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Oct 30
2007
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This weekend was probably the greatest weekend ever. No, not because Marquis Colston came to life. Not because Joseph Addai is the clear cut #1 guy in Indianapolis. To tell you the truth, it's because we now have a Sonic in my area.
After seeing their commercials for years, and not having a Sonic closer than 2 hours away, this is excellent. When I found out they had opened Saturday, I told my wife we were going. We returned the next day. The only problem? The place was packed. That's the disadvantage of living in a small area. When something new opens, even if it's a restaurant that is located 15 minutes away, people go nuts. Eventually people settle down and either think, "Hey, we already had this" or "This is good, but it's not the best."
It's kind of like adding players on waivers after a hot performance. Each week you get a group of hot new players for your fantasy teams, kind of like a new restaurant opening up in your small, quiet town. Everyone flocks to these players like they're the greatest thing ever. After the initial hype dies down, you see the players for their true value. Sure, Adimchinobi Echemandu looks great now, but he could be the Applebee's of the fantasy world. After a few weeks you're wondering what all the hype was about, because you had one 20 minutes away, just like you had Ernest Graham on your roster. They're basically going to be the same thing, but Echemandu is new and exciting, so you don't see that now.
Then you've got people like Ryan Grant. He's the Sonic of the running back crop this week. Sonic is the same as McDonalds or Burger King, only with a twist - better drinks and drive in service. Grant is just like DeShawn Wynn and Brandon Jackson, only his twist is that he can actually run the ball well. Sure, he's not in the steak house category, but I've got no problem with fast food.
Last week Jesse Chatman was the flavor of the week. This week we've got some new players to go to. Before we get in to winning your league with the waiver wire, let's review last week.
A PAT ON THE BACK, AND A KICK IN THE REAR
Let me just say that I'm all about giving myself credit when I make a great call. To be fair, I will also take the blame when I make a bad one. That's what this section is for. Before getting on to this week's picks, I just want to look back on last week to celebrate (and lament) a few of the selections from last week.
I'm patting myself on the back for...
-Starting Marc Bulger in two of my leagues, after making him my #1 waiver wire QB last week. True, he wasn't owned by less than 50% of leagues, but Bulger was going in the third and fourth rounds, and now he's a free agent in a quarter of fantasy leagues. He could have done better against the Browns, but if you were clever enough to start him over Eli Manning, then you're smiling this week.
-Picking up the Saints defense to spell the Redskins who were getting murdered by the Patriots. Defense is a funny category. In one of my leagues I got 8 points from the Saints. In another I got 12. Either way, that's pretty good for a defense ranked close to last. I'd also like to give my wife credit for starting the Lions defense against the Bears, which gave her a two point victory over my cousin. Her analysis on why she started the Lions against the Bears: "Oh, they're playing the Bears. I thought they were playing someone else." You've got to love fantasy football.
-Calling Marquis Colston a buy low. I was able to pick him up in one of my leagues before Sunday's games, and the end result was a dominating victory with Drew Brees also serving as my quarterback.
-Reggie Brown: Finally a 10 point game. It would be nice to get a touchdown. Too bad no one owned you for this game, and that includes me.
I'm kicking myself in the rear for...
-Calling Brian Griese my #2 QB, and technically my #1 when you follow the rules. 4 fantasy points is all he netted, after a 4 interception day against the Lions. The Lions! In my defense, he was playing...the freaking Lions! What quarterback doesn't go for 300 and two touchdowns against them?
-Calling Tampa Bay my #2 defense. I don't know how that happened. Quinn Gray goes 7 for 16 for 100 yards, they allow 133 total rushing yards on 44 carries, and they end up allowing 24 points. The worst part is: no turnovers. Against Quinn Gray!
-Pretty much all of my tight end choices, except Scheffler.
Now, on to this week's winners...
QUARTER BACKS
JP Losman - It's not often that I will use the words "JP Losman" and "winners" in the same sentence, unless it's "The Bills will never be winners with JP Losman." However, this week JP Losman is taking over for Trent Edwards, and what a good match up it is for him. He gets the Bengals, a week after Lee Evans comes alive. Even though Trent Edwards is way better, I can see Losman getting a good start this week, causing a QB controversy. For the record, I am starting him in one of my fantasy leagues this week.
