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Fantasy Football Friday

sports — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:18:34 +0000

If you have gotten this far into the fantasy football season you must be doing something right. While it does take some luck to win it all, to be alive in the penultimate week of the fantasy season (for most us, anyway) is a big accomplishment.

Having said that, don’t start celebrating just yet. A lot of things can still go wrong and it only takes one week to send a great team down to the consolation bracket. Take, for instance, one team that I own in a ten-team keeper league. My team had put up a lot of points all year, but combine a stinker of a game by Aaron Rodgers last week and injuries to Michael Turner and Steve Slaton and I was bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

If you find yourself in a similar situation this week — say you own players who may sit due to injury like Calvin Johnson or Brian Westbrook — you may need to get a little creative. It is likely that by this time savvy owners have already picked up the most sought after free agents like Jamaal Charles, Robert Meachem and Quintin Ganther, but there are still a few super sleepers out there that can help your team.

Some of them are relatively unknown or just getting their first crack at significant playing time, but if you find yourself down a lot of points and are looking for a Hail Mary, any of the following three guys may be able to help get your team to the fantasy Super Bowl. To further help you out, I have selected players that are owned in 10 percent or less of ESPN standard leagues to increase the chance they are available in your league.

QB Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins (Owned in 5.6 percent of ESPN leagues): Do not let the fact that the Dolphins run a wildcat offense scare you. In the last two weeks Henne has put up 19 fantasy points against the New England Patriots and 12 points against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This week he goes up against the Tennessee Titans, which is the third worst team in fantasy football in terms of fantasy points allowed against opposing quarterbacks.

RB Arian Foster, Houston Texans (Owned in 9.1 percent of ESPN leagues): Last week I told you to pick up Texans’ running back Chris Brown. Turns out I had the right team but the wrong back. Following another week where Brown struggled holding onto the ball, head coach Gary Kubiak has hinted that goal line carries will now be going to Foster, who already led the team in carries last week. Foster should also benefit from going up against the St. Louis Rams, who give up 23.2 points a game to opposing running backs, which is third worst in the league.

WR Josh Cribbs, Cleveland Browns (Owned in 3.9 percent of ESPN leagues): Cribbs is a big gamble because the majority of his points come from running in the wildcat, but he has a favorable matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are ninth worst in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers and fifth worst in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Cribbs has to do well on the ground or in the air, right?

Image Source: Zimbio

It’s Time for Fantasy Football Friday

sports — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:59:14 +0000

It took 13 weeks but finally the fantasy football donkeys have been sorted from the fantasy football gurus. Yes, week 14 of the National Football League season is here and that means one thing in particular to us fantasy footballers — week one of the fantasy football playoffs.

All the time we have spent studying and watching the NFL for our fantasy leagues has finally reached the point where one wrong move can leave you waiting until next season to get your revenge. Since there is so much on the line it is extremely important that you take the time to analyze your roster and make informed decisions.

It is also important to make decisions with your brain and not your heart. Just because you are a Chicago Bears fan doesn’t mean that you should be starting Jay Cutler on your fantasy squad. You shouldn’t be making decisions based on your team loyalty at any time, but it is especially important now.

With those little nuggets of information in mind, here are this weeks three impact players that you can pick up to help you get past round one of the playoffs. As always, I am not suggesting you bench top tier players like Peyton Manning or Randy Moss for these guys. However, if your starters are out due to injury, are playing below expectations, or just face a particularly tough match up, the following three guys could fill in and put up more points than you’d think.

QB Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins (Owned in 21.8 percent of ESPN leagues): Don’t let the matchup against Nnamdi Asomugha and the Oakland Raiders scare you. The Raiders are actually 16th in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks and Campbell is coming off back-to-back games of at least 19 points. Don’t expect him to throw for 400 yards and three touchdowns, but do expect him to put up more points than the Cutler/Carson Palmer/Kyle Orton tier of QBs.

