Running Backs
1. Marion Barber
2. Clinton Portis
3. LT
4. AP
5. Jacobs
6. Gore
7. Lynch
8. Chris Johnson
9. Reggie Bush
10. Thomas Jones
11. Steve Slaton
12. Matt Forte
13. Steven Jackson
14. Ronnie Brown
15. Earnest Graham
16. Larry Johnson
17. Lendale White
18. Jonathan Stewart
19. Jamal Lewis
20. Michael Pittman
21. Sammy Morris
22. Warrick Dunn
23. LeRon McClain
24. Darren McFadden
25. Julius Jones
26. Dominic Rhodes
27. Willis McGahee
28. Willie Parker/Mewelde Moore (depends on who's starting)
29. Deuce McAllister
30. DeAngelo Williams
31. Justin Fargas
32. Derrick Ward
33. Ahman Green
Wide Receivers
1. Andre Johnson
2. Brandon Marshall
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Terrell Owens
5. Greg Jennings
6. Randy Moss
7. Steve Smith (Carolina)
8. Braylon Edwards
9. Plaxico Burress
10. Santana Moss
11. Hines Ward
12. Lee Evans
13. Marques Colston
14. Roy Williams
15. Vincent Jackson
16. Santonio Holmes
17. Calvin Johnson
18. TJ Housh
19. Laveranues Coles
20. JerichoCotchery
21. Bernard Berrian
22. Isaac Bruce
23. Marvin Harrison
24. Dwayne Bowe
25. Donald Driver
26. Wes Welker
27. Torry Holt
28. Steve Smith (NYG)
29. Devin Hester
30. Muhsin Muhammad
31. Chad Johnson
32. Bobby Engram
33. Kevin Walter
34. Lance Moore
35. Greg Camarillo
36. Brandon Lloyd (questionable)
37. Randel El
38. Eddie Royal (questionable)
39. Derrick Mason
40. Antonio Bryant
Quarterbacs
1. Brees
2. Cutler
3. Rivers
4. Favre
5. Eli Manning
6. Peyton Manning
7. Ben R
8. Schaub
9. Rodgers
10. Jason Campbell
11. Kyle Orton
12. Derek Anderson
13. Jake Delhomme
14. Trent Edwards
15. Brad Johnson
Tight Ends
1. Witten
2. Gates
3. Tony Gonzalez
4. Dallas Clark
5. Chris Cooley
6. Heath Miller
7. Owen Daniels
8. Kellen Winslow
9. Greg Olson
10. Zach Miller
11. John Carlson
12. Kevin Boss
13. Jeremy Shockey (questionable)
14. Tony Scheffler (questionable)
15. Anthony Fasano
D/ST
1. Pittsburgh
2. Ravens
3. Titans
4. Dallas
5. Tampa Bay
6. Jets
7. Giants
8. Minnesota
9. Chicago
10. New Orleans
11. Houston
12. Washington
13. Green Bay
14. Indianapolis
15. Chargers
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Week 7 fantasy football matchup anlysis
Week 6 is done and my first week of analysis and rankings was fun. Lets get week 7 started.
Dallas at St. Louis:
Thus enter the Brad Johnson era. Relieving a star QB is nothing new for the 17 year veteran. Widely considered one of the best backup QB's in the league Johnson will look to fill some big shoes. Cowboys are coming off back to back losses and will look to get the win over a weak STL team. Recent acquisition Williams is slated to play his first week with the Cowboys and will be active for the game Sunday. Felix Jones is out 2-4 weeks and Romo is out for four weeks as we stand today. Johnson will have to rely heavily on Barber and quick passes. The absence of Romo will lower TO's value. I look for Barber to have a big game going against the 5th worst run defense in the game. STL is allowing 169 ypg on the ground and have given up 9 TD's. Roy Williams should hit the ground running and excel in a quick check down system that Brad Johnson will have to run.
STL will be feeling good after upsetting the Redskins. They're playing at home but have been terrible most of the year, including last week where they won by returning a fumble for a TD. Their offense is anemic and will struggle to get started against a tough Dallas D that is allowing 87.5 ypg on the ground. You're starting Jackson and sitting the rest of your Rams.
Baltimore at Miami:
Baltimore just got smacked down at Indianapolis. Baltimore got shut down last weekend against a mediocre Colts defense. The Ravens were the #1 defense on both sides of the ball going into last week. They are still #1 but looked inept last week. They are averaging 133 yards on the ground and will look to pound the ball against a strong Miami team that is allowing just 89 yards per game and have only given up 3 TD's. Flacco will try to play mistake free ball and try to pull a win out against a surging Miami team.
Miami lost last week in the final seconds against the 1-4 Texans. Ronnie Brown (the wildcat) has been looking like a stud and will try to continue his effectiveness. He will have his work cut out for him going against the best defense in the league, a defense that will be mad and out to prove they're still #1 this week. I don't like any players in this game. It's hard to sit Ronnie Brown, especially after watching the Colts cut up the Ravens defense but the Colts did it in the air. The Ravens only allowed 73 yards on the ground. I am not starting McGahee until he proves he's healthy, McClain could get in the endzone but I look for this to be a low scoring affair with little fantasy production.
New Orleans at Carolina:
New Orleans is coming off of another quality victory and is looking like the real deal. Brees is the best QB in the league to date and is likely getting two of his weapons back this week. Shockey and Colston are slated to play in week 7. Colston is almost a lock to play, Shockey is looking good. If Colston and Shockey play this will obviously lower the value of Lance Moore and makes Devery Henderson virtually useless in anything other than 14-16 team man's leagues. McAllister got 13 carries last week to Bush's 14 but Bush's involvement in the pass game and explosive tendencies make him a must start. McAllister could be a bye week filler or flex play against a Carolina team that is allowing 105 ypg on the ground.
On the Carolina side of the ball I look to see Delhomme have a reasonable game against a New Orleans team that is giving up 227 ypg and has allowed 7 TD's in the air. Steve Smith should have a nice game with 100 yards and a score. I would be hesitant to start DeAngelo Williams against a NO rush defense that is trending up. They shut down AP two weeks ago for 32 yards and allowed just 85 yards to the fourth most frequent running team in the NFL. Stewart is a flex start or #3 starter. He should find the endzone this week.
San Francisco at New York Giants:
San Francisco lost a tough one to a good team last week. The Eagles, without Westbrook posted 103 yards on the ground and 280 in the air. The 49'ers will look to rebound against....an angry Giants team. You are obviously starting Gore but beyond that I don't like much from the 49'ers. Isaac Bruce has produced to the point where he's a no questions starter until he proves otherwise but I would temper expectations for this week.
The Giants got punched in the mouth against one of the worst teams in the league. The Browns, admittedly, looked good. But the Giants got nothing done. I look to see Plaxico get 100 yards and a score. Jacobs is a must start against a 49'ers team that is allowing 124 ypg and has given up 7 rushing TD's. Eli Manning finally looked like the 2nd best fantasy and real life quarterback in the Manning family last week. He will look to rebound and shake off the tough loss to the dismal Browns.
