Archive
Week 11: Waiver Wire
Here are some players you should consider adding to your roster if they are available in your league:
QB Joe Flacco (BAL): Flacco has played very well over the past 4 weeks, throwing for 6 TDs and zero INTs. His matchups get a little tougher, with the Giants and Ealges up next, but he is still worth a roster spot given how well he has been throwing the ball.
QB Tyler Thigpen (KC): Thigpen has thrown for 6 TDs and zero INTs over his past three games, and faces some pretty easy pass defenses at the end of the season.
QB Brady Quinn (CLE): Quinn played pretty well in his debut against the Broncos. Do not get too excited, though. The Broncos are awful against the pass. But he did look sharp, and is worth a roster spot if you need depth at QB. I would not expect him to be your starter, though. He has a pretty tough schedule ahead of him.
QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): After missing most of this season with a knee injury, Hasselbeck is expected to return to the lineup this week. ALthough the Seahawks are struggling in general this year, Hasselbeck could be an option if you are struggling to find a QB.
RB Kevin Smith (DET): It looks like the Lions’ coaches finally realized what everyone else seemed to know already: Smith is a better option than RB Rudi Johnson. If he continues to get 20+ carries, he could be a serviceable RB2 going forward. But do not get too excited; he faces Carolina, Tampa Bay, Tennesee, and Minnesota in his next four games.
RB Peyton Hillis (DEN): Someone has to run the ball in Denver, right? Torain, Pittman, and Hall are all on IR. And RB Selvin Young is still struggling with a groin injury. The Broncos signed RB Alex Haynes this week, but it is not clear if he will be ready to go this weekend. I think Hillis will continue to be involved either way.
RB Julius Jones (SEA): Jones appears to be the main RB in Seattle (at least for the time being), getting 16 carries compared to only 1 for RB Maurice Morris. Jones could give you some RB depth going forward, but do not expect too much from him, although the return of QB Matt Hasselbeck could certainly improve his stock.
RB Dominic Rhodes (IND): Although RB Joseph Addai is back in the lineup, it is clear that Rhodes is still going to be involved. He had 7 carries (Addai had 12) against the Steelers, and he 2 passes for 24 yards and a TD. He is not going to be a starter for you, but if you are looking for depth, you could do a lot worse.
WR Mark Bradley (KC): Since arriving in Kansas City, Bradley has increased his yardage totals each week. And he has scored 2 TDs. I think QB Tyler Thigpen — who is playing pretty well himself — might have found another WR to throw to other than WR Dwayne Bowe.
WR Michael Jenkins (ATL): After catching 2 TDs last week, Jenkins caught 6 balls for 72 yards against the Saints. If you need a WR — even if just for next week, when Jenkins faces Denver — consider adding Jenkins, who appears to be developing a report with QB Matt Ryan.
TE Kevin Boss (NYG): Boss had his best game of the year against the Eagles, and has scored a TD in three straight games. Manning seems to be gaining trust in the second-year TE. He could be solid over the last few games of the fantasy season, although the Giants have a tough matchup next week against the Ravens.
TE Billy Miller (NO): Over the past 5 games, Miller is averaging 63 yards. Much of this is because RB Jeremey Shockey has been out, but Shockey is not a very popular guy in New Orleans these days, and he may have suffered an ankle injury last game. Consider adding Miller if you need help at TE,
TE Tony Scheffler (DEN): He finally returned from a groin injury last week and ended up with 92 yards. Someone in your leauge might have dropped him, since he has been out for a few weeks. See if he is available.
Week 10: Sit
* I want to apologize. I started writing this post earlier (as you can tell by the inclusion of some Browns and Broncos — right and wrong), but was not able to finish it… Unfortunately, some “work-related-obligations” occupied most of my day.
Here is a list of guys who have bad matchups, who I recommend sitting this week, unless your alternatives are worse.
QB Matt Cassel (NE): Buffalo is solid on defense, and I think they will be good enough to contain Cassel.
QB Kerry Collins (TEN): He is a good game-manager in the NFL, but not relevant for fantasy purposes.
QB Daunte Culpepper (DET): It is not even clear whether he will be the starter, and even if he is, he is not worth a start. Way too risky.
QB Gus Frerotte (MIN): The Packers have a pretty solid pass defense and should contain Frerotte. Also, I suspect the Vikings will rely heavily on RB Adrian Peterson against Green Bay’s weak run defense.
