Gridiron Experts

Fantasy Bye Week Savior

Did you get spurned by Matt Ryan sitting out of week four? How about Jay Cutler and Drew Brees taking a break in week five? If not, what is your plan to keep your record intact when your all Colts offense of Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark relax for their week six bye?

The list goes on and on of elite players that must be replaced, but let’s break it down for you. Dallas, Indianapolis, Miami, and San Francisco all have week six off. That’s right. Frank Gore and Ronnie Brown are on vacation while you sweat over Ahmad Bradshaw or Larry Johnson to replace them. Here’s five players that could save the day.

David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Garrard went from a hero to a zero in a matter of one week. After kicking some serious butt in week four, Garrard and the Jags got shut-out by Seattle in week five. You can count on him and the rest of the Jaguars bouncing back at home against the lowly Rams. Garrard is better than the performance he gave last week. Besides, his number two target, Torry Holt, will want to get back at his old team.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings

They tried easing him into things, but the Vikings were forced to unleash Favre by week three, and since then we’ve seen nothing but wins and magic. Baltimore is almost certainly going to do their best at shutting down Adrian Peterson, which will make Favre have to win or lose the game with his arm. Considering Brodie Croyle had decent success against this suspect Ravens pass defense, you have to like Favre’s chances.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelpha Eagles

McCoy is splitting carries with Brian Westbrook full-time now, which means he’s guaranteed at least eight touches per game. While both McCoy and Westbrook heavily disappointed last week, he could be a nice bye-week fill-in as the Eagles face the Raiders, who couldn’t stop the run to save their lives.

Leon Washington, RB, New York Jets

Washington hasn’t topped 60 rushing yards or scored a touchdown all season, which puts the label “fantasy bust” directly on his forehead. …Continue reading Fantasy Bye Week Savior

Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 4

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

Jay Cutler vs. the Lions

Detroit is all smiles for one week after an upset win over the Skins, but the Bears are gaining momentum and should be able to pick apart the relaxed Lions at home. Neither team is playing great football, but since the opener Cutler has been doing his best to regain control. It’s almost amazing how fast Cutler’s turn around has happened; we see a big day for number 6.

Cedric Benson vs. the Browns

The Browns run defense is terrible, and the Bengals are playing good all around football. Expect a couple turnovers from a much improved Bengals defensive unit to give Benson and company excellent field position. Remember, Derek Anderson is starting and he will be pressing in this game to showcase his skills as a starter. Benson is a safe start this week.

Addai or Donald Brown vs. the Seahawks

In a bind at RB? Why not start one of the combo Colts for a week? I know Peyton Manning is on fire, but the secondary for the Seahawks isn’t half bad, it’s the run defense that has the holes. Seattle is allowing an average of 5.6 yards per carry on the ground. Expect this game to feature a little more of the running attack as the Hawks will be backing off in fear of being burned deep.
…Continue reading Start’em Sit’em Week 4

Green Bay Packers @ St. Louis Rams

NFL Odds Makers:
Current Line: Packers -6.5

What’s On The Line:
The Green Bay Packers had an impressive win in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears and then quickly let the balloon deflate in Week 2 after losing at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Packers can’t afford to lose games in a row against teams perceived to be in the NFL’s basement. So far this year, the Packers defense has been decent but their offense, which was supposed to be one of the most explosive units in the NFL, has been a big letdown.

For the Rams, this is just another game. They would like to end their 12-game losing streak but for a franchise that’s won just five of their last 34 games, one win won’t mean much. They need a revolution. They put up a fight in Washington and another good performance in their home opener would give the indication that they are heading in the right direction. They could be in a tough spot this week, though.

