Fantasy Busts: Running Backs

30. July 2010  - Published by Jimmy Dinsmore

I already posted some of my QB candidates to be busts this year. Here are a couple running backs who might disappoint fantasy owners:

Marion Barber (DAL) – Barber was one of the bigger disappoints last year, so I'm sure people are expecting less from him this year. However, I've seen some list him as a comeback player this season, but I frankly don't see it. Barber has lost his starting job to Felix Jones and loses goal line touches to Tashard Choice. He only had 700 yards last year, I expect even less thant that this year. Barber is no better than a RB3 at this point.

Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) – This isn't just my anti-Steeler bias showing here. Many experts think Mendenhall will be a solid RB1 option this year and I'm not sold. Don't get me wrong, Mendenhall is a young talent, but I think the Steelers have done nothing to improve their offense this offseason, and in fact, have gotten worse. No Big Ben for 4-6 games, no Willie Parker to spell Mendenhall, and no Willie Colon at right tackle. The Steelers offensive line was sub-par last year and they look older and worse this year, especially with Colon out for the year. I think defenses will stuff the box for at least the first 4-6 games to stop Mendenhall, so I think a slow start is likely. Tamper expectations on Mendenhall and in my book, he's more of a RB2 guy and not an elite running back, at this point.

 

Jamaal Charles (KC) – Charles, like Mendenhall, started 2010 as an early favorite to be a breakout player. But then a couple things happened to diminish his value some. The Chiefs signed Thomas Jones, the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL. Jones, who is written off every year and gets no respect, will hurt Charles' value. Also, the Chiefs drafted Dexter McCluster who will be a hybrid RB/WR/Wildcat player who will take some of Charles' catches out of the backfield. And there is the very shaky Chiefs offensive line. All of this drops Charles from RB1, top 20 selection to an RB2-type of player who should be taken in the late third round.

Steve Slaton (HOU) – Much like Barber, Slaton was one of a handful of running backs to bust the hopes and dreams of fantasy owners last year. Which means he's due for a comeback, right? No way. The Texans drafted Ben Tate to take over in the backfield. Slaton didn't help his cause either with 7 fumbles. So now Tate takes over and Slaton moves to the sidelines. In PPR leagues, Slaton will carry a little more value, but at best he's a low-end RB3 or bye-week replacement.

Follow me on Twitter at dafantasygeek or find me on Facebook

Fantasy Football , , , ,

NFL Injury Report

9. October 2009  - Published by GetSports Desk

Brett Favre, Vikings - Favre was limited in practice on Wednesday and is listed on the injury report with three injuries -- his foot, ankle and knee.


Matthew Stafford, Lions - Stafford missed practice on Wednesday due to his injured knee. The Lions did not reveal anything else about his status.

Marc Bulger, Rams
- Bulger was limited in practice on Wednesday because of his shoulder. He says that he's 50-50 on whether he'll play this Sunday. If the game would have been on Wednesday, Bulger says he could not have played.

Eli Manning, Giants
- Manning did not practice on Wednesday but could play on Sunday even without practicing any this week. It's too early to tell whether or not he'll go in Week 5.

Kurt Warner, Cardinals
- Warner is listed on the injury report but participated fully in practice on Wednesday.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
- Hasselbeck was limited in practice on Wednesday with his rib injury. It's unsure if he'll be able to gain enough strength between now and Sunday to make his Week 5 start.

Donovan McNabb, Eagles
- McNabb was back at practice and participated fully. He may wear a protective jacket to cover his ribs but he should start this Sunday.

Frank Gore, 49ers
- Gore has been ruled out for Week 5. He will not play against Atlanta this Sunday.

Jamal Lewis, Browns
- After missing last week's game, Lewis returned to practice but on a limited basis due to his hamstring.

Marion Barber, Cowboys
- Barber returned to practice on Wednesday and participated fully. Coach Wade Phillips said that Barber looked better than he did last week.

Willie Parker, Steelers
- Parker did not practice on Wednesday due to turf toe and he's not likely to play on Sunday.

Kevin Smith, Lions
- Smith participated fully in practice on Wednesday and claims he is ready to go.

Cedric Benson, Bengals
- Benson did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury.

Fred Taylor, Patriots
- Taylor was held out of practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury. His status is questionable for Sunday.

Correll Buckhalter, Broncos
- Buckhalter did not practice on Wednesday and could miss one to two weeks with his high ankle sprain.


