Wednesday Edition
November 14th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Spiller to Carry the Load
With running back Fred Jackson sidelined this week with a concussion, CJ Spiller will not only start but likely carry the load. Spiller has been a consistent flex option all season, but his new starter status has likely vaulted him to the top of the charts as a lead RB1 option this week. The Bills take play Thursday night and take on the Dolphins 5th ranked run defense, fortunately for owners Spiller has been effective in both the run and pass game; he’s a safe start in week 11.
Run-DMC Likely Out Again
The Raiders will not have the services of running back Darren McFadden once again this week as he nurses his injured ankle. With Run-DMC sidelined full back Marcel Reece is the preferred fantasy selection from the Raiders backfield. With the Raiders set to host the Saints defense this Sunday, Reece has a nice matchup against one of the league’s worst defenses; the Saints also surrender the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs.
The Steelers Carrying a Full-House
With Mendenhall returning to a full practice this week, the Steelers are shaping up to have all three of their bruising running backs ready for Sunday. With Mendenhall, Redman, and Dwyer all figuring in the mix; the smart money would be on running back Jonathan Dwyer to get first look. It’s a tough dilemma and a tough read for fantasy owners and one best to avoid if possible.
Sproles Looks Ready to Return
The Saints running back Darren Sproles returned to practice this week and looks on track to play this Sunday. With the recent strong running of backs Chris Ivory and Mark Ingram, the backfield now appears to be a little overcrowded. Even with the crowded backfield, Sproles is the favorite to see plenty of action, but his best value is in PPR formats.
Vick Likley Out, Foles Expected to Start This Sunday
It’s not official, but all signs are pointing to rookie quarterback Nick Foles starting this Sunday. If Foles does in fact start, the fantasy impact could be a lot of running back LeSean McCoy. While the team will want to see what Foles can do, the rookie will need protection and his safety net could be running back McCoy. The Eagles ball carrier is a dynamic and crafty runner with blazing speed and exceptional vision, but through 9 games this season he has just two touchdowns and eclipsed 20 carries just three times. Expect McCoy to see a lot of work this week.
By David Ortega
Tuesday Edition
November 6th, 2012
Sunday’s Heroes
The Unsung
On Sunday quarterback Andrew Luck made a strong case why he should be in your weekly fantasy lineup. The rookie passer posted a monstrous 433-yard effort with two touchdown passes against the Dolphins on his way to leading the Colts to their 5th win this season. Luck has looked solid this season and with the Jaguars up next on the schedule, he could be a must play this week against the leagues 25th ranked pass defense.
The Buccaneers running back Doug Martin proved his week 8 breakout was no fluke, breaking loose again this past Sunday for 251 yards on the ground. Martin was grooving against the Raiders defense, slicing and dicing his way to four scores. Martins’ final numbers for the game, 25 carries, 251 yards rushing, 4 catches, 21 yards receiving, and four rushing touchdowns.
The Steelers found another gem in their backfield with running back Issac Redman. It seems whoever is healthy the Steelers line will carry. Redman ran well and torched the Giants run defense on Sunday for a career high 147 yards rushing on 26 carries. The Steelers backfield will become very crowded once everyone gets healthy; a real tough fantasy dilemma.
With the Raiders ground game coming to a screeching halt with the injuries to running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson, the team found some relief with full back Marcel Reece. The Raiders big boy hauled in 8 passes for 95 yards receiving and a score. With McFadden and Goodson likely sidelined, Reece should see an increased role and plenty of action against the Ravens this week.
The Broncos have a couple of terrific wide outs receiving passes from quarterback Peyton Manning and perhaps the lesser known or heralded is receiver Eric Decker (the quiet one). Decker has quietly emerged as a real red-zone gem for the Broncos passing game this season tallying 7 touchdowns in 8 games. On Sunday Decker snagged 8 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Demaryrius Thomas may be considered the big-play receiver, but Decker is making plenty of plays of his own.
The Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham has been relatively quiet this season, but on Sunday against the Broncos he finally made real noise. Gresham pulled in 6 passes for 108 yards receiving, both season highs. Gresham was held out of the end zone and only has two scores this season; even with his tremendous size in the red zone he continues to take a back seat to AJ Green. He’s a low end TE option until proven otherwise.
By David Ortega
