Fantasy Nuthouse

2011 NFL Season Approaching

John Willette — Thu, 26 May 2011 02:00:38 +0000

This season look for more original articles and insight.

Football is NOT a spectator sport!

Sincerely,
Fantasy Nuthouse Staff

Fantasy Savant’s Week 5 Starters

John Willette — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:48:12 +0000

Need help tweeking your fantasy football rosters for the that perfect combination of scoring potential? Look no further. This season I will lend my expertise in helping you through your lineup quandries.

I’m not going to rehash what your common sense already tells you. If you have Drew Brees on your fantasy team play the guy! This column is intended to bring to your attention some players that may or may not be on your fantasy radar.

WHAT I SAID LAS T WEEK…

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE

@ MIA

Green-Ellis came out of nowhere to lead the Pats in rushing with 16 carries for 98-yards and a touchdown. Heâ€™s been the most effective back for the Patriots this season and with Fred Taylorâ€™s toe injury he should be the top rusher again in Week 4. The Pats should be able to pound the ball against the beatable Dolphins.

Lance Moore, NO

vs CAR

Nothing could have boosted Mooreâ€™s value more than Reggie Bushâ€™s leg injury. In 2008, Bush missed time due to injury and the main benefactor was Moore who went on to have a banner year. Iâ€™m not missing the Moore train this time! I think heâ€™ll have another productive game this week.

Â WHAT I SAY THIS WEEK…

Who to Start–WEEK 4
Position	Player	Matchup	COMMENTS
QB	Shaun Hill, DET	vs STL	During the BYE weeks, Hill is a MUST start! This could be the last game he starts as a Lion so if youÂ have him don’t hesitate to use him against the Rams. I’m going out on a limb here, but I think the Lions are better with Hill than they were with Matthew Stafford.
QB	Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF	vs JAX	Fitzpatrick has played well against tougher competition. He should have good passing yardage this week.
QB	Donovan McNabb, WAS	vs GB	McNabb posted horrible fantasy numbers last week but he should succeed against the banged up Packers defense.
QB	Todd Collins, CHI	@ CAR	Expect the unexpected! The leading receiver will likely be running back Matt Forte, and if Chicago falls behind you know Collins will have to throw.
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RB	Fred Jackson, BUF	vs JAX	Jackson becomes the lead back with the trading of Marshawn Lynch. C.J. Spiller obviously isn’t ready for prime time so Jackson should have a good game this week.
RB	Jamaal Charles, KC	@ IND	Thomas Jones might be the starter but this week, Charles will have the better fantasy numbers.
RB	Brandon Jackson, GB	@ WAS	Look for Jackson to have good all-purpose yards in this one.
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WR	Steve Johnson, BUF	vs JAX	Johnson has turned it on of late with at least 3 catches in every game this season and a touchdown reception in his last two games. This week, Johnson should find success against a very beatable Jaguars defense.
WR	Mario Manningham, NYG	@ HOU	The Texans pass defense isn’t so good so the Giants startable fantasy receivers go three deep this week.
WR	Harry Douglas, ATL	@ CLE	Douglas should build upon his 59-yard, one touchdown performance against the Browns.Â
WR	Roy Williams, DAL	vs TEN	The Cowboys have had two weeks to prepare for the Titans vaunted defense. WilliamsÂ should be a sneaky play this week.Â
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TE	Jermaine Gresham, CIN	vs TB	Now that everybody’s attention is on Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, I think Gresham will sneak in with some unexpected receiving yardage this week.
TE	Brent Celek, PHI	@ SF	With quarterback Kevin Kolb starting for the Eagles this week, Celek should see a lot more passes.
TE	Jeremy Shockey, NO	@ AZ	Shockey isÂ definitely a good play against an Arizona defense that was torched by Antonio Gates’ 7 catch, 144-yards and two touchdowns last week.Â
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Saints go way of kicker by committee

John Willette — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:14:46 +0000

We have all heard about NFL teams utilizing running back by committee and even Denver’s receiver by committee approaches to their offenses. On Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints went one step further when they signed 46-year-old kicker John Carney to “help solidify their struggling field goal kicking.” Struggling is an understatement. Saints kicker, Garrett Hartley has gone 4-7 on field goals this season including missing a 29-yard game winning field goal in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.

According to the Saints, Hartley will not be released. In fact, to make room for Carney, the Saints waived receiver Adrian Arrington. The Saints have also stated that Hartley is their kicker of the future but I wonder how soon that will be. I think the only thing saving the Saints from waiving Hartley is the team’s loyalty to a player that helped carry the Saints to a Super Bowl victory last season with his 3 field goals of over 40-yards (a Super Bowl record.)

Obviously, Hartley’s value in fantasy football is shot for now until we know which direction the Saints will take with their kicking game. The situation also limits Carney’s fantasy value since we’ll likely never know which kicker will be starting each game. To muddle the situation more, the Saints may opt to activate both kickers on gameday (although highly unlikely) and switch them in and out of the game as if it were a preseason game.

The bottom line is if you have Hartley and have room you should roster Carney. However, if you cannot dedicate two roster spots for one kicker look at your waiver wire and look at your options. If you happen to be playing in a deep league play the matchups and add/drop kickers each week.

Fantasy Savant’s Week 4 Starters

John Willette — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:04:25 +0000

WHAT I SAID LAST WEEK….

Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF

@ NE

It’s do or die time for Fitzpatrick and the Bills. The Patriots pass defense is not as imposing as it once was. However, we are still talking about the Bills whose offensive problems may be caused as much by the coaching staff as it is by the talent on the field. The Patriots have allowed at least 220 passing yards and two touchdowns in each of their last two games. –Fitzpatrick kept the Bills competitive in this one going 20/28, 247-yards passing, two touchdowns and two interceptions.Fitzpatrick’s play also allowed the Bills to cut former starter Trent Edwards.

Brad Gradkowski, OAK

@ AZ

Can this career backup do enough to steal the starting job from Jason Campbell? Against a weak Cardinals defense the answer is a resounding YES! –He was serviceable with 255-yards passing, a touchdown and an interception.

Percy Harvin, MIN

vs DET

If there ever was a week to feel comfortable starting Harvin this would be it. –Finally played to expectations! 6 receptions for 62-yards and a touchdown.Â

Tony Gonzalez, ATL

@ NO

Gonzalez has been a fantasy wreck the last two games but this week he gets a juicy matchup with a defense that is allowing 77-yards per game to tight ends. –I saw this coming! 8 catches for 110-yards and a touchdown!

WHAT I SAY THIS WEEK…

Who to Start–WEEK 4
Position	Player	Matchup	COMMENTS
QB	Chad Henne, MIA	vs NE	The Dolphins passing game finally jelled in Week 3 with Henne hooking up with receiver Brandon MarshallÂ ten times for 166-yards and a touchdown. The Patriots secondary can’t matchup with the ultra-athletic Marshall nor is New England a threat to put pressure on the quarterback.
QB	Sam Bradford, STL	vs SEA	Rarely would I recommend starting a rookie quarterback but this week they play an incosistent Seattle defense that gave up 455 passing yards in Week 3. I’m not saying Bradford is going to duplicate that effort. I’m hinting that with a gimpy Steven Jackson Bradford may have to pass more than expected this week. Â
QB	Carson Palmer, CIN	@ CLE	If Palmer is in a slump then this should serve to be a slump buster. The Browns made Joe Flacco look good in Week 3. I suspect that they’ll do the same for Palmer. Â
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QB	Vince Young, TEN	vs DEN	The Broncos pass defense is pretty inept without a decent pass rush. Their run defense however is pretty solid and that’s why Young is worth playing this week. Â
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RB	Ryan Torain, WAS	@ PHI	Torain took over for an ineffective/injured Clinton Portis and had 7 carries for 46-yards.The Eagles made an ineffective Maurice Jones-Drew look like a fantasy starter again (22-88). I suspect that Torain will receive the majority of carries against Eagles in Week 4.
RB	BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE	@ MIA	Green-Ellis came out of nowhere to lead the Pats in rushing with 16 carries for 98-yards and a touchdown. He’s been the most effective back for the Patriots this season and with Fred Taylor’s toe injury he should be the top rusher again in Week 4. The Pats should be able to pound the ball against the beatable Dolphins.
RB	Marshawn Lynch, BUF	@ PIT	Â
RB	Kenneth Darby, STLÂ	vs SEAÂ	With Rams running back questionable to play, Darby could step in and post decent stats against an inconsistent Seahawk defense. Even if Jackson does start, he likely will play sparingly in order to avoid further injury. Â
RB	Maurice Morris, DET	@ GBÂ	If Jahvid Best is inactive the Lions will turn to Morris for his pass-catching abilities. Detroit isn’t going to rack up a lot of yardage on the ground so Morris will be their best option. Â
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WR	Stephen Williams, AZ	@ SD	Yeah I know, Larry Fitgerald is the star on this team but that’s why I think Williams is a good play. Williams will take over the No. 2 spot for an injured Steve Breaston and while the Chargers defense keys on Fitzgerald and the running game Williams should break free for some yardage. Â
WR	Lance Moore, NO	vs CAR	Nothing could have boosted Moore’s value more than Reggie Bush’s leg injury. In 2008, Bush missed time due to injury and the main benefactor was Moore who went on to have a banner year. I’m not missingÂ the Moore train this time! I think he’ll have another productive game this week.
WR	Deon Butler, SEA	@ STL	With Mike Williams nursing injuries and Deion Branch inconsistent, Butler has a good chance to claim a starting job. Â
WR	Mike Sims-Walker, JAXÂ	vs IND	This is borderline ludicracy starting any Jaguars player but I have a good feeling about Sims-Walker. Besides, based on his current pattern (he plays good every other week) this is his “on” week. Â
Nate Washington, TEN	vs DEN	The Denver defense hasn’t done much to stop the pass which bodes well for Tennessee’s passing game.	Â
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TE	Aaron Hernandez, NE	@ MIA	In my mind, Hernandez is an every week starter especially this week. The Dolphins defense has been able to shut down opposing teams receivers but they have not been able to cover their tight ends. In the last two games opposing tight ends have combined for 186 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Â
TE	Tony Gonzalez, ATL	@ NO	Â
TE	Jermaine Gresham, CIN	@ CAR	Â
TE	Aaron Hernandez, NE	vs BUF	Â
TE	Tony Moeaki, KC	vs SF	Â
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DEF	Cincinnati Bengals @ CAR	@ CAR	Â
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Moreno’s hammy injury and how it effects the Broncos fantasy values

John Willette — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:50:52 +0000

As soon as news broke out that Denver starting running back Knowshon Moreno would not play this weekend the waiver wires went all abuzzzz! Every single running back listed as a Bronco was snatched up like a two for one sale at K-Mart!

