Saturday, November 3, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 9

Saturday Edition
November 3rd, 2012  








Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 9

My SFFL fantasy team has fallen off the pace a bit the past couple of weeks with a couple of sub-par performances, but this week I am looking to improve mightily with some big performances from some big names and a strong showing from a few lesser known. My line-up leads off with a couple of notables (Michael Vick & Brandon Marshall), but also consists for a few intriguing names where I really like their matchups….


My Line-up 

Quarterback:
Despite the ups and downs and the turmoil that exists within the Eagles organization, I still believe Michael Vick is an exceptional athlete with plenty of playmaking ability and on Monday night he’ll have a great opportunity to exhibit plenty. The Saints defense has been awful this season and they have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Vick and the Eagles need a big game and this Monday night is lining up to be their best opportunity.

Running Backs:
In the backfield I am starting the Lions running back Mikel Leshoure this week. The Lions are on the road to face Jacksonville and the Jaguars run defense has not been good against the run this season. The Jags are ranked 25th versus the run and have allowed 8 rushing touchdowns this season; they also allow the 4th most fantasy points to running backs.

My other ball carrier for week 9 is Felix Jones. The Cowboys running back has been running on empty it seems and with DeMarco Murray likely to return to the lineup sooner rather than later, this may be one of his last starts this season. I am not looking for a big output from Felix Sunday night, but the Cowboys need to make a big statement here and will need a solid effort from the ground game. The Falcons defense has not been great against the run this season ranked 26th, so I like for Jones to carry the load and be productive. 

Wide Receivers:
It’s time to call on one of the big dawgs this season, the Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. the Bears are on the road this week, but for Marshall and company they meet the Tennessee Titans; ranked 29th against the pass. Marshall is off to a great start this season and has a great chance to improve his numbers on Sunday, the Titans are giving up the 15th most fantasy points to wide receiver this season, including 17 touchdowns.

My other wide out for week 9 is going to be DeSean Jackson. It what looks to be a shoot-out on Monday night, Jackson will be lining up against the Saints defense that is allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The game will be fast on turf and could be filled with lots of big plays.

Tight End:
The Buccaneers offense, in particular their passing game has shown lots of life over the past couple of weeks, and tight end Dallas Clark has become fantasy relevant again. Clark has quietly become more involved as he and his quarterback Josh Freeman continue to develop a good rapport. In his first five games Clark was targeted 15 times, he has been targeted 9 times in the past two. Although Clark has yet to put up big numbers this season, he is facing the Raiders 21st ranked pass defense that allows the 11th most fantasy points to tight ends.

Place Kicker:
The Ravens have a very favorable matchup this week on the road against the Browns. Their offense should have plenty of success moving the ball, but could stall a few times in the red zone. I like Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to score big points with several kicks and several extra points.

Team Defense:
With my choices becoming more limited each week, one matchup I like is the Lions defense on the road against the Jaguars. The Jags offense is ranked last in the league, and with no MJD this looks too good to pass. The Jags have really struggled with the pass this season, ranked 32nd and 20 sacks allowed this season and have allowed the 6th most fantasy points versus opposing defenses.

These are my picks for week 9.


By David Ortega



FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE


Saturday Editions
November 3rd, 2012  







FSH Fantasy Five


Week 9 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

With the following teams on bye; San Francisco, New England, St. Louis, and the New York Jets, fantasy owners still face some challenges with balancing their lineups. The most notable players out this week are Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis.

If you are looking for some possible fills or substitutions to complete your lineup for Sunday, these are some picks that could fill some of your 9 voids;

Pierre Thomas, RB
With Darren Sproles shelved for a while, the Saints will turn to running back Pierre Thomas to carry the bulk of the running game load. Thomas is a tough between the tackle runner and can be effective out of the backfield (15 receptions this season). Facing the Eagles defense that allows the 13th fewest fantasy points to running backs, Thomas (257 rushing yards this season) can still offer value as a nice flex play.

Mikel Leshoure, RB
The Lions have not had much of a running game this season, but Sunday against the Jaguars may be their best chance to get it out of the gate. Running back Mikel Leshoure has shown the toughness to take it inside and Sunday against the Jaguars 25th ranked run defense he could get a chance to break it outside. The Jaguars allow the 4th most fantasy points this season, so Leshoure looks like a good flex option this week.