Felix Jones, Cowboys - Jones did not practice at all on Wednesday and had a brace on his knee for the duration of drills.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
- Bradshaw was unable to practice on Wednesday and was back in a protective boot on his ankle and foot. The same was true last week and he was able to play.

Michael Clayton, Buccaneers
- Clayton is what head coach Raheem Morris called, "a little dinged up." Clayton was limited in practice on Wednesday with a rib injury.

Donnie Avery, Rams
- Avery was limited and eventually taken out of practice on Wednesday with hamstring issues. He is listed as probable for Sunday.

Nate Washington, Titans
- Washington is listed on the injury report with a concussion but practiced in full on Wednesday.

Calvin Johnson, Lions
- Johnson was not able to practice on Wednesday due to a thigh injury. His status for Sunday is in question.

Steve Breaston, Cardinals
- Breaston was limited in practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Breaston should be able to play on Sunday.

Wes Welker, Patriots
- Welker was limited in practice on Wednesday but says he's feeling good and looking forward to the weekend. Sounds like he'll be ready to play.

Derrick Mason, Ravens
- Mason missed practice on Wednesday due to a neck injury.

Randy Moss, Patriots
- Moss missed practice on Wednesday but his absence was not injury related.

Roy Williams, Cowboys
- Williams was unable to practice on Wednesday with a rib injury but told the media that he hopes to play on Sunday.

Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers
- Bryant was limited in practice on Wednesday with a knee injury.

Fantasy Football, NFL , , , , ,

GSI Mock Draft: Round One

28. July 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

It's that time of the year again. The 6th Annual GetSportsInfo.com Mock Draft kicked off on Monday and the opening round provided some interesting insights...

ROUND ONE
1. HUMBERT - RB A Peterson (MIN)
2. FISCHER - RB M. Turner (ATL)
3. CLASGENS - RB M. Jones-Drew (JCK)
4. ANSELMO - QB D. Brees (NO)
5. MURDICO - RB M. Forte (CHI)
6. SIMS - RB L. Tomlinson (SD)
7. SCHMITT - RB F. Gore (SF)
8. WETZEL - RB D. Williams (CAR)
9. BRYANT - RB S. Jackson (STL)
10. DINSMORE - RB B. Westbrook (PHI)
11. SIMON - RB C. Johnson (TEN)
12. BROERING - RB M. Barber (DAL)

POSITION BREAKDOWNS: RB (11), QB (1)

MY PICK: This is not necessarily the year to pick third. With the difference between the No. 3 running back on my Cheat Sheet and the No. 10 running back in the rankings being so slim, I would have preferred to pick at the bottom of Round One in order to get an early pick in Round Two as the draft order snakes. Picking third I had to with a running back.  Maurice Jones-Drew is the flavor of the off-season for fantasy gurus everywhere. Why wouldn't he be? Fred Taylor has long stood in his way of being an elite fantasy runner. However, Taylor has fled to New England via free agency, leaving MJD is the man in J-Ville! In a limited role he's produced at least 1100 yards per season and at least nine touchdowns per year. With Taylor gone, he will get his chance at being the featured back. It's hard to imagine the 5-foot-7 running back getting more than 20 touches per game very often, but he will make the most of his chances.

BEST VALUE PICK: LaDainian Tomlinson battled a nagging turf toe injury last season and disappointed many owners that spent a top pick on him. With his age, career workload, and Darren Sproles all factors in projecting his stats there's no doubt that the days of 2,000 total yards are over. But LT appears healthy and will definitely be given the ball early and often in San Diego. I expect him to approach 1500 total yards and 15 touchdowns if he stays healthy. That makes him a steal at No. 7. Too many websites have him ranked way too low.

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: It's hard to pick a player from this group as being a bust-candidate. In fact, none of them fall under that category in my mind. If I had to pick one that may disappoint though I'll go with Michael Turner. Let me be clear, I love the Falcons' offense and expect a very productive year from Turner. Yet, the team has already said they plan on reducing his workload to ensure that he stays fresh. Plus, the addition of Tony Gonzalez and another year of maturity for the Falcons' passing game leads me to believe fewer touchdown chances for Turner. Throw in a tougher slate of games this year and it's hard to imagine Turner eclipsing 2008's numbers.

