How about a little Fantasy QandA with one another???

Most of us don't play in IDP leagues

But this thread is overdue nonetheless.

Either Hill or Curry…my gut says Curry. As I said in the other thread, look for Redding to eat double teams and Curry to make a ton of plays on the strong side. This advice is worth what you’ve paid for it.

by shams on Aug 10, 2009 8:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I have a hard time with Seattle players myself because of my tendency to overvalue guys.

BUT I’m definitely going to get Branch and Burleson should they fall a bit (and not just get, but hold out on my WR run).

I think Lofa will have a solid year, 2 sacks, 3 INTs or something. Just a gut feeling. Curry seems to me like a guy who won’t be nearly as good in fantasy as he is in real life. Hill, I’m hoping gets 8 or so sacks, because it seems like outside of Kerney and Tapp, we really need sacks from some other positions.

Kerney I think will be a fine buy, but I hesitate on it because a) he is injury prone b) he may get rested more because he is injury prone.

Julius Jones I would have been high on, but I have a feeling Forsett will show that he deserves some carries and Duckett will show that he may be the better back, and he’s definitely more than just a short yardage back.

Guys I like not on the Hawks:
Aaron Rodgers
Beanie Wells (his o-line is bad, but the NFC West isn’t the best run defense league out there).
Knowshon Moreno (It’s Denver)
Kyle Orton
Benson (he’s not great, but he looks solid and without much competition. Andre Smith should help as well)

Guys I don’t like:
Shaun Hill
Antonio Bryant
Roy Williams
McFadden (talented, but that team is just crap)
DeAngelo Williams (never a fan of two RB teams, I mean they all are now, but two great rb teams)

by LantermanC on Aug 10, 2009 8:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I assume the usual caveats

so “guys I don’t like” = “guys I don’t like where I would have to draft them to get them”. Since Shaun Hill is going to be undrafted in 99% of leagues, he’s hard not to like from that perspective.

Totally agree on DeAngelo Williams, I’m not spending a first-round pick on him when J-Stew is available in the 5th. Also agree on Bryant, even before he got hurt— contract year or no, he’s been in the league a long time and is a known quantity. Roy Williams is tougher to figure, he was playing hurt and out of position last year. Still, his ADP is probably around 50 and you like a little more of a safe bet there.

Also agree on Branch and Burleson; Nate seems to be going in around the 9th round and he’s good value there. Branch is available around round 13 or later in the 12-team mocks I’ve been doing. I don’t know, with Housh and Carlson hoovering balls and our backfield also being involved in the passing attack it’s hard to figure the fantasy value of our secondary wideouts.

Beanie Wells has to prove he can stay healthy. As you said, though, team loyalty ruins fantasy objectivity, and it’s clearly in my interest for Wells to underwhelm.

Orton, Pennington, Cassel (maybe Flacco) are all very good late-round QB2s

As far as Benson…sigh. He is not good. And Andre Smith hasn’t signed yet.

Guys I like not on the ‘hawks:
Chris Henry, WR Bengals, has apparently learned some humility and turned around his life. My friend is a good Steeler fan so he has seen him twice a year— he said Henry is the guy they always worried the most about. Available in late-mid rounds. Sure, 85 and Coles are ahead of him, but Palmer should be back to full force and if Henry is there he will get the ball.
Knowshown Moreno. What’s not to love? He’s lethal, and available early 4th round.
LeSean McCoy. Westbrook has had two leg surgeries this offseason and they just drafted Westbrook 2. Unlikely I take BW unless he falls to late 2nd, but if I do, I’m definitely handcuffing. Even if I don’t I still may grab him and dangle him in front of whoever has Westbrook. If I’m in a keeper league I drool.
Donald Brown makes sense for the same reason. Addai is not made of titanium, and Brown hit 2,000 YFS last year.
Devin Hester can get open deep and Jay Cutler can get him the ball. Pitch and catch.
Jerious Norwood can be had late. Have him.
Robert Meacham just may be Brees’ second option at wideout. 5,000 yards is a big pie to share. Mmm, pie.
Tashard Choice is a late-round flyer with two guys ahead of him, but he is a dangerous runner.