Michael Vick, QB
There’s not a lot of evidence to support starting Michael Vick as he has been a turnover machine through the first half of the season, but if there was ever a game to start him Monday night could be the night. Vick is certainly still capable of playing big and he has an ideal matchup Monday against the Saints. The Saints defense Is a mess right now and ranks 30th in the league, they are also allowing the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Another note, Vick spent many seasons playing in the Georgia Dome, so the artificial surface should only help his cause.

Anquan Boldin, WR
The Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin has been steady this season leading the team in receptions (31) and receiving yards (453), but he has only posted one 100-yard receiving game this season. This week he will see the Browns 25th ranked pass defense that has allowed 15 touchdowns this season and allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers. Boldin averages more than 7 targets a game, so expect to see as many if not more and a very productive output from the 10-year receiver. He’s a low WR2 or strong flex play this week.

Reggie Bush, RB
The Dolphins running back Reggie Bush has been held in check as of late scoring in double digit fantasy points just once in his last five games. This Sunday Bush will see the Colts 27th ranked run defense that allows the 7th most fantasy points per game to running backs. Bush will likely share carries with Daniel Thomas, but with his abilities out of the backfield he will have more value as a low-end RB2 in PPR leagues.


By David Ortega




Friday, November 2, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST


Thursday Edition
November 2nd, 2012







David’s Daily Digest








Sproles Out with Hand Injury
The Saints will be without running back Darren Sproles (hand) this Monday night when they face the Philadelphia Eagles. Sproles underwent surgery for a broken hand and will be unavailable for Monday’s matchup. With Sproles out, running back Pierre Thomas will see a boost in his fantasy value and likely an increased workload against the Eagles. Thomas should make a nice flex play for week 9.

Jones to Get Another Start
The Cowboys have ruled out running back DeMarco Murray for Sunday, meaning back Felix Jones is expected to start once again. Jones (knee) is listed as probable and expected to play in the Sunday night primetime matchup against the Falcons. Jones has not done a whole lot the past couple of games, but could be more of a factor against the Falcons 26th ranked run defense. Jones is nothing more than an iffy flex option for this week.

Nelson Will Be a Game-Time Decision
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time decision, although he was able to do some work. It’s sounding more like there’s a good chance that Nelson could be on the field, but owners will have to wait until Sunday morning to find out. Even when a healthy Nelson has played wide receiver Randall Cobb has been effective. If you are looking for a strong flex play, Cobb could fit the bill this week against the Cardinals.

Robinson Probable for Sunday Versus Lions
The Jaguars could see the return of wide receiver Laurent Robinson this Sunday against the Lions. Robinson has missed the past three games due to injury and in the three games he has played he’s been a non-factor. Wide receiver Cecil Shorts has really emerged as the current go-to guy, so don’t expect much this week from Robinson if he does return.

Dwyer Doubtful for Sunday
With both Mendenhall (Achilles) and running back Jonathan Dwyer (quad) listed as doubtful for Sunday, it appears Issac Redman is in line to start for the Steelers. Redman himself is nursing an ankle injury, but is expected to play Sunday and will get the start with Dwyer sidelined. Although Redman gets a good week 9 matchup (against the Giants 19th ranked run defense) this Sunday, he has missed the past couple of weeks and will likely split carries. Play him at your own risk.

Tannehill Uncertain for Sunday
The Dolphins could be without the services of their rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, whose status remains uncertain for Sunday against the Colts. Tannehill suffered a knee injury last week and has been limited in practice this week. If Tannehill can’t go back up quarterback Matt Moore would get the start. The Colts have fared well against the pass this season, so whether it’s Tannehill or Moore, any fantasy value for the Dolphins would come from the run game; the Colts rank 27th against the run this season.


By David Ortega



Wednesday, October 31, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT


Wednesday Edition
October 31st, 2012  







Watercooler Chat

“Just Talking Fantasy”

Waiver Wire Wanderers

We are moving deeper into the fantasy season and there’s no time to waste or let up. The free agent pool is thinning more and more every week, but even when it is there are still a few gems to be found.

