Good morning, Fools. Here we go again, and this time it's for keeps -- either Week 1 or Week 2 of the postseason for virtually every fantasy league. We've gotta get it right today, folks. Let's see wassup around the league...
First off, I hope you started V-Jax and/or the Chargers defense Thursday night, as I did. I'm up 47-1 already in one of my leagues, thanks to those decisions, and the play of Vernon Davis by my opponent. I'm not counting my winnings yet, but I feel a lot better in my shoes than his going into today's matchups...
You know Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out. Fortunately they didn't leave us hanging all day. Now you know you need to start someone else this afternoon. You sure don't want to rely on Matt Flynn outdoors at night against the hot Patriots defense.
And I wouldn't touch Jay Cutler on Monday night outdoors on the U of Minnesota's rock-hard turf. That's just asking for a concussion against the Vikings' pass rush. Temperature at game-time is expected to be in the mid-teens.
Rookie Joe Webb will start at QB for the injured Favre, who is already officially listed as out. Webb is listed as a WR in some leagues (including Yahoo's), so while I would never consider starting him as a QB, he's an intriguing option if you can list him as a third WR (or flex play). He could toss or run for a TD or two, which would make him one of the stronger WR plays of the weekend. Just saying...
The Chiefs are apparently planning to roll with Matt Cassel today. While I wouldn't want him in my lineup (no telling how long he lasts less than 2 weeks removed from an appendectomy), I'd feel a lot better about starting Bowe if Brodie Croyle isn't the QB.
The Tim Tebow Era will begin for the Broncos today. Kyle Orton (ribs) may be active, but Tebow is expected to get his first career start. No telling how he'll fare in the Black Hole, but I suspect he'll have more rushing TDs than passing scores over the next couple of weeks. Again, with a new QB at the controls, all bets are off for the Broncos' slumping receivers, including Brandon Lloyd. Frankly, I wouldn't have them much higher on my pecking order even if Orton was playing. Remember that Oakland shellacked Denver 59-14 in Week 7.
The Rex Grossman Era will begin today for the Redskins, with McNabb now relegated to 3rd string. (John Beck is No. 2.) Don't be surprised if the Beck Era begins next week in Washington.
It's John Skelton vs. Jimmy Clausen in Carolina today. Zzzzzzzz....
Signs are pointing to Chris Ivory sitting out the Ravens game with a bad hammy. That would leave Pierre Thomas as the primary rusher, with Reggie Bush presumably getting more touches as well. If it wasn't for the tough matchup on the road, I'd be intrigued by Pierre. But as it is, I think it's awfully risky.
Marion Barber will probably not play today, which helps uncomplicate the Dallas RB rotation. Felix Jones is a decent play, with Tashard Choice a bit of a wild card. We just don't know how many touches he will receive.
DeSean Jackson (foot) will play today as usual.
Dallas' Roy Williams (hamstring) is not expected to be active. But no official word yet.
Recently acquired WR Kevin Curtis is expected to be active for the Dolphins today. No, you shouldn't pick him up. Just thought I should let you know.
Heath Miller is out again due to his concussion.
Joe Nedney was just placed on IR. Jeff Reed will kick for the 49ers for the remainder of the season.
It's going to be wet in Oakland, and freezing in Cinci, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York, Minneapolis and New England. But it doesn't look like the weather will play as big a role in the outcomes of this weekend's games as it did last week.
Okay, that's it for today's blog updates. Be sure you're following my tweets for the game-day inactives and other breaking news, which will begin shortly. Good luck to all Fools!
Showing posts with label week 15. Show all posts
Showing posts with label week 15. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Week 15 Starters & Benchwarmers
Wondering whether or not to start Peyton Manning and Andre Johnson, or bench Brodie Croyle and Brad Smith? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.
Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 15 of the 2010 season.
Watch ‘em roll
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars at Colts. He combined for three TDs against the Colts in Week 4 and passed for three scores last week against the Raiders. Indy’s defense has been torched over the past four weeks, most recently by Kerry Collins; so look for Garrard to pad his resume in this divisional showdown.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers vs. Cardinals. Though Mike Goodson remains a key part of the backfield mix, Stewart has reclaimed the leading role over the past three weeks. Finally looking like the powerhouse back of recent years, Stewart will have no trouble exploiting Arizona’s 30th-ranked run defense Sunday.
Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins at Cowboys. It’s easier to pass than run on Dallas, but Torain gives the Redskins their best chance to control the game, especially with Rex Grossman taking the snaps. Torain burst back on the fantasy radar last week, and he’ll stay there Sunday.
Kenny Britt, WR, Titans vs. Texans. Now that he has returned from his hamstring injury and supplanted the incredible, shrinking Randy Moss as the starter, get Britt back in your lineup against the hapless Houston secondary.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars at Colts. Just as I expect good things from Garrard, I foresee glad tidings from his most dangerous receiver, now that he has put his ankle injury behind him.
More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Jon Kitna, Jason Campbell; RBs Tim Hightower, Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Brown, Jamaal Charles, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount; WRs Hakeem Nicks, Deion Branch, Miles Austin, Brandon Marshall, Jeremy Maclin.
Roll ‘em back
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens vs. Saints. New Orleans has surrendered an NFL-low eight passing TDs all season. The likelihood of Flacco connecting on multiple passing scores Sunday is awfully slim.
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills at Dolphins. Miami has given up just six rushing TDs all year, and they’ve stifled several top backs in recent weeks, including Peyton Hillis and the Jets’ tandem. Jackson won’t find much room to roam against this formidable run defense.