RB Chris Brown, Houston Texans (Owned in 14.4 percent of ESPN leagues): With normal starter Steve Slaton on the IR, Brown should see more than his usual goal line carries. He also has the benefit of a tasty matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who prior to last week had allowed double-digit fantasy points to opposing running backs for six consecutive weeks.

WR Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans (Owned in 21.0 percent of ESPN leagues): If only Vince Young had been his quarterback all year. Britt has put up 10, 16 and 10 points over the past three weeks and is going up against the atrocious St. Louis Rams. Titans running back Chris Johnson will likely get the majority of the work against the Rams’ 29th ranked rush defense, but look for Britt to see some single coverage while the Rams load up the box and attempt to slow down the run game.

Image Source: NFL Gridiron Gab

Fantasy Football Friday

sports — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:29:51 +0000

After months of studying, planning, drafting, watching, reading, plotting and all sorts of other -ings, there is (for most of us) only one week left until the fantasy football playoffs begin. Your roster probably has changed a lot since your initial draft and if you are on the edge of making the playoffs it will probably see a few more changes by the time all is said and done.

Some fantasy footballers will tell you to treat this week the same as any other, but do not count me as one of them. Regardless of whether you have already clinched a playoff spot, are on the fence, or have long since been relegated to “there is always next year” status, this week will have a great impact on your league. It is time to hunker down, do your research, and make the decisions that will give you a much needed W.

Luckily for you, I have already done all of the hard work for you. Like I did last week, I will give you three players that are widely available on the waiver wire that can help your team this week. For those of you that are skeptical of the idea that waiver wire fodder can help your team this week, let me remind you that the three players I recommended last week (Vince Young, Justin Forsett and Devery Henderson) all finished in the top ten (Young 8th, Forsett 1st, and Henderson 5th) in fantasy points for their respective positions.

QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers (Owned in 24.4 percent of ESPN leagues): While Smith will likely never live up to his No. 1 overall draft status, he has very quietly put up double digit fantasy points in five of his last six starts, which is more than we can say for more popular quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, Eli Manning and Jay Cutler. An added caveat — the 49ers are playing against the Seattle Seahawks, who have given up the 11th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

RB Rock Cartwright, Washington Redskins (Owned in 23.5 percent of ESPN leagues): Not only does he have a cool name, but the two players ahead of him on depth chart (Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts) are both out due to injury. He also has a tasty match up against the New Orleans Saints, who despite being undefeated have given up at least 20 fantasy points to opposing running backs in five of the last six weeks (lowly Tampa Bay being the lone exception).

WR Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts (Owned in 39.3 percent of ESPN leagues): Not that you need a reason to love Garcon beyond Peyton Manning being his quarterback, but here are three just in case you do –

1) Garcon has clearly distinguished himself as the No. 2 receiver ahead of Austin Collie.

2) The Colts are playing against the Tennessee Titans, who give up the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

3) Did I mention the Colts have a guy named Peyton Manning under center?

Image Source: SFGate.com

Fantasy Football Friday

sports — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:34:44 +0000

For all of you who play fantasy football, let the countdown officially begin. We are down to (for most people) just three weeks of the regular season and the pressure to win is greater than ever. Whether you have already clinched a playoff berth, find yourself on the edge, or have long since given up hope, now is the time to kick it into high gear. You might feel that there is no way you can pick up a quality player this late into the season but you could not be more wrong. Are you a Michael Turner or Julius Jones owner scrambling for a replacement? No problem. Are you a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco owner getting tired of poor production? There are alternatives. Are you like the majority of owners who have become frustrated by inconsistent wide receiver play? Let me help you.

There isn’t exactly a dearth of talent on the waiver wire but smart owners (especially in shallow, 10-team leagues) can pick up players right now that can produce this week and beyond and help get them into the playoffs (or at least make your team respectable if you are already out. No one likes a tanker!).

One word of caution before we proceed — I am not suggesting you start any of these players over bona fide studs like Aaron Rodgers, Chris Johnson or Reggie Wayne (all first in fantasy points at their position). What I am saying is that if you find yourself in a bind and need to pick up a player to replace someone who is injured or simply not producing, the following three guys are available and ready to contribute.

