Fantasy Sports

Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 7

October 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Expect similar numbers as last week for Rodgers as he appears to be in mid-season form.

 

 

QBs
1. Aaron Rodgers – GB vs St. Louis  2. Drew Brees – NO vs Tampa Bay
3. Eli Manning – NYG vs Washington  4. Robert Griffin III – Was vs New York Giants
5. Tom Brady – NE vs New York Jets 6. Andrew Luck – Ind vs Cleveland                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Cam Newton – Car vs Dallas  8. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit vs Cincinnati

9. Tony Romo – Dal vs Carolina  10. Matthew Stafford – Det vs Chicago

11. Matt Schaub – Hou vs Baltimore 12. Andy Dalton – Cin vs Pittsburgh                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     13. Joe Flacco – Bal vs Houston  14. Carson Palmer – Oak vs Jacksonville

15. Jay Cutler – Chi vs Detroit  16. Christian Ponder – Min vs Arizona

17. Josh Freeman – TB vs New Orleans  18. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Buf vs Tennessee

19. Mark Sanchez – NYJ vs New England  20. Matt Hasselbeck – Ten vs Buffalo

RBs
1. Arian Foster – Hou vs Baltimore  2. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jax vs Oakland

3. Ray Rice – Bal vs Houston  4. Darren McFadden – Oak vs Jacksonville

5. Matt Forte – Chi vs Detroit  6. Adrian Peterson – Min vs Arizona

7. CJ Spiller – Buf vs Tennessee  8. Trent Richardson – Cle vs Indianapolis

9. Alfred Morris – Was vs New York Giants  10. Chris Johnson – Ten vs Buffalo

11. Stevan Ridley – NE vs New York Jets   12. Darren Sproles – NO vs Tampa Bay

13. Doug Martin – TB vs New Orleans  14. Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG vs Washington

15. Felix Jones – Dal vs New York Giants  16. BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Cin vs Pittsburgh

17. Mikel LeShoure – Det vs Chicago  18. Fred Jackson – Buf vs Tennessee

19. Steven Jackson – STL vs Green Bay  20. Alex Green – GB vs St. Louis

21. Shonn Greene – NYJ vs New England  22. Vick Ballard – Ind vs Cleveland

23. DeAngelo Williams – Car vs Dallas  24. Jonathan Dwyer – Pit vs Cincinnati

25.  WIlliam Powell – Ari vs Minnesota  26. Michael Bush – Chi vs Detroit

27. Jonathan Stewart – Car vs Dallas  28. LeGarrette Blount – TB vs New Orleans

29. Pierre Thomas – NO vs Tampa Bay  30. Montario Hardesty – Cle vs Indianapolis

WRs
1 Calvin Johnson – Det vs Chicago  2. AJ Green – Cin vs Pittsburgh

3. Percy Harvin – Min vs Arizona  4. Victor Cruz – NYG vs Washington

5. Brandon Marshall – Chi vs Detroit  6. Wes Welker – NE vs New York Jets

7. Reggie Wayne – Ind vs Cleveland  8. Larry Fitzgerald – Ari vs Minnesota

9. Marques Colston – NO vs Tampa Bay  10. Jordy Nelson – GB vs St. Louis

11. Andre Johnson – Hou vs Baltimore  12. Vincent Jackson – TB vs New Orleans

13. Mike Wallace – Pit vs Cincinnati  14. Dez Bryant – Dal vs Carolina

15. Hakeem Nicks – NYG vs Washington  16. Kenny Britt – Ten vs Buffalo

17. Denarius Moore – Oak vs Jacksonville  18. Steve Johnson – Buf vs Tennessee

19. Steve Smith – Car vs Dallas  20. Antonio Brown – Pit vs Cincinatti

21. Miles Austin – Dal vs Carolina  22. James Jones – GB vs St. Louis

23. Mike Williams – TB vs New Orleans  24. Darrius Heyward-Bey – Oak vs Jacksonville

25. Torrey Smith – Bal vs Houston  26. Brandon Lloyd – NE vs New York Jets

27. Lance Moore – NO vs Tampa Bay  28. Anquan Boldin – Bal vs Houston
29. Randall Cobb – GB vs St. Louis 30. Domenik Hixon – NYG vs Washington

TEs
1. Rob Gronkowski – NE vs New York Jets  2. Jason Witten – Dal vs Carolina

3. Aaron Hernandez – NE vs New York Jets  4. Owen Daniels – Hou vs Baltimore

5. Kyle Rudolph – Min vs Arizona 6. Scott Chandler – Buf vs Tennessee

7. Brandon Pettigrew – Det vs Chicago  8. Heath Miller – Pit vs Cincinnati

9. Jared Cook – Ten vs Buffalo  10. Greg Olsen – Car vs Dallas

11. Martellus Bennett – NYG vs Washington  12. Jermaine Gresham – Cin vs Pittsburgh

13. Fred Davis – Was vs New York Giants  14. Jermichael Finley – GB vs St. Louis

15. Coby Fleener – Ind vs Cleveland

DSTs
1. Texans vs Baltimore  2. Vikings vs Arizona 3. Bears vs Detroit

4. Packers vs St. Louis  5. Steelers vs Cincinnati  6. Cardinals vs Minnesota

7. Ravens vs Houston  8. Patriots vs New York Jets 9. Lions vs Chicago

10. Giants vs Washington  11. Bengals vs Pittsburgh  12. Cowboys vs Carolina

13. Raiders vs Jacksonville  14. Titans vs Buffalo  15. Jets vs Patriots

Ks
1. Stephen Gostkowski – NE vs New York Jets  2. Mason Crosby – GB vs St. Louis

3. Blair Walsh – Min vs Arizona 4. Sebastian Janikowski – Oak vs Jacksonville

5. Justin Tucker – Bal vs Houston  6. Jason Hanson – Det vs Chicago

7. Greg Zuerlein – STL vs Green Bay  8. Robbie Gould – Chi vs Detroit

9. Phil Dawson – Cle vs Indianapolis 10. Lawrence Tynes – NYG vs Washington

11. Shayne Graham – Hou vs Baltimore  12. Connor Barth – TB vs New Orleans

13. Garrett Hartley – NO vs Tampa Bay  14. Dan Bailey – Dal vs Carolina

15. Rob Bironas – Ten vs Buffalo

 

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles – Week 7

October 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Again, as mentioned last week, the waiver wire pool gets shallower and shallower each week.  Only a handful of players worth picking up this week and the backfield battles are playing themselves out now and it seems that most of the teams are pretty set in their rotations now.  Still some finds out there, and this should help you find them.

Pick ‘Em Up
QBs

1. Josh Freeman – Buccaneers
Josh Freeman is getting back to his rookie year form, as he had a breakout performance this past Sunday throwing for over 300 yards and also tossing four touchdown passes.  The biggest positive to take from this past Sunday is that he looked comfortable in the pocket and connected on the deep ball on more than one occasion.  Freeman still is just a bye week replacement, but if that becomes the norm for Freeman, he will quickly move into a starting role on your team.

RBs

Felix Jones has one last shot to impress and he will get it this weekend.

1.  Felix Jones – Cowboys
Believe it or not, this guy is still in the league and there was actually a sighting this past weekend in the end zone.  All joking aside, Jones will see a lot of carries this upcoming Sunday with DeMarco Murray on the shelf.  Also, Murray has a foot injury and those seem to linger longer than expected, so Jones could actually be a useful commodity for the rest of the season.  One last thing is that if Jones falters with this opportunity, it could be his last shot.

