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 8: Game of the Week
By Brian McGee
Just because it’s on Monday night does not mean it’s a good match up, but tonight’s contest between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts should be a good one. In a Week 1 battle between these two teams, the Texans surprised a lot of people by pulling out a huge victory, and it wasn’t with the arm of Matt Schaub (who completed only 9 of 17 passes for 107 yards, 1 td and 1 int). What the Texans did have were the feet of Arian Foster (33 rushes, 231 yards, 3 td). Peyton Manning did all he could to win that game, completing 40 of 57 pass attempts for 433 yards and 3 scores (with zero picks). Austin Collie and Dallas Clark, both of whom are now injured, combined for 22 catches, 243 yards and 2 td. For the Colts to win the rematch, the replacements need to step up. Blair White needs to do what Austin Collie did.
Coming off the Texans’ bye week, Schaub, who had 29+ fantasy points in Week 6, will indeed have a solid outing, and Arian Foster will continue his running assault on the league with another 100+ yard game. Considering their depleted backfield, a lot will rest on the arm of the Colts’ QB, and I don’t believe Schaub and Foster will be able to outduel Manning for a second time. This won’t be as high scoring, but still a good one. 24-21 Colts.
Week 8: On Your Mark, Get Set, Start ‘Em
By Brian McGee
Bye weeks can be hell on a fantasy football roster. Here are your top Week 8 replacement options:
WR-Mike Williams (Sea): Anybody who gets 15 and 16 passes thrown their way in 2 games, consecutively, resulting in 10 and 11 catches, respectively, deserves a start in many leagues, if not all. Not only that, but in Week 7, Williams found his way past the pylons into that sacred area where you can only celebrate by yourself, with no props, and god help you if you think about high fiving anyone. Expect a solid 80 yards and another solo celebratory dance for Mr. Williams.
WR-Blair White (Ind): A hot pick up from the waiver wire this week, White will see a huge increase in value with Mr. Consistent looking his way. (If you really don’t know who Mr. Consistent is, click here.) With Dallas Clark out, Austin Collie hurt and Anthony G. not quite football ready, White will see a great deal of looks out of the slot position in short yardage and red zone situations. With Peyton Manning controlling the game against a Houston pass defense that plays as if the other guys are wearing flags, expect White to take advantage of it. 60 yards and 1 TD.
RB-Darren Sproles (SD): That’s right, Darren Sproles. He has caught 14 passes in the last two weeks, totaling 118 yards. Considering Tennessee’s stout run defense, Sproles should get a few more looks this week, as well. With the injuries to Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers will continue to trust his speedy option out of the backfield. Whether or not Sproles breaks one and takes it to the house remains to be seen, but yards alone, he should contribute for your team. 30 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and 150 return yards.
RB-LeGarrette Blount (TB): You better put him in your line-up or he will punch you in your face. No, he probably won’t, but he will give you a hard-nosed runner that is starting to show his superb upside. Blount averaged 6.5 yards per carry last week, for a total of 72 yards. Cadillac Williams is still part of the running game, but Blount is quickly making a case for himself to be the primary ball carrier. Playing Arizona and their 29th ranked rushing defense — their opponents run for an average of 143 yards per game — is a case in itself to let Blount go to work for you. Break out week for the rookie. 80 yards and a TD.
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 12
Posted: November 25, 2009
I’ll take another round turkey, a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and a mound of stuffing. I’ll go for seconds, maybe thirds, on yams and cranberry. I’ll make room for a slice of pie or three, and then it’s on to dessert and a plate full of Sleepers for Week 12:
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith (San Francisco) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Smith didn’t look great on Sunday against Green Bay, but still threw for 227 yards and 3 TD. Jacksonville ranks 25th versus the pass, so another solid performance is a high probability.
Vince Young (Tennessee) vs. Arizona – Projection: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Young is not an exciting fantasy option, but it’s surprising how little it takes to get double-digit fantasy points from the guy. With just 116 passing yards in Week 11, Young was still good for 14 fantasy points thanks to 73 rushing yards and a passing TD.
RUNNING BACK
Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ St. Louis – Projection: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Even if Julius Jones returns from his bruised lung, Forsett has more than proven his worth in Seattle, and will get his touches. The Rams are 28th in the league against the run, so this will probably be the last week Forsett qualifies as a “Sleeper”.
