Friday, 20 November 2009 8:40 PM EST
Need last-minute help? Look at these emerging players or overlooked veterans to start:
QB: Brett Favre, Minnesota: Seattle ranks as the leagueÂ’s 11th-worst pass defense and has struggled on the road. It allowed Kurt Warner to throw for 340 yards and two scores last game; Tony Romo to pass for 256 yards and three scores in Week 8; and Peyton Manning to pass for 353 yard and two scores in Week 4.
RB: Bernard Scott/Brian Leonard/Larry Johnson, Cincinnati: Scott will reportedly receive most of the carries if Cedric Benson is out with a hip injury. However, Leonard may serve as the back on third-downs or passing situations. If Cincinnati jumps to a sizeable lead, it could elect to use Johnson as the featured back.
RB: Ladell Betts, Washington: HeÂ’s the featured back with Clinton Portis missing his second straight game with a concussion. Betts ran for a season-high 114 yards and a score against Denver last game. HeÂ’s aiming to score for his seasonÂ’s third straight game at Dallas.
RB: Justin Forsett, Seattle: Julius Jones is out with a chest injury, leaving Forsett as SeattleÂ’s featured back for the second game in a row. He responded well at Arizona last contest, running for 123 yards and a score, and catching five passes for 26 yards.
WR: Kevin Walter, Houston: TennesseeÂ’s pass defense ranks as the leagueÂ’s second-worst (270.4) and has yielded the most touchdowns (23). Walter missed the Week 2 meeting but can duplicate secondary receiver Jacoby JonesÂ’ 73 yards and a score that contest. Of note, Matt Schaub threw for 347 yards and four scores against the Titans that day.
WR: Percy Harvin, Minnesota: Seattle has allowed secondary receivers to post solid fantasy days in road meetings this season. Steve Breaston had four receptions for 79 yards and a score last game. Austin Collie caught six passes for 65 yards and a score in Week 4. Progressing as a rookie, Harvin posted his best career fantasy game recently when he had five receptions for 84 yards and a score at Green Bay in Week 8.
WR: Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants: Atlanta ranks as the leagueÂ’s fifth-worst pass defense. The rookie has scored in four straight games before going scoreless for the past two contests. HeÂ’ll have a strong chance to add his fifth touchdown.
WR: Nate Washington, Tennessee: With Justin Gage likely out for a second week in a row, this leaves Washington as one of the TitansÂ’ top wideouts. HeÂ’s scored in two of the past three contest.
WR: Chris Chambers, Kansas City: The Chiefs will likely be unable to run against PittsburghÂ’s No. 1 run defense. Additionally, Kansas City has scored only one rushing touchdown, while Pittsburgh has yielded only two rushing scores all season. Expect Matt Cassel to throw frequently and target Chambers as one of his top receivers with Dwayne BoweÂ’s recent four-game suspension.
TE: Joel Dreessen, Houston: Owen Daniels had six receptions for 72 yards and a score against Tennessee in the Week 2 meeting. His replacement Dreessen also had three catches for 31 yards that game. In addition to DanielsÂ’ solid fantasy game, the Titans have been susceptible to a big fantasy day by a tight end this season. Vernon Davis had 10 catches for 102 yards in Week 10, and Dallas Clark caught nine passes for 77 yards in Week 5.
D/ST: Tennessee: It has posted consecutive superb fantasy days. It had four sacks, forced four turnovers (three interceptions), and scored a touchdown from an interception return at San Francisco. Last game, the Titans had two sacks and two interceptions returned for touchdowns against Buffalo.
Friday, 13 November 2009 6:56 PM EST
Need last-minute help? Look at these emerging players or overlooked veterans to start:
QB: Kyle Orton, Denver: On paper, WashingtonÂ’s pass defense is ranked No. 1. However, it has faced only one quarterback (Eli Manning) ranked in the top 16 in passing yards and just one rated in the top 12 (Manning) in passing touchdowns.
