Squish (268)
E-roc (127)
Shirley (66)
Jeff (53)
Tommy (53)
Mal (51)
Ken (44)
Amir (40)
TJ (29)
Here are our “Hits” and “Misses” for week eleven, listing players you want to make sure are in your lineup, as well as those you might consider shelving for the week (or at least lowering your expectations!) This week I returned to my previous ways of leaving the most obvious players off the list (Drew Brees @ TB, Maurice Jones-Drew vs BUF,) so we’re left with players you may actually have to think about starting or benching this week. In most leagues the playoffs are rapidly approaching, so this could be a huge week for your team and hopefully some of our advice can help you clinch a spot! Anyways, here we go with the hits and misses…
Latest Updates: pierre thomas RSS
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Hits & Misses - Week 11: Playoffs approaching
Brandon
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Hits & Misses - Week 10: Thursday Night Football Edition
Brandon
As I mentioned in an earlier post, make sure to check your rosters before the game tonight so that you don’t get screwed with a starter on your bench (or even worse if there are leagues out there that lock rosters after the first game of the week starts!) Anyways, I wanted to get this post out with time to spare before game-time tonight in case any of the 49ers or Bears players made the list. Here are our “Hits” and “Misses” for week ten, listing players you want to make sure are in your lineup, as well as those you might consider shelving for the week (or at least lowering your expectations!) (More …)
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Hits & Misses - Week 9: Baseball is finally over!
Brandon
Now that baseball is finally over, we can focus on the sport that should have a spotlight at this point in the year…football. Before we get to the players though, remember to enter in our contest to win a $50 NFL.com gift card simply by predicting the top fantasy quarterback of the week (my QB “hits” might help you out!) Also, if you’re feeling generous, head over to the Fantasy Football Librarian’s site and vote for FFGeekBlog.com in her first annual Readers’ Choice Poll.
Anyways, that’s enough self-promotion…here are our “Hits” and “Misses” for week nine, listing players you want to make sure are in your lineup, as well as those you might consider shelving for the week (or at least lowering your expectations!) (More …)
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Brandon
While Saints running back Mike Bell’s 143-yard performance this weekend had no impact on any of my match-ups, I felt the need to complain on behalf of all those who were negatively affected by his existence in week one. Doesn’t it just grind your gears to think that a waiver wire, injury fill-in scored more fantasy points than potential first round draft picks Michael Turner, Matt Forte, Steven Jackson, Brandon Jacobs and Chris Johnson? Let’s just hope that Pierre Thomas takes back over when he returns and the fantasy football world can right itself.
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Brandon
Just a few thoughts off the top of my head based on the performance of my fantasy teams (and those that were against me)…
- Drew Brees is ridiculous. This was one of those match-ups that seemed too good (or bad, if you were playing against him like I was) to be true, but in the end somehow Brees played even better than expected and pretty much won the week for a team that had him playing.
- With Pierre Thomas out, Reggie Bush ran the ball just seven times. What?
- After his awful first half performance, Jay Cutler looked 200% better in the second half (besides that last interception!) I was regretting having drafted him for most of the game, but I was able to sleep a bit better after he at least threw one touchdown pass.
- Devin Hester and Earl Bennett should have solid seasons with Cutler…but what happened to Greg Olsen?!
- Felix Jones underwhelmed in the first game of the season.
- Carson Palmer couldn’t throw a touchdown pass against the Broncos?
- Is Julius Jones that good? Or is St. Louis that bad?
- Jake Delhomme is making my Steve Smith draft pick look pretty scary right now.
- While the Jets defense looks solid, the Eagles defense went crazy. (In one of my leagues, my opponent had Philly DEF, Drew Brees and Julius Jones. I lost.)
- Randy Moss needs to go HUGE tonight so the Patriots can beat T.O. and the Bills…and I can pull off the win in my other league!
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Brandon
It does not appear that Pierre Thomas will play this weekend, so for all those of you who drafted him, hopefully you have a solid backup (possibly backup Saints RB Mike Bell?) you can plug-in for week one. Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans newspaper, The Times-Picayune, tweets:
Pierre Thomas not dressed for prax. I’d rule him “out” for Sunday. Will get official word later today.