QB Shaun Hill (SF): The Cardinals are pretty solid on defense, and I do not think Hill is all that great. I would not want him in my lineup this week.
QB Peyton Manning (IND): The Steelers have the best defense in the NFL, and will likely give Manning some problems. Although you should only sit him if you have another option, I think he will have a rough week.
QB Kyle Orton (CHI): Orton (ankle) is likely out this week, although he claims he might be able to play. Even if he can go, he will not be 100% and will be up against a very good Titans defense.
QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): It is unclear whether Big Ben will play this week. Although he has a pretty good matchup against the Colts if he does, I would recommend going with another option. He has not been playing very well lately and is banged up.
QB Sage Rosenfels (HOU): Rosenfels will start this week in place of injured QB Matt Schaub, but he is not worth a start unless you are desperate. Although Rosenfels will probably throw a TD or two, he will also turn the ball over a few times against a very good Baltimore defense.
QB Jamarcus Russell (OAK): He had 31 yards passing last week. Ugly.
QB Brady Quinn (CLE): I cannot recommend starting the Golden Boy in his first NFL game. But he does play a very weak Denver defense, so if you are desperate, he is a super-sleeper this week.
RB Joseph Addai (IND): I think Addai is still recovering from his hamstring injury, and he faces a very tough Steelers defense that held Portis in check last week. Bench him.
RB Justin Fargas (OAK): Carolina is tough. And the Raiders are just plain bad right now.
RB Edgerrin James (ARI): He has been replaced in the lineup by RB Tim Hightower.
RB Larry Johnson (KC): He is suspended for week 10.
RB Rudi Johnson (DET): He is worthless.
RB Julius Jones (SEA), RB Maurice Morris (SEA): Seattle is not good. And Miami has a very solid run defnese. Stay away.
RB Willis McGahee (BAL): If he was healthy (and if I was not worried about RB Ray Rice), he would be worth a start against Houston. But I cannot recommend him given those issues.
RB Willie Parker (PIT): Parker is still not 100% and may sit out this week. Avoid him until you know he is healthy.
RB Kevin Smith (DET): Although I think he is a better option than Johnson, I do not expect a big game out of him against Jacksonville. There are too many issues in Detroit right now and they are just not a good team.
RB Fred Taylor (JAX): He plays against Detroit, but he has been very ineffective lately and was limited in practice this week.
RB Michael Turner (ATL): He will probably score between 5-10 points, so if you are happy with that, then start him. But I think he will struggle against an average New Orleans defense.
RB LenDale White (TEN): He might score a TD, but I do not like guys like White, who are feast-or-famine. Outside of one big run last week, he did not do much on the ground. And the Bears run defense is not as soft as Green Bay’s.
RB Selvin Young (DEN): He is still recovering from a groin injury, and RB Ryan Torain should get most fo the carries. Stay away from Young.
WR Anthony Gonzalez (IND), WR Marvin Harrison (IND): I would sit any Indy WR not named WR Reggie Wayne this week. Pittsburgh is just too good on defense.
WR Santonio Holmes (PIT): Indy has a pretty good pass defnse, and it is still unclear whether QB Ben Roethlisberger will be ready this week. Even though he is coming off a good game last week, I would bench him this week.
WR Reggie Brown (PHI): He has been a disappointment. And is now not a major target with WR Kevin Curtis and WR DeSean Jackson on the field.
WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd is back at practice this week and allegedly will play this weekend, but do not expect much out of him, particularly given the QB sitaution in Chicago.
TE Tony Scheffler (DEN): He is still struggling with a groin injury, and is expected to be a game-time decision. And he has not played all that well lately. I would sit him unless you are desperate.
Week 10: Waiver Wire
QB Sage Rosenfels (HOU): Starter QB Matt Schaub (knee) is out 2-4 weeks. Rosenfels is a much better fantasy QB than he is a real QB. He kills his team with turnovers, but usually has enough yards and TDs to make him a worthwhile fantasy start. If you have Schaub (or if you just need QB help), consider adding him — but know that he is only a short-term fix, and probably not worth a start this week against Baltimore.
QB Tyler Thigpen (KC): Thigpen has been playing pretty well lately. Although you should not count on him catching a TD pass every week, you can likely count on him throwing 1 or 2 and posting some solid yardage totals. Although he looked awful early in the season, he looks somewhat comfortable now. And given how poor the Chiefs defense is, he will be called upon to throw the ball a lot.