Brooks Bollinger - Bollinger looked pretty good in his limited appearance on Sunday. The Chargers give up a lot of fantasy points to quarterbacks, and I can see more being allowed this week because I feel the Vikings will be playing from behind a lot, and passing more as a result. I'm looking for about 10-12 points here, which is a good bye week replacement in a deep league, or if you start two quarterbacks.
Kellen Clemens - He looked bad this past week, but I'm taking a flier on Clemens. I'm not starting him this week, but let's just say that in one of my leagues I'm not comfortable with Eli Manning and Jon Kitna, and I'm hoping Clemens turns in to this year's version of Roethlisberger. As for this week, I'm looking for a week two type performance where he throws for over 250 yards, a touchdown, and maybe an interception or two.
RUNNING BACKS
Selvin Young - Young is owned by 50% of leagues, and will probably shoot up there after this past week. In one of my leagues I took him over Ryan Grant, just because I don't need immediate help, but if he takes over for Travis Henry in time for the playoffs, he could be huge. I think Young has the most upside of all of the running backs you will pick up on waivers this season - call him the Olive Garden of the waiver wire. Plus he gets a good match up in Houston during week 15, which if you're a Steven Jackson owner, taking on Baltimore that week, you may need that help. Of course, if you own Jackson you probably own a lot of other good backs to get yourself in playoff position.
Ryan Grant - Grant is a solid starter from the looks of his game on Monday. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Packers could go to the Super Bowl this year if they had a solid running game. Grant could get them that game, and considering he gets to play teams like the Lions, Raiders, Chiefs, and Rams, he should put up some good numbers the rest of the season. Deshawn Wynn is out for the year, and Brandon Jackson has been a huge disappointment, so I don't think Grant will get any competition in the Packers backfield.
Adimchinobu Echemandu - I hate typing his name, but if his injury isn't serious, he could be a good part of the Texans backfield. I don't think he is your top selection, but if you're in desperate need of a running back, he will do.
Justin Fargas - Fargas will be stealing carries from LaMont Jordan, which will give him a value boost. I look at Fargas like a Derrick Ward type running back. He'll get some carries, may break off a few long runs, but I don't think he's getting the goal line carries.
Chris Henry - The running back version was on my list last week, and came through with a touchdown. He's played two games, scored two touchdowns, and looks like he will be a regular runner, giving you at least 6 points per week, with a chance at a touchdown. The Titans are a good team that are usually in the lead, and they run the ball a lot, so Henry will have more value than a lot of #2 backs.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Lee Evans - Ok, I'm cheating again, as Evans is obviously owned by more than 50% of leagues. However, if he was dropped in your league, the time is now to pick him up, especially in time for the Bengals this week.
Reggie Brown - He had his best game of the year last week, and I think he follows up on that against the Cowboys. This game will be close, and I give the Cowboys an early edge, which means the Eagles may be playing catch up. That, and I think Kevin Curtis has taken over the #1 coverage, leaving Brown with some better match ups.
Antwaan Randle El - He's a playmaker, and I don't like playmakers because they're hit or miss. Sure, they score the same amount of points as a lot of other top contributors, but I'd rather have 15 points a week, rather than 26 one week and 4 the next. I like his match up against the Jets.
Roddy White - This guy should be owned by a lot more than 50% of leagues. He's pretty much the only receiving option in Atlanta, a team that will be playing from behind most of the season. He's good for at least 7-10 points a week, and has a good chance of scoring a touchdown being Atlanta's only weapon.
Chris Henry - The wide receiver version comes back next week, and will be the #3 guy in the Bengals offense. With Houshmandzadeh having a great season, and Chad Johnson always demanding respect, Henry should be a great #3 option again for the Bengals, making him a good pick up in fantasy.
TIGHT ENDS
Will Heller - He replaces Marcus Pollard, and the good news is that his bye week last week probably made people forget his 2 touchdown, 50 yard performance. The best news? He gets the Browns this week.
Visanthe Shiancoe - Remember how I said the Vikings have no receivers? Well Shiancoe isn't Antonio Gates, but he proved to be a decent option last week, and could be a commonly used safety valve target for Bollinger when the Vikings receivers fail to get open. The Chargers are the 4th worst team in terms of giving up fantasy points to tight ends.
Ben Utecht - This just feels like one of those games where the match up is so huge that all of the normal receivers will be covered, leaving Peyton Manning throwing at least one touchdown to a guy like Utecht.