QB Vince Young, Tennessee Titans (Owned in8.1 percentof ESPN leagues): I know, I know. I just suggested that Young is a viable pickup in fantasy football but hear me out; it isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Very quietly Young has posted three consecutive games of at least 12 fantasy points and has a favorable match-up against the Houston Texans, a team which has allowed at least 12 fantasy points to quarterbacks in four out of the last five weeks.

RB Justin Forsett, Seattle Seahawks (Owned in 22.6 percent of ESPN leagues): I also like Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons, but with Michael “The Burner” Turner still having a chance to suit up on Sunday I will take the little known Forsett instead. Forsett, the backup for the injured Julius Jones, is slated to start and should get the bulk of the work out of the backfield. I realize he is going up against the vaunted Minnesota Vikings defensive line, but Forsett is also a good pass catcher and has extra value if you are playing in a PPR league.

WR Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints (Owned in53.1 percentof ESPN leagues): A good buy low option if he is already owned in your league, Henderson has had at least 70 yards receiving in three of his last four games. The even better news is that he is going against the team that has given up the third most points to opposing wide receivers all season — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Other wide receivers I would buy low on are Kevin Walter (Texans are without Owen Daniels and playing against the worst pass defense in terms of fantasy points allowed) and Jeremy Maclin, who should see more opportunities now that Brian Westbrook is out.

Image Source: SB Nation

Fantasy Football Sleepers

sports — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:32:20 +0000

It took 10 weeks but finally fans of the National Football League have gotten what they wanted — another day of football. NFL fans will agree with me when I say that watching football all day on Sunday is the perfect way to end the week. I’m sure they will also agree that Monday Night Football, as the many commercials for it suggest, doesn’t make going to work on Monday any easier but it does give people something to look forward to. But what are fans of the NFL supposed to look forward to the other five days of the week?

Thankfully, the NFL has an answer for just that question. To help satisfy people’s insatiable appetite for all things NFL-related, week 10 of the season was kicked off with a Thursday night game between the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears. As I was watching the game, two things came to mind.

1) Jay Cutler is a turnover machine.

2) Oh my goodness, it’s week 10. The fantasy football playoffs are just around the corner!

For many fantasy footballers, there are only a few weeks left before the playoffs begin. It is rapidly becoming do-or-die time and if you are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in you might feel that all is lost. To that I say, in the immortal words of Journey, don’t stop believing!

If you have players out due to injury, not playing as well as you hoped, or are the victim of some untimely bye weeks, there is still hope. It ain’t over ’till it’s over and it is still possible to salvage your season. It will take a lot of cunning to pull off the necessary trade(s) and a lot of guts to pickup and start a player that other people in your league may scoff at, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

The following three players — one quarterback, running back, and wide receiver — are either not owned in a decent amount of leagues or should be easy to acquire in a trade. Keep in mind that I am not recommending you start any of these guys over obvious studs. However, if you find yourself struggling at a particular position for whatever reason, the following three guys are worth taking a look at.

QB David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars: Garrard has scored at least 12 fantasy points in five of his eight games this year and has scored more total fantasy points than both Donovan McNabb and Matt Cassel. Many owners have been quick to pick up Alex Smith and Josh Freeman the last two weeks to fill their backup QB needs, but I would feel much safer with Garrard now that he has a legit wide receiver in Mike-Sims Walker.

RB Justin Vargas, Oakland Raiders: Thanks to franchise killer JaMarcus Russell the Raiders have been the black hole of fantasy points this season, but Vargas has very quietly put together a nice string of games. In Darren McFadden’s absence over the last three weeks Vargas has put up 9, 8 and 13 fantasy points. It is not stellar by any stretch of the imagination but it makes him a solid RB3/flex, especially in deeper leagues.

WR Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wallace has put up double digit fantasy points the last two weeks and four of the last six. In fact, during that time span he has put up a total of 58 fantasy points, which is 23 more than Steelers starting wide receiver Santonio Holmes. While opponents continue to focus on Holmes and Hines Ward, you can bet that Wallace will continue to get open looks.

