchup. Only one quarterback has surpassed 200-yards against them this season (Eli Manning in Week 3). Given their interior problems, teams will continue to give them the '07 Raiders treatment, which likely means more Willie Parker (or Mewelde Moore), less Big Ben in Week 7.

Will you please update your photo on Yahoo! Sports? You look like a kid. – Jason, Las Vegas, NV

Noise: Jason, the Noise is the Ralph Macchio of Y! Sports. In other words, despite my advanced age (30), casting directors would probably employ my boyish looks in a movie about combative teenagers with a fondness for martial arts. An updated photo probably wouldn't discourage the Noise from crane-kicking the crap out of arrogant Cobra Kai members.

The Noise still gets carded routinely at liquor stores. But ever since I've sported the facial mongoose, no I.D. brandishing has been required. Still, fashioning the Van Dyke has come with a few drawbacks. Most notably, several quarrelsome motorcycle gangs have asked me to join their posse. As you probably could guess, boots, leather and random violence aren't exactly my bag.

SILENCE THE NOISE CHALLENGE
Each week one lucky aspiring fantasy prognosticator is chosen to go toe-to-toe against the Noise. If you want to be a guest "expert" submit your flames, lames (QB, 2 RB, 2 WR/TE) and shocker special (any position) along with a valid email address here no later than midnight central time on Tuesdays. Oh, and please, no long dissertations to justify your picks. All that's required are your player selections and projections. Winners earn a league spot to compete against yours truly next season. Good luck!

Week 7 contestant: Itachi from Osaka, Japan

Flames:
Marc Bulger, StL (vs. Dal): 275 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Sammy Morris, NE (vs. Den): 15 carries, 75 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
LenDale White, Ten (at KC): 12 carries, 55 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
Nate Washington, Pit (at Cin): 5 receptions, 75 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
Dallas Clark, Ind (at GB): 4 receptions, 68 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Shocker Special:
Javon Walker, Oak (vs. NYJ): 5 receptions, 80 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

Lames:
Drew Brees, NO (at Car): 200 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 2 interceptions
Adrian Peterson, Min (at Chi): 19 carries, 75 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns
Ronnie Brown, Mia (vs. Bal): 15 carries, 60 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns, 2 fumbles lost
Laveranues Coles, NYJ (at Oak): 5 receptions, 65 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns
Dwayne Bowe, KC (vs. Ten): 4 receptions, 52 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns

Week 6 Results: Zhen from Shanghai, China
Flames: 5-1, 50.0% (W - Gus Frerotte, Thomas Jones, Vincent Jackson, Antwaan Randle El, Indy D/ST (SS); L -Deuce McAllister)
Lames: 2-3, 80% (W - JT O'Sullivan, Darren McFadden; L - Steven Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Antonio Gates)

Noisers YTD - Flames: 20-16, 55.6%; Lames: 16-14, 53.3%; Shocker Special: 5-1, 83.3%

Challenge Winners: (Brian from Dallas, Noah from Kansas City, Bill from Indonesia, Zhen from Shanghai)