Fantasy Football
Mining your way to fantasy gold - Week 11 Edition
Fooch's Note: Check out the weekly team scouting reports from the rest of SB Nation.
Hello everyone and welcome again to How Wrong Andrew Davidson can be. Last week I said to bench Brandon Marshall against the league's "best" pass defense, and he only scored 2 TDs on his first 2 catches. Donovan McNabb had a less than favourable road game in San Diego, I told you to sit him - he threw for just 450 yards and 2 TDs (1 INT). I wasn't all wrong though, nailing Kansas City's forecast almost directly on the nose (10 pts, 3 sacks, 2 INTs) as they held Oakland to 10 points, with 2 sacks and 2 INTs. If you benched Cedric Benson, you avoided a horrible fantasy performance thanks in large part to an injury. Thomas Jones failed to meet the high expectations I forecasted, but still managed to score a TD and rack up 77 rush yards. Certainly nothing for me, or Rex Ryan, to be crying about.
This week's match-ups provide us with some interesting fantasy options. For example, two incredibly bad defenses face one another when the Cleveland Browns travel visit the Detroit Lions for what's billed as the Toilet Bowl. That's giving the two teams a little too much credit, this one's more like a Septic Tank. No one wants to see what it has to offer, but you just can't help to check it out and see just how brutal things are. The Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars also square off, and Maurice Jones-Drew is good for his weekly 100+ yards, 1-2 TD performance because the Bills are what they are - bad. Are there any interesting fantasy nuggets in these contest? Read on to find out.
Sleepers
San Diego Team DEF @ Denver - The Broncos are on a three game slide, while the Chargers are just hitting their stride; Kyle Orton is hurtin', so it's with the Charger's D you should be flirtin'. San Diego really is coming into a zone, and should continue last year's trend by starting off slow, only to catch the Broncos for the division crown. The team allowed 462 total yards to Philadelphia last weekend, but kept the points in check until they allowed 14 in the fourth quarter. I expect a different trend this week, the Broncos will have 14 points by half-time, but be held to just a field goal the rest of the way. Mr. Roper is going to have his Chargers ready and willing to lay down some smack and give the Broncos a rocky mountain people's elbow. Week 11 Forecast: 17 pts allowed, 3 sacks, 3 INTs
Zach Miller TE, OAK vs. CIN - Why on earth would I recommend a guy that's facing a Bengals defense that has allowed just 3 TDs to TEs this season, not to mention that only one TE had over 70 yards receiving against? Well, it's simple: Zach Miller is due. The Raiders TE has had just 1 TD all season and was held to just 1 catch for 9 yards against Kansas City last weekend. The Arizona State product is the leading receiver for the Raiders, and I expect the team to try and feed him the ball. I also think the Bengals may be over looking Oakland after a big win in Pittsburgh. Cincinnati's swagger may work against them this weekend, and I expect Zach Miller to reward fantasy owners. Week 11 Forecast: 6 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD
After the jump, the QBs, WRs and RBs that you should do the opposite of what I suggest...
0 comments | 0 recs |
Mining your way to fantasy gold - Week 10 Edition
Frank Gore did pretty much what I forecasted him to do in Kiss the Rings, but Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Alex Smith all laid eggs. The Team DEF really stepped it up, registering 5 INTs, and I'll admit this now: I low balled the forecast to avoid hexing the unit. Call me superstitious, but it paid off. I won't get into how brutally ugly the game was, as I'm sure the conversation will be focused on that for the next little while. Apologies to GeoMak, as I'm no ex-coach, ex-scout, ex-player or ex-wife, but I've got forecasting to do. I'm unveiling cute little mining axes to give each player a rating out of five. Yeah, I'm going for cheap thrills and cheaper JPEGs (I suppose not, my images did load so I removed them), and if you tell anyone I used the word "cute" I'll take a mining axe to your toe. This week's edition features some sure fire forecasts, or your money back.