Who Has The Edge:

The Packers Super Bowl odds flew up after they beat the Bears but now they are back to reality, so to speak, as they sit at 1-1. The good news is that they should be able to get their offense going this week. …Continue reading Packers Rams Quick Preview

Fantasy Football: Waiver Watch

Not a lot to choose from after only one week of action, but here are a few notes to go along with guys floating on the waiver wire:

• Mario Manningham - WR, New York Giants
  The Giants started in a two-receiver, two-tight end set in Sunday’s opener, with Mario Manningham at flanker and Domenik Hixon at split end. Manningham had 3 Rec for 58 yards and a TD.
• Kevin Faulk - RB, New England Patriots
  Kevin Faulk led the Patriots’ running backs in snaps Monday night with 42. Average numbers, but he did have a lot of check down catches. 6 rec 51 yrds.
• Rashad Jennings – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
  Jaguars rookie tailback Rashad Jennings was active for Week 1, but didn’t play a single snap. Maybe a steal now before anybody sees an injury coming.
• Carnell Williams - RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  Cadillac Williams ran for 97 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in the Bucs Week 1 loss to the Cowboys. Back from the dead, someone may have snatched up Cadillac in a late sleeper pick…but you never know, he may be on your waiver wire.
• Benjamin Watson - TE, New England Patriots
  Ben Watson caught six passes for 77 yards and two scores in Monday night’s win. We heard Watson was close to being cut? Who knew.
• Jeff Garcia – QB, Philadelphia Eagles
  Eagles signed QB Jeff Garcia, formerly of the Raiders. If you’re weak at QB ( which you shouldn’t be after wk 1) or don’t like your match-ups, there is a chance that Garcia could get the start, as Kolb is garbage.

…Continue reading Fantasy Football: Waiver Watch

Fantasy Forecast: 2009 Rookies- Daniel Phillips
The 2008 offensive rookie class was arguably one of the most NFL ready player pools in recent history; Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Steve Slaton, Matt Forte, Kevin Smith, Jonathan Stewart, Chris Johnson, Eddie Royal, and Desean Jackson were all starters who made an immediate and valuable impact with their respective teams. In our view at Gridiron Experts, the 2009 class will not be quite as deep as its predecessor, but as per usual it will have its shining stars. While it’s still early, all indications
are that these five offensive rookies will produce at a high level this season.

RB-Knowsean Moreno: The best running back in this class. A mix of great speed, hands, and elusiveness will afford him a ton of action this season. It is likely Knowsean will start for the Broncos, although it is difficult to tell with the massive rotation they currently own. Even if Knowsean does not take the number one spot on the depth chart, he will still be able to produce at a high level due to his overall ability with the ball, similar to Matt Forte.
Our projections: 159 rush attempts, 693 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 29 receptions, 297 yards, 2 touchdowns.

WR-Michael Crabtree: This former Texas Tech star is simply the best wide receiver in this class. He could be the type of player that makes the mediocre quarterback look better; here’s looking at you Shaun hill and Alex Smith. This draft may not have a 1,000 yard receiver, but we believe Crabtree is the most likely to come near or surpass these lofty numbers.
Our projections: 91 targets, 61 receptions, 839 yards, 5 touchdowns.
RB-Chris “Beanie” Wells: Beanie may be the only true starting rookie running back this season come week 1. With Edgerrin James out of the picture Beanie is only competing with Tim Hightower, who is by reputation more of a short yardage back. Providing he stays healthy, Beanie should have a productive season.
Our projections: 187 rush attempts, 721 yards, 5 touchdowns, 10 receptions, 80 yards, zero touchdowns.

WR-Jeremy Maclin: A deadly talent, thought by some to be the best receiver in this class. Maclin is joining and completing the strongest core of receivers in Philadelphia for quite some time. Likely the number three man behind Curtis and Jackson, Maclin should see his fair share of targets due to Donovan McNabb’s reluctance to focus in on one receiver. 
Our projections: 59 targets, 36 receptions, 528 yards, 4 touchdowns.

RB-Donald Brown: In the past two seasons Joseph Addai has been stellar, but has also shown that he is at his best when there is another running back to ease the load. Donald Brown will be that man to spell Addai, he will without a doubt be the most valuable handcuff in the league. And if Addai goes down once again, Brown could be primed for a big season in this offense.
Our projections: 163 rush attempts, 708 yards, 3 touchdowns, 21 receptions 117 yards, 1 touchdown.

Fantasy Forecast Week 16

Don’t lose sleep over line-up decisions in your fantasy playoffs. Gridiron Experts predicts the top fantasy studs and duds and even gives a sleeper player that you might not be looking at.

