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Top 10 Fantasy Football Playoff Duds

Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 15-12-2009

Category : Around the League, Detroit Lions, Fantasy Football, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots

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How many folds, creases, and highlighted sections of your fantasy football magazine mentioned that you would put together a wicked fantasy team only to have a handful of blue chip players sell you out in the playoffs? If your fantasy league started it’s post season this week (most did) you’ve dedicated at least 30+ minutes of your work week to mentioning how bad you were robbed by your go-to fantasy players.

Gridiron Experts did it’s best to mention the fact that the Bears play tough against the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, or that you should weigh your options before starting the Steelers defense, but hey…we don’t have a crystal ball.

The following are fantasy football weekly regulars that choked in week 14 and took your fantasy hopes down with their crappy performance.

10. Calvin Johnson Calvin Johnson of the Lions
The Detroit Lions had a bad match-up week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens on the road, and the fantasy results for one of the most electrifying WR’s in the game was frustrating. With Culpepper under center nobody thought the Lions were going to steal a win, but scoring points shouldn’t have been that difficult. The Ravens have been burned all season against the pass, and with a deep target like Johnson fantasy owners refused to bench the talented receiver in hopes of getting some pity points. Instead Calvin Johnson had only 4 catches for 37 yards, making him our number 10 dud on the fantasy football letdown list.

9. Donald Driver

After taking over as the number one receiving target in Green Bay, Donald Driver has become a secret weapon for fantasy owners. His draft value at the start of the season has him now being called one of the best mid-round sleepers of the ‘09 season, but his performance crushed fantasy owners week 14. Driver, usually a go-to target, had only 2 catches for 11 yards against the Bears, a season low that fantasy football fans didn’t want to see.

8. Ben Worthlisberger (ouch)

The Steelers are done, and so are you if you started Roethlisberger against the Browns. When the schedule came out back in April, keeper league owners were laughing when they saw their first round fantasy playoff match-up, while others circled it as a great QB option as a sleeper. Big Ben played poorly on the road in Cleveland putting up only 201 passing yards. In week 6 against the Browns,

Waiver Wire Sleepers

Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 04-12-2009

Category : Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Tags: Fantasy Football

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Last Minute Waiver Wire Sleepers

Believe it or not, whether you’re 11-0 or 5-6 at this point in the season, searching for and finding gems on the waiver wire never gets old. At least it shouldn’t, not if you’re as dedicated to fantasy football success as we are.

The names won’t blow you away, but there are at least a couple of guys at each position that can help you out in some manner, and all should be available in over 50% of fantasy leagues.

Read on to find out what darkhorses could help you in Week 13, and possibly even in your league’s playoffs:

Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals (95%)

Leinart didn’t throw a touchdown in his 2009 starting debut, but he did play well, and ended the game against the Titants be going 13-16 in the second half. Kurt Warner is still having post-concussion issues, so there’s a decent chance Leinart could start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings can rush the passer, but they also have issues stopping elite pass offenses, so Leinart could easily find some solid numbers. Even if Leinart doesn’t play this week, or if you don’t like him against the Vikings, hold onto him for the stretch run, as concussion symptoms tend to linger.

Chris Redman, QB, Atlanta Falcons (97%)

Redman stepped in for the injured Matt Ryan last week, and completed 23 passes for 240+ yards and two scores, including the game-winner. Redman picked up right where he had left off after a solid 2007 season, and will go into Week 13’s match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles as Atlanta’s starter, as Ryan nurses a turf toe injury.

The Eagles pass defense isn’t weak, but with no Michael Turner to help him, Redman could be in for a busy day.

Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons (80%)

It was Jason Snelling two weeks ago, and now that Micharl Turner is back on the shelf and Norwood is healthy again, the tiny back from Mississippi State gets a crack at extra playing time.

He was decent in his return last week, rushing for 22 yards and catching two passes for another 28 yards and a touchdown, but should see a much larger role this week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The match-up isn’t great, but the touches should be there, making him a solid Flex play for Week 13, and until Turner returns.

Chris Brown, RB, Houston Texans (94%)

Brown has rushed the ball 11 times in the past two games, despite coming off the bench, and has even had a role in the passing game. Brown is the best blocking back on the team, doesn’t put the ball on the ground, and is solid in every facet of the game.

Steve Slaton will continue to start for the Texans and will play a role in the offense, but Brown’s role appears to be a bit more dependable. He has a solid match-up against a weak Jacksonville defense this week, so use him with confidence if you need running back help.

Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints (54%)

Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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

Tags: Fantasy Football

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 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

Fantasy Football Coin Flip

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

Category : Fantasy Coin Flip, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Tags: Fantasy Football

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-romo2 well 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

Fantasy Sleepers For Week 10

Posted by DC | Posted on 10-11-2009

Category : Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Tags: Fantasy Football

Fantasy Sleepers For Week 10 Josh Freeman

Josh Freeman, QB

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL odds that Josh Freeman is going to be a Hall of Famer, Pro Bowler, or even a quality starting quarterback are still fairly long. Even so, there is a good reason to pick him up for fantasy reasons. Freeman had three touchdowns in his first start, and while he was playing against the Green Bay Packers at home after a bye week, he may be able to keep it up.

The Bucs do have a decent offensive line and a good running game, so there shouldn’t be a ton of pressure on him. He is facing a good Miami team this weekend so you probably wouldn’t want to start him, but he is worth owning and stashing on your bench.

Quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco have stepped in as rookies and been very effective starters, and while Freeman is in a very different situation, he is worth keeping an eye on. Pick him up and keep him on your bench for now.

Darren McFadden, RB

Oakland Raiders

In this weeks sportsbook, you might see something you haven’t seen in a while: the Oakland Raiders listed as a favorite. That’s because they get to face one of only two teams they have defeated this year as the Kansas City Chiefs visit. The Raiders are coming off a bye week and are starting to get fully healthy. Darren McFadden is one of those players who has been hurt and his return should give the team a boost.

Injuries Create Job Openings

Posted by Kevin Roberts | Posted on 07-11-2009

Category : Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Tags: Fantasy Football

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Injuries Create Job Openings

Injuries happen every week, changing the fortunes both for the players that sustain the injury, as well as the players around them. An offensive player’s absence can either affect other players negatively, or it can give a lesser known player a chance at the spotlight.

Take a look at five guys who could be seeing extended playing time due to injury:

Steve Breaston/Jerheme Urban, WR, Arizona Cardinals

It seems we’re talking about these guys every week. Breaston is already a solid WR3 in most leagues, despite being the third option in AZ’s passing attack. However, with a strong possibility of having Anquan Boldin sitting out in Week Nine, Urban’s value could sky-rocket.

That’s what everyone thought when the Cardinals faced the New York Giants, but Boldin ended up playing, killing Urban’s value. If Boldin does in fact sit this one out, upgrade Breaston to a solid WR2, and Urban to a WR3.

Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins Fred-Davis

Another tight end, Chris Cooley, went down, and another one rises. For about a month, anyways. Davis has already displayed his excellent potential, as he caught eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in Week Seven.

Davis is still playing in a paltry Washington offense, and his lack of elite blocking ability holds him back, but the skills and potential production are definitely there. He will be Cooley’s replacement and the starter for the Redskins at tight end until Cooley returns.

James Casey, TE, Houston Texans

He’s dealing with his own knee injury currently, but Casey should be reaping the benefits of his fallen teammate Owen Daniels soon enough.

Casey is a very athletic pass-catcher with good play-making ability. With Daniels out for the season with a torn ACL, Casey, the only effective pass-catching tight end in Houston, will have to step up.

Digging Through The Waiver Wire

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

Category : Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Tags: Fantasy Football

Digging Through The Waiver Wire

Start/Sit columns attempt to help you pick between several options, highlighting guys that are on every team, or suggesting to sit guys that would normally be “studs”. While those columns definitely have their place in fantasy football, sometimes you need to dig a little bit deeper.

When you don’t have the Tom Brady’s and Andre Johnson’s of the fantasy world, sometimes you need a little extra help to locate the next “gem” that’s lurking on your waiver wire in your league.

The following players are available in at at least 50% of Yahoo! leagues this week, and would make excellent additions to your depleted or bye week-starving roster:

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Smith came out on fire against the Houston Texans two weeks ago, throwing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. He ran into a bit of a road block against a stellar pass defense in Indianapolis last week, but kept optimism alive with 198 passing yards and a touchdown pass to Vernon Davis.

Going up against a spotty Tennessee Titans pass defense, Smith should shoulder much of the load, as Frank Gore and the rushing attack should struggle to find room against the Titans’ solid rush defense.

Available in 80% of leagues.

Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans

Much like Alex Smith, Young is getting his last chance at proving himself, and so far, so good. Young passed for just 125 yards and a touchdown last week, but also found 35 yards on the ground in a convincing 30-13 win over Jacksnville, the Titan’s first of the season.

The 49ers are a proud defense, and will look to shut down the ground game of Chris Johnson and Lendale White, which could make Young take

Fantasy Football: Injuries & Info

Posted by Mike Rodriguez | Posted on 30-10-2009

Category : Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

Tags: Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football: Quick Hits 09_chelsey-buhler_17

Anthony Gonzalez - WR, Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Gonzalez (knee) missed practice again Thursday.

