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
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 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
Name Your Sleepers Matchup: Week 10
Posted: November 14, 2009
In the Week 10 “Name Your Sleepers” matchup, Paul from peoplespigskin will test his skill against the Fantasy Sports Shack. Paul, some of your Sleepers are owned in better than 80 percent of leagues, but we’ll let if fly this week. Thanks for playing, and good luck!
PAUL’S PICKS
QB
Matt Cassel (Kansas City) – 14 points
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) – 14 points
RB
Fred Jackson (Buffalo) – 15 points
Jamal Lewis (Cleveland) – 12 points
Knowshon Moreno (Denver) – 11 points
WR
Derrick Mason (Baltimore) – 13 points
Sidney Rice (Minnesota) – 12 points
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – 9 points
TE
Dustin Keller (New York Jets) – 8 points
K
Rob Bironas (Tennessee) – 10 points
D/ST
Atlanta Falcons – 9 points
FANTASY SPORTS SHACK PICKS
QB
Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) – 16 points
Chad Henne (Miami) – 13 points
RB
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) – 14 points
Mike Bell (New Orleans) – 11 points
Ladell Betts (Washington) – 7 points
WR
Earl Bennett (Chicago) – 11 points
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati) – 10 points
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) – 5 points+
TE
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit) – 7 points
K
Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland) – 8 points
D/ST
Tennessee Titans – 9 points
For more detail on Paul’s picks, check out his comments. And click here to read the insight on the Fantasy Sports Shack Sleepers for Week 10.
Sleepers of the Week: Week 10
Posted: November 12, 2009
Week 10. The final bye week of the 2009 season. Next week starts the stretch run toward the fantasy football playoffs. Here are the Sleepers for Week 10 who could help keep you in contention:
QUARTERBACK
Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 17-31, 210 yards, 2 TD
I’ve spotlighted Sanchez in the past, and he’s tended to let me down, but this week, against a 26th ranked Jags’ pass D, I have a hunch Mr. GQ is due. He won’t singlehandedly win you the week, but he’s a viable fill-in for Schaub or Eli Manning.
Chad Henne (Miami) vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 16-26, 195 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Henne has a good match-up against a Bucs‘ defense that has given up the 3rd most touchdowns in the league to opposing passers (18), but have also snatched 11 picks.
RUNNING BACK
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ Oakland – Projection: 12-62 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
The Raiders‘ 27th ranked Swiss cheese defense surrenders 161 ypg to opposing rushers, and has given up a league high 13 rushing touchdowns. Charles could explode on any play, and should have a big day, despite sharing touches with Kolby Smith.
Mike Bell (New Orleans) @ St. Louis – Projection: 12-52 rushing, 1 TD
The Saints‘ RB1 is Pierre Thomas, and he’s a top-notch RB2 in the fantasy world. It’s the match-up that dictates this pick, as the Saints will likely be up big early, and in second half garbage time, Bell could come in for clean-up duty.
Ladell Betts (Washington) vs. Denver – Projection: 17-59 rushing, 2-19 receiving
For the record, I hate this pick. Betts is old, has a mild ankle sprain, averages 3.5 ypc over the past 3 years, has scored 1 TD in each of those seasons and already has his 1 for ’09. Still, he could see 20 touches against a tough Broncos defense.
WIDE RECEIVER
Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ San Francisco – Projection: 4-56 receiving, 1 TD
Coming off his best game of the year (11 targets, 7 catches, 93 yards), Bennett is finally showing signs of why he was considered a preseason sleeper darling. He’s still looking for his first score, and I’m betting it’s in this week’s Thursday night special.
Andre Caldwell (Cincinnati) @ Pittsburgh – Projection: 4-45 receiving, 1 TD
With Chris Henry’s season-ending injury, Caldwell’s targets should increase slightly, and his reception totals should go up accordingly. He has 3 scores on the season; 2 against Baltimore, the other against the Steelers.
Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) vs. Cincinnati – Projection: 3-55 receiving
I don’t know why Wallace is owned in less than 50% of Yahoo! Public Leagues and fewer than 20% of ESPN leagues, especially after his Monday night performance. He’s a lock for at least 50 yards, and could score for the 3rd straight week.