QB Brady Quinn (CLE): Quinn was officially named the starter and will replace QB Derek Anderson in the lineup on Thursday against the Broncos. Although it is very tough to recommend starting a guy like Quinn in his first real action, the Broncos to present a very favorable matchup, and Quinn does have weapons in WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. However, Quinn is unproven, and the Browns schedule is not very friendly over the remainder of th season. Grab him if you like to gamble, but there are probably safer options.
RB Cedric Benson (CIN): Benson (finally) looked good this week, posting his first 100-yard game in a very long time. I am not too bullish on him, but he is the starting RB in Cincy, so he is probably worth a roster spot. I would not play him, though, unless he has a very favorable matchup. Note that he is on a bye in week 10, though.
RB Jamaal Charles (KC): Charles went from relatively obscurity to the starter in KC in just over a couple of weeks. With RB Kolby Smith on IR and RB Larry Johnson having issues with the NFL Conduct Policy, Charles could be in line for some significant work. He had 18 carries and 109 yards against a pretty tough Tampa Bay defense last week, and should get all the carries again this week. Add him if he is available.
RB Tim Hightower (ARI): I wrote last week about how Hightower might begin to steal carries from RB Edgerrin James, but I will fully admit that I did not expect it to be this abrupt. In week 9, Hightower was the starter and James did not see the field. If Hightower is available, grab him now. He is a definite start against weaker matchups, and could easily turn into a solid RB2 down the stretch.
RB Ray Rice (BAL): Rice was called upon to replace starter RB Willis McGahee last week and ran the ball 21 times for 154 yards, including a 60-yard run. I like Rice quite a bit, but he has always been held back (for fantasy purposes) by McGahee. However, given the fact that McGahee cannot seem to stay healthy, Rice makes a good addition to any roster. Just know that he will not be reliable every week. But when McGahee is out, he is a must-start unless he is up against a very poor matchup.
RB Kevin Smith (DET): Although he was “benched” earlier in the year, it is clear that the Lions still consider him a better option than RB Rudi Johnson. He is no fantasy stud, but he should continue to be involved enough to make him worth a bench spot on your team. He is worthy of a start against good matchups.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): The Broncos might have to rely on Torain this week. RB Michael Pittman and RB Andre Hall are both on IR. And RB Selvin Young is still recovering from a groin injury. Which means Torain should get quite a few carries. He is still working his way back into football shape after missing the entire first half of the season, but he should get his opportunities. Grab him if he is still out there.
WR Rashied Davis (CHI): Over the past 4 weeks, Davis is averaging about 4.5 catches, 50 yards, and 0.5 TDs per game. These are not outrageous numbers, but he is fairly consistent and seems to have emerged as the top WR in Chicago. It is worth noting that WR Brandon Lloyd will return to the lineup soon, which may impact Davis’ production. But he is probably still worth adding to your roster if you need WR help.
WR Brandon Lloyd (CHI): Lloyd was expected to return to the lineup last week, but once again missed the game with a knee injury. However, he should be back either this week or next week, and once he returns, he should be involved in the passing game. WR Rashied Davis has stepped up in his absence, but Lloyd should have some opportunities when he gets back on the field. If you can afford to stash him on your bench for another week or so, add him now. He has some good long-term value.
Week 10: Monday Injury Report
Here are some updates on key injuries from Week 9:
QB Dan Orlovsky (DET): Orlovsky (thumb) is out indefinitely with a sprained thumb. Advice: The Lions just signed QB Daunte Culpepper, but as of now, it is unclear whether Culpepper or QB Drew Stanton will take over as the starter.
QB Kyle Orton (CHI): Orton (ankle) is expected to miss at least a couple games with a high ankle sprain, although the Bears are not being upfront about how serious the injury is yet. Advice: Former starter QB Rex Grossman will take Orton’s place if he misses any time, and could be serviceable against weaker matchups. However, he was benched for a reason, so do not expect him to put up the same type of numbers that Orton was putting up before he was injured.
QB Matt Schaub (HOU): Shcaub (knee) injured his MCL on Sunday and will be out for a month. Advice: Backup QB Sage Rosenfels will start in his place and should perform well. In fact, Rosenfels (92.8) actually has a higher rating than Schaub (91.0) on the year. And he played very well (21-29, 224 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) against the Vikings on Sunday. Rosenfels is worth a waiver claim and could be a good start, particularly against weaker matchups.
QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): Roethlisberger (shoulder) did not play in the second half of the MNF game against the Redskins. Advice: Roethlisberger is currently listed as “day-to-day” with what is being described as a “bruised AC joint”. This is the second time this season he has had this injury, but he has not missed a start yet, so I expect him to play next week. His backup, QB Byron Leftwich played surprisingly well last night, but unless the news changes, there is no reason to add him.
RB Willis McGahee (BAL): McGahee (ankle) did not play on Sunday. Advice: Rookie RB Ray Rice took advantage of the opportunity and had over 150 yards. McGahee has been beat up all year, so expect Rice to continue to see some action.
RB Edgerrin James (ARI): James was not injured, but he did not see any touches on Sunday. Advice: As I said in my previous post, RB Tim Hightower appears to have taken over for James. If Hightower is available in your league, grab him now.
RB Kolby Smith (KC): Smith (knee) was placed on IR and will not play again this year. Advice: Rookie RB Jamaal Charles played well once Smith went down, and will get another start next week. However, RB Larry Johnson should return to the lineup after his week 10 suspension, so it is unclear what role Charles will have after that.
RB Michael Pittman (DEN): Pittman (neck) was placed on IR. Advice: Backup RB Andre Hall was also placed on IR, which leaves RB Selvin Young and RB Ryan Torain as the only healthy RBs on Denver’s roster. I expect Torain to get most of the work, as Young is still recovering from a groin injury.
TE Jason Witten (DAL): Witten (rib) was active Sunday, but did not have a catch. Advice: Witten was targeted a few times, but was not able to make any catches. This is likely more a result of poor QB play than Witten. QB Tony Romo will return in week 11, and hopefully Witten will be healthier after the bye.
Week 9: Hot & Cold
Here are some players who are Hot & Cold going into Week 9:
HOT:
QB Matt Schaub (HOU): Since missing a game with a viral infection, Schaub has averaged over 300 yards and 2 TDs per game, making him one of the top scoring fantasy players over the past 3 weeks. Although he struggled a little early, he has been playing very well lately. Other than Baltimore in week 10 and Tennessee in week 15, he faces some friendly pass defenses down the stretch, as well. So look for him to continue to perform at a high level. He might even be available on waivers in your league.
RB Ryan Torain (DEN): Torain is not “hot” because of his play, but he is “hot” due to the buzz surrounding this much-hyped rookie. And he may get a chance to show us what he is worth sooner rather than later, because RB Selvin Young (groin), RB Michael Pittman (ribs), and RB Andre Hall (wrist) are all dealing with injuries. So even though Torain has not played yet this year, he might be the healthiest RB in Denver.
WR Donnie Avery (STL): After not catching a ball in the first two weeks of the season, Avery has averaged 11.3 points per game. Much of this is due to his 169-yard, 1 TD performance in week 8, but he has been consistently improving over the course of the season. Last week will likely end up being his best game of the year, but I think it is fair to expect him to average around 8-10 points per game from here on out.
WR Randy Moss (NE): Although he did have one stinker game against San Diego (2.6 points), Moss has averaged 12.3 points in the 4 games since the Patriots bye week. Although he is nowhere near his record-setting pace of last year, this is pretty good production. QB Matt Cassel will certainly have his ups and downs, but the Patriots seem to be playing better and Moss is defnitely benefiting from Cassel becoming more comfortable in the offense.
WR Andre Johnson (HOU): As I mentioned in a previous post, Andre Johnson is on pace for an amazing year — 128 catches and 1765 yards. Over hist last four games, he is averaging 10 catches and nearly 150 yards. Which is unreal. The only negative is that he has only caught 2 TDs. But he has still been one of the top-scoring fantasy WRs. And I have a feeling he will catch some TDs before the year is over.
COLD:
QB Brad Johnson (DAL): No one expected Brad Johnson to match the stats of inujured QB Tony Romo, but people also did not expect the 40-year old journeyman to be this bad. Dallas has a very talented team, bu they are struggling on both sides of the ball right now, and Brad Johnson is simply not getting it done.
