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Comment -
Quick - Cam Newton or Tony Romo?Comment -
too late but hope u started camComment -
Got that win i needed. 4-4 on the year, need probably 2 games over .500 to win a place in the PO's. Stephen Jackson and Mendenhall finally did something today. Gonna be hard with 1 QB to start each week and Orton not getting any snaps. Not to mention Campbell being out.Comment -
I moved to 4-4 as well. I crushed my opponent this week. Stafford, Steve Smith (CAR), LeSean McCoy, and Detroit Defense all stepped up for me. Pierre Thomas and Maurice Morris chipped in nicely as well.Comment -
Percy Harvin did nicely as well.Comment -
Man mendenhall stinks it sucks i gota start boldin garcon or shone greene over my 3rd rounder week in and week out. I cuda grabbed forte instead geez.Comment -
6-2 here any advice on my team?
QB Matt Ryan
RB Mcfadden
RB Adrian Peterson
WR Nicks
WR Mike Wallace
TE Winslow
Flex Boldin
K Grotowski
DEF Saints
BN J Freeman
BN Shon Greene
BN Mendenhall
BN Garcon
BN Heath miller
BN Petigrew
I really could use a TE or WR upgrade since mendenhall in unstartable but i dont want to drop him. Could use a better qb as well.
FYI been getting really lucky week in and week out to be 6-2. I seem to play every team on there worst week of the year. This is a 10 team PPR league ive been projected 160+ every week and have never even hit 110. im in 1st place and the 2-4 teams regularly hit 130-140 weekly but i cant ever have a week where more than 1 of my players has a good game.Comment -
I have no idea how you got all those quality RB's in your draft.Comment -
TT - I got a trade question for you.
14man league
Rush yds 10yd=1pt
Rush TD =6pt
Rec yds 10yd=1pt
Rec TD =6pt
Trade is me giving WR RWhite and RB TJones(KC) for WR VCruz and RB JRinger.
Yahoo has White projected to outscore Cruz through the rest of the season. however, White has been somewhat disappointing this year, and Cruz has looked good. The RB part doesn't matter as much b/c I have Forte and Tolbert.
What do you think on the White/Cruz trade?
Thanks,
TComment -
no no no, keep r white , and ringer won't do anymore than what he just did. White will heat it up.Comment -
1. i recommend to get nick novak , kicker of chargers since those mother fuckers can't get it in the end zone
2. alot of people may of cut janikowski during the bye and his injury. Pick him up
3. Pick up atlanta vs colts
4. brent celek, tight end for phily. Vick is learning to check down and celek has been open because of their other top wr and mccoy being a bad ass
5. Need a wr. Pickup L robinson for dallas. He is a deep threat and seatle struggles with the deep ball. Dez is not a deep threat
6. If you have chris johson, pickup javon ringer
7. Wr Ben Obomanu for seatle
Other pickups
victor cruz, heath miller, kevin faulk if your in a ppr, chris ogbonnay of cleveland,
Raiders play the broncos so that should be a few int and fumbles and their bye week is over so no need to add and drop another d
Chiefs play the dolphins at home and after tonight, im impressedComment -
Should I accept this trade from my buddy? non-ppr, standard scoring, 12 teams league
Give up Tebow for D. Keller
Starters are Eli and J. Gresham. My first FF btw and i'm not sure if we need backup qb after they already have they bye week.Comment -
u dont need tebow,Comment -
I've picked up
- Waiver 1 - Nov 2: Scott Chandler dropping Danario Alexander
- Waiver 2 - Nov 2: Jonathan Baldwin dropping Jason Campbell
Comment -
Jason Campbell down for a bit and need a bye week QB for week 11 when Brees is out. Its 2 QB league so will have Flacco in but looking into this now. Grossman and Orton available...was thinking Orton but then read even if Tebow doesnt do well against the Raiders it looks like Brady Quinn might come in relief? Thoughts?
Thanks as alwaysComment -
Can trade Benson for CJ straight up ppr league
Also non ppr league start 3 WR 2 RB 1 TE
QB- Rogers
WR- R White
WR- V Jax
WR- Manningham/david nelson/Jenkins
RB- F Jackson
RB- Sproles (return yards count 25=1 point)
RB- Gore
TE- J Graham
TE- J Finley
Question 1, Will roddy and v jackson will pick it up second half of the season?
Question 2, Whats better off keeping J Finley and hoping he produces like he should and trading graham for high value for a WR, or Package J Finley + one of my RB for a number 1 wide out like Calvin. Also have Demarco Murray/Tolbert on the bench too.. thanks!
StarComment -
package finley
benson for cj will be vetoedComment -
I need a BYE week QB. I'm thinking Cassel.Comment -
I also was thinking Dalton, but he would need to be dropped. Someone used him last week as a BYE fill in.
I'm kinda of lucky with my Week 9 match-up. I'm playing the last place team (0-8), with a bunch of issues. Plus he has AP, which is on BYE also. I have Stafford, Best, Steve Smith (CAR) and Lions D on BYE. I have RB/WR fill ins and the Cowboys D for that, but just need to make a QB move.Comment -
Heyward-Bay vs DEN or Stevie Johnson vs NYJ (Revis alert)
And
Cowboys DST vs SEA or Raiders DST vs DENComment -
You play Stevie Johnson and Cowboys D/StComment -
Quarterbacks
Off The Top
Josh Freeman, TB (@NO, HOU, @GB, @TEN) – Freeman is heading into some possible high-scoring affairs, so it’s a good time to give him a shot. He’s a big-time “Jekyll & Hyde” performer, but the smart money’s on him turning things around in the second half of the season.
