Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 16-12-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Fantasy Football

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fantasy football coin flip

Playoff time has officially started in every league, which means your options have dwindled down to due to NFL roster and depth chart moves, as well as inconsistent performances and injuries.

Guys like Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, and Anthony Gonzalez left you hanging by a thread for much of the season, but now two are on injured reserve, and the latter has yet to suit up for a game since injuring his knee in Week One.

This time of season is all about making the right decisions, and our goal is to provide you with the information so you can do just that. Here are three intriguing match-ups that could help you decide your final fantasy line-up for Week 15:

Tom Brady, QB, NE (@ BUF) VS. Brett Favre, QB, MIN (@ CAR)

Both quarterbacks have put up over 3,300 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, displaying their ability in their respective offenses to air it out, and both have been quality QB1 starts all season long.

However, this week has both passers facing very stingy pass defenses, making them risky plays heading into the playoffs. And while this decision may have been a no-brainer in 2007 when the Patriots were riding high, recent turmoil surrounding Randy Moss suggests a second glance.

There are two aspects to this match-up:

First, both players are facing top pass defenses, and have struggled against defenses that apply pressure and cover their top receivers well. Brady had a very tough outing in his first game against the Jets this season, and struggled mightily last week against Favre’s opponent this week, the Carolina Panthers.

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 02-12-2009

Category : Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Fantasy Coin Flip, Fantasy Football Strategies, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Sleepers & Player Rankings

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

Last weeks “Coin Flip” article was destroyed before it even started. We pitted Matt Ryan against Donovan McNabb, vouching for Ryan against a hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, only to see the second-year star hit the sidelines with a turf toe injury before he could do any damage. It didn’t stop there. We also had a match-up between two injured running backs (Cedric Benson and Michael Turner) who had the possibility of returning last week, and you didn’t stand a chance going with either of them. Benson didn’t even suit up, while Turner’s triumphant return ended with 12 carries and under 40 yards, as well as a return to the sidelines after he re-injured his ankle.

We’re sticking with guys who aren’t riding gimpy legs into Week 13, and encourage you to rely on our advice this week:


Ray RiceRay Rice, RB, BAL (@GB) VS. Thomas Jones, RB, NYJ (@ BUF)

This is an interesting match-up because both of these backs have been fantasy stalwarts for most of 2009, and really, in any given week, have the role and ability to save your team. Rice is in a brutal division that does a great job against the run (save for Cleveland), yet he’s still put up elite numbers on a consistent basis. The week-to-week match-up is the complete opposite for Jones, however, yet the backs’ numbers are very comparable.

Rice is going up against a very solid Green Bay Packers defense on Monday night this week, one that has done a great job containing running backs in the past three weeks, yet still has a bit of trouble on screens (as most teams do). In a match-up of two beastly running backs, their respective match-ups have to be the deciding factor.

Verdict: Rice is very hard to leave on your bench, but if you have the choice between the two, you can’t pass up Jones’ beautiful match-up with a very leaky Bills run defense. Jones broke-out for 200+ yards on them last time, and that was with Mark Sanchez throwing five picks. How do you like his chances this week? Needless to say, TJ is our guy.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI (@ATL) VS. Terrell Owens, WR, BUF (vs. NYJ)

Maclin has been a solid model for consistency since taking over Kevin Curtis’ job as the Eagle starter opposite of DeSean Jackson, while T.O. has finally developed some chemistry with a quarterback not named Romo, McNabb, or Garcia. Trent Edwards wasn’t giving him any love, but who

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Fantasy Coin Flip Week 12

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 28-11-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip

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Fantasy Coin Flip

Even with all the Start/Sit and Waiver Wire advice in the world, sometimes fantasy owners are left to be frantic, panicking over their decisions going into Sunday’s games.

In Fantasy Coin Flip, we take a look at three different positions and a possible match-up between two players of solid value that could be fighting it out for a spot in your team’s line-up this week. Read on for some information and analysis that could help push you in the right direction:

Donovan McNabb, QB, PHI (vs. WAS) VS. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL (vs. TB)

This is an interesting match-up, as McNabb would be the usual consensus pick, but with his last performance against a reasonably tough Washington pass defense in mind, Matt Ryan definitely deserves his argument to be heard here.

