Here’s the latest injury status report:
Out – LaDainian Tomlinson Matt Hasselbeck, Jamal Lewis, Lance Moore, Desmond Clark, Mike Bell
Probable – Johnny Lee Higgins, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Mario Manningham, Pierre Thomas, Matt Cassel, Frank Gore
Lots of game time decisions:
Questionable - DeSean Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Julian Edelman, Marion Barber, Knowshon Moreno, Brian Westbrook, Brandon Stokely, Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham, Kevin Walter, Clinton Portis
Check out these replacements:
Felix Jones – Too bad the Cowboys play Monday night. Jones is a decent start even if Barber is healthy. Either way, Jones should get more playing time.
Derrick Ward – With Cadillac and Graham out, Ward is in.
Devrey Henderson/Robert Meachem – New Orleans is missing many of its offensive weapons, so look for Henderson and Meachem to get more looks.
James Davis – While likely already taken, if he’s on your bench, he’s worth a look if you have an open slot. I know it’s the Ravens.
Bobby Wade – Could see more action if Dwayne Bowe is out. Check Bowe’s game-time status.
Other noteables:
Jermichael Finley – The Rams' struggles against tight ends increases Finley’s value. Look for Aaron Rodgers and Finely to connect on 80+ yards and one TD.
Johnny Knox – Jay Cutler’s favorite target.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday fantasy finds
When your boss isn’t looking, check out these players, widely available in most leagues. Just don’t get caught.
Brent Celek – He won’t be a sleeper much longer. The tight end is Kevin Kolb’s No. 1 target, getting even more looks than speedy DeSean Jackson.
Justin Forsett – Boasted 92 yards in combined rushing/receiving yards, Forsett is Seattle’s best running threat. Only a matter of time until he takes over the starting position. With Matt Hasselbeck hurt, the Seahawks will be running the ball more. Could be a breakout game for Forsett. Grab him while you can.
Julian Edelman – Who is this guy, you ask. He’s the new Wes Welker who saw a surprising 16 targets from Brady. Welker is still ailing, so look for Edelman to remain a threat. A good pickup in deep leagues or in 3-WR leagues.
Tashard Choice – A fantasy playoff standout from 2008, Choice’s value increases with Marion Barber questionable. Some reports show Choice to get as many as half the carries. Dallas is expected to run the ball all day against Carolina.
Johnny Knox – The Abeline Christian product is quickly becoming Jay Cutler’s favorite. Although it appears the Bears will run the ball against a weak Seattle run defense, Knox is still a big threat and should be starting in most leagues.
Chansi Stuckey – The Titans have an awful secondary, so look for the Jets to light it up with the passing game. Stuckey could have a big game.
Mario Manningham – The Giants passing game has been a nice surprise, thanks largely in part to Manningham’s prowess at WR. With 10 catches for 150 yards last week and 1 TD, Mario looks to have a big week against the Bucs, who are vulnerable against the pass.
Need more advice? Tune in to Sports Radio 610 on Friday at 9:00 a.m., or the Texans pre-game show this Sunday at 9:30 a.m., or send your questions to Erin at ERSkelley@yahoo.com.
Brent Celek – He won’t be a sleeper much longer. The tight end is Kevin Kolb’s No. 1 target, getting even more looks than speedy DeSean Jackson.
Justin Forsett – Boasted 92 yards in combined rushing/receiving yards, Forsett is Seattle’s best running threat. Only a matter of time until he takes over the starting position. With Matt Hasselbeck hurt, the Seahawks will be running the ball more. Could be a breakout game for Forsett. Grab him while you can.
Julian Edelman – Who is this guy, you ask. He’s the new Wes Welker who saw a surprising 16 targets from Brady. Welker is still ailing, so look for Edelman to remain a threat. A good pickup in deep leagues or in 3-WR leagues.
Tashard Choice – A fantasy playoff standout from 2008, Choice’s value increases with Marion Barber questionable. Some reports show Choice to get as many as half the carries. Dallas is expected to run the ball all day against Carolina.
Johnny Knox – The Abeline Christian product is quickly becoming Jay Cutler’s favorite. Although it appears the Bears will run the ball against a weak Seattle run defense, Knox is still a big threat and should be starting in most leagues.