After eight weeks of action and still a number of weeks left to manage through the byes, fantasy owners can’t afford to let any hidden jewels slip through the cracks. Last Sunday there were quite a few notable diamonds in the rough worth a take this week, at least as a flex option.

Leading the short list is the Lions wide receiver Titus Young. Injuries have moved Young up the depth chart and with Matt Stafford steadily finding his groove Young is going to see more action going forward. Young has 17 targets in his last two games and he’s made the most of it with 15 receptions.

Like Young, Jaguars wide receivers Cecil Shorts is getting more time in a prominent role due to injuries and he is cashing in. Shorts has seen 22 targets in the last two weeks and he’s been golden with 12 receptions, 195 yards receiving and a score. As a flex his numbers are solid, but he’s getting better every week, so there’s upside.

The Seahawks passing game has been relatively non-existent this season, but one of the bright spots has been the recent emergence of Sidney Rice; a forgotten man. Rice has been quiet much of the season, but last Sunday he had his best game with 6 grabs for 55 yards and touchdown. These numbers won’t burn down the house, but Rice has great ability and offers tremendous upside as the quarterback play in Seattle gets better. He’s nothing more than a consideration as a flex option, but if you can hold him for a while he could pay off in the long run.

One ground gainers that could be still hanging around this week is the Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer has been the best runner for the Steelers this season and now that he’s had his chance he is shinning. Dwyer has rushed for over 100 yards the past two weeks as the starter. He could see his carries drop some with the backfield getting healthy, but he’s too good and playing too well to take a back seat. Grab him if you can.


Don’t Go Sleeping

If you have the room on your roster or if you play in a deeper league a couple of backs that are definitely worth stashing are the Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers and the Broncos rookie running back Ronnie Hillman.

Rodgers is likely to payoff sooner rather than later. With as well as the Falcons are playing now, they will want to keep running back Michael Turner fresh as possible for their playoff run. Head Coach Mike Smith has plenty of confidence in Rodgers, so it is expected to see Rodgers’ role grow more and more as the season progresses. Rodgers is coming off his biggest performance last Sunday; 80 total yards and 13 touches.

The Broncos seem to be bringing Hillman along slowly and his progress has been showing. Last Sunday night he had his best game with 15 touches and 86 rushing yards. With the 31-year old McGahee leading the Broncos ground attack, it’s not a big stretch to think that Hillman will get worked in more and more to keep the Veteran fresh for the season stretch run. Hillman is improving and more Sundays like the last could be in store.


By David Ortega



Tuesday, October 30, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST


Tuesday Edition
October 30th, 2012  







David's Daily Digest







The Week in Review

Breaking Down my Week 8 Picks

As I do each and every week, it’s time to take a look back and see how I did. Each week you have to look back at the past so you can learn from your triumphs and mistakes.

My Week8 Duds

Week 8 produce quite a few names to make this list and for many fantasy owners, this was not good. Tight end Antonio Gates pulled a disappearing act on Sunday against the Browns turning in a two catch effort. Fantasy owners were hit hard with disappointment, but Gates has no apparent injury that would suggest this type of slump will continue.

Like Gates, the Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was another disappointment on Sunday. The Steelers wideout snagged four passes for just 38 yards; far below his expected output. Fantasy owners can relax, Brown was still targeted six times and will continue to see plenty of activity his direction. The six targets were a season low, likely because the Steelers were up big and riding the ground game.

The Browns rookie receiver Josh Gordon was a big dud on Sunday after coming off a three-game scoring streak. Gordon was held in check with just three catches for 46 yards. Gordon is second among receivers on the team with 41 targets this season and has been seeing more looks his direction. Unfortunately there is too much inconsistency with the Browns offense at this time to consider Gordon reliable.

My Week 8 Studs

Unfortunately the list here is not long, but it is notable. The Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was his shady self on Sunday finding the end zone twice. McCoy has not had many big games yet this season, but he is the focal point of the Eagles ground attack and has the versatility to be involved in the passing game. Sunday’s performance was just a small taste of more to come.

The Lions quarterback Matt Stafford erupted for a four touchdown performance on Sunday (3 passing, 1 rushing) against a formidable foe in the Seahawks defense. Stafford had not looked very sharp through the first seven weeks, but his monster game on Sunday could be a great indication of what fantasy owners can expect in the second half of the season.

