I Hate Bye Weeks…
With the Falcons, Bears, Eagles, Giants, Ravens, & Browns all on bye weeks-and all possessing fantasy studs- your team may be in a little trouble this week. Take for instance my team that is sitting Roddy White, Peyton Hillis, and my newly acquired wideout Desean Jackson. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about the future I’m just not too thrilled about inevitably getting my second loss of the season to the 2nd place team (who is stacked by the way). In any case there are still plenty of guys who will step up to produce huge numbers this week. Remember three things: check the waiver wire, play the matchups, and like I’ve been saying all year, anything is possible this year.
Lineup of the Week:
QB: Peyton Manning
RB: Chris Johnson
RB: Arian Foster
WR: Calvin Johnson
WR: Dwayne Bowe
FLEX: Frank Gore
K: Rob Bironas
D/ST: Tennessee Titans
Who’s In
Quarterback:
-Josh Freeman (@ Cardinals): Over the last two weeks Freeman has thrown for over 200 yards and tossed 3 touchdowns in each game. Not to mention his last minute heroic against the Rams last week to send his team to 4-2. This week the Bucs travel to Arizona to take on a weak pass defense. The running game will get going, opening up the field for Freeman to have a very solid statistical day. Expect close to 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.
-Donovan McNabb (@ Lions): I haven’t been too big on McNabb this year and have yet to put him on this list until today. Over the last 4 weeks he is only averaging 11.48 points but he has had some decent games. He takes on Detroit this week and has the weapons and the ability to have a good game. Not huge numbers, but if you regularly start Flacco, Cutler, or Ryan he may put up decent totals.
-Matt Stafford (v. Redskins): I was going to put Ryan Fitzpatrick in this spot but he’s been playing so great that it’s obvious he’s a good pick. Stafford is coming off a injury, but he also had a bye week to get enough reps in with the first team to get back on track. The Redskins run defense is way better than their pass defense so I expect Stafford to make some great throws downfield to his big play guys (come on Calvin Johnson), as well as hit Brandon Pettigrew in the short game. This is a great week for Stafford to return to the helm and I expect solid numbers from him. He’ll probably throw at least one pick, but you can also expect 200 yards and 2 touchdowns.
-Sleeper Alert-Matt Moore (@ Rams): Moore returned from his short hiatus on the bench with a bang throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns. He spread the ball out to his young, athletic receivers and let them make plays. If he can maintain that trust in his wideouts he will be successful. Matt Moore will have another solid game against a formidable Rams defense. Perhaps your quarterback is on a bye and you’re a huge Panthers fan (ahem…Braydon).
Running Back:
-Marshawn Lynch (@ Raiders): Lynch has cemented himself as the starter, and more effective back, for this Seattle offense. If it weren’t for a few key penalties he could have had a much bigger stat line last week getting into the endzone. The Raiders put a hurting on a Broncos team that doesn’t feature the run very well. The Seahawks will look to limit mistakes and hand the ball off. Another good day is in store for Marshawn Lynch.
-Ronnie Brown (@ Bengals): I’m doing this out of good faith that he won’t disappoint me, and I really didn’t want to put Arian Foster on here again, that’s a gimme. Brown has struggled to produce this year and needs to get rolling for the Dolphins to win down the stretch. The Bengals gave up 123 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns to Michael Turner last week. I don’t believe Brown will be that successful but he has a chance to have his best statistical game of the year so far.
-Felix Jones (v. Jaguars): The Cowboys are crumbling before our eyes each time they step on the field. Now, with the loss of their franchise quarterback, they will look to use Felix Jones as much as possible in the future. A good matchup against the Jags gives Jones just the opportunity he needs to produce solid fantasy totals.
-Sleeper Alert-LeGarrett Blount (@ Cardinals): Blount carried the ball 11 times for 72 yards last Sunday and played far better than Cadillac Williams out of the back field. He is slated to get even more carries this week and against a Cardinals defense that is prone to giving up big runs his stats could improve. 10-12 fantasy points can be expected this Sunday out of Blount.
Wide Receiver:
-Steve Johnson (@ Chiefs): Johnson has played amazing over the last few weeks. Since Ryan Fitzpatrick has taken over as the starter Johnson has averaged at least 50 yards and a touchdown a game, including a 158 yard 1 touchdown performance last week. The offense in Buffalo is clicking right now and they seem to play better against tougher opponents. Johnson’s statistical success will continue this week in Kansas City.
-Mike Williams (@ Cardinals): endzone at least once and is good for 60-75 yards on a day where he will see plenty of targets.
-Dez Bryant (v. Jaguars): Once Jon Kitna was in the game on Monday night Bryant caught 4 passes for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns. With the Cowboys’ season in jeopardy they may turn to their younger playmakers to give them time to mature on the field. I think Bryant may start off slow on Sunday but will finish with a bang just like last week.