KICKERS
Sebastian Janikowski - I love this match up. The Texans give up the most fantasy points to kickers, and the Raiders offense is good enough to get down field, but bad enough to fail to score.
Morten Anderson - Same as the Raiders and Janiowski. I can see the Falcons getting down field against the 49ers, but they'll fall short and kick a few.
Rian Lindell - Because I have high hopes for the Bills against the Bengals.
Jeff Reed - Because Baltimore allows a lot of field goals, and Pittsburgh kicks a lot of field goals against defenses like the Ravens.
DEFENSE / SPECIAL TEAMS
Atlanta - I'm starting the Falcons in at least one of my leagues. The 49ers are just a train wreck on offense this season, and with Frank Gore possibly to miss the game, or to play hurt, I like the Falcons to have a huge game here.
Washington - Forget what happened last week. This week they get a real team, not a Madden team. The best part is that they get Kellen Clemens. I didn't say he'd be good this week, just that he could be good later in the season.
BUY LOW TEAM
QB - Kurt Warner - The injury and week off may have dipped his value. His remaining schedule: TB, Det, Cin, SF, Cle, Sea, NO, Atl
RB - Maurice Jones-Drew - His injury puts him back on my buy low list, but I just love his week 16 game against Oakland.
RB - Ernest Graham - He's a top 25 running back in fantasy, and owned in 73% of leagues. He runs well, and catches out of the backfield.
WR - Chad Johnson - He's been hurt, and isn't putting up top points like TJ. He'll come around.
WR - Roy Williams - After a hot start he has cooled off. I can see him heating up, starting with a touchdown this week.
TE - Greg Olson - He should be one of the top owned tight ends, but he's available in a few of my leagues.
DEF - Giants - I still can't believe only 70% of leagues own the #3 ranked Giants defense.
K - Kris Brown - A dime a dozen, but Brown is #1 and only owned in 71% of leagues.
WAIVER WIRE TEAM
QB - JP Losman
RB - Justin Fargas
RB - Ryan Grant
WR - Reggie Brown
WR - Roddy White
TE - Will Heller
DEF - Washington
K - Sebastian Janikowski
Good luck to everyone this week, and remember: If you want to truly embarrass someone in fantasy football, beat them with the waiver wire.
After seeing their commercials for years, and not having a Sonic closer than 2 hours away, this is excellent. When I found out they had opened Saturday, I told my wife we were going. We returned the next day. The only problem? The place was packed. That's the disadvantage of living in a small area. When something new opens, even if it's a restaurant that is located 15 minutes away, people go nuts. Eventually people settle down and either think, "Hey, we already had this" or "This is good, but it's not the best."
It's kind of like adding players on waivers after a hot performance. Each week you get a group of hot new players for your fantasy teams, kind of like a new restaurant opening up in your small, quiet town. Everyone flocks to these players like they're the greatest thing ever. After the initial hype dies down, you see the players for their true value. Sure, Adimchinobi Echemandu looks great now, but he could be the Applebee's of the fantasy world. After a few weeks you're wondering what all the hype was about, because you had one 20 minutes away, just like you had Ernest Graham on your roster. They're basically going to be the same thing, but Echemandu is new and exciting, so you don't see that now.
Then you've got people like Ryan Grant. He's the Sonic of the running back crop this week. Sonic is the same as McDonalds or Burger King, only with a twist - better drinks and drive in service. Grant is just like DeShawn Wynn and Brandon Jackson, only his twist is that he can actually run the ball well. Sure, he's not in the steak house category, but I've got no problem with fast food.
Last week Jesse Chatman was the flavor of the week. This week we've got some new players to go to. Before we get in to winning your league with the waiver wire, let's review last week.
A PAT ON THE BACK, AND A KICK IN THE REAR
Let me just say that I'm all about giving myself credit when I make a great call. To be fair, I will also take the blame when I make a bad one. That's what this section is for. Before getting on to this week's picks, I just want to look back on last week to celebrate (and lament) a few of the selections from last week.
I'm patting myself on the back for...
-Starting Marc Bulger in two of my leagues, after making him my #1 waiver wire QB last week. True, he wasn't owned by less than 50% of leagues, but Bulger was going in the third and fourth rounds, and now he's a free agent in a quarter of fantasy leagues. He could have done better against the Browns, but if you were clever enough to start him over Eli Manning, then you're smiling this week.
