Evening everyone!!
Hopefully everyone enjoyed the maiden voyage of this thread this past week. I'm here once again to field all of your Fantasy Football related questions as we head into Week 3 of the season.
Needless to say, this past week has been a bit chaotic on my end. I wrapped up my final Fantasy Baseball Weekly Preview article for Fantasy Alarm (I couldn't be happier that this season is finally drawing to a close) and all of the injuries and news in the world of Football has kept me rather busy over the past few days.
Before I open up the thread for questions, here are just a few thoughts on players that I'm sure I'll receive inquiries on.
Quarterbacks
Jimmy Garoppolo (New England Patriots) - I don't expect Garoppolo to play, despite the team putting pressure on him to start. Sounds like the Pats are comfortable having Jacoby Brissett start for them against the Houston Texans tomorrow night. Expect to see a healthy dose of LeGarrette Blount.
Josh McCown (Cleveland Browns) - Consider him week-to-week with a shoulder injury. Good chance he misses multiple games. Downgrade all pass catchers for the Brownies as Cody Kessler will get the keys to the offense.
Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears) - His thumb injury is expected to cost him 2-3 weeks or so. Brian Hoyer will start. That said, I wouldn't consider anyone on this team a "safe" option. Alshon Jeffery will dominate targets, but gets downgraded to a high-end WR2 in my rankings.
Running Backs
San Diego Chargers Backfield - The loss of Woodhead for the year is a massive blow to a team that was still reeling from losing Keenan Allen. The team opted to sign Dexter McCluster, who is already familiar with Ken Whisenhunt's offense. In deeper PPR formats, I'd consider spending a small amount to obtain him.
Detroit Lions Backfield - Ameer Abdullah has been placed on IR, and will need to miss at least 8 games. Expect Dwayne Washington to step in and dominate early-down work. Despite being a bigger back he has really soft hands. I've heard that the team is incredibly high on him. Additionally, they want to keep Theo Riddick in his current role - don't expect Riddick to get more than 6-7 carries each week. He's still a pass-catching specialist.
Carolina Panthers Backfield - Stewart is expected to miss 2-3 weeks at a minimum according to Ron Rivera. Even though Fozzy Whittaker put up 100 yards last week, Cameron Artis-Payne is the back that you want to own here. Similar to Detroit, the team prefers Whittaker in a pass-catching role. That being said, Artis-Payne can't expect to carry much weekly value, as rushing attempts near the goal line will go to Cam Newton.
Minnesota Vikings Backfield - All reports have Adrian Peterson missing most of, if not all, the remainder of 2016. Jerick McKinnon is the back here that owners will want to grab. Sure, Matt Asiata will continue to spell him near the goal line or with short yardage work, but in all formats I expect McKinnon to carry mid-RB2 value (especially in PPR formats). This offensive line has taken several major hits in recent weeks, including losing left tackle Matt Kalil.
Tampa Bay Bucs Backfield - Pretty clear-cut here. Doug Martin will miss the next few weeks (if not longer) with a hamstring injury. If somehow Charles Sims isn't owned, immediately grab him. He's a midrange RB2 with upside in PPR formats. Jacquizz Rodgers being signed doesn't scare me in the least, Sims should (and will) dominate carries in the interim.
Kansas City Chiefs Backfield - Sounds like another week without Jamaal Charles. Operate the same as Week 1/2.
Wide Receivers
Corey Coleman (Cleveland Browns) - Broke his hand today during practice, so he will be sidelined for multiple weeks. No specific timetable has been announced. Until announced otherwise, I still think that he'll be back later this year, but won't carry much value in non-keeper formats.
Donte Moncrief (Indianapolis Colts) - Diagnosed with a broken collarbone today, which will keep him out for 5-6 weeks. Expect Phillip Dorsett to pick up the snaps and target share in his absence.
Who should I target?
PPR formats:
1. Charles Sims
2. Jerick McKinnon
3. Dwayne Washington
4. Cameron Artis-Payne
5. Fozzy Whittaker
6. Kenyan Drake
7. Matt Asiata
If Kenneth Dixon is still available, make sure to grab him as well - I expect him to be a large part of the Baltimore offense from the get-go.
3. Dwayne Washington
4. Cameron Artis-Payne
5. Fozzy Whittaker
I took Fozzy Whittaker, but Payne and Washington are FAs in my league. You're telling me these are better prospects? What is your reasoning? Why should I jump on Washington over Whittaker?
No onto my main question:
Rank these defenses on which to start this week: Dallas, Giants, Miami. I grabbed Miami off waivers liking that matchup against the mistake on the lake, aka the Browns. Dallas and Giants are still available though. Thanks!
Well, if you need a RB for just the next week or 2 then Whittaker is your best option. However, when Stewart comes back that makes Fozzy useless for FF purposes.
