As seen on TV

It's almost like ESPN is trying to make us more interested in next week's Monday nighter (Jets-Pats) than the rest of thegame tonight, which has revelaed that Derek Anderson has moved into Tyler Thigpen range and that Brian Westbrook appears to be the guy if Frank Gore misses any games (he is injured tonight).

Yesterday, I saw a few things of interest as well.

Let's just forget anything that was ever said about Rusty Smith in this space last week.  Thank God I didn't have a hunch.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Kerry Collins back next week.  He was active Sunday.

Peyton Hillis is old news.  What I cannot figure out however, is how the Browns can justify going away from the run after building a huge first half lead.  They turned 21-7 into 21-17 in a matter of seconds by allowing Delhomme to be himself.  Run the ball Cleveland.  By the way, if is wasn't for Evan Moore's fumble at the one, Hillis would have gone Abe Lincoln on us (four score?).

Mike Goodson has replaced DeAngelo Williams, which means of course that both he and Stewart lose much of their value.  I'm not expecting 250 total yards from the pair next week.

Toby Gerhart is going to be a top 10 option next week if AP can't go.  He looked good, and Buffalo is coming to the dome.

Another very pedestrian day for LaGarrette Blount.  He is not the long term answer there.  If you're in a keeper league and you aren't playoff bound.  Sell him while you have the chance.

Danario Alexander is back and he's the number one WR in St. Louis as long as he remains healthy.  He looked great.

Which reminds me.  I saw (or heard) the question asked this week about who should dynasty leaguers add now for the future that may be on the waiver wire?  The answers given were Kevin Kolb and Owen Daniels.  Really?  Owen Daniels?  Kolb?  I can find a mediocre tight end and quarterback any time.  In my game, we play upside.  That means the correct answers are Alexander, Tashard Choice, and Jacoby Jones.

I think Donald Driver is done.  Both James Jones and Jordy Nelson have passed Driver in Aaron Rodgers pecking order.  They are both more explosive.  Maybe I should cut Driver some slack with the injury...

It looks like the Giants number two WR is...Kevin Boss?  He targets (eight) doubled anyone else.  I still count Manningham as the one with Nicks and Smith sidelined.

Kyle Orton scores just an incredible number of garbage time fantasy points.

Courtesy of reader Kieron, we have the Deep Freeze.  Great, more reasons to stop the ascension of Jamaal Charles to leader of the free world.  Still, I'm happy to say, "Take that Thomas Jones!"  The Deep Freeze is on.

Cheers,
TFAM

Sunday hunch

I forgot yesterday to put a bow, or should I say break the wishbone, on Thursdays games.  Why aren't the Cowboys getting the ball to Dez Bryant?  Just baffling that he and Miles Austin combined for three catches and 25 yards.  Nice work, Princeton grad.

Anyway, here is what I see happening in the NFL action today.

I know he has been brutal, but something tells me we'll see a nice effort out of Ronnie Brown today.  I'm starting him, and I think we'll see some wildcat.

Even in non TE mandatory leagues, you are starting Jacob Tamme tonight against the Chargers.

Start him, not him?  Start Steven Jackson against a shady Broncos defense.  Sit Matt Forte against the Eagles.  That guy has no value with Chester Taylor more involved.  I'd rather start Keiland Williams than Forte, for one.

You know who else I love today?  Mario Manningham.  Both Nicks and Smith are out.

Finally, one waiver wire sleeper?  How about Ben Obamanu?  He's scored in two of three and he'll get more than five targets if Mike Williams sits, which he is likely to do.

Cheers,
TFAM

Just thinkin' about tomorrow

How about the performance of the day Saturday turned in by Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United?  The Bulgarian striker netted five goals Saturday swinging the balance of fantasy soccer leagues everywhere.  What? This isn't a soccer blog?  Sure it is.  Any question, any sport, anytime.

Here is what I'm looking forward to watching in the NFL tomorrow.

I think Danario Alexander is coming back for the Rams.  You know I love that guy.  No more knee surgeries please.

Will the coaching change ignite the Vikings offense?

I've seen Dmitri Nance of the Packers picked up this week.  Let's see if he becomes the goal line back.

