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Fantasy Football Strategy, Advice, and Commentary |
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 By: Dave Stringer — September 2, 2009 @ 9:43 am
As noted in the initial WR rankings and strategy articles here, here and here), 2009 is the year of the wide receiver in Fantasy Football. With running backs having increased risk due to age and injury and more teams taking a backfield by committee approach, the chances of striking out at the position are greater than ever. And, as we all know, blowing one of your top two picks is a surefire way to blow your season. Or at least, it sure doesn’t help your cause.
With that in mind, it is increasingly likely that wide receivers will be taken in the middle of the 1st round in many drafts and that as many as ten wide receivers could be taken by the end of the 2nd round in a 12-team, points per reception league. Don’t be left holding the bag with a pair of questionable running back talents who are splitting carries. More than ever, your fantasy season will be dictated by your ability to change your strategy and get talented wide receivers early in your league’s Fantasy drafts or auctions.
- Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – No change at the top and why would there be?
- Andre Johnson, HOU – With a Tom Brady injury and Houston’s defense looking atrocious, Johnson moves up a notch.
- Randy Moss, NE – No longer at number two but still a solid bet for 1,200 plus yards and major touchdowns.
- Calvin Johnson, DET – Stuck at number four only because the Lions figure to once again struggle on O.
- Greg Jennings, GB – Got his bell rung but will be ready on opening day. Fantasy football’s most underrated wide receiver, but why?
- Roddy White, ATL – Moving up from eight. With Harry Douglas out and Michael Turner not a receiving threat, his expected targets increase.
- Steve Smith, CAR – Little warrior will be ready for opening day and figures to be targeted early and often.
- Marques Colston, NO – Saints offense figures to dominate and Colston is the team’s best skill position player, outside of Drew Brees. Up from 11.
- Anquan Boldin, ARI – Sure he gets hurt but he’s a TD machine when healthy.
- Reggie Wayne, IND – Down from seven. Plans are to move him around but age concerns have him sliding a bit.
- Dwayne Bowe, KC – Might lead the league in targets and he’s good enough to translate that into major fantasy points.
- Vincent Jackson, SD – Up a couple of spots due to issues with other players.
- T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA
- Brandon Marshall, DEN – Team suspension and ridiculously poor attitude make him fantasy’s biggest boom/bust player. No surprise if at year’s end he’s in the top five or if he’s down at 50. Drops from ten.
- Chad Ochocinco, CIN – A rebound season is looking more likely.
- Roy Williams, DAL – Shoulder injury is a concern, but he’s worth the risk here.
- Hines Ward, PIT – Up from 21. More convinced that ever that the Steelers have morphed from a running team to a passing team.
- DeSean Jackson, PHI – Up from 22. Jackson looks good and figures to improve upon his two TD performance of a year ago. Maturity issues but wonderful talent.
- Wes Welker, NE – Down a notch but incredibly reliable and a great option in PPR leagues.
- Antonio Bryant, TB – Another boom or bust pick with quarterback issues.
- Derrick Mason, BAL – Wasn’t ranked last time due to his “retirement.” Or was that “desire for more money.” Can’t remember.
- Santana Moss, WAS – Up from 26. Moss has looked good in the preseason but could suffer unless Jason Campbell gets it figured out.
- Terrell Owens, BUF – The slide stops for Owens who is down from 14. Hard to endorse an aging player who isn’t practising on a team that has a quarterback playing horribly in the preseason. Should he be lower?
- Eddie Royal, DEN – Big mover, up eight spots. With Marshall sliding, Royal figures to get an increased role in Denver. Doesn’t hurt that number one pick Knowshon Moreno isn’t likely to contribute much early.
- Braylon Edwards, CLE – The drops have continued but he’s worth the risk here.
- Donnie Avery, STL – Apparently a quick healer but may struggle early in the season.
- Bernard Berrian, MIN – Brittle Berrian moving down.
- Donald Driver, GB – Old Man Driver keeps on producing.
- Santonio Holmes, PIT – Not sold on him but maybe this is the year he puts it together.
- Domenik Hixon, NYG – Aside from Hakeem Nicks, the team’s other receivers have struggled in the preseason, cementing Hixon’s starting position, likely for the entire year.
