Week 8 NFL/fantasy storylines I'll be following tomorrow.
Shootout in Detroit
This isn't a news item, there actually could be some points on the board in Detroit tomorrow when the Rams come to town. I'm specifically looking at how good the Lions offense can be if Stafford and Johnson return.
Fourth and Forte
It's put up or shut up time for Matt Forte against Cleveland this week. If he doesn't get off here, he's bench material for the rest of the season. Bad playoff sked too.
Buffalo 66
As in that's how many yards TO has this year? Seriously, the Bills have some intriguing fantasy guys still in the mix. Houston's defense is bad. We should find out about Lee Evans, TO and Lynch here.
Seattle slump
The Seawhawks come off a bye week and an embarrasing home destruction at the hands of the Cards. Does this offense have anything left? I like them tomorrow, but I'm nervous about this one.
Mining for gold
Speaking of teams with some fantasy intrigue. How are the 49ers going to play with Alex Smith at the helm? What does this change do for Gore, Davis and Crabree. Indy is a tough test.
Favre bowl
Must see TV in Green Bay tomorrow.
Remember this Titan?
Vince Young sees his first meaningful action in over a year Sunday when he starts against the Jags. I actually think he may play well. Use those legs Vince.
Running rooks
Rookie backs Beanie Wells, LeSean McCoy, Knowshon Moreno and Shonn Greene all have great opportunities tomorrow. All but Greene are going to be started in most leagues.
Sunday hunch early tomorrow. I'll probably be up by 7 AM with the time change. Hate that Sunday morning wait.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday Five
Sorry for the tardy Friday Five everyone. Power went out in the Park today. Anyway, as I mentioned yesterday, I hated the trade of Adrian Peterson in one of my leagues this week. As a fellow owner, the five brings us five things I'd rather do than trade AP for 60 cents on the dollar in a fantasy football league.
I'd rather walk around with a ferret in my pants.
I'd rather spend my days training crocodiles.
I'd rather throw logs.
I'd rather try to tackle....Adrian Peterson.
I'd rather appear on a Japanese game show.
Cheers,
TFAM
I'd rather walk around with a ferret in my pants.
I'd rather spend my days training crocodiles.
I'd rather throw logs.
I'd rather try to tackle....Adrian Peterson.
I'd rather appear on a Japanese game show.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Trade Analysis
So, a sketchy trade went down in one of my leagues yesterday and I thought, what better place to vent than right here? The trade was Adrian Peterson, garbage player A and garbage player B for David Garrard, Kevin Smith and Ricky Williams. You should know that this is a two QB league (of which I'm a big fan), so Garrard isn't totally worthless. Now, in my mind, the guy getting AP, we'll call him Ben, gets the clear better end of this one. Ricky is a reserve back most weeks, and Smith has really been a low end starter all year. However, if the other team was decimated at QB and RB (which he kind of was), the idea of dealing off AP to at least field a decent squad has its merits. Here is what I don't get...
WHY TRADE AP WITHOUT TRYING TO MARKET HIS AVAILABILITY?
I see this mistake made in fantasy league after fantasy league regardless of sport. Teams sell their best players off without trying to get a better deal from the rest of the market. I can almost guarantee you, if Mr. I'm going to sell fantasy's best player for 60 cents on the dollar would have told a few other people either:
A: "I'm thinking about trading AP to reload, what offers may be out there for me?"
OR
B: "I'm close to accepting a deal of a backup RB, the Lions running back and David freaking Garrard for Peterson. Is there anyone who wants to top it?"
Both of those approaches would have certianly netted a better deal than the trade he made. As a matter of fact, I don't HATE the trade that he made for his team, and I'm certainly not a fan of commissioner vetoes. I just don't get it. Let me say this loud and clear, people in your league want your best player. You can just assume that. If you think it is in your best interests to deal, make it known that you are looking for the best offer. You can get probably 50% more on your return. Of all the trading rules, that one falls near the top.
Now, who wants to trade me for Terrell Owens?
Cheers,
TFAM
WHY TRADE AP WITHOUT TRYING TO MARKET HIS AVAILABILITY?
I see this mistake made in fantasy league after fantasy league regardless of sport. Teams sell their best players off without trying to get a better deal from the rest of the market. I can almost guarantee you, if Mr. I'm going to sell fantasy's best player for 60 cents on the dollar would have told a few other people either:
A: "I'm thinking about trading AP to reload, what offers may be out there for me?"
OR
B: "I'm close to accepting a deal of a backup RB, the Lions running back and David freaking Garrard for Peterson. Is there anyone who wants to top it?"
Both of those approaches would have certianly netted a better deal than the trade he made. As a matter of fact, I don't HATE the trade that he made for his team, and I'm certainly not a fan of commissioner vetoes. I just don't get it. Let me say this loud and clear, people in your league want your best player. You can just assume that. If you think it is in your best interests to deal, make it known that you are looking for the best offer. You can get probably 50% more on your return. Of all the trading rules, that one falls near the top.
Now, who wants to trade me for Terrell Owens?
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sneaky Pickups
It's Wednesday again, time for sneaky pickups. As always, these are guys that should be available in your league. The point here is to pounce a week or two before these guys blow up, making them much harder to acquire.
I think former sneaky pickup Jamaal Charles in the add of the week. LJ is a moron and may not ever play for the Chiefs again. Charles should be next in line. However, it'll cost you to acquire him. Here are three guys it may not cost so much to bring on board.
Kolby Smith, RB, Chiefs
Are we sure that Charles is going to get all the carries in Johnson's absence? When LJ has gone down before, Smith has been as much of a part of the offense, if not more, than Charles.
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers
Floyd is oh so close to taking the starting job from the over-the-hill Chris Chambers. Floyd is big enough (6'5) to do some major damage in the red zone to go along with the production he can add from being on the field more between the 20s. The Chargers are a pass first team now.
Brandon Tate, WR, Patriots
Tate, a talented rookie from North Carolina (many thought he was a better NFL prospect than fellow Tar Heel Hakeem Nicks until Tate tore up his knee as a senior), is on track to grab the #3 WR job in New England. Sunday was his first game back from that knee injury.
Cheers,
TFAM
I think former sneaky pickup Jamaal Charles in the add of the week. LJ is a moron and may not ever play for the Chiefs again. Charles should be next in line. However, it'll cost you to acquire him. Here are three guys it may not cost so much to bring on board.
Kolby Smith, RB, Chiefs
Are we sure that Charles is going to get all the carries in Johnson's absence? When LJ has gone down before, Smith has been as much of a part of the offense, if not more, than Charles.
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers
Floyd is oh so close to taking the starting job from the over-the-hill Chris Chambers. Floyd is big enough (6'5) to do some major damage in the red zone to go along with the production he can add from being on the field more between the 20s. The Chargers are a pass first team now.
Brandon Tate, WR, Patriots
Tate, a talented rookie from North Carolina (many thought he was a better NFL prospect than fellow Tar Heel Hakeem Nicks until Tate tore up his knee as a senior), is on track to grab the #3 WR job in New England. Sunday was his first game back from that knee injury.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Hardcourt Season
I won't be devoting a ton of blog space to hoops this year (unless there is more demand), at least until football is over, but I thought I'd share the results of my recent fantasy hoops draft being that it's opening night. There are 12 teams in the league, and I have to start a center, three guards, three forwards, and two utility players. I have four bench spots, and the eight scoring categories are points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, threes, FG%, and FT%.
Here is my team, with each player preceded by the overall pick I took him with.
2-Chris Paul
23-Brook Lopez
26-David West
47-Tony Parker
50-Carlos Boozer
71-Mike Bibby
74-Anthony Randolph
95-Paul Milsap
98-D.J. Augustin
119-Richard Jefferson
122-Danilo Gallinari
143-Kendrick Perkins
146-Carl Landry
I love Paul with the second pick. He was a no brainer, of course, after LeBron went one. Lopez is going to be big this year. I like him for blocks and he is a good free throw shooter. I bet he has comparable numbers to Pau Gasol this year. West was a nice safe pick in the third. I wanted to lock in assists, so Parker was my next choice. Boozer was just begging someone to take him, so I did and I think he could provide top three round value if he stays healthy. If he doesn't, I protected myself later with Milsap. I also really like my Augustin, Jefferson, and Landry picks. Randolph was a reach, but I had no one else I liked there. I just hate Don Nelson and am afraid Randolph's minutes are going to be a bit schizo this year. Gallinari was an auto pick. I ran out of time.
Overall, I'm strong in assists, both percentage categories and I should be okay in rebounds. I have the league leader in steals and I may compete in points also. I believe my two weakest areas are blocks and threes. Hopefully Perkins can score enough to justify a roster spot. I need his blocks to go along with Lopez and Randolph. Jefferson and Bibby will help out on threes, and Augustin could be huge all across the board if he starts beating out Ray Felton for more minutes.
As far as the rest of the draft, I'll list five picks I loved and five picks I hated.
Loved...
56-Andrew Bynum
68-Jeff Green
78-Luis Scola
102-Leandro Barbosa
108-Jason Thompson
Hated...
4-Danny Granger (over Kobe, maybe, over Durant, no way)
17-David Lee
28-Gilbert Arenas
36-Michael Redd
37-Andrea Bargnani
Cheers,
TFAM
Here is my team, with each player preceded by the overall pick I took him with.
2-Chris Paul
23-Brook Lopez
26-David West
47-Tony Parker
50-Carlos Boozer
71-Mike Bibby
74-Anthony Randolph
95-Paul Milsap
98-D.J. Augustin
119-Richard Jefferson
122-Danilo Gallinari
143-Kendrick Perkins
146-Carl Landry
I love Paul with the second pick. He was a no brainer, of course, after LeBron went one. Lopez is going to be big this year. I like him for blocks and he is a good free throw shooter. I bet he has comparable numbers to Pau Gasol this year. West was a nice safe pick in the third. I wanted to lock in assists, so Parker was my next choice. Boozer was just begging someone to take him, so I did and I think he could provide top three round value if he stays healthy. If he doesn't, I protected myself later with Milsap. I also really like my Augustin, Jefferson, and Landry picks. Randolph was a reach, but I had no one else I liked there. I just hate Don Nelson and am afraid Randolph's minutes are going to be a bit schizo this year. Gallinari was an auto pick. I ran out of time.
