Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Fantasy Football: A Look at Week Fifteen
At this point in the fantasy football season there are three types of owners. There are owners who know they will not make the playoffs, owners who know they will make the playoffs, and owners on the cusp.
It’s always good to take a peek into the future, so you can see what kinds of match ups are available in the week that matters most: week 15.
This article is of most use to the teams that know they are in the playoffs. You can start positioning your roster to take advantage of these match ups, as winning in weeks 13 and 14 for you is more about vanity than anything else.
The objective for the regular season is to make the playoffs, now that you’ve accomplished that goal you can start thinking championship.
Week 15 Games:
Thursday, December 11th
New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears.
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints take their number one ranked pass offense to Soldier field to kick off week 15. The Bears are currently ranked 30th against the pass, as Lovie Smith’s unit has only produced 17 sacks this season. Getting pressure will be key if the Chicago hopes to slow down the Saints.
Another thing that could slow down the Saints is bad weather. December 11th in Chicago is going to be a cold day. If snow or high winds come in off of Lake Michigan the conditions may do a better job of grounding the Saints passing game than the Bears secondary ever could on their own.
If the weather conditions force New Orleans to run against the sixth best run defense in the league it could be a long day for the Saints’ offense.
Sunday, December 14th
New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders
The Patriots visit the Oakland Raiders who are ranked 30th in the NFL against the run. The Raiders have allowed 164.5 yards per game on the ground.
The Patriots running backs should have a good day collectively, but as always with the Pats it’s hard to say if Kevin Faulk or Sammy Morris will get the bulk of the carries.
Weather should not bee too much of a factor in Oakland, but we may see some early season rain. If it is rainy that bodes even better for Morris and Faulk.
Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai should both have great games against the hopeless Detroit Lions. The Lions, the worst team in the NFL, are allowing over 170 yards per game rushing. They’ve allowed eight passing plays over forty yards, only Seattle and Jacksonville have allowed more big passing plays this season.
For owners who have suffered with the Colts all year, this is a nice little bonus. If you’ve managed to make the playoffs first round picks Manning and Addai could carry your team into the championship game in week 16.
San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Thigpen has had an interesting season. Early in the year fantasy owners picked on Thigpen, as he struggled executing his offense correctly. More recently he’s settled down is throwing far fewer interceptions.
The Chiefs are ranked 27th against the pass and 31st against the run this season. Phillip Rivers leads a Chargers team that is the 7th best passing offense in the league. Both Rivers and LT should do well for owners in this game. Vincent Jackson could have a big day as well.
Kansas City should be cold on this weekend and if there is any snow that could slow down the passing game for both teams.
Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
This is an interesting match up. The last time Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks looked good at all on offense it was week three against the Rams.
The Seahawks defense is ranked 31st against the pass, so Mark Bulger/Trent Green should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays. Donnie Avery would be a fun start for this week’s game.
The Rams are ranked 27th against the run and 25th against the pass. Julius Jones could finally have another big day, and there’s a good chance TJ Duckett could steal a touchdown.
The story of this game is the quite resistible force meeting the easily moveable object. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of points came out of this match up. Guys you’ve wanted to avoid on your roster just might get big points in the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
The Titans are allowing 13.1 points per game, their tough defense should neutralize Houston stars Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson.
The Houston Texans are ranked 24th against the pass, and 17th against the run. We should see slightly more Kerry Collins and slightly less Chris Johnson and Lendale White.
The Titans may have nothing to play for by week 15, so be on the lookout for key players being rested.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
The Jets defense is a tale of two units. They are 4th in the NFL against the run, while they are 28th against the pass. Trent Edwards is going to have to play like he did today against the Chiefs if the Bills hope to win this game. Marshawn Lynch should have his share of troubles.
On the other side of the ball the Bills defense is very mediocre. Ranked 18th against the run and 13th against the pass, it’s safe for fantasy owners to start Brett Favre and Thomas Jones in this game. They should have average days, for those two guys average is pretty darned good.
The Jets are among the hottest teams in the NFL right now, having won five in a row including their victory today against the formerly undefeated Tennessee Titans.
Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers
The Broncos are having a very hard time stopping the run this year. Ranked 29th in the NFL their inability to stop the run could end up being the reason they miss the playoffs this season.
