Name Your Sleepers: Week 10
Posted: November 12, 2009
Who do you think is flying under the radar in Week 10?
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 a victory. Think you’ve got the keys to a W?
Leave a comment and let me know your Week 10 picks, and we’ll see how you stack up against the Shack. But remember, a true sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues.
Good luck!
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 9 Sleeper Results: Back in Business
Posted: November 11, 2009
After a few down weeks in Sleepertown, the Shack has pulled out of the projection recession and is back in business. Here are the results for Week 9:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Alex Smith – From a fantasy points perspective, Smith was nearly in line with his projection.
Projected: 22-34, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 29-45, 286 yards, 2 TD, 3 Int, 1 fumble lost, 2-11 rushing
Matt Cassel – A 4th quarter rally (that fell short) boosted Cassel’s numbers considerably.
Projected: 19-33, 205 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 23-39, 262 yards, 2 TD
RUNNING BACK (1 for 2, 1 push)
Jamaal Charles – 20 touches seemed a lock, but he ended with just 9 because the Chiefs were forced to throw.
Projected: 18-85 rushing, 4-23 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 6-36 rushing, 3-19 receiving, 2-pt conversion
Ryan Moats – The fantasy numbers were a mere point off, aside from the fumble.
Projected: 12-47 rushing, 2-16 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 16-38 rushing, 3-15 receiving, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost
Donald Brown – Practiced in full when the Sleepers were released, and then had a setback. Push.
Projected: 8-33 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: DNP
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 3)
Michael Crabtree – Was targeted 8 times, but hauled in far fewer than expected.
Projected: 6-74, TD
Actual: 3-30
Mike Thomas – Not quite the type of game we expected.
Projected: 6-72
Actual: 1-(-)2 receiving, 1-18 rushing
Mark Clayton – See above note for Mike Thomas.
Projected: 4-63
Actual: 1-15
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Fred Davis – A Redskin TE caught a TD on Sunday, it just wasn’t Davis.
Projected: 4-39, 1 TD
Actual: 2-26
KICKER (1 for 1)
Olindo Mare – Doubled the expected field goal output, and thus, outperformed the projection.
Projected: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Actual: 4 FG, 2 PAT
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Seattle Seahawks – Gave up more points than expected, but caused turnovers and scored a defensive TD.
Projected: 13 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 20 points allowed, 2 sacks, 5 Int, 1 TD
Scorecard for Week 9: 5 for 10, 1 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 34 for 94, 5 pushes (36%)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 9
Posted: November 5, 2009
Week 9 brings some intriguing story lines to the table: Quarterbacks reviving their careers, backup running backs getting their shots, receivers making their names known and a defense looking to pitch its 3rd home shutout. Not everyone who fits into those categories is mentioned below — sorry, again, Vince Young — but some are solid plays. Here are the Sleepers for Week 9:
QUARTERBACK
Alex Smith vs. Tennessee – Projection: 22-34, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Smith has resurrected his career in just 6 quarters of play, and he has some good weapons around him (Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree). Tennessee shut Jacksonville down last week, but still ranks dead last in the league against the pass.
Matt Cassel @ Jacksonville – Projection: 19-33, 205 yards, 2 TD
The Jags’ pass D played well last week, but it was against Vince Young. Don’t expect a repeat in Week 9. Chris Chambers joins the Chiefs, but may not see many snaps. However, Jamaal Charles gets his first start of the year and should provide a spark.
RUNNING BACK
Jamaal Charles @ Jacksonville – Projection: 18-85 rushing, 4-23 receiving, 1 TD
As mentioned above, Charles is getting his first start of the year and should give the Chiefs’ offense a jolt. He’s averaged 5 ypc, in limited touches, but is extremely explosive and is good for 20+ touches this week.
Ryan Moats @ Indianapolis – Projection: 12-47 rushing, 2-16 receiving, 1 TD
It stands to be seen how the Moats/Slaton split goes from here on, but you can bet after last week’s performance (151 total yards, 3 TD) Moats will get at least half the RB touches in Week 9, and could get even more if Slaton puts the ball on the turf again.