Guys I don’t like not on the ‘hawks:
Chris Johnson I know I’m crazy, but with LW poaching carries and Javon Ringer also figuring to get some looks there are better RB1 options. I think Slaton is a much better bet, for one. I am aware many find that view baffling. Just right now I grabbed Slaton at the 10 spot in a mock.
Darren McFadden Oakland has a crowded backfield; overall, offensive points of light are hard to spot.
Darren Sproles is one of my favorite players to watch, but when do you ever start him? I have to think there are many games where he does bupkes.
Lance Moore might make me rue his inclusion on this list, but I think last year was a one-off
Anyone on the Cleveland Browns that team is such a mess.

by shams on Aug 10, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure as to what the ADP is, I'm just guessing as to what it is.

I’ve been getting less and less enthused about fantasysports as the years wear on (It’s weird, I for some reason stopped playing video games except the occasional Madden and MLB the show last year, and now my interest in sports are waning).

Benson, I figure if you need a RB, he doesn’t seem to have a whole lot of competition and that’s really all you can ask for out of your 3rd RB. I personally never liked him on Texas or the Bears, but I like a guy with no one around to unseat him. You can get a Tashard Choice and a Lesean McCoy and hope that the guy in front of them gets injured (thus making them starter worthy), or you can get two ok RBs, and get Benson for the byes (as well as an upside RB). Just how I like to play my backups, one safe, one upside.

Donald Brown is good, I agree. If NE had another RB besides the old man Taylor and the perpetually injured Maroney I’d say nab him, but they don’t.

by LantermanC on Aug 10, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ADP...

acronym for “Average Draft Position.”

Uhm, I’m a tad confused. Donald Brown isn’t with NE, he’s with Indy… you must be referring to someone else?

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 10, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understood his train of thought

Lanterman was a little sloppy with his words but he knows both of the things you just told him. :)

by shams on Aug 10, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I know what ADP is, sorry.

I meant I don’t know where players are being drafted in this year’s draft.

And same for Donald Brown. I associate Maroney and Addai together, and now both are pretty much unreliable. The Colts drafted a replacement, NE didn’t.

Sorry for the confusion, my thoughts and words melt together sometimes, and I misplace useful words and phrases that tie things together.

by LantermanC on Aug 11, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally understand...

and unfortunately empathize as only one that does the same can do.

Uhm… kinda did it there even.

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubles as an acronym for.....wait for it......

All Day Peterson.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Aug 13, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apologies for length

I should have split into two posts, or better yet just deleted half of it.

by shams on Aug 10, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not at all, this is exactly the kind of thought and detail I was looking for! :)

Even if I don’t agree with many of your guys, I do like to hear the reasoning as well as the name and position!

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 10, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please tell me which you disagree with

I need to be talked out of my illusions.

by shams on Aug 10, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No prob! That's what I was hoping for in the thread, some feedback for all...

And I actually on re-review don’t disagree as much as I did late last night.

I think one of the 3 “other” Seattle WR’s will have a decent year, but I think you need to either draft all three or simply make other plans and don’t count on ANYTHING from them. I’m going to pick up all 3 possibly in my keeper league if they’re still available around round 15-25, most picks at that point are “fliers” anyway, you throw enough $#&% against the wall, some of its bound to stick.

However, I’d stray away from Hawks in a yearly league, just because of the up-in-the-air factor. Hass is a great 2nd QB later, but I don’t trust anyone else (outside Carlson, who will be around 7-10th best TE, a solid value after the TE rush that always happens).

In other words, Burleson is simply a flier, and round 9 is a tad early for fliers in my opinion.