Chansi Stuckey – The Titans have an awful secondary, so look for the Jets to light it up with the passing game. Stuckey could have a big game.
Mario Manningham – The Giants passing game has been a nice surprise, thanks largely in part to Manningham’s prowess at WR. With 10 catches for 150 yards last week and 1 TD, Mario looks to have a big week against the Bucs, who are vulnerable against the pass.
Need more advice? Tune in to Sports Radio 610 on Friday at 9:00 a.m., or the Texans pre-game show this Sunday at 9:30 a.m., or send your questions to Erin at ERSkelley@yahoo.com.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday 2-minute drill
A few news and notes as you finalize your rosters...
By now you know LT is out. Sproles is in. Start him. Yep, even against Baltimore.
San Diego Defensive Tackle Jamal Williams is out for the season. Shawne Merriman is not 100 percent. Fantasy value for Ravens' Ray Rice & co. increases this week.
Washington CB Fred Smoot was downgraded to questionable. Good for Rams WR Donnie Avery. Redskins defense still a tough matchup for the sad Rams.
New England CB Terrence Wheatley was downgraded to "no chance in playing." Jets WRs like that.
Tampa Bay WR Antonio Bryant is out. Michael Clayton will get more looks. Only 3 percent owned in Yahoo leagues. If you start three wide receivers, not a bad third option.
Philly tight end Brent Celek is a good pickup. A TE is an inexperienced quarterback’s best friend.
Chris Henry is another decent pickup. He only played in about a third of the Bengals' plays last week because he was nursing an injury. He should get more playing time and more looks against Green Bay
Looking ahead...
Larry Johnson's future as starting RB for Kansas City could rely on Oakland's ability to stop him. Another poor performance could give Jamaal Charles a promotion to lead RB.
Willie Parker should have the same incentive as Johnson. A continued lackluster performance means more time for Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore. Mendenhall didn't look much better than Parker last week either.
Need more last-second advice? Tune in to Sports Radio 610 Sunday mornings for the Texans pre-game show. We'll talk fantasy from 9:30-9:41. Or e-mail last-second questions to ERSkelley@yahoo.com.
By now you know LT is out. Sproles is in. Start him. Yep, even against Baltimore.
San Diego Defensive Tackle Jamal Williams is out for the season. Shawne Merriman is not 100 percent. Fantasy value for Ravens' Ray Rice & co. increases this week.
Washington CB Fred Smoot was downgraded to questionable. Good for Rams WR Donnie Avery. Redskins defense still a tough matchup for the sad Rams.
New England CB Terrence Wheatley was downgraded to "no chance in playing." Jets WRs like that.
Tampa Bay WR Antonio Bryant is out. Michael Clayton will get more looks. Only 3 percent owned in Yahoo leagues. If you start three wide receivers, not a bad third option.
Philly tight end Brent Celek is a good pickup. A TE is an inexperienced quarterback’s best friend.
Chris Henry is another decent pickup. He only played in about a third of the Bengals' plays last week because he was nursing an injury. He should get more playing time and more looks against Green Bay
Looking ahead...
Larry Johnson's future as starting RB for Kansas City could rely on Oakland's ability to stop him. Another poor performance could give Jamaal Charles a promotion to lead RB.
Willie Parker should have the same incentive as Johnson. A continued lackluster performance means more time for Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore. Mendenhall didn't look much better than Parker last week either.
Need more last-second advice? Tune in to Sports Radio 610 Sunday mornings for the Texans pre-game show. We'll talk fantasy from 9:30-9:41. Or e-mail last-second questions to ERSkelley@yahoo.com.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kurt Warner is the new old
It’s ok. It’s not over. Even if you started Kurt Warner. Or Chris Johnson. Or have any of the Pittsburgh running backs. Don’t panic. It’s a long season. And I’m not just saying that because I own Steve Slaton.
Most will get better. Rob Bironas won’t play at Heinz Field again. And Carolina will remember they’re a running team.
But a few adjustments for week two is probably necessary…unless you own Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson.