While the Broncos freakish receiver Demaryrius Thomas is grabbing headlines on one side, the Broncos other receiver Eric Decker is quietly holding his own. Against the Saints Decker pulled down just four passes on six targets, but two went for scores. With DT presenting matchup problems for opposing defenses Decker stands to see more games such as this one; he’s a low WR2 going forward.


By David Ortega



FSH NOTEBOOK: BY THE NUMBERS


Tuesday Edition
October 30th, 2012  







By the Numbers

When you know all the facts, there’s no escaping the truth and numbers seldom lie. Taking a look at how players are performing in fantasy scoring is typically in direct proportion to their opportunity. The more chances afforded a player the more likely he will produce. If you are a gambler, you like to play with the odds that are in your favor.

Here’s the week 8 breakdown of the numbers….

Targets (the past four weeks)

Over the past month, some names of notable mention include Mike Williams (TB), Titus Young (DET), and Cecil Shorts (JAX). These are not your regular household names, but increased involvement has made them more than relevant over the past several weeks. 

A couple of names that could be joining the conversation soon could include Jeremy Kerley and Andre Roberts. Both are top 30 WR’s over the past four weeks, but could see a production boost if their target numbers continue. At the moment, neither is nothing more than a possible flex option fill, but keep watching.

Weekly Target average:

1. Brandon Marshall, WR (13.66 targets per game)
2. Reggie Wayne, WR (13.00 targets per game)
3. Marques Colston, WR (12.66 targets per game)
4. Steve Smith (CAR), WR (12.66 targets per game)
5. Wes Welker, WR (11.50 targets per game)
6. Larry Fitzgerald, WR (11.25 targets per game)
7. Percy Harvin, WR (10.25 targets per game)
8. Victor Cruz, WR (10.00 targets per game)
9. Jeremy Kerley, WR (9.25 targets per game)
 T-10. Andre Roberts, WR (9.00 targets per game)
Mike Wallace, WR (9.00 targets per game)

Some additional PPR numbers…

Top targeted RB’s past four weeks

1. Darren Sproles, NO (6.66 targets per game)
2. Fred Jackson, BUF (6.00 targets per game)
3. Darren McFadden, OAK (5.66 targets per game)
3. Ryan Matthews, SDC (5.66 targets per game)
3. Rashad Jennings, JAX (5.66 targets per game)
3. Ronnie Brown, SDC (5.66 targets per game)

Top targeted TE’s past four weeks

1. Jason Witten, DAL (12.33 targets per game)
2. Rob Gronkowski, NEP (8.75 targets per game)
3. Tony Gonzales, ATL (8.66 targets per game)
4. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (7.33 targets per game)
5. Antonio Gates, SDC (7.00 targets per game)
5. Heath Miller, PIT (7.00 targets per game)

Touches (the past four weeks)

An important factor in a running back’s success is developing a rhythm and building momentum during the game; for some the more touches the better they get. These are the most active in the backfield over the past month.

While his numbers have not been strong the past couple of weeks Alex Green gets plenty of work, enough to keep him in the top 25 (over the past month). Like Green in Green Bay, Shonn Greene in New York has been seeing plenty of action himself. His workload has help him produce at a top 5 level for the past weeks and has shot him up the board inside the top 15 for the season. With Richardson returning in week 8 and running well, with this average fantasy owners can expect to see his production also rise.

Average Carries with Catches:

1. Darren McFadden, RB (28.66 touches per game)
2. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB (25.00 touches per game)
3. Arian Foster, RB (22.66 touches per game)
4. Adrian Peterson, RB (21.25 touches per game)
5. Alex Green, RB (20.75 touches per game)
6. Chris Johnson, RB (20.25 touches per game)
7. Stevan Ridley, RB (19.25 touches per game)
8. Shonn Greene, RB (20.00 touches per game)
9. Alfred Morris, RB (18.25 touches per game)
10. Trent Richardson, RB (18.25 touches per game)

Passing Attempts (the past four weeks)

What we have learned through 8 weeks in the season, regardless of what the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo would like to do, the boys in big D tend to throw the ball. Romo’s numbers are bordering mediocre with only 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions over the past month, but it’s hard to deny his upside with all the weapons he has and when he’s putting it up 40 plus times a game. 

