NFL Playoffs 2011 – AFC Divisional Round Matchups
By Brian McGee
The Wild Card weekend is done, and, to no surprise, the Ravens made it through. The Jets found a way to get past Peyton Manning and the Colts, and thus, I was 1 for 2 last week with my AFC predictions. Let’s see if I can improve on that this week.
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
When worlds collide, this is what it must feel like. These two powerhouse defenses are known for wanting to mame and decapitate each other, and have had some success in doing both. They split their regular season meetings, with both games decided by a field goal, even with Pittsburgh starting 13-year pro and perennial back-up Charlie Batch in the Week 4 meeting (won by the Ravens). When Ben Roethlisberger was behind center, the Steelers won, but Big Ben suffered a broken nose in the process; a little reminder from the Ravens that they don’t like to lose. This game will be just like the previous matches. The defenses will keep the score low because neither give up a lot of touchdowns, and the game should be decided by which QB can take their respective team down the field in the 4th quarter. The Steelers defense has been able to keep them in games and give Big Ben a chance to make a game-winning drive. Joe Flacco looked precise and under control for the Ravens in last week’s route of the Kansas City Chiefs. You can’t take much away from that game offensively because of the turnovers, but Flacco looked more poised than last year, and that is a big thing. Going into Heinz field and trying to win in the playoffs is a very difficult task, but I think the Ravens are up to it. Ray Rice is now more involved in the gameplan, and the Ravens have many receiving targets for Flacco. Troy Polamalu can’t cover them all. Of course, this will be a grind out kind of game, but at the end, the drive that will matter will be in the hands of the Ravens offense, and they will get it done.
Ravens win 20-17
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Apparently Rex Ryan is confused. He believes this game is only about him against Bill Belichick. He has forgotten the beat-down his team received the last time these two met. His focus should be on getting his team past this round of the playoffs and into the AFC Championship game. Making it personal may take some of the pressure off of his team, but it shouldn’t be needed at this juncture of the season. Your team is either mentally and physically prepared by now or they aren’t. If the Jets are not ready, then that blame is rested squarely on Ryan’s shoulders. After last week’s last second field goal by Nick Folk, the Jets made it past the Indianapolis Colts, but if they expect to contend with the Patriots, they will need a much better game out of their QB. Mark Sanchez was 18 for 31 against the Colts for 189 yards and 1 interception. That won’t cut it against Brady and Company. The Jets needed poor coaching from the Indianapolis sideline to narrowly escape Wild-Card Weekend. Belichick won’t give the Jets as many opportunities. He will have a phenomenal game plan, as usual, and Brady will execute it with precision. With BenJarvus Green-Ellis becoming a consistent running back and the dual threat of Danny Woodhead, the Patriots are a more balanced and higher caliber team.
Patriots win 27-17
NFL Playoffs Continued
By Brian McGee
And now for the AFC match-ups.
New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts:
This isn’t a game between Mark Sanchez and Peyton Manning because if it were, it wouldn’t be a game at all; Manning is the far superior quarterback. This will be a game of defenses. The Colts D needs to harness its playoff nastiness once again to give their team a chance to advance into the next round. Manning may own Rex Ryan and any team he coaches for — like Rex Ryan’s wife needs to own some shoes — but the game will still be decided on how the defenses contain the offenses. The Jets can live with a 10 point game because they expect their defense to carry them when Sanchez and company have a hard time moving the ball. This is the first year in a while that the Colts have looked vulnerable. They did, however, end the regular season on a 4 game winning streak to get into the playoffs, and I can’t see that momentum slowing down. The Jets are a better team than they were last year, but on the road, and with the Colts rolling, I don’t see them coming away with a victory. Even with his subs in, Manning can make anybody better and will find a way to win.
