Fantasy Football Info For Serious Players
| ||||
|
|
Login / Signup |
|
 |
Pre · 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · P1 · P2 · P3 · P4 |
Quarterback Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
- The Bengals pass defense led the league last year in interceptions, but they also allowed plenty of yardage (234.3 yds/gm) and 1.3 TDs/gm, too. The Chiefs offensive line has been among the league’s best over the past several years, but several changes up front make it something of a question mark and the Bengals fortified their run defense adding DT Sam Adams and SS Dexter Jackson via free agency. The Bengals will score points and Green will likely need a big day in the air for the Chiefs to keep pace in this game.
- On draft day, the dilemma with Warner is not knowing whether he’ll play 16 games or not. On a per game basis, he’s among the best fantasy QBs in any league yet he’s consistently ranked outside the top 12 consistently. Translate that to week 1 against a soft 49ers pass defense who allowed the most fantasy points in the league to opposing QBs in 2006 and, you guessed it, Warner makes for a nice start. He completed 29-of-45 passes for 354 yards with a TD and two interceptions at San Francisco in week 13 last year. Josh McCown completed 32-of-46 for 385 yards and two TDs facing the 49ers in week 4 in the desert a year ago. The running game has been absent during the preseason. If Edge can’t jump-start the running game, then Warner should produce strong numbers. Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
- The Redskins upgraded their WR corps during the offseason, but they enter week 1 with question marks surrounding the status of Clinton Portis. The Vikings pass defense allowed 219 yds/gm and 1.4 TDs/gm in 2005, but Brunell isn’t a safe option by any stretch. He may find some success picking on Fred Smoot with Santana Moss, but Smoot’s looked much better in the preseason after rededicating himself in the offseason.
- Drew Brees didn’t have a bad game against the Raiders last year, but he didn’t need to throw a lot in either game. In week 6, Brees completed 14-of-20 for 164 yards with a TD, and in week 13, he completed 17-of-22 for 160 yards and two TDs. Rivers may not enjoy as much success as Brees did in his tenure as the Chargers QB making him a bit risky as a week 1 starter. On the plus side, the Raiders defense has as much or more to prove than Rivers following last year’s debacle. You also get the benefit of watching Rivers on Monday Night Football (not that it will help him rack up better fantasy stats). Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
- Let’s face it. The Saints defense is still a mess. The one thing they do well is rush the passer, but that’s about where it ends. Frye is a reach as a week one starter, but with the pending return of Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow II and the addition of Joe Jurevicius to the starting lineup; he has a potentially impressive group of weapons to target in the red zone.
- The Titans allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing QBs last season (216 yds/gm and a league-high 2.1 TDs/gm). We hope that your team is better equipped at QB and won’t be tasked with starting Pennington in week 1, but there’s at least a reasonable chance that he could perform well enough to be somewhat useful. If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
- Batch is no Roethlisberger, but he is facing a Dolphins defense that allowed the sixth most fantasy points to opposing QBs last year (230 yds/gm and 1.4 TDs/gm). Batch is not very elusive in the pocket and hasn’t fared well when he’s seen the field in the past few years, but if you’re in a league that starts two QBs, you may be forced to consider starting him fresh off the waiver wire. Hines Ward should be good to go, but keep a watchful eye on his status before using Batch.
Running Back Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
- Mike Shanahan appears to be leaning towards Mike Bell as his starting halfback in the season opener, but in traditional fashion, he’s playing this one close to his vest and revealing very little clues as to his real intentions. Bell was productive in the preseason and the Rams allowed more rushing TDs to RBs than any other team last year (not to mention 123 rushing yds/gm). The downside is obvious. Shanahan could start Tatum Bell or Cedric Cobbs – or worse yet – play all three rendering each one almost useless.
- Mike Shanahan appears to be leaning towards Mike Bell as the Broncos starting halfback in the season opener, but in traditional fashion, he’s not revealing anything until game time. Bell was productive in the preseason and the Rams allowed more rushing TDs to RBs than any other team last year (not to mention 123 rushing yds/gm). The downside is obvious. Shanahan could start Tatum Bell or Cedric Cobbs – or worse yet – play all three rendering each one almost useless.