QB: Matt Cassel, Kansas City: He threw for 241 yards and one touchdown against Oakland in Week 2Â’s meeting. He also added 34 rushing yards.
QB: Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay: The rookie passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns in his first NFL start. HeÂ’s facing MiamiÂ’s fifth-worst pass defense thatÂ’s also starting two rookie cornerbacks.
RB: Jamaal Charles, Kansas City: Oakland ranks as the leagueÂ’s fourth-worst run defense and has yielded the most rushing scores (13) as well.
RB: Correll Buckhalter, Denver: Buckhalter received the majority of carries last contest, carrying nine times compared to Knowshon MorenoÂ’s four handoffs. HeÂ’s also the teamÂ’s primary receiver from the backfield. WashingtonÂ’s run defense ranks in the bottom quarter and allowed Michael Turner to rush for 166 yards and two scores last contest.
RB: Tim Hightower, Arizona: He totaled 58 yards and a touchdown in Week 6Â’s first meeting with Seattle. HeÂ’s also shared carries with rookie Chris Welles during the past two contests and has posted a solid average. Hightower has run for 116 yards on 23 carries for a robust 5.0 average, while Wells has run for 119 yards on 21 handoffs for a 5.7 average.
RB: Mike Bell, New Orleans: The Saints lead the NFL at 37.9 points per game while St. Louis rates as the leagueÂ’s fourth-worst scoring defense at 27.6 points. If New Orleans jumps to a big lead early, Bell could receive some carries and scoring chances in relief of Pierre Thomas.
RB: Justin Fargas, Oakland: Kansas City ranks as the leagueÂ’s fifth-worst run defense. If Fargas remains OaklandÂ’s featured back, he could duplicate his last game of 79 total yards and a score.
RB: Willis McGahee, Baltimore: Cleveland ranks as the leagueÂ’s second-worst rush defense and has yielded the second-most rushing scores. It also rates as the fifth-worst scoring defense (26.1). Additionally, Baltimore ranks in the top 10 scoring defenses while ClevelandÂ’s offense rates as the leagueÂ’s second worst (9.8). If Baltimore jumps to a big lead early, McGahee could see more carries and scoring chances than he has recently.
WR: Robert Meachem, New Orleans: The Saints have the best scoring offense, while the Rams have the worst scoring offense and fourth-worst scoring defense. Meachem led the Saints with five catches for 98 yards and a score last game and will likely be one of Drew BreesÂ’ top targets again.
WR: Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn, Jr. Miami: Tampa Bay has allowed the third-most points per game (28.9), and its defense has yielded the third-most passing scores (18). Both Bess and Camarillo posted solid outputs last game; Bess caught six passes for 56 yards, and Camarillo had five receptions for 71 yards. GinnÂ’s speed makes him a threat to post a solid game against Tampa BayÂ’s leaky pass defense that has allowed many big scoring plays.
WR: Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton, St. Louis: If the Rams are forced to play catchup early, theyÂ’ll need to pass frequently against New Orleans. Currently, both are the top two receivers for St. Louis this season.
WR: Nate Washington, Tennessee: Justin Gage is expected to be out against Buffalo with a back injury. This will likely leave Washington as the recipient of more passes. He posted his best fantasy day of the season against Jacksonville in Week 4 when he had seven catches for 66 yards and a score.
WR: Sammie Stroughter, Tampa Bay: He will be facing MiamiÂ’s rookie corners and looking to continue to establish a connection with fellow rookie quarterback Josh Freeman. Of note, Stroughter scored in FreemanÂ’s first NFL start last game.
TE: Brent Celek, Philadelphia: Celek has scored in two straight contests and has already recorded two 100-yard receiving days. Tight ends have performed nicely against San Diego this season as well. Kevin Boss scored last game; Zach Miller caught five passes for 52 yards in Week 8, and had six receptions for 96 yards in Week 1; Tony Scheffler gained 101 yards and one score from six receptions in Week 6; Heath Miller had 70 yards and two scores from eight catches in Week 4; and Todd Heap scored in Week 2.
