After the third week of the NFL season I have compiled a list of guys you might want to make a waiver claim on this week or add to your watch list for the coming weeks.
Lorenzo Taliaferro (BAL) had 18 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown in week 3 with the absence of Bernard Pierce. Considering Pierce has not looked particularly good in his opportunities as the lead back for the Ravens and did miss last week, Taliaferro is worth a look. He has a match up against Carolina in week 4 who just gave up 265 yards rushing to LeVeon Bell and LeGarrette Blount.
Andre Williams (NYG) has so far had an unimpressive complimentary role in the Giants offense with only 19 carries for 39 yards and 2 catches for 7 yards. Williams and the Giants are going into a Thursday night game with Washington following 34 rushes for Rashad Jennings. Being that Jennings is an older back, it is uncertain how his body will recover and this may be an opportunity for Williams to get some touches. If you are hurting at running back due to injuries, suspensions, or byes Williams may be a viable option.
Jeremy Kerley(NYJ) is a player to watch depending on the status of Eric Decker. Decker is questionable for the Jets Monday night game. If Decker doesn't play you can expect that Kerley will be the number one target for Geno Smith. He only has 8 targets on the season, but match ups against Chicago and Detroit offer up the possibility of some softer defensive play in the secondary.
Along with Kerley for the Jets I would keep an eye on Jeff Cumberland or Jace Amaro. So far neither of them has had a lot of use in the passing game, but if Smith's number one target is not available, those targets have to go somewhere. Not sure I would drop a good player for one of these guys, but they may see an increase nonetheless.
Alfred Blue (HOU) is a name that may have been scooped up in your leagues already. If he hasn't, get him. Arian Foster missed this weeks game and the Texans have made it a point that they want to run this year. Even if Foster is back this week, Blue may see an increased role and has some favorable match ups against Dallas, Indy, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia coming up before their week 12 bye. This week with Foster out, blue rushed for 78 yards on 13 carries and had one catch for 10 yards.
Donald Brown (SD) is the last man standing in San Diego. While he was unimpressive from an average standpoint, the Chargers gave him a ton of work. Brown had 31 carries for 62 yards and 5 catches for 27 yards in their week 3 win. If he is not already owned, he is worth a shot.
Branden Oliver (SD) is apparently the next man up behind Brown in San Diego. Not sure he gets the workload or what amount of it he will get next week with time to plan, but if the chargers do not add anyone this week, he may be worth a stash.
Andrew Quarless (GB) showed up this week for the Packers. He had 4 catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. He has only 8 targets on the year, but has some decent match ups against Chicago and Minnesota coming up in the next few weeks.
John Brown (ARI) had 2 touchdown catches this week. This shifty slot guy is fast. he already has 3 touchdowns on the season. His volume isn't high, and he has a week four bye, but he is a guy to keep an eye on and maybe stash if you have a need at flex or an empty roster spot. His match ups after they bye get juicy with Washington, Oakland, Philadelphia, and Dallas from week 6-9.
Owen Daniels (BAL) has a big chance to take over the tight end position in Baltimore. With Dennis Pitta going down for the season, Daniels is likely to see an increased role in the Kubiak offense he is already familiar with from his time in Houston. Daniels only has 10 catches on the season, but as any Pitta owner will tell you, 2 of them went for touchdowns.
Look for the possibility of Detroit signing a new kicker. Having
already missed 4 kicks on the season, Detroit is likely to make a
change. They already had a few veteran kickers in for a tryout. Detroit
has a high powered offense and will score a lot of points giving you the
chance to cherry pick a new kicker if they do make a change.
Good luck on the wire this week!
My Playbook
Monday, September 22, 2014
It's Never Too Early To Start Thinking Playoffs: The Bad
Now that you know who I like for your playoff push, let me tell you about who I don't like. This article will focus on the match ups that I don't like during the fantasy playoffs.