Overall, I'm strong in assists, both percentage categories and I should be okay in rebounds. I have the league leader in steals and I may compete in points also. I believe my two weakest areas are blocks and threes. Hopefully Perkins can score enough to justify a roster spot. I need his blocks to go along with Lopez and Randolph. Jefferson and Bibby will help out on threes, and Augustin could be huge all across the board if he starts beating out Ray Felton for more minutes.
As far as the rest of the draft, I'll list five picks I loved and five picks I hated.
Loved...
56-Andrew Bynum
68-Jeff Green
78-Luis Scola
102-Leandro Barbosa
108-Jason Thompson
Hated...
4-Danny Granger (over Kobe, maybe, over Durant, no way)
17-David Lee
28-Gilbert Arenas
36-Michael Redd
37-Andrea Bargnani
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, October 25, 2009
As Seen on TV
Did you see what I saw on TV today?
Steve Slaton was part of the short yardage package. Kubiak still mixed Chris Brown in at times, but it no longer appears to be a goal line platoon. Hail, Hail!
LaDainian Tomlinson carried eight times from the five yard line or closer and did not score. He has to be cooked, doesn't he?
Cedric Benson looks like an entirely different player. He's legit. No more questions from me. Man does he run hard.
Shonn Greene is good. I saw him play a lot at Iowa, and I was really impressed. He has done nothing to change that in the NFL.
Anquan Boldin, despite playing Sunday night, is nowhere near 100 percent healthy. He should probably take a week or two off, and he isn't in my lineup until he does.
Ted Ginn Jr., may I introduce you to Braylon Edwards and Terrell Owens? I'll let you figure out what these three have in common. Ok, I'll give you one hint, Roberto Duran.
Believe what you see in the Saints boxscore. Mike Bell was the lead back in the backfield when the game was on the line.
Sidney Rice has top-10 ability. He makes difficult catches every game.
So much for easing Michael Crabtree into the offense. At one point, he had been on the field for 36 of 39 snaps. I think he is a potential flex play down the road this year.
Cheers,
TFAM
Steve Slaton was part of the short yardage package. Kubiak still mixed Chris Brown in at times, but it no longer appears to be a goal line platoon. Hail, Hail!
LaDainian Tomlinson carried eight times from the five yard line or closer and did not score. He has to be cooked, doesn't he?
Cedric Benson looks like an entirely different player. He's legit. No more questions from me. Man does he run hard.
Shonn Greene is good. I saw him play a lot at Iowa, and I was really impressed. He has done nothing to change that in the NFL.
Anquan Boldin, despite playing Sunday night, is nowhere near 100 percent healthy. He should probably take a week or two off, and he isn't in my lineup until he does.
Ted Ginn Jr., may I introduce you to Braylon Edwards and Terrell Owens? I'll let you figure out what these three have in common. Ok, I'll give you one hint, Roberto Duran.
Believe what you see in the Saints boxscore. Mike Bell was the lead back in the backfield when the game was on the line.
Sidney Rice has top-10 ability. He makes difficult catches every game.
So much for easing Michael Crabtree into the offense. At one point, he had been on the field for 36 of 39 snaps. I think he is a potential flex play down the road this year.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday Hunch
It's a little early for Sunday Hunch, but I have a responsibility to get this information out to you before the lineup deadline crunch comes later this morning. I'm going for six today, because I said earlier in the week that I was going to attempt to equal Kirby (I also explain the logic for this column here) in Milwaukee. Then, my buddy James burst my bubble and said I only went 3-for-5 last week. He was right, I thought I nailed the Packers, then I forgot that snow to the Titans is like sun to a vampire. Anyways, I'm going to go ahead and pretend I hit on four so I can still chase Kirby, but if you are scoring at home (or even if you're alone, credits to Sportscenter, I think), I'm sitting at 60 percent.
I have a hunch that...
Steve Smith will break out against the Bills number four ranked pass defense this week. He scores for sure.
Miami holds the Saints under 24 points this week.
Miami beats the Saints in that game.
Laurence Maroney will prove to be a worthless fantasy pickup. Under 75 yards and no scores for Maroney, even against that atrocious Bucs rush defense.
Brandon Jacobs will steal the torch back from Ahmad Bradshaw. Jacobs breaks out tonight, even against a good Arizona run defense.
Santonio Holmes will score more fantasy points than Hines Ward. Holmes is a great play today.
Cheers,
TFAM
I have a hunch that...
Steve Smith will break out against the Bills number four ranked pass defense this week. He scores for sure.
Miami holds the Saints under 24 points this week.
Miami beats the Saints in that game.
Laurence Maroney will prove to be a worthless fantasy pickup. Under 75 yards and no scores for Maroney, even against that atrocious Bucs rush defense.
Brandon Jacobs will steal the torch back from Ahmad Bradshaw. Jacobs breaks out tonight, even against a good Arizona run defense.
Santonio Holmes will score more fantasy points than Hines Ward. Holmes is a great play today.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Just Thinkin' About Tomorrow
Here are some Sunday storylines I'll be following in Week 7 of the NFL slate tomorrow.
Force vs. object squared
Adrian Peterson and Rashard Mendenhall battle in Pittsburgh and each has a very difficult matchup. Which one can come through for fantasy owners anyway?
Frank the Tank
Frank Gore returns from injury to face an uninspring Texans defense. Is he 100 % healthy? Did I waste all my bidding bucks on Glen Coffee? Yes, yes I did.
London Calling
The Pats and Bucs are playing in Wembley, trying to put on a show for the British fans. This is not a good thing for Tampa Bay. Does the Pats running game do anything?
Turn back the clock
When is the old Steve Smith going to start playing like the new Steve Smith? The Carolina version has been awful this year, but may have a chance against an overrated Bills passing defense (teasing the Sunday hunch here).
Raider revival
I'm not really looking to see if the Raiders have any fantasy goodness, I'm just going to be documenting their defensive performance at home. They slowed down Philly last week and now get the Jets. Are they a formidable defense in the Black Hole?
Burning Benson
Cedric Benson faces his old team in Cincinnati. Should I really be sold on this guy as a top 10 back?
Miles and Miles
Miles Austin and the Cowboys will take the field for the first time since he put on a performance worthy of Flipper Anderson. He's now the Cowboys leading receiver, but is he their best fantasy option?
Two heads are better than one
Is Ahmad Bradshaw a better fantasy option than Brandon Jacobs? He has been lately. I'm looking for the number of carries here and where on the field those carries happen.
Prove it Pierre
Pierre Thomas, you say you are still a viable fantasy option? Prove it in Miami Sunday.
Cheers,
TFAM
Force vs. object squared
Adrian Peterson and Rashard Mendenhall battle in Pittsburgh and each has a very difficult matchup. Which one can come through for fantasy owners anyway?
Frank the Tank
Frank Gore returns from injury to face an uninspring Texans defense. Is he 100 % healthy? Did I waste all my bidding bucks on Glen Coffee? Yes, yes I did.
London Calling
The Pats and Bucs are playing in Wembley, trying to put on a show for the British fans. This is not a good thing for Tampa Bay. Does the Pats running game do anything?
Turn back the clock
When is the old Steve Smith going to start playing like the new Steve Smith? The Carolina version has been awful this year, but may have a chance against an overrated Bills passing defense (teasing the Sunday hunch here).
Raider revival
I'm not really looking to see if the Raiders have any fantasy goodness, I'm just going to be documenting their defensive performance at home. They slowed down Philly last week and now get the Jets. Are they a formidable defense in the Black Hole?
Burning Benson
Cedric Benson faces his old team in Cincinnati. Should I really be sold on this guy as a top 10 back?
Miles and Miles
Miles Austin and the Cowboys will take the field for the first time since he put on a performance worthy of Flipper Anderson. He's now the Cowboys leading receiver, but is he their best fantasy option?
Two heads are better than one
Is Ahmad Bradshaw a better fantasy option than Brandon Jacobs? He has been lately. I'm looking for the number of carries here and where on the field those carries happen.
Prove it Pierre
Pierre Thomas, you say you are still a viable fantasy option? Prove it in Miami Sunday.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday Five
This week, Laurence Maroney busted out with over 100 yards and a score against the hapless Titans. I've seemingly been burned every year on Pats running backs to the point where I will never own one again as long as Belichick is in town. So, the the Friday Five zeroes in on five things I would rather do than count on a Patriots running back in fantasy.
I would rather fly on Delta/Northwest from Rio to Atlanta, or San Diego to Minneapolis.
I would rather play ping pong against this guy in orange.
I would rather learn geography from Miss South Carolina.
I'd rather step into the ring with James Thunder.
I would rather appear as a contestant on a Japanese game show.
Cheers, TFAM
I would rather fly on Delta/Northwest from Rio to Atlanta, or San Diego to Minneapolis.
I would rather play ping pong against this guy in orange.
I would rather learn geography from Miss South Carolina.
I'd rather step into the ring with James Thunder.
I would rather appear as a contestant on a Japanese game show.
Cheers, TFAM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Explaining the Hunch
As you saw this Sunday, I debuted a new column called the Sunday Hunch. The premise of the column lies with the idea that there are some against the grain decisions to be made with your fanatsy lineup that can really pay off. Look no further than Sunday's column to see how my hunches paid off Sunday. Too often, fantasy analysts get caught up in the numbers and lose their common sense. I actually heard prominent fantasy voices say that Drew Brees and Andre Johnson could/should be benched last week. That's nonsense to me. Really, bench Drew Brees at home? Please. I don't care how well the Giants were playing on defense, they aren't the '85 Bears.
I just want to get the point across that I am much more of a feel and gut fantasy player than an overthinking stat guy. Sometimes, I just won't be able to produce numbers to back up my hunches, and that's just fine with me. I have a winning track record in all my leagues, and I'm not going to morph into Bill James or someone who uses stats from nine years ago to influence readers.
I went 4-for-5 on my hunches by the way. Now I need to go 6-for-6 next week and I can match Kirby's magical '87 weekend in Milwaukee.
Thank God for links, huh? Love it.
Tomorrow, the Friday Five, and sometime soon, a review of my fantasy hoops draft. Who do you think I got with the second pick?