WR Reggie Wayne (IND): After posting at least 14 points in four of his first five games — with 7.4 points in the other game — Wayne has come back down to earth with only 2.4 and 2.9 points in his last two outings. Some believe that QB Peyton Manning is injured and/or simply not playing well, but I also think that WR Marvin Harrison is past his prime and teams are focusing on Wayne. I think he will rebound, but he may not be the WR1 many were expecting when they drafted him.
WR Terrell Owens (DAL): Theoretically, TO should benefit from having a guy like WR Roy Williams on the other side. However, without QB Tony Romo throwing the ball, TO has struggled, averaging only 3.5 points per game over his last 3 contests. And it will not get any easier this week against the Giants.
TE Jason Witten (DAL): Do you sense a theme in Dallas? Witten has struggled with QB Brad Johnson in the game, and now he also has to deal with a fractured rib. Witten says he will play this weekend, but I have my doubts. Even if he does play, he has not been nearly as productive with Johnson at QB. Hopefully he can get healthy and will be ready to go after the bye week when Romo returns.
Week 6: Friday Injury Update
Here are some injury updates for key players as you adjust your rosters for week 6 action:
QB Aaron Rodgers (GB): Rodgers (shoulder) has been limited in practice but will play. Advice: Start him. Rodgers played very well last week and should put up good numbers against the Seahawks.
QB Jon Kitna (DET): Kitna (back) is likely a game-time decision. Advice: If Kitna cannot go, Orlovsky will get the start. But neither is worth starting on your team.
QB Carson Palmer (CIN): Palmer (elbow) is out this week. Advice: Fitzpatrick will get the start. Even though the Jets do not have a great pass defense, I would shy away from Fitzpatrick.
QB Brian Griese (TB): Griese (elbow) is likely out this week. Advice: If Griese does not play, Garcia will play instead. But neither one excites me too much against the Panthers.
QB Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): Hasselbeck (knee) may be out this week. Advice: Bench him. Green Bay’s defense is not great, but it will likely contain an injured Hasselbeck who has no WRs to throw to. Also, backup Seneca Wallace missed some practice this week, so Charlie Frye could get the start.
RB Brian Westbrook (PHI): Westbrook (ribs, ankle) is out this week. Advice: Bench Westbrook and start Buckhalter.
RB Justin Fargas (OAK): Fargas is ready to go. Advice: Fargas is the starter in Oakland and is worth a start if you are thin at RB. But its not clear how he will be used with Bush and McFadden in the mix.
RB Selvin Young (DEN): Young (groin) is out this week. Advice: Pittman will get the start in Denver, I believe, and he is worth a start if you are thin at RB.
WR Roddy White (ATL): White (possible concussion) could miss the game this weekend. Advice: Check the reports early Sunday to see if he is active. Either way, White has a bad matchup.
WR Eddie Royal (DEN): Royal (ankle) is expected to play. Advice: Play Royal if you need him, but he will likely be somewhat limited.
WR Reggie Brown (PHI): Brown is out this week. Advice: Bad news if you have Brown, but good news if you have DeSean Jackson (who has not done nearly as well when Brown is in the lineup).
WR Joey Galloway (TB): Galloway thought he might be close, but will likely miss yet another game. Advice: Antonio Bryant replaces him and is a decent start.
WR Marques Colston (NO): Colston (thumb) will be active this week. Advice: Bench him unless you are desperate. He will only play in 3 and 4 WR sets.
WR Chris Chambers (SD): Chambers (leg) is out this week. Advice: Bench him. Look for Craig Davis to get some extra looks.
WR Mike Walker (JAX): Walker (knee) is out this week. Advice: Bench him. Walker was a popular waiver wire addition this week, but it looks like you will have to wait for him to produce for you.
WR Anquan Boldin (ARI): Boldin (head) is out this week. Advice: Steve Breaston makes a good start.
TE Jeremy Shockey (NO): Shockey (sports hernia) hoped to make his return this week, but missed practice again Thursday and is unlikely to play. Advice: Avoid Shockey unless you are desperate.
TE Tony Sheffler (DEN): Sheffler (groin) is out this week. Advice: TE Nate Jackson will get some extra looks and is worth a start if you have no other options.
TE Kellen Winslow (CLE): Winslow missed practice this week due to a mysterious “illness” and might miss the game this weekend. Advice: Bench him. Winslow has struggled this year and he has a very poor matchup.
Fantasy Funk 