Oh, I’m not keeping Branch now. We traded Marshawn Lynch for Lee Evans and a 1st rounder in 2010, so we’ve got better balance. Also, we’re keeping Steve Smith (the younger) instead of Branch. It’s time we gave up on Branch (from a fantasy perspective) and that way if he does the same thing he’s done the past couple years, we don’t get upset at him/the Hawks. And yet, at the same time, if he does perform well, it’s just extra gravy, and extra gravy is always good.

I’d go with Josh Morgan, Kevin Walter, Steve Smith (younger), Mario Manningham, Steve Breston, Chris Henry, Santana Moss/Lav Coles (if still there), or even Joey Galloway (if healthy— and how in the hell is he still in the league) ahead of the Hawk “flier guys.” It’s just a nice way to keep your bets hedged. You have your team littered with Hawks and they have a bad week, you have a doubly bad week… in my keeper league that’s more okay because I do have a 45 man roster, I’m like 4-8 deep at every position…

Okay, Moreno is likely going 1st overall in my keeper league (remember, we basically are freezing 150 good players, so rookies truly rule the draft). I don’t like him. First, they have a ton of backs there. Second, it isn’t “Denver” anymore, it’s a new offense. Now, that doesn’t mean 4th round 2nd/3rd RB isn’t a good pickup, but I’ve seen people looking at him like he’s a top 10 back, 2nd/3rd round but before guys like J-Stew and McFadden in a couple Mocks, and I just can’t agree with that, given Denver’s rebuild and their simply brutal schedule. 4 games vs. the AFC Central, where RB’s go to die (ask Mendenhall), and 4 games vs. the NFC East. Ouch.

I think Darren McFadden is going to put up solid numbers, regardless of how many solid RB’s are in Oakland. But, I would draft Bush (not Vargas) as a handcuff, as a requirement. (I know, hypocritical given my Moreno schedule gripe, but I think the Raiders are going to be more competitive than people give credit for, and Denver is going to be looking for a new coach at the end of the year, or have a tremendously hot seat…)

And I’m just not big on Tashard Choice, unless you take him in the same vein as Branch… a talented “upside guy” who you stash on your roster hoping to hell things break right. A total “last pick in the draft” flier type guy. In that case, I’d rather take Forsett and see what happens… at least then you can do a “I told you” to the guys you’re up against.

I think Donald Brown is a year away, but he will be their primary next season (2010), with Addai being the 3rd down guy… I’d stay away or pick both guys this year and beat myself silly while handcuffed.

I TOTALLY agree with you on Deangelo Williams. Overrated. I think it was like 63-37 last season in carries between the two of them, but I think it’ll be much closer to 50-50 this year, and J-Stew will get the goal line. Also, I think LenDale will have a bigger year this year as well, neutralizing Chris Johnson (who relies on quickness SO MUCH if he gets banged up at all, will he be able to perform?) And bottom line, no way I pick a non-solo-back in the 1st/2nd round. I think you are going to see more and more people go QB/WR early and then pick backs a little later as the NFL evolves with this damn “share the load” system…

I also think Braylon will be about the 12th WR or so this year, which makes him a decent WR 2 option. I think he’ll rebound to solid if not crazy numbers like 2 years ago— which was lightning in a bottle. But I do see him as draftable. And for that matter, some of your RB options, I’d look at Jamal in round 3-4 prior to them… unless something’s changed that I haven’t heard, he’s one of the few “primary ball carriers” without a 2nd stealing numbers from him, so even if he’s not on a great offense, at least he’ll get the rushing numbers himself.

You’ve awakened something in me though… Chris Henry, ultra-talented ass-clown. Going to do some research, see if he’s worth picking up…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the manifesto.

It was worth the read, however.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Aug 11, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cedric Benson?!

Seriously???

Though, I have to agree with McFadden. The dude falls over by the slightest of contact. Heck, I’d start Michael Bush over him.

by aerozeppelin on Aug 10, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually do like Roy Williams.

