By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
What happened to the running back?
For the past several years, the position dominated fantasy football. If you didn't have two solid, starting backs, a fantasy championship was a hard thing to secure. Sure, it could be done, but without the comfort of knowing that at least one of your RBs was sure to find the end zone, you were sweating until Tuesday morning.
Enter 2007. According to ESPN's fantasy player rankings, the top three point-getters are Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Randy Moss. In fact, nine of their top 12 players are either quarterbacks or wide receivers. Six of those are QBs.
The backs that do crack the top 12: the now-injured Ronnie Brown, LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson occupy spots four, five and six respectively.
Are we now heading into the age of the quarterback, as teams begin to use a two-back system and exploit weak cover schemes. Only time will tell, but as of now, the gun-slingers rule.
Now, on to our Week 8 outlook.
Good Starts
QB - Jon Kitna, Lions: He gets a Bears defense that is a shell of its former self. Injury, and I guess age, are starting to catch up to that unit, though Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell won't get much room to run, meaning Kitna will exploit the Bears wounded secondary.
QB - Donovan McNabb, Eagles: Plays the Vikings this weekend, a club that excels at stopping the run. Instead, as The Phanatic's John McMullen predicts, Minnesota's secondary will make McNabb look like the McNabb of old.
QB - Vinny Testaverde, Panthers: Why is he a good start? Because Indy should build such a big lead that Carolina will have no choice but to air it out. Testaverde will start slow and then should accumulate some big garbage numbers.
RB - LenDale White/Chris Henry, Titans: Oakland is horrible against the run, and with Vince Young coming back from a quad injury, Tennessee will try to control the game on the ground. White went over 100 yards for the first time in his career last week, and Henry scored his first career TD replacing a still-injured Chris Brown.
RB - Adrian Peterson, Vikings: We all know the Eagles can't stop the run, and Minnesota should know that by now as well. Look for Peterson, and probably Chester Taylor, rack up yards versus the Birds.
RB - Jason Wright, Browns: Jamal Lewis is still hurt and Wright is facing a winless Ram club that will be without Leonard Little.
WR - Roy Williams, Lions: Williams hasn't been involved heavily in the passing game for the past few weeks, and Detroit will need to change that against the Bears.
WR - Kevin Curtis, Eagles: See McNabb above
WR - Lee Evans, Bills: Is starting to put up numbers after a slow start to the season.
TE - Greg Olsen, Bears: Has been lining up outside of the line and is becoming a go-to target for Brian Griese.
Bad Starts
QB - Vince Young, Titans: Is coming off a quad injury that will limit his ability to make big plays.
QB - Brett Favre, Packers: Champ Bailey is back for Denver, spelling interception city for Favre.
RB - Frank Gore, 49ers: Gore is on injury watch, as he suffered a minor ankle injury last week. That might cause San Francisco to use him a little less this Sunday.
RB - LaMont Jordan, Raiders: Faces one of the best run defenses in Tennessee this weekend.
WR - Devery Henderson, Saints: Has had trouble holding onto the ball this year, and faces a 49ers secondary that has two Pro Bowl corners in Walt Harris and Nate Clements.
WR - Any of Jacksonville's wide outs: Quinn Gray will be at QB. The Jaguars will run the ball. Nuff said.
Email Michael Rushton at mrushton@phanaticmag.com with all fantasy questions.
Showing posts with label Fantasy Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy Football. Show all posts
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Fantasy Football Rush: Week 7
By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
It's starting to become crunch time in the fantasy realm. Nearing the halfway mark, teams endured in losing streaks hope this is the week to snap out of things, while division leaders ponder making a move to put them over the top.
Who says this is all fantasy?
As teams continue to battle each other and the bye weeks, let The Phanatic Magazine help you find some diamonds in the rough, as well as making who to sit an easier decision.
Good starts:
QB - Tony Romo, Cowboys: Romo has been very good this season outside of his interceptions, and faces a Vikings defense that is last in the league against the pass but outstanding against the run.
