The Official San Diego Chargers Forum - Blogs http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:14:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.chargers.com/images/misc/rss.jpg The Official San Diego Chargers Forum - Blogs http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php Week 11 Fantasy Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=313 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:24:26 GMT Week 11 will be an interesting week for sure as Ronnie Brown is out for the rest of the year, Dwayne Bowe will be out until week 15, Larry Johnson found a new home in Cincinnati, then Oakland goes and benches JaMarcus Russell permanently in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Since the fantasy playoffs are... Week 11 will be an interesting week for sure as Ronnie Brown is out for the rest of the year, Dwayne Bowe will be out until week 15, Larry Johnson found a new home in Cincinnati, then Oakland goes and benches JaMarcus Russell permanently in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Since the fantasy playoffs are at hand, let’s take a look at some guys you will want to sell high on before your deadline hits.

Sell High

Brett Favre: Minnesota is in command of the NFC North division, so as the season wears down the teams will have less to play for and sit their stars for an NFL playoff run. Favre is in the top 10 for QBs in standard fantasy formats, so he should net you a slumping QB and a solid RB/WR.

Pierre Thomas: I think Thomas is too sporadic to count on anyway, what with Reggie Bush and Mike Bell in the backfield. Too many RBs kill fantasy value and that is just what is happening to Thomas.

Reggie Wayne: The Colts and Peyton Manning are on a roll, and that success trickles down to Wayne. The problem is that Indianapolis is 9-0 right now and the team doesn’t want to take a risk in injuring anyone with a Super Bowl well within their grasp. I see Wayne sitting more than he plays right when you need him most.

Miles Austin: Roy E. Williams has complained and complained until the Cowboys had no choice but to make him their #1 WR again. Defenses are also treating Austin as a true #1 by double-teaming him most of the game, so he is someone I am selling high on.


Start Em’

Kurt Warner: Going up against his old team (St. Louis) will certainly light a fire in Warner for sure. I’m not a big fan of Steve Breaston or Tim Hightower in fantasy terms, but Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are top tier WRs and Chris Wells is going to be pretty good if Arizona every commits to the run.

Carson Palmer: For those who own someone like Kyle Orton, Matt Ryan, or even Joe Flacco, you’ll want to give Palmer a definite look. The new-look Bengals travel to Oakland to face the helpless Raiders, so this is as close to a scrimmage as you will get in-season.

Kevin Smith: This is Smiths last chance to prove to me that he deserves a roster spot this season. The Browns and Lions have combined for two wins this season, meaning that as bad as one team is, the other is equally as bad. Smith at least has shown talent in the past and if there were ever a weekend to do it again, it would be week 11 of the 2009 season.

Ricky Williams: With Ronnie Brown out for the rest of this season, Williams becomes an elite fantasy RB in that Miami offense. Add to that the Carolina Panthers 25th ranked run defense, and you have a recipe for success.

Steve Smith (CAR): This is one of the only weeks I will put either Smith to start because Miami is 27th against the pass and Smith is coming off a two TD performance in which he only yielded 34 yards. If he can just get some more targets, he could turn in a 100 yard game for the first time since week 2.

Sidney Rice: Rice has surpassed Bernard Berrian as the go-to guy in Minnesota and Favre knows it. Rice went undrafted in almost every fantasy league this season, but quickly became a household name. I am going to say that Rice finishes this weekend with enough stats to rank him as a low-end WR1.

Vernon Davis: Now, after last week’s abysmal performance (3 catches for 16 yards), many people are going to let Davis ride the bench this week. I, personally, will give him another shot against Green Bay because Alex Smith needs to bounce back and Davis is his only real weapon.

Cincinnati Bengals Defense: The Bengals defense is ranked within the top five in most standard formats, and that is a shock to people outside of Cincinnati. This week the Bengals face the Oakland Raiders and their newly anointed starting QB. Just when you think things can’t get any worse in Oakland, the Bengals come to town.


Sit Em’

Kyle Orton: Speaking of the devil, Orton has reverted back to his old self as of late. He hasn’t throw for more than 229 yards since week 6 and in that same span he has 4 TDs to 3 INTs. I’ve never been a fan of Orton and you shouldn’t be playing him against the Chargers suddenly hot defense.

Matt Ryan: I like Ryan as a QB2 this week, but that is about it without Michael Turner in the line-up. No matter how good they look, Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood will not scare defenses like Turner does and that means Matty-Ice will face more defenders pinning their ears back and coming for his head. If I had a different option, I would consider using him this weekend.

Marion Barber: It came out this week that the Dallas coaching staff wants to “feature” Felix Jones more in the offense, so where does that leave Marion the Barbarian? At best I think he will be a low-end flex play against the Redskins and I won’t play him until I know exactly what they were talking about with Jones.

Knowshon Moreno: Moreno hasn’t really been the starting fantasy RB that we all wanted in the pre-season. He is averaging just 3.9 YPC and has scored just two TDs all season long. This week the Broncos match up with the Chargers and like Orton, I would just say no.

Lee Evans: As the QB carrousel goes round-n-round in Buffalo, this week it stopped on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s name. And, anyone who knows about Fitzpatrick (Bengals fans and Chad Ochocinco), that is not a good thing for Evans and Terrell Owens. Look elsewhere or expect only WR3 type of numbers.

Chris Chambers: I’ve had more than just a few emails asking if Chambers is worth starting with Bowe out until week 15. The answer is maybe in week 14 against the Bills, but not until then as they face the Steelers, Chargers, and Broncos. Kansas City was bad before Bowe was suspended and they are even worse after the suspension.

Jason Witten: Witten has to be on the fantasy bust list for this season and I don’t think it will get any better this week. Washington has the #1 ranked pass defense and Tony Romo only has eyes for Roy Williams these days.

Baltimore Ravens Defense: The Ravens are perpetually at the top of everyone’s fantasy defense list. But, this week they face off against Peyton Manning and his offensive circus and I wouldn’t play the Ravens for any reason this week. I’d pick up the Titans or 49ers off the waiver wire before I played the Ravens defense this week. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=313 Week 10 Fantasy Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=312 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:51:57 GMT Week 10 of the NFL season showed us some highs (Bengals over the Steelers) and some lows (Jay Cutler and his 5 INTs). Those who own Maurice Jones-Drew wish he would have picked fantasy stardom over an NFL win, but this is just a game of the game and that is the difference between a win and a loss.... Week 10 of the NFL season showed us some highs (Bengals over the Steelers) and some lows (Jay Cutler and his 5 INTs). Those who own Maurice Jones-Drew wish he would have picked fantasy stardom over an NFL win, but this is just a game of the game and that is the difference between a win and a loss. Could Marion Barber and Pierre Thomas possibly be any more disappointing? What could have been better than that Sunday night game against the Patriots and Colts? To go from Sunday night greatness to Monday night boredom, one has to wonder who makes these schedules. Did I mention that the three teams I write for (Bengals, Jaguars, and Chargers) all won this weekend? What that means is I can take away a 3-0 record as a fan!

Winners

Donovan McNabb: Even though the Eagles lost to the Chargers, McNabb still found a way to throw for 450 yards and 2 TDs. He did throw an interception, but fantasy owners have to love the stats from their starting QB.

Peyton Manning and Tom Brady: These two QBs combined for 684 yards and 7 TDs. Brady did his Brady thing and finished with 357 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Manning posted 327 yards and 4 TDs. If you owned either QB then you were on the winning team this weekend.

Chris Johnson: Johnson is a beast and even though his team isn’t very good, he finds a way to keep his fantasy owners happy. Johnsons 132 yards rushing, 9 catches for 100 yards receiving, and 2 TDs put him in the #1 fantasy spot for RBs.

LaDainian Tomlinson: LT showed flashes of his former self as he finished with 24 rushes for 96 yards and 2 TDs. It was good to see Tomlinson step up and have a big game when the Chargers needed it against a tough Philadelphia Eagles team.

Randy Moss: Moss was one of the benefactors of the Sunday night shootout as he finished with 9 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. Moss is a big threat with lots of talent, and many people took him within the top 3 for WRs.

Brandon Marshall: Marshall was the proud recipient of 5 passes from Kyle Orton that lead to 134 yards and 2 TDs. Now, this was a weird game because Washington came in ranked #1 against the pass, yet Marshall blew by the entire secondary on two separate occasions.

Kellen Winslow: TE is an all or nothing fantasy position, and this was a weekend that even though Winslow didn’t score, his 102 yards receiving still kept him atop of the points list.

Baltimore Ravens Defense: Even though the offense didn’t exactly light it up, the defense did all that we expected by holding the Browns scoreless and returning an INT to the house for a pick 6. The Ravens were an easy call for #1 fantasy defense this weekend.


Losers

Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben has been a solid fantasy QB all season, but this week he managed to put up just 174 yards, one INT, and no scores. I normally stay away from Roethlisberger because while he is a great NFL QB, he doesn’t offer the flashy fantasy stats.

Jay Cutler: Cutler was able to give his owners the yards (307), but without a TD and a whopping 5 INTs. The problem with Chicago is their lack of an O-Line, their lack of top quality WRs, and Cutlers decision making seems to have taken two steps back this week.

Rashard Mendenhall: Mendenhall and the Steelers faced off against those pesky Bengals this week. Not only did his team lose the game, but Mendenhall lost respect from his fantasy owners as he managed to run for just 36 yards and no scores. He is a better fantasy RB than he showed this week, so there is no need for panic just yet.

Pierre Thomas: Thomas is in a 3-headed monster of a problem down in New Orleans as he has to fight for stats with Reggie Bush and Mike Bell. Thomas finished with 37 yards rushing and is making his owners think twice about playing him again, not to mention owning him in general.