Final Score: Colts win 17-13
Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs:
The league’s best rushing attack against one of the league’s best run stopping defenses. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones have run for over 2,300 yards this season, with a combined average of 4.9 yards per carry. Charles fell less than 150 yards short of the rushing title, and he did it as a “back-up” for the first part of the year. The Ravens have found their old ways, giving Ray Rice as many touches as he can handle. He is as versatile as Charles with a lower center of gravity, so instead of going around people, he can go through them, if necessary. The Chiefs were very good in the regular season at home, with a record of 7-1, their only loss to an Oakland Raiders team that finished the season 6-0 in the AFC West. Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe have been off lately, and will be hard pressed to find their groove against the Ravens’ experienced defensive attack led by grandfather linebacker Ray Lewis. This will be a very good, very close game, but the Ravens will shut down the Chiefs’ ground attack and win it on a field goal in the final minutes.
Final Score: Ravens win 13-10
Week 10: On Your Mark, Get Set, Start Em’ (cont.)
By Brian McGee
Here are some Wide Receivers who will help your team this week:
WR: Danny Amendola (StL) – Amendola is Sam Bradford’s most trusted receiver, and though Danny is not a deep threat, by any means, he receives enough targets to be a good week-to-week fill-in for your wide receiving core. In his 2nd year in the NFL, his numbers are solid: 45 receptions, 379 yards, 2 touchdowns and an average of 8.4 yards per catch. With 5.5 receptions per game, he can be counted on to produce for you when needed.
Week 10 Projection: 55 yards, 1TD
WR: Michael Jenkins (ATL) – Jenkins has only played in 3 games this year, and though he has yet to find the end zone, he is averaging a respectable 60 yards per game and 17.9 yards per catch. Roddy White is listed as questionable, but is expected to play Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. In turn, White will command a lot of attention from the Ravens’ secondary, leaving Jenkins to find the openings as the WR2. The Falcons might turn to the passing game if Michael Turner can’t get it done against the Ravens run defense.
Week 10 Projection: 65 yards, 1TD
Leave me a comment and let me know if this is helpful. I like the feedback. Thank you.
2009 Season Wrap-Up
Posted: January 16, 2010
The 2009 fantasy football season kicked off with only one certainty: Adrian Peterson would be the top pick in most drafts. However, looking back on the year that was, were we all to journey back to the summer and redraft our teams, some things would have gone differently.
As I mentioned in the Bruno Boys’ season recap edition of Fasulo’s Forecaster, Chris Johnson, the consensus hypothetical redraft number one pick, ran away, literally, with fantasy MVP honors (2,006 rushing yards, 503 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns). Ray Rice, in this writer’s opinion, was a solid second (2,041 yards from scrimmage, 8 touchdowns), and Aaron Rodgers was third. Rodgers’ 4,434 yards, 30 touchdowns (to only 7 interceptions), 316 rushing yards and 5 rushing scores were nothing to scoff at, but Johnson outscored Rodgers in standard scoring leagues, and Rice’s draft value was superior to that of the All-Pro QB — chances are, Rice was a mid-round pick in your league.
All-in-all, 2009 was one hell of a season. A couple old dogs (30+ year-old running backs) proved age to be just a number, as Ricky Williams ran for over 1,100 yards at age 32 and Thomas Jones topped 1,400 at 31. Both had double digit touchdowns, 11 and 14, respectively. A couple more old dogs proved the adage that once a running back hits 30, the end comes quickly. Despite 12 rushing touchdowns, 30 year-old LaDainian Tomlinson managed only 730 yards on the ground, with a career low average of 3.3 yard-per-carry. 30 year-old Brian Westbrook lost most of the season to concussions, but in eight games, totaled just 455 yards and 2 scores. The Philadelphia Eagles have a 2010 in-house replacement for Westbrook in rookie running back LeSean McCoy (637 rushing yards, 308 receiving yards, 4 TD), but chances are, the San Diego Chargers will look elsewhere for tailback help, as Darren Sproles, though he totaled more than 800 yards and scored 8 touchdowns in 2009, is likely not an every-down back.
Aside from Rice, Williams and Jones, there were a few more running back surprises in 2009… for the worse. Matt Forte, a top ten draft pick, finished the season with 929 rushing yards, 471 receiving yards and 4 scores, a respectable line for a mid-round draft pick, a horrific line for a RB1 who is supposed to carry your fantasy team. Steve Slaton, a first/second round pick, caused even more fantasy damage, as his fumble-itus found him on the real world bench, and though he got back into the mix toward the end of the year before suffering an injury, his final stat-line left much to be desired: 437 rushing yards, 417 receiving yards, 7 TD.
