October 10th, 2010, Sunday
My Weekly Fantasy
Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup
Some quick notes for today’s lineups….
My Quarterbacks:
With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers available, I will be starting both in several of my leagues today. Rodgers (8-touchdown passes) has a great matchup against the Redskins 31st ranked defense and should be primed for a break out game…….Brees (1,131 yards passing) on the other hand is on the road, but playing will be playing indoors so I am expecting a solid performance.
My Runningbacks:
With Steven Jackson on a couple of my rosters, he will be in the lineup today with a great matchup against the Lions run defense (4.8 yards allowed per carry)……with Clinton Portis OUT for the Redskins, I will be inserting running back Ryan Torain today. Last week Torain carried the ball 18 times for 70 yards and a score. This week against the Pack he’s likely to see as many touches and should be just as productive…..another noteworthy mention is running back Arian Foster, a must-start every week. Last week the Texans running back was held out of the first quarter, but once he got into the game it did not take long for the kid to bust loose. Foster (537-yards rushing leads the league) finished the game with 187-total yards of offense and two scores.
My Wide Receivers:
There are a lot of matchups I like today and fortunately for my fantasy teams, one is Calvin Johnson against the Rams. The Rams have played decent against the pass this season ranked 21st, but since Hill and Megatron have started to gel (two scores last week) I don’t see the Rams slowly down Calvin today……a couple of other notables in the line-up today include Roddy White (versus the Browns 24th ranked pass defense), Lance Moore (versus the Cardinals 22nd ranked pass defense) and Mark Clayton (versus the Lions 26th ranked pass defense)…..I will be starting Bandon Lloyd against the Ravens today. The Broncos receiver is averaging over 18-yards per catch and he will test the Ravens secondary downfield……I also have Terrell Owens playing today against the Falcons 18 ranked defense. As often as he has been targeted, he should haul in a couple of passes and find his way to the end-zone.
My Tight Ends:
I don’t have a lot of options at tightend, but one is Jermichael Finley (21 receptions) who is a must-start week in and week out. Against the Redskins today Finley could have a big day; the Redskins have allowed the tightend to score in each of their last two games…….a big noteworthy move today will be starting the Jaguars tightend Marcedes Lewis. The Jags tightend has not seen a lot of throws his direction this season (just 12), but it seems when the team reaches the redzone his number gets called often; Lewis has three touchdown receptions this season. Today’s matchup with the Bills is a great matchup for Lewis; expect score number four.
October 9th, 2010, Saturday
My Weekly Survivors
Last week our team took a bit of a tumble with a couple of players going M.I.A. in week four. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall had a quiet effort on Monday night against the Patriots catching just five passes for 50-yards, while Mark Clayton only registered seven catches of his own for 72-yards. Against the Chicago Bears, Eli Manning did not need to do much as his Giants defense was dominant with 10 sacks. Manning passed for a buck ninety-five with no touchdowns. Our tight end (John Carlson, one catch) and place kicker (Jeff Reed, two extra points) were not much to speak of, but fortunately a solid effort from our backfield running back Frank Gore (13 points) and Maurice Jones-Drew (23 points) was able to salvage the week.
As a result of our lack-luster picks a week ago, our team dropped to 15th place overall. With week five set to kick off in just a few hours, we are going to pull out some of the big guns this week and see if we can get this thing turned around.....
QB-Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
You have to like the Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees just about every week, because his arsenal of weaponry and his big game potential. This week looks to be no different with the Saints traveling to Arizona. Brees will matchup against the leagues 7th ranked pass defense that has already surrendered seven touchdowns through the air. (Projected points-25 points/330-yards passing, 2-touchdowns)
RB-Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Last week the Rams stud running back showed his toughness by playing at less than 100 percent; still effective Jackson totaled more than 100 yards of offense on 25 touches. This week Jackson is feeling better (practiced fully Friday) and primed to have another productive Sunday against the Lions 25th ranked run defense that is allowing almost five yards a carry. (Projected points-20 points/110-yards rushing, 30-yards receiving, one touchdown)
RB-Thomas Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs will have to lean heavily on the run game today if they hope to keep pace with the Indy Colts. One of their keys will be the legs of running back Thomas Jones. Fortunately for Jones and the Chiefs, the Colts (ranked 29th) struggle to stop the ground game. As long as the Chiefs can keep this competitive Jones (217-yards rushing this season) should see plenty of touches and have a great shot at finding the end-zone. (Projected points-14 points/85-yards rushing, one touchdown)
WR-Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers
With the opposing defense focusing a lot of their attention towards wide receiver Greg Jennings, even at the spry age of 35 the Packers other wide receiver Donald Driver can still produce. Last week Driver found the endzone for the third time this season (leads team) and his 21 catches is tied for the team lead. This week he’ll matchup against the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense; it could be a very good day. (Projected points-15 points/95 receiving yards, one touchdown)
WR-Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
It finally looks like Megatron is starting to show signs of life with two touchdowns last week. Johnson has just 237 yards receiving this season, but his three touchdowns make him a scoring threat week in and week out. Against the Rams 21st ranked pass defense expect Lions’ quarterback Shaun Hill to target Megatron often. (Projected Points-18 points/120 yards receiving, one touchdown)
TE-Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars passing offense has not been much to get excited about this season, but Lewis could change some of that today. Lewis has only 12 catches this season, but he has already found the endzone three times. Thus far this season the Bills (today’s opponent) have allowed 21 receptions, 292-yards receiving, and three touchdowns to the tight end spot; play Lewis today! (Projected points-14 points/80 yards receiving, one touchdown)
K -Mike Nugent, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals offense is ranked 13th in scoring this season and Nugent has already made 10 field goals through four weeks. The Bengals should be able to move the ball against the Tampa defense today, so the kicking game should get a couple of opportunities to add a few more kicks. (Projected points-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)
October 7th, 2010, Thursday
David’s Daily Digest
My Fantasy Notes:
RYAN TORAIN HAS BUSY DAY ON THE GROUND.