-Picking up the Saints defense to spell the Redskins who were getting murdered by the Patriots. Defense is a funny category. In one of my leagues I got 8 points from the Saints. In another I got 12. Either way, that's pretty good for a defense ranked close to last. I'd also like to give my wife credit for starting the Lions defense against the Bears, which gave her a two point victory over my cousin. Her analysis on why she started the Lions against the Bears: "Oh, they're playing the Bears. I thought they were playing someone else." You've got to love fantasy football.
-Calling Marquis Colston a buy low. I was able to pick him up in one of my leagues before Sunday's games, and the end result was a dominating victory with Drew Brees also serving as my quarterback.
-Reggie Brown: Finally a 10 point game. It would be nice to get a touchdown. Too bad no one owned you for this game, and that includes me.
I'm kicking myself in the rear for...
-Calling Brian Griese my #2 QB, and technically my #1 when you follow the rules. 4 fantasy points is all he netted, after a 4 interception day against the Lions. The Lions! In my defense, he was playing...the freaking Lions! What quarterback doesn't go for 300 and two touchdowns against them?
-Calling Tampa Bay my #2 defense. I don't know how that happened. Quinn Gray goes 7 for 16 for 100 yards, they allow 133 total rushing yards on 44 carries, and they end up allowing 24 points. The worst part is: no turnovers. Against Quinn Gray!
-Pretty much all of my tight end choices, except Scheffler.
Now, on to this week's winners...
QUARTER BACKS
JP Losman - It's not often that I will use the words "JP Losman" and "winners" in the same sentence, unless it's "The Bills will never be winners with JP Losman." However, this week JP Losman is taking over for Trent Edwards, and what a good match up it is for him. He gets the Bengals, a week after Lee Evans comes alive. Even though Trent Edwards is way better, I can see Losman getting a good start this week, causing a QB controversy. For the record, I am starting him in one of my fantasy leagues this week.
Brooks Bollinger - Bollinger looked pretty good in his limited appearance on Sunday. The Chargers give up a lot of fantasy points to quarterbacks, and I can see more being allowed this week because I feel the Vikings will be playing from behind a lot, and passing more as a result. I'm looking for about 10-12 points here, which is a good bye week replacement in a deep league, or if you start two quarterbacks.
Kellen Clemens - He looked bad this past week, but I'm taking a flier on Clemens. I'm not starting him this week, but let's just say that in one of my leagues I'm not comfortable with Eli Manning and Jon Kitna, and I'm hoping Clemens turns in to this year's version of Roethlisberger. As for this week, I'm looking for a week two type performance where he throws for over 250 yards, a touchdown, and maybe an interception or two.
RUNNING BACKS
Selvin Young - Young is owned by 50% of leagues, and will probably shoot up there after this past week. In one of my leagues I took him over Ryan Grant, just because I don't need immediate help, but if he takes over for Travis Henry in time for the playoffs, he could be huge. I think Young has the most upside of all of the running backs you will pick up on waivers this season - call him the Olive Garden of the waiver wire. Plus he gets a good match up in Houston during week 15, which if you're a Steven Jackson owner, taking on Baltimore that week, you may need that help. Of course, if you own Jackson you probably own a lot of other good backs to get yourself in playoff position.
Ryan Grant - Grant is a solid starter from the looks of his game on Monday. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The Packers could go to the Super Bowl this year if they had a solid running game. Grant could get them that game, and considering he gets to play teams like the Lions, Raiders, Chiefs, and Rams, he should put up some good numbers the rest of the season. Deshawn Wynn is out for the year, and Brandon Jackson has been a huge disappointment, so I don't think Grant will get any competition in the Packers backfield.
Adimchinobu Echemandu - I hate typing his name, but if his injury isn't serious, he could be a good part of the Texans backfield. I don't think he is your top selection, but if you're in desperate need of a running back, he will do.
Justin Fargas - Fargas will be stealing carries from LaMont Jordan, which will give him a value boost. I look at Fargas like a Derrick Ward type running back. He'll get some carries, may break off a few long runs, but I don't think he's getting the goal line carries.