San Diego at Buffalo:
San Diego had a big win last week against the rested Patriots. Rivers played like a stud again with 306 yards and 3 scores with no INT's. Buffalo is allowing just 184 yards in the air and have only given up 4 TD's this year. LT averaged just 3.7 yards per carry with his longest rush being 3.7 yards. You have to be a little concerned about LT at this point. He says his toe is feeling better but we're just not seeing the explosiveness of old. He went against a Patriots team that gives up 119 yards on the ground per game and only managed 74. You're still starting him if he's playing but with tempered expectations.
Buffalo was on bye last week and will look to come out strong. One of the surprise teams of the league the Bills want to make a statement by slapping down the Chargers. The Chargers are allowing 112 yards on the ground and have given up 3 TD's this year. Without their pressure from Merriman they are finding it difficult to get pressure on the QB and are getting passed on at an incredible rate. They are giving up 253 ypg in the air and have given up 10 TD's. Edwards says he's playing in week 7 and is a good start this week. Lynch is a must start as well as Lee Evans.
Minnesota at Chicago:
Chicago lost a heart breaker last week on Elams 48 yard field goal. Chicago is still one of the premier run defenses in the league but is in the bottom part of pass defenses allowing 236 ypg and have given up 5 TD's. Minnesota is in a similar scenario. These are two run first teams that will look to beat each other up. Orton is still looking to be a good QB both in real life and in fantasy. Look for him to be a low end #1 especially against the tough Vikings run defense.
AP has struggled in two consecutive games and will likely struggle for a 3rd game against the stout Chicago run defense. You are unlikely to have a better option and you can't sit AP because he could turn any game into a run fest. Don't let Frerotte's 17 point week fool you. He had one big 80+ yard TD pass that inflated his stats against a shoddy Detroit defense. He is not a starter. Orton is another low #1 or #2 starter until he proves otherwise.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati:
Pittsburgh is coming off of a bye week and will likely be receiving the much needed return of Willie Parker who claims to 100%. Big Ben should be more refreshed after being banged up by a shoddy offensive line. The Bengals are bad to say the least. They are the worst run defense in the league allowing 156 ypg and have given up 8 TD's. Surprisingly they are the 4th best pass defense only giving up 167 yards in the air. They have allowed 7 passing TD's. I look to see most of the Pittsburgh players perform well Sunday. Parker should hit the ground nicely with 75 yards and a score.
Palmer is officially out again for week 7 therefore reducing the value of Housh and Johnson. Housh had 7 receptions last week for just 49 yards but if he maintains 7-10 receptions per game he will be worth starting. None of the Bengals running backs should be in your lineup this week. You don't know who will get the carries and even if you knew neither one of them will be worth starting against the Steeler's 2nd ranked rush defense.
Tennessee at Kansas City:
Tennessee is another fresh team coming off of a bye. They are playing the dog-butted Chiefs. Tennessee is the #1 fantasy D/ST and nothing should change this week. Brodie Croyle is set to start again on Sunday effectively lowering the value of Dwayne Bowe. Croyle has looked to Gonzalez more than Bowe so TG's value remains the same or a tad higher than with Huard. Larry Johnson will have a rough game amidst a tough run defense and recent news that he may face the iron fist of Roger Goodell.
I love Chris Johnson and Lendale White against one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL. They are allowing 182 ypg and have given up 8 TD's. I like Chris Johnson as a low end #1 or 2 fantasy back and should have close to one hundred yards and a score. White is a #2 or flex player. Collins is a deep starter in a 12 team league if you're having bye or injury problems.
Detroit at Houston:
0-5 vs 1-4. Two struggling teams face off and try to get something started. Things couldn't be worse for Detroit. Sitting at 0-5 they just placed the much maligned Kitna on IR and he claims they did that to find an excuse to get rid of him. Roy Williams was traded to the Cowboys this week leaving the young Calvin Johnson as the lone receiver. Orvlosky will take over at QB and the Lions will continue to struggle.
Despite Houston being 1-4 I expect good games from the Houston players. Detroit is a bad defense on both sides of the ball. They are giving up 250 yards in the air and have yielded 9 TD's and 171 on the ground along with 7 TD's. Schaub is slated to play and should have a nice game along with Andre Johnson. Slaton should have a great game as well. Ahman Green could be used in deep leagues that have flex players but should not be relied on.
New York Jets at Oakland:
The Jets will look to continue their playoff bid against the struggling Raiders. Oakland is allowing 234 ypg in the air and have given up 8 TD's. Look for Favre, Coles and Cotchery to all post big numbers. Oakland is also allowing 115 yards on the ground and have given up 8 TD's. Thomas Jones will look to raise his TD count against a bad Oakland team. Favre and the Jets could get up big and then move it to the ground.
Neither Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden are safe starts this week. The Jets are the 3rd best rush defense only allowing 69 ypg although they have given up 7 rushing TD's. I would consider Fargas and McFadden #3 starters this week worthy of only a flex spot in 10 or 12 team leagues. Russell and the rest of the Raiders have little value as well. Zach Miller could be started in a bye week fill-in scenario.
Indianapolis at Green Bay:
Green Bay just came off of an expected win against a bad Seattle team. Indianapolis just came off of an impressive performance in which they posted 341 total yards and shut down the Ravens defensively. Ryan Grant got 33 touches and is apparently healthy enough for a full load. Indianapolis shut down a dinged up McGahee and McClain but they are still in the bottom rush defenses in the league allowing 161 ypg and have given up 5 TD's. Ryan Grant has been an effective real life back but has been, in large part, a fantasy disappointment. I look for him to find the endzone this week against a weak Colts rush defense. Greg Jennings, Driver and Rodgers are all starters this week.
Indianapolis will try to carry over some of their dominant performance into this week. Green Bay is a bad rush defense allowing 153 rushing yards and have allowed 5 TD's. Addai is out 2-4 weeks and Rhodes should do okay and is a reasonable #2 or flex start. Manning is obviously a start as well as Wayne. Harrison had a monster game last week but only had 3 receptions, one of which was a 67 yard TD. One encouraging note from his game was that one of his other catches was a 5 yard TD. Harrison has the ability to be a #1 or #2 WR in fantasy formats if Manning continues to play well.
Clevaland at Washington:
Two teams coming off of a week of polar opposites. The Redskins gave up a game to the Rams while the Browns took one away from the Giants. Derek Anderson looked like the Anderson we loved to cheer for last year. Crisp passes and good decision making. Braylon Edwards, the bane of many people's lineups to date came out with a bang. 154 yards, a score and a 2 point conversion reception. You have to start Edwards if you have him but time will tell if Anderson's performance was a fluke or if he is back to form. Jamal Lewis had a good game but much of that should be credited to Anderson opening up the defense and allowing room for Lewis. Washington is only allowing 83 yards on the ground and have only given up 3 TD's. I don't like Lewis for this game but I would start Anderson if I had to.
Washington will try to take advantage of a poor Cleveland rush defense that has given up 7 TD's and are allowing 137 ypg. Portis should have a nice game. One note is that Shaun Alexander has been signed by the Redskins. He has little fantasy value except as a handcuff to Portis. Cleveland's pass defense has been surprisingly good only giving up 188 ypg and 4 TD's thus far. I don't like Campbell this week but you have to start Moss if you have him.