Last Sunday against the Eagles, running back Ryan Torain saw some extended action carrying the ball 18 times for 70 yards. The Redskin’s runner also found the end-zone on a blistering 12-yard scamper that included running right over and through the Eagles defensive back Quintin Mikell.
My Fantasy Read:
It appears head coach Mike Shanahan has found himself another gem. Remember Shanahan actually drafted Torain while he was still the head coach in Denver, so you know he is a coaches’ favorite. With running back Clinton Portis down for at least a month Torain is going to get some extended time to showcase his talents. The Packers roll into DC on Sunday with their 24th ranked run defense, so expect to see a lot of Torain.
BRANDON LLOYD TURNS IN ANOTHER BIG DAY.
The Bronco’s wide out followed up his big game in week 3 with another solid performance last Sunday. Lloyd was targeted 18 times against the Titans secondary and hauled in 11 of those passes for 115 yards (his third 100-yard receiving game this season).
My Fantasy Read:
Thus far Lloyd has been targeted a team high 40 times this season (ranks 7th in the league) and unquestionably has emerged as quarterback Kyle Orton’s favorite target. In the past two weeks Lloyd has seen 28 passes his direction and connected on 17 for 284 yards and a score. He’s got a tough matchup on Sunday against Baltimore, but is still worthy of consideration.
TERRELL OWENS BREAKS OUT IN WEEK 4.
The Bengals passing offense finally awoke last Sunday against the Browns defense and wide receiver Terrell Owens finally had a break out game this season. T.O. caught nine passes for 222 yards and a score to lead the offense.
My Fantasy Read:
Owens definitely raised his fantasy value with the great performance on Sunday, but before you go and auction the talented wide out away consider his numbers so far this season. Owens is the second highest targeted wide out in the league. He ranks 5th in the league in yards and his 24 catches rank him 11th. Currently his projected numbers make him look like a 90 catch, 1,400 yard receiving. These are exaggerated numbers, but numbers that may make you at least reconsider for a moment before ditching Owens.
BRAYLON EDWARDS LOOKS PRIMED FOR MONDAY NIGHT.
The 2-1 Jets have a huge matchup coming up on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings and their 8th ranked pass defense. So far this season wide receiver Braylon Edwards has come up big for the Jets passing game with three straight games with a touchdown.
My Fantasy Read:
Edwards is slowly shaking the nickname and label “stone-hands” that has been affectionately given to him by some of the fantasy football community. In his last two games Edwards has touchdown scores of 67 and 41 yards. He’s only caught 12 passes this season, but with an 18.9 yards per catch average Edwards is making them count. He still lacks some consistency as a favorable play, but he’s worth keeping your eye on.
October 3rd, 2010, Sunday
The Sunday Sports Section
What’s the Latest
The Rams will start Steven Jackson today although the word is his play could be limited, but if there were any doubt about his effectiveness he would probably sit.
The Saints will be without running back Pierre Thomas who will be inactive. With Thomas out veteran running back Ladell Betts is expect to get the start today for the Saints.
The Broncos are not going to have the services of running back Knowshon Moreno who will continue to nurse a hamstring injury. With Moreno on the sidelines it looks like Laurence Maroney could get the start, but he will likely be splitting the load with Correll Buckhalter.
These are just a few notes leading up to week for of the NFL…
Today’s In & Out
Actives/inactives and notes from Twitter for today’s games ….
@Adam_Schefter Texans WR Andre Johnson told people in his organization Saturday that he planned to play today against Oakland despite his ankle injury.
@SI_PeterKing RT @jeffduncantp: Quick updates from the Dome: As expected, John Carney will be the kicker for the #Saints today ... Goodbye, Mr. Hartley.
