With the fantasy football season getting ready to raise the curtain in a few more days, now is the perfect time to focus in a bit more on some of the more buzzy players entering the season which come in the form of rookie running backs Eddie Lacy, Giovani Bernard, LeVeon Bell, and second-year man who is almost like rookie in Lamar Miller. All four guys have had more than a little pop attached to their names during this past drafting season and despite some setbacks for some, they all carry more than a little potential heading into the new season. Let's take a look at what could be expected out of this group.
LeVeon Bell: We start with Bell because he has been in the news the most lately due to the foot injury he suffered in the team's second preseason game. While not a dreaded Lisfranc, Bell is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. However some optimism was added on Wednesday when it was learned Bell had shed the walking boot that was on him for the past 9 days. While still not saying when he will be back, this was looked on as good news that Bell could return sometime in the Week 4-6 range of the regular season. That would salvage more than a decent chunk of Bell's value who was fully expected to be the Steeler's workhorse runner right out of the gate. During his time with the Michigan State Spartans, Bell was known for his pass receiving and tough straightline running. Thus he will be an asset in both PPR formats due to his receptions total and in standard formats since he is big and tough enough to score near the goalline. If you have a draft in the next week, be sure to take a shot on the discounted Bell who is looking like a decent bet to return earlier than originally projected.
Giovani Bernard: Bernard has shot up the running back charts since the preseason began as he instantly hit the ground running in both his rushing and receiving totals. The former North Carolina Tar Heel was a big time force in college, collecting a ton of passes and rushing yards along the way. While a bit slight in size, Bernard has the ability to take the football to the house on any given carry and he has the potential to outshine all the other names on this list if he can push the mediocre BenJarvus Green-Ellis to the bench and take the goal-line work. While it might be asking a bit much to have Green-Ellis lose his goal-line job due to his ability there in the past, I can see Bernard being a solid RB 2 who can be even more valuable in PPR formats.
Eddie Lacy: Lacy nailed down the Green Bay Packers starting running back job early in camp as he easily outperformed fellow rookie Jonathan Franklin on the way toward showcasing a tough and powerful running style that fits seamlessly in the NFC North. Lacy will be a power runner all the way who will be much more valuable in standard/TD-heavy leagues than in PPR as he is not as skilled as the other guys in this post in the latter part of the game. However with the way the Packers offense moves up and down the field like a machine, Lacy could easily be looking at 10 touchdowns and maybe more.
Lamar Miller: We include Miller here because he pretty much is like a rookie since he hardly played as a first-year player in 2012 behind Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas. Despite the Dolphins trying to convince everyone that there was a training camp battle between Miller and Thomas, the former easily outplayed the latter which is going to net him the outright job. Miller was even seen on the field in goal-line possessions which could mean he will be the workhorse guy used in all situations. That would be tremendous for Miller's value and could lead to a major breakout season overall. Like with Bernard and Bell, Miller is a good receiver out of the backfield who has value both in PPR and standard leagues. This is one stock that is clearly pointing north.
As you can see all four of these guys carry nice potential value play in fantasy football this season. If I were to rank them, I would go Miller first followed by Lacy, Bernard, and Bell. If Bell were going into the season healthy, I would put him right behind Miller in front of Lacy. All four guys are looking at breakout seasons however and all four could easily be first or second round picks in 2014 if they develop properly.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS AND NOTES: RGIII CLEARED FOR WEEK 1
Lots of news and notes to get to with opening week of the fantasy football season a little more than a week away.
-Washington Redskins second-year QB Robert Griffin III has officially been cleared by the team's medical doctors to start in Week 1. Griffin has made it all the way back from knee surgery and even though head coach Mike Shanahan has yet to name him the starter, it is he is expected to do so as soon as Wednesday. While Griffin was an absolute revelation who played like a star before wearing down with injuries late, his fantasy football stock is murky given the restraints that are likely to be put on him entering the season so as not to get hurt again. In other words Griffin is not likely to be allowed to rush for near 1,000 yards. If you do own Griffin with the idea of starting him, you better be sure to have a more than decent backup.