Seattle at Tampa Bay:
Tampa Bay had an impressive win over Carolina last week. Their pass defense is struggling a little this year allowing 222 ypg and giving up 8 TD's. Luckily they can pad those stats a bit this week going against Seattle. Hasselbeck is out again which lowers Engrams value considerably. I would consider Julius Jones a low end #2 or 3 RB this week and he is the only Seattle player I could justify starting this week.
Warrick Dunn, despite the groans of fantasy owners nationwide appears to be the main carrier for Tampa Bay. He had 22 touches to Graham's five. Luckily Graham is still the red zone guy making both players #2 or 3 backs. Gruden said that they may be looking for a fullback which is what position Graham had to play last game. The coach also said that he prefers Graham as the rusher but until they find a fullback he will have to fill in. This will hurt the value of Graham but he still has the ability to post good numbers. It appears as if Garcia will be the QB again but keep your eye on the sitaution, neither Griese or Garcia have much fantasy value. None of the TB wide outs have much value either. Bryant should be used as a low end #3 with #2 potential.
Denver at New England:
Just when it looked like Cassel figured out how to throw to Moss they get shut down by the worst pass defense in the league. San Diego has allwoed 253 ypg in the air and 10 TD's. Luckily Cassel and the Patriots have another opportunity against a putrid pass defense. Denver has allwoed 255 ypg and have given up 9 TD's. Cutler and the Bronco's have come down to earth but still have big game potential. Marshall and Cutler are your only no brainers with Scheffler still questionable. You can't trust any Denver back as you never know who will get the carries.
The same goes for the Patriots who never show consistancy from the RB stand point. If you have to start a Patriot RB it's Sammy Morris. Moss is a must start against the Denver defense and Cassel is a starter if you need bye week fill-in or injury help.
Week 7 overview completed! Rankings still to come this week.
Dallas at St. Louis:
Thus enter the Brad Johnson era. Relieving a star QB is nothing new for the 17 year veteran. Widely considered one of the best backup QB's in the league Johnson will look to fill some big shoes. Cowboys are coming off back to back losses and will look to get the win over a weak STL team. Recent acquisition Williams is slated to play his first week with the Cowboys and will be active for the game Sunday. Felix Jones is out 2-4 weeks and Romo is out for four weeks as we stand today. Johnson will have to rely heavily on Barber and quick passes. The absence of Romo will lower TO's value. I look for Barber to have a big game going against the 5th worst run defense in the game. STL is allowing 169 ypg on the ground and have given up 9 TD's. Roy Williams should hit the ground running and excel in a quick check down system that Brad Johnson will have to run.
STL will be feeling good after upsetting the Redskins. They're playing at home but have been terrible most of the year, including last week where they won by returning a fumble for a TD. Their offense is anemic and will struggle to get started against a tough Dallas D that is allowing 87.5 ypg on the ground. You're starting Jackson and sitting the rest of your Rams.
Baltimore at Miami:
Baltimore just got smacked down at Indianapolis. Baltimore got shut down last weekend against a mediocre Colts defense. The Ravens were the #1 defense on both sides of the ball going into last week. They are still #1 but looked inept last week. They are averaging 133 yards on the ground and will look to pound the ball against a strong Miami team that is allowing just 89 yards per game and have only given up 3 TD's. Flacco will try to play mistake free ball and try to pull a win out against a surging Miami team.
Miami lost last week in the final seconds against the 1-4 Texans. Ronnie Brown (the wildcat) has been looking like a stud and will try to continue his effectiveness. He will have his work cut out for him going against the best defense in the league, a defense that will be mad and out to prove they're still #1 this week. I don't like any players in this game. It's hard to sit Ronnie Brown, especially after watching the Colts cut up the Ravens defense but the Colts did it in the air. The Ravens only allowed 73 yards on the ground. I am not starting McGahee until he proves he's healthy, McClain could get in the endzone but I look for this to be a low scoring affair with little fantasy production.
New Orleans at Carolina:
New Orleans is coming off of another quality victory and is looking like the real deal. Brees is the best QB in the league to date and is likely getting two of his weapons back this week. Shockey and Colston are slated to play in week 7. Colston is almost a lock to play, Shockey is looking good. If Colston and Shockey play this will obviously lower the value of Lance Moore and makes Devery Henderson virtually useless in anything other than 14-16 team man's leagues. McAllister got 13 carries last week to Bush's 14 but Bush's involvement in the pass game and explosive tendencies make him a must start. McAllister could be a bye week filler or flex play against a Carolina team that is allowing 105 ypg on the ground.
On the Carolina side of the ball I look to see Delhomme have a reasonable game against a New Orleans team that is giving up 227 ypg and has allowed 7 TD's in the air. Steve Smith should have a nice game with 100 yards and a score. I would be hesitant to start DeAngelo Williams against a NO rush defense that is trending up. They shut down AP two weeks ago for 32 yards and allowed just 85 yards to the fourth most frequent running team in the NFL. Stewart is a flex start or #3 starter. He should find the endzone this week.
San Francisco at New York Giants:
San Francisco lost a tough one to a good team last week. The Eagles, without Westbrook posted 103 yards on the ground and 280 in the air. The 49'ers will look to rebound against....an angry Giants team. You are obviously starting Gore but beyond that I don't like much from the 49'ers. Isaac Bruce has produced to the point where he's a no questions starter until he proves otherwise but I would temper expectations for this week.
The Giants got punched in the mouth against one of the worst teams in the league. The Browns, admittedly, looked good. But the Giants got nothing done. I look to see Plaxico get 100 yards and a score. Jacobs is a must start against a 49'ers team that is allowing 124 ypg and has given up 7 rushing TD's. Eli Manning finally looked like the 2nd best fantasy and real life quarterback in the Manning family last week. He will look to rebound and shake off the tough loss to the dismal Browns.
San Diego at Buffalo:
San Diego had a big win last week against the rested Patriots. Rivers played like a stud again with 306 yards and 3 scores with no INT's. Buffalo is allowing just 184 yards in the air and have only given up 4 TD's this year. LT averaged just 3.7 yards per carry with his longest rush being 3.7 yards. You have to be a little concerned about LT at this point. He says his toe is feeling better but we're just not seeing the explosiveness of old. He went against a Patriots team that gives up 119 yards on the ground per game and only managed 74. You're still starting him if he's playing but with tempered expectations.
Buffalo was on bye last week and will look to come out strong. One of the surprise teams of the league the Bills want to make a statement by slapping down the Chargers. The Chargers are allowing 112 yards on the ground and have given up 3 TD's this year. Without their pressure from Merriman they are finding it difficult to get pressure on the QB and are getting passed on at an incredible rate. They are giving up 253 ypg in the air and have given up 10 TD's. Edwards says he's playing in week 7 and is a good start this week. Lynch is a must start as well as Lee Evans.