TE: Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota: He caught a touchdown in Week 2Â’s meeting and has scored six touchdowns already this season. Detroit ranks as the leagueÂ’s second-worst pass defense and has yielded the second-most passing scores.
TE: John Carlson, Seattle: Carlson led Seattle in receiving yards (55) in Week 6Â’s first meeting. Arizona has allowed some big fantasy days to tight ends this season. Greg Olsen had five receptions for 71 yards and three touchdowns last game; Owen Daniels caught eight passes for 94 yards in Week 5; Dallas Clark had seven catches for 62 yards and a touchdown in Week 3; and Marcedes Lewis had 62 yards and a score in Week 2.
D/ST: Miami: The Dolphins rate in the top quarter in acquiring sacks (21). If Miami is able to put heavy pressure on Tampa BayÂ’s rookie quarterback, it could force Freeman into frequent turnovers during his first road start.
D/ST: Buffalo: The Bills have the second-most interceptions (15), while the Jaguars rate in the bottom third in allowing sacks (20). Buffalo can continue to create turnovers if itÂ’s able to put heavy pressure on David Garrard.
Friday, 06 November 2009 6:34 PM EST
Need last-minute help? Look at these emerging players or overlooked veterans to start:
QB: David Garrard, Jacksonville:Â Kansas City ranks as the league's fifth-worst pass defense and has allowed the fourth-most passing scores (13). Garrard has shown he could be very productive against a shaky defense when he threw for 323 yards and three scores at home against Tennessee in Week 4.
QB: Matt Cassel, Kansas City: The Jaguars rank in the bottom quarter of pass defenses and have yielded the fourth-most passing scores (13). Cassel travels to Jacksonville aiming for his fourth contest of multiple passing scores.
RB: Correll Buckhalter, Denver: Pittsburgh ranks as the top rushing defense, but is susceptible to allowing receiving yards to a running back. For instance, Adrian Peterson caught four passes for 60 yards last game. Â Buckhalter leads Denver's running backs in receptions, totaling 15 in his last three contests played.
RB: Maurice Morris, Detroit: Seattle has allowed running backs to score in two straight games, and Morris could receive the goal-line chances in Week 9. He was more effective than Kevin Smith last game, averaging 4.5 yards on 14 carries compared to Smith's 2.8 on 16 handoffs.
RB: Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville:Â If the Jaguars jump to a big lead against the Chiefs' sixth-worst scoring defense (25.9) and sixth-worst scoring offense (15.0), then its top player Maurice Jones-Drew could take a rest and defer carries to rookie Jennings.
RB: Brandon Jackson, Green Bay: Tampa Bay rates as the league's third-worst run defense. It's also scored only the fourth-most points (13.7) while yielding the third-most points (29). If Green Bay can jump to a big lead, backup Jackson could see more playing time and spell starter Ryan Grant.
RB: Justin Forsett, Seattle: Detroit has allowed a running back to either total at least 100 yards or score in six of the first seven contests. With the release of Edgerrin James, Forsett could see more carries, especially if the Seahawks are able to jump to a lead early.
RB: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England: Miami nose tackle Jason Ferguson is doubtful to play Sunday, leaving Miami's run defense in a lurch. Green-Ellis is likely the second running back option behind  Laurence Maroney with injuries to Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris.
WR: Kevin Walter, Houston: Indianapolis will be missing three of its four starters in the secondary. This leaves the Colts vulnerable to a big day by Matt Schaub. As a result, Walter will be aiming for his first 100-yard game of the season. Coupled with the season-ending loss of Owen Daniels, Walter could be looking at his best fantasy day this season.