Donald Brown vs. Houston – Projection: 8-33 rushing, 1-9 receiving, 1 TD
Brown practiced on Wednesday, but monitor his status as the week progresses. Addai will get the bulk of the work, but Brown will get his touches, and has shown a propensity for making big plays. Of note: Houston has allowed 11 rushing TD.
WIDE RECEIVER
Michael Crabtree vs. Tennessee – Projection: 6-74, 1 TD
Crabtree runs great routes, has terrific hands and already seems to understand the 49ers’ playbook. The Titans are getting their secondary back together, but they’re the worst in the league in passing yards surrendered per game (282) and passing TD (19).
Mike Thomas vs. Kansas City – Projection: 6-72
It’s hard to explain what happened in the Jacksonville/Tennessee game, as the league’s 2 worst pass defenses shut each other down, but Thomas caught 4 balls for 55 yards. He gets consistent looks (15 in 2 games) and returns kicks, so a TD is possible.
Mark Clayton @ Cincinnati – Projection: 4-63
In Weeks 5 and 6, before the Ravens’ bye, Clayton was targeted 7 and 8 times, respectively, but got only 4 looks last week against Denver. He has the ability to break one, and the Bengals are 30th versus the pass.
TIGHT END
Fred Davis @ Atlanta – Projection: 4-39, 1 TD
Davis has the athleticism to make some great plays, and in that regard, Washington won’t miss Chris Cooley. They will, however, miss Cooley’s blocking ability. Davis’ insufficiency in that category could cost him some snaps.
KICKER
Olindo Mare vs. Detroit – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Mare and the Seahawks face a Detroit defense that allows the second most ppg in the league (29.3). Last time the Seahawks matched up against a defense this bad (Jacksonville, Week 5) Mare booted 2 FG and 5 PAT.
DEFENSE
Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit – Projection: 13 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
At home this year, Seattle has pitched 2 shutouts (St. Louis, Jacksonville). They don’t force a lot of turnovers (9), but Detroit’s top 3 offensive players (Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith and Matthew Stafford) are hobbled, so Seattle should dominate.
Who are your sleepers for Week 9? Leave a comment, and see how you match up against the Shack.
Sleepers of the Week: Week 8
Posted: October 30, 2009
This week, 4 of the league’s worst pass defenses are going head-to-head. Jacksonville (31st) is at Tennessee (32nd), and St. Louis (25th) is visiting Detroit (30th). Thus, there are a bunch of Jags, Titans, Rams and Lions spotlighted. Of the 4 teams mentioned, David Garrard is the best play, but he’s owned in too many leagues to be considered a sleeper. And no, Vince Young is not on the list. Without further ado, here are the Sleepers for Week 8:
QUARTERBACK
Matthew Stafford vs. St. Louis – Projection: 22-35, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Stafford is coming back from a knee injury that has kept him out since Week 4, but he’s practiced 4 straight days and it appears Calvin Johnson may be back, too. The Rams give up 30 points and 250 passing yards/game.
Marc Bulger @ Detroit – Projection: 21-32, 225 yards, 2 TD
Let’s stay in Detroit for QB2. I’ve had Bulger on here before, and he’s come close to proving me right. This week will be Steven Jackson week in Detroit, but against a pass D that’s surrendered 17 TD in just 6 games, Bulger should be a safe bye-week play.
RUNNING BACK
Beanie Wells vs. Carolina – Projection: 14-63 rushing, 2-9 receiving, 1 TD
Beanie broke out in Week 7 for 77 total yards and a TD. He had 11 more touches than Tim Hightower, and though Ken Whisenhunt says Hightower is still his starter, Beanie is a better runner, and Carolina, 1st vs. the pass, is 26th against the run.
LeSean McCoy vs. New York Giants – Projection: 13-51 rushing, 4-22 receiving, 1 TD
It’s looking like there’s a good chance Brian Westbrook will still be concussed for Sunday’s game against the Giants. If that’s the case, McCoy will be the man, and could put up bigger numbers than projected, as the Giants struggle against slashing backs.
Justin Fargas @ San Diego – Projection: 16-60 rushing, 2-14 receiving
It pains me to pick Fargas because I publicly dissed him in my Bruno Boys column last week, he’s never fared well against San Diego and every Raider I spotlight lets me down. Still, he’s getting most of his team’s RB touches, and McFadden‘s out again.
