Week 10 Rankings

By Mark

 

QB

1. Aaron Rodgers- No one else is even close.  Bank on big numbers once again at home.

2. Drew Brees- Atlanta's D can be stingy, but it's usually against the run.

3. Phillip Rivers- Am I the only one left on the bandwagon?  I’m jumping soon.  (274 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 pick)

4. Cam Newton- This guy continues to exceed all expectations.  Sore shoulder shouldn’t be a problem.

5. Tony Romo- No Miles Austin, but I still think he has weapons to go to.  Our blog has been geeked about Laurent Robinson.

6. Ben Roethlisberger- Another week, another 300 yard game, but beware, Cincy doesn't give up a lot of points.

7. Eli Manning- he would normally be up a little higher, but that Niners D scares me.  Eli is still a solid start.

8. Matt Stafford- As long as he has Mega-Tron to go to, he'll always crack my top 10.

9. Tom Brady- Against any other team, I'd expect him to bounce bag big after 2 sub-par performances, but he has to face the Jets' D on the road.

10. Matt Ryan- Could turn into a shootout against Brees and the Saints.  Ryan is deadly at home.

 

RB

1. Arian Foster- A big day again for both Foster and his running mate, Ben Tate.  He’s always near the top as long as he’s healthy.

2. Adrian Peterson- He'll be called upon often to try and keep Rodgers and the Pack offense on the sidelines.

3. Matt Forte- Forte will continue to pile up his total yards as Cutler may look to him often as a check down against that nasty Lions’ front four.

4. LeSean McCoy- The league’s leading rusher will continue to get the job done in a big way against Arizona.  The Eagl

5. DeMarco Murray- Nice Knowing you Felix Jones, this kid is here to stay.  His YPC (6.7) is a staggering number.

6. Frank Gore- Expect Gore to carry this team on his back once again in a big home game against the G-Men.

7. Ray Rice- He’s a top 5 play any other week, especially against Seattle.  I just tend to like the guys above him a little bit more this week.

8. Steven Jackson- Mr. Reliable is something I never thought I would ca

es need to lean even more on this guy.ll this guy, but his season has been more than adequate.

9. Fred Jackson- Not a big game last week, but that was against the Jets.  This week Jackson should bounce back against the generous Dallas defense.

10. Michael Turner- Turner will always give you something.  Whether it’s 100+ yards, or finding the end zone, or both…I’d feel very confident with him as my back on a weekly basis.

 

WR

1. Steve Smith- No one has benefited more from the emergence of Cam Newton than Steve Smith.  I’m perfectly fine with putting him atop the WR list.

2. Greg Jennings- He didn’t have a huge game last week, but still managed to score a touchdown.  Jennings very rarely leaves owners disappointed.

3. Vincent Jackson- After a huge week 9 performance, V-jax was high on my list.  Whoops.  (1 catch for 22 yards)

4. Calvin Johnson- Mega-Tron has been the very best fantasy wide-out all season.  The trend will continue.  Double and triple coverages can’t even stop this monster.

5. Mike Wallace- Wallace is third in the league with 868 receiving yards.  The Cincy defense is stingy, but Wallace always seems to get his.

6. Julio Jones- As long as the rookie plays, which it looks like he will, I’m putting him in my line-up.  Even though he only grabbed 3 balls last week, 2 were for long touchdowns.

7. Anquan Boldin- I’m growing more and more confident in the Ravens’ passing attack.  This means I like Boldin more on a week-to-week basis.

8. Dwayne Bowe- Bowe is often hit or miss.  If he is in my top 10, it means I expect a hit this week.  He should be good for at least a score.

9. Brandon Marshall- Marshall had his best game of the year last week with Matt Moore taking the snaps.  I’m not sure if it will continue, but I thought he deserved a spot.

10. Dez Bryant- With Miles Austin out again, Bryant’s inconsistency may become even more apparent.  I’ll lean the other way and say he has a productive outing against Buffalo.