Marquis Colston: In a game where the Saints should have totally dominated, Colston finished the night with 2 catches for a mind blowing 17 yards and no scores. I’ve been warning people about the Saints not having much to play for down the stretch and weeks like these don’t help owners counting on stats from their big guns.

Vincent Jackson: Jackson was bound to have a bad game eventually, and this was the one. V-Jax finished the day with one catch for 10 yards and no scores. I have no problems with him as the season winds down, so chalk this one up to a defense showing him some love.

Vernon Davis: Davis was a victim of a terrible passing attack from San Francisco. His freakish athletic skills netted him just 16 yards on 3 receptions. This wasn’t a game for anyone not named Frank Gore, so don’t feel too bad if you started Davis.

New Orleans Saints Defense: The Saints defense has been top notch all season long, but the loss of Darren Sharper this week proved to be more than they could handle. St. Louis put up 23 points while limiting the Saints to just 2 sacks and 1 INT. Even with the sacks and the pick, the points allowed knocked the defense way down on the fantasy points list.


A TERRIBLE week for me as I fell closer to those “other guys” as I went 10-8 on my 16 picks. I will take credit for picking CORRECTLY ON Brett Favre, Ricky Williams, Wes Welker, Sidney Rice, Kellen Winslow, Trent Edwards, Kyle Orton (193 yards and 2 TDs still puts him around #22 for fantasy QBs), Kevin Smith, Mike Sims-Walker, and Visanthe Shiancoe. I hate… I mean HATE falling out of the 80% correct range for my picks, but I will rebound and lead you to the promise land come fantasy playoff time! ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=312 Week 10 Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=311 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:21:00 GMT Week 10 for the NFL season marks the start of the Thursday night games. This week the 49ers host the Bears and it is a must win for both teams. But, more importantly are the fantasy playoffs which are right around the corner. I’m going to give you a few hints here that may help you navigate the... Week 10 for the NFL season marks the start of the Thursday night games. This week the 49ers host the Bears and it is a must win for both teams. But, more importantly are the fantasy playoffs which are right around the corner. I’m going to give you a few hints here that may help you navigate the rocky waters of the trade deadline and the playoffs.

1.The most important tip is to do what got you here. Don’t try and be cute and go for the sleepers… just play the normal starters and forget about the names.

2.When looking at trades, look at the weeks 14, 15, and 16 schedules. Teams like Minnesota and New Orleans won’t have anything to play for, so guys like Marques Colston and Brett Favre are going to be offered in trades since their playoff value will dip.

3.Now that all the bye weeks are done (Texans and Giants are this week), you don’t need that back-up/bench depth anymore. See if you can package your RB2 or WR3 with some bench depth and grab you a RB1/WR2.

4.Do what got you here! I know I said it in #1, but it is that important. I get far too many emails asking if someone should play say T.O. this week and I tell them all “No, keep doing what got you here. Of course play the match-ups, but did you start Owens yet this season? Then why start him now?”


Start Em’

Ben Roethlisberger: The Bengals pass rush isn’t the same without Antwan Odom and they are ranked 25th in the NFL with 241.6 passing YPG allowed. I’m looking for Big Ben to finish the week in the top 5 for fantasy QBs and I have no problems starting him after Brees, Peyton Manning, and Rodgers.

Brett Favre: Ok, so I’ve finally shown Favre some love in the fantasy Start Em’ section. This week the Vikings host the helpless Detroit Lions, and doesn’t it just seem like when you watch the Discovery channel and you see the Lion stalking the poor Zebra? You know he is about to get eaten, yet the Zebra has no clue what is about to happen to him. As a change the Lions will be played by the Vikings and the Zebra will be played by the Lions.

LeSean McCoy: Since there is a Thursday game this week and a lot of rosters will lock early, I will have to give McCoy a start this week against the San Diego Chargers. McCoy is a capable back that has shown the talent to handle the load while Westbrook is out and I wouldn’t have a problem putting him in the Flex spot even if Westbrook is active for this game.

Ricky Williams: Sticky Ricky is someone that I normally wouldn’t put him on the start list because he is a back-up to Ronnie Brown. However, the Buccaneers are ranked 30th against the rush (163.4 YPG) and since the Dolphins are a run 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team, Williams is a top tier RB2.

Wes Welker: Welker is the #2 to Randy Moss, but since I think the Sunday night game will be a passing game, I like Welker as a low end WR1. I could see close to 100 yards and a score from him.

Sidney Rice: I’m not a big fan of Rice, but since Favre should tee off against the Lions Rice is an interesting WR2 pick this week. Favre has found his go-to guy in Rice and you should feel safe playing him this week.

Kellen Winslow: I am not excited to play anyone on the Tampa Bay team. But, Winslow is about all the Buccs have to rely on and they will need him to play up to his talent level against a tough Dolphins defense.

Denver Broncos Defense: The Broncos defense will have the task of shutting down a Redskins offense that can’t get itself started. Clinton Portis is out, Jason Campbell is dealing with an ankle injury, and they lost their failsafe in Chris Cooley. Denver is my #1 ranked defense this week.

Sit Em’

Trent Edwards: Those in two QB leagues or deeper leagues may be looking at Trent Edwards since he has regained the starting role in Buffalo. Even those who have guys like Matt Stafford or Matt Cassel are looking at Edwards as a possible late season savior. He will have a lot of rust to shake off this week and Terrell Owens is dealing with a mysterious hip strain. I’d let him show something before I put any faith in a QB from Buffalo.

Kyle Orton: Orton reverted back to the Orton of old last week as he failed to throw a TD yet threw three interceptions. Orton hasn’t thrown a TD in the past two weeks and the Redskins are ranked #1 against the pass with their 159.9 passing YPG. If you have any other options, use them this week.

Ledell Betts: many people are rushing out to snag Betts off the waiver wire, but I wouldn’t be so quick to do so. The Broncos are ranked 8th against the run and Washington is ranked 24th in the league for rushing attempts.

Kevin Smith: I had some high hopes for Smith since the rest of the Lions are terrible, but Smith has hit the 100 yards mark just once this season and that was back in Week 3. Since then, he hasn’t had more than 67 yards rushing and hasn’t scored in the last four weeks.

Mike Sims-Walker: This is a week I think the Jaguars will have a hard time moving the ball on offense and Sims-Walker is going to suffer. The Jets are ranked #2 against the pass and David Garrard has been up and down all season long.

Roy E. Williams: I am not a big fan of Williams’ to begin with, so playing the Packers 8th ranked passing defense doesn’t make me feel any better for his chances. Add to that the fact that Miles Austin has taken over the #1 WR role in Dallas and I would sit Williams this week.

Visanthe Shiancoe: I’ve seen rankings that have Shiancoe ranked in the top 5 for fantasy TEs this week. I, however, do not feel the same about him and think he will finish the week out of the top 12, making him not worth starting.

Green Bay Packers Defense: While I don’t like Williams at WR, I do think Marion Barber, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and Tony Romo will do enough damage to make the Packers defense not worth playing this week. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=311 Week 9 Fantasy Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=310 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:05:04 GMT Week 9 saw some highs and some lows, but none higher than Kurt Warner and none lower than Larry Johnson. One could make a case for Johnson being both the high and the low since the Chiefs are 1-7 on the season and he no longer is a part of that; or, the Chiefs are 1-7 and he can’t even be a part of... Week 9 saw some highs and some lows, but none higher than Kurt Warner and none lower than Larry Johnson. One could make a case for Johnson being both the high and the low since the Chiefs are 1-7 on the season and he no longer is a part of that; or, the Chiefs are 1-7 and he can’t even be a part of that. Which side of the fence are you on?

Winners

Kurt Warner: Even at 38-years-old, Kurt Warner can still fill the boxscore with enough stats to make fantasy owners ecstatic. This weekend Warner lit the Bears up for 261 yards and 5 TDs. The once proud Bears defense was reduced to shambles by a QB that never seems to age.

Jay Cutler: While everyone was looking at the Chargers/Giants match-up, they should have been looking at this game since Cutler also filled the boxscore with his 369 yards and 3 TDs. Good things come in pairs sometimes.

Michael Turner: Turner was one of the guys I was avoiding this year because of the curse of the 350+ carry season. He turned me into a believer this week with his 166 yards and 2 TDs. With 151 yards last week and 166 yards this week, could we possibly see him break 200 next week against the Panthers?

Joseph Addai: I called this one, and a good thing too because I needed it. Addai didn’t rack up the yards, but he did get 63 yards rushing and a TD to go along with his 49 yards receiving and another TD. Because he was riding most people’s bench this weekend, I will give him a bump into the winners circle.

Mike Sims-Walker: Sure, Larry Fitzgerald more TDs, but you should have expected him to have a good game. Sims-Walker on the other hand is still not getting the respect he should as he put up 147 yards on six catches and a score. I’ve been telling people all season about him, maybe now they will listen.

Chris Chambers: The recently released Chambers found a way to catch just three passes, but made the most of them as he amassed 70 yards and 2 TDs on the day. Kansas City is desperate to find yards and touchdowns and Chambers may just be worth a look in leagues if he keeps it up.

Greg Olson: Can you believe that Olson was on the waiver wire in many leagues before Sunday? Well, he isn’t anymore with his 71 yards and 3 TDs. I doubt you’ll see another game like this ever since TE is an all or nothing position, but those of you who had him in the line-up are glad you did.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense: Yes, they gave up 28 points to the Packers. But, they also scored 2 touchdowns on defense and recorded 6 sacks, 3 INTs, and 1 blocked kick. Believe it or not, the Buccs defense finished in the #1 spot for defenses in standard scoring formats.