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Brandon
- Hopefully managers who drafted Pierre Thomas to be one of their starting running backs had a Plan B for at least week one, as he now has a laceration that required stitches in addition to the knee injury that he’s been suffering from for the past few weeks. Even if he plays, it might not be at the level you are expecting from one of your top draft picks. If he doesn’t play, expect a lot more work for backup Mike Bell and Reggie Bush.
- While the running back committee in Tampa Bay is sure to cause headaches for fantasy team managers all season, the latest update is that Cadillac Williams, not Derrick Ward, has been named the team’s starter. Pretty amazing stuff considering the injury he is returning from, but apparently they will still rotate all three running backs (Earnest Graham being the other) all season, so good guess on who to start if you have one of these guys on your team.
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2008 Fantasy Football Playoffs MVPs
Brandon
This season has been one of my best years ever in terms of fantasy football, as I made the championship in three seperate leagues, while playing in the third place game in two others. For that reason, I figured it made sense to create an All Fantasy Football Playoffs MVP team, highlighting the players that either caused me joy or pain over the past few weeks. Interestingly enough, only one of these players even made the Pro Bowl (Wes Welker…as a reserve). Anyways, let’s jump into the MVP awards for the 2008 playoffs…
Quarterback
Philip Rivers, SD: Rivers was the top quarterback in the league nearly the entire season, so it’s fitting that he would continue his fantasy football dominance of the position through the playoffs. This past Sunday, when some of you may have been playing in the Championship game of your league, Rivers threw for nearly 290 yards and four touchdowns, probably carrying more than one team out there to a league title. Let’s also mention that he’s thrown a combined nine touchdowns over the past three weeks, while averaging around 280 passing yards or so.
Honorable Mention: Matt Cassel, NE (More …)
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Hits and Misses - Week 16: Take a ride in the PT Cruiser!
Brandon
Of all the cars out there to get a nickname from (see: Cadillac Williams), I’m not sure I would want people calling me the name of one of the worst new vehicles to come out this century, but whatever works I guess! It apparently IS working for Saints running back Pierre Thomas, who has put up some great fantasy numbers over the past few weeks in an offense that is traditionally pass-first (and made a lot of fantasy team managers very happy in the process.) This weekend you should have the PT Cruiser parked right in the RB1 or RB2 slot on your roster when the Saints head to Detroit, helping your team cruise to a fantasy football championship!
Hits
- Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints: Although I recommend a few of our readers sit the PT Cruiser last week, this week my tune has changed a bit. The Saints head to Detroit on Sunday to play a Lions team that has been absolutely dreadful against the run this year, allowing 169 yards per game (4.9 ypc) to opposing tailbacks, while allowing them to rack up 26 touchdowns. With Reggie Bush out of the picture, expect a big day for Thomas.
- Antonio Bryant, WR, Buccaneers: For all of you who snagged Antonio Bryant off the waiver wire in the middle of the season, you have to be loving your decision at this point. In most leagues, Bryant has now racked you up around 300 yards and a couple touchdowns through the first two rounds of the playoffs, and I’m predicting that he’ll continue that trend against a bad San Diego Chargers defense. You know those commercials that ESPN had for the Fantasy Football Hall of Fame? If Bryant comes through this weekend, I think you need to add him for next year’s ads. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16, 2008
Brandon
As we head to the CHAMPIONSHIP, there’s a pretty good chance that your team is already set and you are not in need of any desperation picks. Just in case though, here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available, but even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
LaMont Jordan, RB, Patriots (4.4% owned, Desperation Pickup) – Maybe it was the return to his old team that got him revved up for the game on Sunday, but he somehow racked up 97 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries. Will he put up these numbers again while splitting carries with Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk? Probably not. Is it possible? I guess anything’s possible.
