The waiver wire this week should probably center around backup running backs, as Ray Rice, Pierre, Thomas, Steve Jackson and Jahvid Best all were banged up last week. Which backups are worthwhile?
Chris Ivory, RB, Saints
I know two things. One, Pierre didn't practice today. Two, the Saints are home agianst the Panthers this week. I know nothing about Chris Ivory other than you want him if Pierre isn't going to play.
Kenneth Darby, RB, Rams
Darby actually looked good last week in his three quarters, gaining 49 yards and scoring on 14 carries. The Rams host Seattle in what will be another fantasy friendly matchup for a waiver wire RB this week.
I also feel the need to mention John Kuhn again, mainly because Brandon Jackson is terrible, but also because the Pack are going to hang at least 35 on the Lions Sunday. Kuhn is marked for one of those.
It appears Ray Rice may play, and McGahee is likely owned anyway, but he's worth an add surely if he's available. Maurice Morris isn't likely to be doing the Lambeau Leap even if Jahvid doesn't play.
I know Denver receivers are all over the wire, but it's going to be very difficult to predict value from one week to the next.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mea Culpa
There isn't anyone in the business that comes close to 100 % accuracy on their predictions (except the guys I play every week who pummel me, apparently), and I am certainly no different. Here's where I appear to have gone awry in 2010.
About that Shonn Greene pick....
Clearly LT is the main option right now for the JETS. Greene isn't ready to be the runner we saw in the playoffs. I'd hold onto him, but I'm not in a rush to trade for Greene unless it's a keeper league.
Cavin Johnson is not the number two fantasy WR
He has that talent, but the coaching staff is not aware of that just yet. I'm not sure why they don't target him when the outcome of games isn't in the balance. I meant to say that Miles Austin was the number two guy.
Mike Singletary cannot coach
I think there's still gold in San Francisco, but this has nothing to do with their football team.
Sproles over Tolbert?
Yeah, not so much. Forget I ever said that. Ryan Mathews too, is not looking like a first rounder. I'd hold Mathews and dump Sproles.
Free Mike Vick
I guess he's the man, right? Kolb has no chance, barring injury, of being fantasy relevant this year as long as the Eagles are in the hunt.
Devin Aromashodu is clearly a better option than Malcom Floyd. Wait, what?
Yeah, I said that too. Aromashodu must be a real clown to be deactivated this soon after what he did at the end of last season, which even carried over to week one. Floyd is the real deal as long as Jackson is out.
Yep, those appear to be my missteps so far. There will be more too. Hey, I'm not the guy who only talks about being right. We all know fantasy success comes from being able to adjust on the fly as much as it does from being able to draft what looks like a good squad.
Cheers,
TFAM
About that Shonn Greene pick....
Clearly LT is the main option right now for the JETS. Greene isn't ready to be the runner we saw in the playoffs. I'd hold onto him, but I'm not in a rush to trade for Greene unless it's a keeper league.
Cavin Johnson is not the number two fantasy WR
He has that talent, but the coaching staff is not aware of that just yet. I'm not sure why they don't target him when the outcome of games isn't in the balance. I meant to say that Miles Austin was the number two guy.
Mike Singletary cannot coach
I think there's still gold in San Francisco, but this has nothing to do with their football team.
Sproles over Tolbert?
Yeah, not so much. Forget I ever said that. Ryan Mathews too, is not looking like a first rounder. I'd hold Mathews and dump Sproles.
Free Mike Vick
I guess he's the man, right? Kolb has no chance, barring injury, of being fantasy relevant this year as long as the Eagles are in the hunt.
Devin Aromashodu is clearly a better option than Malcom Floyd. Wait, what?
Yeah, I said that too. Aromashodu must be a real clown to be deactivated this soon after what he did at the end of last season, which even carried over to week one. Floyd is the real deal as long as Jackson is out.
Yep, those appear to be my missteps so far. There will be more too. Hey, I'm not the guy who only talks about being right. We all know fantasy success comes from being able to adjust on the fly as much as it does from being able to draft what looks like a good squad.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, September 27, 2010
As Seen on TV
Tomorrow, I'm righting my wrongs with my mea culpa column. I've highlighted my hits so far this season, but I need to talk about my misses too and try and figure out what went wrong. Mike Singletary, I'm looking directly at you.
Today, what I saw watching a full slate yesterday.
With all the Favre bashing going on I feel the need to write that I think he's just as good as he was last year. No panicking yet, trust me.
Another day, another thrashing of Thomas Jones in YPC by Jamaal Charles. Worth noting that Jones got the goal line.
Does Michael Crabtree even exist? I'd say he's close to droppable in redraft leagues. Let's see if the coordinator change does anything.
Peyton Hillis runs hard. He's a top 20 back the rest of the way.
The Jets look very dangerous. If Sanchez plays like that, Holmes, Edwards, Keller and LT are going to have value.
Austin Collie's stats were good, but is he just a product of Manning? For one, who cares? Two, he's not, he's the real deal.
It's Maroney that you want in Denver. Got the goal line carries too.
You just can't play a New England running back, can you?
Can you play a New Orleans receiver? Brees is not going to favor anyone, and it's starting to get old quickly for Marques Colston owners.
Marion Barber 17 carries, Felix seven, and Barber gets the goal line. Jones is very droppable...he's about to get injured anyway.
Dez Bryant still looks much more explosive than Roy Williams on TV.
Why do the Lions wait until the fourth quarter every game to get Calvin Johnson the ball? He should have twice the targets he's getting each game. Embarrassing.
I think Mike Wallace could be huge when Roethlisberger comes back.
Ryan Torain > Keiland Williams. Noted.
LeGarrette Blount > Kareem Huggins. Also.
Sunday illustrated why you can't play Vince Young. When he plays well, his teams wins and his fantasy numbers stink. When he plays poorly, he gets yanked.
Jonathon Stewart got the goal line in Carolina. If he gets them all neither of those guys is really playable with how much that offense is going to struggle. Would you trade me Peyton Hillis for DeAngelo Williams? I'll take it.
Kenneth Darby looked okay yesterday, and I'd play him against Seattle next week if S-Jax is out.
Mike Tolbert even got more catches than Sproles? Yeah, I was dead wrong there. At least Tolbert didn't score and make me look even worse.
Cheers,
TFAM
Today, what I saw watching a full slate yesterday.
With all the Favre bashing going on I feel the need to write that I think he's just as good as he was last year. No panicking yet, trust me.
Another day, another thrashing of Thomas Jones in YPC by Jamaal Charles. Worth noting that Jones got the goal line.
Does Michael Crabtree even exist? I'd say he's close to droppable in redraft leagues. Let's see if the coordinator change does anything.
Peyton Hillis runs hard. He's a top 20 back the rest of the way.
The Jets look very dangerous. If Sanchez plays like that, Holmes, Edwards, Keller and LT are going to have value.
Austin Collie's stats were good, but is he just a product of Manning? For one, who cares? Two, he's not, he's the real deal.
