Hittin' The Wire/ Heat Check: Fantasy Basketball Advice Week 4

Patrick Patterson, PF, Houston Rockets / Heat Check: HOT

A Major Pat-Down

If Patrick Patterson is available on your wire, add him immediately. You remember him in college..a little light on the rebounds, but doesn’t turn the ball over and is averaging 14.2 a game for Houston. He needs to be added in your league, pronto ! The 6’9’ second year power forward from Kentucky is on a hot streak, scoring 19+ plus points in four of his last five.  He shoots well over 50% from the field and is averaging big minutes as the presumptive second or third offensive options most games.  He can he can shoot it from downtown (37%) and his rebounding is getting better and better. He has center eligibility in some fantasy engines, like Yahoo.  He's going to be added a phenomenal rate by this weekend so get in early.

OTHER WIRE NOTES:

Jason Thompson (PF/C, Kings) – A nice rebounder so far this season (7.1 rpg) Thompson has been getting added more and more off the wire. The Kings will continue to give him minutes and miss shots, so a little more well-rounded category-wise than Reggie Evans for those looking for boards.

Brooklyn and Blatche: A Good Match?

Andray Blatche (PF/C, Nets) – The former Wizard will definitely see an increase in grind due to Brook Lopez’s injury.  Blatche can fill a stat sheet if given the opportunity, and recorded his first double-double as a Net.  The Brooklyn Nets have been a great story so far (10-4) and will be a force to be reckoned with in the East.

Staying with  native New Yorkers, there was a Charlie Villanueva (PF, Pistons) sighting Wednesday night against the Suns as the big man went 7 for 8 in 21 minutes against Phoenix.  After getting in Lawrence Frank’s doghouse (nine DNPs in first 12 games) things may start to turn around.  Someone to monitor, surely.

There was a Chauncey Billups (PG/ SG, Clippers) sighting in Los Angeles as the clutch guard has recovered quicker than previously expected. He went 1 for 5 scoring seven points and dishing out three assists.

Kawhi Leonard, (SF/SG, Spurs) is expected back December 1, check the wire to see if anyone dropped the talented swingman, something to be aware of if you own Gary Neal, the major beneficiary in Leonard’s absence. Ricky Rubio (PG, T-Wolves) is getting closer and closer to a December 12^th return, according the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Jermaine O’Neal (C, Suns) was languishing on the Suns bench as well, but coach Alvin Gentry put O’Neal in the regular rotation and the veteran has responded.  O’Neal won’t start for you but he can be useful in spots; in the last five games he’s average a shade under 13 with six rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He offers some help at center.

If you need help from long range, chances are Ben Gordon(G, Bobcats), who is not owned in the majority of fantasy leagues, may be able to help you while Gerald Henderson is out.  He scored 26  in a loss to the Hawks hitting 7 of 10 from downtown.  He has been recommended earlier in the season on this blog only to disappoint. He’s still isn’t particular interested in rebounding or assisting but think a poor-man’s Dell Curry in the late 1990s.

If you need help in rebounds, Brooklyn Net, Reggie Evans, (F, Nets)  has been collecting them at a great rate lately.  Another beneficiary of Brook Lopez’s injury, Evans has always been a one-trick pony in that category.

Speaking of good rebounders, Anderson Varejao ( C/Cavs)  has continued to play out of his mind on a not very good Cleveland team. They miss a lot of shots, but Varejao’s has been “vare” good at snagging boards.  His rebounding totals the last six games : 18, 22, 15,17,19,15.  Those are Moses Malone numbers on the glass.  With his 3.2 assists and 14.5 points a contest, he’s gotta be in the conversation for most improved.  For fantasy purposes, he’s probably got a lot of unexpected owners sitting pretty in terms of “bigs” depth.  He averaging 1.7 more rebounds than anyone else, unless you count one week’s worth of Kevin Love.

Week 13: Do or Die Time in Fantasy Football

It’s the final game of the regular fantasy season time for many owners or close to it.  The key is, just like real football, or even a blind date, is momentum.  Guys who were a bane to your existence in Week 4 and Week 5, are now hot commodities in early December.  Guys like Hakeem Nicks, Matthew Stafford, and Chris Johnson’s struggles early on could all be forgotten with playoff-clinching performances this week.  Let’s look at some situations in Week 13 that could make the difference.

GangGreene Has Set In On Shonn..

It's Die Time; Get Gang "Greene" On the Bench

As we’ve touched upon throughout the season, Shonn Greene has struggled this year to really, not be Shonn Greene.  He's a poor man's Michael Turner who has been mildly successful running behind a great offensive line with no viable timeshare threat.  Times have changed; Bilal Powell is now sharing reps with Shonn Greene, taking goalline carries away from the Jets struggling workhorse.  Powell has an agility and change of direction ability that allows the Jets more flexibility in passing situations, which their now-porous defense puts them in.  Actually, Mark Sanchez’s ineptitude puts the Jets in more passing situations as well.  We know the Jets need a major influx at talent in the draft; I would add running back to the needs list as well. Bilal Powell is a decent flex player and the Cardinals are middling at stopping the run but why would you waste a starting spot on Greene who has one good fantasy game all year?

Stay At The Hilton?