Without T.O. I see him getting a lot more looks from Romo. I also like DeAngelo, partly because I had him last year and he was absolutely huge in a few games. 20 TDs on the season…tough not to like that.

by thebyron on Aug 11, 2009 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps.

He bit me in the ass last year, so I’m anti-Roy right now. Plus he sucked with both teams. I know it was a new system with the Cowboys, but he was just horrendous.

by LantermanC on Aug 11, 2009 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just a new system

but a new position (he has switched back for this year), plus he had that foot or toe injury. Certainly Romo will have no choice but to continue slinging it his way if he doesn’t pick it up right away.

It’s hard to go back to players that have burned us in the past. I’m sure I’m not the only one here who is happy in the mock drafts to see Lee Evans taken off the board, sparing me the decision.

by shams on Aug 11, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I can't believe...

I traded for him.

But I needed a WR2 that I could start from day one and not feel embarrassed about, and we’re going to try and get another couple in the draft, while also hoping Steve Smith the younger has a great year.

Of course, I did get a 2010 #1 pick as well, along with him, all for my 3rd RB. Not a bad deal…

But I don’t trust him with a 10’ stick.

In 2004, the first year of our league, we owned Lee Evans AND Roy Williams, lol.

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 12, 2009 5:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I said earlier, that trade seemed great for you

Marshawn Lynch is anything but a sure thing in his own right. It’s a definite win for you.

by shams on Aug 12, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same, I had him last year

and he was doing well the previous 4 or so weeks I think, and I needed one point from him to win (MNF I think), and Trent Edwards went into, I can’t throw downfield mode. I don’t think he was even targeted once.

by LantermanC on Aug 12, 2009 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those 20 TD's...

are obscene, and way higher than I would expect.

Don’t expect a repeat. I’m thinking 15 absolute max, more likely 12, with J-Stew getting around the same. You take all those TD points away from him, he’s average at best.

There are just other backs I’d rather go with…

Roy is available for trade in our league, but I just don’t trust the guy… he’s the Derrick McKey of NFL WR’s, always leaves you wanting a little more, but constantly showing glimpses of that eye boggling potential…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't expect 20 TDs again

…but I think he’ll still get around 16 with 2:1 touches over Stewart. It wasn’t broke, so they ain’t gonna fix it. I’d probably consider him my fourth or fifth choice after AP, MJD, Forte and maybe (maybe not) Slaton.

by thebyron on Aug 11, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh. I hope to draft with you guys...

/wrings hands together

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Aug 13, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I take back Orton for now...

Or at least I’d keep an eye out for Chris Simms.

by LantermanC on Aug 17, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What worked for me last season

Taking a chance on rookie running backs with a good chance to start late in the draft. Chris Johnson was still around pretty late, so I picked him up. Proved to be a pretty good back. Also wanted to get Kevin Smith from Detroit but I forgot. Beanie Wells would be the back I would pick if he weren’t a huge risk for injury and the Cards could prove they could run.

Donald Brown will likely be sharing snaps with Joseph Addai, and I don’t have absolutely no faith in McDaniels as a coach to consider Moreno. Then Glenn Coffee, Shonn Greene and Rashad Jennings will be splitting carries too. But if there’s an injury to Frank Gore, Thomas Jones/Leon Washington, and MJD they could be good acquisitions.

For wide reciever: Hakeem Nicks seems to be the most seemless to join he league. But he’ll have Eli thrownig to him, and in the red zone Ramses seems like he could be a good guy for a TD a week.

Percy Harvin could be interesting, I’d wait until the preseason to see if he plays RB/WR and how often to pick him though, so he’s not a situational/role player.

For some reason Philip Rivers fell fairly low, so I was able to get him. Maybe it was because he went up against one of the better pass defenses based on the previous season. Still, the guy seems like he could be a big home run hitter.