It's Maroney that you want in Denver. Got the goal line carries too.
You just can't play a New England running back, can you?
Can you play a New Orleans receiver? Brees is not going to favor anyone, and it's starting to get old quickly for Marques Colston owners.
Marion Barber 17 carries, Felix seven, and Barber gets the goal line. Jones is very droppable...he's about to get injured anyway.
Dez Bryant still looks much more explosive than Roy Williams on TV.
Why do the Lions wait until the fourth quarter every game to get Calvin Johnson the ball? He should have twice the targets he's getting each game. Embarrassing.
I think Mike Wallace could be huge when Roethlisberger comes back.
Ryan Torain > Keiland Williams. Noted.
LeGarrette Blount > Kareem Huggins. Also.
Sunday illustrated why you can't play Vince Young. When he plays well, his teams wins and his fantasy numbers stink. When he plays poorly, he gets yanked.
Jonathon Stewart got the goal line in Carolina. If he gets them all neither of those guys is really playable with how much that offense is going to struggle. Would you trade me Peyton Hillis for DeAngelo Williams? I'll take it.
Kenneth Darby looked okay yesterday, and I'd play him against Seattle next week if S-Jax is out.
Mike Tolbert even got more catches than Sproles? Yeah, I was dead wrong there. At least Tolbert didn't score and make me look even worse.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday Hunch
Hey, I'm 80% on the year, I think! I hope you play the hunches and set your lineups before noon.
I have a hunch that Marion Barber is a good play this week. He scores at least one.
I have a hunch that Jahvid Best comes back to earth in a big way this week.
I've touted it this week, and I'm sticking to it. Darren Sproles outscores Mike Tolbert.
I have a hunch that Matt Hasselbeck is a top 10 fantasy QB this week at home against San Diego.
Finally, I have a hunch Demaryius Thomas is the WR you want in Denver, I think he's here to stay and he outscores Royal and Gaffney again this week.
Cheers,
TFAM
I have a hunch that Marion Barber is a good play this week. He scores at least one.
I have a hunch that Jahvid Best comes back to earth in a big way this week.
I've touted it this week, and I'm sticking to it. Darren Sproles outscores Mike Tolbert.
I have a hunch that Matt Hasselbeck is a top 10 fantasy QB this week at home against San Diego.
Finally, I have a hunch Demaryius Thomas is the WR you want in Denver, I think he's here to stay and he outscores Royal and Gaffney again this week.
Cheers,
TFAM
Just thinkin' about...today?
Here are the fantasy storylines I'll be follwoing in week three of the NFL season. Enjoy the slate this week, as next week we'll have fewer games due to the start of bye week season. The Sunday hunch will follow this post today.
It's put up or shut up time for Brett Favre, Percy Harvin and the rest of the Vikes passing game. If Harvin is limping around the field like he did last week, who is going to get the ball?
Ditto for the Dallas rushing game.
What does the change to Jimmy Claussen do for the Panthers offense? This could be a very disappointing year for Williams and Stewart.
The rubber meets the road for Jahvid Best today inside Metrodome. With how good he has been, should we remember that he's averaging 49 yards rushing per game and 3.2 YPC?
Still waiting on breakouts from Shonn Greene and Jamaal Charles.
With injuries to Ryan Mathews and Knowshon Moreno that could linger a few weeks, it will be interesting to see the backfields of these teams today. Buckhalter, Maroney, Tolbert and Sproles values could shift today.
Also, the New England backfield is now without Maroney and Kevin Faulk. I want to see their distribution, as well as their goal line plan.
Is Peyton Hillis ready for the featured role in the Browns backfield?
Again, Sunday Hunch to follow.
Cheers,
TFAM
It's put up or shut up time for Brett Favre, Percy Harvin and the rest of the Vikes passing game. If Harvin is limping around the field like he did last week, who is going to get the ball?
Ditto for the Dallas rushing game.
What does the change to Jimmy Claussen do for the Panthers offense? This could be a very disappointing year for Williams and Stewart.
The rubber meets the road for Jahvid Best today inside Metrodome. With how good he has been, should we remember that he's averaging 49 yards rushing per game and 3.2 YPC?
Still waiting on breakouts from Shonn Greene and Jamaal Charles.
With injuries to Ryan Mathews and Knowshon Moreno that could linger a few weeks, it will be interesting to see the backfields of these teams today. Buckhalter, Maroney, Tolbert and Sproles values could shift today.
Also, the New England backfield is now without Maroney and Kevin Faulk. I want to see their distribution, as well as their goal line plan.
Is Peyton Hillis ready for the featured role in the Browns backfield?
Again, Sunday Hunch to follow.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A role for Sproles?
With the news that Ryan Mathews has a high ankle sprain breaking in the last 24 hours, fantasy owners have been quick to gobble up Mike Tolbert (who incidently appears to have done a fair amount of gobbling himself in his life), the 240 pound bowling ball that very admirably replaced Mathews last week to the tune of 82 rushing yards and two scores. So, Tolbert is a lock for a large role in this offense until Mathews returns, right?
I wonder about that. Did you notice that Darren Sproles recorded 100 total yards in last week's game as well? Did we all consider Sproles or Tolbert the handcuff for Mathews just two weeks ago? Sproles, right? When LT went out for two games in 2009 it was Sproles who got 37 touches in those two games.
I'm not saying Sproles is the man after Tolbert's impressive performance last week, and Mike will almost certainly get the goal line, but I am saying we should at least be prepared for Sproles to see significant action in a friendly matchup against Seattle this weekend. Isn't it possible that the Chargers game plan last week was geared toward Mathews, who is much more similar to Tolbert than Sproles, and that the team figured Tolbert was the best guy to carry out the plan for the rest of the game? With a week to prepare, I think Norv comes with a different approach this week, and there's a decent chance a lot are going to be surprised with the distibution in the Chargers backfield.
For what it's worth, I picked up Tolbert on one team and Sproles on another this week, and I currently have Sproles in a lineup and Tolbert on the bench behind, ironically, LT.
Cheers,
TFAM
I wonder about that. Did you notice that Darren Sproles recorded 100 total yards in last week's game as well? Did we all consider Sproles or Tolbert the handcuff for Mathews just two weeks ago? Sproles, right? When LT went out for two games in 2009 it was Sproles who got 37 touches in those two games.
I'm not saying Sproles is the man after Tolbert's impressive performance last week, and Mike will almost certainly get the goal line, but I am saying we should at least be prepared for Sproles to see significant action in a friendly matchup against Seattle this weekend. Isn't it possible that the Chargers game plan last week was geared toward Mathews, who is much more similar to Tolbert than Sproles, and that the team figured Tolbert was the best guy to carry out the plan for the rest of the game? With a week to prepare, I think Norv comes with a different approach this week, and there's a decent chance a lot are going to be surprised with the distibution in the Chargers backfield.