Two great games in a row for Fred Jackson, but the buck stops against Pittsburgh, right?  Just how good is this Buffalo offense right now?

Rusty Smith, welcome to the gluttonous party that the Texans defense throws weekly for opposing quarterbacks.

Will Gradkowski do enough to grab hold of the Raiders job or are we going to have to deal with a weekly bait-and-switch?  I'm not really sure what a bait-and-switch is, by the way.

Jonathan Stewart looks like he'll return.  Does that mean the full workload or will there be a split it Goodson?  I'd bet on the latter.

Who is going to step up in the Giants passing game?

Also, will Brandon Jacobs be more valuable than Bradshaw now that he's once again been anointed the starter?

Chad Henne looks like he'll restore some sort of competence to the Miami offense.  Will Brian Hartline step up?

With Mike Williams looking shaky, can Ben Obamanu continue to step up?  Obi-wan has been good over his last three games.

Finally, I'm starting to think we're going to see more and more of Tim Tebow in the coming weeks. Maybe not while they are still mathematically alive, but I'm not feeling secure with any of my Broncos right now.  Kyle Orton included.

Cheers,
TFAM

Sneaky Pickups and Turkey Time

How are you feeling about Rusty Smith?  Yeah, me too, but the Texans are on the schedule twice in the next four weeks for the Titans, and the Texans are the golden goose for opposing passing games.  If there was ever a time to play Rusty, it's this week, and I'm going to say he's available.  Two QB leagues only please!  Also, Kerry Collins is probably out there, and if you want to add and stash for the playoffs, he should get the Texans at home in Week 15.

Who else may be available?  How about Tashard Choice?  I've talked him up here before, but Felix Jones os hurt and the Cowboys offense it rolling again.  I think Choice is at least a marginal starter if Felix doesn't play.

Two more guys that are surley available that can help in the passing game are Brian Hartline and Jimmy Graham.  Hartline takes over the role as the number one WR in Miami with Brandon Marshall hamstrung for at least a couple of weeks.  I know Bess is still in play there, but he's forever a number two as a slot guy.  Hartline has topped 70 yards in three straight with Marshall there and has five catches in four of his last five games.  If Chad Henne plays, I think Hartline can be a good yardage play down the stretch.  Graham may not be a household name, but he's huge (6'8) and he's starting to produce as a tight end in a pass heavy offense (New Orleans).  Over his past two games, Graham has eight grabs for 121 yards and a score and is becoming more involved.  Remember, Jeremy Shockey is not expected to play tomorrow against Dallas.

Who do I like tomorrow?  I think both Patriots running backs are in play, but I'd shy away from Detroit's tandem.  I like both the Saints and Cowboys passing games a lot, and think that Dallas' running game is in play too.  As far as the night game, I guess LT is a starter and you almost have to start Santonio right now, but I'm seeing fewer points in that one that the early games.

Happy Thanksgiving,
TFAM

As Seen on TV

So, an owner in one of my leagues had the audacity to call me out (as the commissioner) for not adjusting his lineup appropriately for this week when he said the website wouldn't allow him to set his lineup.  The problem was that he already had Chester Taylor and Devone Bess started Thursday (yeah, his team is terrible) and (surprise!) it wouldn't let him take them out after they had already played.  Yet somehow it was my fault for not chaning his lineup?  I suppose it was my fault too for the eight players he started on bye weeks in the four previous weeks?  Where has this guy been, Africa?

As it turns out, he has been in Africa, but that is beside the point.  Leagues where owners are absent aren't fun at best and they're unfair at their worst.  An owner who doesn;t manage their team actually can alter where the money ends up just as much as a powerhouse team can.  It is a total joke, and I'm embarrassed to be a part of the league.  Next year, that league goes and a new keeper league begins.  I'm taking applications...

Anyway, here's what I saw watching the games this Sunday when I wasn't sending texts taunting my buddy about starting Randy Moss.  He said I told him too.....yeah, right?  Wait, I did?

Interesting to see Jackie Battle steal a goal line carry in Kansas City for the second game in a row.  I think I'm done expecting a Jamaal Charles breakout.

Just looked this up today.  Top five WRs this year?  White, Lloyd, Bowe, Owens, Calvin.