-Another day and another different running back topping the Denver Broncos depth chart. Two days after reports surfaced that Knowshon Moreno would be named the team's starting RB and one day after rookie Montee Ball took first-team reps in practice, veteran Ronnie Hillman was back atop the depth chart Tuesday in on-field workouts. Hillman's in-game fumbles this preseason have been a major annoyance to John Fox and the coaching staff but it also appears they want him to win the job and trust him the most. Fox said Tuesday that he envisions both Hillman and Ball getting work during the season, not mentioning Moreno. So basically this is one big mess that is not worth the effort in chasing fantasy football options. Move on.
-Some concerning news from Chicago Bears star WR Brandon Marshall on Tuesday when he reported frustration in coming back from offseason hip surgery. While Marshall has been a full participant in practice and preseason games, the fact he doesn't feel like himself is at least a bit mildly disappointing to hear. However until he actually starts missing on-field work, I wouldn't worry too much. Marshall still has top five receiver written all over him.
-The Seattle Seahawks as expected placed veteran WR Percy Harvin on the PUP list, not eligible to return until Week 7 at the earliest. Still it is expected Harvin will be out until Thanksgiving and maybe the whole season altogether. Some have drafted Harvin very late in hopes of getting something out of him later but he likely won't be involved in the running game or kick return duties if he does return.
-Houston Texans rookie WR DeAndre Hopkins has still not been cleared to return to the field off the concussion he suffered last week. Hopkins will continue to try and pass the NFL-mandated concussions tests and if he does he still could suit up for Week 1. He has potential to do some nice things as a big-play guy in the Houston passing game but is not expected to be more than a WR 3.
There you have it. As always let us know your thoughts.
Monday, August 26, 2013
FANTASY FOOTBALL BREAKING NEWS: LAMAR MILLER TO BE NAMED DOLPHINS' STARTING RB
Miami Dolphins second-year RB Lamar Miller will be named the team's starting RB according to multiple team sources. Miller has averaged over 4.0 yards per carry compared to Daniel Thomas' sub-3.0 mark. In addition Miller has done very well with his blitz pickup and he also was used in goal-line work in the team's third preseason game.
Analysis: Miller's stock is about to shoot up as this is the news we all have been waiting for as an owner which includes yours truly. If Miller does get the total package of carries, we could be looking at a major breakout campaign.
FANTASY FOOTBALL BREAKING NEWS: GIANTS WR VICTOR CRUZ (HEEL) NO LONGER WEARING WALKING BOOT
New York Giants WR Victor Cruz is no longer wearing a walking boot on his injured heel that befell him in the team's preseason opener. Cruz has maintained all along that he would be ready for Week 1.
Analysis: This is a good sign here as Cruz has less than two weeks to go before the start of the season. While he won't play in the team's preseason finale, it is looking more and more like Cruz will be in uniform when the games start to count.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
2013 FANTASY FOOTBALL UPDATED TIGHT END RANKINGS
The season is almost upon us so let's take one more look at the fantasy football tight end rankings.
1. Jimmy Graham: Way above anyone else in this group.
2. Tony Gonzalez: TD advantage wins out over Witten.
3. Jason Witten: In PPR move him past Gonzalez.
4. Greg Olsen: Major dropoff after the first three are off the board.
5. Rob Gronkowski: The news changes daily on how long he will be out but latest is Gronk will debut sometime in the first half. Gee thanks for narrowing it down.
6. Vernon Davis: Old reliable and playoff chemistry with Colin Kaepernick last season promising.
7. Kyle Rudolph
8. Brandon Myers: Tough to grade him but hands are as good as any other tight end.
9. Owen Daniels
10. Jared Cook: Could breakout or could remain mediocre.
11. Jordan Cameron: Sleeper alert! Cameron looks to join Kellen Winslow Jr. and Antonio Gates as next Rob Chudzinski tight end stars.
12. Antonio Gates
13. Jermaine Gresham
14. Brandon Pettigrew: Willing to look past his 2012 struggles as ability is still there.
15. Fred Davis
16. Zack Sudfield: Will start in place of Gronkowski and has shown very good hands. Interesting.
17. Jacob Tamme
18. Dwayne Allen: Needs to catch more passes to be usable every week.
19. Ed Dickson
20. Kellen Winslow Jr.
1. Jimmy Graham: Way above anyone else in this group.
2. Tony Gonzalez: TD advantage wins out over Witten.
3. Jason Witten: In PPR move him past Gonzalez.
4. Greg Olsen: Major dropoff after the first three are off the board.
5. Rob Gronkowski: The news changes daily on how long he will be out but latest is Gronk will debut sometime in the first half. Gee thanks for narrowing it down.