Digging Deeper
Matt Cassel, KC (MIA, DEN, @NE, PIT) – With the emergence of rookie WR Jonathan Baldwin and a viable every down running option in Jackie Battle, Matt Cassel looks like a guy with some decent weapons. He’s got a few excellent fantasy matchups on the way, so dig your heels in and give him a play as a bye week fill-in.
Scouring The Barrel
Carson Palmer, OAK (DEN, @SD, @MIN, CHI) – Palmer is urging the Raiders to sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who could add a slot threat to the mix in Oakland. Once the veteran QB knows the playbook and can develop some rapport with his talented receivers, the sky’s the limit from a fantasy perspective. It just might take a while.
Updates
Tim Tebow, DEN (@OAK, @KC, NYJ, @SD) – Count me as unimpressed. Tebow’s tenuous value plummets if he loses the job, which could come soon with performances like Sunday.
Andy Dalton, CIN (@TEN, PIT, BAL, CLE) – He makes a few mistakes, but keeper league owners have to love Dalton (168-2-2) right now; the rookie could be making a run to get among the top 15 fantasy QBs by the end of the season.
Christian Ponder, MIN (BYE, @GB, OAK, @ATL) – Ponder (236-1-0) now has two straight starts (the first two of his career) with over 200 passing yards – not bad for a largely unheralded rookie.
Running Backs
Off The Top
Reggie Bush, MIA (@KC, WAS, BUF, @DAL) – The light sprite had 15 carries for 103 rushing yards and 4-17-0 receiving against the Giants. He’ll get the majority of carries with Daniel Thomas nursing the hamstring injury.
Brandon Jacobs, NYG (@NE, @SF, PHI, @NO) – Giants fans booed just about every time he got the ball, but it makes sense that you’ll see plenty of Jacobs to give Bradshaw the spells he’ll need to stay healthy. You should find some roster room for this guy.
Digging Deeper
Javon Ringer, TEN (CIN, @CAR, @ATL, TB) – Chris Johnson and Ringer got equal workloads on Sunday, and Ringer looked like the better back. CJ2K’s still got the job, but expect a lot more of this capable back down the stretch. He’s worth owning in 12+ team formats.
Scouring The Barrel
Kevin Faulk, NE (NYG, @NYJ, KC, @PHI) – Now that he’s healthy again, Faulk is quite relevant. He racked up 32 rushing yards and 5-20-0 – 10.2 points in PPR leagues.
Curtis Brinkley, SD (GB, OAK, @CHI, DEN) – His value hinges on the status of both Mike Tolbert (hamstring, hand) and Ryan Matthews (groin), but he looked pretty good on Monday night (10 carries, 43 yards, TD; 3-24-0 receiving). Stay tuned on his health also as he was being examined for a concussion after the game. And, he’s already got a bullet lodged in his chest from a July 2009 incident. Yikes.
Updates
Ryan Torain, WAS (SF, @MIA, DAL, @SEA) – The Redskins couldn’t run the ball against the Bills and they just signed Tashard Choice to help back up Torain (eight carries for just 14 yards last week). It’s not looking great with the upcoming schedule either.
Knowshon Moreno, DEN (@OAK, @KC, NYJ, @SD) – Moreno might suck, but he’s bound to have at least 50 yards and a possible score against the Raiders.
Michael Bush, OAK (DEN, @SD, @MIN, CHI) – Bush (Week 8 bye; 99 rushing yards in Week 7) will get the start Sunday if Darren McFadden (foot) can’t go.
Roy Helu, WAS (SF, @MIA, DAL, @SEA) – Helu isn’t getting enough work from Shanahan to have a fantasy impact, but that could change at any time.
Leon Washington, SEA (@DAL, BAL, @STL, DAL) – Washington had one big run on Sunday but wasn’t much of a fantasy factor (34 rushing yards).
LaRod Stephens-Howling, ARI (STL, @PHI, @SF, @STL) – Beanie Wells actually got the start, so LSH didn’t see much action.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Off The Top
TE Scott Chandler, BUF (NYJ, @DAL, @MIA, @NYJ) – Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to target his valuable, super-reliable tight end in the red zone, where he caught two TDs on Sunday. Sure, that’s just about the only time he does target him, but the Bills are getting in the red zone a lot, making Chandler a low-end TE1.
WR Lance Moore, NO (TB, @ATL BYE, NYG) – Moore hauled in a few of his catches (and TD) in garbage time against the Rams, but he’s still one of Drew Brees’ favorite options. He’s worth a spot start and always gets at least a couple catches when he’s healthy.
Michael Crabtree
Michael Crabtree is trending up.
Digging Deeper
WR Michael Crabtree, SF (@WAS, NYG, ARI, @BAL) – In his last two games, Crabtree has 131 receiving yards and 14 catches. Last week, he even hauled in a TD pass against Cleveland. He’s clearly the best WR in the 49ers offense and represents a solid WR3 going forward.
TE Brent Celek, PHI (CHI, ARI, @NYG, NE) – Celek’s monster game (7-94-1) puts him back in the TE1 category. It’s telling that Vick looked his way as much as he did in such a crucial game. He’s got another great matchup in Week 9 against the Bears.
Scouring The Barrel
WR Jonathan Baldwin, KC (MIA, DEN, @NE, PIT) – Baldwin’s breakout (5-82-1, eight targets) could be the sign of things to come. The rookie can make just about any catch and is clearly entrenched in the consciousness of Cassel. Now that his hand is better you should get at him before he’s snagged by another owner.
WR Laurent Robinson, DAL (SEA, BUF, @WAS, MIA) – Despite the presence of Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, Tony Romo targeted Robinson eight times on Sunday night, and the St. Louis transplant responded with 5-103-1. In happier times in Dallas, he might not get as many looks, but things are weird right now.