WIDE RECEIVER
Donnie Avery @ Detroit – Projection: 6-81, 1 TD
However quick and sporadic they may be, Avery has shown flashes of brilliance for St. Louis. He’s battling some injuries at the moment, but if he plays, which he should, he should be the focal point of the Rams’ pass attack.
Earl Bennett vs. Cleveland – Projection: 4-58, 1 TD
Hester is the clear-cut number one receiver, Olsen will get his looks and Knox has seen slightly more targets, but the Bears are up against a very poor Cleveland defense on Sunday, and Bennett is due.
Mike Thomas @ Tennessee – Projection: 5-67
Thomas didn’t even see the field until Week 3. In Week 4, against the Titans, he hauled in 5 balls for 31 yards, and in Week 6 he pulled down 7-52. Sims-Walker and Torry Holt are the Jags’ top receiver options, but Thomas can’t be overlooked.
TIGHT END
Bo Scaife vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 5-57, 1 TD
With Vince Young taking over at QB, the Titan receivers are sure to suffer. As mentioned in the opening, Jacksonville is 31st against the pass, but Young has never been able to get the ball downfield. When Young used to start, Scaife was his go-to guy.
KICKER
Matt Prater @ Baltimore – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT (1 FG 40+)
The Broncos have come around a bit on offense, and Baltimore, though stout against the run, are surprisingly susceptible to the pass. Two tough defenses could mean a low scoring game, but I envision 20-something for both sides.
DEFENSE
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina – Projection: 16 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 Int
The Cards have one of the worst pass defenses in football, but they’re playing against the inept Jake Delhomme. The Panthers are a good running team, but Arizona ranks #1 in rush D, and have allowed just 3 rushing TD in 6 games.
Week 7 Sleeper Results: Stuck in the Mud
Posted: October 27, 2009
Week 7 was better than Week 6, but the outcome was still a mess. There were a couple decent picks, but the lone bright spot was Pittsburgh receiver Mike Wallace, who slightly exceeded expectations. Here are the results for Week 7:
QUARTERBACK (0 for 2)
Chad Henne – Nearly right on the yards, but it took 12 more pass attempts and resulted in 2 less TD and 1 more Int.
Projected: 16-24, 220 yards, 2 TD 1 Int
Actual: 18-36, 211 yards, 2 Int
Shaun Hill – Hill out, Smith in. Second straight week with a QB benched at the half.
Projected: 17-27, 210 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 6-11, 45 yards, 1-2 rushing
RUNNING BACK (1 for 3)
Michael Bush – Shoulda trusted the trends and rode Fargas in this one.
Projected: 12-46 rushing, 1-8 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 8-25 rushing, 1-6 receiving
Mike Bell – Surprisingly, maybe, got more touches than Pierre Thomas. Is it a trend? Hmm…
Projected: 9-33 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 12-80 rushing
Kevin Faulk – Nearly invisible in London. We’ll blame jet lag.
Projected: 5-24 rushing, 4-41 receiving
Actual: 2-19 rushing, 2-5 receiving
WIDE RECEIVER (1 for 3)
Lance Moore – Disappeared amongst the Saints‘ weapons.
Projected: 5-59, 1 TD
Actual: 2-18
Mike Wallace – Had the 3 catches and the score, and put up bigger yardage numbers than expected.
Projected: 3-55, 1 TD
Actual: 3-72 receiving, 2-19 rushing, 1 TD
Mohamed Massaquoi – Got targeted a fair amount (8 times), but it didn’t amount to much.
Projected: 6-91
Actual: 1-22
TIGHT END (o for 1)
Zach Miller – The Raiders‘ jinx strikes again.
Projected: 5-71, 1 TD
Actual: 2-15
KICKER (0 for 1)
Joe Nedney – Not quite the “ample opportunity” I had anticipated.
Projected: 3 FG, 2 PAT, (1 FG 50+)
Actual: 3 PAT
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Carolina Panthers – Another week, another decent showing for a defense.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 20 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 safety
Scorecard for Week 7: 3 for 11
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 27 for 74, 3 pushes (36%)
Week 6 Sleeper Results: Train Wreck
Posted: October 20, 2009
Not to make excuses, but in London, where I’ve been for the past week, football isn’t football and I couldn’t even watch a game. That came off sounding like an excuse. Anyway, Week 6 was disastrous in Sleeperland. Here are the results:
QUARTERBACK (0 for 2)
Marc Bulger – So close, yet in the fantasy points world, so far away.
