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