6. Vernon Davis: Old reliable and playoff chemistry with Colin Kaepernick last season promising.
7. Kyle Rudolph
8. Brandon Myers: Tough to grade him but hands are as good as any other tight end.
9. Owen Daniels
10. Jared Cook: Could breakout or could remain mediocre.
11. Jordan Cameron: Sleeper alert! Cameron looks to join Kellen Winslow Jr. and Antonio Gates as next Rob Chudzinski tight end stars.
12. Antonio Gates
13. Jermaine Gresham
14. Brandon Pettigrew: Willing to look past his 2012 struggles as ability is still there.
15. Fred Davis
16. Zack Sudfield: Will start in place of Gronkowski and has shown very good hands. Interesting.
17. Jacob Tamme
18. Dwayne Allen: Needs to catch more passes to be usable every week.
19. Ed Dickson
20. Kellen Winslow Jr.
FANTASY FOOTBALL BREAKING NEWS: BRONCOS TO NAME KNOWSHON MORENO STARTING RB
A source close to the Denver Broncos front office indicated on Sunday
that Knowshon Moreno will be named the team's starting running back due
to the poor play of Ronnie Hillman this preseason. In addition, rookie
Montee Ball is expected to serve as the team's goal-line back but his
struggles in blitz pickup prevents him from gaining a bigger role in the
offense.
Analysis: Moreno is a guy who needs to be picked up in PPR formats as he has shown some nice ability catching the football in the past. He has been very good in spurts on the odd times he is healthy but this whole thing looks like a mess.
Analysis: Moreno is a guy who needs to be picked up in PPR formats as he has shown some nice ability catching the football in the past. He has been very good in spurts on the odd times he is healthy but this whole thing looks like a mess.
FANTASY FOOTBALL PRESEASON GAME 3 WRAPUP: SATURDAY
Saturday was a heavy day in the preseason NFL schedule so let's get right to all the relevant fantasy football news and notes that came out of it.
-Another year and another knee injury for Arizona Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall was forced out of Saturday night's game in the first half after running for 47 yards and failed to return. He was headed for testing on the knee afterwards but to this point no word yet on the severity of it. A decent bounceback candidate entering the season, Mendenhall obviously needs to kick the injury bug in order for that to happen. One positive however was that he was seen walking on the sideline later in the game.
-Indianapolis Colts second-year receiver T.Y. Hilton has been one of the biggest stories of the preseason as he caught his third touchdown pass Saturday night on two receptions. Despite all the terrific work Hilton has done this summer, he continues to sit behind Darius Heyward-Bey on the depth chart. If this setup continues, Hilton could be a volatile fantasy football receiver to own who could alternate huge games and no-show ones.
-Colts QB Andrew Luck was on the money once again in completing 16-of-25 for 164 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw his first interception of the preseason but overall Luck has four touchdowns and is completing 66 percent of his tosses. My prediction of Luck being a first round pick in 2014 is looking very good. With Reggie Wayne, Heyward-Bey, Hilton, Coby Fleener, and Dwayne Allen to throw to, Luck is certainly set up to be a star this season.
-New York Jets rookie QB Geno Smith was horrendous against the New York Giants, throwing three INT's and running out of the back of the end zone for a safety. However backup Mark Sanchez injured his throwing shoulder and didn't return to the game so Smith might be the starter by default in Week 1. Either way Smith should not be touched in fantasy football terms.
-Yes I surprised myself by calling my favorite whipping boy Michael Vick a good bounceback investment this season but he once again is making me look good as his strong preseason continued last night. Vick completed 15-of-23 for 184 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. The Eagles offensive line looks great so far which is half the battle in keeping Vick healthy and Chip Kelly's offense seems like a perfect match for the athletic QB. Big things could be in store there.
-Lamar Miller should have sewn up the starting RB job for Miami on Saturday as he ran for 35 yards on 8 carries while also catching a pass. Meanwhile Daniel Thomas has been nearly invisible and has not done as well as Miller in blitz pickup. If Miller latches onto the starting job, he has some nice PPR appeal.
As always we want to hear your thoughts on last night's games. Post below.
FANTASY SPORTS BOSS FANTASY FOOTBALL EXPERTS PPR DRAFT ROUNDS 1 AND 2
Round 1 is always where you can make or break your team and the Fantasy Sports Boss Experts Draft surely had everyone on edge in order to avoid disaster and make the right picks. So with that said here is how Round 1 unfolded and my analysis of the selections.