If you looking for that back-up for insurance or if you are currently struggling with a Philip Rivers or Cam Newton, going by the numbers with his 40 plus attempts per game rookie quarterback Andrew Luck is worth a look performing at a top five fantasy level the past four weeks.

 Average passing attempts:

1. Matthew Stafford, DET (46.66 passing attempts per game)
2. Tony Romo, DAL (44.00 passing attempts per game)
3. Tom Brady, NEP (41.50 passing attempts per game)
4. Drew Brees, NOS (41.33 passing attempts per game)
5. Andrew Luck, IND (41.50 passing attempts per game)
6. Matt Ryan, ATL (39.33 passing attempts per game)
7. Andy Dalton, CIN (39.00 passing attempts per game)
8. Philip Rivers, SDC (39.00 passing attempts per game)
9. Matt Hasselbeck, TEN (37.25 passing attempts per game)
10. Michael Vick, PHI (37.00 passing attempts per game)


These are the week 8 facts, By The Numbers.

By David Ortega



Monday, October 29, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY'S FANTASY HEADLINES


Monday Edition
October 29th, 2012  







David's Daily Digest







Monday’s Fantasy Headlines

Manning the Great
There weren’t too many folks that believed we’d be seeing the old Manning return this season and maybe we haven’t, but the 2012 version looks pretty good. Sunday night against the Saints Peyton recorded his 5th straight 300-yard passing game and his three touchdowns passing were his fourth straight game with as many. Manning may not have that old form, but the form he’s working with should do just fine for fantasy owners going forward.

A Young Man’s Game
The Detroit Lions 2nd year receiver Titus Young has his coming out party on Sunday and it could not come at a better time. Young set his season highs in receptions (9), receiving yards (100), and touchdowns (2) on Sunday in the Lions win over the Seahawks. Young has quietly become a bigger part of the offense and with Nate Burleson (injury) sidelined for the remainder of the season and Megatron drawing mega coverage, Young will continue to benefit greatly and get better.

It’s Gronk Time Again
The Patriots big tight end Rob Gronkowski looked more like the Gronk from 2011 on Sunday recording his second consecutive two-score game; last season he had a total of seven multiple score games. With the bye week ahead Gronk and company will have time to heal and can be expected to continue their great play in the second half of the season.

The Rookie Finds His Legs
The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson may not be completely healthy, but on Sunday against the Chargers he found his running legs. Richardson broke loose for 122 yards and a score on 24 carries. If this kid can get healthier, he’s in line to have more Sunday’s like this.

The Old Man Has Some Juice Left
The Broncos offense may be going a bit retro with Willis McGahee leading the backfield, but the former Miami Hurricane is showing he’s got plenty left in his tank. Sunday night against the Saints McGahee rambled his way to 122 yards on the ground and adding his fourth rushing touchdown of the season. With Peyton under center playing as well as he is, McGahee should continue to find holes and produce numbers for fantasy owners.

Dougie Fresh Gettin Down
The Buccaneers have found a ground game this season in rookie running back Doug Martin who recorded his first 100-yard rushing game last Thursday night. Martin also showed his versatility with a 79-yard receiving effort in the Bucs upset over the Vikings. Martin is quickly developing into a complete back in both the run and pass game, I’d expect to the see the Bucs getting him involved early and often.

A Lions Roar Heard on Sunday
The Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has had a rough and inconsistent start to his 2012 season, but Sunday may have just been the jump started needed to get things rolling. Against a stout Seahawks defense Stafford was better than good torching the secondary for 352 yards, completing 34 of 49 passes. Stafford added three passing scores to go with a rushing score. If Stafford can continue to find this form going forward, he should pay-off big for fantasy owners that used a high draft selection to get him.


By David Ortega



FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST


Monday Edition
October 29th, 2012  







David’s Daily Digest













MNF Quick Notes

With two of the leagues best defenses taking the field, tonight’s matchup will feature more defense than anything else, so expect fantasy points to be tough to come by.