- The Jets were among the worst run defenses in the league last season. They allowed a handsome 124+ rushing yds/gm and 1.1 TDs/gm to opposing backs. Eleven different RBs scored more than 13 fantasy points (FBG scoring) against the Jets last year. Brown remains the Titans starter, but nobody knows how much Jeff Fisher plans to use rookie LenDale White and veteran Travis Henry, who could steal Brown’s goal line opportunities. Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
- See Mike Bell. The Rams defense was the fourth worst against opposing backs last year in terms of fantasy points scored against them. On paper, they did very little to improve on that number this year. Tatum is expected to be the change-of-pace back to Mike Bell, but Mike Shanahan could still do an about face and declare any one of the Broncos backs as the starter. At a minimum, Bell should get 10 to 12 carries with the possibility of breaking off a long run and finding the end zone.
- The Bills defense has almost as much to prove as Corey Dillon entering this season. Both had underwhelming performances last year. Dillon figures to be usurped by rookie Laurence Maroney at some point. However, Maroney’s status is unknown heading into week 1 following a knee injury late in the preseason. He has practiced, but according to those close to the situation he may not play. Meanwhile, the Bills defense allowed 155.5 combined yards/gm and 1.2 TDs/gm to opposing backs in 2005 – including 72 yds rushing and 2 TDs in week 8 and 131 yards and a TD in week 14 to Dillon.
- Frank Gore has the starting job all to himself in his second season. Now the question becomes what he will do with it. Last year, the 49ers RBBC approach yielded weak results against the Cardinals. In Week 4, they ran for 52 yards on 13 carries. In week 13, they combined for 39 rushing yards on 16 carries with a TD and five receptions for 49 yards. The 49ers offensive line is better this year, so look for Gore to have more success. He’s definitely worth a gamble as your No. 2 back.
- Lundy has been the story of the preseason amongst fantasy football circles with Domanick Davis going on the season-ending IR. Lundy was productive during the preseason, but we still have no idea if he’ll get the bulk of the workload or if he’ll share touches with Vernand Morency and give way to newly signed Ron Dayne near the goal line. Lundy is the best bet amongst the Texans backfield going into week 1 and the Eagles run defense has much to prove after allowing 136 combined yds/gm and 1.1 TDs/gm to opposing backs last year. Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
- Let the hype continue. Everyone is fully aware of the skills that Bush brings to the table. He’s a game changer with the speed and ability to make defenders miss badly. He’s especially attractive in PPR leagues, but he may not get enough carries, particularly in the red zone, to be a stud fantasy back. Let’s face it. This could be the only time Bush appears in this column the rest of the season if he makes the kind of impact that is expected of him as a rookie. Until we see how he and McAllister are used, it could be a little dicey in the first week.
- The Browns allowed 130 rushing yds/gm to opposing backs in 2005. They hope veteran NT Ted Washington can help stop the bleeding, but he’s long in the tooth and probably won’t be good for more than 30 plays. McAllister is coming off a torn ACL last year, but he looked good in limited action during the preseason and he’ll also split time with rookie phenom Reggie Bush. The good news is that McAllister appears to be the preferred back in the red zone and he could still handle upwards of 20 carries this week making him a solid option for a potential committee-back. If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
- Thomas Jones was named as the team’s starter by HC Lovie Smith, but Benson returned to practice and most likely will handle the rock at least 5 to 10 times this week. Make no mistake; Benson is a risky play regardless of what team the Bears play this week, but as a flex player, he could see enough touches to warrant a look in 14- or 16-team leagues.
- Buckhalter is finally healthy again and he’s the backup / change of pace back behind Eagles starter Brian Westbrook. The Texans were the league’s worst run defense last year allowing 130+ rushing yards/gm and 1.1 TDs/gm to opposing RBs. Buckhalter is expected to get some carries spelling Westbrook, but there’s a decent chance that Ryan Moats could steal some of those touches leaving Buckhalter with not enough to warrant starting even in the deepest of leagues. If you are desperate enough to run with Buckhalter, you had better hope he crosses the goal line.
Wide Receiver Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
- Opposing receivers scored 18 TDs (3rd most) against the Texans last year. Donte Stallworth is probably just as likely to benefit in his game, but Brown gets the nod because he’s been working with Donovan McNabb longer. Adding Stallworth helps keep defenses more honest, thereby drawing coverage away from Brown and increasing his ability to get open.