WR Titus Young, DET (BYE, @CHI, CAR, GB) – Detroit’s third receiver came up big again (4-66-1), even with a modest number of targets (five). He’s making the most out of his opportunities, which usually leads to more chances. He’s worth a roster addition in some 12-team formats and a shot at a spot start in deeper leagues – once the Lions return from their Week 9 bye.
Updates
WR Plaxico Burress, NYJ (@BUF, NE, @DEN, BUF) – Jets were on a Week 8 bye, but I’m sure they were working on ways to get Plax the ball against the Bills.
TE Jermaine Gresham, CIN (@TEN, PIT, @BAL, CLE) – Gresham (hamstring) was listed as probable but was a late scratch before Sunday’s tilt with Seattle.
WR Antonio Brown, PIT (BAL, @CIN, BYE, @KC) – Brown’s breakout game (9-67-1) helped me win one big game this weekend, and it puts him among my Top 25 WRs to own in the second half of the season.
WR Jabar Gaffney, WAS (SF, @MIA, DAL, @SEA) – The consistency (no fewer than three catches or less than 40 yards in any game this season) is fine, but I’d like to see the occasional long TD pass hauled in by Gaffney. If he had one every two or three games, he’d be a top receiver.
WR Michael Jenkins, MIN (BYE, @GB, OAK, @ATL) – His owners were definitely looking for more than 2-30-0 out of their WR3.
IDP
Off The Top
LB James Harrison, PIT (BAL, @CIN, BYE, @KC) – Since most IDP formats don’t allow for much depth on the defensive side, plenty of owners dismissed Harrison after his broken orbital bone sidelined him for multiple weeks. Now, Harrison’s agent says he’ll be back against the Ravens, a game I have no doubt he’ll be up for. Give him a shot in prime time on Sunday night.
Digging Deeper
DL John Abraham, ATL (@IND, NO, TEN, MIN) – The veteran lineman missed some time with a groin injury but in Week 7 recorded a couple tackles and a sack. With a bye week to get him 100 percent, he’s a decent spot start against the Colts in deeper formats.
Scouring The Barrel
DB Champ Bailey, DEN (@OAK, @KC, NYJ, @SD)Comment -
Derrick Johnson picked up right where he left off in week 7, with 13 total tackles, a sack, an INT, and a pass deflection. As the Chiefs continue to win and improve, Johnson's play seems to become more motivated as well. If he's on your waiver wire, go grab him. He's back on the LB1 track.
The never-aging one, London Fletcher, played through a hamstring injury to record 20 tackles and is on pace to finish the year with the fantasy numbers he typically produces. I've been preaching patience with LFB all season as he was a victim of low tackle opportunity through the 1st few games of the 2011 season which were resulting in his below average tackle numbers. Hopefully you held onto him.
The Indianapolis Colts continue to be a horrific matchup for IDPs. I would recommend benching all but the elite, matchup independent IDPs against them moving forward.
Both Justin Tuck and Trent Cole returned to action and both got to the quarterback. Cole saw more snaps than Tuck did (partly due to health, partly due to natural team rotation). I'd trust Cole as a DL1 moving forward and Tuck as a high upside DL2+ until he sees more snaps.
Jerod Mayo was another IDP superstar that returned to the playing field in week 8. However, his snaps were quite limited as he rotated with Gary Guyton throughout the majority of the game. He's not startable in most leagues until we get an idea on when he will return to full-time status. He's definitely worth a spot on your bench though as there's little doubt he will be back to playing all three downs by the time the fantasy playoffs crank up.
Sean Lee left Sunday Night's game with a dislocated wrist and did not return. There's no word yet on whether or not Lee will miss any time. Being a diehard Cowboys fan however, I can pretty much assure you he will be starting come gametime next week. The Cowboys and Rob Ryan know they will have a hard time beating anyone with old and decrepit Keith Brooking at linebacker.
Chad Greenway continued his recent streak of top notch fantasy performances. With EJ Henderson appearing to have lost a step, Greenway has a clear path to once again be a top 10 linebacker in tackle-heavy leagues.
With last week's notes out of the way, let's move on to the Guru's waiver wire selections for this week.
<hr> Defensive Linemen
RDE Chris Long (STL) - Long is a lineman that is constantly around the quarterback but at times has a hard time translating those QB hurries/hits into sacks. This wasn't the case in the Rams game last Sunday against the Saints, however, as Long racked up 3 sacks against a typically strong pass-protecting New Orleans offensive line. Chris "Don't Call Me Howie" Long gets a juicy matchup against the sputtering Cardinals offense led by quarterback Kevin Kolb who is notorious for holding onto the ball too long. Don't be shocked if Long has another multiple sack game this week.
RDT Richard Seymour (OAK) - Since Tim Tebow took over the starting quarterback duties in two weeks ago, the Broncos have been sacked an astonishing 13 times. As long as Tebow continues to take the snaps under center, I'll be looking to start any viable fantasy defensive linemen that is facing the Broncos that specific week. Not only does Tebow have no idea how to read a defense leading him to hold onto the ball too long, he also does a horrible job of protecting the football, as we saw last week. Although he's cooled off a bit of late, Seymour has the potential for a huge game this week.
RDE Darnell Dockett (ARI) - I typically don't recommend defensive ends who only have 0.5 sacks on the year after 7 games of play, but Dockett has been a solid DL2/3 option for four years running and is due for a good fantasy game. He faces the much maligned Rams offensive line this week which should give him just the spark he needs to get his fantasy numbers more in line with his typical production. If Calais Campbell is available, start him over Dockett. However, in deeper leagues, Dockett may be your only option of the two.