While some players were disappointing this year, others were exceptional. Dallas Cowboys‘ wide receiver Miles Austin broke out in Week 6 to the tune of 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he never looked back, finishing the season with 1,320 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His fantasy total was third best among receivers, behind only Houston Texans‘ star Andre Johnson (1,569 yards, 9 TD) and New England Patriots‘ All-Pro Randy Moss (1.264 yards, 13 TD). In San Francisco, tight end Vernon Davis catapulted his career to new levels, leading all NFL tight ends in touchdowns (13) and leading his team in receiving yards (965). Across the country in New York, the Steve Smith who began the season known as “the other Steve Smith” made a name for himself by setting the Giants‘ single-season record for receptions (107) and amassing 1,220 receiving yards and 7 scores. (Side note: Though they both finished with 7 touchdowns, the Giants’ Steve Smith out-gained Carolina Panthers’ Steve Smith by 238 receiving yards.) In Minnesota, Brett Favre revitalized his career again, and the career of third-year wideout Sidney Rice took off. Rice, left undrafted in some leagues, finished the season with 1,312 receiving yards and 8 scores.
All across the board, 2009 was another great season in fantasy football land. Here is a look at the Fantasy Sports Shack accolades (lists) for the 2009 fantasy football season, and the top 30 Keepers for 2010:
MVP
| Player | Position | Team | Stats | |
| 1 | Chris Johnson | RB | Titans | 2,006 rush yds, 503 rec yds, 16 TD, 3 fum |
| 2 | Ray Rice | RB | Ravens | 1,339 rush yds, 702 rec yds, 8 TD, 3 fum |
| 3 | Aaron Rodgers | QB | Packers | 4,434 pass yds, 30 TD, 7 INT, 316 rush yds, 5 rush TD, 4 fum |
| 4 | Drew Brees | QB | Saints | 4,388 pass yds, 34 TD, 11 INT, 33 rush yds, 2 rush TD, 6 fum |
| 5 | Peyton Manning | QB | Colts | 4,500 pass yds, 33 TD, 16 INT |
| 6 | Maurice Jones-Drew | RB | Jaguars | 1,391 rush yds, 374 rec yds, 16 TD, 1 fum |
| 7 | Adrian Peterson | RB | Vikings | 1,383 rush yds, 436 rec yds, 18 TD, 6 fum |
| 8 | Thomas Jones | RB | Jets | 1,402 rush yds, 58 rec yds, 14 TD |
| 9 | Andre Johnson | WR | Texans | 1,569 rec yds, 9 TD, 10 rush yds |
| 10 | Miles Austin | WR | Cowboys | 1,320 rec yds, 11 TD |
TOP ROOKIE
| Player | Position | Team | Stats | |
| 1 | Knowshon Moreno | RB | Broncos | 947 rush yds, 213 rec yds, 9 TD, 4 fum |
| 2 | Percy Harvin | WR | Vikings | 790 rec yds, 135 rush yds, 8 TD |
| 3 | Beanie Wells | RB | Cardinals | 793 rush yds, 143 rec yds, 7 TD, 2 fum |
| 4 | Hakeem Nicks | WR | Giants | 790 rec yds, 8 rush yds, 6 TD |
| 5 | LeSean McCoy | RB | Eagles | 637 rush yds, 308 rec yds, 4 TD, 1 fum |
| 6 | Mike Wallace | WR | Steelers | 756 rec yds, 48 rush yds, 6 TD, 1 fum |
| 7 | Austin Collie | WR | Colts | 676 rec yds, 7 TD |
| 8 | Jeremy Maclin | WR | Eagles | 762 rec yds, 4 TD |
| 9 | Kenny Britt | WR | Titans | 701 rec yds, 3 TD, 1 fum |
| 10 | Michael Crabtree | WR | 49ers | 625 rec yds, 2 TD, 1 fum |
TOP KEEPERS FOR 2010
| Player | Position | Team | Reason | |
| 1 | Chris Johnson | RB | Titans | As if 2,500 yards and 16 TD wasn’t enough, he’s only 24. |
| 2 | Adrian Peterson | RB | Vikings | He’ll only be 25 in 2010, and has lots of miles left on those tires. |
| 3 | Maurice Jones-Drew | RB | Jaguars | First year as full-time RB1 a success, look for him to do more of the same in 2010 and beyond. |
| 4 | Ray Rice | RB | Ravens | 2009′s FSS MVP runner-up has proven he’s for real. |
| 5 | Aaron Rodgers | QB | Packers | 2009′s top fantasy QB just turned 26 years-old. |
| 6 | Andre Johnson | WR | Texans | The 28 year-old All-Pro is at the top of his game for a team on the rise. |
| 7 | Drew Brees | QB | Saints | The leader of the league’s most prolific offense has a few good sesaons left in his arm. |
| 8 | Frank Gore | RB | 49ers | This may seem like a high ranking, but he’s the centerpiece of a blossoming offense. |