As a South Florida resident, we’ve had a little more exposure to T.Y. Hilton, current rookie wideout, aspiring-to-be-the-Colts-number-two-option-behind-Reggie-Wayne.  Hilton went to Florida International University in Sweetwater, which is in a western Miami suburb. Hilton has the wheels to get deep (4.34 speed) hands and isn't afraid of going over the middle. (Looks for Hilton). He's 5'9' - 183 pound speedster who has helped the 7-4 Indianapolis team on special teams, as every good fourth round draft pick should.  The Colts are going to sling it around the yard and will be right at home at Ford Field.  Looks for Hilton as a sneaky flex option, as the Lions and Colts are headed t for Shoot-Out-Ville.  Its like Farmville for Fantasy Owners.  He's got Dwayne Allen and Donnie Avery as contenders for targets. I'd feel better about him if he wasn't on special teams as that could limit snaps, but he's good to roll with this week as a low-end flex.  He's not Cecil Shorts, just yet, however.

Beanie Means Well? 

Is Beanie Back?

Will Beanie Wells be a reliable option going forward?  This guy doesn't think so, but are the Cardinals really that bad on offense? Who is Ryan Lindley? These are all questions owners willing to roll with Beanie Man have to ask themselves.  What you may not need to ask is in LaRod Stephens done “howling” at opponents end zone after an encouraging cameo as the Cardinals main guy. This week against the Jets, I'd roll with him as a flex, but not a RB2.  His plodding style and injury issues could resurface..but, given the running back issues league wide.  I'd saying right now the Cardinals will move the ball against the Jets and punch it in with Wells at least once.  He scored two last week against the Rams, LaRod Stephens is banged up. He has a nose for the endzone, like Shonn Greene was supposed to have.  The Jets have given up 100 yards rushing in like, 11 games this season, including 152 last week to the Patriots.

Jennings: Trying To Get It  Together

Greg Jennings Return?  Mr. Old Spice or Just Old ? How will he figure into the targets of an emerging  Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and a slightly resurgent Jermichael Finley?  He's not sure, but according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Cover 2 defenses the Packers receivers are struggling with, may have Jennings playing more than anticipated. The Packers offense went into hiding against a very resurgent New York Giants club in Week 12, getting drubbed handily, 38-10.  They’ll be sure to want to get the passing game rolling early against the Vikings in Lambeau on Sunday. The Skinny: Jennings isn't likely to be in game shape, Cobb isn't going anywhere, and Nelson is Nelson, so any action Jennings receives probably negatively impacts James Jones.   Jennings is a flex play at best.  Random thought..did you know Donald Driver is still on the team?

Fantasy Basketball Movers and Shakers – Week 4

Week 4 in the NBA reveals that there are a plethora of point guard options for your fantasy basketball team, a nice selection of middle-tier bigs but a severe lack of small forwards for your roster.  It’s something we’ve been tracking all season and depending on how your league grants position eligibility and other league-specific settings, you’ll probably be monitoring the waivers all season.  That’s the thing about fantasy basketball; you may add and drop the same player multiple times depending on injuries and effectiveness of play. 

Small Forwards On the Wire

As mentioned before, wily veterans Jason Richardson of the Philadelphia 76ers has been able to shake off the rust and contribute nightly in point and steals.  He’s averaged less than four rebounds a game, so look for that number to increase.  Assists are a facet of his game long gone; still, he’s owned in 90% of ESPN leagues –check to see if he has “3” eligibility in yours.

A Better Metta

As predicted before last week, Metta World Peace is enjoying a career resurgence, benefitting from Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo style offense.  He’s now averaging a sold 14 points a game and hitting nearly 40% from downtown. He’s hasn’t been this productive since leaving Houston

Playoff Time in Fantasy Football : A Look at the RB’s Schedules in Next Three Weeks

The playoffs in your fantasy league are starting to take shape.  If you’re anything like me you’re fighting through to grab a playoff spot in at least one of your leagues. Which running backs have easier matchups While we missed the initial Turkey Day 12:30 game (Houston vs. Detroit) you pretty much aren’t going to sit Arian Foster, anyway.  For the sake of clarity let’s analyze the running backs ability to help you based on the next three opponents rushing defenses.  There are some surprises:

Parmele Is a Sneaky Pickup With MJD 50/50

Out of 48 of the top running backs the best matchup for the next three games statistically is whoever is toting the ball for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  As I’ve mentioned all year, there is talent on the offensive side of the ball in Duval that came to light with Chad Henne running the show . The running back situation in Jacksonville bears watching as they face the 28^th  (Titans) , 31^st  (Bills) and 30^th (NY Jets) ranked rushing defenses in the next three games.  Jalen Parmele was a surprise pickup

Week 11 – The All-Bust Team, Fantasy Football

There are fantasy news articles that are uplifting and full of excitement.  This one isn’t—this article is to chronicle the biggest busts of 2012’s 10 or 11 games.  With only two more weeks until standard league playoffs for many of you, the season is three-fourths complete. Here are the top 10 biggest busts this year fantasy wise. Guys like Maurice Jones-Drew, Hakeem Nicks and DeMarco Murray have disappointed you but those guys were, or are, hurt for significant stretches of time.