 

TE

1. Antonio Gates- Another Bolt letdown.  (5 catches for 54 yards isn’t good enough for the top spot.

2. Jason Witten- Another Cowboy that will benefit from Austin missing the game.  Romo will rely on Witten even more than he normally does.

3. Jimmy Graham- This guy has quickly become my favorite TE in the NFL.  I’m sure I’m not the only fantasy owner thinking that.

4. Jermichael Finley- I’ve been pretty disappointed with Finley thus far, but will give him one more shot to stay in the Top 5.

5. Rob Gronkowski- With the Jets looking to contain Welker, I’d expect a lot of balls thrown in the big guys direction.

6. Tony Gonzalez- he just keeps on trucking.  By season’s end, Tony G. could be second to only Jerry Rice in career receptions.  Let that one sink in.

7. Brent Celek- He is steadily rising up my board with Vick looking his way more often these days.  With DeSean Jackson not doing much of anything, I like Celek again.

8. Fred Davis- A lot of Beck’s check-downs this week could go to Davis instead of Roy Helu.

9. Vernon Davis- Another frustrating TE.  I was very tempted to leave him out altogether.

10. Brandon Pettigrew- The Lions rely on the big play and this guy is more than capable of making a few.  I have high hopes for Pettigrew this week.

 

K

1. Mason Crosby

2. Neil Rackers

3. John Kasay

4. Sebastian Janikowski

5. David Akers

6. Nick Novak

7. Dan Bailey

8. Matt Bryant

9. Robbie Gould

10. Stephen Gostkowski

 

D/ST

1. Ravens (@ Seahawks)

2. 49ers (Giants)

3. Lions (@ Bears)

4. Steelers (@ Bengals)

5. Jets (Patriots)

6. Texans (@ Buccs)

7. Packers (Vikings)

8. Eagles (Cardinals)

9. Dolphins (Redskins)

10. Bengals (Steelers)

Honoring Our Veterans

By Brent

Often times in fantasy circles the term “veteran” is a pseudonym for “washed up” or “over the hill”. While this certainly may be the case for a few former fantasy greats, some players have managed to quietly keep producing.  Fantasy owners love to pick up on “the next big thing”, but as you’ll see sometimes it’s better to stay on the safe side, favoring consistency over potential.

Steve Smith (46 Rec, 918 yards, 4 TDs) – Okay, well some veterans are quietly producing; others are jumping and screaming for you to notice their production.  Many had probably shied away from Steve Smith after a struggle in 2010, but that could more or less be a commentary on the abysmal Jimmy Claussen.  With a competent QB under center, Steve Smith is on pace for a career year in yardage and has pleased fantasy owners as the number 4 overall WR in 2011.

Nate Washington (36 Rec, 461yards, 2 TDs) – At only 28 years old, Washington might not exactly fit into the reputation of a veteran, but he is now in his 7^th season. The numbers don’t jump out at you, but Washington’s on the way to a potential 1,000 yards at the half-way point.  All of Washington’s numbers are on pace to be career highs, and is the number one target on a NFL ranked 13^th passing offense. It’s time to give Washington credit as a viable fantasy contributor, especially for the remainder of the season.

Frank Gore (782 rushing yards, 5 TDs)- Having played only 1 16 game season in his 7 year career, Gore was most likely viewed as an injury risk, but has represented tremendous value as an assuredly 2^nd round selection in 2011. It’s not common for someone with such an injury history to also be linked to consistency but let’s give it up. Gore eclipsed the century mark for 4 straight seasons before a shortened 2010, and is well underway to start a new streak. With so many offenses turning to committees, Gore is the sole ownable  RB in a very efficient San Fran O. Gore!! Gore!! Gore!!!!

Steven Jackson (579 rushing yards, 4 TDs) - A short impression of Draft Day 2011 everywhere across the country. Ahem, “Uhh, I’ll take…Steven Jackson”. “Yawnnnnnn, Who’s Up?” Wake up people. This man could be a potential inductee into the fantasy football Hall of Fame if something so shocking existed. A similar case to Gore, he was a borderline top 10 RB coming into this year and many fantasy owners preferred the upside of a Rashard Mendenhall or Peyton Hillis. Those owners are now figuring out how in the hell fantasy hockey works. The mold of consistency. Always known as a bruiser but how elegant in the way he delivers. A 1,000 yard rusher in every year since his rookie season, he is the owner and resident  in a very lonesome community of St. Louis Rams fantasy contributors.