Losers

Donovan McNabb: McNabb managed to throw for 227 yards, but his 2 INTs to just one TD were enough to cost fantasy owners a win this weekend. We need more from you Donovan.

Kyle Orton: There he is, the Kyle Orton we all know and love to hate. Orton finished the night with 221 yards passing, 3 INTs and not a single TD. Hopefully you weren’t pinning your teams’ hopes on Orton to begin with, but this could be the start of the slide back to reality as the Broncos schedule has already gotten a lot tougher.

Brandon Jacobs: How the mighty have fallen in New York. Last season Jacobs was a fantasy savior, this season he is a 2nd round bust. On Sunday Jacobs managed just 67 yards rushing and no scores as the Giants lost to the Chargers.

Clinton Portis: The Redskins are bad and Portis is suffering because of it. Now, he suffers a concussion that knocked him unconscious, but not before he could rack up just four (4) yards rushing on the day. If you haven’t traded him, find the Redskins fan in your league and do it now.

Reggie Wayne: I gave him a loser spot because he hauled in eight catches, but totaled just 64 yards and no scores. I know Wayne can’t get 100+ and a TD or two every game, but when Manning has the game he had (318 yards), you’d expect to his yards in the 100+ range.

DeSean Jackson: Well, when your QB makes the losers list, so will the WR1 99% of the time. Jackson managed a whopping 29 yards receiving this weekend, which means he was worth not even playing since he netted you roughly two points.

Jeremy Shockey: Shockey isn’t someone that I target on draft day anymore, but he has his good days every once in a while. Sunday wasn’t one of them as he finished with an empty 26 yards receiving.

Green Bay Packers Defense: We all knew one defense would come up big and one would lose big, but none of us expected it t be the Buccs that won and the Packers that lost. Green Bay gave up 32 points and finished with just one sack and one INT. On paper it looks like the Packers thought they won this game before they played it. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=310 Week 9 Fantasy Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=308 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:52:49 GMT This week there are fantasy studs on a bye (Favre, Adrian Peterson, and Thomas Jones), so you will want to make sure you have your line-ups set and ready to go come Sunday. Now, some of you have asked what exactly does a start and sit ranking mean. I’ve explained it before, but I will go through it... This week there are fantasy studs on a bye (Favre, Adrian Peterson, and Thomas Jones), so you will want to make sure you have your line-ups set and ready to go come Sunday. Now, some of you have asked what exactly does a start and sit ranking mean. I’ve explained it before, but I will go through it one more time so you completely understand what these rankings mean.

Start definition: When I say to start someone I am saying that they will play above the level that they normally would. A QB2 will play like a QB1, a normal flex RB will be worth starting, etc.

Sit definition: Guys who would normally be a lock to start will not be worth their normal ranking. QBs should throw for 225+ yards and at least one score; RBs should get 75+ yards and a score to be worth playing; WRs should get 50+ yards and a score to be worth playing. A player doesn’t have to get a TD to be worth playing, but he would have to get a lot of yards to make up the difference. WRs and RBs in a PPR (points-per-reception) league can make up ground, but a QB really needs to throw at least one TD to be worth playing.

Also, it depends on his stats versus the other players at his position. A QB can throw for 225 yards and a score, but still be in the bottom end of the top 10-15 QBs and be a “sit” player because compared to his peers, he did worse than most.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get to some predictions.

Start Em’

Aaron Rodgers: Too many people are down on Rodgers and I don’t know why. Did you know his **DVOA (explained below) this year is -69%? What does that mean? Well, it means the offense is playing below average and defenses are playing above average. Anyway, take it from a stats nerd that just got WAY more in-depth than you should ever need to, play Rodgers this weekend against the Buccaneers.

Philip Rivers: A lot of people are talking about sitting Rivers because the Chargers face the Giants in their home stadium. Personally, I am going to play Rivers because I think this will end up being a game decided through the air and Rivers is going to put up some stats.

Ray Rice: I hate to do it to the Bengals because they’ve been so good to me. But, Ray Rice is the whole offense in Baltimore and I think he is going to score enough fantasy points this weekend to finish as a high RB1. The Ravens have finally turned the reigns over to him and he is coming through.

Ryan Grant: Every time I’ve ever had Grant on my fantasy team, he has done nothing but make life miserable for me. But, if there were ever a game to play him in, it would be this one. The Packers face the Buccs, and Tampa Bay is one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. I think Grant could score a TD to go along with 75+ yards, making him worth a start in most fantasy leagues.

Chad Ochocinco: C’Mon Son! The last time the Ravens faced the Bengals Ray Lewis put a hit on Ocho that left him with a black eye and a bruised ego. I’ve been listening to Ocho all this week and you can tell he has a fire in his belly to avenge that hit and put some work in on the Ravens. Don’t let me down Chad!

Michael Crabtree: The Titans secondary is allowing a league worst 282.4 passing YPG this season and Crabtree looks to have become the new WR1 in San Francisco. I think this is the weekend he gets his first NFL TD and fantasy owners should play him as a mid-WR2 this weekend.

John Carlson: The problem with TEs is once you get passed the top 3-4, the next 5-7 are all the same really. This is now or never time for Carlson as the Lions are terrible and the Seahawks should be able to spread the ball around enough to get Carlson 5+ catches and 50+ yards. For a TE, that is about all you can hope for.

New Orleans Saints Defense: The Saints defense is still underrated, which blows my mind since they allow just 326 yards of total offense per game. I would love to play them this weekend against the Panthers struggling offense and so should you.

Sit Em’

Matt Ryan: Remember what I said, QB1 plays as a QB2. Ryan faces the Redskins and their #2 ranked pass defense this weekend, and I will be sitting him in the leagues I own him in. Washington gives up just 164.9 passing YPG and is tied for 4th with six (6) passing TDs allowed.

Eli Manning: The Giants are at home, but teams have figured out if you jam Steve Smith at the line, he doesn’t get separation like he used to. San Diego is 6th against the pass (178.4 YPG) and Manning is due for another bad game.

Ryan Moats/Steve Slaton: Indianapolis is just 17th against the run, but since the Texans refuse to give the ball to just one back, both backs will likely cancel each other out. I am sure one will score a TD, but which one is anyone’s guess. I made this pick because while I am sure one will get solid fantasy numbers, you don’t know which one so you need to sit both until the roles become clearer.

Brian Westbrook: The Cowboys are 13th against the run, but Westbrook is coming off an injury and this is a huge rivalry game where I think the Eagles will light it up with the pass. Even if they do run, I think the emergence of LeSean McCoy means the Eagles can be cautious with Westbrook and ease him back.

Mario Manningham: Manningham started off the season hot, but has really cooled off the last few weeks. Since I think Manning isn’t a good play, I certainly wouldn’t be excited to play a WR that has logged more than 58 yards just once this season and has seen more than four receptions just once. His only truly “good” game came in week 2.

Santonio Holmes: Many people drafted Holmes in the hopes that he would become a solid WR2, and so far this season he has just one TD and is averaging just 71 YPG. I personally won’t play him any higher than a WR3 against the Broncos 8th ranked passing defense.

Fred Davis: Too many people are jumping on the waiver wire to pick up Davis now that Cooley is out. I don’t think you should expect another 100+ yard game from him again. Almost any NFL player can go out and look good for one game, but now teams have watched film on him and I have a feeling he is going to go Luis Murphy/ Mohamed Massaquoi on fantasy teams.

Philadelphia Eagles Defense: I don’t care what the other sites are saying; I am going to sit the Eagles defense this weekend. The Cowboys are #2 in the league for total offensive yards (411.1 YPG) and the Eagles defense allows 296.9 YPG. Go somewhere in the middle and you are at about 350 total yards and I see 21+ points from the Cowboys, and that means negative points in fantasy leagues for points allowed.
]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=308 Week 8 Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=307 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:48:25 GMT Wow, what a Monday Night Football game that was! Can I stick Darren Sharper in at WR from here on out? Oh, then there was the return of Brett Favre to Green Bay in which he showed them he still has some mojo left. Then there was the game where two RBs combined for 405 yards and four scores. Oh, and... Wow, what a Monday Night Football game that was! Can I stick Darren Sharper in at WR from here on out? Oh, then there was the return of Brett Favre to Green Bay in which he showed them he still has some mojo left. Then there was the game where two RBs combined for 405 yards and four scores. Oh, and the Cleveland Browns fired their General Manager, George Kokonis. Ya, THAT is what the problem was.

Larry Johnson and the Chiefs worked out an agreement that still suspends him for two games, but he only loses pay for one. This allows them to avoid a hearing, but the Chiefs should have just cut him and got it over with in my opinion. I know they didn’t want other veterans to start pulling this same stunt, but why do you want to keep someone on your team that doesn’t want to be there and won’t give you full effort?

Anyway, without further delay, let’s get on with the winners and losers of this weekend.

Winners

Brett Favre: Ok… ok… I’ve got to give him some love since he went into Green Bay and gave the Packers fans a big slap in the face. Favre managed to finish the game with 244 yards and 4 TDs, and didn’t allow a single sack or INT on the day. I’ve got to admit, he is looking pretty legit this season as a high end QB2.

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers didn’t win the game, but he was able to account for 287 yards and 3 TDs when the final whistle blew. And, he might have actually been able to throw for another TD had the team not used up all their timeouts before the end of the game. If you are in a league that hands out negative points for sacks, Rodgers took 6 and that shouldn’t happen, ever.