McNabb had a great day against the San Diego Chargers two weeks ago and had another solid performance against the Chicago Bears, but after seeing how the Redskins held Tony Romo and the Cowboys passing offense in check for almost four quarters, we’re not in love with McNabb’s chances.

His inconsistency, past performance, and the Redskins defensive potential beg us to consider all options.

Ryan, on the other hand, has been progressing in recent weeks, and was solid last week in a loss to the New York Giants. His stud receiver, Roddy White, looks to be fully healthy, and his star running back, Michael Turner, could possibly return this week.

Verdict: Regardless of their individual arguments, Ryan is going up against a still pathetic Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, and has to be the play this week, making him a “coin flip” suggestion for the second week in a row.

Cedric Benson, RB, CIN (vs. CLE) VS. Michael Turner, RB, ATL (vs. TB)

It’s the battle of the injured studs. The question isn’t necessarily which will perform better against his scheduled cakewalk match-up, but more, which will play? And even if both play this Sunday, who can we expect to have a bigger role?nfl_g_turner_412

Benson is reportedly “ready to play”, while head coach Marvin Lewis seems unwilling to commit to a status for the star running back for Week 12. Benson’s hip figures to be almost (if not completely) 100%, but with an easy opponent like the Cleveland Browns, it wouldn’t shock us to see the Bengals sit him for the second consecutive week.

As for Michael Turner, while he hasn’t practiced all week, his high ankle sprain is reportedly healing faster than expected, although head coach Mike Smith isn’t saying anything about it.

The word is that Jason Snelling is going to be the starter this week, especially considering the

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 18-11-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Sleepers & Player Rankings

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Fantasy Football Coin FlipFantasy Football Coin Flip

In last week’s Coin Flip piece, I went the wrong way between Tony Romo and Brett Favre, but made the right call with picks in favor of Ray Rice and Calvin Johnson. With the thought that “two out of three ain’t bad”, let’s move forward to our goal of getting 3/3 in our match-up calls this week.

Take a look at the six players facing off, and who should be in your starting line-up:

Jay Cutler, QB, (vs. PHI) VS. Matt Ryan, QB, (@NYG)

Both quarterbacks have been in dramatic slides in recent weeks, as Cutler has tossed 10 interceptions in his last four games, while Ryan has thrown eight. Cutler did have a solid 300+ yard and three touchdown effort two weeks ago in a crushing loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but has otherwise been a turnover machine with no reliable weapons outide of Devin Hester, and no rushing offense to speak of. His match-ups haven’t been desirable, but for the money he’s making and the hype he gets, Cutler should be giving more back to you for the draft pick you invested in him.

Ryan, on the other hand, has dipped considerably since leading an early-season charge for the Falcons, and has been playing very medicore football during a relatively tough schedule. The interesting thing about the match-up between these two passers is the defense they’re facing, and the last quarterback that torched both defenses: Phillip Rivers. Rivers had solid outings against both the Eagles and Giants, two teams that originally appeared to be among the elite, but have since struggled stopping offenses through the air.

Matt RyanWith Michael Turner expected to miss Week 11’s action, Ryan is now likely in the same boat as Cutler, with no reliable running game, and with just one “elite” receiver to rely on, as well as a tight end as his weapon.

Verdict: You’d love to vote for Cutler and to see him bounce-back, but in the name of Rex Grossman, you simply cannot trust him. He threw five interceptions in his last game (and no touchdowns), which gave him two 4+ pick games, and 17 turnovers through the air on the season. Ryan hasn’t been leaps and bounds better, but he offers a little more stability and restraint. And we’d take Roddy White over Devin Hester, anyday. Go with Matty Ice.

Marion Barber, RB, (vs. WAS) VS. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, (@DEN)

In year’s past, LT was the easy pick here, but even with his recent success in two of his last three games, a difficult match-up and a leveled playing field could make this a difficult choice for some owners.

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 12-11-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Sleepers & Player Rankings

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

After you’ve scoured the waiver wire , found nothing worth your time, and then failed to pull off the trade that may have rescued your team, what’s left for you to do? Well, it’s times like these where you have to suck it up and look within.