- Anthony Gonzalez, IND – Why do I have the feeling he’s in line for just over 1,000 yards but only three TD? Oh, that’s it. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are excellent red zone options.
- Jericho Cotchery, NYJ – Based on talent, he should be higher. Based on situation, this seems right.
- Josh Morgan, SF – Big move up from 40. With rookie Michael Crabtree holding out and free agent addition Brandon Jones injured, Morgan figures to get plenty or targets.
- Kevin Walter, HOU – Defense looks bad which should translate into plenty of come from behind passing in Houston.
- Devin Hester, CHI – Could bust out but still not a complete wide receiver.
- Torry Holt, JAX – Likely in line for plenty of catches but no longer a deep threat and won’t provide many yards after the catch.
- Ted Ginn Jr., MIA – Miami’s number one wideout by default.
- Steve Breaston, ARI – If only the Cards had traded Boldin…
- Justin Gage, TEN – Nate Washington’s injury could translate into a larger role early in the season.
- Lee Evans, BUF – Owens is down and so is Evans. All the way from 28.
- Patrick Crayton, DAL – Up from 52. Dallas isn’t sold on Miles Austin or Sam Hurd and Williams has a bit of injury and performance risk. Could be a solid sleeper.
- Lance Moore, NO – He doesn’t get touches unless Colston and Reggie Bush are hurt and they were in 2008. What’s the story in 2009?
- Laveranues Coles, CIN
- Kevin Curtis, PHI – Up from 46. Rookie Jeremy Maclin hasn’t shown much and Curtis figures to benefit.
- Michael Jenkins, ATL – Loss of Harry Douglas is offset by addition of Tony Gonzalez.
- Chansi Stuckey, NYJ – Seems to have nailed down the starting spot opposite Cotchery.
- Chris Henry, CIN – Wild tales out of Cincinnati suggest he’s turned it around. Time will tell but the talent is definitely there.
- Nate Burleson, SEA – Has assumed the starter’s role and brings plenty of big play ability. Unfortunately, wildly inconsistent.
- Steve Smith, NYG – Looks like playing out of the slot is his niche.
- Devery Henderson, NO – Might lose playing time to Robert Meachem or might usurp Lance Moore. Worth taking a shot on but don’t reach too far.
- Earl Bennett, CHI – Keep reading he was Jay Cutler’s favorite target at Vanderbilt. Does that mean DBs will give him a free ride?
- Chris Chambers, SD – Never been a fan of this perennial fantasy tease.
- Laurent Robinson, STL – Rams have been impressed with his talent and performance. So were the Falcons two years ago but maybe the light has come in.
- Mark Clayton, BAL – Mason’s return coupled with a hamstring injury causes a 20 spot drop from 33.
- Isaac Bruce, SF – Figures to get plenty of targets early but likely to see a reduced role when Jones returns from injury and Crabtree learns the playbook (provided he signs).
- Davone Bess, MIA – Played reasonably well when given an opportunity in 2008.
- Nate Washington, TEN – Could miss a few weeks of the regular season with a hamstring injury.Bryant Johnson, ARI – Big, strong and fast but plays soft. Nothing to get excited about here.
- Chaz Schilens, OAK – Was impressive early in camp before breaking his foot which will cause him to miss 2-4 regular season games. He was Oakland’s best receiver prior to the break. Could be an excellent late season addition to your roster.
- Robert Meachem, NO – Reports are positive but who is he taking touches away from?
- Muhsin Muhammad, CAR – Increasingly likely that he splits time with Dwayne Jarrett.
- Javon Walker, OAK – Don’t drink the juice. Big name well past his prime.
- Mark Bradley, KC – Could be productive. Also could get cut.
- Limas Sweed, PIT – Figures to carve out a role as the team’s third wideout and potential red zone target.
- Jeremy Maclin, PHI – Rookie hasn’t done much to expect him to contribute early.
- Deion Branch, SEA – Will the Seahawks pay a backup wide receiver, that they gave up a 1st round pick for, $5-million a season? Maybe not.
- Demetrius Williams, BAL – Talented but never healthy.