- Bryant should be targeted frequently this week against the Cardinals and Antrel Rolle. The key here is the improvement made by Alex Smith heading into his second season. Bryant is the team’s No. 1, so he’ll face more coverage, but this game could become a track meet if it’s anything close to their last few games against the Cardinals.
- Darrell Jackson won’t be 100% with less than a week of practice under his belt. Itula Mili is starting at TE and he’s coming off an injury, too. Nate Burleson will likely draw Fernando Bryant in coverage with Jackson tangling with Dre’ Bly. That leaves Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite fallback – Bobby Engram. Engram has been targeted frequently and he could have the best mismatch against the Lions secondary
- Wilson finished last season strong and he continued to play well during the preseason emerging as a solid target opposite Hines Ward, who won’t be 100% if he does play. Wilson’s main drawback is Big Ben’s absence. Charlie Batch is no slam-dunk as a replacement and the Dolphins defense might be better than last year, too. The Dolphins allowed 16 TDs and 153 yds/gm to opposing WRs in 2005. At least Wilson is in a position to be productive. Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
- Jennings is the preseason sweetheart of the fantasy community. He emerged as the starter opposite Donald Driver by producing just about every time they called his number. Just a rookie, Jennings already seems to possess a natural feeling for the game and he’s been favorably compared by his coach to Marvin Harrison as a rookie. The Bears are a tough matchup, but look for Favre to be dropping back looking for Jennings at least 5 or 6 times in this game. He could emerge as a decent No. 3 receiver quickly this year, perhaps even more with luck.
- The Saints corners have their hands full when Braylon Edwards, Jurevicius, Dennis Northcutt and Kellen Winslow are on the field together. Three targets 6’ 3” or taller with Jurevicius checking in at 6’5”. The Saints allowed 17 TDs to opposing WRs last year. With only marginal improvements to the secondary, a major improvement seems unlikely. Jurevicius could be the primary target in the red zone until Braylon Edwards proves to be 100%.
- The Vikings allowed 16 TDs and 154 yds/gm to opposing WRs last year. Santana Moss will draw the most attention giving Lloyd and Randle El opportunities to exploit the Vikings this week. Lloyd is the No. 2 and Randle El will operate out of the slot. Daniel Snyder might just get immediate returns on his most recent free agent foray.
- The Bengals offensive potential makes it very likely that the Chiefs will, at some point, be in a pass-first mode. Parker seems like a questionable target on some levels. Herm Edwards isn’t exactly a pass-first kind of guy and he’s potentially only the 3rd best target behind Tony Gonzalez and Eddie Kennison. That’s your risk. The upside is that Parker has produced well when given the opportunity. This week there figures to be plenty of Trent Green, which at least gives Parker a fighting chance. Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
- Cotchery emerged from the preseason as perhaps the team’s second best receiver. Cotchery is entering his third season in the league and his first as a starter. The Titans were simply abused by opposing receivers last year allowing a blistering 25 TDs – worst in the league by a good stretch. Laveranues Coles is obviously a good start, but Cotchery and Justin McCareins could benefit as well with Pennington behind center.
- Mike Martz promised Eddie Drummond that he’d give him a chance to play receiver if he re-signed in Detroit foregoing a contract offer from the Chicago Bears. Drummond returned, worked hard and he’s never looked back, outperforming nearly every receiver in Lions camp, save for Roy Williams. He’s the Lions slot receiver. In Martz’s offense that means a fair amount of targets and opportunities to make plays after the catch – Drummond’s specialty. The Lions figure to be playing from behind early against the Seahawks this week.
- The Chiefs secondary looks better on paper with the additions of Ty Law and Lenny Walls during the offseason. Now, it’s just a matter of whether Walls can matchup with the TD-magnet Henry downfield. The Bengals troubled 2nd-year receiver is perhaps the most explosive non-starting WR in the league and the Chiefs don’t particularly matchup well with him.
- If I’m guilty of not having much faith in Peerless Price, then so be it. It’s a gut thing. Price was successful before with the Bills, but that was then and that was with Eric Moulds on the opposite side and Drew Bledsoe at QB. Price and Josh Reed should see a fair amount of targets this week opposite Lee Evans. The Patriots secondary remains suspect until proven otherwise following a less than stellar 2005 season in which they allowed 16 TDs and 150 yds/gm to opposing WRs. If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
- Rashied Davis earned the starting job opposite Muhsin Muhammad during the preseason beating Mark Bradley and Bernard Berrian, but it’s Berrian who gets the sleeper nod reflecting on his performances last year against GB – 3 catches for 93 yards in week 16 and 3 for 59 yards in week 13. The Bears quarterback play is better, but just how much is questionable. Berrian and Davis are both reaches, but the Packers corners have been torched repeatedly during the preseason.