QB - Jeff Garcia, Bucs: Garcia is a good spot-start this weekend, as the Lions are allowing over 260 passing yards a game.
QB - Matt Schaub, Texans: The Titans are very good against the run, meaning Houston is going to have to air it out to stay in it. If a miracle happens and Andre Johnson can play, that makes it all the better, though that scenario seems unlikely.
RB - Kevin Faulk, Patriots: The world will never know how hurt Sammy Morris and Laurence Maroney are, but with Morris probably out and Maroney still hurting, it will be Faulk who gets to take advantage of a poor Dolphins defense, which has to worry about the pass as well.
RB - Willie Parker, Steelers: Coming off a bye week, Parker has fresh legs and faces the worst run defense in the league.
RB - Kenny Watson, Bengals: Even though he was active last week, Rudi Johnson got few touches, with Watson shouldering the load. Expect much of the same this week against the Jets as Johnson and his injured ankle get eased back in.
WR - Bobby Engram/Nate Burleson: Seahawks: Both wide outs should get a lot of looks thanks to injury to fellow receivers and a poor Rams defense.
WR - Joey Galloway, Bucs: See Garcia above
WR - Reggie Brown, Eagles: Showed signs of still being on the roster last week, and the Eagles may have to throw more this week against a Bears defense that has something to prove against the ground game.
TE - Vernon Davis, 49ers: Isn't a lock to play due to injury, but if he does, the 49ers have to throw to somebody, right?
Deep sleepers: Devin Hester, WR, Bears; Kevin Walter, WR, Texans, Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens.
Bad Starts:
QB - Jay Cutler, Broncos: The Steelers have been slamming quarterbacks all season and Cutler will be the latest victim.
QB - Marc Bulger, Rams: Coming back this week after missing time with a rib injury, but isn't 100 percent and the rest of the offense is still hurting.
QB - David Garrard, Jaguars: Garrard has been successful and efficient this year, but that changes this Monday night against the rested Colts.
RB - Ahman Green, Texans: Not fully healthy and faces a tough run defense in Tennessee.
RB - Julius Jones/Marion Barber, Cowboys: Vikings are tough versus the run, period.
WR - Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Is coming off a hip injury and has quarterback issues to deal with.
WR - Darrell Jackson/Arnaz Battle, 49ers: San Francisco will have a lot of trouble finding the end zone against a stingy Giants defense.
Email fantasy questions to mrushton@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
It's starting to become crunch time in the fantasy realm. Nearing the halfway mark, teams endured in losing streaks hope this is the week to snap out of things, while division leaders ponder making a move to put them over the top.
Who says this is all fantasy?
As teams continue to battle each other and the bye weeks, let The Phanatic Magazine help you find some diamonds in the rough, as well as making who to sit an easier decision.
Good starts:
QB - Tony Romo, Cowboys: Romo has been very good this season outside of his interceptions, and faces a Vikings defense that is last in the league against the pass but outstanding against the run.
QB - Jeff Garcia, Bucs: Garcia is a good spot-start this weekend, as the Lions are allowing over 260 passing yards a game.
QB - Matt Schaub, Texans: The Titans are very good against the run, meaning Houston is going to have to air it out to stay in it. If a miracle happens and Andre Johnson can play, that makes it all the better, though that scenario seems unlikely.
RB - Kevin Faulk, Patriots: The world will never know how hurt Sammy Morris and Laurence Maroney are, but with Morris probably out and Maroney still hurting, it will be Faulk who gets to take advantage of a poor Dolphins defense, which has to worry about the pass as well.
RB - Willie Parker, Steelers: Coming off a bye week, Parker has fresh legs and faces the worst run defense in the league.
RB - Kenny Watson, Bengals: Even though he was active last week, Rudi Johnson got few touches, with Watson shouldering the load. Expect much of the same this week against the Jets as Johnson and his injured ankle get eased back in.
