Friday Edition
November 30th, 2012
FSH Fantasy Five
Week 13 Fantasy Picks (all positions)
For a lot of us fantasy fanatics, this is the final week of our regular season as we get ready to enter our postseason. With that said some of us may be tuning up our lineup as we prepare for our post season run, others may be jockeying for position, then there are those of us that are still looking from the outside in. Whether it’s make or break or just looking to improve your roster, week 13 can still offer some immediate help from some (not-so) hidden gems;
Week 13 fantasy help;
Jonathan Dwyer, RB
The Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer has been on and off the radar much of the season, due to injuries and the over-crowding in the backfield. It finally sounds like head coach Mike Tomlin is going to commit to one back (Dwyer)and give him an honest shake at succeeding as the team’s lead ball carrier. When Dwyer has been featured he’s been highly successful and when’s he’s been in the mix he’s been the most effective ball carrier for the Black n Yella. The Steelers meet the Ravens (ranked 26th against the run) this Sunday in what appears to be an ideal match up for the start of the Dwyer Era in the Steel Town.
Ryan Broyles, WR
The Lions have been putting the ball up in the air at a rapid pace and with Calvin Johnson coming on like Batman, rookie wide receiver Ryan Broyles looks poised to step in as Megatron’s sidekick; “The Boy Wonder.” In his first NFL start last Thursday Broyles was targeted 12 times and turned in a solid 6-catch and 126 yards receiving performance. Broyles is quickly showing a great rapport with his quarterback and clearly Stafford has great confidence in his newest weapons. As long as he continues to start opposite Johnson, look for Broyles to continue his strong showing; he’s a solid flex going forward.
Bryce Brown, RB
The Eagles season is now over and pride is all they have left to play for; maybe spoiler too. With the season in shambles there’s no need to rush back running back LeSean McCoy who has still yet to be cleared from his concussion suffered in week 11. Back up running back Bryce Brown (178 yards rushing against the Panthers) did a more than admirable job last Monday night starting in place of the injured McCoy and will undoubtedly start again this Sunday. While McCoy is out for at least another week, Brown looks to be hot handcuff and worthy start this week facing the Cowboys 13th ranked run defense; ride him while you can.
Knowshon Moreno, RB
The Broncos tripped up most of the fantasy world last week turning to their rarely used prior to Sunday veteran running back Knowshon Moreno. While most of us thought it would rookie running back Ronnie Hillman getting the call, last Sunday against the Chiefs, it was all Moreno finishing the game with 85 yards on the ground. Moreno has the starting gig now and will most likely carry the brunt of the load going forward. This week could be a rough go of it for the Bronco’s ball carrier facing the league’s number one run defense (Buccaneers), but Moreno will be a heavy fantasy favorite with great matchups from week 14-16 against the Raiders (24th vs run), the Ravens (23rd), and the Browns (21st).
Justin Blackmon, WR
The Jaguars rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon had not been much of a fantasy factor leading into week 11, but since quarterback Chad Henne took over for the injured Blaine Gabbert his line has been impressive; 12 receptions, 298 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns. He and Henne definitely appear to be on the same page and with favorable matchups this Sunday (against the Bills) and in the coming weeks, Blackmon is a hot grab off the waiver line (if you can get him). He looks to be a nice WR3 or flex going forward and could be just what doctor ordered this week; if you are in need of a big win to make it to the post season.
By David Ortega
Thursday Edition
November 22nd, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 12
Last week my team took a bit of a dive (less than 100 points, season low), some of the low-lights include; a surprising let down by the Texans defense (only 3 points). My two receivers (Denarius Moore and Steve Smith) totaled just 12 points. Moore was completely ineffective finishing with one catch for 9 yards and adding one carry for -5 yards. Steve Smith was not a whole lot better finishing his day with 5 grabs for 61 yards (hardly much to get excited about).