FINAL TAKE: Overall, it was solid drafting for the opening round. Drew Brees was a bit of a surprise with the fourth overall selection, but at least you know you will get consistency and that is what wins. Getting a Tier 1 quarterback is HUGE this season and Anselmo may not have gotten one in the second round. I was a bit surprised to see Larry Fitzgerald go undrafted, but expect a big run on wideouts in Round Two.

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fantasy: Next Year's Top 10

31. December 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

**SIGN-UP NOW TO GET IN MY PLAYOFF FANTASY LEAUGE **

I plan on working on my own 2009 Cheat Sheet and Top 50 Overall list this weekend, but I wanted to share the one from Rotoworld.com's Gregg Rosenthaul.  Of all the big media fantasy gurus, he's the one I most frequently agree with. However, I will promise you one thing, my list will be drastically different than his initial top 10:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Maurice Jones-Drew
3. Matt Forte
4. Marion Barber
5. Steven Jackson
6. Chris Johnson
7. Brian Westbrook
8. Frank Gore
9. Andre Johnson
10. Calvin Johnson
11. Larry Fitzgerald
12. Brandon Jacobs

Just Missed, in no particular order: Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, Clinton Portis, Steve Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshawn Lynch, Jay Cutler

 
OTHER TAKES HE HAD AS THE SEASON ENDED...
--Fred Jackson ran for 136 yards against the Patriots in one of the most impressive displays I saw all season. New England stacked the box with eight and nine guys every play, and Jackson's vision and leg drive were remarkable. He carried defenders on his back. Jackson finishes with 888 efficient yards from scrimmage and 37 catches on the season. He averaged more yards-per-carry than Marshawn Lynch and is a better receiver. That's bad news for Lynch owners because Jackson has earned a spot as the lesser half of a committee long-term.

--I still need to watch the tape, but Cedric Benson's 462 yards in his last three games will get him some job offers this off-season. His best chance to start, by far, should be staying in Cincinnati.

--Tony Romo's poor finish to the season, against very difficult competition, should keep his price tag enticingly low in next year's drafts.

--LaDainian Tomlinson has undeniably looked fresher the last two weeks. He ran much harder against a collapsing Bucs defense and a terrible Broncos defense, but don't forget the first 14 mediocre weeks and how easy his schedule was. Two good weeks doesn't return him to top-five prominence next year.

COMPLETE ARTICLE

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game Time Decisions: Week 16

20. December 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Here are some injures owners will want to keep their eyes on heading to kickoff:

QUARTERBACKS
Trent Edwards (groin) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Jeff Garcia (calf) - has practiced limitedly for the past three days

RUNNING BACKS
Frank Gore (ankle) - chance are "remote" that he plays and is a shaky bet
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - could play, but how much he plays is unclear
Marion Barber (calf, toe) - hasn't practice all week; avoid him this week
Clinton Portis (backed) - missed practice FRI; his status is unclear for SUN
Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) - limited in practice on FRI; questionable but likely
Matt Forte (toe) - listed as questionable, but practice on SAT - should play
Kevin Smith (ankle) - limited in practice on FRI and questionable - should go

WIDE RECEIVERS

Anquan Boldin (shoulder) - a true game-time decision, not looking good to play
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable; expected to be a full go at SEA
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - a full go in FRI's practice and will start vs. DAL
Domenik Hixon (foot) - listed as questionable and not a great match-up vs. CAR
Kevin Curtis (calf) - doubtful after missing practice again on FRI; stay away

MORE PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com) 

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lineup Locks: Championship Week

19. December 2008  - Published by Jimmy Dinsmore

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 16. If you're reading this, you have likely made it to the ultimate goal, your league championship. Congrats. Now, make the best moves that will bring that title. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel vs. Ari
My take: This is one of the best match ups of the week. In one of my leagues (going for the title), I benched Jay Cutler for Cassel. The Cardinals made Tavaris Jackson look great last week, Cassel should shred them all day.

--Shaun Hill @ StL
My take: Here's a bold move. Hill was held without a TD last week, but this week, he'll put up numbers closer to those from his game against Jets where he threw for almost 300 and had a couple of TDs.

--Matt Schaub @ Oak
My take: For a couple weeks here, I've said to use caution with Schaub and I've always touted the Raiders pass defense. Well Schaub has been fantastic, and the Raiders pass defense has disappointed, so Schaub is a good start this week.

Lock Out:
--Phillip Rivers @ TB
My take: The Chargers have gotten lucky lately and Rivers has benefitted. I think this is a very difficult match up for Rivers and all the Chargers, and I would steer clear this week.

