October 21st, 2010, Thursday
My Weekly Survivors
With some last minute changes across the line-up, week six turned out to be a bounce back week. Ryan Torain and LaDanian Tomlinson both anchored the backfield last week with two rushing touchdowns each. Torain even added 100 yards on the ground, while Hakeem Nicks was a major disappointment last week finishing with just three catches for eight yards.
A quick note, despite his production Nicks is a must play every week. His numbers were down, but even though he only had three catches he was still targeted seven times. He will get his more times than not.
Not every week is going to be a major success as we have seen, but sometimes with the right matchups our big guns fire load. This is what we hope to see this weekend with our lineup for Week 7.....
QB-Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are back “home, sweet home.” In two games at home Rivers has passed for 575 yards and tossed five touchdowns. Even with a few of his best weapons dinged, he’ll let it fly downfield against the league’s 29th ranked pass defense. (Projected: 29 points/ 285 yards passing, three touchdowns)
RB-Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
In the NFL there is no bigger stud in any backfield than running back Adrian Peterson. Sunday night he’ll take his talents to Lambeau and show the Packers defense a “what for.” Peterson is averaging better than 20 carries a game and almost five yards per carry. He’ll see plenty of work against Green Bay’s 21st ranked run defense that is allowing well over four yards a tote. (Projected: 25 points / 110 yards rushing, 25 yards receiving, two touchdowns)
RB-Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
This week Mike Turner “the speed burner” is going to have his way. Turner is only averaging 18 carries a game, but he should see plenty more on Sunday against the Bengals in a game that likely won’t yield a lot of points. Expect to see the Falcons feature the ground game and Turner to get lots of work against the Bengals 18th ranked run defense. (Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards rushing, one touchdown)
WR-Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
It’s been somewhat of a quiet start this season for Larry Fitz, but the two weeks off should have done him some good. The Cards don’t have a difficult matchup this week against the 30th ranked pass defense, if they can protect their quarterback. If given time, Larry Fitz and his signal caller could have a big day. (Projected: 15 points/ 90 yards receiving, one touchdown)
WR-Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs passing game finally found it’s wings last week against one of the league’s worst pass defenses. This week Bowe and company will face another poor secondary, when the meet the Jaguars (ranked 28th against the pass). Bowe broke out with a huge game last week and could follow up with a nice encore this Sunday. (Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)
TE-Tony Gonzales, Atlanta Falcons
There’s not been a lot of chatter about Tony G in recent weeks, but here’s some love for him. It won’t be a big day with a lot of yards and catches, but Tony G. will make the most of his opportunity and find paydirt against the Bengals on Sunday. Gonzales has three touchdown receptions this season and in their last two games the Bengals secondary have been beat by tight end for 12 catches and 135 yards. (Projected: 11 points/ 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)
K –Matt Prater, Denver Broncos
The Bronco’s offense continues to struggle in the redzone, fortunately Prater has been solid this season connecting on 11 of 12 kicks this season. Sunday he’ll have a few more opportunities against the Raiders. (Projected: 11 points/ three field goals, two extra points)
My Previous starts
Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)
Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)
Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)
Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)
Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)
Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)
October 20th, 2010, Wednesday
Fantasy Football
Target Practice
In these hands we trust
The first six weeks of the 2010 season have shown us a lot, but there’s more to be seen when we take a closer look. Some new names on the list this year that look to be mainstays include Hakeem Nicks (Giants), Brandon Lloyd (Broncos), and Austin Collie (Colts). These guys have shown consistency thus far and look to be legitimate plays on a weekly basis.
Despite a quiet Sunday Nicks has risen this season as the Giants primary go-to scoring threat racking up six touchdowns this season. His sub-par Sunday still included seven targets indicating that there are going to be more good days than bad. Lloyd experience a similar dip in production with just four catches for 74 yards, but his 10 targets are a definite signal to owners he needs to stay in your line-up. Austin Collie (nine targets) figured to see his numbers slide some with the return of Pierre Garcon, but such was not case Sunday against the Redskins. Collie caught seven passes with a score on Sunday and with an injury to tight end Dallas Clark, he will likely remain a productive option in the Colts passing game.
The Usual Suspects…
The Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall led all receivers this past week with 17 targets and as a result had one of his most productive weeks with 10 receptions for 127 yards. Joining the club this past week included the Texan’s Andre Johnson (138 yards, one touchdown) who was targeted 13 times. The Lions Calvin Johnson (146 yards, one touchdown) and the Packers Greg Jennings (133 yards, one touchdown) had big days last week on seven targets each. These are just a mention of some of the weekly options that should never see your bench.
A couple of pass catchers that will be making frequent stops on our list include the Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (36 targets this season) and the Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (47 targets). Maclin saw seven balls throw in his direction and caught all seven for 159 yards and two scores. Pettigrew was not as productive, but he did haul in seven passes for 61 yards.