Of course, that’s just my instincts on these people, so don’t blame me if you lose your league.

by Trepidation on Aug 10, 2009 9:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with all your thoughts....

outside Ramses. He’s a year away.

Look for Steve Smith (the younger) to have much better numbers, maybe Nicks, but more likely Mario Manningham who is ultra talented and apparently got the message between last year and this that Vernon Davis just refuses to hear… it ain’t about you, unless you work so hard you make it about you…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know,

I try to stay away from rookies unless they are RBs. If they do well, you can usually pick them up later (Carlson).

by LantermanC on Aug 11, 2009 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just wondering: Adrian Peterson or MJD this year?

A lot of people say that MJD is going to have a monster year with a much better o-line, but that’s still strong words for a guy who never had a 1000 yard season. Plus, Jaguars has no one catching the ball other than Torry Holt.

by aerozeppelin on Aug 10, 2009 10:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

From reports out of camp, Garrard is so inaccurate it might not matter

by shams on Aug 10, 2009 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never stopped Barry Sanders.

And I forgot how much I loved Jacksonville’s draft. I’d still go Adrian Peterson one because his o-line is great as well, but I wouldn’t blame someone for picking MJD 1st.

by LantermanC on Aug 10, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

Tra Thomas, Vince Manuwai, Brad Meester, Eben Britton, Eugene Monroe? Sounds like an amazing line.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Aug 10, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair to MJD,

wasn’t Fred Taylor always the starting back in Jacksonville?

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Aug 10, 2009 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Peterson

…assuming it’s not a PPR league. If it is then I might go with MJD or Matt Forte at #1 instead.

by thebyron on Aug 11, 2009 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

I don’t see how you can’t go Peterson. He’s just that good…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lovin' this thread.

I’m a fantasy football newb so this makes for excellent reading.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Aug 10, 2009 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I know the Bengals are awful but

Chad Ochocinco and Carson Palmer both have great value as they’re usually around by the 5th round. Palmer was elite until last year, and indications are he’ll be ready to go. Tough division I know but it didn’t stop them in the past.
Duckett is the Hawk I’ll be after, Knapp loves him and the system suits him perfectly. I’m expecting him to see the bulk of our carries after the first few games.
A big sleeper could be Glen Coffee, Gore is always busted up and San Fran are looking to pound the ball. People seem to apply the same logic to LeSean McCoy and completely overlook a similar situation for the 49’ers.
I’ve got the first three picks in my 12 man league and my ideal first 3 would be MJD, Greg Jennings and Phillip Rivers

by ciarannh on Aug 11, 2009 8:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you on Duckett

The more I see and hear about him, I think Duckett will rack up a fair number of yards in addition to his td splurge. How are people feeling about Forsett this year, perhaps a very late round flier to fill out their roster? (Am I revealing everyone’s intended secret weapon/x-factor pick?)

I’m enjoying reading this thread, since Shams and I are in the same league. I’m a relative newb to FF, I played last year, but that was the first time. I rode some inconsistent performances to 2nd place, only to lose by an enormous margin in the final game.

Guys I do like:

Lee Evans—For a later round pickup, this guy has some decent production and a big distraction on the other side of the field. T.O. isn’t that great of a player anymore, but some defenses will still treat him as such.
Reggie Bush—This is a highly controversial pick for some people, and understand, I don’t think he’s a 1st rounder. But last year I got Bush in the 5th round (relatively shallow 10-team league) and still took a lot of derision. The dude rushes enough, get a ton of receptions, and provided something like 5 extra tds on returns last year (which counted in my league). There’s a lot of value in that if you get him in an early mid round.
Aaron Rogers—There’s a lot of talent in that arm, and that team is moving forward. The NFC North will be fun this year.