1. Adrian Peterson: Duh!
2. Calvin Johnson: I have no issues here as this is a PPR league and Johnson is the best receiver by a mile. I would have taken him if he fell to me at the next spot.
3. Fantasy Sports Boss Pick-Doug Martin: Once Megatron was picked Martin was the only consideration since Arian Foster has injury questions going into the season.
4. Marshawn Lynch: In PPR Lynch is not as strong as in standard but his production has been big time the last two seasons. Would have gone Ray Rice or Jamaal Charles over him though.
5. Aaron Rodgers: A QB has led this league in scoring in each of the last three seasons so there is much value to be had here with the top guys. However I always choose to take advantage of the depth in a single QB format like this and look later.
6. Ray Rice: Again no issues as Rice was the best player available in my opinion. Somewhat annoyed that Bernard Pierce is eating in his numbers however.
7. Jamaal Charles: So far no surprises as Charles is a guy I love despite his slight frame making me worry about injury. Could lead the league in rushing.
8. Drew Brees: I am always tempted to take Brees but I just couldn't do it. The guy is an absolute scoring monster every season.
9. Trent Richardson: I think LeSean McCoy was safer since Richardson has injury worries of his own but if healthy, he could be tremendous. First truly risky pick.
10. C.J. Spiller: Foster falls out of Round 1 which I expected. Spiller has to answer the question of if he can hold up for a whole season but he reminds me of Charles with his ability to go from 0-60 in two seconds. Should also be a threat to win the rushing title.
11. Arian Foster: Getting Foster in the second round could be a major steal as he is back practicing but he also is going to be eased back into the season. This owner could be sitting very pretty though with both Foster and Spiller.
12. Tom Brady: I still would take Brady over Cam Newton so I won't be worked up over this. As proven as any player in the draft. However I WOULD take Peyton Manning over him given his awesome surrounding offensive talent.
13. LeSean McCoy: Would be a first round pick if he didn't come off an injury-marred 2012. Extra interesting in new head coach Chip Kelly's offense.
14. Peyton Manning: I absolutely love Manning this season and would have thought strongly of taking him if he fell to me since he could throw for 40 scores in this offense.
15. Maurice Jones-Drew: First sketchy pick of the draft. Didn't like this at all as this is not 2008. MJD is aging and coming off a rough foot injury. Chris Johnson and Matt Forte much better picks by a mile.
16. Chris Johnson: I always like Johnson more than others and he has looked great this summer. Still capable of going nuts any given week.
17. Andre Johnson: No longer included in the top tier of receivers but in PPR he should be given how he catches so many passes. If only he would score more. First season in six that I am not going to have him on my squad.
18. Fantasy Sports Boss Pick-Brandon Marshall: Shocked he was still available and I wasted no time in making this PPR gem of a pick. Got a WR 1 in Round 2. Steal.
19. Dez Bryant: Here comes the run on receivers as everyone wants their stud number 1 of which Bryant surely is.
20. Demaryius Thomas: A.J. Green actually falls to Round 3 given that there are a lot of Hard Knocks fans in the league who have seen him not do much more than do work in the pool as a result of a bum knee. Thomas should be incredible as Peyton Manning's go-to-guy this season.
So that's how the all important first two rounds went. Any thoughts differing from mine? Let me hear it. Post below.
1. Adrian Peterson: Duh!
2. Calvin Johnson: I have no issues here as this is a PPR league and Johnson is the best receiver by a mile. I would have taken him if he fell to me at the next spot.
3. Fantasy Sports Boss Pick-Doug Martin: Once Megatron was picked Martin was the only consideration since Arian Foster has injury questions going into the season.
4. Marshawn Lynch: In PPR Lynch is not as strong as in standard but his production has been big time the last two seasons. Would have gone Ray Rice or Jamaal Charles over him though.
5. Aaron Rodgers: A QB has led this league in scoring in each of the last three seasons so there is much value to be had here with the top guys. However I always choose to take advantage of the depth in a single QB format like this and look later.
6. Ray Rice: Again no issues as Rice was the best player available in my opinion. Somewhat annoyed that Bernard Pierce is eating in his numbers however.
7. Jamaal Charles: So far no surprises as Charles is a guy I love despite his slight frame making me worry about injury. Could lead the league in rushing.
