So we've finally reached Fantasy Championship week. Kinda depressing, isn't it? I mean we probably only get 2 more Sundays of laying around doing nothing but watching football before the wives start in with the Honey-Do lists, right? Let's enjoy the rest of the season and win a championship or two this weekend, huh? As has been the case all season, use the player ranked closest to #1 in the case of a Sit/Start dilemma. You can always hit me up on Twitter for some personal touch analysis too. Here we go:
RB
1) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
2) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
3) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
4) Matt Forte, Chicago
5) Frank Gore, San Francisco
6) Reggie Bush, Detroit
7) Alfred Morris, Washington
8) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
9) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
10) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
11) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
12) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
13) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
14) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
15) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
16) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
17) Shane Vereen, New England
18) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
19) Andre Brown, NY Giants
20) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
21) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
22) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
23) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
24) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
25) Dennis Johnson, Houston
26) Jordan Todman, Jacksonville
27) Ray Rice, Baltimore
28) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
29) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
30) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
31) Lamar Miller, Miami
32) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
33) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
34) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
35) Stevan Ridley, New England
36) Joique Bell, Detroit
37) Bryce Brown, Philadelphia
38) Montee Ball, Denver
39) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
40) Roy Helu, Washington
I can change. Ryan Mathews is probably as close to must start as you can get outside the Top 10. If you have him, play him. He's on a roll.
I love the workload Bobby Rainey could potentially see. The game means nothing between Tampa and St. Louis, we're indoors, and Rainey has been predictable depending on the matchup. St. Louis is a plus matchup. Use him without too much fear.
I don't trust the Buffalo offense at all, and I don't know what to make of their RB situation. Fred Jackson is a spot higher because I trust him around the goal line. We need TDs this week.
I don't like any of the weapons in the New Orleans-Carolina game, but I have a sneaking suspicion that DeAngelo Williams could win a championship for his owners this week. If you're dealing with a Steven Jackson or Lamar Miller type in your flex, you may want to roll the dice on DeAngelo.
Bryce Brown will see substantial work this week against a terrible Bears run D. I'm not betting the farm on him, but it's a plus situation in a game that could be salted away with the run. If Philly is smart, they'll run 40 times on the Bears.
WR
1) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
2) Dez Bryant, Dallas
3) AJ Green, Cincinnati
4) Pierre Garcon, Washignton
5) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
6) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
7) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
8) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
9) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
10) Keenan Allen, San Diego
11) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
12) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
13) Andre Johnson, Houston
14) Eric Decker, Denver
15) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
16) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
17) Julian Edelman, New England
18) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
19) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
20) Mike Wallace, Miami
21) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
22) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
23) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
24) Marques Colston, New Orleans
25) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
26) Danny Amendola, New England
27) Andre Caldwell, Denver
28) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
29) Roddy White, Atlanta
30) Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota
31) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
32) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
33) Rod Streater, Oakland
34) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
35) Steve Smith, Carolina
36) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
37) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
38) James Jones, Green Bay
39) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
40) Ace Sanders, Jacksonville
41) Golden Tate, Seattle
42) Michael Floyd, Arizona
43) Brian Hartline, Miami
44) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
45) Justin Hunter, Tennessee
46) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
47) Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo
48) Earl Bennett, Chicago
49) Andre Holmes, Oakland
50) Terrance Williams, Dallas
Chicago will feast on Philly's secondary. This could be the highest scoring game of 2013 folks. We are in a "If you have them, use them" scenario. Don't get cute now.
I normally like Calvin Johnson in bounce back spots, and I feel a little bad putting him at #8, but I'm just not smelling anything huge. 70-80 and a score will suit his owners just fine.
I am higher on Greg Jennings with Matt Cassel, and he is a true #1 type target this week. Play him over your normal middling options.
Doug Baldwin will score this week. Book it now. Play him if you're dealing with the Steve Smiths and Harry Douglas' of the world.
Andre Holmes is a nice little sleeper play this week in a game that could be reasonably high scoring. I liked what I saw on Thanksgiving Day and I like him this week.
QB
1) Peyton Manning, Denver
2) Jay Cutler, Chicago
3) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
4) Philip Rivers, San Diego
5) Tony Romo, Dallas
6) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
7) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
8) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
9) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
10) Kirk Cousins, Washington
11) Cam Newton, Carolina
12) Drew Brees, New Orleans
13) Tom Brady, New England
14) Russell Wilson, Seattle
15) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
16) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
17) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
18) Alex Smith, Kansas City
19) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
20) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
21) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
22) Matt McGloin, Oakland
23) Matt Schaub, Houston
24) Matt Cassel, Minnesota
25) Matt Flynn, Green Bay
Jay Cutler will only fail in your lineup if he gets hurt. This is where Cutler shines. Start him with confidence.
Andy Dalton is a for real option this week against a terrible Minnesota secondary at home. He's been awesome at home. I only like 2 QBs more this week.
I'm high on San Fran's offense, so Colin Kaepernick is extremely safe this week in a game they should control.
Russell Wilson is great at home (he's never lost there), but I think the game sets up as a defensive struggle. Don't get cute.
I didn't mean to rank 4 Matts in a row at the end, but if you're this far down, I like them in that order.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6 and let's win some championships!
Decision Making Tool for the Fantasy Sports Fanatic looking for Non-Obvious Solutions for Long Term Fantasy Sports Success.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Week 15 QB, RB & WR Rankings
The list is going to seem a little short this week without all the Broncos and Chargers, but after watching Thursday's game, you probably are already behind your team projection if you had anyone but Keenan Allen, Ryan Mathews or Andre Caldwell. I didn't see any of the expert sites taking a flier on Caldwell, but instead throwing their respective kudos in the direction of Jacob Tamme. I like Jacob Tamme, but if you took a flier on a backup TE because it was assumed he was taking over Wes Welker's job for a week, you probably deserve to be behind.
Anyways, 2nd to last rankings of the year. It's semi-finals week for the majority of fantasy players, so let's get you to a championship game. Start the player ranked closest to #1 in any Sit/Start problems you're having.
RB
1) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
2) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
3) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
4) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
5) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
6) Matt Forte, Chicago
7) Shane Vereen, New England
8) Frank Gore, San Francisco
9) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
10) Alfred Morris, Washington
11) Ben Tate, Houston
12) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
13) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
14) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
15) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
16) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
17) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
18) Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
19) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
20) Reggie Bush, Detroit
21) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
22) Toby Gerhart, Minnesota (Questionable)
23) Ray Rice, Baltimore
24) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
25) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
26) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
27) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
28) Andre Brown, NY Giants
29) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
30) Andre Ellington, Arizona
31) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
32) Joique Bell, Detroit
33) Jordan Todman, Jacksonville
34) Lamar Miller, Miami
35) Daniel Thomas, Miami
36) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
37) Stevan Ridley, New England
38) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
39) Marcel Reece, Oakland
40) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
Rob Gronkowski's departure for the season opens up the door for the already heavily targeted Shane Vereen to see a workload like no other week of his short career. Miami already is a terrible run stuffing unit, and the fact that Vereen is seeing double digit targets leads me to believe we have as strong a possibility as ever for an enormous game. Rumors of Stevan Ridley's resurgence are just that. Vereen has Belichick's trust.
I like Zac Stacy a lot this week in what smells like a trap game. We all knew the Saints would struggle in road contests against New England and Seattle, and they did. After an emotional prime time win against division rival Carolina last week, I can see the Saints overlooking the Rams entirely in preparation of next week's rematch. Stacy is the beneficiary.
I'll never be this high on a Cleveland running back again, but everything lines up for Chris Ogbonnaya this week. Terrible run defense, time share mate already ruled out, weather looking a bit treacherous. He's a desperation play, yes, but he's as good a desperation play as there is.
Speaking of desperation plays, I'm not a fan of any offensive weapon in the NY Jets-Carolina Panthers game. If you have Chris Ivory and you don't have other options, how are you still alive in the playoffs?
Jordan Todman makes for an interesting play this week against fading Buffalo. Just 3 short weeks ago, I was seeing Buffalo touted as the fantasy defense to own heading down the stretch. They've lost 2 straight games since then and have a trap game of their own against the suddenly competitive Jacksonville Jaguars. No MJD opens the door for everyone to see what Jordan Todman can do. He's a Hail Mary play, but if you're in a jam, he's going to get touches.
I don't want to dive head first into Adrian Peterson's Questionable tag. I don't think he's playing, but if he does, you play him. Plain and simple. AP is a robot.
WR
1) Dez Bryant, Dallas
2) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
3) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
4) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
5) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
6) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
7) Andre Johnson, Houston
8) Roddy White, Atlanta
9) Pierre Garcon, Washington
10) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
11) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
12) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
13) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
14) AJ Green, Cincinnati
15) Marques Colston, New Orleans
16) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
17) Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota
18) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
19) Mike Wallace, Miami
20) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
21) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
22) Golden Tate, Seattle
23) Julian Edelman, New England
24) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville (Questionable)
25) Steve Smith, Carolina
26) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
27) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
28) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
29) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
30) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
31) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
32) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
33) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
34) Brian Hartline, Miami
35) James Jones, Green Bay
36) Michael Floyd, Arizona
37) Nate Burleson, Detroit
38) Rod Streater, Oakland
39) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
40) Danny Amendola, New England
41) Terrance Williams, Dallas
42) Kenny Stills, New Orleans
43) Nate Washignton, Tennessee
44) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
45) Jacoby Jones, Baltimore
46) Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh
47) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
48) Da'Rick Rogers, Indianapolis
49) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
50) Marlon Brown, Baltimore
Calvin Johnson is not #1 for me this week because Baltimore might be the only team that can withstand free bulletin board material. I'm expecting a tough game for Calvin this week, and while he is completely un-sittable, a small yardage, 1 TD game is what I'm feeling. I hope you're ahead already on Monday.
Brandon Marshall, Josh Gordon and Alshon Jeffery are bunched at 4-6 with bad weather on the horizon, but I can't see going anywhere else this week, and I actually think all 3 get in the end zone this week. Don't let weather screw with your decision making.
I am higher on Greg Jennings this week than I have been all season. He has performed admirably with Matt Cassel as his QB and he draws the defense giving up the most fantasy points to WRs. He lines up to have a good day, even though I think Cordarrelle Patterson is the Viking to own this week.
Larry Fitzgerald, Victor Cruz and Anquan Boldin are all as far down as they've been all season on my list for the same reasons: MATCHUPS. I think Fitz's TD streak comes to and end against Tennessee, Victor Cruz is a fantasy disappointment because his offensive teammates are terrible, not to mention he draws Seattle, and Anquan Boldin will likely be a victim of game flow, as I don't think San Fran struggles with Tampa.