WR - Bobby Engram/Nate Burleson: Seahawks: Both wide outs should get a lot of looks thanks to injury to fellow receivers and a poor Rams defense.
WR - Joey Galloway, Bucs: See Garcia above
WR - Reggie Brown, Eagles: Showed signs of still being on the roster last week, and the Eagles may have to throw more this week against a Bears defense that has something to prove against the ground game.
TE - Vernon Davis, 49ers: Isn't a lock to play due to injury, but if he does, the 49ers have to throw to somebody, right?
Deep sleepers: Devin Hester, WR, Bears; Kevin Walter, WR, Texans, Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens.
Bad Starts:
QB - Jay Cutler, Broncos: The Steelers have been slamming quarterbacks all season and Cutler will be the latest victim.
QB - Marc Bulger, Rams: Coming back this week after missing time with a rib injury, but isn't 100 percent and the rest of the offense is still hurting.
QB - David Garrard, Jaguars: Garrard has been successful and efficient this year, but that changes this Monday night against the rested Colts.
RB - Ahman Green, Texans: Not fully healthy and faces a tough run defense in Tennessee.
RB - Julius Jones/Marion Barber, Cowboys: Vikings are tough versus the run, period.
WR - Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Is coming off a hip injury and has quarterback issues to deal with.
WR - Darrell Jackson/Arnaz Battle, 49ers: San Francisco will have a lot of trouble finding the end zone against a stingy Giants defense.
Email fantasy questions to mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Friday, October 05, 2007
Fantasy Rush: Week 5
By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
We are going to take a little bit of a different approach to The Phanatic's Fantasy Rush this week to help you sort out a common theme for the 2007 NFL season: injuries.
No position has been affected as much by injury than the running back spot. So, let us here help you decide who you need to pick up, and who will be taking away time from who.
New England: Sammy Morris replace(d) Laurence Maroney
Maroney missed New England's Monday night win over the Bengals, opening the door for Morris. The Patriots guard their injuries tighter than Fort Knox, so its going to be tough to tell how hurt Maroney is. However, Morris has value as he is also New England's goal-line back as well.
Cincinnati: Kenny Watson replace(d) Rudi Johnson
Johnson missed Monday's game because of a hamstring injury. Watson replaced him, and with little talent behind him, will get the bulk of the carries if Johnson misses a lot of time. Johnson, though, has the bye week this weekend to rest up, though his fantasy owners better have Watson on their roster.
Indianopolis: A trio replace(d) Joseph Addai
Addai hurt his back and shoulder last week and hasn't practiced this week. He didn't return last week after his injury, but the Colts were handling Denver. Indy will use a committee of backs if Addai is hurt, meaning if you have Addai and he is out for a while, you might be in trouble. If you have to grab a Colt backup, take Kenton Keith, who did well when Addai was banged up back in Week 1.
Houston: Ron Dayne replace(s) Ahman Green
Green was unable to go last week against Atlanta due to a knee injury, with Dayne replacing him. Green likely won't play this weekend either, giving Dayne, a better goal-line back, another week of value.
Denver: Selvin Young replace(s) Travis Henry
Here's a big one. Henry has reportedly tested positive in another drug test, and as his third offense would face a year-long suspension. That makes Young the eventual starter, but when? Henry is trying to prevent the test from being used by the NFL, but could still be suspended by the team. Or, they could let him play until he is officially suspended. Either way, get Young now and watch the situation.
Oakland: Dominic Rhodes replace(s) LaMont Jordan
Jordan injured his back against Miami, though x-rays were negative and he has a bye this week. Dominic Rhodes is returning from suspension and should get the bulk of the carries over Justin Fargas if Jordan misses any time.
Washington: Ladell Betts replace(s) Clinton Portis
Portis has a knee injury, though is back at practice and should be ready for the Lions this week. However, Betts is explosive and might have a good game anyway versus Detroit on limited carries. Portis won't be at 100 percent, and Betts will get looks. However, long-term his value is only as good as Portis' knee is bad.