Darren McFadden – RB, Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden has yet to begin hard running and cutting since undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee over three weeks ago.

Jake Delhomme – QB, Carolina Panthers: ESPN.com’s John Clayton expects coach Jon Fox to have a quick hook ready for Jake Delhomme this Sunday at Arizona.
Calvin Johnson – WR, Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson was officially “limited” in Thursday’s practice.

DeSean Jackson - WR, Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson (foot) was able to practice in full Thursday.

Ahmad Bradshaw – RB, New York Giants: Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

Jermichael Finley – TE, Green Bay Packers: According to beat writer Pete Dougherty, the chances of TE Jermichael Finley (knee) playing this week are “iffy at best.”

Reggie Wayne – WR, Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne (groin) was held out of practice again Thursday.

Cortland Finnegan – CB, Tennessee Titans Titans: starting CBs Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) and Nick Harper (arm) resumed practicing in a limited manner Thursday.

Brian Westbrook - RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Westbrook’s (concussion) headache is reportedly gone, and he will begin aerobic workouts on Friday.
Felix Jones – RB, Dallas Cowboys: With Allen Rossum (hamstring) out 2-4 weeks, Felix Jones will be the Cowboys’ main kickoff returner.

Andre Johnson – WR, Houston Texans: After guaranteeing that he would play this week, Andre Johnson (bruised lung) returned to practice Thursday.

Laurence Maroney – RB, New England Patriots: RBs Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis were held out of Thursday’s practice with undisclosed injuries.

Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 8

Posted by DC | Posted on 28-10-2009

Category : Start'em Sit'em

Tags: Fantasy Football

Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 8

Most sites recycle imaginary fantasy numbers with yards and touchdowns and quick blurbs on how great Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson is going to do, but you already know that. We here at Gridiron Experts are not about to insult your fantasy football intelligence by posting the obvious numbers, instead we go out on a limb and try spotting great fantasy match-ups that many people might be overlooking. Star players will always perform, but key players can thrive in one week situations through either an offensive game plan or an excellent match-up. Our goal is to zone in on these perfect match-ups and offer advice that might make your life a little easier. It always comes down to you making the last minute call with your line-up, but hopefully we can help.

Start’em

David Garrard- The Titans are a mess and will implode on the field just like they have in the standings. It’s every man for himself in Tennessee these days, and the Jaguars will exploit that. Garrard is off a bye and will be focused against a divisional opponent.
Donovan McNabb- We thought the Monday Night game was going to be a little more challenging for the Eagles, but it was a joke. The Giants on the other hand are going to be geared up after losing their last two games. McNabb has played well against the G-Men in the past and (possibly) without Westbrook the Eagles will lean even more on number 5.
Chad Henne- In week 5 against the Jets, Henne was 20-26, had 211 yards and 2 TD’s. He is more comfortable in this offense now and should be a great bye week replacement.
Kevin Smith- You might have forgotten about this guy; Smith and the Lions were on a bye last week and saw the Packers and Steelers before that. Kevin Smith hasn’t had the easiest schedule to start the season, but expect good numbers from him against the Rams. The Lions are facing a team that’s given up 11 rushing touchdowns this season (tied for the worst).
Chris “Beanie” Wells- Ok kid, it’s time. You played great against the Giants and now face a bad rushing defense at home….you want the job, this is the game to prove it. Expect a split carry situation again, but with the Cardinals facing a surprisingly good pass defense more carries are going to be given to the RB’s.
Ray Rice- Don’t scare away from starting this great running back. The Broncos are an elite defense but Rice can catch the ball just as well as he can run with it.
Steve Slaton- The Bills are terrible against the run, allowing an average of 174 yards on the ground. Good match-up.
Mike Sims-Walker- Should find the endzone against a very confused and out of sync secondary.
Jeremy Maclin- We held back the week Maclin got his first start against the Chiefs thinking that the Eagles rookie might not be a worthy start, but Maclin has earned a place in fantasy line-ups. The Giants will try to shut down DeSean Jackson, hence an extra workload coming Maclin’s way.
Miles Austin- Rags to riches, ride the hot hand.
Kevin Boss- If healthy Boss could do well against the Eagles. The weak spot in the Eagles blitz happy defense has always been the Tight End position; why do you think all of their division opponents have drafted an abundant amount of Tight Ends over the years? So far this year: Fred Davis & Cooley combined for 99 yards 1TD, Zach Miller had 139 yards 1TD, Winslow had 102 yards 2TD’s…the list goes on. Tight Ends have big days against the Birds.