Let see how I did.
1) Chad Johnson has been deactivated for this game for supposedly sleeping through a team meeting. Remove him from your lineup immediately...not that he should be there anyways.
- This was just news.
2) Start Willie Parker. Not only are the Bengals barely average while allowing 4.2 YPC, but I expect the Steelers to take an early lead and blast the Bengals all game with the rushing attack.
- Blah, although the re-injury of his knee pre-matured ended his night. Cincy loaded up to stop the run, and Pittsburgh did not do a good job adjusting their running calls, instead stubbornly pounding it up the middle despite not having any success doing such. Moore started having success running the ball in the 2nd half as the passing game starting opening up rushing lanes, and I'm sure Parker would have been the beneficiary of that if he had stayed healthy. He had a chance to score a TD on a goal line carry in the first half, but he got stone-walled.
3) Start Santonio Holmes. More of a stupid hunch than anything else. I think the Steelers will unleash at least one big play-action play to Holmes tonight, and I expect a pretty solid fantasy line from him.
- Pretty solid line, and it would have been even nicer had he not be knocked the fuck out on one of Big Ben's patented hospital balls. The concussion ended his night early, and he might not play next week depending on the severity.
4) Bench all Bengals, except maybe Housh. They will be missing both of their starting offensive tackles, and the Steelers are #1 in the NFL against both the pass and the run. Fitzpatrick is going to be running for his life, Benson will have nowhere to run, and while TJ might seem like a decent play, I'd only use him as a WR3 at the very most. Someone will have to catch the ball with Chad Johnson out, but it's going to make it easier for the Steelers D to key in on him.
- All Bengals looked like crap last night, Housh included.
5) Start the Steelers D. I fear for Fitzpatrick's well being this evening.
- I think everyone was disappointed with the 7 points the PIT D put up in normal Yahoo scoring. Cincy ran a close-to-the-vest offensive scheme very unlikely to turn the ball over, get sacked, or pick up many yards, and it worked on all fronts. Unfortunately, the dominant PIT D last night didn't show up in the fantasy stat sheet, unless you get points for yards allowed.
6) Bet the Steelers. The line is at 11, but this is shaping up to be one ugly game that heavily favors the Steelers. A 31-3 type score would not surprise me at all.
- Nice. I doubled my balance last night with this call, although it did take a final PIT TD to get there. PIT really came out flat in the 1st quarter, and it almost cost us the spread. I have to thank Glenn Holt for this one, as his momentum-killing drop on Cincy's second drive completely drained the life out of their offense until a late 4th quarter drive that got them a FG.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday Night Football: Steelers Vs. Bengals
Thoughts:
--> 1) Chad Johnson has been deactivated for this game for supposedly sleeping through a team meeting. Remove him from your lineup immediately...not that he should be there anyways.
2) Start Willie Parker. Not only are the Bengals barely average while allowing 4.2 YPC, but I expect the Steelers to take an early lead and blast the Bengals all game with the rushing attack.
3) Start Santonio Holmes. More of a stupid hunch than anything else. I think the Steelers will unleash at least one big play-action play to Holmes tonight, and I expect a pretty solid fantasy line from him.
4) Bench all Bengals, except maybe Housh. They will be missing both of their starting offensive tackles, and the Steelers are #1 in the NFL against both the pass and the run. Fitzpatrick is going to be running for his life, Benson will have nowhere to run, and while TJ might seem like a decent play, I'd only use him as a WR3 at the very most. Someone will have to catch the ball with Chad Johnson out, but it's going to make it easier for the Steelers D to key in on him.
5) Start the Steelers D. I fear for Fitzpatrick's well being this evening.
6) Bet the Steelers. The line is at 11, but this is shaping up to be one ugly game that heavily favors the Steelers. A 31-3 type score would not surprise me at all.
--> 1) Chad Johnson has been deactivated for this game for supposedly sleeping through a team meeting. Remove him from your lineup immediately...not that he should be there anyways.
2) Start Willie Parker. Not only are the Bengals barely average while allowing 4.2 YPC, but I expect the Steelers to take an early lead and blast the Bengals all game with the rushing attack.
3) Start Santonio Holmes. More of a stupid hunch than anything else. I think the Steelers will unleash at least one big play-action play to Holmes tonight, and I expect a pretty solid fantasy line from him.
4) Bench all Bengals, except maybe Housh. They will be missing both of their starting offensive tackles, and the Steelers are #1 in the NFL against both the pass and the run. Fitzpatrick is going to be running for his life, Benson will have nowhere to run, and while TJ might seem like a decent play, I'd only use him as a WR3 at the very most. Someone will have to catch the ball with Chad Johnson out, but it's going to make it easier for the Steelers D to key in on him.
