Sunday Edition
December 9th, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 14
With the season winding down, my team is gearing up each week to make a run. Last week we posted a score of 118.52 points led by Bryce Brown’s (34.30 fantasy points) big game on Sunday night against the Cowboys and Cecil Shorts (20.70 fantasy points) effort against the Bills.
The climb to the top is still steep, but there is light at the end. My SSFL team has climbed inside the top 10, for the moment and there’s no time to look back now.
Here’s my week 14 picks;
My Line-up
Quarterback:
The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman is having a solid 2012 with 23 touchdowns and 3,003 passing yards. Freeman is a top 10 quarterback this week facing the Eagles 31st ranked pass defense. In his last two starts his numbers have been modest, but this week he faces a defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks. This is the ideal week to start Freeman is you don’t have better options.
Running Backs:
On Thursday I played Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno and 119 yards rushing with a touchdown I was not disappointed. His 26.70 points have my fantasy team on the right track for week 14.
My other ball carrier this week is the Jets running back Shonn Greene. The Jets running game has not been much to get excited about this season, but this may be one of its best matchups this season facing the Jaguars (ranked 31st against the run). Greene is not a candidate for a huge output today, but he could record his third 100 yard effort this season and find himself making a trip or two to the end zone.
Wide Receivers:
With the Giants on the slate this week for the traveling Saints, I am expecting quarterback Drew Brees to attack the secondary deep and often. There’s no question his best weapon this season has been wide receiver Marques Colston (61 receptions, 828 yards receiving). Facing the Giants 22nd ranked pass defense, Colston should be able to take advantage of a secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers.
On the other side out wide I am rolling with the Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. This is Rodgers most trusted and reliable receiver, so you know the quarterback will have plenty of confidence looking his direction. Facing the Lions in what looks to be an aerial fest, I expect Jennings to see as many if not more than the 8 targets he saw last week, especially with Jordy Nelson on the sidelines.
Tight End:
I took a shot with the Raiders tight end Brandon Myers, coming off a career game a week ago. The Raiders offense has typically been pass happy, but on Thursday night the Broncos took away one of quarterback Carson Palmer’s favorite targets limiting Myers to just one catch for 7 yards.
Place Kicker:
The Buccaneers offense has been a bit of surprise this season and with a nice matchup at home against the Eagles defense. I expect to see the Bucs set up many scoring chances today, but will not be surprised to see them lean on kicker Conner Barth to convert a handful of opportunities.
Team Defense:
With the Buccaneers at home this week facing a rookie quarterback making only the third start of his career, I like their defense to play well. The Buccaneers are number one against the run and should keep rookie quarterback Nick Foles in third and long most of the afternoon. The Eagles are prone to mistakes and give up the most fantasy points to opposing defenses; I’m starting the Buccaneers.
These are my picks for week 14.
By David Ortega
Saturday Edition
December 1st, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 13
What a mess it was in my backfield last week with running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Ronnie Hillman. Dwyer becomes part of the fumbling parade and Hillman hardly makes it off the sideline, just three carries for 9 yards.
Despite the disparity at the running back position my week 12 lineup survived with some solid play at the wide receiver position (Dez Bryant-35.10 points, Justin Blackman-18.40 points) as well as a few other spots. Tight end Jacob Tamme chipped in with 14.80 points (4 receptions, 48 yards, 1 touchdown) and the Rams defense was solid with 18 points (2 sacks, 4 interceptions).
All in all my picks last week move my team up the charts and we are back in the top twenty this week at 19. With the season now running out of weeks (just four left) it’s time to make a big push up the charts.
Here’s my week 13 picks;
My Line-up
Quarterback:
The Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been terrific in 2012, but funny his name has hardly made too many waves in some fantasy circles. Brady has thrown for 3,299 yards (5th in the NFL) this season and tossed 24 touchdowns (4th) to just three interceptions. Brady once again ranks at the top with the best passers in the league and with a matchup this Sunday against the Dolphins 26th ranked pass defense he looks to only improve his incredible numbers. The Dolphins defense allows the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks, something that will surely rise after Sunday.