Ryan Moats: Steve Slaton finally got benched after his seventh (7) fumble of the season. Moats came in and made the most of his opportunity by running for 126 yards and 3 TDs. Texans Coach, Gary Kubiak, is saying that all three backs will play, but I think he goes with whoever has the hot hand and that is Moats right now. Grab him if you can without losing too much.

Chris Johnson: Johnson has been up and down for fantasy owners all season long. This was one of the up weeks as he racked up 228 yards and 2 TDs. Believe it or not, Vince Young is likely to increase Johnson’s value because now the D-Line will have to respect his ability to scramble and that should open more gaps for Johnson to run through.

Ted Ginn Jr.: How does a WR get 0 receiving yards and still lead all receivers in fantasy points? Well, your league counts return yards and return TDs, that’s how. Ginn put up back-to-back scores off of returns and finished the game with 299 return yards and 2 scores this weekend. I don’t care if he catches another pass in this league, just keep on doing this for me and we are cooler than the other side of the pillow!

Reggie Wayne: I was listening to the radio station I work for, 101.7 The Team in Albuquerque (1017theteam.com) on my way to watch the Sunday football games. Well, Fox had a fantasy football show on and the guys there were saying to not play Wayne because he was too big of a risk. A risk to do what… explode? He went off for 147 yards and a score, good enough to take the #1 spot in standard scoring leagues at WR. What is the lesson we learned from this story? Email me and stop listening to the “other” people.

Kevin Boss: I know Dustin Keller had 76 yards and a TD, but Kevin Boss managed to get 70 yards and a score and he has been worthless all season long. Don’t get excited over one game, he still shouldn’t be owned in any format.

Chicago Bears Defense: The Bears held the Browns to just 6 points, but it was the sack, two INTs, 3 Fumbles recovered, one TD, and one blocked kick that really helped them to the #1 spot this weekend. Whoever the Browns play, stick the other teams defense in; even if it is the Lions.

Losers

Joe Flacco: I’m not a fan of Flacco, and this weekend showed why as he threw for just 175 yards and a score while taking two sacks. He will have more games like this than he will where he dominates, so best you deal him before the deadline hits if you can.

Alex Smith: I got tons of emails about Smith and wanting to know if he was the real deal or not. I suggested you stay away because I had a feeling he would be the 198 yard, one TD, one INT, and four sacks kind of QB he was on Sunday.

Ronnie Brown: Brown has been one of the better fantasy backs this season, but on Sunday he managed to put up just 27 yards on 11 carries and didn’t score a single TD. This will be the off game that every player has, so don’t get too worried.

Steve Slaton: Well, he lost another fumble, he gained just one yard rushing and 10 yards receiving, and then lost his starting job. I don’t care what the coach says, Slaton’s days as a starter should be over.

Mike Sims-Walker: The WR is only as good as the QB, and David Garrard had an off game. Sims-Walker finished with just two catches for nine yards, and fantasy owners are left scratching their heads and wondering what happened to that soft secondary Tennessee has had all season long.

Brandon Marshall: People were getting all excited over Marshall and getting mad at me because I was holding back my enthusiasm. I held back because I knew he was bound to have another game where he caught just four passes for 24 yards and no scores.

Jason Witten: My how the mighty have fallen. Witten managed a whopping four catches for 36 yards and no scores this weekend. Miles Austin is the new cream of the Dallas crop and Witten is quickly becoming a sell candidate based on name value. I got offered Witten for my Vernon Davis and laughed him into a rejected email.

Denver Broncos Defense: The Broncos defense recorded two sacks, but failed to get a single interception and gave up 30 points to the Ravens. Their terrible showing was enough to rank them in the bottom two for fantasy defenses this weekend.

 All right, I didn’t want to talk about this but I will… my picks. I missed on David Garrard, Kevin Smith, and Sidney Rice, but I got all the other correct. That means I was still able to finish the weekend 13-16, good enough for an 81.25% rating again this week. Trust me people, this was still about 25% better than the other sites.

Don’t forget, you can always email me or follow me on Twitter! ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=307 Week 8 Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=306 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:24:09 GMT Here we go… week 8 of the NFL season and many teams are the drama is in full swing. Larry Johnson decided to go all Twitter Sniper on himself and may have talked himself right out of a job in Kansas City. The Seahawks placed T Walter Jones on injured reserve which means Seattle will be a passing... Here we go… week 8 of the NFL season and many teams are the drama is in full swing. Larry Johnson decided to go all Twitter Sniper on himself and may have talked himself right out of a job in Kansas City. The Seahawks placed T Walter Jones on injured reserve which means Seattle will be a passing team moving forward. Jake Delhomme can’t get the Panthers coaching staff to say he is the starting QB, which is since their other options are Matt Moore and A.J. Feely.

Fantasy Update

Larry Johnson: You shouldn’t have been playing LJ anyway, so his suspension and possible release won’t mean much for fantasy teams. Jamaal Charles is who I have taking over the starting role and he is worth a look if you are thin at RB. Don’t expect Miles Austin at RB, but he will be better than other waiver wire backs.

Chris Cooley and Fred Davis: Cooley was originally supposed to miss the rest of the season, and then he came out and said he hopes to play in four weeks after foot surgery. With the Redskins already out of the playoff hunt, Cooley wanting to return brings a C’Mon Son! to my mind. Fred Davis will get all the playing time at TE while he is out, but since he is on a bye you have some time to see how the whole saga plays out.

Brian Westbrook: There is no clear answer at the time of this article as to Westbrook’s status for this weekend. Personally, I don’t see him playing because he wasn’t just injured last weekend, Westbrook was out cold and that worries the doctors and me. Check with me on Friday, but if he is still a game-time decision I would just find another option at RB.

Calvin Johnson: Megatron missed practice again Wednesday and is a game-time decision this weekend. The only things you can do here is wait, and hope.

Vince Young and Kerry Collins: There has been no official word yet on who will start, but this is a fantasy article and you shouldn’t care either way. Neither QB is worth owning unless you are in a deep league, and even then neither should start.

Byes: Bengals, Chiefs, Patriots, Steelers, Buccaneers, Redskins

Start Em’

David Garrard: Tennessee is dead last in pass defense and Garrard is due for a good fantasy game after not throwing a TD in the previous two. I would have no problems whatsoever playing Garrard at QB1 this week.

Brett Favre: As if you didn’t know this was coming! Favre, in Green Bay, on a Vikings team that is looking to take a two game lead on the Packers… C’Mon Son! You KNOW you have to play Favre in this one right?

Kevin Smith: The Lions are a bad team, a really bad team. But, St. Louis has a 27th ranked run defense and the Lions are hurting at QB and WR. I am looking for Smith to walk away from week 8 as the #1 ranked fantasy RB.

LaDainian Tomlinson: A risky pick, I know. But, the Raiders are a terrible team and Tomlinson is hungry to get his season right. I would love to see him stick it to Oakland here because of that fierce rivalry between southern and northern Cali.

Miles Austin: I normally hate putting a player in the start em’ section two weeks in a row, but Austin and the Cowboys go up against the Seahawks this weekend and Romo has found a new target in Austin. I’d play him as a top end WR1.

Sidney Rice: Wherever Favre throws, Rice is sure to follow. Bernard Berrian is all but a distant memory to fantasy players and there is a new kid of the block, and his name is Rice, Sidney Rice.

Jeremy Shockey: Shockey had a great week 7, but has been less than stellar the rest of the season. This week the Saints match up against the Atlanta Falcons and their 26th ranked pass defense. Brees needs a good game here and Shockey should post back-to-back great weeks.

San Diego Chargers Defense: The Chargers defense has been a disappointment much of this season, but this is the weekend to play them. The Raiders are division rivals and it is always a heated game when Oakland comes to town. Oakland is 2-5 and the Chargers are 3-3, San Diego needs this win to keep up with Denver.

Sit Em’

Mark Sanchez: Why people still have him on the roster is beyond me. He hasn’t thrown for more than 172 yards since week 1 and he now has 10 INTs to just six TDs. I wouldn’t own him, but if you do, I wouldn’t play him against the Dolphins this weekend.

Alex Smith: Smith has been sighted in San Francisco and the location is behind center. He has jumped ahead of Shaun Hill but isn’t worth playing against the Colts 6th ranked passing defense. Maybe this week Gore returns to glorious form, but I wouldn’t hold out hope for Smith.

Knowshon Moreno: Moreno has become a staple in many fantasy starting line-ups, but the Ravens defense has a way of making good running backs look like bench depth. Because of that, I would sit Moreno if at all possible.

Brian Westbrook: I always discussed Westbrook’s condition, so I will just simple say that if you have any other options, I would go with them. LeSean McCoy becomes a low end RB2 play.

Bernard Berrian: I think Favre and Rodgers are going to throw the ball like a kid and his father in the back yard, but Berrian won’t be the lucky recipient. Favre has locked on to Sidney Rice as his new #1 WR, just makes you wonder if anyone in Minnesota bothered to show Favre a depth chart.

Steve Breaston: Another NFL team has a fantasy section and they picked Breaston as a must start last week. I told them they were crazy, but they pushed forward. So, even with a match-up against the lowly Carolina Panthers this week, I am going to again say to sit him. If they pick him again, I am going to roll with out with a Child Pleeez!

Todd Heap: Heap doesn’t catch a lot of touchdowns, but not many TEs do. He normally gets you 40-50 yards and 4-5 catches, but this week I am going to sit him against the Broncos. Denver is allowing just 182.8 passing yards-per-game and Joe Flacco has been up and down all season if you look at his games.

New York Giants Defense: The Giants play the Eagles this week and that is a rivalry that goes all the way back to the Great Depression (1933) days. The Eagles may be without Westbrook, but McCoy is eager to fill in and Donovan McNabb has some new toys to throw to this year. I look for a fairly high scoring game and would avoid the Giants defense if you can.