LDE/LOLB Aldon Smith (SF) - Smith leads all rookies with 6.5 sacks (all of them coming in the last 4 games). His limited snap count is hurting his overall tackle numbers, but is also keeping him fresh to get to the QB late in games. Due to the low tackle numbers, he's a risky LB3 option in most weeks, but is a solid DL2+ in leagues that allow you to play him as such. The 49ers are traveling to Washington this week to face a Redskins team that was totally dominated by the Bills upfront last week as they surrendered a whopping 9 sacks. Feel free to rely on Smith as a high upside DL2, solid LB3 start this week.
Linebackers
WLB Chris Chamberlain (STL) - Chamberlain has been starting on the weakside over veteran Brady Poppinga the last three weeks and has put up 14 solo tackles during that span. Although these aren't great numbers, Chamberlain faces an Arizona team that gives up a ton of sacks to linebackers and issues a surprising amount of tackle opportunity. He still remains more of a LB4 type start, but can be used as an LB3 for teams in deeper leagues that are really desperate to fill that spot this week.
WILB Lawrence Timmons (PIT) - Let me start by saying this: Timmons has been absolutely terrible this season from a fantasy perspective. However, he's still an extremely gifted LB with huge upside. Much of his maladies can be attributed to poor defensive line play and injuries among the linebacking core that have forced him to play out of position. It looks as though James Harrison is planning on returning in week 12 at which time Timmons will move back into his more natural WILB position which should provide a much needed boost to his fantasy numbers. The Steelers still have some issues up front defensively, but Timmons is a good enough player to overcome some of that. I'm not saying he's going to be the Timmons of old, but he's certainly worth a stash in deeper leagues if you have the room in case he decides to blow up down the playoff run stretch.
WILB Daryl Washington (ARI) - Washington hasn't quite lived up to his preseason fantasy hype, but he hasn't been all that bad either. When healthy, he can be counted on for 6-7 solos and although the Rams may not seem like a good matchup for linebackers, they actually are due to the high amount of carries SJax receives on a weekly basis. Washington is available in more leagues than one would expect. He will serve you well if you need a LB3 this week.
MLB Brandon Spikes (NE) - Spikes posted a very nice 10-2 stat line last week against the Steelers and has averaged close to 9 total tackles per game over his last three games. With Jerod Mayo rotating with Gary Guyton, Spikes was on the field for an above average amount of snaps. It's yet to be determined if this will be the case again this week, but it's a situation to closely monitor throughout the rest of the week. Although the Giants aren't a very good matchup for opposing fantasy LBs, the Patriots seem to be playing more 4-3 as of late which should benefit Spikes. If Mayo is again limited this week, consider Spikes a very solid LB3 start.
LDE/LOLB Jarrett Johnson (BAL) - Johnson tends to score the bulk of his fantasy points in streaks and he's on a current hot streak of late with 18 total tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble over his last three games. He has a nice matchup against tough division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. If your league's IDP scoring system rewards heavily for big plays, Johnson is a good option as your 3rd linebacker. He's a solid DL2 start this week in leagues that classify him as such.
Defensive Backs
SS Darian Stewart (STL) - Stewart was mentioned last week as a very nice weekly pickup against the fantasy friendly New Orleans Saints offense and he rewarded owners who picked him up with 6 solo tackles and an interception for a touchdown. His performance last week should be good enough to cement him into the starting strong safety role in St. Louis which is/has been a lucrative position from a fantasy perspective. Stewart should be a solid DB3 moving forward.
LCB Ronde Barber (TB) - Barber isn't the shutdown corner he used to be, but he is still a solid tackler. The Saints are going to come out blazing at home against the Bucs and Barber should receive plenty of tackle opportunity as Brees will likely look his way more often that shutdown corner Aqib Talib. He's put up 4 or more solos in five of seven games so far this season and is a good bet for 6-8 solos this week.
LCB Josh Gordy (STL) - The Rams have been absolutely decimated by injuries at the cornerback position which has turned undraft free agent Gordy into a starting NFL cornerback. He's had 13 total tackles in two games to go along with an interception and a pass deflection. His matchup isn't ideal, but somebody has to cover Larry Fitzgerald. My gut is telling me Gordy either racks up a good amount of tackles in this one or he picks off one of Kevin Kolb's crappy passes. He's worth a flier as a CB2.
FS Tanard Jackson (TB) - Jackson has had an interception in each of his first two games back from suspension and is usually good for 4-6 solos each week. He did injure himself in week 7, but should be able to go this week as he had the bye week to recover. He's a fairly safe DB3 option with nice upside moving forward. He has a great matchup this week against the Saints and should be considered a solid DB2 play.Comment -
WEEK 9 BYES: Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota
QUARTERBACKS
Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford are the only viable fantasy quarterbacks on bye this week. This is the week of desperation at the quarterback position. If you are looking for just enough points to get by, to be respectable at the position, perhaps max out at about 15 points then this is the list for you.
Curtis Painter, Indianapolis
Atlanta allows the 11th most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, and there’s no reason to think the Colts won’t be trailing the Falcons in their game this week. Painter scored 15.9 fantasy points after throwing for 250 yards and two picks against the Titans on Sunday. He has scored at least 15.9 points in three of his five starts.
Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee
The Titans play host to a Bengals team that is fifth best against fantasy quarterbacks. But this is how you have to look at the Titans after Sunday’s game against Indianapolis: Throwing is the only way they are going to have success. If the ground game couldn’t get going against the porous Colts run defense then when is it going to get going. Javon Ringer and Chris Johnson are good receiving options out of the backfield (read: easy points for Hasselbeck) and the receiving corps and Jared Cook are solid enough to help you out for a week. Hasselbeck has had his worst two outings of the year in back-to-back weeks, scoring 6 and 12 against Pittsburgh and Indy.