- Michael Crabtree, SF – Hopefully he is better at learning the team’s playbook than the NFL’s rookie salary slotting system.
- Percy Harvin, MIN – Frankly, why is everybody reaching for this guy?
- Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK – A few long TD will likely be all he contributes.
By: Dave Stringer — September 1, 2009 @ 7:15 am
Our Fantasy Football tight end rankings update features a number of significant moves at the top of the rankings. Taking over the number one ranking is Antonio Gates, who looks healthy and ready to rebound from a surprisingly mediocre 2008 campaign. Greg Olsen of the Bears jumps to number five while Jeremy Shockey and Vernon Davis move up with reports indicating both have shown more dedication than last year.
- Antonio Gates, SD – Now the top ranked TE but more based on Jason Witten’s situation than any news regarding Gates.
- Jason Witten – DAL – Reports out of Dallas indicate that Martellus Bennett is looking too good not to play and that may eat into Witten’s opportunities. Not significantly but enough to move him out of the top spot.
- Tony Gonzalez, ATL – Moves up due to potential of Atlanta offense and loss of Harry Williams in the slot.
- Dallas Clark, IND – Moves down due to concerns over his injury history.
- Greg Olsen, CHI – Olsen moves into the top five as he looks ready to bust out in Chicago with Jay Cutler now behind center.
- Owen Daniels, HOU
- Dustin Keller, NYJ – Biggest mover going from 12 to 7. Reports indicate that Keller has looked fantastic in Jets training camp while no wideout has emerged as the starter opposite Jerricho Cotchery.
- John Carlson, SEA
- Kellen Winslow, TB
- Zach Miller, OAK – Raiders wideouts are horrendous and Miller figures to benefit.
- Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN – Up to 12 with Brett Favre likely to provide more stable play at the quarterback position. Could once again put up a surprising number of TDs.
- Brent Celek, PHI – Moves up a couple of spots with Philly offense looking solid and team’s top three widoeuts all Smurfs.
- Tony Scheffler, DEN – If new head coach Josh McDaniels throws to the tight end as much as he did in New England, Scheffler has no chance of a breakout campaign.
- Kevin Boss, NYG – Moving down a spot due to concerns that he will lose playing time to rookie 3rd round pick Travis Beckum. Still has upside as he figures to be team’s top red zone threat (six TDs in 2008).
- Jeremy Shockey, NO – Reports out of New Orleans suggest he has his head on straight and is focused. Worth a late round flyer but don’t reach for him.
- Vernon Davis, SF – Ditto Shockey.
- Randy McMichael, STL – Marc Bulger has to throw to somebody and right now McMichael is the most experienced receiving threat on the team.
- Heath Miller, PIT
- Bo Scaife, TEN
- Ben Watson, NE
- Martellus Bennett, DAL – Bennett has looked solid in Dallas and the team will apparently use two-TE sets more frequently to get him on the field.
- Anthony Fasano, MIA
- David Martin, MIA
- L.J. Smith, BAL
- Donald Lee, GB
- Brandon Pettigrew, DET
- Jerramy Stevens, TB
- Marcedes Lewis, JAX
- Chase Coffman, CIN – Bengals rookie moves into the top 30 and has solid prospects for the future.
By: Dave Stringer — August 31, 2009 @ 7:15 am
The running back position is most likely to make or break your fantasy team and it’s time for an update to the rankings. There have been significant developments since our last rankings but not necessarily based on the players themselves. Certain roles have been changed from what was expected to materialize as training camp started and a few teams have had very poor offensive showings thus far. Both developments have caused a significant shake-up starting at the 7th ranked running back and continuing down into the mid-twenties.
- Adrian Peterson, MIN – No change at the top. He’s the running back most likely to have a phenomenal season.
- Michael Turner, ATL
- Matt Forte, CHI – Moves up a notch with Chicago’s offense looking good and Orlando Pace solidifying the left tackle position.
- Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX – Down a notch on concerns about the Jaguars ability to consistently move the ball.
- DeAngelo Williams, CAR
- LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
- Frank Gore, SF – Moves up more due to concerns with other backs than his situation. Rookie Glen Coffee has looked good but Gore still figures to get major touches.