Projected: 22-36, 265 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 22-34, 213, 1 TD
Jason Campbell – Is it bad when a buy is benched to start the second half?
Projected: 19-30, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 9-16, 89 yards, 1 Int
RUNNING BACK (0 for 3)
Sammy Morris – One series and done with an injury. Could have had what Maroney got.
Projected: 15-54 rushing, 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 1-3 receiving
Derrick Ward – Should have hopped on the Cadillac instead.
Projected: 9-41 rushing, 2-12 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 1-2 rushing, 1-5 receiving
Jamaal Charles – The Chiefs are still feeding Larry Johnson the ball… a lot.
Projected:6-31 rushing, 5-46 receiving
Actual:4-6 rushing, 1-2 receiving
WIDE RECEIVER (0 for 3)
Muhsin Muhammad – The Panthers ran the ball 47 times and Delhomme only attempted 17 passes.
Projected: 6-78, 1 TD
Actual: 3-27
Bryant Johnson – The Lions were shutout, and Johnson did nothing.
Projected: 5-63, 1 TD
Actual: 2-27
Donnie Avery – At least he scored.
Projected: 5-62, 1 TD
Actual: 1-17, 1 TD
TIGHT END (0 for 1)
Jermichael Finley – If only he had hit paydirt.
Projected: 5-65, 1 TD
Actual: 5-54
KICKER (0 for 1)
Jason Hanson – Once again, the Lions were on the receiving end of a shutout.
Projected: 3-3 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 0
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Washington Redskins – Figures, the one I got right is the last one I picked.
Projected: 16 points allowed, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries
Actual: 14 points allowed, 5 sacks
Scorecard for Week 6: 1 for 11
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 24 for 63, 3 pushes (38%)
Sleepers of the Week: Week 6
Posted: October 16, 2009
Per the definition, a “Sleeper” has sudden unexpected success after initially attracting little attention. In fantasy football, a true sleeper is owned in less than a majority of leagues. As the season rolls on, it becomes more-and-more difficult to pinpoint players in that realm who could have a fantasy-impact. That said, here are some diamonds in the rough for Week 6:
QUARTERBACK
Marc Bulger @ Jacksonville - Projection: 22-36, 265 yards, 2 TD
Bulger’s bruised rotator cuff is seemingly doing better, as his 7-7, 88 yard, 1 TD Week 5 mop-up performance would indicate. This week, he’s back under center and facing a porous Jags’ defense that ranks 30th against the pass.
Jason Campbell vs. Kansas City – Projection: 19-30, 235 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Campbell hasn’t thrown much over the last 2 weeks (29-45, 315 yards, 3 TD, 3 Int), but the 2 weeks prior were a different story (50-76, 582 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int). I’m betting he gets to throw a bit more against the 29th ranked pass defense.
RUNNING BACK
Sammy Morris vs. Tennessee – Projection: 15-54 rushing, 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
Chances are, the Patriots will be slinging it all day against the league’s 31st ranked pass defense, especially since the Titans are 3rd against the run. When they’re forced to run, the Pats will feed Morris the ball, and he should end up with a decent day.
Derrick Ward vs. Carolina – Projection: 9-41 rushing, 2-12 receiving, 1 TD
Earnest Graham is going to play, and Cadillac has been seeing the bulk of the touches recently (36 to Ward’s 13). However, Cadillac’s 13 Week 5 touches resulted in just 16 yards, whereas Ward’s 6 went for 37. Carolina ranks 30th against the run.
Jamaal Charles @ Washington – Projection: 6-31 rushing, 5-46 receiving
Washington has the 3rd best pass D in the league, which means the Chiefs will have to run, and they (Larry Johnson) haven’t run well thus far in ’09. Last week, Charles was targeted 7 times out of the backfield. The trend should continue this week.
WIDE RECEIVER
Muhsin Muhammad @ Tampa Bay – Projection: 6-78, 1 TD
Muhammad has been consistently average this season, but he’s been targeted frequently (19 times over his past 2 games), and against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks 21st against the pass, those targets should turn into productive stats.
Bryant Johnson @ Green Bay – Projection: 5-63, 1 TD
There’s a good chance Calvin Johnson won’t play Sunday, which will mean more opportunities for the other Johnson, who has averaged more than 8 targets per game over his last 3.
Donnie Avery @ Jacksonville – Projection: 5-62, 1 TD
The Rams are in disarray, but their passing attack looked formidable in Week 5, nearly notching 300 yards. Avery was the top dog, hauling in 5-87 and a score. This week, he has a good matchup, and should continue to be the Rams’ number 1.
TIGHT END
Jermichael Finley vs. Detroit – Projection: 5-65, 1 TD
Finley went off in Week 4 for 6 catches, 128 yards and a TD. In Week 3, he pulled down 4 balls for 56 yards. Coming back from their bye, the Pack faces a poor Lions‘ secondary, so Finely should be able to pick right up where he left off.
KICKER
Jason Hanson @ Green Bay – Projection: 3-3 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
It may surprise some to know, Hanson is a top 5 fantasy kicker. He’s 9/10 on the season, and 10/10 on extra points. Green Bay ranks 18th overall in team defense, so despite Detroit’s offensive injury issues, Hanson should still get some chances.
DEFENSE
Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City – Projection: 16 points allowed, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries
All together now, [yawn]. Reminder: the Redskins are a boring defense. In 5 games, they have forced but 7 turnovers and created just 10 sacks. But most importantly, they’ve given up just 74 points (14.8/game). The Chiefs average just 16.8.
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 4 Sleeper Results: Mendenhall Monster
Posted October 5, 2009
It was a solid week in Sleeperland. Rashard Mendenhall ran all over San Diego, Derek Anderson lived up to the bold prediction and where projections fell short, most often it wasn’t by much. Here are the Sleeper Results for Week 4:
QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)
Derek Anderson – Got the Browns going, but couldn’t manage to pull out a W.
Projected: 20-33, 230 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 26-48, 269 yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD, 1 Int
Shaun Hill – Didn’t quite get the yards, but didn’t throw a pick, so it all evens out in the wash.
Projected: 17-27, 215 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Actual: 14-24, 152 yards, 2 TD
RUNNING BACK (1 for 3)
Glen Coffee – Put up respectable numbers, but not as big as projected. A TD would have changed that tune.
Projected: 24-107 rushing, 2-14 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 24-74 rushing, 4-32 receiving, 0 TD
Michael Bush – Ugh. Forget it.
Projected: 12-65 rushing, 2-12 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-10 rushing, 1-4 receiving, 1 fumble lost
Rashard Mendenhall – The explosion should count for a 2-fer. It doesn’t, though.
Projected: 13-59 rushing, 1 TD
Actual: 29-165 rushing, 2-26 receiving, 2 TD
WIDE RECEIVER (1 for 2, 1 push)
Mike Sims-Walker – Quickly becoming a #1 NFL receiver, and borderline #1 in fantasy land.
Projected: 6-87, 1 TD
Actual: 7-91, 2 TD
Earl Bennett – I knocked Knox, but he out-caught my pick 5-2 and returned a kick for 6. Bennett clipped him in yards.
Projected: 5-70, 1 TD
Actual: 2-32, 0 TD
Josh Morgan – Had he not dropped a perfect deep ball, he could have had nearly 100 yards and 2 scores. Push.
Projected: 5-67, 1 TD
Actual: 2-39, 1 TD
TIGHT END (o for 1)
Kevin Boss – Had the catches and yards nearly right, but no score takes away most of the value.
Projected: 4-48, 1 TD
Actual: 4-41, 0 TD
KICKER (0 for 1)
Steve Hauschka – Didn’t even attempt a FG.
Projected: 3-3 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 3 PAT
DEFENSE (1 for 1)
Indianapolis – Solid performance, as predicted.
Projected: 13 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 17 points allowed, 5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries
Scorecard for Week 4: 5 for 10, 1 push
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 18 for 42, 2 pushes (43%)
*Note from Week 3 I failed to mention: Percy Harvin’s first career kick return for a TD came 1 week after my “bold prediction” that he’d do it against the Lions.
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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.