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati
Tennessee is 14th worst against fantasy quarterbacks. The Titans have allowed at least 15 points per game to the position in every game since Week 3. Cedric Benson will be back from his suspension and the Titans have not been that great against the run in recent weeks. While Tennessee looks to shut down Benson, Dalton will be getting you the 15-plus points you need.
Colt McCoy, Cleveland
If you are really desperate to find a QB this week, then McCoy is your man. He continues to put the ball in the air, although he doesn’t get much for it. He has scored at least 13 fantasy points in all but one start (Seattle). This week, the Browns travel to play a Houston team that is fourth best against quarterbacks, allowing the 13 points per game that McCoy is good for.
Carson Palmer, Oakland
OK, the debut was terrible. But he was on a couch watching the NFL seven days prior and the next Sunday Palmer was the QB for the Raiders. He had a bye week to try and get acclimated to the playbook and with the numerous weapons he will have at his disposal. Now the Raiders return to play Denver, the 32nd ranked team against fantasy quarterbacks, in the Black Hole. Palmer is still available in 73 percent of Yahoo leagues.
WEEK 9 BYES: Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota
RUNNING BACKS
Adrian Peterson and Maurice Jones-Drew are the only backs of note that are on byes this week. The rest of the waiver wire will be the players that have emerged lately via injury or opportunity.
Javon Ringer, Tennessee
He split carries with Chris Johnson against Indianapolis and got more production then the $53 million man. Ringer seems to have more room to run when the ball is in his hands, whereas the line of scrimmage completely collapses when CJ gets his hands on the ball. But if they are going to be splitting carries for a team that is built to run (not built well), then Ringer is the one to have instead of CJ.
Reggie Bush, Miami
He just ran for 103 yards on 15 carries and added four catches for 17 yards against the hosting Giants. Now the Dolphins travel to Kansas City, which is a bottom 10 fantasy defense against running backs. If Daniel Thomas (hamstring) is out again, then Bush gets the workload again. Bush is as frustrating as they come, but the Chiefs are also bottom 10 against receivers. So there is the opportunity for the Dolphins to keep up in Kansas City.
Donald Brown, Indianapolis
This is a complete flier. Brown scored against Tennessee on Sunday as a goal line back on 4-yard TD run. If Joseph Addai (hamstring) is still bothered by the injury, then Brown gets to continue the split with rookie Delone Carter. There is also the fact that the Colts are playing an Atlanta team coming off its bye; and teams coming off the bye this season are playing poor football, particularly against the run.
Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland
The Browns draw the No. 3 team against fantasy running backs this week in Houston, so again, this is another flier. If Peyton Hillis (hamstring) is out again and Montario Hardesty (calf) is hampered by his injury then Ogbonnaya is next man up. You’d have to be desperate, but he did score 8.6 points against San Francisco’s No. 1 rush defense on Sunday. He carried 11 times for 37 yards and caught four balls for 16 yards.
WEEK 9 BYES: Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota
WIDE RECEIVERS
It’s a light week for losing receivers. So you should be pretty good with what you have already. Gone this week are Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson.
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
He was spectacular on Sunday, catching nine balls for 67 yards and a score. And if you have return yards in your league, he gave you 93 of those. He is a trusted receiver for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, so say the 15 targets against the Patriots. And he will certainly be called upon this week as the Steelers try to avenge the Week 1 loss to Baltimore.
Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh
Sanders did a fine job as a flex play against the Patriots. He was targeted eight times, catching five balls for 70 yards. Monitor Hines Ward’s (ankle) health this week as Sanders is not as viable with the veteran in the lineup. But like Brown, Sanders will probably be looked at often to help the Steelers try and upend the Ravens this week.
Torrey Smith, Baltimore
Still just a deep threat, but when the pass is on he is one helluva deep threat. The rookie caught three balls for 57 yards on nine targets, including the deep pass that setup the Ravens’ game-winning field goal. If you are content with playing the big-play guy and hoping he produces, Smith is a really, really poor man’s DeSean Jackson or Mike Wallace.
Dezmon Briscoe, Tampa Bay
Briscoe had 10 targets, catching six for 73 and a score against the Bears in London. The Bucs spread it around too much to depend on a single receiver, but Briscoe was an emerging talent in the preseason and pushing for the No. 2 spot at the start of the year. The Bucs get New Orleans, Houston and Green Bay as the first three games off last week’s bye. Those are three games I expect them to be out of early, increasing the chances Briscoe could produce in fantasy garbage time. He is available in 99 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Doug Baldwin and Ben Obomanu, Seattle
Baldwin went 5-for-73 and bounced back from a zero-point effort against Cleveland to score 9.8 against Cincinnati. Obomanu caught four balls for 107 yards against the Bengals. Now the Seahawks get a Dallas team that was just blown out of the water and are a bottom 10 fantasy defense against receivers. If you are really struggling, look to pick up one of these two. But I just find it hard to trust any Seahawk right now.
Damian Williams, Tennessee
He was tied for second on the team with five targets against the Colts. He caught four of them for 60 yards. As I said earlier, the Titans are going to have to rely on the pass and Williams is the No. 2 option behind Nate Washington. He is inconsistent, but he has had 20 targets, 11 catches for 131 yards and a score the last three games. Tennessee plays a top 10 fantasy defense against receivers when the Bengals come to town this week, but Williams could be a good option in deep leagues.
Austin Collie, Indianapolis
He caught five balls for 44 yards. In a full-PPR league that’s a 9.4-point day. The Colts came out firing quick passes and if they continue to do the same, Collie could help you out as a PPR threat only.
Steve Breaston, Kansas City
He had scored at least 8.9 fantasy points in the last three games leading up to Monday night’s San Diego game. Breaston and the Chiefs will play host to Miami this week, the eighth worst fantasy defense against receivers. The Dolphins allowed three Giants receivers to combine for 19 catches 229 yards and two scores.