TIGHT END
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit) @ Minnesota – Projection: 6-72 receiving
The Vikings will be hanging all over whichever Lions QB starts (Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper), and Pettigrew is sure to see several dump-offs. One of those could result in a TD, if the Lions get that deep into Viking territory.
KICKER
Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland) vs. Kansas City – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
This is a battle of two terrible defenses and two lowly offenses. The winner? Both teams’ kickers, who could put up very similar lines. I’ll take my chances on Janikowski (for leagues that give bonuses for long distance kicks).
DEFENSE
Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo – Projection: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 Int
The entire Tennessee team has newfound life since their bye and the insertion of Vince Young into the starting lineup. Their defense isn’t as bad as the rankings would suggest (32nd pass, 18th rush), and Buffalo’s offense is plain dismal.
Week 5 Sleeper Results: “Collie” Card
Posted: October 14, 2009
Ah, Costa Del Sol. The South of Spain… Not a bad life. And 5-10 with a push in a week where I was on a European vacation ain’t too shabby, either. I’m now in London, where my computer access is slightly better, though my ability to catch even one episode of NFL Live is nil. Still, the show must go on, so here are the Sleeper results for Week 5:
QUARTERBACK (1 for 2)
Matt Cassel – Got it going, as expected, despite falling a TD shy of the projection.
Projected: 19-32, 265 yards, 3 TD, 20 rushing yards
Actual: 23-41, 253 yards, 2 TD, 28 rushing yards
Mark Sanchez – Sanchez wasn’t efficient (50% completion percentage), and fell well short of expectations.
Projected: 18-28, 215 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 12-24, 172 yards, 1 TD
RUNNING BACK (1 for 3)
Jerome Harrison – Jamal Lewis took back the workload, and Harrison got bottled up when he got his touches.
Projected: 13-60 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 8-21 rushing, 0 TD
Jonathan Stewart – Projection had him at 12.9 points, came in at 10.5. Not quite, but useful.
Projected: 12-55 rushing, 2-14 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 10-39 rushing, 1-6 receiving, 1 TD
Beanie Wells – It always seems like next week’s the week with this guy. Now his coach is even saying so.
Projected: 8-50 rushing, 1-8 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 7-24 rushing, 0 TD
WIDE RECEIVER (1 for 2, 1 push)
Andre Caldwell – Fell a few yards shy of projection, but still found paydirt. Push.
Projected: 6-65, 1 TD
Actual: 2-33, 1 TD
Bobby Wade – Cassel spread the ball too much for any of his receivers, sans Bowe, to be a fantasy factor.
Projected: 5-60, 1 TD
Actual: 4-42, 0 TD
Austin Collie – Like I said, Garcon got the love, but Collie is getting the job done.
Projected: 5-55, 1 TD
Actual: 8-97, 2 TD
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Sean Ryan – See Bobby Wade.
Projected: 4-42, 1 TD
Actual: 2-27, 0 TD
KICKER (1 for 1)
Olindo Mare – Same amount of points as projected, just in a different manner.
Projected: 3-3 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 2-2 FG, 5 PAT (1 FG 40+)
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Carolina Panthers – Though Clinton Portis scored twice, the Panthers shut the Redskins down most of the day.
Projected: 13 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 2 fumble recoveries
Actual: 17 points allowed, 5 sacks, 0 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Scorecard for Week 5: 5 for 10, 1 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 23 for 52, 3 pushes (44%)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 5
Posted: October 9, 2009
I’m sitting on the coast of Spain, gazing out over the Mediterranean on a clear, gorgeous afternoon. I can see the Rock of Gibraltar and the distant shore of Africa. It’s serene. I have no internet access, yet back home, it’s football season, and I still need to get my Sleepers in, so I’m working on Microsoft Word, and later I’ll find a little café that has wireless and go to work. Forgive me for the lack of links this week. I’m on vacation! Here are the picks for Week 5:
QUARTERBACK
Matt Cassel vs. Dallas – Projection: 19-32, 265 yards, 3 TD, 20 rushing yards
The Chiefs average just 246 ypg of total offense, but the Cowboys give up 256 ypg through the air. If the O-line can stop the thus far mediocre Cowboys’ pass rush (6 sacks), Cassel could return to the form that got him his big contract.
Mark Sanchez @ Miami – Projection 18-28, 215 yards, 2 TD
The Dolphins give up on 61 ypg on the ground, so the Jets will be forced to throw at a Dophins defense that ranks 24th in the league against the pass (239 ypg).
RUNNING BACK
Jerome Harrison @ Buffalo – Projection: 13-60 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
It appears Jamal Lewis will play, but Harrison should split time (50/50 or even 60/40), and should find wiggle room against a defense that allows 150 rushing ypg. If Lewis doesn’t play, Harrison’s output will go up significantly.
Jonathan Stewart vs. Washington – Projection: 12-55 rushing, 2-14 receiving, 1 TD
Coming off the bye week, Carolina is going to go back to what they do best: run the football. Both Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will see plenty of action in this one.
Beanie Wells vs. Houston – Projection: 8-50 rushing, 1-8 receiving, 1 TD
We’re still waiting for his coming out party, and so is he, as he’s been quoted of saying this week. Against a horrible Texans’ run D (165 ypg), it may not be a party, but he could be worth a flex start, even in a shootout.
WIDE RECEIVER
Andre Caldwell @ Baltimore – Projection: 6-65, 1 TD
The Ravens give up 232 passing ypg, so Carson Palmer could do some damage. Caldwell, second most catches on his team (16), is starting to make his name known.
Bobby Wade vs. Dallas – Projection: 5-60, 1 TD
If Cassel is going to awaken, so must his receivers. Most likely, Dwayne Bowe is the guy who benefits most, but this could be a big week for the #2 receiver on the Chiefs’ depth chart.
Austin Collie @ Tennessee – Projection: 5-55, 1 TD
The talk has been about Pierre Garcon, and there’s no doubt about his abilities, but Collie is coming off a 6 reception game against Seattle, has more catches (12) than Garcon (10), and the Colts are up against one of the worst pass D’s in football.
TIGHT END
Sean Ryan vs. Dallas – Projection: 4-42, 1 TD
Ryan had a good week last week, and may be building a rapport with his quarterback; a good thing for a young guy on a team who just spent $63 million on a slinger.
KICKER
Olindo Mare vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 3-3 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
As mentioned last week, the Seahawks offense is weak without Matt Hasselbeck – which makes me a bit of a hypocrite for picking Wallace – but they could pass their way to field goal range a few times.
DEFENSE
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington – Projection: 13 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 2 fumble recoveries
The Redskins average 14 ppg, and managed just 2 touchdowns against Detroit and 3 field goals against St. Louis. The Panthers give up a league-worst 182 yards rushing, but if their offense controls the clock, they should run away with this one.
Week 3 Sleeper Results: Mixed Bag
Posted: September 30, 2009
After a dismal Week 2, the results for Week 3 were a mixed bag. Receivers never got off the line, and one running back hardly got off the bench. Here are the Week 3 Sleeper results:
QUARTERBACK (1 for 2)
Trent Edwards – Not much going on through the air, as neither Edwards or Brees threw a TD.
Projected: 21-32, 275 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 20-35, 156 yards, 0 TD, 1 Int
Mark Sanchez – Didn’t come through in yardage, but made up for it with a rushing score.
Projected:18-28, 255 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 17-20, 171 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 1 rushing TD
RUNNING BACK (2 for 3)
Knowshon Moreno – Turning into the #1 back the Broncos expect him to be.
Projected: 18-81 rushing, 3-24 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 21-90 rushing, 0 receiving, 1 TD
LeSean McCoy – Westrbrook didn’t play, and McCoy took advantage.
Projected: 12-64 rushing, 4-31 receiving
Actual: 20-84 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Beanie Wells – With the Cardinals down big most of the day, Beanie hardly saw the field.
Projected: 8-54 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 2-(-2) rushing
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 3)
Eddie Royal – Still can’t get off the schnide. Let him ride the pine one more week, then reevaluate.
Projected: 8-92
Actual: 1-4
Antwaan Randle El – At least I got the Santana Moss having a HUGE day right.
Projected: 5-64, 1 TD
Actual: 2-21, 0 TD
Chansi Stuckey – Sanchez didn’t throw for many yards, and most of what he did accumulate went to Cotchery.
Projected: 4-55, 1 TD
Actual: 2-11, 0 TD
TIGHT END (o for 1)
Dustin Keller – Not a great week, but Keller is still a solid sleeper from here on.
Projected: 4-50, 1 TD
Actual: 2-24, 0 TD
KICKER (1 for 1)
Steve Hauschka – The Ravens are scoring, and Hauschka will keep kicking.
Projected: 2-2 FG, 3 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 2-2 FG, 4 PAT (0 FG 40+)
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
San Francisco 49ers – Take away Favre’s last second heroics, and the 49ers D outperformed expectations.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 2 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 27 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 blocked kick, 1 TD
Scorecard for Week 3: 5 for 11
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 13 for 32, 1 push (41%)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 3
Posted: September 24, 2009
It’s been a snorefest in Sleeperland for the first two weeks of the ’09 season, but these boys are about to awaken. Here are the sleepers for week 3:
QUARTERBACK
Trent Edwards vs. New Orleans — Projection: 21-32, 275 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
The Saints rank 29th against the pass through two weeks, and that may, in large part, be due to the fact other teams are always playing catch-up. However, their TD:Int ratio is 2:6, so Edwards, currently sporting a 104.9 QB rating, best be wary.
Mark Sanchez vs. Tennessee — Projection: 18-28, 255 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Sanchez enters week 3 with a 91.3 QB rating, and faces a Tennessee defense that ranks dead last in the league in pass defense, giving up 339 ypg.
RUNNING BACK
Knowshon Moreno @ Oakland — Projection: 18-81 rushing, 3-24 receiving, 1 TD
Moreno got the lion’s share of the carries in week 2 (17) and reeled off 75 yards. The Raiders have surrendered 250 rushing yards through the first 2 weeks, so Moreno should find some room to work.
LeSean McCoy vs. Kansas City — Projection: 12-64 rushing, 4-31 receiving
The swelling in Brian Westbrook’s ankle has subsided, but he’s yet to practice. Even if Westbrook plays, McCoy should see an increased workload to give the vet’s bum wheel a break. The Chiefs rank 21st against the run, and McNabb is still out.
Beenie Wells vs. Indianapolis — Projection: 8-54 rushing, 1 TD
Beenie fumbled twice in week 2, losing 1 and his coach’s confidence, thus, “The Program” style hazing (carrying a football with him all week, everywhere he goes). But Beenie is explosive, and the Colts’ D ranks 30th against the run (176.5 ypg).
WIDE RECEIVER
Eddie Royal @ Oakland — Projection: 8-92 receiving
Royal has yet to show even a glimpse of the form he had in his 2008 rookie campaign, hauling in a measly 5 catches through 2 games. All-Pro corner Nnamdi Asomugha will be blanketing Brandon Marshall, so Royal should find room underneath.
Antwaan Randle El @ Detroit — Projection: 5-64 receiving, 1 TD
The Lions not only rank 24th against the pass through 2 weeks, they’ve given up the most touchdowns to opposing ball catchers (8). Santana Moss could have a HUGE week, but Randle El will get his looks, and should be a sneaky good play.
Chansi Stuckey vs. Tennessee — Projection: 4-55 receiving, 1 TD
Again, the Titans rank dead last against the pass. Stuckey is an under-the-radar receiver who will find a way to get open.
TIGHT END
Dustin Keller vs. Tennessee — Projection: 4-50 receiving, 1 TD
Back to the Meadowlands for our third Jets’ sleeper of the day. Sanchez is going to throw, and Keller is continuing to grow alongside his quarterback.
KICKER
Steve Hauschka vs. Cleveland — Projection: 2-2 FG, 3 PAT (1 FG 40+)
In Hauschka, the Ravens have a little known leg-man who, as they continue to roll on offense, will become better known in the fantasy world. The Browns are going to get piled up, and Hauschka will be a beneficiary.
DEFENSE
San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota — Projection: 17 points allowed, 3 sack, 2 Int, 1 fumble recovery
The 49ers currently rank 3rd in the league against the run (53 ypg), 20th against the pass (238 ypg). Adrian Peterson could present a problem, but if his back injury flares up, this disciplined D could bottle up the Vikes and get to Favre.
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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.