In Friday’s practice, the Denver Broncos reported that Moreno reaggravated his hamstring and would miss Sunday’s tilt against the “easy-to-run-on” Colts and likely more games after that. None of the Bronco’s running backs have demonstrated that they can stay healthy this season. Even their WeekÂ 1 acquisition of Laurence Maroney was too banged up to play in Week 2. As it stands, Correll Buckhalter looks to be the main beneficiary to Moreno’s injury. However, reports have stated that Maroney is over his injury and will likely see significant time against the Colts and beyond while Moreno is out.

So which player is the better acquisition in fantasy leagues? For the short term, and I mean in Week 3, Correll Buckhalter will receive the majority of carries in what appears to be a committee running attack. If Moreno is out long term, I would put my money on a Maroney, a back who has had extensive playing time as a starter for New England. In short, grab both running backs if they’re available but Maroney is the back you really want.

As far as the effect of Moreno’s injury on Denver’s passing game? Quarterback Kyle Orton’s fantasy value definitely climbs as he will be relied upon to pass even more without his pass-catching tailback. I also think that the Broncos will scrap their plan of bringing rookie DeMaryius Thomas back slowly and play him as much as they can going forward. Eddie Royal’s value will go up a little but not as high as Thomas’. It’s hard to gauge Jabar Gaffney’s value. He’s been starting all season and he hasn’t done anything to indicate that he can be relied upon as a consistent pass-catcher. Brandon Lloyd’s value is influx right now due to Thomas’ emergence. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gaffney benched in favor of Lloyd, who has shown a lot more playmaking ability.

Fantasy Savant’s Week 3 Starters

John Willette — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:04:13 +0000

WHAT I SAID LAST WEEK….

Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

If we learned anything in Week 1, it was the Giants naming Bradshaw their starting running back. We also learned that the Colts CAN be ran on. Get the hint? –WEEK 2 STATS: 17/89yds rushing, Brandon Jacobs BENCHED!

Louis Murphy, OAK

vs STL

Thereâ€™s no reason why Murphy canâ€™t have his best performance of the season in this game. –WEEK 2 STATS: 6/91yds, 1 touchdown

DEF

Cincinnati Bengals

vs BAL

Call me gutsy but I believe that the Bengals defense is far better than what we saw in Week 1. Consider this, the Bengals held Randy Moss (59 yards), Wes Welker (64 yards) and Fred Taylor (71 yards) to less than 100-yards each respectively. How many defenses playing the Patriots this season will be able to say that? This week, the Bengals will see a Ravens offense that looked lost in Week 1 and whose quarterback, Joe Flacco looked downright awful. Granted, they were playing the Jets but I digress.