Perfect reason why you put more value in #1 WRs.  Larry Fitzgerald gets a garbage TD on the last play of a 31-13 loss.  Why?  Because he's Larry Fitzgerald.  Teams try to feed these guys their stats.

Brandon Jacobs and Marion Barber, fraternal twins doomed to the same fantasy fate.  Mediocre short yardage backs on teams that throw inside the five.

Very nice to see a one yard TD from Ray Rice.  Sell high?  No way, Tampa, Houston, New Orleans, Cleveland coming up.  Only Pitt in week 13 to worry about.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mike Goodson play for the rest of the year...22-120 against Baltimore is no joke either.

Back to Keiland Williams in Washington, but 23-68 is not inspiring.

It figures that Cedric Benson would have his best game when everyone starts pimping Bernard Scott.

I'm ready to say LaGarrette Blount isn't very good.  It doesn't mean he can't be a useful fantasy guy (still love the playoff sked) but I've seen him stuffed too often at the goal line (including two straight carries Sunday) to make me that excited.

Mulligan for Troy Smith.  I'd buy low on Gore and Vernon if I didn't have them already.

Chris Ivory gets the goal line (and just about everything else) in New Orleans. Proof that this game can be almost improssible to call.

Kyle Orton looked awful last night.  If you pass 65% of the time though, the stats will come.  I'd be careful of Orton in a keeper league though.

Vincent Jackson returns Sunday night.

I'm still starting LT over Shonn.  It's the catches (7-71) and the fact that he'll still get the goal line.

Cheers,
TFAM

Sunday Hunch

It's time, actually past time...but I did just finish Sunday brunch.

I've got a hunch today that Brett Favre is more than playable.  He's a starter against Green Bay.  Play him with confidence.

I've also got a hunch about Julius Jones.  He's on your waiver wire.  I think he is a possible starter today too.

I think Nate Washington makes a great play against the Redskins today.

Also, Rashard Mendenhall ius a top five back this week.  Love him at home against Oakland.

Finally, I think you play Austin Collie today with confidence.  Unlike Sidney Rice, Collie will produce immediately after the injury.

Cheers, enjoy the games,
TFAM

Just thinkin' about tomorrow

Finally, we're back to a full slate this weekend, and I couldn;t be more excited.  LOTS of storylines to follow as we make the final puch toward the playoffs or start to prepare your roster for the playoffs.  Either way, let's take a look.

Actually, let's take a look backward first to the worst game the NFL has ever shown in technicolor.  It was shade your eyes bad from the Dolphins offense, highlighted by the series in the second half where Tyler Thigpen tripped over his own feet on consecutive plays.  A couple of takeaways from this game.  One, where was the wildcat?  There's no question Ronnie Brown could have played the position better than Thigpen.  So much for Brown seeing an increase in value.  Second, you CANNOT start a Dolphin if Thigpen remains at QB.  It's as simple as that.

Now, onto Week 11.

Sidney Rice finally returns to the Vikings passing game.  Can we rely on him, does it make Favre playable.  We'll see.  I'm endorsing Favre and sitting Rice, BTW.

Will Austin Collie play?  If he does, I like him against the Pats.

Who runs the ball for the Saints?  Does Reggie Bush get back in?  Ivory is out, I think.  Julius Jones?

Let's see how the Cowboys respond this week.  It's one thing to get jacked up once agianst a hated rival in a new coach's first game.  Now the Lions come to town.  They should be good, but I'm not in love with the 'Boys just yet.

Dez Bryant, however, is must start material.

I'm very interested to see how much run Bernard Scott gets against Buffalo with Benson banged up (and terrible).  Love starting RBs against the Bills.  By the way, shame on you if you have Benson and not Scott.

Vince Young has a great schedule down the stretch, starting with the Redskins this week.  Randy Moss could still be a factor too.  Remember what Mike Vick did to Washington last week?

Speaking of the 'Skins, is Portis really coming back to a major role?  Torain is out, so it's Portis and Keiliand Williams and your guess is as good as mine...

Beanie Wells is supposed to return, Beanie Wells is supposed to return, Beanie Well, Beanie Well, Beanie Well

The Jets passing game gets the Texans defense.  If the Houston offense shows, the Jets passing game will be huge.