You can do better than Vincent Jackson this week. I don't want to put my playoff hopes on praying for a garbage TD.
QB
1) Drew Brees, New Orleans
2) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
3) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
4) Tony Romo, Dallas
5) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
6) Cam Newton, Carolina
7) Jay Cutler, Chicago
8) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
9) Tom Brady, New England
10) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
11) Kirk Cousins, Washington
12) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
13) Russell Wilson, Seattle
14) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
15) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
16) Alex Smith, Kansas City
17) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
18) Matt Cassel, Minnesota
19) Matt Flynn, Green Bay
20) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
21) Carson Palmer, Arizona
22) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
23) Case Keenum, Houston
24) Eli Manning, NY Giants
25) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
This late in the season, your QB situation should be sewn up tightly. This ranking isn't necessarily a prediction of who will score the most fantasy points. It is a combination of matchups and TRUST. I think the Saints-Rams game is a trap for the Saints, but I trust Brees in all situations. Read the list that way, and it will make total sense.
I'm also saying play Matt Ryan big time this week. There is another team that has given up more than Falcons, and they're going to be in Atlanta this week!
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6
Anyways, 2nd to last rankings of the year. It's semi-finals week for the majority of fantasy players, so let's get you to a championship game. Start the player ranked closest to #1 in any Sit/Start problems you're having.
RB
1) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
2) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
3) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
4) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
5) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
6) Matt Forte, Chicago
7) Shane Vereen, New England
8) Frank Gore, San Francisco
9) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
10) Alfred Morris, Washington
11) Ben Tate, Houston
12) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
13) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
14) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
15) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
16) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
17) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
18) Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
19) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
20) Reggie Bush, Detroit
21) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
22) Toby Gerhart, Minnesota (Questionable)
23) Ray Rice, Baltimore
24) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
25) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
26) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
27) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
28) Andre Brown, NY Giants
29) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
30) Andre Ellington, Arizona
31) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
32) Joique Bell, Detroit
33) Jordan Todman, Jacksonville
34) Lamar Miller, Miami
35) Daniel Thomas, Miami
36) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
37) Stevan Ridley, New England
38) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
39) Marcel Reece, Oakland
40) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
Rob Gronkowski's departure for the season opens up the door for the already heavily targeted Shane Vereen to see a workload like no other week of his short career. Miami already is a terrible run stuffing unit, and the fact that Vereen is seeing double digit targets leads me to believe we have as strong a possibility as ever for an enormous game. Rumors of Stevan Ridley's resurgence are just that. Vereen has Belichick's trust.
I like Zac Stacy a lot this week in what smells like a trap game. We all knew the Saints would struggle in road contests against New England and Seattle, and they did. After an emotional prime time win against division rival Carolina last week, I can see the Saints overlooking the Rams entirely in preparation of next week's rematch. Stacy is the beneficiary.
I'll never be this high on a Cleveland running back again, but everything lines up for Chris Ogbonnaya this week. Terrible run defense, time share mate already ruled out, weather looking a bit treacherous. He's a desperation play, yes, but he's as good a desperation play as there is.
Speaking of desperation plays, I'm not a fan of any offensive weapon in the NY Jets-Carolina Panthers game. If you have Chris Ivory and you don't have other options, how are you still alive in the playoffs?
Jordan Todman makes for an interesting play this week against fading Buffalo. Just 3 short weeks ago, I was seeing Buffalo touted as the fantasy defense to own heading down the stretch. They've lost 2 straight games since then and have a trap game of their own against the suddenly competitive Jacksonville Jaguars. No MJD opens the door for everyone to see what Jordan Todman can do. He's a Hail Mary play, but if you're in a jam, he's going to get touches.
I don't want to dive head first into Adrian Peterson's Questionable tag. I don't think he's playing, but if he does, you play him. Plain and simple. AP is a robot.
WR
1) Dez Bryant, Dallas
2) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
3) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
4) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
5) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
6) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
7) Andre Johnson, Houston
8) Roddy White, Atlanta
9) Pierre Garcon, Washington
10) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
11) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
12) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
13) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
14) AJ Green, Cincinnati
15) Marques Colston, New Orleans
16) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
17) Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota
18) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
19) Mike Wallace, Miami
20) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
21) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
22) Golden Tate, Seattle
23) Julian Edelman, New England
24) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville (Questionable)
25) Steve Smith, Carolina
26) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
27) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
28) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
29) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
30) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
31) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
32) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
33) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
34) Brian Hartline, Miami
35) James Jones, Green Bay
36) Michael Floyd, Arizona
37) Nate Burleson, Detroit
38) Rod Streater, Oakland
39) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
40) Danny Amendola, New England
41) Terrance Williams, Dallas
42) Kenny Stills, New Orleans
43) Nate Washignton, Tennessee
44) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
45) Jacoby Jones, Baltimore
46) Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh
47) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
48) Da'Rick Rogers, Indianapolis
49) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
50) Marlon Brown, Baltimore
Calvin Johnson is not #1 for me this week because Baltimore might be the only team that can withstand free bulletin board material. I'm expecting a tough game for Calvin this week, and while he is completely un-sittable, a small yardage, 1 TD game is what I'm feeling. I hope you're ahead already on Monday.
Brandon Marshall, Josh Gordon and Alshon Jeffery are bunched at 4-6 with bad weather on the horizon, but I can't see going anywhere else this week, and I actually think all 3 get in the end zone this week. Don't let weather screw with your decision making.
I am higher on Greg Jennings this week than I have been all season. He has performed admirably with Matt Cassel as his QB and he draws the defense giving up the most fantasy points to WRs. He lines up to have a good day, even though I think Cordarrelle Patterson is the Viking to own this week.
Larry Fitzgerald, Victor Cruz and Anquan Boldin are all as far down as they've been all season on my list for the same reasons: MATCHUPS. I think Fitz's TD streak comes to and end against Tennessee, Victor Cruz is a fantasy disappointment because his offensive teammates are terrible, not to mention he draws Seattle, and Anquan Boldin will likely be a victim of game flow, as I don't think San Fran struggles with Tampa.
You can do better than Vincent Jackson this week. I don't want to put my playoff hopes on praying for a garbage TD.
QB
1) Drew Brees, New Orleans
2) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
3) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
4) Tony Romo, Dallas
5) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
6) Cam Newton, Carolina
7) Jay Cutler, Chicago
8) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
9) Tom Brady, New England
10) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
11) Kirk Cousins, Washington
12) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
13) Russell Wilson, Seattle
14) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
15) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
16) Alex Smith, Kansas City
17) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
18) Matt Cassel, Minnesota
19) Matt Flynn, Green Bay
20) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
21) Carson Palmer, Arizona
22) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
23) Case Keenum, Houston
24) Eli Manning, NY Giants
25) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
This late in the season, your QB situation should be sewn up tightly. This ranking isn't necessarily a prediction of who will score the most fantasy points. It is a combination of matchups and TRUST. I think the Saints-Rams game is a trap for the Saints, but I trust Brees in all situations. Read the list that way, and it will make total sense.
I'm also saying play Matt Ryan big time this week. There is another team that has given up more than Falcons, and they're going to be in Atlanta this week!
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6
Friday, December 6, 2013
Week 14 QB, RB & WR Rankings
So we've made it to the Fantasy Football playoffs. Similarly to the NFL Playoffs, you just have to get in and anything can happen. I'm posting the rankings for this week a little earlier than usual because I'm going on a family trip this weekend, so make sure you consult your favorite injury report for any of the news that breaks today or tomorrow. I've put players I have injury related concerns about in boldface italics. Hit me up on Twitter if you have any Sit/Start questions, and as always, start the player ranked closest to #1 on this list.
RB
1) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
2) Matt Forte, Chicago
3) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
4) Reggie Bush, Detroit
5) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
6) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
7) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
8) Andre Brown, NY Giants
9) Ray Rice, Baltimore
10) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
11) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
12) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
13) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
14) Alfred Morris, Washington
15) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
16) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
17) Shane Vereen, New England
18) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
19) Frank Gore, San Francisco
20) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
21) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
22) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
23) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
24) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
25) Lamar Miller, Miami
26) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
27) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
28) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
29) Montee Ball, Denver
30) Joique Bell, Detroit
31) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
32) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
33) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
34) Andre Ellington, Arizona
35) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
36) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
37) Willis McGahee, Cleveland
38) Stevan Ridley/LeGarrette Blount, New England
39) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
40) Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh
Ray Rice cracks my Top 10 because I feel he's still capable of exploiting plus matchups. Minnesota has been extremely friendly to opposing RBs all season, allowing at least one 10 point performer in all but one game. If you're still alive with Rice on your team, use him now!
Shane Vereen is the only Patriot RB I'm willing to trust and I have him as a Top 20 back this week because he's starting to see legit carries to go along with his targets in the passing game. Cleveland is tough against the run, with only two backs going over 10 points in the last 5 games, but Vereen should see plus field time and plenty of action. Conversely, since I never know who Belichick is going to activate, Ridley and Blount carry an equal ranking to me, so if Ridley is active, he's my #38 RB. If Ridley is inactive again, Blount is no better than #38.
I don't like any of the RBs in the Carolina-New Orleans games, so take that for what it's worth. I'd be surprised if you made the playoffs riding any of the inconsistent backs on these teams.
I'm down on Danny Woodhead this week despite the Giants being friendly matchup for pass catching backs. His playing time is slipping as trust in Ryan Mathews grows. Wood head is still an RB2 for PPR owners, but he is falling into the low end, TD-dependent flex options for standard league owners.
Even if Andre Ellington plays, I still think Mendenhall is the better Cardinal back this week. Take it for what it's worth.
WR
1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
2) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
3) AJ Green, Cincinnati
4) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
5) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
6) Wes Welker, Denver
7) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
8) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
9) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
10) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
11) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
12) Dez Bryant, Dallas
13) Keenan Allen, San Diego
14) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
15) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
16) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
17) Eric Decker, Denver
18) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
19) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
20) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
21) Julian Edelman, New England
22) Pierre Garcon, Washington
23) Michael Floyd, Arizona
24) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
25) Roddy White, Atlanta
26) Mike Wallace, Miami
27) Marques Colston, New Orleans
28) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
29) Nate Burleson, Detroit
30) Danny Amendola, New England
31) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
32) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
33) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
34) Golden Tate, Seattle
35) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
36) Steve Smith, Carolina
37) Nate Washington, Tennessee
38) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
39) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
40) James Jones, Green Bay
41) Miles Austin, Dallas
42) Jacoby Jones, Baltimore
43) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
44) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
45) Brian Hartline, Miami
46) Andre Holmes, Oakland
47) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
48) Tavon Austin, St. Louis
49) Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay
50) Terrance Williams, Dallas
Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are starting to resemble Roddy White and Julio Jones from last year, with predictable home/road splits. Marshall has 9 TDs on the season, 7 of them coming at home and only one home game (the storm game vs. Baltimore) where he hasn't scored. Jeffery has 5 TDs on the season with 4 of them coming on the road. The Bears host the Cowboys this week and I think the trend continues. The home fans love to celebrate TDs with Brandon in the end zone!