-Sleeper Alert-Blair White (v. Texans): Three reasons I like this pick: White will get more playing time due to injuries, the Colts play the Houston Texans who cannot defend against the pass, and his quarterback is this guy Peyton Manning I’m not sure if you’ve heard of him but apparently he’s pretty good. Manning will spread the ball around with supreme confidence which benefits White greatly who is superb in the redzone and has great hands.
Tight End:
-Tony Moeaki (v. Bills): His production has taken a hit ever since Dwayne Bowe decided he wants to play football again but this is a great matchup play. The Bills haven’t been able to guard tight ends all season, especially in the redzone where the Chiefs are bound to spend significant time. If their offense is clicking any one of their top stars is capable of going off. It’s a risky play but given the matchup and the way the team is playing it is a safer choice than say a Jeremy Shockey.
-Jason Witten (v. Jaguars): Sorry Jags I know it feels like I’m picking on you. It’s not you, it’s him; Witten has been much more productive over the last two weeks and will serve as the proverbial security blanket for Kitna. If the Boys get deep in the redzone they will run Witten right across the middle for a safe catch.
-Zach Miller (v. Seahawks): This guy has been having a breakout year and will continue on Sunday. The Seahawks pass defense is week and Miller is the only real threat at any given time. He’ll let McFadden and Bush do all the work up front and then top it off with the occasional 10 yard catch or touchdown.
-Dustin Keller (v. Packers): Here is another guy who decided to play out of nowhere this year. Keller is a big part of why Mark Sanchez has been so efficient and will continue to be his best option under pressure. He has had a few tough weeks and he probably won’t get a ton of yards but he is reliable and should get opportunities to score.
-Sleeper Alert-Andrew Quarless (@ Jets): Since getting the opportunity to see the field Quarless has score twice, which is more than you can say for most tight ends. Guys usually give you 30-60 yards and that’s it but Quarless is capable of 30 and a touchdown especially with the injuries the Packers are dealing with. He is a deep sleeper but if you have Dallas Clark and Todd Heap he is a good upside pick.
Kicker of the Week:
-John Kasay (@ Rams): This may be the only time he makes this list but he has a good shot. An upstart offense with no running game right now and a quarterback that struggles once in the redzone equals many more opportunities than normal for Kasay.
Defense of the Week:
-Tampa Bay Bucs (@ Cardinals): Good cornerbacks, and decent pass rush and a bad offense to play against means Tampa Bay is in store for their best week since playing the Panthers.
Who’s Out
Quarterback:
-Carson Palmer (v. Dolphins): Palmer had a great game last week against the Falcons and looks to return to form for the rest of the season. I just don’t see it happening, at least not this week against a great pass rush in the Miami Dolphins. The Fins will rush Palmer into bad decisions and cause issues for Terrell Owen and Chad Ochocinco. Keep Palmer on your bench if you can.
-Brett Favre (@ Patriots): If I’m Tavaris Jackson and I watch the Vikings choice a 41 year old man with multiple stress fractures in his ankle and who has thrown as many interceptions in 6 games as he did all last year over me, I just might burn the place down. There is no logical reason why the Vikings should start Brett Favre and neither should you. I’m sure if you have him he’s just a bye week replacement (Jon), and after his ghastly performance for you last Sunday it’s time to cut him loose all together. He hasn’t had the same confidence that we’ve come to know and love and it’s showing. The Pats secondary is questionable but Favre is more so. I know it’s not a big revelation I just wanted to emphasize my displeasure with the Vikings continuing to start Brett Favre simply because he is Brett Favre.
-Sam Bradford (v. Panthers): Recently Bradford has been a staple of my “who’s in” list but this week he is up against a dangerous opponent- a one win team coming off their first victory of the season. The Panthers have a very solid defense and may not full stop Bradford but will create enough mistakes to keep him on your bench. Rookie quarterbacks who have had some success tend to play down against lower ranked teams. I expect a less than average day for Bradford. Just hand it off the Steven Jackson, Brad.
-Watch Out-Phillip Rivers (v. Titans): Phillip Rivers is in the top two, in my opinion, when it comes to fantasy quarterbacks. No matter what happens he seems to come out as a good option throwing for anywhere between 250-450 yards and a few touchdowns each week. But I have two issues this week: 1) last week looked pretty rough without Malcolm Floyd or Legedu Nannee & 2) the Tennessee Titans are playing better as a defensive unit than any team in the league. I’ll probably still start Rivers because you can’t sit a guy like that but I’m tempering my expectations of him. Go get ‘em Phil.
Running Back:
-Ryan Matthews (v. Titans): Matthews has struggled since injuring his ankle and this week won’t get any better against the Titans. Tennessee’s defense gives up a little under 98 rushing yards against but has only conceded one rushing touchdown all year. In the five games Matthews has played in the most scrimmage yards he’s gained in one outing is 80 yards and he only has one touchdown to his two fumbles. He hasn’t had the time to develop and isn’t ready to be a feature back on a regularly stellar team. Makes you really want LT back, doesn’t it Chargers’ fans?