You can now follow me on Twitter! ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=306 Week 7 Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=305 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:27:52 GMT Week 7 was filled with some drama and some dramatics as we officially have a Alex Smith sighting in San Francisco, Larry Johnson may just have found a way out of Kansas City, and Cedric Benson asks the Bears “How you like me NOW???” *Winners* *Carson Palmer:* Palmer torched the... Week 7 was filled with some drama and some dramatics as we officially have a Alex Smith sighting in San Francisco, Larry Johnson may just have found a way out of Kansas City, and Cedric Benson asks the Bears “How you like me NOW???”

Winners

Carson Palmer: Palmer torched the Bears to the tune of 233 yards and 5 touchdowns to take the #1 spot for QBs’ in week 7. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Palmer is every bit as talented as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, he just needed players around him to step up.

Tony Romo: Romo became a household name, and then the haters took over and tried to bring him down. But, alas, Romo came out this weekend and exploded for 311 yards passing, 31 yards rushing, and threw 3 TDs to rack up nearly 50 points in standard scoring formats.

Ricky Williams: Hey, when did Sticky Ricky become worth playing in fantasy leagues? He didn’t, but this weekend you saw him score 3 TDs and run for 80 yards while on your bench. The problem is week 7 will make you want to play him in week 8 and he is little more than a flex option. That being said, three scores is three scores.

Shonn Greene: Leon Washington is out for the rest of this season and Greene made a case for why he needs to be a major player in this Jets offense. He ran the ball 19 times for 144 yards and 2 TDs, that is a 7.6 YPC average, and while he is good, he isn’t that good.

Miles Austin: Last game Austin busted out his Tecmo Super Bowl game and racked up 10 catches for 250 yards and 2 TDs; this week he found a way to catch six passes for 171 yards and 2 more scores. Hopefully you had him active for this one like I suggested.

DeSean Jackson: The guy can catch, the guy can run, and the guy can score… that is why D-Jax is a WR1 in any format. Monday night Jackson ran for 67 yards and a score and then he caught a 57 yard pass for another TD. His lack of receptions worries me a little, but two scores is two scores.

Vernon Davis: Did I call it or did I call it? I knew the guy had some crazy athletic skills, but I didn’t think he would go get seven catches for 93 yards and 3 TDs this weekend. His success killed Frank Gore’s value in week 7.

New York Jets Defense: The Jets proved that the only think the Raiders proved last week by beating the Eagles was that even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. The Jets defense held the Raiders to 0 points while getting 3 sacks, 2 INTs, and 2 fumbles recovered.

Honorable Mention

Larry Johnson: Not because he did anything on the field (16 carries for 49 yards), but getting off the Chiefs roster before they start looking up at the Cleveland Browns earns you a spot in the winner’s circle every time.

Losers

Shaun Hill: Well, he started the day off by throwing for 45 yards and no TDs, and he ended it by losing his gig to draft bust Alex Smith. Hill entered the season as my sleeper and now it looks like he slipped into a coma. I certainly didn’t mean for the 49ers to read my article and sit Hill as I suggested though.

Matt Cassel: The Chiefs already have one shoutout in this article, so why not another? Cassel cashed in on his big season in New England and is now stinking it up in KC as he finished Sunday with 97 yards passing, a TD, and 3 INTs. Now that is $63 million wasted!

Frank Gore: Glorious… hardly. Gore rushed the ball just 13 times for 32 yards this weekend making him the biggest bust of week 7. Houston is 21st against the run, and the Niners run Gore just 13 times? No wonder they lost.

Clinton Portis: I’ve been saying it since week 1; Portis just isn’t the same back we’ve become accustomed to over the past few years. The Redskins are a terrible team and Portis is suffering along with his fantasy owners. If you can find someone to trade for him, pull the trigger.

Hines Ward: Ward entered this game as the league’s leading receiver, but was targeted just three times and managed a single catch for a whopping 3 yards. This isn’t the norm for Ward and owners should feel safe with his value over the rest of the season.

Steve Breaston: Ha, the fantasy guys for the Denver Broncos predicted Breaston as a must start in week 7. You see, I have this rule: Never put a 3rd WR on the must start list because he is very likely to see two targets for one catch and 23 yards.


Visanthe Shiancoe: The problem with playing a guy like Shiancoe is he isn’t targeted enough (20th for TEs’) to be counted on from week-to-week, yet people get all excited when they see touchdowns three straight weeks. I don’t trust him because is nothing more than a check-down option for Brett Favre.


Chicago Bears Defense: One of my friends, Chris, is a HUGE Bears fan and now he isn’t talking to me because I called this game in last week’s article. The Bears gave up 45 points to the Bengals and didn’t record a sack or INT in the game. What a difference Brian Urlacher makes when he is not on the field.


Dishonorable Mentions

Marion Barber: Marion was a victim of Tony Romo and Miles Austin this weekend as he managed to gain just 47 yards on the ground and was held scoreless. It is tough for owners to walk away with four fantasy points from a solid RB1 candidate.

Matt Forte: Ok, I am officially waiving the white flag with Forte. The Bears offense has no identity and Forte is becoming the forgotten man as he rushed just six times for 24 yards and caught four passes for 25 yards. I expect this from a back-up RB, but not from a guy that was projected in the top 5 for fantasy RBs in the pre-season.


Well, I went 13-16 on my picks this weekend missing on Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, and Frank Gore. But, I told you last week I would get back into the 80% range and that is just what I did with an 81.25 accuracy rating this week. Try and find that on one of the “other” sites! ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=305 Twitter http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=304 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:26:30 GMT You can now follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/Fantasyguy23 You can now follow me on Twitter.

http://twitter.com/Fantasyguy23 ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=304 Week 7 Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=303 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:13:47 GMT The NFL trade deadline came and went without much noise, but the good news is that the fantasy trade deadline is much later in the season so there is still time to make a move if you need to. Because of the vast amount of emails I get with trade questions I get I cannot go down each and every... The NFL trade deadline came and went without much noise, but the good news is that the fantasy trade deadline is much later in the season so there is still time to make a move if you need to. Because of the vast amount of emails I get with trade questions I get I cannot go down each and every person you should look to trade away or trade for, but I will give you three guys to deal and three to deal for.

Get Em’

Carson Palmer: Outside of the Vikings in week 14, Palmer has a very nice schedule from week 11 until the fantasy finals. The Raiders, Browns, Lions, Chargers, and Chiefs should make Palmer a must start right when the playoffs get going.

Rashard Mendenhall: I told you about Mendenhall about three weeks ago, one week before the rest of the sites started pumping him up. Now, he has the starting job all to himself and will be a top 10 play every week as the season hits the second half.

Miles Austin: I had Austin as one of my pre-season sleepers… why don’t people listen to me more? Maybe you can find the guy that owners Austin and see if he thinks his big week was a one-hit wonder. Dallas needs a receiver to step up and take some attention from Roy Williams and Jason Witten, and Austin has the chance to come up big.

Send Em’ Away

Mark Sanchez: I knew Sanchez would struggle because all rookie QBs’ struggle. Braylon Edwards should help, but a rookie is a rookie and if you can find someone willing to take him, I would gladly let someone else deal with the headache.

Willie Parker: Parker has lost his job in the NFL and should be looked at as nothing more than a handcuff to Mendenhall owners. If you have him still, find the Mendenhall owner and convince him to take him as a handcuff.

Bernard Berrian: It is time to move on from Berrian. Favre doesn’t like him because he isn’t getting the looks and fantasy owners are the only ones suffering. With just 234 yards in six games, I doubt you will find many takers. But, if you do, send him packing.


Start Em’

Eli Manning: From the bench to the front of the line this Manning brother has gone. This week the Giants face the Cardinals and their 31st ranked passing defense. I look for both Manning brothers to have a great weekend, but it will be Eli that has the bounce-back game.

Ben Roethlisberger: I normally will never tell you to start Big Ben because he has always been the classic scenario of NFL value not being equal to fantasy value. But, I am starting to believe in him this season and the Vikings give up 248.3 YPG in the air and are tied for 6th in the NFL for most passing touchdowns allowed with nine. This is a week where I play Roethlisberger.

DeAngelo Williams: Another player that you have never seen on my start list is Williams. But, this week the helpless Panthers offense gets to play the league’s worst run defenders in the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have managed to allow 181.8 rushing YPG and the third most rushing TDs at eight. The Panthers may try to get Steve Smith involved some more this week, but Williams and perhaps even Jonathan Stewart are must starts at RB and the flex respectively.

Frank Gore: The Texans are 24th in the NFL against the run but Gore has missed the team’s last 2 7/8 games with an ankle injury (he had just 1 carry for 4 yards in week 3, so that is the 7/8). So why do I say to start him? Because the 49ers are a running team and Gore will shred them up like a starving man with a Thanksgiving turkey!

Wes Welker: A lot of people think that Brady’s week 6 performance could mean a week 7 letdown, but that isn’t the case here. New England faces off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they are ripe for the picking. The Patriots are a pass oriented team so Welker is a must start this weekend as high as a WR1 in most cases.

Miles Austin: Not that he is EVER going to get you 250 yards receiving again, but Austin is someone I think will have a great game in week 7 against the Falcons. Atlanta gives up 241 yards in the air and Tony Romo is just chomping at the bit to get all the haters off his back. Play Austin as a solid WR2.