Victor Cruz at 18, Hakeem Nicks at 35 & Rueben Randle at 44 in a plus matchup vs. San Diego is an indicator of their QB play in plus matchups. If Eli had performed adequately in any of the excellent matchups he's had this year, these three would all be Top 30 WRs this week.
Mike Wallace is at 26 because I like players going against their former team. Pittsburgh has also gotten torched plenty in the passing game recently. Wallace carries WR2 upside this week.
The San Francisco-Seattle game isn't going to be a good study for those interested in successful passing games. I expect this to be a low scoring slug-fest, similar to Carolina-San Fran a few weeks back. Exercise caution in starting your 49er and Seahawk offensive weapons this week.
Andre Holmes showed some athleticism and good hands on Thanksgiving Day against Dallas. I think he is the Raider to own and play this week.
QB
1) Drew Brees, New Orleans
2) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
3) Peyton Manning, Denver
4) Cam Newton, Carolina
5) Philip Rivers, San Diego
6) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
7) Tony Romo, Dallas
8) Josh McCown, Chicago
9) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
10) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
11) Tom Brady, New England
12) Eli Manning, NY Giants
13) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
14) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
15) Carson Palmer, Arizona
16) Alex Smith, Kansas City
17) Russell Wilson, Seattle
18) Robert Griffin III, Washington
19) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
20) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
21) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
22) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
23) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
24) Matt McGloin, Oakland
25) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
I figure Jimmy Graham will be the primary beneficiary, but coming off the embarrassment of Monday Night in Seattle, I wouldn't want to own any QB over Drew Brees this week. In my league of record, the Brees owner is on bye this week and he'll likely miss out on a 30+ point game.
Tony Romo is ranked higher on some other sites, but I look at Romo's history against the Bears and on Monday Night and I suggest exercising some caution. The Bears are most easily beaten via the run and with the explosive quality of Chicago's offense, I expect Dallas to try and be a dominant running team. That being said, Romo has Dez, and the Bears have struggled against dominant #1 types this season.
Joe Flacco will not have a better matchup this season. If you're a Russell Wilson, RGIII, or Matt Ryan owner, you may want to take the upside this week and start Flacco against a Viking defense that has allowed 9 multiple TD games to QBs and gave up 15+ points to Matt Flynn a few weeks back.
EJ Manuel is someone I'm extremely high on this week. Tampa Bay has been terrible against opposing passers this year, and Manuel has been told to take more chances and lead the Buffalo offense. Tampa has allowed a QB to throw for 2 or more TDs in 9 of 12 games, including 8 straight. If you're in a 4 point TD, 1 point INT league, there is very little downside to Manuel this week.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
RB
1) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
2) Matt Forte, Chicago
3) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
4) Reggie Bush, Detroit
5) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
6) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
7) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
8) Andre Brown, NY Giants
9) Ray Rice, Baltimore
10) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
11) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
12) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
13) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
14) Alfred Morris, Washington
15) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
16) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
17) Shane Vereen, New England
18) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
19) Frank Gore, San Francisco
20) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
21) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
22) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
23) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
24) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
25) Lamar Miller, Miami
26) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
27) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
28) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
29) Montee Ball, Denver
30) Joique Bell, Detroit
31) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
32) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
33) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
34) Andre Ellington, Arizona
35) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
36) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
37) Willis McGahee, Cleveland
38) Stevan Ridley/LeGarrette Blount, New England
39) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
40) Jonathan Dwyer, Pittsburgh
Ray Rice cracks my Top 10 because I feel he's still capable of exploiting plus matchups. Minnesota has been extremely friendly to opposing RBs all season, allowing at least one 10 point performer in all but one game. If you're still alive with Rice on your team, use him now!
Shane Vereen is the only Patriot RB I'm willing to trust and I have him as a Top 20 back this week because he's starting to see legit carries to go along with his targets in the passing game. Cleveland is tough against the run, with only two backs going over 10 points in the last 5 games, but Vereen should see plus field time and plenty of action. Conversely, since I never know who Belichick is going to activate, Ridley and Blount carry an equal ranking to me, so if Ridley is active, he's my #38 RB. If Ridley is inactive again, Blount is no better than #38.
I don't like any of the RBs in the Carolina-New Orleans games, so take that for what it's worth. I'd be surprised if you made the playoffs riding any of the inconsistent backs on these teams.
I'm down on Danny Woodhead this week despite the Giants being friendly matchup for pass catching backs. His playing time is slipping as trust in Ryan Mathews grows. Wood head is still an RB2 for PPR owners, but he is falling into the low end, TD-dependent flex options for standard league owners.
Even if Andre Ellington plays, I still think Mendenhall is the better Cardinal back this week. Take it for what it's worth.
WR
1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
2) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
3) AJ Green, Cincinnati
4) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
5) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
6) Wes Welker, Denver
7) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
8) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
9) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
10) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
11) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
12) Dez Bryant, Dallas
13) Keenan Allen, San Diego
14) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
15) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
16) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
17) Eric Decker, Denver
18) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
19) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
20) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
21) Julian Edelman, New England
22) Pierre Garcon, Washington
23) Michael Floyd, Arizona
24) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
25) Roddy White, Atlanta
26) Mike Wallace, Miami
27) Marques Colston, New Orleans
28) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
29) Nate Burleson, Detroit
30) Danny Amendola, New England
31) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
32) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
33) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
34) Golden Tate, Seattle
35) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
36) Steve Smith, Carolina
37) Nate Washington, Tennessee
38) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
39) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
40) James Jones, Green Bay
41) Miles Austin, Dallas
42) Jacoby Jones, Baltimore
43) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
44) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
45) Brian Hartline, Miami
46) Andre Holmes, Oakland
47) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
48) Tavon Austin, St. Louis
49) Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay
50) Terrance Williams, Dallas
Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are starting to resemble Roddy White and Julio Jones from last year, with predictable home/road splits. Marshall has 9 TDs on the season, 7 of them coming at home and only one home game (the storm game vs. Baltimore) where he hasn't scored. Jeffery has 5 TDs on the season with 4 of them coming on the road. The Bears host the Cowboys this week and I think the trend continues. The home fans love to celebrate TDs with Brandon in the end zone!
Victor Cruz at 18, Hakeem Nicks at 35 & Rueben Randle at 44 in a plus matchup vs. San Diego is an indicator of their QB play in plus matchups. If Eli had performed adequately in any of the excellent matchups he's had this year, these three would all be Top 30 WRs this week.
Mike Wallace is at 26 because I like players going against their former team. Pittsburgh has also gotten torched plenty in the passing game recently. Wallace carries WR2 upside this week.
The San Francisco-Seattle game isn't going to be a good study for those interested in successful passing games. I expect this to be a low scoring slug-fest, similar to Carolina-San Fran a few weeks back. Exercise caution in starting your 49er and Seahawk offensive weapons this week.
Andre Holmes showed some athleticism and good hands on Thanksgiving Day against Dallas. I think he is the Raider to own and play this week.
QB
1) Drew Brees, New Orleans
2) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
3) Peyton Manning, Denver
4) Cam Newton, Carolina
5) Philip Rivers, San Diego
6) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
7) Tony Romo, Dallas
8) Josh McCown, Chicago
9) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
10) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
11) Tom Brady, New England
12) Eli Manning, NY Giants
13) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
14) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
15) Carson Palmer, Arizona
16) Alex Smith, Kansas City
17) Russell Wilson, Seattle
18) Robert Griffin III, Washington
19) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
20) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
21) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
22) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
23) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
24) Matt McGloin, Oakland
25) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
I figure Jimmy Graham will be the primary beneficiary, but coming off the embarrassment of Monday Night in Seattle, I wouldn't want to own any QB over Drew Brees this week. In my league of record, the Brees owner is on bye this week and he'll likely miss out on a 30+ point game.
Tony Romo is ranked higher on some other sites, but I look at Romo's history against the Bears and on Monday Night and I suggest exercising some caution. The Bears are most easily beaten via the run and with the explosive quality of Chicago's offense, I expect Dallas to try and be a dominant running team. That being said, Romo has Dez, and the Bears have struggled against dominant #1 types this season.
Joe Flacco will not have a better matchup this season. If you're a Russell Wilson, RGIII, or Matt Ryan owner, you may want to take the upside this week and start Flacco against a Viking defense that has allowed 9 multiple TD games to QBs and gave up 15+ points to Matt Flynn a few weeks back.
EJ Manuel is someone I'm extremely high on this week. Tampa Bay has been terrible against opposing passers this year, and Manuel has been told to take more chances and lead the Buffalo offense. Tampa has allowed a QB to throw for 2 or more TDs in 9 of 12 games, including 8 straight. If you're in a 4 point TD, 1 point INT league, there is very little downside to Manuel this week.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Week 13 QB, RB & WR Rankings
Thanksgiving is behind us, and as I suspected, I didn't have any of the fantasy difference makers on any of my rosters. I was against Reggie Bush, Le'Veon Bell, Emmanuel Sanders, and Torrey Smith in different leagues while I sent out Turkey Day duds Tony Romo, Antonio Brown, Jason Witten and (GULP) Matt Flynn (in my 2 QB league). Rough day for yours truly, but we can fix that with the rest of the games. If you were lucky enough to avoid the Thanksgiving studs and are having lineup questions because of the lack of depth in the remaining games, use the player ranked closest to #1 in your Sit/Start scenarios.
RB
1) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
2) Matt Forte, Chicago
3) Andre Brown, NY Giants
4) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
5) Frank Gore, San Francisco
6) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
7) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
8) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
9) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
10) Shane Vereen, New England
11) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
12) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
13) Alfred Morris, Washington
14) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
15) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
16) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
17) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
18) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
19) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
20) Ben Tate, Houston
21) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
22) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
23) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
24) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
25) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
26) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
27) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
28) Bilal Powell, NY Jets
29) Lamar Miller, Miami
30) Toby Gerhart, Minnesota
31) Stevan Ridley, New England
32) Brandon Bolden, New England
33) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
34) Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
35) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
36) Montee Ball, Denver
37) Andre Ellington, Arizona (Questionable)
38) Trent Richardson, Indianapolis
39) Dennis Johnson, Houston
40) Benny Cunningham, St. Louis
When I see a favorable matchup on tap for CJ Spiller this year, I have usually ducked it, because we've seen failures multiple times. This week, however, I'm backing Spiller to be the preseason monster we all thought he could be. I expect Buffalo to be in firm control of this contest, and Spiller and Jackson should both put up beastly numbers.