WHAT I SAY THIS WEEK…

Who to Start–WEEK 3
Position	Player	Matchup	COMMENTS
QB	Carson Palmer, CIN	@ CAR	The Panthers defense has allowed at least 178 passing yards and two touchdowns in their last two games. With a stout run defense,Â Palmer will need to air it out forÂ the win.Â
QB	Michael Vick, PHI	@ JAX	You’re dumb if you don’t start the Vick!
QB	Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF	@ NE	It’s do or die time for Fitzpatrick and the Bills.Â TheÂ Patriots pass defense is not as imposing as itÂ once was. However, we are still talking about the Bills whose offensive problems mayÂ be caused as much by the coaching staff as it is by the talent on the field.Â The Patriots have allowed at least 220 passing yards and two touchdowns in each of their last two games.
QB	Vince Young, TEN	@ NYG	If Young can stay upright the entire game he has the potential to post good stats against a Giants defenseÂ giving up over 200 yards per game.Â
QB	Josh Freeman, TB	vs PIT	I like Freeman to pass for 200 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers this week. Yards on the ground will be hard to come by.
QB	Matt Ryan, ATL	@ NO	Ryan is a safe bet to be in an offensive shoot-out this week with the Saints.
QB	Brad Gradkowski, OAK	@ AZ	Can this career backup do enough to steal the starting job from Jason Campbell? Against a weak Cardinals defense the answer is a resounding YES!
QB	David Garrard, JAX	vs PHI	I know this looks like a bad matchup on paper but consider the positives. The Jaguars will likely be behind the entire game forcing Garrard to pass. The Packers are 21st against the pass…very beatable through the air. AND the Packers have given up at least 188-yards passing and two touchdowns (with the Detroit Lions’ Shaun HillÂ torching the Packers for 332-yards passing in Week 2.) The downside? Expect at least two interceptions.
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RB	Correll Buckhalter/Laurence Maroney, DEN	vs IND Â	Knowshon Moreno’s injury opens the door for both of these backs. I think Buckhalter will be the better play this Sunday but both backs will play.Â
RB	Keiland Williams, WAS	@ STL	Williams may not have great stats in this one but I have a feeling that something good will happen for him.
RB	James Davis, CLE	@ PITÂ	I’ve gotta feeling about Davis. He was a preseason darling a year ago and if James Harrison is out he’ll have something to prove. Â
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WR	Hines Ward, PIT	@ TB	Despite quarterback Charlie Batch slated to start Ward will have a much better day than last week. Expect at least 50-yards receiving.
WR	Lee Evans, BUF	@ NE	Â The Patriots defense is weak against the pass and even though we’re talking about the Bills I think Evans will have one of his best games of the season.
WR	Percy Harvin, MIN	vs DET	If there ever was a week to feel comfortable starting Harvin this would be it.
WR	Kevin Walter, HOU	vs DAL	Regardless of whether Andre Johnson plays or not, garbage time does wonders for your fantasy stats!
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TE	Bo Scaife, TEN	@ NYG	The Titans will lean on running back Chris Johnson on the ground and rely on Scaife through the air.
TE	Tony Gonzalez, ATL	@ NO	Gonzalez has been a fantasy wreck the last two games but this week he gets a juicy matchup with a defense that is allowing 77-yards per game to tight ends.
TE	Jermaine Gresham, CIN	@ CAR	The Panthers have madeÂ opposing No. 2 and No. 3 receiversÂ into stars. In Week 1, Hakeem Nicks tallied 75-yards and three touchdowns and Mario Manningham gained 85 receiving yards against this defense. In Week 2, they gave up 83-yards to Kellen Winslow. I suspect that Chad Ochocinco will struggle this week with Terrell Owens and Gresham enjoying productive games.
TE	Aaron Hernandez, NE	vs BUF	The Buffalo defense is vulnerable against the dump off pass. Little utilized Miami tight end Anthony Fasano had three catches for 46 yards (He didn’t catch a pass in Week 2) against them in Week 1 and JerMichael Finley had four catches for 103 yards against them in Week 2. The Bills defense is tough against their opponents top receivers. In their last two games they have heldÂ Brandon Marshall, MIA and Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, GB to 53-yards, 38 and 36-yards respectively.
TE	Tony Moeaki, KC	vs SF	The Chiefs only receiving threat should have a banner game.
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DEF	Cincinnati Bengals @ CAR	@ CAR	After their dismal Week One showing the Bengals defense was dropped in most leagues like a hot potato. With a respectable showing in Week 2 vs the Ravens (4 interceptions and a 10 points allowed)Â the Bengals defense has become a popular waiver wire pickup as they prepare to play rookie Jimmy Clausen and the Panthers.
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Fantasy Savant’s Week 2 Starters

John Willette — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:52:18 +0000

Â WHAT I SAID LAST WEEK….

Arian Foster, HOU

vs IND

With all of Houstonâ€™s back-up running backs nursing injuries, Foster will see all of the work. Heâ€™ll have a coming out party this week!

Mike Thomas, JAX

vs DEN

I like Thomasâ€™ chances of posting good yardage numbers as the Jaguarsâ€™ possession receiver. Denverâ€™s pass rush might be too strong for quarterback David Garrard to get the ball to Mike Sims-Walker.