Cheers,
TFAM
I just want to get the point across that I am much more of a feel and gut fantasy player than an overthinking stat guy. Sometimes, I just won't be able to produce numbers to back up my hunches, and that's just fine with me. I have a winning track record in all my leagues, and I'm not going to morph into Bill James or someone who uses stats from nine years ago to influence readers.
I went 4-for-5 on my hunches by the way. Now I need to go 6-for-6 next week and I can match Kirby's magical '87 weekend in Milwaukee.
Thank God for links, huh? Love it.
Tomorrow, the Friday Five, and sometime soon, a review of my fantasy hoops draft. Who do you think I got with the second pick?
Cheers,
TFAM
Comments
Hey everyone. I'll be back later with a post giving you a little background on the Sunday Hunch column. For now though, just know that the comments page has been opened up, and anyone can now leave a comment on the blog.
Cheers,
TFAM
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sneaky Pickups
The pickup of the week for most people seems to be Laurence Maroney of the Pats. I'm not buying it. Bill Belichick has never trusted Maroney before and may just do whatever he can to leave him over in London after Sunday's game.
However, I'm keeping my eye on a few guys that are available in your league as my sneaky pickups of the week.
Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders
McFadden is a (injured) clown, and Fargas has passed Bush on the depth chart. I know it isn't sexy, but 85 yards against Philly is nothing to shake a stick at. You think the Raiders would rather pass? I thought so.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
You think the Seahawks enjoyed the eight carries for eight yards they received from Edge and Julius Sunday? Me either. Forsett is young, and next on the depth chart. If the Seahawks season continues to head south, Forsett should be in there against a weak schedule down the stretch.
Quinton Ganther, RB, Redskins
I know, I haven't heard of him either, but I've never believed in Ladell Betts and I've always believed Clinton Portis is actually 54-years-old. The Skins just signed Ganther this week, and he may also get a look down the stretch. This one may be a reach, well, it is a reach, but wouldn't it be fun if I was right?
As always, past week's players are highly recommended. Lance Moore, Chad Henne, and Sidney Rice were on this list before and are hopefully already on your rosters. Just don't go dumping those guys for Ganther :).
Cheers,
TFAM
However, I'm keeping my eye on a few guys that are available in your league as my sneaky pickups of the week.
Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders
McFadden is a (injured) clown, and Fargas has passed Bush on the depth chart. I know it isn't sexy, but 85 yards against Philly is nothing to shake a stick at. You think the Raiders would rather pass? I thought so.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks
You think the Seahawks enjoyed the eight carries for eight yards they received from Edge and Julius Sunday? Me either. Forsett is young, and next on the depth chart. If the Seahawks season continues to head south, Forsett should be in there against a weak schedule down the stretch.
Quinton Ganther, RB, Redskins
I know, I haven't heard of him either, but I've never believed in Ladell Betts and I've always believed Clinton Portis is actually 54-years-old. The Skins just signed Ganther this week, and he may also get a look down the stretch. This one may be a reach, well, it is a reach, but wouldn't it be fun if I was right?
As always, past week's players are highly recommended. Lance Moore, Chad Henne, and Sidney Rice were on this list before and are hopefully already on your rosters. Just don't go dumping those guys for Ganther :).
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Bell Tolling for Thomas
I have to get to a couple of glaring omissions from this week's As Seen on TV.
How about Wes Welker? Some knee injury, huh? I'm guessing that 10-150-2 in the snow means the knee is OK? I couldn't believe he was out there in the third quarter when it was 52-0. That really means his knee is fine. No more concerns with him.
However, the sirens are sounding for Pierre Thomas in New Orleans. As I noted on Saturday, I was going to be watching the Saints to see if Mike Bell was going to usurp some of Thomas' action. What ensued was a toal disaster for Thomas owners. Not only did Bell evenly split carries with Thomas, he also scored from the two-yard-line. To make matters worse, he had another shorty TD called back by penalty. I can't say how much of a disaster this is for Thomas. If he is going to get just 50 % of the carries, catch no passes and get pulled at the stripe we are looking at a back outside of the top 20 in our rankings. If Bell wasn't around, Thomas is top 10, easy.
I suppose this is the time I should mention that I hope my readers in two of my leagues are napping, because I'm dumping Thomas onto someone, fast.
Cheers,
TFAM
How about Wes Welker? Some knee injury, huh? I'm guessing that 10-150-2 in the snow means the knee is OK? I couldn't believe he was out there in the third quarter when it was 52-0. That really means his knee is fine. No more concerns with him.
However, the sirens are sounding for Pierre Thomas in New Orleans. As I noted on Saturday, I was going to be watching the Saints to see if Mike Bell was going to usurp some of Thomas' action. What ensued was a toal disaster for Thomas owners. Not only did Bell evenly split carries with Thomas, he also scored from the two-yard-line. To make matters worse, he had another shorty TD called back by penalty. I can't say how much of a disaster this is for Thomas. If he is going to get just 50 % of the carries, catch no passes and get pulled at the stripe we are looking at a back outside of the top 20 in our rankings. If Bell wasn't around, Thomas is top 10, easy.
I suppose this is the time I should mention that I hope my readers in two of my leagues are napping, because I'm dumping Thomas onto someone, fast.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, October 19, 2009
Site Improvements
So, I have a few things, actually a lot of things, that I want to do to this site/blog to make it better. If you have any insight that may help me, make sure and pass it along. Here is what I'd like to do....
Have a Q and A dropbox sort of thing on the page.
Make it easier to comment, some people can't apparently if they don't have a google account. I can't even easily figure out how best to reply to someone's comment.
I can't figure out the search blog box in the upper right hand corner. Nothing shows up when I search for things I've written about.
I would like to figure out how to make sure my blog is available via a google search.
I'd also like to see how many (or few :)) hits my blog gets a day. How do you do that?
Is there a way to tag my blog so when people search blogger for fantasy sports mine will come up? How do you even search blogger for content? Is my blog available to the general public? How do they find it if I don't pass along the link?
I also can't seem to figure out the direct message thing on Twitter.
Finally, I'd like to change the appearance to make it a little less cookie cutter.
Anyway, thanks to everyone who reads my writing daily. I know you're out there and it's important for me to have an audience. My head is spinning with ideas right now for the future, and that's not because I had eight beers today.
Cheers,
TFAM
Have a Q and A dropbox sort of thing on the page.
Make it easier to comment, some people can't apparently if they don't have a google account. I can't even easily figure out how best to reply to someone's comment.
I can't figure out the search blog box in the upper right hand corner. Nothing shows up when I search for things I've written about.
I would like to figure out how to make sure my blog is available via a google search.
I'd also like to see how many (or few :)) hits my blog gets a day. How do you do that?
Is there a way to tag my blog so when people search blogger for fantasy sports mine will come up? How do you even search blogger for content? Is my blog available to the general public? How do they find it if I don't pass along the link?
I also can't seem to figure out the direct message thing on Twitter.
Finally, I'd like to change the appearance to make it a little less cookie cutter.
Anyway, thanks to everyone who reads my writing daily. I know you're out there and it's important for me to have an audience. My head is spinning with ideas right now for the future, and that's not because I had eight beers today.
Cheers,
TFAM
As Seen on TV
This week's items you need to know that may not have been discerned from the boxscores....
Ryan Grant was horrible Sunday. Over 60 of his 90 yards came in 4th quarter garbage time.
It seems like Jay Cutler misses more throws than any other quarterback who has his lofty reputation.
Sidney Rice and Brett Favre are on the same page. If you haven't bought in yet, now's the time.
Ray Rice is the real deal. Has anyone else noticed how big he is? He's a better playmaker than Maurice Jones-Drew, for one.
Brandon Jacobs was nicked up right before Ahmad Bradshaw scored his touchdown. Still not overly worried about Jacobs.
Josh Cribbs plays the quarterback position better than Derek Anderson.
Clinton Portis went for 109, but 78 were on one play. The guy has nothing left in the tank.
Donovan McNabb remains completely unreliable, for Eagles fans and for fantasy owners.
Cheers,
TFAM
Ryan Grant was horrible Sunday. Over 60 of his 90 yards came in 4th quarter garbage time.
It seems like Jay Cutler misses more throws than any other quarterback who has his lofty reputation.
Sidney Rice and Brett Favre are on the same page. If you haven't bought in yet, now's the time.
Ray Rice is the real deal. Has anyone else noticed how big he is? He's a better playmaker than Maurice Jones-Drew, for one.
Brandon Jacobs was nicked up right before Ahmad Bradshaw scored his touchdown. Still not overly worried about Jacobs.
Josh Cribbs plays the quarterback position better than Derek Anderson.
Clinton Portis went for 109, but 78 were on one play. The guy has nothing left in the tank.
Donovan McNabb remains completely unreliable, for Eagles fans and for fantasy owners.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday Hunch
Sunday Hunch will be a brief Sunday morning column that will focus on a few against-the-grain hunches I have for the slate of NFL games each week. There won't be a set number, as I don't want ti pigeon hole myself into having for force this.
Without further ado...
It's time for Sunday Hunch, and I've got a few things I expect will be on the table today...
I have a hunch the Ravens play more seven man fronts than the Vikings have seen this year, and that AP will have a nice day because of that.
I have a hunch that Drew Brees is going to exploit the top-ranked Giants pass defense.
I have a hunch Andre Johnson will solve the riddle that is Leon Hall.
I have a hunch that Steven Jackson finds the end zone today for the first time all season.
I have a hunch the Packers will have the largest margin of victory today.
Cheers,
TFAM
Without further ado...
It's time for Sunday Hunch, and I've got a few things I expect will be on the table today...
I have a hunch the Ravens play more seven man fronts than the Vikings have seen this year, and that AP will have a nice day because of that.
I have a hunch that Drew Brees is going to exploit the top-ranked Giants pass defense.
I have a hunch Andre Johnson will solve the riddle that is Leon Hall.
I have a hunch that Steven Jackson finds the end zone today for the first time all season.
I have a hunch the Packers will have the largest margin of victory today.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Just Thinkin' About Tomorrow
Here are a few of the storylines I'll be following in the NFL this Sunday.
Does the bell toll?
There's word that the Saints want to try and get the now healthy Mike Bell back involved in their ground attack. This is bad news for owners of Pierre Thomas. It's downright horryfying if Bell scores from the stripe.