| 9 | Larry Fitzgerald | WR | Cardinals | 13 touchdowns in 2009 for arguably the best receiver in football. |
| 10 | DeSean Jackson | WR | Eagles | The guy just makes huge plays, and he’s still getting better. |
| 11 | Steven Jackson | RB | Rams | At 26, he is the best player on one of the worst teams in football, and he still managed 1,416 rush yards. |
| 12 | Jamaal Charles | RB | Chiefs | A stretch? Maybe. But in the second half of ’09, the only RB better was Chris Johnson. |
| 13 | Peyton Manning | QB | Colts | He’ll be 34 next season, but his style of play dictates success for years to come. |
| 14 | Beanie Wells | RB | Cardinals | Likely locked in a timeshare again in 2010, but this time, he’s the man. |
| 15 | Jonathan Stewart | RB | Panthers | Like Wells, Stewart shares time, but coming into his third year, he’s set to take on a bigger load. |
| 16 | Vernon Davis | TE | 49ers | Apologies to Clark, Gates and Gonzalez, but Davis is just entering his prime and could potentially put up WR1 numbers. |
| 17 | Philip Rivers | QB | Chargers | Uncertainty at RB, Rivers may have to throw more in 2010. |
| 18 | Miles Austin | WR | Cowboys | Can he do it again in 2010? It’s worth a gamble. |
| 19 | Knowshon Moreno | RB | Broncos | Likely to take on a bigger workload from here on. |
| 20 | Percy Harvin | WR | Vikings | Again, might seem like a stretch, but this guy is lightning in a bottle. |
| 21 | Vincent Jackson | WR | Chargers | Disappeared for a bit down the stretch, but still one of the top young receivers in the game. |
| 22 | Rashard Mendenhall | RB | Steelers | He’s taken over as the RB1, and year three should prove fruitful. |
| 23 | Matt Forte | RB | Bears | A sophomore slump can be blamed on his team’s lack of receivers. Look for a rebound in 2010. |
| 24 | Brandon Marshall | WR | Broncos | His talent is undeniable, but his attitude sometimes holds him back. |
| 25 | Roddy White | WR | Falcons | Matt Ryan will be ready to go in 2010, and White will reap the benefits. |
| 26 | Greg Jennings | WR | Packers | Donald Driver isn’t getting any younger, and despite a “down” 2009, Jennings is just hitting his stride. |
| 27 | Matt Schaub | QB | Texans | It feels like his fantasy owners dodged a bullet with an injury-free ’09, but his potential is worth the risk. |
| 28 | Reggie Wayne | WR | Colts | Next year, Pierre Garcon’s name could be here instead, but for now, Wayne is still the man in Indy. |
| 29 | Calvin Johnson | WR | Lions | As he builds a rapport with Stafford, the numbers are sure to go way up. |
| 30 | Shonn Greene | RB | Jets | Greene has shown flashes, and will be ready to step in when Jones’ tires inevitably go flat. |
Thank you, my faithful followers, for a great 2009. Keep your eyes out for the Fantasy Sports Shack’s baseball coverage, which will start in the near future, and come back next August for more Fantasy Sports Shack football coverage! (Though, I’m sure there will be a few topics for discussion between now and then.)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 9
Posted: November 5, 2009
Week 9 brings some intriguing story lines to the table: Quarterbacks reviving their careers, backup running backs getting their shots, receivers making their names known and a defense looking to pitch its 3rd home shutout. Not everyone who fits into those categories is mentioned below — sorry, again, Vince Young — but some are solid plays. Here are the Sleepers for Week 9:
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith vs. Tennessee – Projection: 22-34, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Smith has resurrected his career in just 6 quarters of play, and he has some good weapons around him (Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree). Tennessee shut Jacksonville down last week, but still ranks dead last in the league against the pass.