Willis McGahee (623 rushing yards, 3TDs)- McGahee has earned the reputation of a “touchdown vulture”.  Chances are he may have not even been drafted in your league coming into this year and what a mistake that’s turned out to be.  In his 9^th season, the 30 year older is looking at a career year in yardage, and given John Fox’s propensity to run the ball, McGahee should see a very productive second half. Give him a look in your league, if he’s owned by a RB-heavy owner, you might be able to buy-low on a very relevant fantasy contributor going forward.

SIT EM WEEK 10

By Mike

QB Phillip Rivers – Maybe I’m being a biased owner but I feel like there are definitely some QB’s on the waiver wire that could suite you better.  He just looks horrible out there and I’m not sure how much that team has left in the tank.  Could it soon be the end of Norv Turner’s Chargers career?

WR DeSean Jackson – I’m not sure what’s going on with Vick and Jackson but whatever it is, he has to sit until he starts showing up.  Zero confidence in him even facing the weak Arizona secondary.  The eagles will get some plays through the air, I just don’t think Jackson will be involved.

WR Brandon Loyd – Surprisingly the Cleveland defense is great against the pass.   They rank first in the league and far outmatch the weak St. Louis offense.  Factor in Sam Bradford’s questionable playing status and Loyd is a definite sit for week 10.

RB Marshawn Lynch – Lynch has had some fantasy value this season.  He fought for 135yds and a TD on 23 carries against a stingy Dallas defense.   The Ravens on the other hand should have no problem shutting down Lynch in week 10.  Although mildly tempting, sit is the right play.

RB Chris Ogbonnaya – I don’t care who the Browns face.  Ogbonnaya is horrible.  Do not; I repeat do not fall into the trap and waste even a flex spot with this guy.  He must sit, you will thank me.

START EM WEEK 10

by Mike

Now I know this a little late -- we already had Thursday night's game with the raiders and chargers.  If for someone reason you didn’t start Michael bush, then you missed out.  If you started Phillip rivers (which I did) I understand your extreme disappointment. 

QB Michael Vick – This has not been Vick’s year.  He’s putting up decent numbers one week and crappy ones the next.  This week Vick squares off against a 27th ranked Arizona pass defense.  This defense is pretty bad and I can’t see any reason they will be able to contain Vick throwing or running the ball.  Start the Eagles QB with confidence.

WR Plaxico Burress – This one is kind of reaching.  Plaxico is going to play this Sunday.  The patriots have the worst pass defense in the league.  Even if Plax doesn’t kill it in yardage, he’s showing up big in the end zone.  Should have no problem getting moderate yardage and a TD.

WR Laurent Robinson – With Miles Austin out again and Dez Bryant being his normal fluky self, Robinson can really reap the benefits.  Tony Romo needs a solid reliable target and Robinson has accepted the challenge.  Robinson was targeted 5 times last week and caught every one of them including one for a TD.  You can expect more targets this week as Miles Austin misses more time this week with a hamstring injury.

WR Larry Fitzgerald – Larry Fitz will be facing the Philadelphia secondary this weekend and he should be played with confidence.  The Eagles have really struggled against big time receivers this year and Fitz’s size and strength should present a good match-up problem for them.  Fitz has been kind of iffy this year but I have no problem starting this week with or without Kevin Kolb.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew – This one might be kind of a no brainer but I think there might be some people who have made good moves on the waiver and MJD finds himself a seat on the bench.  Make sure you get him in your lineup this week, he should have no problem dominating Indy’s horrible run defense.  The Colts rank 31^st week and they just stink.  MJD should have a great game, start em.