DeSean Foster, RB, 49ers (11.4% owned, Desperation Pickup) – If you’re a Frank Gore owner, you should already have Foster on your roster. Otherwise, he’s worth a look as he could get another start this weekend against a bad Rams defense if they decide to rest Gore a little longer. Foster played pretty well last week when given the start, rushing and receiving for a combined 101 yards. (More …)
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NFL Weather Report on Weather.com
Brandon
How many times have you started a quarterback against a team with an atrocious secondary, only to see him put up minimal fantasy numbers because a snow storm came to town? While it’s probably not the only site out there that does it, Weather.com provides a game day weather forecast that can be pretty useful when considering which players to start and bench for a given week and hopefully can help prevent this situation from happening. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 15, 2008
Brandon
As we head into the playoffs, there’s a pretty good chance that your team is already set and you are not in need of any desperation picks. Just in case though, here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available, but even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys (13.0% owned, Desperation Pickup) – With Marion the Barbarian out with an injury, rookie Tashard Choice filled in pretty well, rushing for 88 yards and catching five passes for and additional 78 yards. If Barber misses another game, Choice could make for a decent RB or flex play this weekend against the Giants.
Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks (13.7% owned, Instant Starter) – Branch had two touchdowns against his old team, the Patriots, this past Sunday. While you shouldn’t expect those kind of touchdown numbers from week to week, it finally looks like he is healthy and can be productive for your fantasy team.
Tatum Bell, RB, Broncos (15.5% owned, Desperation Pickup) – Obviously we couldn’t have a Broncos running back last longer than a few weeks in the spotlight, so this week we’re moving on to Tatum Bell with Peyton Hillis suffering a season ending hamstring injury last weekend. Bell could split carries with Selvin Young, so you may want to wait and see what kind of numbers he can put up, but he’s worth the risk if you’re in dire straights at the position! (More …)
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Week 14 Wrap-Up: Reggie Bush is back
Brandon
With the playoffs in action in many of the fantasy leagues out there, let’s just jump into the action that took place this weekend, starting with the Saints and their resurgent ground game…
- New Orleans 29, Atlanta 25: This is supposed to be the year that the Falcons win the division (after ending up in last place last season), but with a loss to the Saints, they now find themselves in third place and will be two games behind whoever wins tonight’s game between the Panthers and Buccaneers. For Atlanta, Roddy White put up another big effort with 10 receptions for 164 yards, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Saints dominant passing rushing game (?) Pierre Thomas broke the century mark and scored two touchdowns, while Reggie Bush (106 combined yards, TD) seems to be back in action, which can only mean good things for the Saints. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 14, 2008
Brandon
As we head into the playoffs, there’s a pretty good chance that your team is already set and you are not in need of any desperation picks. Just in case though, here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available, but even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
Domenik Hixon, WR, Giants (7.0% owned, Desperation Pickup) – With Plaxico’s accidental gun shot wound, combined with his legal troubles now, I think it’s safe to write him off for at least the fantasy football playoffs. His backups are seeing immediate dividends, including Domenik Hixon, who has caught 11 balls for nearly 130 yards over the past two games.
Devone Bess, WR, Dolphins (7.1% owned, Desperation Pickup) – With starter Greg Camarillo out for the season, it’s been Bess who is filling in for him and he has done pretty well lately. Over the past two games he, like Hixon above, has 11 catches, with his going for over 170 yards.
Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens (7.8% owned, Desperation Pickup) – More so than Davone Bess or Domenik Hixon above, Clayton has been a wild man the past two games, turning just seven receptions into 240 yards and two touchdowns. While you shouldn’t expect this kind of production each week, he could be worth a chance if you need some big time luck to win you a playoff game. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 13, 2008
Brandon
Here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available, but even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
J.J. Arrington, RB, Cardinals (11.6% owned, Grab ‘n’ Stash) – Tim Hightower still has a hold on the “starter” designation, as well as the goal-line carries, but with the team passing the ball so much and Hightower running so ineffectively, it’s Arrington who could have the most value heading into the playoffs. If you’re a Hightower owner, you want Arrington on your roster for sure insurance if anything.
Maurice Morris, RB, Seahawks (15.7% owned, Desperation Pickup) – He had a big game on Sunday, but with a short week ahead it could be Julius Jones that gets the bulk of the carries. You should not be relying on a player like Morris to get you into the playoffs, but maybe you are… (More …)
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Desperation is a Stinky Cologne: Deep Sleepers for Week 12, 2008
Matt
Attention, all ye 4-7 and 5-6 teams: The playoffs are officially here for you. Of course, this all depends upon your league’s settings, but chances are that if you’re even a smidge below .500 at this point, your only shot is to win out and pray that the tiebreakers work out in your favor. If you’re holding off on picking up a free agent because you’d have to drop that injured player who might be ready in time for the playoffs, it’s time to wake up and do what has to be done. Better to limp into the playoffs with a snowball’s chance in hell of winning than to miss the postseason entirely. (Owners of Carnell Williams and Selvin Young – I’m looking at you.)
