Week 10 Fantasy Football TALK

Free Agent Finds..

Helu has got the job..we think.

Roy Helu RB-WAS- Shanahan gave the job to Helu in week 9 and he performed. Helu had 10 carries for 41 yards and 14 catches for 105 yards because we all know John Beck likes to let it fly. Now don't expect Helu to catch 14 passes every week but somewhere between 5-9 receptions  and 15-20 carries will be up his ally. We know it's Shanahan calling the shots and this mean Roy Helu is not guaranteed anything, but for now it looks like the job is his, at least until Mike decides to factor Choice and Torain into the mix.


Chris Ogbonnaya RB-CLE-  Yes, he had 13 carries for 28 yards and lost a fumble in week 9, but he is the only back left in Cleveland. With Hillis and Hardesty nursing injuries, he will continue to get double digit touches, it may not be pretty but it's something. Only start Ogbonnaya if you're running thin at RB, but if you have a spot on your bench, there is nothing to lose in picking up the Browns back.



Laurent Robinson WR-DAL- Miles Austin is expected to miss somewhere between 2-4 weeks. This could be a big hit to many of his owners who are fighting and trying to make that end of the season playoff push. Dez Bryant is the obvious beneficiary of Miles absent, but Robinson and Ogletree will see an increase in targets as well. In weeks 8 & 9 Robinson has had 14 catches for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Seems Romo has been giving Robinson some attention with both Bryant and Austin on the field, it will be up to Robinson to capitalize on his increase in targets, when called upon.

Deep Threat.

Torrey Smith WR-BAL- Many people are concerned with the fact that Smith drops passes. Yes, that is a concern but he is the fastest guy on the Baltimore offense and no matter what he is the Ravens deep threat. Flacco has the arm and he uses it, Joe will take his shots deep. Boldin is the most talented receiver on this team but will continue to play the slot and see double coverage, this will give Smith some nice one on one match ups down field.


Marion Barber RB-CHI- Barber has now scored in 4 out of 5 games played this season. Even with Matt Forte having a phenomenal season thus far, Barber seems to be the short yardage/goal-line back. Barber is like the poor man's Mike Tolbert. Forte will get the heavy work load but Barber will get his chances to punch it in as long as the Bears are at the goal line.  Barber makes for a solid flex start.

New look passing attack.

Oakland Raiders WR's- With Carson Palmer trying to get in sync with this offense, he will soon make it clear who his favorite and number one WR is. Let's keep an eye on this team as they progress forward with Carson under center. Within the next 1-3 weeks we should know which Oakland WR is worth a flex/no.3 start heading into the Fantasy post season.


Mike Williams WR-TB- Williams has 1 lone TD through 8 games this season, but he still leads the Bucs in targets. Because Williams continues to be heavily targeted, the upside and the potential is definitely still alive. This week the Bucs are expected to be throwing and Mike Williams will be Freeman's first option. As of now Williams is a number 3 WR/Flex start at best but he could transform and return to the Williams of 2010 at any moment.





Leave Him On The Bench...

Marshawn, meet Rey Lewis and the boys.

Marshawn Lynch RB-SEA- Lynch has 4 TD's in his last five games but this match up has disaster written all over it. The Ravens D has allowed 3 rushing TD's all year and the Seahawks struggle to throw the ball. The Ravens D will focus on stop stopping Lynch and odds are they will stop him, because the Seattle passing attack will probably shoot themselves in the foot.


Knowshon Moreno RB-DAL-  Willis McGahee is back. Tim Tebow is running amok . These are the only reasons needed know, Knowshon is now a non-factor again in Denver.

Someone throw me a pass I could catch

Sidney Rice WR-SEA- Accuracy and Seattle Quarterbacks don't go hand in hand. Tarvaris Jackson struggles against most NFL defense and this week the Ravens are coming to town, expect Ed Reed to take one to the house. Sidney Rice is the target of opposing defenses, as he is the best WR threat on the Seahawks. He will see double coverages and when open or in single coverage the ball may be a tad bit to high or to low for Rice to catch.