- Steven Jackson, STL – The Rams get Donnie Avery back earlier than expected.
- Steve Slaton, HOU – He’s going to lose touches in the red zone to Chris Brown but likely won’t come off the field much otherwise.
- Marion Barber, DAL – Concerns at wide receiver and it now seems certain that the Cowboys will give significant touches to Felix Jones.
- Brandon Jacobs, NYG
- Ronnie Brown, MIA
- Brian Westbrook, PHI – Moves down due to concerns about his health and with the back injury to right tackle Shawn Andrews.
- Chris Johnson, TEN
- Clinton Portis, WAS – Most significant drop in the rankings. Portis is still talented but major issues in Washington at QB, WR and along the OL plus head coach Jim Zorn has installed Ladell Betts as the third down back.
- Pierre Thomas, NO – Up a couple spots based on the Saints offensive potential.
- Ryan Grant, GB
- Joseph Addai, IND – Major upside if he gets the goal line work and stays healthy.
- Kevin Smith, DET – Looks like rookie Matthew Stafford could start at QB soon which almost certainly limits Smith’s upside.
- Darren McFadden, OAK – If only there were realistic TD opportunities in Oakland.
- Marshawn Lynch, BUF
- Reggie Bush, NO
- Thomas Jones, NYJ
- Willie Parker, PIT
- Jonathan Stewart, CAR
- Derrick Ward, TB – Down six spots as it now appears he will split time evenly with Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams, plus the Bucs offense looks to have limited potential.
- Larry Johnson, KC – Unless he gets better as a receiver, he may spend time sitting in a pass heavy offense.
- LenDale White, TEN
- Jamal Lewis, CLE
- Cedric Benson, CIN – Looks like he will carry a heavy load in Cinci so he moves up four spots.
- Ray Rice, BAL – Holding on to the top role in Baltimore so he’s up from 36.
- Felix Jones, DAL – Indications in Dallas are he will split time with Barber.
- Fred Jackson, BUF
- Chris Wells, ARI
- Julius Jones, SEA – With Edge on board, Jones drops five spots.
- Leon Washington, NYJ – He’s here but he has some upside. Great flex option.
- Tim Hightower, ARI
- Knowshon Moreno, DEN – Expected take off appears to be delayed.
- Earnest Graham, TB – If it is indeed a three-man rotation in Tampa, Graham also suffers.
- Donald Brown, IND
- Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
- Fred Taylor, NE
- Jerious Norwood, ATL
- Edgerrin James, SEA – 8-12 carries a game and goal line work are in his future.
- Darren Sproles, SD
- Ricky Williams, MIA
- Rashard Mendenhall, PIT
- Le’Ron McClain, BALMichael Bush, OAK
- Glen Coffee, SF – Looking great but hard to move him up.
- Sammy Morris, NE
- Chester Taylor, MIN
- Willis McGahee, BAL
- LeSean McCoy, PHI
- Jamaal Charles, KC – Sleeper potential if he is employed in a receiving role and the Chiefs are playing from behind (very likely).
- Brandon Jackson, GB
- Chris Brown, HOU – Looks like he’s in line to get the goal line carries.
- Cadillac Williams, TB – Feel good story or is he just being showcased?
- Maurice Morris, DET
- Kevin Faulk, NE
- Correll Buckhalter, DEN
- Mewelde Moore, PIT
- Shonn Greene, NYJ – Has looked good but what exactly is his role?
- James Davis, CLE
- Greg Jones, JAX
- Rashad Jennings, JAX
- LaMont Jordan, DEN
- Kolby Smith, KC – Maybe he takes over LJ’s role if there are any issues in K.C.
By: Dave Stringer — August 26, 2009 @ 10:53 am
With fantasy football drafts and auctions now upon us, it’s time to update our quarterback rankings. The rankings haven’t changed dramatically since our last update, with most changes being a position or two at most. The biggest news is that it now appears Matthew Stafford has an above average chance to open the season as the starter in Detroit and Byron Leftwich now appears likely to start in Tampa Bay.
- Tom Brady, NE – No change at the top.
- Drew Brees, NO
- Philip Rivers, SD – Moves up a notch with all of the Chargers skill position players healthy.