Vernon Davis: Davis will benefit from Michael Crabtree more than Crabtree will help the team. Meaning that Davis won’t be covered as much with Crabtree on the field and he can get open when the Niners decide to throw the ball. If there were anyone I would say will benefit from the play of Crabtree, it would be Davis. FYI: Don’t be one of the people who pick up Crabtree, not worth the roster spot yet.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts were on the waiver wire in about half my leagues, and with them facing the St. Louis Rams this weekend they shouldn’t be. I snatched them up and so should you… I mean the Rams average just 277.8 total YPG.

Sit Em’

Donovan McNabb: This week the Eagles face the Washington Redskins 3rd ranked pass defense. McNabb looked noticeably off last week against the Raiders as he failed to throw a touchdown and took an astounding six sacks. I’d find a different option this week.

Shaun Hill: So many people are going crazy over Michael Crabtree that they are actually considering starting Shaun Hill over guys like Carson Palmer or even Matt Cassell. Don’t be one of the people chasing this fool’s gold, Hill isn’t worth owning, let alone starting.

Pierre Thomas: Miami is holding opposing teams to just 76.4 YPG on the ground, so Thomas isn’t a great option. I have a problem putting him in here because if the Saints passing game shreds Miami then the team will run it late and Thomas could snag a late garbage TD. But, I still think the odds are against Thomas and he should be sat on most benches this weekend.
Matt Forte: Forte has quickly become one of the leading candidates for fantasy bust of the year. The Bears have no identity on offense and even though my friend Chris (diehard Bears fan) thinks that makes them more dangerous, I wonder who they are a danger to exactly… the other team or themselves? Sit Forte until you have a reason not to.

Roy Williams: With the emergence of Miles Austin, Roy Williams and all his shortcomings are starting to show. I’d play Austin over Williams this week even though it should be a high scoring game indoors at home.

Santana Moss: I wanted to put Crabtree or Josh Morgan here, but there are only so many times I can tell you someone isn’t worth owning or playing. The Redskins have problems from ownership to the players and everywhere in between. Jason Campbell isn’t doing Moss any favors, so see if you can trade moss based on his one good game this season.

Chris Cooley: Cooley is one of those guys that is truly all or nothing. One week he will get you 60 yards and a TD, then the next week he goes catchless or racks up a hollow 38 yards. I’d sit him this week against the Eagles because I don’t think Campbell can get the job done anymore and the owner is starting to catch on.

Miami Dolphins: Miami has one of the better fantasy defenses, but so did the Giants and the Saints just decimated them last week. I wouldn’t come near Miami’s defense this week even if my Def1 has a bye and there are no other defenses on the waiver wire. Just take the 0 and move on. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=303 Week 6 Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=302 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:53:21 GMT Wow, that is the only be the word I can use to describe the game Tom Brady had on Sunday as he threw for 380 yards (29-of-34) while tying for a career-high with six touchdowns. Brady tossed five touchdowns in the second quarter alone as the Patriots secured the largest halftime shutout in NFL... Wow, that is the only be the word I can use to describe the game Tom Brady had on Sunday as he threw for 380 yards (29-of-34) while tying for a career-high with six touchdowns. Brady tossed five touchdowns in the second quarter alone as the Patriots secured the largest halftime shutout in NFL history at 45-0. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Maurice Jones-Drew in the conversation too as he ran 33 times for 133 yards and three touchdowns on the day. Many fantasy owners were talking about jumping the MJD ship, but I told you to start him this week and I hope you listened. Did anyone notice or care that Kerry Collins may have lost his job in Tennessee? The Titans receivers combined for -22 yards on the day; yes, I didn’t type it wrong, NEGITIVE 22 YARDS!

Winners

Tom Brady: I already talked about it, but Brady put up roughly 50 points in standard fantasy scoring, enough to dwarf the competition. Brady has been somewhat off since week 1, but after week 6 he is back to his must start status.

Drew Brees: Brees is another QB taken in the first round that struggled the previous two games (362 yards and no scores), but stepped up in a big way this week as he threw for 369 yards and four scores. New Orleans is 5-0 and Brees looks to be back on track for fantasy dominance.

Maurice Jones-Drew: You would be surprised to know how many emails I got from owners thinking of benching or trading MJD the week leading up to this game. I’m sure his 133 yards on the ground, 45 yards via the air, and three scores will help reassure those people who took him in the top 3 picks that he is back on track and ready to produce.

Ray Rice: The sleeper that everyone thought was in a comma is now awake and doing well. Rice managed to gain 77 yards and two scores on the ground, and he hauled in another 117 yards on 10 receptions this weekend.

Randy Moss and Wes Welker: Whenever a QB throws for six touchdowns, there is usually a WR that had a spectacular game as well. This weekend both Moss and Walker had triple digit games as Moss posted 129 yards on eight receptions and three TDs and Welker added 10 catches for 150 yards and two TDs.

Hines Ward: Ward just never seems to get old enough to stop producing and this weekend he produced eight receptions for 159 yards and a TD. He almost nabbed another TD but it was overturned by the officials, but one is better than none.

Zach Miller: I had Miller listed on my pre-season watch for TEs’, but the whole Raiders offense has failed to impress until this weekend. TE is a feast or famine position, but Miller feasted this weekend with his six receptions for 139 yards and a TD.

Cleveland Browns Defense: Yes, I know the Packers and Patriots shut out their opponents, but the Browns weren’t expected to do anything to the Steelers and yet they recorded 3 sacks, they recovered 3 fumbles, grabbed one INT, and racked up 179 return yards while scoring a TD. Even with the 27 points allowed, the Browns still topped most standard format defenses this weekend.

Losers

Matt Hasselbeck: Easy come, easy go is what describes Hasselbeck and his weeks 5 and 6 performances. This week Hasselbeck faced the league’s worst pass defense and managed to throw for 112 yards, no scores, one INT and was sacked five times on the day. I even started him over Drew Brees in one of my leagues… yes, I lost and those five little words I teach my kids came into play: I’ll never do that again.

Kerry Collins: Collins managed a massive two completions for -7 yards, one INT, one lost fumble, and rushed three times for -1 yards. He didn’t get hurt, he didn’t tweak anything, he is just a bi-product of a terrible Tennessee Titans team.

Matt Forte: I don’t know people, it may just be time to see if you can find the Bears fan in your league and trade him Matt Forte. This weekend he managed to run the ball 15 times for a whopping 23 yards (1.5 YPC) and that is not going to get it done for fantasy owners. Forte was often hit as soon as he took the handoff from Cutler, but all we care about is stats and the stats made him a loser. I would dangle him out there and see who bites.

Julius Jones: As if Hasselbeck’s terrible day wasn’t enough for Seattle, Jones managed to carry the ball five times for five yards… kind of reminds me of Arby’s 5-for-5 deal. A sandwich would have been better for my health than watching Jones sit on the sideline and look bored.

Steve Smith (Panthers): Another guy I had high hopes for that did nothing. Smith usually torches the Buccs, but on Sunday he was held to just one catch for four yards. The problem there is that when things like that happen, things like Smith saying “It’s bittersweet. We get the win, but I have a limited role. I see this game as showing I’m no longer an asset to this team” tend to follow.

Steve Smith (Giants): This is not a typo, Steve “mini-me” Smith also had an off week as he caught just four passes for 44 yards and no scores. I warned people about the Giants in this game so hopefully you listened to me.

Kellen Winslow: Heading into this week Winslow was tied with Dallas Clark as the most targeted TE in the NFL with 42. But, this weekend Winslow was targeted just four times while catching it three times for 29 yards and no scores. Tampa Bay is a bad team which means Winslow will see a lot of check-down passes, but four targets aren’t going to make fantasy owners very happy.

New York Giants Defense: The Giants had the #1 ranked passing defense heading into week 6, but after the dust settled in New Orleans, the Giants allowed 48 points while recording just one sack and no INTs. New York still has the #1 ranked passing defense with just 147.3 YPG allowed from the air, but Carolina is nipping at their heals now and fantasy owners took one on the chin this weekend. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=302 Week 6 Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=301 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:06:16 GMT Last week Matt Hasselbeck returned and put up an impressive four passing TDs to go along with his 241 yards. On the opposite end we have Joe Flacco that came crashing back to Earth with his 186 yards, 2 INTs and one TD. This week we have some favorable fantasy match-up to take advantage of while... Last week Matt Hasselbeck returned and put up an impressive four passing TDs to go along with his 241 yards. On the opposite end we have Joe Flacco that came crashing back to Earth with his 186 yards, 2 INTs and one TD. This week we have some favorable fantasy match-up to take advantage of while other weekly starters are going to be forced to the bench. The good news is you have me here to help you navigate through the muddy waters that are known as fantasy football.

Byes: Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins, 49ers

Asterisk Mark: I feel like I must say that you need to understand my sit em’ rankings. If I say to sit a player, understand that it means they will not perform to their usual level. QB1s’ are expected to perform as QB2’s or lower; RB1 as RB2, etc.


Start Em’

Tom Brady: Ok, I’ve been pretty down on Brady all season long, but this week the Patriots hit this season’s most surprising team, the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are ranked 31st in pass defense (287.6 YPG) and 2nd in passing TD’s against (13). If there were ever a week to get back on track, this would be it.

Matt Hasselbeck: I know this looks like a bandwagon pick, but the Cardinals are dead last in the NFL for Passing defense (303 YPG) and are tied for 6th for TDs allowed with 9. He is on some waiver wires still and since the Seahawks have a less than stellar running game, I have no problem ranking him in the top 5 for QBs’ this week.

Maurice Jones-Drew: MJD has been a disappointment to a lot of owners this season and many of them are contemplating sitting him in favor of someone else. Well, don’t do it this weekend as the Jaguars face the helpless Rams. Not to mention the fact that the team is hungry to avenge their shutout last week and put some serious points on the board.