--Eli Manning vs. Car
My take: It will be a marquee game, for sure, but I don't look for Manning to have a big day. Despite what they say, the Giants miss Plaxico Burress' playmaking ability.

--Tony Romo vs. Bal
My take: With their running game a question mark and their offensive line still inconsistent, this match up worries me for Romo. They might squeak out a win, but scoring and fantasy points will be hard to come by.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Pierre Thomas @ Det
My take: Reggie Bush is out for the year, Deuce is likely not to play, so the ball is Thomas' and he'll take it to the end zone, over and over this week.

--Kevin Smith vs. NO
My take: Smith has been one of the few bright spots for the Lions and they've finally realized that he needs to touch the ball a lot.

--Brian Westbrook @ Was
My take: Cedric Benson torched the Redskins for over 150 multi-purpose yards, so what do you think a back like Westbrook will do? Exactly.

Lock Out:
--Chris Johnson vs. Pit
My take: Hey rookie, THIS is the NFL. Johnson has not seen a defense like this all year, so I would stay away, if you have better options.

--Marion Barber/Tashard Choice vs. Bal
My take: Choice was the right choice last week, but neither he nor Barber are good starts this week.

--Tim Hightower @ NE
My take: The Cardinals running game has been non-existent and that won't change this week.


WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Randy Moss vs. Ari
My take: Big day for Moss and Cassel.

--Calvin Johnson vs. NO
My take: This game could be a high scoring affair and even though the Lions are awful, Johnson is absolutely a stud.

--Antonio Bryant vs. SD
My take: Bryant has been targeted regularly and often should be considered a must start at this point.

Lock Out:
--Terrell Owens vs. Bal
My take: Ed Reed and the Ravens will give TO something to cry about.

--Desean Jackson @ Was
My take: Too inconsistent to be counted on this week.

--Santonio Holmes @ Ten
My take: He was "given" a TD last week, but he will struggle to find scoring chances this week.


TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--John Carlson vs. NyJ
My take:  He's about the only Seahawks worth starting this week.

--Dustin Keller @ Sea
My take: Fantastic match up and a great day for a spot start for this rookie.

--Zach Miller vs. Hou
My take: Especially good in yardage heavy and PPR leagues. May not score, but good for several catches and 60+ yards.

Lock Out:
--Antonio Gates @ TB
My take: Everyone who owns Gates is fed up, show your disgust this week as he has yet another bad match up.

--Chris Cooley vs. Phi
My take: The Redskins offense showed me nothing last week and this week the match up is actually tougher.

--Heath Miller @ Ten
My take: Just an overall tough match up this week. Not enough offense to go around for Miller.


TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--NYJ @ Sea
--Phi @ Was
--Cin @ Bal (yeah, that's right, it's a homer pick from me, but the Bengals defense has been good and Cleveland's offense is awful)

Lock Out:
--NO @ Det
--Ariz @ NE
--Min vs. Atl

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fantasy: Playoff Rants

9. December 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

The fantasy playoffs either started last week for you or are likely getting ready to kick off in Week 15. Either way a microscope gets place on decisions like at no other point of the season. My best advice, don't sweat it.

Really, the situation is out of your control and the best you can do is make an educated guess. However, all too often I see fantasy owners do things out of the oridnary as they look for any edge they can get. That's not a bad thing, but don't let it blind your judgment. Just last week I had a guy insisting inside one of our live chats that him starting J.P. Losman in a dome or Donovan McNabb against the Giants in 40 MPH winds.  Weather needs to be considered, but only as a deciding factor not the sole reason.

Here are some more interesting dilemmas you may be looking at this week...

SAINTS' OFFENSE IN THE WINDY CITY
Last week Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush both porved to be valuable for fantasy owners in a high-scoring affair inside the dome against the Falcons and Drew Brees and his stable of receivers always make logical plays. However, this week the Saints travel to Chicago for a Thursday night showdown with the Bears. We all remember the Saints' offense dismal showing in the NFC Championship game two years ago and something tells me their offense isn't built for a December game at Solider Field. At this point, there is only a 10% chance of snow but it is going to be cold. The Bears' D is actually better against the run than the pass and that could be good news for Drew Brees, who's still a must play regardless of his match-up at this point. Bush is likely to get some catches out of the backfield and Thomas could get a short-yardage score, but neither back will put up high rushing totals. Colston and Moore are always capable of putting some numbers, but neither is a lock and both could be sat for a better match-up.