A few players widely available in Yahoo leagues:
Todd Heap – Owned in only 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, the tight end caught 5 passes for 74 yards, including a touchdown against the Chiefs. This week, Joe Flacco will continue to rely on Heap as they face the Chargers defense, which is very weak against tight ends.
Matt Hasselbeck – I know this is the third time in a row Hasselbeck has appeared in my blog, but he’s so likeable: 279 yards and three touchdowns. I’d really like to have tight end John Carlson on my team too.
Carnell Williams – Barely winning the starting nod, Cadillac regained his old form boasting 97 yards and a touchdown. Owned in only 37 percent of Yahoo leagues, the Tampa Bay back is a legitimate No. 2 starter.
Devery Henderson –Drew Brees is his QB, which should be enough. Henderson boasted a 5-catch, 103-yard effort, including one for 58 yards. I’m more impressed by the 5 catches, hopefully forecasting the QB/WR chemistry. I’m less impressed that it was the Lions.
Sit or Start
Not sure who to sit or start? E-mail me at ERSkelley@yahoo.com or call in to SR610 on Fridays.
Most will get better. Rob Bironas won’t play at Heinz Field again. And Carolina will remember they’re a running team.
But a few adjustments for week two is probably necessary…unless you own Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson.
A few players widely available in Yahoo leagues:
Todd Heap – Owned in only 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, the tight end caught 5 passes for 74 yards, including a touchdown against the Chiefs. This week, Joe Flacco will continue to rely on Heap as they face the Chargers defense, which is very weak against tight ends.
Matt Hasselbeck – I know this is the third time in a row Hasselbeck has appeared in my blog, but he’s so likeable: 279 yards and three touchdowns. I’d really like to have tight end John Carlson on my team too.
Carnell Williams – Barely winning the starting nod, Cadillac regained his old form boasting 97 yards and a touchdown. Owned in only 37 percent of Yahoo leagues, the Tampa Bay back is a legitimate No. 2 starter.
Devery Henderson –Drew Brees is his QB, which should be enough. Henderson boasted a 5-catch, 103-yard effort, including one for 58 yards. I’m more impressed by the 5 catches, hopefully forecasting the QB/WR chemistry. I’m less impressed that it was the Lions.
Sit or Start
Not sure who to sit or start? E-mail me at ERSkelley@yahoo.com or call in to SR610 on Fridays.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Fantasy football preview: sleepers
You often hear about lottery winners losing it all. $5 million, $10 million, $25 million – all gone. Some even go bankrupt. It begs the question – how could someone with so much lose it all?
Just ask Josh McDaniel. As one of the NFL’s youngest head coaches, he inherited the No. 2 offense in the league this season when he joined the Denver Broncos. And like careless windfall winners, he has negotiated, coached and manipulated the Denver offense into personnel bankruptcy – and all before the first regular-season snap. Starting with the silly feud with Jay Cutler, resulting in a trade for Kyle Orton (which suggests he should have tried for Matt Cassell), and now his lead receiver Brandon Marshall has been suspended for poor conduct after treating practice like a playground.
SR 610’s Matt Jackson fantasy team name is one of my favorites: Forgetting Brandon Marshall. As a fantasy owner, perhaps “forget” is a little strong, but his fantasy stock has certainly dropped. Remembering Eddie Royal, however, would be a good thing.
Royal’s fantasy value certainly increases, even with a lesser-ranked Orton at QB. And while the Broncos maintain they will keep Marshall, immature practice antics such as swatting passes and punting balls (instead of handing them to the ball boys) hardly prove his point that he deserves more respect.
In his freshman year, Royal caught an impressive 91 passes, and boasted the second highest percentage for receptions – 72.2 percent, just behind steady Wes Welker. Do I have a lot of confidence in the Denver Broncos? No. Do I have a lot of confidence in Eddie Royal’s fantasy value? Yes.
Sleepers
My other sleepers aren’t necessarily super sleepers, but I think they’ll do better than their draft order suggests. If your draft was already conducted, no worries. Just keep your finger on the keyboard.
QB – In addition to Matt Hasselbeck (mentioned in a previous blog), I like Matt Cassell as a late-round pick. Even if he’s out a few weeks, he would make a great backup or safety net should your starting QB turn out to be a bust.