Early Doucet, Arizona
His double-digit scoring streak stopped at two weeks, but he did score nine fantasy points against Baltimore thanks to a TD on two catches for 20 yards. The Cardinals get the Rams next, 29th against fantasy receivers.
Greg Salas, St. Louis
He is still just a full-PPR threat only, but five catches for 47 yards against the Saints was good for 9.7 points. I’d take that from a flex as crazy as this season’s been. Now the Rams travel to play an Arizona team that is 28th against fantasy receivers.
WEEK 9 BYES: Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota
TIGHT ENDS
Another position where the bye doesn’t really kill you. Gone are Greg Olsen, Jeremy Shockey, Brandon Pettigrew and Visanthe Shiancoe. These are neither pillars of the position nor models of consistency.
Brent Celek, Philadelphia
Is he finally going to be relevant again? If so, he picked a great time to re-emerge. After a 7-94-1 line against Dallas on Sunday, Celek and the Eagles draw a Bears team that is the worst in the league against the tight end position. Chicago has allowed 14 catches for 108 yards and a score to the position in just the last two weeks.
Jake Ballard, New York Giants
He had seven targets against Miami, catching four of them for 55 yards. This was the first time in a month he hasn’t posted double-digit fantasy numbers. The Giants travel to New England this week and the Patriots have allowed double-digit days to Jason Witten and Heath Miller in the last two games.
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh
The Steelers threw all over the Patriots on Sunday, and Miller was a big beneficiary. He caught seven balls for 85 yards and posted back-to-back double-digit weeks for the first time this season. If Hines Ward is still out, then Miller becomes more of a target. So monitor Ward’s health this week before moving in on Miller. Plus, the Steelers this week draw the Ravens, No. 1 against fantasy tight ends. The Ravens have allowed no scores and no more than three catches to the position this season.
Scott Chandler, Buffalo
Is he back? Remember this no-name when he caught four touchdowns on nine catches and 12 targets in the first three games? Well, he was back against Washington, scoring two times on two catches and two targets. He’s had just six targets in the last four games, catching all six for 44 yards and Sunday’s two scores. But you might want to hold off this week for two reasons: 1.) You can’t count on his consistency. 2.) The Bills play a Jets team that has surrendered just one TD this season and that came to Antonio Gates.
Ed Dickson, Baltimore
He went 6-for-46 against Arizona on Sunday and now gets a Steelers team that is middle of the road against fantasy tight ends. It’s hard to tell what Ravens offense you are going to get from one week to another, but if you are really struggling at filling the position this week, then you could do worse than Dickson. Keep in mind also, Dennis Pitta is in the mix at the TE position. He caught six balls for 44 yards against the Cardinals, his most productive day of the season in the Ravens’ comeback win.Comment -
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Fantasy owners were nervous about drafting Chris Johnson this season following his holdout, but none of us expected him to struggle this much. Through the first eight weeks of the season Johnson has been the biggest bust of the year.
And now we enter Week 9, where Johnson will be sharing carries with Javon Ringer. Titans coach Mike Munchak said Monday that Johnson will remain the starter, and rightfully so based on his potential and what he was paid this offseason. But it's time to consider adding Ringer since he has played better than Johnson.
Ringer, who is owned in 21 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com entering Week 9, has as many games with double digits in Fantasy points on the season as Johnson, who has gone from CJ2K to CJ0K. In Week 8 against the Colts -- who have been abused by nearly every starting running back they have faced -- Ringer had twice as many total yards as Johnson, who looks tentative and appears afraid of contact.
If Ringer starts to get increased carries then he could surpass Johnson in playing time, and you should at least stash him on your bench in case his value continues to rise while Johnson continues to fall.
In case you haven't noticed ... Antonio Brown is starting to look like the next standout receiver for the Steelers. Brown, who is owned in 74 percent of leagues, has double digits in Fantasy points in his past two games. He had seven catches for 102 yards in Week 7 at Arizona and nine catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in Week 8 against the Patriots. With Hines Ward (ankle) at less than 100 percent, Brown has turned into a viable weapon. He has 24 targets in his past two games and should be on every Fantasy roster heading into Week 9 against Baltimore.
Each Tuesday we will highlight players who might be available in your league and whether you should consider picking them up off waivers based on their recent performances. The players chosen are based on the percentage of ownership in CBSSports.com leagues.
Quarterback
Add 'Em
Matt Cassel, Chiefs
Owned: 65 percent of leagues
Week 8: Completed 19 of 32 passes for 261 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and had two carries for 14 yards and a fumble vs. San Diego.
Analysis: Cassel is not an add based on his previous two games against Oakland and San Diego but rather for his matchup against Miami in Week 9. The Dolphins have allowed multiple touchdowns or 300 passing yards against every quarterback they have faced this season with just two interceptions. Cassel would be a great bye-week replacement for Cam Newton or Matthew Stafford this week.
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Andy Dalton, Bengals
Owned: 65 percent of leagues
Week 8: Completed 18 of 29 passes for 168 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions at Seattle.
Analysis: Dalton struggled against the Seahawks, but he has six touchdowns in his past four games and nine touchdown passes on the season. He has a tremendous weapon in A.J. Green and solid complementary options in Jermaine Gresham and Jerome Simpson. He faces the Titans in Week 9, and Tennessee has allowed three quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdown passes in the past five games.
Avoid 'Em
Colt McCoy, Browns
Owned: 61 percent of leagues
Week 8: Completed 22 of 34 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception with eight carries for 30 yards and a lost fumble at San Francisco.