STEELERS VS. RAVENS
Unless it's the defense I am staying clear of all players in this match-up. As good as the Steelers and Ravens have played this one is going to be a physical affair. Ben Roethlisberger doesn't look 100% to me and he'll struggle with the Ravens' pressure. No way does rookie Joe Flacco get the call in this enviroment with your playoff livelihood on the line. The Ravens' backfield is a mess, but LeRon McClain could be argued for a RB3. Pittsburhg's backfield is frustrating. Mewelde Moore is running the best, but Willie Parker is still getting carries and Gary Russell is coming in at the goalline. Stay away from the situation altogether at this point. Hines Ward, Santanio Holmes, and Derrick Mason have each had their moments this year, but rolling the dice on any of them producing in these circumstances is not recommended.

WILL THE REAL DOMINIC HIXON PLEASE STEP UP?
There is been so much hype surrounding Dominic Hixon since Plaxico Burress and this point the jury is still out on the Giants' wideout. I wasn't expecting much last week against Philly in blistery condiditions, but Hixon still was within inches of a huge catch. I like his upside and I am expecting the game in Dallas on Sunday night to have more offense than what we've been seeing. Hixon is a great WR3 and has great upside against a Cowboys' secondary that has a tendency to get beat deep. I am playing him in my PPR format as my FLEX player this week and recommend that you do the same.

CAN ROMO BOUNCE BACK, SHOULD BARBER START?
While on the topic of Sunday night's big game in Dallas, let's talk about the Cowboys. I hope you listened last week when I said sit Tony Romo. He was dreadful against Pittsburgh, finishing with just 1 TD and 4 turnovers. He's not going to blow it up this week, but I definitely expect a bounce back and consider him a solid starting option against the Giants. The G-Men have been tough on defense and have only allowed 13.2 points per game to fantasy QB's, but I look for the Cowboys to have much more success through the air this time around. The running game is a different situation altogether. Marion Barber is likely going to be a game-time decision again and even if he comes back he's battling a toe and calf injury and with the way rookie Tashard Choice has performed seeing the two split carries would not be hard to imagine. Should Barber be ruled out, Choice is a low-end RB2 option and worth a look as a flex. 

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Game Time Decisions: Week 14

6. December 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Here are some injuries that fantasy owners will want to keep their eyes on for Week 14:

QUARTERBACKS
Ben Roethlisberger (knee) - no limitations in practice on FRI
Matt Schaub (knee) - probable and expected to start at GB
Matt Hasselbeck (back) - doubtufl; Seneca Wallace likely to start

RUNNING BACKS

Marion Barber (toe) - missed third straight practice; not looking good
Joseph Addai (knee) - added to report on FRI; a game-time decision
Clinton Portis (knee/back) - game-time decision; doesn't play until 8:15
Steven Jackson (quadriceps) - probable; could see increased work
Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) - expected to start vs. NYG
Marshawn Lynch (back) - ready to face MIA; listed as probable
Ryan Grant (thumb) - should see "normal workload" according to coach
Willis McGahee (illness) - returned to practice FRI
Kevin Smith (shoulder) - limited in practice, but probable vs. MIN
Deuce McAllister (suspension) - will be active, but behind P. Thomas

WIDE RECEIVERS

Anquan Boldin (back) - set to start on SUN vs. STL
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable, yet he should go vs. SF
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - practiced w/out limitations on FRI
Anthony Gonzalez (shoulder) - late addition to injury report
Mark Bradley (calf) - has been ruled out for Week 14
Koren Robinson (knee) - will start vs. NE, but not a great play

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (ankle) - ruled out w/high-ankle sprain

DEFENSIVE LINE
Kevin Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Pat Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Gaines Adams (knee) - questionable for MON night vs. CAR
Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) - status unclear for Week 14
Fred Robbins (shoulder) - Counting on him to return vs. PHI

LINEBACKERS

London Fletcher (foot) - did not practice FRI; questionable
D.J. Williams (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Gary Bracket (fibula) - out for Week 14 vs. CIN

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Bob Sanders (knee) - returned to full practice FRI; questionable
Champ Bailey (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Cortland Finnegan (hamstring)- expected to play vs. CLE
Nate Clements (thumb) - questionable following minor surgery
Nick Harper (ankle) - returned to limit practice on FRI; should play

LATEST PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com)

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Line Up Locks: Week 14

5. December 2008  - Published by Jimmy Dinsmore

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 14. It's either the last week of your regular season or you've made the playoffs. Making the playoffs is always good, but now, more than ever, is where you have to make the right choices, and unfortunately some of your fantasy stalwarts, maybe even the players who brought you this far cannot be counted on this week. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel @ Sea
My take: Perhaps you saw what Romo did to this awful Seahawk defense last week. Cassel has proven he can produce top tier numbers and this will be one of those weeks.