Maurice Morris RB-DET- Best is still expected to be out, and Morris will get the start in Detroit but I would not start him this week. Morris is not a slice and dice runner and the Bears defense will be licking their chops waiting to push him back. Detriot will rely heavily on their passing game to win this game and Morris will also have to share some carries.


Brandon Jacobs RB-NYG - Jacobs had his coming out party last week against the Patriots but don't get all hyped. Jacobs has definitely lost a step in his game and has yet to get into a groove this season. Last week Jacobs played high on emotions and adrenaline, it was not only a chance to redeem himself and salvage what remains of his career as a G-Men but it was against the Goliath (Patriots) that David (Giants) once slayed in Superbowl XLII. This Week Jacobs will have to run against the number one ranked defense against the rush, and incase you missed the memo, the 49ers are for real.Giants will rely heavily on there passing game to come out victorious in this one.

Not worth the risk.

Deion Branch WR-NE- Deion Branch or may not have a touchdown, it's not a risk you should be willing to take. In the first meeting against NYJ this season, Branch had 7 catches for 74 yards and 1 TD. This time out the Jets will put more focus on Deion as we figure Welker will spend the day on Revis Island. Brady will look for all receivers but Gronk and Hernandez will a lot of balls thrown their way.

NFL Week 8 Fantasy Football TALK

Free Agent Finds.. 

It's the Colts.

Matt Hasselbeck QB-TEN- With bye weeks still clicking and ticking, your star QB (Aaron Rodgers) has to ride the bench this week. Now, I'm not saying Hasselbeck will put up A-Rodg numbers but he will have a very good day. Hasselbeck had good games against both the Ravens and Steelers D and I expect him to have his best performance thus far this weekend against a depleted Colts defense.


Jonathan Stewart RB-CAR- The only way Stewart takes a starting spot, is if you're a victim of bye week at the RB position. But keep in mind Stewart has split time with DeAngelo Williams and with limited work Stewart has out performed him every step of the way. He is definitely a solid start at the flex position, he has scored in back to back weeks and even if he doesn't find the end-zone his catches out the back field should give him enough production to make him a solid start at the flex position, especially in PPR leagues.

Ingram's status is key.

Pierre Thomas RB-NO- This all depends on Mark Ingram's ankle. If Ingram can't go or is limited on Sunday, Thomas is definitely worth a pick up. The Saints will be in the red-zone often against the Rams D and when they're at the goal line, Thomas will get his chances. Don't let Sproles scare you off, if Ingram can't go, Thomas will get the heavy workload. Keep an eye on the Saints injury report this week.


Knowshon Moreno RB-DEN- With McGahee out, Moreno is next in line to carry the rock in Denver. Even though he has proven nothing all season, this is still a run first offense. With Tebow under center there will be a lot of opportunities for Knowshon.


Jabbar Gaffney WR-WAS- Well, he is the number one WR in the nations capital. Moss is expected to miss 5-7 weeks and opposing defenses will stack the box to stop Shanahan's run heavy offense. Gaffney will be in a lot of single coverage and will have his opportunities. Worth a pick up. 

He's will have his chances

Michael Crabtree WR-SF- Josh Morgan is out for the season, opposing defenses will focus on stopping Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. What other choice does Alex Smith have? Braylon Edwards?. If you still have a hole at the WR position, give Crabtree a shot.


Demaryius ThomasWR-DEN- Demaryius has a good shot at becoming the new number one WR in Denver. After one game with Tebow under center, he is headed in the right direction. For now pick him up an leave him on your bench. If he gets in sync with Tebow, the pay off could be huge.





Leave Him On The Bench...


Percy Harvin WR-MIN- Harvin is not 100% and he may sit out this weekend so the bruised ribs that have plagued him for the past 3 weeks could heal. Even if Harvin plays, it seems the young Christian Ponder is developing a repertoire with WR Michael Jenkins and TE Visanthe Shiancoe.