Sleepers
Todd Heap TE BAL @ CLE - If you're still scrambling to find that Owen Daniels replacement, and are starting with a rotating wheel-o-TEs, this week I recommend putting Heap into the lineup on Monday Night versus the Browns. Cleveland at home allows an average of 4 red zone opportunities per game to their opponents, and 2.8 red zone scores. While Cleveland has the sixth ranked red zone defense, Baltimore is scoring at 63.6% clip inside the red zone while on the road. Heap is a big target, and should put up good numbers against a pretty terrible Browns team. The Baltimore TE isn't what he used to be, but I expect him to nearly double his season averages in catches and yards (3, 38). Week 10 fantasy forecast: 5 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD
KC Team DEF @ OAK - The Oakland Raiders benefit from the return of Darren McFadden to the lineup. Pardon me if I don't think that changes much to a pretty poor 2009. At home, the Raiders have an incredibly bad 16.7% red zone scoring percentage, and averaged 9 (yes, NINE) points per game in front of the fans in the black hole. The team also averages 3 turnovers per game while at home, 2 via interception, 1 via fumble lost. To make matters worse, Oakland let's the opposition sack the QB at a 10.6% rate, second worst to only the Packers. I'm not going to say the Chiefs are loaded with playmakers and a defense that can bully the Raiders. I'm saying Fooch and a group of 10th graders could bully the Raiders. It's not often the 30th ranked defense gets a highly recommended rating, but what the heck. Week 10 fantasy forecast: 10 points allowed; 3 sacks, 2 INTs
After the jump, I'll look at the QBs, WRs and RBs you should be sitting and starting...
4 comments | 0 recs |
Mining Your Way to Fantasy Gold - Kiss the Rings Edition (Week 10)
It's game day, and I'm taking a different approach to my regular fantasy article this week. Aside from the fact I did horribly last week in recommending my sit/start suggestions (although if you benched Colston you're welcome), no one really chirped me about it so I figure I don't have to remind anyone about it (in detail at least). I'm going to take a deeper look into the San Francisco 49ers fantasy impact for this game against the Chicago Bears, as well as having my regular sit/start forecasts (on Saturday). This time I'll try to be accurate, so let's see how our boys stack up against Da Bears.
Frank Gore - Bears Rush Defense: 21st in the NFL, 119.5 rypg (171.3 last 3 games, 182 last week vs. Arizona). It should also be noted that the Bears Run D has allowed 0.9 TDs per game, and averages 115.5 rush yards allowed while on the Road. This is a favourable match-up for Gore, as our stud RB has had a TD in each of his past two games with 292 total yards (174 rushing). Last week against the Titans, Gore had a solid game gaining his yards in steady chunks (his longest run was 13 yards) instead of a huge chunk coming on one big run (like in weeks' past). He also added 7 reception for 75 yards and seems to have put his ankle injury behind him. Forecast vs. Chicago: 100 rush yards, 1 TD; 5 receptions, 40 yards, 0 TD (5 Rings Baby!)
After the jump, see how many rings Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Alex Smith and the San Francisco Team DEF...
12 comments | 0 recs |
Mining your way to fantasy gold - Week 9 Edition
When you're right, you're right; when you're wrong, you're Andrew Davidson. I'm going to start off this week's edition by recapping last week performance of projections and suggestions. I was correct in most of my sit/start match-ups, but not by much. In other words, the guys I suggested to start barely outperformed the guys I recommended sitting. Let's take a look:
Marshawn Lynch vs. Ryan Grant - I forecasted Lynch to have 50 total yards and 0 TDs; he had 49 total yards and 0 TDs. Grant was forecasted for 110 total yards and 1 TD; he had 51 total yards and 0 TDs. Grant outperformed Lynch, but this is a loss eithe way. Feel free to lynch me.
Braylon Edwards vs. Michael Crabtree - Well, I said Braylon wouldn't get a TD and he did. I said Crabtree would get a TD and he did not. Yardage wise, Crabs outperformed Edwards, but just barely (81 to 74). To make matters worse, Crabtree also had a Fumble Lost.
David Garrard vs. Matthew Stafford - Garrard helped me out here, I forecast 190 pass yards (w/30 rush yards), 1 TD and 1 INT. He ended up with 139 pass yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs (w/ 22 rush yards). If you benched Garrard, you're welcome. If you started Stafford, I'm sorry; the Lions QB had 168 pass yards, 1 TD (rushing), and 1 INT. Stafford out performed Garrard, but most QBs did (even Kurt Warner's 6 turnovers).
Dustin Keller - I seriously high fived myself when I saw his stat line: 76 yards, and 1 TD. I recommended Keller as one of my sleeprs, and boy did it pay off. This is the only pick I really felt great about, mainly because it's the only one I nailed.
San Diego DEF - The Chargers forced just 1 turnover and allowed JaMarcus Russell to complete 63.6% of his passes. The Team D allowed 16 points, but also had 5 sacks to go along with the INT. Not a great performance, but Shawne Merriman finally did get a sack (actually he had 2).