Analysis: This isn't an avoid for the rest of the season, but this is an avoid for Week 9 at Houston. Not only is this a tough matchup for McCoy since the Texans have only allowed one quarterback to reach 20 Fantasy points, but McCoy has struggled of late with just 21 Fantasy points combined in his past two games. We expect McCoy to play well in Week 10 against St. Louis, but we would ignore him in Week 9 based on his recent play and a tough opponent.
Scout 'Em
Sam Bradford, Rams
Owned: 44 percent of leagues
Week 8: Did not play.
Analysis: Bradford has been out for the past two games with an ankle injury, but hopefully he can return in Week 9 at Arizona. He should be able to finish the season strong, especially with a new weapon in Brandon Lloyd and some new confidence in his teammates coming off an upset victory against the Saints. The Rams have a favorable schedule ahead with matchups against Arizona (twice) and Seattle (twice) in four of their next six games, and Bradford could end up as a starting option in deeper formats.
Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks
Owned: 8 percent of leagues
Week 8: Completed 21 of 40 passes for 323 yards and one interception vs. Cincinnati.
Analysis: Jackson came back against the Bengals after sitting out in Week 7 at Cleveland with a pectoral injury and showed flashes of potential by getting the ball to Sidney Rice, Ben Obomanu and Doug Baldwin. Jackson now has at least 300 passing yards in two of his past three games with four touchdowns and four interceptions over that span. He has a decent matchup in Week 9 at Dallas and still faces St. Louis twice and Arizona to close the season. Jackson could be a useful starting option in deep two-quarterback leagues if he continues to play at this level.
Running back
Add 'Em
Maurice Morris, Lions
Owned: 68 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had 13 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown and one catch for 7 yards at Denver.
Analysis: We'll find out if Jahvid Best (concussion) can return in Week 10 after Detroit's bye in Week 9, but Morris is worth adding or holding onto until Best is cleared. Morris has plenty of potential as a low-end No. 2 running back or flex option if he remains the starter for the Lions, and it was good to see him get a goal-line carry instead of Keiland Williams.
Kregg Lumpkin, Bucs
Owned: 10 percent of leagues
Week 8: On bye.
Analysis: We'll find out this week if LeGarrette Blount (knee) is able to return after missing the past two games, but if he remains out then Lumpkin would be the starter for the Bucs with Earnest Graham (Achilles' tendon) done for the season. Even if Blount is back, Lumpkin is worth adding in point-per-reception leagues since he will be in on passing downs, and he had six catches for 37 yards against the Bears in Week 7 after Graham got hurt.
Chris Ogbonnaya, Browns
Owned: 1 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had 11 carries 37 yards and five catches for 24 yards at San Francisco.
Analysis: It's funny how things work that Ogbonnaya could be the starting running back in Week 9 against the Texans, his former team. Peyton Hillis (hamstring) remains day to day after being out the past two games, and Montario Hardesty (calf) was injured against the 49ers. Ogbonnaya would have a favorable matchup against Houston, and he has proven to be a solid receiver out of the backfield the past two weeks with 10 catches for 67 yards.
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Curtis Brinkley, Chargers
Owned: Not owned
Week 8: Had 10 carries 43 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 24 yards at Kansas City.
Analysis: Brinkley would be considered a must-add running back if he's healthy and Ryan Mathews (groin) and Mike Tolbert (hamstring) are out in Week 9 against Green Bay. Brinkley played great against the Chiefs, but he left the game with a concussion. He is worth taking a flier on, especially if you own Mathews or Tolbert, but his status is up in the air following the head injury. It's also a difficult matchup for him against the Packers.
Avoid 'Em
Bernard Scott, Bengals
Owned: 75 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had 22 carries for 76 yards and three catches for no yards at Seattle.
Analysis: Scott was a good replacement for the suspended Cedric Benson at the Seahawks, but with Benson back in Week 9 at Tennessee, Scott will return to his reserve role. He has minimal Fantasy value as the backup to Benson since he combined for 13 Fantasy points in the six previous games this year when Benson was active.
Chris Ivory, Saints
Owned: 4 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had six carries for 18 yards at St. Louis.
Analysis: Ivory could be a solid Fantasy running back in all leagues if he played for a different team, but he is the No. 4 option in the Saints' backfield behind Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas. He got an opportunity to play against the Rams with Ingram (heel) out but he failed to produce, like most of his teammates, in an easy matchup. Unless Ingram is out for an extended period of time and Thomas gets hurt also you should leave Ivory on the waiver wire in most formats.
Scout 'Em
Tashard Choice, Redskins
Owned: 16 percent of leagues
Week 8: Did not play.
Analysis: Mike Shanahan got a new toy to play with after the Redskins added Choice off waivers following his release from Dallas. Choice has done nothing this season as the No. 3 running back for the Cowboys with five Fantasy points on the season, but the Redskins need a spark in their backfield after losing Tim Hightower (knee) and watching Ryan Torain struggle, with rookie Roy Helu not ready for a featured role. The addition of Choice makes it difficult to trust any of Washington's running backs now, but if Choice ends up in a featured role he could be valuable as the season goes on.
Phillip Tanner, Cowboys
Owned: 7 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had one carry for 2 yards and two catches for 19 yards at Philadelphia.
Analysis: With Choice gone and Felix Jones (ankle) out, Tanner is now the No. 2 running back for the Cowboys behind DeMarco Murray. If something happens to Murray then Tanner would see a significant boost in Fantasy value, and he is worth keeping an eye on in all leagues. In deeper formats you might want to add Tanner now just in case Jones remains out for another week or two. As Tanner showed in Week 7 against St. Louis, he could be productive behind Murray when he has a quality matchup.