The time has come
Greg Jennings has no excuses if he can't score against Detroit this week. I'm going to lose faith in the Pack if Rodgers can't get time to thorw after a bye week to plug the leaks.
One toed Willie?
Let's see if Willie Parker even makes a dent in Rashard Mendenhall's PT upon his return to the lineup against the Browns.
Meat and potatoes
Two teams, the Vikings and Giants, have played pillow soft schedules and have raced to 5-0 starts. I'm interested to see how these teams start to perform against quality competition. I really want to see if you can throw on the Giants. I think Drew Brees will try to find out Sunday, don't you?
Bronco backfield
Buckhalter returns...does that cut into Moreno's touches? I still don't know if this team has a designated goal line guy.
Flight of the Falcons
Both Roddy White and Michael Turner exploded last week and made us remember why we pikced them in the top two rounds. Can they start producing consistently?
Edwards vs. Owens
You think Braylon is enjoying New York? Two whiny, stone-handed receivers square off in the Meadowlands.
Seattle slew
The Seahawks passing game came to life in a big way against the Jags last week. With their schedule being so tasty the rest of the way, I'm looking to see if they can keep putting up th numbers against poor defenses. Actually, I'm looking to see just how many numbers they can put up. I'm not sold yet, but I'm watching.
Cheers,
TFAM
Does the bell toll?
There's word that the Saints want to try and get the now healthy Mike Bell back involved in their ground attack. This is bad news for owners of Pierre Thomas. It's downright horryfying if Bell scores from the stripe.
The time has come
Greg Jennings has no excuses if he can't score against Detroit this week. I'm going to lose faith in the Pack if Rodgers can't get time to thorw after a bye week to plug the leaks.
One toed Willie?
Let's see if Willie Parker even makes a dent in Rashard Mendenhall's PT upon his return to the lineup against the Browns.
Meat and potatoes
Two teams, the Vikings and Giants, have played pillow soft schedules and have raced to 5-0 starts. I'm interested to see how these teams start to perform against quality competition. I really want to see if you can throw on the Giants. I think Drew Brees will try to find out Sunday, don't you?
Bronco backfield
Buckhalter returns...does that cut into Moreno's touches? I still don't know if this team has a designated goal line guy.
Flight of the Falcons
Both Roddy White and Michael Turner exploded last week and made us remember why we pikced them in the top two rounds. Can they start producing consistently?
Edwards vs. Owens
You think Braylon is enjoying New York? Two whiny, stone-handed receivers square off in the Meadowlands.
Seattle slew
The Seahawks passing game came to life in a big way against the Jags last week. With their schedule being so tasty the rest of the way, I'm looking to see if they can keep putting up th numbers against poor defenses. Actually, I'm looking to see just how many numbers they can put up. I'm not sold yet, but I'm watching.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday Five
As I hinted in the hoops preview column, I'm not a fan of Greg Oden this year in hoops. So, today's Five gives us five things I'd rather do than select the 56-year-old Oden in my upcoming fantasy basketball draft.
I'd rather...
Vault in gymnastics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxk69lSk6m4
Play golf in South Carolina
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2009/10/09/2009-10-09_golfer_loses_arm_in_alligator_attack_as_he_reaches_for_ball_on_south_carolina_co.html
Have to stop this nine-year-old with the game on the line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CiYv6R3OOc
Take the escalator
http://www.bestofyoutube.com/story.php?title=piano-stairs---the-fun-theory
Be a contestant on a Japanese game show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvETvLpGf_k&feature=related
Cheers,
TFAM
I'd rather...
Vault in gymnastics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxk69lSk6m4
Play golf in South Carolina
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2009/10/09/2009-10-09_golfer_loses_arm_in_alligator_attack_as_he_reaches_for_ball_on_south_carolina_co.html
Have to stop this nine-year-old with the game on the line
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CiYv6R3OOc
Take the escalator
http://www.bestofyoutube.com/story.php?title=piano-stairs---the-fun-theory
Be a contestant on a Japanese game show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvETvLpGf_k&feature=related
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Idiotic Analysis
I'm back for a quick rant about so called fantasy sports experts. Matthew Berry of ESPN has his love/hate column up today and cites this strange piece of information.
Derrick Mason has at least eight receptions in his last three games against Minnesota.
What Mr. Berry fails to mention is that those games took place in 2005, 2004, and.....2001! I just wanted to let you know that you won't find any of that forced anaylsis garbage here. We're all smart enough to realize that those numbers are trash. Only nine players remain from the Vikings 2005 edition that was coached by Mike Tice, and I'm pretty sure Chris Kluwe didn't have much of an impact on Derrick Mason. What a bunch of BS. I hope ESPN is paying Berry well for that kind of sage advice.
Derrick Mason has at least eight receptions in his last three games against Minnesota.
What Mr. Berry fails to mention is that those games took place in 2005, 2004, and.....2001! I just wanted to let you know that you won't find any of that forced anaylsis garbage here. We're all smart enough to realize that those numbers are trash. Only nine players remain from the Vikings 2005 edition that was coached by Mike Tice, and I'm pretty sure Chris Kluwe didn't have much of an impact on Derrick Mason. What a bunch of BS. I hope ESPN is paying Berry well for that kind of sage advice.
Hoop Dreams
With the start of the NBA regular season less than two weeks away, it's time to reveal my award winning fantasy hoops advice for 2009-10.
I've had mixed success in hoops leagues in the past, winning a few and tanking in a couple others. Last year, I took a step up in class, race horse style, played against tougher competition, and flopped. This year, I'm back to defend my 10th place finish and right my wrongs of a year ago.
The main problem with my team last year was that I botched my draft in embarrassing fashion. I picked Dwight Howard, decided to dominate blocks, field goal percentage and boards and punt free throw percentage. However, I made the all too common mistake of not building a strength. I thought Howard alone would carry me in those three categories and he didn’t. When you build strength in a category in hoops, you need to back it up. Howard is a beast, but you need to pair him with a couple other block/board guys to really do it right. To my defense, it was the first time I had played in a head-to-head category based league. I usually play rotisserie basketball, where balance across the categories trumps building a strength in a few.
Anyway, Howard is one of those divisive players (a la Shaq a few years ago) who changes your entire vibe if you get him. If I end up with him again, I’m punting FT % and building a real strength. However, I’m hoping I get a top five pick this year where I don’t have to make that call. I’m zeroed in on Paul, Lebron, Durant and Wade, in that order. Gun to my head I take Kobe at 5, but I’m, hoping someone takes him before that. If I’m in the bottom half of the draft, I may have to suck it up and take Howard, or maybe Deron Williams.
So, to keep this short and simple, I’m going to list a bunch of players I like this year. That’s it. If you have strategy questions, make sure and hit me up.
Players I like for 2009-10:
Kevin Durant
Deron Williams
Amare Stoudemire
Carmelo Anthony
Caron Butler
Brook Lopez
Mehmet Okur
Andris Biedrins
Luis Scola
Kevin Love
Carl Landry
Anthony Parker
Stoudemire should bounce back with Terry Porter and Shaq out of town…Anthony could average 30 this year if he wants to…Lopez could go 20 and 10…I have a soft spot for Okur’s boards and threes…Landry and Scola will benefit from no Yao…Parker could be a multi-cat stat stuffer in Cleveland, particularly with Delonte West doing his best OJ Simpson impersonation.
Before I go, let’s go over some lists.
Dead to me
Rudy Gay
Greg Oden
Randy Foye
Jason Richardson
Al Thornton
Avoiding due to injury
Kevin Garnett
Baron Davis
Marcus Camby
Gilbert Arenas
Tracy McGrady
Overrated
OJ Mayo
Elton Brand
Trevor Ariza
Vince Carter
Allen Iverson
Underrated
TJ Ford
Michael Beasley (strong possibility I take him and he ends up on the dead to me list next year)
Ronnie Brewer
Andrea Bargnani
Marvin Williams
Best rookies
None—rookies are overrated in fantasy. Only Blake Griffin can really be counted on to produce starter caliber numbers. Others will, but you don’t know who they are, and most will likely kill your FG %.
Cheers,
TFAM
I've had mixed success in hoops leagues in the past, winning a few and tanking in a couple others. Last year, I took a step up in class, race horse style, played against tougher competition, and flopped. This year, I'm back to defend my 10th place finish and right my wrongs of a year ago.
The main problem with my team last year was that I botched my draft in embarrassing fashion. I picked Dwight Howard, decided to dominate blocks, field goal percentage and boards and punt free throw percentage. However, I made the all too common mistake of not building a strength. I thought Howard alone would carry me in those three categories and he didn’t. When you build strength in a category in hoops, you need to back it up. Howard is a beast, but you need to pair him with a couple other block/board guys to really do it right. To my defense, it was the first time I had played in a head-to-head category based league. I usually play rotisserie basketball, where balance across the categories trumps building a strength in a few.
Anyway, Howard is one of those divisive players (a la Shaq a few years ago) who changes your entire vibe if you get him. If I end up with him again, I’m punting FT % and building a real strength. However, I’m hoping I get a top five pick this year where I don’t have to make that call. I’m zeroed in on Paul, Lebron, Durant and Wade, in that order. Gun to my head I take Kobe at 5, but I’m, hoping someone takes him before that. If I’m in the bottom half of the draft, I may have to suck it up and take Howard, or maybe Deron Williams.
So, to keep this short and simple, I’m going to list a bunch of players I like this year. That’s it. If you have strategy questions, make sure and hit me up.
Players I like for 2009-10:
Kevin Durant
Deron Williams
Amare Stoudemire
Carmelo Anthony
Caron Butler
Brook Lopez
Mehmet Okur
Andris Biedrins
Luis Scola
Kevin Love
Carl Landry
Anthony Parker
Stoudemire should bounce back with Terry Porter and Shaq out of town…Anthony could average 30 this year if he wants to…Lopez could go 20 and 10…I have a soft spot for Okur’s boards and threes…Landry and Scola will benefit from no Yao…Parker could be a multi-cat stat stuffer in Cleveland, particularly with Delonte West doing his best OJ Simpson impersonation.
Before I go, let’s go over some lists.