--Aaron Rodgers vs. Hou
My take: Rodgers, like Cassel is one of those guys who is best to start when the match up is right. Well, the match up is right this week.

--Tyler Thigpen @ Den
My take: Let the amateurs in your league laugh at you when you bench your regular for Thigpen in the playoffs. You'll be laughing last as this match up is too good to pass up for Thigpen.

Lock Out:
--Jake Delhomme vs. TB
My take: Here's some fantasy math for you. Bad match up + inconsistent QB=playoff loss.

--Tony Romo @ Pit
My take: Do you have the guts to bench your fantasy stud in the playoffs? If you have a better QB with a better match up, then you should.

--Matt Schaub @ GB
My take: Don't rush to get Schaub back in your lineup. Wait and see how he does and wait until the match up is better.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Joseph Addai vs Cin
My take: I'm not sure the Bengals have enough healthy d-linemen to even field a team at this point and I'm not sure that even if they did, that it would matter. Get Addai in your lineup this week.

--Peyton Hillis vs. KC
My take: This guy is quickly becoming the waiver wire find of the year. Play him this week.

--Ronnie Brown @ Buf
My take: As the Dolphins have stumbled a little down the stretch, I think they go back to what got them this far – running the ball and trick plays. Brown will benefit from that.

Lock Out:
--Clinton Portis @ Bal
My take: Benching a fantasy stud like Portis, are you kidding? No, I'm not kidding. If you have no other options, then obviously risk it and see what Portis can do, but if you have a choice between Peyton Hillis and Portis, I go with Hillis as Portis has an awful match up and is hurting.

--Marion Barber @ Pit
My take: Again, the same theory applies here that applies to Portis. If you have another option use it. Barber has a toe injury. See how LT has done with his toe injury and Barber goes against a nasty Steelers defense. Be worried.

--Willie Parker vs. Dal
My take: He's always one misstep away from leaving the game and with him splitting carries with Mewelde Moore, I just don't feel comfortable counting on Parker in the playoffs.


WIDE RECEIVERS
Lock In:
--Randy Moss @ Sea
My take: 100+ yards and at least 1 TD. Count on it.

--Greg Jennings vs. Hou
My take: Put him in and maybe even Donald Driver too.

--Roddy White @ NO
My take: He hasn't score in three weeks, but those who've followed this column know how much I love this guy. This week he will score against a very bad Saints defense and he will once again go over the century mark.

Lock Out:
--Terrell Owens @ Pit
My take: I do not think that the Cowboys will put up a lot of yards or score much in this game, so TO makes for a very average play this week.

--Santana Moss @ Bal
My take: Bad match up this week for a team that has struggled to score lately.

--Braylon Edwards @ Ten
My take: Don't start anyone on the Browns this week as they go against a good Titan defense and do so with Ken Dorsey under center. Yikes.


TIGHT ENDS
Lock In:
--Tony Gonzalez @ Den
My take:  You've probably been starting, but if not, get him in this week and enjoy.

--Dustin Keller @ SF
My take: I didn't mention much of the Jets offensive players this week, but it's a very friendly match up and Keller makes for a very sneaky play this week.

--Dallas Clark @ Cin
My take: Here's what I wrote last week about Clark: The Colts are on fire and Dallas Clark will dismantle the Browns this Sunday. Change Browns to Bengals.

Lock Out:
--Chris Cooley @ Bal
My take: Bad match up for a bad offense.

--Heath Miller vs. Dal
My take: Look elsewhere for points at the tight end position.

--John Carlson vs NE
My take: Too inconsistent and the Seahawks offense is too bad to be counted on.