8. Drew Brees: I am always tempted to take Brees but I just couldn't do it. The guy is an absolute scoring monster every season.
9. Trent Richardson: I think LeSean McCoy was safer since Richardson has injury worries of his own but if healthy, he could be tremendous. First truly risky pick.
10. C.J. Spiller: Foster falls out of Round 1 which I expected. Spiller has to answer the question of if he can hold up for a whole season but he reminds me of Charles with his ability to go from 0-60 in two seconds. Should also be a threat to win the rushing title.
11. Arian Foster: Getting Foster in the second round could be a major steal as he is back practicing but he also is going to be eased back into the season. This owner could be sitting very pretty though with both Foster and Spiller.
12. Tom Brady: I still would take Brady over Cam Newton so I won't be worked up over this. As proven as any player in the draft. However I WOULD take Peyton Manning over him given his awesome surrounding offensive talent.
13. LeSean McCoy: Would be a first round pick if he didn't come off an injury-marred 2012. Extra interesting in new head coach Chip Kelly's offense.
14. Peyton Manning: I absolutely love Manning this season and would have thought strongly of taking him if he fell to me since he could throw for 40 scores in this offense.
15. Maurice Jones-Drew: First sketchy pick of the draft. Didn't like this at all as this is not 2008. MJD is aging and coming off a rough foot injury. Chris Johnson and Matt Forte much better picks by a mile.
16. Chris Johnson: I always like Johnson more than others and he has looked great this summer. Still capable of going nuts any given week.
17. Andre Johnson: No longer included in the top tier of receivers but in PPR he should be given how he catches so many passes. If only he would score more. First season in six that I am not going to have him on my squad.
18. Fantasy Sports Boss Pick-Brandon Marshall: Shocked he was still available and I wasted no time in making this PPR gem of a pick. Got a WR 1 in Round 2. Steal.
19. Dez Bryant: Here comes the run on receivers as everyone wants their stud number 1 of which Bryant surely is.
20. Demaryius Thomas: A.J. Green actually falls to Round 3 given that there are a lot of Hard Knocks fans in the league who have seen him not do much more than do work in the pool as a result of a bum knee. Thomas should be incredible as Peyton Manning's go-to-guy this season.
So that's how the all important first two rounds went. Any thoughts differing from mine? Let me hear it. Post below.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
FANTASY SPORTS BOSS FANTASY FOOTBALL PPR MONEY LEAGUE ALL DRAFTED
Today was the official Fantasy Sports Boss Fantasy Football PPR money
league draft and like always a massive writeup is on tap for the
round-by-round pick. However since you all want me to put my money
where my mouth is, let's start with just my picks and how I made out.
Going into the draft, I zeroed in on drafting Calvin Johnson if possible as I wanted the slam dunk top receiver on the board in a PPR format. After that I was looking toward drafting Larry Fitzgerald or Brandon Marshall in round 2, followed by Jimmy Graham at tight end. The reason Graham was because I wanted to have the top receiver AND the top tight end. Since the tight end pool is also so shallow and the QB field deep, I would be way ahead of everyone else there. However my plan was completely blown up early. I wound up getting the number 3 pick overall so I knew Adrian Peterson was not going to be on my team which I wasn't too broken up about. Thus I figured Doug Martin would go second and than I would be left with Megatron. However Johnson went number 2 overall which left Martin for me third overall. So with Martin in tow, it was going to be receiver the second round and than go from there. Here is how the rest of the draft ended up. We use one QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, one TE, one DEF, and one K with 6 bench spots.
1. Doug Martin (RB): Slam dunk choice with Peterson and Johnson off the board. There was no way I was taking Arian Foster and his injury issues this early in the draft.
2. Brandon Marshall (WR): Was shocked Marshall dropped to me 18th overall and A.J. Green fell as well since many were worried about his knee. Marshall is a monster PPR performer who is a terrific WR 1. So with him in the fold, it was Jimmy Graham next. Unless Green fell again.
3. A.J. Green (WR): Yes I know about the knee but all indications are he will be 100 percent for the season. I get a first round talent in the third round and have the best 1-2 punch no matter what else anyone does. Now I have to hope Graham makes it back to me in the fourth round.