Dead to me
Rudy Gay
Greg Oden
Randy Foye
Jason Richardson
Al Thornton
Avoiding due to injury
Kevin Garnett
Baron Davis
Marcus Camby
Gilbert Arenas
Tracy McGrady
Overrated
OJ Mayo
Elton Brand
Trevor Ariza
Vince Carter
Allen Iverson
Underrated
TJ Ford
Michael Beasley (strong possibility I take him and he ends up on the dead to me list next year)
Ronnie Brewer
Andrea Bargnani
Marvin Williams
Best rookies
None—rookies are overrated in fantasy. Only Blake Griffin can really be counted on to produce starter caliber numbers. Others will, but you don’t know who they are, and most will likely kill your FG %.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sneaky Pickups
This week, it's the beastly Miles Austin that's the obvious add. I like him a lot, especially in keeper leagues. However, as always, here are three guys that the rest of you league may not be on to.
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers
He has one 100 yard game and one touchdown in the last three weeks. The Steelers offense looks great, and Wallace appears to be their big play guy.
Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
Thomas Jones is running on empty and Greene has seen meaningful action the last couple weeks. This more of a stash and hope play, but I like Greene's talent a lot.
Donnie Avery, WR, Rams
Last year's rookie surprise is slowly coming around....5-87-1 this week. He's available in a lot of leagues.
Admittedly, it was a stretch this week. Avery is probably the only add here right now. Just keep an eye on the other two.
I still like all past members of thic column if they are still available. Jamaal Charles, Chad Henne, Andre Caldwell, Lance Moore, Sidney Rice and Mohamad Massaquoi should all be on fantasy rosters right now in 12 team leagues.
Cheers,
TFAM
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers
He has one 100 yard game and one touchdown in the last three weeks. The Steelers offense looks great, and Wallace appears to be their big play guy.
Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
Thomas Jones is running on empty and Greene has seen meaningful action the last couple weeks. This more of a stash and hope play, but I like Greene's talent a lot.
Donnie Avery, WR, Rams
Last year's rookie surprise is slowly coming around....5-87-1 this week. He's available in a lot of leagues.
Admittedly, it was a stretch this week. Avery is probably the only add here right now. Just keep an eye on the other two.
I still like all past members of thic column if they are still available. Jamaal Charles, Chad Henne, Andre Caldwell, Lance Moore, Sidney Rice and Mohamad Massaquoi should all be on fantasy rosters right now in 12 team leagues.
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Terrell the Terrible
I'm done apologizing for Terrell Owens, but before we go down that road, I want to explain why I WAS so certain he was a great buy low guy these last couple of weeks.
The main idea here is that there is something valuable about having a number one wideout on your fanatsy team. I know, that's obvious, but I'm going beyond just the stats here. A true number one WR almost forces coaches' hands. We all know that the premadonna factor can be high with number one WRs. Coaches know this, hence they know that failing to get that guy the ball will only create issues. So, the point is, sure, talent is what makes number one's so effective, but it's the ego of these guys that makes coaches force the ball in their direction more often than not (see Marshall, Brandon, circa 2008).
So, when I draft, I give an edge to number one WRs even over number twos who many others have ranked higher on their cheat sheets. This year, it caused me to rate guys like Antonio Bryant (fail) and Chad Ocho Cinco (success) higher than guys like Greg Jennings and Santonio Holmes. Jennings, for example, is viewed by his coaching staff and (equally as important) quarterback as a co-number one. So, there's no need to force the ball to him, and Donald Driver is actually having the better season.
Which gets us back to TO. I can't believe he's having a worse fall than Ted Williams' frozen head. He's the grand poobah of whiny number one WRs and his team still has done little to satisfy his ego through five weeks. This leads us to one of three possible scenarios.
1. TO is no longer any good.
2. Trent Edwards just isn't good enough to get him the ball.
3. The Bills just don't care about Owens ego or touches and will not force him the ball.
I refuse to buy into number three. After all, that would shoot a giant hole in my theory that has carried me for years. However, I think both one and two are in play here, which has to trump number three. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few scatered scores from here out from Owens, but I've stopped believing a rise in the rankings is in the offing.
Cheers,
TFAM
The main idea here is that there is something valuable about having a number one wideout on your fanatsy team. I know, that's obvious, but I'm going beyond just the stats here. A true number one WR almost forces coaches' hands. We all know that the premadonna factor can be high with number one WRs. Coaches know this, hence they know that failing to get that guy the ball will only create issues. So, the point is, sure, talent is what makes number one's so effective, but it's the ego of these guys that makes coaches force the ball in their direction more often than not (see Marshall, Brandon, circa 2008).
So, when I draft, I give an edge to number one WRs even over number twos who many others have ranked higher on their cheat sheets. This year, it caused me to rate guys like Antonio Bryant (fail) and Chad Ocho Cinco (success) higher than guys like Greg Jennings and Santonio Holmes. Jennings, for example, is viewed by his coaching staff and (equally as important) quarterback as a co-number one. So, there's no need to force the ball to him, and Donald Driver is actually having the better season.
Which gets us back to TO. I can't believe he's having a worse fall than Ted Williams' frozen head. He's the grand poobah of whiny number one WRs and his team still has done little to satisfy his ego through five weeks. This leads us to one of three possible scenarios.
1. TO is no longer any good.
2. Trent Edwards just isn't good enough to get him the ball.
3. The Bills just don't care about Owens ego or touches and will not force him the ball.
I refuse to buy into number three. After all, that would shoot a giant hole in my theory that has carried me for years. However, I think both one and two are in play here, which has to trump number three. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few scatered scores from here out from Owens, but I've stopped believing a rise in the rankings is in the offing.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, October 12, 2009
Help!
I was introduced to the eighth wonder of the world this Sunday...the NFL Red Zone channel. I was over at a friend's place and watched it all Sunday, along with the regularily scheduled slate of games (I decided to take the week off of Direct TV). The Red Zone channel, to me, almost makes Direct TV unneccessary. I get to see cut-ins to all the games, during red zone and non red zone situations. I can see all the teams, all the scoring plays, and all the action I may miss in the box score. It even splits the screen if there is important action happening in two games at once. Granted, I can't see all the games in their entirety, but I can't do that even with Direct TV without spending about ten grand to set up a war room. Something tells me that doesn't fit into the wife's idea of our budget.
So, how do I get this channel at my house? I think I'm supposed to have it, but I've never found it. I'm a Comcast guy who has the sports package with the NFL Network and such. Does this Red Zone channel just appear on Sundays?
Cheers,
TFAM
So, how do I get this channel at my house? I think I'm supposed to have it, but I've never found it. I'm a Comcast guy who has the sports package with the NFL Network and such. Does this Red Zone channel just appear on Sundays?
Cheers,
TFAM
As Seen on TV
As usual, the Sunday night column focuses on things you may not have been able to capture by browsing through the box scores.
Chris Brown is indeed the Steve Slaton vulture. He's not good at the job, but Gary Kubiak seems to want to be unemployed sooner rather than later.
Speaking of birds of prey, we still don't know if the Broncos have a designated goal line back.
Matt Hasselbeck crushed Sunday, but the Seahawks offense looks out of sync to me. I'm done with thinking they can put up elite stats every week.
The Bills and Browns have joined the Raiders in the dead to me grouping.
Miles Austin had a great game, but what I didn't know before is that he is built like a brick house. Big things ahead for Austin.
Josh Johnson may have put up the numbers, but he has no idea what he's doing. Buyer beware.
Shaun Hill isn't good enough to make me trust any player on the 49ers offense.
Have I mentioned yet that Gary Kubiak is an idiot?
Andre Caldwell continues to make big plays for the Bengals. Also, the Ravens defesne..."You ain't so bad".
Maurice Jones-Drew looks to have met up with Jessica Simpson's trainer. This isn't a good thing.
Those of us that keep expecting Tom Brady to be the 2007 version need to wake up. The Pats simply don't have the weapons to go five wide and kill people like they did two years ago.
Ray Rice has completely usurped all the meanigful action in Baltimore. Okay, maybe you could see that one in the box score.
You don't want to own Josh Scobee. Jack Del Taco went for it on fourth and two in the red zone in the first quarter. If you aren't kicking then, when are you kicking? I tried to cut Scobee this afternoon and my website wouldn't let me during the game.
Brandon Marshall is back.
You know who has the best job in sports? Jim Caldwell. He gets paid as a head coach and let's his quarterback make the decisions (this is not a bad thing).
Cheers,
TFAM
Chris Brown is indeed the Steve Slaton vulture. He's not good at the job, but Gary Kubiak seems to want to be unemployed sooner rather than later.
Speaking of birds of prey, we still don't know if the Broncos have a designated goal line back.
Matt Hasselbeck crushed Sunday, but the Seahawks offense looks out of sync to me. I'm done with thinking they can put up elite stats every week.
The Bills and Browns have joined the Raiders in the dead to me grouping.
Miles Austin had a great game, but what I didn't know before is that he is built like a brick house. Big things ahead for Austin.
Josh Johnson may have put up the numbers, but he has no idea what he's doing. Buyer beware.
Shaun Hill isn't good enough to make me trust any player on the 49ers offense.
Have I mentioned yet that Gary Kubiak is an idiot?
Andre Caldwell continues to make big plays for the Bengals. Also, the Ravens defesne..."You ain't so bad".
Maurice Jones-Drew looks to have met up with Jessica Simpson's trainer. This isn't a good thing.
Those of us that keep expecting Tom Brady to be the 2007 version need to wake up. The Pats simply don't have the weapons to go five wide and kill people like they did two years ago.
Ray Rice has completely usurped all the meanigful action in Baltimore. Okay, maybe you could see that one in the box score.
You don't want to own Josh Scobee. Jack Del Taco went for it on fourth and two in the red zone in the first quarter. If you aren't kicking then, when are you kicking? I tried to cut Scobee this afternoon and my website wouldn't let me during the game.
Brandon Marshall is back.
You know who has the best job in sports? Jim Caldwell. He gets paid as a head coach and let's his quarterback make the decisions (this is not a bad thing).
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Just Thinkin' About Tomorrow
Here are the storylines that I will be following in the NFL tomorrow.
Rasahrd redoux?
Will Rashard Mendenhall slam the door shut on Willie Parker? Parker's turf toe may have ended his run with the Steelers. Mendenhall should go for a minimum of 100 and a score tomorrow.