Philadelphia: Correll Buckhalter replace(d) Brian Westbrook
Buckhalter had a very good game against the Giants spelling the injured Westbrook, who didn't play because of an abdomen injury. It is starting to look as if Westbrook might have a serious injury, meaning Buckhalter is a good pickup despite the Eagles' pass-happy offense.
Tampa Bay: Earnest Graham replace(s) Carnell Williams
Williams is done for the year, meaning Graham (and Michael Pittman) take over in the backfield. However, keep an eye on Mewelde Moore, who the Bucs are trying to acquire from Minnesota.
New Orleans: Aaron Stecker replace(s) Deuce McAllister's role
Stecker will step into McAllister's role in the offense, but make no mistake, it is now Reggie Bush's time to shine. Grab Stecker and watch his role in the offense.
St. Louis: Brian Leonard replace(s) Steven Jackson
Jackson is out another week, and maybe longer, due to a partial groin tear. The Rams' offensive line, however, is banged up beyond relief, meaning Leonard or Jackson won't have a lot of room to run. That being said, Leonard is the starter right now, and if the Rams really fall out of things early, Jackson could easily be shut down for the year, leaving all the carries to Leonard.
Fantasy question? Contact Michael Rushton at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
We are going to take a little bit of a different approach to The Phanatic's Fantasy Rush this week to help you sort out a common theme for the 2007 NFL season: injuries.
No position has been affected as much by injury than the running back spot. So, let us here help you decide who you need to pick up, and who will be taking away time from who.
New England: Sammy Morris replace(d) Laurence Maroney
Maroney missed New England's Monday night win over the Bengals, opening the door for Morris. The Patriots guard their injuries tighter than Fort Knox, so its going to be tough to tell how hurt Maroney is. However, Morris has value as he is also New England's goal-line back as well.
Cincinnati: Kenny Watson replace(d) Rudi Johnson
Johnson missed Monday's game because of a hamstring injury. Watson replaced him, and with little talent behind him, will get the bulk of the carries if Johnson misses a lot of time. Johnson, though, has the bye week this weekend to rest up, though his fantasy owners better have Watson on their roster.
Indianopolis: A trio replace(d) Joseph Addai
Addai hurt his back and shoulder last week and hasn't practiced this week. He didn't return last week after his injury, but the Colts were handling Denver. Indy will use a committee of backs if Addai is hurt, meaning if you have Addai and he is out for a while, you might be in trouble. If you have to grab a Colt backup, take Kenton Keith, who did well when Addai was banged up back in Week 1.
Houston: Ron Dayne replace(s) Ahman Green
Green was unable to go last week against Atlanta due to a knee injury, with Dayne replacing him. Green likely won't play this weekend either, giving Dayne, a better goal-line back, another week of value.
Denver: Selvin Young replace(s) Travis Henry
Here's a big one. Henry has reportedly tested positive in another drug test, and as his third offense would face a year-long suspension. That makes Young the eventual starter, but when? Henry is trying to prevent the test from being used by the NFL, but could still be suspended by the team. Or, they could let him play until he is officially suspended. Either way, get Young now and watch the situation.
Oakland: Dominic Rhodes replace(s) LaMont Jordan
Jordan injured his back against Miami, though x-rays were negative and he has a bye this week. Dominic Rhodes is returning from suspension and should get the bulk of the carries over Justin Fargas if Jordan misses any time.
Washington: Ladell Betts replace(s) Clinton Portis
Portis has a knee injury, though is back at practice and should be ready for the Lions this week. However, Betts is explosive and might have a good game anyway versus Detroit on limited carries. Portis won't be at 100 percent, and Betts will get looks. However, long-term his value is only as good as Portis' knee is bad.
Philadelphia: Correll Buckhalter replace(d) Brian Westbrook
Buckhalter had a very good game against the Giants spelling the injured Westbrook, who didn't play because of an abdomen injury. It is starting to look as if Westbrook might have a serious injury, meaning Buckhalter is a good pickup despite the Eagles' pass-happy offense.
Tampa Bay: Earnest Graham replace(s) Carnell Williams
Williams is done for the year, meaning Graham (and Michael Pittman) take over in the backfield. However, keep an eye on Mewelde Moore, who the Bucs are trying to acquire from Minnesota.
New Orleans: Aaron Stecker replace(s) Deuce McAllister's role
Stecker will step into McAllister's role in the offense, but make no mistake, it is now Reggie Bush's time to shine. Grab Stecker and watch his role in the offense.
St. Louis: Brian Leonard replace(s) Steven Jackson
Jackson is out another week, and maybe longer, due to a partial groin tear. The Rams' offensive line, however, is banged up beyond relief, meaning Leonard or Jackson won't have a lot of room to run. That being said, Leonard is the starter right now, and if the Rams really fall out of things early, Jackson could easily be shut down for the year, leaving all the carries to Leonard.
Fantasy question? Contact Michael Rushton at mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Friday, September 21, 2007
Fantasy Rush: Week 3
By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
Now some free advice.
Who would have thought that LaDanian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Larry Johnson would have their respective numbers through two games.
Those gut-wrenching numbers reveal a dark side to fantasy sports: a majority is luck. If you took Tomlinson one, Jackson two or Johnson three, you did nothing wrong, yet your team could still be 0-2.
Now you are faced with the option of selling low or riding the player out until he breaks his slump.
Of those three, Jackson may have the toughest time getting going. Teams are planning their defensive schemes around stopping him and losing left guard Orlando Pace is a killer.
Stick with Tomlinson and Johnson, but move Jackson if you can net a healthy return.
Good starts:
QB - Tom Brady, Patriots - Brady and his 50 weapons that came with him will destroy a Bill's defense that is hampered with injuries up and down the board.
QB - Drew Brees, Saints - I know, I know, he hasn't met expectations over the first two weeks, so what better way to breakout than on Monday night at home against the Titans.
QB - Matt Schaub, Texans - Even without Andre Johnson, Schaub is going to put up numbers. Either Houston's offense will stay hot, or they will fall behind big and be forced to air it out.
RB - Jamal Lewis, Browns - After last week's big game, Cleveland will try giving the ball to Lewis a lot more and see what happens. The opportunities will be there.
RB - Reggie Bush, Saints - He'll want to shine on Monday night and will help Brees get going in the process. Will be a threat on the ground and through the air.
RB - Shaun Alexander, Seahawks - Gets to face a Bengals club that gave up a lot of yards and points last week.
WR - Jacoby Jones, Texans - Steps in for the injured Andre Johnson and will get plenty of chances to make a big play.
WR - Deion Branch, Seahawks - Mike Holmgren made good on his word to get Branch more involved last week.
TE - Ben Watson, Patriots - New England will have a lot of red zone opportunities.
Bad starts:
QB - Brett Favre, Packers - His old legs won't be able to get away from the Chargers' youth and speed. He'll turn the ball over a bunch.
QB - Alex Smith, 49ers - Hasn't been good so far this season and faces a tough Pittsburgh defense that has not allowed many points so far.
QB - Matt Leinart, Cardinals - Arizona's young offensive line won't be able to handle the veteran Ravens, leading to a lot of sacks and turnovers.
RB - Tatum Bell, Lions - Kevin Jones is slated to return and Bell hasn't done enough to still warrant the bulk of the carries
RB - Edgerrin James, Cardinals - See Leinart above.
RB - Cedric Benson, Cowboys - Hasn't exploded through two games yet and faces a fired-up Cowboys club.
WR - Plaxico Burress, Giants - Has an injured Eli throwing to him and faces a hard-hitting Redskins secondary.
WR - Darrell Jackson, 49ers - Isn't going to get a lot of chances to make a big play.
TE - Bubba Franks, Packers - Battling injury and faces the Chargers.
Email fantasy questions to mrushton@phanaticmag.com
The Phanatic Magazine
Now some free advice.