4. Matt Ryan (QB): Graham didn't make it back to me so I went back to the well with Matt Ryan who was my MVP last season. Few if any passing offenses are as explosive as the one Ryan leads so 30 TD's and 4,200 yards should be the floor. By the way I took Ryan over Cam Newton who fell and old pal Tony Romo.
5. Tony Gonzalez (TE): Could have had Jason Witten for like the sixth time in a row but his lack of touchdowns was something I didn't want to deal with again. Thus I grabbed Gonzalez as the second tight end taken since he is always a threat to score and as durable as they come in the entire league. Need to address my third receiver and second RB.
6. Seattle Seahawks (DEF): All right all right let me have it. I have gone on record too many times to count in saying to draft a defense the second to last round and mix and match every week. However so awesome and head and shoulders above the rest of the league is this Seattle unit that they were the best bang for the buck at this point. Now it is very imperative I get that second back or third receiver.
7. Tavon Austin (WR): Austin caught over 100 passes last season in college with the West Virginia Mountaineers and as my third receiver I was fine in taking a chance over the also available Hakeem Nicks and Antonio Brown.
8. Giovani Bernard (RB): Yeah another rookie but one with extreme upside. Represents the best chance to bust out in the rookie class over Eddie Lacy and LeVeon Bell in my view. Can run and catch the football and only has to deal with the mediocre BenJarvus Green-Ellis which shouldn't be too much trouble. I do need a more proven guy though and passed on Frank Gore and DeMarco Murray.
9. Matthew Stafford (QB): This got a groan from another owner who had yet to take a QB and was aiming at Stafford who I think has major bounceback appeal. This is a guy who was a first round before last season and has amazing weapons at his disposal. I soon began trade talks with this owner, asking for Darren Sproles straight up. More on this later.
10. Mike Williams (WR): Insurance in case Austin takes time to adapt. Williams had a quietly good season last year for Tampa Bay and he can easily do well in the third receiver spot if need be.
11. Ryan Matthews (RB): In the 11th round Matthews was worth the risk. Yeah he is Darren McFadden's twin when it comes to injuries but the guy can at least catch the football and run well when healthy. As a backup he is fine. Just don't rely on him as a starter.
12. LeVeon Bell (RB): If Bell hadn't gotten hurt, he would have been as high as a fifth round pick. Yeah he is out six weeks but two of them are preseason so he could wind up missing only a month. Carries big time PPR value who could be a difference down the stretch of the season.
13. Lance Moore (WR): Another veteran receiver who adds depth and has some PPR appeal. Nothing more or less.
14. Philip Rivers (QB): Picked Rivers in anticipation of making a deal involving Stafford. Wow has this guy fallen but he is still a gunslinger who will be put in position to put up numbers.
15. Dan Bailey (K): Got a kicker on a big time offense which is all you can ask for. Solid accuracy.
*****After the draft I wound up pulling the trigger on a Stafford for Lamar Miller straight up deal. He wouldn't go for Sproles who I really wanted but I did the deal in betting Miller ends up the guy in Miami. I instantly regretted the move on the surface it is a one-sided deal. However Stafford was my clear backup and Rivers can do just fine in that spot. The upside of Miller could be big in the end so I could wind up winning this deal. A gamble all the way I guess.*****
So let me have it. Let's hear from you all how I did. I am all ears.
ROSTER
QB-Matt Ryan
WR-Brandon Marshall
WR-A.J. Green
WR-Tavon Austin
RB-Doug Martin
RB-Giovani Bernard
TE-Tony Gonzalez
K-Dan Bailey
DEF-Seattle
BENCH
WR-Mike Williams
QB-Philip Rivers
RB-Lamar Miller
RB-Ryan Matthews
RB-LeVeon Bell
WR-Lance Moore
Going into the draft, I zeroed in on drafting Calvin Johnson if possible as I wanted the slam dunk top receiver on the board in a PPR format. After that I was looking toward drafting Larry Fitzgerald or Brandon Marshall in round 2, followed by Jimmy Graham at tight end. The reason Graham was because I wanted to have the top receiver AND the top tight end. Since the tight end pool is also so shallow and the QB field deep, I would be way ahead of everyone else there. However my plan was completely blown up early. I wound up getting the number 3 pick overall so I knew Adrian Peterson was not going to be on my team which I wasn't too broken up about. Thus I figured Doug Martin would go second and than I would be left with Megatron. However Johnson went number 2 overall which left Martin for me third overall. So with Martin in tow, it was going to be receiver the second round and than go from there. Here is how the rest of the draft ended up. We use one QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, one TE, one DEF, and one K with 6 bench spots.