Number one on my list of teams I don't like for the playoffs is the New England Patriots. Their final four games are at San Diego, home for Miami, at the Jets, and home against the Bills. First of all, Tom Brady hasn't quite looked like the Brady of old. Some of this may be due to the lack of overall weapons in the offense, or it could be due to a drop off in his talent. Rob Gronkowski has a history of injuries making his participation late in the season difficult to count on. Other than that, they have a few second year receivers that have a hard time keeping on the field and holding on to the ball when they are playing. Julian Edelman, health permitting, is a bright spot in a PPR league, but he has also been inconsistent in the past. The running back situation is famously unpredictable. Just look at the first two weeks of this season. Shane Vereen had a great week one, and almost nothing in week two. Stevan Ridley has such a history of fumbling, that he may find his way to the bench or off the team at any time. These facts make it hard to trust any of the New England backfield. Add this to the fact that they play what looks like three or four decent defenses in the last four weeks, and it sure makes New England hands off for me.
Next up the San Diego chargers. They play New England at home, Denver at home, at San Francisco, and home for Kansas City. While they play three of four at home, the teams they play all have decent defenses, with Kansas City being the biggest suspect due to losses. Ryan Matthews is already hurt, and has a history, even though he stayed healthy and thrived late last season. Danny Woodhead has had a diminished role so far, and unless it increases with the loss of Matthews, is not a good option. If his role does increase, he makes a good running back two in a PPR league. Malcolm Floyd has had some consistency issues in the past, and is not likely the second or third option in the passing game. Keenan Allen thrived last season after all of the Chargers receivers were hurt, but so far this season has been shut down. Antonio Gates, despite a huge game in week two against the Seahawks, is the elder statesman of the San Diego attack, and I have concerns about his durability. And Ladarius Green needs to find the field to get any consideration. Donald Brown is currently a wildcard. His role will be defined, and likely changed over the next month with Matthews out and when he comes back. This all seems to lend itself to a general dislike of Phillip Rivers as well. If you don't like any of a quarterback's targets, it's difficult to say that you like him. He started last season hot, then lost momentum as the second half of the season featured more running. He had a near flawless game at the Seahawks week two, but that is unlikely to be a weekly occurrence.
Pittsburgh appears next on the list of teams to stay away from for your fantasy playoffs. At Cincinnati, at Atlanta, home for Kansas city, and home against Cincinnati finishes out their season. Cincinnati has a tough defense. Kansas City has one as well if they can remain healthy. Atlanta is likely the weakest defensive match up, but playing in Atlanta is not desirable. Ben Roethlisberger has been a solid NFL quarterback, but is not much of a fantasy option. The best of the players on the Pittsburgh roster are LeVeon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Markus Wheaton. Wheaton is a rookie, and often rookies are not quite ready to be big producers. He may be a decent flex play in a PPR league if his role continues to grow throughout the season. Antonio Brown is fairly match up proof, seeing as he just had a solid game against Joe Haden, one of the leagues best shutdown corner backs. LeVeon Bell is going to cost you a hefty price. He is the workhorse for the Steelers. Good in the running game as well as a viable option to catch passes out of the backfield. Due to price he will be hard to acquire.
Indianapolis is our next team to take a closer look at. At Cleveland, home for Houston, at Dallas, and at Tennessee. That's three of their last four on the road, and the home game they do have is against one heck of a defensive team. The colts are trying to be a power running team under Pep Hamilton, yet they lack the personnel. Trent Richardson has shown nothing in the three seasons he has been in the NFL. TY Hilton is a guy who will get you a few huge games throughout the season, but he is very inconsistent. Reggie Wayne is the best option from the Colts as a wide receiver, making a much better PPR play. Andrew Luck is a solid quarterback with the ability to run or throw, but the price tag is likely to be high as he was a fairly high draft pick at quarterback. Ahmad Bradshaw is the best running back on the Colts. If they can figure this out, and use him well he can be a decent running back two or flex play. Due to his age and injury history he is somewhat of a risky play.