The Panthers with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are the sixth best rushing team in the NFL. Look for both of these guys to have good days against Denver.
The Panthers are ranked fifth in the NFL against the pass, so Bronco’s quarterback Jay Cutler may have some problems scoring points on this unit.
Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a slightly below average defensive team. Ranked 18th against the pass and 21st against the run, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers should have no problem moving the ball against this unit.
The Packers defense still can’t stop the run. The leagues 27th ranked run defense should have their hands more than full with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor.
Weather should not play much of a factor in this game. Jacksonville is pretty mild in the winter.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy owners should stay away from this game. Both these defenses are so good there should be very few fantasy points available for the taking in this contest.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins
The 49ers are boasting the leagues 25th ranked pass defense. Terrell Owens went nuts on them today, and I don’t think Mike Singletary is going to be able to change this unit in two weeks.
Ted Ginn Jr. and Chad Pennington could have very nice days as the Niners make the very long flight down to Raymond James stadium.
West coast teams historically have big problems when playing on the east coast at 1:00. That is exactly what is happening here. Between the weak unit and the jet lag effect there should be fantasy points available for the taking for Miami players in this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
John Gruden’s squad travels to Atlanta to meet the league’s second ranked rushing offense. The Falcons are one of this year’s most surprising teams. Rookie Matt Ryan has played very well, and Michael Turner has proved that he’s nobody’s understudy.
In their first match up this season, Tampa Bay was able to contain Turner and confuse the rookie. It will be interesting to see what Matt Ryan has learned if the Buccaneers choose to stack the line again in this game.
I’d avoid Turner if you have better options, but Roddy White could explode if Ryan is able to read the defense and call effective audibles.
Washington Redskins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have not been able to move the football at all this year. What’s in a name? The receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson hasn’t been very worried about what his jersey says. His team is ranked 30th throwing the ball and 31st running it.
The Redskins are a great defense to start in week fifteen.
On defense the Bengals are ranked 22nd against the run, so Clinton Portis should have a fine day as well.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals
Kurt Warner and the Cardinals are running the “Greatest Show on Turf” chipotle style. Warner is a solid candidate for his third MVP award, and has gone from has been to hall of famer in one great year.
The Vikings have the second ranked defense against the run, and are 20th against the pass. This plays right into the Cardinals hands, who wanted to throw all day anyway.
Tim Hightower should have problems, but Boldin and Fitzgerald should continue their standout seasons. The red birds should be playing for playoff seeding, so we should see the full compliment of offensive players in this game.
Adrian Peterson will face the seventh raked defense against the run. He could have some real problems if the Cardinals get ahead early in the game. The Vikings could be forced to abandon the run completely, and try to take advantage of the Cardinals passing defense.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
John Spagnolo’s Giants are one of the best defenses in the NFL. Ranked second against the pass, and eighth against the run they’ve produced 31 sacks this season.
They could give Tony Romo and the Cowboys real problems in the game. The Cowboys have been playing better since Romo’s return, but the last time these two teams got together the Cowboys got smoked.
The Cowboys are average against the run, while the Giants are the leagues best on the ground. The Giants are averaging over 170 rushing yards per game, and their three-headed monster of Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Ward are enjoying the protection of a huge offensive line.
Monday, December 15th
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles
You know Andy Reid lost his mind when he benched Donovan McNabb today. Despite the quarterback’s tendency to hit wide-open guys in the foot with the ball, McNabb playing well is the Eagles’ only chance for victory.
Did he not remember what happened during all those games last year (and the year before that) when he didn’t have the Syracuse standout? Was it really necessary to run Terrell Owens out of town if you were going to bench the guy you were defending?
Perhaps Reid would like to suit up himself? If you can’t effectively manage the talent you’re nowhere in this league.
The Browns are ranked 29th against the run, so whomever is handing off to Brian Westbrook on this particular day, #36 should do very well.
It’s always good to take a peek into the future, so you can see what kinds of match ups are available in the week that matters most: week 15.
This article is of most use to the teams that know they are in the playoffs. You can start positioning your roster to take advantage of these match ups, as winning in weeks 13 and 14 for you is more about vanity than anything else.