His ribs need to heal.

 Peyton Hillis RB-CLE- Now read this carefully. If you have better option at your number two RB position leave Hillis on the bench. Hillis is caught in a downward spiral and until he shows he's out of this funk, he will be detrimental to your team. If his hamstring is good to go, he will still give up some carries to Montario Hardesty. If you could, leave him out of this weeks starting line up.


Eric Decker WR-DEN- Tebow needs more time to show us who his number one wide out will be. So far it looks likes Demaryius Thomas will see most of the action from Tim but nothing has been proven, so we sit and wait.  Don't take the risk.


 Reggie Wayne WR-IND- Without Peyton, this season has been a complete mess for Reggie and the Colts. Wayne should stay on your bench for the rest of the season. Even though many drafted Reggie fairly early, there is no reason to feel obligated here. Reggie can't do anything for you this season, even when Painter does throw for 100+ yards...Garcon is his man.

anyone, someone, anybody throw this man a ball

Brandon Jacobs RB-NYG- It seems like he's getting healthy and will play Sunday. Even if he does play, Bradshaw is coming off a huge week 6 and a lot of rest in a bye week. Jacobs may steal a goal line carry or two but for now he is not worth the risk.

NFL Fantasy Football 2011

User Submitted Question: Is fantasy football good for the real game or not?




        One thing that immediately comes to mind , Maurice Jones-Drew infamous kneel down at the 1-yard line against the New York Jets on Nov 15 2009. The Jets were at a point where the only way they were going to get the ball back late in the game was letting Jacksonville's RB Jones-Drew score a TD, but to there dismay, Jones-Drew suddenly stopped at the one yard line and took a knee. This was very reminiscent to Brian Westbrook's kneel down against the the New York Giants in 2007, but this one was more obvious and way more strategic. Jones-Drew knew kneeling down would run the clock down allowing Josh Scoobe a chance at a chip shot that would put the game away, giving the Jets virtually no time to respond or have a chance at a comeback.

         This shows that athletes have zero or no attachments to fantasy teams and leagues, whether they love their fans or they themselves are partaking in a fantasy game. In a league as prestigious as the NFL, athletes number one priority is doing what's best in helping the team win on that given week and that's the way it should be. If the Jaguars needed a TD, Jones-Drew would have definitely been in the end-zone but the Jaguars need an opportunity to run the clock and still have a shot at a high percentage field goal to put the game away and Jones-Drew gave them just that. Yes, he did apologize to his fantasy owners and did rag on himself because he owned Maurice Jones Drew in his fantasy league, but it was all in good fun. No way was there any regret and or remorse and nor should he have felt that way.
        Fantasy football has been nothing more than great for the NFL. Jones Drew apologizing was a perfect example of fans and athletes interacting and having some type of connection or bond. Kenny Mayne and Maurice Jones Drew even did a parody on ESPN's "Mayne Event" about the whole situation, the kneel down basically gave ESPN a freebie at an episode for the "Mayne Event" and they ran with it. For athletes fantasy football games are all in good fun because not only could they draft themselves, they have the chance to draft teammates and other athletes around the league they may have played college ball with or have some sort of on going-friendly rivalry.
       For many fans, fanatsy football games finally gives them the opportunity to draft,manage,trade,make transactions and crucial decisions involving a team of professional athletes in doing what's in the teams best interest and ultimately winning the big one, whether it may be referred to as the "Shiva Bowl" or the "Wotless Championship",whatever your version of the Super Bowl may be, you want to win it all! A lot of fans have great insight and analysis of whats currently going on the league, especially when it comes to talent and production but have no where to put this knowledge to use. Fantasy football gives fans a chance to take the driver seat on managing a team an applying their football intellect. Many fans may have never been athletic enough to make it pass JV but have the brain power to command what should be done on the field. Fantasy football gives them the ultimate experience as to what it's like to manage and run a team/organization. A Giants fan may root for an Eagle because he/she drafted Micheal Vick, a Jets fan may root for the Patriots on Any Given Sunday because he/she drafted Wes Welker, for 15 minutes an historic rivalry is put on the back burner. This is what Fantasy Football brings to the table, an interaction between Fans, Athletes and the NFL that cannot be matched or duplicated.