Want more fantasy football or basketball advice? Send your questions to my twitter account, @davidcarrillo.

Image Source: ESPN

Fantasy Stock Watch: 3 Players On Their Way Down

sports — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:30 +0000

As I noted last Friday, the first few weeks of the fantasy basketball season are of the utmost importance. I promise when you look back at the end of the season at the roster of the championship team you will see that many of their big contributors are players they scooped up off the waiver wire early.

With that in mind, last week I pointed out five players that were readily available in standard leagues that I believed were going to be key contributors for the foreseeable future. It is just as important, though, to identify players that are not likely to perform at a high level over the long haul that may have found their way on to your roster. We are specifically looking to identify two types of players:

1) A player that has started off better than expected and is unlikely to keep up that production.

2) A player that was drafted with potential that doesn’t look like he will live up to it.

Identifying these players is important because it will allow you to make better trades and avoid picking up flash-in-the-pan players after single-game breakouts. For instance, if you own a player that is playing above expectations but for whatever reason cannot be reasonably expected to continue to do so, you can trade him at his peak value for a player you believe will help your team more for the rest of the year.

Now that you have a better understanding of what we are looking for, here are a few players that you should either sell high on or avoid picking up on the waiver wire.

G Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings (Drafted in 45.8 percent of ESPN leagues): Evans was drafted by a lot of people (including myself in one league) as a rookie point guard with a lot of potential to play big minutes on a team that lacks a lot of talent. How foolish we all were. While Evans may have a bright future ahead of him, he is a rookie playing the most difficult position to learn in the NBA and, as a result, will struggle at times. From a fantasy perspective, owners can look forward to a lot of turnovers, nights of poor shooting, and fewer assists than you would like because the Kings are by far the worst team in the still brutal Western Conference.

F Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns (Drafted in 5.9 percent of ESPN leagues): Frye had back-to-back games in which he hit an impressive six 3-pointers and saw his ownership rise all the way up to 50.1 percent. While those two outings were indeed great from a fantasy perspective, there is absolutely no reason to think he can have that type of production from here on out. Frye has shot 35 percent from behind the arc for his career and offers little else in terms of fantasy production. I would not drop a more reliable big to pick him up unless you feel you can parlay him in a trade for a better talent.

C Brad Miller, Chicago Bulls (Drafted in 78.9 percent of ESPN leagues): His ownership has already dropped to 68.1 percent, so the window of opportunity for savvy owners to trade him for another big man is closing fast. There are many reasons to not like him from a fantasy perspective — he plays under 25 minutes a game, doesn’t get enough rebounds or blocks for his position, and isn’t on the floor enough for his solid field goal and free throw percentage to make an impact on your team. My advice is to trade him while it is still possible or consider dropping him for a less heralded center like Roy Hibbert.

Image Source: Yahoo! Sports

5 Underrated Fantasy Basketball Players

sports — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:06:51 +0000

Fresh off of fantasy baseball and right in the middle of fantasy football, the start of the fantasy basketball season could not come at a more hectic time. Yet, here we are in week one of the NBA schedule with a few days of games already under our belts.

An NBA season is a grueling, 82 game marathon. And while most fantasy drafts have already been completed, fantasy basketball, perhaps more so than any other fantasy sport, is all about picking up free agents early in the season. During the early parts of a season head coaches are experimenting with different lineups and figuring out how to best utilize new players. As a result, you will see certain players surprise you with great production and others disappoint you with poor production.

The key to winning in fantasy basketball is determining early on which players off to a hot start are for real and which ones are imposters. Conversely, it is just as important to figure out which players off to slow starts are most likely to turn it around. This week we will take a look at players off to a hot start that should continue to make a positive impact on your fantasy team.

As always, the players recommended here are available in a majority of leagues because you do not need me to tell you that Lebron James is going to have a good fantasy season.

PG Randy Foye, Washington Wizards (Owned in 27.4 percent of ESPN leagues): Foye is technically a combo guard, but he is eligible to start in fantasy at both guard positions. A good sign for Foye is that in the Wizards’ first game of the season — a game in which Foye came off the bench — he logged more minutes (30) than starting shooting guard Mike Miller (22). Although he isn’t quite the three-point threat that Miller is, the fact that he can take over point guard duty for Gilbert Arenas makes me believe that he will continue to log more minutes than Miller this year. Plus, with Arenas’ laundry list of injuries, it is not absurd to assume that Foye will find himself as the starting point guard sometime this season.

SG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Owned in 64.8 percent of ESPN leagues): Yes, I am well aware of head coach Don Nelson’s propensity for switching lineups more often than he does underwear, but Stephen Curry is too good to keep off of the floor. The rookie has a deadly outside shot and is somehow already more dependable than teammates Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson, the latter of which is being actively shopped around the league.

SF Shane Battier, Houston Rockets (Owned in 54 percent of ESPN leagues): The fact that Battier is not owned in all but the shallowest of leagues is mind boggling. The Rockets are without their two biggest scoring threats (Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady), playing with a relatively inexperienced point guard (Aaron Brooks), and an offensively irrelevant center (Chuck Hayes). Someone has to put up fantasy points and they won’t all be coming from new teammate Trevor Ariza.

PF Yi Jianlian, New Jersey Nets (Owned in 5.3 percent of ESPN leagues): I’ll admit that he has been a mild disappointment thus far in his career, but let me remind you that he is only 22 years old and still learning the nuances of the NBA. He opened with a very strong game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks), and while it may be unrealistic to expect that level of production all season, I see him as a legit fantasy contributor in 12-team fantasy leagues.

C Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (Owned in 16.3 percent of ESPN leagues): The center position is arguably the toughest to fill in fantasy basketball, and this is especially true for leagues that require you start two of them. Gasol may not be as good of a scorer as Al Horford or the dominant shot blocker that Dwight Howard is, but he his above average in both and also grabs a lot of rebounds. The Grizzlies also have a lot of players that like to jack up a lot of bad shots early in the shot clock (Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph), so if your fantasy league counts offensive rebounds as a category Gasol is even more valuable.

Fantasy Football Friday

sports — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:48:53 +0000

As we approach the halfway point of the fantasy football season, the importance of winning each week seems to be magnified tenfold. This is especially true for teams that would not be in the playoffs if they were to start today. For those on the outside looking in it is easy to fall into a panic, but regardless of your current record and roster predicaments there is still time to turn it around.

Even if the future looks bleak because Matt Forte, Tony Romo, and the once mighty Steve Smith (Carolina version) have all disappointed your team thus far, there is still value on the waiver wire that can help you get a win this week. None of these guys are going to carry your team to victory like Tom Brady and his six touchdowns did last week, but they are good bye week replacements that could potentially become serviceable starters.

QB Matt Cassel (Owned in 78.5 percent of ESPN leagues): He laid a big goose egg in week one against the Baltimore Ravens but has been surprisingly dependable since. Cassel has scored double digit fantasy points in four of his last five games and finally seems to be clicking with wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. He also has the fortune of playing at home against the San Diego Chargers, which allowed 18 fantasy points to the less than prolific Kyle Orton and 21 points to Ben Roethlisberger and the suddenly pass-happy Pittsburgh Steelers.

RB Mike Bell (Owned in 49.7 percent of ESPN leagues): Conventional wisdom says to sit Bell because he is going against one of the best run defenses in the NFL in the Miami Dolphins. To that I respond — there are six teams on their bye week and sometimes you have to take risks. Look, while Bell has split time with Pierre Thomas he also has become the go-to guy on the goal line. Goal line carries lead to rushing touchdowns and the Dolphins allowed two of those last week against the New York Jets.

WR Hakeem Nicks (Owned in 25.1 percent of ESPN leagues): Of the big three wide receivers on the New York Giants, do you know which is the only one to post double digit fantasy points the last three weeks? You may be surprised to learn that it is Nicks, who has quietly been flying under the radar due to the emergence of the new Steve Smith and the endless hype of Mario Manningham. Look for Nicks to extend his streak to four games as the G-Men face the Arizona Cardinals, who have given up the 7th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.

Any defense that is not the Tennessee Titans: If you would have told me before the season that the Titans would be the worst ranked fantasy defense in the NFL, I simply wouldn’t have believed you. Yet, six weeks and three negative scoring games later that is exactly where we stand. Somehow the Titans are still owned in a mind boggling 50.4 percent of leagues, but with this being their bye week it is the perfect time for all you hanger-oners to let go of the past. A few interesting defenses to consider that are widely available — the New England Patriots (11th ranked defense), Cincinnati Bengals (13th ranked defense), and Indianapolis Colts (16th ranked defense).

For more fantasy advice right up to kickoff, follow me on Twitter @davidcarrillo.

Image Source: Arrowhead Pride

GOLD and COLD WEEK 6

sports — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:41:33 +0000

GOLD

Jermichael Finley, GB, TE, vs. Detroit
Forecast: 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Finley should be in line for a big game this week. Detroit has given up 6 TD’s to Tight Ends this year and should have trouble covering all of Green Bay’s weapons. If the Lions focus on the WRs then Finley should have a huge day over the middle.

Nate Burleson, SEA, WR, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
One of the most underrated WRs in the league is set to have another big game at home. He has 22 catches, 281 yards and 3 TDs in 3 games. Look for this to continue against a Cardinals team giving up plenty yards in the air.

Matt Hasselbeck, SEA, QB, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 10 rushing yards (23 points)
Like I said Arizona can be beat in the air and Seattle has plenty of weapons to do it with. Look for Matt to spread the wealth again for another big week.

Pierre Thomas, NO, RB, vs. NY Giants
Forecast: 16 carries, 96 yards, 2 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Thomas has been great since his return from his knee injury. With teams keying on Brees and the passing game, Thomas has dominated on the ground averaging 106 yards and a TD. Even better is he can also catch the ball. Keep riding the wave.

Todd Heap, BAL, TE, @ Minnesota
Forecast: 5 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Minnesota has allowed the most fantasy points to TEs this so Heap should be the next TE to go off against them. Don’t be surprised if he scores this week.

LaDainian Tomlinson, SD, RB, vs. Denver
Forecast: 20 carries, 72 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Tomlinson has scored in 6 straight MNF games. And even though the Denver D is improved I see him keeping that streak alive especially after coming off a bye week.

Jake Delhomme, CAR, QB, @ Tampa Bay
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int (20 points)
Jake should have his best game of the year this week going against the bad Tampa Bay defense. This is one week that he is actually ok to start so take advantage if you need a QB this week

Vincent Jackson, SD, WR, vs. Denver
Forecast: 6 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Jackson has been good all season and I see that continuing especially with the Chargers coming off a bye. Start him with confidence.

COLD

Julius Jones, SEA, RB, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 13 carries, 38 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
The way to beat Arizona is in the air, they actually have a pretty good run defense. So this week I don’t see Jones having a good game especially when he is splitting with Edge.

Eddie Royal, DEN, WR, @ San Diego
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Royal finally broke out this year, the thing is how long will it continue. I don’t see it happening again this week against a mad SD defense

Michael Bush, OAK, RB, vs. Philadelphia
Forecast: 16 carries, 35 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
There is no reason to start any Raiders this game against a great Eagles defense.

Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB, @ Pittsburgh
Forecast: 15 carries, 44 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Last weeks surprise big game won’t happen again this week when the Steelers are ready for it.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, @ New Orleans
Forecast: 4 catches, 45 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Saints surprisingly pretty good in pass coverage and Eli could be hurt. Downgrade expectations.

Last weeks results:
GOLD
Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo LOSS
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 21 yards, 0 catches, 0 TD (2 points)

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 12 carries, 45 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle LOSS
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Actual: 188 passing yards,0 TD, 1 rushing yard (7.5 points)

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City WIN
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 TD (4.5 points)\

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 31 yards, 0 TD (2.5 points)

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England WIN
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 88 yards, 4 catches, 36 yards,1 lost Fum (12.5 points)

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
___________

Week: 4-4(50%)

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco                                 WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
Actual: 6 catches, 55 yards, TD (8 points)
Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland                                              WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 70 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee                                              LOSS
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 27 yards, 10 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami                                                 LOSS
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 13 carries, 42 yards, 2 TD (16 points)
Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco                                 LOSS
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 22 carries, 97 yards, 3 TD (27 points)
_____________

WEEK: 2-3(40%)

look to previous weeks for scoring benchmarks

Image source: AP

Week 5 GOLD and COLD

sports — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:20:26 +0000

GOLD

Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Injuries in the Browns backfield have left Harrison as the last man standing and this has been good for the both of them. Thrown into the starting lineup against a tough Bengals D he preformed well going for over 100 yards rushing. Harrisons best asset is that he is a good receiver witch will help when the Browns are down.

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Gore will be out again leaving the 49er running game to the very capable Coffee. The Falcons have not been that strong stopping the run so I can see Coffee having another solid day. Even better I see him getting in the End Zone this week

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Garrard has been very solid at QB and this week he is going against a weak defense. He can beat teams on the ground and in the air and he has been pretty good at not turning the ball over. He should have another solid game right here.

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
If Barber is limited or not playing then these numbers could be even bigger. Choice has been solid when given the opportunity to play and going against a weak defense, he will be the prime Choice in the Dallas backfield.

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Washington has scored in three straight weeks and has become the Titians #1 receiver. I see them having to throw the ball a lot in this one to keep up with the Colts offense.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
The return of Matt Hasselbeck should help Carlson greatly. I see him getting back to being one of the better TE options in fantasy football. Going against Jacksonville should be just what the doctor ordered.

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Knowshon has scored in two straight games and is fast becoming the main option in the Denver backfield. He doesn’t have a great match-up this week but I still see him having a good game.

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
I know this is a big reach but I could see the Jets throwing to Edwards right away. The Dolphins have been bad against the deep ball and that is just Braylon’s specialty. Look for them to go deep at least a couple times in this game.

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
The 49ers have been very good against opposing TE’s this season. They have very athletic LB’s that can cover. Look for him to have lower numbers this week.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
With Eli doubtful for the game and going against one of the best corners in the league it will be hard for Smith to keep up his excellent play this week.

Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Addai had a good week last week but I don’t see it happening again this week. He is in almost a 50-50 split with Donald Brown making big weeks more and more rare. Now he has to go up against the Titians tough running defense.

Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Another player in a time share going against a tough running defense, I don’t see a big game from Jones this week. Without that TD run last week he really didn’t do anything.

Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Follow the trend? Three straight weeks owners should lower their expectations going against the tough 49er defense. This week is even worse because Turner is no threat in the passing game.

Week 4 Results
GOLD
Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis                                                                           WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 24 carries, 74 rushing yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD (12.9 points)
Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 3 catches, 71 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami                                                                       LOSS
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 60 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Actual: 230 passing yards, 2 TD,1 Int, 20 rushing yards (17.2 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 18 carries, 74 rushing yards, 1 catch, 12 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit                                                                    INJ
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 1 catch, 2 yards, (INJURED)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City                                                               WIN
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: 292 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 1 lost Fum (19. 6 points)
______________________
Week 4: 4-3-1injured (57%)
Season: 16-15 (55%)
COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 65 yards, 2 catches, 11 yards, 1 TD, 1 lost FUM (12 points)
Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco                                                               WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Actual: 23 carries, 79 yards, 3 catches, 6 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets                                                    WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 33 yards, 0 TD (3.5 points)
Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay                                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Actual: 271 passing yards, 3 TD, 0 Int (22.8 points)
John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis                                                               WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD (6.9 points)
___________________
Week 4: 3-2 (60%)
Season: 12-8 (60%)

source image: Getty