These are my takes for tonight’s Monday Night Matchup.

Running back Frank Gore is going to have a tough go finding yards tonight against the Cardinals stout defense, but he should get plenty of touches tonight to be productive. Gore is averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry and has scored four times this season to go along with his 603 yards rushing. The 49ers ball carrier has three 100-yard rushing games this season and facing the Cardinals 21st ranked defense against the run, he could be in line for possibly another. Even if Gore doesn’t top the century mark, he’ll compile enough numbers with some grabs and a score to get the job done.

The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is nearly impossible to stop, but tonight he lines up against the leagues number one pass defense. Consistency and pass protection will be key if Fitzgerald is going to be a factor tonight. It’s a tough start for Larry Fitz and based on how inconsistent the offense has played of late, it could be feast or famine tonight. The good news, in his last two matchups with the Niners Fitzgerald has enjoyed some success; in particular last season at home with Skelton under center he totaled 7 catches for 149 yards and a score. I’d expect Skelton to look Fitzgerald’s way early and often, the faster he gets involved the more things can open up for the offense.

One of the reasons and components that will help the Cardinals offense succeed tonight is the emergence of wide receiver Andre Roberts. Fitzgerald will get his looks and produce his numbers on the other side, but Roberts is going to help that cause by playing well on his side. Roberts is coming off a fine week 7 effort (7 rec, 103 yards, TD) and should get favorable coverage tonight to be a factor. A couple of grabs and some nice yards won’t propel him into any starting spots on fantasy rosters, but he could make a nice flex play going forward.

Other than their ground attack, the Niners offense doesn’t leave much to be desired. The Cardinals boast a pretty good secondary themselves ranked 4th this season. Alex Smith has regressed the past several weeks with just one touchdown and four picks in his last two starts. The Cardinals are going to bring pressure tonight and try to force Smith to make mistakes. Smith is capable of handling pressure and playing well, but the Niners are a running offense, so numbers by the air are few. Other than tight end Vernon Davis (no catches last week) and wide receiver Michael Crabtree (57 yards receiving in his last two games) who are notable “play at your own risk”, the Niners offense doesn’t boast any fantasy worthy plays at the receiver position at this time.

Since tonight will feature some great defensive play and outstanding IDP’s, it only makes sense to give a shout out to a couple of studs linebackers we will be seeing a lot of tonight. For the Cardinals Daryl Washington is have a great season leading the team with 62 combined tackles  and six sacks this season. On the 49ers sideline, NaVorro Bowman is having himself a great season as well, leading the defense with 67 combined tackles. Both must-play studs will be flying all over the field and at the center of all the action tonight. You will undoubtedly hear their names called a lot.

By David Ortega



Sunday, October 28, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST


Sunday Edition
October 28th, 2012  








David’s Daily Digest








Fantasy Notes & Predictions

Week 8 Faves

Big Ben (Roethlisberger) is facing the leagues’ worst pass defense and he has arguably the fastest man in football (Mike Wallace) lining up out wide. Big Ben has had a couple of big games this season and should produce another 3-touchdown and 300 yard game today.

The Broncos don’t get it on until the night cap with the Saints and at that time quarterback Peyton Manning could be lining up under center on his way to a huge evening. The Saints allow the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and tonight they and Peyton should not disappoint. Manning should be good for 275 yards passing and three scores.

The Jaguars defense has just been bad this season and with wide receiver Jordy Nelson on the sideline, Randall Cobb should step in big today. The Jaguars have the 24th ranked pass defense and Cobb and Rodgers should take advantage. Cobb has been in play the past several week, expect more of the same; 9 receptions, 120 yards receiving and a score.

The Chargers running back Ryan Matthews has a nice matchup today on the road facing the Browns 24th ranked run defense. The Chargers offense has been a little erratic this season, so expect Rivers and company to play more ball control with Matthews; 100-yards on the ground with a touchdown for Ryan should be the ticket.

The Raiders running back Darren McFadden has been waiting to breakout this season and today’s matchup with the Chiefs could be the game. The Chiefs defense allows the 6th most fantasy points to running backs and gives up 125 yards rushing per game. Run-DMC should net his second 100-yard game this season with a couple of scores.


By David Ortega