Another good matchup for Troy Smith as the Bucs come to town.  I'm playing Crabtree and Vernon Davis to go along with Gore.

Let's see what Mike Vick can do against the Giants before we call him the league MVP.

Finally, will Tim Tebow continue to snipe scores from Knowshon Moreno Monday night?

Cheers,
TFAM

Sneaky pickups

There's about as much love for the gentlemen on the waiver wire right now as there is for Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan from all the owners who started Ryan Torian Monday night needing a few scant yards to earn a vital win in their respective leagues.  In other words.  We hate the waiver options this week and we hate Shanahan.

Check that, I hate Shanahan.

Anyway, there isn't much out there outside of Keiland Williams and Clinton Portis, but I can hardly recommend them if there's a goose egg looming when their coach pulls out the rug on you.  There's also Mike Goodson, and we learned today that DeAngelo Williams is out for the year.  Still, with that Vaughn character stealing the goal line and Jonathan Stewart still potentially in the mix, anyone who is playing meaningful games this time of year probably shouldn't be counting on Goodson.

Mainly, may I remind you that I wrote about handcuffs last week?  There is still time to do this, and I can virtually guarantee one stud RB is going down in the next couple of weeks.  I know you're all gamblers by nature, but I'd be adding these guys if I were you.  I'd also add Jerome Harrison to the list I published last week after his impressive Monday night performance.

Speaking of handcuffs, Cedric Benson didn't practice today.  Bernard Scott anyone?

As for receivers, is it time to just start any speculation play against the Texans?  Mike Thomas is the latest, but the Texans have allowed Seyi Ajirotutu and Thomas to go off in recent weeks and are the 32nd rated pass defense in the NFL.  Here's to the Jets this week.  With Cotchery out that's good news for Holmes, Edwards, Keller, and possibly Brad Smith or whoever is going to fill that #3 WR role.

Cheers,
TFAM

As Seen on TV

Anyone else watching the rebirth of the Michael Vick Experience tonight in Washington?  I mean, he's been good this year, but this is Michael Jordan on a football field tonight.  He's at a totally different level than the $40 million man.

$40 million.  Still just cannot believe that.

Anyway, my post Week 10 thoughts...

It has been written about, but do take notice that the Dolphins went to wildcat went Pennington and Henne went down.  We're going to see more of that formation starting Thursday against Chicago, and I think Ronnie Brown is a major benefactor.  He's a buy low guy right now.

So far, so good on Moss opening things up for CJ.  Moss though...not so good.  I'm buying low on him too though.  He can be had very cheap, and the Titans have a nice playoff schedule.

That was Tom Brady, totally in control.  In the same game, you think the Steelers miss Hines?  Wow, Roethlisberger offered up a Carson Palmer special.  He had nothing going when the game was in doubt.

Let's not overrate Mike Wallace either.  It was almost all garbage time.

Ditto Matt Cassel.  I thought he was about to be benched, then he gets 450 yards.  Let's give him an Oscar (the Grouch), he disappeears early and often and loves the garbage time.

Dwayne Bowe though, I'm buying.  How can you not when Cassel looks for him on every play?

Dez Bryant is playing like 1998 Randy Moss right now.  He looks unstoppable, and had another 50 yard bomb in his grasp and overturned due to a bobble.

I still think Larry Fitzgerald can get his, but Derek Anderson is just awful.

If I need a kicker, I'm picking up Josh Brown.  Dome kicker, decent offense, big leg, and he makes everything.

It appears Troy Smith is a boon for the Niners skill guys. Who knew?  Not Mike Singletary apparently.

I'd sell Knowshon.  He isn't great and Tebow will continue to snipe the goal line.  Nice window this week to sell.

Javarris James is the goal line guy in Indy until Hart and/or Addai get back.  Donald Brown is awful.

I love that LeGarrette Blount had 6-78 early, I'm wondering what happened as he finished with 19-91.  I didn't see much of that game.

Shonn Greene 23 touches, LT 24.  I'm still starting LT due to the catches and likely goal line, but the gap is closing.

Not that it likely will matter due to the impending return of DeAngelo (and the ineptitude of the Panthers offense), but Mike Goodson was getting pulled at the goal line in favor of Josh Vaughn.