1. Doug Martin (RB): Slam dunk choice with Peterson and Johnson off the board. There was no way I was taking Arian Foster and his injury issues this early in the draft.
2. Brandon Marshall (WR): Was shocked Marshall dropped to me 18th overall and A.J. Green fell as well since many were worried about his knee. Marshall is a monster PPR performer who is a terrific WR 1. So with him in the fold, it was Jimmy Graham next. Unless Green fell again.
3. A.J. Green (WR): Yes I know about the knee but all indications are he will be 100 percent for the season. I get a first round talent in the third round and have the best 1-2 punch no matter what else anyone does. Now I have to hope Graham makes it back to me in the fourth round.
4. Matt Ryan (QB): Graham didn't make it back to me so I went back to the well with Matt Ryan who was my MVP last season. Few if any passing offenses are as explosive as the one Ryan leads so 30 TD's and 4,200 yards should be the floor. By the way I took Ryan over Cam Newton who fell and old pal Tony Romo.
5. Tony Gonzalez (TE): Could have had Jason Witten for like the sixth time in a row but his lack of touchdowns was something I didn't want to deal with again. Thus I grabbed Gonzalez as the second tight end taken since he is always a threat to score and as durable as they come in the entire league. Need to address my third receiver and second RB.
6. Seattle Seahawks (DEF): All right all right let me have it. I have gone on record too many times to count in saying to draft a defense the second to last round and mix and match every week. However so awesome and head and shoulders above the rest of the league is this Seattle unit that they were the best bang for the buck at this point. Now it is very imperative I get that second back or third receiver.
7. Tavon Austin (WR): Austin caught over 100 passes last season in college with the West Virginia Mountaineers and as my third receiver I was fine in taking a chance over the also available Hakeem Nicks and Antonio Brown.
8. Giovani Bernard (RB): Yeah another rookie but one with extreme upside. Represents the best chance to bust out in the rookie class over Eddie Lacy and LeVeon Bell in my view. Can run and catch the football and only has to deal with the mediocre BenJarvus Green-Ellis which shouldn't be too much trouble. I do need a more proven guy though and passed on Frank Gore and DeMarco Murray.
9. Matthew Stafford (QB): This got a groan from another owner who had yet to take a QB and was aiming at Stafford who I think has major bounceback appeal. This is a guy who was a first round before last season and has amazing weapons at his disposal. I soon began trade talks with this owner, asking for Darren Sproles straight up. More on this later.
10. Mike Williams (WR): Insurance in case Austin takes time to adapt. Williams had a quietly good season last year for Tampa Bay and he can easily do well in the third receiver spot if need be.
11. Ryan Matthews (RB): In the 11th round Matthews was worth the risk. Yeah he is Darren McFadden's twin when it comes to injuries but the guy can at least catch the football and run well when healthy. As a backup he is fine. Just don't rely on him as a starter.
12. LeVeon Bell (RB): If Bell hadn't gotten hurt, he would have been as high as a fifth round pick. Yeah he is out six weeks but two of them are preseason so he could wind up missing only a month. Carries big time PPR value who could be a difference down the stretch of the season.
13. Lance Moore (WR): Another veteran receiver who adds depth and has some PPR appeal. Nothing more or less.
14. Philip Rivers (QB): Picked Rivers in anticipation of making a deal involving Stafford. Wow has this guy fallen but he is still a gunslinger who will be put in position to put up numbers.
15. Dan Bailey (K): Got a kicker on a big time offense which is all you can ask for. Solid accuracy.
*****After the draft I wound up pulling the trigger on a Stafford for Lamar Miller straight up deal. He wouldn't go for Sproles who I really wanted but I did the deal in betting Miller ends up the guy in Miami. I instantly regretted the move on the surface it is a one-sided deal. However Stafford was my clear backup and Rivers can do just fine in that spot. The upside of Miller could be big in the end so I could wind up winning this deal. A gamble all the way I guess.*****
So let me have it. Let's hear from you all how I did. I am all ears.