A notable mention this week is the Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins who made his first appearance this season last Sunday. Against the Eagles Jenkins was targeted 11 times and caught five passes for 99 yards. Playing opposite Roddy White should weigh in favorable week in and week out making Jenkins a promising option.
Your Target watch….
Last week a couple of forgotten names reappeared in the box scores and made enough noise to be noticed going forward. In New England Deion Branch made a big impact with his return to Foxboro, Dwayne Bowe re-emerged as a fantasy favorite, and Mike Williams turned a few heads with a big day against the Bears.
Deion Branch didn’t waste much time getting re-acquainted with his old quarterback Tom Brady. Just traded earlier in the week Branch was targeted a team high 12 times and finished the day with nine catches, including a touchdown. Now that he is back in Bean town, Branch figures to be a very popular receiving option for Brady and the Patriots offense.
It took several games for Bowe to finally wake, but fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Bowe was targeted nine times on Sunday against the Texans secondary on his way to a productive Sunday. Bowe finished the game with six catches and two scores. As Cassel and the Chiefs passing offense start to roll, Bowe figures to play a big part.
Mike Williams, the former Trojan has emerged as the Seahawks primary and best receiving option through the first six weeks. Last Sunday Williams was targeted 15 times against the Bears and turned in his best game as a pro with career highs in catches and yards. With his 32 targets to lead the team this season, he is certain to have more productive Sundays in the future.
Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)
Top 20
- Roddy White, Atl (69 targets)
- Reggie Wayne, Ind (65 targets)
- Brandon Lloyd, Den (64 targets)
- Brandon Marshall, Mia (62 targets)
- Terrell Owens, Cin (60 targets)
- Hakeem Nicks, NYG (57 targets)
- Danny Amendola, StL (55 targets)
- Andre Johnson, Hou (55 targets)
- Calvin Johnson, Det (55 targets)
- Santana Moss, Was (55 targets)
- Austin Collie, Ind (54 targets)
- Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (54 targets)
- Steve Smith, NYG (54 targets)
- Dallas Clark, Ind (53 targets)
- Jabar Gaffney, Den (53 targets)
- Frank Gore, SF (50 targets)
- Anquan Boldin, Bal (48 targets)
- Brandon Pettigrew, Det (47 targets)
- Eddie Royal, Den (47 targets)
- Miles Austin, Dal (46 targets)
- Zach Miller, Oak (46 targets)
October 20th, 2010, Wednesday
David’s Daily Digest
My Fantasy Notes:
KEVIN KOLB IS SHARP AGAINST FALCONS
Against the Falcons last Sunday, Kolb played one of his best games completing 23 of 29 passes for 326 yards. The Eagle’s quarterback also threw three touchdowns with just one pick and finished the game with a rating of 133.6.
My Fantasy Read:
Kolb has looked sharp, but as good as he has played it’s still probably Vick’s job to lose (unless Reid suddenly changes his tune). As long as Vick figures to be the man, Kolb is a great hand-cuff. If you have one, go get the other.
JOE FLACCO HAS SOLID GAME AGAINST THE PATS
The Ravens passing offense has been starting to show real life over recent weeks and one big reason has been the play of Flacco. On Sunday Flacco passed for 285 yards against the Patriots on 27 of 35 passing (77%). It was his third game this season with at least 250 yards passing. He also added two touchdown throws.
My Fantasy Read:
Flacco has yet to reach the elite passing conversation, but he is slowly making progress toward the upper tier of passers in the fantasy world. For now he is a solid back fantasy quarterback, but give him time.
CHRIS IVORY SHINES AGAINST THE BUCS
If Ivory continues to improve as he has, Saints fans may soon forget they are missing both Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. The rookie running back broke loose on Sunday against the Buccaneers for 158 yards rushing on 10 carries. Ivory also caught a pass for 17 more yards.
My Fantasy Read:
For now Ivory looks like a safe play this week with both Bush and Thomas unlikely to go Sunday, but once the regulars get healthy, Ivory is going to see less work; use him now while you can.
RYAN TORAIN SCORES TWICE ON SUNDAY
The Redskins feature back had a big day last Sunday against the Colts defense, finishing the evening with 20 carries and 100 yards on the ground. Torain also saw short-yardage work in the red-zone and punch two runs in for scores.
My Fantasy Read:
With Clinton Portis sidelined, this Shanahan favorite is a lock to remain the focal point of the ground game. Remember the Shanahan camp has produced more 1,000 yard rushers than any, so it’s a safe bet to expect Torain to be productive in the backfield. As long as he’s the starter he remains a safe weekly play.