TE Brent Celek – I’ve seen enough.  Last week I mentioned him and this week I’m telling you.  Start Brent Celek.  Vick has been looking his way lately and with the down field ball not working, it should continue.  TE’s have seen some success against Arizona’s defense and Vick should be well aware of this.

Not so fast.......

From time to time throughout the season certain players will create quite a buzz about themselves.  When these players are still available in most leagues it can create a frenzy.  Since the conclusion of week 9, two names have been spreading through the fantasy grape vine.  Roy Helu and Jake Ballard, ever hear of em? I'm sure you have -- In week 9 we saw Helu break out for 146yds of total offense, Ballard caught 4 passes for 67yds and a TD.  Sounds like some waiver wire hero's right?  Not so fast...... 

In week 10 Roy Helu faces off against the Miami Dolphins.  Hey the dolphins are terrible, great match up right? i say wrong.  Since week 1 the dolphins defense has actually been a fantasy killer.  Backs are averaging just 50yds a game and in that same span, they've allowed only 3 rushing TD's (one of which was a QB sneak from Mark Sanchez).  Add that to the fact that Mike Shanahan has a tendency to give up on backs early and i could see him having a pretty bad week.   i know everyone is dying to jump on a player after a good game, and I'm not telling you not to grab Helu.  What i am saying is, if you have a decent squad don't go running out to grab a player just because you hear his name a lot.

Jake Ballard has actually seen fairly decent production since the beginning of the season.  There are certainly better options at TE but Ballard is only owned in 42% of yahoo leagues and after last weeks game against New England he won't be there for long.  I would like to give a word of caution to potential owners however.  The giants schedule is absolutely brutal from here on out and while he fared well against the Patriots (32nd in pass defense), i have no reason to think that will continue.  With games against the 49er's, Saints, Packers, Jets, and Cowboys(twice) it just doesn't look good for him.  Let us not forget his 5 games under 60yds, only one of which he caught a TD in, and I'm not buying.  Once again i am not saying don't pick him up (although i wouldn't unless desperate), all I'm saying is be weary of the big guy and don't play fantasy football with knee-jerk reactions.

- -Mike 

Don't get mad, get even. Why the Colts are key to winning your fantasy league.

by Brent

For owners of Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie and Peyton Manning, the 2011 fantasy season has been...well, a pain in the neck.  You have two options: a) curse the fantasy gods for the insufferable plight you’ve endured or b) use the Colts futility to your advantage.

Some memorable fantasy performances in recent memory include the Julio Jones coming out party in week 9 and the 5 TD score-a-thon by Drew Brees in week 7.  What do these dream fantasy lines have in common? They’re against the Colts.

Even less-than-spectacular fantasy contributors have shined in games vs. the Colts. Jackie Battle went for 119 in week 5 and even the assuredly useless Mark Ingram showed signs of life against the Colts. It’s a lost season for this franchise and why the players even decide to show up is beyond me. So let’s exploit this lethargy to our advantage! Here are some upcoming opponents of the Colts and some potential free agents to pick up now to play when this auspicious matchup arrives.

Jacksonville (Week 10 and Week 17) Give a look to Jason Hill. He’s got 3 TDs in the last 4 games and is looking like Blaine Gabbert’s favorite target.

Carolina (Week 12) With Deangelo Willams and Jonathon Stewart hitting the waiver wire faster than Colts players themselves, this may be a chance to scoop one of them up for a nice spot start.

New England  (Week 13) There’s a lot of uncertainty in New England’s backfield, but this may be the week Benjarvus Green-Ellis owners feel confident starting him.

Tennessee (Week 15) Chris Johnson anyone? Doubt he’s out there, but WR Nate Washington scored twice in their week 8 matchup, and even WR Damian Williams could prove valuable.

Houston ( Week 16) I’m so confident in this call. Ben Tate. Go get him now. No way do the Texans give max carries to vulnerable Arian Foster this late in the year. Ben Tate burst on the scene in week 1 against Indy with 116 yards and a score.