Running Backs:
No repeat of week 12 here with Eagles running back Bryce Brown. With LeSean McCoy still laid up, Brown will get the start on Sunday against the Cowboys 13th ranked run defense. Last Monday night Brown tore through the Panthers run defense for 178 yards, something that will be difficult to repeat, but with Mike Vick still on the sidelines the Eagles will once again lean on the ground game. Brown is a safe start this week for my lineup and a nice flex option or low value RB2 against the Cowboys who allow the 16th most fantasy points to running backs.
My other ball carrier this week is the Giants Ahmad Bradshaw and this start could not come at a better time. Bradshaw appears to be the healthiest he’s been all season and with Andre Brown on IR Bradshaw is likely to see extra duties in the red zone. This week Bradshaw faces the Redskins 3rd ranked run defense, a tough matchup, but Bradshaw will contribute on the ground and in the air (61 receiving yards last week); a dual threat Bradshaw is favorable flex.
Wide Receivers:
It’s time to ride the hot hands of Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts and why not, this week he’s facing the Bills 18th ranked pass defense that allows the 11th most fantasy points to wide receivers. Shorts is riding a three game scoring streak and will have an excellent shot at extending to four against the secondary that has 14 touchdowns to wide receivers this season.
My other wide out this week is Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles. He had a hot hand last week playing in the shadow of Megatron; Broyles finished last Thursday’s game with six catches for 126 yards. The rookie receiver posted nice numbers that may be difficult to duplicate, but with Megatron on the other side drawing much attention, Broyles figures to see plenty of action (12 targets last week). The Lions face the Colts this week meaning Broyles will have a shot at the Indy’s 19th ranked pass defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to receivers. Megatron figures to take advantage on Sunday, but look for Broyles to grab his share as a low value WR3 or flex this week.
Tight End:
The Giants meet the Redskins on Monday and tight end Martellus Bennett is hoping to have a repeat performance to his week 7 showing (against the Redskins). Bennett has been up and down this season, but could figure prominently against the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends. Bennett is low end TE1 in deeper formats this week.
Place Kicker:
This is always a position that is a tough read most of the time, but this week I will play the odds and roll with the Cowboys place kicker Dan Bailey. Playing at home this week, the Cowboys have not necessarily enjoyed the sweet taste of home cooking, so struggles in the red zone could arise. The Cowboys will face a struggling Eagles team that could give up plenty of yards, but make finding the end zone troublesome; I like Bailey to chip in a handful on Sunday.
Team Defense:
With the offense having to settle for kicks, the Cowboys defense is going to have to come up big on Sunday. This should be something easier done than usual with the Eagles coming to town less quarterback Michael Vick, running back LeSean McCoy, and wide receiver DeSean Jackson. I am looking for the Cowboys D to pin it’s ear back and make plenty of plays on Sunday against an Eagles offense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
These are my picks for week 13.
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
Sunday Edition
November 18th, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 11
Week 10 was another moving day as my team posted a solid 106 points. My top scorers last week were quarterback Matthew Stafford (26.46 points), running back Frank Gore (20.50 points), and wide receiver Malcom Floyd (18.30 points).
This week will offer a lot of favorable matchups for my players of choice and now sitting in the 12th spot this could be the week where my team cracks the top 10.
With my team set to make it’s move, here’s my lineup for week11;
My Line-up
Quarterback:
With the Saints coming to town, quarterback Carson Palmer will continue to sling the rock all over the sandlot. Palmer is averaging over 50 passes and 390 yards passing in his last two starts. The Saints defense is ranked 31st against the pass (19 touchdowns allowed) and allow the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, this is the week to start Palmer if you have him.
Running Backs:
I have already played running back CJ Spiller (this was the week to start him) and his performance was not great, but did not disappoint with a 16 point effort.
My other ball carrier this week is the Packers running back James Starks. Green Bay is traveling to Detroit in what looks to have the making of a track meet, but Starks has earned the starting gig and should see the majority of carries for the Pack. The Pack will undoubtedly be able to move the ball today and Starks could get a couple of red zone carries.