Matt Cassel @ Jacksonville – Projection: 19-33, 205 yards, 2 TD
The Jags’ pass D played well last week, but it was against Vince Young. Don’t expect a repeat in Week 9. Chris Chambers joins the Chiefs, but may not see many snaps. However, Jamaal Charles gets his first start of the year and should provide a spark.
RUNNING BACK
Jamaal Charles @ Jacksonville – Projection: 18-85 rushing, 4-23 receiving, 1 TD
As mentioned above, Charles is getting his first start of the year and should give the Chiefs’ offense a jolt. He’s averaged 5 ypc, in limited touches, but is extremely explosive and is good for 20+ touches this week.
Ryan Moats @ Indianapolis – Projection: 12-47 rushing, 2-16 receiving, 1 TD
It stands to be seen how the Moats/Slaton split goes from here on, but you can bet after last week’s performance (151 total yards, 3 TD) Moats will get at least half the RB touches in Week 9, and could get even more if Slaton puts the ball on the turf again.
Donald Brown vs. Houston – Projection: 8-33 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Brown practiced on Wednesday, but monitor his status as the week progresses. Addai will get the bulk of the work, but Brown will get his touches, and has shown a propensity for making big plays. Of note: Houston has allowed 11 rushing TD.
WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Crabtree vs. Tennessee – Projection: 6-74, 1 TD
Crabtree runs great routes, has terrific hands and already seems to understand the 49ers’ playbook. The Titans are getting their secondary back together, but they’re the worst in the league in passing yards surrendered per game (282) and passing TD (19).
Mike Thomas vs. Kansas City – Projection: 6-72
It’s hard to explain what happened in the Jacksonville/Tennessee game, as the league’s 2 worst pass defenses shut each other down, but Thomas caught 4 balls for 55 yards. He gets consistent looks (15 in 2 games) and returns kicks, so a TD is possible.
Mark Clayton @ Cincinnati – Projection: 4-63
In Weeks 5 and 6, before the Ravens’ bye, Clayton was targeted 7 and 8 times, respectively, but got only 4 looks last week against Denver. He has the ability to break one, and the Bengals are 30th versus the pass.
TIGHT END
Fred Davis @ Atlanta – Projection: 4-39, 1 TD
Davis has the athleticism to make some great plays, and in that regard, Washington won’t miss Chris Cooley. They will, however, miss Cooley’s blocking ability. Davis’ insufficiency in that category could cost him some snaps.
KICKER
Olindo Mare vs. Detroit – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Mare and the Seahawks face a Detroit defense that allows the second most ppg in the league (29.3). Last time the Seahawks matched up against a defense this bad (Jacksonville, Week 5) Mare booted 2 FG and 5 PAT.
DEFENSE
Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit – Projection: 13 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
At home this year, Seattle has pitched 2 shutouts (St. Louis, Jacksonville). They don’t force a lot of turnovers (9), but Detroit’s top 3 offensive players (Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith and Matthew Stafford) are hobbled, so Seattle should dominate.
Who are your sleepers for Week 9? Leave a comment, and see how you match up against the Shack.
Sleepers of the Week: Week 8
Posted: October 30, 2009
This week, 4 of the league’s worst pass defenses are going head-to-head. Jacksonville (31st) is at Tennessee (32nd), and St. Louis (25th) is visiting Detroit (30th). Thus, there are a bunch of Jags, Titans, Rams and Lions spotlighted. Of the 4 teams mentioned, David Garrard is the best play, but he’s owned in too many leagues to be considered a sleeper. And no, Vince Young is not on the list. Without further ado, here are the Sleepers for Week 8:
QUARTERBACK
Matthew Stafford vs. St. Louis – Projection: 22-35, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Stafford is coming back from a knee injury that has kept him out since Week 4, but he’s practiced 4 straight days and it appears Calvin Johnson may be back, too. The Rams give up 30 points and 250 passing yards/game.