-OneHop

Week 7 Fantasy Football TALK.

Free Agents Finds..
  

Carson is back.

Carson Palmer QB-OAK- If you have the room or a player too dump, feel free to pick up Carson Palmer. He is in no way a "must start" and probably will not be for most of the season but he is a solid security blanket. I believe by week 11 he will hit his stride, with a week 8 bye coming up, he will have more than enough time too get acclimated with this already familiar offense. Now, if you are relying on Carson Palmer to make some noise in the fantasy post-season and carry you to the promise land, you may want to reevaluate your team.


Montario Hardesty RB-CLE- Why not take a shot on Montario?.  Hillis has only gotten into the end-zone twice this season and both TD's came in the same game. For a lot of owners that drafted Hillis high, they might be looking for something new, a change of pace, anyone that could give half of the production expected from Peyton, this late in the FA pool. Hillis has been a lost cause all season and it seems even when healthy, his contract disputes are factoring into his focus. I say ride Montario while Hillis is unfocused, injured or suffering from the "Madden Curse", whatever it may be.


Jackie Battle RB-KC- At this point, the Chiefs will probably feed the ball to the hottest hand at RB. It seems as if Dexter McCluster is not an every down back and Todd Haley will continue to use him as a change of pace back, which still makes him a solid flex spot, especially during bye weeks. Thomas Jones has been about average as a fantasy RB could be, rushing for "decent" yards but not able to find the endzone. The Raiders may be prepared for Jackie but he showed he could handle the heavy work load and is worth a flex start this week.

Dallas Duo.

DeMarco Murray/ Tashard Choice RB-DAL- Felix Jones will probably miss a couple of games. Now i do think the Cowboys will rely heavily on the passing game, with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin getting back to 100%. Both Murray and Choice are good flex start options, or if losing Jones really put you in a choke-hold at RB. Even though neither has yet to show they will be the every down back or get the higher percent of the carries, Murray looked stronger and more productive against the Patriots, where as Choice had 5 rushes for 14 yards and a fumble in the red-zone. I would try to grab Murray first, but if you really need a RB or flex player, grab Choice.


Fred Davis TE-WAS- Fred Davis is a TE that should already be on everyone's radar, if not already on your roster.With this being Beck's first start of season, the Redskins will probably pound the ball as Beck eases into the start role. Beck has not shown that he will sling it deep at will and with Chris Cooley out, Fred Davis makes for the perfect safety blanket for ole' Johnny boy.




Leave him on the bench...

Odd Man Out

Robert Meachem WR-NO- Jimmy Graham is Drew's number one target, no matter the opponent. Colston is back and healthy and Sproles continues to be Drew's saftey blankey. Meachem is just the odd man out.


Delone Carter RB-IND- Even if Addai misses another game and Carter gets the start, you are probably just setting yourself up for disappointment. Carter has not shown he could handle the load and the Colts do not get to the goal line often enough too bank on Carter getting into the end-zone.

Stay Away

Tim Hightower RB-WAS- As seen last week, being listed as the starting RB in Washington could get you zero action. No RB in Shanahan's offense is a safe start, Torain if you are in dire need of a flex starter, even then i would leave Torain on my bench and let things play out in Washington. Tim seems to be ailing and Shanahan seems to be Shanahan.



DeAngelo Williams RB-CAR- First let me make it clear, the best goal line back on this team has been Cam Newton. The most productive running back on this team has been Jonathon Stewart because he has caught passes out the backfield. Stewart's production has been limited due to splitting the work with Williams and it seems due to Williams contract from this off-season, Carolina is staying loyal in trying to make him a factor in this offense.Even though he has under achieved and is still a question mark. DeAngelo just does not have his legs under him.



-One Hop