Packers RBs at Patriots. Not only are they facing a solid defensive front in New England, but they’re splitting the load among four players. James Starks took a huge step backwards last week after bursting on the scene in Week 13, and Brandon Jackson has proven he can’t handle a heavy workload. If Aaron Rodgers sits out, as expected, a bad situation gets even worse.
Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings vs. Bears. With Joe Webb expected to start at QB, all bets are off on the Vikings’ passing attack against a Chicago defense looking to atone for its humiliating loss to the Patriots. It won’t help that the game will be played outdoors on a frozen and unfamiliar surface.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens vs. Saints. Am I bitter about his paltry stats against the lousy Texans secondary on Monday night? You bet. Would I start him against the Saints’ stingy pass defense? Not a chance.
More thumbs down: QBs Kyle Orton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jay Cutler, Matt Hasselbeck, Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez, Carson Palmer; RBs Donald Brown, Cedric Benson, Thomas Jones, Jets RBs, Chris Ivory; WRs Brandon Lloyd, Mario Manningham, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe (if Matt Cassel is out), Mike Williams (TB), Stevie Johnson, Austin Collie, Steve Smith (CAR), Davone Bess, Bears WRs, Packers WRs.
TAKING A FLIER
Kerry Collins, QB, Titans vs. Texans. Houston blanked the Titans in Week 12, but that was with Rusty Smith at the controls. Collins is far from a lock, but he’s coming off an excellent outing against Indy, and the Texans’ secondary is downright sieve-like. With Britt back healthy, Collins could come up big for risk-taking owners, or those needing a proxy for Rodgers.
DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…risks a goose egg with Aaron Rodgers on Sunday night. We may not know if he’s playing until after the afternoon games have ended. If you take your chances, you’ll need to hedge your bets with Flynn (yuck) or one of the Monday night passers (double yuck).
Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 15 of the 2010 season.
Watch ‘em roll
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars at Colts. He combined for three TDs against the Colts in Week 4 and passed for three scores last week against the Raiders. Indy’s defense has been torched over the past four weeks, most recently by Kerry Collins; so look for Garrard to pad his resume in this divisional showdown.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers vs. Cardinals. Though Mike Goodson remains a key part of the backfield mix, Stewart has reclaimed the leading role over the past three weeks. Finally looking like the powerhouse back of recent years, Stewart will have no trouble exploiting Arizona’s 30th-ranked run defense Sunday.
Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins at Cowboys. It’s easier to pass than run on Dallas, but Torain gives the Redskins their best chance to control the game, especially with Rex Grossman taking the snaps. Torain burst back on the fantasy radar last week, and he’ll stay there Sunday.
Kenny Britt, WR, Titans vs. Texans. Now that he has returned from his hamstring injury and supplanted the incredible, shrinking Randy Moss as the starter, get Britt back in your lineup against the hapless Houston secondary.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars at Colts. Just as I expect good things from Garrard, I foresee glad tidings from his most dangerous receiver, now that he has put his ankle injury behind him.
More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Jon Kitna, Jason Campbell; RBs Tim Hightower, Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Brown, Jamaal Charles, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, LeGarrette Blount; WRs Hakeem Nicks, Deion Branch, Miles Austin, Brandon Marshall, Jeremy Maclin.
Roll ‘em back
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens vs. Saints. New Orleans has surrendered an NFL-low eight passing TDs all season. The likelihood of Flacco connecting on multiple passing scores Sunday is awfully slim.
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills at Dolphins. Miami has given up just six rushing TDs all year, and they’ve stifled several top backs in recent weeks, including Peyton Hillis and the Jets’ tandem. Jackson won’t find much room to roam against this formidable run defense.
Packers RBs at Patriots. Not only are they facing a solid defensive front in New England, but they’re splitting the load among four players. James Starks took a huge step backwards last week after bursting on the scene in Week 13, and Brandon Jackson has proven he can’t handle a heavy workload. If Aaron Rodgers sits out, as expected, a bad situation gets even worse.
Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings vs. Bears. With Joe Webb expected to start at QB, all bets are off on the Vikings’ passing attack against a Chicago defense looking to atone for its humiliating loss to the Patriots. It won’t help that the game will be played outdoors on a frozen and unfamiliar surface.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens vs. Saints. Am I bitter about his paltry stats against the lousy Texans secondary on Monday night? You bet. Would I start him against the Saints’ stingy pass defense? Not a chance.
More thumbs down: QBs Kyle Orton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jay Cutler, Matt Hasselbeck, Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez, Carson Palmer; RBs Donald Brown, Cedric Benson, Thomas Jones, Jets RBs, Chris Ivory; WRs Brandon Lloyd, Mario Manningham, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe (if Matt Cassel is out), Mike Williams (TB), Stevie Johnson, Austin Collie, Steve Smith (CAR), Davone Bess, Bears WRs, Packers WRs.
TAKING A FLIER
Kerry Collins, QB, Titans vs. Texans. Houston blanked the Titans in Week 12, but that was with Rusty Smith at the controls. Collins is far from a lock, but he’s coming off an excellent outing against Indy, and the Texans’ secondary is downright sieve-like. With Britt back healthy, Collins could come up big for risk-taking owners, or those needing a proxy for Rodgers.
DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…risks a goose egg with Aaron Rodgers on Sunday night. We may not know if he’s playing until after the afternoon games have ended. If you take your chances, you’ll need to hedge your bets with Flynn (yuck) or one of the Monday night passers (double yuck).
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