And in classic Pandemonium fashion, I suffer a one-point defeat at the hands of my former placekicker to cap a 4-game losing streak and miss the 2014 Equalizer playoffs once again. Props out to Legault and the Roc City Super Dudes for their performance in crunch time and sneaking in there with the 6th and final playoff spot. Even bigger props to Dan's management of the Force this season in turning around an 0-4 start to win 8 straight and grab the number 2 spot in the playoffs, securing a first round bye as well. It's that front office acumen that keeps the Force in contention year in and year out.
I figured with the brackets now set, we could take a look at favorites to capture the Equalizer championship this year, as well as an early favorite for the BAMA.
Matchup Previews:
Ants in my Eyes Collins vs. Roc City Super Dudes - My preseason number one and two teams meet in the 3 vs. 6 seed game of round 1 of the playoffs. The Dudes post their second best scoring performance of the season in week 12 to secure that final spot, and are riding high heading into the playoffs. The emergence of CJ Anderson has been an absolute godsend for this team, with Lamar Miller and Ryan Matthews being banged up and Joique Bell being relatively ineffective. Rashad Jennings is getting healthy at exactly the right time and Tony Romo is playing some really good football right now. Julio Jones and Alshon Jeffery are always candidates to explode at the WR position, the Dudes team is trending in the right direction. Actually has a very good week matchup wise other than the usage of the Chiefs defense. Not only do they play Denver this week, but the Dudes will also likely be starting CJ Anderson in this game. What kinda game are you trying to play Legault? On the Ants side, which one of Ethan's 26 RB's will get the nod this week? It's a tough pick, with Vereen and the Pats playing a soft GB run defense (leading me to believe Blount/Gray will be featured), Thomas still getting healthy, and Bryce Brown relegated to RB3 duty in Buffalo with Fred Jackson back in the lineup. However the receiving corps of this Ants team can help pick up the slack in the RB crew. Dez Bryant is a man on a mission right now, and AJ Green looks really good recovering from the toe injury. Add two viable flex plays in Jordan Matthews and Julian Edelman, and the pass catchers on this Ants team are one of the best in the league. Favorable matchups for all except perhaps Edelman (Good pass D and pass rush in GB), can the pass catchers on this team make up for a potential lack of RB production? I say no, with Russell Wilson in a tough matchup this week and the Packers defense playing one of the hottest teams in the league right now in the NE Patriots (potentially the game of the year on Sunday). I like the Dudes to pull off the upset and then run into the buzz saw that has been Touch my TD's this season.
The Fat Cats vs. Las Vegas Outlaws - The Outlaws have fallen on hard times recently at the RB position, now starting Trent Richardson as their RB2. However, smartly snagged Latavius Murray off the waiver wires, the Oakland Raiders future franchise RB (for what that's worth). Murray does not have an ideal matchup this week against the improving St. Louis Rams, but are you gonna start Trent Richardson? Does boast absolute studs in Leveon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Kelvin Benjamin that all have semi-favorable matchups this week (if Justin Forsett's game Monday night is any indication, Leveon Bell should explode). Flacco has not been a fantasy stalwart this season, and the Outlaws need some serious production out of Martellus Bennett to grab a victory in this game. On the Cats side, looks like they're back to the same Cats we saw blowing people out to begin the season. Has only scored less than 100 points twice this season, despite some injuries to key personnel, and has posted a more than respectable 410 points the past three weeks (for a 137 point weekly average). Other than Jordy Nelson and his trip to Revis Island this weekend, none of the matchups for key players on the Cats really concern you. I like Megatron to have a monsterrrrr Thanksgiving day game and Jimmy Graham should eat up the Pittsburgh linebacking crew and secondary. Tre Mason might be worthy of a flex play this weekend against a weak Oakland run defense and Steve Smith posted a nice game on Monday night. Things are setting up pretty nicely for the Cats, and I like them to move on this week to face the red hot Force in a battle of fantasy titans in the second round.