- Aaron Rodgers, GB – Down a notch due to concerns about offensive line.
- Kurt Warner, ARI
- Peyton Manning, IND
- Donovan McNabb, PHI
- Matt Hasselbeck, SEA – Moves ahead of Romo and Schaub because receiving corps looks good and Seattle running game looks awful.
- Matt Schaub, HOU
- Tony Romo, DAL
- Jay Cutler, CHI
- Carson Palmer, CIN
- Matt Ryan, ATL – Moves up mostly due to others dropping. Still not sold that Ryan is due for a breakout fantasy season.
- David Garrard, JAC – With Troy Williamson appearing the best option to start alongside Torry Holt, Garrard moves down the list.
- Matt Cassel, KC – Moves lower due to poor preseason and concerns about offensive line.
- Ben Roethlisberger, PIT – Big Ben moves up a couple of spots with the running game perhaps not being as formidable as in prior years.
- Jason Campbell, WAS
- Trent Edwards, BUF
- Chad Pennington, MIA
- Jake Delhomme, CAR
- Eli Manning, NYG
- Brett Favre, MIN – Biggest mover with a five spot leap. Percy Harvin looks exciting and Bernard Berrian figures to provide solid deep threat not to mention the running game is exceptional.
- Joe Flacco, BAL
- Matthew Stafford, DET – Rookie now appears ready to open the season as the starter and has the arm to take advantage of Calvin Johnson‘s deep ball skills. Buyer beware in leagues that takes points away for interceptions.
- Brady Quinn, CLE
- Kerry Collins, TEN
- Kyle Orton, DEN – Drops a few notches after a horrible training camp thus far.
- JaMarcus Russell, OAK
- Shaun Hill, SF – Was annointed the starter by head coach Mike Singletary but hasn’t looked good and won’t get much help from 1st round pick WR Michael Crabtree, if any at all.
- Byron Leftwich, TB – Looks like the Bucs starter but not very exciting as a fantasy option.
- Mark Sanchez, NYJ
- Marc Bulger, STL – Down a couple spots to 32 with Donnie Avery‘s status in doubt for the first couple of games.
Current backups who could produce if given an opportunity include Sage Rosenfels, Matt Leinart, Chris Simms, Daunte Culpepper, Derek Anderson, Alex Smith and Vince Young.
By: Dave Stringer — @ 10:40 am
Steelers running back Willie Parker was a surprise 15 game starter for the team in 2005, despite being a former undrafted free agent. Parker seemed to come out of nowhere and the combination of his blazing speed and a solid offensive line produced great results considering the cost to acquire him.
He followed that 172 fantasy point season with 267 points in 2006, good enough for fifth overall in the fantasy RB rankings. However, he fell back down to earth in 2007 averaging just under 11 points per game and 10 points per game in 2008, when he missed five games due to injury.
Because he isn’t very shifty or very good at making tacklers miss, Parker has always relied on his speed and there are questions about how much speed he has lost although he is only 28 years old. He relies on his offensive line more than most backs and was injury prone in 2008.
With 2008 1st round pick Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore, who was surprisingly productive last year, in reserve, there are questions about how much Parker will be used in 2009. He struggled in short yardage, continues to be a poor receiving option and the offense seemed to be more in sync at times last year when Moore was getting the reps.
As with all things fantasy football, it’s about value. Parker owners should consider acquiring Mendenhall as a handcuff if the price is right, but it could mean using two picks within the first ten rounds to secure both players. Parker generally comes out of the gate fast and he will have this year in order to secure his job. Look for Parker to remain marginally productive and produce a few solid outings but he’s a fantasy backup in ten team leagues and a low end starter in 12 team leagues.
By: Dave Stringer — August 24, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Just like every other year, there are a handful of starting running back positions with an uncertain outcome, and picking the right side could make or break your fantasy season. For the most part, these players are worth having but not worth reaching too early for given their uncertain playing time. Therefore, the value will be found when these players start to fall in your league’s draft or if the auction cost is low.