WHAT I SAY THIS WEEK…

Who to Start–WEEK 2
Position	Player	Matchup	COMMENTS
QB	Vince Young, TEN	vs PIT	At first look, Pittsburgh’s defense doesn’t look promising for Young. But considering Young’s scrambling ability, the Steelers’ goal of shutting down running back Chris Johnson and their questionable secondary Young could have a good game rushing and passing the ball. Just don’t expect many touchdowns.
QB	Michael Vick, PHI	@ DET	Vick is licking his chops at the prospect of running and passing his way to fantasy Week 2 stardom.
QB	Seneca Wallace, CLE	vs KC	Wallace should give the Chiefs defense fits with his mobility and knack of making plays out of nothing. If you’re desperate in large leagues think of Wallace. He might just be the Browns newest starting quarterback of the future.Â
QB	Josh Freeman, TB	@ CAR	The Carolina pass defense was exploited last week to the tune of 263 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.Â If Freeman can make wise decisions and not throw errant passes he could be one of the top producing quarterbacks in Week 2.Â
QB	Sam Bradford, STL	@ OAK	The Raiders defense made Vince Young look invincible with 13 completions out of 17 attempts for 154-yards and 2 touchdowns. Bradford is already a better passer than Young and is not limited to a run-first offensive gameplan.
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RB	Brandon Jackson, GB	vs BUF	A no-brainer this week as he takes over for the injured Ryan Grant.
RB	John Kuhn, GB	vs BUF	The Packers are going to score and they are going to score a lot. If you have a flex position Kuhn would be a good candidate to use with his goal line carries and potential expanded playing time in the expected blow out.
RB	Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG	Â	If we learned anything in Week 1, it was the Giants naming Bradshaw their starting running back. We also learned that the Colts CAN be ran on. Get the hint?
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WR	Legedu Naanee, SD	vs JAX	Naanee came out of no where to put on a clinic in Kansas City. The Jaguars can be beaten by the pass and Naanee will likely capitalize on the Jags mistakes.
WR	Mark Clayton, STL	@ OAK	The Raiders allowed Titans receiver Nate Washington to catch 3 balls for 88-yards and a touchdown last week. Clayton appears to be rookie quarterback Sam Bradford’s favorite receiver. Play him if you have him.
WR	Louis Murphy, OAK	vs STL	There’s no reason why Murphy can’t haveÂ his best performance of the season in this game.
WR	Dez Bryant, DAL	vs CHI	Bryant takes another step forward in becoming an every week fantasy starter.
WR	Jabar Gaffney, DEN	vs SEA	I’m not going to quit recommending Gaffney until he gains 200-yards receiving again! Last week he was the only Broncos receiver to catch a touchdown pass. This week I expect him to triple his yardage (34 yards) fromÂ Week 1Â and catchÂ his secondÂ touchdown.
WR	Deion Branch, SEA	@ DEN	You can forget about playing the Seahawks’ No. 1 receiverÂ against Champ Bailey. Bailey blanketed Mike Sims-Walker in Week 1 and prevented him from making a catch. The No. 2 receiver should be a good play and I’m guessing that will be Deion Branch.
WR	Nate Washington, TEN	vs PIT	This will likely be a very low scoring game decided on the accuracy of each team’s kicker. However, Washington appears to be VinceÂ Young’s favorite receiver and could post his first 100-yard receiving game of the season. Lower your expectations on running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Johnson but both are MUSTÂ starts (of course.)Â Â
WR	Jeremy Maclin, PHI	@ DET	Maclin and any Eagle capable of catching the ball should be safe starts against the Lions this week.
WR	Harry Douglas, ATL	vs AZ	DouglasÂ made the most of his start inÂ Week 1 (3-39) and should be more productive against a lesser defense.
WR	Steve Breaston, AZ	@ ATL	It’s no surprise that BreastonÂ was theÂ Cardinals’ top receiver in Week 1 (7-132) only because quarterback Derek Anderson has a noodle for an arm. Expect thatÂ trend to continue with Breaston racking up the yardage andÂ Larry Fitzgerald scoring the touchdowns.
WR	Davon Bess, MIA	@ MIN	With Brandon Marshall expected toÂ draw theÂ Vikings full attention, I believe that Bess will quietly have aÂ productive game of at least 50-yards and a touchdown.Â
WR	Greg Camarillo, MIN	vs MIA	If you watched the Vikings in Week 1, youÂ sawÂ a very mediocre offense. The only bright spot was when Camarillo entered the game who impressed in his limited action.Â Camarillo shouldÂ be on the field more going forward as Brett Favre’s only reliable receiver.Â
WR	Mohammad Massaquoi, CLE	vs KC	The Chiefs defense was deceptively good in Week 1 with the help of a torrid rain. In Week 2, the Browns will go with Seneca Wallace, who has enough ability to make plays out of nothing and pass the ball to an open target. Likely Massaquoi.
WR	Dexter McCluster, KC	@ CLE	McCluster is electrifying and the only thing holding him back from offensive greatness is opportunity. If he’s available snag him because he’ll be replacing Chris Chambers as the Chiefs No. 2 wideout sooner than later.
WR	Mike Williams, TB	@ CAR	For the second week in a row I am proclaiming Mike Williams a SAFE start against a Panthers defense that gave up 263 yards passing and 3 touchdowns in Week 1.
WR	Donald Driver, GB	vs BUF	A very strong starter this week.
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TE	John Carlson, SEA	@ DEN	If Jacksonville’s Marcedes Lewis can catch two touchdowns so can Carlson…right?
TE	Greg Olsen, CHI	@ DAL	Olsen hasn’t been worth owning but if he’s ever going to “break out” this will be the game. If he’s your only option this week have confidence.
TE	Tony Moeaki, KC	@ CLE	This Tony led the Chiefs in receptions (3-21, 1 TD) in Week 1. He was also targeted in the endzone when the Chiefs finally got close enough to score an offensive touchdown. With quarterback Matt Cassel seemingly struggling Moeaki will be relied upon in the redzone.
TE	Evan Moore, CLEÂ	vs KC	Moore was the Browns’ leading receiver in Week 1 (3-87) and has a better rapport with new starting quarterback Seneca WallaceÂ because ofÂ their past work on the second team offense. Moore could be the next great waiver wire pickup.
TE	Heath Miller, PIT	@ TEN	I like Miller to have a productive game this week. The Titans have a good pass-rushing defense which could rattle Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon into dumping the ball off to Miller.Â Don’t expect any long gains through the air for the Steelers.Â
TE	Tony Scheffler, DET	vs PHI	Scheffler should see quite a bit of action with the Eagles defense capable of shutting down every other aspect of the Lions offense.
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DEF	Cincinnati Bengals	vs BAL	Call me gutsy but I believe that the Bengals defense is far better than what we saw in Week 1. Consider this, the Bengals held Randy Moss (59 yards), Wes Welker (64 yards) and Fred Taylor (71 yards) to less than 100-yards each respectively. How many defenses playing the Patriots this season will be able to say that? This week, the Bengals will see a Ravens offense that looked lost in Week 1 and whose quarterback, Joe Flacco looked downright awful. Granted, they were playing the Jets but I digress.
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Fantasy Savant’s Week 1 Starters