Marc Bulger @ Detroit – Projection: 21-32, 225 yards, 2 TD
Let’s stay in Detroit for QB2. I’ve had Bulger on here before, and he’s come close to proving me right. This week will be Steven Jackson week in Detroit, but against a pass D that’s surrendered 17 TD in just 6 games, Bulger should be a safe bye-week play.
RUNNING BACK
Beanie Wells vs. Carolina – Projection: 14-63 rushing, 2-9 receiving, 1 TD
Beanie broke out in Week 7 for 77 total yards and a TD. He had 11 more touches than Tim Hightower, and though Ken Whisenhunt says Hightower is still his starter, Beanie is a better runner, and Carolina, 1st vs. the pass, is 26th against the run.
LeSean McCoy vs. New York Giants – Projection: 13-51 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
It’s looking like there’s a good chance Brian Westbrook will still be concussed for Sunday’s game against the Giants. If that’s the case, McCoy will be the man, and could put up bigger numbers than projected, as the Giants struggle against slashing backs.
Justin Fargas @ San Diego – Projection: 16-60 rushing, 2-14 receiving
It pains me to pick Fargas because I publicly dissed him in my Bruno Boys column last week, he’s never fared well against San Diego and every Raider I spotlight lets me down. Still, he’s getting most of his team’s RB touches, and McFadden‘s out again.
WIDE RECEIVER
Donnie Avery @ Detroit – Projection: 6-81, 1 TD
However quick and sporadic they may be, Avery has shown flashes of brilliance for St. Louis. He’s battling some injuries at the moment, but if he plays, which he should, he should be the focal point of the Rams’ pass attack.
Earl Bennett vs. Cleveland – Projection: 4-58, 1 TD
Hester is the clear-cut number one receiver, Olsen will get his looks and Knox has seen slightly more targets, but the Bears are up against a very poor Cleveland defense on Sunday, and Bennett is due.
Mike Thomas @ Tennessee – Projection: 5-67
Thomas didn’t even see the field until Week 3. In Week 4, against the Titans, he hauled in 5 balls for 31 yards, and in Week 6 he pulled down 7-52. Sims-Walker and Torry Holt are the Jags’ top receiver options, but Thomas can’t be overlooked.
TIGHT END
Bo Scaife vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 5-57, 1 TD
With Vince Young taking over at QB, the Titan receivers are sure to suffer. As mentioned in the opening, Jacksonville is 31st against the pass, but Young has never been able to get the ball downfield. When Young used to start, Scaife was his go-to guy.
KICKER
Matt Prater @ Baltimore – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT (1 FG 40+)
The Broncos have come around a bit on offense, and Baltimore, though stout against the run, are surprisingly susceptible to the pass. Two tough defenses could mean a low scoring game, but I envision 20-something for both sides.
DEFENSE
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina – Projection: 16 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 Int
The Cards have one of the worst pass defenses in football, but they’re playing against the inept Jake Delhomme. The Panthers are a good running team, but Arizona ranks #1 in rush D, and have allowed just 3 rushing TD in 6 games.
Sleepers of the Week: Week 1
Posted: September 10, 2009
Each week during the NFL season, I will predict my sleepers for the upcoming games, reaching into the bag to find the gems that could help you on your way to a W. Here are the sleepers for week 1:
QUARTERBACK
- Carson Palmer Projection: 25-39, 315 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int
Palmer faces a Denver D who ranked 26th against the pass in 2008 (without the services of All-Pro DB Champ Bailey for much of the year). Even with Bailey, Denver is shaky. Palmer is healthy, his receivers are capable and Cinci’s running game is meager, so this should become an aerial show.
- Matt Hasselbeck Projection: 21-31, 275 yards, 2 TD
Despite a questionable O-line, the Seattle offense is my prediction to surprise in week 1. Against a poor St. Louis D (28th in total yards allowed in ’08), Hasselbeck should return to the form that made him a top QB option as recently as 2007.