There are two bigger name players in this group – Thomas Jones of the Jets and Derrick Ward of the Bucs. The Jets starting quarterback will likely be rookie Mark Sanchez after Brett Favre’s departure, plus the team lost starting wide receiver Laveraneus Coles, both moves that will hurt Jones’ fantasy potential. Ward moved over to the Bucs from the Giants and is supposedly in a battle with Earnest Graham for the starting position.
New York Jets – Thomas Jones vs. Leon Washington vs. Shonn Greene
We’re putting this in here as a battle but that’s mainly because most people seem to think it’s one. We don’t. Jones is coming off a huge season, he’s a workout warrior and motivated to earn a new contract and avoid being given the pink slip after this season. Sure, his fantasy situation isn’t as favourable as last season when he finished as the league’s 5th ranked fantasy running back but he’s unlikely to lose his spot to the diminutive Washington or Greene, the team’s 3rd round pick in 2009. Jones won’t likely be a top ten back in 2009 but should be a decent low end second running back with mild upside. The risk is the Jets season going south and Jones losing playing time to Greene.
Arizona — Tim Hightower vs. Chris “Beanie” Wells
Not satisfied with Hightower’s performance as a starter as a rookie in 2008 when he averaged just 2.8 yards per carry but still managed to score 10 TD, the Cardinals spent a 1st round pick on Chris Wells to provide competition and depth at the position. Reports out of Arizona indicate that Hightower is having a solid training camp while the rookie Wells is in limbo courtesy of a right ankle injury. Questions regarding Wells’ durability helped cause his draft stock to fall and missing time will certainly impact his ability to supplant Hightower. Rookie running backs generally struggle with their pass blocking assignments and that is very relevant in Arizona where starting quarterback Kurt Warner is perhaps the least mobile player at his position in the league. Basically, Hightower played well enough last year to deserve another chance unless Wells had an outstanding training camp and that can’t happen when he’s in the trainer’s room. Look for Hightower to start on opening day and for Wells to have to earn the starting nod as the season progresses. Either way, this looks to be a timeshare.
Tampa Bay — Earnest Graham vs. Derrick Ward
After three years in the league, Graham came virtually out of nowhere to post 898 yards rushing, 10 TD and 324 yards receiving in 2007 despite starting only ten games. Unfortunately, he followed that up with a lacklustre campaign in 2008 with 737 combined yards and four TD while missing six games due to injury. The verdict out of Tampa was that Graham was not a full time back and hence the decision to sign Ward away from the Giants.
Ward is coming off a stellar campaign in New York, where he topped 1,000 rushing yards as Brandon Jacobs’ backup while also notching 384 receiving yards, good enough for the 23rd fantasy ranking at the position. Critics point to the fact that Ward managed just two TD and benefited playing behind a solid Giants offensive line. However, he did manage 5.6 yards per carry and 9.8 yards per reception and there is little doubting that Jacobs is one of the better, if not the best, short yardage backs in the league. In addition, the new Bucs regime brought in their guy, he was hugely productive in 2008 and he is shiftier and provides more big play potential than the incumbent. The only question here is whether Graham gets the goal line carries.
Baltimore — Willis McGahee vs. Le’Ron McClain vs. Ray Rice
The veteran malcontent goes up against the out of nowhere fullback and the diminutive second year player for the starting running back position on the team that figures to run the ball more than any other team in the league in 2009. This has the makings of an extremely fascinating fantasy football issue heading into this season as owners determine which back to hedge their bets on. Unfortunately, what’s more likely to occur is that all three will put up decent production but ultimately disappoint their fantasy owners because of consistency issues.
Rice figures to have the most upside given that he is currently carrying starter status and is the best receiving option amongst the three players. McClain will focus more on a fullback role in 2009 but could be the short yardage and closer running back, particularly if the team keeps Jason Cook as a backup fullback. McGahee, who is coming off offseason knee surgery, will likely spell Rice and get significant carries in a backup role. In a nutshell, it is likely best to avoid all three unless they fall to the lower rounds in your league’s draft. If you must have one, bet on Rice.