The Miami Dolphins make my list next. Home for Baltimore, at New England, home for Minnesota, and home against the New York Jets. While three of their final four are at home, they play three defenses that are annually among the best. Minnesota in week sixteen is the best of these match ups. Knowshon Moreno is currently out with a dislocated elbow, but if healthy, in shape, and getting the looks he can be a solid running back two or flex play. Problem is that the Dolphins also use Lamar Miller in a committee approach. The receiving corps has two decent options. Mike Wallace has been inconsistent and looks like he may have some chemistry and timing problems with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Brian Hartline is a decent player in a PPR league, but he is not likely to put up any huge numbers for your team.
The final team we will look at individually in this article is the Denver Broncos. Finishing up the season home against Buffalo, at San Diego, at Cincinnati, and home against Oakland. Given the record setting season last year and the high ownership of the players for the Broncos, it will be difficult and expensive to gain ownership of their players in your leagues. Buffalo has a reasonably stout defense and has a chance to slow down this juggernaut offense. Playing at San Diego, a division rival, is always a tough game, Denver having been beaten last year by the Chargers. Cincinnati has a very good defense and will be a tough match up for the Broncos. If your league does play in week 17, Oakland is quite a good match up for the Broncos. One thing you may consider is to trade your Denver players for some of the players that have the softer schedules included in my article on players to acquire. You may be able to get premium value for your Denver wide receivers and for Peyton Manning.
Special mention goes to the NFC West. The best schedule during the fantasy playoff weeks belongs to the worst offense in the NFC West. The St. Louis Rams play at Washington in week 14, and home against the New York Giants in week 16. These should be good match ups against bad defenses, but the Rams are not a good offensive team. Most of these teams play division games in the last four weeks of the season. I would say that your best be the running backs of these teams if you are looking to any of them. Many of the division games have been decided on ball control and clock management by these teams.
Good luck on making it to your playoffs, and if you get there, DOMINATE!
Number one on my list of teams I don't like for the playoffs is the New England Patriots. Their final four games are at San Diego, home for Miami, at the Jets, and home against the Bills. First of all, Tom Brady hasn't quite looked like the Brady of old. Some of this may be due to the lack of overall weapons in the offense, or it could be due to a drop off in his talent. Rob Gronkowski has a history of injuries making his participation late in the season difficult to count on. Other than that, they have a few second year receivers that have a hard time keeping on the field and holding on to the ball when they are playing. Julian Edelman, health permitting, is a bright spot in a PPR league, but he has also been inconsistent in the past. The running back situation is famously unpredictable. Just look at the first two weeks of this season. Shane Vereen had a great week one, and almost nothing in week two. Stevan Ridley has such a history of fumbling, that he may find his way to the bench or off the team at any time. These facts make it hard to trust any of the New England backfield. Add this to the fact that they play what looks like three or four decent defenses in the last four weeks, and it sure makes New England hands off for me.
Next up the San Diego chargers. They play New England at home, Denver at home, at San Francisco, and home for Kansas City. While they play three of four at home, the teams they play all have decent defenses, with Kansas City being the biggest suspect due to losses. Ryan Matthews is already hurt, and has a history, even though he stayed healthy and thrived late last season. Danny Woodhead has had a diminished role so far, and unless it increases with the loss of Matthews, is not a good option. If his role does increase, he makes a good running back two in a PPR league. Malcolm Floyd has had some consistency issues in the past, and is not likely the second or third option in the passing game. Keenan Allen thrived last season after all of the Chargers receivers were hurt, but so far this season has been shut down. Antonio Gates, despite a huge game in week two against the Seahawks, is the elder statesman of the San Diego attack, and I have concerns about his durability. And Ladarius Green needs to find the field to get any consideration. Donald Brown is currently a wildcard. His role will be defined, and likely changed over the next month with Matthews out and when he comes back. This all seems to lend itself to a general dislike of Phillip Rivers as well. If you don't like any of a quarterback's targets, it's difficult to say that you like him. He started last season hot, then lost momentum as the second half of the season featured more running. He had a near flawless game at the Seahawks week two, but that is unlikely to be a weekly occurrence.