Players I don’t like:

Raiders
Rams (except Steven Jackson, he rocks)
No-Shaun Moreno—I know he’s got a lot of talent, and Denver running backs are usually pretty awesome, but he’s a rookie and that team is going to be playing from behind a LOT this year.
Eli Manning—The pressure of the new contract may break his brain. The guy’s always been a bit inconsistent, and I think this might push him a little too hard.
For some reason, I don’t really like Burleson or Branch to put up big years, though I think if you get them late then that’s fantastic. I love the guys, but I don’t trust them much.

by jimmimoose on Aug 11, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mooooose

I’m higher on Manning than you are, mostly because the Giants committed this offseason to establishing the deep threat— a perfect compliment to the power running game. That should reap dividends. As a QB2 he represents value I think.

Glad our league is just for fun or I’d have some pause about sharing notes. :)

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see Moreno sitting on the bench when the Broncos are down two scores. Since the whole offense is learning the scheme from the ground up, I discount his rookie status. You could be right though, he is definitely not without risk.

by shams on Aug 11, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused...

You have the first 3 picks overall and you’d go with those guys?

Or for your first 3 picks?

I’d be wary of Rivers this year… I don’t think he’ll “suck” but he plays the NFC East and AFC Central in non-divisional games, there’s some scary defenses he’ll have to line up against, and he still doesn’t have great WR’s…

I have a man-crush on Andre Johnson, I would never consider another WR in the league ahead of him… People have injury concerns, and I understand that. But I’d be worried about the same for Moss, who isn’t young, or for Larry Fitz (though it’s the qb staying healthy that owner would need to worry about.) Jennings is about my 7th pick or so at WR…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another for Ducket

He is on my sleeper list that I take in the late rounds.
Others on my list are: Jerious Norwood, I play in PPR leagues, and think he will have a bigger roll this season.
Jamaal Charles, same reason as above.
Michael Bush, had a great surge last season and is still around at the end of the draft. Devin Hester is not quite a sleeper, but is still lasting till the mid rounds and I will likely have Devin Hester on all three of my teams this year.

Players I am not as high on as others are:
Steven Jackson, I have had him the past two seasons and he was on the “doubfull” list way too much.
Larry Fitzgerald, I do not think Curt Warner will be throwing more then a few games to him, which drops his value.
Brian Wesbrook, I do not like dealing with his injury status all the time.
Clinton Portis, he wore down at the end of last season and will likely do the same this season.
DeAngelo Williams, he is being drafted too high based off a late season surge when he did not do much before that.
Steve Smith, just have a bad feeling.

by germpod on Aug 11, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Aug 11, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

heh heh...

I saw the wrong Curt myself, there, but refrained from mentioning it.

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw some film of him recently...

and the most similar running style I’ve seen to Warner’s ever (so far) is Adrian Peterson. Very, very similar running styles.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Aug 13, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am really high...

on Steven Jackson this year, though I understand your concerns.

My logic? He’s one of only around 8 backs or so that are NUMBER ONE BACKS without a 2nd stealing numbers… I’ll take my chances. Considering I traded Michael Turner for him (admittedly saving a ton of cap space after salary escalations on Turner last year) I have to admit I’m biased, but the guy is a beast, and they are shaping the O even more around him, as well as picking up a blocking FB and revamping the line.

I also think that makes Donnie Avery a great late late round pick now that he’s out he’ll fall, but he’ll tear teams up in play action if Bulger is back to even 80% of his old self given a better offense around them…

Which reminds me… San Fran is finishing 4th in division this year, no doubt.

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 11, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

New question....

choose one (keeper league long term as well as short term payout) and why he’s the guy, all positions score equal and we have good balance across the board. This is simply an “upside guy who could pay out nicely”…

LeRon Landry
Andre Carter
Leon Washington (RB NYJ)
Donnie Avery (WR StL)
Deion Branch
Adalius Thomas (LB NE)
Ernie Sims (LB Det)
Josh Morgan (WR SF)
Adrian Wilson (S AZ)
Kenny Phillips (S NYG)
Sean Jones (S Phi)
Chad Henne (QB Miami)
Troy Polamalu (S Pitt)
AJ Hawk (LB GB)

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 12, 2009 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hm... well if I were Fooch I'd say

Josh Morgan because has looked good in training camp.