ROSTER
QB-Matt Ryan
WR-Brandon Marshall
WR-A.J. Green
WR-Tavon Austin
RB-Doug Martin
RB-Giovani Bernard
TE-Tony Gonzalez
K-Dan Bailey
DEF-Seattle
BENCH
WR-Mike Williams
QB-Philip Rivers
RB-Lamar Miller
RB-Ryan Matthews
RB-LeVeon Bell
WR-Lance Moore
FANTASY FOOTBALL PRESEASON GAME 3 WRAPUP: FRIDAY
More games to get into as the all-important third preseason games were
played in multiple cities last night. Let's get to the pressing news
items.
-Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte looks primed for a career-year in 2013 as he is now averaging 9.9 yards a carry after last night's game. Forte rushed for 76 yards on only six carries, while also catching two balls for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders. While the Raiders defense is horrible, the fact head coach Marc Trestman has said publicly that Forte will get goal-line work this season makes him a major weapon in both leagues for the first time since he was a rookie. In PPR formats Forte is now a late first round pick as well. Very high on what we could be seeing out of him this season.
-The latest news out of Houston concerning RB Arian Foster is that he could be "eased" into the season, which means a spot on your fantasy football bench for Week 1. Ben Tate is expected to get the majority of carries as Foster has gotten little work this preseason as he just came off the PUP list Thursday due to calf and back issues. Not good either way but if it only takes a game for Foster to get up to speed, we can live with that. What we can't live with is more injuries and eroding numbers. I will say again that if Adrian Peterson and Doug Martin are off the board and I want a RB, I will pass Foster by.
-Alshon Jeffrey caught 7 big passes for 77 yards Friday against the Raiders as QB Jay Cutler was looking for him early and often. Jeffrey has only one catch heading into the game which caused concern about his sleeper status.
-Robert Turbin opened eyes with a 10 carry/50 yard game last night against the Green Bay Packers, while also catching 4 passes for 22 yards. If only Marshawn Lynch wasn't such a workhorse.
-What a horrible night for rookie RB Eddie Lacy who actually rushed for -5 yards on 8 carries and -6 yards on one reception. Still Lacy is locked in as the team's starter and he won't be the first to struggle against the awesome Seattle defense.
There you have it. As always let us hear your thoughts. Post below.
-Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte looks primed for a career-year in 2013 as he is now averaging 9.9 yards a carry after last night's game. Forte rushed for 76 yards on only six carries, while also catching two balls for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders. While the Raiders defense is horrible, the fact head coach Marc Trestman has said publicly that Forte will get goal-line work this season makes him a major weapon in both leagues for the first time since he was a rookie. In PPR formats Forte is now a late first round pick as well. Very high on what we could be seeing out of him this season.
-The latest news out of Houston concerning RB Arian Foster is that he could be "eased" into the season, which means a spot on your fantasy football bench for Week 1. Ben Tate is expected to get the majority of carries as Foster has gotten little work this preseason as he just came off the PUP list Thursday due to calf and back issues. Not good either way but if it only takes a game for Foster to get up to speed, we can live with that. What we can't live with is more injuries and eroding numbers. I will say again that if Adrian Peterson and Doug Martin are off the board and I want a RB, I will pass Foster by.
-Alshon Jeffrey caught 7 big passes for 77 yards Friday against the Raiders as QB Jay Cutler was looking for him early and often. Jeffrey has only one catch heading into the game which caused concern about his sleeper status.
-Robert Turbin opened eyes with a 10 carry/50 yard game last night against the Green Bay Packers, while also catching 4 passes for 22 yards. If only Marshawn Lynch wasn't such a workhorse.
-What a horrible night for rookie RB Eddie Lacy who actually rushed for -5 yards on 8 carries and -6 yards on one reception. Still Lacy is locked in as the team's starter and he won't be the first to struggle against the awesome Seattle defense.
There you have it. As always let us hear your thoughts. Post below.
Friday, August 23, 2013
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS: TEXANS RB ARIAN FOSTER (CALF, BACK) PRACTICES FULLY FRIDAY
Houston Texans RB Arian Foster practiced fully on Friday as he races to get himself ready for Week after being on PUP all camp with a calf and back injury. Foster said afterwards he felt "great" and that he will be out there when Week 1 arrives.
Analysis: Foster is looking more and more like a solid bet to be out there for the first week of the season and thus start the process on a fourth straight monster fantasy football season. However as i have constantly stated, Foster has some underlying red flags such as an increase in injuries and a very heavy usage history that has his under the hood stats fading some. Proceed with caution.
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