The objective for the regular season is to make the playoffs, now that you’ve accomplished that goal you can start thinking championship.
Week 15 Games:
Thursday, December 11th
New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears.
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints take their number one ranked pass offense to Soldier field to kick off week 15. The Bears are currently ranked 30th against the pass, as Lovie Smith’s unit has only produced 17 sacks this season. Getting pressure will be key if the Chicago hopes to slow down the Saints.
Another thing that could slow down the Saints is bad weather. December 11th in Chicago is going to be a cold day. If snow or high winds come in off of Lake Michigan the conditions may do a better job of grounding the Saints passing game than the Bears secondary ever could on their own.
If the weather conditions force New Orleans to run against the sixth best run defense in the league it could be a long day for the Saints’ offense.
Sunday, December 14th
New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders
The Patriots visit the Oakland Raiders who are ranked 30th in the NFL against the run. The Raiders have allowed 164.5 yards per game on the ground.
The Patriots running backs should have a good day collectively, but as always with the Pats it’s hard to say if Kevin Faulk or Sammy Morris will get the bulk of the carries.
Weather should not bee too much of a factor in Oakland, but we may see some early season rain. If it is rainy that bodes even better for Morris and Faulk.
Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning and Joseph Addai should both have great games against the hopeless Detroit Lions. The Lions, the worst team in the NFL, are allowing over 170 yards per game rushing. They’ve allowed eight passing plays over forty yards, only Seattle and Jacksonville have allowed more big passing plays this season.
For owners who have suffered with the Colts all year, this is a nice little bonus. If you’ve managed to make the playoffs first round picks Manning and Addai could carry your team into the championship game in week 16.
San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Thigpen has had an interesting season. Early in the year fantasy owners picked on Thigpen, as he struggled executing his offense correctly. More recently he’s settled down is throwing far fewer interceptions.
The Chiefs are ranked 27th against the pass and 31st against the run this season. Phillip Rivers leads a Chargers team that is the 7th best passing offense in the league. Both Rivers and LT should do well for owners in this game. Vincent Jackson could have a big day as well.
Kansas City should be cold on this weekend and if there is any snow that could slow down the passing game for both teams.
Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams
This is an interesting match up. The last time Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks looked good at all on offense it was week three against the Rams.
The Seahawks defense is ranked 31st against the pass, so Mark Bulger/Trent Green should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays. Donnie Avery would be a fun start for this week’s game.
The Rams are ranked 27th against the run and 25th against the pass. Julius Jones could finally have another big day, and there’s a good chance TJ Duckett could steal a touchdown.
The story of this game is the quite resistible force meeting the easily moveable object. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of points came out of this match up. Guys you’ve wanted to avoid on your roster just might get big points in the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
The Titans are allowing 13.1 points per game, their tough defense should neutralize Houston stars Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson.
The Houston Texans are ranked 24th against the pass, and 17th against the run. We should see slightly more Kerry Collins and slightly less Chris Johnson and Lendale White.
The Titans may have nothing to play for by week 15, so be on the lookout for key players being rested.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
The Jets defense is a tale of two units. They are 4th in the NFL against the run, while they are 28th against the pass. Trent Edwards is going to have to play like he did today against the Chiefs if the Bills hope to win this game. Marshawn Lynch should have his share of troubles.
On the other side of the ball the Bills defense is very mediocre. Ranked 18th against the run and 13th against the pass, it’s safe for fantasy owners to start Brett Favre and Thomas Jones in this game. They should have average days, for those two guys average is pretty darned good.
The Jets are among the hottest teams in the NFL right now, having won five in a row including their victory today against the formerly undefeated Tennessee Titans.
Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers
The Broncos are having a very hard time stopping the run this year. Ranked 29th in the NFL their inability to stop the run could end up being the reason they miss the playoffs this season.
The Panthers with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are the sixth best rushing team in the NFL. Look for both of these guys to have good days against Denver.
The Panthers are ranked fifth in the NFL against the pass, so Bronco’s quarterback Jay Cutler may have some problems scoring points on this unit.
Green Bay Packers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a slightly below average defensive team. Ranked 18th against the pass and 21st against the run, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers should have no problem moving the ball against this unit.