TEAM DEFENSE/ST
Lock In:
--Jets @ SF
--Titans @ Cle
--Colts vs. Cin

Lock Out:
--Falcons @ NO
--Dolphins @ Buf
--Jaguars @ Chi

Fantasy Football , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fantasy: Thursday Takes

28. November 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Watching football on Thanksgiving was about as fun as getting a root canal. At least you get laughing gas at most dentist offices. I don't know what made me more sleepy eating all the turkey or trying to get into the Seahawks vs. Cowboys match-up on the heels of watching the Lions. I was hoping for a better game in the night cap, but a 28-point blowout by the Eagles was the icing on the cake to a day of crappy football. There were plenty of fantasy takes to digest on this day, but here's my final take:

Titans/Lions
CHRIS JOHNSON
- Continues to prove that he's my favorite rookie running back. He was up to 84 yards and 2 TD's on his first four carries against the Lions and finished with 125 yards on 16 carries. Just think of how big of a day he could have had if he would stayed in there rather than giving way to others in a blowout.

LENDALE WHITE - Coming off a huge disappointing effort in Week 12 in which he lashed out against head coach Jeff Fischer to reporters, White gave fantasy owners that gave him a chance in a favorable match-up plenty to be thankful for. The veteran amssed 125 yards and a pair of TD's on 25 carries.

JUSTIN GAGE - Gage is a bit overhyped right now and Thursday only provided more evidence of this. The Titans are a run-first team and with a big lead Gage disappeared. He had a blow-up game in Week 11, but now has managed just 3 catches for 77 yards over his past two games. He's simply to risky to count on for your line-up.

KEVIN SMITH - Smith has finally emerged as the Lions' primary option out of the backfield and finally appears to be at 100%. The problem is that he still plays for the Lions. He struggled mightily against the Titans, generating just 22 yards on 12 carries. Smith is only worth considering as a RB3 and only in prime match-ups.

CALVIN JOHNSON - Despite playing for the lowly Lions the gifted receiver remains a must-start option. He only managed 5 receptions for 66 yards, but Johnson did get 11 targets and remains one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. He's a must-start option down the stretch.


Cowboys/Seahawks

TONY ROMO - He completed 22-of-34 passes for 331 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Romo got great protection and showed that he's capable of producing big numbers despite the splint on his throwing hand. Start him with confidence as you enter the playoff drive.

MARION BARBER - His day was cut short after suffering a dislocated pinkie toe. X-rays came back negative though, so he should be a go next week against Pittsburgh. He finised the day with only 32 yards on 10 carries, but he did manage to score a touchdown.

TERRELL OWENS - T.O. made a couple of great catches and posted solid numbers as he pulled in five balls for 98 yards and a TD. After five straight games in which he failed to eclipsed 40 yards receving, Owens has now tallied 311 yards receiving over his past two games. How can you think about sitting him in the playoffs?

MATT HASSELBECK - The veteran had no time behind Seattle's makeshift offensive line, but he did show that he's nearing 100%. He completed 22-of-38 yards for 287 yards with 0 TD's and 1 INT. He does have some favorable match-ups ahead (NE, @StL, NYJ) so he's worth keeping on your roster as a backup.

MAURICE MORRIS - I am still trying to figure out why a guy coming off a game in which he had 113 total yards and a TD the week before takes a seat the following game. He didn't get much action until the second half, but I have to think that the starting job is going to be his heading down the stretch. Either way he's backup material at best.


Eagles/Cardinals
DONOVAN MCNABB - Left for dead, McNabb lived up to my tabbing him No. 8 on the Cheat Sheet coming into the week. After being benched just four days earlier, McNabb posted stellar numbers vs. the Cards. He completed 27-of-39 passes for 260 yards and four touchdowns.

BRIAN WESTBROOK - Patient owners were finally rewarded on Thanksgiving night as Westbrook busted out with a four-touchdown performance. He finished with 25 touches for 130 total yards, but did sit out some of the game with an ankle injury. He should be good to go in Week 15, but he's still struggling to finish a game heatlhy.

DESEAN JACKSON - The rookie wideout pulled in five balls for 76 yards and a touchdown. After a mid-season slump Jackson now has four straight games with at least four catches and has a good chance to finish the season with over 1000 yards receiving. He's a nice WR3 option to finish out the year.

KURT WARNER - He looked flustered and his team got drilled, but Warner continue to produce for fantasy owners in the loss. He did throw three costly interceptions, but still finished with 235 yards and three TD passes. He did have his 300-yard game streak snapped at five, but did throw for multiple TD's in 9 of his 12 games this year.

TIM HIGHTOWER - It was another disappointing effort by the Cards' rookie runner as he mustered just 7 yards on 7 carries and now has gained just 85 yards on 42 carries over his past four contests. He's nothing more than a flex option at this point and only in favorable match-ups.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,