New Orleans at Detroit - fantasy playoff  jackpot! With no one in the crowd, it’s hard to call this a road game for the Saints. Drew Brees should run up the score just for the fun of it. Missing the playoffs is a bummer, but throwing for 400 yards might put a smile on his face, and yours. The Saints also don’t want to be “that team” that lost to the Lions, so play your fantasy studs with ease.
Fantasy Stud: Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson
Fantasy Dud: Hard to find a dud player that you would consider playing
Fantasy Sleeper: Pierre Thomas & Kevin Smith

Atlanta at Minnesota
Fantasy Stud: ADP (he’ll play, don’t worry), Roddy White
Fantasy Dud: Michael Turner- not a huge dud, but not the normal Turner type numbers that you’re used to.
Fantasy Sleeper: Tarvaris Jackson

Miami at Kansas City - Miami has a history of falling apart in December, and Kansas City isn’t exactly beach weather. Fantasy Tip – if you’re ever wondering how the game will go as far as points scored, always refer to the Over/Under. The OU is 40 with Miami as 4 point favorites, so Vegas sees something like a 21-17 Miami win. Ronnie Brown and company might be putting up numbers, but not the ones you’re used to.
Fantasy Stud: Chad Pennington, Larry Johnson, Ronnie Brown
Fantasy Dud: Ricky Williams is also a fullback now in the fantasy world
Fantasy Sleeper: Tony Gonzalez- has been a monster the last couple games

Green Bay at Chicago
Fantasy Stud: Matt Forte, Greg Jennings, Kyle Orton
Fantasy Dud: Aaron Rodgers- can he play in the cold? He played his college ball at Cal.
Fantasy Sleeper- Greg Olsen

San Diego at Tampa Bay
Fantasy Stud: Philp Rivers, LT, Antonio Bryant
Fantasy Dud: Brian Griese
Fantasy Sleeper: Carnell Williams

Cincinnati at Cleveland
San Francisco at St. Louis
Ugly games could hurt fantasy numbers- what do these teams have to play for? Well, they’re both divisional games, so that’s something. Romeo Crennel and Mike Singeltary are trying to hang on to their jobs, so they’re not about to try out a rookie at WR or RB. But all in all, if you are relying on a guy to win your fantasy pool that is playing in these two games, be warned. I wouldn’t expect huge numbers from anyone with the exception of Shaun Hill and Frank Gore.

Pittsburgh at Tennessee
Fantasy Stud: Chris Johnson- they’ll still be able to move the ball
Fantasy Dud: Kerry Collins and Willie Parker
Fantasy Sleeper: LenDale White- when they score, it’ll be a goal line smashing TD.

Arizona at New England- Well, we called it in our Fantasy Preview, and we also picked the Vikings last week in a blow out; the Cardinals are going down. Arizona has bad match ups, and no matter how well Warner and his WR’s have been playing this season, it’s only going to translate into an early playoff exit. This week they head to New England to play in a very cold game that is out of character for this dome team. It’s going to be hard to watch if you have fantasy players on the Cardinals.
Fantasy Stud: Matt Cassel, Sammy Morris, Randy Moss
Fantasy Dud: Kurt Warner, Tim Hightower
Fantasy Sleeper: Boldin might be out! go with Breaston

Houston at Oakland
Fantasy Stud: Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson
Fantasy Dud: Darren McFadden- not living up to the hype
Fantasy Sleeper: Kevin Walter- was quiet last week, but should bounce back.
NY Jets at Seattle
Fantasy Stud: Thomas Jones, Brett Favre
Fantasy Dud: Laveranues Coles- too streaky in fantasy football
Fantasy Sleeper: Seneca Wallace- there’s still a chance that Hasselbeck could start, but if Wallace gets the nod, expect big numbers at home again (vs. NE 212 yards 3 TD’s and 47 yards rushing)

Buffalo at Denver - If there’s a cold weather team that can play in Denver, it’s Buffalo! The Bills season is over, but they would love to spoil the Broncos chances at the playoffs. The Broncos are known for overlooking games and falling asleep at the wheel against sub .500 teams.
Fantasy Stud: Trent Edwards, Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Marshawn Lynch
Fantasy Dud: Lee Evans- too streaky 
Fantasy Sleeper: Eddie Royal

