Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Phanatic Phantasy Phix


By Michael Rushton

Every Wednesday, The Phanatic is going to take a dive into the world of fantasy sports.

We'll give you a brief recap of last week, vent about what's on our minds, and then give you some predictions for the upcoming week.

First off, the big story out of last week was the play of Chad Johnson. He netted 52 points in one of my fantasy leagues, outscoring one guy's whole team while nearly out performing three others. At worst a second-round pick in most leagues, Johnson had been a disappointment so far this season, but enjoyed a breakout game.

Now, how many of you had him on your bench out of frustration? Bush move - always start your top players.

The Mr. Consistency award goes to LaDainian Tomlinson, who posted his third straight week of 40-plus points. Hard to believe he went third overall in a lot of leagues, behind the Chiefs' Larry Johnson and injured Seattle back Shaun Alexander.

Nice return for the Eagles' Donte' Stallworth. The former Saint has gone over 15 fantasy points in three of his five games played this season. The Eagles ran a lot more than usual against the Redskins, but still throw enough to make Stallworth a good start every week.

How good has Philip Rivers been this season. He threw for three TDs in San Diego's shootout win over Cincinnati and has looked very good this season, his first as a full-time starter. He makes me nervous though as a fantasy starter with the touchdown-hogging Tomlinson lining up behind him.

Now on to the disappointments from last week.

Julius Jones continues to be a thorn in my side. He rushed for just 45 yards against the lowly Arizona Cardinals and didn't find the end zone. However, his "backup" Marion Barber III did. Jones has just three TDs all season, while Barber has seven.

On the wide out front, what has happened to Antonio Bryant ? The first-year 49er racked up 245 yards receiving with a TD over his first two games of the season (good for 36 points), but hasn't gone over 78 yards since. He has just two touchdowns on the season - not good for a team's No. 1 receiver.

Jon Kitna has to be looked at as a failure this past weekend for notching only seven fantasy points against the 49ers.

On to the predictions.

Must start QB of the week: Donovan McNabb - Philadelphia.

The Eagles will play arguably the easiest game on their second-half schedule this weekend at home against the Titans. McNabb has been awesome for most of the season so far and should throw for at least 250 yards with a pair of scores.

Possible Sleeper: Jason Campbell - Washington

Campbell is a little bit of a gamble because he won't have Clinton Portis in the backfield and is inexperienced, but he is playing a 2-7 Tampa Bay squad and has nothing to loss.

Top Waiver pickup: Campbell

Must start RB of the week (skipping the obvious): Willie Parker - Pittsburgh

Parker has been the real-deal this season and faces the fourth worst rush defense in Cleveland.

Possible Sleeper: Michael Robinson - San Francisco

Robinson goes down as a sleeper if you are thin at running back because 49er starter Frank Gore suffered a mild concussion last week against Detroit and faces a rowdy Seattle D this week that could knock him out of the game. Robinson is explosive and could put up decent numbers if he gets in.

Top Waiver pickup: Ladell Betts - Washington

Must start WR of the week: Marques Colston - New Orleans

Saints QB Drew Brees has been on fire as of late -- partially thanks to Colston -- and New Orleans looks to be involved in a shootout with the Bengals on Sunday.

Possible Sleeper: Doug Gabriel - New England

Gabriel, Tom Brady and company face the worst pass defense in the league (Green Bay) and Brady has shown he likes to get the ball to Gabriel.

Top Waiver pickup: Patrick Crayton - Dallas

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Copyright 2006
The Phanatic

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is pretty pathetic. Jason Campbell as a fantasy sleeper?

Anonymous said...

Stick to opinion pieces, not this garbage.

Anonymous said...

Haha, nice picks buddy. What a joke. I hope you guys do away this slop. I am glad I listend to you fantasy master and played Michael Robinson over Frank Gore. haha.