John Willette — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:55:10 +0000

Who to Start–WEEK 1
Position	Player	Matchup	COMMENTS
QB	Carson Palmer, CIN	@ NE	Chad Ochocinco + Terrell Owens + the Patriots beatable secondary= PLAY HIM!
QB	Chad Henne, MIA	@ BUF	Henne is a no hesitation starter this week with receiver Brandon Marshall at his disposal against the Bills.
QB	Matthew Stafford, DET	@ CHI	I have a gut feeling that the Bears secondary can be beat. Stafford’s improved play and maturation will find the holes.
QB	Kyle Orton, DEN	@ JAX	The Broncos’ running back corpsÂ is a hobbled mess with starter Knowshon Moreno returning from injury. I think the Broncos will rely heavily on the passing game in Week 1.
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RB	Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG	vs CAR	Reports out of New York is that Bradshaw has beat out Brandon Jacobs for the starting running back job. This will be Bradshaw’s chance to keep the job full-time so expect him to give 210%
RB	Jerome Harrison, CLE	@ TB	A fine flex play if you need one.
RB	Reggie Bush, NO	vs MIN	I would give the nod to Bush as a flex play this week. I seriously doubt that Pierre Thomas will have the backfield all to himself this season.
RB	Cedric Benson, CIN	@ NE	The Pats defense ain’t what it used to be. Benson should have a good game.
RB	C.J. Spiller, BUF	vs MIA	Spiller is the only Bills player worth starting in fantasy leagues in Week 1 and possibly all season.
RB	Jahvid Best, CHI	@ CHI	Just going by gut-feeling on this one but I think Best will have an excellent game.
RB	Joseph Addai, IND	@ HOU	Addai still has the starting job in Indy and in your fantasy lineup.
RB	Arian Foster, HOU	vs IND	With all of Houston’s back-up running backs nursing injuries, Foster will see all of the work. He’ll have a coming out party this week!
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WR	Robert Meachem, NO	vs MIN	I like Meachem to sneak in about 60 yards and a touchdown this week.
WR	Terrell Owens, CIN	@ NE	Chad Ochocinco will draw all of the attention away from Owens leaving him with one-on-one coverage. Ochocinco and Owens are great starts this week.
WR	Louis Murphy, OAK	@ TEN	Murphy has been a steady producer when he’s been in the lineup. He’s worth starting as a flex option if you’re desperate.
WR	Pierre Garcon, IND	@ HOU	This game will be a shoot out of epic proportions.
WR	Mike Wallace, PIT	vs ATL	Wallace had an impressive preseason and looks to have a good rapport with new starter Dennis Dixon.
WR	Jabar Gaffney, DEN	@ JAX	Gaffney isn’t getting the fantasy recognition he deserves. He will after this game.
WR	Mike Thomas, JAX	vs DEN	I like Thomas’ chances of posting good yardage numbers as the Jaguars’ possession receiver. Denver’s pass rush might be too strong for quarterback David Garrard to get the ball to Mike Sims-Walker.
WR	Joshua Cribbs, CLE	@ TB	I have a gut feeling that Cribbs will be one of the top fantasy producers in this game.
WR	Mike Williams, TB	vs CLE	Williams looked awesome in the preseason and there is no reason to believe that he’ll be the Buccaneers top receiver all season long.
WR	Steve Breaston, AZ	@ STL	No matter who is quarterbacking the Cardinals everyone should have a stellar game against the Rams.
WR	Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ	vs BAL	Someone will be catching the ball for the Jets. I just don’t think his name will be Braylon Edwards.
WR	Malcom Floyd, SD	@ KC	Floyd’s first game as a starter will be a rememberable one. The Chiefs did little to improve their defense so they will be once again an NFL doormat.
WR	Mike Williams, SEA	vs SF	With the release of T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Mike Williams assumes the number one receiver spot for the Seahawks. Williams’Â play in the preseason likely led to Housh’s release, not to mention thatÂ Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was Williams head coach at USC. Â
		Â	Â
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TE	Jeremy Shockey, NO	vs MIN	If the Vikings defense is as good as it’s reputation says it is then Shockey has a chance to be Brees’ top target.
TE	Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN	@ NO	Quarterback Brett Favre is very comfortable with Shiancoe and will rely on his pass catching abilities along side Percy Harvin.
TE	Aaron Hernandez, NE	vs CIN	Tom Brady won’t be passing against a buttercup defense. One of Brady’s tight ends will have a good game and my money is on Hernandez.
TE	Dustin Keller, NYJ	vs BAL	If the Jets running game struggles Keller could have a BIG game!
		Â	Â

SPORTS GUT–Heeeello Mr. Preseason!

John Willette — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:50:12 +0000

When it comes to evaluating fantasy football worthy talent, thereâ€™s nothing more useless than the preseason. After all, players are playing against the second and third string defenses of teams that are more concerned about avoiding injuries than the score. So naturally, I am seldom wowed when an obscure player buried deep on the depth chart has an offensive performance worthy of an ESPN replay. In Week 1 of the 2010 NFL Preseason, one player had such a performanceâ€¦on Monday Night Football no less.

The Giantsâ€™ Victor Cruz, an undrafted rookie out of UMass, had the night of his life against the Jets as he christened New Yorkâ€™s new stadium with 6 receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns. What makes Cruzâ€™s performance notable is that he was the first player since 1998 to score three touchdowns in a preseason game. Cruz is in good company. Terrell Owens was the last player to accomplish that feat and he turned out to be a Pro Bowl receiver.