Minnesota at Chicago:
Chicago lost a heart breaker last week on Elams 48 yard field goal. Chicago is still one of the premier run defenses in the league but is in the bottom part of pass defenses allowing 236 ypg and have given up 5 TD's. Minnesota is in a similar scenario. These are two run first teams that will look to beat each other up. Orton is still looking to be a good QB both in real life and in fantasy. Look for him to be a low end #1 especially against the tough Vikings run defense.
AP has struggled in two consecutive games and will likely struggle for a 3rd game against the stout Chicago run defense. You are unlikely to have a better option and you can't sit AP because he could turn any game into a run fest. Don't let Frerotte's 17 point week fool you. He had one big 80+ yard TD pass that inflated his stats against a shoddy Detroit defense. He is not a starter. Orton is another low #1 or #2 starter until he proves otherwise.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati:
Pittsburgh is coming off of a bye week and will likely be receiving the much needed return of Willie Parker who claims to 100%. Big Ben should be more refreshed after being banged up by a shoddy offensive line. The Bengals are bad to say the least. They are the worst run defense in the league allowing 156 ypg and have given up 8 TD's. Surprisingly they are the 4th best pass defense only giving up 167 yards in the air. They have allowed 7 passing TD's. I look to see most of the Pittsburgh players perform well Sunday. Parker should hit the ground nicely with 75 yards and a score.
Palmer is officially out again for week 7 therefore reducing the value of Housh and Johnson. Housh had 7 receptions last week for just 49 yards but if he maintains 7-10 receptions per game he will be worth starting. None of the Bengals running backs should be in your lineup this week. You don't know who will get the carries and even if you knew neither one of them will be worth starting against the Steeler's 2nd ranked rush defense.
Tennessee at Kansas City:
Tennessee is another fresh team coming off of a bye. They are playing the dog-butted Chiefs. Tennessee is the #1 fantasy D/ST and nothing should change this week. Brodie Croyle is set to start again on Sunday effectively lowering the value of Dwayne Bowe. Croyle has looked to Gonzalez more than Bowe so TG's value remains the same or a tad higher than with Huard. Larry Johnson will have a rough game amidst a tough run defense and recent news that he may face the iron fist of Roger Goodell.
I love Chris Johnson and Lendale White against one of the worst rush defenses in the NFL. They are allowing 182 ypg and have given up 8 TD's. I like Chris Johnson as a low end #1 or 2 fantasy back and should have close to one hundred yards and a score. White is a #2 or flex player. Collins is a deep starter in a 12 team league if you're having bye or injury problems.
Detroit at Houston:
0-5 vs 1-4. Two struggling teams face off and try to get something started. Things couldn't be worse for Detroit. Sitting at 0-5 they just placed the much maligned Kitna on IR and he claims they did that to find an excuse to get rid of him. Roy Williams was traded to the Cowboys this week leaving the young Calvin Johnson as the lone receiver. Orvlosky will take over at QB and the Lions will continue to struggle.
Despite Houston being 1-4 I expect good games from the Houston players. Detroit is a bad defense on both sides of the ball. They are giving up 250 yards in the air and have yielded 9 TD's and 171 on the ground along with 7 TD's. Schaub is slated to play and should have a nice game along with Andre Johnson. Slaton should have a great game as well. Ahman Green could be used in deep leagues that have flex players but should not be relied on.
New York Jets at Oakland:
The Jets will look to continue their playoff bid against the struggling Raiders. Oakland is allowing 234 ypg in the air and have given up 8 TD's. Look for Favre, Coles and Cotchery to all post big numbers. Oakland is also allowing 115 yards on the ground and have given up 8 TD's. Thomas Jones will look to raise his TD count against a bad Oakland team. Favre and the Jets could get up big and then move it to the ground.
Neither Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden are safe starts this week. The Jets are the 3rd best rush defense only allowing 69 ypg although they have given up 7 rushing TD's. I would consider Fargas and McFadden #3 starters this week worthy of only a flex spot in 10 or 12 team leagues. Russell and the rest of the Raiders have little value as well. Zach Miller could be started in a bye week fill-in scenario.
Indianapolis at Green Bay:
Green Bay just came off of an expected win against a bad Seattle team. Indianapolis just came off of an impressive performance in which they posted 341 total yards and shut down the Ravens defensively. Ryan Grant got 33 touches and is apparently healthy enough for a full load. Indianapolis shut down a dinged up McGahee and McClain but they are still in the bottom rush defenses in the league allowing 161 ypg and have given up 5 TD's. Ryan Grant has been an effective real life back but has been, in large part, a fantasy disappointment. I look for him to find the endzone this week against a weak Colts rush defense. Greg Jennings, Driver and Rodgers are all starters this week.
Indianapolis will try to carry over some of their dominant performance into this week. Green Bay is a bad rush defense allowing 153 rushing yards and have allowed 5 TD's. Addai is out 2-4 weeks and Rhodes should do okay and is a reasonable #2 or flex start. Manning is obviously a start as well as Wayne. Harrison had a monster game last week but only had 3 receptions, one of which was a 67 yard TD. One encouraging note from his game was that one of his other catches was a 5 yard TD. Harrison has the ability to be a #1 or #2 WR in fantasy formats if Manning continues to play well.
Clevaland at Washington:
Two teams coming off of a week of polar opposites. The Redskins gave up a game to the Rams while the Browns took one away from the Giants. Derek Anderson looked like the Anderson we loved to cheer for last year. Crisp passes and good decision making. Braylon Edwards, the bane of many people's lineups to date came out with a bang. 154 yards, a score and a 2 point conversion reception. You have to start Edwards if you have him but time will tell if Anderson's performance was a fluke or if he is back to form. Jamal Lewis had a good game but much of that should be credited to Anderson opening up the defense and allowing room for Lewis. Washington is only allowing 83 yards on the ground and have only given up 3 TD's. I don't like Lewis for this game but I would start Anderson if I had to.
Washington will try to take advantage of a poor Cleveland rush defense that has given up 7 TD's and are allowing 137 ypg. Portis should have a nice game. One note is that Shaun Alexander has been signed by the Redskins. He has little fantasy value except as a handcuff to Portis. Cleveland's pass defense has been surprisingly good only giving up 188 ypg and 4 TD's thus far. I don't like Campbell this week but you have to start Moss if you have him.
Seattle at Tampa Bay:
Tampa Bay had an impressive win over Carolina last week. Their pass defense is struggling a little this year allowing 222 ypg and giving up 8 TD's. Luckily they can pad those stats a bit this week going against Seattle. Hasselbeck is out again which lowers Engrams value considerably. I would consider Julius Jones a low end #2 or 3 RB this week and he is the only Seattle player I could justify starting this week.
Warrick Dunn, despite the groans of fantasy owners nationwide appears to be the main carrier for Tampa Bay. He had 22 touches to Graham's five. Luckily Graham is still the red zone guy making both players #2 or 3 backs. Gruden said that they may be looking for a fullback which is what position Graham had to play last game. The coach also said that he prefers Graham as the rusher but until they find a fullback he will have to fill in. This will hurt the value of Graham but he still has the ability to post good numbers. It appears as if Garcia will be the QB again but keep your eye on the sitaution, neither Griese or Garcia have much fantasy value. None of the TB wide outs have much value either. Bryant should be used as a low end #3 with #2 potential.