After the jump, I attempt to out-do myself in this week's forecasting...
13 comments | 0 recs |
Mining your way to Fantasy Gold - Sit/Start Week 8 Edition
This edition of MYWFG is a forecast of Week 8's fantasy players that you should consider sitting or starting. Obviously, anyone on a BYE is a no-brainer to sit, but I'm going to get a bit deeper into it than something that simple. For example, the weather in Buffalo shows no chance of precipitation and partly sunny skies, what type of affect will that have on the fantasy players? Will the Dolphins starting two rookie corners have an impact on what Jets WR to start? Take a look and see.
RB to Sit
Marshawn Lynch BUF vs. HOU - The Houston defense hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 3 when Maurice Jones-Drew scampered for 119 yards and 3 TDs. The Texans also have only allowed 2 rushing TDs since that contest, so any notion of starting Lynch should be extinguished. The weather should be suitable playing conditions at Ralph Wilson Stadium, so I expect Houston to remain excellent against the run (if it were snowy, or rainy I may think otherwise). DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing are both probable, and despite Lynch's increasing work load (17 carries last week, Fred Jackson had 2) it's best to bench this Bill. Week 8 Forecast: 50 total yards, 0 TDs
RB to Start
Ryan Grant GB vs. MIN - Ok, so you're looking at your roster and you see vs. MIN beside Ryan Grant's name, so you automatically think "bench him". Normally, I would agree, but not this season. The Vikings aren't the same against the run as in year's past; RBs have been averaging 4.1 ypc against Minnesota in 2009. While the Vikings have only allowed two rushing TDs, they have been allowing some RBs to put up good numbers (see: Ray Rice week 6). In Ryan Grant's Week 4 meeting with the Vikings, he had 101 total yards (50 receiving) while averaging 4.6 ypc. I expect similar numbers this week as the Packers try to control the clock and thwart Brett Favre's return to Lambeau. Week 8 Forecast: 110 total yards, 1 TD
After the jump, I'll look at some WRs, QBs and some additional sleepers...
9 comments | 0 recs |
Mining your way to fantasy gold - Sit/Start Edition Sep. 18/2009
Just a quick reminder about the fantasy mailbag, remember to send me any comments or questions. I've received a few already, and an interesting debate could emerge. A Niners Nation member asked me "Do I start Joe Flacco vs. SD or Matt Hasselbeck vs. SF?". My initial response was start Hasselbeck, despite the strong outing the 49ers defense showed in Week 1. I've added a poll to this column, and want to know your input as well.
Flacco put up huge numbers against the Chiefs; surprising, shocking numbers (307 yards, 3 TDs). Can he repeat the feat against San Diego? The Chargers held JaMarcus Russell in check primarly (40% completion, 2 INTs) and are a much better team defensively than the Chiefs. Also, the Ravens have a carnival of running backs to throw at San Diego's front seven and should play a much more "Baltimore"-style offense in Week 2.
Hasselbeck on the other hand looked awful in the first half against St. Louis, throwing two interceptions. However, he later regained composure (that and the Rams were the opponent) and threw 3 TDs and went for over 200 yards passing. San Francisco pressured Kurt Warner all day long, but Warner still managed 288 yards passing (with 2 INTs). When the 49ers defense shuts down Seattle's run game, Hasselbeck will be forced to go to the air. While the 49ers will win the game, Matt Hasselbeck will keep the Seahawks close.
Sit
Joe Flacco QB BAL @ SD - Week 2 Forecast: 175 pass yards, 1 INTs, 1 TD
Start
Matt Hasselbeck SEA @ SF - Week 2 Forecast: 250 pass yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
After the jump, the rest of my sit/start suggestions...
18 comments | 0 recs |
Mining your way to fantasy gold - Don't Ready Anything Into It Week 2 Edition
For those participating in Niners Nation 1 on Flea Flicker, I start this week's edition with a shout out to the highest scoring team from week 1. Pardon me as I've forgotten who the team is owned by their Niners Nation ID, but "Don't Read Anything Into" gave us all a reason to investigate further. Poor performances by Larry Johnson, Dallas Clark, and Anquan Boldin were overshadowed by an overpowering performance by Drew Brees and Philadelphia Team DEF. The team totalled 124.1 points to take league bragging rights for week one, and a clear message has been sent to the league: "Don't Read, Watch, Watch Very Closely". Honourable mention goes to team Goodfellas for scoring 123.5 points, slightly behind our leader. On to other matters...