2.  Danny Woodhead – Patriots
Another blast from the past right here worth picking up.  Woodhead seems to be a favorite of Patriots coach Bill Belichick, as he is in the game pretty much every offensive play, either lining up in the backfield, or in the slot, or as a receiver.  Woodhead will never get you the 20-25 point breakout performance, but is usually good for eight to ten every week because he will get his fair share of touches.  If he does break one and get in the end zone, then that ends up with a 14-16 point performance.  Sometimes, it is okay to go with the safe play in fantasy football.

WRs

1.  Josh Gordon – Browns
The rookie from Baylor is making Cleveland look really good for using a draft pick in the 2013 draft to take him in the supplemental draft.  He has become the favorite deep threat target of the Browns’ rookie QB Brandon Weeden.  Gordon caught a 71 yard TD pass this past Sunday and also

All of the rookies in Cleveland are making some type of impact, now Josh Gordon is turning into a deep threat for the Browns.

hauled in a 62 yarder the week before.  In an earlier column, it was suggested to pick up Greg Little, but since he can’t stop dropping passes, Weeden has looked Gordon’s way and it has paid off for both of them.

2.  Brandon Stokley – Broncos
It should not be surprising that he is on the list.  The reason is because he became a recognizable name during his time in Indianapolis with the QB who arrived in Denver this past offseason, Peyton Manning.  Stokley is the receiver on the Broncos whom Manning trusts the most because of of their time together in Inday.  Manning will look his way in the red zone and in crunch time, so Stokley will at least get some fantasy points every week, and just like Woodhead, Stokley might not bust out for a huge number this year, he is a guarantee to not leave a donut on your score sheet.

TEs

1. Jermaine Gresham – Bengals
Bernard Scott is out for the season in Cincinnati and BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been struggling. Since they cannot get the run game going, they have been relying on the pass and the pass catchers have been getting a good share of looks.  Gresham scored on a 55-yard slant this past week and the three previous weeks before that had five catches in each of those games.  Gresham is a Top-10 TE and is available in over half of the leagues out there, so go and get him.

DSTs

Green Bay Packers
The Packers, as a team looked in vintage form, blowing out the previously undefeated Texans.  Earlier in the year, Green Bay’s defense was suffocating against the Chicago Bears.  This upcoming week they play the St. Louis Rams, whose offense has been really good and improved at times, and just plain bad at other times.  Pick up the Packers defense and don’t be surprised if they continue rolling this week against the Rams.

Dump City

1.  Greg Little – Browns
He was mentioned as pick-up in an earlier column, but that was dependent on him getting over his case of the drops.  He has not and he is not Dez Bryant, so his talent alone will not allow him to get more looks than he has earned.  It seems that Little is getting passed on the depth chart by somebody else every week.  Yeah, by the end of the season he could be the number one receiver on the depth chart, but chances of that aren’t too likely.

2.  Toby Gerhart – Vikiings
Unless you are an Adrian Peterson owner, then there is no reason to own Gerhart.  It doesn’t look like Peterson is going to show any ill effects from

Here is Gerhart on the sideline for the Vikings, a familiar site this season, so get rid of him and pick up somebody with potential.

his offseason surgery, which pretty much takes away all of Gerhart’s value.  If you want to hold on to him in case Peterson does go down, then that’s your choice, but that roster spot could better be spent on a guy that has more potential of becoming a starter such as Daryl Richardson in St. Louis.

Backfield Battles

1.  Green Bay Packers
Alex Green looks to be the guy for the Packers as he got most of the carries this past Sunday.  James Starks did see his first action of the season as he came into the game in the second half and even got a couple of carries.  Also, look for John Kuhn to get some of the goal line carries, if the Packers do run the ball down there.  The breakdown for the carries will most likely look like this – Green – 65%, Starks – 25%, and Kuhn – 10%.

2.  Arizona Cardinals
LaRod Stephens-Howling and William Powell split the carries down the middle in the Cardinals game on Sunday.  Powell was by far the more successful back, but it looks like Coach Ken Whisenhunt will give LSH a chance to succeed in Arizona.  Look for the carries to be split 50-50 again this week.

3.  Pittsburgh Steelers
Who is Baron Batch?  That’s the question a lot of people were asking themselves on Thursday during their game against the Titans.  Batch came in as the fourth string running back, but ended up with the most rushing yards for the Steelers.  Word of caution on picking him up, DON’T.  The reason is because he will continue to be the fourth string.  Rashard Mendenhall is the guy in Pittsburgh, but with him just coming back from the injury and it being a short week, the Steelers did not want to risk anything and kept him on the bench.  Mendenhall should get at least 70% of the carries with Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, and Baron Batch splitting the rest.

4.  St. Louis Rams
Every week, Daryl Richardson is impressing the Rams coaching staff more and more and because of that his workload has increased over the past few weeks.  There is no denying Steven Jackson’s consistency and durability over his career, but it is looking like all those miles on him is now finally taking a toll.  Richardson bring some youth to the backfield and could eventually replace Jackson as the main guy in the Rams’ backfield.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 6

October 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Expect a lot of points to come from the Falcons offense led by Matty Ice

QBs
1. Matt Ryan – Atl vs Oakland
2. Peyton Manning – Den vs San Diego
3. Aaron Rodgers – GB vs Houston
4. Michael Vick – Phi vs Detroit
5. Robert Griffin III – Was vs Minnesota
6. Eli Manning – NYG vs San Francisco
7. Tom Brady – NE vs Seattle  8. Philip Rivers – SD vs Denver
9. Andrew Luck – Ind vs New York Jets
10. Matthew Stafford – Det vs Philadelphia
11. Matt Schaub – Hou vs Green Bay
12. Andy Dalton – Cin vs   Cleveland                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     13. Joe Flacco – Bal vs Dallas
14. Tony Romo – Dal vs Baltimore
15. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Buf vs Arizona
16. Alex Smith – SF vs New York Giants
17. Christian Ponder – Min vs Washington
18. Carson Palmer – Oak vs Atlanta
19. Josh Freeman – TB vs Kansas City
20. Kevin Kolb – Ari vs Buffalo

RBs
1. Arian Foster – Hou vs Green Bay   2. Ray Rice – Bal vs Dallas
3. LeSean McCoy – Phi vs Detroit  4. Jamaal Charles – KC vs Tampa Bay
5. Marshawn Lynch – Sea vs New England   6. Ryan Mathews – SD vs Denver
7. Reggie Bush – Mia vs St. Louis  8. Trent Richardson – Cle vs Cincinnati
9. Adrian Peterson – Min vs Washington 10. Frank Gore – SF vs New York Giants
11. Darren McFadden – Oak vs Atlanta   12. Benjarvus Green-Ellis – Cin vs Cleveland
13. DeMarco Murray – Dal vs Baltimore  14. Alfred Morris – Was vs Minnesota
15. Willis McGahee – Den vs San Diego  16. Stevan Ridley – NE vs Seattle
17. Doug Martin – TB vs Kansas City  18. Michael Turner – Atl vs Oakland
19. Steven Jackson – STL vs Miami  20. Mikel Leshoure – Det vs Philadelphia
21. CJ Spiller – Buf vs Arizona  22. Shonn Greene – NYJ vs Indianapolis
23. Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG vs San Francisco   24. Vick Ballard – Ind vs New York Jets