And back to Thursday, some guys get pulled at the stripe...but the Ravens take it one more step.  Ray Rice gets yanked for McGahee inside the 20!  That is just awful news for the Rice owners.  Actually, they used LeRon McClain in some short yardage situations.  He may be an add in TD only leagues.

Cheers,
TFAM

Sunday hunch

Just a reminder to check the weather this time of year.  As I look out at nine inches of snow I'm reminded that I don't ever want to depend on any Arizona Cardinals in a blizzard.  Today looks okay with the possible exception of Pittsburgh and Buffalo, but it looks like the weather may by past those places by their respective game times.

Today, I have a hunch that Braylon Edwards will return to Cleveland and score.  I love players in these type of games.  It isn't necessarily extra motivation for the player, I think the (good) coaches make an effort on the behalf of their players to try and allow them to shine in these situations.

I think Brandon Pettigrew is a top three tight end play this week. His numbers with Shaun Hill (25-269-1) were pretty good in Hill's four starts earlier in the year.

I have a hunch that Chad Pennington is going to be good for Brandon Marshall and that Marshall scores against Tennessee this week.

You want an against the grain hunch?  I think Dallas comes out and plays well today.  Just a hunch.  I like Miles Austin and Jon Kitna, and I don't think the Giants offense is going to light it up like people think.

Finally, today is the day that Mike Williams of Seattle gets back on the scoreboard.  I like him against the Cardinals.

Oh, and start LeGarrette Blount.

Cheers,
TFAM

Just thinkin' about...today?

Amidst the foot of snow and the 86 I shot at St. Andrew's yesterday (it was sim golf, but I was still pleased), I pulled off a major trade in my dynasty league sending away Peyton Hillis and Mike Crabtree for Larry Fitzgerald.  I know Fitz is down this year, but that won't continue to be the case, right?  Hillis undoubtedly is at the peak of his value right now, and while I like him, there are few guarantees with his future.  Of course, the last time I wrote about a trade I made I was struck by the fantasy gods' bolt of lightning hours later, so I'm expecting Fitz to shatter his pelvis today.

Other than shattered pelves here are the biggest Week 10 storylines in my mind that we should all be following.

Two struggling quarterbacks face significantly different challenges.  Matt Schaub has his now or never game against the Jags, and Tom Brady steps into the lion's den in Pittsburgh.  Only one will come out alive.  Or something like that.  I actually think Brady plays well today.

And getting back to Peyton Hillis, he gets the second best run defense in the league today in the Jets.

In the same game, the Jets are hinting that we are going to see more Shonn Greene down the stretch.  I bet LT keeps the goal line, making both questionable plays.

Can we trust Crabtree, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis in the hands of Troy Smith?  Smith has had two weeks to prepare, so we should find out.

What exactly are we supposed to do with the Arizona running game?

What impact will Jason Garrett have on Dallas?  Doesn't Miles Austin have to be more involved today?  I'm also curious to know if the running game will be status quo.

Shaun Hill is back for the Lions.  That offense really didn't miss a beat earlier in the season, and I'm not expecting anything different know.

Randy Moss will impact the Titans today.  I would bet on a score and a nice offensive performance.

LeGarrette Blount gets the Panthers and a chance to seal his grasp on that job.  Will the Bucs turn to Caddy in the first half again or turn over the keys immediately.

Monday night McNabb returns home to face the Eagles, and while most people will be talking about McNabb and Vick, I'm more interested in Torain, and the update on Clinton Portis.

I'll be back in an hour with the Sunday hunch.

Cheers,
TFAM

Sneaky Pickups

I feel a bit bummed that I didn't get Seji Ajirotutu last week.  He'd have been perfect for this space...he apparently was also perfect for my opponents line up, which cost me a victory.

Anyway, I think Shaun Hill and Chad Pennington are nice adds in two QB leagues, Hill was great earlier this year.  I guess I could also talk myself into Mike Goodson for a week, mainly because Mike Turner just torched the Bucs.  Still, that Carolina offense is hide the women and children bad at this point.