-Fred Jackson (@ Chiefs): The Bills have talked for the last three weeks about getting Jackson more involved in the offense but he still isn’t producing. Through six games he only has 233 rushing yards and one touchdown. The Bills passing game is really clicking and they usually play from behind; a bad mix for a running back trying to get more involved.
-Benjarvis Green-Ellis (v. Vikings): It’s the same story every year: Patriots hot new running back has a few decent games and ends up on everybody’s radar. He gets picked up and replaces a starter on a bye week just in time to disappoint you. The Vikings are a solid defense against the run and “the law firm” will not give you what you’re looking for this week.
-Watch Out- Cedric Benson (v. Dolphins): Benson is having a much slower statistical year than in the past. The Bengals entire offense is stagnant- outside of last week- and it starts with the running game. Last week he had 76 total yards and a crucial fumble at the end of a close game against Atlanta. Miami is a much better run defense and will make things very difficult for Benson. Chances are you have a guy you’ve benched for him all year (say a Beanie Wells or Knowshown Moreno) who you should give a shot this week.
Wide Receiver:
-Donald Driver (@ Jets): I know you think I’m going to say the Jets defense will shut him down but actually the Jets defense hasn’t been all that great against the pass this year. The problem is Driver is being overlooked for James Jones on the few times they look his way instead of Greg Jennings. Also, he is dealing with a quad injury and is coming off his first game without a reception in 133 games.
-Michael Crabtree (v. Denver): Crabtree has had a few good games this year but has been far too inconsistent to get regular starting consideration. Now, he and the 49ers take the field with former Heisman Trophy Winner and Ohio State grad, Troy Smith, and the helm. I think Smith could be good down the road but not in his first start. Keep Crabtree on your bench until the chemistry hits.
-Wes Welker (v. Miami): Nobody wishes Randy Moss was still in New England than this guy. Since Moss has left he has had 53 and 25 yards in the two games and has not crossed the goal line. With teams able to focus more on Welker he sees more double teams and struggles to get open. Look for more receiving woes this week against a strong Miami defense.
-Watch Out- Miles Austin (v. Jaguars): I know the Jaguars defense has more issues than Britney Spears but looking at Austin’s production over the last few weeks coupled with Tony Romo being out for the next 6-8 weeks the near future does not look bright. In the short time Jon Kitna had to work with his team he seemed to favor Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. Either way the connection won’t be the same so if you do start Austin temper your expectations.
Tight End:
-Jeremy Shockey (v. Steelers): It’s very simple here guys: a lack of statistical production and possibly the worst matchup a tight end could ask for equals a warm spot on the bench for Mr. Shockey. No real analysis here, my 19 month old daughter picked this one.
-Visanthe Shiancoe (@ Patriots): He could have had a much better week last week if the refs weren’t blind and dumb but the fact is Shiancoes production has not increases with the Moss trade and now it can only get worse with Brett Favre in need of a rolling-walker and an AARP card. Shiancoe will probably be active in many leagues because of the six teams on byes this week but if you can avoid it keep him on your bench.
-Jermaine Gresham (v. Dolphins): I expected a lot out of Gresham at the beginning of the year and he has sorely disappointed. That never sits well with me and usual lands a player on my bench list. The Bengals are one of the teams in disarray and a rookie tight end cannot fix issues like they have. He may be good for the occasional touchdown but don’t expect much more than that.
-Watch Out-Vernon Davis (v. Broncos): I’m probably way off on this one because Davis is the most athletic, fastest, strongest guy on the field when the Niners’ offense takes to it. His situation is very volatile. Davis may go off for 130 yards and a touchdown because Troy Smith needs a safe bet in his first start. Or he may catch one pass for 8 yards as the entire passing game falls apart in Smith’s first start. I’m sure it won’t be that extreme but I can’t put my chips in the 49ers’ basket right now.
-Kicker Sit of the Week:
-Olindo Mare (@ Raiders): After a great outing last week in which the Seahawks could not get in the end zone to save man kind, Mare faces a much tougher task this week against a strong Raiders team. Oakland gives up less than 6 points a game to kickers and blocked 2 kicks in a row against San Diego.
-Defensive Sit of the Week:
-49ers (@ Broncos): Denver has a very good passing attack and it looks like Knowshown Moreno is about to make a comeback this week. I expect him to really get things going against the underachieving defense of San Francisco. Kyle Orton will not be denied regardless of who he plays (with the exception of the Oakland Raiders). Coming off an extremely embarrassing beat down at the hands of the Raiders look for Orton and the Broncos to bounce back and carve up the Niners’ defense.
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