WR: Steve Breaston, Arizona:Â Given Anquan Boldin's ankle injury, No. 3 wide receiver Breaston could receive more looks as a result. . In fact, Kurt Warner targeted Breaston eight times last game with Boldin's injury. Breaston posted his best game in Week 6 by catching seven passes for 77 yards and a score, an indication of what he could accomplish against Chicago's inconsistent pass defense. The Bears recently allowed Carson Palmer to throw for five scores.
WR: Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay:Â If Tampa Bay falls quickly behind against Green Bay's eighth-best scoring offense (26.7), then it will be forced to pass frequently to keep pace. As a result, Bryant could be the recipient of many passes.
WR: Malcom Floyd, San Diego:Â The Chargers released Chris Chambers, and Floyd becomes the favorite to be the second wideout behind Vincent Jackson. The Giants have struggled in pass coverage, missing two starters with injuries. For two of the last three contests, it's allowed Drew Brees to throw for 369 yards and four scores, and Donovan McNabb to pass for 240 yards and three scores.
WR: Sammie Stroughter, Tampa Bay:Â This emerging rookie wideout will be looking to establish a strong rapport with fellow rookie quarterback Josh Freeman. Stroughter has posted his best two-game span, gaining 65 and 63 yards in each of the last two contests.
WR: Sam Aiken, New England:Â New England recently released Joey Galloway, and is waiting for rookie Julian Edelman to recover from a forearm injury. This has left Aiken as the best candidate to assume the role of Tom Brady's No. 3 wideout. He responded last game with his first touchdown of the season as well as a season-high 66 yards. Additionally, Miami is starting three rookies (two cornerbacks and free safety) in the secondary, making it vulnerable to a big passing day by Brady.
TE: Spencer Havner, Green Bay:Â He's scored three touchdowns during the past two contests while replacing an injured Jermichael Finley. Tampa Bay has struggled defending the pass, allowing the third-most touchdowns (16).
TE: Joel Dreessen, Houston:Â He's first in line to replace injured starter Owen Daniels (out for season). The Texans utilize the tight end more than most, so Dreessen could receive some chances to produce adequate stats.
D/ST: San Diego: The Chargers' defense/special teams have rebounded during the past two contests, totaling nine sacks, four interceptions and a touchdown. Conversely, Eli Manning has struggled for the past two contests, throwing five interceptions and being sacked five times.
Friday, 30 October 2009 7:33 PM EST
Need last-minute help? Here are some deep sleepers for Week 8:
QB: Marc Bulger, St. Louis: Detroit rates as the NFL's third-worst passing defense and has yielded the second-most passing scores (17). Bulger has struggled this season but fantasy reserve Jason Campbell had his best fantasy day against Detroit. He threw for 340 yards and two scores against the Lions in Week 3.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit: St. Louis ranks as the league's eighth-worst pass defense and has allowed the sixth-most passing touchdowns (11). Stafford is expected to return from his knee injury and has shown he can produce an adequate fantasy day. He threw for 296 yards and one score against Chicago in his last contest.
RB: Tashard Choice, Dallas: Though Marion Barber and Felix Jones are lauded more, Choice has shown he can produce a solid fantasy game if utilized. He ran for 92 yards and one score at Kansas City in Week 5 despite receiving only eight handoffs.
RB: Justin Fargas, Oakland: He was much more effective than Michael Bush against the Jets last game, averaging 8.4 yards compared to Bush's 3.1. Both received the same number of carries, and Fargas ran for 67 yards and Bush had only 25 yards. San Diego ranks as the league's fifth-worst run defense, so Oakland will look to jumpstart its running game. Â Â
RB: Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville: When the Jaguars jumped to a big lead at halftime, 27-3, Jennings substituted for Maurice Jones-Drew midway through the third quarter. He proceeded to rush for 53 yards and average 5.9 yards from nine carries. If Jacksonville can dominate Tennessee again, look for Jennings to be a fantasy contributor.