Illadelphia

My sentiments exactly. The Eagles are an absolute mess.  How ironic the one bright spot is “Shady” McCoy who’s giving owners an excellent return on investment.  Some have touted him as the #1 running back in all of fantasy.  But we’re not breaking any news there. If you’ve got McCoy he’s in there and life is good, if you don’t have him get your highlighter ready for next year.

As for the rest of the offense is concerned, good god. Would you believe Victor Cruz, Jordy Nelson and Nate Washington all have outperformed DeSean Jackson so far? It’s time to wake up and realize DeSean Jackson is nothing more than a matchup play until we see some consistency.  By all means if you can “sell high” on him do it now. Or better yet, wait for the Cardinals to come into Philly this weekend, pray DeSean lights it up and then trade him.

brent

Waiver WRs

If you're like me on draft day, you feel the compelling need to grab a quarterback and a pair of running backs pretty early on.  I feel as if I'm scrambling to find suitable options at those positions if I don't use 3 out of my first 4 picks on them.  I also tend to emphasize the tight end position a little bit more than most.  Then it happens...it's round 6 or 7 and I have one wide receiver on my roster, and there is much left to choose from. 

If this is you and your productivity from the WR spots has been less than ideal, don't panic.  You may just be lucky enough to be in a league where some of the following are still available.

(all percentages based on Yahoo league as of November 7th)

Eric Decker- The second year man out of Minnesota has put up more than solid numbers this season.  His 406 yards are steady, but he's found the end zone  whopping 6 times!  I wouldn't be too discouraged with Tebow under center either.  In his last 2 games, Decker has 9 catches for 119 yards and a pair of scores.  He is currently owned in 76% of leagues.  What's going on in that other 24%?

Torrey Smith- Owned in less than half of existing leagues (45%), the rookie speedster has 397 yards thus far to go along with 4 touchdowns.  His big play capabilty is a great threat to add to your roster.  He made some big plays against the Steelers on Sunday night and as long as Flacco stays upright, I'd look for those homeruns to come more frequently.

Antonio Brown- With Hines Ward playing sparingly lately, Brown has been targeted more than any other Steeler in the passing game.  He is owned in 68% of leagues, and that number is rising fast.  So if you want a shot at the "Young Money Crew" member, you had better act fast.  Although he has only found paydirt once so far, he has emassed 463 yards on 39 grabs.  If your league gives points for the return game, then Brown is a must own.

Early Doucet- I don't understand how a guy with 437 yards and 3 scores can only be owned in 34% of leagues.  With Larry Fitzgerald grabbing most of the attention of opposing secondaries, Doucet has found a nice niche this season in Arizone.  I wouldn't expect the world from this guy, but he could be a sneaky pick up.

James Jones- A high risk, a reward type of players, Jones will sometimes leave you very frustrated.  He is owned in 55% of leagues as of right now,  but has a solid 4 scores to go along with 347 yards.  Aaron Rodgers has a lot of targets on the Green bay offense, so he may not get as many targets as you may like, but Rodgers does a great job of spreading it around, so all-in-all, Jones has some serious value.

Earl Bennett- Bennett had a great game last night against the Eagles, catching 5 passes for 95 yards and a score.  He has been hampered by injuries and that's likely the reason for his extremely low rate of ownership (11%).  With his fellow Vanderbilt buddy, Jay Cutler, seeing much better protection these days and a lack of weapons on the Bears' offense, Bennett could be a key come fantasy playoff time.

- - Mark

Aaron Rodgers owners: Be afraid, be very afraid…

by Brent

Halloween is in our rear-views but there’s reason for Aaron Rodgers owners to still be quivering.  Okay, maybe I’m being a little extreme, but pardon me for trying to instill a tiny bit of uncertainty into confident Aaron Rodgers owners that have been frightening opponents all year long, hear me out.

Is it possible for Rodgers to be too good? Emphatically, yes. The Green Bay Packers are the only undefeated team left in the league, and at the half-way point it’s got many talking about the Pack running the table en route to a second consecutive Super Bowl championship. With sights set so high, are the Packers willing to risk their Uber-star quarterback late in the season when fantasy owners are having hopes of a championship themselves?

