Whooooa, what happened? Across the nation, fantasy owners are claiming Buffalo Bills players at a rapid, frantic pace. You’re in such a frenzy, you’re trying to ignore the voices in your head. You have the left and right brain battling it out as you make haphazard waiver moves. On one hand, you’re thinking, “They just whipped the Baltimore Ravens.” On the other hand, the voice of reason says, “Yeah, but they’re Bills.”
As you agonize over all these decisions, let me make this easy for you. We’re in the throws of the bye weeks, and that’s means unfortunate lineup substitutions. We have gimpy running backs and bad decisions on our squads, so now’s the time to take a chance. Saddle up with these Bills and other good grabs below.
Ryan Fitzpatrick – His stats were already impressive before Sunday’s contest against the Ravens (which, by the way, destroyed suicide pools everywhere). The stud Fitzpatrick threw for 374 yards and four scores on Sunday. The former Harvard smarty has 11 touchdowns over the last four games. Available in 61 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Kenny Britt – Britt’s another one who prompted the fast finger on countless keyboards in Fantasyland. In only three quarters of play, Britt amassed 225 yards and three touchdowns. Britt sat the first quarter after a barroom brawl at the ironically-named Karma Lounge. Caution, Britt could see further disciplinary action. And keep in mind, Britt has higher value with Kerry Collins at the helm; and asking Jeff Fisher to pick a favorite quarterback is like asking Bill Belichick to pick a lone running back. While he’s largely taken now, he’s a benchwarmer on many teams. If he plays Sunday, start him.
LaGarrette Blount – Not too many unknown running backs emerged from Week 8, which is unfortunate for those fishing for help at that position. Check out Blount who racked up 72 yards on 11 carries for Tampa Bay . Although his time has been limited, he appears to overcome the Bucs’ weak O-line, unlike Cadillac who continues to struggle. Tampa faces a soft Cardinals defense this weekend. Available in 72 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Steve Johnson – Averaging over 75 yards per game with touchdowns in each of his last five games. Still don’t know who he is? He plays for the powerhouse Bills. Available in
37 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Blair White – Seriously, all moms should want their sons to play wide receiver for the Colts.
Other notables: David Gettis (CAR), James Jones (GB), Jordan Shipley (CIN) and Darren Sproles (SD).
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning at 9:00, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Week 6 pickups
Let's get this party started! The life of the party is returning. Bench your fill-in and activate the NFL’s favorite bachelor Ben Roethlisberger. I’m pretty sure the league wants Ben to succeed. They reduced his sentence, gave him a bye week to prepare for his debut, and served him the soft Cleveland Browns for his homecoming.
If you’re a Roethlisberger owner, cheers to that.
Even with all the media hype surrounding Ben’s suspension, his return isn’t the headliner. And neither is the widespread injury plague which is sidelining running backs. It’s the Bret Favre drama that I can’t even write about. He is totally disgusting. Allegedly.
Enough of that fantasy disaster. Let’s see what players are worth adding, dropping and pausing.
Pickups
Danny Amendola – Insert Amendola as the new lead wideout with Mark Clayton’s season-ending injury. In Sunday’s game against Detroit, he reeled in a career-high 12 catches for 95 yards. Available in 55 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Brandon Jackson – The Green Bay back is an interesting pickup. He notched 115 yards and a touchdown, including a stat-skewing 71-yard run. The Packers will rely on Jackson more heavily if Aaron Rodgers is out. Appears to be the favored back over John Kuhn at this point. Available in 34 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Kevin Kolb – Kolb looked pretty good last week vs. San Francisco, going 21-for-31 with 253 yards and one touchdown. This week, he faces a weaker pass defense in Atlanta. A good flavor-of-the week start. Available in 53 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Deion Branch – Branch was shipped across the country to former team New England. He hasn’t been the same since 2005 when he caught five touchdowns for nearly 1,000 yards. Quarterbacks apparently matter. I don’t expect an immediate impact, but he’s worth stashing if you’re weak at WR. Available in 73 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Mike Hart – Joseph Addai isn’t 100 percent, and neither is Donald Brown. While the starter hasn’t been declared yet, Hart is a good start as your No. 2 if he gets the nod. Faces the Redskins who are generous to opposing RBs. Available in 91 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Kenny Britt and Vince Young – Jacksonville matchup. No brainer.
News and notes
Michael Bush - We could have a runningback controversy when the fragile Darren McFadden returns. Bush looked like a starter, mustering 104 yards and a score last week. While McFadden will play this weekend vs. San Francisco, Bush will get the start. He's a strong No. 2 play.
Aaron Rodgers – Rodgers owners are watching this closely. While he says he’s very optimistic that he'll play, players always say that. Do better than the Packers with your backup pick. Matt Flynn only has 17 career passes. I like either Alex Smith vs. the Raiders or Josh Freeman vs. the Saints.