Lots of injury stuff this week that ended up flaking out. Knowshon Moreno should see a normal workload, but I would expect Montee Ball to get his shot at some carries, making him a viable flex play. Ryan Mathews is listed as Probable, so I had to bump Danny Woodhead down a few spots. Zac Stacy was feared to be missing the 49ers game, but it looks like he'll go and see his usual amount of work. I don't like Benny Cunningham anyways, but that kills most of his potential value. DeAngelo Williams is out for Carolina, but I wouldn't be rushing to plug in Stewart or Tolbert.
I'm tired of chasing the Jacksonville matchup at RB, but if you're desperate, I like Chris Ogbonnaya better than the other Cleveland backs.
If you've seen the Bears play defense lately, it's been hysterical how bad they are at tackling. That being said, I'm liking the chances for Toby Gerhart this week. AP has been banged up and after he breaks the rushing record in the 1st quarter, Gerhart might see a few more carries. I'm betting on a TD for Toby on Sunday.
WR
1) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
2) AJ Green, Cincinnati
3) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
4) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
5) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
6) Andre Johnson, Houston
7) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
8) Wes Welker, Denver
9) Pierre Garcon, Washington
10) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
11) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
12) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
13) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
14) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
15) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
16) Danny Amendola, New England
17) Keenan Allen, San Diego
18) Michael Floyd, Arizona
19) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
20) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
21) Eric Decker, Denver
22) Percy Harvin, Seattle
23) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
24) Marques Colston, New Orleans
25) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
26) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
27) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
28) Julian Edelman, New England
29) Mike Wallace, Miami
30) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
31) Roddy White, Atlanta
32) Steve Smith, Carolina
33) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
34) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
35) Golden Tate, Seattle
36) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
37) Lance Moore, New Orleans
38) Brian Hartline, Miami
39) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
40) Greg Little, Cleveland
41) Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo
42) Kenbrell Thompkins, New England
43) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
44) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
45) Dexter McCluster, Kansas City
46) Eddie Royal, San Diego
47) Justin Hunter, Tennessee
48) Nate Washington, Tennessee
49) Andre Roberts, Arizona
50) Ted Ginn, Carolina
Anquan Boldin already got St. Louis for 90 and a score in Week 4 and I like him to outdo that this week as Michael Crabtree returns to the 49er lineup. Colin Kaepernick will be the main beneficiary here, but Boldin stands to see less double coverage and St. Louis has been carved up by physical WRs all season.
Kendall Wright is going to be a big time factor in the 2013 Fantasy Playoffs. His game matches up perfectly with Ryan Fitzpatrick's game, and I see a lot of action for Wright down the stretch starting with this huge divisional showdown with the slumping Colts. Wright is still available in a lot of leagues. Make the add and play him this week.
I have Brandon LaFell ahead of Steve Smith for a couple reasons. Darrelle Revis will likely shadow Smith as he did in their first meeting and Tampa has been getting torn up by 2's all season long. It's a gamble, but I like LaFell best out of the Carolina group if you're digging this deep.
I think Buffalo and Atlanta's WRs are all good, not great, but my lottery ticket shot this week is on Marquise Goodwin. I can see him hanging around behind the Atlanta secondary most of the afternoon.
Remember Marvin Jones? He's had 11 yards over the past two weeks, but in an underrated shootout potential game vs. San Diego, I like Jones to be viable again, if for one week only.
QB
1) Peyton Manning, Kansas City
2) Tom Brady, New England
3) Drew Brees, New Orleans
4) Cam Newton, Carolina
5) Philip Rivers, San Diego
6) Josh McCown, Chicago
7) Carson Palmer, Arizona
8) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
9) Eli Manning, NY Giants
10) Robert Griffin III, Washington
11) Russell Wilson, Seattle
12) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
13) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
14) Brandon Weeden, Cleveland
15) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
16) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
17) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
18) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
19) Case Keenum, Houston
20) Alex Smith, Kansas City
21) Christian Ponder, Minnesota
22) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
23) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
24) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
25) Geno Smith, NY Jets
Josh McCown has been awesome for fantasy owners since taking over during Jay Cutler's injury, and I like him to have a huge game against a terrible Minnesota defense.
Carson Palmer gets a plus matchup with Philly, and I like the shootout potential of this game. Nick Foles has it a bit rougher than Palmer does from the matchup side of things, but I expect both QBs to be pretty good.
I have been a huge Andrew Luck supporter this year, but I'm down on him this week. Tennessee has been a shut down pass defense for a lot of this season, allowing only 1 opposing passer to throw for multiple TDs. I think this game is of the 17-14 variety.
Case Keenum should be throwing for a lot of the 2nd half, so he has that going for him. This is the last week I'm showing any confidence in Houston's offense.
I didn't rank Kellen Clemens on the Top 25 because there is only 26 QBs remaining after Thursday's games, and I prefer the upside turnover machine Geno Smith offers. If you're down this far, I'm sorry.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
RB
1) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
2) Matt Forte, Chicago
3) Andre Brown, NY Giants
4) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
5) Frank Gore, San Francisco
6) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
7) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
8) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
9) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
10) Shane Vereen, New England
11) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
12) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
13) Alfred Morris, Washington
14) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
15) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
16) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
17) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
18) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
19) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
20) Ben Tate, Houston
21) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
22) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
23) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
24) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
25) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
26) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
27) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
28) Bilal Powell, NY Jets
29) Lamar Miller, Miami
30) Toby Gerhart, Minnesota
31) Stevan Ridley, New England
32) Brandon Bolden, New England
33) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
34) Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
35) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
36) Montee Ball, Denver
37) Andre Ellington, Arizona (Questionable)
38) Trent Richardson, Indianapolis
39) Dennis Johnson, Houston
40) Benny Cunningham, St. Louis
When I see a favorable matchup on tap for CJ Spiller this year, I have usually ducked it, because we've seen failures multiple times. This week, however, I'm backing Spiller to be the preseason monster we all thought he could be. I expect Buffalo to be in firm control of this contest, and Spiller and Jackson should both put up beastly numbers.
Lots of injury stuff this week that ended up flaking out. Knowshon Moreno should see a normal workload, but I would expect Montee Ball to get his shot at some carries, making him a viable flex play. Ryan Mathews is listed as Probable, so I had to bump Danny Woodhead down a few spots. Zac Stacy was feared to be missing the 49ers game, but it looks like he'll go and see his usual amount of work. I don't like Benny Cunningham anyways, but that kills most of his potential value. DeAngelo Williams is out for Carolina, but I wouldn't be rushing to plug in Stewart or Tolbert.
I'm tired of chasing the Jacksonville matchup at RB, but if you're desperate, I like Chris Ogbonnaya better than the other Cleveland backs.
If you've seen the Bears play defense lately, it's been hysterical how bad they are at tackling. That being said, I'm liking the chances for Toby Gerhart this week. AP has been banged up and after he breaks the rushing record in the 1st quarter, Gerhart might see a few more carries. I'm betting on a TD for Toby on Sunday.
WR
1) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
2) AJ Green, Cincinnati
3) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
4) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
5) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
6) Andre Johnson, Houston
7) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
8) Wes Welker, Denver
9) Pierre Garcon, Washington
10) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
11) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
12) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
13) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
14) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
15) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
16) Danny Amendola, New England
17) Keenan Allen, San Diego
18) Michael Floyd, Arizona
19) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
20) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
21) Eric Decker, Denver
22) Percy Harvin, Seattle
23) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
24) Marques Colston, New Orleans
25) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
26) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
27) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
28) Julian Edelman, New England
29) Mike Wallace, Miami
30) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
31) Roddy White, Atlanta
32) Steve Smith, Carolina
33) Michael Crabtree, San Francisco
34) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
35) Golden Tate, Seattle
36) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
37) Lance Moore, New Orleans
38) Brian Hartline, Miami
39) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
40) Greg Little, Cleveland
41) Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo
42) Kenbrell Thompkins, New England
43) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
44) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
45) Dexter McCluster, Kansas City
46) Eddie Royal, San Diego
47) Justin Hunter, Tennessee
48) Nate Washington, Tennessee
49) Andre Roberts, Arizona
50) Ted Ginn, Carolina
Anquan Boldin already got St. Louis for 90 and a score in Week 4 and I like him to outdo that this week as Michael Crabtree returns to the 49er lineup. Colin Kaepernick will be the main beneficiary here, but Boldin stands to see less double coverage and St. Louis has been carved up by physical WRs all season.
Kendall Wright is going to be a big time factor in the 2013 Fantasy Playoffs. His game matches up perfectly with Ryan Fitzpatrick's game, and I see a lot of action for Wright down the stretch starting with this huge divisional showdown with the slumping Colts. Wright is still available in a lot of leagues. Make the add and play him this week.
I have Brandon LaFell ahead of Steve Smith for a couple reasons. Darrelle Revis will likely shadow Smith as he did in their first meeting and Tampa has been getting torn up by 2's all season long. It's a gamble, but I like LaFell best out of the Carolina group if you're digging this deep.
I think Buffalo and Atlanta's WRs are all good, not great, but my lottery ticket shot this week is on Marquise Goodwin. I can see him hanging around behind the Atlanta secondary most of the afternoon.
Remember Marvin Jones? He's had 11 yards over the past two weeks, but in an underrated shootout potential game vs. San Diego, I like Jones to be viable again, if for one week only.
QB
1) Peyton Manning, Kansas City
2) Tom Brady, New England
3) Drew Brees, New Orleans
4) Cam Newton, Carolina
5) Philip Rivers, San Diego
6) Josh McCown, Chicago
7) Carson Palmer, Arizona
8) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
9) Eli Manning, NY Giants
10) Robert Griffin III, Washington
11) Russell Wilson, Seattle
12) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
13) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
14) Brandon Weeden, Cleveland
15) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
16) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
17) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
18) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
19) Case Keenum, Houston
20) Alex Smith, Kansas City
21) Christian Ponder, Minnesota
22) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
23) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
24) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
25) Geno Smith, NY Jets
Josh McCown has been awesome for fantasy owners since taking over during Jay Cutler's injury, and I like him to have a huge game against a terrible Minnesota defense.