Wide Receivers:
Lining up wide for my squad is the Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore. It only makes sense if the Saints are getting torched by quarterbacks they have to be throwing the ball to someone. If Palmer has a big game today, Moore is going to be a huge benefactor, especially with Heyward-Bey on the shelf today. The Saints also allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
My other pass catcher today is the Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith. The speedy wideout has a very nice matchup today facing the Buccaneers 32nd ranked pass defense. Smith was held to just one catch last week against the Broncos, so he’ll be looking to rebound today and should. The Buccaneers defense allow the 2nd most fantasy points to wide receivers and have surrendered the second most completions to wide outs.
Tight End:
I consider this my risky pick going with the Eagles tight end Brent Celek. What I like about Celek today, a rookie quarterback needs a safety blanket and Celek could be just that for quarterback Nick Foles. Celek will also matchup against the Redskins 30th pass defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends; hard to argue these numbers.
Place Kicker:
The Broncos have been rolling and they will be at home today. There’s no place like home and with quarterback Peyton Manning leading the charge the Broncos are sure to see plenty of scoring opportunities; hence my starting place kicker Matt Prater. In a divisional matchup today I expect to see the Broncos to take points when they are available and we could see Prater hitting several kicks today.
Team Defense:
The Jaguars just don’t have any weapons, especially with Maurice Jones-Drew sidelined and with the Texans in town, this is a matchup you can’t ignore. The Texans are coming off a great road win and at home today against the Jags seems like a no-brainer. The Jags offense also allows the 3rd most fantasy points.
These are my picks for week 11.
By David Ortega
Saturday Edition
November 10th, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 10
After a big week in fantasy last Sunday, my week 9 lineup did some big damage and moved me back inside the top 20. My team finished the week with 131 points led by a couple of fantastic fantasy performances.
The Lions running back Mikel Leshoure posted 25 fantasy points behind a three touchdown effort last week. The Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall was also huge with three scores, adding 9 grabs for 122 yards receiving on his way to 39 fantasy points. These were the anchors of my huge week 9 run.
With my team on the move, there’s no time to let up!
My Line-up
Quarterback:
It’s not exactly what you would call an ideal matchup for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, but he’s had a hot hand of late and playing in dome this week he may as well be at home. Stafford has been throwing up some nice fantasy numbers over the last couple of weeks and he looks to be in a groove. Inside a dome this Sunday, I like him to have a big game.
Running Backs:
I am already down a running back this week with Rashad Jennings starting on Thursday, and he did not play very well. I liked his matchup at home against a Colts team not historically a good run defensive team, but Thursday night they kept Jennings under wraps.
My other ball carrier this week is Frank Gore. The Niners ball of thunder will face the Rams 13th ranked run defense this week. Yards are going to be tough this week, but at home I like Gore’s chances of punching a couple in this week against his divisional rival. While the Rams do a decent job of slowing the ground game, they have allowed 8 rushing touchdowns this season.
Wide Receivers:
My good hands folks for this week are the Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd and the Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline.
Starting with Floyd, he’s facing the Bucs secondary that is ranked last in the league versus the pass. The Bucs allow well over 300 yards in the air this season and have surrendered 13 touchdowns. The Buccaneers are also allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers.
On the other side, Hartline has a little more challenging matchup facing the Titans 27th ranked pass defense; just a little. Hartline has been the Dolphins best receiver this season (41 receptions, 662 yards receiving) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s go-to-guy. Facing the Titans this week could be Hartline’s ticket to a return trip to the end zone. Hartline has only one touchdown this season and that came back in week 4. The Titans secondary has allowed 20 touchdowns this season and give up the 11th most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Tight End:
Quite simply the Patriots surrender the 5th most fantasy points to tight ends and the Bills tight end Scott Chandler has been one of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s best scoring threats with 4 touchdowns this season. Back in week 4 against the Patriots, Chandler recorded 4 catches for 62 yards and scored twice. He’s a good be to at least cash one catch in for six this Sunday.