But in all seriousness, I’d say Polamalu or Wilson. Both get a good number of tackles, Polly can get some INTs, or at least did last season. Wilson got 2.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 2 FF I think last year.

I’d stay away from Adalius Thomas, it doesn’t seem that NE LBs rack up great stats on an individual basis.
Same for Ernie Sims, he’s not a great fantasy player it seems.

by LantermanC on Aug 13, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd give your comment an 'A' based on potential and early mini-camp reports from street bums.

Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Jevon Snead, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer

by Misfit74 on Aug 13, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't play IDP but,

Wilson seems like the best chance to have a lot of opportunities to make plays as shootouts abound…

As far as offensive players are concerned I’d go Leon Washington all day long. Very realistic chance at being the #1 RB behind a stud O line coupled with big play ability if still a #2 is tasty to me.

by trippsixxes on Aug 16, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I totally blew it...

and didn’t pull the trigger on the Leon Washington trade before the deadline in our league. So, I’ll definitely target him in the draft, but couldn’t make it happen in time. Sigh.

We’ll be targeting Wilson in the draft. Along with Bob Sanders, who we had last year, but we forgot he and Hasselbeck play well in OPPOSITE years…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 16, 2009 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but the Jets drafted Shonn Greene, that has to be a concern, no?

by LantermanC on Aug 17, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I actually think the #1 and #2 battle is between Greene and Washington

With Thomas Jones left out in the cold.

by trippsixxes on Aug 17, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least long term, with keeper league in mind

by trippsixxes on Aug 17, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Latest word I got somewhere or other on Deion Branch...

DOWN —Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks

Speaking of depth charts at receiver, Branch is no longer top dog on his. Newly acquired T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson are the starters, and to put it kindly, there’s a bit of a drop-off between those two and the rest of the pack. As in, tight end John Carlson might be the No. 3 option. And Branch might not even be the “best of the rest” among receivers. Don’t plan on taking Branch in standard-league drafts.

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 13, 2009 10:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I saw that too...ESPN Fantasy e-mail

I don’t put much stock in it, as their depth chart also has Obomanu ahead of Branch. That’s not saying I’d lean on Branch as a fantasy guy; I think Matty’s gonna spread the ball around pretty well. If we’re playing a 2-WR set I think it’s Housh and Branch unless and until Branch shows that Burly deserves that spot.

by thebyron on Aug 13, 2009 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised if the yardage went something like this

Housh 1000 yards
Branch 800 yards
Burleson 700 yards
Carlson 700 yards

by LantermanC on Aug 13, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How much importance do you place on playoff matchups?

I play in an ultra competitive, big money, 2QB auction league and this year the top of the auction was crazy with AD going for 33% of the guy’s stack, Brees going for 28%.

I had to sit and wait until most teams had 1/2 their rosters filled before I pulled the trigger on my first buy. My team was definitely constructed with depth, value, and future trades in mind. Suffice it to say I have value up and down my roster but nobody I’m in love with.

Anyways, I see a huge overall year for Aaron Rodgers but our playoffs run from week 13-15 and he runs up against Pittsburgh, Chicago AND Baltimore those three weeks.. and as luck would have it he’s on my roster.

I already want to trade him now, or at least after he’s blown up for a few 300 yard games.

I know you can never truly predict a defense simply from last year, AND Baltimore will definitely be different w/o Rex Ryan and the fellas he took with him, but its still Pittsburgh and Baltimore, as well as bad weather cities all around.

So… how much of a factor are playoff matchups to you?
Is that part of your pre-draft/auction prep? If so…
Do you devalue the guy by some sort of percentage, or just avoid the guy altogether?

by trippsixxes on Aug 16, 2009 11:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great questions...