25.  LaRod Stephens-Howling – Ari vs Buffalo  26. Alex Green – GB vs Houston

27. Fred Jackson – Buf vs Arizona   28. Kendall Hunter – SF vs New York Giants
29. William Powell – Ari vs Buffalo  30. Jacquizz Rodgers – Atl vs Oakland

WRs
1 Calvin Johnson – Det vs Philadelphia  2. AJ Green – Cin vs Cleveland
3. Percy Harvin – Min vs Washington  4. Larry Fitzgerald – Ari vs Buffalo
5. Julio Jones – Atl vs Oakland  6. Reggie Wayne – Ind vs New York Jets
7. Roddy White – Atl vs Oakland  8. Andre Johnson – Hou vs Green Bay
9. Demaryius Thomas – Den vs San Diego  10. Wes Welker – NE vs San Francisco
11. Victor Cruz – NYG vs San Francisco  12. Dwayne Bowe – KC vs Tampa Bay
13. DeSean Jackson – Phi vs Detroit  14. Miles Austin – Dal vs Baltimore
15. Vincent Jackson – TB vs Kansas City  16. Jordy Nelson – GB vs Houston
17. Dez Bryant – Dal vs Baltimore 18. Steve Johnson – Buf vs Arizona
19. Brandon Lloyd – NE vs Seattle  20. Eric Decker – Den vs San Diego
21. Malcolm Floyd – SD vs Denver  22. Hakeem Nicks – NYG vs San Fancisco
23. Brian Hartline – Mia vs San Francisco  24. Michael Crabtree – SF vs New York Giants
25. Torrey Smith – Bal vs Dallas  26. James Jones – GB vs Houston
27. Jeremy Maclin – Phi vs Detroit  28. Denarius Moore – Oak vs Atlanta                                                                                                        29. Randall Cobb – GB vs Houston  30.  Pierre Garcon – Was vs Minnesota

TEs
1. Vernon Davis – SF vs New York Giants  2. Tony Gonzalez – Atl vs Oakland
3. Rob Gronkowski – NE vs Seattle  4. Antonio Gates – SD vs Denver
5. Kyle Rudolph – Min vs Washington  6. Owen Daniels – Hou vs Green Bay
7. Jason Witten – Dal vs Baltimore  8. Brent Celek – Phi vs Detroit
9. Fred Davis – Was vs Minnesota  10. Brandon Pettigrew – Det vs Philadelphia
11. Martellus Bennett – NYG vs San Francisco  12. Dennis Pitta – Bal vs Dallas
13. Jacob Tamme – Den vs Sand Diego  14. Scott Chandler – Buf vs Arizona
15. Aaron Hernandez – NE vs Seattle

DSTs
1. Cardinals vs Buffalo  2. Falcons vs Oakland  3. 49ers vs New York Giants
4. Ravens vs Dallas  5. Texans vs Green Bay  6. Vikings vs Washington
7. Dolphins vs St. Louis  8. Eagles vs Detroit  9. Bengals vs Cleveland
10. Buccaneers vs Kansas City  11. Seahawks vs New England  12. Patriots vs Seattle
13. Broncos vs San Diego  14. Rams vs Miami  15. Jets vs Indianapolis

Ks
1. Stephen Gostkowski – NE vs Seattle  2. Mason Crosby – GB vs Houston
3. David Akers – SF vs New York Giants  4. Matt Bryant – Atl vs Oakland
5. Justin Tucker – Bal vs Dallas  6. Matt Prater – Den vs San Diego
7. Greg Zuerlein – STL vs Miami  8. Blair Walsh – Min vs Washington
9. Sebastian Janikowski – Oak vs Atlanta  10. Lawrence Tynes – NYG vs San Francisco
11. Shayne Graham – Hou vs Green Bay  12. Connor Barth – TB vs Kansas City
13. Jason Hanson – Det vs Philadelphia  14. Alex Henery – Phi vs Detroit
15. Nick Novak – SD vs Denver

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , ,

Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles – Week 6

October 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

As the weeks go on in the NFL, the waiver pool gets shallower and shallower and this week, most of the guys in the ‘Pick ‘Em Up’ section are guys you should use to plug in bye weeks, as not much is expected of them as they are mostly sharing playing time with one or more players.  Bye Weeks:  Bears, Saints, Panthers, Jaguars

Pick ‘Em Up

Ryan Tannehill has given the Miami Dolphins a vertical passing game, so go ahead and pick him up

QBs

1.  Ryan Tannehill – Dolphins
This is the only QB that will be in this section this week.  Going back and watching some of the Dolphins games, it can be seen that Tannehill knows what he is doing and is making big time throws.  He has also cut down on mistakes big time, which leads to more points for you.  Also, he has a pass catching tailback in Reggie Bush that can turn a bubble screen into a 60 yard TD pass.  Not only is Bush a good pass catcher, but he has come a long way on running between the tackles.  That makes the defense respect the run and opens up that aerial game for the Dolphins.

RBs

1.  Alex Green/James Starks – Packers
The injury bug bit the NFL big time over the past weekend and one of the casualties is Packers RB Cedric Benson.  He will be out for at least eight weeks.  Enter Starks and Green.  The reason that both are in there is because it isn’t known who will be the starter and get more carries.  Green has the most upside, so it’s possible that he could eventually take most of the carries away from Starks; but Starks has experience and has proven that he is able to carry the load.  Pick up Green first, but if he is picked up, go ahead and check out Starks as well..

2.  LaRod Stephens-Howling/William Powell – Cardinals
Another casualty is Ryan Williams.  That, combined with the fact that Beanie Wells is out until November, makes LSH and Powell worth owning.  Just like the two guys above, it is still unknown to what capacity both will be used.  LSH was the feature back once last year and did rather well (93 yards on 21 carries), but Powell has the build of a guy who can handle that type of work on a week in and week out basis.  If you want a guy for just this week go with LSH, if you want upside, roll with Powell.

3.  Kendall Hunter – 49ers
Hunter is the backup to Frank Gore and will more than likely, barring an injury, will continue to be for the whole season.  The reason to grab Hunter is that he is similar to Ben Tate of the Houston Texans as he can come in at times to spell Gore and break a big run.  Also, as seen the past few weeks, when the 49ers get a big lead, they trust Hunter to run the ball and burn clock.  Pick him up and play him when the matchup is right.  If you are in a keeper league, he is definitely somebody to grab as he has huge upside.

WRs

1.  Nate Burleson – Lions
Last week, you were suggested to drop Titus Young, now replace him with the guy that will be getting his targets in Burleson.  His stats have been pretty solid through the first five weeks.  The Lions did not play this past week and expect them to come out throwing early and often this week versus Philadelphia.

2.  Darrius Heyward-Bey – Raiders
DHB was dropped by many people when he was rocked in the end zone in the Raiders game against Pittsburgh.  Fair enough considering it looked like he could be seriously injured and possibly out for an extended period of time.  It was serious in the fact that it was a concussion, but he is

He was dropped in many leagues when he went down with an injury a few weeks back. Now he is back, so pick him now or miss out on one of the better options on the waiver wire

returning this week to face the Atlanta Falcons.  He will return to being Carson Palmers 1B option along with Denarius Moore.  Definitely worth starting as a flex play every week, and depending on how your team’s bye weeks fall could even be a number two wide receiver.

3.  Brandon Gibson – Rams
He scored in the first two weeks of the season and since then has battled injuries and been somewhat non-existent.  He will also benefit from an injury to a teammate though.  He has all of the skills needed to step in and be Sam Bradford’s number one option while Danny Amendola is nursing injuries.

TEs

1.  Joel Dreessen – Broncos
The tight end free agent pool is very shallow, so Dreessen gets the nod here.  He won’t get a lot of yardage, but has turned out to be a favorite red zone target of Peyton Manning.  That is always a good thing as he will targeted a lot.

DST

St. Louis Rams
They are your defensive pickup of the week.  They held the previously undefeated Arizona Cardinals out of the end zone last week and have shown major strides this year.  They take on the Miami Dolphins this week, so feel free to pick them up if your defense is on a bye week.

Dump City

1.  Andre Brown – Giants
He was the big pick-up a few weeks ago when Ahmad Bradshaw went down with an injury, now he is the one that has gone down with an injury.

He was the man of the hour a few weeks back for the Giants, but now has fallen to third on the depth chart. Dump him!

When he went down, the rookie David Wilson stepped in and removed himself from Tom Coughlin’s doghouse.  Now, when Brown returns he should be the number three back in New York.

2.  Kevin Ogletree – Cowboys
He was the darling of the waiver wire the first week of the season after scoring two touchdowns on opening night.  Since then, he has done nothing.  Tony Romo has too many options when he isn’t throwing to the other team that Ogletree will not enjoy the same success as Laurent Robinson did last year.

Backfield Battles

1.  Washington Redskins
The first week of this feature, it said the Redskins will be a weekly feature just because of their Head Coach Mike Shanahan.  Now, this will be the last week they are featured thanks to the play of their running back Alfred Morris.  He has proven he is the real deal and should be the feature back all season long.

2. San Francisco 49ers
This really is not a backfield battle because Frank Gore is the starter and Kendall Hunter is his backup.  What needs to be addressed is the fact that you can start both of these guys as they will both get you points.  Hunter has spelled Gore often this season and both have put up solid numbers.  However, it is possible that Hunter could replace Gore by the end of the season, but that will only be due to wear and tear and not because Gore was playing bad.

3.  Carolina Panthers
DeAngelo Williams created an uproar when he posted a message to fantasy owners on Twitter.  The Panthers’ run game has struggled mightily this season, in what was expected to be a huge year for it.  The addition of Mike Tolbert was believed to take away points from Williams and Jonathan Stewart, but Tolbert hasn’t been doing anything himself.  Until any of these guys show you something, keep them on the bench and feel free to drop Tolbert if there are better options out there.

 

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

DeAngelo Williams writes letter to fantasy football owners

October 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment

After struggling in the Panthers’ 16-14 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday, former University of Memphis standout DeAngelo Williams used his Twitter account to post a letter to all the fantasy football owners who are frustrated with his performance so far this season.

Here is Williams “letter”:

After five weeks of the 2012 NFL season, Williams has rushed for 167 yards, scoring a total of two touchdowns.

Email: kevin@memphisport.com
Twitter: @cerrito

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features Tagged With: , , , ,

Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Week 5

October 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Here are the player rankings going into Week 5 of the 2012 NFL season:

QBs
1. Drew Brees – NO vs San Diego
2. Aaron Rodgers – GB vs Indianapolis
3. Tom Brady – NE vs Denver
4. Matt Ryan – Atl vs Washington
5. Robert Griffin III – Was vs Atlanta
6. Eli Manning – NYG vs Cleveland
7. Peyton Manning – Den vs New England
8. Cam Newton – Car vs Seattle
9. Joe Flacco – Bal vs Kansas Citty
10. Matt Schaub – Hou vs New York Jets
11. Philip Rivers – SD vs New Orleans
12. Michael Vick – Phi vs Pittsburgh
13. Jay Cutler – Chi vs Jacksonville
14. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit vs Philadelphia
15. Andy Dalton – Cin vs Miami
16. Alex Smith – SF vs Buffalo
17. Christian Ponder – Min vs Tennessee
18. Andrew Luck – Ind vs Green Bay
19. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Buf vs San Francisco
20. Ryan Tannehill – Mia vs  Cincinnati

RBs
1. Ray Rice – Bal vs Kansas City   2. Arian Foster – Hou vs New York Jets
3. Adrian Peterson – Min vs Tennessee   4. Marshawn Lynch – Sea vs Carolina
5. Frank Gore – SF vs Buffalo   6. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jax vs Chicago
7. LeSean McCoy – Phi vs Pittsburgh  8. Matt Forte – Chi vs Jacksonville
9. Jamaal Charles – KC vs Baltimore  10. Reggie Bush – Mia vs Cincinnati
11. Alfred Morris – Was vs Atlanta   12. Trent Richardson – Cle vs New York Giants
13. Cedric Benson – GB vs Indianapolis  14. Stevan Ridley – NE vs Denver
15. Ryan Mathews – SD vs New Orleans  16. Willis McGahee – Den vs New England
17. Darren Sproles – NO vs San Diego  18. Michael Turner – Atl vs Washington
19. Chris Johnson – Ten vs Minnesota 20. BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Cin vs Miami
21. Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG vs Cleveland 22. Donald Brown – Ind vs Green Bay
23. Fred Jackson – Buf vs San Francisco   24. Rashard Mendenhall – Pit vs Philadelphia
25.  DeAngelo Williams – Car vs Seattle   26. CJ Spiller – Buf vs San Francisco

27. Shonn Greene – NYJ  vs Houston   28. Michael Bush – Chi vs Jacksonville
29. Ben Tate – Hou vs New York Jets  30. Jonathan Stewart – Car vs Seattle

WRs
1 AJ Green – Cin vs Miami  2. Roddy White – Atl vs Washington
3. Brandon Marshall – Chi vs Jacksonville  4. Victor Cruz – NYG vs Cleveland
5. Andre Johnson – Hou vs New York Jets  6. Julio Jones – Atl vs Washington
7. Percy Harvin – Min vs Tennessee  8. Steve Smith – Car vs Seattle
9. Mike Wallace – Pit vs Philadelphia  10. Wes Welker – NE vs Denver
11. Dwayne Bowe – KC vs Baltimore  12. Reggie Wayne – Ind vs Green Bay
13. Jordy Nelson – GB v Indianapolis  14. Demaryius Thomas – Den vs New England
15. Torrey Smith – Bal vs Kansas City  16. Antonio Brown – Pit vs Philadelphia
17. Marques Colston – NO vs San Diego  18. Steve Johnson – Buf vs San Francisco
19. Brandon Lloyd – NE vs Denver  20. DeSean Jackson – Phi vs Pittsburgh
21. Pierre Garcon – Was vs Atlanta  22. Domenik Hickson – NYG
23. Eric Decker – Den vs New England  24. Malcolm Floyd – SD vs New Orleans
25. Danny Amendola – STL vs Arizona  26. James Jones – GB vs Indianapolis
27. Brian Hartline – Mia vs Cleveland  28. Lance Moore – NO vs San Diego                                                                                                   29. Nate Washington – Ten vs Minnesota  30.  Michael Crabtree – SF vs Buffalo

TEs
1. Jimmy Graham – NO vs San Diego  2. Rob Gronkowski – NE vs Denver
3. Tony Gonzalez – Atl vs Washington  4. Antonio Gates – SD vs New Orleans
5. Vernon Davis – SF vs Buffalo  6. Martellus Bennett – NYG vs Cleveland
7. Kyle Rudolph – Ten vs Minnesota  8. Jermichael Finley – GB vs Indianapolis
9. Dennis Pitta – Bal vs Kansas City  10. Brent Celek – Phi vs Pittsburgh
11. Greg Olsen – Car vs Seattle  12. Owen Daniels – Hou vs New York Jets
13. Fred Davis – Was vs Atlanta  14. Scott Chandler – Buf vs San Francisco
15. Jacob Tamme – Den vs New England

DSTs
1. 49ers vs Buffalo  2. Bears vs Jacksonville  3. Texans vs New York Jets
4. Ravens vs Kansas City  5. Vikings vs Tennessee  6. Seahawks vs Carolina
7. Giants vs Cleveland  8. Packers vs Indianapolis  9. Falcons vs Washington
10. Steelers vs Philadelphia  11. Bengals vs Miami  12. Eagles vs Pittsburgh
13. Jets vs Houston  14. Panthers vs Seattle  15. Patriots vs Denver

Ks
1. Stephen Gostkowski – NE vs Denver  2. Mason Crosby – GB vs Indianapolis
3. David Akers – SF vs Buffalo  4. Blair Walsh – Min vs Tennessee
5. Justin Tucker – Bal vs Kansas City  6. Garrett Hartley – NO vs San Diego
7. Shayne Graham – Hou vs New York Jets  8. Matt Bryant – Atl vs Washington
9. Robbie Gould – Chi vs Jacksonville  10. Matt Prater – Den vs New England
11. Lawrence Tynes – NYG vs Cleveland  12. Nick Novak – SD vs New Orleans
13. Rob Bironas – Ten vs Minnesota  14. Alex Henery – Phi vs Pittsburgh
15. Ryan Succop – KC vs Buffalo

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives

Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles – Week 5

October 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This is the third week of this article and the fifth week overall.  If you followed the advice over the past couple of weeks (Week 3 & Week 4), then you probably have done pretty well for yourself.  Sure a few misses have occurred (Jake Locker – injury, Ramses Barden, Tashard Choice); but a couple of big hits (Brian Hartline – 253 yards!, Mikel Leshoure – Detroit starter, Kyle Rudolph – 2 TD game) as well.

Again this week, be aware of the teams on a bye and don’t get stuck with zero points because your player was off this week.  Byes: Cowboys, Lions, Buccaneers, Raiders.

Pick ‘Em Up

QBs

1. Kevin Kolb – Cardinals
Kolb was a huge investment by the Arizona franchise that has not lived up to expectations coming into this season.  In fact, John Skelton was the starter for Week 1, but Kolb has taken over the reigns and so far, has made the decision look like a good one.  Kolb’s number have improved every week and while it is unreasonable to expect numbers like he put up in Week 4 (324 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs), expect him to be a decent bye week replacement and another guy to plug in if the matchup seems to favor him.

2. Tim Tebow – Jets
Despite what Rex Ryan is saying now, and even ii he does not see much action in Week 5, Tebow will be the starter sooner rather than later if the Jets continue to slide.  Tebow provides an interesting option, as he will not go out there and throw for 300 yards, but provides enough offense with

It’s time, it’s time, it’s Tebow time!

his rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.  If or when Tebow takes over, his numbers will be downright ugly some weeks for a QB, but the one number that matters, fantasy points, will be high enough to make him a starter in most leagues.

RBs

1. Rashard Mendenhall – Steelers
It is amazing on how a guy being injured for the first games of the season affects how many people own the player on a fantasy team.  Mendenhall has been a top pick the past couple of years, being taken in the first and second rounds of drafts.  Now it can be understood that folks might have injury concerns on Mendenhall, but wouldn’t a guy like him be worth stashing on the bench for when he does return to form.  Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman did the best they could to ensure that Mendenhall will be thrust into the starter’s role once he returns and expect that to happen this week if he passes the strength test; if not, then it will happen next week.

2.  Bilal Powell – Jets
The New York Jets are a mess and it wouldn’t be surprising for them to do anything they can to turn the ship around, as mentioned with Tebow.  The amount of snaps Powell is in the game for has increased every week and continue to expect that as Shonn Greene’s averages stay down.  It is also completely possible for the Jets to go to the dreaded running back by committee, but expect them to give Powell every opportunity to see what they have with him.

3.  Jackie Battle – Chargers
Battle is turning heads everywhere as going into the season, he was third on the Chargers’ depth chart behind both Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown.  Brown never got it going and Mathews, since returning from injury hasn’t gotten it going either.  In fact, he has been in Head Coach Norv Turner’s doghouse since he has shown an inability to hold onto the ball.  Enter Battle, who showed promise in Kansas City last year and continues to strive this year for another AFC West team.  Now saying all this, I still believe Mathews is the number one in SD, but pick up Battle and use him while he has the hot hand and Turner’s trust.

WRs

1.  Mike Williams -  Buccaneers
Last year was a down year for Williams, who mired through a sophomore slump.  He was not completely to blame as the whole Tampa Bay squad went into free fall mode after a blazing start to the 2011 campaign.  It appears that last year is behind all of them and Williams is the number two option behind Vincent Jackson and is also a red zone target.  Look for him to approach his rookie season totals as opposed to what he had last year.

2.  James Jones – Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a high powered offense and will put up the points.  Folks were worried about the Packers offense because it looked sluggish in the first few games of the season.  The fact of the matter is they were playing some of the best defenses in the league and those performances were more on the defenses rather than the Packers’ offense.  Jones will be the number two or three receiver for the Packers depending on the health of Greg Jennings.  Expect Aaron Rodgers to look Jones’ way many times a game and the points will pile up, so pick him up.

Future gas pumper or future fantasy factor?? I’m thinking the latter.

3.  Alshon Jeffery – Bears
Brandon Marshall finally had a breakout performance this past Monday Night and other than fantasy owners, the person to benefit the most from it is the rookie from South Carolina.  Jeffery has the build to be a top receiver and appears to be that guy that the Bears were always looking for, except now they have two.  Defenses will key on Marshall which should leave Jeffery to prosper.  Not too bad for someone that Lane Kiffin said “will end up pumping gas the rest of his life.”

TEs

1.  Scott Chandler -  Bills
This one is easy.  A two touchdown performance this past Sunday probably put Chandler on many fantasy radars.  He is a big time red zone target and look for the Bills to set up the pass with the run game and Chandler will be looked for a lot underneath.

2.  Greg Olsen – Panthers
He was seen as a possible sleeper at the beginning of the season as the only Tight End target in Carolina with the off season departure of Jeremy Shockey.  Two less than stellar performances at the beginning of the season led him to “Dump City.”  Now, it looks as though he is firmly entrenched in the game plan and will be used often as a safety valve for Cam Newton.

DST

Minnesota Vikings
They are the defense pickup of the week if you are looking for someone to plug in for the week.  The Vikings D had two return scores last week and are facing the Tennessee Titans this week and that is a favorable matchup.

Dump City

1. Mark Ingram – Saints
Ingram looks like the odd man out as it seems that Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas will get the most looks in the New Orleans backfield.  Ingram was expected to be the goal line back for the Saints, but with their offense struggling, his opportunities to score have been scarce.  Unless he turns it around quickly, Ingram isn’t worth holding onto.

2.  Peyton Hillis – Chiefs
Jamaal Charles is back and looks like he is in 2010 form that took the NFL by storm.  That is bad news for Hillis owners as he has not looked good and it seems he won’t get much action unless the Chiefs are far ahead or far behind.

3.  Titus Young -  Lions
He is one big play away from being just a total disappointment.  Young caught the ‘Hail Mary’ pass at the end of regulation in the Lions/Titans game to send it into overtime.  Unfortunately, that’s really all the production he has had.  Drop him.

Backfield Battles

1.  Washington Redskins – As mentioned in the Week 3 article, the Redskins will be in here just because of their Head Coach Mike Shanahan.  Roy Helu hit the IR last week, but the Redskins went out and signed Ryan Grant.  Alfred Morris should still get 90% of the carries, but it should be interesting to watch on how Grant will be used in the offense.

2.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Rashard Mendenhall should be the starter from here on out.  Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman will split the rest of the carries.  Mendenhall might not get the bulk this week as they ease him into the offense, but you need to grab him now.

3.  Buffalo Bills - Tashard Choice was the chic pickup last week until Friday when it was announced that CJ Spiller might indeed play and play he did.  Spiller and Fred Jackson, both nursing injuries didn’t look too sharpe, but to be fair the Bills were playing from behind most of the 2nd half and stayed away from the run.  Look for Spiller to be used more as a pass catcher out of the backfield and for Fred Jackson to be used closer to the goal line.

4.  Atlanta Falcons – Michael Turner delayed Jacquizz Rodgers ascendence to the lead back for at least another week by putting together a good performance.  Rodgers still expected to be the lead back by season’s end, so keep an eye on that.

 

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

NFL Week 4: Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles

September 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Once again, it is time for waiver wire pickups and here are some of the guys that need to be picked up.  Also, bye weeks start, so depth is an important issue as well as being aware of which teams are on a bye week this week.  Pittsburgh and Indianapolis do not play this week, so set your lineup accordingly.

Pick ‘Em Up

QBs

1. Jake Locker – Titans
It looks like the Titans are going to have to be a pass heavy offense since they cannot get the ground game going.  It might be the offensive line, but also could be Chris Johnson being a step slower and little  hesitant once he gets the ball.  Nonetheless, Locker looks like he can handle it and has the weapons to succeed in Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Jared Cook, and rookie Kendall Wright.  Pick him up and play him when the matchup seems

Jake Locker has stepped up for the Titans with their lack of a run game.

right.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Bills
Fitz is a Top-10 QB right now and with the news that CJ Spiller’s injury is not severe expect him to continue to strive.  Spiller provides that safety valve that QBs love to have, he can turn a dump pass into a 75 yard TD and Fitz gets points for that too.  This week Buffalo takes on New England, expect a shootout and a lot of fantasy points in that one.

RBs

1. Tashard Choice – Bills
Two Bills to pick up?  Yes, Choice will be the man getting the carries this week in Buffalo.  This is just a bye week replacement as Spiller will be out this week, Fred Jackson will return, but at what capacity is still unknown.  If you have somebody on your bench worth dropping, it would be advisable.
2. Jacquizz Rodgers – Falcons
This guy was mentioned in last week’s article – Week 3 - in the backfield battles segment.  He keeps getting more and more touches in the high-powered Falcons offense.  He can also catch passes out of the backfield, which makes him more valuable for Atlanta and your fantasy team.  He still may not be the starter in Atlanta right now, but after this week, he might not be available on the waiver wire for you to pick up.

WRs

1. Andrew Hawkins – Bengals
Hawkins has quietly put together a good season so far as the Bengals number two receiver.  His fantasy points have increased each week and even

Andy Dalton has a new number two in Cincinnati.

though he might level off, he will still get between six and eight passes thrown his way a game.  Also, the emergence of AJ Green as a Top 3 receiver in the NFL will allow Hawkins to see single coverage all season.
2. Ramses Barden – Giants
He could be Kevin Ogletree, which really hasn’t done much since his breakout performance opening night.  He also could end up being one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets by the end of the season.  He had nine catches this past week and with Hakeem Nicks injury history he could see the playing field very often this season.  Even if he won’t get the start next week, definitely worth having for when he does get the call.

TEs

1. Heath Miller – Steelers
An oldie, but goodie.  Miller has been in the league for a while and this year looks like a comeback year him.  He has at least one touchdown in each week and seems to be striving as Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown are getting all the defenses’ attention.
2. Dennis Pitta – Ravens
It seems that no matter who the TE is in Baltimore, he will succeed.  Flacco loves to use his tight end and Pitta is his favorite target as he leads the Ravens in receptions.  His success will continue as long as “Joe Cool” is behind center.

DSTs

- Cardinals
It’s surprising how people have not jumped on these guys and picked them up.  Now, it is reasonable to not think the Cardinals as a team are for real, but it is their offense that is keeping them down.  The defense has been remarkable and they also have one of the best return men in the league in Patrick Peterson.  Arizona plays the Dolphins this week, pick them up if they are available.

Dump City

1. Robert Meachem – Chargers
The guy that looked like he could be Philip Rivers’ favorite target coming into the season has been a huge disappointment.  Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are those guys, also Ryan Mathews returned and that’s more bad news for Meachem.
2. Roy Helu – Redskins
He was just placed on IR by the Redskins, so his season is over, but for some reason he is owned in way too many leagues.   Helu owners more than likely took him in hopes that he would succeed in Shanahan’s offense, instead Alfred Morris has been that guy.
3. Shane Vereen – Patriots
When fantasy drafts were first starting it looked as if New England was going to be a time-share backfield between Vereen and Stevan Ridley.  Vereen’s injury problems along with Ridley doing nothing wrong has put Vereen as the backup and therefore brings minimal fantasy value to your squad.
4. Replacement Refs
Too easy.

We can all agree – Dump these guys!

Backfield Battles

1. Washington Redskins
Again, they will be mentioned every week just because of Mike Shanahan and his tendency to switch his running backs whenever he feels like it.  Alfred Morris is still the man to own in the Redskins backfield.  Keep an eye on newly signed Ryan Grant and Evan Royster, but there are plenty of better options out there to get fantasy points than those two.
2. Arizona Cardinals
The door has finally opened for Ryan Williams to take over the reigns of the Cardinals’ backfield.  Beanie Wells was injured in this past Sunday’s game against the Eagles and Williams flourished, picking up 83 yards on only 13 carries.  While he has not found the end zone, expect that to change this week.
3. New York Jets
Last year it looked as if Shonn Greene might have turned the corner and into the running back the Jets thought they were getting when he drafted out of Iowa.  This year, he reverted back to his old form in which the team has him on a short leash.  Bilal Powell has gotten more and more action as the weeks go on.  Expect the Jets to stick with Greene for the time being, but if he continues to struggle look for Powell to pick up the slack.
4. Atlanta Falcons
They make another appearance here as Jacquizz Rodgers looks to be the back of the future.  He is used in the passing game and Michael Turner just has too many miles on his legs to where he won’t be getting the workload that he used to.

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, Features, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 3

September 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Every week, rankings will be posted by Thursday afternoon in order to set your lineup accordingly.  After the Thursday game the rankings will be adjusted whenever injury news comes out to ensure that you will have the best lineup for the week.