RUNNING BACK
- Ray Rice Projection: 21 carries, 114 yards, 4 receptions, 30 yards, 1 total TD
Rice has been given the lead role for Baltimore, a team that averaged 37 carries/gm in 2008. McGahee and McClain will get there touches, but against an awful KC defense (30th against the run in ’08) Rice should easily eclipse 100 yards.
- Fred Jackson Projection: 26 carries, 106 yards, 3 receptions, 22 yards, 1 total TD
With Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first 3 games of ’09, Jackson is the man. Against New England in week 17 last year, Jackson went for 27-136. I don’t expect quite the yardage production, but 100+ and a score is very realistic.
- Julius Jones Projection: 19 carries, 94 yards, 2 receptions, 15 yards, 1 total TD
Reminder: Seattle’s offense is a week 1 sleeper. The Rams ranked 29th against the run in ’08. Edgerrin James is slated for “at least 5 carries”, but Jones will get the bulk of the work. If he can get into the 22-25 carry range, it’s an easy 100 yards.
WIDE RECEIVER
- Anthony Gonzalez Projection: 7 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD
Everyone knows Gonzalez is now the #2 receiver in Indy. Big things are expected. Manning will look his way (a lot) out of the gates against a Jacksonville D that ranked 24th against the pass last year.
- Kevin Walter Projection: 6 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD
Like Gonzalez, Walter is the #2 in a high-powered passing attack. Also like Gonzalez, his match-up would dictate potential success: Jets 29th vs. pass in 2008. Despite the hamstring injury, Walter expects to play. Andre Johnson is the man, but Walter will be leaned on in single-coverage.
- Chris Henry (Cin) Projection: 5 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD
Palmer is going to go off against Denver. Coles and Ochocinco – despite being matched-up with Bailey – will get their catches, but Henry is going to make a statement. Count on it.
TIGHT END
- John Carlson Projection: 5 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
I continue to jock the Seahawks. Now watch them get shut out. But seriously, Hasselbeck will be solid, and the running game will open things up for the passing attack. Carlson is as solid a week 1 play as there is at the position.
KICKER
- Josh Brown Projection: 3 FG (1 40+ yard, 1 50+ yard), 1 PAT
Seattle’s defense will not be one of the top units in the NFL in 2009, and aside from Steven Jackson, the Rams’ offense is as dismal as they come. The combination of the two should mean a fair amount of work for Brown.
DEFENSE
- Houston Texans Projection: 13 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 forced fumble
Their 2008 numbers wouldn’t dictate success, but against a moderate, conservative Jets offense, and with some key additions to an underrated unit, the Texans have a favorable match-up.
Extras: 2008 Offensive Rankings, 2008 Defensive Rankings, 2009 Depth Charts
NFL Quick Hitters: September 7, 2009
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- Still Hurting
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- Bell & Bush = More Week 1 Work
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- Atop the Depth Chart
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- Unsuspended. Still Unhappy.
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- The Rivalry Grows
Posted: September 7, 2009
- Pierre Thomas looks unlikely to be ready for week one against Detroit. Mike Bell is the handcuff, but Thomas’ receptions go to Reggie Bush. Look for Bell to be around 15 carries. Bell’s Projection: 65 yards, 1 TD
- Mike Tomlin gives Willie Parker a vote of confidence. “He’s our runner.” No more Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee, and Fast Willie gets 20+ carries in week 1. Parker’s Projection: 90 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving, 1 TD
- Matthew Stafford named Lions starting quarterback. He’s got some weapons, but the learning curve is steep. New Orleans is a decent first match-up, so early results could be okay. Stafford’s Projection: 210 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int
- Eric Mangini is keeping his lips sealed on the Browns’ starting QB. 60/40 it’s Brady Quinn. Don’t count on either starter against a stout Minnesota D week 1. Cleveland’s QB Projection: 190 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
- Cadillac Williams atop Tampa Bay’s depth chart, but the three headed “monster” — if it can be called that– that is the Bucs’ running game is not worth taking a risk on. Cadillac’s Projection: 13 carries, 44 yards, 0 TD
- Brandon Marshall is no longer suspended in Denver. Trade rumors still fly. Will he play week 1? Most likely. How much? Probably a lot. Will he be a distraction. Certainly. Marshall’s Projection: 5 receptions, 88 yards, 1 TD
- Matt Cassel participates in practice. His status for week 1 is unknown. If he plays, the tough Baltimore D, among other issues, is sure to give him fits. Cassel’s Projection: 180 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int
- Redskins sign recently-cut-Giant QB Andre Woodson to their practice squad (to help steal plays and audibles). Bill Belichick quoted as saying, “Well, that’s one way to do it.” Ease up, Pats’ fans, it’s a joke. Fantasy Impact: None. Giants have a week to adjust, and will win game one against Washington.