If you recall last year, week 15 in Detroit, Aaron Rodgers got sacked and had to leave the game from a concussion prompting him to miss the following game on the road in New England. I would not want to chance that this time around with Green Bay seemingly already wrapping things up in the NFC.

The point is it’s never too early to look ahead. Do your homework. Here are some possible waiver wire quarterbacks that you might want to consider now as an insurance policy for when the season’s on the line.

Matt Hasselbeck : owned in 56% of leagues. Week 15 @ Indy (got to love that), Week 16 home vs. JAX, and week 17 @ HOU. Not bad matchups for a Tennessee team with an outside chance at the playoffs.

Andy Dalton: owned in 36% of leagues. Week 15 @ STL, Week 16 home vs. ARZ, Week 17 home vs. BAL. A personal favorite of mine. This kid is getting better by the week and the week 15 and 16 matchups should have fantasy owners falling over themselves to scoop him up now.

Matt Cassel: owned in 46% of leagues. Week 15 home vs. GB, Week 16 home vs. OAK, Week 17 @ DEN. Matt Cassel, yeah yikes. But actually three nice matchups there. The Chiefs will throw the ball and should be competitive all the way to the end.

The Great Pretender

 By Mike

Sometimes there are teams who make themselves relevant through their reputation alone.  One such team is the Dallas Cowboys.  Come on- -it’s the truth. We all know they really aren’t a great team this year and yet we ignore it, look past it- -some even still proclaim they are Super Bowl contenders! This really is nonsense.  I am actually laughing right now, a proverbial LOL is order! 

The Cowboys sit at 4-4, not a horrible mid season record but not a great one either.  A deeper look reveals a little more than those numbers show.  Dallas has beaten no one this year- -really they haven’t- -Seattle, St. Louis, Washington, and San Francisco, that's it. 

Seattle is 2-6. They are horrible.  Very simple

St. Louis is 1-7. They are horrible.  Very Simple

Washington is 3-5.  They are not horrible, they are just very bad.  I don’t think anyone would disagree.

San Francisco is 7-1.  That looks great on paper but is it really that amazing of a win?  San Francisco could easily be the subject of this paper too.  They have a big record right now but I don’t think they’re fooling anyone.  With a list of accomplished wins not much better than Dallas’ they are simply the best piece of garbage in the NFC West landfill.

Now let’s look the teams they lost to- -Philly, New England, Detroit, and NYJ.  The Dallas Cowboys have put up no wins of any real significance.  Any of those 4 teams would have been a much better opponent to tackle than any they actually beat.  Tony Romo just does not have what it takes to lead that team to victory against quality opponents and I do not think Demarco Murray will be able to carry the team on his Rookie back.  I said it once and I’ll say it again.  The Cowboys are fake, wait for it.

Monday Night Fantasy Preview

Chicago at Philly

By Mike

LeSean McCoy is the best fantasy back in football right now. With 750yds on the ground and another 150 through the air, McCoy is a big time threat every time he touches the ball. Chicago ranks 10th in league in rushing defense but I don’t see this be any problem for McCoy, expect 100yds and a TD.

Opposite McCoy is the somewhat surprising Matt Forte. Forte has had a productive season to the delight of some fantasy owners who grabbed him as a great value pick in this year’s drafts. Philly has had some trouble stopping the run this season. They managed to give up 71yds on just 8 carries to the rookie Demarco Murray last week and i expect Forte to have success as well.

 Michael Vick is always a fantasy threat. He is nowhere near the nightmare he was last season but his big play potential is among the best. Chicago’s defense can be stingy at times but they are no strangers to big plays and I think we can expect Vick to exploit mistakes early.

 Under center for Chicago, Jay Cutler will take his shots at an Eagles secondary that's beginning to shape up.  Philly has three of the NFL's premiere shutdown corners and Cutler is going to struggle. I hope your not counting on him to make your Monday night comeback.

WR DeSean Jackson has been frustrating this year. Jackson worries me because Philly has had some issues getting the ball downfield. Without that deep attack, Jackson’s effectiveness is greatly reduced and his fantasy production has suffered as a consequence.