Knowshon Moreno: San Diego is ranked 27th against the run (151 YPG allowed) and Moreno is still looking for his first 100 yard game. The Chargers are much better against the pass (#12) and I see the Broncos setting the pass up by establishing the run early and often.

Steve Smith (CAR): Ok, I’m going out on a limb by picking the disappointing WR this week. The Buccs are ranked 21st against the pass and the Panthers need to get Smith involved if they want DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to have success.

Nate Burleson: I’m not a fan of Burleson or T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but I can’t ignore the match-up and what they did last week. I’d have to give them both a start this week, but Burleson made the cut for the article over Housh.

Jermichael Finley: The kid is widely unknown and on a lot of waiver wires. I could see him putting up low end TE1 stats this weekend and is a better play than say Greg Olsen, Chris Cooley, or even Kellen Winslow.

Washington Redskins Defense: The Redskins defense is on a lot of waiver wires currently, so you can snag them if you have the Giants or Bears defense. The Chiefs are a terrible team right now and I would have no problems picking up the Redskins for a week.


Sit Em’

Eli Manning: Don’t get too excited, Manning is an asterisk mark player this week. Manning has been playing so far ahead of anyone’s expectations that he is a must start each week. However, this week the Giants face the Saints and they are ranked 11th against the pass. QB2 numbers are likely.

Mark Sanchez: Everyone is all high on the rookie because the Jets are 3-2 and on top of the division. But, the Bills are ranked #6 against the pass and held Derek Anderson to just 23 yards last weekend. I know… Anderson isn’t very good… but he is the starter in Cleveland.

Steve Slaton: Slaton has not been the top 10 RB we expected him to be, and this weekend the Texans face off against the Bengals 12th ranked run defense (98.8 YPG). It is also noteworthy that there is a talk of Slaton losing carries to Chris Brown.

Willis McGahee: I am still getting emails about McGahee and his value, but I am sorry to tell you that you missed that ship. It looks like the Ravens have finally grasped the fact that Ray Rice is the future and McGahee is gone after this season. If you can find someone to take him, you’d better hurry and get rid of him.

Lee Evans: I had some solid hopes for Evans this season, but those are out the window now. I wouldn’t even be mad if someone told me they dropped Evans in favor of Maclin!

Jeremy Maclin: Now, since we are on the subject, I had to mention Maclin here because I have received so many emails from people who jumped on him just like they did with Mohammed Massaquoi and Louis Murphy. Maclin has a better QB than either of the previous two did, but DeSean Jackson is the man in Philly and I don’t get excited over one week performances.

Greg Olsen: If you have other options at TE this week, you may want to look into using them. I have Olsen ranked at around #15 for TE’s and he is more of an asterisk player than anything. I’d expect yards in the 50-70’s, but I’m not sold on him scoring.

Chicago Bears: The Bears defense has looked much different without Brian Urlacher and this week they run up against a rejuvenated Atlanta Falcons team. Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez can reap havoc against fantasy defenses and I don’t have as much faith in the Bears defense as I once did. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=301 Week 5 Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=300 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:56:28 GMT The NFL is a strange place in 2009 as the Broncos are 5-0 and the Titans are 0-5. But, one has to wonder at what point does Kyle Orton come back to Earth and when do the Titans finally make the switch away from Kerry Collins? I mean really, what is Vince Young going to do that Collins hasn’t… lose?... The NFL is a strange place in 2009 as the Broncos are 5-0 and the Titans are 0-5. But, one has to wonder at what point does Kyle Orton come back to Earth and when do the Titans finally make the switch away from Kerry Collins? I mean really, what is Vince Young going to do that Collins hasn’t… lose? And who is this Miles Austin the Cowboys speak of?

Winners

Kyle Orton: Now that Orton is in Denver and pulling off miracles each week, people are wondering if it was the system in Chicago that killed every QB they ever had or if Orton is just early season hype. I don’t know, but 330 yards and two TDs will get a lot of people’s attention.

Matt Ryan: Finally Matty Ice broke out and put up numbers fantasy owners have been waiting for. Ryan torched the 49ers for 329 yards, two passing TDs and a rushing TD, good enough for a top 3 QB finish this weekend.

Ahmad Bradshaw: Bradshaw came out of nowhere to post 110 yards on the ground, 55 yards via the air, and 2 TDs this weekend. In standard scoring leagues, Bradshaw sat on a lot of benches and put up enough points to rank him #1 for fantasy RBs’ this weekend.

Cedric Benson: This guy is for real this season! With 120 yards and a score, Benson ranked #3 for backs and what is most impressive about that is the Ravens were ranked #1 in rushing defense before this weekend.

Miles Austin: I had him ranked as my top WR sleeper this pre-season, but I don’t think anyone thought he would ever put up 250 receiving yards and 2 TDs. Once you saw Roy Williams was out, maybe you picked him up… just don’t expect that type of production ever again.

Jeremy Maclin: Maclin was owned in around 20% of fantasy leagues before this weekend, and already that number has jumped to 25% as of Monday night. DeSean Jackson had a terrible game, and because of that Maclin was able to post 142 receiving yards and 2 TDs.

Kellen Winslow: I have Winslow in one of my leagues, so I am happy to say he helped this weekend with his 102 yards and 2 TDs. But, you should understand that Josh Johnson is still Josh Johnson and if you could ever sell high on Winslow, this is the weekend.

Seattle Seahawks Defense: The Seahawks defense shut out the Jaguars this weekend, and that was good enough to rank them #1 for defenses this weekend. Well, the five sacks, two fumbles recovered, and defensive touchdown helped also. I expect the Seahawks to be on the waiver wire in most leagues so don’t think this was anything more than a good week.


Losers

David Garrard: Who would have thought being without Mike Sims-Walker would have been such a big loss to the Jaguars offense. Nobody expected Garrard to throw for just 188 yards and no scores, but that is what happened and I expect a rebound week from him coming.

Joe Flacco: Those of you that are wacko for Flacco might just be wacko after this weekend. Going for 186 yards, 2 INTs and 1 TD is more along the lines of what I expected from Flacco heading into this season.

Chris Johnson: I just traded for Johnson in my Jaguars league, and he managed to bust out for a whopping 34 rushing yards and 9 receiving yards this weekend. The Titans are 0-5 and things will soon turn to Johnson and the running game, so keep the faith.

Willis McGahee: Now why in the world Yahoo would rank McGahee #27 for week 5 projections is beyond me. But, as fast as his rise was, the fall has been even faster as he ran for -2 yards, but put up 4 receiving yards to bring his total yards on the day to 2.

DeSean Jackson: Jackson recorded just one catch in week 5 and that led to 1 receiving yard. I’m sure zero points isn’t what owners had in mind when they set their line-ups on Sunday morning. He’ll bounce back and you can rack this up to just an off game.

Randy Moss: I don’t know if it is time to just get out of Moss since his value is so low, but I don’t think 36 yards receiving is going to be worth starting any longer. I’d put him on your bench until he finally has a good game. Sure, you’ll miss out on the points, but it is better than wasting a starting spot on him until it happens.

Chris Cooley: I’m not a huge fan of Cooley personally, because it is because I don’t like Jason Campbell. He has been forced into a blocking role this year and he managed to go 0-fer the game in every stat fantasy owners look for.

Miami Dolphins Defense: The Dolphins may have won the game, but they allowed 27 points and managed to log just one sack and no other defense stats.



In the end, I went 13-16 this week and I’ll take 81.25% accuracy any time. I warned you about Massaquoi, but did you listen? The other pay sites were closer to 40% accuracy, but you were lucky enough to be a Chargers fan so you get double that for free! ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=300 Week 5 Forecast http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=299 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:26:14 GMT The only thing worse for fantasy owners than underperforming players are players not on the field because of their bye weeks. This week the Bears, Packers, Saints, and Chargers are all taking a break and that means there will be some studs you can’t use. Good thing for you I give you players on the... The only thing worse for fantasy owners than underperforming players are players not on the field because of their bye weeks. This week the Bears, Packers, Saints, and Chargers are all taking a break and that means there will be some studs you can’t use. Good thing for you I give you players on the rise and fall so you know what others don’t know.

On the Raise

Braylon Edwards: Now that he has been traded to the Jets, he should be able to rehab some of his lost value for his owners. Don’t expect him to regain that WR1 form he had a few years ago, but low end WR2/high end WR3 value is possible.

Rashard Mendenhall: I mentioned him in my recap, but the kid is gaining value by the minute and is worth trading for if you can get him at a reasonable rate. Don’t overpay, but certainly don’t be afraid to pull the trigger as Parker has lost a step.

Mike Sims-Walker: He has become a legit must start each week and Garrard and Sims-Walker have chemistry. He won’t be available on any wires, but he is a legit WR1 so far this season.

Jermichael Finley: Finley had an amazing week 4 with six catches for 128 yards and a TD, but you will need to temper the expectations since that one game equaled more catches and yards than he had in the previous three games combined. He has a bye this week, but if you are wasting a spot on someone like Donald Lee or Anthony Fasano, now is the time to make the switch.

David Garrard: Nobody thought about starting Garrard heading into the season, but hopefully you took my advice and played him last weekend. Garrard has a strong four game stretch coming up and should be a clear QB1 for most people during that stretch. I’d trade for him and try and play him off as an early season fluke… but you and I both know better.
On the Decline

Jake Delhomme: Delhomme is sporting a 59.3% mark in completions, 6.6 YPA, and just two TDs to 7 INTs this season. I had him on my do not draft list… did you?