Early BAMA Favorite:
Ethan's Mom's Panties - Sorry Brad, but I had to toss this in here. Hard to recover when your franchise cornerstone is caught up in a big dick contest with Roger Goodell. Made a smart move to acquire a cheap keeper in Jeremy Hill over Rodger's increasingly expensive price tag each season, but after that things aren't too promising. McKinnon is just not getting enough touches to be effective at the position right now, and Asiata vulturing TD's as well as the addition of Ben Tate do not bode well for that to change. James Jones has been hit or miss on a bad Oakland team. Andre Johnson may not know who is throwing him the football on Sunday. And anytime you are starting two Jaguars, you might be in trouble. Without going any farther and further damaging my already low fantasy karma, the Panties that belong to Ethan's Mom look to be in a position to be sporting that beautiful pink anklet (although not too pink anymore) for the next 365.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Playoff Picture
It has been a very competitive year for the Equalizer this season, with 8 teams having a shot at the playoffs this year. Particularly heated is the battle for the 5th and 6th spots, with realistically 4 or 5 teams in contention for those depending on how week 12 shakes out. So for this week, I wanted to take a look at who I think are the first two teams in the playoffs and the last two teams eliminated who would be considered "on the bubble" (very pumped college basketball season is back, Go Terps!). Let's get into it:
First Two In:
The Fat Cats - Team has taken a little fall from grace after some injuries to key players, but this team is stacked across the board. Acquired Peyton Manning in a trade this week, now boasting a lineup featuring 5 guys in the top ten at their respective position (not including Calvin Johnson). And I think they are the only team on the bubble that actually wins this week. Controlling their own destiny, the Cats easily slide into that 5th playoff spot (and can actually get bumped higher with some help) after throwing up plenty of points early in the year.
PB Pandemonium - As we have all seen before, the Pandemonium finish the year with a reckless abandon in mediocrity and are on their way to a four game losing streak to end the regular season. However, early season success may have saved the day for the Pandemonium (with some help from other teams losing this week). Made a trade this week to bolster the receiver position (particularly in the future) rolling the dice starting two Giants and two Jets... So let's be honest the TD's will steamroll the PB this weekend (Commish who's making the schedule here anyways 2 of the last 3 weeks!!) but I think there will be enough help from other teams for the Pandemonium to sneak in on point differential with a 6-6 record.
Last Two Out:
Redwood Chipalopes - Tough matchup with a revamped Dark Force this week (adding Rodgers who is playing on another level right now), I think this one is a high scoring affair with the Force ultimately prevailing. However, big question mark for the Chips is Josh Gordon and how effective he can be in his first game of 2014. One thing people lost sight of is he was able to work out in Browns facilities during his suspension and by all accounts is in incredible shape. With a mediocre QB like Hoyer likely to just try and throw it to his top guy, Gordon could absolutely explode this week against a weak Atlanta defense. Add to that Mike Evans incredible run, and the Chipalopes could sneak in there without a RB2.
Roc City Super Dudes - So some of you may think this is a desperation pick in hopes the Dudes lose and the PB Pandemonium hobble into the playoffs...and you would be absolutely correct. This matchup this week in pretty interesting. The Old Guys Club actually boasts significantly more points than the Dudes despite their 4-7 record. Most likely get Gio Bernard back (on a very limited basis) and looks more likely than not that Emmanuel Sanders suits up on Sunday. So honestly, I have a hard time picking a favorite to win in this matchup. I think the Old Guys Club wins the QB battle, the Dudes win the TE battle and the WR's are a wash. I think the RB's of the Dudes are better suited for success this week with Bernard hampered, but we know Ryan Mathews injury history. Trying to build a lot of good fantasy karma this week for the Old Guys Club (Keith you gotta get Sanders in that lineup!!).
Anyways, it's everyone's favorite time of the year, fantasy playoff time! Next week I think I will take a look at my pick for the 2014 Equalizer champ after the brackets are set, as well as my pick for the BAMA (is Kaier still looking good for a repeat? Maybe not...). Looking forward to seeing some of you fellas next week. Any torn ACL's in high noon football this year?
First Two In:
The Fat Cats - Team has taken a little fall from grace after some injuries to key players, but this team is stacked across the board. Acquired Peyton Manning in a trade this week, now boasting a lineup featuring 5 guys in the top ten at their respective position (not including Calvin Johnson). And I think they are the only team on the bubble that actually wins this week. Controlling their own destiny, the Cats easily slide into that 5th playoff spot (and can actually get bumped higher with some help) after throwing up plenty of points early in the year.
PB Pandemonium - As we have all seen before, the Pandemonium finish the year with a reckless abandon in mediocrity and are on their way to a four game losing streak to end the regular season. However, early season success may have saved the day for the Pandemonium (with some help from other teams losing this week). Made a trade this week to bolster the receiver position (particularly in the future) rolling the dice starting two Giants and two Jets... So let's be honest the TD's will steamroll the PB this weekend (Commish who's making the schedule here anyways 2 of the last 3 weeks!!) but I think there will be enough help from other teams for the Pandemonium to sneak in on point differential with a 6-6 record.