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ San Diego – Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Against a tough Pittsburgh D, Charles still found a way to be a viable fantasy option by catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel and returning a kickoff for 6. San Diego is 21st against the run, so Charles could have another solid day.
Danny Ware (New York Giants) @ Denver – Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
When the Giants travel to Denver for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the Broncos, Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) will not make the trip. With Brandon Jacobs (leg) a bit hobbled, the door could swing open for the Giants’ number three back.
WIDE RECEIVER
Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) @ Atlanta – Projection: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Bryant had 1248 yards and 7 TD just one season ago. After battling injuries for much of this year, he’s healthy and could start to build a rapport with Tampa Bay rookie gunslinger, Josh Freeman. It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is 29th against the pass.
Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ Minnesota – Projection: 7-84 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Chicago’s leading ypc receiver (12.8) has a modest 15 grabs for 177 yards. Not exactly a trend that would suggest a big game versus Minnesota, but here we go again, putting up the bucks for a guy who always fails to deliver a TD. This could be the week…
Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) @ Houston – Projection: 5-72 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Garcon is tied with Roddy White for 13th in the NFL in WR targets (28). Over that span, he has 14 catches, 218 yards and 1 TD, including 108 yards last week. By the way, he has Peyton Manning throwing him the ball.
TIGHT END
Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
How can I not go with Finley (again)? He’s owned in less than 20% of fantasy leagues, yet, per game, is outperforming Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey and John Carlson, all of whom are owned in more than 75% of leagues! Plus, here comes Detroit.
KICKER
Dan Carpenter (Miami) @ Buffalo – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
It’s time to see if Carpenter can be a cold weather kicker. Safe bet, the Montana alum will be fine, and the Dolphins will get him into range at least twice against the Bills. Carpenter has scored 74 (real life) points thus far in 2009, and has a big leg.
DEFENSE
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
The Buccaneers have shown flashes of ability on offense, and there could be some again on Sunday. That said, Atlanta is averaging 2 sacks and nearly 2 takeaways per game, and Tampa will really be no match at home.
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
Just the Stats: 2009 Quarterback Projections
Posted: September 5, 2009
All stats are based on player trends, offensive systems and current situations. The “Overall” Quarterback fantasy score is determined for leagues using the following scoring system: 25 passing yards = 1 point, TD pass = 4 points, 10 rushing yards = 1 point, TD run = 6 points, 300+ yard passing game = 6 points, INT = -1 point, Fumble = -2 points, Sack = .25 points.
| PLAYER | Age | O-Ln | Bye | Week 14-15-16 | Yards |
TD | 300+ | Int | Fm | Sak | Ru Yds | Ru TD | OVERALL |
| Drew Brees | 30 | Plus | 5 | @Atl, Dal, TB | 4,500 | 30 | 7 | 16 | 3 | 15 | 27 | 0 | 319 |
| Tom Brady | 32 | Plus | 8 | Car, @Buf, Jac | 4,100 | 33 | 5 | 11 | 4 | 30 | 90 | 1 | 315 |