If you are looking for an RB that you don't need to start right away but could end up being an RB2 for you then Washington is the guy. He is in line to get a good share of touches in light of Abdullah's injury, and has the potential to earn/keep a big role if he produces. Since his role this week is unknown, Fozzy is a slightly better choice to start over him this week. Going forward, Washington is the better option at least from an upside perspective.
I'd rank those Ds:
Mismi
Giants
Cowboys
Thanks!
I'd rather have Washington, as he doesn't have a health issue and could start paying dividends as soon as this week. Dixon would be a nice consolation prize if I missed out on Washington, but he won't even see the field for a couple of weeks and even then will have to work to carve out his role.
Thanks!
McKinnon, by a little.
Shepard or Watkins at Flex in a standard?
Who are your other RBs? PPR or standard?
I don't really like this trade in a vacuum. My guess is whatever RB you have + Cooper + Gronk will give you more points than Gurley + Lockett + Kelce. You are giving up 2 high end starters and only getting 1 back, and that 1 isn't even producing at the moment (though I think he will start to soon).
I'd probably just stick with Allen/Ertz. I don't think any of those other guys is more than a minor short term upgrade at best over Allen, and Ertz should be the best of all of them once he comes back.
Riddick @ Packers or
Sims vs. Rams
I initially had Riddick in but with the Packers at home with the top ranked Rush D (i know his value isn't in the running game, but still) I can't help but want to start Sims who should be the feature back and at home.
Current roster:
QB: Rivers/Prescott
RB: Gurley/Yeldon/Forsett/Howard
WR: Beckham/Cooper/Landry/Watkins/T. Williams/Cruz/Funchess/M. Thomas
no TE
I trade:
Amari Cooper, Yeldon, Rivers, and Funchess
I get
Eli, Shepard, Elliott, Ryan Mathews
My team would be:
QB: Eli/Prescott
RB: Gurley Elliott, Mathews, etc.
WR: Beckham, Shepard, Landry, Watkins, etc...
downgrade at WR upgrade at RB, keeper implication is Cooper for a 3rd I'd be giving up.
Nope, Elliott was our #1 overall pick, so I more likely than not wouldn't keep him.
Riddick @ Packers or
Sims vs. Rams
I initially had Riddick in but with the Packers at home with the top ranked Rush D (i know his value isn't in the running game, but still) I can't help but want to start Sims who should be the feature back and at home.
I'd lean Sims, he should get more touches.
Current roster:
QB: Rivers/Prescott
RB: Gurley/Yeldon/Forsett/Howard
WR: Beckham/Cooper/Landry/Watkins/T. Williams/Cruz/Funchess/M. Thomas
no TE
I trade:
Amari Cooper, Yeldon, Rivers, and Funchess
I get
Eli, Shepard, Elliott, Ryan Mathews
My team would be:
QB: Eli/Prescott
RB: Gurley Elliott, Mathews, etc.
WR: Beckham, Shepard, Landry, Watkins, etc...
downgrade at WR upgrade at RB, keeper implication is Cooper for a 3rd I'd be giving up.
Tough one. I like the trade on the surface. But it makes you way too invested in the Giants passing game. Eli+OBJ is fine, but you need to flip at least one of Shepard/Cruz for a comparable piece. Plus the Cooper keeper factor.
Theo Riddick
Tevin Coleman
Theo Riddick
Tevin Coleman
Riddick
Coleman
Jennings
But Riddick/Coleman could easily be reversed. Jennings is a distant 3rd, IMO. Between Vereen getting more involved and whatever we do with Perkings later in the year, I'd rather have 1 of the other 2 RB listed in my active lineup.
Blount vs. HOU tonight
D. Freeman
Coleman
McKinnon
Also, in general what do I do with Freeman/Coleman going forward? Just hope one of them gets hurt?
@beatrixkiddo - Coleman - Big fan of his moving forward and I think that he eventually wins the 50/50 split with Freeman.
@giantsfan44ab - Not sure the format, but I'm going with Blount, based upon workload purposes. I'm a fan of Howard, but can't see him getting the start for the next week or two. Will be phased in slowly and then eventually overtake Langford if he continues to struggle.
@jgambrosio - Discussed this a little on the first page, he won't come close to Woodhead's production since he isn't nearly as talented. Washington is the better option to grab long-term, or McKinnon. Ranked them up front too!
@ManningLobsitBurressAlone - My pleasure. ROS I prefer Pitta while healthy. Highest amount of targets. Only question is health.
@GiantBlue - Sure :) I'm sticking with Eli.
@GiantsFaninSteelersLand - I'd start Ware over Murray if Charles is out again. Cruz is a viable FLEX option, but not much more, and he's last in the pecking order of the players that you mentioned, especially once Eifert gets back.