The sneakiest of the pickups this week are the handcuffs.  As your bye weeks are winding down, it's time to cut bait with fringe guys on your roster (Ricky Williams, Mike Bell, Ladell Betts, Cadillac Williams, etc.) and handcuff your studs.  With bye weeks these days its hard to carry most of these guys all season, but now is the time.  So, that means Toby Gerhart, Anthony Dixon, Bernard Scott, Javon Ringer, Deji Karim, Derrick Ward, Jason Snelling, and Kenneth Darby can all be owned.  Trust me, you want to be on the front of this and not scarmbling to add Gerhart or Dixon later.

Cheers,
TFAM

As Seen on TV

As much as I tore him apart earlier in the year, Brandon Jackson deserves some credit for regaining fantasy relevance over the last month,  He's certainly a fantasy factor now, and an easy top 20 RB going forward.

Who else caught my eye yesterday?

Steve Johnson is the real deal.  Fitzpatrick seems to be looking for him on every play, and I've seen him make some big catches.  He may be a top 10 WR next week against Detroit.

I am literally pounding your head into the wall, but if I have to watch Thomas Jones get stuffes on consecutive 3rd and 4th and 1's one more time...Not like that was a big game for the Chiefs or anything.

Yes, Chester Taylor is your new goal line back in Chicago, and Matt Forte is a bench guy until further notice.

I still believe Fred Jackson is the Bills goal line guy.  Corey McIntyre was the fullback on his TD from the one.

Your Lions goal line guy?  Kevin Smith.

For two games in a row, at least to my eye, Shonn Greene has looked better than LT.  Could still have value.  Same with Spiller.

What can you say about Peyton Hillis?  And Colt McCoy is not killing his value.  Hillis does have that Week 16 Ravens matchup looming in the playoffs, but he did torch them last time.

Arian Foster looked great Sunday, but the holes in the Chargers run defense were cavernous.

You want no part of any Saints RB.  They rotate plays at this point with seemingly no rhyme or reason.  It an exercise in frustration.

Apparently Dallas Clark is no special shakes.  Jacob Tamme comes in and looks even better than Clark used to, and conveniently took over the role of Indianapolis TE ready to crush my team.

It may be a bit early on this, but Dez Bryant sure looks like the number one WR in Dallas.

Cheers,
TFAM

Sunday Hunch

It's post #300 for TFAM, and we're still running strong.  Thanks to all of you who read, post questions and comment.  I'm happy to do what I do.  Please continue to support the blog and let me know what you'd like to see me write about in the future.

Today of course, is Sunday morning, and the Sunday hunch is here.

The Chargers are the number one ranked pass defense in the league.  Do not let that stop you from starting Schaub, Johnson and even Jones.  I think it's a shootout in Houston today.

Same game, I think this is, finally, Ryan Matthews day.  He's a great play against the Texans.

Start Peyton Hillis against the Pats.  Another 75-100 yards and a touchdown is in the bank.

I'm benching Matt Forte today if I have a resonable alternative.  The Chester Taylor goal line stuff worries me.  Matter of fact, it is a very nice sell moment on Forte this morning.  You can hype the matchup of Buffalo.

One more big fantasy star today?  James Jones.  No Driver, no Finley, gotta love James Jones agianst a defense that just gave up five TDs to Jacksonville.

Cheers,
TFAM

Just thinkin' about tomorrow

One of the things I'll be watching tomorrow in the NFL is Anthony Gonzalez...checking to see if he can keep it going with the Colts and their passing atta...sigh.  NOT a surprise that Gonzo is again, out for the year.

Among other non-surprises this week....

Brad Childress making himself look stupid.

Randy Moss convincing another fan base that he is worth it.

And onto what I will be looking forward to checking out tomorrow in the ninth week of the NFL season.

Will Austin Collie play?  If so, is he back to the early season form that saw him atop the fantasy WR rankings?

Donald Brown finally gets his chance.  I'm not holding my breath.

Will the Vikings throw the ball?  Do they need to?  Will they intentionally sabotage Childress?

Encore, LeGarrette Blount?

I'm very interested in the Texans-Chargers game.  Who catches the ball for San Diego?  Is this Ryan Matthews time?  What about Jacoby Jones vs Kevin Walter?  Is Andre's ankle still a factor?  And will the Chargers be able to comeback from their double digit deficit in the first quarter?