RB: Chad Simpson, Indianapolis: Donald Brown has an injured shoulder, leaving his Week 8 playing time in doubt. Last game, Simpson had a 31-yard touchdown run against St. Louis. His role could be expanded if Brown can't play.
RB: Eldra Buckley, Philadelphia: If Brian Westbrook can't play, look for Buckley to have a chance to contribute. LeSean McCoy would start if Westbrook is out, but may need help in order to fulfill Philadelphia's running back duties.
WR: Austin Collie, Indianapolis: Collie has emerged as Peyton Manning's second wide receiver behind Reggie Wayne. The rookie has scored in three straight contests, totaling 18 receptions for 198 yards and four touchdowns.
WR: Johnny Knox, Chicago: Cleveland ranks among the 10 worst pass defenses and has allowed big big scoring plays to wide receiver Derrick Mason (72 yards), Hines Ward (52 yards) and Donald Driver (71 yards) in recent games. Along with Devin Hester, Knox has the great speed to outrun the secondary to record long scoring plays.
WR: Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia: The rookie showed his great fantasy potential when he caught six passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns against Tampa Bay in Week 5. Â His next foe, the New York Giants, struggled on the road last game, allowing Drew Brees to throw for 369 yards and four scores.
WR: Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland: Chicago allowed Carson Palmer to throw for 233 yards and five scores last game. Massaquoi has posted two solid games during the last four contests. He caught eight passes for 148 yards against Cincinnati in Week 4 and had five catches for 83 yards against Pittsburgh in Week 6.
WR: Andre' Davis, Houston: If Andre Johnson misses any games with a lung contusion, then Davis would likely be the best candidate to replace him. He owns the receiving skills and big-play ability to help compensate for the loss of Johnson, and would be most likely to post a solid fantasy day. Davis has already shown he can post a big game when Johnson is injured. In 2007, when Johnson missed seven games (Weeks 3-9) with a knee injury, Davis caught five passes for 117 yards and one touchdown in Week 4.
WR: Keenan Burton, St. Louis: Detroit rates as the NFL's third-worst passing defense and has yielded the second-most passing scores (17). Burton is the Rams' second-leading receiver with 199 yards, and has caught the second-most passes (20) among the wideouts.
TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit: St. Louis' eighth-worst pass defense has yielded solid games to tight ends recently. Dallas Clark had 44 yards and one score last game; Visanthe Shiancoe had 49 yards and a score in Week 5; and Vernon Davis had 43 yards and a score in Week 4.
TE:Travis Beckum, New York Giants: If Kevin Boss can't capitalize on Philadelphia's vulnerability to tight ends in the passing game, then rookie Beckum will have a chance to post his best fantasy day and score his first NFL touchdown. Last game, Fred Davis caught eight receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown to record his career best fantasy day.
D/ST:Chicago: Cleveland ranks as the NFL's third-lowest scoring team (10.3) and second-worst offense (225.4). It's also allowed the second-most turnovers (18), and the seventh-most sacks (18). In their last home game, the Bears acquired five sacks, two turnovers and scored on a kickoff return against Detroit.
Friday, 23 October 2009 4:20 PM EST
Need last-minute help? Here are some deep sleepers for Week 7:
QB: Chad Henne, Miami: The second-year vet threw for 241 yards and two scores for his best career fantasy day last contest. The Saints have already allowed a young, inexperienced quarterback to pass for a solid fantasy day. Third-year vet Kevin Kolb threw for 391 yards and two scores in Week 2.
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo: He showed promise when he passed for 116 yards and one score against a tough Jets pass defense last contest. HeÂ’s starting in place of an injured Trent Edwards and faces CarolinaÂ’s erratic defense. It allowed Donovan McNabb to throw for two scores and Matt Ryan to pass for three touchdowns this season.
RB: Larry Johnson, Kansas City: San Diego ranks as the leagueÂ’s sixth-worst rushing defense, giving Johnson one of his best chances to achieve his first 100-yard rushing game this season.
