The intro: part II
In my haste to introduce this concept (something I did last week, so please check that out and allow me to save on the word count for this week's column), I selected A.J. Green as the stud player who doesn't perform in a studly manner in primetime games. However, astute reader @RMichaelLaing pointed out a very obvious one that I had missed.
— Michael Laing (@RMichaelLaing) September 3, 2014
As a way to thank Michael, I'm using his tweet at the top of this week's column. Sorry, Michael, I can't provide a prize more grand than that (if one even exists). But please feel free to brag to your friends and show everyone in town.
Michael couldn't have been more right about Mr. Romo's primetime disappointments, particular last season. Here's is Romo's 2013 under the bright lights:
- Week 1 - Sunday, September 8 vs New York Giants: 263 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception (this is as good as it gets for 2013)
- Week 6 - Sunday, October 13 vs Washington: 170 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
- Week 10 - Sunday, November 10 at New Orleans: 128 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
- Week 14 - Monday, December 9 at Chicago: 104 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions (miserable game but salvaged by short touchdowns)
Romo's 2012 primetime performances were better than 2013, as he had two games of 300+ yards and three touchdowns. He did, however, have this five interception stinker on Monday Night Football in Week 4. Sunday's lackluster performance made these poor outings a little easier to remember. Sorry for the bad flashbacks, Cowboys fans.
Until I get a better suggestion, we're renaming the section of the colum in which we look ahead to potential "flop" performances The Tony Romo Memorial "Bright Lights, Dim Fantasy Production" Section. Thanks, Michael!
Primetime recap
The Three Studs of Primetime:
- Andrew Luck
- Calvin Johnson
- Julius Thomas
With three primetime games, it was hard to give out only three stars. But Luck narrowly edged Matthew Stafford due to a slight edge in passing yards. Thomas outscored all flex-eligible players in the entire league. Say what you will about the whole "early round tight end" debate, but Thomas destroyed everyone else at the position, and his owners got him in the third or later.
The Three Duds of Primetime:
- T.Y. Hilton
- Victor Cruz
- Demaryius Thomas
I realize that Thomas out-produced the others, but when you're a consensus first-round pick, four receptions for 48 yards isn't getting it done for your owners. This kind of game can be expected from Hilton. He's always been a boom-or-bust player, and Denver put significant effort toward shutting him down.
last week at the "book"
You may recall that I discussed my friend Russ last week as he struck the match that lit the fire on this whole #FFBookie idea. Always consistent, Russ was my first request of the season on Sunday evening prior to the start of SNF.
— Ryan Hester (@RyanHester13) September 7, 2014
Russ let a natural feeling of doubt creep in, but I told him it wasn't so bad as +130 converts to about a 43% chance of winning. Let's see how Russ felt on Monday afternoon.
No way. Flip it to -130. RT @Russ3311: now need 30 pts for the win. He is done I have Calvin, Allen, and Jennings. Still +130? #FFBookie
— Ryan Hester (@RyanHester13) September 8, 2014
As you can see, Russ got off easy with the Denver duo. That won't happen to everyone who faces those guys this season.Luckily for Russ, he locked it up before the early game was over.
And he wasn't the only one. This week's winner for fastest clinch was @bishman03. I feel bad that I didn't even get to setting odds for him prior to the start of the game. But after he was within less than a point in the game's opening 10 minutes, I don't think he cared too much.
@RyanHester13 Down 22 points with Palmer, Calvin Johnson, and the Arizona Cardinals kicker left to play. #FFBookie
— Bishman (@bishman03) September 8, 2014
While my record-keeping isn't exactly Elias-level, I can't remember making someone who was down 70 heading into SNF a favorite. But I did just that with loyal #FFBookie follower @DavezorNielson when he sent me this scenario.
Furthest-behind favorite ever? -115. Go get ‘em! RT @DavezorNielsen: down 70 with DT, Julius, Joique, Randle, Stafford to play. PPR
— Ryan Hester (@RyanHester13) September 8, 2014
Sure enough, Dave got a million points (rough estimate) from Julius Thomas, a late touchdown from Joique Bell, and Stafford's big night to make -115 seem like a bargain in retrospect.
Now a couple of the week's bigger underdogs to come through.
Hey, hey I set the odds around here. +275. Not terrible. RT @CuriousBigDaddy: Joique, Mike Floyd, and Detroit D. PPR. Down 44. +500?
— Ryan Hester (@RyanHester13) September 8, 2014
Tough one. +250. RT @ginny_beth: down 20, have Calvin, Bush, RJennings, Mi Floyd vs Stafford, Allen, Vinatieri, and AZ DEF. PPR. #FFBookie
— Ryan Hester (@RyanHester13) September 7, 2014
looking ahead
On Sunday night, we'll see Chicago at San Francisco. Normally, I'd say this could be a blowout waiting to happen, but San Francisco's defense -- despite what Mr. Romo did to make them look good -- isn't the unit it has been in years past due to injuries. On Monday night, we're treated to Chip Kelly's dynamic unit vs. Pep Hamilton's only-dynamic-when-the-team-is-losing-and-he-finally-cuts-Luck-loose unit. Luck owners are hoping that Philadelphia can move the ball and force Indianapolis into a shootout.
The Jordy Nelson Memorial "You Don't Want to Play Against This Guy" Section
A couple of nominees come to mind, but Frank Gore sticks out. Chicago's putrid 2013 run defense seems to have made a return appearance in 2014, as they yielded 5.8 yards per carry and 193 rushing yards to Buffalo. I'd also break ties towards Zach Ertz since Indy might be this year's bullseye for tight end matchups. Digging even deeper, Carlos Hyde could once again be a nice "what the heck" flex.
The Tony Romo Memorial "Bright Lights, Dim Fantasy Production" Section
Both of these games have shootout potential, so dud-picking is difficult. I could see Jay Cutler having a marginal game, though. He has been known to make throws more boneheaded that even Romo, and we saw that recipe not work well against San Francisco this Sunday. Also, if you have a tight end option other than Martellus Bennett, I'd exercise said option.