Philadelphia at Washington
Fantasy Stud: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis
Fantasy Dud: Jason Campbell, L.J. Smith
Fantasy Sleeper: Kevin Curtis- finally looking like (an Eagles) #1 WR again
Carolina at NY Giants
Fantasy Stud: DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith
Fantasy Dud: Eli Manning- it’s hard without weapons
Fantasy Sleeper: Muhsin Muhammad

Fantasy Forecast Week 15

Washington at Cincinnati- Most people are geared up about this match up, thinking Clinton Portis will rip apart the Bengals. We’re not buying it; with left tackle Jon Jansen out for the season, this game will be closer than you might think. In fact, Gridiron Experts are talking “overlook game” as the Redskins have a huge divisional game next week against the Birds.
Fantasy Stud: I see a low scoring game here = nobody
Fantasy Dud: Clinton Portis…hey, we called it last week
Fantasy Sleeper: T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Tampa Bay at Atlanta- Big game for the Bucs after getting embarrassed on Monday Night. Jon Gruden is too good of a coach to have his team lose two in a row to divisional rivals. Jon “Chucky” Gruden probably made his defense eat glass after allowing 300 rushing yards against the Panthers. I see a bounce back game.
Fantasy Stud: Antonio Bryant & Roddy White
Fantasy Bust: Warrick Dunn & Matt Ryan
Fantasy Sleeper: Tampa Bay Defense

Detroit at Indianapolis- Oh my god, really? No brainer here.

San Diego at Kansas City- Both teams are out of the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get geared up for a divisional game. Tyler Thigpen hasn’t locked up next years quarterback job, and he will be trying to impress the decision makers of Kansas City.
Fantasy Stud: Tyler Thigpen & Philip Rivers
Fantasy Dud: A. Gates
Fantasy Sleeper: Tony Gonzalez & Malcom Floyd

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Fantasy Stud: Both Defenses
Fantasy Dud: Santonio Holmes
Fantasy Sleeper: Todd Heap
Minnesota at Arizona- Who’s going to show up for this game? Well, we know the Vikings will after the Bears won on Thursday, but will the Cardinals mail it in? With a nearly impossible chance for home field advantage in the playoffs despite locking up their division last week, does Arizona even care about this one? History has shown that teams play soft after clinching a playoff berth.
Fantasy Stud: ADP- Purple Jesus will have a big Sunday
Fantasy Dud: Tim Hightower
Fantasy Sleeper: Chester Taylor

NY Giants at Dallas
Fantasy Stud: Eli Manning, T.O. and D. Hixon
Fantasy Dud: Tashard Choice
Fantasy Sleeper: Kevin Boss & Roy Williams

Green Bay at Jacksonville
Fantasy Stud: Aaron Rodgers & Greg Jennings
Fantasy Dud: David Garrard and his WR’s
Fantasy Sleeper: Donald Driver

Denver at Carolina- This game could go one of two ways, which could affect your fantasy players. The game plan for the Panthers will be to get a lead and sit on it, and then run out the clock in the second half with their power running game. The other scenario is the Broncos play strong and surprise Carolina, as they have taken early leads in wins against such top teams as the Jets, Bucs, and Falcons. Stewart and Williams will lose carries if the Panthers have to play from behind, while Steve Smith won’t be used in a blow out win that drains the clock.
Fantasy Stud: Jay Cutler, Deangelo Williams
Fantasy Dud: Jake Delhomme
Fantasy Sleeper: Jonathan Stewart

Buffalo at NY Jets
Fantasy Stud: Brett Favre-It’s time to turn it around Brett
Fantasy Dud: Lee Evans- Overrated
Fantasy Sleeper: Justin Keller- Going to be a great player

San Francisco at Miami
Fantasy Stud: Shaun Hill- This guy is playing some great football
Fantasy Dud: Ricky Williams- I don’t like this match up
Fantasy Sleeper: Davone Bess

Tennessee at Houston- Talk about streaky teams; the Texans are on their second 3 game winning streak of the season, but they’re 6-7 overall. The Titans have locked things up, and are not forcing players with injuries into the line-up.
Fantasy Stud: Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, & Chris Johnson
Fantasy Dud: Kerry Collins
Fantasy Sleeper: Kevin Walter

High Risk Games- All of these games feature great fantasy players, but there is no guarantee that anyone is a lock for big numbers at this point in the season.
Seattle at St. Louis
New England at Oakland
Cleveland at Philadelphia

Fantasy Forecast Week 14

Don’t lose sleep over line-up decisions heading into your fantasy playoffs. Gridiron Experts predicts the top fantasy studs and duds, and even gives a sleeper player that you might not be looking at.