Cutler will rebound quite nicely against the Rams this week.

QBs

1. Drew Brees – NO vs Kansas City
2. Matt Stafford – Det vs Tennessee                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Robert Griffin III – Was vs Cincinnati                                                                                                                                                                                                                           4. Aaron Rodgers – GB vs Seattle
5. Tom Brady – NE vs Baltimore                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Matt Ryan – Atl vs San Diego
7. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit vs Oakland
8. Tony Romo – Dal vs Tampa Bay
9. Jay Cutler – Chi vs St. Louis
10. Philip Rivers – SD vs Atlanta
11. Michael Vick – Phi vs Arizona                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      12. Peyton Manning – Den vs Houston                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 13.  Matt Schaub – Hou vs Denver
14. Andrew Luck – Ind vs Jacksonville
15. Joe Flacco – Bal vs New England
16. Alex Smith – SF – Minnesota
17. Andy Dalton – Cin vs Washington
18. Matt Cassel – KC vs New Orleans                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      19. Carson Palmer Oak vs Pittsburgh                                                                                                                                                                                                                              20. Josh Freeman – TB vs Dallas

 

CJ Spiller has gone from a backup on his team, to a must start every week.

RBs

1. Ray Rice – Bal vs New England
2. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jac vs Indianapolis
3. CJ Spiller – Buf vs Cleveland
4. Arian Foster – Hou vs Denver
5. LeSean McCoy – Phi vs Arizona
6. DeMarco Murray – Dal vs Tampa Bay
7. Michael Bush – Chi vs St. Louis
8. Darren McFadden – Oak vs Pittsburgh
9. Marshawn Lynch – Sea vs Green Bay
10. Trent Richardson – Cle vs Buffalo
11. Reggie Bush – Mia vs New York Jets
12. Ryan Mathews – SD vs Atlanta
13. Frank Gore – SF vs Minnesota
14. Doug Martin – TB vs Dallas
15. BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Cin vs Washington
16. Darren Sproles – NO vs Kansas City
17. Adrian Peterson – Min vs San Francisco
18. Chris Johnson – Ten vs Detroit
19. Stevan Ridley – NE vs Baltimore
20. Jamaal Charles – KC vs New Orleans
21. Alfred Morris – Was vs Cincinnati
22. Willis McGahee – Den vs Houston
23. Donald Brown – Ind vs Jacksonville
24. Shonn Greene – NYJ vs Miami
25. Steven Jackson – STL vs Chicago
26. Cedric Benson – GB vs Seattle
27. Michael Turner – Atl vs San Diego
28. Ben Tate – Hou vs Denver
29. Jonathan Dwyer – Pit vs Oakland                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    30. Kevin Smith – Det vs Tennessee

WRs

1. Calvin Johnson – Det vs Tennessee
2. AJ Green – Cin vs Washington
3. Julio Jones – Atl vs San Diego
4. Andre Johnson – Hou vs Denver
5. Brandon Marshall – Chi vs St. Louis
6. Mike Wallace – Pit vs Oakland
7. Roddy White – Atl vs San Diego
8. Larry Fitzgerald – Ari vs Philadelphia
9. Percy Harvin – Min vs San Francisco
10. Dez Bryant – Dal vs Tampa Bay
11. Dwayne Bowe – KC vs New Orleans
12. Miles Austin – Dal vs Tampa Bay
13. Jordy Nelson – GB vs Seattle
14. Marques Colston – NO vs Kansas City
15. Steve Johnson – Buf vs Cleveland
16. Antonio Brown – Pit vs Oakland
17. Reggie Wayne – Ind vs Jacksonville
18. Vincent Jackson – TB vs Dallas
19. Demaryius Thomas – Den vs Houston
20. Pierre Garcon – Was vs Cincinnati
21. Brandon Lloyd – NE vs Baltimore
22. Danny Amendola – STL vs Chicago
23. Greg Jennings – GB vs Seattle
24. Malcolm Floyd – SD vs Atlanta
25. DeSean Jackson – Phi vs Arizona
26. Wes Welker – NE vs Baltimore
27. Kenny Britt – Ten vs Detroit
28. Eric Decker – Den vs Houston                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    29. Denarius Moore – Oak vs Pittsburgh                                                                                                                                                                                                                              30. Santonio Holmes – NYJ vs Miami

TEs

1. Jimmy Graham – NO vs Kansas City
2. Rob Gronkowski – NE vs Baltimore
3. Vernon Davis – SF vs Minnesota
4. Antonio Gates – SD vs Atlanta
5. Tony Gonzalez – Atl vs San Diego
6. Brandon Pettigrew – Det vs Tennessee
7. Jason Witten – Dal vs Tampa Bay
8. Brent Celek – Phi vs Arizona
9. Jermichael Finley – GB vs Seattle
10. Kyle Rudolph – Min vs San Francisco
11. Dennis Pitta – Bal vs New England
12. Jared Cook – Ten vs Detroit
13. Jacob Tamme – Den vs Houston
14. Owen Daniels – Hou vs Denver
15. Fred Davis – Was vs Cincinnati                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     16. Coby Fleener – Ind vs Jacksonville

DSTs

1. 49ers vs Minnesota
2. Bears vs St. Louis
3. Steelers vs Oakland
4. Jets vs Miami
5. Texans vs Denver
6. Lions vs Tennessee
7. Eagles vs Arizona
8. Bills vs Cleveland
9. Seahawks vs Green Bay
10. Ravens vs New England
11. Falcons vs San Diego
12. Cardinals vs Philadelphia
13. Dolphins vs New York Jets
14. Cowboys vs Tampa Bay
15. Broncos vs Houston
16. Patriots vs Baltimore

Ks

1. David Akers – SF vs Minnesota
2. Mason Crosby – GB vs Seattle
3. Stephen Gostkowski – NE vs Baltimore
4. Sebastian Janikowski – Oak vs Pittsburgh
5. Justin Tucker – Bal vs New England
6. Garrett Hartley – NO vs Kansas City
7. Nate Kaeding – SD vs Atlanta
8. Matt Bryant – Atl vs San Diego
9. Billy Cundiff – Was vs St. Louis
10. Matt Prater – Den vs Houston
11. Jason Hanson – Det vs Tennessee
12. Dan Bailey – Dal vs Tampa Bay
13. Robbie Gould – Chi vs St. Louis
14. Alex Henery – Phi vs Arizona
15. Shayne Graham – Hou vs Denver
16. Connor Barth – TB vs Dallas

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , ,

NFL Week 3: Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles

September 19, 2012 by 2 Comments

Each week in fantasy football, a few players are available in more than a quarter of leagues that need to be picked up, and plenty of other players are owned that need to be let go.  To help you improve your chances of fantasy football dominance, here is a list of the players to pick up and dump this week.

Pick Em Up

QBs

1. Sam Bradford – Rams
So far, the 2012 version of Sam Bradford is what a lot of people expected to see last year.  He has been solid over the first two weeks of the season, posting a 4:1 TD/Interception ratio.  In Week 1, Bradford lost a couple starting offensive lineman, but posted even better numbers in the Rams win over the Redskins.  Go ahead and pick him up and play him if the matchup seems favorable.

