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Week 2 Starts: What do we know now?
Start or Sit September 14, 2013 JacobLeave a comment
Week 2 gives us a little more clarity, but a number of poor showings have us concerned. I wouldn't go betting an eyebrow on the outcome of any of your fantasy performances.
My big roster question comes down to whether I can trust T.Y. Hilton to get involved this week. Despite all the matchup love he's getting, he's going to be benched on my fantasy squad until he has a worthwhile performance.
As always, I recommend you start your week with Evan Silva's matchup analysis. Be sure to read all about Marlon Brown and the other sleepers Silva highlights in the mix. Continue reading →
Andre Roberts, Colin Kaepernick, DeAngelo Williams, eyebrow bet, Fred Jackson, injuries, Larry Fitzgerald, Marlon Brown, Marshawn Lynch, matchup analysis, matchups, Matt Forte, Matt Schaub, Michael Floyd, Roddy White, Russell Wilson, T.Y. Hilton
Larry Fitzgerald looks hot, AS USH
News September 25, 2012 JacobLeave a comment
http://youtu.be/iZ8Qb9qm7N4
There are two schools of thought around whether I was stupid or gutsy this weekend. Regardless, I was certainly LOFTY. On one side, you have the more traditional view that you should "never sit your studs," a stance I've taken in the past.
And the other side of the argument is the "play the matchups" contingent, the ones who throw statistics at you to convince you it's time to let your hot player ride the bench.
I played the matchups this weekend, and it came back to bite me. Oh, did it bite.
To my credit, Leonard Hankerson was slotted to start in place of Pierre Garcon. As the X receiver, he should have been Robert Griffin III's first read on most plays, and I expected to see him go off against a woeful Bengals defense.
Instead, I got 56 receiving yards, good for 5.6 points. You could say that's not bad for a flex play, but when the player that would have started in his place in Larry Fitzgerald…
via Meme Generator
Facing a pretty terrible matchup against the sometimes challenging Eagles secondary, Fitzgerald was dangerous with Kevin Kolb under center. Kolb hasn't exactly looks Fitzgerald's way, and though they said they'd try to get Fitz the ball, I didn't think Kolb would make it happen this week.
But he did.
Fitzgerald racked up 114 yards against the Eagles and made it into the end zone to reward his owners for the first time this season. I missed it because, ironically, I was desperate for a win and looking for points wherever I could get them.
What We Should Learn From This
Start your studs. Play your matchups. The choice is yours. But the lesson I learned in Week 3 (again) is to never sit a stud for a longshot play.
0-3, here I come.
H/T Kissing Suzy Kolber for video
Cincinnati Bengals, Hard Knocks, Larry Fitzgerald, Leonard Hankerson, Les Brown, never sit your studs, Pierre Garcon, play matchups
Monday Morning Therapy: Steven Jackson's groin hates fantasy football
I'd like to try something a little different here at Fantasy Football Fools.
I give you a lot of advice, good and bad, throughout the season, but what about all the anger management we have to endure? Injuries. Benchings. When your team leaves you hanging Sunday, there's got to be some good way to vent.
For that, I'd like to bring you Monday Morning Therapy — conveniently published on Tuesday this time around…but maybe we'll get better at that.
Let me know what you think and join in on the comments. If you like this feature, I'll try to keep it going throughout the season.
Chris Johnson. There's a good place to start (or not start, many Johnson owners might say). Can anyone find Chris Johnson's fantasy points? I think we lost them back in 2010. He's jumpy behind the line and has nowhere to go. I'm starting to feel like he's a dud again this season.
While we're on the subject of Johnsons, Andre had a pretty terrible game as well, but when you play the Jaguars and have Arian Foster and Ben Tate to feed, there's not really any reason to throw the ball. I can understand that, but can A.J.'s fantasy owners?
After a brilliant Week 1, Tony Romo looked pretty much just like this in Week 2. This is why we can't have nice things.
Steven Jackson is a beast, but beasts run so hard that they injure their own groin. That groin prevented him from getting into the end zone from the 1 in the second quarter Sunday. And after that disappointment and the thunder spike that got him penalized, Jackson couldn't get back into the game. In his stead, Daryl Richardson ran for 83 yards with 19 yards receiving.
THOSE ARE JACKSON'S POINTS. What would have put Jackson up for a 10+ fantasy day instead becomes waiver wire fodder that probably won't pan out any other week this season.
Meanwhile, Jackson's younger counterpart in running-back-on-a-terrible-team purgatory did this. I'm going to regret drafting Jackson, aren't I?
I would have been better off drafting Reggie Bush.
Larry Fitzgerald hasn't impressed so far this year, and it made sense with Skelton going down in Week 1 and Kolb returning to center without the reps. But in Week 2, we expected Fitz to produce against the Patriots. At least for more than his 1 catch for 4 yards in a historically bad Fitzgerald performance.
Victor Cruz seemed to bounce back just fine from a bad Week 1. Why can't you do it too, Larry?
Who ruined your Week 2 victory? Who left you with a big ZERO in the points column? Sound off in the comments.
Andre Johnson, Chris Johnson, fantasy football therapy, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson, Tony Romo, Trent Richardson, Victor Cruz
The League S03E11: The Guest Bong takes Taco TO THE CLOUD!
Culture February 14, 2012 Jacob5 Comments
Pete's general lack of ambition and disheveled appearance certainly don't hinder his ability with the ladies. His prowess is best displayed in his uncanny ability to "outkick his coverage" with each girl he brings around. Danielle, his latest catch, is just another example of his ability to go above and beyond. Kudos to him.
But she's no Jenny.
As the league goes into the final week of the regular season, Ruxin's in full gloat mode and laying into the entire league with video trash-talking rants on the league boards.
Can't say that I blame him. Any champion would be doing the same if they were still on the outside looking in. You have to put up a strong front. Plus…he's playing Andre.
Unfortunately, one of his more grotesque videos gets intercepted by the human resources department at his office, which gets him banned from using his company email to communicate with the league.
Stepping away from the plot for a second, I'm surprised Ruxin was able to get away with it for as long as he has. I don't know anyone — anyone still in a fantasy league at least — who uses their work email as the official email for their fantasy football league. Do you? [Please comment below if you do]
Using your work email account for trash-talking and general league debauchery is just asking to be flagged by HR…or IT…or Homeland Security.
You can check your scores on the company computers (just as any good addict would), but I would advise you to never, NEVER use your work email address for fantasy football.
Without his trusty work email address, Ruxin's forced to revive his old Hotmail account, which, as Pete aptly points out, is "the official email of foreigners and poor people." I will be stealing that joke for all future conversations involving Hotmail.
And Ruxin's change of email provider ends up causing Andre grief when Ruxin accidentally adds Andre's cleaning lady, Andrea, to an email string in place of Andre — an email string that contains at least one picture of "Alan" (autocorrect speak for…well, you know).
Seeing the horror that Andre's friends are capable of, Andrea rightfully no longer wants to enter his apartment. She is kind enough to give him one last chance to redeem himself: coming to her community theater performance of "A Christmas Carol."
While the rest of the league is wrapped up in league activities, Kevin's been reunited with one of the men he put behind bars, Gavin. Kevin's daughter, Ellie, just happens to befriend the ex-con's daughter, Chloe, in her gym class.
To make matters worse, it's not just any ex-con. Kevin was laughing hysterical at an autocorrect mistake in a text from Jenny when Gavin was escorted past him and into a scenic two-year stay in prison.
So Kevin's going to die…
Taco, meanwhile, is forced to find a new "guest bong" for Kevin's house when the MacArthurs clean out their attic, destroying the former guest bong — a guest bong, of course, being the bong that you keep at a friend's house to get high when you visit.
So Taco chooses, of all items, the gun that Kevin just bought to protect himself from the sure-to-happen retaliatory attack from his new gym class friend Gavin.
Looking past his autocorrect "Alan Six" forwardness, Pete seems to be doing well with Danielle. She's eager to get to know his friends. She wants to take an interest in what he does.
When she catches him setting his lineup for the final week's games, she can't help but make it a couple skate.
But in "helping" Pete set his lineup, Danielle takes a stand against starting Michael Vick, who will never be able to escape his transgressions against puppies in the public eye. This led to one of the more priceless moments of the episode when Danielle asked Pete if his other quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, had ever done anything wrong. No…NEVER.
Oh, and somewhere in there, Andre started dressing as various British caricatures, rhyming, and changed his team name to the "James Bo-Andres."
As one might predict, Pete's lineup, without Michael Vick, fails miserably, much to Danielle's misunderstanding.
Andre drags Ruxin to the community theater performance so that neither of them can watch the results of their showdown on Monday night, and when Ruxin's team loses by just one point, he blows up in a Ruxin fit just as the actors take their bow, once again running into his friend in human resources.
And without Jenny to keep him stable, Kevin receives an autocorrected text from Gavin that was supposed to say "Bringing in Chloe's fuzzy" but instead read "coming in with chloroform."
The text snaps Kevin into full "I will protect this house!" mode, but his gun is missing — Guest bonged!
After a string of 911 calls prove worthless to both Kevin (hiding in his Harry Potter panic room under the stairs) and Gavin (squirming around inside Kevin's bathroom), Taco soon saves the day by chasing both Gavin and Kevin out of the house while high as a kite inside the Mr. McGibblets outfit.
Memorable quotes from Episode 11:
TACO: "I thought the season was over."
KEVIN: "Daddy's doing adult talk."
RUXIN: "Andre, I'm going to take my hand, stick it inside of you, and then open it like a baseball mit."
PETE: "I can't tell what's funnier. Is it that you chose 'theRuxster'? Or is it that you have an actual Hotmail account, the official email of foreigners and poor people."
PETE [introducing Andre]: "This is The Legend of Bagger Vance."
KEVIN: "A little early for Alan conversation, wouldn't you say?"
RUXIN: "I usually don't propose that until a bottle of wine and a warm bath."
GAVIN [on prison]: "It was…kinda…rapey."
KEVIN: "That went poorly."
PETE: "So that you can Plaxidentally shoot yourself in your own house?"
TACO: "We need to get drunk and go to the firing range, a.k.a. the field next to the highway."
TACO: "I like it here. There's Internet…and HEAT."
ANDRE: "Taco, mind yourself on the apples and pears!"
ANDRE: "Next time you want to stick something in me, text me."
TACO: "I just wish I could walk around in a cloud of it all day long. TO THE CLOUD! Like Microsoft."
PETE: "This is like fifth base for me. This is like the equivalent of male Alan."
DANIELLE: "Ben Roethlisberger. Has he ever done anything wrong?"
PETE: "…NEVER. He is a good man."
PETE: "I literally feel like I've just been deflowered."
DANIELLE: "Well, you'll cry the first time, but every time after that it'll be a little less painful."
TACO: "My players are killing it. Lawrence Fitzgerald…Raymond Rice…and Came Newtown."
TACO: "TO THE CLOUD!"
PETE: "Easy, Jason Statham."
KEVIN: "How many loads can you transport at one time?"
ANDRE: "As many as humanly possible."
JENNY: "Do you take the whole load all at once?"
ANDRE: "That's right. I take the load, hold it inside me, and I don't let it out."
DANIELLE: "Wow, like big loads?"
ANDRE: "I love big loads."
RUXIN: "Do you take a lady's load?"
ANDRE: "I'll take a lady's load, but a prefer a man's load."