Oakland at San Diego- A year ago people would be expecting big numbers from LT and Gates at home vs. the Raiders, but this year fantasy owners would be happy with a touchdown. Thursday’s game might not be what you’re expecting; with a loss at home to the Falcons last week and the Broncos upset over the Jets, the San Diego Chargers season is over. Although there is a long shot chance to still make the playoffs, this game will be for their fans. Every one of the Chargers losses have been by 7 points or less.
Fantasy Stud: LT…it’s about time!
Fantasy Dud: Antonio Gates
Sleeper: Zach Miller (TE)

Washington at Baltimore- The Ravens have only given up 3 rushing TD’s this season and have one of the top defenses in the league. That’s not good news for Clinton Portis owners!
Fantasy Stud: Baltimore Defense- it’s hard to find a bigger stud than the Ravens Defense.
Fantasy Dud: Clinton Portis- you can’t bench Portis…can you?
Sleeper: Joe Flacco- in the last 5 games, Flacco has thrown for 9 of his 12 touchdowns and has looked more like a veteran than a rookie.

Atlanta at New Orleans
Fantasy Stud: Drew Brees & Michael Turner (that was hard).
Fantasy Dud: Matt Ryan- This kid has been great all year leading his team to 8 wins this season, but playing on the road in New Orleans is going to be tough.
Sleeper: Lance Moore- He’s a go to guy for Brees.

Jacksonville at Chicago
Fantasy Stud: Kyle Orton vs. a defense that leads the league in blown coverage.
Fantasy Dud: Maurice Jones-Drew
Sleeper: Greg Olsen

Minnesota at Detroit
Fantasy Stud: Purple Jesus & Calvin Johnson
Fantasy Dud: Bernard Berrian
Sleeper: Kevin Smith

Miami at Buffalo- This game is being played in a dome in Toronto, Canada. Don’t worry about your Dolphin players; the cold won’t slow them down. The Bills are a hard team to figure out; with the 10-3 loss last week to the 49ers it’s hard to want to start anyone on the Bills. The 6-6 Bills have blown a 5-1 start to the season.
Fantasy Stud: Ronnie Brown & Marshawn Lynch
Fantasy Dud: Both Passing teams, with the exception of maybe Lee Evans.
Sleeper: Miami Defense

Dallas at Pittsburgh-The Cowboys have been running up the score in their last 2 games, but heading to Pittsburgh will put this offense to the test. I expect a tough, close game that might kill fantasy owners.
Fantasy Stud: Ben Roethlisberger and Jason Witten
Fantasy Dud: T.O. – the Steelers will double him and get under his skin early.
Sleeper: Tashard Choice (RB)

Tampa Bay at Carolina
Fantasy Stud: DeAngelo Williams- a mini monster.
Fantasy Dud: Steve Smith- the Bucs will know where he is at all times.
Sleeper: Antonio Bryant

Philadelphia at NY Giants
Plaxico Burress has been a headache for defensive coordinator Jim Johnson for years. However, last week Eli Manning played as if he hadn’t lost a thing, throwing to Domenik Hixon 5 times for 71 yards.
Fantasy Stud: Brian Westbrook, Eli Manning, & McNabb- this should be another shoot out (last meeting 36-31).
Fantasy Dud: hard to find one in what could be a high scoring game.
Sleeper: Domenik Hixon

Houston at Green Bay- Another potential shoot out; unless it snows, this game will be great for fantasy players.

Home Team Demolition:
Cleveland at Tennessee
Cincinnati at Indianapolis
Kansas City at Denver
St. Louis at Arizona

No brainers across the board here. Start your studs in all four of these home games, and bench all players on the road…including Braylon Edwards for the Browns.

Road Favorites Heading West
NY Jets at San Francisco
New England at Seattle

Expect close games, and be cautious of the weather in Seattle as the rain could ruin the Pat’s passing attack. Bench all fantasy players from the 49′ers and Seahawks with the exception of Frank Gore.

Good Luck from Gridiron Experts!