RB – Peyton Hillis could be the dark horse of the running backs. With Denver’s running game pandemic, Hillis could be the go-to guy eventually. Even as the backup, he’ll see plenty of playing time serving a utility function.
Jamaal Charles could also land himself the starting role for the Kansas City Chiefs. Hard to imagine Larry Johnson making it through the entire season, and if he does, it will be because Charles has received considerable playing time. As one of the fastest guys in the NFL, an achy Johnson gives Charles the opportunity to take over the starter role.
WR - The lightening fast Percy Harvin could make a big fantasy impact this season. The Vikings plan to play him in a number of roles which gives him more scoring opportunities. I also like the Colts’ Anthony Gonzalez. With Harrison gone, his looks increase. With Manning as QB, he could double his TDs from four to eight.
TE – Greg Olson is the biggest receiving threat on the Bears. Consider him a wide receiver in the TE slot. The addition of Cutler makes him more dangerous.
DEF - The New York Jets are a good late-round pickup. Rex Ryan brought half his crew from the Baltimore Ravens. They are likely to blitz often and rack up major fantasy points. Having Leon Washington return kicks is a bonus.
K – Aren’t they all? Pick one.
Just ask Josh McDaniel. As one of the NFL’s youngest head coaches, he inherited the No. 2 offense in the league this season when he joined the Denver Broncos. And like careless windfall winners, he has negotiated, coached and manipulated the Denver offense into personnel bankruptcy – and all before the first regular-season snap. Starting with the silly feud with Jay Cutler, resulting in a trade for Kyle Orton (which suggests he should have tried for Matt Cassell), and now his lead receiver Brandon Marshall has been suspended for poor conduct after treating practice like a playground.
SR 610’s Matt Jackson fantasy team name is one of my favorites: Forgetting Brandon Marshall. As a fantasy owner, perhaps “forget” is a little strong, but his fantasy stock has certainly dropped. Remembering Eddie Royal, however, would be a good thing.
Royal’s fantasy value certainly increases, even with a lesser-ranked Orton at QB. And while the Broncos maintain they will keep Marshall, immature practice antics such as swatting passes and punting balls (instead of handing them to the ball boys) hardly prove his point that he deserves more respect.
In his freshman year, Royal caught an impressive 91 passes, and boasted the second highest percentage for receptions – 72.2 percent, just behind steady Wes Welker. Do I have a lot of confidence in the Denver Broncos? No. Do I have a lot of confidence in Eddie Royal’s fantasy value? Yes.
Sleepers
My other sleepers aren’t necessarily super sleepers, but I think they’ll do better than their draft order suggests. If your draft was already conducted, no worries. Just keep your finger on the keyboard.
QB – In addition to Matt Hasselbeck (mentioned in a previous blog), I like Matt Cassell as a late-round pick. Even if he’s out a few weeks, he would make a great backup or safety net should your starting QB turn out to be a bust.
RB – Peyton Hillis could be the dark horse of the running backs. With Denver’s running game pandemic, Hillis could be the go-to guy eventually. Even as the backup, he’ll see plenty of playing time serving a utility function.
Jamaal Charles could also land himself the starting role for the Kansas City Chiefs. Hard to imagine Larry Johnson making it through the entire season, and if he does, it will be because Charles has received considerable playing time. As one of the fastest guys in the NFL, an achy Johnson gives Charles the opportunity to take over the starter role.
WR - The lightening fast Percy Harvin could make a big fantasy impact this season. The Vikings plan to play him in a number of roles which gives him more scoring opportunities. I also like the Colts’ Anthony Gonzalez. With Harrison gone, his looks increase. With Manning as QB, he could double his TDs from four to eight.
TE – Greg Olson is the biggest receiving threat on the Bears. Consider him a wide receiver in the TE slot. The addition of Cutler makes him more dangerous.
DEF - The New York Jets are a good late-round pickup. Rex Ryan brought half his crew from the Baltimore Ravens. They are likely to blitz often and rack up major fantasy points. Having Leon Washington return kicks is a bonus.
K – Aren’t they all? Pick one.
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