KEVIN: "Yeah."
DANIELLE: "Did you guys just figure this out right now?"
JENNY: "No, this is called shit-talking…and you catch on very quickly."
KEVIN [on Jenny]: "She is not a girl, Pete."
RUXIN: "I don't want to see amateur theatre. It's just a bunch of fat girls dealing with their complicated issues with dudes who are still in the closet."
ANDRE: "James Bo-Andres are in the playoffs. License to win."
RUXIN: "No, your son's acting killed Christmas."
KEVIN: "Nothing explodes in your vag."
Alan Six, autocorrect, Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton, episode guide, episode recap, guest bong, Hotmail, Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Vick, quotes, Ray Rice, texting, The League, The League quotes, TV, work email
Believe it or not: Jags, DHB, LeGarrette Blount come alive while Jamaal Charles, Foster, Lloyd showoff in Week 8
News, Waiver Wire November 2, 2010 JacobLeave a comment
There are a few head-scratchers in this mix. So don't get too excited on the waiver wire, but here are a few of the week's top performers.
David Garrard, QB, Jaguars: 260 yards, 4 TDs, 1 fumble, 2 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD vs. Cowboys
Unfortunately, you can't trust Garrard. Ever. He'll have a game like this against the now-quitting Cowboys and follow it up with a stinker against a pitiful defense. If this performance convinces any owner to pay a decent price for his services, SELL SELL SELL.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: 9 catches for 101 yards, 3 TDs vs. Redskins
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions: 212 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT vs. Redskins
A huge fantasy day for these two young Lions' stars made plenty of owners happy. The good news: Stafford should keep getting the ball to Megatron on a regular basis. Shaun Hill was putting up numbers like a top fantasy quarterback until he went down, and Stafford is more talented. Next week against the Jets, the Lions will face a greater challenge, but Stafford's a clear must-own the rest of the way.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots: 112 yards, 2 TDs, 1 catch for 11 yards vs. Vikings
Just when we thought Danny Woodhead was the back you wanted to own in the Patriots' offense, they change things up and go back to the "Law Firm" (BenJarvus Green-Ellis). It's impossible to know what Belichick is thinking, but those in need can take a chance on Green-Ellis until the next Belichick tinkering hands off the ball to someone else.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: 177 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards (238 total) vs. Bills
He's capable of much more if only he didn't have to share the rock with Thomas Jones. Maybe this lack of opportunity is all to keep Charles fresh for the playoffs, but it's got to be incredibly frustrating for Charles and his fantasy owners. He's bound to see increased touches as the season goes on. Haley's got to be thinking the same, right?
Brandon Lloyd, WR, Broncos: 7 catches for 169 yards, 1 TD vs. 49ers
It's always good to see your studs get back on track. Lloyd put together another amazing performance in this one after a couple of quiet weeks. Clearly, Orton only has eyes for Lloyd in this offense, and that's a good thing for all the Lloyd owners out there.
Arian Foster, RB, Texans: 102 yards, 1 TD, 9 catches for 65 yards vs. Colts
Speaking of back on track, this stat line was not quite as amazing as Foster's last performance against the Colts, but he didn't disappoint any owners. Foster should keep on rolling unless he gets injured enough to give way to Derrick Ward.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Bucs: 120 yards, 2 TDs vs. Cardinals
I told you that you should grab him. Now, it's probably too late. It looks like Blount will be the workhorse running back for the Bucs from here on out.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jags: 8 catches for 153 yards, 1 TD vs. Cowboys
With Garrard returning to the field, Sims-Walker returned to fantasy relevance. His owners have to hope this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship — between their Sims-Walker and the end zone. But keep in mind that Marcedes Lewis remains in the mix when the Jags get in the red zone, and he scored twice on Sunday against the Cowboys. His emergence as a touchdown machine will hurt Sims-Walker's production all season long.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: 6 catches for 72 yards, 2 TDs vs. Bucs
Yes, he's alive.
Dan Carpenter, K, Dolphins: 5/5 FGs, 1 XP vs. Bengals
A kicker among the scoring leaders? It seems to happen every week. The Dolphins' Carpenter has a great leg, if you're looking for that kind of thing. It's just hard to get excited about fantasy kickers.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders: 5 catches for 105 yards, 1 TD vs. Seahawks
DHB was really the only Raiders' receiving target left standing this week, and with no one to compete with for catches, he actually did something. His Week 8 performance showed us what he's capable of if the stars align and if he catches the ball. More to come? To be determined. But he's worth a grab as stash/sleeper play going into Week 9. The Raiders are likely to keep Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens out until after their bye week in Week 10.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Brandon Lloyd, Calvin Johnson, Dan Carpenter, Darrius Heyward-Bey, David Garrard, Detroit Lions, Jamaal Charles, Larry Fitzgerald, LeGarrette Blount, Louis Murphy, Matthew Stafford, Mike Sims-Walker, scoring leaders, top scorers, top scores
How to Win Your Fantasy Football League on Draft Day – vers. 2010
Draft Strategy, Player Rankings, Tips & Strategy August 19, 2010 Jacob10 Comments
When it comes to fantasy football draft strategy, I've tried almost everything. RB-RB? Of course. Draft a quarterback in the first round? Sure. WR-WR? Most definitely. But all this trial and error has paid off.
After hammering out what I think is my best strategy to date last season in the "cutting out the middle men" fantasy football draft strategy and deciding how to play the first round, I think I've finally refined the best way to win your league on draft day this season.
And I'm going to share it with you.
What you need to win
Traditionally, we all took running backs because they were scarce. Not every team had a workhorse running back, and in a 12-team league, we needed to start at least 24 of them.
But now, there are 50+ running backs available since every team in the NFL has a time share. So after the five elite running backs are off the board — Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, and Frank Gore — we don't have to use a first-round pick on a running back.
Not to say that you don't need a decent running back. You just don't have to pay a first-round price for one. It's always nice to have a promising guy like Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, Frank Gore, Shonn Greene, Ryan Mathews, Ryan Grant, or Cedric Benson on your roster. But you can make do if you miss out on them.
You'll notice I didn't list Steven Jackson or Rashard Mendenhall on that list. I did that on purpose. They are on the cusp of what I would consider the top, reliable running backs, but they scare me more than they excite me this season. And much like the ladies, that's not going to work for me when it comes to running backs.
Quarterbacks, while valuable, aren't as scarce as running backs because each team only needs one. I love me some quarterbacks. Don't get me wrong, but only a select few — Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, Philip Rivers, and Tom Brady — are worth taking in the first three rounds. If you miss out on them, you should wait. (But DON'T miss out on them. More on this later.)
That leaves wide receivers. If you're following me so far, you understand that wide receivers are the new running backs. Receivers have become more reliable and valuable as the NFL becomes more and more passer-friendly. The top receivers are worth building a team around and can give you an advantage if you know how to draft your running backs late.
Guys like Andre Johnson and Greg Jennings are more consistent than the rest of the pack you'll be able to draft later. My list of elites for this season also includes Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Miles Austin, Roddy White, DeSean Jackson, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Marques Colston, and Sidney Rice with Larry Fitzgerald right on the edge of greatness. (I'm not a fan of Matt Leinart at quarterback this season.)
So draft your elite wide receivers early and often, and you'll have an advantage.
Every team needs at least one of these top wideouts to "win" their draft, but you're even better off if you can nab two of them to fill your starting roster. Of course, that's assuming that you start two wide receivers. If you start three wide receivers, I'd still limit myself to taking two elites early because you can wait on the third just to make sure you don't miss out entirely on running back value.
I'll explain the strategy I recommend to make this happen, but before I do that, a side note.
Plans: Made to be broken
No draft ever goes exactly to plan. You can't know whom the rest of your league is going to draft. Several teams could draft quarterbacks in the first round, or no one could draft a quarterback for three rounds. We really don't know. So you have to be able to adjust to what your league is giving you. That's why I recommend the tiered draft cheatsheets, and that's why I can't tell you exactly how to draft each position.
So much like my first round strategy from last season, this strategy is just a starting point. Deviate from it as you have to in order to draft the best team possible.
Strategy on draft day
In 2010, I believe a championship team needs one of the elite quarterbacks and at least two of the elite wide receivers. If you get a reliable running back, more power to you.
And it's all about how you play the first three rounds.
If you have a shot, go with one of the elite five running backs. You can build a solid team around a guy that is highly involved in the offense. While you might miss out on an elite quarterback because you'll have to look at wide receivers in the second and third rounds, you can recover from that.
If you don't get a shot at one of the elite running backs, you have you're pick of WR-WR-QB, WR-QB-WR, or QB-WR-WR in the first three rounds. I like these sequences this season, and I think they maximize the value you get in the first three rounds.
Don't use QB-WR-WR unless you really want Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees or Peyton Manning this season and your league scores passing touchdowns at six points. I don't think any of the other elite quarterbacks should be considered until the second round.
In the fourth round, when it comes time to draft running backs, try to take the two best guys on the board right away. More than likely, other members of your league have moved on to drafting what's left of the wide receivers and quarterbacks. You'll have your pick of a good group of mid-level running backs who have the potential for greatness.
As you enter the chewy center of your draft, I'd suggest using the "cutting out the middle men" fantasy football draft strategy principles. Draft value and aim for sleepers rather than "safe" and "dependable" guys. You got your safe picks at the top of draft. For example, I'd rather have Jamaal Charles than Joseph Addai. I'd rather have Beanie Wells than Clinton Portis or Ricky Williams.
Make a special effort to get a lot of running backs. Since you didn't draft them high, you'll best protect yourself by drafting more of them. You want to load your roster with as many guys as possible who have the potential to be a top performer even if they're currently a backup on their NFL roster.
You can also draft a few sleeper wide receivers later in the draft to compliment your studs. These wide receivers could become trade bait or free you up to trade your studs for one of the elite RBs you missed out on earlier in the draft. You can find a few good ones in Chris Harris' article on "moneyball" wide receivers at ESPN.
With this strategy, you'll "win" your draft just like I won mine.
2010 draft, Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson, Beanie Wells, Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Chris Johnson, Chris Wells, Clinton Portis, cut out the middle men draft strategy, DeSean Jackson, Drew Brees, fantasy football draft, fantasy football draft strategy, Frank Gore, Greg Jennings, Jamaal Charles, Larry Fitzgerald, Marques Colston, Maurice Jones-Drew, Miles Austin, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, player tiers, Randy Moss, Ray Rice, Reggie Wayne, Ricky Williams, Roddy White, Shonn Greene, Sidney Rice, tiering, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, winning
Fourth & 1 Debate: Nine Moves to Make for the Fantasy Football Playoffs
Culture, Tips & Strategy November 5, 2009 Jacob5 Comments
At this point in the season, you might be more concerned with getting to the playoffs than succeeding once you get there. That's okay. Take it one week at a time. I'll wait…
But if you have the true heart of a champion, some good luck, and if you've been doing your research, you've probably go a nice spot on the mantel dusted and ready for this year's fantasy football championship trophy. It's okay if we block this photo of the in-laws, right?
In that case, it's best to start planning for your future, and we're not talking about your kids' college funds or your financial plan to navigate this tough economy.
It's even better. I give you a fantasy football roundtable of epic proportions. This week's Fourth & 1 Debate was mine to rule, and I chose to look ahead at who might blow up or sink your battleship during Weeks 14-17.