TE Brent Celek could really boost his fantasy ranking with another good game tonight. The one time fantasy star has fizzled out over the last season. If he can put together another strong performance this week, I would be comfortable getting him into a starting TE spot.

Fantasy Profiles: No longer hype

Week 9 featured a day in which a few up-and-comers finally showcased their abilities.

Julio Jones blew up in a big way torching the Colts for a pair of highlight-reel TD receptions while totalling 131 yards. Yeah, I know..we're talking about the Colts D here but let's not forget the last time Julio was healthy he put up 127 yards on the Seahawks thanks to a whopping 17 targets. I don't know about you, but I'm starting him next week without even knowing his matchup.

Welcome, Roy Helu. Seemed sort of a secret weapon you knew the Skins were sleeping on. Obvious threat in the pass game if I'm actually reading his line right (14 rec, 105 yds). Mike Shanahan's propensity to infuriate fantasy owners by never committing to one back has me hesitant, but you may not get the chance to pick him up if he goes off again.

And a quick shout-out to Jake Ballard. The 6'6"/275lb New York Giant TE is really finding his groove in an offense I've been known to gush about. Ballard, now with back to back 7 target games, made a remarkable game-winning catch, something only to reaffirm Eli's confidence in his new big bud. I like him more than Fred Davis and Greg Olsen going forward.

Who else deserves to be on this list?

-brent

Week 9 Instant Impressions

by Brent
@3EastFantasy

The big game of the day was in Foxboro were fantasy owners had to be disappointed with production from both teams until things came together in the 4th quarter. Eli"te" Manning? He's making a strong case with or without a top-notch fantasy day. Let's hope the G-men can get their starters healthy so we can see this offense firing on all cylinders again.

Gronkowski and Hernandez have emerged into viable, if not must, starts. Welker will always be Brady's go to guy but the two young TEs are the only other weapons worthy of confident starts.

Any room left on the DeMarcco Murray bandwagon? I'm hopping on. He's showing it game in and game out to the ire of Felix Jones owners everywhere.

I'm not so sure I'd be as eager to jump on the rollercoaster ride that is Tim Tebow. The huge numbers today will give owners confidence to start him on the road in KC next week but you've got to wonder how many rabbits Tebow can pull out of his hat until the magic is exposed. Will always be a risky start but if you don't have a stud QB, Tebow will be in your lineup for the short term.

Anyone still worried about Phil Rivers? Umm, actually yes, I am. The interceptions being thrown are uncharacteristic of an otherwise confidence-oozing QB making one wonder if there are inconsistencies in the offensive philosophy.

Is this the Houston Texans year to finally make the playoffs? It's looking that way. Many are expecting Andre Johnson back for the matchup at Tampa in week 10 but no one can say they lacked the offensive weapons today. Arian Foster is continuing his ascend back to the top and Ben Tate is making a case to be considered as a must-own in all formats. Tate could be huge down the stretch and if Foster's hamstring becomes a problem you could have a top 10 back fall right in your lap. Something to consider if in need of an RB.

Let's quick honor Steven Jackson. Jackson has yet to disappoint when healthy this year, a microcosm of Jackson’s career, steady and productive.

A lot of storylines from week 9, with arguably the two biggest games yet to be played.  Stay Tuned.

Quick Fantasy Thoughts

Fantasy Quick Bite

By Mark

Although he didn't reach the end-zone, Roy Helu is someone to keep your eye on.  Beck was running for his life today, partially due to bad offensive line play, but mostly because of his own inability to get the ball out quickly.  As long as the backfield in Washington is as promising as our economy, Helu added some promise with an impressive 146 total yards and a franchise record 14 receptions..an added bonus in PPR leagues

Quick Fantasy Thoughts

Just some quick takes

This is a total homer statement but I do like how Reggie Bush has been running the ball. Can it continue?

It’s going to be tough for any WR to match the 1^st round pick Jones this week.  It’s too early to say for sure but being a proud owner, I’m excited.