Pittsburgh appears next on the list of teams to stay away from for your fantasy playoffs. At Cincinnati, at Atlanta, home for Kansas city, and home against Cincinnati finishes out their season. Cincinnati has a tough defense. Kansas City has one as well if they can remain healthy. Atlanta is likely the weakest defensive match up, but playing in Atlanta is not desirable. Ben Roethlisberger has been a solid NFL quarterback, but is not much of a fantasy option. The best of the players on the Pittsburgh roster are LeVeon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Markus Wheaton. Wheaton is a rookie, and often rookies are not quite ready to be big producers. He may be a decent flex play in a PPR league if his role continues to grow throughout the season. Antonio Brown is fairly match up proof, seeing as he just had a solid game against Joe Haden, one of the leagues best shutdown corner backs. LeVeon Bell is going to cost you a hefty price. He is the workhorse for the Steelers. Good in the running game as well as a viable option to catch passes out of the backfield. Due to price he will be hard to acquire.
Indianapolis is our next team to take a closer look at. At Cleveland, home for Houston, at Dallas, and at Tennessee. That's three of their last four on the road, and the home game they do have is against one heck of a defensive team. The colts are trying to be a power running team under Pep Hamilton, yet they lack the personnel. Trent Richardson has shown nothing in the three seasons he has been in the NFL. TY Hilton is a guy who will get you a few huge games throughout the season, but he is very inconsistent. Reggie Wayne is the best option from the Colts as a wide receiver, making a much better PPR play. Andrew Luck is a solid quarterback with the ability to run or throw, but the price tag is likely to be high as he was a fairly high draft pick at quarterback. Ahmad Bradshaw is the best running back on the Colts. If they can figure this out, and use him well he can be a decent running back two or flex play. Due to his age and injury history he is somewhat of a risky play.
The Miami Dolphins make my list next. Home for Baltimore, at New England, home for Minnesota, and home against the New York Jets. While three of their final four are at home, they play three defenses that are annually among the best. Minnesota in week sixteen is the best of these match ups. Knowshon Moreno is currently out with a dislocated elbow, but if healthy, in shape, and getting the looks he can be a solid running back two or flex play. Problem is that the Dolphins also use Lamar Miller in a committee approach. The receiving corps has two decent options. Mike Wallace has been inconsistent and looks like he may have some chemistry and timing problems with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Brian Hartline is a decent player in a PPR league, but he is not likely to put up any huge numbers for your team.
The final team we will look at individually in this article is the Denver Broncos. Finishing up the season home against Buffalo, at San Diego, at Cincinnati, and home against Oakland. Given the record setting season last year and the high ownership of the players for the Broncos, it will be difficult and expensive to gain ownership of their players in your leagues. Buffalo has a reasonably stout defense and has a chance to slow down this juggernaut offense. Playing at San Diego, a division rival, is always a tough game, Denver having been beaten last year by the Chargers. Cincinnati has a very good defense and will be a tough match up for the Broncos. If your league does play in week 17, Oakland is quite a good match up for the Broncos. One thing you may consider is to trade your Denver players for some of the players that have the softer schedules included in my article on players to acquire. You may be able to get premium value for your Denver wide receivers and for Peyton Manning.
Special mention goes to the NFC West. The best schedule during the fantasy playoff weeks belongs to the worst offense in the NFC West. The St. Louis Rams play at Washington in week 14, and home against the New York Giants in week 16. These should be good match ups against bad defenses, but the Rams are not a good offensive team. Most of these teams play division games in the last four weeks of the season. I would say that your best be the running backs of these teams if you are looking to any of them. Many of the division games have been decided on ball control and clock management by these teams.
Good luck on making it to your playoffs, and if you get there, DOMINATE!
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