Unfortunately, it may never get better than this for Cruz unless the Giants receiving corps becomes decimated by injuries. Entering the 2010 season, Cruz is no better than the No. 5 receiver on a team where the players ahead of him are still within the first five years of their careers. In fact, Cruzâ€™s performance was so impressive, that his chances of seeing any roster other than the Giants are minute barring a trade, and NFL teams rarely trade rookies with as much potential as Cruz displayed. Cruz to me looks like a real go-getter and could easily work his way past No. 4 receiver Sinorice Moss. If Cruz is as polished and NFL ready as he appeared on Monday night, I believe that by the end of the season, Cruz could very well unseat Mario Manningham/Ramses Barden for the No. 3 job. For the meantime, Cruzâ€™s role will likely be on special teams as a kick or punt returner.

Cruz looks to be a decent end of draft selection in dynasty leagues, as long as you are willing to wait. Thereâ€™s a chance that heâ€™ll provide a more immediate impact in leagues that count return yardage, provided that he earns one of the Giants punt or kick return jobs. Cruz is merely a wait and see candidate in redraft leagues.

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FFWebMASTERS ANNUAL DRAFT–Rounds 14-18 Analysis

John Willette — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:49:45 +0000

This is the final installment of the Fantasy Football WebMasters annual draft. The FFWebMASTERS league is a 14-team league comprised of the top fantasy football experts in the business today.

The Fantasy Football WebMasters league was designed to help you draft in your own leagues. From our draft you’ll learn which rounds the top fantasy players will be taken, which players you can draft in the later rounds and which unknown players will be poised for a breakout season. The following is a breakdown of this year’s draft from my point of view!

2010 Draft Order
1. Fantasyfootball.com
2. Fantasy Strategies
3. Inside the Stats
4. RotoTimes
5. Fanball
6. Rotoworld
7. The Huddle
8. Fantasy Guru
9. Fantasy Nuthouse
10. Grogan’s Fantasy Football
11. Fantasy Football Mastermind
12. Fantasy Tailgate
13. Fantasy Football Pro Forecast Magazine
14. Sports Grumblings

The draft utilizes a serpentine draft order. We start 1QB-2RB-3WR-1TE-1K-1DEF. The league utilizes basic scoring with 1 point for every 10 yards rush/rec, 1 point for 25 yards passing, 4 pts for a TD pass and 6 points for all other TDs. Team defense scores 1 point per sack-Interception-Fumble recovery, 6 points for TDs including special team TDs only.12, 2010. The draft commenced on July Follow our season at the FFWebMASTERS league site!

ROUND 14
183. Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
184. Kevin Faulk, RB, New England Patriots
185. Laurent Robinson, WR, St. Louis Rams
186. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
187. Minnesota Vikings Defense
188. Green Bay Packers Defense
189. Ben Watson, TE, Cleveland Browns
190. Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins
191. Tony Scheffler, TE, Detroit Lions
192. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
193. San Francisco 49ers
194. Josh Cribbs, WR, Cleveland Browns
195. Anthony Fasano, TE, Miami Dolphins
196. Mike Williams, WR, Seattle Seahawks

ANALYSIS: Three teams waited until the fourteenth round to select their second tight end. I canâ€™t stress enough the importance of a good tight end in a touchdown-heavy scoring league. Considering that 95% of the tight ends wonâ€™t gain enough receiving yards to qualify for more than 4 points a week (1 point per 10 yards receiving), having a tight end that can score touchdowns is fantasy gold. Mike Williams may prove to be a steal at this point in the draft. Williams has impressed the Seahawk coaches thus far in training camp and thereâ€™s even talk about him being utilized in the redzone. If rookie Jonathan Dwyer can steal the short yardage/redzone carries away from starter Rashard Mendenhall he could have score a bunch of touchdowns.

FANTASY NUTHOUSE: I thought I would get a jump on the Defensive team run with my selection of the Green Bay Packers. The Packers defense, which was the third best defense in this league a year ago, should only get better especially with their explosive offense.

ROUND 15
197. San Diego Chargers
198. Pittsburgh Steelers
199. Brandon Tate, WR, New England Patriots
200. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders
201. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
202. Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals
203.Dallas Cowboys Defense
204. Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers
205. Nate Kaeding, K, San Diego Chargers
206. Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
207. Dexter McCluster, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
208. Brian Westbrook, RB, FA
209. New Orleans Saints Defense
210. Sammy Morris, RB, New England Patriots

ANALYSIS: The Team Defense run was in full swing heading into Round 15. Darrius Heyward-Bey could be a starter this season but the big question is will he be productive? Fantasy Tailgate took a chance on running back Brian Westbrook but as of August 12, 2010 he was still a free agent. Rookie Brandon LaFell could be the best player taken in this round as he is taking the starting reps across from Steve Smith in training camp.

FANTASY NUTHOUSE: I jumped on the opportunity to draft Nate Kaeding, the top kicker in this league from 2009. The absence of Vincent Jackson should only enhance Kaedingâ€™s utilization near the endzone. Vincent Jackson scored nine touchdowns last season. Expect most of those to become field goals this season.