RB: Michael Bush/Justin Fargas, Oakland: The Jets lost their best run-stuffer Kris Jenkins for the season. He and Fargas could find running room as a result.
RB: LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia: The rookie is expected to receive more playing time as the result of Brian WestbrookÂ’s ankle injury. If the Eagles can jump out to a big lead against Washington, McCoy will likely be featured in the running game.
RB: Brandon Jackson, Green Bay: Cleveland ranks as the leagueÂ’s third-worst run defense and has allowed the second-most rushing scores. If Green Bay can jump to a big lead, look for it to rely more on the running game and utilize its second-string running back.
WR: Austin Collie, Indianapolis: St. Louis ranks as the leagueÂ’s sixth-worst pass defense. The rookie has emerged as a consistent target for Peyton Manning, catching 14 passes for 162 yards and three scores for the past two contests.
WR: Johnny Knox, Chicago: Cincinnati ranks as the leagueÂ’s fifth-worst pass defense; it has also yielded the third-most passing scores (9) of the 26 NFL teams playing in Week 7. The rookie has scored in three of the last four contests.
WR: Malcom Floyd, San Diego: Kansas City ranks in the bottom fourth in allowing passing yards (249.5); it also has yielded the second-most passing scores (10) of all the 26 teams playing in Week 7. Floyd has gained the second-most receiving yards (178) of San DiegoÂ’s wide receivers.
WR: Chaz Schilens, Oakland: Projected as OaklandÂ’s No. 1 wide receiver in the preseason, Schilens is expected to play in his seasonÂ’s first game against the Jets.
TE: Sean Ryan, Kansas City: Tight ends have fared superbly against San Diego, scoring three touchdowns from the past two contests.
K: Lawrence Tynes, New York Giants: He could receive many field-goal and extra-point chances against Arizona if this game between two potent offenses becomes high scoring.
D/ST: Oakland: It mixed up pass coverages against Philadelphia last game, utilizing zones rather than extensively using man-to-man. The Raiders had more success with their pass rush as well, forcing a season-high six sacks. It can force rookie Mark Sanchez into heavy pressure, and make turnovers as a result. Sanchez threw five interceptions last game and had three picks in Week 4.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009 9:08 PM EST
Here are my updated top fantasy keepers with an emphasis on next season.
Â
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Peyton Manning
3. Drew Brees
4. Tom Brady
5. Larry Fitzgerald
6. Randy Moss
7. Reggie Wayne
8. Michael Turner
9. Matt Forte
10. Andre Johnson
11. Brandon Marshall
12. Greg Jennings
13. Roddy White
14. Aaron Rodgers
15. Steven Jackson
16. Ronnie Brown
17. Maurice Jones-Drew
18. Steve Smith
19. Calvin Johnson
20. Brandon Jacobs
21. Donovan McNabb
22. Philip Rivers
23. Matt Ryan
24. DeAngelo Williams
25. Frank Gore
26. Knowshon Moreno
27. Anquan Boldin
28. Marques Colston
29. Vincent Jackson
30. Wes Welker
31. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
32. Chad Ochocinco
33. Dwayne Bowe
34. Hines Ward
35. Jason Witten
36. Tony Gonzalez
37. Antonio Gates
38. Kellen Winslow
39. Steve Slaton
40. Chris Johnson
41. LaDainian Tomlinson
42. Clinton Portis
43. Pierre Thomas
44. Brian Westbrook
45. Marion Barber
46. Marshawn Lynch
47. Ben Roethlisberger
48. Matt Hasselbeck
49. Tony Romo
50. Jay Cutler
Friday, 12 June 2009 2:57 PM EST
Maine to DL
Mets starter John Maine's best fantasy days appear to be behind him.
He posted his best fantasy season in 2007 by placing in the top 15 in strikeouts (180), top 35 in ERA (3.91) and top 30 in WHIP (1.27).