Who would have thought that LaDanian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson and Larry Johnson would have their respective numbers through two games.
Those gut-wrenching numbers reveal a dark side to fantasy sports: a majority is luck. If you took Tomlinson one, Jackson two or Johnson three, you did nothing wrong, yet your team could still be 0-2.
Now you are faced with the option of selling low or riding the player out until he breaks his slump.
Of those three, Jackson may have the toughest time getting going. Teams are planning their defensive schemes around stopping him and losing left guard Orlando Pace is a killer.
Stick with Tomlinson and Johnson, but move Jackson if you can net a healthy return.
Good starts:
QB - Tom Brady, Patriots - Brady and his 50 weapons that came with him will destroy a Bill's defense that is hampered with injuries up and down the board.
QB - Drew Brees, Saints - I know, I know, he hasn't met expectations over the first two weeks, so what better way to breakout than on Monday night at home against the Titans.
QB - Matt Schaub, Texans - Even without Andre Johnson, Schaub is going to put up numbers. Either Houston's offense will stay hot, or they will fall behind big and be forced to air it out.
RB - Jamal Lewis, Browns - After last week's big game, Cleveland will try giving the ball to Lewis a lot more and see what happens. The opportunities will be there.
RB - Reggie Bush, Saints - He'll want to shine on Monday night and will help Brees get going in the process. Will be a threat on the ground and through the air.
RB - Shaun Alexander, Seahawks - Gets to face a Bengals club that gave up a lot of yards and points last week.
WR - Jacoby Jones, Texans - Steps in for the injured Andre Johnson and will get plenty of chances to make a big play.
WR - Deion Branch, Seahawks - Mike Holmgren made good on his word to get Branch more involved last week.
TE - Ben Watson, Patriots - New England will have a lot of red zone opportunities.
Bad starts:
QB - Brett Favre, Packers - His old legs won't be able to get away from the Chargers' youth and speed. He'll turn the ball over a bunch.
QB - Alex Smith, 49ers - Hasn't been good so far this season and faces a tough Pittsburgh defense that has not allowed many points so far.
QB - Matt Leinart, Cardinals - Arizona's young offensive line won't be able to handle the veteran Ravens, leading to a lot of sacks and turnovers.
RB - Tatum Bell, Lions - Kevin Jones is slated to return and Bell hasn't done enough to still warrant the bulk of the carries
RB - Edgerrin James, Cardinals - See Leinart above.
RB - Cedric Benson, Cowboys - Hasn't exploded through two games yet and faces a fired-up Cowboys club.
WR - Plaxico Burress, Giants - Has an injured Eli throwing to him and faces a hard-hitting Redskins secondary.
WR - Darrell Jackson, 49ers - Isn't going to get a lot of chances to make a big play.
TE - Bubba Franks, Packers - Battling injury and faces the Chargers.
Email fantasy questions to mrushton@phanaticmag.com
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Fantasy Football Rush: Week 2
With Week 1 in the books, The Phanatic Magazine's Michael Rushton tells you who should start and who should sit in Week 2.
Check out the Fantasy Football Rush now.
Check out the Fantasy Football Rush now.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Fantasy Football Rush: Week 1
By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
It's important to get out to a good start with your fantasy squad, which you no doubt put more time and effort in to than picking your last anniversary present.
However, Week 1 is tough because you still don't know what you are going to get out of your players. You know what you should get based on last season, but a year later is a year later.
So, let us here at The Phanatic help you out with your Week 1 lineup troubles.
Just head on over to the main site and check out our Fantasy Football Rush.
The Phanatic Magazine
It's important to get out to a good start with your fantasy squad, which you no doubt put more time and effort in to than picking your last anniversary present.
However, Week 1 is tough because you still don't know what you are going to get out of your players. You know what you should get based on last season, but a year later is a year later.
So, let us here at The Phanatic help you out with your Week 1 lineup troubles.
Just head on over to the main site and check out our Fantasy Football Rush.
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