DWAYNE BOWE RISES ON THE SEVENTH DAY
After spending the first several weeks of the season missing in action (just nine catches, one touchdown) Bowe finally came to life last Sunday against the Texan’s defense. The Chiefs go-to receiver broke out with his best game of the season, catching six passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
If Bowe can raise his level of play every Sunday to this height, he will quickly rise to the top of conversations when discussing some of the best hands in the league. He did have the favorable matchup of facing the Texans secondary (worst in the league) last week so don’t rush to sell the farm just yet, but Bowe is clearly making strides back in the right direction. He’s only a number three fantasy receiving option at the moment, but he’s got great potential to improve quickly. 
October 17th, 2010, Sunday
My Weekly Survivors
Week five was not a week to remember. There were several disappointments with Thomas Jones disappearing against the Colts, Donald Driver and the Packers passing game taking a bit of a siesta against the Redskins. Even the Saints Drew Brees was relatively quiet comparatively speaking. Needless to say, it was not a good week last Sunday although our tight end scored big and got a nice effort from Steven Jackson.
This week again, I am looking at the best matchups with some big guns. We did not drop overall in the standings, but we did lose some points so this week it’s time to make up some ground. Week six is set to kick off in just a few hours, so let’s see what we have this Sunday to get this ship turned around in the right direction.....
QB-Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
We’ve actually go Kyle going in several leagues today. Rex Ryan usually puts out a formadible defense each week, but with a weak link at the corner spot his passing defense has been leaking. Orton and the Broncos throw the ball, so I’ll expect more of the same. (Project points-25 points/330 yards passing, 2-touchdowns)
RB-Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins
The Colts continue to struggle against the run, so we’ll keep looking for big games from the opposing backs. Torain is moving more towards a featured role with Portis out, so he should see a lot of work today. (Projected points-18points/105-yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, one touchdown)
RB-Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
The Eagles ground defense struggles with the running game (125/yds allowed per game), so we’re expecting a heavy dose of Turner today. (Project points-21 points/90-yards rushing, two touchdowns)
WR-Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
The Redskins are ranked near the bottom against the pass and they won’t catch any breaks today against Manning and company; look for Wayne a lot. (Project points-15 points/90-yards receiving, one touchdown)
WR-Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
The Texan’s passing game is clearly getting healthy with Owen Daniels improving and Johnson’s ankle healing. This is not good news for the leagues 25th ranked pass defense. Expect a big day from “Big Andre.” (Projected points-16 points/100 yards receiving, one touchdown)
TE-Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears
The Bears will have Cutler back today and the Seahawks struggle with the pass, what this means is lots of opportunities for Olsen. He won’t have huge numbers, but he will find the end-zone. (Project points-11 points/55 yards receiving, one touchdown)
K –Nick Folk, New York Jets
The Jets offense should be able to move the ball well today against the Broncos, but they could stall a few times in the red-zone, look for another big day from Folk. (Projected points-11 points/3-FGs, 2-XPs)
My Previous starts
Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)
Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)
Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)
Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)
Week 5 (Total Points-
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)
October 17th, 2010, Sunday
What’s Tweetin
The latest news around the NFL from Twitter….
@TheRedzoneorg Ravens RB Rice is "100% playing and starting"
@michaelombardi Mike Vick will be the third Qb today for the Eagles game vs the Falcons.
@AlbertBreer Just talked to Ravens S Ed Reed, who told me he's been "cleared to move around" and start practicing. He eligible to come off PUP this week.
@SamRyanCBS My #NFL picks Bears, Dolphins, Chargers, Pats, Giants, Eagles, Steelers, Saints, Texans, Broncos, 9ers (1st win), Cowboys, Colts, Titans
@TheRedzoneorg Panthers may look to move Steve Smith http://tinyurl.com/39hb6sv #NFL #Saints
@JasonLaCanfora Coach Sparano of the Dolphins walking around the periphery of Lambeau Field this brisk AM
@michaelombardi Make sure to check out my Tom Brady interview which is running in the ten oclock hour EST on GAME DAY Morning on NFL Network...
@Fantasytaz MIke you would play a hobbled M Williams over Holmes? RT @PFF_MikeClay: @DeF_21 sit holmes and garcon
@SI_PeterKing Jaws on Pats passing game: "No Moss, no problem.''
@SI_PeterKing Peter King
RT @mattb625: Does Colt McCoy stand a chance today against the Steelers D? ... I think you can answer that question. You don't need me.
@Sportschick Am I no longer one of ur girls... lol RT @KatrinaCampins LOVE RT @djirie: Love my girls!!!! Xoxo RT (cont) http://tl.gd/6h78o1
Favorite Retweet Reply
@Sportschick Both solid plays but I like Cutler today...RT @AdamKelley11 @Sportschick Big Ben or Cutler this week??