Denver — LaMont Jordan vs. Correll Buckhalter vs. Knowshon Moreno
Another fantasy carousel figures to happen in Denver where new head coach Josh McDaniels brought over Jordan with him from the Patriots, signed Buckhalter from the Eagles and drafted Moreno with the 12th pick in the draft. McDaniels also signed J.J. Arrington but the team released him after determining his knee wasn’t healthy enough to allow him to contribute in 2009. The team also has fullback Peyton Hillis, who averaged 14.4 points per game over his last six games in 2008.
Moreno clearly has the most upside of the bunch and figures to be starting by midseason, given the new regime’s investment in him. Look for Jordan to start on opening day before being relegated to a relief role, Buckhalter to be utilized on passing downs and Hillis to move to more of a traditional fullback role. Moreno’s the guy to have but don’t reach for him.
New England — Sammy Morris vs. Fred Taylor vs. Laurence Maroney
The Patriots backfield is a fantasy mess, consisting of talented but injury prone players (Morris, Maroney), a solid receiving option (Kevin Faulk), a low rent 2nd year player who scored five TD in just 74 carries as a rookie (BenJarvus Green-Ellis) and a veteran newcomer with a history of putting up 1,000 yards rushing (Taylor). Look for Morris or Taylor to earn the starting job out of camp with Maroney either earning time as a backup or being moved to another team. Green-Ellis will be in tough to make the roster and Faulk will definitely have a few big games catching the ball out of the backfield. This is another situation to avoid but the players with the most potential are Taylor and Maroney with Taylor getting the nod here.
By: Dave Stringer — August 21, 2009 @ 8:23 am
There are a number of starting quarterback positions open across the league and their resolutions can have a significant fantasy football impact for the skill position players on their teams. In general, the quarterbacks that have to battle for a starting position are not potential starters for fantasy purposes and in most cases are unlikely to be worthy backups. However, there are always surprises at every position in fantasy football so there’s a chance one of these players could claim the job and put up solid numbers.
This list is in order of which battles are most likely to produce a decent starter for your fantasy team. The situation in Oakland where JaMarcus Russell is currently slated to start ahead of Jeff Garcia has been excluded because it seems clear that Russell will win the job, although the Raiders may have a quick hook if he doesn’t produce.
Detroit – Daunte Culpepper vs. Matthew Stafford
The winner of this battle gets to throw to the ultra talented Calvin Johnson and a revamped group of veteran receivers. Culpepper is familiar with new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan’s offense from their days together in Minnesota so he is likely to get the nod on opening day. However, it’s anybody’s guess as to how long he keeps it. If Stafford wins out, Johnson’s production is likely to suffer at least marginally.
Cleveland – Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson
Quinn seems destined to win this battle and relegate Anderson to the bench just two years after his 3,786 yard, 29 TD performance in 2007, a spectacular fall from grace. However, the Browns offense was horrible in 2008, failing to score an offensive touchdown during their last six games. With a receiving corps led by the enigmatic Braylon Edwards and featuring two rookies plus veteran retreads David Patten and Mike Furrey, a breakout campaign from either of these signal callers is unlikely in 2009. Quinn will likely wind up starting but hopefully not for your fantasy team.
San Francisco – Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith
Hill put up surprisingly solid statistics in eight starts in 2008, posting 1,793 yards with 12 TD and 8 interceptions. He also had 115 yards rushing and a TD which padded his fantasy stats. However, new head coach Mike Singletary has clearly stated that he plans to increase the team’s reliance on the running game so whoever is starting will almost certainly not achieve fantasy starter status. It says here that a more mature Smith emerges to reclaim the job from Hill, however that opinion is in the minority at the moment. Either way, the team’s starter is fantasy backup material.
Tampa Bay – Josh McCown vs. Byron Leftwich vs. Josh Freeman
This is the fantasy backwater and if any of these guys ends up on your roster, you should be scouring the waiver wire or looking for a trade early in the season. McCown has been scattershot throughout his career, Leftwich has started eight games over the last three years and Freeman figures to need a year of seasoning before being given a shot at the starting gig. Although the team does possess excellent receiving talent in Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow, the overall situation in Tampa looks like one of two veteran retreads throwing to a pair of malcontents. Turn your head away so you don’t see the train wreck in Tampa.