Even the best fantasy owners with rosters loaded with talent can run into unlucky stretches of bad match-ups for their players, ridiculous performances by opponents, or facing the highest scoring team every week.

Regardless, it’s up to you to do everything in your power to put the best team up against your opponent, and like it or not, sometimes it starts with pitting your own players against each other.

Here’s a look at three positions with two players facing off, with only one earning the right to take a place in your starting lineup:

Tony Romo , DAL (@GB) vs. Brett Favre, MIN (vs. DET)

Romo threw his first pick in four weeks against the Philadelphia Eagles, and connected with Miles Austin for his ninth touchdown during that span. That’s pretty impressive for a guy that many were starting to write off early in the season as Dallas was struggling a bit offensively. It gets better with a friendly match-up against the Green Bay Packers, a team his fantasy opponent this week, Brett Favre , destroyed twice this season.

Green Bay doesn’t get consistent pressure on the quarterback and doesn’t have the speed or talent to keep up with Romo’s downfield shots, as tony-romo2well as the emerging Miles Austin. Favre, on the other hand, has been completely on fire ever since week three, and doesn’t look like he’ll be slowing down. There’s the “late-season fade” story to worry about, as well as the possibility that the Vikings depend a bit more on Adrian Peterson going forward. I’ll buy the latter over the former, as Favre looks too sharp and determined to falter like he did last season. Facing the Detroit Lions doesn’t hurt , either.

Verdict: I love both players and both match-ups this week, so no matter which way you go, you’re going to get a winner. This article is about picking the better player for the week, though, so we’re going with Romo. The Packers stop the run fairly well, so Romo should be very active against a weak Green Bay secondary. Hey, if Josh Freeman can torch them, who can’t?

Ray Rice,  BAL (@CLE) vs. Cedric Benson, CIN (@PIT)

Rice was shut down last week against a solid Cincinnati Bengals defense, but should have his usual solid outing against the lowly Cleveland Browns in front of the nation on Monday Night Football . The Ravens keep toying with us over whether or not they’re a playoff contender, and

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 06-11-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

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Fantasy Football Coin FlipFantasy Football: Coin Flip

We’ve been taking a look every week at rosters facing dilemmas, and this week is no different. Struggling over which running back, quarterback, or receiver to sit or start on your team? Look no further than this column, where we pick three match-ups and fight to the death until one player is the clear-cut winner for the week.

Matt Schaub, HOU (@IND) VS. Kurt Warner, AZ (@CHI)

Schaub has been on an absolute tear and there’s no way you should bench him, right? Uh, not exactly. Yes, he’s been awesome this year, already has topped last season’s touchdown total, and has Houston thinking playoffs. But he’s also going up against the Colts 7th ranked pass defense. We’re talking about a pass defense that has allowed one single 300+ yard passer in seven games this season, and hasn’t given up more than two touchdowns through the air in a game all season.

The only guy to notch 300+ yards? You guessed it, the other guy in this elite QB match-up: Kurt Warner. And it took him 52 attempts to get there.

Warner had a bad week last week, throwing five interceptions, but with a mediocre match-up against the Chicago Bears, you may have to cut him some slack and give him a go.

Verdict: Warner is your man. He has at least two scores and 230+ passing yards in three of his last four games, so you know he’s consistent.Bengals Benson Football Schaub, on the other hand, simply hasn’t shown up against solid pass defenses in the past (Buffalo and Oakland), so there’s no reason to think he will on the road against Indy.

Cedric Benson, CIN (vs. BAL) VS. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. SD)

Everyone is in love with Benson. He ran all over his former Bears team and now he’s got the world waiting on his every beckon. Even the team he’s facing this week, the formidable Baltimore Ravens, couldn’t stop him the last time they faced-off.

True, but that could change rather quickly. The Ravens just destroyed the previously undefeated Denver Broncos 30-7 last week, and while their pass defense has been suspect this season, their run defense most certainly has not.

Benson got the best of them in the first meeting, but the odds are not in his favor that it will happen again. However, even if he does post decent numbers, it’s unlikely he’ll match Brandon Jacobs’ productivity against San Diego.