However, he faded greatly after the All-Star break that season, compiling a poor 5.53 ERA and 1.45 WHIP compared to a 2.71 ERA and 1.14 WHIP prior to the All-Star break.  His ERA (4.18), WHIP (1.35) and K/9 (7.8) declined in the next season, and he made seven fewer starts.
Currently, Maine has slid below the top 60 in ERA (4.52) and WHIP (1.38), and dropped to 85th in strikeouts (42).
Thursday, 11 June 2009 3:23 PM EST
Rarely do rookie quarterbacks serve as weekly fantasy starters, and the Jets' Mark Sanchez will likely fit that description.Â
Peyton Manning is one of the few in the last 10 years who succeeded by throwing for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns when he entered the NFL in 1999.
Even Matt Ryan, who was lauded for taking Atlanta to the playoffs, managed to finish with only the league's 13th-most passing yards (3,440 yards) and 16th-most passing scores (16) last year.
Nearly half of the NFL starting quarterbacks scored more fantasy points than Ryan last year. These included Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, Kurt Warner, Jay Cutler, Peyton Manning, Matt Cassel, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, David Garrard, Chad Pennington, Tyler Thigpen, Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.
Starting just nearly one full season, Sanchez had less college starting experience than Manning or Ryan. He also played with a USC team that was one of the most talented on offense. Rather than facing Pac-10 defenses, he will find himself on a more even playing field facing better competition and players, such as the tough AFC East rivals of New England and Miami. Â
Sanchez ranks 30th in my fantasy quarterback rankings. Sage Rosenfels and Byron Leftwich are ahead of Sanchez, and Tavaris Jackson and rookie Matthew Stafford are below him.Â
Wednesday, 10 June 2009 4:49 PM EST
I recently participated in an experts draft for a league that I won last year. Hopefully, these are winning picks again. I had the eighth pick among 12 teams, and the starting slots are QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, RB/WR/TE, K and D/ST. The scoring is standard (with four points for a passing score and one point per reception).
First round:Â Matt Forte, RB, Chicago: Real work takes precedence over fantasy fun, hence this was an autopick instead of Michael Turner being selected. Fortunately, I'll have a reason to cheer for the Bears if they flop.Â
Second round:Â Clinton Portis, RB, Washington: He's one of my 13 running backs who should be selected before any other choice. Surprisingly, the computer agreed. Luck be a fantasy star, tonight!
Third round:Â Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans: He's only one of two quarterbacks to ever throw for 5,000 yards. Really, how many Saints will you find within 5,000 yards of the French Quarter?
Fourth round: Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego: He's a bargain as the 18th wideout taken. The pick before him, Roy Williams, won't even be the 18th-best star on his own team!
Fifth round: Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis: Even Tony the Tiger could run for 1,000 yards after catching footballs from Peyton Manning all day. Valued as a second, he'll produce like a "Grreat" No. 1.
Sixth round: Torry Holt, WR, Jacksonville: Don't wait! When working well, he plays smooth as a Jaguar. Receive a big-name, luxury item at a discount.
Seventh round: Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay: He takes more smacks than "The Donald" dishes. Trump your adversaries in the boardroom midway through the draft meeting.
Eighth round: Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis: Buck the trend! Joseph Addai's offseason knee surgery is just one of many reasons to believe this rookie will be Indy's featured back by midseason.
Ninth round: Jeremy Maclin,WR, Philadelphia: A super sleeper! He's bigger than a DeSean Jackson, faster than a Reggie Brown and stronger than a Kevin Curtis.
10th round: Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle: He's fair-minded and balanced in his views of passing. On the other hand, his namesake on "The View" elects to pass wide to one side.     Â
11th round: Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets: The color of money in New York wrecked many financial futures. Back your future with this cheap insurance.
12th round: Laurence Maroney, RB, New England: Bill Belichick saves his back with an eye toward the future. Spend wisely and save your fantasy playoff hopes by running with this second-half surge.