The one high note was quarterback Carson Palmer posting 20 points with 312 yards passing and two touchdowns; it was his 5th 300-yard passing game this season and third in a row. My place kicker of choice, Matt Prater also came through with 12 points; not big, but a nice contribution.
Needless to say with that bump in the road my team slipped a few spots, but the top is still in sight and with another week of play it’s time to get moving back in the right direction.
Here’s my week 12 picks;
My Line-up
Quarterback:
The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on a roll over his past seven games tossing 24 touchdowns to only four interceptions. This week he will match up against the Giants 25th ranked pass defense which could be the recipe for a huge game. The Giants defense allows the 13th most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has surrendered 17 touchdowns this season. I like Rodgers to attack the Giants secondary early and often; expect big numbers this week.
Running Backs:
With injuries playing a big part of the game, this week I am rolling with the rookie in Denver running back Ronnie Hillman. Last Sunday the Broncos lost starter Willis McGahee to injury (torn MCL) and will now turn to the rookie to pick up the slack. Hillman will be part of a timeshare, but with his explosiveness and lightning speed, I like him to take the lead and be very productive in the Broncos backfield. He’ll get his first shot against the Chiefs 9th ranked run defense this Sunday. With Peyton Manning drawing a lot of attention and focus from the D, all Hillman will need is a small seam or crack in the defense and he can turn it into a big play.
My other running back is the Steelers Jonathan Dwyer who will share time as well this Sunday. Last Sunday night Dwyer proved to be the more effective runner in the Steelers backfield and whether he starts or not, he’ll get his share of carries in week 12. Dywer has emerged as the team’s leading rusher and should lead the way this Sunday. The Steelers will face the Browns 24th ranked run defense on Sunday and Dwyer will have an opportunity to take his shots at a defense that allows the 13th most fantasy points to running backs. This doesn’t have the making of a huge day, but Dwyer should be solid as a strong flex this week.
Wide Receivers:
It’s Thanksgiving and if you own Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, you are thankful for last Sunday’s performance against the Browns. This week Bryant will be part of the Thanksgiving Thursday schedule and could give owners plenty more to be thankful for when he faces the Redskins 29th ranked pass defense. Bryant is second on the team with 86 targets this season and has emerged as quarterback Tony Romos’ primary weapon. Bryant has scored in each of his last two starts, he’s coming off a big performance, and facing the Redskins secondary that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers he looks primed for a great Thanksgiving day performance.
My second receiver of choice is simply a “riding the hot hand” move with a good match up this Sunday; Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The rookie receiver is coming up a huge day against the Texans in week 11 with over 200 yards receiving on 7 receptions. Blackmon’s breakout game last week came with quarterback Chad Henne under center and now with Henne the starter, I like the chances of continued success. Blackmon will also face the Titans 26 ranked pass defense that allows the 14th most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Tight End:
The Broncos passing offense has been automatic and solid this season under the direction of quarterback Peyton Manning ranked 5th in the league. In his first season with the Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme is also enjoying modest success as one of Mannings’ weapons. Manning spreads the ball around quite a bit these days, but Tamme will still see his normal 5-6 targets and could steal a red zone grab. He’s only scored once this season, while his teammate tight end Joel Dreesen has scored four times; Tamme is due to cash in.
Place Kicker:
The Bengals will host the Raiders this Sunday and kicker Mike Nugent should see plenty of opportunities to chip in a number of kicks against one of the leagues worst defenses. The Raiders have allowed the most points this season (32.2 per game) and rank 24th in total yards allowed. At home I like the Bengals to be able to move the ball with great success setting up some easy shots for Nugent.
Team Defense:
The Rams are the defense of choice this week. On the road facing the Cardinals, the defense ranked 11th in total yards allowed this season will look to get their team back on track. The Rams have a pretty good pass rush with 29 sacks this season and with the recent quarterback struggles the Cardinals have had, this could be a good match up for the Rams.
These are my picks for week 12.
By David Ortega