I'd like to take this opportunity to announce my fantasy mailbag, drewsfantasymailbag@gmail.com. This is an opportunity to send me a message, chirping me about my previews, analysis and general comments regarding fantasy football. You can also message me about fantasy advice even though Shlecko despises the thought of relying on someone's else brain for fantasy lineup adjustments. I'm also up for receiving advice and suggestions on how I can make this column better, and a little name calling never does any harm. If you decide to email me, please include your NN ID, as your content could be used in upcoming columns, and I'd like to give props where props is due. Ok, now that that's out of the way, how about I get to some add/drops for week 2?
Add
Ahmad Bradshaw RB NYG - Bradshaw's week 1 totals really won't jump out at you (71 total yards, 15 touches), but it is a sign of things to come. Bradshaw looks to be the Giants go-to-back to spell big ol' Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad's 15 touches in week one against Washington is promising. It won't be a wise move to start Bradshaw this weekend @ Dallas, but he'll prove to be a valuable acquistion if Jacobs gets knicked up, or in favourable match-ups (see week 3 @ TB; week 4 @ KC; week 5 vs. OAK).
Trent Edwards QB BUF - Edwards' week 1 totals will jump out at you, he passed for 212 yards and 2 TDs against New England, with no turnovers and 25 yards rushing. The Buffalo QB will make an excellent back-up to your fantasy #1, especially considering Terrell Owens and Lee Evans didn't get many catches in Week 1. When the offense gets clicking, and Owens and Evans get involved, Edwards could be a borderline fantasy QB1 at some point in 2009. Upcoming games: Week 2 vs. TB; Week 3 vs. NO; Week 4 @ MIA; Week 5 vs. CLE.
Patrick Crayton WR DAL - According to some opinions, Crayton has emerged as Tony Romo's #1 deep threat now that T.O. is out of town. In week 1, Crayton had a strong performance @ TB, catching 4 passes for 135 yards and a TD. Crayton has gone from borderline WR3, to reliable WR3 on most fantasy teams, so if he's a free agent in your league, snatch him up. Depending on the depth of your league, these players may or may not be available. In a very competitive, serious 10-man league I'm participating, all three are free agents (for those wondering where I'm getting these guys from).
After the jump, I get into players you should consider dropping in order to acquire the players above...
21 comments | 0 recs |
Mining your way to fantasy gold - Week 1 Edition
In the immortal words of Zack De La Rocha "It has to start some time, it has to start somewhere. What better place then here? What better time than now?" That's correct ladies, gentlemen and Raiders fans, the 2009 season is officially underway this weekend (with the exception of Thursday's OT "thriller"). Finally, the 2009 San Francisco 49ers will be taking the field in Arizona come Sunday, and hopefully the wait was worth the suspense. In this week's edition of MYWFG, I take a look at some sit/start matchups.
Sit
Clinton Portis RB Washington Redskins @ New York Giants - Of all the opponents the Redskins face in the NFC East, the Giants have been the team that Portis has seen the least amount of success against (in terms of yards). Portis has scored 6 total TDs against the Giants in 9 games versus New York, but I don't expect him to hit paydirt this Sunday. The Miami product has averaged 78 yards rushing against the Giants, and he'll struggle to meet that number against one of the league's premier run defenses. Week 1 Forecast: 70 total yards, 0 TDs, 1 FL
Brett Favre QB Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns - Favre vs. the Browns seems like a great match up, but don't expect it to be the case. Cleveland was second in the NFL in interceptions last year with 23, and allowed around 205 passing yards per game. I'm not 100% sure the total number or receiving TDs the Browns allowed, but I do know they allowed 151 rushing yards per contest, which boads very well for Adrian Peterson and the Vikings ground game. Favre may not even attemp 20 passes in this game, as the Vikings should run all over Cleveland. Week 1 Forecast: 175 pass yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Vincent Jackson WR San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders - Anytime a team's number 1 WR is going up against Nnamdi Osomugha it's a good idea not to start him, as is the case with Jackson. In Jackson's five career games against the Raiders, he's averaged 41 yards receiving and scored just 1 TD. While Jackson could somehow sneak his way to the end zone on Monday, his receiving totals won't justify his place in your starting lineup. I also wouldn't recommend expecting a TD; hopefully you have a reliable bench WR to insert in Jackson's place. Week 1 Forecast: 40 total yards, 0 TDs
After the jump, I'll recommend some guys you should think about starting....
28 comments | 0 recs |
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