Denver at New England:
Just when it looked like Cassel figured out how to throw to Moss they get shut down by the worst pass defense in the league. San Diego has allwoed 253 ypg in the air and 10 TD's. Luckily Cassel and the Patriots have another opportunity against a putrid pass defense. Denver has allwoed 255 ypg and have given up 9 TD's. Cutler and the Bronco's have come down to earth but still have big game potential. Marshall and Cutler are your only no brainers with Scheffler still questionable. You can't trust any Denver back as you never know who will get the carries.
The same goes for the Patriots who never show consistancy from the RB stand point. If you have to start a Patriot RB it's Sammy Morris. Moss is a must start against the Denver defense and Cassel is a starter if you need bye week fill-in or injury help.
Week 7 overview completed! Rankings still to come this week.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Updates to rankings
--Brian Westbrook has officially been ruled out for week 6. Adjust your lineup accordingly.
--Carson Palmer has been ruled out for week 6.
--Carson Palmer has been ruled out for week 6.
Fantasy Football Rankings Week 6
TO THE RANKINGS!
Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Clinton Portis
3. Ronnie Brown
4. Matt Forte
5. Reggie Bush
6. Marion Barber
7. Frank Gore
8. Brandon Jacobs
9. Thomas Jones
10. Ryan Grant
12. Steven Jackson
12. LT
13. Joseph Addai
14. Correll Buckhalter
15. LeRon McClain
16. Steve Slaton
17. Willis McGahee
18. Jonathan Stewart
19. MJD
20. DeAngelo Williams
21. Julius Jones
22. Justin Fargas
23. Jamal Lewis
24. *Darren McFadden
25. Earnest Graham
26. Deuce McCalister
27. Sammy Morris
28. Edgerrin James
29. Tim Hightower
30. Warrick Dunn
Wide Receivers:
1. Randy Moss
2. Greg Jennings
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Brandon Marshall
5. Steve Smith
6. Reggie Wayne
7. Andre Johnson
8. Terrell Owens
9. Santana Moss
10. Plaxico Burress
11. **T.J. Houshmandzadeh
12. Torry Holt
13. Laveranues Coles
14. Roddy White
15. Wes Welker
16. Braylon Edwards
17. Jerricho Cotchery
18. *DeSean Jackson
19. Calvin Johnson
20. Bernard Berrian
21. Isaac Bruce
22. Donald Driver
23. **Chad Johnson
24. Roy Williams
25. Lance Moore
26. Steve Breaston
27. Marvin Harrison
28. Reggie Brown
29. Amani Toomer
30. Muhsin Muhammad
*Bumped because of Westbrook and Reggie Brown being out
**Palmer has been ruled out of week 6, lower expectations for Ocho
Quarterbacks:
1. Bret Favre
2. Tony Romo
3. Drew Brees
4. Kurt Warner
5. Aaron Rodgers
6. Jay Cutler
7. Eli Manning
8. Jason Campbell
9. Donovan McNabb
10. Kyle Orton
11. Matt Cassel
12. Philip Rivers
13. Peyton Manning
14. *Carson Palmer (Jake Delhomme)
15. David Garrard
*Palmer ruled out for week 6.
Tight Ends:
1. Chris Cooley
2. Jason Witten
3. Dallas Clark
4. Antonio Gates
5. *Kellen Winslow
6. Zach Miller
7. Owen Daniels
8. Anthony Fasano
9. John Carlson
10. Greg Olson
11. Donald Lee
12. Dustin Keller
13. Visanthe Shiancoe
14. L.J. Smith
15. Billy Miller
*Winslow went to the hospital on Thursday night with an undisclosed illness. He's questionable now for Monday.
D/ST:
1. New York Giants
2. Washington Redskins
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Chicago Bears
6. Carolina Panthers
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Tampa Bay
10. New Orleans Saints
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Indianapolis Colts
13. New York Jets
14. Dallas Cowboys
15. San Diego Chargers
Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Clinton Portis
3. Ronnie Brown
4. Matt Forte
5. Reggie Bush
6. Marion Barber
7. Frank Gore
8. Brandon Jacobs
9. Thomas Jones
10. Ryan Grant
12. Steven Jackson
12. LT
13. Joseph Addai
14. Correll Buckhalter
15. LeRon McClain
16. Steve Slaton
17. Willis McGahee
18. Jonathan Stewart
19. MJD
20. DeAngelo Williams
21. Julius Jones
22. Justin Fargas
23. Jamal Lewis
24. *Darren McFadden
25. Earnest Graham
26. Deuce McCalister
27. Sammy Morris
28. Edgerrin James
29. Tim Hightower
30. Warrick Dunn
Wide Receivers:
1. Randy Moss
2. Greg Jennings
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Brandon Marshall
5. Steve Smith
6. Reggie Wayne
7. Andre Johnson
8. Terrell Owens
9. Santana Moss
10. Plaxico Burress
11. **T.J. Houshmandzadeh
12. Torry Holt
13. Laveranues Coles
14. Roddy White
15. Wes Welker
16. Braylon Edwards
17. Jerricho Cotchery
18. *DeSean Jackson
19. Calvin Johnson
20. Bernard Berrian
21. Isaac Bruce
22. Donald Driver
23. **Chad Johnson
24. Roy Williams
25. Lance Moore
26. Steve Breaston
27. Marvin Harrison
28. Reggie Brown
29. Amani Toomer
30. Muhsin Muhammad
*Bumped because of Westbrook and Reggie Brown being out
**Palmer has been ruled out of week 6, lower expectations for Ocho
Quarterbacks:
1. Bret Favre
2. Tony Romo
3. Drew Brees
4. Kurt Warner
5. Aaron Rodgers
6. Jay Cutler
7. Eli Manning
8. Jason Campbell
9. Donovan McNabb
10. Kyle Orton
11. Matt Cassel
12. Philip Rivers
13. Peyton Manning
14. *Carson Palmer (Jake Delhomme)
15. David Garrard
*Palmer ruled out for week 6.
Tight Ends:
1. Chris Cooley
2. Jason Witten
3. Dallas Clark
4. Antonio Gates
5. *Kellen Winslow
6. Zach Miller
7. Owen Daniels
8. Anthony Fasano
9. John Carlson
10. Greg Olson
11. Donald Lee
12. Dustin Keller
13. Visanthe Shiancoe
14. L.J. Smith
15. Billy Miller
*Winslow went to the hospital on Thursday night with an undisclosed illness. He's questionable now for Monday.
D/ST:
1. New York Giants
2. Washington Redskins
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Chicago Bears
6. Carolina Panthers
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Tampa Bay
10. New Orleans Saints
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Indianapolis Colts
13. New York Jets
14. Dallas Cowboys
15. San Diego Chargers
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Week 6 Fantasy Football matchup analysis
Here we are at my first week of projections. I have quit listening/reading the ESPN analysts so that I can see how I do without subconsciously regurgitating the experts views. How I'll do it for this week is go game by game and point out fantasy worthiness and key injuries. I will then rank players as I see them.