Calvin Johnson – Questionable for Sunday’s matchup vs. Giants. Shaun Hill’s value decreases also. Poor Lions.
Miles Austin – Minnesota ’s secondary is minus an injured Cedric Griffin. Nice for Austin owners.
Ray Rice – Hmmm. He got the nod on two short-yard TD carries. Has the McGahee handcuff been unlocked?
Brandon Lloyd – Denver matches up against the Jets, who have one of the league’s best run defenses. Kyle Orton will be slinging it all day. Lloyd and other Broncos wideouts will benefit.
Felix Jones – The new No. 1 RB in Dallas . Available in 27 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jamaal Charles – On pace to rush for over 1,700 yards. Come on, Haley. Is the decision really that hard?
Brett Favre – I thought Favre was annoying as a sulker and a whiner. Until I saw the 41-year old chest bump repeatedly on Monday Night Football. And then I saw him sulk again at the end. Can’t decide which is more pathetic.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning at 9:00, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
If you’re a Roethlisberger owner, cheers to that.
Even with all the media hype surrounding Ben’s suspension, his return isn’t the headliner. And neither is the widespread injury plague which is sidelining running backs. It’s the Bret Favre drama that I can’t even write about. He is totally disgusting. Allegedly.
Enough of that fantasy disaster. Let’s see what players are worth adding, dropping and pausing.
Pickups
Danny Amendola – Insert Amendola as the new lead wideout with Mark Clayton’s season-ending injury. In Sunday’s game against Detroit, he reeled in a career-high 12 catches for 95 yards. Available in 55 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Brandon Jackson – The Green Bay back is an interesting pickup. He notched 115 yards and a touchdown, including a stat-skewing 71-yard run. The Packers will rely on Jackson more heavily if Aaron Rodgers is out. Appears to be the favored back over John Kuhn at this point. Available in 34 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Kevin Kolb – Kolb looked pretty good last week vs. San Francisco, going 21-for-31 with 253 yards and one touchdown. This week, he faces a weaker pass defense in Atlanta. A good flavor-of-the week start. Available in 53 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Deion Branch – Branch was shipped across the country to former team New England. He hasn’t been the same since 2005 when he caught five touchdowns for nearly 1,000 yards. Quarterbacks apparently matter. I don’t expect an immediate impact, but he’s worth stashing if you’re weak at WR. Available in 73 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Mike Hart – Joseph Addai isn’t 100 percent, and neither is Donald Brown. While the starter hasn’t been declared yet, Hart is a good start as your No. 2 if he gets the nod. Faces the Redskins who are generous to opposing RBs. Available in 91 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Kenny Britt and Vince Young – Jacksonville matchup. No brainer.
News and notes
Michael Bush - We could have a runningback controversy when the fragile Darren McFadden returns. Bush looked like a starter, mustering 104 yards and a score last week. While McFadden will play this weekend vs. San Francisco, Bush will get the start. He's a strong No. 2 play.
Aaron Rodgers – Rodgers owners are watching this closely. While he says he’s very optimistic that he'll play, players always say that. Do better than the Packers with your backup pick. Matt Flynn only has 17 career passes. I like either Alex Smith vs. the Raiders or Josh Freeman vs. the Saints.
Calvin Johnson – Questionable for Sunday’s matchup vs. Giants. Shaun Hill’s value decreases also. Poor Lions.
Miles Austin – Minnesota ’s secondary is minus an injured Cedric Griffin. Nice for Austin owners.
Ray Rice – Hmmm. He got the nod on two short-yard TD carries. Has the McGahee handcuff been unlocked?
Brandon Lloyd – Denver matches up against the Jets, who have one of the league’s best run defenses. Kyle Orton will be slinging it all day. Lloyd and other Broncos wideouts will benefit.
Felix Jones – The new No. 1 RB in Dallas . Available in 27 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jamaal Charles – On pace to rush for over 1,700 yards. Come on, Haley. Is the decision really that hard?
Brett Favre – I thought Favre was annoying as a sulker and a whiner. Until I saw the 41-year old chest bump repeatedly on Monday Night Football. And then I saw him sulk again at the end. Can’t decide which is more pathetic.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning at 9:00, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Week 5 pickups
Once again, we learn that fantasy football is not a fair game. The trades of Randy Moss and Marshawn Lynch prove this. My apologies to those who own Tom Brady and Justin Forsett. Just not fair at all. Especially if you own both. On the flip side, Brandon Tate and Fred Jackson owners are feeling so smart. Undeservedly. The biggest winners of all: the Minnesota Vikings jersey makers.