When will the worm turn?
Will this be the start of the decline for the Giants passing attack? Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Co. are going to have to rely on a banged up Eli Manning that usually gets worse as the year progresses.
Morris or Maroney?
Which Patriots running back is going to be more valuable now that Fraud is shelved. Does it matter?
The time has come
If Terrell Owens doesn't score or put up some yardage at home against Cleveland, it's over.
Tony the terrible
Ditto for Tony Romo against the Chiefs.
Tennessee's last stand
I'm expecting the Titans to show some pride Sunday night, slow down Peyton, and beat the Colts. Am I crazy?
The Marshall plan
Brandon Marshall sure has everyone loving him in Denver now. Can he back it up? BTW, I just saw an amber alert flashing for someone who goes by Eddie. He was last seen wearing an Orange jersey, number 19.
Shootout in the desert
My fantasy teams are in trouble if the Texans/Cards duel doesn't live up to the hype. We're looking at you, Andre Johnson.
Wherefore art thou, Antonio?
Antonio Bryant scored last week. Is he on his way back to relevance in the fantasy world?
Bronco backs
Which Bronco back will be the man inside the five? I'm betting on Peyton Hillis, and I think he may score this week.
Riding tandem
I'm looking at several running back committees this week to try and gauge value for the rest of the season. Lynch/Jackson, Westbrook/McCoy, Morris/Maroney, Williams/Stewart, Brown/Addai, Hightower/Wells, and Rice/McGahee are all going to be interesting battles this week. I'd add Bush/Fargas, but I think the Raiders are dead to me.
What are you looking for?
Don't forget to check back tomorrow night for "As Seen on TV".
Cheers,
TFAM
Rasahrd redoux?
Will Rashard Mendenhall slam the door shut on Willie Parker? Parker's turf toe may have ended his run with the Steelers. Mendenhall should go for a minimum of 100 and a score tomorrow.
When will the worm turn?
Will this be the start of the decline for the Giants passing attack? Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Co. are going to have to rely on a banged up Eli Manning that usually gets worse as the year progresses.
Morris or Maroney?
Which Patriots running back is going to be more valuable now that Fraud is shelved. Does it matter?
The time has come
If Terrell Owens doesn't score or put up some yardage at home against Cleveland, it's over.
Tony the terrible
Ditto for Tony Romo against the Chiefs.
Tennessee's last stand
I'm expecting the Titans to show some pride Sunday night, slow down Peyton, and beat the Colts. Am I crazy?
The Marshall plan
Brandon Marshall sure has everyone loving him in Denver now. Can he back it up? BTW, I just saw an amber alert flashing for someone who goes by Eddie. He was last seen wearing an Orange jersey, number 19.
Shootout in the desert
My fantasy teams are in trouble if the Texans/Cards duel doesn't live up to the hype. We're looking at you, Andre Johnson.
Wherefore art thou, Antonio?
Antonio Bryant scored last week. Is he on his way back to relevance in the fantasy world?
Bronco backs
Which Bronco back will be the man inside the five? I'm betting on Peyton Hillis, and I think he may score this week.
Riding tandem
I'm looking at several running back committees this week to try and gauge value for the rest of the season. Lynch/Jackson, Westbrook/McCoy, Morris/Maroney, Williams/Stewart, Brown/Addai, Hightower/Wells, and Rice/McGahee are all going to be interesting battles this week. I'd add Bush/Fargas, but I think the Raiders are dead to me.
What are you looking for?
Don't forget to check back tomorrow night for "As Seen on TV".
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, October 9, 2009
Friday Five
It's the debut of the Friday Five. This week, five things I'd rather do than trade for Roy Williams.
Lick a frozen steel pole-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zq_r2nIxBA
Fight Milan Lucic-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUH_yQ7I4vk
Pee in the Amazon--It's more dangerous than you may think http://www.damninteresting.com/the-terrifying-toothpick-fish
Swallow a jackhammer-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieb5BPhy6jU
Be a contestant on a Japanese game show-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqYLXMz9foI
Cheers,
TFAM
Lick a frozen steel pole-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zq_r2nIxBA
Fight Milan Lucic-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUH_yQ7I4vk
Pee in the Amazon--It's more dangerous than you may think http://www.damninteresting.com/the-terrifying-toothpick-fish
Swallow a jackhammer-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieb5BPhy6jU
Be a contestant on a Japanese game show-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqYLXMz9foI
Cheers,
TFAM
Game Limits
As I mentioned in this earlier post http://thefantasyanswerman.blogspot.com/2009/10/lets-play-hockey.html rotisserie scoring with game limts is the only way to play fantasy hockey. Today, I want to specifically address the best way to approach managing your team in a league that uses said limits.
I understand that playig in a hockey or hops league that uses game limits can encourage you to just keep your lineup the same and play the guys you drafted to be your starters all the time. That logic says that those guys will play in their team's full slate of 80+ games, therefore limiting your need for quality bench guys. I would completely disagree with that logic. My thinking is that it's okay to load up on games early in the season, even if it means having to bench some of your guys in the last few weeks and not being able to field a full squad.
Think about it. If I'm rotating my bench guys through when my starters have a day off now, that's better than filling in my lineup and getting games from guys I pick up off the waiver wire later when my guys inevitable deal with injuries. I'd rather load up on games with the guys I drafted early than have to use some of thse games later with players from the waiver wire that weren't good enough to be on a team to begin with.
Cheers,
TFAM
I understand that playig in a hockey or hops league that uses game limits can encourage you to just keep your lineup the same and play the guys you drafted to be your starters all the time. That logic says that those guys will play in their team's full slate of 80+ games, therefore limiting your need for quality bench guys. I would completely disagree with that logic. My thinking is that it's okay to load up on games early in the season, even if it means having to bench some of your guys in the last few weeks and not being able to field a full squad.
Think about it. If I'm rotating my bench guys through when my starters have a day off now, that's better than filling in my lineup and getting games from guys I pick up off the waiver wire later when my guys inevitable deal with injuries. I'd rather load up on games with the guys I drafted early than have to use some of thse games later with players from the waiver wire that weren't good enough to be on a team to begin with.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Smoke and Mirrors
Really, in fantasy, no one should care right now what someone has done up to this point. Past stats are meaningless other than as barometers for trading. What you should be converned about is which players aren't currenlty performing around what their resonable expectations should be for the rest of the year.
Which guys aren't going to keep producing at this level?
Steve Smith, NYG
Brett Favre, MIN
Cedric Benson, CIN
Julius Jones, SEA
Mario Manningham, NYG
Eli Manning NYG
Sensing a theme? When was the last time Eli was good in November or December? I didn't say January...
Which guys are underperforming that are locks to turn it around (barring injury, of course)?
Terrell Owens, BUF
Steven Jackson, STL
TJ Houshmandzadeh, SEA
Anquan Boldin, ARZ
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
I like the Seahawks passing game when Hasselbeck returns from injury.
Notable omissions?
LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
Tomy Romo, DAL
Roy Williams, DAL
Clinton Portis, WAS
Greg Jennings, GB
Eddie Royal, DEN
I just don't see these guys turning it around. LT looks done, Romo has no receivers, Portis is 28 going on 50, Jennings has no time to get deep, Royal is not involved at all, and Roy Williams should be cut.
Cheers,
TFAM
Which guys aren't going to keep producing at this level?
Steve Smith, NYG
Brett Favre, MIN
Cedric Benson, CIN
Julius Jones, SEA
Mario Manningham, NYG
Eli Manning NYG
Sensing a theme? When was the last time Eli was good in November or December? I didn't say January...
Which guys are underperforming that are locks to turn it around (barring injury, of course)?
Terrell Owens, BUF
Steven Jackson, STL
TJ Houshmandzadeh, SEA
Anquan Boldin, ARZ
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
I like the Seahawks passing game when Hasselbeck returns from injury.
Notable omissions?
LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
Tomy Romo, DAL
Roy Williams, DAL
Clinton Portis, WAS
Greg Jennings, GB
Eddie Royal, DEN
I just don't see these guys turning it around. LT looks done, Romo has no receivers, Portis is 28 going on 50, Jennings has no time to get deep, Royal is not involved at all, and Roy Williams should be cut.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Don't Be Afraid
I see a lot of fantasy owners hang on to players too long for the wrong reasons. This is the time of year when you need to forget what round you took someone or how much you bid on them in the auction.
Simple rule to follow:
If there is someone you can pick up that is better than the guy you have, make the move.
It sounds too easy, but you'd be amazed how people hang on to guys because they spent XXX amount in the auction or drafted them in the fifth round. What I'm saying is don't be afraid to cut Braylon Edwards, Eddie Royal, Larry Johnson or Darren McFadden if you find better players such as Fred Taylor, Rashard Mendenhall, Michael Bush or Mohamad Massaquoi in your league's free agent pool. Forget about what you spent. You win leagues with the tweaks you make to your squad s the season progresses.
Cheers,
TFAM
Simple rule to follow:
If there is someone you can pick up that is better than the guy you have, make the move.
It sounds too easy, but you'd be amazed how people hang on to guys because they spent XXX amount in the auction or drafted them in the fifth round. What I'm saying is don't be afraid to cut Braylon Edwards, Eddie Royal, Larry Johnson or Darren McFadden if you find better players such as Fred Taylor, Rashard Mendenhall, Michael Bush or Mohamad Massaquoi in your league's free agent pool. Forget about what you spent. You win leagues with the tweaks you make to your squad s the season progresses.
Cheers,
TFAM
Not Buying Braylon
Talk to me all you want about how the Jets are better than the Mangini's, but Braylon Edwards isn't going to go light the world on fire just because he left the dog pound.
You see, you need to catch the ball to be a productive fantasy wide receiver. If you can't catch in Cleveland, you can't catch in New York. It's not like Mark Sanchez is a great QB yet either. He's not likely to make Braylon better than Derek Anderson did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wJ5Twggi7w&feature=related
Cheers,
TFAM
You see, you need to catch the ball to be a productive fantasy wide receiver. If you can't catch in Cleveland, you can't catch in New York. It's not like Mark Sanchez is a great QB yet either. He's not likely to make Braylon better than Derek Anderson did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wJ5Twggi7w&feature=related
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sneaky Pickups
We all know Rashard Mendenhall is the pickup of the week. If you have the FAAB money to do it, go large on him. My man crush is reaching epic status on Mendenhall.
But...if you are like me and you preferred Glen Coffee to Mendenhall last week, you may need a few less expensive acquisition options, so here are my three favories this week.
Lance Moore, WR, Saints
Moore is out there in a lot of leagues and he is back in action after battling the injury bug earlier in the year. Drew Brees has admitted in the past that Moore is his favorite target.
Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns
He may not be quite as sneaky, but, as I noted in the As Seen on TV column this week, he was clearly Derek Anderson's favorite target against the Bengals. He looked really good. I wouldn't expect 8-for-148 every week, but I bet he's much better than Braylon Edwards.
Sidney Rice, WR Vikings
Rice has emerged as Brett Favre's favorite target early in the season. Considering he's also their best red zone threat in the passing game, he could end up being a starting caliber wideout in most leagues.
FYI, I still like Andre Caldwell, Chad Henne and Jamaal Charles, each of whom was touted in last week's column.
Cheers,
TFAM
But...if you are like me and you preferred Glen Coffee to Mendenhall last week, you may need a few less expensive acquisition options, so here are my three favories this week.
Lance Moore, WR, Saints
Moore is out there in a lot of leagues and he is back in action after battling the injury bug earlier in the year. Drew Brees has admitted in the past that Moore is his favorite target.
Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Browns
He may not be quite as sneaky, but, as I noted in the As Seen on TV column this week, he was clearly Derek Anderson's favorite target against the Bengals. He looked really good. I wouldn't expect 8-for-148 every week, but I bet he's much better than Braylon Edwards.
Sidney Rice, WR Vikings
Rice has emerged as Brett Favre's favorite target early in the season. Considering he's also their best red zone threat in the passing game, he could end up being a starting caliber wideout in most leagues.
FYI, I still like Andre Caldwell, Chad Henne and Jamaal Charles, each of whom was touted in last week's column.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, October 5, 2009
Very Bad Things
So, bad things come in threes right?
Al Davis has run the Raiders into the ground. Jamarcus Russell and his 39 % completion percentage is a joke, and they have a head coach who is reportedly about to be arrested. Is there a worse organization in pro sports right now?
How about the Browns? You know its bad when the Bengals come across the state and put 14 on the board before you even get out of the locker room. My grandpa used to make that joke. He said the Chargers would have 14 before the Vikings even took the field. I loved it then... Anyway, Eric Mangini seems to be a fan favorite at this point, no? What a disaster. Braylon Edwards was blanked in five quarters of action yesterday.
What team is going to emerge and become the third clown in the car?
Washington? Jim Zorn makes Brad Childress look like Vince Lombardi.
Dallas? I'm feeling a Dallas meltdown this season. Wade Phillips is as laughable as Zorn, and Roy Williams is the worst number one receiver in the league. Give me Donnie Avery instead. Seriously.
St. Louis? They handed me a fantasy win this week be ceding 39 points to my San Francisco defense.
Your thoughts?
Cheers,
TFAM
Al Davis has run the Raiders into the ground. Jamarcus Russell and his 39 % completion percentage is a joke, and they have a head coach who is reportedly about to be arrested. Is there a worse organization in pro sports right now?
How about the Browns? You know its bad when the Bengals come across the state and put 14 on the board before you even get out of the locker room. My grandpa used to make that joke. He said the Chargers would have 14 before the Vikings even took the field. I loved it then... Anyway, Eric Mangini seems to be a fan favorite at this point, no? What a disaster. Braylon Edwards was blanked in five quarters of action yesterday.
What team is going to emerge and become the third clown in the car?
Washington? Jim Zorn makes Brad Childress look like Vince Lombardi.
Dallas? I'm feeling a Dallas meltdown this season. Wade Phillips is as laughable as Zorn, and Roy Williams is the worst number one receiver in the league. Give me Donnie Avery instead. Seriously.
St. Louis? They handed me a fantasy win this week be ceding 39 points to my San Francisco defense.
Your thoughts?
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, October 4, 2009
As Seen on TV
In case you missed the note from yesterday's post, As Seen on TV will be my Sunday night weekly column where I highlight what I saw watching the games that you may not find in the box score. God bless the NFL Sunday Ticket.
In no particular order of importance...
Rashard Mendenhall is running with authority, clearly trying to silence the haters.
The box score says Mohamed Massaquoi was targeted by Derek Anderson 13 times. Watching the game it felt more like 26. Seriously, every throw went to him from halftime through the end of the game. He looked good by the way, or at least he knows how to get open.
Fred Taylor was the tailback in a Patriots goal line formation, yet Sammy Morris got the carry as the fullback. I don't think the Pats are going to have a set goal line guy.
Roy Williams is not a good player. You can read it in his body language. He'll never be on any fantasy team I own for the rest of his career. He has zero percent Hines Ward in him.
I like Chad Henne. He just looked very composed and prepared for his first NFL start. He's not a fantasy guy in most leagues just yet, but I think he's going to be a solid NFL quarterback.
Patrick Willis flies around on defense like he's a player on a video game. More specifically, think Lawrence Taylor on the first Tecmo Nintendo game. What a player. He also came within a half second of scoring a second defensive touchdown. The refs (correctly) ruled Boller down before yet another fumble.
Kyle Orton may have had decent numbers today, and he's leading a 4-0 team, but he is a horribly inaccurate passer. He was in Chicago, is now in Denver, and always will be.
Four of Larry Johnson's last five carries went for negative yardage. However, before we start getting all excited about Jamaal Charles and his two for 24 effort, know this. His 24 yard carry was the last play of the game. I think half the Giants team was already in the tunnel.
Did I mention Rashard Mendenhall is a human wrecking ball tonight? Willie Parker, may I introduce you to Wally Pipp?
Cheers,
TFAM
In no particular order of importance...
Rashard Mendenhall is running with authority, clearly trying to silence the haters.
The box score says Mohamed Massaquoi was targeted by Derek Anderson 13 times. Watching the game it felt more like 26. Seriously, every throw went to him from halftime through the end of the game. He looked good by the way, or at least he knows how to get open.
Fred Taylor was the tailback in a Patriots goal line formation, yet Sammy Morris got the carry as the fullback. I don't think the Pats are going to have a set goal line guy.
Roy Williams is not a good player. You can read it in his body language. He'll never be on any fantasy team I own for the rest of his career. He has zero percent Hines Ward in him.
I like Chad Henne. He just looked very composed and prepared for his first NFL start. He's not a fantasy guy in most leagues just yet, but I think he's going to be a solid NFL quarterback.
Patrick Willis flies around on defense like he's a player on a video game. More specifically, think Lawrence Taylor on the first Tecmo Nintendo game. What a player. He also came within a half second of scoring a second defensive touchdown. The refs (correctly) ruled Boller down before yet another fumble.
Kyle Orton may have had decent numbers today, and he's leading a 4-0 team, but he is a horribly inaccurate passer. He was in Chicago, is now in Denver, and always will be.
Four of Larry Johnson's last five carries went for negative yardage. However, before we start getting all excited about Jamaal Charles and his two for 24 effort, know this. His 24 yard carry was the last play of the game. I think half the Giants team was already in the tunnel.
Did I mention Rashard Mendenhall is a human wrecking ball tonight? Willie Parker, may I introduce you to Wally Pipp?
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Just Thinkin' About Tomorrow
Here are the storylines that I'm going to be following in the NFL tomorrow.
Larry Johnson's corpse
Will the Chiefs begin to get Jamaal Charles more involved in their offense against the Giants?
Rashard's redemption
Can Rashard Mendenhall bust through the doghouse door and not look back? Wille Parker is giving him that chance.
It's now or never
Matt Forte (Lions) and Steve Slaton (Raiders) have to get off the schnide with their matchups this week, right?
Streakin' the quad
How much of an impact will Marion Barber have in Denver? Is his quad 100%? I'm guessing no.
Fred or Fraud?
Will Fred Taylor build on his 100-yard and a score effort last week? If he does it against the Ravens this week, look out.
Andre the Giant?
Andre Johnson has been held to three catches (combined) in his last two meetings with Nnamdi Asomugha. Is he pissed?
Is there sugar in the Coffee?
Glen Coffee gets his shot against the putrid Rams.
Chad Henne gets his shot
I have a hunch he may be better than Pennington if they give him a chance to throw the ball downfield. Actually, that would mean they have to have someone who can make the big play down the field. Scratch that.
Force vs. object
The Saints offense gets a shot against the Jets defense on the turf. Should be really interesting. Can Pierre run on the Jets? Can Revis shut down Colston?
Julius Jones, really?
He gets a soft run defense in the Colts tomorrow. Can he score four games in a row? I hope so, he's been a key cog on my dynasty team through three weeks.
Finally, tomorrow will be the debut of "As Seen on TV", my weekly Sunday night column devoted to finding the items you may not get from the boxscores.
Good luck tomorrow everyone.
Cheers,
TFAM
Larry Johnson's corpse
Will the Chiefs begin to get Jamaal Charles more involved in their offense against the Giants?
Rashard's redemption
Can Rashard Mendenhall bust through the doghouse door and not look back? Wille Parker is giving him that chance.
It's now or never
Matt Forte (Lions) and Steve Slaton (Raiders) have to get off the schnide with their matchups this week, right?
Streakin' the quad
How much of an impact will Marion Barber have in Denver? Is his quad 100%? I'm guessing no.
Fred or Fraud?
Will Fred Taylor build on his 100-yard and a score effort last week? If he does it against the Ravens this week, look out.
Andre the Giant?
Andre Johnson has been held to three catches (combined) in his last two meetings with Nnamdi Asomugha. Is he pissed?
Is there sugar in the Coffee?
Glen Coffee gets his shot against the putrid Rams.
Chad Henne gets his shot
I have a hunch he may be better than Pennington if they give him a chance to throw the ball downfield. Actually, that would mean they have to have someone who can make the big play down the field. Scratch that.
Force vs. object
The Saints offense gets a shot against the Jets defense on the turf. Should be really interesting. Can Pierre run on the Jets? Can Revis shut down Colston?
Julius Jones, really?
He gets a soft run defense in the Colts tomorrow. Can he score four games in a row? I hope so, he's been a key cog on my dynasty team through three weeks.
Finally, tomorrow will be the debut of "As Seen on TV", my weekly Sunday night column devoted to finding the items you may not get from the boxscores.
Good luck tomorrow everyone.
Cheers,
TFAM
D'oh!
"Oh, so that's your little plan get us addicted then jack up the price."
--Homer Simpson, realizing he had to pay for a "macamadamia" nut cookie after going to town on the free samples.
For the past three years, http://www.goaliepost.com/ has been my favorite fanatsy hockey site. It really only served one purpose, but it was a big one. Goaliepost would post who is going to start between the pipes each night as soon as they had an idea. Basically, they saved me the time of scouring the web for this information. Well, they've jacked up the price. It's now $10 to pay for a year of their service. I guess I'll have to start browsing for some more free samples.
Cheers,
TFAM
--Homer Simpson, realizing he had to pay for a "macamadamia" nut cookie after going to town on the free samples.
For the past three years, http://www.goaliepost.com/ has been my favorite fanatsy hockey site. It really only served one purpose, but it was a big one. Goaliepost would post who is going to start between the pipes each night as soon as they had an idea. Basically, they saved me the time of scouring the web for this information. Well, they've jacked up the price. It's now $10 to pay for a year of their service. I guess I'll have to start browsing for some more free samples.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, October 2, 2009
Hockey Squad
I promised that I'd reveal the hockey squad I drafted last Sunday for my hockey pool. Without further ado...
In round order
Dany Heatley, W, San Jose--Monster season forthcoming
Alexander Semin, W, Washington--Could be a beast with Ovie and Backstrom on his line, health concerns
Niklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit--Always solid
Cam Ward, G, Carolina--Don't love him, best backstop on the board
David Backes, W, St. Louis--30 goals, Blues on the come, PIMs
Semyon Varlamov, G, Washington--I think the Caps are the best in the league, so I wanted the tenders
Mikko Koivu, C, Minnesota--Should thrive in the new Lemaireless up tempo game
Milan Lucic, W, Boston--PIMs, could have been a reach
Derick Brassard, C, Columbus--First breakout candidate, could be a PPG guy centering Nash
Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Edmonton--Still a quality backstop, insurance
Brian Gionta, W, Montreal--Best scorer on the board, three years removed from 48 G
Jose Theodore, G, Washington--Couldn't wait for the handcuff
Andy McDonald, C, St. Louis--44 points in 46 games last year. Good value here.
Cam Barker, D, Chicago--Up and coming D on cup caliber squad
Mathieu Schneider, D, Vancouver--Could be done, but an upside play late
Paul Kariya, W, St. Louis--Injury concern, but 15 points in 11 games last season
Kyle Okposo, W, New York Isles--Plus/minus concern, but showed flashes as a rookie
Daniel Carcillo, W, Philadelphia--Led the league in PIMs, no offense here
Jack Johnson, D, Los Angeles--Best of the sleepers left
Jimmy Howard, G, Detroit--Coach pledges to get him 20+ starts. Osgood on the decline.
Notes
I like my draft. I had the 11th pick in a 12 team league, so to get Heatley where I did was a bonus. He was fourth on my board. Seriously, playing with Thornton on a cup contending squad? He's only 28 years old and he's just two years removed from back-to-back seasons where 50 goals, 53 assists, plus-29 and 74 penalty minutes were the floor of his statlines. He'll get back there with the Sharks. Semin could be a beast if healthy, and I really like St. Louis to make a move this year. If the Blues win their share of games, the plus/minus rating of the Blues skaters improves dramatically. The rest of the stats are already there. Can't believe the guy who took Osgood didn't handcuff Howard. My favorie sleeper may be Okposo, who could be a balanced contributor to the squad.
I also liked some picks that other teams made.
Joe Thornton went in the third...great value there. I loved Olli Jokinen in the fifth. He could be magical with a full year of Jarome. Mark Streit plays with the Isles and all, but 56 points out of a defenseman at the end of round eight is a steal. Jonas Hiller could be a top 5-10 goalie, he went in the ninth. Zach Bogosian is a great defensive sleeper in round 13. He could breakout in a large way, PIMs and all.
Your thoughts?
Cheers,
TFAM
In round order
Dany Heatley, W, San Jose--Monster season forthcoming
Alexander Semin, W, Washington--Could be a beast with Ovie and Backstrom on his line, health concerns
Niklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit--Always solid
Cam Ward, G, Carolina--Don't love him, best backstop on the board
David Backes, W, St. Louis--30 goals, Blues on the come, PIMs
Semyon Varlamov, G, Washington--I think the Caps are the best in the league, so I wanted the tenders
Mikko Koivu, C, Minnesota--Should thrive in the new Lemaireless up tempo game
Milan Lucic, W, Boston--PIMs, could have been a reach
Derick Brassard, C, Columbus--First breakout candidate, could be a PPG guy centering Nash
Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Edmonton--Still a quality backstop, insurance
Brian Gionta, W, Montreal--Best scorer on the board, three years removed from 48 G
Jose Theodore, G, Washington--Couldn't wait for the handcuff
Andy McDonald, C, St. Louis--44 points in 46 games last year. Good value here.
Cam Barker, D, Chicago--Up and coming D on cup caliber squad
Mathieu Schneider, D, Vancouver--Could be done, but an upside play late
Paul Kariya, W, St. Louis--Injury concern, but 15 points in 11 games last season
Kyle Okposo, W, New York Isles--Plus/minus concern, but showed flashes as a rookie
Daniel Carcillo, W, Philadelphia--Led the league in PIMs, no offense here
Jack Johnson, D, Los Angeles--Best of the sleepers left
Jimmy Howard, G, Detroit--Coach pledges to get him 20+ starts. Osgood on the decline.
Notes
I like my draft. I had the 11th pick in a 12 team league, so to get Heatley where I did was a bonus. He was fourth on my board. Seriously, playing with Thornton on a cup contending squad? He's only 28 years old and he's just two years removed from back-to-back seasons where 50 goals, 53 assists, plus-29 and 74 penalty minutes were the floor of his statlines. He'll get back there with the Sharks. Semin could be a beast if healthy, and I really like St. Louis to make a move this year. If the Blues win their share of games, the plus/minus rating of the Blues skaters improves dramatically. The rest of the stats are already there. Can't believe the guy who took Osgood didn't handcuff Howard. My favorie sleeper may be Okposo, who could be a balanced contributor to the squad.
I also liked some picks that other teams made.
Joe Thornton went in the third...great value there. I loved Olli Jokinen in the fifth. He could be magical with a full year of Jarome. Mark Streit plays with the Isles and all, but 56 points out of a defenseman at the end of round eight is a steal. Jonas Hiller could be a top 5-10 goalie, he went in the ninth. Zach Bogosian is a great defensive sleeper in round 13. He could breakout in a large way, PIMs and all.
Your thoughts?
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Let's Play Hockey
Let the marathon begin. The Bruins and Caps are on the ice in Boston, and so starts the NHL season. Let it be known that I'm here all the way through game 82 for all you fantasy hockey geeks. For those of you that don't play, it's not too late. Set up a league and enjoy. I've been playing for four years and have really enjoyed it, more than fantasy hoops, though I compete there as well.
If you are starting a league, let me give you three quick recommendations, all of which are semi-related, Lamar Odom-Bruce Jenner style.
1. Use rotisserie scoring
Head-to-head leagues can be fun, but it can be tedious trying to set lineups each week in that format. Trying to out-game another team becomes paramount, and fantasy leagues shouldn't be decided by something idiotic such as how many games you can get a week. Rotisserie scoring also encourages employing a balanced lineup.
2. Set game limits per position
Continuing with the theme of games played, you need to cap the number of games you can count from each position. It's fairly simple, our league uses Yahoo (highly recommended for hockey and hoops) and you can implement this setting. The concept is easy. If you can start three centers, you want 3 X 82 = 246 games that an owner can count from the center position. This is just another way to eliminate owners winning the league by employing a brainless game heavy strategy.
3. Allow daily transactions
Nothing is worse than weekly lineups in fantasy hockey. Goalies are rested A LOT. For example, in a daily league, having Jose Theodore and playoff hero Semyon Varlamov on your team can be highly profitable. The Caps will be good, and you want goalies who will accrue wins. However, in a weekly league, having two goalies split time can be as fun as a walk down North Paulina in Chicago. You need to be able to adjust your roster on a daily basis. You'll find that the cream rises to the top in your league if daily lineups are part of the equation. Otherwise, it becomes a war of attrition against the injury bug.
Tomorrow I'll post my the roster I drafted in my league and my thoughts on a handful of players who I think are in for a big season. Tease? Dany Heatley.
Stanley Cup prediction: Capitals over Canucks
Cheers, TFAM
If you are starting a league, let me give you three quick recommendations, all of which are semi-related, Lamar Odom-Bruce Jenner style.
1. Use rotisserie scoring
Head-to-head leagues can be fun, but it can be tedious trying to set lineups each week in that format. Trying to out-game another team becomes paramount, and fantasy leagues shouldn't be decided by something idiotic such as how many games you can get a week. Rotisserie scoring also encourages employing a balanced lineup.
2. Set game limits per position
Continuing with the theme of games played, you need to cap the number of games you can count from each position. It's fairly simple, our league uses Yahoo (highly recommended for hockey and hoops) and you can implement this setting. The concept is easy. If you can start three centers, you want 3 X 82 = 246 games that an owner can count from the center position. This is just another way to eliminate owners winning the league by employing a brainless game heavy strategy.
3. Allow daily transactions
Nothing is worse than weekly lineups in fantasy hockey. Goalies are rested A LOT. For example, in a daily league, having Jose Theodore and playoff hero Semyon Varlamov on your team can be highly profitable. The Caps will be good, and you want goalies who will accrue wins. However, in a weekly league, having two goalies split time can be as fun as a walk down North Paulina in Chicago. You need to be able to adjust your roster on a daily basis. You'll find that the cream rises to the top in your league if daily lineups are part of the equation. Otherwise, it becomes a war of attrition against the injury bug.
Tomorrow I'll post my the roster I drafted in my league and my thoughts on a handful of players who I think are in for a big season. Tease? Dany Heatley.
Stanley Cup prediction: Capitals over Canucks
Cheers, TFAM
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