Thanks go to Rotoworld.com, NFL.com, ESPN.com and Yahoo! Fantasy Sports for the info.
Just the Stats: 2009 Defense/Special Team Rankings
Justin Tuck: A QB's Nightmare
Posted: September 5, 2009
| TEAM | Bye | Week 14-15-16 |
| New York Giants | 10 | Phi, @Was, Car |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 8 | @Cle, GB, Bal |
| Minnesota Vikings | 9 | Cin, @Car, @Chi |
| Baltimore Ravens | 7 | Det, Chi, @Pit |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 4 | @NYG, SF, Den |
| New York Jets | 9 | @TB, Atl, @Ind |
| San Diego Chargers | 5 | @Dal, Cin, @Ten |
| Dallas Cowboys | 6 | SD, @NO, @Was |
| Chicago Bears | 5 | GB, @Bal, Min |
| Tennessee Titans | 7 | StL, Mia, SD |
| Washington Redskins | 8 | @Oak, NYG, Dal |
| New England Patriots | 8 | Car, @Buf, Jac |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8 | NYJ, @Sea, @NO |
| Miami Dolphins | 6 | @Jac,@Ten,Hou |
| Indianapolis Colts | 6 | Den, @Jac, NYJ |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 8 | @Min, @SD, KC |
| Carolina Panthers | 4 | @NE, Min, @NYG |
| Green Bay Packers | 5 | @Chi, @Pit, Sea |
| Arizona Cardinals | 4 | @SF, @Det, StL |
| Houston Texans | 10 | Sea, @StL, @Mia |
| Buffalo Bills | 9 | @KC, NE, @Atl |
| San Francisco 49ers | 6 | Ari, @Phi, Det |
| New Orleans Saints | 5 | @Atl, Dal, TB |
| Seattle Seahawks | 7 | SF, @Hou, TB |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 7 | Mia, Ind, @NE |
| Denver Broncos | 7 | @Ind, Oak, @Phi |
| Atlanta Falcons | 4 | NO, @NYJ, Buf |
| Oakland Raiders | 9 | Was,@Den,@Cle |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 8 | Buf, Cle, @Cin |
| Cleveland Browns | 9 | Pit, @KC, Oak |
| St. Louis Rams | 9 | @Ten, Hou, @Ari |
| Detroit Lions | 7 | @Bal, Ari, @SF |
Welcome to the Shack!
Fantasy Sports Shack is a place for stats, opinions, information and links to the important stuff that will help you win a fantasy title, with a focus on football and baseball.
We want to know what a player has done for the last few years, their trends and projections for this year. We want to know sleepers who are going to make a difference, rookies who will shine and veterans who will bounce back. We want to know about the impact of the latest injuries, retirements and… well, legal issues. We want to know it before the next guy (or girl – the Shack doesn’t discriminate!), and we want to share it with you!
We’re just a group of fans who love fantasy sports. Some of us are new to the game, others have been playing for more than 15 years, on a number of platforms, with a variety of people. And not to boast, but we do okay. We’ve got the 4-time king (including a 3-peat) of an uber-competitive baseball league, a 2-time defending fantasy football champion and a top 3 fantasy football finisher for 6 years running. Just want to let you know we’re not yanking your chain when we offer our opinion. And that’s what we’re here to do, give you our opinion.
Opinion is what the Fantasy Sports Shack is all about. We’ll give you ours, so don’t be afraid to give us yours.