Carson Palmer gets a plus matchup with Philly, and I like the shootout potential of this game. Nick Foles has it a bit rougher than Palmer does from the matchup side of things, but I expect both QBs to be pretty good.
I have been a huge Andrew Luck supporter this year, but I'm down on him this week. Tennessee has been a shut down pass defense for a lot of this season, allowing only 1 opposing passer to throw for multiple TDs. I think this game is of the 17-14 variety.
Case Keenum should be throwing for a lot of the 2nd half, so he has that going for him. This is the last week I'm showing any confidence in Houston's offense.
I didn't rank Kellen Clemens on the Top 25 because there is only 26 QBs remaining after Thursday's games, and I prefer the upside turnover machine Geno Smith offers. If you're down this far, I'm sorry.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Week 12 QB, RB & WR Rankings
The bye weeks are almost over. After this week, every player on your team will be available and hopefully you're either clinched up and still in the hunt for a playoff spot. Let's get to it for Week 12. As always, in the case of a Sit/Start problem, start the player ranked closest to #1.
RB
1) Matt Forte, Chicago
2) Frank Gore, San Francisco
3) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
4) Ben Tate, Houston
5) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
6) Reggie Bush, Detroit
7) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
8) Andre Brown, NY Giants
9) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
10) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
11) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
12) Alfred Morris, Washington
13) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
14) Stevan Ridley, New England
15) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
16) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
17) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
18) Shane Vereen, New England
19) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
20) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
21) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
22) Ray Rice, Baltimore
23) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
24) Andre Ellington, Arizona
25) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
26) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
27) Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
28) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
29) Lamar Miller, Miami
30) Montee Ball, Denver
31) Trent Richardson, Indianapolis
32) Shonn Greene, Tennessee
33) Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay
34) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
35) Joique Bell, Detroit
36) Dennis Johnson, Houston
37) James Starks, Green Bay
38) Kendall Hunter, San Francisco
39) Daniel Thomas, Miami
40) Bilal Powell, NY Jets
A matchup with the Chicago Bears defense is indeed a "get right" matchup for RBs, proven by Ray Rice rising from the dead last week and 5 of the last 6 RBs to face the Bears scoring 20 or more fantasy points. Zac Stacy should see extensive work, and barring injury, should be a Top 5 performer. There are very few RBs I'd rather have this week than Stacy.
The Houston Texans have settled on Case Keenum as their QB and this week, I think they go back to what made them successful the last few seasons: a strong running game and play action passing. Ben Tate is healthy and Houston should have no problem running the ball agains tthe bottom ranked run defense of the Jaguars. I even like Dennis Johnson to see enough work to be a Hail Mary flex play this week.
Bobby Rainey's performance in Week 11 may have been a fluke, but when you look at it, he showed great vision, good burst, and followed his blocking successfully. If he scores half of what he did last week, the numbers are still staggering. Trust Rainey as a legit RB2.
Shane Vereen was not eased back in on Monday Night. He saw a full compliment of snaps and led the Patriots in targets, catches and receiving yards. In a can't fail shoot out with the Denver Broncos, Vereen is a great play this week.
The Miami Dolphin run defense is atrocious. Unfortunately, a matchup with the Carolina Panthers this week doesn't give fantasy owners a clear point of exploitation. I have DeAngelo Williams at #23 and Mike Tolbert at #34 because of the matchup, but I don't think either of them are more than a flex play at best. I suggest playing better options if you have them, but know that this is a matchup to exploit.
WR
1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
2) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
3) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
4) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
5) Dez Bryant, Dallas
6) Andre Johnson, Houston
7) Victor Cruz, NY Gaints
8) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
9) Wes Welker, Denver
10) Danny Amendola, New England
11) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
12) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
13) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
14) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
15) Eric Decker, Denver
16) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
17) Pierre Garcon, Washington
18) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
19) Keenan Allen, San Diego
20) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
21) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
22) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
23) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
24) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
25) Michael Floyd, Arizona
26) Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay
27) Santonio Holmes, NY Jets
28) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
29) Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh
30) Steve Smith, Carolina
31) Mike Wallace, Miami
32) James Jones, Green Bay
33) Aaron Dobson, New England
34) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
35) Nate Washington, Tennessee
36) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
37) Terrance Williams, Dallas
38) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
39) Eddie Royal, San Diego
40) Miles Austin, Dallas
41) Julian Edelman, New England
42) Rod Streater, Oakland
43) Nate Burleson, Detroit
44) Brian Hartline, Miami
45) Dexter McCluster, Kansas City
46) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
47) Greg Little, Cleveland
48) Chris Givens, St. Louis
49) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
50) Ted Ginn Jr., Carolina
Wes Welker is probable off a concussion. He plays his former employer in a Prime Time showdown on Sunday Night. I love revenge games, and Welker is primed to have a big game.
Anquan Boldin is also in Prime Time with a tasty matchup against Washignton's porous secondary. I trust Colin Kaepernick to shine in a plus matchup, and Boldin should be the beneficiary.
Dwayne Bowe is back as a major presence in the low powered Kansas City passing game, and with back to back double digit target games already under his belt, I look for KC to get right against a terrible San Diego defense.
A lot of people are higher on Torrey Smith this week then I am, and I don't quite know why. I think he's a locked in WR2, but I'm looking for a low scoring affair with two resurgent defenses looking for a win. Smith will be an OK WR2 play, but I'm not expecting a huge game.
Jerricho Cotchery is a legit red zone threat in Pittsburgh's offense and Big Ben looks for him in these pressure spots. He is slippery, runs good routes, and won't have Joe Haden in his back pocket. I think Cotchery keeps up his recent pace this week and is a great fill in for those missing DeSean Jackson or AJ Green this week.
QB
1) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
2) Peyton Manning, Denver
3) Tom Brady, New England
4) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
5) Tony Romo, Dallas
6) Robert Griffin III, Washington
7) Cam Newton, Carolina
8) Case Keenum, Houston
9) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
10) Eli Manning, NY Giants
11) Josh McCown, Chicago
12) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
13) Carson Palmer, Arizona
14) Philip Rivers, San Diego
15) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
16) Scott Tolzien, Green Bay
17) Alex Smith, Kansas City
18) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
19) Christian Ponder, Minnesota
20) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
21) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
22) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
23) Kellen Clemens, St. Louis
24) Geno Smith, NY Jets
25) Jason Campbell, Cleveland
Matthew Stafford owners have been drooling for a week like this. You're set to clinch a playoff spot or you're trying to lock up your seeding and your QB is set to face the brutal Tampa Bay secondary indoors coming off a devastating loss where he threw for over 300 yards and 2 scores. You're starting Stafford every week, but this is one of those weeks where he can go berzerk.
Manning vs. Brady will be a shootout. You have no worries with either QB this week.
RG3 seems to be trending downwards, but at home on Monday Night, I expect Griffin to put up enough of a line to be Top 10.
If Eli Manning can't get it together against Dallas's leaky defense, I don't know that he will this season.
Josh McCown and Ryan Fitzpatrick are great streamer options for those missing out on bye week QBs Russell Wilson or Nick Foles, or others who are still missing Aaron Rodgers. I like McCown especially because his offensive system sets him up for great success.
Big Ben comes back to earth after his 4 TD performance last week. Cleveland vs Pittsburgh will be a slug fest with some inclement weather possible. Take the under.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
RB
1) Matt Forte, Chicago
2) Frank Gore, San Francisco
3) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
4) Ben Tate, Houston
5) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
6) Reggie Bush, Detroit
7) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
8) Andre Brown, NY Giants
9) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
10) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
11) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
12) Alfred Morris, Washington
13) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
14) Stevan Ridley, New England
15) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
16) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
17) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
18) Shane Vereen, New England
19) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
20) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
21) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
22) Ray Rice, Baltimore
23) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
24) Andre Ellington, Arizona
25) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
26) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
27) Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
28) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
29) Lamar Miller, Miami
30) Montee Ball, Denver
31) Trent Richardson, Indianapolis
32) Shonn Greene, Tennessee
33) Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay
34) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
35) Joique Bell, Detroit
36) Dennis Johnson, Houston
37) James Starks, Green Bay
38) Kendall Hunter, San Francisco
39) Daniel Thomas, Miami
40) Bilal Powell, NY Jets
A matchup with the Chicago Bears defense is indeed a "get right" matchup for RBs, proven by Ray Rice rising from the dead last week and 5 of the last 6 RBs to face the Bears scoring 20 or more fantasy points. Zac Stacy should see extensive work, and barring injury, should be a Top 5 performer. There are very few RBs I'd rather have this week than Stacy.
The Houston Texans have settled on Case Keenum as their QB and this week, I think they go back to what made them successful the last few seasons: a strong running game and play action passing. Ben Tate is healthy and Houston should have no problem running the ball agains tthe bottom ranked run defense of the Jaguars. I even like Dennis Johnson to see enough work to be a Hail Mary flex play this week.
Bobby Rainey's performance in Week 11 may have been a fluke, but when you look at it, he showed great vision, good burst, and followed his blocking successfully. If he scores half of what he did last week, the numbers are still staggering. Trust Rainey as a legit RB2.
Shane Vereen was not eased back in on Monday Night. He saw a full compliment of snaps and led the Patriots in targets, catches and receiving yards. In a can't fail shoot out with the Denver Broncos, Vereen is a great play this week.
The Miami Dolphin run defense is atrocious. Unfortunately, a matchup with the Carolina Panthers this week doesn't give fantasy owners a clear point of exploitation. I have DeAngelo Williams at #23 and Mike Tolbert at #34 because of the matchup, but I don't think either of them are more than a flex play at best. I suggest playing better options if you have them, but know that this is a matchup to exploit.
WR
1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
2) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
3) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
4) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
5) Dez Bryant, Dallas
6) Andre Johnson, Houston
7) Victor Cruz, NY Gaints
8) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
9) Wes Welker, Denver
10) Danny Amendola, New England
11) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
12) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
13) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
14) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
15) Eric Decker, Denver
16) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
17) Pierre Garcon, Washington
18) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
19) Keenan Allen, San Diego
20) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
21) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
22) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
23) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
24) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
25) Michael Floyd, Arizona
26) Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay
27) Santonio Holmes, NY Jets
28) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
29) Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh
30) Steve Smith, Carolina
31) Mike Wallace, Miami
32) James Jones, Green Bay
33) Aaron Dobson, New England
34) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
35) Nate Washington, Tennessee
36) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
37) Terrance Williams, Dallas
38) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
39) Eddie Royal, San Diego
40) Miles Austin, Dallas
41) Julian Edelman, New England
42) Rod Streater, Oakland
43) Nate Burleson, Detroit
44) Brian Hartline, Miami
45) Dexter McCluster, Kansas City
46) Brandon LaFell, Carolina
47) Greg Little, Cleveland
48) Chris Givens, St. Louis
49) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
50) Ted Ginn Jr., Carolina
Wes Welker is probable off a concussion. He plays his former employer in a Prime Time showdown on Sunday Night. I love revenge games, and Welker is primed to have a big game.