The Packers defense still can’t stop the run. The leagues 27th ranked run defense should have their hands more than full with Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor.
Weather should not play much of a factor in this game. Jacksonville is pretty mild in the winter.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy owners should stay away from this game. Both these defenses are so good there should be very few fantasy points available for the taking in this contest.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins
The 49ers are boasting the leagues 25th ranked pass defense. Terrell Owens went nuts on them today, and I don’t think Mike Singletary is going to be able to change this unit in two weeks.
Ted Ginn Jr. and Chad Pennington could have very nice days as the Niners make the very long flight down to Raymond James stadium.
West coast teams historically have big problems when playing on the east coast at 1:00. That is exactly what is happening here. Between the weak unit and the jet lag effect there should be fantasy points available for the taking for Miami players in this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
John Gruden’s squad travels to Atlanta to meet the league’s second ranked rushing offense. The Falcons are one of this year’s most surprising teams. Rookie Matt Ryan has played very well, and Michael Turner has proved that he’s nobody’s understudy.
In their first match up this season, Tampa Bay was able to contain Turner and confuse the rookie. It will be interesting to see what Matt Ryan has learned if the Buccaneers choose to stack the line again in this game.
I’d avoid Turner if you have better options, but Roddy White could explode if Ryan is able to read the defense and call effective audibles.
Washington Redskins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have not been able to move the football at all this year. What’s in a name? The receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson hasn’t been very worried about what his jersey says. His team is ranked 30th throwing the ball and 31st running it.
The Redskins are a great defense to start in week fifteen.
On defense the Bengals are ranked 22nd against the run, so Clinton Portis should have a fine day as well.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals
Kurt Warner and the Cardinals are running the “Greatest Show on Turf” chipotle style. Warner is a solid candidate for his third MVP award, and has gone from has been to hall of famer in one great year.
The Vikings have the second ranked defense against the run, and are 20th against the pass. This plays right into the Cardinals hands, who wanted to throw all day anyway.
Tim Hightower should have problems, but Boldin and Fitzgerald should continue their standout seasons. The red birds should be playing for playoff seeding, so we should see the full compliment of offensive players in this game.
Adrian Peterson will face the seventh raked defense against the run. He could have some real problems if the Cardinals get ahead early in the game. The Vikings could be forced to abandon the run completely, and try to take advantage of the Cardinals passing defense.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
John Spagnolo’s Giants are one of the best defenses in the NFL. Ranked second against the pass, and eighth against the run they’ve produced 31 sacks this season.
They could give Tony Romo and the Cowboys real problems in the game. The Cowboys have been playing better since Romo’s return, but the last time these two teams got together the Cowboys got smoked.
The Cowboys are average against the run, while the Giants are the leagues best on the ground. The Giants are averaging over 170 rushing yards per game, and their three-headed monster of Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Ward are enjoying the protection of a huge offensive line.
Monday, December 15th
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles
You know Andy Reid lost his mind when he benched Donovan McNabb today. Despite the quarterback’s tendency to hit wide-open guys in the foot with the ball, McNabb playing well is the Eagles’ only chance for victory.
Did he not remember what happened during all those games last year (and the year before that) when he didn’t have the Syracuse standout? Was it really necessary to run Terrell Owens out of town if you were going to bench the guy you were defending?
Perhaps Reid would like to suit up himself? If you can’t effectively manage the talent you’re nowhere in this league.
The Browns are ranked 29th against the run, so whomever is handing off to Brian Westbrook on this particular day, #36 should do very well.
Seahawks: Thinking Draft Day
Well the Seahawks lost another one yesterday. I was thinking since we're basically playing pre-season games at this point, it might be more fun to dream about the future than dwell on the past.
The Seahawks need help at a variety of positions, so I thought it would be fun to do some Youtubin' to see what types of players might be available in the draft next year.
University of Alabama Offensive Lineman, Andre Smith Listed 6'4 340
Ole Miss Offensive Lineman Michael Oher Listed 6'5 330
Walter Jones is not going to play forever. Maybe it's time for the Seahawks organization to invest in a successor.
Of course on the other hand we could choose to address our pass rushing problem with our first pick as well.