5) Start the Steelers D. I fear for Fitzpatrick's well being this evening.
6) Bet the Steelers. The line is at 11, but this is shaping up to be one ugly game that heavily favors the Steelers. A 31-3 type score would not surprise me at all.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week 12 Waiver Wire Possibilities
QB:
There really isn't anybody worth picking up that I haven't mentioned before. I only mention players once in the week they should be picked up, or at least that's how I've been writing these articles. Late bloomers such as Tyler Thigpen, fairly reliable QB2s such as Shaun Hill, and recovered QBs such as Matt Hasselbeck should all be owned.
RB:
Warrick Dunn - Dunn might have been cut after his neck stinger a couple weeks ago, but with Earnest Graham's season-ending ankle injury, Dunn becomes a featured RB once again. He posted mediocre rushing stats last week, but that's because he faced the monstrous MIN run D. He padded his stats with an excellent receiving line, and he gets the Lions in week 12. He's the top add this week.
Antonio Pittman - Pittman has emerged as the clear top option in the STL backfield with Steven Jackson injured, and his two non-injured starts in weeks 8 and 11 have produced solid rushing numbers. This team is going to struggle to score, and the loss of Pace hurts the line, but Pittman can be a RB2 in the right match up.
Pierre Thomas - He's more of an add for Bush owners, and he's not going to be worth using if Bush returns in week 12. Thomas took McAllister's production in week 11 by looking far better and producing a great overall game. Non-Bush owners cannot rely on him this week, but he would be worth a RB2 start if Bush fails to suit up again.
Ahmad Bradshaw - Another speculative add here. Should Jacobs miss week 12, Bradshaw will split work with Derrick Ward. Ward seems highly likely to take the goal line carries, but Bradshaw could be a lower RB2 if he's evenly splitting time. He's not a great option since he's dependent on Jacobs missing week 12, but he's an interesting stash.
WR:
Justin Gage - Where the hell did that come from? Collins has come alive the past two weeks as opposing defenses are looking to hold down the potent TEN rushing attack, but don't expect Collins to keep tossing multiple TDs. This was a fluke week, and Brandon Jones remains the better bet over the rest of the season.
TE:
Dustin Keller - Simply put, I was dead wrong about Keller last week. Instead of going back into hibernation, Keller exploded again for 8 catches, 87 yards, and a TD that he dropped in the end zone. With Coles and Cotchery demanding outside attention and no Jets WR claiming the middle of the field, Keller has responded by assuming that role. Pick him up if he's still there, and he's worth starting as a lower level TE1 at this point. This week's match up against TEN is very rough, so keep expectations in check.
Ben Watson - Watson exploded with an 8 catch performance in week 12 as Matt Cassel exploded for 400 passing yards. Now his week 12 opponent, the Jets, are a great run D, and the Patriots altered their gameplan to go pass heavy as it presented them their best chance for success. Watson undoubtedly has the talent to put up TE1 production, but his role in the offense varies by week and by game plan. You could stash him, but making him your weekly option would be a desparate move.
There really isn't anybody worth picking up that I haven't mentioned before. I only mention players once in the week they should be picked up, or at least that's how I've been writing these articles. Late bloomers such as Tyler Thigpen, fairly reliable QB2s such as Shaun Hill, and recovered QBs such as Matt Hasselbeck should all be owned.
RB:
Warrick Dunn - Dunn might have been cut after his neck stinger a couple weeks ago, but with Earnest Graham's season-ending ankle injury, Dunn becomes a featured RB once again. He posted mediocre rushing stats last week, but that's because he faced the monstrous MIN run D. He padded his stats with an excellent receiving line, and he gets the Lions in week 12. He's the top add this week.
Antonio Pittman - Pittman has emerged as the clear top option in the STL backfield with Steven Jackson injured, and his two non-injured starts in weeks 8 and 11 have produced solid rushing numbers. This team is going to struggle to score, and the loss of Pace hurts the line, but Pittman can be a RB2 in the right match up.
Pierre Thomas - He's more of an add for Bush owners, and he's not going to be worth using if Bush returns in week 12. Thomas took McAllister's production in week 11 by looking far better and producing a great overall game. Non-Bush owners cannot rely on him this week, but he would be worth a RB2 start if Bush fails to suit up again.
Ahmad Bradshaw - Another speculative add here. Should Jacobs miss week 12, Bradshaw will split work with Derrick Ward. Ward seems highly likely to take the goal line carries, but Bradshaw could be a lower RB2 if he's evenly splitting time. He's not a great option since he's dependent on Jacobs missing week 12, but he's an interesting stash.