Baltimore at Indianapolis:
Two struggling offenses here. Manning has struggled most the year but in Manning-esque fashion still wound up 2-2 despite trailing in games in the last few minutes of both wins. Baltimore's defense seems to be somewhat back to form despite the age of Lewis and crew. Manning will look to pick up the pace and will likely have to pass frequently due to the Ravens tough run D. The Ravens are only allowing 192.5 yards per game while the Indianapolis Colts are allowing 353. Baltimore is also only allowing 64 yards on the ground. I look to see Wayne to have a big game and Harrison to get off the schneid. If you have Addai you likely have to start him but keep your expectations low.
On the other side of the ball I look for McClain to get 40 yards and a score and for McGahee, if in the lineup, to get close to a hundred total yards. Keep an eye on McGahee's status. He is questionable this week but was also questionable last week and still got 22 carries. Indy is a bad run defense allowing 188.5 y/g. In addition some key defenders are on the mend.
Oakland at New Orleans:
Saints are coming off a rough loss to Min and will be looking to beat up on a struggling Oakland team. The saints are putting up 406 total y/g and the Oak D is allowing 308. McFadden has been limited in practice and will likely be limited in the game as well. Cable has taken over for the fired Kiffin and has yet to declare a "starting" running back. Keep your expectations tempered for McFadden as well as Fargas, who is coming off a recent injury. The Saints just limited the most explosive RB in the NFL to 32 yards on 21 attempts and no TD's. Russell could be a reasonable start in deep leagues or bye week fill-in against a Saints team that has allowed 244.6 y/g in the air.
On the other side of the ball look for a possible Colston return this week. He has been practicing and is looking like a game time decision. Jeremy Shockey has also practiced but is less likely to play being only three weeks removed from a hernia surgery. Deuce McCalister should find the endzone as Oakland has allowed the 2nd most rushing TD's at 7. Brees is a must start as well as Bush.
Chicago at Atlanta:
Two teams fighting for control of their division appear to be evenly matched. Chicago's defense is looking like the wall of old allowing 74 rushing yards and 223 passing yards. Forte is a good start today against an ATL that allows 125 y/g and gave up a 121 to LJ alone in week 3. If you have a better play than Turner play him. He will likely struggle against a stout Chicago D. Look for Lloyd to have a nice game as well as Orton. Orton has 1100 yards, 7 TD's to 4 INT's and a 62% completion rate since taking over at the helm. He's a #1 QB this week feel safe starting him.
St. Louis at Washington:
This is a fantasy dream for Washington Redskins owners. STL is allowing 411 total yards, 166 on the ground to 245 in the air. You're obviously starting all your redskins if you have them. Randel El has had a couple nice games and Cooley came back from the dead last week. Look for Moss to rebound from an oh-fer last week. Portis should get 100+ yards and a score and is a top 5 RB this week. Campbell should also find it easy going on that pourous Stl defense. Randel El is a deep #3 starter.
On the Stl side you're starting S. Jackson but don't expect a huge game against a Washington defense that's allowing only 85 yards on the ground per game. Holt could have a big game as Stl will fall behind and have to throw. Bulger is back in at QB and is not a good start this week.
Detroit at Minnesota:
This is an Adrian Peterson owner's dream. After getting stuffed at the line against a surprisingly good New Orleans defense AP will be mad and will run all over the Lion's horrible defense. The Lions are allowing 249 passing yards and 180 rushing yards. It's looking like Kitna is out this week so downgrade Williams and Johnson. The Vikings defense is only allowing 68.4 yards on the ground so, the already horrible Detroit RB's, are a definite sit this week. Look for AP to have a monster game and Berrian to have another good game. Frerote is a deep start if you're struggling to find starters. He looked rough last week but did connect with Berrian for a 33 yard TD strike.
On a side note here Roy Williams has been mentioned in trade talks yet again this week. Trade deadline is next Tuesday and the 49's appear to be interested in Williams. Keep an eye on this, if he goes to the 49's I would bump the value of Williams a bit.
Cincinnati at Jets:
A trap game if ever I've seen. Favre and the Jets are coming off of a bye week and look to stick it to the Bengals. The Bengals are a bad team to date but have shown signs of life. Cinci is only allowing 167 y/g in the air and Favre will look to bring them down a bit. The Cinci rushing game is a mess and will likely continue to be. Coach Lewis said he is committing to give Benson some looks and just when Chris Perry was starting to look good. Neither one of them are good starts this week against a Jets team that is only allowing 75.5 yards on the ground. The Jet's pass defense is poor at best allowing 265 y/g. Look for Palmer to have a nice game if he's in the lineup and Housh should have close to 100 yards and a score. I look to see Chad Johnson get in the endzone as well. Favre should have a nice game despite the Bengals reasonably strong performance in the secondary.
Thomas Jones should have a big game against a bad Bengals run defense. Look for him to get 75 yards and a score. Coles and Cotchery should have nice games as well.
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Should be a hard nosed, smash mouth game. Both teams are allowing right at 100 yards per game on the ground. Carolina's pass defense is a bit better. Graham and Dunn are both getting a good bit of touches effectively reducing both of their value. Carolina has only allowed 1 rushing TD all year. Griese still couldn't practice Thursday and it looks like Garcia will get the nod. This lowers Ike Hilliard and Bryants value as well.
DeAngelo Williams is the most recent heart breaker that was on most people's bench last week when he blew up for three scores. Despite his huge game I don't like him as anything more than a low #2 this week. Stewart is still looking like the goal line back and has 65 total carries to Williams' 74. Both of these guys are #2/3 starters. Delhomme could have a nice game against a TB defense that is allowing 218 yards. Look for this to be a run first game but you're obviously starting Smith if you have him. Against a good cover 2 defense look for a lot of quick slants to Steve Smith with his ability to turn these into big plays he could have a good week.
Miami at Houston:
Houston is looking to get their first win against the surprising 2-2 Miami Dolphins. Ronnie Brown is obviously back in charge of the rushing tandem and appears to be back to form. Schaub is saying he's going to play so that should help Johnson's value, although if he plays like he did last week it won't matter if it's Sage or Schaub throwing the rock. Look for Slaton to have a good game with 60 yards and a score. Whiel Green ran effectively last week and will likely steal some carries from Slaton, this job is Slaton's so expect better performance from Slaton than Green.
Jacksonville at Denver:
Denver came to earth the last couple games and will likely have a tough game this week as well. Jacksonville's defense isn't what it used to be but are still allowing 106 rushing yards and 237 passing. Look for Cutler and Marshall to have a bounceback game. Keep an eye on Royal, Shanahan recently said he does expect him to be there. Shanahan is always a fantasy's worst enemy so keep an eye on the situation.
If you have MJD you're probably starting him but don't expect a lot. Except for his one hundred yard game his highest total is 32 yards. He does have a nose for the endzone though.
Philadelphia at San Francisco:
Both teams are sitting at 2-3 and the Eagles are finding themselves on the outside looking in on the best division in the conference. Many picked Philly as the favorites going into the year. The Eagle's tough run defense got cut up by Portis last week and look for Gore to struggle a bit against an annoyed Philly defense. The Eagle's are allowing only 190 yards in the air. Look for Bruce to have around 50 yards and a TD.