Tony Romo: I am not saying to cut him, so calm down Romo lovers. But, why everyone anointed him a superstar is beyond me. He has as many interceptions as he does touchdowns and his value continues to plummet. Some may say buy low, I say bench him and hope he rebounds.

Steve Smith (CAR): Where there is smoke, there is fire. In Carolina, Smith isn’t the problem; Jake Delhomme is. With QB problems come WR problems, and Smith is learning that this season. Maybe the bye week helped solve some issues, but I doubt it. Smith is going to have a hard time regaining any value this season.

Anthony Fasano: Pennington is gone, Henne is in. Add to that the fact that all this team can run is the wildcat offense and you have a recipe for WR and TE disaster. TE has always been an all or nothing category, so players like Fasano are most likely not going to have any fantasy value now or in the second half of the season.
Start Em’


Ben Roethlisberger: I’m not a big fan of Big Ben in fantasy terms, but this week he has to be talked about in the top 3 for fantasy QBs’. The Lions are terrible and we are all waiting for the real Santonio Holmes to please stand up… please stand up.

Donovan McNabb: McNabb is back this week and some people might be thinking of giving him a week to see how healthy he really is. I am personally going to roll the dice and play McNabb in all the leagues I own him in.

Rashard Mendenhall: He blew up on the Chargers defense last week and there is little I see the Lions doing to stop him from doing it all over again this weekend. Willie Parker isn’t so fast anymore and the Steelers are a run oriented team, so Mendenhall is a must start for the time being.

Brandon Jacobs: If there was ever a week for Jacobs to get his engine started, this is the week. Oakland is one of the league’s worst teams and Jacobs can be one of the league’s top 10 backs when he is on his game. Owners who stuck with him are going to be rewarded this weekend with RB1 numbers.

Brandon Marshall: Ok, I am going to give the guy a chance and see if he finally found his groove in Denver’s new offense. He has had back-to-back weeks with a score, so maybe this is the week he breaks 100 yards.

Chad Ochocino: The Ravens are ranked #1 against the run, so if the Bengals are to move the ball on Sunday it will come via the air. Ochocinco can make the tough catches and Palmer can make the tough throws. Don’t expect miracles, but Ochocinco could be a top 15 WR play this weekend.

Vernon Davis: I am going to see if I can ride Davis for a third straight week in my leagues and you should do the same. I would put him in the top 5-7 TEs this weekend, so don’t leave him on the bench unless you have a clearly better option.

Dallas Cowboys Defense: The Boys’ have been a big disappointment to a lot of fans, and their defense to a lot of fantasy players. But, that could all end this weekend as they face the problem filled Kansas City Chiefs. I don’t see them shutting them out, but 10+ fantasy points is likely.
Sit Em’

Tom Brady: Yes, I said it… Tom Brady. The Broncos are 3rd in the league in passing yards against (162.5 YPG), they haven’t allowed a passing TD (1st), they have six INTs as a team (T-3rd), and they are 2nd in sacks (15), and 2nd in passer rating against (56.0).

Jake Delhomme: I had a question from a caller on my weekly spot on a radio show asking if Delhomme will rebound after his bye week. The answer, no. I have no faith in Delhomme even though he is playing Washington and I will not recommend you play him this weekend.

Cedric Benson: I love Benson this season, but not against the Ravens. Baltimore is just too good against the run (1st at 59.5 YPG). Not much more to it than that really.

Cadillac Williams: Williams has knee problems and while he looked good in weeks 1 and 4, knee troubles reared its ugly head in weeks 2 and 3. Derrick Ward should return this week and I don’t trust Williams and his gimpy knee to give quality fantasy production against the Eagles.

Mohamed Massaquoi: Those who couldn’t get a Raiders RB settled for Massaquoi, and there is no reason to get excited yet. The Bills are 21st against the pass and the Browns are 26th in passing, so the numbers are on my side. He reminds me a lot of someone named Louis Murphy.

Roy E. Williams: Williams has suffered along with Romo this season, and this weekend shouldn’t be any different. With just 11 receptions in four weeks, I am not going to hold my breath for a breakout weekend.

Zach Miller (OAK): I had high hopes for Miller heading into the pre-season, but JaMarcus Russell is looking more and more like a bust and that is killing any value a player wearing the silver and black.

Tennessee Titans Defense: What a wasted pick this has been for anyone that reached to pick the Titans defense. The team is 0-4 and ranked 27th in points against (108), so facing Peyton Manning and all his toys this weekend is going to help. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=299 Week 4 Recap http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=298 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:01:34 GMT I was shocked when I saw Rashard Mendenhall on the waiver wire in more than a couple of my leagues this weekend, so I decided to look a little closer and I saw that he is only owned in roughly 45% of all leagues. Maybe it was the injury last season; maybe it is the fast that Willie Parker and... I was shocked when I saw Rashard Mendenhall on the waiver wire in more than a couple of my leagues this weekend, so I decided to look a little closer and I saw that he is only owned in roughly 45% of all leagues. Maybe it was the injury last season; maybe it is the fast that Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore are still in Pittsburgh; either way, I snatched him up and kept it as low key as I could. The simple truth about Parker is it looks like he is running with two flat tires these days and Mendenhall put up 191 yards of total offense and two scores, so you know the Steelers aren’t going to bench him when Parker returns. Then there is the emergence of Steve Smith from the New York Giants as a WR1 in fantasy leagues. Has anyone from the NFL checked to see if any space aliens stole Steve Smith from the Panthers ability and gave it Steve Smith from the Giants ala Space Jam?

Winners

David Garrard: The Jaguars put a beating on the 0-4 Tennessee Titans, and it was the Garrard and friends show all day long. His 323 yards and 3 TDs were good enough to rank him as the #1 fantasy QB in week 4.

Philip Rivers: Rivers edges out Eli Manning for the #2 QB spot by an INT. I had a feeling the Chargers would be throwing all night and that is just what Rivers did on his way to posting 254 passing yards and 3 TDs.

Rashard Mendelhall: As we’ve already talked about, Mendenhall had a career night as he rushed for 165 yards and 2 TDs, then caught two passes for 26 yards, good enough to put him atop the list of fantasy backs this weekend.

Ronnie Brown: The Dolphins run the wildcat as if they invented it, and Brown is the main beneficiary of the system. Brown torched the Bills for 115 yards and 2 TDs, making him a legit RB1 in any format.

Steve Smith: Maybe this is his coming out party, or maybe this is first half success and production will drop off once Brandon Jacobs steps up his game. Either way, I’ll take 134 yards and 2 TDs from a WR any day.

Mike Sims-Walker: I called it before it happened, so hopefully you took my advice. While he didn’t break the 100 yard mark (91), he did score twice and that gives owners 12 points in standard scoring formats.

Antonio Gates: Another guy I told you to play. Gates ended the night with 124 receiving yards and 2 TDs, and that means he was only topped by Smith for points from a WR or TE.

San Francisco 49ers Defense: It looked like the 49ers were going Harlem Globetrotters on the Rams this weekend as they shut them out and scored 3 defensive touchdowns on them. A zero spot and three scores equals roughly 39 fantasy points and that is not the norm when it comes to defenses.

Losers

Drew Brees: Two weeks in a row now Brees has failed to reach 200 yards passing or score a single touchdown after putting up 669 passing yards and 9 TDs in the first two games. There is no cause for alarm with Brees, but he pretty much secured losses for his owners two straight weeks now.

Tony Romo: I was high on Romo heading into the season, but now I am starting to realize that everyone has anointed him a superstar for no real reason. Remember, I told you to sit him. This week he threw for 255 yards and an INT, but wasn’t able to score again this weekend. On the season, he has a 1:1 TD to INT ratio going (4 TDs and INTs) and I am going to shop him in the leagues I own him in.

Darren McFadden: Is it time to just go ahead and call JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden busts? I’ve seen enough from McFadden to know it is the Raiders that is killing him, but Russell I think is a bust. No matter what, McFadden was a bust this weekend with his six rushes for -3 yards and one reception for 5 yards. McFadden tore his Meniscus cartilage and will miss 2-4 weeks. Don’t cut him, but don’t play him for the next month either.

Adrian Peterson: I thought we would see more from Peterson in this game. He was able to get 25 carries on the night, but he managed just 55 yards and a cheap 1 yard TD run for his efforts. AP is still the league’s best back, but he didn’t fool the Packers in this one.

Marquis Colston: Whenever a QB has an off day, there is about a 995 chance his WRs’ will too have off days. Colston managed 33 yards and no scores, so a whopping 3 fantasy points is what he netted his owners this weekend.

Braylon Edwards: What a waste of a roster spot this guy has become the last few seasons. This weekend he failed to even log a catch, but he will blame that on the lack of any type of QB worth playing on most teams.

Jason Witten: Another case of QB troubles rears its ugly head for Witten owners. Witten caught four passes for 31 yards and no TDs. On the season, Witten is ranked #15 for fantasy TEs’ and I hate to say it, but I told you so.

New York Giants Defense: The Giants held the Chiefs to 16 points, but they only logged five sacks and one fumble recovery, but that was all they could muster. In the end, the Giants defense put up 8 fantasy points and that puts them just inside the top 15 for week 4.


Well, week 4 ended with me taking home 15 correct picks and just one wrong one. Had Thomas Jones not gotten a TD I would have been a perfect 16-16 on the weekend. I suppose I could say I got the pick right since he only had 48 yards and that equals roughly 8 fantasy points. But, for this weekend, Jones’ 8 points keep him in the RB2 range and I can’t say I was correct when he had RB2 stats. Either way, 94% is far better than you will ever see from those other guys. ]]> Fantasy Insider http://forums.chargers.com/blog.php?b=298