First I agree with you that week 13-15 defenses have a great chance to look considerably different than week 1-3, so I try not to worry too much about it this early. Yeah, if you get good value, make the trade, but Rodgers might be effective against all three those teams. Particularly Chicago. Plus, he plays cold-weather to begin with, so the logic implies he should be able to handle that aspect of it…

Besides, would you rather have Rodgers for those games, or, say, Kyle Orton or Sage or JaMarcus Russel? Chances are, if you really have doubts you may be able to pick someone like that off the waiver wire, right? I know you start 2 qb’s, but there should be SOME starting QB’s available on the wire, right?

My league doesn’t have playoffs, we play a 16 game schedule of head to heads. One interesting thing we do though is have “matchup weeks” where you go head to head vs. the team closest to you in the standings. We do this at weeks’ 4,8,12,16 iirc. 1 plays 2, 3 plays 4, and so on. It’s a nice way to avoid “Do or Die” playoffs while also having an aspect of them…

So bottom line, I try not to worry too much about playoffs while drafting. Too much time between for things to change. As the season progresses, I think you look more to the significance of upcoming games. Last thing I want to do though is look at Aaron Rodgers and the overall production I’d get from him and start over thinking it and drafting Trent Edwards or Chad Pennington instead because they play an easier schedule…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 16, 2009 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So... no go on the Rodgers for Orton str8 up deal?

But seriously, in a 2QB league I wouldn’t dare trade him unless I got an equal or greater QB back—> Brees, Manning, Brady, etc… Even though I’m pretty confident in my QB depth: Romo, Palmer, and the aforementioned Edwards(didn’t play fantasy football in the early 90’s, so I’m very excited about a no-huddle QB.)

I’ve always done the same thing with respect to just taking the BPA on draft day and letting the matchups come into focus around weeks 8-10(with plenty of success—won last year with no regard for playoff matchups.)

However, that stretch of historically imposing matchups was literally enough to make me cringe and wonder if anyone out there would have looked at that and just said no way.

Whiskey, do you just award your prize to the guy with the best record at the end of the year? And if so… Do you always go 1v2, 3v4, etc… with out switching it up and letting 2 play 3? Interesting concept that does seem like it would take the flukiness out of the year. My buddy with ‘07 Tom Brady is sick that he’s not in your league.

by trippsixxes on Aug 17, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couple notes...

One— another aspect of “picking for the playoffs” is inherent in your thought of only trading Rodgers for someone “better” such as Brees or Manning or Brady. Funny thing about those guys and fantasy playoffs— they may have that week off if playoff position is locked in… another reason to simply get the best guys and go forward.

Record at the end of the year is first tie breaker. 2nd is head-to-head. 3rd is points for. 4th points against…

The ‘07 Tom Brady guy lost to the flukiest winner in fantasy history. Guy was 12-5 but had the 7th lowest (of 10) points for, and the 3rd lowest points against. He won with low score week after week. Guy with Brady was 2nd highest points for.. finished 4th!!! (Highest points for finished 3rd.) Not sure if we did the “matchup week” in 07, it is a rule amendment we’ve come up with along the way.

The guy that won in season 1 (2004) ran off 8 straight wins on Larry Johnson’s back. I was in 1st (with Priest Holmes starting) when Priest went down and Larry came in and just crushed it.

However, I got that guy last year in a massive trade, when I traded to rebuild and he traded to make a run for the championship and I beat him 2 times in the last 4 weeks post trade (scheduled game and the "matchup game)… so I ended up running off 4 straight wins to finish 3rd and get my money back.

So anyway, the matchup week is always 1v2, 3v4 etc… but, as the standings change, so might those matchups. Typically the 2-5 teams are very very close, so the matchup week creates a lot of jostling in the standings…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 17, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Martellus Bennett...

sure is looking good… I’m thinking I need to get he and Vernon Davis this year.

(As backups to Gates, with upside…)

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Aug 21, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs