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 14
Posted: December 10, 2009
It’s playoff time, and at no other point in the season is finding that diamond in the rough more important. Thus, we’re gonna change it up a bit from here on. Rather than give you two or three guys at a position who could help you get to the next round, I’m going to be spotlighting a few players, regardless of position, who are high-end Sleepers based on match-ups and trends (targets and touches). Here are the Sleepers for Week 14:
Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Opponent: Arizona Cardinals
Projection: 24-37, 245 yards, 2 TD
I’ve been riding the Alex Smith bandwagon for several weeks now, and he’s continued to play at a high level. Still, he’s owned in fewer than 40% of leagues on most major platforms. In Week 14, Smith faces the 3rd worst pass defense in the NFL (based on yards allowed per game) in the Arizona Cardinals. Monday Night Football. At home. It’s a huge game for the 49ers, who are looking to salvage any hope for a playoff birth in 2009. Smith is a better play than the likes of Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, David Garrard, Matt Hasselbeck, Carson Palmer and several others you’d potentially consider starting, including, dare I say, Tom Brady! Well, that might be going out on a limb, even though Brady is up against the 6th ranked Carolina Panthers pass defense.
Quinton Ganther, RB, Washington Redskins
Opponent: Oakland Raiders
Projection: 18 touches, 91 yards, 1 TD
In my weekly Bruno Boys column, which I write on Tuesday and is published on Wednesday, I tabbed Rock Cartwright the Week 14 “Mr. Overlooked: Sleeper of the Week“. That was before the Skins handed the job to Ganther. Ganther ran harder and faster than Cartwright in Week 13, and is a great flex play against the Oakland Raiders (who surrender 158.7 ypg to opposing backs, and have given up 18 rushing touchdowns). Ganther got 8 touches last week, but will flip-flop his numbers with Cartwright, who has been handed 55 touches over the past three weeks (18.3 tpg). Plus, Ganther is available in nearly 90% of leagues!
Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans
Opponent: St. Louis Cardinals
Projection: 20-33, 210 yards, 1 TD, 5-21 rushing
Like Smith, I’ve been riding the Young bandwagon, and rightfully so. The guy gets it done on both the fantasy and reality gridirons. He’s coming off back-to-back solid fantasy weeks (19 fantasy points in Week 12, 16 last week – in standard scoring leagues with no bonuses), and even when he struggles, he finds a way to hit double-digits in fantasy points. Evidence: Week 13 versus Houston (12-22, 116 yards, 1 TD, 11-73 rushing, 1 fumble lost, 13 fantasy points). Young, like Smith, is a better play this week against the Rams — though they’re 16th ranked pass D is a bit underrated — than some of the guys mentioned in the write-up on Smith above. No, Tom Brady is not one of them.
Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans
Opponent: St. Louis Rams
Projection: 9 targets, 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
Britt leads the Titans in targets over the past three weeks with 25, and despite only hauling in three balls for 46 yards in Week 13 (on 9 targets), he still scored a touchdown for the third straight game. As stated in the Vince Young snippet, the Rams have an underrated pass defense, and have allowed just 16 touchdowns through the air in 2009. Still, I expect Young to throw for a score, and Britt, the rookie, has matured into the target to whom the QB most likes to throw.
Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Chicago Bears
Projection: 8 targets, 4 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD
Finley has been targeted 24 times over the past three weeks, and his 8 target, 7 catch, 79 yard, 2 TD performance in Week 13 wasn’t an apparition. The Bears are tough against the pass, but have yielded 21 scores through the air. Don’t expect another 19 fantasy point outing from the Packer tight end, but don’t be surprised if he comes close, either.
Please Deploy the following Non-Sleepers:
Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Cheifs @ Buffalo Bills
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts
Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos
For more in depth insight, visit brunoboys.net and check out Fasulo’s Forecaster.
Week 13 Sleeper Results
Posted December 10, 2009
Sorry for the delay, Fantasy Sports Shack faithful, it’s been a hectic week… preparing for the fantasy playoffs! Here are the Week 13 Sleeper results:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Alex Smith (San Francisco) – Got it done again.
Projected: 22-36, 225 yards, 2 TD 1 Int
Actual: 27-45, 310 yards, 2 TD
Vince Young (Tennessee) – Like before, see note above for Alex Smith.
Projected: 15-26, 185 yards, 1 TD, 7-35 rushing
Actual: 24-43, 241, 2 TD, 1 Int, 4-16 rushing
RUNNING BACK (0 for 3)
Chris Jennings (Cleveland) – Should have gone with Jerome Harrison.
Projected: 20-65 rushing, 2-11 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 5-28 rushing, 1-2 receiving
Rock Cartwright (Washington) – Did just enough to lose his starting job to Quinton Ganther.
Projected: 14-55 rushing, 3-17 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 13-39 rushing, 3-31 receiving
Jerious Norwood (Atlanta) – Norwood couldn’t even come close to a modest projection.
Projected: 14-63 rushing, 3-22 receiving
Actual: 11-18 rushing, 2-24 receiving
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 3)
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – The rookie’s fantasy worth has gone from promising to next-to-nothing.
Projected: 4-62 receiving, 1 tD
Actual: 2-19 receiving
Malcom Floyd (San Diego) – Floyd hasn’t played a major role since taking over as a starter.
Projected: 3-39 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-30 receiving
Jason Avant (Philadelphia) – You’d a thunk he’d have done a bit more than this with DeSean Jackson out.
Projected: 6-81 receiving
Actual: 3-36 receiving
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville) – Almost went Fred Davis or Jermichael Finely. Should have pulled the trigger!
Projected: 3-35 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 1-47 receiving
KICKER (1 for 1)
Matt Prater (Denver) – The Denver offense is clicking.
Projected: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Actual: 3 FG, 5 PAT
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Buffalo Bills – The 5 sacks makes up for the lack of an interception and 2 more points surrendered than expected.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 3 Int
Actual: 19 points allowed, 5 sacks
Scorecard for Week 13: 4 for 11
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 55 for 134, 9 pushes (41%)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 13
Posted: December 2, 2009
It’s been a crazy few days at the Fantasy Sports Shack, so the Week 13 version of “Sleepers of the Week” is going to be abbreviated. If you’re looking for an injury fill-in at QB or a decent flex option to get you to the fantasy playoffs, here are a few guys who could help get you there:
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith (San Francisco) @ Seattle – Projection: 22-36, 225 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
May as well keep a good thing going.
Vince Young (Tennessee) @ Indianapolis – Projection: 15-26, 185 yards, 1 TD, 7-35 rushing
See note for Alex Smith.
RUNNING BACK
Chris Jennings (Cleveland) vs. San Diego – Projection: 20-65 rushing, 2-11 receiving, 1 TD
Jamal Lewis to the IR? Chris Jennings to benefit, immediately.
Rock Cartwright (Washington) vs. New Orleans – Projection: 14-55 rushing, 3-17 receiving, 1 TD
The default top dog in Washington will grind it out… as long as the Skins are in the game.
Jerious Norwood (Atlanta) vs. Philadelphia – Projection: 14-63 rushing, 3-22 receiving
Turner likely out, Norwood likely the guy this week, not Snelling.
WIDE RECEIVER
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) vs. Oakland – Projection: 4-62 receiving, 1 TD
Great matchup. Should get back on track.
Malcom Floyd (San Diego) @ Cleveland – Projection: 3-39 receiving, 1 TD
Vincent Jackson has been awful of late, and Floyd could get an extra look or two.
Jason Avant (Philadelphia) @ Atlanta – Projection: 6-81 receiving
If DeSean Jackson is concussed, Avant is the deep threat.
TIGHT END
Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville) vs. Houston – Projection: 3-35, 1 TD
It was a toss-up here between Fred Davis, Jermichael Finley and Lewis. I went with Lewis for the matchup.
KICKER
Matt Prater (Denver) @ Kansas City – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Coming off a big Thanksgiving day win against the Giants, the Broncos’ offense has momentum.
DEFENSE
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 3 Int
Sanchez has been erratic, and the Bills are ballhawks in the secondary. Thomas Jones may have a big day, though.
Week 12 Sleeper Results: Scorching
Posted: November 30, 2009
Call it a Turkey day treat or momentum from a 7 for 10 Week 11, however you look at it, there was something extra to be thankful for this year: Sleepers coming through! Not to boast, but the Shack is on fire! Here are the results for Week 12:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Alex Smith (San Francisco) – Continuing to prove doubters wrong, Smith had another solid day.
Projected: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 27-41, 232 yards, 2 TD, 3-8 rushing
Vince Young (Tennessee) – Young absolutely went off in the second half, leading the resurgent Titans to a W.
Projected: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Actual: 27-43, 387 yards, 1 TD, 4-8 rushing
RUNNING BACK (2 for 3)
Justin Forsett (Seattle) – Good luck getting your job back, Julius Jones.
Projected: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 22-130 rushing, 2 TD
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) – If you snagged Charles a few weeks ago, as we suggested, you’re a happy camper.
Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 14-93 rushing, 3-54 receiving, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost
Danny Ware (New York Giants) – Ware (and the Giants) looked horrible on Thanksgiving night.
Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
Actual: 4-27 rushing, 1-(-4) receiving, 1 fumble lost
WIDE RECEIVER (2 for 3)
Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) – Exceeded the yardage expectation on 2 fewer receptions!
Projected: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-91 receiving, 1 TD
Earl Bennett (Chicago) – Does anyone else feel like the Broncos got the better end of the Cutler deal?
Projected: 7-84 receiving
Actual: 3-14 receiving
Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) – A few weeks ago, it was all about Austin Collie. Now, Garcon is WR3A in Indy.
Projected: 5-72 receiving
Actual: 5-63 receiving, 1 TD
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) – On paper, it was a great move. As it turns out, should have gone Donald Lee.
Projected: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-25 receiving
KICKER (0 for 1)
Dan Carpenter (Miami) – Didn’t even attempt a field goal.
Projected: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 2 PAT
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Atlanta Falcons – For a minute, it looked like it could spiral out of hand, but they ended up taking care of business.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 17 points allowed, 6 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
Scorecard for Week 12: 7 for 11
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 51 for 123, 9 pushes (41%)
Week 11 Sleeper Results: Rising Stock
Posted: November 24, 2009
After some recent ups-and-downs on the Sleeper Market, the Fantasy Sports Shack stocks are, once again, on the rise. Here are the Week 11 Sleeper results:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Vince Young (Tennessee) – Young used his legs more than anticipated, but still got it done.
Projected: 15-23, 165 passing, 6-26 rushing, 1 rushing TD
Actual: 12-22, 116 passing, 1 passing TD, 11-73 rushing
Matthew Stafford (Detroit) – The stat-line of the week in (surprisingly) the game of the week.
Projected: 22-38, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 26-43, 422 yards, 5 TD, 2 Int
RUNNING BACK (3 for 3)
Jason Snelling (Atlanta) – It wasn’t exactly pretty, but he got the job done, hitting paydirt twice.
Projected: 16-64 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 25-76 rushing, 3-13 receiving, 2 TD
Bernard Scott (Cincinnati) – The touches and yardage far exceeded expectations, making up for the lack of a TD.
Projected: 16-59 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 21-119 rushing, 3-32 receiving
Justin Forsett (Seattle) – A big day receiving and a short yardage punch-in run made him a viable play.
Projected: 15-57 rushing, 4-26 receiving
Actual: 8-9 rushing, 8-80 receiving, 1 TD
WIDE RECEIVER (1 for 3)
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – What could have been a career day became a day to forget.
Projected: 4-65 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 2-47 receiving, 1-5 rushing, 1 fumble lost
Laveranues Coles (Cincinnati) – Nailed the yardage, but without a score, can’t take credit.
Projected: 5-61 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 2-61 receiving
Mohamed Massaquoi (Cleveland) – Scored his first career TD in the shootout with Detroit.
Projected: 4-71 receiving
Actual: 5-115 receiving, 1 TD
TIGHT END (1 for 1)
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) – There’s plenty to like about this guy in the weeks to come.
Projected: 5-58 receiving
Actual: 7-54 receiving
KICKER (push)
Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh) – Not exactly a bad game, but not really a good game, either.
Projected: 2 FG, 4 PAT
Actual: 1 FG, 3 PAT
DEFENSE (0 for 1)
Detroit Lions – A Lions/Browns shootout! Who’d'a thunk it?
Projected: 16 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 37 points allowed, 1 sack
Scorecard for Week 10: 7 for 10, 1 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 44 for 112, 9 pushes (39%)
Name Your Sleepers: Week 11
Posted: November 18, 2009
Each week, the Fantasy Sports Shack spotlights Sleepers (2 QB, 3 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 Defense) who could help your team to victory. In the Week 10 “Name Your Sleepers” matchup, the Shack took an “L” to Paul from peoplespigskin.
Think you’ve got what it takes to outplay the Fantasy Sports Shack?
Leave a comment and let me know your Week 10 picks, and we’ll see how you stack up. But remember, a true sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues.
Good luck!
Sleepers of the Week: Week 11
Posted: November 18, 2009
Week 10 running back injuries have created some opportunities for some not-so-household-names to get their shot, and this week’s Sleepers reflect as much. Here are the Sleepers for Week 11:
QUARTERBACK
Vince Young (Tennessee) @ Houston – Projection: 15-23, 165 yards, 6-26 rushing, 1 rushing TD
The Texans are at the middle of pack versus both the pass and rush (17th and 14th, respectively), which could bode well for Young. Don’t expect a huge day, but multiple scores are a possibility.
Matthew Stafford (Detroit) vs. Cleveland – Projection: 22-38, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
The Lions have been chucking the ball, mostly because they’re always playing catch-up. They may not need to throw as much against the lowly Browns — expect a heavy dose of Kevin Smith — but Stafford should still put up a respectable line.
RUNNING BACK
Jason Snelling (Atlanta) @ New York Giants – Projection: 16-64 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
With Michael Turner’s availability in question (potentially for an extended period of time), Snelling becomes the RB1 by default. His backfield competition, Jerious Norwood, hasn’t practiced in a month, but could see 8-12 touches… if he plays.
Bernard Scott (Cincinnati) @ Oakland – Projection: 16-59 rushing, 1 TD
2009 fantasy football MVP candidate Cedric Benson has not been ruled out for Sunday, but his prospects don’t look good. Scott ran hard and returned a kick for 6 against Pittsburgh last week, and should be Cinci’s RB1 if Benson is out, despite the addition of Larry Johnson.
Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ Minnesota – Projection: 15-57 rushing, 4-26 receiving
Forsett is a great add for all fantasy leagues, but temper expectations for Week 11 at Minnesota. The Vikings defense ranks 6th in the NFL versus the rush (94.6 ypg) and has surrendered the fewest rushing scores to opposing backs (2).
WIDE RECEIVER
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) @ Kansas City – Projection: 4-65 receiving, 1 TD
Wallace was on the Sleeper list last week, but with modest projections. This week, against a 24th ranked Chiefs’ pass defense that has surrendered 14 TD, expect the rook to rebound with what could potentially be a career day.
Laveranues Coles (Cincinnati) @ Oakland – Projecion: 5-61 receiving, 1 TD
While Raiders’ corner Nnamdi Asomugha is taking Chad Ochocinco out of the game, the field will open up for Coles and Andre Caldwell. Coles has 11 catches on 18 targets in the last 2 games.
Mohamed Massaquoi (Cleveland) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-71 receiving
The Lions are downright horrific against the pass (last in yards allowed per game (271.7) and 31st in TDs surrendered (20)). That said, Brady Quinn and the Browns’ passing attack is as bad or worse. Massaquoi will be the lone beneficiary.
TIGHT END
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) vs. San Francisco – Projection: 5-58 receiving
Finley practiced on Wednesday for the first time since a Week 7 knee injury. If he’s able to go for Green Bay on Sunday, he’s a good play against the vulnerable 49ers’ safeties.
KICKER
Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh) @ Kansas City – Projection: 2 FG, 4 PAT
The Steelers’ defense will overwhelm Kansas City’s offense in their first week without Dwayne Bowe, thus creating good field position and giving Reed ample opportunities.
DEFENSE
Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns – Projection: 16 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
It’s not that the Lions will shut down Cleveland’s attack, it’s that Cleveland’s attack looks like a bad high school team. The Browns have been held to 6 or fewer points 6 times this year, and could be without Josh Cribbs, their most dynamic player.