ROUND 16
211. Stephen Gostkowski, K, New England Patriots
212. Garrett Hartley, K, New Orleans Saints
213. Bo Scaife, TE, Tennessee Titans
214. David Akers, K, Philadelphia Eagles
215. Zach Miller, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
216. Ryan Longwell, K, Minnesota Vikings
217. Correll Buckhalter, RB, Denver Broncos
218. Cincinnati Bengals Defense
219. New York Giants Defense
220. Rob Bironas, K, Tennessee Titans
221. Lawrence Tynes, K, New York Giants
222. Michael Jenkins, WR, Atlanta Falcons
223. Nick Folk, K, New York Jets
224. Matt Moore, QB, Carolina Panthers

ANALYSIS: This is your typical â€œOh, crap! I still need a defense/kickerâ€ round. I canâ€™t explain the Zach Miller of the Jaguars pick by Groganâ€™s. Marcedes Lewis is the only tight end to have in Jacksonville and heâ€™s hardly playable in deep leagues. Inside the Stats must see something in Michael Jenkins that everyone else doesnâ€™t. Jenkins is primarily used for blocking and hasnâ€™t been fantasy relevant since he entered the league. I like Fantasyfootball.comâ€™s pick of Matt Moore. Not only do they get their BYE week quarterback but they also get a quarterback that just might be better than some of the quarterbacks taken before him.

FANTASY NUTHOUSE: Because of the way that the scoring is setup in this league, the kicker position is one of the few positions where double digit scoring each week is typical, especially if you have a good kicker on a great offense. Hence, my Ryan Longwell pick.

ROUND 17
225. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Tennessee Titans
226. Indianapolis Colts Defense
227. Josh Morgan, WR, San Francisco 49ers
228. Rashad Jennings, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
229. Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago Bears
230. Miami Dolphins Defense
231. Neil Rackers, K, Houston Texans
232. Chicago Bears Defense
233. Legedu Naanee, WR, San Diego Chargers
234. Matt Prater, K, Denver Broncos
235. Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams
236. New England Patriots Defense
237. Mewelde Moore, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
238. Arizona Cardinals Defense

ANALYSIS: Five defenses go off the board this round and a couple of backup running backs. The picks of Josh Morgan and Legedu Naanee by Inside the Stats and Fantasy Nuthouse respectively, are intriguing. Morgan looks to be the starter across from Michael Crabtree but is overshadowed by Crabtree, Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. He was in the same situation last season and was underutilized, which likely wonâ€™t change this season. Naanee is a complete wildcard. With Vincent Jackson suspended for three games and threatening to holdout for several more, Naanee becomes the starter across from Malcom Floyd. I donâ€™t think the Chargers will change their game plan much with or without Jackson in the lineup. San Diego is still going to pass plenty, which bodes well for the Chargers new receivers.

FANTASY NUTHOUSE: At this point in the draft, I was looking for any player that was a starter or had the chance to start. As potent as the Chargerâ€™s offense was in 2009, I was mildly shocked that Legedu Naanee was still available. Granted, he doesnâ€™t have much of a resume but then again he has never had the opportunity. In fact, I wouldnâ€™t be surprised to see Legedu lead the Chargers in receiving while he is in the lineup. I was also targeting Devery Henderson here but it wasnâ€™t clear whether he would be the starter and whether he would be recovered from his sports hernia by Week 1.

ROUND 18
239. Devery Henderson, WR, New Orleans Saints
240. Malcom Kelly, WR, Washington Redskins
241. Robbie Gould, K, Chicago Bears
242. Sammie Stroughter, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
243. Maurice Morris, RB, Detroit Lions
244. Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
245. Jay Feely, K, Arizona Cardinals
246. Dan Carpenter, K, Miami Dolphins
247. David Buehler, K, Dallas Cowboys
248. Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints
249. Shawn Nelson, TE, Buffalo Bills
250. Aaron Hernandez, TE, New England Patriots
251. Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins
252. Sebastian Janikowski, K, Oakland Raiders

ANALYSIS: The last round of any draft is usually a throw away round since most of the picks wonâ€™t make a fantasy impact. Five of the fourteen picks selected were kickers which were obvious need picks. The potential starters in this round, aside from the kickers, look to be Devery Henderson and Steve Johnson. Out of the two, Johnson surprisingly looks to have more fantasy potential as the Bills lone No. 2 receiver. Henderson on the other hand is not only competing with Robert Meachem for the same position but he must fully recover from a sports hernia. Fred Davis was a good last round pick, especially if starter Chris Cooley misses any games due to injury.

FANTASY NUTHOUSE: I was torn between Fred Davis and Steve Johnson with my last pick.
In 2009, Fred Davis started for the injured Chris Cooley and had a banner season. Unfortunately, Cooley appears to be healthy again which will limit Davisâ€™ fantasy potential. Davisâ€™ upside however is that Davis may have earned more playing time based on his performance last season and of course, another Cooley injury. Johnson on the other hand appears entrenched as the Bills No. 2 receiver and could serve as a BYE week or injury replacement player on my roster. The fact that I already had two elite tight ends was a decisive factor in drafting Johnson. That and the fact that this was a redraft league and not a keeper league.

TEAM FANTASY Â NUTHOUSE

QB–Matt Schaub, Houston, Kyle Orton, Denver

RB–Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh, Clinton Portis, Washington, Montario Hardesty Cleveland

WR–Austin Miles, Dallas, Michael Crabtree, San Francisco, Mike Williams, Tampa Bay, Devin Aromashodu, Chicago, Julian Edelman, New England, Legedu Naanee, San Diego, Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay, Steve Johnson, Buffalo

TE–Brent Celek, Philadelphia, Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota

K–Nate Kaeding, San Diego, Ryan Longwell, Minnesota

DEF–Green Bay Packers

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