- Colston emerged as a potential starter only one week before the season when the team dealt Donte Stallworth to the Eagles and cut fellow rookie Mike Hass and free agent pickup Chris Horn. Colston performed well in training camp and produced during preseason action earning the chance to start in week one. Colston faces a Browns secondary that limps into the preseason with several of their corners coming off various injuries and Daven Holly is serving a one-game suspension. Colston is a reach, for sure, but he’s worth a shot in deeper leagues with flex lineups
- Doug Gabriel was dealt last week leaving Curry as the probable starter opposite Randy Moss. HC Art Shell didn't commit to Curry, but Jerry Porter remains firmly in Shell's doghouse and it's unclear if or when he'll regain his starting job opposite Moss. Seems like crazy talk, but Curry could be quite productive, if he’s healthy again – and he appears to be. On the downside, the Raiders WRs didn’t catch a TD in either of their games against SD last year.
Tight End Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
- If Hines Ward is unable to play on Thursday then Miller becomes the top target for Charlie Batch in the red zone. If Ward does play, then it’s even better. The Dolphins will be forced to pay less attention to Miller. According to our FBG Strength of Schedule tool, the Steelers have the fourth best matchup in the season opener for TEs.
- There are at least a couple of good reasons why Troupe might be deemed too risky as a week one starter. We likely won’t know who the Titans starting QB will be until game time and Troupe will probably split targets and numbers with fellow TE Bo Scaife. That said, Troupe is still probably the team’s best option in the red zone and his biggest detriment has been his health. On that front, Troupe is healthy to start the season so look for him to get off to a quick start. Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
- The Raiders featured their tight end prevalently during the preseason. HC Art Shell kept four of them on the roster, yet another sign the Raiders plan on making them a bigger part of the playbook this year. Anderson had his moments last year, but all too frequently, he disappeared for several games at a time. He began last year with 2 TD catches in the season opener. This year he and the Raiders face a Chargers defense that allowed 42 yds/gm and five TDs to opposing TEs last year. Anderson scored one of those TDs in week 13.
- The rubber finally hits the road for Winslow this week. He’s been the equivalent of Charles Rogers at the tight end position having missed nearly all of his first two seasons due to injuries. Winslow faces a Saints defense that has been in dire need of linebacking play for years. He didn’t make much noise in the preseason, but that could change quickly in this potential mismatch. As long as Braylon Edwards isn’t 100%, Winslow could be the focus of Charlie Frye in the red zone – along with Joe Jurevicius. Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
- Mili was back at practice this week and he’s expected to start for the Seahawks at Ford Field on Sunday. The Lions LB corps is without injured MLB Boss Bailey and SLB Ted Lehman. Mili may be able to do some damage against the Lions injury-deplete LB corps and secondary.
- The Rams allowed eight TDs to opposing TEs last year. Scheffler has the inside track on the Broncos starting job despite being a rookie. He’s been impressive in the preseason, but there’s still a good chance that he could be on the sidelines when the team gets into the red zone. Jeb Putzier suffered from the same flaw – blocking. Scheffler is a willing blocker, but the team may opt for veteran Stephen Alexander inside the 20 making Scheffler more of a yardage play. Until we see how he’s used by Shanahan, he’ll be a high upside rookie who comes with a fair amount of risk. Denver has the third best season-opening schedule for TEs using our strength of schedule tool. If you're desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
- There are plenty of negatives to chalk up when considering Pope for the
starting lineup. He may be – at best – the fourth option in the Cardinals
passing game behind Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Edgerrin James or
Bryant Johnson. Still, Pope is a huge target in the red zone and he’s a
marked improvement over any of the players the Cardinals have used at TE in
recent years. Plus, according to our own strength of schedule, Pope faces
the easiest opponent on the schedule for TEs in week one. |
|
|
Site Map | Contact
Us | Login
/ Signup
©Copyright Footballguys.com 2003, All rights reserved. |