Keep an eye on Westbrook, they're saying he could play but you never know. If you have Buckhalter watch the inactives before you start either one of them. If he does play he will likely be limited although you never know if he will be limited or put up 150 yards and 2 scores. If Westbrook can't go look to Buckhalter for 100 yards and a score.
Green Bay at Seattle:
Rodgers say's he's playing and will probably have a monster game if he does. The Seattle team is struggling to put up any points or stop anybody from doing it. Look for Grant to get 100 yards and a touchdown and for Jennings and Driver to both be good plays this week. The Packers are allowing 161 yards per game on the ground Julius Jones has the potential of having a great game. You have to be worried about Seattle getting behind and having to stay in the air. Engram should have a good game with a lot of short receptions. In a point per catch league he's a must start. The only people you're starting on the Seahawks is Jon Carlson and Julius Jones. Hasselbeck is still hampered and hopes to play. He's still questionable.
Dallas at Arizona:
Dallas barely pulled off a win against a struggling Bengals team. Pacman Jones is in the news and TO found Jesus the last couple weeks. On the other side of the ball Warner is throwing like Tony Romo used to! He's got 10 TD's on the year to 4 INT's and 1472 yards. The Arizona team will probably not run too much with a good Dallas rush defense. Warner and Fitzgerald will likely have big games. I also expect Breaston to have 75 yards and a score.
Barber will have a nice game unless Dallas falls behind with a depleted secondary. TO will have 100 yards and a score and Witten will finish with 75 yards. Felix Jones is a reasonable flex option. Romo is obviously a must start.
New England at Chargers:
The Chargers will try to play like the team people thought they were. Their defense has struggled since losing Merrimen. They have allowed 265 y/g in the air and 113 on the ground. Look for Cassel and Moss to have big games. Welker should do well also with 100 yards. The Patriots are only allowing 175 yards in the air and I expect River to struggle with a depleted running game unable to take attention away from him. Chambers is iffy for Sunday's game with an ankle injury and if he doesn't play downgrade Rivers more.
LT admitted that his toe is bothering him and said he's going to have to "play through the pain". Temper your expectations with him.
Giants at Cleveland:
Jacobs and the Giants are coming off of a monster win against SEA. Jacobs ran like a stud and Manning threw like one. The Giants will get back their number one option Burress from his suspension and look to put it to a struggling Cleveland team. Clevaland is averaging 211 yards from scrimmage and will find it difficult to get anything past the Giants stout pass rush. Manning, Jacobs and Burress are must starts with Tumor as a deep starter.
Derek Anderson has struggled more than almost any big name this year except his star receiver Edwards. Edwards has 95 yards and 1 TD in 4 games. Anderson has 3 TD's to 6 INT's this year with a completion rate under 50%. Look for Quinn to get some snaps if Anderson doesn't play well in the next week or two. Jamal Lewis is a number 3 starter this week and Winslow is a low #1.
Phew...first week down! I will do rankings tomorrow.
Baltimore at Indianapolis:
Two struggling offenses here. Manning has struggled most the year but in Manning-esque fashion still wound up 2-2 despite trailing in games in the last few minutes of both wins. Baltimore's defense seems to be somewhat back to form despite the age of Lewis and crew. Manning will look to pick up the pace and will likely have to pass frequently due to the Ravens tough run D. The Ravens are only allowing 192.5 yards per game while the Indianapolis Colts are allowing 353. Baltimore is also only allowing 64 yards on the ground. I look to see Wayne to have a big game and Harrison to get off the schneid. If you have Addai you likely have to start him but keep your expectations low.
On the other side of the ball I look for McClain to get 40 yards and a score and for McGahee, if in the lineup, to get close to a hundred total yards. Keep an eye on McGahee's status. He is questionable this week but was also questionable last week and still got 22 carries. Indy is a bad run defense allowing 188.5 y/g. In addition some key defenders are on the mend.
Oakland at New Orleans:
Saints are coming off a rough loss to Min and will be looking to beat up on a struggling Oakland team. The saints are putting up 406 total y/g and the Oak D is allowing 308. McFadden has been limited in practice and will likely be limited in the game as well. Cable has taken over for the fired Kiffin and has yet to declare a "starting" running back. Keep your expectations tempered for McFadden as well as Fargas, who is coming off a recent injury. The Saints just limited the most explosive RB in the NFL to 32 yards on 21 attempts and no TD's. Russell could be a reasonable start in deep leagues or bye week fill-in against a Saints team that has allowed 244.6 y/g in the air.
On the other side of the ball look for a possible Colston return this week. He has been practicing and is looking like a game time decision. Jeremy Shockey has also practiced but is less likely to play being only three weeks removed from a hernia surgery. Deuce McCalister should find the endzone as Oakland has allowed the 2nd most rushing TD's at 7. Brees is a must start as well as Bush.
Chicago at Atlanta:
Two teams fighting for control of their division appear to be evenly matched. Chicago's defense is looking like the wall of old allowing 74 rushing yards and 223 passing yards. Forte is a good start today against an ATL that allows 125 y/g and gave up a 121 to LJ alone in week 3. If you have a better play than Turner play him. He will likely struggle against a stout Chicago D. Look for Lloyd to have a nice game as well as Orton. Orton has 1100 yards, 7 TD's to 4 INT's and a 62% completion rate since taking over at the helm. He's a #1 QB this week feel safe starting him.
St. Louis at Washington:
This is a fantasy dream for Washington Redskins owners. STL is allowing 411 total yards, 166 on the ground to 245 in the air. You're obviously starting all your redskins if you have them. Randel El has had a couple nice games and Cooley came back from the dead last week. Look for Moss to rebound from an oh-fer last week. Portis should get 100+ yards and a score and is a top 5 RB this week. Campbell should also find it easy going on that pourous Stl defense. Randel El is a deep #3 starter.
On the Stl side you're starting S. Jackson but don't expect a huge game against a Washington defense that's allowing only 85 yards on the ground per game. Holt could have a big game as Stl will fall behind and have to throw. Bulger is back in at QB and is not a good start this week.
Detroit at Minnesota:
This is an Adrian Peterson owner's dream. After getting stuffed at the line against a surprisingly good New Orleans defense AP will be mad and will run all over the Lion's horrible defense. The Lions are allowing 249 passing yards and 180 rushing yards. It's looking like Kitna is out this week so downgrade Williams and Johnson. The Vikings defense is only allowing 68.4 yards on the ground so, the already horrible Detroit RB's, are a definite sit this week. Look for AP to have a monster game and Berrian to have another good game. Frerote is a deep start if you're struggling to find starters. He looked rough last week but did connect with Berrian for a 33 yard TD strike.
On a side note here Roy Williams has been mentioned in trade talks yet again this week. Trade deadline is next Tuesday and the 49's appear to be interested in Williams. Keep an eye on this, if he goes to the 49's I would bump the value of Williams a bit.