Last Two Out:
Redwood Chipalopes - Tough matchup with a revamped Dark Force this week (adding Rodgers who is playing on another level right now), I think this one is a high scoring affair with the Force ultimately prevailing. However, big question mark for the Chips is Josh Gordon and how effective he can be in his first game of 2014. One thing people lost sight of is he was able to work out in Browns facilities during his suspension and by all accounts is in incredible shape. With a mediocre QB like Hoyer likely to just try and throw it to his top guy, Gordon could absolutely explode this week against a weak Atlanta defense. Add to that Mike Evans incredible run, and the Chipalopes could sneak in there without a RB2.
Roc City Super Dudes - So some of you may think this is a desperation pick in hopes the Dudes lose and the PB Pandemonium hobble into the playoffs...and you would be absolutely correct. This matchup this week in pretty interesting. The Old Guys Club actually boasts significantly more points than the Dudes despite their 4-7 record. Most likely get Gio Bernard back (on a very limited basis) and looks more likely than not that Emmanuel Sanders suits up on Sunday. So honestly, I have a hard time picking a favorite to win in this matchup. I think the Old Guys Club wins the QB battle, the Dudes win the TE battle and the WR's are a wash. I think the RB's of the Dudes are better suited for success this week with Bernard hampered, but we know Ryan Mathews injury history. Trying to build a lot of good fantasy karma this week for the Old Guys Club (Keith you gotta get Sanders in that lineup!!).
Anyways, it's everyone's favorite time of the year, fantasy playoff time! Next week I think I will take a look at my pick for the 2014 Equalizer champ after the brackets are set, as well as my pick for the BAMA (is Kaier still looking good for a repeat? Maybe not...). Looking forward to seeing some of you fellas next week. Any torn ACL's in high noon football this year?
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Week 11 Observations
Hard to believe we are only one week away from the end of the regular season. Kind of a weird weekend of NFL action this weekend, with Denver getting beat in St. Louis, Cincy going to New Orleans and drilling the Saints, and some pretty key injuries down the stretch. But if there is one thing that is always consistent, it's the late season collapse of the PB Pandemonium. Let's get into week 11 of NFL action.
Miami Defense - The Dolphins defense is legitimate, but this isn't anything we don't know. Forget the Brent Grimes interception last week against Detroit, this team held Sammy Watkins to 3 catches for 32 yards on their way to keeping the Bills from the end zone for 60 minutes. They will face a tough test this weekend in Denver, but Denver may be without three key players this coming weekend.
Bryce Brown - Perhaps the lone bright spot for the Bills on Thursday night. Big hopes for Brown when he was acquired from Philly, just has not quite panned out yet in a Buffalo uniform. With Booby Dixon looking very Booby Dixon-esque, played his way into 13 touches in this game, doing most of his damage in the passing game. I liked Bryce Brown after the injuries to Jackson and Spiller, perhaps this is the game that vaults him to the top of the pecking order with Jackson still not healthy.
Cordarelle Patterson - Probably the biggest disappointment for me this season. Had really high hopes for this guy coming into the year. Insane athleticism, basically a larger more durable Percy Harvin. You know, except for the fact that he apparently has not been good enough to warrant the ball in his hands. Dropped him in all leagues I owned him.
Jay Cutler - Gotta give him some credit answered the bell this weekend. Been criticized all week but ripped NFC North rival Minnesota to the tune of 330 yards, 3 touchdowns. Perhaps more encouraging for Bears fans is Brandon Marshall seemingly healthy. In other news, Martellus Bennett where are you at?
Ryan Mallett - Very impressive in his first start, throwing for over 200 yards with two touchdowns and a pick (coming on a great play by Joe Haden). However the Texans absolutely ran roughshod over the Browns, with Alfred Blue tallying 156 yards on the ground in relief of Arian Foster.
Browns Backfield - Perhaps the worst backfield situation fantasy-wise in the NFL. Terrance West runs for 94 yards on 26 carries last week and still relinquishes the starting spot to Isaiah Crowell. Crowell has himself a nice day, rushing for 61 yards and 30 through the air, but loses yet another fumble. Then there is Ben Tate who was brought to Cleveland to be the presumptive starter. Your guess is as good as mine.
Jamaal Charles - Shredded the reigning Super Bowl champs to the tune of 159 yards and two touchdowns. Imagine if the chiefs actually had a quarterback?