Place Kicker:
The Seahawks should have an easy time moving the ball down the field against the Jets, but could sputter in the red zone with a shaky passing game. Place kicker Steven Hauschka could see lots of opportunities at some short kicks this week.
Team Defense:
I am just playing the numbers here. The Titans offense gives up the 5th most fantasy points to opposing defenses and with their week-10 matchup on the road, I like the Dolphins defense. Cameron Wake and company should be all over quarterback Jake Locker this week and could get a few sacks and possibly cause a few turnovers.
These are my picks for week 10.
By David Ortega
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
Saturday Edition
October 28TH, 2012
Suicide Fantasy Football
Week 8
Before looking ahead to Sunday, here’s a quick look back at week 7. It’s been a steady year thus far, with my team averaging 116 points per week, but in week 7 we fell off the pace a bit scoring just 108 points.
The highlight of my week 7 lineup was undoubtedly the Jackson 2. Running back Fred Jackson was solid last week against the Titans totaling 26 fantasy points which was powered by his 8 receptions a touchdown and 120 yards from scrimmage. The other Jackson, Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson was even greater with 7 receptions for 216 yards and a score.
If my team is going to make any moves this week, I’ll need efforts like this from more than just two players, so let’s take a look at who I am turning to in week 8.
My Line-up
The season is long and there are still plenty of weeks to play, but after falling a couple of spots last week, it’s time to make a big jump up the board and get back into this race. Here’s a look at my lineup for week 8 and the players that will get the job done;
Quarterback:
This week under center it will be “Big Ben” Roethlisberger against the Redskins. Big Ben has faced two teams ranked 25th or higher against the pass and he’s averaged 373 yards passing with 5 touchdowns and just one pick. The Redskins rank 32 versus the pass and allow the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Running Backs:
I am saddling up with a couple of horses that should run pretty ragged this Sunday. The first is Ryan Matthews; the Chargers ball carrier is looking at the league’s 25th ranked run defense (Browns) that allows the 13th most fantasy points to opposing backs. The Chargers are coming off a horrid collapse on Monday night in week 6; they got away from the run and it hurt them. This week lots of Matthews should lead to a road win.
My other tailback for Sunday is LeSean McCoy versus the Falcons. The Eagles running back currently ranks 16th in fantasy scoring among ball carriers. Fantasy owners are waiting for the real “Slim Shady” McCoy to arrive and this week could be the week. The Falcons defense ranks 28th against the run, allowing seven rushing touchdowns this season, and giving up the 12th most fantasy points to running backs. Look for Shady to break loose this Sunday.
Wide Receivers:
Leading the good hands people in week 8 is the Packers “Mr. Excitement” wide receiver Randall Cobb. With Jennings out, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had to call on his other weapons to step up and over the past several weeks Cobb has been one to answer that call. Since week 5 Cobb leads the team in receptions (19-tied) and receiving yards (273). This week Cobb should enjoy more success against a Jaguars defense that ranks 24th against the pass.
Also lining up out wide this week is wide receiver Antonio Brown. It only makes sense if Big Ben is going to have a big Sunday, than his targets are in line to do the same. With Wallace always a threat to go deep on the other side, Brown has been seeing lots of opportunities averaging better than 9 targets per contest. The Redskins give up the most fantasy points to receivers; Sunday should be a very good day for Brown.
Tight End:
The Browns defense is ranked 26th against the pass this season which should spell good news for Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. The Brown may only allow the 8th fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, but Gates is no ordinary tight end. He is coming off his best performance of the season, scoring twice in week 6 against the Broncos, and should be a focal point in the Chargers passing attack.
Place Kicker:
This week I am entrusting the foot of Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski. On the road the Raiders offense could stall in the red zone and Janikowski has the leg to hit it from anywhere. I am expecting at least three field goals on Sunday.
Team Defense:
The Chargers defense has not been much to get too excited about this season ranked 13th overall, but facing a rookie quarterback is always a nice prospect. The Chargers defense ranks 17th in fantasy scoring with 10 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 6 fumble recoveries this season. Sunday they will look to improve upon these numbers.
These are my picks for week 8.
By David Ortega