Cincinnati at Jets:
A trap game if ever I've seen. Favre and the Jets are coming off of a bye week and look to stick it to the Bengals. The Bengals are a bad team to date but have shown signs of life. Cinci is only allowing 167 y/g in the air and Favre will look to bring them down a bit. The Cinci rushing game is a mess and will likely continue to be. Coach Lewis said he is committing to give Benson some looks and just when Chris Perry was starting to look good. Neither one of them are good starts this week against a Jets team that is only allowing 75.5 yards on the ground. The Jet's pass defense is poor at best allowing 265 y/g. Look for Palmer to have a nice game if he's in the lineup and Housh should have close to 100 yards and a score. I look to see Chad Johnson get in the endzone as well. Favre should have a nice game despite the Bengals reasonably strong performance in the secondary.
Thomas Jones should have a big game against a bad Bengals run defense. Look for him to get 75 yards and a score. Coles and Cotchery should have nice games as well.
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Should be a hard nosed, smash mouth game. Both teams are allowing right at 100 yards per game on the ground. Carolina's pass defense is a bit better. Graham and Dunn are both getting a good bit of touches effectively reducing both of their value. Carolina has only allowed 1 rushing TD all year. Griese still couldn't practice Thursday and it looks like Garcia will get the nod. This lowers Ike Hilliard and Bryants value as well.
DeAngelo Williams is the most recent heart breaker that was on most people's bench last week when he blew up for three scores. Despite his huge game I don't like him as anything more than a low #2 this week. Stewart is still looking like the goal line back and has 65 total carries to Williams' 74. Both of these guys are #2/3 starters. Delhomme could have a nice game against a TB defense that is allowing 218 yards. Look for this to be a run first game but you're obviously starting Smith if you have him. Against a good cover 2 defense look for a lot of quick slants to Steve Smith with his ability to turn these into big plays he could have a good week.
Miami at Houston:
Houston is looking to get their first win against the surprising 2-2 Miami Dolphins. Ronnie Brown is obviously back in charge of the rushing tandem and appears to be back to form. Schaub is saying he's going to play so that should help Johnson's value, although if he plays like he did last week it won't matter if it's Sage or Schaub throwing the rock. Look for Slaton to have a good game with 60 yards and a score. Whiel Green ran effectively last week and will likely steal some carries from Slaton, this job is Slaton's so expect better performance from Slaton than Green.
Jacksonville at Denver:
Denver came to earth the last couple games and will likely have a tough game this week as well. Jacksonville's defense isn't what it used to be but are still allowing 106 rushing yards and 237 passing. Look for Cutler and Marshall to have a bounceback game. Keep an eye on Royal, Shanahan recently said he does expect him to be there. Shanahan is always a fantasy's worst enemy so keep an eye on the situation.
If you have MJD you're probably starting him but don't expect a lot. Except for his one hundred yard game his highest total is 32 yards. He does have a nose for the endzone though.
Philadelphia at San Francisco:
Both teams are sitting at 2-3 and the Eagles are finding themselves on the outside looking in on the best division in the conference. Many picked Philly as the favorites going into the year. The Eagle's tough run defense got cut up by Portis last week and look for Gore to struggle a bit against an annoyed Philly defense. The Eagle's are allowing only 190 yards in the air. Look for Bruce to have around 50 yards and a TD.
Keep an eye on Westbrook, they're saying he could play but you never know. If you have Buckhalter watch the inactives before you start either one of them. If he does play he will likely be limited although you never know if he will be limited or put up 150 yards and 2 scores. If Westbrook can't go look to Buckhalter for 100 yards and a score.
Green Bay at Seattle:
Rodgers say's he's playing and will probably have a monster game if he does. The Seattle team is struggling to put up any points or stop anybody from doing it. Look for Grant to get 100 yards and a touchdown and for Jennings and Driver to both be good plays this week. The Packers are allowing 161 yards per game on the ground Julius Jones has the potential of having a great game. You have to be worried about Seattle getting behind and having to stay in the air. Engram should have a good game with a lot of short receptions. In a point per catch league he's a must start. The only people you're starting on the Seahawks is Jon Carlson and Julius Jones. Hasselbeck is still hampered and hopes to play. He's still questionable.
Dallas at Arizona:
Dallas barely pulled off a win against a struggling Bengals team. Pacman Jones is in the news and TO found Jesus the last couple weeks. On the other side of the ball Warner is throwing like Tony Romo used to! He's got 10 TD's on the year to 4 INT's and 1472 yards. The Arizona team will probably not run too much with a good Dallas rush defense. Warner and Fitzgerald will likely have big games. I also expect Breaston to have 75 yards and a score.
Barber will have a nice game unless Dallas falls behind with a depleted secondary. TO will have 100 yards and a score and Witten will finish with 75 yards. Felix Jones is a reasonable flex option. Romo is obviously a must start.
New England at Chargers:
The Chargers will try to play like the team people thought they were. Their defense has struggled since losing Merrimen. They have allowed 265 y/g in the air and 113 on the ground. Look for Cassel and Moss to have big games. Welker should do well also with 100 yards. The Patriots are only allowing 175 yards in the air and I expect River to struggle with a depleted running game unable to take attention away from him. Chambers is iffy for Sunday's game with an ankle injury and if he doesn't play downgrade Rivers more.
LT admitted that his toe is bothering him and said he's going to have to "play through the pain". Temper your expectations with him.
Giants at Cleveland:
Jacobs and the Giants are coming off of a monster win against SEA. Jacobs ran like a stud and Manning threw like one. The Giants will get back their number one option Burress from his suspension and look to put it to a struggling Cleveland team. Clevaland is averaging 211 yards from scrimmage and will find it difficult to get anything past the Giants stout pass rush. Manning, Jacobs and Burress are must starts with Tumor as a deep starter.
Derek Anderson has struggled more than almost any big name this year except his star receiver Edwards. Edwards has 95 yards and 1 TD in 4 games. Anderson has 3 TD's to 6 INT's this year with a completion rate under 50%. Look for Quinn to get some snaps if Anderson doesn't play well in the next week or two. Jamal Lewis is a number 3 starter this week and Winslow is a low #1.
Phew...first week down! I will do rankings tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Welcome to the Fantasy Football Corner!
This is a new idea that I may or may not keep up with. Each week I make predictions about fantasy football in my head. How fun would it be to start blogging each week with my tidbits of useless knowledge!? I will try this and see if I enjoy it or not. The format will likely change over time but for now I'm thinking something along the lines of ranking the top 20 RB's, 30 WR's, 15 QB's, 15 TE's and 15 Defense. I will not rank kickers because they suck!
If you want to read it week to week you can subscribe to it to get updates. I will probably add suggested add/drops as well. I will probably try to post some injury updates if they are important.
I know you're asking, "Luke, all of this is available already for free, why would we read your blog?" And my answer to you is a firm....I don't know? I think it would be fun for me to track how successful I am at picking players and performances. Feel free to leave me comments about my blog with any suggestions etc.
If you want to read it week to week you can subscribe to it to get updates. I will probably add suggested add/drops as well. I will probably try to post some injury updates if they are important.
I know you're asking, "Luke, all of this is available already for free, why would we read your blog?" And my answer to you is a firm....I don't know? I think it would be fun for me to track how successful I am at picking players and performances. Feel free to leave me comments about my blog with any suggestions etc.
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