By the way, if you have a playoff schedule that puts your championship game in Week 17, slap your commissioner, reschedule that game immediately, slap your commish again, and never, never speak of playing in Week 17 again. Week 17 isn't NFL football. It's just not right to win your league with Jim Sorgi. Not right at all.
This week's Fourth & 1 Debate roundtable question:
Looking ahead at the fantasy football playoffs (Weeks 14-17), what one player would you want to own during those weeks and what one player would you want to unload before Week 14?
Trade deadlines are approaching. Playoffs spots will be locked up soon. The chances to acquire players through "sell high" or "buy low" opportunities are few are far between. That being the case, I've chosen to focus on a couple of guys who might still be easily moved. You wouldn't have to break the bank, and you might end up with a stud on your hands in Weeks 14 through 16.
First, I'd look to acquire Tim Hightower.
Kurt Warner has been fond of the check-down passes thus far this season, and Hightower has been the beneficiary. Even against tough rushing defenses, Hightower never fails to stay involved in the passing game and take advantage of short-yardage and goal line opportunities.
It'd be great to have both Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower on your roster to hedge your bets against any late-season shifts in Beanie's favor, but I believe Hightower will remain the primary receiving back on passing plays, which the Cardinals should be running plenty of in the fantasy playoffs.
The Cardinals face San Francisco, Detroit and St. Louis in the fantasy playoffs. In Week 1 against the 49ers, Hightower ran just eight times for 15 yards, but he caught 12 passes for 121 yards. A similar performance in Week 14 wouldn't surprise me, and, well, the Lions and Rams are what they are, great matchups for a team with a powerful offense. By the end of this season, one or both of those squads could have already given up for the year.
If you can't get Hightower, Beanie Wells, Jamaal Charles and Jerome Harrison aren't bad substitutions. All have a chance to succeed late in the season, and they all carry a fairly low price tag at this point. Bargain bin!
And, for those of you playing at home, I would try to unload DeAngelo Williams before the fantasy playoffs.
Williams finished the year as the No. 1 fantasy running back after a slow start, and he's once again been inconsistent to start the year in 2009. It's not just Jonathan Stewart stealing time and touches from him. This year, Jake Delhomme has developed a bad habit of throwing to players in other jerseys.
While Williams is come on strong the past three weeks, he should hit a slump starting in Week 11 against Miami and continuing, outside of a brief practice session against the Bucs in Week 13, into the fantasy playoffs. In Week 14, Williams faces the Patriots in New England, followed by the Vikings at home and the Giants in New York for the Giants' last home game of the season.
If you're a proud Williams owner, you should deal him away to the highest bidder this week or next before you get stuck in the dumps with him during the playoffs.
Smitty from Fantasy Football Xtreme says:
Every season, a grip of players step up during Weeks 14-16, while others shockingly disappoint. It's a tough business predicting either, but I have come up with two names. I have talked a lot about running backs and wide receivers over the past few weeks, so this week I'm going to focus on quarterbacks.
One quarterback worth talking about before we even sniff Weeks 14-16 is Kurt Warner. The aging quarterback has been hit or miss this season, and he has thrown 7 interceptions over the past three games putting him at 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the year. He has also fumbled the football twice over the last three weeks.
You're probably guessing that Warner is my "unload" recommendation for Weeks 14-16, right? Wrong.
While I will admit that I have concerns about the aging quarterback staying healthy long enough to see Week 14, he has a fantastic fantasy playoff schedule. The Cardinals face the 49ers (28th) in Week 14, the Lions (29th) in Week 15 and Rams (24th) in Week 16. If healthy, Warner should have a fantastic finish to the fantasy season.
As for my top quarterback to unload before we hit Week 14, I have to go with Carson Palmer.
The Bengals passing schedule isn't impossible, as they have two decent match-ups in Weeks 14 and 16 in the Vikings (23rd) and Chiefs (29th), but they do have a rough contest against the Chargers (6th) in Week 15. I know Palmer had a monster 5-touchdown performance before his Week 8 bye, where he completed 20-of-24 passes, but before that Week 7 outing, Palmer's completion percentage was under 60 and he had almost as many interceptions (7) as he had touchdowns (8).
On the year, Palmer has yet to pass for over 300 yards. His Week 7 stats are making him look strong, but I'm predicting that he and the Bengals struggle down the stretch. I say unload Palmer now and take a lateral step into a quarterback with less risk.
Trade Palmer for a Ben Roethlisberger or a Matt Ryan. Both quarterbacks probably have similar perceived value, yet I like both better than Palmer down the stretch (especially in Weeks 14-16).
Junkyard Jake from Junkyard Jake says:
Glancing ahead to the fantasy playoff weeks this year, it appears that Drew Brees and the Saints' passing game could benefit from a very favorable set of defensive matchups. During Weeks 14 through 16, the Saints face Atlanta on the road and then Dallas and Tampa Bay at home.
As if Brees needed an additional advantage, all three of these games will be in a dome. Moreover, all three of these defenses currently rank in the bottom third of the league in terms of points allowed by opposing quarterbacks.
In contrast to Brees's favorable playoff schedule, it looks like the Bears' Matt Forte could have a tougher time. Forte is already having a slightly disappointing season, and it doesn't appear that he will catch a break during the fantasy playoff Weeks of 14, 15 and 16 when he is slated to face Green Bay, Baltimore and then Minnesota.
Green Bay has been allowing only 91 rush yards per game, and they have yielded just 3 rushing touchdowns so far. Forte's Week 15 opponent, Baltimore, has allowed just 79 yards per game on the ground. Forte then faces the Vikings in Week 16, a team that touts the No. 2 run defense in the league.
Hatty from Hatty Waiver Wire Guru says:
So essentially we are looking at a buy low/sell high for the playoff run. Having the right RB for the playoffs is a huge key to victory and health is a major consideration for playoff runs.
My sell high right now would be LaDainian Tomlinson. He is coming off a two-touchdown performance, but again is a huge injury concern. You just can't afford to go into playoffs with one of your top running backs leaving due to injury.
The running back I would work hard to obtain for the playoffs would be a running back who receives a major workload on a team making a run for the playoffs. Cedric Benson helped me to win a fantasy championship in the past and is a stellar running back to go into playoffs with. He is not prone to injury, doesn't play in an RBBC situation and is on a team that has a solid chance at making the playoffs.
Ryan Lester from Lester's Legends says:
Looking ahead to the fantasy playoffs, there are a couple of wide receivers that I would love to own and one that I want no part of.
The wide receivers that I love for the fantasy playoffs are Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson. Aside from being two of the best wide receivers in the game, there are some other reasons that make them so valuable when fantasy owners need them the most.
First of all, neither team is running away with their division meaning they will likely go full tilt the whole season as they vie for a playoff spot. While wide receivers like Reggie Wayne and Marques Colston are in the driver's seat of their respective divisions, Fitz and A.J. are not. It's conceivable that Wayne and Colston get a reduced workload in your league's championship game. You don't have to worry about that with Fitz or A.J.
They also have favorable schedules in the fantasy playoffs. Fitz plays at San Francisco, at Detroit and finishes at home against St. Louis. Week 14 could be tough for him, but the final two games could bring the monster performances you expected out of Fitz when you drafted him.
Andre Johnson's schedule is also a breeze. He starts off at home against Seattle, travels to St. Louis and finishes at Miami. Obviously, I don't like his championship opponent as much as Fitz, but if he leads you to the title game, you're in the money anyway.
On the flip side, the player I don't want on my team come fantasy playoffs time is Carolina's Steve Smith.
The Panthers start off on the road at New England. Weather is very much a factor in New England in December, which doesn't bode well for members of the passing game. Next up is Minnesota at home. The pressure that Jared Allen and company put on opposing quarterbacks could make for a long day. Finally, he finishes up against the Giants on the road in the swirling winds.
Smith faces three of the best teams in the league, two in what are likely to be bad-weather games, during the fantasy playoffs. Not to mention he plays in a run-first offense. If I were a Steve Smith owner and had championship aspirations, I'd try to move him now that he's coming off a pair of good games.
Eric Stashin of Rotoprofessor says:
One of the players I would like to own down the stretch is Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons.
Fantasy football playoffs are tough because if you have a player who is on a team that is coasting into the playoffs, you just don't know how much they are going to play. With the Falcons, they are three games behind the division lead already, but they are primed for a dogfight to take home the wild card.
In addition, the Falcons take on the New Orleans Saints (middle of the road in rushing defense), New York Jets (sans their big run stuffer, Kris Jenkins), the Buffalo Bills (currently allowing the most rushing yards per game in the league) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (need I say anymore).
That seems like the perfect set-up for a big way to close the season. He's one of the best backs in the league, and if you are in a position to acquire him for the stretch drive, there is no reason to hesitate.
As for players to avoid, you almost have to look at the flip side: Which team appears to be ready to coast into the playoffs as well as having a tough schedule?
The Minnesota Vikings could be that team, as they have a lead in the division and have the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and New York Giants on the schedule over the final four weeks. Three of those four teams are likely to be in contention for a playoff spot. The easiest game (Panthers) is on the road, as is the game in Chicago, so you don't know what will happen there.
The likelihood is that the team focuses on the run, as they've already shown that they will do, meaning Brett Favre and the Vikings receivers may struggle down the stretch.
Paul Greco from Fantasy Pros 911 says:
I love looking ahead. Why you ask? Well, if I'm looking ahead to Weeks 14 through 17, that means I have a shot at the playoff. Yup, I'm about to make it rain in the Greco household.
The one player that I'd like to unload, not only during the Weeks 14 through 17, but right now, is Carolina Panther's running back DeAngelo Williams. Coming off a huge game on the ground in Week 8, right now is the time to look to unload Williams.
Starting Week 11, Williams has the toughest Strength-of-Schedule (SOS) the rest of the season. With games against the Miami Dolphins (Week 11), New York Jets (Week 12), New England Patriots (Week 14) and the Minnesota Vikings (Week 15), all four teams are currently ranked in the top 10 for rush defense.
Cedric Benson, running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, is a player you must look to add to your team now. C.B. has the easiest SOS of any running back starting Week 11.
With games against the Oakland Raiders (Week 11), Cleveland Browns (Week 12), Detroit Lions (Week 13), San Diego Chargers (Week 15) and the Kansas City Chiefs (Week 16), all five teams give up an average of 117 rushing yards a game or worse.
C.B. has shown he can carry the load for the Bengals, so why not your team? Look to make a move for CB now, and enjoy big gains the rest of the season.
Bryce McRae from KFFL says:
My pickup for the playoffs: the Kansas City Chiefs' Kolby Smith (knee). He's a deep sleeper, yes, but it shouldn't cost much to get him, and he could pay huge dividends.
Starter Larry Johnson's suspension ends after Week 9, but the team has given some thought to releasing him. At some point, they have to start looking toward the future.
Jamaal Charles, a third-round pick last year, is expected to shoulder most of the load this week. He's more of a speedy change-of-pace back, however, and the Chiefs have utilized him as a rusher only 23 times this year. A lot of that has come out of passing downs, too.
This leads us to Smith; the third-year back has carried a full workload in the past (Weeks 12 through 16 in 2007: 100 carries for 387 yards and two scores), and he says he has confidence in his rehabilitated knee. Head coach Todd Haley says Smith is moving around well in practice, too. Smith has the bulk (5-foot-11, 219 pounds) that could help him hold up as a primary back over the speedier Charles.