Florida State Defensive End, Everette Brown
Wake Forrest Outside Linebacker, Aaron Curry
Our problems at wide receiver are now legendary. Bobby Engram is getting up there, and Deion Branch has yet to start five games in a row. Who knows how Nate Bureleson will be when he comes back from injury.
Maybe we should take a wide receiver with our first pick then.
Texas Tech Wide Receiver, Michael Crabtree Listed 6'2 208
Maryland Wide Receiver, Darius Heyward-Bey Listed 6'1 202
On the other hand our secondary has played poorly as well. Maybe we need to draft a good corner back.
Ohio State Defensive Back, Malcolm Jenkins Listed 6' 200
University of Illinois Defensive Back, Vontae Davis Listed 5'11 203
Both of these guys are big strong kids who are going to be able to play effective bump and run against NFL super-sized receivers.
The good news about having lots of weaknesses is that there should be a lot of players available in the draft who can help us out. It will be fun speculating about what the Hawks need to do to return to the playoffs.
The Seahawks need help at a variety of positions, so I thought it would be fun to do some Youtubin' to see what types of players might be available in the draft next year.
University of Alabama Offensive Lineman, Andre Smith Listed 6'4 340
Ole Miss Offensive Lineman Michael Oher Listed 6'5 330
Walter Jones is not going to play forever. Maybe it's time for the Seahawks organization to invest in a successor.
Of course on the other hand we could choose to address our pass rushing problem with our first pick as well.
Florida State Defensive End, Everette Brown
Wake Forrest Outside Linebacker, Aaron Curry
Our problems at wide receiver are now legendary. Bobby Engram is getting up there, and Deion Branch has yet to start five games in a row. Who knows how Nate Bureleson will be when he comes back from injury.
Maybe we should take a wide receiver with our first pick then.
Texas Tech Wide Receiver, Michael Crabtree Listed 6'2 208
Maryland Wide Receiver, Darius Heyward-Bey Listed 6'1 202
On the other hand our secondary has played poorly as well. Maybe we need to draft a good corner back.
Ohio State Defensive Back, Malcolm Jenkins Listed 6' 200
University of Illinois Defensive Back, Vontae Davis Listed 5'11 203
Both of these guys are big strong kids who are going to be able to play effective bump and run against NFL super-sized receivers.
The good news about having lots of weaknesses is that there should be a lot of players available in the draft who can help us out. It will be fun speculating about what the Hawks need to do to return to the playoffs.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Fantasy Football: The Wire Doth Provide
This week's news wire is particularly ripe with opportunities for fantasy football owners. There have been injuries at the running back position that should prove fruitful for the nimble owner. Normally I like to stay away from these sorts of predictions, but these pick ups are too great for me to stay silent this week.
Warrick Dunn: Warrick Dunn is owned in a little over half of the leagues out there. Yesterday Earnest Graham was placed on injured reserve. Cadillac Williams isn't all the way healthy yet, so Dunn should see the bulk of this weeks carries. As if that weren't reason enough to add him to your line up, the Buccaneers travel to Ford Field this weekend.
While the Ford family have been lobbying congress for a $25 billion bail out, things haven't been going well for the Detroit Lions either. Their run defense is hemorrhaging yards faster than GM is bleeding money. Allowing over 170 yards per game, they are dead last in the league.
Warrick Dunn should be the feature back this weekend against the leagues worst run defense, let's pick him up and give him the start.
Peyton Hillis: The Denver Broncos running back carousel just keeps on spinning. Selvin Young is still out. Rookie Ryan Torain knocked himself out for the season in his first start. Last week they signed Tatum Bell, but he hasn't been fully integrated into the offense yet. Peyton Hillis is listed as a fullback, and is owned in roughly 25% of leagues. Last week he got all of the goal line touches, and produced two touchdowns.
The Broncos are hosting the Oakland Raiders this week. The Raiders come in to town boasting the leagues 30th ranked run defense. They allow 164.5 yards per game, and 4.7 yards per carry. The hard running Hillis should have no problem running the ball against this team.
Derrick Ward: Brandon Jacobs, of the New York Giants, had an MRI on his injured knee Monday. Afterwards he indicated that while he is healthy enough to play, the team is deep enough at running back to win without him. With Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw on the roster I can't see the 9-1 Giants risking their offensive star.