Chris Henry - The running back version was on my list last week, and came through with a touchdown. He's played two games, scored two touchdowns, and looks like he will be a regular runner, giving you at least 6 points per week, with a chance at a touchdown. The Titans are a good team that are usually in the lead, and they run the ball a lot, so Henry will have more value than a lot of #2 backs.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Lee Evans - Ok, I'm cheating again, as Evans is obviously owned by more than 50% of leagues. However, if he was dropped in your league, the time is now to pick him up, especially in time for the Bengals this week.
Reggie Brown - He had his best game of the year last week, and I think he follows up on that against the Cowboys. This game will be close, and I give the Cowboys an early edge, which means the Eagles may be playing catch up. That, and I think Kevin Curtis has taken over the #1 coverage, leaving Brown with some better match ups.
Antwaan Randle El - He's a playmaker, and I don't like playmakers because they're hit or miss. Sure, they score the same amount of points as a lot of other top contributors, but I'd rather have 15 points a week, rather than 26 one week and 4 the next. I like his match up against the Jets.
Roddy White - This guy should be owned by a lot more than 50% of leagues. He's pretty much the only receiving option in Atlanta, a team that will be playing from behind most of the season. He's good for at least 7-10 points a week, and has a good chance of scoring a touchdown being Atlanta's only weapon.
Chris Henry - The wide receiver version comes back next week, and will be the #3 guy in the Bengals offense. With Houshmandzadeh having a great season, and Chad Johnson always demanding respect, Henry should be a great #3 option again for the Bengals, making him a good pick up in fantasy.
TIGHT ENDS
Will Heller - He replaces Marcus Pollard, and the good news is that his bye week last week probably made people forget his 2 touchdown, 50 yard performance. The best news? He gets the Browns this week.
Visanthe Shiancoe - Remember how I said the Vikings have no receivers? Well Shiancoe isn't Antonio Gates, but he proved to be a decent option last week, and could be a commonly used safety valve target for Bollinger when the Vikings receivers fail to get open. The Chargers are the 4th worst team in terms of giving up fantasy points to tight ends.
Ben Utecht - This just feels like one of those games where the match up is so huge that all of the normal receivers will be covered, leaving Peyton Manning throwing at least one touchdown to a guy like Utecht.
KICKERS
Sebastian Janikowski - I love this match up. The Texans give up the most fantasy points to kickers, and the Raiders offense is good enough to get down field, but bad enough to fail to score.
Morten Anderson - Same as the Raiders and Janiowski. I can see the Falcons getting down field against the 49ers, but they'll fall short and kick a few.
Rian Lindell - Because I have high hopes for the Bills against the Bengals.
Jeff Reed - Because Baltimore allows a lot of field goals, and Pittsburgh kicks a lot of field goals against defenses like the Ravens.
DEFENSE / SPECIAL TEAMS
Atlanta - I'm starting the Falcons in at least one of my leagues. The 49ers are just a train wreck on offense this season, and with Frank Gore possibly to miss the game, or to play hurt, I like the Falcons to have a huge game here.
Washington - Forget what happened last week. This week they get a real team, not a Madden team. The best part is that they get Kellen Clemens. I didn't say he'd be good this week, just that he could be good later in the season.
BUY LOW TEAM
QB - Kurt Warner - The injury and week off may have dipped his value. His remaining schedule: TB, Det, Cin, SF, Cle, Sea, NO, Atl
RB - Maurice Jones-Drew - His injury puts him back on my buy low list, but I just love his week 16 game against Oakland.
RB - Ernest Graham - He's a top 25 running back in fantasy, and owned in 73% of leagues. He runs well, and catches out of the backfield.
WR - Chad Johnson - He's been hurt, and isn't putting up top points like TJ. He'll come around.
WR - Roy Williams - After a hot start he has cooled off. I can see him heating up, starting with a touchdown this week.
TE - Greg Olson - He should be one of the top owned tight ends, but he's available in a few of my leagues.
DEF - Giants - I still can't believe only 70% of leagues own the #3 ranked Giants defense.
K - Kris Brown - A dime a dozen, but Brown is #1 and only owned in 71% of leagues.
WAIVER WIRE TEAM
QB - JP Losman
RB - Justin Fargas
RB - Ryan Grant
WR - Reggie Brown
WR - Roddy White
TE - Will Heller
DEF - Washington
K - Sebastian Janikowski
Good luck to everyone this week, and remember: If you want to truly embarrass someone in fantasy football, beat them with the waiver wire.
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