Kansas City faces the Buffalo Bills (most rushing yards allowed per game to backs this year), the Cleveland Browns (third most) and the Cincinnati Bengals in Weeks 14 through 16, respectively. Cincy isn't a great matchup, but Smith could be a beast during those two first games.
On the flip side, one player I'm looking to unload before the playoffs is the San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree. I don't have much faith in Alex Smith behind center for the long term. I feel defenses might be able to shut down Crabtree, too, once they have more film on him and how the 49ers are using him. Remember: This is still a run-first offense.
Also, I don't believe his value will be any higher after his first three games. Wait for him to burn the Tennessee Titans, a generous defense to this position, in Week 9 and then sell high on the former Texas Tech wideout.
The defenses Crabtree will face in the traditional playoffs weeks: the Detroit Lions (Week 14), the Arizona Cardinals (Week 15) and the Philadelphia Eagles (Week 16). Philly's D has been one of the top against this position all season while the other two have shown improvement in the last month. Plus, Detroit's run D has been bad enough that San Fran might opt to pound the ball.
Kurt Turner from Top-Fantasy-Football says:
Strength of schedule is key when planning for the fantasy football playoffs. Teams like Arizona, San Diego and Miami all have juicy matchups. FFToolbox.com has a nice tool you can use found here that analyzes matchups by position for you.
Here are my picks to own and unload: Kurt Warner and Roddy White.
Snatch up Kurt Warner. He should be a beast in the playoffs. Trade for him now and don't be afraid to overpay, especially if you're hurting at quarterback.
A guy I don't like for the playoffs is Roddy White. White faces some tough pass defenses weeks 14, 15 and 16. If you can get Warner for White (and some change) and still have some other good options at wide receiver, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Good Luck!
That's all for this week's Fourth & 1 Debate. While I am largely a fan of riding hot hands into the ground rather than trading them away because of perceived slumps on the horizon, preparing for the fantasy football playoffs is a necessity.
Oh, and if you have a championship game in Week 17, slap your commish again for me.
As always, the comments are yours. Have a player you're concerned about for the fantasy playoffs? Would you like to add more names to the hat of players to add/drop? Leave a comment to let us know.
Alex Smith, Andre Johnson, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Beanie Wells, Ben Roethlisberger, Brett Favre, buy low, Carson Palmer, Cedric Benson, Chris Wells, commish, DeAngelo Williams, Drew Brees, fantasy football roundtable, fantasy stock watch, Fourth and 1 Debate, Jake Delhomme, Jamaal Charles, Jared Allen, Jerome Harrison, Jim Sorgi, Jonathan Stewart, Kolby Smith, Kurt Warner, LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Fitzgerald, Larry Johnson, Marques Colston, Matt Forte, Matt Ryan, Michael Crabtree, Michael Turner, Minnesota Vikings, playoffs, RBBC, Reggie Wayne, Roddy White, sell high, sleeper, stash, Steve Smith (CAR), strength of schedule, studs, Tim Hightower, trade
First Round Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for 2009
Draft Strategy August 21, 2009 Jacob7 Comments
You know that tough feeling when your heart is telling you one thing, but your mind is telling you something completely different?
It's not love…or the cheese fries. It's the first round of your fantasy football draft. Easily confused, for sure, but very, very different.
The first round is a Wild West again this season with no locked-in picks in the first round. Many consider Adrian Peterson the consensus first overall pick or the safest option at the top of the draft, but rebels out there will tell you that they prefer Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner or even Tom Brady, if they dare.
Just because A.P. is rated first overall, that doesn't mean you have to draft him. Depending on the scoring rules, I might not. He's just not my favorite guy.
In the first round, you should consider drafting a running back, a wide receiver or a quarterback — draft a kicker and someone will smack you — and there's a strategy to taking each position.
Drafting a Running Back in the First Round
It's not that it's out of style to draft a running back. It's just that it loses its shiny appeal after the first three to four picks are off the board. Once Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner and Matt Forte are off the board, the running back ranks get muddy.
Draft LaDainian Tomlinson? No, thanks. Steven Jackson? Yeah, but no. Kill me now.
The conventional wisdom is that taking a running back in the first round is the safest option and most valuable pick since true No. 1 running backs and running back depth is hard to come by in fantasy drafts, but much like 2008, this season offers up plenty of running back by committees, or RBBCs, which will do just fine for my fantasy purposes.
Even in the third round of a 12-team league, you're still able to find quite a few running backs worth starting, and that allows you to have some freedom in the first round. Marion Barber (ADP: 3.01), Ryan Grant (ADP: 3.08) and Kevin Smith (ADP: 3.10), all third round picks according to Fantasy Football Calculator's average draft positions, aren't terrible options. They were close to first-round consideration if they weren't drafted in the first round just last year.
If you have one of the top four to five picks in the draft, taking a dominant runner is a valid option — and probably your best strategy — but with backs like Frank Gore (ADP: 2.o2) and Clinton Ports (ADP: 2.11) still available in the second round, don't force it.
Drafting a Quarterback in the First Round
You may be tempted by Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Tom Brady, especially if you play in a league that awards six points for passing touchdowns, but don't draft a quarterback in the first round just because they score the most points each week.
It was a hot trend last season, but the fantasy football community cooled off after Tom Brady made owners pay by going down in the first quarter of his first game. So much pain to think about…let's move on…
By the nature of starting lineups, most leagues only require 24 quarterbacks to be drafted (12 starters, 12 backups), and only 12 of those players start each week unless you're in a two-quarterback league.
Only starting one, there's better value to be had waiting on your gunslinger. The signal callers of the fourth and fifth round aren't far behind the first-round prospects and could always rise, much like Philip Rivers did last season, up to their level if you're lucky.
Drew Brees and Tom Brady are great and all, but I'd rather take Tony Romo (ADP: 5.09) or Aaron Rodgers (ADP: 4.01) and have three or four stud running backs or wide receivers on my roster.
Current average draft positions show Brees (ADP: 2.03) and Brady (ADP: 2.03) finding their way back into the second round, and Peyton Manning (ADP: 3.03) might still be around in the third at a great bargain price.
If you find yourself at the tail end of the first round, you can consider drafting a quarterback, but I think the odds are in your favor if you wait on even the elite to fall into the second or third rounds. Some say taking a quarterback in the first three rounds is a waste. My sweet spot for quarterback value is the fourth and fifth rounds this season.
Drafting a Wide Receiver in the First Round
It's hard to argue with Talented Mr. Roto Matthew Berry's assessment that there are only seven top receivers to go around this season.
Some have more upside than others, but seriously, the difference between No. 8 on the list of wide receiver scoring leaders from last year (Antonio Bryant, 157 points) and No. 30 (DeSean Jackson, 110 points) works out to fewer than three points a game. So if everyone in a 10-team league started three receivers every week, outside of the elite, you're basically getting a three-point advantage starting the best non-elite guy over the guy that's barely better than waiver-wire fodder.
That stings when you put it that way, but it is so true. Receiver is the wise way to go with your first round pick this year if you miss out on the elite running backs. With questions surrounding a few of the top seven like Roddy White, Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson, there are even less sure-thing elite receivers to go around.
Taking a receiver in the first round may ruin a few of your fantasy diehards' lunches, but the drop off from the late first-round backs to the second-round or even third-round backs is not as significant as the drop off from first-round receivers to second-round receivers. Not to mention, there is a wealth of talent at running back in the middle and late picks of the draft, especially if you like sleepers.
If I draft top receiver in the first round and more elite wideouts are available in the second, I might even draft another one. You can't stop me!
The stats are there to show it's the more valuable pick late in the first round. As long as you draft intelligently, the fifth round running backs should be there to save you.
So go crazy, got it? Now you just have to choose a draft strategy for the rest of your draft.
As always, the comments are yours.
2009 draft, Aaron Rodgers, ADP, Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Antonio Bryant, average draft position, Calvin Johnson, Clinton Portis, DeSean Jackson, draft prep, Drew Brees, fantasy football draft, fantasy football draft strategy, Frank Gore, Kevin Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Forte, Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner, Peyton Manning, quarterback, Randy Moss, RBBC, Roddy White, running back, Ryan Grant, Steve Smith (CAR), Steven Jackson, stud, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, wide receiver
Fantasy Draft Day Pick or Pass: Top 36 Wide Receivers by ADP
Draft Strategy, Player Rankings August 13, 2009 Jacob4 Comments
Just as I broke down the running back average draft position with my "pick or pass" ranking style and noted which players might be worth skipping over in your draft rankings, I'm doing the same with wide receivers. Unlike running backs, many of the top receivers are worth a pick at their current draft stock, and there are plenty to like. As we progress down the rankings, you'll notice a few receivers are holding values they don't deserve this season.
These ADP values were taken from Fantasy Football Calculator and were current as of August 7, 2009.
Pick or Pass: Top 36 Wide Receivers as Drafted in Mock Drafts
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals – ADP: 1.07 – PICK
No matter how much you fear the Madden curse, it's hard to deny that Larry Fitzgerald is set for another big season. Besides, he's only due for half the dreaded curse this season anyway since he shares the cover. The NFC West is still a relatively pushover division, and other than competing for catches with Anquan Boldin, not much stands in his way. While Randy Moss and A.J. are also great options, Fitzgerald is the pick at wide receiver this season.
2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans – ADP: 1.09 – PICK
The Houston Texans convince us every season that they're the sleeper team in the AFC for next year. Whether they make the playoffs this season or not, Johnson will play a huge part in their success. The only threat to Johnson's productivity is Matt Schaub's injury risk, but that's a risk I'd be willing to take. Johnson is just that good when he's in the zone and worthy of a first-round pick if you must.
3. Randy Moss, New England Patriots – ADP: 1.09 – PICK
Moss was the No. 1 receiver in 2007, but his year away from Brady forced him to come back down to earth. One year removed from his record-breaking, 23-touchdown season, he could easily do it again. More than likely, he won't make it out of the teens on touchdowns — records can only be broken so often — but he's still worthy of an early selection as the Patriots return to form this year. Moss is once again a great pick.
4. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions – ADP: 2.02 – PICK
Megatron proved to be immune to bad quarterbacks last season as he rose to elite status off throws from Dan Orlovsky and Daunte Culpepper. After a full offseason with the Lions, Culpepper should be more in-sync with Johnson. While his recent thumb injury is worrisome, it's not enough to scare most owners away from Johnson, who is likely to be the only target on a team that will be forced to throw the ball plenty this year. Megatron has to be a pick.
5. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts – ADP: 2.06 – PICK
Despite the coaching changes in Indy, Peyton Manning will continue to lead an offense that makes all the receiving options fantasy studs. Wayne may not breakout as the clear No. 1 this season just because Marvin Harrison has finally left the receiver corps, but he's worthy of WR1 status on any fantasy team. In the second round, he's a value, and he's still a pick.
6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers – ADP: 2.08 – PICK
Jennings is one elite wide receiver who could make a jump into the super elite this season. As Aaron Rodgers' favorite target last season, he improved his draft stock, so while it's surprising to see him ranking above Steve Smith, I'd feel safe drafting him here and expecting another WR1 type of season. In some drafts, you might even be able to catch him in the third round as a great WR2. He's a pick with upside.
7. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers – ADP: 2.09 – PICK
Suffering through a season without Jake Delhomme followed by a season where he always seemed to get tackled at the one- or two-yard line has taken its toll on Steve Smith's value, but he's still at No. 7 because he's one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL. With the 2009 schedule expected to be a little rougher on the Panthers, Delhomme may be forced to go to the air this season more than last, which should increase Smith's value as long as Delhomme doesn't throw as many picks as he did in the Panthers' playoff exit. Smith's current shoulder injury is not great news, but I doubt he'd be slow starting even if he didn't get on the field until Week 1. Scare your draft mates with the injury news, and you might get him in the third round or later. Smith is a pick.
8. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints – ADP: 3.01 – PICK
There's speculation that Colston's fantasy totals may not be as high this season with the emergence of Lance Moore and Colston's injury concerns. While he sat out most of last season, we have to trust that he's still one of Drew Brees' favorite targets. Even if Brees spreads the ball around, Colston's a reliable receiver to have on your team as a WR1. I'd still pick him, especially if you can get him in the third round.
9. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons – ADP: 3.01 – PICK
Even though his holdout has ended, I'd caution against drafting Roddy White too high. You may think Matt Ryan will take that next step, but you should also note that the "hot read" has been shifted from White to Tony Gonzalez in this offense, which will reduce the targets for Roddy White. With less opportunity and in an offense that has proven it can move the ball on the ground, will Roddy White still produce the same fantasy stats? While he's worthy of this pick, I wouldn't go much higher to take White this season. I'd rather let others bet on him and take the "wait and see" approach. Pick him if you're a believer.
10. Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals – ADP: 3.01 – PICK
I'm not a fan of drafting a team's second wide receiver as a WR1 of your fantasy team, but it's hard to determine from week to week who the top target is in Arizona. Boldin is one of the most dangerous receivers with the ball in his hand, and with Kurt Warner throwing the ball, he should produce stats worthy of a WR1 start. I wouldn't blame you if you skipped over this pick in your draft though.
11. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs – ADP: 3.06 – PASS
The first pass of the wide receiver class. The question isn't whether Bowe will receive a lot of passes this year — he was one of the top targeted receivers last season with Tony Gonzalez in town. Now that he's the only weapon out there besides veterans Amani Toomer and Bobby Engram and flaky Mark Bradley, Bowe should be the focus of Matt Cassel's attention. But the question is whether Bowe will be able to do much with the passes that come his way. With Larry Johnson aging and Cassel unproven, no one knows what the Chiefs will be able to do on offense and how often Bowe will even have a chance at the end zone. He also hasn't won any points with the new coaching staff by coming into training camp out of shape. He's currently listed at the end of the depth chart to "inspire" him to work harder. I'd pass on him with his draft stock this high, but the receivers are starting to drop off at this point.
12. Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills – ADP: 3.07 – PASS
T.O. has been a fantasy icon for years, and he has a track record of performing well in his first season with any team. That said, he's older now and playing in the frigid tundra of Buffalo. When the weather turns cold, how will he hold up and perform? Will Trent Edwards be capable of getting the ball to him in those conditions? Despite their connections in the Hall of Fame game, I'm not convinced that Buffalo's no-huddle will be firing on all cylinders this season. And even then, much like Lee Evans, T.O. could start off hot only to fizzle when the weather turns breezy. If you do dare to draft him at his current ADP, I'd plan on flipping T.O. midseason for someone with warmer pastures. With his nagging toe injury, I'd pass on T.O. this season.
13. Wes Welker, New England Patriots – ADP: 3.08 – PICK
While not a typical WR1 pick, Welker makes an excellent WR2. A third-round pick is a bit of a stretch, but Welker is one receiver who, no matter the weather, opponent or score, will be involved in every game for the Patriots. He stands to gain a great deal from Brady's return, and Welker should be a huge stud in PPR leagues. Especially if you're looking for your second receiver in the third round, I'd pick Wes Welker.
14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks – ADP: 3.11 – PICK
I'd be higher on Housh if the Seattle coaches weren't droning on and on about how much they want to run the ball with Julius Jones this season. Despite all the talk, Jones remains a fairly risky running back and has underperformed several seasons in his career. T.J.'s best case scenario would be for the Seahawks to return to their gun-and-then-run offense put into place in Shaun Alexander's final season with Seattle, and Matt Hasselbeck is capable of making Housh a huge fantasy stud if that happens. Worst case, Housh puts up WR2 worthy numbers as the Seahawks return to form. Either way, Housh isn't a bad pick at the end of the third round. He has too much upside not to be a pick.
15. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos – ADP: 4.01 – PASS
It's funny how fast a player can turn sour. At the beginning of the offseason, I would have proclaimed Marshall a must-have receiver this season. Now, I wouldn't want to touch him. His ADP is still as high as it was last season with Cutler in town, but Denver has a new coach and a new quarterback in Kyle Orton. With his off-the-field behavior continuing to be a question mark and the offensive minds showering praise on Eddie Royal, it doesn't look like this is the season to own Marshall. His current legal troubles may even get him suspended again to start the season. In the fourth round, I'd pass and look to grab Eddie Royal at a much better value if you want a piece of this passing game.
16. Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys – ADP: 4.04 – PICK
In an interesting flip, Williams' value has gone the opposite direction of Marshall's this offseason. Last season, he was invisible beside Terrell Owens, but this year, he's the Cowboys' big target. I doubted his ability to rise to the occasion late last season and this offseason, but reports out of camp have me optimistic. Maybe it's the Cowboy fan in me, but I see Williams finding his way into the No. 1 role and holding it down as well as can be expected this season. He won't have T.O. numbers, but he's worth a pick in the fourth round as a weak WR1 or a strong WR2 with upside.
17. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals – ADP: 4.05 – PASS
No matter what his name is, you don't want him on your team. He's a definite threat on the field, but he's one of the most frustrating players to own in fantasy because he is so inconsistent. With so much praise for Chris Henry from Carson Palmer, I'd worry that ol' Ocho might be losing his touch. Even if he makes it through the season without tweeting his way into a suspension, I'd fear a Carson Palmer injury or a general failing of the Bengals' offense. I can't endorse him as a WR1 this year, and I'd turn him down in the draft unless you're looking for a WR3. I'll pass.
18. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers – ADP: 4.07 – PICK
Jackson's intriguing here in the fourth round. I don't see Philip Rivers living up to last year's numbers, and I do see the Chargers running more in 2009. That said, Jackson could be a solid call in the fourth round. He's clearly established himself as a No. 1 in the NFL whether he's a fantasy WR1 or not, and he will probably see the majority of targets this season. With fewer throws, there is a danger that the Chargers spread the ball around, but that's a risk that's going to pop up for most of the receivers from this point on in the draft. I'd pick him, but I still don't like Philip Rivers.
19. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns – ADP: 4.10 – PASS
The mighty fall hard and fast in the world of fantasy football. Edwards is a clear example. After a stat-inflated season with Derek Anderson, Edwards only showed up for Monday Night Football games last season. Fool us once, shame on him; fool us twice, shame on us and our fantasy teams. With Brady Quinn likely to start this season, I doubt Edwards will get many of the long balls Anderson might have thrown him. Quinn prefers the short game, and Eric Mangini is a fairly conservative coach. In short, Cleveland looks like a fantasy mess, and I'd rather just avoid this situation unless I'm in a PPR league, in which short passes that don't necessarily go anywhere still have value. I expect Edwards to be a big part of this offense, but I doubt that will do him much good. On top of my outlook on Edwards, nagging ankle injuries kept him out of the beginning of training camp, and a new injury just sidelined him again, which isn't encouraging. If you're taking Edwards as a WR2, that's acceptable, but a WR1 he is not. I'd really prefer him as a WR3, and in the fourth round, I'll pass.
20. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis Colts – ADP: 4.12 – PICK
Gonzalez seems like a real trap this season. He's coming into Indy as the No. 2 with Marvin Harrison out for good, and everyone — and their mom — wants to snag him as a sleeper. Newsflash: He's no sleeper. The problem with the Colts is that, just like every other team with a good tight end, the second receiving target is usually the tight end, not the second wide receiver. In this case, this season looks great for Dallas Clark. Gonzalez should still get his targets as part of the Colts passing game, but don't expect explosive numbers. In the fifth round, it's probably safe to take your chances. He's a pick.
21. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles – ADP: 5.05 – PICK
I must caution again because many people are jumping on Jackson in drafts as well. The Eagles spread the ball around, so Jackson may not be bound for a true No. 1 receiver season. Still, he became one of McNabb's favorite targets in his first season, rare for an Eagles' rookie. As long as Kevin Curtis doesn't cut into his targets too much, Jackson is bound to have a borderline WR2/WR3 season. I'd love to have him as a WR3, but he has enough upside with all the improvements the Eagles made this offseason to be a WR2. Watch that knee he hyperextended this preseason, but he's a pick.
22. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers – ADP: 5.08 – PASS
I know I'll probably have some disagreement on this one, but I don't like Holmes. I didn't like him last season, and I probably won't like him next season. Even though he's the dangerous target in the Steelers' offense, he can disappear from games when the Steelers don't throw the ball, and he's not always the preferred target in the red zone over Hines Ward. Even though he turned it on in the Super Bowl run last year, I don't believe he'll take that next step to being fantasy relevant each week, so I must suggest you pass and settle for Hines Ward a few rounds later at a much nicer price tag.
23. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – ADP: 5.12 – PASS
Bryant's not terribly exciting, but he did convince the Bucs that they could part with Joey Galloway this offseason. No matter who throws the ball for the Bucs this year, Bryant is likely to see most of the targets, but how many targets will that be? Hard to say with how often the Bucs like to run. Bryant's franchised this season and needs to impress, but his recent knee injury and surgery have me a little worried that he'll start off slow and struggle to find a rhythm with his new quarterback. Rather than risk it, unless you're in a PPR league, pass on Bryant for someone on a team with more offense.
24. Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos – ADP: 6.01 – PICK
Now this ADP has been climbing over the last few weeks as the hype around Royal and Josh McDaniels' claims that he could be the next Wes Welker hit the news, but I'd still be ready to take him in the sixth round. Royal is probably going to be more productive than Brandon Marshall this season, and he has the ability to get open on any play. The Broncos will likely play from behind quite a bit with that Swiss cheese defense of theirs this season, and that means they'll throw the ball enough to make Royal valuable. If you take him at this ADP or earlier, I hope you've already got two receivers on your roster. It's a bit chancy to take him as a WR2, but if you choose to believe, why not pick him?
25. Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills – ADP: 6.03 – PICK
Evans would have been a pass until T.O. came to town. His addition means that defenses will look on the other side of the field from this speedster. Any double-teaming of Owens means a touchdown for Evans. Of course, if you draft him here, you should try to package him as early as Week 4 in trade so that you don't get stuck with him when Buffalo gets too cold to pass late in the season. At this value, he's worth picking just to see how the Buffalo no-huddle offense comes together.
26. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings – ADP: 6.03 – PICK
Berrian's always been a burner, and Tarvaris Jackson has always struggled to get him the ball. This pick is dependent upon Sage Rosenfels winning the starting job as I expect he will. With Rosenfels, Berrian could see more passes come his way and more opportunities for long balls. As an added bonus, Berrian gets no penalties for any interceptions Rosenfels throws in return. I'd feel more comfortable with Berrian as a WR3 than a WR2, but he's a pick.
27. Santana Moss, Washington Redskins – ADP: 6.09 – PASS
It's strange that one-third of the way through last season, Santana Moss was the No. 1 fantasy receiver. Washington could certainly start off hot again, but I doubt that Moss will get the scoring opportunities that made him so good last season. He's always followed his big seasons with a cool down, and this year should get a lot colder. He's still the first look in this offense, and he's got a quarterback with something to prove in Jason Campbell. While yardage ain't bad at this point in your drafts, I think that's all we can expect from Moss this year. I'd be willing to start Santana Moss as a WR3, but in the sixth round, I'll probably pass.
28. Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints – ADP: 7.01 – PICK
Moore is a guy that I really like this season because despite his big numbers in 2008, he's not skyrocketing up the draft boards. Much like Kevin Walter, Moore is a name that your draft mates might easily forget. With Colston back on the field, Moore shouldn't see as many passes coming his way, but Brees still trusts him to get open and make those catches. I'd consider Moore worthy of a WR2 start when the Saints have good passing matchups this season, but he makes for a great WR3 playing on the Saints, a team that loves to throw the ball. He's a pick.
29. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers – ADP: 7.05 – PICK
A bargain in the late rounds, Ward tends to get most of the looks in the end zone in Pittsburgh. Despite his age, he's still productive and dependable enough to be a WR3, and there will be weeks where he may get you two touchdowns if everything breaks right for him and Big Ben. As I said earlier, I'd rather have Ward on my roster as a WR3 than Holmes as a WR2. Ward's a pick.
30. Donnie Avery, St. Louis Rams – ADP: 7.06 – PASS
Donnie Avery had a great rookie season, but unfortunately for his value, Torry Holt left him in St. Louis as the only proven receiver — if you can say proven about second-year receiver. Now Avery's hurt as well. Avery's injury shouldn't nag him all season, but he could very well start slow for the Rams. In an offense that's already questionable, I worry about how effective Avery will be jumping back into the lineup just before the regular season. The Rams will probably be throwing the ball when they get behind, but Steven Jackson still might be the only Ram worth owning this season. Avery's a pass in my book.
31. Laveranues Coles, Cincinnati Bengals – ADP: 8.01 – PASS
Coles gets a lot of love from people who loved T.J. Houshmandzadeh on the Bengals last season or doubt Chad Ochocinco. The two knocks that I have against him are the Chris Henry hype and Carson Palmer's injury risk. Chris Henry's upside gives Coles quite a bit of downside, but I do like Coles more than I like Ochocinco this season. As a WR3, he's manageable, but I don't think he'll surprise me. He'll be a part of this Bengals offense, but it could go through some dry spells. I'd rather have a guy with more upside and less risk at this point in the draft, so I'll pass.
32. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers – ADP: 8.02 – PASS
Even when he signs a contract, I wouldn't want him on my roster. Crabtree will have a hard time winning over the coaches and getting on the field this season, and that's only if he can grasp the offense. Give him a year in the oven, and see if he comes out smelling good on the other side. I'd definitely pass.
33. Torry Holt, Jacksonville Jaguars – ADP: 8.03 – PICK
Holt may be on a team that doesn't usually throw the ball, but Jacksonville hasn't had a solid receiver with his talents in several years. He struggled last season with the Rams, but this season, he may see a lot more opportunity created by Maurice Jones-Drew demanding attention at the line and out of the backfield. For an old guy, he's got a lot of potential upside, and he could turn into a consistent scorer from week to week. I like that as a WR3. In a PPR league, I like him more, but in non-PPR leagues, he's also a pick.
34. Kevin Walter, Houston Texans – ADP: 8.03 – PICK
I love Walter as a WR3. Matt Schaub likes to look for him in the red zone, and Andre Johnson often draws double coverages that leave Walter open to make a play. Last season, he had plenty of games where he was worthy of a WR2 start, and I'll buy the hype again this season that this could be the Texans' year … at least until Week 4. In the eighth round, Walter's a nice value pick with tons of upside.
35. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears – ADP: 8.04 – PICK
The eighth round might be the latest you've ever been able to draft the No. 1 target of Jay Cutler. Reports out of Bears' training camp see Cutler forming a good connection with Hester, and as the leading receiver last season, Hester could be in line for more balls his way now that it's Cutler, not Orton, under center. With Cutler's ability to throw the long ball, Hester has the chance to get behind defenses with his speed and score on almost every play. I'd take a chance in the eighth round that Hester makes a move at being a fantasy WR2 this season. Who's with me? He's a pick.
36. Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets – ADP: 8.07 – PICK
Cotchery's looking at a down year this season with the Jets' quarterback position in transition, but regardless of which rookie or almost-rookie takes the job, I expect the Jets to follow something similar to the Ravens' model from 2008: run the ball plenty, and when you have to throw, look at Mason — or, in this case, Cotchery. As the only target, he could be effective enough to be a WR3. In PPR, that's more valuable than it sounds, but in regular leagues, he's worth taking a chance on in the late rounds. Just take a few upside guys late in your draft to replace him if the Jets fizzle into a running game that gets no production from the quarterback.
Now that's a wrap. This list should cover most of your starting wide receiver selections this season. My opinion may change on these guys as the preseason continues, so keep an eye out — or subscribe — for new articles on these receivers. You can also post any questions in the comments for updated opinions — I'm willing to share.
As always, the comments are yours. Tell me what receivers you think will be busts this season or whether you disagree with any of my picks.
2009 draft, ADP, Andre Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Anthony Gonzalez, Antonio Bryant, average draft position, Bernard Berrian, Brandon Marshall, Braylon Edwards, Calvin Johnson, Chad Johnson, Chad Ochocinco, DeSean Jackson, Devin Hester, Donnie Avery, draft prep, Dwayne Bowe, Eddie Royal, fantasy football draft, fantasy football tools, Greg Jennings, Hines Ward, Jerricho Cotchery, Kevin Walter, Lance Moore, Larry Fitzgerald, Laveranues Coles, Lee Evans, Marques Colston, Michael Crabtree, pick or pass, Player Rankings, Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Roddy White, Roy Williams, Santana Moss, Santonio Holmes, Steve Smith (CAR), stud, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Terrell Owens, Torry Holt, Vincent Jackson, Wes Welker, wide receiver, WR
Hair Model Mock Draft 2009: Tweaking the System
Mock Drafts July 29, 2009 Jacob9 Comments
There was actually a mock draft that I participated in last week besides the one that I let the ESPN autodraft bot destroy by filling the bench with quarterbacks. The fine young hair models from Fantasy Football Writers with Hair put together a 10-team, 16-round mock draft with a few of the Fanhouse crew, reps from Bruno Boys and Bleacher Report and me.
The roster was a standard setup with a flex position — 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 RB/WR, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 D/ST and seven bench spots. The scoring was basic as well with passing touchdowns awarded four points.
The guys at Fantasy Football Writers with Hair have just published the entire mock draft with their take on each round. Here I'll break down each round with my own thoughts so that you can see what was going through my head when I decided it was a good idea to take Thomas Jones…
The 2009 Fantasy Football Writers with Hair Mock Draft
**- Represent my picks
Update: I've recently learned that Bruno Boys were unable to get back into this mock draft after we had started. All picks made by the Bruno Boys are, in reality, the ESPN autodraft bot at work once again. You can see how Bruno Boys might have actually drafted in the picks they made during the previous ESPN mock draft where I let the bot take control.
Round: 1
(1) John Lorge – Adrian Peterson RB
(2) Team Dembinsky – LaDainian Tomlinson RB
(3) Team Lalley – Maurice Jones-Drew RB
(4) Nick Allen – Michael Turner RB
** (5) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Matt Forte RB
(6) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Chris Johnson RB
(7) ffwriters withhair.com – Steven Jackson RB
(8) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Frank Gore RB
(9) Call me Stat Boy – DeAngelo Williams RB
(10) Bruno Boys.net – Larry Fitzgerald WR
My pick: It's hard to complain with Matt Forte at the five spot. I would likely have taken Forte even if I had the second overall pick. I like him that much. It was an easy call to take him when he fell right into my lap.
Picks I like: It's hard not to like anyone drafted in the first round. I mean, none of the mock drafters were using the Oakland Raiders' notes here. Turner at fourth overall seems just about right. He has a tough schedule, but he should still produce like the fantasy champ he was last season because Atlanta is likely to see the end zone more often. Chris Johnson over Steven Jackson at pick No. 6 is also a pick from my own heart. Johnson has plenty of upside while Jackson's team is hardly guaranteed to get points on the board. Outside of PPR leagues, I am not a fan of Steven Jackson this year.
Picks I hate: DeAngelo Williams, even late in the first, is a raw deal. The tougher schedule and the split with Jonathan Stewart should take him right back down to size. Don't forget where he fell in drafts last season just because he ended the year as the No. 1 fantasy back. While I don't hate it, taking Larry Fitzgerald at the end of the first round probably wouldn't have been my move. I like running backs that are still on the board at this point, and it's risky taking a wide receiver here and, as you'll see, in the second round and still putting together a consistent running back group.
(11) Bruno Boys.net – Andre Johnson WR
(12) Call me Stat Boy – Brandon Jacobs RB
(13) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Randy Moss WR
(14) ffwriters withhair.com – Clinton Portis RB
(15) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Drew Brees QB
** (16) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Steve Slaton RB
(17) Nick Allen – Marion Barber RB
(18) Team Lalley – Calvin Johnson WR
(19) Team Dembinsky – Peyton Manning QB
(20) John Lorge – Brian Westbrook RB
My pick: I reap the benefits of the Bruno Boys' run on wide receivers. Imagine my glee to see Slaton fall to me in the middle of the second round. I love the idea of having two young, highly-involved backs as my lead starters, and I only wish this mock draft was a real league. Slaton may lose goal line touches this season, but I have no doubt he'll earn them back as Chris Brown gives in to the inevitable injury, and Slaton separates himself from the rest of the pack in Houston.
Picks I like: Clinton Portis doesn't get enough attention for being one of the most reliable backs in fantasy. He deserves to be taken higher than 14th overall, but he's going at a bargain rate right now because of the abuse he took last season. Brian Westbrook at the end of the second round isn't too bad either. The old guy is still going to start in Philly, and the explosive offense they assemble could give Westbrook at least one more great year of fantasy production.
Picks I hate: It was daring to take Fitz in the first round, and following with Andre Johnson in the second round really puts Bruno Boys in a tough spot here. I would want to get my hands on at least one elite RB1 in a 10-team league, and Bruno Boys could have gotten another elite receiver in the third round had he taken a back with one of his first two picks. I guess if you're going to go for wide receivers rather than running backs this early, you might as well go all in. With just four points per passing touchdown, I'd rather wait on quarterbacks. Brees in the mid-second seems too early to me just as Manning at the end of the round does. I don't think the quarterback values are going to be as inflated this season as they were last year. Brady's injury put a little fear back into everyone.
(21) John Lorge – Tom Brady QB
(22) Team Dembinsky – Dwayne Bowe WR
(23) Team Lalley – Pierre Thomas RB
(24) Nick Allen – Steve Smith WR
** (25) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Greg Jennings WR
(26) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Reggie Wayne WR
(27) ffwriters withhair.com – Ryan Grant RB
(28) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Roddy White WR
(29) Call me Stat Boy – Kevin Smith RB
(30) Bruno Boys.net – Ronnie Brown RB
My pick: Greg Jennings is a favorite this season. He's primed to have another big year with Aaron Rodgers under center. He showed his elite status already last season, and the guy gets to play the Lions twice this year. What's not to love?
Picks I like: Pierre Thomas is going to be better than Reggie Bush this year and deserving of the third-round grade if Brees puts him in scoring position as much as I think he can. Grant is due for a bounce-back year after his injury-plagued 2008. If Matt Ryan blows up like everyone seems to think he will, Roddy White might outperform my Greg Jennings pick, but I was willing to take that chance.
Picks I hate: Ronnie Brown was nothing impressive last season without the Wildcat. I doubt he'll blow anyone away this year as it is possible that Pat White sees some of those reps in the Wildcat formation. I also find it hard to love Kevin Smith. If Detroit moves to a power running game, Smith may take some time to adjust from the one-cut style that made him so successful in college and in his play last year with the Lions.
(31) Bruno Boys.net – Anquan Boldin WR
(32) Call me Stat Boy – Marques Colston WR
(33) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Aaron Rodgers QB
(34) ffwriters withhair.com – Brandon Marshall WR
(35) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Darren McFadden RB
** (36) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Thomas Jones RB
(37) Nick Allen – Philip Rivers QB
(38) Team Lalley – Jonathan Stewart RB
(39) Team Dembinsky – Vincent Jackson WR
(40) John Lorge – Terrell Owens WR
My pick: If I was unhappy with any pick I made during this draft, it is probably this one. Jones looked like a bargain as he was falling here, but I was torn on biting the bullet or not. Despite his contract dispute and the rookie Shonn Greene now breathing down his neck, he's still the starter for the Jets. If Mark Sanchez takes the reigns in just his first season, or even if Kellen Clemens holds the job for a year as a shaky signal caller, the Jets are likely to power the ball down the field with the run. Much like Michael Turner and LeRon McClain benefited last season from this offensive attack, Jones could see a lot of yardage coming his way. Regardless, he's a decent backup with upside at this point for me.
Picks I like: Aaron Rodgers seems to be going at a good price for being one of the top finishers last season. I like him better than Philip Rivers and consider him more of a lock to be productive than Tony Romo since Green Bay has one of the finest wide receiver corps in the league. Surprising to see Colston go after Anquan Boldin, but I like both picks here in the fourth round. Each should see plenty of chances to score this season.
Picks I hate: Darren McFadden isn't yet the clear starter for the Raiders, so drafting him in the fourth round seems unnecessary. I'm still concerned he may lose touchdowns to Michael Bush. Terrell Owens, for all the productivity he's had the last several seasons, doesn't feel like the same guy this season with the Bills. With Lee Evans running for home run catches, T.O. might draw attention on possession routes and lose out on the scoring that made him so valuable. I don't like him this early.
(41) John Lorge – Wes Welker WR
(42) Team Dembinsky – Antonio Bryant WR
(43) Team Lalley – Chad Ochocinco WR
(44) Nick Allen – Roy E. Williams WR
** (45) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Kurt Warner QB
(46) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Derrick Ward RB
(47) ffwriters withhair.com – T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR
(48) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Knowshon Moreno RB
(49) Call me Stat Boy – Tony Romo QB
(50) Bruno Boys.net – Marshawn Lynch RB
My pick: I always worry about getting stuck with a terrible quarterback, and last year, I did in a few leagues. Rather than take that chance, I feel like Warner is a pretty good bargain in the fifth round. I already have my top receiver and a solid group of running backs. None of the wideouts on the board jumped out at me during this run on them.
Picks I like: While I passed on him, I do believe T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have a good year as Hasselbeck's main target. As Shaun Alexander struggled, the Seahawks became a throwing machine, and they could return to those old ways with just Julius Jones in the running game this season. Despite his suspension, Lynch is one of the best backs in the league to start from week to week. He's a nice bargain in the fifth round as a backup who could turn into a starter once he returns. Unfortunately for Bruno Boys, he's only the second RB on their roster. Derrick Ward may not be the solid start in Tampa Bay, but I think he could demonstrate his usefulness this season now that he's finally gotten out from behind Brandon Jacobs.
Picks I hate: Knowshon Moreno hasn't signed a contract and has a long list of veterans sitting on the depth chart in Denver. Even if he starts, I don't like his chances of being productive enough to start for fantasy. He'll likely yield on passing downs and at the goal line to veterans. On top of that, the Josh McDaniels offense didn't look all that friendly to running backs when I saw it in New England. I'd stay away from this rookie if I were you. Ochocinco is an expected pick here, but I personally dislike how inconsistent he is as a receiver. He's boom or bust each week, and you're forced to ride him out.
(51) Bruno Boys.net – Tony Gonzalez TE
(52) Call me Stat Boy – Braylon Edwards WR
(53) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Eddie Royal WR
(54) ffwriters withhair.com – Larry Johnson RB
(55) Gage Arnold is a Boss – DeSean Jackson WR
** (56) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Joseph Addai RB
(57) Nick Allen – Reggie Bush RB
(58) Team Lalley – Felix Jones RB
(59) Team Dembinsky – Jason Witten TE
(60) John Lorge – Antonio Gates TE
My pick: Another falling value caught my eye and kept me from taking my second wide receiver — Joseph Addai. Just last season, he was one of the top running backs off the board, and most of the problems the Colts encountered in 2008 were due to Jeff Saturday's absence or Peyton Manning's recovery. As the season went on, the Colts finally came together, but Addai had already taken most the abuse. After he recovers, I don't think he'll see his carries being given to rookie Donald Brown. Brown may relieve him, but the scoring opportunities are likely to still fall on Addai. I took him here as a backup and possible tradebait by midseason.
Picks I like: Felix Jones might end up starting in Dallas, and when he got a chance to carry the ball last season, Jones always did something with it. He's a solid pick in the sixth round. The run on tight ends started here with Tony Gonzalez going first, and I think the sixth round is a good spot for this to begin. Obviously, Bruno Boys doesn't worry about Gonzalez being less productive with the Falcons, but I prefer Witten with T.O. out of town. Reggie Bush comes at a decent price in this round with potential to be a good flex starter.
Picks I hate: While Larry Johnson is a pretty nice bargain here, it's hard to like the guy. He seems like a shadow of his former self on the field, and Todd Haley's offense in Arizona didn't allow the running backs many chances to succeed.
(61) John Lorge – Chris Wells RB
(62) Team Dembinsky – LenDale White RB
(63) Team Lalley – Anthony Gonzalez WR
(64) Nick Allen – Dallas Clark TE
** (65) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Matt Schaub QB
(66) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Owen Daniels TE
(67) ffwriters withhair.com – Cedric Benson RB
(68) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Greg Olsen TE
(69) Call me Stat Boy – Matt Ryan QB
(70) Bruno Boys.net – Willie Parker RB
My pick: As we entered the seventh round, I saw the sleeper-ish wide receivers I was targeting falling to a good spot. I didn't think anyone was going to pounce on them this round, so I went ahead and got my second quarterback before some teams had thought about getting their first. Matt Schaub has the potential to be a top-10 quarterback this season if he can stay healthy and utilize all the Texans' weapons this season, but that is an "if." I'd rather have him as a QB2 than a QB1, but he's one of the top backups to have. If anything were to happen to Kurt Warner this season, I'd feel safe putting Schaub in my starting spot.
Picks I like: Willie Parker started off the season very hot last year before getting injured. If he comes back to the Steelers in game shape from this offseason, he's a mighty fine fantasy backup or starter. Bruno Boys saves his running back situation by snagging him in the seventh round.
Picks I hate: LenDale White may have come back lighter this offseason, but it's hard to see his value in the seventh round when you're still in need of a RB2. He scored a lot of touchdowns, but I'd rather have someone who sees more touches like Willie Parker or Ray Rice. Even Cedric Benson is set to touch the ball more this season. Unless you own Chris Johnson, it's a bit early to look at grabbing the Tennessee bowling ball.
(71) Bruno Boys.net – Donovan McNabb QB
(72) Call me Stat Boy – Jamal Lewis RB
(73) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Bernard Berrian WR
(74) ffwriters withhair.com – Carson Palmer QB
(75) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Ray Rice RB
** (76) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Kevin Walter WR
(77) Nick Allen – Santonio Holmes WR
(78) Team Lalley – Jay Cutler QB
(79) Team Dembinsky – Fred Taylor RB
(80) John Lorge – Lee Evans WR
My pick: With my quarterback and running back positions secure, I went to work on my wide receiver corps by grabbing the sleepers I had spotted in Round 7. Kevin Walter may not be high on a lot of radars, but he got plenty of grabs near the red zone in Houston. That makes him a quality WR3 with a chance to move up to WR2 status if the Texans can keep it going all season. It may seem like a reach, but there's plenty of upside there that I didn't want to miss.
Picks I like: Jamal Lewis will get his 1000 yards, even if you take him in the eighth round. Ray Rice, the current starter in Baltimore, is a steal this late in the draft. He's the back you want to own on a team that loves to run the ball, and he may be the best bargain of the draft this year. A close second might be Carson Palmer, who, if back in his starter shape, could be in line for a big year. Plenty of people doubt Jay Cutler can produce the same stats with the Bears' receivers that he did in Denver. I tend to think we're underestimating him and a team who hasn't utilized the quarterback position in years.
Picks I hate: Fred Taylor, despite his past production, will have a hard time getting those stats in the Patriots offense. I think he'll be their primary runner this year, but Kevin Faulk will probably be on the field anytime the Pats are passing, which could be a lot this season with Brady back. Holmes isn't my favorite receiver at this point either because of his boom or bust nature, much like Chad Ochocinco.
(81) John Lorge – Santana Moss WR
(82) Team Dembinsky – Ted Ginn Jr. WR
(83) Team Lalley – Donald Brown RB
(84) Nick Allen – Jerricho Cotchery WR
** (85) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Hines Ward WR
(86) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Devin Hester WR
(87) ffwriters withhair.com – Zach Miller TE
(88) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Earnest Graham RB
(89) Call me Stat Boy – Chris Cooley TE
(90) Bruno Boys.net – LeRon McClain RB
My pick: With my receiver corps almost secured, I thought it best to go with a sure thing — a receiver who might not do anything spectacular but is guaranteed to get the ball in his hands every week. Hines Ward fit the profile, and he's the Steelers receiver I would rather have on my roster.
Picks I like: Unfortunately, I chose to play it safe with this pick, but if I had chanced it, I would have taken Devin Hester. As much as I liked Jay Cutler last year, I have to put my faith in Hester to take his game to another level this season. Ted Ginn Jr. may surprise us by maintaining the production he had at the end of last season, or he could fizzle if the move is made to put Chad Henne under center at some point this year. Santana Moss is unreliable and always an injury risk but a good pick here as well.
Picks I hate: LeRon McClain surprised us last season, but Baltimore has him classified as a fullback and claims to be putting the load on Ray Rice and Willis McGahee this season. While you can doubt that, I don't think anyone was gunning to roster McClain in this portion of the draft. A late flier might get you a chance at the big fella.
(91) Bruno Boys.net – Ahmad Bradshaw RB
(92) Call me Stat Boy – Torry Holt WR
(93) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Donald Driver WR
(94) ffwriters withhair.com – Laveranues Coles WR
(95) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Mark Clayton WR
** (96) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Lance Moore WR
(97) Nick Allen – Fred Jackson RB
(98) Team Lalley – Michael Crabtree WR
(99) Team Dembinsky – Matt Cassel QB
(100) John Lorge – Donnie Avery WR
My pick: Lance Moore is another risky, sleeper-ish wide receiver this season that you can get on the cheap. With Colston out, he was the stud to have in New Orleans. Whether Colston makes it through the season or not this year, I expect Moore to stay involved in the offense. New Orleans saw fit to protect him this offseason and keep him around for a reason, and I think he has more upside than Driver, Coles, Clayton or Crabtree.
Picks I like: Torry Holt may not score a lot of touchdowns, but he's likely to make David Garrard a decent yardage play every week. Fred Jackson could sneak more carries away from Marshawn Lynch this season if he impresses during the early weeks of the season when Lynch will have to sit out. Donnie Avery is the only big play threat that the Rams really have unless they develop Laurent Robinson or rediscover Ronald Curry. He could have a Calvin Johnson-like season if the Rams struggle to get points on the board late in games.
Picks I hate: Matt Cassel has very little going for him in his first year in Kansas City. Despite his performance last year for New England, I wouldn't take a chance on him until all the starting quality quarterbacks are off the board. I don't hate the Crabtree pick, but the rookie wide receiver isn't on track to be an impact player right now with the way he's been behaving in San Francisco thus far.
(101) John Lorge – LeSean McCoy RB
(102) Team Dembinsky – Darren Sproles RB
(103) Team Lalley – Dustin Keller TE
(104) Nick Allen – Tim Hightower RB
** (105) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Ben Roethlisberger QB
(106) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Steelers D/ST D/ST
(107) ffwriters withhair.com – Julius Jones RB
(108) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Kyle Orton QB
(109) Call me Stat Boy – Steve Breaston WR
(110) Bruno Boys.net – Willis McGahee RB
My pick: I was actually trying to take Julius Jones here, but the ESPN mock draft room froze up on me and forced me to log out. When I logged back in, Big Ben was mine. I wish there was a more in-depth reason behind this pick, but I saw no need for a third quarterback with both Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub already on the roster. Julius Jones would have given me another starting running back with upside since reports are that he'll be the workhorse of the Seattle offense this season. I'd feel very safe with Forte, Slaton, Thomas Jones, Addai and Julius Jones on my roster, and they might even provide me with enough depth to make a few trades throughout the season.
Picks I like: Dustin Keller has a lot of upside in New York whether Clemens or Sanchez is declared the starter. He showed promise last season with Brett Favre while competing for time on the field, and he could be either starter's safety net this season. Of course, I like the Julius Jones selection because I wanted to make it two picks earlier. I'm not a huge fan of handcuffing — would rather have another starter on my roster as an option any given week — but Lorge and Dembinsky play it safe by handcuffing McCoy with Westbrook and Sproles with L.T. If he grasps Josh McDaniels' system, Kyle Orton could actually put up backup-worthy numbers in Denver. He's no Tom Brady, but McDaniels did make Cassel look like a hero last season.
Picks I hate: No one knows how Arizona will use Tim Hightower this season. He may ride the bench while Chris Wells takes most of the workload; he may be the touchdown vulture he was with Edgerrin James in Arizona. Either way, he shouldn't be drafted before more cemented running backs like Julius Jones and Leon Washington. I'm not big on taking defenses early, and I think it's too soon for the Steelers pick in just Round 11.
(111) Bruno Boys.net – Giants D/ST D/ST
(112) Call me Stat Boy – Leon Washington RB
(113) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Jamaal Charles RB
(114) ffwriters withhair.com – Domenik Hixon WR
(115) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Rashard Mendenhall RB
** (116) FantasyFootball Fools.com – John Carlson TE
(117) Nick Allen – David Garrard QB
(118) Team Lalley – Eli Manning QB
(119) Team Dembinsky – Kellen Winslow TE
(120) John Lorge – Ravens D/ST D/ST
My pick: I waited a little too long to take a tight end, but John Carlson should continue to be highly involved in the offense with Hasselbeck healthy. Hopefully, T.J. Houshmandzadeh's presence should leave him open. I don't mind settling for the young tight end here in the 12th round.
Picks I like: It seems that very few people believe that Hixon can takeover the spot previously held by Plaxico Burress in the Giants' offense, but I am one of the believers. He was productive before his injury as Eli Manning's No. 1 receiver, and I think he's capable of managing the job as the Giants' rookies get up to speed. David Garrard finished the season as the No. 10 quarterback, even after all the struggles with his terrible offensive line. He's a value in the 12th round with Torry Holt now as his No. 1 target.
Picks I hate: Again, a defense goes early, and I don't like it. The Giants barely finished as a top-10 defense last season, and now they have lost their defensive coordinator, which could have a larger effect than many people think. I wouldn't want to pay a high price for their services only to watch their struggles exposed twice a season by the Cowboys and Eagles. Eli Manning, while productive in small stretches, is an unreliable fantasy quarterback. I would rather see Hasselbeck or Trent Edwards on my roster in front of him.
(121) John Lorge – Eagles D/ST D/ST
(122) Team Dembinsky – Brian Robiskie WR
(123) Team Lalley – Derrick Mason WR
(124) Nick Allen – Titans D/ST D/ST
** (125) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Jerome Harrison RB
(126) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Trent Edwards QB
(127) ffwriters withhair.com – Matt Hasselbeck QB
(128) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Ricky Williams RB
(129) Call me Stat Boy – Vikings D/ST D/ST
(130) Bruno Boys.net – Chester Taylor RB
My pick: Just as everyone starts to think about kickers and defenses, I'm still thinking sleepers. Jerome Harrison has been the talk of Eric Mangini's offseason programs, and he's only got Jamal Lewis ahead of him on the depth chart. Mangini is talking about using him in a Leon Washington role this season, which might even make him the more productive back to own in Cleveland. He was definitely worth a flier this late in the draft.
Picks I like: Derrick Mason could return and be a solid No. 1. It's worth a shot. Trent Edwards and Matt Hasselbeck are both QB2s with upside much like Matt Schaub who could work their way into QB1s if they outperform their draft stock this season. We don't know how T.O. will affect the passing game in Buffalo, but Edwards ceiling is higher with him there. Ricky Williams, sharing time with Ronnie Brown, should outperform this draft stock as well.
Picks I hate: No major complaints in this round other than an early jump on defenses. I like to take mine in the final rounds. The Eagles were great last season, but they're defensive coordinator position is a question mark right now.
(131) Bruno Boys.net – Bobby Engram WR
(132) Call me Stat Boy – Justin Gage WR
(133) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Jets D/ST D/ST
(134) ffwriters withhair.com – Josh Morgan WR
(135) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Miles Austin WR
** (136) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Percy Harvin WR
(137) Nick Allen – Jerious Norwood RB
(138) Team Lalley – Kevin Curtis WR
(139) Team Dembinsky – Sammy Morris RB
(140) John Lorge – Chad Pennington QB
My pick: Now that I have a flier at RB on my roster, I wanted to take a chance on some receiver talent. Percy Harvin should be used in many ways this season to keep things interesting and keep defenses off of Adrian Peterson. Some fantasy leagues may even let you play him at running back and wide receiver. With more likely breakouts like Miles Austin off the board, I liked his chances.
Picks I like: Bobby Engram is a great possession guy who might just have another year left in him. Gage was the No. 1 for Tennessee and likely to be worth a start when the Titans play teams that will force them to go to the air. Miles Austin is my pick to be the No. 2 in Dallas opposite Roy Williams, and his big play potential should show in any time he gets on the field.
Picks I hate: I don't really dislike any of the fliers in this round. It's really just about who you believe in the most. Jumping at the chance to take a defense in this round is perfectly acceptable, and the Jets might have a strong season if they bring the Baltimore game plan to New York with a strong run game and stout defense.
(141) John Lorge – Laurence Maroney RB
(142) Team Dembinsky – Dolphins D/ST D/ST
(143) Team Lalley – Panthers D/ST D/ST
(144) Nick Allen – Harry Douglas WR
** (145) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Cowboys D/ST D/ST
(146) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Stephen Gostkowski K
(147) ffwriters withhair.com – Chargers D/ST D/ST
(148) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Chris Chambers WR
(149) Call me Stat Boy – Deion Branch WR
(150) Bruno Boys.net – Patrick Crayton WR
My pick: In a round where everyone grabbed defenses, I somehow managed to land the Cowboys. With a questionable offense, I'm projecting that their defense steps up to not only keep the sack totals high but also get more interceptions than they did last season. Improved turnovers should make them enough of a fantasy force to contend against the Giants, Eagles and Redskins twice this season. Besides, I'm a Cowboys fan, and I should have at least one part of the Cowboys on my roster, right?
Picks I like: Harry Douglas, Chris Chambers and Deion Branch are all worthy grabs as fliers this late in the draft. All of them could turn into valuable WR3s or even spot-starters as WR2s.
Picks I hate: I think Maroney's days in New England are done, but this late, why not take a chance? I guess just any kicker isn't good enough for Gage.
(151) Bruno Boys.net – Ryan Longwell K
(152) Call me Stat Boy – Mason Crosby K
(153) Tosten Burks is On a Boat – Garrett Hartley K
(154) ffwriters withhair.com – Neil Rackers K
(155) Gage Arnold is a Boss – Shonn Greene RB
** (156) FantasyFootball Fools.com – Nate Kaeding K
(157) Nick Allen – Nick Folk K
(158) Team Lalley – David Akers K
(159) Team Dembinsky – Jason Elam K
(160) John Lorge – Kris Brown K
My pick: The Chargers scored plenty of points last season. If L.T. struggles to put it in from short yardage, Kaeding is the one getting fantasy points. I think he's worth a shot, but if he doesn't work out, I can always change him out midseason. He's just my kicker, and there isn't much separating the elite kickers from the kickers who are just okay these days.
Picks I like: They're all kickers … I don't really like any of them all that much. Shonn Greene is a worthy flier, and he could steal touchdowns if Thomas Jones loses a step or gets on the team's bad side. I like him a lot, but he's just Gage's prize for taking a kicker in Round 15.
Picks I hate: It's hard to get upset about kickers, except for Kris Brown — who spells Chris with a K like that?
And so, we conclude last week's mock draft with Fantasy Football Writers with Hair. For the full team rosters, see FFWWH's post on the mock draft. FFWWH's analysts had this to say about my final roster:
Sloan's Roster
Burks: I love the first three picks (Forte at No. 5, Slaton at 16, Jennings at 25), I love the QB depth (Warner, Schaub, Roethlisberger), and I love Jerome Harrison. The only bad thing I can say is that he has no No. 2 wide receiver. Jacob has two or three No. 3's. But nonetheless, snaps for Sloan.
A-Koz: Not bad. While I said I'm not a huge fan of Thomas Jones, he's a solid backup and I suppose that Addai is too. His No. 2 WR is going to be a revolving door this season, but if you throw a dart enough times… Joseph Addai is his worst pick, but I'm not afraid to admit that this all stems from my hate of him last season while getting Lance Moore in a potent Saints' offense was smart money provided he can stay healthy.
Did I miss any big picks? Would you have done it differently? As always, the comments are yours.
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