QUARTERBACK

Stafford: On Pace For 19 Touchdowns..Ugh

All Bust: Matthew Stafford, Lions

Stafford is ranked 11^th in standard league points, a testament to the dysfunctional Detroit Lions ability to suck all year and still put up 400 of offensive yards a game.  Stafford’s passing yards are there (a 4,781 yard pace) but a 19.2 touchdown pace isn’t what owners were looking for when they draft you as a suitable replacement for missing out on the 2012’s pre-draft holy trinity of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees. If you’ve passed for 5,000 yards and 40 scores in a season there is just a higher standard that needs to be reached.  Fantasy football isn’t really about yards as it is about touchdowns and while Stafford is a great talent, he hasn’t put the ball in the end zone, period.

Fantasy Football Shootouts, Sits, and Starts: Week 11 Edition

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

Nicky Football?

This game has all the making of a shootout despite the absence of Michael Vick.  Nick Foles has a strong arm and stays in the pocket.  If the Eagles can protect him against a pretty bad Redskins defense that is bottom five in the NFL in yards per pass attempt (7.9—27th) and is third worst at sacking the quarterback (14—tied for 28th).  The Redskins will be plenty motivated with new team captain and rookie-of-the-year candidate Robert Griffin III at the helm.  Plus the Redskins big free-agent add, Pierre Garcon, is going to start.  The Eagles defend the pass decently but can’t get after the quarterback either.  This game will be an aerial attack; Foles can afford did get down against the Redskins secondary.  Foles needs big targets in this game so I like Jeremy Maclin better than DeSean Jackson and McCoy will be major in the passing game as well.

Start: Nick Foles, Robert Griffin, Jeremy Maclin, Pierre Garcon, LeSean McCoy

Meh: Alfred Morris, DeSean Jackson, Santana Moss, Brent Celek

Avoid: Both Defenses, Logan Paulsen

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots

The Newest Patriot Act

Again these two teams don’t defend the pass very well.  The 6-3 Colts are going to let Andrew Luck sling it around the yard to get back into the game, assuming the Colts depleted secondary folds under the Patriots top-ranked offense, at first.  For fantasy purposes, you would hope the Patriots conservative scheme will allow Luck to methodically march the Colts up and down the field in attempt to catch up.  The Patriots added former Tampa Bay cornerback Aqib Talib to match up against the Colts number one wideout Reggie Wayne.  That may or may not work; the key is who Luck looks to as his second and third options.  The prime candidates will be T.Y. Hilton and Dwayne Allen, two rookies.  Donnie Avery is the dark horse to come away with some major pointage.  On the Patriots side..

Fantasy Basketball – Hot Pick-Ups To Pick You Up – Week 3 NBA

The best way to win a fantasy basketball league is to draft well, and if you missed the boat on that one, you can gain ground by being cautiously aggressive on the wire filling in spots as needed.  While you may not be able to grab guys that are starting, there are enough guys off the bench, receiving quality minutes to the point where their actually helpful.  Of course, if you’re league employs more than five starting positions then filling the stat sheet makes scouring the wire a must.

Carter Can Still Assist You (But Not in Assists)

Vince Carter, SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks (18.2% ownership and rising)

A warm feeling overcomes when recommending the artist formerly known as Vinsanity to your backup guard spots.  He’s a shell of his former self, but is averaging 12.3 points a game with 3.7 rebounds.  He’s seen an influx of fantasy adds with guys banged up across the league (think Brandon Roy) and in leagues where he has small forward eligibility he adds some depth in the 3-pointers and steals to go with points and boards.

Luke Ridnour, PG/SG, Minnesota Timberwolves (49.6% ownership and rising)

One of the hottest adds for Week 3; he’s averaging a tidy 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists to go with nearly 2 turnovers.  Someone’s gotta produce in Ricky Rubio’s absence and he is definitely taking advantage of the injury to the aforementioned Brandon Roy.  He’s has four games with 5 or more rebounds – this is a big deal considering he has average less than half of that during his 648-game career.  He’s underrated and should be on your radar if in need of point guard depth.

Sanders: A Young Double-Double Source (Triple, If You Count Fouls?)

Larry Sanders, PF/C Milwaukee Bucks (80.4% ownership and rising)

All he’s gotta do is stay out of foul trouble and Larry Sanders can get you and me double-double with regularity.  Seriously, he’s owned enough to the point where if some fellow owner is frustrated and cuts him, scoop him up with this caveat.  He’s had exactly one game with less than five fouls called on him all season.  He’s averaging 10.1 with 8.6 boards; and 2.3 blocks in 25.0 minutes a game.  He could be a major fantasy asset if he keeps shooting 65% from the field.

Jason Richardson, SG/SF, Philadelphia 76ers (20.8% ownership and rising)

J-Rich has been banged up in early part of this year and has played only 4 games in the season so far. He dropped 20 on Milwaukee on Monday night

Fantasy Football Week 10 Recap – Running out of Running Backs?

There were some offensive shortcomings in Week 10 that left a lot of fantasy owners coming up short in weekly games.  By this time, you have an idea where you and your team stand in your league’s pecking order.  Injuries, rookies coming back down to earth, strange divvying of carries and inclement weather are all factors that affect offense. Here are some rising and falling players to consider next week.

Rising

LeSean McCoy, Eagles-  You're not benching him anyway, but you well know and as was discussed on ESPN’s First Take,the Philadelphia Eagles are a train wreck. Michael Vick could be done for the year (concussion). So could Andy Reid.  But lo and behold when rookie Nick Foles came in to relieve the injured Vick, the offensive line came in and actually protected the quarterback better than they had for the majority of the season.  If Foles can stay upright, the Eagles can be better on offense. Reid will dial down the playbook and actually lean on his All-Pro McCoy for the duration of the season. Foles has a good arm and when's the last time Reid didn't get decent production from a quarterback? The team will rally around Foles and McCoy will be the prime benefactor.

C.J Spiller, Bills – Looks like Spiller will finally get a chance to not have carries siphoned off because of an injury to Fred Jackson.  The man’s averaging such a high yard per touch. The Miami Dolphin run defense awaits, fresh off a shredding by Chris Johnson, breaking a streak of not allowing 100-yard rushers.  Tashard Choice is a good choice in deeper formats as C.J. is no Cal Ripken. But he is every bit as as explosive as mighty mites Jamaal Charles, Chris Johnson, etc.

Falling

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers- Doesn’t seem like Carolina running backs are going to bear fantasy fruit this season.  A shellacking at home by the Broncos forced Cam and company into passing hurry-up mode which is actually what they suck at the most.  Greg Olsen is a good option for this but Stewart, not so much. 8 carries and 2 catches for Daily Show who is sporadic enough to be called The Bi-Weekly Show or The Daily No-Show.

Isaac Redman, Steelers

No Method For This Redman

Again, Steelers running backs have a pecking order and Redman lacks the resume to survive a fumble and just general ineffectiveness. Although he got the start and the makings of a run-heavy attack were there, it just didn’t materialize.  Jonathan Dwyer ended up with 19 carries and Redman 8 and the aforementioned fumble.  If Mendenhall is healthy..never mind.  There are just too many ifs in this backfield.  Big Ben doesn't look like he will play against arch rival Baltimore. If Leftwich can thorw some WD-40 on the arm and provide some semblance of a passing game Dwyer is more appealing than Redman if Mendenhall can’t go.

A Bush-League Benching, Buy Low Now

Reggie Bush, Dolphins – The Dolphins benched Bush for a fumble in the first quarter in a winnable game against Tennessee.  A veteran, leading rusher and only dynamic playmaker on the Dolphins to complement rookie QB Ryan Tannehill.  Not sure if I agree with Philbin on this one, but Bush got 4 carries and 1 catch in the entire game.  Bush has struggled to gain yards since his September 16^th 172 yard outburst against the Raiders, who we’ve discovered are really bad right now. Bush hasn’t topped 75 total yards since.  Despite all the bad news, I think Bush is a ideal buy-low candidate because a bad Buffalo rushing defense awaits; next week-he went for 203 up in Orchard Park last December.

Things to Think About

La-Rod Stephens Howling will probably make some big plays at Atlanta.  His ability to cut is enhanced on that turf.  If the Cardinals can get Kevin Kolb back this suggestion is doubly awesome.

James Starks got the start in Week 9, so it may finally be worth it to grab him off the wire if available for the Lions game. They just gave up a bunch to Adrian Peterson.  They typically are more concerned with getting up the field and getting to the passer.

Christopher Ivory has made a case for more carries with his Beast-Mode type run against the run deficient defense of the Atlanta Falcons (who just released Ray Edwards).  Monitor the health of Darren Sproles when pursuing this angle.

If DeMarco Murray is questionable by Friday this week, make sure some stupid owner didn’t drop Felix Jones for byes or whatever.  His play was serviceable at Philly and he caught a short passes and weaved in for a score.

The Oakland Raiders in a 35-point blowout loss showed us three things.  They don’t execute fundamentals very well.  Marcel Reece can chip in the running game when needed and you needn’t concern yourself with Taiwan Jones at this point.  They don’t trust him to handle the rock.

Fantasy Football Week 10 : Start Em or Sit Em –

The trade deadline is nearing closer and there are a bunch of you owners sitting there at 4-5, 5-4 or 3-6 trying to figure out to eke out a win this week.  I’m not going to waste your time by telling you to start Arian Foster or sit Ryan Fitzpatrick.  Let’s look at guys that are actually debatable.

Quarterback

Start Em’

Cam Newton, Panthers

Don’t look now but the Panthers are quietly getting their groove back and remain a trap game for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Of course Cam Newton will need to continue to find the balance between throwing and running for optimum fantasy pointage.  Basically he needs to run for 60 yards and a score, throw for 200 yards and 1 touchdown with no picks to be an effective fantasy QB1.  The good thing is the Broncos come in with the fourth-ranked passing offense so you know they’re going to throw.   The key here is a commitment to running the ball for Carolina, which they seem to be intent on doing.  Denver hasn’t faced a mobile quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger in Week 1.

Andy Dalton, Bengals

The A.J. Green and Antrel Rolle trashtalking notwithstanding, Andy Dalton is licking his chops to go up against a Giants defense that gives up 8.2 yards a pass attempt, which is 30^th in the league.  The Bengals are morphing into a passing team, with Dalton averaging nearly 40 attempts in the last four games. The key for the Dalton will be to go to A.J. Green early and often and soften the defense up with underneath throws to emerging Jermaine Gresham.  The Bengals will trade points with the Giants in this one, as Eli Manning has a subpar game, again.

Josh Freeman, Bucs

Freeman  is on a roll, his team has played offense like they never have in their franchise history and now they’re coming home after two long road trips.  If the Chargers, who give up 83 yards on the ground, try to load the box up against phenom Doug Martin, then Freeman will use play-action and bait the Chargers into single-covering either former Charger Vincent Jackson or Mike Williams.  These two wideouts have averaged 18 yards per catch as a tandem.

Sit Em’

Matt Schaub, Texans

Charles Tillman will play in this one and spell bad fantasy news for Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub.  Owen Daniels is looking to be a gametime decision as well which is also a headache. Schaub . If the Texans defense can hold the Bears offense, Houston will try their luck with the Bears defense, which is quietly giving up 4.3 (21^st in the NFL).  The Bears are playing lights-out on defense right now, particularly passing defense.

Carson Palmer, Raiders

Carson Palmer will always throw a pickable pass if he sees single coverage with no safety help.  The dead-last pass defending Tampa Bay Buccaneers baited him into a pick last week.  The Ravens know Carson Palmer better than anyone; really and have a better pass rush.  He won’t be able to throw 61 passes.  Denarius Moore and Darius Heyward-Bey are speedy wideouts but Palmer will throw two interceptions guaranteed trying to get the Raiders back in this game.  The Ravens defense is better than it looks on paper, anyway.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills

A notorious September quarterback, Fitzpatrick normally starts messing up this time of year.  He has not played well on the road the last few games and even a homecoming to Foxboro of sorts (he played at Harvard) won’t keep him from throwing some picks in this one.  The turnovers will also come with yards (he’s averaged 284 per game in six matchups). It’s just hard to see him not repeating history; he’s thrown 16 picks in those same six games.

Running Back

Start ‘Em

C.J Spiller,  Bills

C.J. Spiller is a threat to score every time he touches the ball; even against top-flight defenses which the Patriots are not.  The Bills will be able to score points against the Patriots and Spiller wasn’t part of the 34-31 win last year.  Look for the Bills to get passes out to Spiller in space; he’s average five catches the last three games and has two 20+ yard receptions in those games on top of averaging 7.2 yards a carry on the season.  If only he could get more touches…

Pierre Thomas, Saints

Old Frenchy is made for this type of divisional game. The Falcons can be run on; the question is always how patient will the Saints be with the running game. In a game with such prolific offenses, go ahead and start Pierre as a RB2.  He catches the screen pass better than most running backs and when Ingram and Ivory are in the backfield the Falcons will key on them since there both one-dimensional.  Pierre Thomas will be trusted and yards will follow.

Isaac Redman,  Steelers

The Chiefs defense notwithstanding, Jonathan Dwyer is a threat to split carries in the Steeler backfield. Redman gets the majority of the carries in this one. The Steelers have ran the ball more successfully than anticipated this season and Todd Haley knows the Chiefs weaknesses all too well. Dwyer isn’t going to be healthy enough to make an impact. Ride with the hot hand. Its a Monday night game so monitor the situation closely.

Sit Em’

Marcel Reece,  Raiders

Reece is more of a hybrid fullback that exploits defenses in the passing game. He’s had once carry this year and 48 in his entire career. He won’t run for many yards in this game and will likely be focused on in the passing game by the Ravens 3-4 linebackers.  He’s been splitting reps with Taiwan Jones who remains a deep sleeper due to his explosive speed on screens and draws.

Shonn Greene, Jets

The Seattle defense was gashed by a resurgent Adrian Peterson and the Jets don’t have the same type of varied arsenal to confuse a angry Seahawk defense that prides itself on its defense, especially at home.  Shonn Greene isn’t Adrian Peterson either.  Shonn Greene has picked it up in the passing game but has broke 80 yards in game once since the Colts game. Look elsewhere.

Matt Forte, Bears

Forte has been running really well of late but Houston has not allowed an opposing running back to score a touchdown all season.  It is what is folks. It won’t happen this week either.  The Texans secondary is inviting for Jay Cutler but will his offensive line hold up? For all the talk about Chicago’s defense, Houston’s rushing defense has allowed a long of 22 yards (1^st) and 4.0 yards a carry (9^th). He’s a good flex but not an RB1.  The Texans will Texas-hold him up.

Wide Reciever

Start Em’

Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs

Bowe will need to bring it this week against the number one pass defense in the league.  I don’t think this game will be a laugher as everyone else does.  Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster should be able to move the ball. Dwayne Bowe has a modest track record of success against Ike Taylor, his likely adversary. Look for some garbage time scores.

Brian Hartline, Dolphins

Hartline reestablished himself as a fantasy weapon last week against a porous Colts secondary and faces another bad secondary, the Titans, at home.  Tannehill is on a roll, and Hartline will see lots of Jason McCourty, which lately isn’t a bad thing. The Titans will put some points up

Titus Young, Lions

Now we know why Calvin Johnson is dropping passes.  Titus won’t get on your nerves in Week 10 however.  He is the Lions #2 reciever and will get plenty of targets; WR2’s have been killing the Vikings secondary.  They do a good job of blanketing teams number ones.  Go with Titus on the turf; the Lions won’t have much luck running the football.

Sit Em’

Kenny Britt, Titans

The Miami Dolphins can’t defend the pass well at all and were exposed by Andrew Luck and company.  The Dolphins do defend the run anyway, but I’m thinking since Britt has never actually played an NFL regular season game with Jake Locker that their chemistry may take awhile to develop.  Jared Cook is a better complement for Locker’s style of quarterbacking, with Cameron Wake and company chasing him around all day.

Sidney Rice, Seahawks

Does not match up well with Antonio Cromartie who is big and rangy just like Rice.  The Seahawks will just try to run the ball on the sucky Jets rushing defense, anyway.  Golden Tate will likely see more looks.

Jeremy Maclin, Eagles

Dude is tied to a offense that right now is having success running the ball.  Has disappeared majorly because Vick doesn’t have time to go through reads with a sieve of an offensive line. Better look elsewhere. DeSean Jackson is still making plays, however.

Fantasy Football NFL Week 9 - Teach Me How To Dougie

Everybody Love Me (At Least His Fantasy Owners)

Talk about a homecoming.  The city of dope, aka, Oakland, California has given us the rapper Too Short and now the league's #1 ranked fantasy running back in terms of standard league scoring.   Man, oh man, was Doug Martin a sight to see in a 42-32 win over the Oakland Raiders.  The Buccaneers first round pick rushed for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns against the hapless Raiders defense - scoring over 50 points in standard leagues.

Martin has exceptional vision, patience, agility and breakaway speed that have drawn comparisons to the NFL's all time leading rusher, HOF Emmitt Smith (another No. 22). To say that Martin has come on strong is an understatement; after a slow start the Bucs running back is on pace to rush over 1,500 yards and throwing his name in the hat for Rookie of the Year consideration.  The ultimate sell-high candidate I would For your fantasy teams Doug Martin is a must-start RB1 and trading for him straight up and departing with the likes of Marshawn Lynch, and upstarts Stevan Ridley, Alfred Morris should be considered. Seriously.  He plays on a better offense in Tampa Bay; defenses can't load the box because of the dual deep threats of VJax and Mike Williams.  Defenses are picking their poison; and seven men in the box means Doug will be teaching a lot of people his end zone dance.

Mikel LeShoure was a great fantasy play rushing for 70 yards and 3 scores all from relatively short yardage against the Jaguars.  He ran tough and Joique Bell also received 13 carries.  The Lions seem content to use LeShoure in short yardage situations and Bell will continue to be involved in passing situations. Keep in mind that Jacksonville couldn’t keep up with Detroit’s offense and the Detroit Lions are built to pass.  But LeShoure figures as a low-end RB2, a great bye-week replacement going forward. Next three games are at Minnesota, at home against Green Bay and then Houston comes to town. He is a sell-high candidate. 

Brandon Marshall (9-122-3) had his best game as a Chicago Bear and is reclaiming his fantasy WR1 status.  On his current pace, he’ll catch 110+ balls for 1,500 yards or so; which is pretty similar to what he was doing in Denver with Jay Cutler.  He gets such a large share of the passing game his way..

Don’t shovel the dirt just yet on Michael Turner.  Michael Turner is not washed up yet.  The Burner found some WD-40 to put on those wheels and had a good game against a pretty good run defense in the Dallas Cowboys going 20-102-1.  His backup Jacquizz Rodgers had 3 carries.  Next three opponents are the Saints on the road, home against the Cardinals and then at Tampa.  May be a good time to sell high; he’s got that average back up to 4.0.

Even though Chris Johnson’s Titans got massacred 51-20 by the Chicago Bears, CJ2K redeemed himself with an 80-yard scamped in garbage time. He lost two fumbles, however.  After all the struggles Johnson has had this year, he’s still on pace for 1,308 yards and is averaging 5.0 yards a carry.

Vick Ballard owners have to feel good about getting some points from the workmanlike performance by the former Mississippi State Bulldog on Sunday.  No touchdowns, but 16 carries for 60 yards and then 38 yards on 3 catches.  The plan in Indy is to let Luck throw it and Ballard offer some semblance of a running game to compliment the Colts passing attack.  He’s got pretty good matchups (especially if Donald Brown continues to be in and out) at Jacksonville, at New England, and home against Buffalo.  Mix and match him with you flex as the matchup warrants and you’ll have a sneaky flex. He might be better than advertised in the passing game.

The Jonathan Stewart rebirth did not happen as anticipated against the Washington Redskins as Ron Rivera says Stewart will be part of a power-run game and then gives him one carry in the second quarter. I can't trust Stewart as a flex play just yet.  Can I get a 100-yard performance? We'll see this week.

The Steelers will ride with the hot hand. Redman, Mendenhall, Dwyer, now back to Redman. Dwyer doesn't look like he is going to play this week. Redman is a decent flex play against Kansas City.