@FantasyDaddy Pierre (huh huh) Thomas is out today. Betts starting #Saints
@mortreport Active/Inactives overview: Inactive-LB Sean Weatherspoon (Ankle), Michael Jenkins (Shoulder), Calvin Pace (Foot), Pierre Thomas (Ankle), Roman Harper (Hamstring)Robiskie (Hamstring), & Delhomme is #3...Actives-Ray Rice (Knee), Steven Jackson (Groin), Jahvid Best (Toe) and Nick Mangold (Shoulder)
@Adam_Schefter Broncos RB Knownshon Moreno officially inactive, as is CB Andre Goodman.
@espn_nfcwest Julius Jones inactive for Seattle as team keeps Brandon Stokley up for this game. Marcus Trufant active.
@Adam_Schefter A note for @tunasweasel: Jets RB Joe McKnight active for the first time.
@Jay_Glazer Steve jackson coach spags told me he's going to be cautious w him but he starts, as does j best and ray rice. Pierre thomas out.
@Rachel__Nichols Ravens starting DE Cory Redding out with a concussion
@SigmundBloom John Carney is kicking for the Saints today. Craig Dahl starting at safety for the Rams for IDP leaguers. Sean Weatherspoon out.
@mortreport Seneca Wallace starting...Delhomme #3...Robiskie inactive
October 3rd, 2010, Sunday
My Weekly Fantasy
Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup
My Quarterbacks:
This week is a no-brainer with Aaron Rodgers facing the Detroit Lions. Rodgers is coming off his first 300-yard game of the season and looks primed to repeat his Monday night performance today. The Packers signal caller will face a division rival he’s very familiar with and one that he has had great success against. Last year in two meetings Rodgers averaged 353 yards passing per game and threw five touchdowns to only one interception. This season the Lions are ranked 26th against the pass and have already given up three pass plays of 40 yards or more; it looks like a good day for Rodgers and the Pack…….I will also be sticking with Drew Brees in another league. Despite the reports of a knee brace, Brees is a savvy quarterback with a quick release and knows his limitations. I don’t expect to see any Mike Vick imitations today, he should be just fine against the Panthers.
My Runningbacks:
One of my concerns today is running back Steven Jackson. The Rams ball carrier was barely a participant this week in practice nursing his groin injury. The word is he will be a gametime decision, so when that happens unless I hear reports that he feels great I may have to look at alternatives. If Jackson is your best option and active you might have to suck it up, but if you can look elsewhere that may be the better play…..…With the Bears traveling to the New York, I like Matt Forte’s matchup. He’ll face the leagues 26th ranked run defense and with 14 receptions and three pass receiving touchdowns this season he’s a solid option out of the backfield……I also have running back Justin Forsett in a number of leagues and recent rumors indicate the Seahawks could be leaning more on the kid as their featured back. He has a very good matchup against the Rams 25th ranked run defense that allows over 5-yards a pop and has surrendered a league high six runs of 20 yards or more…….Another option I am leaning on today is running back Peyton Hillis. After last week’s impressive performance against the Ravens I don’t see the Bengals having much better success. Cincy is ranked 7th against the run, but they are allowing 4.5-yards per carry and I would expect the Browns to lean heavily on the ground game today.
My Wide Receivers:
Today I have some interesting plays to make. In one league I will be inserting the Saints wide receiver Lance Moore. Isn’t the rule, once they have a big game don’t jump on the band wagon because they will probably tank? That may be the case, but I don’t believe it was an accident Moore came up big last week with Reggie Bush out. In 2008 Moore was the team’s leading receiver and I think Brees will continue to look his way often…….I like the Giant’s wide receiver Steve Smith tonight against the Bears 28th ranked pass defense. Manning likes to go to Smith often (29 targets) and the Bears giving up chunks of yards……I rode the Brandon Lloyd train a week ago, but I will likely steer clear today. Lloyd may get a couple of catches today, but the Titans have a strong secondary and Orton has a lot of other weapons to turn to……Against the Colts today I will not be sitting wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker. Based on numbers thus far this season I should, but against the Colts secondary, they could make him a star again. The Colts defense is ranked 20th in the league and allow 12.6 yards per catch (ranked 25th); we like those numbers.
My Tight Ends:
With the Packer’s Jermichael Finley on my roster, I don’t need any other tight ends. He has consecutive games with 100-yards receiving and is second on the team with 17 receptions. With a favorable matchup today against the Lions he could have another big day……..I will also be starting the Redskins’ tight end Chris Cooley today and hoping for the best. The Eagles pass defense has not been terrible this season (ranked 12th), but they have struggled a little with tight ends allowing 15 receptions for 175 yards…….I also have Owen Daniels on my roster, but with his numbers down and listed on this week’s injury report as questionable I will wait for better days.