Here’s a look at some players who are owned in less than 50% of Yahoo and ESPN leagues and would make a decent play this week. The % owned statistic next to each player’s name is an average of all Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
Quarterbacks
Kerry Collins, TEN, 36% owned - Quick, name another MVP candidate who’s owned in just 36% of fantasy leagues. The Titans have been out to prove that they can win through the air, and this looks like another matchup that will lead them to pursue the same strategy. The Jets are tough on the ground but near the bottom against the pass, so expect lots of old-fashioned Vodka Collins action in this one. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12, 2008
Brandon
Here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available, but even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
J.J. Arrington, RB, Cardinals (1.8% owned, Grab ‘n’ Stash) – Rookie Tim Hightower just hasn’t gotten it done the past two weeks and we’re starting to wonder if he’s really starter-material. With Kurt Warner opening the field up dramatically with the passing game, Hightower should have all the room in the world to run the ball, but the numbers just aren’t there. On Sunday, J.J. Arrington was able to weasel some carries from Hightower (including a touchdown) and did fairly well with them. If Hightower continues to struggle, look for Arrington’s carries to increase steadily.
Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks (9.2% owned, Grab ‘n’ Stash) – Branch finally played another game this season…and survived! He ended up the game with over 50 yards and as he gets more playing time, he should get more comfortable in the offense and put up decent numbers down the home stretch. He’s probably not worth starting right away, but you might pick him up and hide him on your roster to see what he can do. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 10, 2008
Brandon
Here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available; even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
Sage Rosenfels, QB, Texans (1.3% owned, Instant Starter) – It looks like starter Matt Schaub will be out for at least a month, so if you were counting on him to lead you to the fantasy football playoffs, you might want to rethink your strategy. Rosenfels will fill in for Schaub in the meantime and while he’s prone to turn the ball over every once in a while, he’ll still put up decent fantasy stats for your team in this pass-happy offense.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs (8.6% owned, Grab ‘n’ Stash) – With Larry Johnson already out, the Chiefs also lost backup Kolby Smith for the season with a knee injury. This means that Mr. Charles and his 106 yard effort on Sunday will be the starter for the rest of the season (or until he also gets hurt.) He still plays for the Chiefs though, so I wouldn’t be too eager to jam him into your lineup right away! (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9, 2008
Brandon
Here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available; even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
Nate Washington, WR, Steelers (6.6% owned, Desperation Pickup) – While his reception totals for each game this year aren’t all that consistent, Washington still manages to get some solid yardage and has been adding touchdowns to that as of late. I can’t recommend you start him on a weekly basis, but if you’re in a bind and it looks like a good matchup, you might consider him at the WR3 or flex position.
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Dolphins (19.6% owned, Instant Starter) – Obviously you shouldn’t count on an other-worldly 175 yard performance from Ginn each week, but besides a bogus game in week 6, Ted Jr. has been pretty decent this year in his rookie season. He gets to play the lowly Broncos defense this week as well, making him even more appealing. (More …)
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The Wire: Waiver Wire pickups for week 8, 2008
Brandon
Here’s a look at the players to target on your league’s waiver wire this week. This list is ordered by the percentage of ESPN leagues in which the player is available; even if you’re not a ESPN user, it’s a decent indication of how likely you are to find the player on waivers in your league. We also note here how strongly we feel about this pickup with three categories: Instant Starter, Grab ‘n’ Stash, or Desperation Pickup.
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers (0.8% owned, Desperation Pickup) – Floyd is making the most of starter Chris Chambers being out and has a touchdown in the past two games (along with a 70 yard average.) San Diego plays in London this coming weekend, so expect Chambers to try his hardest to get out on the international stage, but Floyd will continue to get some looks.
Josh Morgan, WR, 49er’s (2.5% owned, Grab ‘n’ Stash) – The rookie showed promise in the preseason, but hasn’t lived up to the hype until this past weekend, where he had five catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. As he gains more experience, expect him to become a bigger part of this offense. He’s a great keeper league prospect at this point. (More …)