Nice game in Detroit, where the Jets ground game should get off, and Megatron gets a tough matchup.

Is Jon Stewart NFL relevant anymore?

Charlie Whitehurst vs. Eli Manning.  Careful, Eli usually starts to swoon when we hit November.  This could be the start in a tough place to play.

Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson, back in the fold.

Can Ray Rice get it going?  He has been a non-factor in 2010.

Can Larry Fitzgerald build on the two TDs from last week?  Derek Anderson is a start (for Larry, not in general).

Sunday hunch tomorrow...

Cheers,
TFAM

Sneaky Pickups

Sorry I'm a bit late on the pickups this week.  It doesn't really matter 'cause these are the under the radar guys anyway, right?  I'll make it up to you with a bonus column either Thursday or Friday.  I gave you Paul Milsap, didn't I?

I also told you in August Calvin Johnson was the number two WR in fantasy.

Anyway, speaking of WRs, what about Steve Breaston?  Is he out there in your league?  I feel like he has flown under the radar, partially due to injury, but he's topped 100 or scored in three of four this season and is coming off an 8-147 game.

It also may be time to nab Keiland Williams.  I've talked about him before, but you have a chance to get him cheap now, before we actually know how bad Torain's hamstring is.  You won't get him cheap this time next week if Torain starts missing practices.

Said it last week, but worth mentioning Vincent Jackson and Sidney Rice one more time.  Austin Collie is also apparently healing quick.  He is likely back within two weeks.

Finally, what about Javarris James?  Mike Hart is now down in addition to Joe Addai.  Donald Brown couldn't finish the game Monday...

Cheers,
TFAM

As seen on TV

As I write, the Texans are ignoring a wide open Andre Johnson all over the field so they can throw to Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones and Derrick Ward.  Two of my fantasy teams are in big trouble tonight if that continues, and the dreams of an undefeated season will go the way of the moa.

Anyway, what was interesting yesterday on TV?

Let's start with Randy Moss.  First of all, if there is a worse coach in the NFL than Brad Childress I know nothing about football (and that's saying a lot considering Norv Turner is still in the league).  Now, Randy made a couple of terrible plays yesterday, most notably on a pass interference call, but to say he was a non factor like I've heard all day today is silly.  Troy Aikman pointed out time after time how the Pats were doubling Moss with a deep safety, which is precisely why Percy Harvin went well over 100 and Adrian Peterson saw so many holes early.  Both lose value with Moss and his double teams gone.  Actually, they lose a lot of value, as I'm not sure Bernard Berrian requires single coverage at this point.  He can't catch the football.

As a fantasy player, Moss is no more than a WR3 wherever he goes at this point.  What makes us think he'll perform somewhere else if he can't get it done with Brady or Favre?

LeGarrette Blount isn't that shifty, but he can run the football.  Great power, and he got the goal line.  I'm buying, not selling at this point.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is certainly viable in the Pats offense.  They are proving me wrong by committing to the running game.  Great game by BGE yesterday.

As much as we don't believe in Derek Anderson, he is much better than Max Hall for Larry Fitz.  Much better.

Which makes me laugh thinking about the time Derek Anderson made the Pro Bowl.  I remember him trying to lead a game winning draive missing his open receivers by 10 yards.  Chad Johnson (at the time) had to be thinking, "I get this in the Pro Bowl?????"

It is certainly worth noting that Ricky Williams got a goal line score.  It may be that the Dolphins just stick with whoever is in the game, but I haven't seen Ronnie in at the goal line for a while.  Actually, I don't see Miami at the goal line much.  Hail Dan Carpenter!

It appears the roar has been restored in the Stafford to Johnson connection in Detroit.  He's unstoppable, and his own team has finally figured that out.

Jahvid Best, 12 carries.  Kevin Smith, 12 carries.

It appears as if Keiland Williams is the guy in Washington if Torain can't go next game.  They do have a bye next week, so Torain may have a chance.  Still, Williams is a must add.

The verdict in Dallas?  Kitna is not going to be that bad for the Dallas passing game.  He looked okay, and the picks were drops as much as they were picks.  Witten gains value, Austin loses a little, but doesn't crash.  I'm still waiting for Tashard Choice.  Felix stinks.

Cheers,
TFAM