Anquan Boldin is also in Prime Time with a tasty matchup against Washignton's porous secondary. I trust Colin Kaepernick to shine in a plus matchup, and Boldin should be the beneficiary.
Dwayne Bowe is back as a major presence in the low powered Kansas City passing game, and with back to back double digit target games already under his belt, I look for KC to get right against a terrible San Diego defense.
A lot of people are higher on Torrey Smith this week then I am, and I don't quite know why. I think he's a locked in WR2, but I'm looking for a low scoring affair with two resurgent defenses looking for a win. Smith will be an OK WR2 play, but I'm not expecting a huge game.
Jerricho Cotchery is a legit red zone threat in Pittsburgh's offense and Big Ben looks for him in these pressure spots. He is slippery, runs good routes, and won't have Joe Haden in his back pocket. I think Cotchery keeps up his recent pace this week and is a great fill in for those missing DeSean Jackson or AJ Green this week.
QB
1) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
2) Peyton Manning, Denver
3) Tom Brady, New England
4) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
5) Tony Romo, Dallas
6) Robert Griffin III, Washington
7) Cam Newton, Carolina
8) Case Keenum, Houston
9) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
10) Eli Manning, NY Giants
11) Josh McCown, Chicago
12) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tennessee
13) Carson Palmer, Arizona
14) Philip Rivers, San Diego
15) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
16) Scott Tolzien, Green Bay
17) Alex Smith, Kansas City
18) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
19) Christian Ponder, Minnesota
20) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
21) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
22) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
23) Kellen Clemens, St. Louis
24) Geno Smith, NY Jets
25) Jason Campbell, Cleveland
Matthew Stafford owners have been drooling for a week like this. You're set to clinch a playoff spot or you're trying to lock up your seeding and your QB is set to face the brutal Tampa Bay secondary indoors coming off a devastating loss where he threw for over 300 yards and 2 scores. You're starting Stafford every week, but this is one of those weeks where he can go berzerk.
Manning vs. Brady will be a shootout. You have no worries with either QB this week.
RG3 seems to be trending downwards, but at home on Monday Night, I expect Griffin to put up enough of a line to be Top 10.
If Eli Manning can't get it together against Dallas's leaky defense, I don't know that he will this season.
Josh McCown and Ryan Fitzpatrick are great streamer options for those missing out on bye week QBs Russell Wilson or Nick Foles, or others who are still missing Aaron Rodgers. I like McCown especially because his offensive system sets him up for great success.
Big Ben comes back to earth after his 4 TD performance last week. Cleveland vs Pittsburgh will be a slug fest with some inclement weather possible. Take the under.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Week 11 QB, RB & WR Rankings
On paper, Week 11 looks like a really tough week at every position. In fact, this week features 13 of the 14 games with over/under numbers in the 40s, so Vegas is not expecting a ton of offense. My rankings will definitely reflect the only game with an over/under in the 50s (Washington at Philadelphia), as I am extremely high on the prospects of the weapons in that game. Let's get to it...in the case of a Sit/Start issue, start the player ranked closest to #1.
RB
1) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
2) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
3) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
4) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
5) Reggie Bush, Detroit
6) Matt Forte, Chicago
7) Frank Gore, San Francisco
8) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
9) Alfred Morris, Washington
10) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
11) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
12) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
13) Andre Ellington, Arizona
14) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
15) Andre Brown, NY Giants
16) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
17) Stevan Ridley, New England
18) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
19) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
20) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
21) Ben Tate, Houston
22) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
23) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
24) Lamar Miller, Miami
25) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
26) Shane Vereen, New England
27) Ray Rice, Baltimore
28) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
29) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
30) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
31) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
32) Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay
33) Bernard Pierce, Baltimore
34) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
35) Roy Helu, Washington
36) Joique Bell, Detroit
37) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
38) James Starks, Green Bay
39) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
40) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
I don't really buy coach-speak, so when Bruce Arians said that Andre Ellington's 13 touches were "plenty", I'm not necessarily a believer. Arians will learn very quickly that to win consistently in the NFL, you need your best weapons to touch the ball as much as possible. Even with the possibility of 12-15 touches as it stands, I like Ellington as a strong RB2 this week against a porous Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
Andre Brown got 31 touches in his first week back from a broken leg when he was supposed to be a snap count. Fire him up if you have him. Your only fear with Brown rest of season is re-injury. You can't predict that though, and with the Giants pass game struggling mightily, Brown should settle the game down for Eli Manning.
I really like Chris Ivory this week despite a less than stellar matchup on paper with Buffalo's run defense.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh hinted that the hot hand will get backfield touches going forward. Ray Rice has what looks like a "get-right" matchup against a suddenly bad and injury depleted Chicago defense, but I don't trust that he's healthy. If Bernard Pierce gets it going early, he could take over duties on a full time basis. A situation worth monitoring.
Owners struggled with who to add in the Tampa Bay running game with Mike James breaking his ankle last Monday Night. I suggest that Brian Leonard is the one to own due to a higher floor, but Bobby Rainey possesses the type of upside you look for in a back. Watch this situation unfold, but if you're missing DeMarco Murray or Zac Stacy this week, Leonard is my recommended plug in.
WR
1) Pierre Garcon, Washington
2) Andre Johnson, Houston
3) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
4) Wes Welker, Denver
5) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
6) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
7) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
8) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
9) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
10) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
11) AJ Green, Cincinnati
12) Golden Tate, Seattle
13) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
14) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
15) Eric Decker, Denver
16) Keenan Allen, San Diego
17) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
18) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
19) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
20) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
21) Danny Amendola, New England
22) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
23) Percy Harvin, Seattle
24) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
25) Marques Colston, New Orleans
26) Mike Wallace, Miami (Questionable)
27) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
28) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
29) Steve Smith, Carolina
30) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
31) Roddy White, Atlanta
32) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
33) Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay
34) Denarius Moore, Oakland
35) Santonio Holmes, NY Jets
36) Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo
37) Lance Moore, New Orleans
38) Aaron Dobson, New England
39) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
40) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
41) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
42) Michael Floyd, Arizona (Questionable)
43) James Jones, Green Bay
44) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
45) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
46) Rishard Matthews, Miami
47) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
48) Andre Roberts, Arizona
49) Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh
50) Brian Hartline, Miami
Larry Fitzgerald has widely been a fantasy disappointment again this season, but if you have him, this is the kind of week where you plug him in and deal with it. The matchup doesn't get much better.
I am once again high on Golden Tate this week. The return of Percy Harvin, whether on a snap count or not, makes an opposing defense play honestly, and if you're getting single coverage against the Vikings secondary at home in a winnable matchup, you exploit it. Tate has only put up double digit fantasy points once at home, but the attention forced to Harvin will give Tate a great opportunity to shine.
The Riley Cooper-Nick Foles connection is for real. Despite a low target count (11 in the last two weeks), Cooper has 5 TDs and two straight 100 yard performances. Ignore these numbers in what will be the premier shoot out on the NFL this weekend.
I had Mike Wallace at #20 when I initially wrote up my rankings, but his Questionable tag forced me to drop him into the WR3 level. I was high on the prospects on Wallace breaking out of his slump against a poor San Diego defense at home, but I have calmed down on those prospects. Start him if you have to, but if I'm starting a Miami WR this weekend, I'd rather have Rishard Matthews coming off a break out performance.
I prefer Jarrett Boykin to James Jones until Aaron Rodgers returns. Similarly to Cooper-Foles, you can't overlook scout team chemistry. Jones is also too TD dependent for my liking as it is.
Buffalo is down their top two WRs this weekend, opening up a sliver of hope for rookie speedster Marquise Goodwin. I knew Robert Woods was going to be out earlier this week and I had Goodwin at #39 when my first draft came out, but with the news of Stevie Johnson sitting it out this weekend, I bumped him up to WR3 play-ability. I have him ranked under Mike Wallace by 9 spots, but I would almost rather have a lotto shot in Goodwin than a player with a middle of the road floor in Wallace.
QB
1) Robert Griffin III, Washington
2) Russell Wilson, Seattle
3) Peyton Manning, Denver
4) Drew Brees, New Orleans
5) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
6) Case Keenum, Houston
7) Philip Rivers, San Diego
8) Cam Newton, Carolina
9) Tom Brady, New England
10) Carson Palmer, Arizona
11) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
12) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
13) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
14) Eli Manning, NY Giants
15) Alex Smith, Kansas City
16) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
17) Geno Smith, NY Jets
18) Josh McCown, Chicago
19) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
20) Colin Kaeprnick, San Francisco
21) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
22) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
23) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
24) Scott Tolzien, Green Bay
25) Jason Campbell, Cleveland
The Washington Redskins find themselves at 3-6, similarly to where they were after 9 games in 2012. Just as they did last season, Washington gets Philly in game 10, and in that game, Griffin threw for 200 yards, ran for 84 more and threw for 4 TDs. I don't know about the rushing yardage, but I think a line like this is completely feasible. You're not sitting Griffin this week.
Nick Foles and Case Keenum have thrown the same amount of INTs as I have this season. Considering I have yet to see game action this season, I'm excited about their combined prospects this weekend. Foles has the challenge of being the first Philly QB to win at home since September 30th, 2012. Keenum has the challenge of winning his first ever start. Both have winnable fantasy matchups, and that's why they're both ranked highly this week.
Carson Palmer has this shot to be a Top 10 QB and then he probably falls back into the late teens, early twenties for the rest of the season. Just as is the case with Larry Fitzgerald, the matchup is not going to get better.