Cincinnati Bengals - Can someone explain this team to me? I know the Saints have struggled in stretches this season, but really? Spanked the Saints at home, with Dalton pulling a complete 180 from last week and his passer rating of 2.0 against the Browns at home on national TV. Jeremy Hill with another nice game here, how much does the guy need to do to supplant Bernard as the starter?
Brandin Cooks - Promising rookie campaign may come to a screeching halt with a broken thumb on Sunday. With Marques Colston non-existent, now who does Brees throw to?
Frank Gore - Just when you think this guy is done, he puts together a string of a couple good games. Fantasy scores of 15 and 10 the past two weeks (ran for 95 yards this Sunday but did not find the end zone) you wonder if someone will take a shot on two more years out of Gore after the reigns are handed to Carlos Hyde this offseason.
Peyton Manning - Wtf happened yesterday? Obviously chalk it up to one of those games, but on paper this shouldn't have even been a contest. Guess that's why they play the game. Denver Broncos might be in for a little tough stretch if it turns out Julius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will miss some time (Sanders was basically murdered Sunday).
Kenny Britt - Remember when this guy was the next big thing out of Rutgers? Yeah, me neither. Put together a nice game this weekend though, ripping the Broncos on 4 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. While I am not a believer in Kenny Britt because he has proven me wrong so many times, it is worth watching with Shaun Hill back under center for the Rams.
Washington Redskins - This team is laughably bad. Might as well at least stick with the QB who actually won you a game (Colt McCoy). Pierre Garcon is invisible, Jordan Reed underperforming and tweaks his hammy again, and it's only a matter of time before DeSean Jackson starts wanting off a losing team. Also lose Trent Williams in this game, this team is just painful to see on Sportscenter (won't even watch them live).
Mike Evans - One of my biggest draft regrets was not getting this kid. Was fine with it to start the year when he struggled as the Bucs were worse than the Skins, has explodedddd in the last couple of weeks. Who would have thought the rookie would make Vincent Jackson irrelevant in Tampa Bay? While they couldn't stop a pop warner football team on defense, I do like some off the offensive talent they have down there in Tampa.
Phillip Rivers - Everyone remember this Phillip Rivers? Yeah me too. It seems he has come crashing down to Earth in the past couple of weeks, having not broken 20 fantasy points since week 6. Struggled again yesterday against the Raiders, posting a 193 yards and 1TD stat line.
Latavius Murray - Got some run and looked really good in this game. Was a lot of hype around this guy in the preseason, and hey, the Raiders can't get any worse.
Drew Stanton - In the battle of two of the best defenses in the NFL, Drew Stanton might have been the best player on the field. Threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns against a very good Lions defense, the Cardinals might not be missing a step with a new man under center.
Aaron Rodgers - Wasn't sure if anyone would read this with Green Bay's D out front, so I threw Rodgers name out there instead. But the defense played very well against the NFL's 5th best offense coming into this game. Got pressure on everyone's favorite QB Marky Sanchise, and surrendered a little over 100 yards on the ground after begin run all over to begin the season. While they still gave up over 400 yards of offense, did a good job creating turnovers and keeping the Eagles out of the end zone.
Colts - Spoke about the Broncos getting hit by the injury bug, but the Colts might have caught it worse. Bradshaw goes down with a broken ankle, after putting up a great season so far. Now the Colts will rely on the likes of ...cough...Trent Richardson to anchor this team's backfield. Also, Dwayne Allen goes down with a potential high ankle sprain. Two key weapons (and a lot of touchdowns) down for the Colts in this game.
Tennessee Titans Run Defense - O wait, forgot they don't have one...
Leveon Bell - Played so well last night, had his own teammates walking off the field (looking at you Legarette Blount). Over two hundred yards and a touchdown on a little over 30 carries, solidified his status as a top 5 pick in next year's fantasy drafts. Most impressive stat of the night, 196 yards in the middle of the field. If that is not a big F U to the Titans run defense, I don't know what is.
Wraps up week 11 for me boys, let me know what I missed. Also, look out for a little "last two in, first two out" posting later this week with the playoff race being so tightly contested this season.
Miami Defense - The Dolphins defense is legitimate, but this isn't anything we don't know. Forget the Brent Grimes interception last week against Detroit, this team held Sammy Watkins to 3 catches for 32 yards on their way to keeping the Bills from the end zone for 60 minutes. They will face a tough test this weekend in Denver, but Denver may be without three key players this coming weekend.
Bryce Brown - Perhaps the lone bright spot for the Bills on Thursday night. Big hopes for Brown when he was acquired from Philly, just has not quite panned out yet in a Buffalo uniform. With Booby Dixon looking very Booby Dixon-esque, played his way into 13 touches in this game, doing most of his damage in the passing game. I liked Bryce Brown after the injuries to Jackson and Spiller, perhaps this is the game that vaults him to the top of the pecking order with Jackson still not healthy.
Cordarelle Patterson - Probably the biggest disappointment for me this season. Had really high hopes for this guy coming into the year. Insane athleticism, basically a larger more durable Percy Harvin. You know, except for the fact that he apparently has not been good enough to warrant the ball in his hands. Dropped him in all leagues I owned him.
Jay Cutler - Gotta give him some credit answered the bell this weekend. Been criticized all week but ripped NFC North rival Minnesota to the tune of 330 yards, 3 touchdowns. Perhaps more encouraging for Bears fans is Brandon Marshall seemingly healthy. In other news, Martellus Bennett where are you at?
Ryan Mallett - Very impressive in his first start, throwing for over 200 yards with two touchdowns and a pick (coming on a great play by Joe Haden). However the Texans absolutely ran roughshod over the Browns, with Alfred Blue tallying 156 yards on the ground in relief of Arian Foster.
Browns Backfield - Perhaps the worst backfield situation fantasy-wise in the NFL. Terrance West runs for 94 yards on 26 carries last week and still relinquishes the starting spot to Isaiah Crowell. Crowell has himself a nice day, rushing for 61 yards and 30 through the air, but loses yet another fumble. Then there is Ben Tate who was brought to Cleveland to be the presumptive starter. Your guess is as good as mine.
Jamaal Charles - Shredded the reigning Super Bowl champs to the tune of 159 yards and two touchdowns. Imagine if the chiefs actually had a quarterback?
Cincinnati Bengals - Can someone explain this team to me? I know the Saints have struggled in stretches this season, but really? Spanked the Saints at home, with Dalton pulling a complete 180 from last week and his passer rating of 2.0 against the Browns at home on national TV. Jeremy Hill with another nice game here, how much does the guy need to do to supplant Bernard as the starter?
Brandin Cooks - Promising rookie campaign may come to a screeching halt with a broken thumb on Sunday. With Marques Colston non-existent, now who does Brees throw to?
Frank Gore - Just when you think this guy is done, he puts together a string of a couple good games. Fantasy scores of 15 and 10 the past two weeks (ran for 95 yards this Sunday but did not find the end zone) you wonder if someone will take a shot on two more years out of Gore after the reigns are handed to Carlos Hyde this offseason.
Peyton Manning - Wtf happened yesterday? Obviously chalk it up to one of those games, but on paper this shouldn't have even been a contest. Guess that's why they play the game. Denver Broncos might be in for a little tough stretch if it turns out Julius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will miss some time (Sanders was basically murdered Sunday).
Kenny Britt - Remember when this guy was the next big thing out of Rutgers? Yeah, me neither. Put together a nice game this weekend though, ripping the Broncos on 4 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. While I am not a believer in Kenny Britt because he has proven me wrong so many times, it is worth watching with Shaun Hill back under center for the Rams.
Washington Redskins - This team is laughably bad. Might as well at least stick with the QB who actually won you a game (Colt McCoy). Pierre Garcon is invisible, Jordan Reed underperforming and tweaks his hammy again, and it's only a matter of time before DeSean Jackson starts wanting off a losing team. Also lose Trent Williams in this game, this team is just painful to see on Sportscenter (won't even watch them live).
Mike Evans - One of my biggest draft regrets was not getting this kid. Was fine with it to start the year when he struggled as the Bucs were worse than the Skins, has explodedddd in the last couple of weeks. Who would have thought the rookie would make Vincent Jackson irrelevant in Tampa Bay? While they couldn't stop a pop warner football team on defense, I do like some off the offensive talent they have down there in Tampa.
Phillip Rivers - Everyone remember this Phillip Rivers? Yeah me too. It seems he has come crashing down to Earth in the past couple of weeks, having not broken 20 fantasy points since week 6. Struggled again yesterday against the Raiders, posting a 193 yards and 1TD stat line.
Latavius Murray - Got some run and looked really good in this game. Was a lot of hype around this guy in the preseason, and hey, the Raiders can't get any worse.
Drew Stanton - In the battle of two of the best defenses in the NFL, Drew Stanton might have been the best player on the field. Threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns against a very good Lions defense, the Cardinals might not be missing a step with a new man under center.
Aaron Rodgers - Wasn't sure if anyone would read this with Green Bay's D out front, so I threw Rodgers name out there instead. But the defense played very well against the NFL's 5th best offense coming into this game. Got pressure on everyone's favorite QB Marky Sanchise, and surrendered a little over 100 yards on the ground after begin run all over to begin the season. While they still gave up over 400 yards of offense, did a good job creating turnovers and keeping the Eagles out of the end zone.
Colts - Spoke about the Broncos getting hit by the injury bug, but the Colts might have caught it worse. Bradshaw goes down with a broken ankle, after putting up a great season so far. Now the Colts will rely on the likes of ...cough...Trent Richardson to anchor this team's backfield. Also, Dwayne Allen goes down with a potential high ankle sprain. Two key weapons (and a lot of touchdowns) down for the Colts in this game.
Tennessee Titans Run Defense - O wait, forgot they don't have one...
Leveon Bell - Played so well last night, had his own teammates walking off the field (looking at you Legarette Blount). Over two hundred yards and a touchdown on a little over 30 carries, solidified his status as a top 5 pick in next year's fantasy drafts. Most impressive stat of the night, 196 yards in the middle of the field. If that is not a big F U to the Titans run defense, I don't know what is.
Wraps up week 11 for me boys, let me know what I missed. Also, look out for a little "last two in, first two out" posting later this week with the playoff race being so tightly contested this season.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Week 9 Observations
It keeps getting more and more interesting every week. With some many big name players just not living up to expectations this season, this season may come down to each teams moves on the waiver wire. Let's get into week 9
Jeremy Hill - So the Bengals backfield situation just got a lot more interesting. Hill exploded this week for 154 yards on 24 carries for two touchdowns and quite possibly saved the game for the Bengals. Hill is the bigger back and Cincy, more of a prototypical RB with a build closer to the Alfred Morris's of the league than the Andre Ellington. That seems to bode well for his durability. Might we see Gio Bernard relegated to more of a change of pace/passing down type work if this production from Hill continues?
Denard Robinson - Third straight game effectively running the football, I am now a Robinson believer. Suffered some injuries at Michigan there might be some durability concerns with the workload, but I like this guy's upside. So much for the Toby Gerhart acquisition...
Mark Ingram - Back to back weeks of just destroying me in various fantasy leagues, certainly carving out a niche for himself in the NO backfield that was such a question mark to begin the year. Runs like a little bowling ball and was known at Alabama to be a very hard-working individual, I like him to see plenty of work even after the return of Thomas.
Cam Newton - Thought better days were ahead in Carolina, this team is bad and it starts with Cam Newton. Just has not looked like himself in 2014. Is there a team that has taken a sharper 180 than the Panthers?
Mike Evans - I think Evans is poised for a monster 2015 season. Still learning the game as a rookie wide receiver on a terrible team, but I love the guy's physical assets. Big wide receiver, good hands, better than average speed for a guy his size, learning from a vet in Vincent Jackson. Mike Glennon has shown flashes of being able to QB effectively at the NFL level, I like this kid down the road. Huge game against a Browns team that boasts the likes of cornerback Joe Haden, grabbing 7 balls for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Terrence West - In an interesting turn of events, West grabs the majority of the carries here for Cleveland and not Ben Tate. Crowell has taken a back seat in recent weeks due to ball control concerns, but was effective when utilized. What was assumed to be Ben Tate's job is now trending towards a committee approach, I would avoid the Cleveland backfield.
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys looked to take a HUGE step back here to the Cowboys of old. Brandon Weeden is bad at football. We know this. If you can't cut it in Cleveland you can't cut it anywhere. But they let him throw the football 33 times in this game, or one less attempt than Palmer!! They have not one, not two, but three very effective RB's behind one of the league's best o-lines. Pound the rock and potentially use some play action off of that, but please don't make us watch Weeden try and win a football game again.
Arian Foster - Let's just say it did not look promising when the injury happened. Was putting up yet another monster game before the injury bug bit again. The non-contact injuries can be some of the most concerning, and it certainly appeared as such on the field. As of this writing, not much in the way of news on the injury but some reports suggest he may not actually miss any time with the bye in week 10.
Nick Foles - Broken collarbone, no surgery. Out 6-8 weeks. Bring on Marky Sanchise!!!
New York Jets - This team is all in on Percy Harvin apparently, targeting him 13 times this week. However the most interesting question in New York this year is what network will Rex Ryan sign onto for next year (or possibly next week the way things are going)?
Alex Smith - Interesting little tid bit from Matthew Berry this morning, week 9 is now over and the Chiefs have still not thrown a TD to a wide receiver.
San Diego Chargers - Once again proving there is merit to the West Coast team coming east for a 1:00 game. Just dismantled this weekend. While they have been trending downwards of late, I think this is just one of those games and they bounce back after the bye.
Ryan Tannehill - I have been dogged in spot starts by this guy before but I am liking what I am seeing out of him these past couple of weeks. I didn't realize how athletic he was. Couple of designed boots for him that turned into big plays. Miami is a hard team to read, with some really poor games to go with a performance like this Sunday, but I like the pieces that are in place. Joe Philbin getting things turned around in South Beach.
Matt Asiata - Tough one to stomach for the Panties this week...looks like McKinnon is going to have to break off long runs to get his red zone opportunities.
Colin Kaepernick - Was he in? Probably the most controversial call of the weekend, couldn't have happened to a player I dislike more in the league. Guy has not really shown any improvement in his game over the past 3 years despite having some of the best weapons in the league. You usually don't hear of locker room troubles unless there is some merit to the rumors. The niners are trending downward. Go Cards!
Tom Brady - Once again beats Manning in Foxboro (his own personal kryptonite). I still think the Broncos are the better team, and the road to the AFC championship will travel through Denver, but quite the impressive performance. Gronk is unguardable right now. You can't put a linebacker there, you can't put a corner, you can't put a safety. Only defense is a bump off the line and some serious pass rush on Brady. Seems like that o-line shuffling has finally found a mix that works and the Patriots are looking really good.
Seattle Seahawks - What is going on for the reigning Super Bowl champs? 24 points to the Derek Carr led Raiders at home. Where is the 12th man at Kaier??
Ben Roethlisberger - Money in the bank. 79 fantasy points the past two weekends, 12 TD's, zero picks. One of the best two game stretches ever. Also has an unbelievably favorable schedule coming up. My only concern...we saw this same team lose to the Bucs and the Browns. We know the talent is there, but I want to see them drilling the teams they should be beating handily.
Odell Beckham Jr. - 8 catches for 156 yards, we are seeing an emerging stud here. Had a great catch and run in the game to show flashes of the talent we saw at LSU and why the Giants drafted him.
Tom Coughlin - Gotta be quicker on that trigger dawg. In other news, Andrew Luck is an unbelievably smart and savvy QB. Just keeps making plays no matter the situation. The Giants brought relentless pressure all night and against a capable secondary, still managed 4 touchdowns on the night. Of note in the game is Luck threw it 46 times in a game that was pretty much in hand from the get go. A lot of potential fantasy value in Colts pass catchers, just a matter of finding who gets the targets in any given week.
Wraps up week 9 for me. Starting to get down to crunch time as the playoff picture becomes more (or perhaps less depending on how you look at it) clear as we come down the final stretch of the regular season.
Jeremy Hill - So the Bengals backfield situation just got a lot more interesting. Hill exploded this week for 154 yards on 24 carries for two touchdowns and quite possibly saved the game for the Bengals. Hill is the bigger back and Cincy, more of a prototypical RB with a build closer to the Alfred Morris's of the league than the Andre Ellington. That seems to bode well for his durability. Might we see Gio Bernard relegated to more of a change of pace/passing down type work if this production from Hill continues?
Denard Robinson - Third straight game effectively running the football, I am now a Robinson believer. Suffered some injuries at Michigan there might be some durability concerns with the workload, but I like this guy's upside. So much for the Toby Gerhart acquisition...
Mark Ingram - Back to back weeks of just destroying me in various fantasy leagues, certainly carving out a niche for himself in the NO backfield that was such a question mark to begin the year. Runs like a little bowling ball and was known at Alabama to be a very hard-working individual, I like him to see plenty of work even after the return of Thomas.
Cam Newton - Thought better days were ahead in Carolina, this team is bad and it starts with Cam Newton. Just has not looked like himself in 2014. Is there a team that has taken a sharper 180 than the Panthers?
Mike Evans - I think Evans is poised for a monster 2015 season. Still learning the game as a rookie wide receiver on a terrible team, but I love the guy's physical assets. Big wide receiver, good hands, better than average speed for a guy his size, learning from a vet in Vincent Jackson. Mike Glennon has shown flashes of being able to QB effectively at the NFL level, I like this kid down the road. Huge game against a Browns team that boasts the likes of cornerback Joe Haden, grabbing 7 balls for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Terrence West - In an interesting turn of events, West grabs the majority of the carries here for Cleveland and not Ben Tate. Crowell has taken a back seat in recent weeks due to ball control concerns, but was effective when utilized. What was assumed to be Ben Tate's job is now trending towards a committee approach, I would avoid the Cleveland backfield.
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys looked to take a HUGE step back here to the Cowboys of old. Brandon Weeden is bad at football. We know this. If you can't cut it in Cleveland you can't cut it anywhere. But they let him throw the football 33 times in this game, or one less attempt than Palmer!! They have not one, not two, but three very effective RB's behind one of the league's best o-lines. Pound the rock and potentially use some play action off of that, but please don't make us watch Weeden try and win a football game again.
Arian Foster - Let's just say it did not look promising when the injury happened. Was putting up yet another monster game before the injury bug bit again. The non-contact injuries can be some of the most concerning, and it certainly appeared as such on the field. As of this writing, not much in the way of news on the injury but some reports suggest he may not actually miss any time with the bye in week 10.
Nick Foles - Broken collarbone, no surgery. Out 6-8 weeks. Bring on Marky Sanchise!!!
New York Jets - This team is all in on Percy Harvin apparently, targeting him 13 times this week. However the most interesting question in New York this year is what network will Rex Ryan sign onto for next year (or possibly next week the way things are going)?
Alex Smith - Interesting little tid bit from Matthew Berry this morning, week 9 is now over and the Chiefs have still not thrown a TD to a wide receiver.
San Diego Chargers - Once again proving there is merit to the West Coast team coming east for a 1:00 game. Just dismantled this weekend. While they have been trending downwards of late, I think this is just one of those games and they bounce back after the bye.
Ryan Tannehill - I have been dogged in spot starts by this guy before but I am liking what I am seeing out of him these past couple of weeks. I didn't realize how athletic he was. Couple of designed boots for him that turned into big plays. Miami is a hard team to read, with some really poor games to go with a performance like this Sunday, but I like the pieces that are in place. Joe Philbin getting things turned around in South Beach.
Matt Asiata - Tough one to stomach for the Panties this week...looks like McKinnon is going to have to break off long runs to get his red zone opportunities.
Colin Kaepernick - Was he in? Probably the most controversial call of the weekend, couldn't have happened to a player I dislike more in the league. Guy has not really shown any improvement in his game over the past 3 years despite having some of the best weapons in the league. You usually don't hear of locker room troubles unless there is some merit to the rumors. The niners are trending downward. Go Cards!
Tom Brady - Once again beats Manning in Foxboro (his own personal kryptonite). I still think the Broncos are the better team, and the road to the AFC championship will travel through Denver, but quite the impressive performance. Gronk is unguardable right now. You can't put a linebacker there, you can't put a corner, you can't put a safety. Only defense is a bump off the line and some serious pass rush on Brady. Seems like that o-line shuffling has finally found a mix that works and the Patriots are looking really good.
Seattle Seahawks - What is going on for the reigning Super Bowl champs? 24 points to the Derek Carr led Raiders at home. Where is the 12th man at Kaier??
Ben Roethlisberger - Money in the bank. 79 fantasy points the past two weekends, 12 TD's, zero picks. One of the best two game stretches ever. Also has an unbelievably favorable schedule coming up. My only concern...we saw this same team lose to the Bucs and the Browns. We know the talent is there, but I want to see them drilling the teams they should be beating handily.
Odell Beckham Jr. - 8 catches for 156 yards, we are seeing an emerging stud here. Had a great catch and run in the game to show flashes of the talent we saw at LSU and why the Giants drafted him.
Tom Coughlin - Gotta be quicker on that trigger dawg. In other news, Andrew Luck is an unbelievably smart and savvy QB. Just keeps making plays no matter the situation. The Giants brought relentless pressure all night and against a capable secondary, still managed 4 touchdowns on the night. Of note in the game is Luck threw it 46 times in a game that was pretty much in hand from the get go. A lot of potential fantasy value in Colts pass catchers, just a matter of finding who gets the targets in any given week.
Wraps up week 9 for me. Starting to get down to crunch time as the playoff picture becomes more (or perhaps less depending on how you look at it) clear as we come down the final stretch of the regular season.
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