Still unsure who to grab or start this week. Take a look below. Some are kind of obvious, I know.
Randy Moss – This Marshall kid is gonna be huge in Minnesota!
Brandon Tate – Um, hello...
Pierre Garcon – If Austin Collie is out, could this be Garcon’s week? Does he deserve just one last chance? As a Garcon owner, I had high expectations that have not been met. And if you’re reading this, Pierre, I am so disappointed in you. But with the bye weeks here, I'm giving you a shot in the third receiver slot. Of course, only if Collie sits. Sit Collie sit!
Mike Bell – Another promotion due to injury, Bell has been elevated from insignificant to likely starter. No word yet if LeSean McCoy is out, but stay tuned. And if Bell is still out on the wire, ring him up. Available in 83 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Marcedes Lewis – Despite the shaky passers, Lewis is a legitimate option at tight end. While he’s netted only 138 yards, Lewis has seen the end zone three times in four games. Faces a yummy Buffalo defense this week. Available in 49 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Ryan Torain – The substitute back looked good against a tough Philly defense with 70 yards and a touchdown. Although he faces a better run defense in Green Bay, he’s still a viable No. 2 RB. Available in 37 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Christopher Ivory – If Pierre Thomas’ ankle doesn’t hold up, Ivory is a good start as a No. 2 back. He didn’t look great, especially when he fumbled, but he’ll have an expanded roll if Thomas doesn’t play. Love the Cardinals matchup too. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Tony Moeaki – Have you ever heard of Tony Moeaki? He leads the Chiefs with 12 receptions and 123 yards. Moeaki is a good pickup if you have Aaron Hernandez or Heath Miller on the bench this week. Available in 79 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Roy Halladay – Your league settings may prohibit you from drafting non-football players, but try it anyway. Halladay makes every team better.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
Still unsure who to grab or start this week. Take a look below. Some are kind of obvious, I know.
Randy Moss – This Marshall kid is gonna be huge in Minnesota!
Brandon Tate – Um, hello...
Pierre Garcon – If Austin Collie is out, could this be Garcon’s week? Does he deserve just one last chance? As a Garcon owner, I had high expectations that have not been met. And if you’re reading this, Pierre, I am so disappointed in you. But with the bye weeks here, I'm giving you a shot in the third receiver slot. Of course, only if Collie sits. Sit Collie sit!
Mike Bell – Another promotion due to injury, Bell has been elevated from insignificant to likely starter. No word yet if LeSean McCoy is out, but stay tuned. And if Bell is still out on the wire, ring him up. Available in 83 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Marcedes Lewis – Despite the shaky passers, Lewis is a legitimate option at tight end. While he’s netted only 138 yards, Lewis has seen the end zone three times in four games. Faces a yummy Buffalo defense this week. Available in 49 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Ryan Torain – The substitute back looked good against a tough Philly defense with 70 yards and a touchdown. Although he faces a better run defense in Green Bay, he’s still a viable No. 2 RB. Available in 37 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Christopher Ivory – If Pierre Thomas’ ankle doesn’t hold up, Ivory is a good start as a No. 2 back. He didn’t look great, especially when he fumbled, but he’ll have an expanded roll if Thomas doesn’t play. Love the Cardinals matchup too. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Tony Moeaki – Have you ever heard of Tony Moeaki? He leads the Chiefs with 12 receptions and 123 yards. Moeaki is a good pickup if you have Aaron Hernandez or Heath Miller on the bench this week. Available in 79 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Roy Halladay – Your league settings may prohibit you from drafting non-football players, but try it anyway. Halladay makes every team better.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Week 4 pickups
My league hates me. I know it. I’m among the lowest point getters yet I have a pretty 3-0 record. I’m not stupid. I know this streak won’t last long. In fact, three more days is my best guess.
I already have my excuses prepared. I have a shallow bench (I blame the commissioner). Andre Johnson is limping (I blame the Cowboys). And I have three players on byes this week (I blame myself). I also have a quarterback who was not convicted of a crime, yet he won’t be in uniform until week six. That’s unlucky.
I do have other teams. More teams just means more drama. Again, I blame myself. I’ll save those sagas for another day. In the meantime, here are a few good pickups. Hopefully, your commissioner gives you a bench deeper than four. Yes, four.
Pickups:
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – The hot waiver pickup, Green-Ellis has promise as a flex option. In Sunday’s contest vs. Buffalo , he ran for 98 yards and a score. But claim him with caution. He plays for Bill Belichick which means you’re playing running back roulette. Draft him in desperate situations only, or as a third back option. Available in 73 percent of Yahoo leagues.