WR:
Justin Gage - Where the hell did that come from? Collins has come alive the past two weeks as opposing defenses are looking to hold down the potent TEN rushing attack, but don't expect Collins to keep tossing multiple TDs. This was a fluke week, and Brandon Jones remains the better bet over the rest of the season.
TE:
Dustin Keller - Simply put, I was dead wrong about Keller last week. Instead of going back into hibernation, Keller exploded again for 8 catches, 87 yards, and a TD that he dropped in the end zone. With Coles and Cotchery demanding outside attention and no Jets WR claiming the middle of the field, Keller has responded by assuming that role. Pick him up if he's still there, and he's worth starting as a lower level TE1 at this point. This week's match up against TEN is very rough, so keep expectations in check.
Ben Watson - Watson exploded with an 8 catch performance in week 12 as Matt Cassel exploded for 400 passing yards. Now his week 12 opponent, the Jets, are a great run D, and the Patriots altered their gameplan to go pass heavy as it presented them their best chance for success. Watson undoubtedly has the talent to put up TE1 production, but his role in the offense varies by week and by game plan. You could stash him, but making him your weekly option would be a desparate move.
Week 12 Walking Wounded
I had updated the injuries last week, but forgot to put up a post stating I did so. Sorry.
QB:
Matt Schaub - Schaub has a torn MCL, and he is out in week 12. There is growing concern that he'll be placed on IR, so dump him if you need another QB immediately.
Kyle Orton - Orton obviously played injured on Sunday, and he was not effective with his mobility at all. Keep an eye on his status this week, but it seems likely he'll be ready for week 12. There's no reason to risk playing him until he proves he can play at a high level again. Make him do that on your bench. *edit* Orton will start in week 12, and while he has a great match up against STL this week, he's still risky.
Matt Hasselbeck - Hasselbeck looked very rusty, but there were positive signs as he played both poorly and well during different parts of the game. Give him another week, assuming the dazed Hasselbeck in the post-game press conference was indeed not the result of a concussion. *edit* Hasselbeck will start in week 12, but is no more than a QB2 until he shows something on the field.
Daunte Culpepper/Drew Stanton - Culpepper appears to have assumed the true starting position on this team, but letting him anywhere near your fantasy lineup would probably get you a spot on the Lions' coaching staff.
RB:
Clinton Portis - Portis honestly looked 100% on Sunday night, and odds are he'll be fine for week 12, but check back just in case to keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* Portis is expected to play, but check the game day inactives. He's a good start against a weak Seattle run D.
Steven Jackson - Jackson has already been ruled out for week 12. Continue to stash him in hopes he'll return for the playoffs as there won't be a better option on waivers.
Reggie Bush - Bush is scheduled to return this week, but he's also never been a fast healer. Keep an eye on his practice schedule this week. *edit* Bush is a full-blown gametime decision, and my guess is that he'll sit. Pierre Thomas will likely see the majority of touches if Bush does sit.
Brandon Jacobs - Jacobs sprained his knee in week 11, but he has consistently been optimistic about his chances to play in week 12 since the end of the game. Keep a close eye on his practice schedule, and make sure you have Derrick Ward if at all possible. *edit* Jacobs appears ready to go, but have Derrick Ward on stand-by and check the game day inactives. Keep in mind that Ward and Bradshaw will split touches, but Ward should have the edge, plus the goal line carries should Jacobs sit.
Willis McGahee - McGahee left with an ankle injury, but it is assumed to be minor, and that he was held out of the rest of week 11 with Baltimore getting blown out at that point. Keep an eye on his practice schedule, though. *edit* McGahee is active, but who knows what his role will be. Philly is strong against the run and McGahee is not an advised start.
Selvin Young - It's really hard to suggest holding onto Young unless your waiver pool is picked dry. With Hillis, PJ Pope, and Tatum Bell all running fairly well last week, who knows what the hell will happen when Young gets healthy. *edit* Young is out in week 12.
Earnest Graham - Graham has been put on IR and is done for the year with an ankle injury. Warrick Dunn will replace him in the lineup.
Darren McFadden - McFadden continues to be limited by his turf toes, and Justin Fargas is clearly the feature RB for the Raiders anyways. Keep him stashed at the end of your bench, but his 2008 season appears to be headed as a lost one. *edit* McFadden will play against Denver, and has a great match up, but there's been zero indication so far that Fargas will lose his primary ball carrier status.
WR:
Matt Jones - Jones missed week 11 with his thigh injury, and he continues to be week to week with his pending suspension. Keep an eye on him this week. *edit* Jones is starting in week 12 and can be used as a WR3.
Derrick Mason - Mason again played very well through his separate shoulder, and we can assume he'll start again in week 12. Keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* Mason will start in week 12, but has a tough match up and still isn't 100%.