Upstart Must-Starts - The Fantasy Football Re-Draft

Fantasy re-drafts are always an interesting analysis for us fantasy football junkies.  The league re-do is based off production totals at the conclusion of Week 8 and running backs are at a premium.  There are some notable omissions—Megatron, Darren McFadden, Larry Fitzgerald, MJD, Ryan Matthews, DeMarco Murray, Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, Matt Forte, Steven Jackson, Jimmy Graham and Michael Turner.  I wonder how many Pro Bowls invites are in that list.

Ryan, Martin and Wayne: Upstart Must-Starts

1.    Arian Foster, RB, Texans - Previous Pick: Arian Foster, RB, Texans

Nothing to see here, still the leading RB in fantasy even with a mediocre ypc

2.    Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings - Previous Pick: Ray Rice, RB, Ravens

AP has ran with the same physicality as before his ACL injury, while we would like more TD’s

3.    Ray Rice, RB, Ravens -Previous Pick: LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles

Rice is dealing with a up-tempo passing offense in Baltimore that has limited his carries but may be more fantasy fruitful later this season.

4.    Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers - Previous Pick: Chris Johnson, RB, Titans

A-Rod, while off last year’s pace still is the best quarterback in fantasy and CJ2K, while stringing together decent games lately, has yet to justify the fourth sport overall.

5.    Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins - Previous Pick: Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders

RGIII has been transformational to the Redskins team and fanbase with his exciting but efficient play.  No one had a clue he would be this good, and completing 70% of your passes as a rookie is unheard of.

6.    Tom Brady, QB, Patriots - Previous Pick: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

Tom Terrific has been just that though the Patriots overall have question marks.  Is one pace for the second most yards passing in his career as well as 32 touchdowns and 6 picks. He gets the nod over Brees because of his allergies to turnovers.

7.    Drew Brees, QB, Saints - Previous Pick: Drew Brees, QB Saints

Drew Brees will continue to pile up yards like no other quarterback this year.  The Saints will trail because of their junior varsity defense and Brees will throw picks.  He’s projected to throw for 5,280 yards and 18 picks. That and a curious completion percentage: under 60%.  Surely he misses Sean Payton.

8.    Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins - Previous Pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions

Alfred Morris has complimented Sir Robert of Paydirt nicely and has put up double-digit points up in standard scoring formats in all but two games this year. Is on pace for 1,432 yards.

9.    Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots - Previous Pick: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

The first Patriot off our fantasy draft re-do board is not Tom Brady. Probably the most surprising pick of the whole draft; but Ridley has fought off all challengers and opposing defenses to become the first must-start Patriot running back in a decade.  Is on pace for 300 carries and 1,432 yards.

10. AJ Green, WR, Bengals - Previous Pick: DeMarco McMurray, RB, Cowboys

AJ is no backstreet boy in fantasy football.  He has brought a Megatron-type skillset directly on frontstreet. He is playing better than any other WR and/or fantasy football wideout right now and has a touchdown in six straight games.

11. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks  - Previous Pick: Matt Forte, RB, Bears

How silly we all look letting Beast Mode slide into the second round, but real questions about his suspensions caused him to drop.  Bully for anyone who had the foresight to draft one of NFL’s rushers in the top 20; a lot of owners were passing him and buying into Robert Turbin, etc.

12. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants - Previous Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Panthers

As dominant has A.J Green has been, Victor Cruz has been just as valuable and clutch.  A steal even here.

13. Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos  - Previous Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Falcons

Peyton, fresh off AFC player of the month award, has picked up where he left off in before the neck injury and has made several Broncos players great fantasy players as well.

14. Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers - Previous Pick: Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks

Doug Martin has shown agility and patience running the ball and three running backs average more fantasy points a game in standard scoring leagues; Arian Foster, Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson.  He is under Ridley and Morris because of a 30 point game against the Vikings; the latter two have chipped in double digit points more consistently.  Probably a steal here as well.

15. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings  - Previous Pick: Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots

The most unique and versatile weapon in football is now a top-20 pick on pace (120 catches – 1,334 yards) to have a Wes Welker type season.  Gronkowski is the only tight end to vaguely come close to pre-draft hype.

16. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers -  Previous Pick: Steven Jackson, RB, Falcons

Steady player who was an afterthought in many drafts; on pace for 5.5 ypc and 1,312 yards. Still an RB2 tied to a running team.

17. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons - Previous Pick: Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs

With stats similar the best quarterbacks in football, Matt Ryan is the frontrunner so far in the MVP race as the Falcons have not lost a game.  He has four games with 3 touchdown passes this season and in terms of leapfrogging up into the second round, has probably made the biggest leap for fantasy quarterbacks.

18. C.J Spiller, RB, Bills  -  Previous Pick: Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks

C.J. despite injury and sharing the backfield with Freddy Jack has averaged a mind-boggling 7.3 yards per carry—not touch—carry.

19. Trent Richardson, RB, Browns - Previous Pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

T-Rich has been as good as advertised but is held down by (surprise) the Browns offense. Richardson is on pace to score 10 TDs, 50 catches, and 950 yards rushing or so.

20. Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos - Packers Previous Pick: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

Willie Mac has completely rejuvenated his career and has actually meshed well with Peyton Manning and is on pace to catch a would-be career high passes (46).

21. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles - Previous Pick:  Darren Sproles, RB, Saints

Shady McCoy has been decent this year but dragged down by mysteriously struggling Eagles offense.  He has scored less than double digits in standard leagues only once but is only averaging 4.8 yards a catch.  That’s not shady; that’s shoddy. the season may cause debate on this one. He’s on pace to catch 86-1160.

22. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos - Previous Pick: Roddy White, WR, Falcons

Three Broncos in the top 25! That’s fantasy life with Peyton Manning; I can remember Joseph Addai going in second rounds in a couple of drafts around 2006-2007. Not trying to remember as he never justified the high pick.  Demaryius is a nightmarius to matchup against and Peyton gets him the ball repeatedly. On pace for nearly 90 catches and 1552 yards. Wow.

23. Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers  - Previous Pick: Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints

VJax has outperformed his typical pre-draft ranking and is averaging just as many fantasy points per game as anyone not named A.J. Green.  Is not as consistent as Victor Cruz but having a monster season, nonetheless.

24. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots - Previous Pick: Michael Turner, RB, Falcons

Bottom of the second round for the Gronk. Only tight end worth drafting in the first two rounds until further notice, although I suspect Jimmy Graham’s numbers at the end of Ray Rice, RB Packers Previous Pick: Trent Richardson, RB, Browns

Shady McCoy has been decent this year but dragged down by mysteriously struggling Eagles offense.

25. Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears  - Previous Pick: Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers

The run on wideouts continues as fantasy owners are finding consistency from the upper echelon of wideouts.  Only problem is that they aren’t names Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Greg Jennings. That bunch has really struggled to match pre-draft hype with the exception of Jones. Brandon Marshall has accounted 40% of the Bears aerial yardage.  That’s a No.1 fantasy wideout for ya.

26. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants - Previous Pick: Frank Gore, RB, 49ers

An overlooked source of rushing excellence in August, Bradshaw keeps grinding.  David Wilson was supposed to have his job by now, right? Nope, although Andre Brown manina is lingering.  Bradshaw has been knicked up but has contributed consistently even lighting the 49ers rushing defense up a few weeks ago.  Rushed for 200 even against Cleveland and is on pace for 1,140 yards. Tough SOB and an ideal RB2.

27. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs - Previous Pick: Andre Johnson, WR, Texans

Charles In Charge was leading the NFL in rushing until a couple of weeks ago but is tied to the offensive morass that is the Chiefs offense.  Had one monster game against the Saints that probably single-handedly won a week for owners but has been maddeningly inconsistent. 370 yards in two games and around 220 yards in the five other games.

28. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons - Previous Pick: Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears

Unimaginable that Julio Jones would be picked four picks into the third round but that’s where his up-one-week-and-down-the-next production has landed him. His point line by week: 23, 1, 12, 3, 15, 6, 19. Consistently inconsistent. Teammate Roddy White has been doing the same thing.

29. Roddy White, WR, Falcons - Previous Pick: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants

As mentioned above, Roddy has scored well one week and not-so-well the next.  Great if you own both Falcons wideouts; on the positive side he’s on pace for another Roddy White type season: 90 catches, 1300+ yards, nearly 10 scores.  That’s excellent third round wide receiverage.

30. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts  - Previous Pick: Wes Welker, WR, Patriots

Reggie has rejuvenated his career after last year’s decline.  He leads the NFL in receiving yards and fantasy-wise has been a tremendous find for owners who drafted him in the middle rounds in August. His only flaw; just two touchdowns this year but is on pace for 210 targets, and 1,700 yards receiving. In the third round, you could do a lot worse.

31. Marques Colston, WR, Saints - Previous Pick: Greg Jennings, WR, Packers

Colston has been “Coldstone Creaming” opposing defenses lately after a slow start.  He’s become a must-start as the Saints deal with banged up Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles and an ineffective running game and most importantly a horrific defense. All ingredients for a lot of happy Colston owners.

32. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots - Previous Pick: Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers

Wes Welker has had a Welker-type season so far and Brandon Lloyd hasn’t dug into his targets as previously expected.  He had a nice four game run of consecutive 100-yard games a couple of weeks ago.

33. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans - Previous Pick: Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers

A nightmarish start for CJ2K but has picked it up as of late. Rushing for nearly 200 against the Bills saves him from bust status but owners probably don’t feel out of the woods just yet. But hey, he’s better than Reggie Bush or Shonn Greene at this point if you disregard pre-draft position.

34. Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins - Previous Pick: Percy Harvin, WR, Packers

Bush has had a season fantasy-wide quite similar to Shonn Greene but has still played well.  Daniel Thomas eats into his carries and he has only three games with double digits points.  He still is a must-start.

35. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys - Previous Pick: Steve Smith, WR, Panthers

While Romo and Bryant were supposed to do great things it’s Austin that has provided great consistency for fantasy owners this season, posting double digits in all games but one.  Typically available well into the mid-rounds back in August, he’s provided great value and is the only Cowboy that can even come close to saying that (with the exception of Jason Witten).

36. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets – Previous Pick: Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants

Shonn Greene benefits from a huge game against Indy and being the workhorse on a pretty crappy offense.  It pains me to put him here but he has picked it up of late and has avoided injury.  The mid-tier running backs can’t really say the same.