Kevin Faulk, Patriots
Owned: Not owned
Week 8: Had six carries for 32 yards and five catches for 20 yards at Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Tom Brady got his security blanket back in Faulk, who came off the PUP list prior to the game against the Steelers and was the most productive running back for New England. His return will hurt all the Patriots running backs, and he is worth adding in PPR leagues. Faulk had five targets against the Steelers, and Brady will continue to look for him often as the season goes on.
Wide receiver
Add 'Em
Michael Crabtree, 49ers
Owned: 57 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had five catches for 54 yards and a touchdown vs. Cleveland.
Analysis: Crabtree is starting to look like a quality receiver the past two games with 14 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, and he has 24 targets over that span. Alex Smith appears to finally feel comfortable with Crabtree, and his foot problems are hopefully over. He has a favorable matchup in Week 9 at Washington, and Crabtree could be a potential starter in all Fantasy leagues against the Redskins.
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Jerome Simpson, Bengals
Owned: 35 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had one catch for 14 yards and a touchdown at Seattle.
Analysis: Simpson continues to play well as the No. 2 receiver for the Bengals behind Green. He only had two targets against the Seahawks, but he now has at least seven Fantasy points in his past two games. Because Dalton is inexperienced, Simpson will have some inconsistent performances, but he is worth stashing on your bench as a reserve receiver who you could start in the right matchup.
Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers
Owned: 32 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had five catches for 70 yards vs. New England.
Analysis: As we said with Brown -- and about Sanders last week -- as long as Ward is out then Sanders will have increased Fantasy value. He now has 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in his past two games and 15 targets over that span. Brown has more value, but Sanders can be a quality Fantasy reserve going forward and a spot starter in the right matchup.
Jon Baldwin, Chiefs
Owned: 3 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown vs. San Diego.
Analysis: Baldwin had his first significant game for the Chiefs and Fantasy owners against the Chargers on Monday night. He had eight targets and showed a glimpse of why the Chiefs selected him in the first round of the NFL Draft. While we still have minimal expectations for Baldwin going forward, his big performance comes at the right time with a matchup against the Dolphins in Week 9. If you need help at receiver for this week then take a flier on Baldwin.
Avoid 'Em
Laurent Robinson, Cowboys
Owned: 2 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown at Philadelphia.
Analysis: Ignore the final stat line with Robinson because he caught a 70-yard touchdown against the Eagles in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss. Robinson played well when Miles Austin (hamstring) was out, but in his previous two games prior to Week 8 he had six Fantasy points. He's just too low on the pecking order behind Jason Witten, Dez Bryant and Austin to have any significant Fantasy value.
Scout 'Em
Ben Obomanu, Seahawks
Owned: 1 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had four catches for 107 yards vs. Cincinnati.
Analysis: Rice remains the best receiver for the Seahawks, but Obomanu might be No. 2 in the pecking order along with Doug Baldwin (40 percent ownership). The only difference between Obomanu and Baldwin is Obomanu might be more consistent. He has at least eight Fantasy points in three of his past four games, while Baldwin's Fantasy value depends on the health of Mike Williams. Still, both could be worth owning as Jackson continues to improve for the Seahawks. And Obomanu continues to benefit, which is why his Fantasy value is on the rise.
Titus Young, Lions
Owned: 6 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown at Denver.
Analysis: Young scored his first touchdown of the season Sunday and we hope he can build on this performance. With Nate Burleson struggling, Young has the chance to become a viable option for the Lions and Fantasy owners. Detroit is on a bye in Week 9, but if you need help at receiver in Week 10 then take a flier on Young now and hope he can string together some consistent performances to close the year.
Tight end
Add 'Em
Brent Celek, Eagles
Owned: 22 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown vs. Dallas.
Analysis: Celek is starting to play better in his past two games with 11 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns with 18 targets over that span. Michael Vick said before the season his goal was to get Celek more involved, and that's finally coming to fruition. He has a great matchup against the Bears in Week 9, and Celek is an excellent bye-week replacement this week based on his recent production.
Avoid 'Em
Tony Scheffler, Lions
Owned: 2 percent
Week 8: Had three catches for 38 yards and a touchdown at Denver.
Analysis: Scheffler scored against the Broncos (his former team) in Week 8, but he has minimal Fantasy value going forward. This was his first touchdown since Week 2 and he is clearly entrenched as the No. 2 tight end for the Lions behind Brandon Pettigrew. Detroit is on a bye in Week 9, and even with a favorable matchup in Week 10 at the Bears, Scheffler would only be worth owning if Pettigrew suffered an injury.
Scout 'Em
Scott Chandler, Bills
Owned: 26 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had two catches for 35 yards and two touchdowns vs. Washington.
Analysis: Chandler was back to Fantasy relevance in Week 8 with his performance against the Redskins, but this was the first time he had any Fantasy points since Week 3. He's a boom or bust tight end, and if he doesn't score then his production is limited. In a good matchup you can plan on using Chandler, but otherwise he won't help you much if he can't find the end zone.
Joel Dreessen, Texans
Owned: 5 percent of leagues
Week 8: Had two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown vs. Jacksonville.
Analysis: Dreessen has been the player to benefit the most with Andre Johnson (hamstring) out. Since Johnson was hurt in Week 4 against the Steelers, Dreessen has three touchdowns in three of the last four games. The Texans have done a nice job of using both tight ends with Dreessen and Owen Daniels, and Dreessen can be added in deeper leagues as long as Johnson remains out.Comment -
I traded for AJ Feeley and Bradford is back, fuk me.Comment -
Giant WR/RB/Flex mess this week with options:
RB: Shonn Greene, Reggie Bush, Jahvid Best, Ryan Torain, Ben Tate....need to start 2
WR: Heyward-Bey, Nicks, Mike Williams (TB) and Steve Breaston....need 3
Flex: ???
Thanks tt and others for your input. TT owe u some pts for all this help I ask for. Thanks againComment