Deion Branch - Branch looked as healthy as he's been in a while on Sunday, but until Hasselbeck finds his rhythm, there's no point in using him as a WR3. *edit* Branch will start in week 12 and has a good chance of being SEA's leading receiver this week, but his ceiling is low until Hasselbeck and Branch shake off the rust.
TE:
Tony Scheffler - Scheffler, clearly hobbled by his nagging groin injury, posted a fat 0 to screw his owners (myself included) on Sunday. Unless he puts in a full practice this week, I'm going to advise attempting to find another option. *edit* Scheffler practiced in full this week and will start in week 12. Use him.
QB:
Matt Schaub - Schaub has a torn MCL, and he is out in week 12. There is growing concern that he'll be placed on IR, so dump him if you need another QB immediately.
Kyle Orton - Orton obviously played injured on Sunday, and he was not effective with his mobility at all. Keep an eye on his status this week, but it seems likely he'll be ready for week 12. There's no reason to risk playing him until he proves he can play at a high level again. Make him do that on your bench. *edit* Orton will start in week 12, and while he has a great match up against STL this week, he's still risky.
Matt Hasselbeck - Hasselbeck looked very rusty, but there were positive signs as he played both poorly and well during different parts of the game. Give him another week, assuming the dazed Hasselbeck in the post-game press conference was indeed not the result of a concussion. *edit* Hasselbeck will start in week 12, but is no more than a QB2 until he shows something on the field.
Daunte Culpepper/Drew Stanton - Culpepper appears to have assumed the true starting position on this team, but letting him anywhere near your fantasy lineup would probably get you a spot on the Lions' coaching staff.
RB:
Clinton Portis - Portis honestly looked 100% on Sunday night, and odds are he'll be fine for week 12, but check back just in case to keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* Portis is expected to play, but check the game day inactives. He's a good start against a weak Seattle run D.
Steven Jackson - Jackson has already been ruled out for week 12. Continue to stash him in hopes he'll return for the playoffs as there won't be a better option on waivers.
Reggie Bush - Bush is scheduled to return this week, but he's also never been a fast healer. Keep an eye on his practice schedule this week. *edit* Bush is a full-blown gametime decision, and my guess is that he'll sit. Pierre Thomas will likely see the majority of touches if Bush does sit.
Brandon Jacobs - Jacobs sprained his knee in week 11, but he has consistently been optimistic about his chances to play in week 12 since the end of the game. Keep a close eye on his practice schedule, and make sure you have Derrick Ward if at all possible. *edit* Jacobs appears ready to go, but have Derrick Ward on stand-by and check the game day inactives. Keep in mind that Ward and Bradshaw will split touches, but Ward should have the edge, plus the goal line carries should Jacobs sit.
Willis McGahee - McGahee left with an ankle injury, but it is assumed to be minor, and that he was held out of the rest of week 11 with Baltimore getting blown out at that point. Keep an eye on his practice schedule, though. *edit* McGahee is active, but who knows what his role will be. Philly is strong against the run and McGahee is not an advised start.
Selvin Young - It's really hard to suggest holding onto Young unless your waiver pool is picked dry. With Hillis, PJ Pope, and Tatum Bell all running fairly well last week, who knows what the hell will happen when Young gets healthy. *edit* Young is out in week 12.
Earnest Graham - Graham has been put on IR and is done for the year with an ankle injury. Warrick Dunn will replace him in the lineup.
Darren McFadden - McFadden continues to be limited by his turf toes, and Justin Fargas is clearly the feature RB for the Raiders anyways. Keep him stashed at the end of your bench, but his 2008 season appears to be headed as a lost one. *edit* McFadden will play against Denver, and has a great match up, but there's been zero indication so far that Fargas will lose his primary ball carrier status.
WR:
Matt Jones - Jones missed week 11 with his thigh injury, and he continues to be week to week with his pending suspension. Keep an eye on him this week. *edit* Jones is starting in week 12 and can be used as a WR3.
Derrick Mason - Mason again played very well through his separate shoulder, and we can assume he'll start again in week 12. Keep an eye on his practice schedule. *edit* Mason will start in week 12, but has a tough match up and still isn't 100%.
Deion Branch - Branch looked as healthy as he's been in a while on Sunday, but until Hasselbeck finds his rhythm, there's no point in using him as a WR3. *edit* Branch will start in week 12 and has a good chance of being SEA's leading receiver this week, but his ceiling is low until Hasselbeck and Branch shake off the rust.
TE:
Tony Scheffler - Scheffler, clearly hobbled by his nagging groin injury, posted a fat 0 to screw his owners (myself included) on Sunday. Unless he puts in a full practice this week, I'm going to advise attempting to find another option. *edit* Scheffler practiced in full this week and will start in week 12. Use him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)