Luck is moving along just fine in Indianapolis

2. Andrew Luck – Colts
The number 1 overall pick of this year’s draft has not gotten that much love in Fantasy Football, as the number 2 pick, RGIII, has just exploded onto the scene.  Luck got his first career win this past week and showed much improvement from the first week.  He spreads the ball out plenty in Indianapolis, which keeps the defense on its’ toes.  Luck is still a backup, but could end up being a fantasy starter by the end of the season.
3. Carson Palmer – Raiders
Ok, there is a chance that I could tell you to drop Palmer in two weeks.  Palmer is averaging over 350 yards a game and has yet to throw an interception.  The only problem is that he has just one TD pass in those two games.  Expect Palmer to start throwing downfield more, which could be bad as Palmer is known to throw some bad balls every once in a while.  But, as long as Palmer is keeping the mistakes at a minimum, then he is worth owning as a backup in your league.

RBs

1. Andre Brown – Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw went down during the Giants comeback win against Tampa Bay, and Andre Brown stepped right in and the Giants didn’t miss a beat.  There is a possibility that Bradshaw could be out a few weeks with a neck injury and it looks as if Tom Coughlin will be giving Brown starter reps instead of rookie David Wilson.
2. Mikel Leshoure – Lions
Many people might have not even heard of Leshoure, as he missed all of last season, which was his rookie season, due to a torn achilles.  He also missed the first two games of this season due to suspension.  Now, why am I saying that one should pick this guy up?  He will be the starter in Detroit sooner rather than later.

McCluster may be catching passes out of the slot, but his RB eligibility boosts his value.

3. Dexter McCluster – Chiefs
Now for a name that everybody around here is familiar with.  McCluster was used very often in the first week and happened to be QB Matt Cassel’s favorite target.  In Week 2, he wasn’t targeted as much because he a slot guy used for slants and short pickups.  He is listed under RB because in most leagues he is one of a few players that can be used as either a RB or a WR and will be relied on in fantasy leagues once bye weeks start.
4. Daryl Richardson – Rams
Keep an eye on this guy, as he entered the Rams past game when starter Steven Jackson had to leave with an injury.  He excelled in replacing Jackson and if this injury lingers for him, then Richardson would turn into the Rams feature back and would be worth owning in all leagues.

 

WRs

1. Danny Amendola – Rams
Twelve catches…. in the first half!!  Yes, he has quickly become Bradford’s favorite target and should be picked up in all leagues.  He will targeted early and often in the Rams offense.  Don’t expect him to get sixteen looks every game like he did in Week 2, but 8-10 a week is not out of the question.
2. Brandon LaFell – Panthers
Somebody has to be the number two WR in Carolina and it looks to be LaFell.  Smith has been a little bit injured and will also see double teams, which should free up LaFell to prosper for the Panthers.
3. Brian Hartline – Dolphins                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Davone Bess did all the talking before the season, but Brian Hartline looks like he might be the guy in Miami to approach a hundred catches instead.  He has led the Dolphins in receptions the past two games.  One drawback is that he lacks the breakaway speed to be a deep threat, but with Tannehill being eased along as a rookie, Hartline will be looked at often.

4. Greg Little – Browns
Good news: He is the number one WR for Cleveland.  Bad news:  He is the number one WR for Cleveland.  Little is one of those type of players that has the talent to be a top 15 receiver, but unfortunately his QB (Brandon Weedon) isn’t really good.  He will frustrate you one week, but put up outstanding numbers the next.  He is worth having if he does break out, as he is most likely guy to do so that is available in majority of leagues.

TEs

1. Martellus Bennett – Giants
I really don’t know why Bennett is available in so many league.  If anybody likes their TEs as much as Brady and Peyton like theirs it’s Eli.  Every year the Giants’ TE, whomever it may be, puts up good fantasy points.  Jake Ballard and Kevin Boss were not as athletic as Bennett is and Bennett also has a chip on his shoulder.  All good news for fantasy owners.
2. Brent Celek – Eagles
It looks like the Eagles are going to just let Vick throw the ball this season.  Celek is Vick’s third option behind Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, which means he should have many passes thrown his way.

Brent Celek has turned into on of Michael Vick’s favorite targets.

3. Kyle Rudolph – Vikings
He has emerged as the Vikings’ second option and will see a lot of passes in the red zone.  That means TDs and fantasy points.

DSTs

- Bills
Each week I will put in a Defense you should look at if your defense is on a bye week or has an unfavorable matchup.  The Bills play the Browns this week, need I say more?

Dump City

1. Andy Dalton – Bengals
Dalton is a safe guy to have, but will not win you weeks.  He is one of those guys that is a better NFL starter than a fantasy starter.  Decent start this week, but things will get tougher when he plays Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice each.
2. Beanie Wells – Cardinals
I would love to tell you to go and pick up Ryan Williams because he will be taking over as starter for Wells, but just like Cardinals’ QBs, I really wouldn’t want any of the Cardinals’ RBs.  Yes, I know they are 2-0
3. Isaac Redman – Steelers
Redman was expected to be the starter coming in this season with Mendenhall on the shelf, but Dwyer has been getting the majority of the carries and when Mendenhall does return, Redman should slide down to the number three RB in Pittsburgh.
4. David Wilson – Giants
The rookie had a rough start to his NFL career, fumbling in his first game.  Since then, he has been in Coughlin’s doghouse.  Wilson might see an uptick in number of carries if Bradshaw is on the shelf for an extended period of time, but he isn’t worth taking up a roster slot.
5. Mario Manningham – 49ers
He is the fourth option in San Francisco.  He will have a few games in which he might get close to 60 or 70 yards and a TD, but will also go games without getting a catch.

Backfield Battles

1. Washington Redskins
Redskins will be a featured team weekly.  The reason is because Mike Shanahan just goes with what feels right for the week.  Many fantasy owners have been burned by Shanahan’s backs.  Right now, he is going with Alfred Morris who will get the majority of carries, but don’t be surprised if one week Roy Helu or Evan Royster get more than twenty carries.  Good luck and don’t get “Shanahan’d”
2. Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith had a great first week, but a disappointing second week.  The Lions have Mikel Leshoure coming back and he is expected to take over as the starter close to his return.  Also, don’t forget the Lions also have Jahvid Best coming back sometime soon.  Look for Smith to again be the lead back this week, but Leshoure will be starting after the Lions bye week (Week 5).
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
This is another situation in which a player coming back will take away from guys getting the carries now.  Rashard Mendenhall is still a few weeks away, but should take the starting role back upon his return.  Jonathan Dwyer has been serviceable in his duty as the starter, but unless he posts back-to-back impressive performances, he will slide into the backup role.
4. Atlanta Falcons
This team was not in the backfield battle when I first wrote this last night, but the late night DUI arrest of Michael Turner makes this interesting.  Turner has looked slower this year, and the 300 carries a year for three of the past four years has seemed to take a toll on him.  I expected Jacquizz Rodgers to be the Falcons’ starter by the end of the year, but if Turner is suspended soon, Rodgers’ time could be coming up quickly.
5. Arizona Cardinals
I mentioned this situation when I talked about dropping Beanie Wells.  Wells has not been what the Cardinals thought he would when they drafted him out of Ohio State, so they are looking for any reason to replace him.  Arizona drafted Ryan Williams last year, but he went down in the preseason and Wells was given another season to prove himself.  Well, they still aren’t impressed, but Williams fumbled when trying to run out the clock and almost cost them the game.  So, based on all that, Wells is still the guy, but it is a fluid situation in the desert.

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
«Older Posts