My final six picks were Denver TE Tony Scheffler (he's a proven tight end in a passing-friendly offense), Washington RB Ladell Betts (serves as insurance for Portis), New England D/ST (has talent and coaching to rebound), Cleveland WR Brian Robiskie (polished rookie has chance to be Cleveland's top WR), Chicago D/ST (here's another defense that has talent and coaching to rebound) and Chicago K Robbie Gould (I couldn't curb my enthusiasm for Bears players).
Friday, 05 June 2009 0:26 PM EST
Check out my analysis on recent fantasy news.
Westbrook has ankle surgery
He's expected to be out 2-3 months after having ankle surgery to remove scar tissue and bone spurs, and will at least miss all the preseason games, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He'll also experience a rigorous rehab.
That raises red flags about Westbrook's ability to return effectively by the start of the season and play all 16 games at peak efficiency. I've dropped Westbrook four spots to No. 10 for overall and running back, and will look to drop him further if he experiences setbacks in his tough rehab. I've upgraded the fantasy values of first-round rookie LeSean McCoy (climbs to No. 38 from 42nd among RBs) and third-year vet Lorenzo Booker (climbs to No. 50 from 82nd among RBs). Â
Glavine released
Tom Glavine has minimal fantasy value in mixed leagues even if he signs with another team. He registers low strikeouts, recording a lowly 5.3 K/9 in 13 starts last year, and has recently registered high ratios. He'll only have value as a starter in an AL- or NL-only league if he stays healthy and posts respectable ratios again, reversing his great decline in ERA and WHIP from the last two seasons.
Hanson called up to start Sunday
I held onto top prospects David Price (drafted) and Tommy Hanson (claimed before the season) with the expectation that they'll be called up in time to still make a significant impact in ratios and strikeouts this season.
Conversely to Glavine, top prospect Hanson is a fantasy dream for a starting pitcher. He's recorded strikeouts at a prodigious rate and has superb ratios in the minor leagues. He's had 90 strikeouts (12.2 K/9) and posted a 1.49 ERA and .86 WHIP in 66.1 innings at Triple A this season. Make room for him immediately by dropping struggling starters like Jonathan Sanchez, Bronson Arroyo and Mike Pelfrey, or drop a reserve hitter to open a spot.
Carmona demoted; Hafner returns
Both Francisco Carmona and Travis Hafner ranked low in my preseason SP and DH rankings, and with good reason. Each had poor 2008 seasons, struggled in the second half, and didn't indicate they could rebound.
Unfortunately, for potential fantasy owners, they have continued their slumps this season. Additionally, Carmona isn't a strong strikeout pitcher, giving him little value unless he posts ratios of a 3.06 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP like he did in 2007. Until he posts solid ratios again in the majors, Carmona belongs on the waiver wire.
In 2006, Hafner slammed 42 homers to finish seventh and posted the 12th-most RBI, achieving his career highs. Â From 2004 thru 2007, Hafner totaled 127 homers and 434 RBI but, beset by injuries, he amassed just five homers and 24 RBI last year. Only claim Hafner until he proves he has regained his power.
Putz to miss 10-12 weeks
The loss of J.J. Putz affects fantasy owners little. Failing as a setup man, he offered poor value as a reliever with poor ratios and scarce save chances. Francisco Rodriguez's fantasy value remains strong as one of the top fantasy relievers. He's second in saves (14) and owns a .73 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.
More analysis
Though Randy Johnson's season ERA (5.12) and WHIP (1.36) are poor, he's rebounded greatly in the last three outings. Johnson has allowed just two earned runs, 11 hits and five walks in his last three starts spanning 17.1 innings to record a strong 1.05 ERA and .94 WHIP. He's also maintained his high strikeout ratio with a 7.4 K/9 during this span and has recorded nearly a strikeout per inning for the season. Claim him with the expectation that he will record respectable ratios and strikeouts until the All-Star break.
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