Programming Note: Week 11
Posted: November 18, 2009
This week’s “Fasulo’s Forecaster” has published to brunoboys.net.
The Week 11 column focuses on the storm of running back injuries from around the league, and their impact on your team. As we all push toward the fantasy football playoffs, some unsung backups could be the keys to victory. Find out who they are here.
Don’t forget to check out “Fasulo’s Forecaster’s ‘Rookie on the Rise’ and ‘Mr. Overlooked: Sleeper of the Week‘”, and stay tuned for the entire list of Fantasy Sports Shack Sleepers for Week 11.
Week 10 Sleeper Results: Yawn
Posted: November 17, 2009
Week 10 was just a ho-hum week on the Sleeper front. The QB’s came close, and a couple of the RB’s exceeded expectations, but most of the pack yielded meager returns. Here are the Sleeper results for Week 10 (and scroll to the bottom of the post for the Week 10 “Name Your Sleepers Matchup” results):
QUARTERBACK (0 for 1, 1 push)
Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) – Almost dead on with attempts/completions and yards, but off on TD and Int.
Projected: 17-31, 210 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 16-30, 212 yards, 1 TD, 2 Int
Chad Henne (Miami) – One more TD and he would have been exactly on point (fantasy points-wise).
Projected: 16-26, 195 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 17-31, 175 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int
RUNNING BACK (2 for 3)
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) – Got 22 touches, and made them count.
Projected: 12-62 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
Actual:18-103 rushing, 4-14 receiving, 1 TD
Mike Bell (New Orleans) – The Saints didn’t get out in front as expected, and Bell never really got an opportunity.
Projected: 12-52 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 8-30 rushing
Ladell Betts (Washington) – Betts took advantage of 27 touches, and carried the Redskins to victory.
Projected: 17-59 rushing, 2-19 receiving
Actual: 26-114 rushing, 1-6 receiving, 1 TD
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 2, 1 push)
Earl Bennett (Chicago) – Bennett had a 40 yard reception called back, and was otherwise quiet.
Projected: 4-56 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-27 receiving
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati) – Got the expected receptions, but offensive scores were nil in this one.
Projected: 4-45 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 4-23 receiving
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – Wasn’t really a fantasy factor.
Projected: 3-55 receiving
Actual: 1-16 receiving
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit) – Pettigrew didn’t get the dump-off looks we expected to see.
Projected: 6-72 receiving
Actual: 2-23 receiving
KICKER (push)
Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland) – Some things you never learn — like never count on an Oakland Raider!
Projected: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 1 FG, 1 PAT (1 FG 50+)
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Tennessee Titans – The Titans were nearly exact on projections, and returned 2 interceptions for scores.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 Int
Actual: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 2 Int, 2 TD
Scorecard for Week 10: 3 for 8, 3 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 37 for 102, 8 pushes (36%)
NAME YOUR SLEEPERS MATCHUP: WEEK 10
Paul from peoplespigskin (4-5-2) – Fantasy Sports Shack (3-5-3)
Using the key where coming within 2 projected fantasy points equals a correct pick, and within 4 equals a push, the inaugural week of the Fantasy Sports Shack “Name Your Sleepers Matchup” ended in a victory by the visitor. The FSS results are above, and you can see Paul’s work below. Well played, Paul!
(For future competitors, remember: A Sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues.)
QB
Matt Cassel (Kansas City) – Projected 14, Actual 7
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) – Projected 14, Actual 14
RB
Fred Jackson (Buffalo) – Projected 15, Actual 11
Jamal Lewis (Cleveland) – Projected 12, Actual 3
Knowshon Moreno (Denver) – Projected 11, Actual 9
WR
Derrick Mason (Baltimore) – Projected 13, Actual 7
Sidney Rice (Minnesota) – Projected 12, Actual 20
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – Projected 9, Actual 1
TE
Dustin Keller (New York Jets) – Projected 8, Actual 5
K
Rob Bironas (Tennessee) – Projected 10, Actual 11
D/ST
Atlanta Falcons – Projected 9, Actual -1
Overall Name Your Sleepers Matchup Records: Fantasy Sports Shack 0-1, Visitors 1-0
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.