| Peyton Manning | 33 | Plus | 6 | Den, @Jac, NYJ | 4,000 | 29 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 16 | 17 | 1 | 290 |
| Aaron Rodgers | 25 | Minus | 5 | @Chi, @Pit, Sea | 3,800 | 25 | 4 | 14 | 4 | 36 | 175 | 2 | 275 |
| Tony Romo | 29 | Plus | 6 | SD, @NO, @Was | 3,600 | 27 | 4 | 16 | 5 | 22 | 90 | 1 | 261 |
| Kurt Warner | 38 | Even | 4 | @SF, @Det, StL | 3,900 | 27 | 5 | 16 | 6 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 260 |
| Jay Cutler | 26 | Plus | 5 | GB, @Bal, Min | 3,800 | 22 | 4 | 16 | 3 | 23 | 150 | 1 | 255 |
| Matt Schaub | 28 | Plus | 10 | Sea, @StL, @Mia | 3,800 | 22 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 31 | 70 | 1 | 253 |
| Philip Rivers | 27 | Even | 5 | @Dal, Cin, @Ten | 3,700 | 26 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 25 | 50 | 0 | 249 |
| Donovan McNabb | 32 | Plus | 4 | @NYG, SF, Den | 3,500 | 20 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 25 | 150 | 1 | 236 |
| Matt Ryan | 24 | Plus | 4 | NO, @NYJ, Buf | 3,600 | 19 | 3 | 12 | 2 | 19 | 75 | 1 | 231 |
| Ben Roethlisberger | 27 | Minus | 8 | @Cle, GB, Bal | 3,300 | 21 | 2 | 16 | 4 | 46 | 125 | 1 | 211 |
| Carson Palmer | 29 | Minus | 8 | @Min, @SD, KC | 3,200 | 22 | 3 | 16 | 3 | 36 | 65 | 0 | 209 |
| David Garrard | 31 | Minus | 7 | Mia, Ind, @NE | 3,200 | 16 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 32 | 250 | 1 | 207 |
| Eli Manning | 28 | Plus | 10 | Phi, @Was, Car | 3,250 | 22 | 1 | 16 | 3 | 27 | 33 | 1 | 204 |
| Brett Favre | 39 | Plus | 9 | Cin, @Car, @Chi | 3,200 | 21 | 3 | 20 | 2 | 30 | 40 | 0 | 203 |
| Matt Hasselbeck | 33 | Minus | 7 | SF, @Hou, TB | 3,200 | 18 | 2 | 14 | 3 | 35 | 75 | 0 | 191 |
| Chad Pennington | 33 | Plus | 6 | @Jac,@Ten,Hou | 3,200 | 17 | 2 | 12 | 2 | 25 | 50 | 0 | 190 |
| Jason Campbell | 27 | Minus | 8 | @Oak, NYG, Dal | 3,000 | 14 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 35 | 200 | 1 | 190 |
| Matt Cassel | 27 | Minus | 8 | Buf, Cle, @Cin | 3,100 | 17 | 1 | 13 | 4 | 36 | 150 | 1 | 189 |
| Kyle Orton | 26 | Plus | 7 | @Ind, Oak, @Phi | 2,900 | 18 | 2 | 14 | 5 | 19 | 50 | 1 | 186 |
| Joe Flacco | 24 | Plus | 7 | Det, Chi, @Pit | 3,000 | 16 | 1 | 14 | 3 | 32 | 150 | 1 | 183 |
| Brady Quinn | 24 | Even | 9 | Pit, @KC, Oak | 2,900 | 16 | 2 | 13 | 3 | 32 | 75 | 0 | 173 |
| Jake Delhomme | 34 | Plus | 4 | @NE, Min, @NYG | 2,850 | 16 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 20 | 25 | 1 | 169 |
| Shaun Hill | 29 | Minus | 6 | Ari, @Phi, Det | 2,600 | 18 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 35 | 75 | 1 | 166 |
| JaMarcus Russell | 24 | Minus | 9 | Was,@Den,@Cle | 2,700 | 16 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 30 | 125 | 1 | 165 |
| Trent Edwards | 25 | Minus | 9 | @KC, NE, @Atl | 2,900 | 14 | 1 | 14 | 5 | 25 | 100 | 1 | 164 |
| Mark Sanchez | 22 | Plus | 9 | @TB, Atl, @Ind | 2,900 | 14 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 26 | 75 | 0 | 161 |
| Kerry Collins | 36 | Plus | 7 | StL, Mia, SD | 2,500 | 13 | 1 | 10 | 2 | 10 | 30 | 0 | 145 |
| Byron Leftwich | 29 | Plus | 8 | NYJ, @Sea, @NO | 2,200 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 19 | 60 | 0 | 139 |
| Marc Bulger | 32 | Even | 9 | @Ten, Hou, @Ari | 2,600 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 4 | 38 | 25 | 0 | 123 |
| Matthew Stafford | 21 | Minus | 7 | @Bal, Ari, @SF | 2,100 | 9 | 1 | 13 | 4 | 19 | 50 | 0 | 106 |
| Daunte Culpepper | 32 | Minus | 7 | @Bal, Ari, @SF | 1,100 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 30 | 0 | 52 |
| Matt Leinart | 26 | Even | 4 | @SF, @Det, StL | 800 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 0 | 51 |
| Derek Anderson | 26 | Even | 9 | Pit, @KC, Oak |
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.