For what it's worth, I picked up Tolbert on one team and Sproles on another this week, and I currently have Sproles in a lineup and Tolbert on the bench behind, ironically, LT.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sneaky Pickups
Let Brandon Jackson be an example to those of you who shelled out the dough for him this week. There was some uncertainty as to how he was going to be used, and it now appears as though he's a part timer at best, and marginal fantasy starter. He still has value, but he isn't going to win any championships.
This week, we are in wait and see mode on both Jason Snelling and Matt Tolbert. I think both are excellent plays this week and into the future if Turner and Mathews don't play, but aren't starters if those guys are healthy. If I had to play a hunch I'd say Tolbert has a better chance to start this weekend, but that isn't based on much.
Keiland Williams, RB, Washington
And, onto the sneaky pickups. Clinton Portis is finished, Larry Johnson was cut....hmm, sounds like the situation in KC last year where we were all just waiitng for Jamaal Charles to take over, doesn't it? I'm not saying Williams is the new Charles, but we didn't know Jamaal was as good as he was until he saw full time carries. In related news, Todd Haley wore a blindfold in the latter part of 2009.
Tashard Choice, RB, Dallas
I think he's the best back on that team. Jones and Barber both get hurt a lot, and are both struggling. If you have the roster space, he's a nice speculative play to get ahead of the curve.
Other guys to consider this week
Kevin Walter
Demaryius Thomas
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Cheers,
TFAM
This week, we are in wait and see mode on both Jason Snelling and Matt Tolbert. I think both are excellent plays this week and into the future if Turner and Mathews don't play, but aren't starters if those guys are healthy. If I had to play a hunch I'd say Tolbert has a better chance to start this weekend, but that isn't based on much.
Keiland Williams, RB, Washington
And, onto the sneaky pickups. Clinton Portis is finished, Larry Johnson was cut....hmm, sounds like the situation in KC last year where we were all just waiitng for Jamaal Charles to take over, doesn't it? I'm not saying Williams is the new Charles, but we didn't know Jamaal was as good as he was until he saw full time carries. In related news, Todd Haley wore a blindfold in the latter part of 2009.
Tashard Choice, RB, Dallas
I think he's the best back on that team. Jones and Barber both get hurt a lot, and are both struggling. If you have the roster space, he's a nice speculative play to get ahead of the curve.
Other guys to consider this week
Kevin Walter
Demaryius Thomas
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
As seen on TV
So, you know I went to the Metrodump this weekend to see the Vikings blow a game live, meaning...I missed a bunch of the games this week. But, we did learn a few things, like...
Bernard Berrian is terrible.
Percy Harvin is hurt. I saw him limping all day.
Peyton Hillis is without question the goal line option in Cleveland.
Todd Haley is freaking crazy. Jamaal Charles 11 carries? Really? Charles 22 carries, 141 yards, Jones 33 carries 122 yards. Haley is the worst Chief since Shabonee and it isn't close.
Let's give it one more week before we get too excited about Marshawn Lynch. I'd expect more Spiller this week.
Norv said he wants both Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews to get work at the goal line. Seriously? I'm almost finished wuth running back entirely.
Clinton Portis looks cooked to me. More on Keiland Williams tomorrow.
Frank Gore had a monster game, and he looked even better than that. He's the number three RB until further notice.
Darren McFadden, welcome to the NFL. I'm buying.
Sadly, Jabar Gaffney may be finished as far as fantasy value goes. Thomas and Royal are both clearly better options.
I'm not sure what happened to my man Aromashodu, but I think he was in trouble with Lovie. No other explanation works for zero targets.
Questions? Let me know.
Cheers,
TFAM
Bernard Berrian is terrible.
Percy Harvin is hurt. I saw him limping all day.
Peyton Hillis is without question the goal line option in Cleveland.
Todd Haley is freaking crazy. Jamaal Charles 11 carries? Really? Charles 22 carries, 141 yards, Jones 33 carries 122 yards. Haley is the worst Chief since Shabonee and it isn't close.
Let's give it one more week before we get too excited about Marshawn Lynch. I'd expect more Spiller this week.
Norv said he wants both Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews to get work at the goal line. Seriously? I'm almost finished wuth running back entirely.
Clinton Portis looks cooked to me. More on Keiland Williams tomorrow.
Frank Gore had a monster game, and he looked even better than that. He's the number three RB until further notice.
Darren McFadden, welcome to the NFL. I'm buying.
Sadly, Jabar Gaffney may be finished as far as fantasy value goes. Thomas and Royal are both clearly better options.
I'm not sure what happened to my man Aromashodu, but I think he was in trouble with Lovie. No other explanation works for zero targets.
Questions? Let me know.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday hunch
The Sunday hunch is back to hit you up with a few things that I think are going to happen this week in fantasy football that others may not be predicting. I try to go off the board a bit. For those new to TFAM this year, this is really how I'm successful at fantasy sports. I know the stats, but I don't blindly follow the numbers. My hunches are really able to be cast because I've done nothing worthwhile in my life other than follow sports for 30 years, so I think I have a pretty good idea when something is likely to happen. Blah, blah, blah.
Anyway...I did go four for five last week.
I have a hunch that this is a big day for Dez Bryant in Dallas. You know that Jerry Jones guy? Yeah, he's a showman. He wants to show off his 2010 version of Tickle Me Elmo to his fans who are seated in the 2009 edition. Bryant is a very good bet to score this week.
I have a hunch Alex Smith rebounds Monday night. I just don't believe in the Saints defense. The Redskins and Jason Campbell put up 367 yards throwing and 3 TDs last year when the Saints went on the road. Why can't Smith do that in a must show game for him and his offense that has better weapons than that Redskins team did?
I have a hunch that Minnesota's passing game will struggle again today. Low scoring at Metrodome. AP is the only guy in the entire game I'd start with confidence.
I think Peyton Hillis puts up more fantasy points than Jerome Harrison today. Tempted to say John Kuhn over Brandon Jackson too. Tempted, but I guess I'd start Jackson if I really had to make that call.
I have a hunch Michael Vick disappoints today. I think Philly is walking into an ambush. I'll say one total touchdown for Vick.
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway...I did go four for five last week.
I have a hunch that this is a big day for Dez Bryant in Dallas. You know that Jerry Jones guy? Yeah, he's a showman. He wants to show off his 2010 version of Tickle Me Elmo to his fans who are seated in the 2009 edition. Bryant is a very good bet to score this week.
I have a hunch Alex Smith rebounds Monday night. I just don't believe in the Saints defense. The Redskins and Jason Campbell put up 367 yards throwing and 3 TDs last year when the Saints went on the road. Why can't Smith do that in a must show game for him and his offense that has better weapons than that Redskins team did?
I have a hunch that Minnesota's passing game will struggle again today. Low scoring at Metrodome. AP is the only guy in the entire game I'd start with confidence.
I think Peyton Hillis puts up more fantasy points than Jerome Harrison today. Tempted to say John Kuhn over Brandon Jackson too. Tempted, but I guess I'd start Jackson if I really had to make that call.
I have a hunch Michael Vick disappoints today. I think Philly is walking into an ambush. I'll say one total touchdown for Vick.
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Here are the NFL storylines I'll be following tomorrow for the Week 2 action. As a sidenote, get your chatroll questions in early, as I'm heading to the Metrodome for my first live NFL game in over a decade. I'm skeptical, mainly because I'm missing the important fantasy storylines...
Anyway...
I'm interested to see how that Bears offense functions on the road. Lost in the craziness in DC last Sunday night was the small fact that the Cowboys defense was fierce. These aren't the Lions this week, Jay Cutler.
Speaking of the Lions, Michael Vick is going to be started in virtually every league this week. Will it be worth it? You have to think so, it is the Lions and they have a horrendous fantasy defense. Still, I smell something here.
Really, the number one question on all of our minds is will Todd Haley put and end to the charade and turn Jamaal Charles loose? I really do hate Todd Haley for this.
Encore Arian Foster? Washington shut down the Dallas run game last week.
The Jets should be able to run on the Pats. Sadly, this likley means LT is going to bury SG even further in the ground.
The weather should be great, after all, it's San Diego, and the Chargers are going to show us tomorrow what we should expect from that offense going forward.
Ditto Atlanta, what we see is what we'll get. It doesn't get better than a marginal defense (Arizona) at home. It's show me time.
How much will John Kuhn torment those who blew it out on Brandon Jackson this week? Should be interesting.
Hillis or Harrison? I hope they both hit 200 yards against Todd Haley.
Two of many people's preseason faves (mine too), the Colts and the Niners get primetime home games against very good teams and bot need to rebound badly. I like both to play well this week. I'm starting Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree with confidence...for one more week at least. They do make me nervous, but that Saints defense can be exposed. With the Colts, I want to see their run defense more than anything.
If Steven Jackson doesn't produce a monster this week, he's no longer worth an every week start.
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway...
I'm interested to see how that Bears offense functions on the road. Lost in the craziness in DC last Sunday night was the small fact that the Cowboys defense was fierce. These aren't the Lions this week, Jay Cutler.
Speaking of the Lions, Michael Vick is going to be started in virtually every league this week. Will it be worth it? You have to think so, it is the Lions and they have a horrendous fantasy defense. Still, I smell something here.
Really, the number one question on all of our minds is will Todd Haley put and end to the charade and turn Jamaal Charles loose? I really do hate Todd Haley for this.
Encore Arian Foster? Washington shut down the Dallas run game last week.
The Jets should be able to run on the Pats. Sadly, this likley means LT is going to bury SG even further in the ground.
The weather should be great, after all, it's San Diego, and the Chargers are going to show us tomorrow what we should expect from that offense going forward.
Ditto Atlanta, what we see is what we'll get. It doesn't get better than a marginal defense (Arizona) at home. It's show me time.
How much will John Kuhn torment those who blew it out on Brandon Jackson this week? Should be interesting.
Hillis or Harrison? I hope they both hit 200 yards against Todd Haley.
Two of many people's preseason faves (mine too), the Colts and the Niners get primetime home games against very good teams and bot need to rebound badly. I like both to play well this week. I'm starting Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree with confidence...for one more week at least. They do make me nervous, but that Saints defense can be exposed. With the Colts, I want to see their run defense more than anything.
If Steven Jackson doesn't produce a monster this week, he's no longer worth an every week start.
Cheers,
TFAM
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday Fives
In the spirit of 2009 I'm reviving the Friday Five. Maybe there will be links this year, maybe not, but today. it's four fantasy football lists of five.
Five guys I'm not worried about after week one
Andre Johnson
Matt Schaub
Pierre Garcon
Ray Rice
Frank Gore
Five guys inducing panic
Shonn Greene
Kevin Kolb
Derrick Mason
Felix Jones
Michael Crabtree
Five guys who bounce back this week
Adrian Peterson
Michael Turner
Tony Romo
Alex Smith
Malcom Floyd
Five guys who'll come down to earth, quickly
Carson Palmer
Arian Foster
Matt Forte
OK, I only got tto three there, you know I'm not into pushing things if they aren't there.
Cheers,
TFAM
Five guys I'm not worried about after week one
Andre Johnson
Matt Schaub
Pierre Garcon
Ray Rice
Frank Gore
Five guys inducing panic
Shonn Greene
Kevin Kolb
Derrick Mason
Felix Jones
Michael Crabtree
Five guys who bounce back this week
Adrian Peterson
Michael Turner
Tony Romo
Alex Smith
Malcom Floyd
Five guys who'll come down to earth, quickly
Carson Palmer
Arian Foster
Matt Forte
OK, I only got tto three there, you know I'm not into pushing things if they aren't there.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sneaky Pickups
Wednesday is generally waiver day in fantasy leagues, and while everyone knows that Ryan Grant got hurt and Brandon Jackson should be added--I try and help you out with the not so obvious guys who you can get a week or two before the rest of the league is onto them.
Want two sleepers who are out there in just about every league?
John Kuhn, RB, Packers
While Jackson is rightfully the pickup of the week, who's to say Kuhn won't be valuable as well? He punched one in last week, and it wouldn't surprise to see Kuhn get the stripe all year long. Check out this quote from Packers coach Mike McCarthy, courtesy of Green Bay's ABC affiliate. "John has done a very good job. Every time you put the ball in his hands he is productive. Feel good about him. Now he's our second halfback going into Buffalo. I think that is obvious," McCarthy said.
Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns
I can make a case that he'll have more fantasy value than Jackson in 2010. It's all about carries inside the five, and I bet Hillis gets the majority in Cleveland. Not only that, he had a nice 4.6 YPC last week on nine attempts, and he caught four passes out of the backfield. I think I'd rather have him than Jerome Harrison right now.
Free Agent Ranks
1. Brandon Jackson
2. Peyton Hillis
3. John Kuhn
Cheers,
TFAM
Want two sleepers who are out there in just about every league?
John Kuhn, RB, Packers
While Jackson is rightfully the pickup of the week, who's to say Kuhn won't be valuable as well? He punched one in last week, and it wouldn't surprise to see Kuhn get the stripe all year long. Check out this quote from Packers coach Mike McCarthy, courtesy of Green Bay's ABC affiliate. "John has done a very good job. Every time you put the ball in his hands he is productive. Feel good about him. Now he's our second halfback going into Buffalo. I think that is obvious," McCarthy said.
Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns
I can make a case that he'll have more fantasy value than Jackson in 2010. It's all about carries inside the five, and I bet Hillis gets the majority in Cleveland. Not only that, he had a nice 4.6 YPC last week on nine attempts, and he caught four passes out of the backfield. I think I'd rather have him than Jerome Harrison right now.
Free Agent Ranks
1. Brandon Jackson
2. Peyton Hillis
3. John Kuhn
Cheers,
TFAM
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Hot Hand
I'm sure that I read last week that Chiefs boss Todd Haley was going to ride the hot hand, or go by feel, or something like that with his backfield. Funny, I guess "feel" is code for an old guy who can't play anymore. I'm not sure how this is going to help my readers, but let's just all agree that Haley is a moron. He can't possibly justify splitting the carries between Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones 50/50 after what we saw last night. I can even conceed the goal line to Jones, but Charles should be getting 25 touches a game.
In another "feel" situation, I am very worried about Shonn Greene. I didn't like what I saw of the rotation in that situation either, and Greene, unlike Charles, actually gave his coach reason to sit him with the fumble and the general poor play. It's a nice time to buy low on Greene, but he is clearly on the wrong side of that battle right now.
Tomorrow, sneaky pickups.
Cheers,
TFAM
In another "feel" situation, I am very worried about Shonn Greene. I didn't like what I saw of the rotation in that situation either, and Greene, unlike Charles, actually gave his coach reason to sit him with the fumble and the general poor play. It's a nice time to buy low on Greene, but he is clearly on the wrong side of that battle right now.
Tomorrow, sneaky pickups.
Cheers,
TFAM
Monday, September 13, 2010
As Seen on TV
You regulars know the Monday morning column on this site is dedicated to everything that I saw on TV yesterday that will help fantasy owners going forward. I try to focus on things you may not see in the box score, but I do try and point out eveything important, so you don't havr to go box score hunting either.
Pierre Thomas value rises with the goal line carry. I was wondering if there would be a new Mike Bell this year. So far, there isn't.
About that Kevin Kolb prediction? Well, four out of five for the hunch ain't bad. Still, Kolb looked awful before the injury.
Ronnie Brown gets the goal line. No surprise. Ricky will get a few too.
Brandon Marshall still drops a lot of passes. Ditto Terrell Owens.
The Lions are in trouble without Matt Stafford offensively. Best and Calvin were total non-factors (and were with Stafford actually). Best just got two shorties to save his fantasy day.
Bears WR/TE targets....Aromashodu 10, Knox 7, Olsen 6, Hester 1. Yep.
Fred Taylor is the back you want in New England if you have to have one for now. Let's wait to see who gets the goal line.
Carson Palmer looked very ordinary until he got the garbage time yards.
I saw Bradshaw and Jacobs in the game for New York inside the five yard line. Bradshaw got the score, but Jacobs seems to be a good bet for 5-10 scores too, just not the yardage.
Buffalo is just terrible. RIP CJ Spiller.
How about Hillis and Harrison getting equal touches in Tampa? I guess Eric Mangini doesn't like that Harrison put up monster stats late last year. I'd still rather have Jerome, but it's close.
Brandon Jackson is just as good (or bad) as Ryan Grant.
I don't see much reason to think Arian Foster isn't going to be very good all year. Schaub and Andre will rebound too.
San Francisco, just wow. Mike Singletary really let everyone down. They looked like the worst team in the league yesterday. Let's be patient.
The Cowboys running game is a fantasy mess. You want Barber, then Jones, then Choice, but none are going to have much value until one or more get hurt.
It's very easy to see that Dez Bryant is better than Roy Williams. Dez absolutely has fantasy value.
Matt Forte is a great sell high candidate. I just don't see that kind of production all year. I'd hold in PPR leagues, sell in the rest. He still can't cash in at the goal line, and Chester is going to steal some of those receptions.
Jay Cutler, on the other hand, is very much going to be a top 10 QB.
Cheers,
TFAM
Pierre Thomas value rises with the goal line carry. I was wondering if there would be a new Mike Bell this year. So far, there isn't.
About that Kevin Kolb prediction? Well, four out of five for the hunch ain't bad. Still, Kolb looked awful before the injury.
Ronnie Brown gets the goal line. No surprise. Ricky will get a few too.
Brandon Marshall still drops a lot of passes. Ditto Terrell Owens.
The Lions are in trouble without Matt Stafford offensively. Best and Calvin were total non-factors (and were with Stafford actually). Best just got two shorties to save his fantasy day.
Bears WR/TE targets....Aromashodu 10, Knox 7, Olsen 6, Hester 1. Yep.
Fred Taylor is the back you want in New England if you have to have one for now. Let's wait to see who gets the goal line.
Carson Palmer looked very ordinary until he got the garbage time yards.
I saw Bradshaw and Jacobs in the game for New York inside the five yard line. Bradshaw got the score, but Jacobs seems to be a good bet for 5-10 scores too, just not the yardage.
Buffalo is just terrible. RIP CJ Spiller.
How about Hillis and Harrison getting equal touches in Tampa? I guess Eric Mangini doesn't like that Harrison put up monster stats late last year. I'd still rather have Jerome, but it's close.
Brandon Jackson is just as good (or bad) as Ryan Grant.
I don't see much reason to think Arian Foster isn't going to be very good all year. Schaub and Andre will rebound too.
San Francisco, just wow. Mike Singletary really let everyone down. They looked like the worst team in the league yesterday. Let's be patient.
The Cowboys running game is a fantasy mess. You want Barber, then Jones, then Choice, but none are going to have much value until one or more get hurt.
It's very easy to see that Dez Bryant is better than Roy Williams. Dez absolutely has fantasy value.
Matt Forte is a great sell high candidate. I just don't see that kind of production all year. I'd hold in PPR leagues, sell in the rest. He still can't cash in at the goal line, and Chester is going to steal some of those receptions.
Jay Cutler, on the other hand, is very much going to be a top 10 QB.
Cheers,
TFAM
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday Hunch
It's show me time in the NFL, finally. Who's got something to prove? As always, the Sunday Hunch is trying to go out on a limb a bit and make a few predictions that others may not be onto each week of the fantasy football season.
I have a hunch that Wes Welker is going to have a big day in New England today. I see the Pats feeding him the ball to highlight just how remarkable he is as a player coming off the knee injury.
In the same game, I have a hunch that Carson Palmer has a great game today in New England. I think the Bengals want to show people that the Ocho-Owens combo is going to work. They are going to open it up.
I have a hunch Dallas' offense struggles in Washington tonight. Just a feeling. I think I'm starting Jabar Gaffney over Marion Barber.
I have a hunch that Devin Aromashodu is the best fantasy option in the Bears passing game today.
I have a hunch Kevin Kolb is a top five QB this week. I'm thinking 300 yards and two scores, minimum.
Cheers,
TFAM
I have a hunch that Wes Welker is going to have a big day in New England today. I see the Pats feeding him the ball to highlight just how remarkable he is as a player coming off the knee injury.
In the same game, I have a hunch that Carson Palmer has a great game today in New England. I think the Bengals want to show people that the Ocho-Owens combo is going to work. They are going to open it up.
I have a hunch Dallas' offense struggles in Washington tonight. Just a feeling. I think I'm starting Jabar Gaffney over Marion Barber.
I have a hunch that Devin Aromashodu is the best fantasy option in the Bears passing game today.
I have a hunch Kevin Kolb is a top five QB this week. I'm thinking 300 yards and two scores, minimum.
Cheers,
TFAM
Just thinkin' about...today?
Usually, my football coverage includes a Saturday column titled just thinkin' about tomorrow, but week one wil get you a double dose, with the Sunday hunch coming up next. Also, check the chatroll today for updates and please ask lineup questions. I'll let you know what I'd do in your situation.
Anyway, this weekly column highlights what I'll be watching for during each week's slate of games, and yes, I do watch all the games.
In week one it is usually about role definement. I'm looking at the Chiefs backfield (tomorrow), Jets backfield (tomorrow), Panthers backfield, Eagles backfield, Giants backfield, Patriots backfield and Cowboys backfield today to see how they are going to define themselves going forward.
I'm looking to see what kind of offensive production we get out of the Chiefs and Lions, two teams that I think can deliver the goods in 2010.
What about the Bears offense under Mike Martz? Who is going to emerge in the WR corps there? Is Greg Olsen now an afterthought?
Are the Steelers fantasy relevant without Roethlisberger?
Gotta watch Chris Johnson against what was a horrific run defense in Oakland last year.
How will the rookie fare? Looking at you Spiller, Best, Bryant, and Mathews.
Do Jermichael Finley and Arian Foster live up to the hype? Is that even possible? These two were THE two buzz players of the preseason.
I'm watching San Francisco. Is this team, and specifically their offense, ready to take the leap? They should perform today against Seattle.
Today's game in St. Louis should tell us a lot about Derek Anderson, Larry Fitz and the Cards chances in 2010.
Finally, what about the Broncos? Can Jabar Gaffney build on his incredible finish in 2010?
Sunday hunch in an hour. Enjoy your football today.
Cheers,
TFAM
Anyway, this weekly column highlights what I'll be watching for during each week's slate of games, and yes, I do watch all the games.
In week one it is usually about role definement. I'm looking at the Chiefs backfield (tomorrow), Jets backfield (tomorrow), Panthers backfield, Eagles backfield, Giants backfield, Patriots backfield and Cowboys backfield today to see how they are going to define themselves going forward.
I'm looking to see what kind of offensive production we get out of the Chiefs and Lions, two teams that I think can deliver the goods in 2010.
What about the Bears offense under Mike Martz? Who is going to emerge in the WR corps there? Is Greg Olsen now an afterthought?
Are the Steelers fantasy relevant without Roethlisberger?
Gotta watch Chris Johnson against what was a horrific run defense in Oakland last year.
How will the rookie fare? Looking at you Spiller, Best, Bryant, and Mathews.
Do Jermichael Finley and Arian Foster live up to the hype? Is that even possible? These two were THE two buzz players of the preseason.
I'm watching San Francisco. Is this team, and specifically their offense, ready to take the leap? They should perform today against Seattle.
Today's game in St. Louis should tell us a lot about Derek Anderson, Larry Fitz and the Cards chances in 2010.
Finally, what about the Broncos? Can Jabar Gaffney build on his incredible finish in 2010?
Sunday hunch in an hour. Enjoy your football today.
Cheers,
TFAM
Thursday, September 9, 2010
NFL preview and preseason awards
One of my female coworkers who plays fantasy football asked me today how excited I am for tonight on a scale of 1-10. I said 9.2 based on the fact that it's just tonight. If she would have included the entire weekend of pro football, I explained, I would have been a 9.9 (I'm like the modern olympic judges, 10s are now just an imaginary number that teaches us a life lesson that we aren't perfect). The NFL is the one league where I don't even have to be talked into signing up for a meaningless Cheifs-Raiders game at 3 PM on a Sunday afternoon. Mariners-A's? Ugh.
I'm going to break down the league division by division, then give my record and playoff predictions toward the end. Finally, I'll hand out some preseason award predictions for the NFL and fantasy football. BTW, the records may not all add up to .500. Whatever.
NFC East
Many say it's the best division, but I'd throw the AFC East and AFC North a bone too. All three have at least three teams with solid playoff arguments. To me this is the Giants division. They are strong on both lines, they can run and pass, and they have good coaching. You want Coughlin, Eli and the Giants line of scrimmage or Wade-Romo and the Cowboys line that got trounced in the playoffs? Trust me, people are sleeping on the Giants this year. The Redskins and Eagles are interesting, but not good enough.
Giants 11-5
Cowboys 10-6
Eagles 8-8
Redskins 8-8
NFC North
Why are the Packers better than Minnesota again? Let's all repeat the mantra of early September. Forget the preseason! The Pack was last seen giving up 50 to the Cards. Their o-line is worse than Minnesota's and that's supposedly a weak link for the Vikings. Wouldn't surprise to see the Lions top the Bears.
Vikings 11-5
Packers 10-6
Bears 6-10
Lions 6-10
NFC South
Saints are clearly the team to beat. Not much to talk about here, pretty straightforward to me.
Saints 11-5
Falcons 8-8
Panthers 8-8
Bucs 3-13
NFC West
Shouldn't the western divisions in the two conferences be getting better by now through the succession of high draft picks? Seems like they have been the weakest of their respective conferences for a decade. Derek Anderson is going to murder the Cardinals season, while the Rams rise and Seahawks fall are likely to cross paths. Seattle was brutal last year. This all leads to the improving 49ers walking away here.
49ers 12-4
Cardinals 6-10
Rams 5-11
Seahawks 4-12
AFC East
Probably the toughest division for me to forecast. I like all three teams at the top, but it's likely only one or two are going to make the playoffs. New England seems to be a bit of a paper tiger to me. I believe in Brady-Belichick, but I don't trust that defense or Randy Moss. The Dolphins are going to be fierce and physical, and I like thier passing game more than the Jets. Sanchez needs to be huge for them to even get to January.
Dolphins 10-6
Jets 9-7
Patriots 9-7
Bills 5-11
AFC North
I've seen Ravens Super Bowl picks everywhere, I've seen a smattering of Steelers, but why not the Bengals? I don't even like Carson Palmer that much, and I'm not an Owens guy anymore, but this team ran the ball and played excellent defense a year ago. They are getting back three crucial players on defense (Rivers, Malauga and Odom) and they have Andre Smith to hopefully ship in on the o-line. Remember, the Bengals beat the Ravens and Steelers each twice last year. I don;t trust the back seven in Baltimore, and Flacco hasn't done enough to win me over. Who is going to stretch the field vertically? I think the Roethlisberger thing will kill the Steelers, and I think the Browns are improved in every facet but QB.
Bengals 12-4
Ravens 10-6
Steelers 7-9
Browns 7-9
AFC South
I want to pick the Titans, but Peyton Manning is a machine. I truly believe that this Colts team goes 1-15 without Manning, but I just can't get over how he eviscerates opposing defenses. Tennessee is frisky if Vince can keep them in games, and Houston has the makings of a playoff team too. Jacksonville is certainly the least interesting team in the league, and if you don't believe me, ask their local fanbase if they want a ticket.
Colts 12-4
Titans 10-6
Houston 9-7
Jacksonville 4-12
AFC West
This is truly the shake the bag up and pull out a winner division. I like the Chiefs and Raiders, to be better, and the Broncos and Chargers to be worse, but doesn't that make each team fall somewhere between 9-7 and 6-10?
Kansas City 9-7
San Diego 8-8
Oakland 7-9
Denver 5-11
NFC Playoffs
Giants over Packers
Vikings over Cowboys
Giants over 49ers
Vikings over Saints
Giants over Vikings
AFC Playoffs
Tennesse over Kansas City
Miami over Baltimore
Tennessee over Indy
Cincinnati over Miami
Cincinnati over Tennessee
Super Bowl
Giants over Bengals
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
Offensive ROY: Ryan Mathews
Defensive ROY: Ndamukong Suh
Coach of the year: Mike Singletary
Offensive POY: Aaron Rodgers
Defensive POY: Darrelle Revis
Fantasy POY (best fantasy player): Chris Johnson
Fantasy MVP (In regards to draft position): Shonn Greene
Fantasy ROY: Ryan Mathews
Fantasy LVP: Kurt Warner (singlehandedly crushed a great offense)
Cheers,
TFAM
I'm going to break down the league division by division, then give my record and playoff predictions toward the end. Finally, I'll hand out some preseason award predictions for the NFL and fantasy football. BTW, the records may not all add up to .500. Whatever.
NFC East
Many say it's the best division, but I'd throw the AFC East and AFC North a bone too. All three have at least three teams with solid playoff arguments. To me this is the Giants division. They are strong on both lines, they can run and pass, and they have good coaching. You want Coughlin, Eli and the Giants line of scrimmage or Wade-Romo and the Cowboys line that got trounced in the playoffs? Trust me, people are sleeping on the Giants this year. The Redskins and Eagles are interesting, but not good enough.
Giants 11-5
Cowboys 10-6
Eagles 8-8
Redskins 8-8
NFC North
Why are the Packers better than Minnesota again? Let's all repeat the mantra of early September. Forget the preseason! The Pack was last seen giving up 50 to the Cards. Their o-line is worse than Minnesota's and that's supposedly a weak link for the Vikings. Wouldn't surprise to see the Lions top the Bears.
Vikings 11-5
Packers 10-6
Bears 6-10
Lions 6-10
NFC South
Saints are clearly the team to beat. Not much to talk about here, pretty straightforward to me.
Saints 11-5
Falcons 8-8
Panthers 8-8
Bucs 3-13
NFC West
Shouldn't the western divisions in the two conferences be getting better by now through the succession of high draft picks? Seems like they have been the weakest of their respective conferences for a decade. Derek Anderson is going to murder the Cardinals season, while the Rams rise and Seahawks fall are likely to cross paths. Seattle was brutal last year. This all leads to the improving 49ers walking away here.
49ers 12-4
Cardinals 6-10
Rams 5-11
Seahawks 4-12
AFC East
Probably the toughest division for me to forecast. I like all three teams at the top, but it's likely only one or two are going to make the playoffs. New England seems to be a bit of a paper tiger to me. I believe in Brady-Belichick, but I don't trust that defense or Randy Moss. The Dolphins are going to be fierce and physical, and I like thier passing game more than the Jets. Sanchez needs to be huge for them to even get to January.
Dolphins 10-6
Jets 9-7
Patriots 9-7
Bills 5-11
AFC North
I've seen Ravens Super Bowl picks everywhere, I've seen a smattering of Steelers, but why not the Bengals? I don't even like Carson Palmer that much, and I'm not an Owens guy anymore, but this team ran the ball and played excellent defense a year ago. They are getting back three crucial players on defense (Rivers, Malauga and Odom) and they have Andre Smith to hopefully ship in on the o-line. Remember, the Bengals beat the Ravens and Steelers each twice last year. I don;t trust the back seven in Baltimore, and Flacco hasn't done enough to win me over. Who is going to stretch the field vertically? I think the Roethlisberger thing will kill the Steelers, and I think the Browns are improved in every facet but QB.
Bengals 12-4
Ravens 10-6
Steelers 7-9
Browns 7-9
AFC South
I want to pick the Titans, but Peyton Manning is a machine. I truly believe that this Colts team goes 1-15 without Manning, but I just can't get over how he eviscerates opposing defenses. Tennessee is frisky if Vince can keep them in games, and Houston has the makings of a playoff team too. Jacksonville is certainly the least interesting team in the league, and if you don't believe me, ask their local fanbase if they want a ticket.
Colts 12-4
Titans 10-6
Houston 9-7
Jacksonville 4-12
AFC West
This is truly the shake the bag up and pull out a winner division. I like the Chiefs and Raiders, to be better, and the Broncos and Chargers to be worse, but doesn't that make each team fall somewhere between 9-7 and 6-10?
Kansas City 9-7
San Diego 8-8
Oakland 7-9
Denver 5-11
NFC Playoffs
Giants over Packers
Vikings over Cowboys
Giants over 49ers
Vikings over Saints
Giants over Vikings
AFC Playoffs
Tennesse over Kansas City
Miami over Baltimore
Tennessee over Indy
Cincinnati over Miami
Cincinnati over Tennessee
Super Bowl
Giants over Bengals
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
Offensive ROY: Ryan Mathews
Defensive ROY: Ndamukong Suh
Coach of the year: Mike Singletary
Offensive POY: Aaron Rodgers
Defensive POY: Darrelle Revis
Fantasy POY (best fantasy player): Chris Johnson
Fantasy MVP (In regards to draft position): Shonn Greene
Fantasy ROY: Ryan Mathews
Fantasy LVP: Kurt Warner (singlehandedly crushed a great offense)
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
BMW Championship
I'll be honest, the vultures are circling over my interest in fantasy golf for the 2010 season, and I'm even in a championship match in my auction league this weekend. It's football season, and golf is only for my wayward driver this time of year, not for my eyes through HD.
That said, I have to post something right? I'm not interested in reader revolt. However, you can bety that there will only be two more golf posts in 2010 after this one. The Tour Championship will be covered in two weeks, and I'll reveal my picks for the Ryder Cup confidence game I'm playing for the first week in October.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out who is a good bet to play well in Illinois this week. Tiger has owned the course (five titles, two seconds at the event formerly known as the Western Open), Furyk has none top 10s in 14 starts, and Villegas has a win and two other top 10s the last three years. Add those guys to the red hot Jason Day, Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar, Adam Scott, Luke Donald and Dustin Johnson, and you have your favorites.
One guy who hasn't played well here is Mickelson, who is remarkably without a top 10 finish in 12 starts at this event.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
McIlroy
Els
Stricker
Course History
Woods
Furyk
Villegas
V. Singh
T. Clark
Who's Hot?
Day
Donald
D. Johnson
Kuchar
Stricker
Who's Not?
Kim
Choi
Moore
O'Hair
Poulter
My Picks
Woods
Villegas
Stricker
Day
Kuchar
Cheers,
TFAM
That said, I have to post something right? I'm not interested in reader revolt. However, you can bety that there will only be two more golf posts in 2010 after this one. The Tour Championship will be covered in two weeks, and I'll reveal my picks for the Ryder Cup confidence game I'm playing for the first week in October.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out who is a good bet to play well in Illinois this week. Tiger has owned the course (five titles, two seconds at the event formerly known as the Western Open), Furyk has none top 10s in 14 starts, and Villegas has a win and two other top 10s the last three years. Add those guys to the red hot Jason Day, Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar, Adam Scott, Luke Donald and Dustin Johnson, and you have your favorites.
One guy who hasn't played well here is Mickelson, who is remarkably without a top 10 finish in 12 starts at this event.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
McIlroy
Els
Stricker
Course History
Woods
Furyk
Villegas
V. Singh
T. Clark
Who's Hot?
Day
Donald
D. Johnson
Kuchar
Stricker
Who's Not?
Kim
Choi
Moore
O'Hair
Poulter
My Picks
Woods
Villegas
Stricker
Day
Kuchar
Cheers,
TFAM
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Jerome Harrison...every down stud?
With the news that Montario Hardesty is out with a torn ACL, are we back to Jerome Harrison being a guy that is going to decide fantasy championships as he did a year ago?
If you recall, Harrison became what was both right and wrong with fantasy football in 2009, as he burst onto the scene just as leagues were being decided with 434 yards and four touchdowns in weeks 15 and 16. Jerome was given the opportunity as Jamal Lewis had already gone the way of the moa, and Chris Jennings was hurt late in the season, leaving no one to compete with Harrison for carries.
Can Harrison do it again?
It's certainly worth watching, but I'm not sure we should expect 200 and two every week just yet. Let's examine. In 2009, Harrison literally had no one challenging him for carries late in the season due to attrition. This year, I'm hearing Joshua Cribbs is going to be involved a bit in the backfield, and Peyton Hillis is a potential goal line vulture. In the preseason, Hardesty, Harrison, and Hillis (give me one more for a state fair 4H special) each scored from inside the five. On top of that, Harrison's three huge games (he exploded in week 17 too) in 2009 came agianst the Chiefs, Raiders, and Jags, who may have been confused with the Gophers, Terrapins and Jackrabbits at that point in the season. In 2010, the Cleveland offense is going to be horrible, and they'll draw the Steelers, Bengals, and Ravens twice, making the Browns slate one of the worst for ball carriers in the league.
I'm not saying Hardesty's fate isn't tied to a rise in value for Harrison, because it is. Still, I'm thinking Jerome is now somewhere in the 20-25 range, not a top 15 back.
Cheers,
TFAM
If you recall, Harrison became what was both right and wrong with fantasy football in 2009, as he burst onto the scene just as leagues were being decided with 434 yards and four touchdowns in weeks 15 and 16. Jerome was given the opportunity as Jamal Lewis had already gone the way of the moa, and Chris Jennings was hurt late in the season, leaving no one to compete with Harrison for carries.
Can Harrison do it again?
It's certainly worth watching, but I'm not sure we should expect 200 and two every week just yet. Let's examine. In 2009, Harrison literally had no one challenging him for carries late in the season due to attrition. This year, I'm hearing Joshua Cribbs is going to be involved a bit in the backfield, and Peyton Hillis is a potential goal line vulture. In the preseason, Hardesty, Harrison, and Hillis (give me one more for a state fair 4H special) each scored from inside the five. On top of that, Harrison's three huge games (he exploded in week 17 too) in 2009 came agianst the Chiefs, Raiders, and Jags, who may have been confused with the Gophers, Terrapins and Jackrabbits at that point in the season. In 2010, the Cleveland offense is going to be horrible, and they'll draw the Steelers, Bengals, and Ravens twice, making the Browns slate one of the worst for ball carriers in the league.
I'm not saying Hardesty's fate isn't tied to a rise in value for Harrison, because it is. Still, I'm thinking Jerome is now somewhere in the 20-25 range, not a top 15 back.
Cheers,
TFAM
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Deutsche Bank
FYI, this week's PGA event is playing Friday-Monday.
Is Matt Kuchar the PGA TOUR player of the year? I would say yes, and the others have three weeks to do something about it. What a year out of Kuchar, who is singlehandedly making me a lot of money. Did anyone ever read about his dad's antics at the Masters when Matt was an amateur?
This week, the TOUR has its eye on Boston, while at the same time hoping Earl doesn't have its eye on a washout in Massachusetts this weekend. Steve Stricker won this event last year, and comes in as the heavy favorite this year too, as he's been playing well enough week in and week out to think he's a top 5-10 lock. The second choice almost has to be Dustin Johnson, who is showing up on the leaderboard every single week, and is bound to have a good Sunday sometime. DJ was fourth in this event last year. I worry Kuchar may need a week to regroup after his biggest weekend as a pro.
Other than Stricker and Johnson, Vijay has history here with wins in 2004 and 2008. Phil, Tiger and Adam Scott have joined him in the winner's circle at the TPC BOston in recent years.. Angel Cabrera also shows well in Boston, as does Rip Van Furyk, and Rose, Villegas, Ogilvy and O'Hair have multiple Boston top 10s.
Sleeper this week? Vaughn Taylor is playing his best golf of the year, and he finished third here in 2005.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
McIlroy
Els
Stricker
Course History
Singh
Stricker
Woods
Furyk
Cabrera
Who's Hot?
Kuchar
D. Johnson
Stricker
Day
Overton
Who's Not?
Glover
Mickelson
Ogilvy
Singh
Kim
My Picks
Stricker
D. Johnson
Taylor
Woods
Furyk
Cheers,
TFAM
Is Matt Kuchar the PGA TOUR player of the year? I would say yes, and the others have three weeks to do something about it. What a year out of Kuchar, who is singlehandedly making me a lot of money. Did anyone ever read about his dad's antics at the Masters when Matt was an amateur?
This week, the TOUR has its eye on Boston, while at the same time hoping Earl doesn't have its eye on a washout in Massachusetts this weekend. Steve Stricker won this event last year, and comes in as the heavy favorite this year too, as he's been playing well enough week in and week out to think he's a top 5-10 lock. The second choice almost has to be Dustin Johnson, who is showing up on the leaderboard every single week, and is bound to have a good Sunday sometime. DJ was fourth in this event last year. I worry Kuchar may need a week to regroup after his biggest weekend as a pro.
Other than Stricker and Johnson, Vijay has history here with wins in 2004 and 2008. Phil, Tiger and Adam Scott have joined him in the winner's circle at the TPC BOston in recent years.. Angel Cabrera also shows well in Boston, as does Rip Van Furyk, and Rose, Villegas, Ogilvy and O'Hair have multiple Boston top 10s.
Sleeper this week? Vaughn Taylor is playing his best golf of the year, and he finished third here in 2005.
Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
McIlroy
Els
Stricker
Course History
Singh
Stricker
Woods
Furyk
Cabrera
Who's Hot?
Kuchar
D. Johnson
Stricker
Day
Overton
Who's Not?
Glover
Mickelson
Ogilvy
Singh
Kim
My Picks
Stricker
D. Johnson
Taylor
Woods
Furyk
Cheers,
TFAM
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