New York Jets – Kellen Clemens vs. Mark Sanchez
The Jets have not named a starter yet but it will be a huge shock if Sanchez does not win this battle. Clemens may be a former 2nd round pick but he looks lost and unsure of himself in the pocket. Sanchez may struggle early but look for the Jets to accept the growing pains in hopes of getting a better return early. Realistically, new head coach Rex Ryan will have the Jets offense heavily focused on the run. Sanchez is a fantasy third stringer at best and Clemens isn’t worth owning even if he wins the job.
By: Dave Stringer — August 17, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
The Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald is the consensus top ranked fantasy wide receiver, courtesy of his outstanding performance last year and other worldly run in the playoffs. The Cardinals offense returns its nucleus and there’s little reason to think Fitzgerald won’t duplicate his performance of 2008. In fact, there’s a good chance he will be even better in 2009.
There is also general consensus that the 2nd through 4th ranked fantasy wide receivers come from a group of Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and Randy Moss. The question is, who should be the 2nd ranked fantasy wide receiver on your draft board?
 Randy Moss |
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 Andre Johnson |
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There are sound arguments for all three. Andre Johnson had a stellar year in 2008, finishing as fantasy’s 2nd ranked wideout. The Texans offense looks ready to bust out after having a very solid year both running and passing in 2008. If quarterback Matt Schaub can actually stay healthy for 16 games, Johnson could hit 1,600 yards and 10 plus TD.
Calvin Johnson was superb in his 2nd season with the Lions, posting 78 receptions for 1,331 yards and 12 TD despite questionable play at the quarterback position and a running game that stumbled early. Kevin Smith figures to solidify the running game in 2009 but there are questions at quarterback, where Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford, the 1st selection in the NFL Draft, are battling it out for the starting position. Johnson put up big numbers with marginal play at the position in 2008 so there’s no reason to think he can’t do it again in 2009, although there is some risk that the team will go with Stafford and risk the growing pains.
Moss gets quarterback Tom Brady back and has an opportunity to duplicate his 2007 season, perhaps the best performance by a wide receiver in the history of the game. Reports out of New England indicate Brady is fully healthy and Moss owners should reap the rewards of that. Brady validated those reports in his pre-season game appearance against the Eagles, throwing 2 TD in the first half. Expecting Moss to once again approach his 2007 production of 1,493 yards and 23 TD at the age of 32 is unrealistic. However, he put up 1,008 yards and 11 TD in 2008 and fans of the Patriots know that his numbers would have been much better had Matt Cassel been more accurate with the deep ball. Moss still has excellent speed and it is fair to say that he would have had close to 300 more yards and four or five additional TD had Brady been behind center in 2008. Based on that, Moss is the choice despite his age relative to Johnson and Johnson. ~ Dave
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Trying to determine which of this talented trio will have the best 2009 is a little nitpicky. Before we get into the detail, keep in mind that this group represents a clear tier of players and if you are able to wait an extra round (i.e. from the 10th or 11th spot in a 12 team league) and still get one of these three, draft another position (RB) first. When it comes to projecting who to draft of these three, it’s less about predicting who will have the best year and more about assessing the risk. Based on his quarterback, lousy talent around him and shorter history in the league, Calvin Johnson clearly has the most risk of the three making this, for me, a question of Randy Moss vs. Andre Johnson.
Moss is the more intriguing option because of the incredible potential posed by a 2007-like season from Pats QB Tom Brady. Consequently a lot of owners will fall in love with Moss and expect huge numbers. Temper your enthusiasm. The Patriots’ 2007 was a once-in-a-generation occurrence and no matter how healthy Tom Terrific is, you’d be foolish to expect a repeat performance. In a great but not spectacular year, Moss will still produce great numbers in spite of the presence of Wes Welker.
Andre Johnson has emerged as a top wide receiver in football. As the feature player in a dangerous offence, you can expect him to be targeted as much or more than Moss. As Steve Slaton continues to improve, I expect the offence to open up a little offering Johnson even more opportunity to stretch out big gains and score touchdowns. With Owen Daniels likely to pick up more coverage underneath, Johnson should also profit from some play action and deep middle of the field routes.
You really can’t go wrong with Moss or either Johnson, but since I expect an improvement from the Texans overall, Andre Johnson is my pick by a hair. ~ Andy
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