The Ward situation is the one you should keep the closest eye on, if Jacobs does play Ward's value would be greatly diminished. The Giants face the Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium. While the Cardinals only allow 3.8 yard per carry, the Giants have one of the best run blocking offensive lines in football.
Ward is my least favorite of the three pick ups, but could still help you out if the other guys are taken in your league already.
Warrick Dunn: Warrick Dunn is owned in a little over half of the leagues out there. Yesterday Earnest Graham was placed on injured reserve. Cadillac Williams isn't all the way healthy yet, so Dunn should see the bulk of this weeks carries. As if that weren't reason enough to add him to your line up, the Buccaneers travel to Ford Field this weekend.
While the Ford family have been lobbying congress for a $25 billion bail out, things haven't been going well for the Detroit Lions either. Their run defense is hemorrhaging yards faster than GM is bleeding money. Allowing over 170 yards per game, they are dead last in the league.
Warrick Dunn should be the feature back this weekend against the leagues worst run defense, let's pick him up and give him the start.
Peyton Hillis: The Denver Broncos running back carousel just keeps on spinning. Selvin Young is still out. Rookie Ryan Torain knocked himself out for the season in his first start. Last week they signed Tatum Bell, but he hasn't been fully integrated into the offense yet. Peyton Hillis is listed as a fullback, and is owned in roughly 25% of leagues. Last week he got all of the goal line touches, and produced two touchdowns.
The Broncos are hosting the Oakland Raiders this week. The Raiders come in to town boasting the leagues 30th ranked run defense. They allow 164.5 yards per game, and 4.7 yards per carry. The hard running Hillis should have no problem running the ball against this team.
Derrick Ward: Brandon Jacobs, of the New York Giants, had an MRI on his injured knee Monday. Afterwards he indicated that while he is healthy enough to play, the team is deep enough at running back to win without him. With Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw on the roster I can't see the 9-1 Giants risking their offensive star.
The Ward situation is the one you should keep the closest eye on, if Jacobs does play Ward's value would be greatly diminished. The Giants face the Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium. While the Cardinals only allow 3.8 yard per carry, the Giants have one of the best run blocking offensive lines in football.
Ward is my least favorite of the three pick ups, but could still help you out if the other guys are taken in your league already.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Doormats! RB's Walk Over These Teams
We've just passed the halfway point and I thought it would be a good time to revisit the worst run defenses in the league. Match-ups mean a lot, and running backs have had a field day so far this year on these teams. Check the schedule, and get in on the fun.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chief's have had problems on all sides of the ball. These problems culminated in week seven when LenDale White and Chris Johnson combined for 317 yards and four touchdowns. It looked like Ohio Sate vs. Akron. On the season they're allowing 171 yards per game on the ground.
Detroit Lions: They show up in every piece like this...you know what to do. Even David Garrard looked good against the Lions yesterday, and he hasn't looked good since Barack Obama was an underdog. Keep picking on the Lions.
The St. Louis Rams are allowing over 160 yards per game, 4.8 yards per carry, and have allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. Coincidence? Methinks not. Thomas Jones walked all over them for 167 yards and four touchdowns yesterday. Yes, the Jet's Thomas Jones...Walter Payton he's not. When the Rams show up on your schedule, start that back!
The Oakland Raiders are making themselves known again. Yesterday DeAngelo Williams rushed for 139 yards. The week before that "The Burner" scorched them for 140. Two weeks before that Thomas Jones (yes that Thomas Jones) went wild for 159 yards.
A few weeks ago the Green Bay Packers showed up in a piece like this one. I asked Green Bay Packers Community leader Zach Kruse to analyze their run defense. Will the Packers be able to make the postseason playing like they do against the run? What can be done to fix the problem? Zach Kruse gives his insight here.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chief's have had problems on all sides of the ball. These problems culminated in week seven when LenDale White and Chris Johnson combined for 317 yards and four touchdowns. It looked like Ohio Sate vs. Akron. On the season they're allowing 171 yards per game on the ground.
Detroit Lions: They show up in every piece like this...you know what to do. Even David Garrard looked good against the Lions yesterday, and he hasn't looked good since Barack Obama was an underdog. Keep picking on the Lions.