John Kuhn – Apparently, Brandon Jackson as the replacement guy is not a shoe-in. Meet John Kuhn, the spoiler to those of you with the fast finger. He’s averaging 4.5 yards per carry, compared to Jackson ’s measly 2.3. While the Packers will continue to choose air over ground, Kuhn is clearly the more powerful back with the more powerful stats. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Roscoe Parrish – Great name, right?... although it sounds more appropriate for a quirky relief pitcher than a wide receiver. Even though he plays for the Bills, he’s worth a look. Parrish reeled in five catches for 83 yards against the Patriots. There is risk in any Buffalo player, but with Ryan Fitzgerald under center, Parrish is a more viable option. I like him in the third WR slot, or in deeper formats. Like most Bills, available in 96 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Other notables:
Andre Johnson – What to do, what to do. It’s obviously a game-time decision for Gary Kubiak, but what do you do? I’m waiting until 2:45 CST. If he plays, I’m taking my chances and playing him. I understand he’ll have tough coverage in Nnamdi Asomugha, and only one good ankle. But he’s Andre Johnson. Another thought to consider, if he plays, Kevin Walter’s value increases as he draws the better matchup. I like them both.
Calvin Johnson – He’s hard to bench, but look at the tough matchup. Green Bay is completely shutting down their opponent’s top wideout. That demotes Johnson to a No. 2 or 3. Weigh your options.
49ers offense – I’ve lost my mind, just like Mike Singletary. I’m starting Alex Smith (it’s a bye week!) and Michael Crabtree. I like the change of pace with Mike Johnson inserted as the new offensive coordinator. Signaling any plays – even the bad ones – is an improvement over what we’ve seen. Good luck, Johnson. I am counting on you.
Michael Vick - I've received lots of e-mails about this one. Many of you who have him, also have another top quarterback on your team. Undecided in who to start? Let's make this easier. Deal one of them. Too much value is sitting on your bench. Trade Vick while he's at his prime value.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
I already have my excuses prepared. I have a shallow bench (I blame the commissioner). Andre Johnson is limping (I blame the Cowboys). And I have three players on byes this week (I blame myself). I also have a quarterback who was not convicted of a crime, yet he won’t be in uniform until week six. That’s unlucky.
I do have other teams. More teams just means more drama. Again, I blame myself. I’ll save those sagas for another day. In the meantime, here are a few good pickups. Hopefully, your commissioner gives you a bench deeper than four. Yes, four.
Pickups:
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – The hot waiver pickup, Green-Ellis has promise as a flex option. In Sunday’s contest vs. Buffalo , he ran for 98 yards and a score. But claim him with caution. He plays for Bill Belichick which means you’re playing running back roulette. Draft him in desperate situations only, or as a third back option. Available in 73 percent of Yahoo leagues.
John Kuhn – Apparently, Brandon Jackson as the replacement guy is not a shoe-in. Meet John Kuhn, the spoiler to those of you with the fast finger. He’s averaging 4.5 yards per carry, compared to Jackson ’s measly 2.3. While the Packers will continue to choose air over ground, Kuhn is clearly the more powerful back with the more powerful stats. Available in 92 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Roscoe Parrish – Great name, right?... although it sounds more appropriate for a quirky relief pitcher than a wide receiver. Even though he plays for the Bills, he’s worth a look. Parrish reeled in five catches for 83 yards against the Patriots. There is risk in any Buffalo player, but with Ryan Fitzgerald under center, Parrish is a more viable option. I like him in the third WR slot, or in deeper formats. Like most Bills, available in 96 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Other notables:
Andre Johnson – What to do, what to do. It’s obviously a game-time decision for Gary Kubiak, but what do you do? I’m waiting until 2:45 CST. If he plays, I’m taking my chances and playing him. I understand he’ll have tough coverage in Nnamdi Asomugha, and only one good ankle. But he’s Andre Johnson. Another thought to consider, if he plays, Kevin Walter’s value increases as he draws the better matchup. I like them both.
Calvin Johnson – He’s hard to bench, but look at the tough matchup. Green Bay is completely shutting down their opponent’s top wideout. That demotes Johnson to a No. 2 or 3. Weigh your options.
49ers offense – I’ve lost my mind, just like Mike Singletary. I’m starting Alex Smith (it’s a bye week!) and Michael Crabtree. I like the change of pace with Mike Johnson inserted as the new offensive coordinator. Signaling any plays – even the bad ones – is an improvement over what we’ve seen. Good luck, Johnson. I am counting on you.
Michael Vick - I've received lots of e-mails about this one. Many of you who have him, also have another top quarterback on your team. Undecided in who to start? Let's make this easier. Deal one of them. Too much value is sitting on your bench. Trade Vick while he's at his prime value.
Have a question for Erin Skelley? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin 's fantasy advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning, or during the Texans pre-game show every Sunday at 9:30.
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