I like Matthew Stafford a ton. As far as he goes this week, I don't like the fact that Pittsburgh, has allowed only 2 passing TDs at home and no passer has thrown for more than 201 yards at Heinz Field. Stafford could very easily have a good game this weekend. His offense is probably way better than any offense that has come to Pittsburgh this season. I do expect this game to be controlled on the ground, however, and Stafford probably gets you an OK fantasy line, but I'm not high on his chances.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
RB
1) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
2) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
3) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
4) Jamaal Charles, Kansas City
5) Reggie Bush, Detroit
6) Matt Forte, Chicago
7) Frank Gore, San Francisco
8) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
9) Alfred Morris, Washington
10) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
11) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
12) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
13) Andre Ellington, Arizona
14) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
15) Andre Brown, NY Giants
16) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
17) Stevan Ridley, New England
18) Chris Ivory, NY Jets
19) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
20) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
21) Ben Tate, Houston
22) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
23) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
24) Lamar Miller, Miami
25) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
26) Shane Vereen, New England
27) Ray Rice, Baltimore
28) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
29) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
30) Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona
31) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
32) Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay
33) Bernard Pierce, Baltimore
34) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
35) Roy Helu, Washington
36) Joique Bell, Detroit
37) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
38) James Starks, Green Bay
39) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
40) Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay
I don't really buy coach-speak, so when Bruce Arians said that Andre Ellington's 13 touches were "plenty", I'm not necessarily a believer. Arians will learn very quickly that to win consistently in the NFL, you need your best weapons to touch the ball as much as possible. Even with the possibility of 12-15 touches as it stands, I like Ellington as a strong RB2 this week against a porous Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
Andre Brown got 31 touches in his first week back from a broken leg when he was supposed to be a snap count. Fire him up if you have him. Your only fear with Brown rest of season is re-injury. You can't predict that though, and with the Giants pass game struggling mightily, Brown should settle the game down for Eli Manning.
I really like Chris Ivory this week despite a less than stellar matchup on paper with Buffalo's run defense.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh hinted that the hot hand will get backfield touches going forward. Ray Rice has what looks like a "get-right" matchup against a suddenly bad and injury depleted Chicago defense, but I don't trust that he's healthy. If Bernard Pierce gets it going early, he could take over duties on a full time basis. A situation worth monitoring.
Owners struggled with who to add in the Tampa Bay running game with Mike James breaking his ankle last Monday Night. I suggest that Brian Leonard is the one to own due to a higher floor, but Bobby Rainey possesses the type of upside you look for in a back. Watch this situation unfold, but if you're missing DeMarco Murray or Zac Stacy this week, Leonard is my recommended plug in.
WR
1) Pierre Garcon, Washington
2) Andre Johnson, Houston
3) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
4) Wes Welker, Denver
5) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
6) Josh Gordon, Cleveland
7) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
8) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
9) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
10) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
11) AJ Green, Cincinnati
12) Golden Tate, Seattle
13) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
14) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
15) Eric Decker, Denver
16) Keenan Allen, San Diego
17) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
18) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
19) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
20) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
21) Danny Amendola, New England
22) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
23) Percy Harvin, Seattle
24) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
25) Marques Colston, New Orleans
26) Mike Wallace, Miami (Questionable)
27) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
28) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
29) Steve Smith, Carolina
30) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
31) Roddy White, Atlanta
32) Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
33) Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay
34) Denarius Moore, Oakland
35) Santonio Holmes, NY Jets
36) Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo
37) Lance Moore, New Orleans
38) Aaron Dobson, New England
39) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
40) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
41) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
42) Michael Floyd, Arizona (Questionable)
43) James Jones, Green Bay
44) Donnie Avery, Kansas City
45) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
46) Rishard Matthews, Miami
47) Greg Jennings, Minnesota
48) Andre Roberts, Arizona
49) Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh
50) Brian Hartline, Miami
Larry Fitzgerald has widely been a fantasy disappointment again this season, but if you have him, this is the kind of week where you plug him in and deal with it. The matchup doesn't get much better.
I am once again high on Golden Tate this week. The return of Percy Harvin, whether on a snap count or not, makes an opposing defense play honestly, and if you're getting single coverage against the Vikings secondary at home in a winnable matchup, you exploit it. Tate has only put up double digit fantasy points once at home, but the attention forced to Harvin will give Tate a great opportunity to shine.
The Riley Cooper-Nick Foles connection is for real. Despite a low target count (11 in the last two weeks), Cooper has 5 TDs and two straight 100 yard performances. Ignore these numbers in what will be the premier shoot out on the NFL this weekend.
I had Mike Wallace at #20 when I initially wrote up my rankings, but his Questionable tag forced me to drop him into the WR3 level. I was high on the prospects on Wallace breaking out of his slump against a poor San Diego defense at home, but I have calmed down on those prospects. Start him if you have to, but if I'm starting a Miami WR this weekend, I'd rather have Rishard Matthews coming off a break out performance.
I prefer Jarrett Boykin to James Jones until Aaron Rodgers returns. Similarly to Cooper-Foles, you can't overlook scout team chemistry. Jones is also too TD dependent for my liking as it is.
Buffalo is down their top two WRs this weekend, opening up a sliver of hope for rookie speedster Marquise Goodwin. I knew Robert Woods was going to be out earlier this week and I had Goodwin at #39 when my first draft came out, but with the news of Stevie Johnson sitting it out this weekend, I bumped him up to WR3 play-ability. I have him ranked under Mike Wallace by 9 spots, but I would almost rather have a lotto shot in Goodwin than a player with a middle of the road floor in Wallace.
QB
1) Robert Griffin III, Washington
2) Russell Wilson, Seattle
3) Peyton Manning, Denver
4) Drew Brees, New Orleans
5) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
6) Case Keenum, Houston
7) Philip Rivers, San Diego
8) Cam Newton, Carolina
9) Tom Brady, New England
10) Carson Palmer, Arizona
11) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
12) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
13) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
14) Eli Manning, NY Giants
15) Alex Smith, Kansas City
16) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
17) Geno Smith, NY Jets
18) Josh McCown, Chicago
19) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
20) Colin Kaeprnick, San Francisco
21) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
22) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
23) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
24) Scott Tolzien, Green Bay
25) Jason Campbell, Cleveland
The Washington Redskins find themselves at 3-6, similarly to where they were after 9 games in 2012. Just as they did last season, Washington gets Philly in game 10, and in that game, Griffin threw for 200 yards, ran for 84 more and threw for 4 TDs. I don't know about the rushing yardage, but I think a line like this is completely feasible. You're not sitting Griffin this week.
Nick Foles and Case Keenum have thrown the same amount of INTs as I have this season. Considering I have yet to see game action this season, I'm excited about their combined prospects this weekend. Foles has the challenge of being the first Philly QB to win at home since September 30th, 2012. Keenum has the challenge of winning his first ever start. Both have winnable fantasy matchups, and that's why they're both ranked highly this week.
Carson Palmer has this shot to be a Top 10 QB and then he probably falls back into the late teens, early twenties for the rest of the season. Just as is the case with Larry Fitzgerald, the matchup is not going to get better.
I like Matthew Stafford a ton. As far as he goes this week, I don't like the fact that Pittsburgh, has allowed only 2 passing TDs at home and no passer has thrown for more than 201 yards at Heinz Field. Stafford could very easily have a good game this weekend. His offense is probably way better than any offense that has come to Pittsburgh this season. I do expect this game to be controlled on the ground, however, and Stafford probably gets you an OK fantasy line, but I'm not high on his chances.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Week 10 QB, RB & WR Rankings
The bye weeks don't hurt so bad from here as 4 teams sit this week, 2 next week, and 4 in Week 12. This week is one of the easier bye weeks to navigate because you probably aren't relying heavily on any of the teams sitting out this week. This week features some deeper lists than the last few weeks, so if you're dealing with some tougher Sit/Starts, choose whomever is closest to #1 and let's take some chances this week:
RB
1) Matt Forte, Chicago
2) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
3) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
4) Reggie Bush, Detroit
5) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
6) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
7) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
8) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
9) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
10) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
11) Frank Gore, San Francisco
12) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
13) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
14) Mike James, Tampa Bay
15) Lamar Miller, Miami
16) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
17) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
18) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
19) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
20) Andre Ellington, Arizona
21) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
22) Ben Tate, Houston
23) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
24) Trent Richardson, Indianapolis
25) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
26) Shonn Greene, Tennessee
27) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
28) Ray Rice, Baltimore
29) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
30) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
31) Peyton Hillis, NY Giants
32) Joique Bell, Detroit
33) Daniel Thomas, Miami
34) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
35) James Starks, Green Bay
36) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
37) Andre Brown, NY Giants
38) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
39) Dennis Johnson, Houston
40) Montee Ball, Denver
I love the way Matt Forte is playing the running back position right now, and I think he visits the end zone multiple times on Sunday. Reggie Bush isn't going to get shown up too much though, so let the fireworks in that game commence.
San Diego will likely be in catch up mode at some point on Sunday, and when that starts, Danny Woodhead stays on the field. If you have Woodhead on your roster, he needs to be in your lineup every week, but none more than this week.
I liked what Mike James showed two Thursdays ago against Carolina before the game got out of hand, and I obviously loved what he did last week IN Seattle. With Doug Martin placed on IR Friday, James is going to get a legit audition. I think he takes advantage.
I dislike Ray Rice. I am hoping that dropping him out of the Top 25 is some sort of reverse jinx, but I am starting to think Rice might not be that good anymore. He runs behind a brutal offensive line, he has a hip injury, and his coaching staff refuses to game plan around him. You can do better this week.
I have Tolbert higher than his teammates because I think he is the only Panther RB who can score a TD and be effective against a physical 49ers defense. I am not excited that Stewart is back, as an already sucky situation gets suckier.
Peyton Hillis gets the start for the Giants with Andre Brown getting worked back in. It won't take long for Brown to be the starter, but he's going to need a TD this week to be worth a lineup spot, because I'm projecting him at 30-35 yards.
WR
1) Wes Welker, Denver
2) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
3) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
4) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
5) Keenan Allen, San Diego
6) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
7) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
8) Dez Bryant, Dallas
9) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
10) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
11) Eric Decker, Denver
12) Golden Tate, Seattle
13) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
14) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
15) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
16) AJ Green, Cincinnati
17) Andre Johnson, Houston
18) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
19) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
20) Denarius Moore, Oakland
21) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
22) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
23) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
24) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
25) Terrance Williams, Dallas
26) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
27) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
28) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
29) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
30) Mike Wallace, Miami
31) Lance Moore, New Orleans
32) Marques Colston, New Orleans (Questionable)
33) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
34) James Jones, Green Bay
35) Roddy White, Atlanta (Questionable)
36) Steve Smith, Carolina
37) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
38) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
39) Vincent Brown, San Diego
40) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
41) Michael Floyd, Arizona
42) Nate Washington, Tennessee
43) Mike Brown, Jacksonville
44) Marlon Brown, Baltimore
45) Chris Givens, St. Louis
46) Brian Hartline, Miami
47) Kenny Stills, New Orleans
48) Eddie Royal, San Diego
49) Kris Durham, Detroit
50) Jermaine Kearse, Seattle
I have 3 Broncos WRs in the Top 11. Trust me, if you have 1 or more of the 3, you're not considering benching them at any point going forward. I just happen to believe they all get theirs this weekend.