The St. Louis Rams are allowing over 160 yards per game, 4.8 yards per carry, and have allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. Coincidence? Methinks not. Thomas Jones walked all over them for 167 yards and four touchdowns yesterday. Yes, the Jet's Thomas Jones...Walter Payton he's not. When the Rams show up on your schedule, start that back!
The Oakland Raiders are making themselves known again. Yesterday DeAngelo Williams rushed for 139 yards. The week before that "The Burner" scorched them for 140. Two weeks before that Thomas Jones (yes that Thomas Jones) went wild for 159 yards.
A few weeks ago the Green Bay Packers showed up in a piece like this one. I asked Green Bay Packers Community leader Zach Kruse to analyze their run defense. Will the Packers be able to make the postseason playing like they do against the run? What can be done to fix the problem? Zach Kruse gives his insight here.
Stud Backs: Where Are They Now?
Fantasy football history is filled with running backs who single handedly carried their owners to championships. Emmitt Smith, Terrell Davis, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Shaun Alexander, and LaDanian Tomlinson were every down backs on high powered offenses. Owners of these players cashed in on a bonanza of points.
For a while there it seemed like every year would produce a new record for touchdowns in a season. Owners adjusted their strategy to the environment causing countless first round picks to be spent on running backs.
Evolution in games happens quickly, and in recent years the NFL is changing. Platoon backfields have enjoyed so much success that it has become the league norm. Fantasy football owners may need to adjust their strategies as well.
I’ve examined some of this year’s top running back picks so you can take an objective look at how they have performed. You’ll be better able to decide for yourself if these picks are really worth it.
First the Good:
Clinton Portis is having one heck of a season in Washington. With 995 yards and seven touchdowns, nobody’s having a better year than the Redskins’ number 26. Where did Clinton Portis go in your draft? Portis was widely thought of as the eight best RB going into the season…thus far you couldn’t have don better. Let’s see how some of those other early round picks fared.
Adrian Peterson was projected to be the number two running back in most leagues. He’s had a respectable year himself: 823 yards, and 6 touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at. Hyped as he was, many owners are disappointed. All talk of a 2,000 yard season quickly ended when Mr. Peterson was introduced to the eight man front. However, he was projected number two, and in most leagues he is number two. You can’t complain about that.
Brian Westbrook is a warrior. He’s got broken ribs and is out producing almost every back in the NFL. Six rushing touchdowns, plus two receiving touchdowns in eight games is quite a production pace indeed. He was projected fourth at RB and his results are in line.
Marion Barber and Frank Gore round out this top group. With these players so far owners have gotten what they’ve bargained for.
The Not So Good:
If you took Ladanian Tomlinson in the first few picks this year you have to be disappointed. While he’s not a complete disaster you had to think he was going to outscore Steve Slaton by a wider margin when the season started. Turf toe, and just being thirty seems to have caught up with LT a bit. It’s a shame.
Steven Jackson: This was the second year in a row that the whole world was excited about Steven Jackson in July. Orlando Pace is back, you’d think that would bump his numbers some…alas. He’s stuck in St. Louis, where they’ve just forgotten how to play football against anybody but the Dallas Cowboys.
Many owners spent a top three draft choice on a guy who has a few less points than Steve Slaton, who was available on the waiver wire until week two in many leagues.
Larry Johnson: this bruising back has spent more time behaving poorly in night clubs than running between the tackles this year. With a meager offense he’s compiled a paltry 421 yards and three touchdowns this season. God help you if you spent a first round pick on LJ…it’s the type of move that could blow up a franchise.
Come ON!!
Joseph Addai is currently stinking up my roster. I drafted him while Clinton Portis was still on the board. The Colts were supposed to score a lot of points this year, and Addai was supposed to get almost all of the carries.
Then they started playing the games. Now it’s November, the Titans are undefeated, and Joseph Addai can’t find the end zone with a flashlight. What’s worse is that Dominic Rhodes has played well in relief of #29. Making him all the less valuable just in case the Colts start clicking again.
