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