Calvin Johnson at #7? Here's his receiving stat lines against the Bears in Chicago since he came into the league (receptions-yards-TDs): 2-44-0, 8-94-1, 8-133-0, 4-45-0, 7-81-0, 3-34-0. He has had two relevant fantasy performances in Soldier Field since coming into the NFL. In a revenge game, I expect the Bears and Charles Tillman to make Johnson's day extremely difficult. He's still at #7 and you're not benching him against a Bears defense that has been terrible lately. Just temper your expectations.
I like Seattle's passing game this weekend against an Atlanta defense that just doesn't generate any pressure. Russell Wilson is going to have clean pockets to work with, and I like the spot that Tate and Baldwin are in. Kearse is a great long shot flier for a longer TD if you're desperate.
AJ Green has never scored a TD against Baltimore and he averages 40.7 yards per game against them. I'm not suggesting he'll do that this weekend, but his lack of prior success gives me great backup for placing him outside my Top 10. I'm actually expecting 6-64-0. But you won't have options with more upside than Green.
The Green Bay WRs are heading for rough sledding. Nelson is the most talented and will get his targets. Jones is a product of the respect defenses paid to Aaron Rodgers and his surrounding WRs. The sort of space Jones has been afforded is no longer available. Jarrett Boykin isn't playable, and I think he can be outright dropped.
Marques Colston and Roddy White both carry the questionable tag and I would actually feel OK with Colston, but he's playing Sunday Night. This is such a strong matchup for New Orleans and a great chance for Colston to break out of his season long slump, but it's risky. I'm not crazy about Roddy White, but if he is ACTIVE, his rankings reflects my respect for his upside.
QB
1) Peyton Manning, Denver
2) Drew Brees, New Orleans
3) Russell Wilson, Seattle
4) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
5) Philip Rivers, San Diego
6) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
7) Tony Romo, Dallas
8) Jay Cutler, Chicago
9) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
10) Eli Manning, NY Giants
11) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
12) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
13) Cam Newton, Carolina
14) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
15) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
16) Terrelle Pryor, Oakland
17) Jake Locker, Tennessee
18) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
19) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
20) Case Keenum, Houston
21) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
22) Carson Palmer, Arizona
23) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
24) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
25) Seneca Wallace, Green Bay
Matthew Stafford is going to have a big number in the yardage column. He usually struggles to avoid mistakes playing in Chicago. I think his Top 5 day is built through the screen game. Bush and Bell can be big contributors with strong YAC, and Stafford will benefit.
In that same game, Jay Cutler has always put up useful fantasy lines against the Lions. The health of his groin tear will scare potential suitors, but if Marc Trestman is putting Cutler out there, it means he is medically cleared. Coach Trestman has pushed all the right buttons this year on offense for the Bears this year, and sometimes you have to feel the groove a coach is in to fully understand a situation. I believe in Cutler this week and if you have Matt Ryan or Terrelle Pryor as your QB and Cutler is available on the Wire, make the move!
A Green Bay QB at #25? Wow.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6 and let's go get Week 10 together.
RB
1) Matt Forte, Chicago
2) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
3) Chris Johnson, Tennessee
4) Reggie Bush, Detroit
5) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay
6) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle
7) Knowshon Moreno, Denver
8) Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh
9) Danny Woodhead, San Diego
10) DeMarco Murray, Dallas
11) Frank Gore, San Francisco
12) Zac Stacy, St. Louis
13) Fred Jackson, Buffalo
14) Mike James, Tampa Bay
15) Lamar Miller, Miami
16) Steven Jackson, Atlanta
17) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
18) CJ Spiller, Buffalo
19) Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
20) Andre Ellington, Arizona
21) Ryan Mathews, San Diego
22) Ben Tate, Houston
23) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati
24) Trent Richardson, Indianapolis
25) Darren Sproles, New Orleans
26) Shonn Greene, Tennessee
27) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati
28) Ray Rice, Baltimore
29) Rashad Jennings, Oakland
30) Mike Tolbert, Carolina
31) Peyton Hillis, NY Giants
32) Joique Bell, Detroit
33) Daniel Thomas, Miami
34) Donald Brown, Indianapolis
35) James Starks, Green Bay
36) DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
37) Andre Brown, NY Giants
38) Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta
39) Dennis Johnson, Houston
40) Montee Ball, Denver
I love the way Matt Forte is playing the running back position right now, and I think he visits the end zone multiple times on Sunday. Reggie Bush isn't going to get shown up too much though, so let the fireworks in that game commence.
San Diego will likely be in catch up mode at some point on Sunday, and when that starts, Danny Woodhead stays on the field. If you have Woodhead on your roster, he needs to be in your lineup every week, but none more than this week.
I liked what Mike James showed two Thursdays ago against Carolina before the game got out of hand, and I obviously loved what he did last week IN Seattle. With Doug Martin placed on IR Friday, James is going to get a legit audition. I think he takes advantage.
I dislike Ray Rice. I am hoping that dropping him out of the Top 25 is some sort of reverse jinx, but I am starting to think Rice might not be that good anymore. He runs behind a brutal offensive line, he has a hip injury, and his coaching staff refuses to game plan around him. You can do better this week.
I have Tolbert higher than his teammates because I think he is the only Panther RB who can score a TD and be effective against a physical 49ers defense. I am not excited that Stewart is back, as an already sucky situation gets suckier.
Peyton Hillis gets the start for the Giants with Andre Brown getting worked back in. It won't take long for Brown to be the starter, but he's going to need a TD this week to be worth a lineup spot, because I'm projecting him at 30-35 yards.
WR
1) Wes Welker, Denver
2) Brandon Marshall, Chicago
3) Victor Cruz, NY Giants
4) DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
5) Keenan Allen, San Diego
6) Demaryius Thomas, Denver
7) Calvin Johnson, Detroit
8) Dez Bryant, Dallas
9) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
10) TY Hilton, Indianapolis
11) Eric Decker, Denver
12) Golden Tate, Seattle
13) Alshon Jeffery, Chicago
14) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
15) Torrey Smith, Baltimore
16) AJ Green, Cincinnati
17) Andre Johnson, Houston
18) Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay
19) Cecil Shorts, Jacksonville
20) Denarius Moore, Oakland
21) Doug Baldwin, Seattle
22) Riley Cooper, Philadelphia
23) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay
24) Hakeem Nicks, NY Giants
25) Terrance Williams, Dallas
26) Kendall Wright, Tennessee
27) Harry Douglas, Atlanta
28) Anquan Boldin, San Francisco
29) Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
30) Mike Wallace, Miami
31) Lance Moore, New Orleans
32) Marques Colston, New Orleans (Questionable)
33) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston
34) James Jones, Green Bay
35) Roddy White, Atlanta (Questionable)
36) Steve Smith, Carolina
37) Rueben Randle, NY Giants
38) Marvin Jones, Cincinnati
39) Vincent Brown, San Diego
40) Stevie Johnson, Buffalo
41) Michael Floyd, Arizona
42) Nate Washington, Tennessee
43) Mike Brown, Jacksonville
44) Marlon Brown, Baltimore
45) Chris Givens, St. Louis
46) Brian Hartline, Miami
47) Kenny Stills, New Orleans
48) Eddie Royal, San Diego
49) Kris Durham, Detroit
50) Jermaine Kearse, Seattle
I have 3 Broncos WRs in the Top 11. Trust me, if you have 1 or more of the 3, you're not considering benching them at any point going forward. I just happen to believe they all get theirs this weekend.
Calvin Johnson at #7? Here's his receiving stat lines against the Bears in Chicago since he came into the league (receptions-yards-TDs): 2-44-0, 8-94-1, 8-133-0, 4-45-0, 7-81-0, 3-34-0. He has had two relevant fantasy performances in Soldier Field since coming into the NFL. In a revenge game, I expect the Bears and Charles Tillman to make Johnson's day extremely difficult. He's still at #7 and you're not benching him against a Bears defense that has been terrible lately. Just temper your expectations.
I like Seattle's passing game this weekend against an Atlanta defense that just doesn't generate any pressure. Russell Wilson is going to have clean pockets to work with, and I like the spot that Tate and Baldwin are in. Kearse is a great long shot flier for a longer TD if you're desperate.
AJ Green has never scored a TD against Baltimore and he averages 40.7 yards per game against them. I'm not suggesting he'll do that this weekend, but his lack of prior success gives me great backup for placing him outside my Top 10. I'm actually expecting 6-64-0. But you won't have options with more upside than Green.
The Green Bay WRs are heading for rough sledding. Nelson is the most talented and will get his targets. Jones is a product of the respect defenses paid to Aaron Rodgers and his surrounding WRs. The sort of space Jones has been afforded is no longer available. Jarrett Boykin isn't playable, and I think he can be outright dropped.
Marques Colston and Roddy White both carry the questionable tag and I would actually feel OK with Colston, but he's playing Sunday Night. This is such a strong matchup for New Orleans and a great chance for Colston to break out of his season long slump, but it's risky. I'm not crazy about Roddy White, but if he is ACTIVE, his rankings reflects my respect for his upside.
QB
1) Peyton Manning, Denver
2) Drew Brees, New Orleans
3) Russell Wilson, Seattle
4) Matthew Stafford, Detroit
5) Philip Rivers, San Diego
6) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis
7) Tony Romo, Dallas
8) Jay Cutler, Chicago
9) Nick Foles, Philadelphia
10) Eli Manning, NY Giants
11) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco
12) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
13) Cam Newton, Carolina
14) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh
15) Joe Flacco, Baltimore
16) Terrelle Pryor, Oakland
17) Jake Locker, Tennessee
18) Matt Ryan, Atlanta
19) Ryan Tannehill, Miami
20) Case Keenum, Houston
21) Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay
22) Carson Palmer, Arizona
23) Chad Henne, Jacksonville
24) EJ Manuel, Buffalo
25) Seneca Wallace, Green Bay
Matthew Stafford is going to have a big number in the yardage column. He usually struggles to avoid mistakes playing in Chicago. I think his Top 5 day is built through the screen game. Bush and Bell can be big contributors with strong YAC, and Stafford will benefit.
In that same game, Jay Cutler has always put up useful fantasy lines against the Lions. The health of his groin tear will scare potential suitors, but if Marc Trestman is putting Cutler out there, it means he is medically cleared. Coach Trestman has pushed all the right buttons this year on offense for the Bears this year, and sometimes you have to feel the groove a coach is in to fully understand a situation. I believe in Cutler this week and if you have Matt Ryan or Terrelle Pryor as your QB and Cutler is available on the Wire, make the move!
A Green Bay QB at #25? Wow.
Follow me on Twitter @BernacK6 and let's go get Week 10 together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)