Ryan Grant is a mathematical anomaly. How a guy can get that many touches on a team that scores that many points and not be a fantasy star still befuddles me. The hamstring hasn’t helped, they never do. Also I think Aaron Rodgers is sneaking away with all of his goal line touchdowns.
The worst of the worst is Laurence Maroney. Before his season ending injury he had 28 carries for 93 yards and zero touch downs. I think E.T said it best: “Ouch.”
For a while there it seemed like every year would produce a new record for touchdowns in a season. Owners adjusted their strategy to the environment causing countless first round picks to be spent on running backs.
Evolution in games happens quickly, and in recent years the NFL is changing. Platoon backfields have enjoyed so much success that it has become the league norm. Fantasy football owners may need to adjust their strategies as well.
I’ve examined some of this year’s top running back picks so you can take an objective look at how they have performed. You’ll be better able to decide for yourself if these picks are really worth it.
First the Good:
Clinton Portis is having one heck of a season in Washington. With 995 yards and seven touchdowns, nobody’s having a better year than the Redskins’ number 26. Where did Clinton Portis go in your draft? Portis was widely thought of as the eight best RB going into the season…thus far you couldn’t have don better. Let’s see how some of those other early round picks fared.
Adrian Peterson was projected to be the number two running back in most leagues. He’s had a respectable year himself: 823 yards, and 6 touchdowns is nothing to sneeze at. Hyped as he was, many owners are disappointed. All talk of a 2,000 yard season quickly ended when Mr. Peterson was introduced to the eight man front. However, he was projected number two, and in most leagues he is number two. You can’t complain about that.
Brian Westbrook is a warrior. He’s got broken ribs and is out producing almost every back in the NFL. Six rushing touchdowns, plus two receiving touchdowns in eight games is quite a production pace indeed. He was projected fourth at RB and his results are in line.
Marion Barber and Frank Gore round out this top group. With these players so far owners have gotten what they’ve bargained for.
The Not So Good:
If you took Ladanian Tomlinson in the first few picks this year you have to be disappointed. While he’s not a complete disaster you had to think he was going to outscore Steve Slaton by a wider margin when the season started. Turf toe, and just being thirty seems to have caught up with LT a bit. It’s a shame.
Steven Jackson: This was the second year in a row that the whole world was excited about Steven Jackson in July. Orlando Pace is back, you’d think that would bump his numbers some…alas. He’s stuck in St. Louis, where they’ve just forgotten how to play football against anybody but the Dallas Cowboys.
Many owners spent a top three draft choice on a guy who has a few less points than Steve Slaton, who was available on the waiver wire until week two in many leagues.
Larry Johnson: this bruising back has spent more time behaving poorly in night clubs than running between the tackles this year. With a meager offense he’s compiled a paltry 421 yards and three touchdowns this season. God help you if you spent a first round pick on LJ…it’s the type of move that could blow up a franchise.
Come ON!!
Joseph Addai is currently stinking up my roster. I drafted him while Clinton Portis was still on the board. The Colts were supposed to score a lot of points this year, and Addai was supposed to get almost all of the carries.
Then they started playing the games. Now it’s November, the Titans are undefeated, and Joseph Addai can’t find the end zone with a flashlight. What’s worse is that Dominic Rhodes has played well in relief of #29. Making him all the less valuable just in case the Colts start clicking again.
Ryan Grant is a mathematical anomaly. How a guy can get that many touches on a team that scores that many points and not be a fantasy star still befuddles me. The hamstring hasn’t helped, they never do. Also I think Aaron Rodgers is sneaking away with all of his goal line touchdowns.
The worst of the worst is Laurence Maroney. Before his season ending injury he had 28 carries for 93 yards and zero touch downs. I think E.T said it best: “Ouch.”
Friday, November 7, 2008
Will Choo-Choo Continue?
There's a word that you simply don't want to hear when describing your running backs: platoon.
1. back in the days of Walter Payton, and Eric Dickerson football announcers used to say 25 carries before he gets warmed up...
Clinton Portis sure knows how to have fun, and it sure is fun to have him on your fantasy football team this year.
1. back in the days of Walter Payton, and Eric Dickerson football announcers used to say 25 carries before he gets warmed up...
Clinton Portis sure knows how to have fun, and it sure is fun to have him on your fantasy football team this year.
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