Jacobs has been toting the ball more than his back-up these days, and has piled up 197 yards through the past two games. Enter San Diego’s 27th ranked rush defense, and Jacobs could be in for a mighty fine day.

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Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 29-10-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Fantasy Football Coin FlipFantasy Football Coin Flip

Last week’s Coin Flip column produced solid value, as Austin Collie scored a touchdown, and Cedric Benson exacted his revenge against his former team, the Chicago Bears. Read on for two more great match-ups of players, and some analysis towards who will make the best play in Week Eight:

Matt Forte, RB,  (vs. CLE) Vs. Frank Gore, RB,  (@IND)

An easy argument, right? Forte hasn’t done anything all season, save for an explosive game against the lowly Detroit Lions a few weeks back. Meanwhile, Gore was easing himself back into things against an improved Houston Texans run defense last week. Is that about the gist of it? Problem is, as much as I want to believe in Alex Smith and co. (and I sort of do), I just can’t see Gore running wild against the Indianapolis run defense. If the 49ers are going to even compete in that game, it will be because the Colts stop Gore and make Alex Smith try to beat them through the air. Forte, on the other hand, despite not posting (or averaging) great numbers so far this year, gets to “have a wonderful day” matched-up against the Cleveland Browns. As long as Jay Cutler can expose the Browns secondary (and he will), there’s really no reason to think Forte can’t get back on track, if only for this one week. That is, unless he’s the second coming of Curtis Enis. Or Rashan Salaam. Or Anthony Thomas. Or…

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Fantasy Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 23-10-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip

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Fantasy Coin Flip

It comes every week. You read all the Start/Sit advice you can find, scan the waiver wire, and even contemplate pulling off a trade. But, as I’ve said before, sometimes the best answer is simply taking a look at two guys that are already on your team, and just making the best choice possible.

Last week’s match-ups gave you two successful starts if you followed my advice and started Thomas Jones over Clinton Portis, and Kyle Orton over Matt Hasselbeck. Take a look at this week’s three match-ups and see if they can point you in the right direction:

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles Vs. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Who’s going to show up in Washington? Could it be the pass happy Eagles that can’t pick up first downs, or a balanced well oiled machine? The Eagles need to run the ball more or no one will ever buy into the play action pass. This seems to be an ongoing problem with the Eagles, but we think McNabb should play well either way. The players were questioning the play-calling (so were the fans) after the crazy loss to the Raiders, so expect Reid and his coaching staff to be more in tune and focused this week.

The Giants want to get back to the running game but Arizona has a solid front 7. Throw in Eli Manning’s sore heel and we might have an issue. Manning is a risky start against an aggressive Cardinals front line, but Eli does step it up in big games, and with the crowd on his side facing an average secondary, his numbers should be solid.

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Fantasy Coin Flip

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Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 16-10-2009

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Fantasy Football Strategies

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Fantasy Coin Flip

With bye weeks stressing you out every week and one-game wonders causing you to race to the waiver wire, fantasy football can tire you out. In a good way, of course. Still, sometimes it’s best to look at your own bench on your own roster, rather than panic and try to attempt a foolish trade that might only save your week six, but could kill the rest of your season.

Take a look at two positions with two players battling it out for one spot, and hopefully it points you in the right direction.

Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos Vs. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Both quarterbacks had insanely good stat-lines in week five, and both could very well project just as well in week six. The trouble is, one plays on Sunday, the other on Monday, and there really isn’t a whole lot separating them to make this an easy decision. Hasselbeck is fresh off of his first game back in which he tossed four touchdowns, and is going up against a very quarterback-friendly Arizona Cardinals passing defense.

The only real knock against playing Hasselbeck is that, while he should play well, it’s fairly unlikely he throws four touchdowns two weeks in a row. Also, with running back Julius Jones in a rut, the offense would be doing itself a great disservice to not attempt to get him going again.

Orton, on the other hand, tossed two scores and 330 yards last week against the Patriots, and has a prime-time match-up with the San Diego Chargers, who also aren’t great at defending the pass.

Can you say, toss-up?

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