@giantgianfan -
1. Washington will have early down and goal line work for an extended period of time. Whittaker's role is mainly relegated to being a receiving back. They already have a goal line specialist (Tolbert, or Newton) and he also won't get much in terms of earlier down carries. Plus Stewart may only miss a week or two, while Washington has at minimum an 8 week window to work with.
2. Miami, Giants, Dallas
@12aob - Nope, would roll with Allen, and then start Ertz moving forward.
@Someguy1978 - No, I wouldn't do that deal. How many RBs are you required to start each week, and who else do you have at the position other than Murray?
@Danny Kanell - Hyde, but barely.
@knicks30301 - Sims by a mile. Shepard.
@UConn4523 - Sims, based upon workload.
@pjcas18 - I'm not sure why on earth the other owner would do that deal, but smash accept.
@knicks3031 - Coleman, Jennings, Riddick
Or stick with the reliable, but limited upside of Witten?
It looks like Gronk will be out again and rookie QBs tend to lean on their TEs
@beatrixkiddo - Coleman - Big fan of his moving forward and I think that he eventually wins the 50/50 split with Freeman.
@giantsfan44ab - Not sure the format, but I'm going with Blount, based upon workload purposes. I'm a fan of Howard, but can't see him getting the start for the next week or two. Will be phased in slowly and then eventually overtake Langford if he continues to struggle.
@jgambrosio - Discussed this a little on the first page, he won't come close to Woodhead's production since he isn't nearly as talented. Washington is the better option to grab long-term, or McKinnon. Ranked them up front too!
@ManningLobsitBurressAlone - My pleasure. ROS I prefer Pitta while healthy. Highest amount of targets. Only question is health.
@GiantBlue - Sure :) I'm sticking with Eli.
@GiantsFaninSteelersLand - I'd start Ware over Murray if Charles is out again. Cruz is a viable FLEX option, but not much more, and he's last in the pecking order of the players that you mentioned, especially once Eifert gets back.
@giantgianfan -
1. Washington will have early down and goal line work for an extended period of time. Whittaker's role is mainly relegated to being a receiving back. They already have a goal line specialist (Tolbert, or Newton) and he also won't get much in terms of earlier down carries. Plus Stewart may only miss a week or two, while Washington has at minimum an 8 week window to work with.
2. Miami, Giants, Dallas
@12aob - Nope, would roll with Allen, and then start Ertz moving forward.
@Someguy1978 - No, I wouldn't do that deal. How many RBs are you required to start each week, and who else do you have at the position other than Murray?
@Danny Kanell - Hyde, but barely.
@knicks30301 - Sims by a mile. Shepard.
@UConn4523 - Sims, based upon workload.
@pjcas18 - I'm not sure why on earth the other owner would do that deal, but smash accept.
@knicks3031 - Coleman, Jennings, Riddick
thanks.
I think the other owner would do it for the following:
1. He has Bortles so with Yeldon catching a lot of passes he'll like the potential connection and IMO Yeldon/Mathews is a wash.
2. He's been after Cooper for a while.
3. Eli is on his bench usually as he has been starting Bortles.
so
Rivers < Eli but he doesn't care since he has Bortles
Cooper > Shepard
Yeldon = Mathews
Funchess < Elliott but Elliott is not a keeper and probably evens out some of the difference between Rivers and Eli
For the record, Yahoo gives me a slight advantage, but not a huge one.
My WR's:
Benjamin
Evans
Cooper
Doctson
John Brown
RB's
Peterson
Murray
Vereen
Stewart
I'm extremely weak at RB and the waiver wire is extremely thin.
TE
Gronk
Gates
Start 2 RB's
Hyde
Melvin Gordon
Yeldon
Ajayi
Artis-Payne
WR - Benjamin and Evans
FLEX - Cooper
TE - Gronk
Gordon and Hyde.. I know Hyde has been all over the place but he should be useful again this week.
I don't think the difference between cutler and hoyer warrants to play a defense against Chicago. In fact, Hoyer is probably less TO prone (although maybe more 3 and outs?). Still, Dallas has an awful defense going up against a pretty bad offense. Miami has a decent defense going up against probably the worst offense in the NFL right now. They're playing a rookie QB (a pretty shitty one at that) without their top WR. I would think about playing the Saints defense if they were going up against Cleveland this week.
Jeremy Langford @ Cowboys
Ryan Mathews vs Steelers
Spencer Ware vs Jets
Jerick McKinnon @ Panthers
Jay Ajayi vs Browns
or
Odell Beckham (Giants) vs. Redskins
I think Marshall is out and Enunwa and Decker will get a lot more chances. OBJ is going to be pulling Josh Norman around and Eli will probably be looking Shepard and Cruz this week...
WRs:
T. Sharpe vs Oak
R. Cobb vs GB
T. Williams vs Ind
RBs:
L. Miller vs NE
D. Murray vs Oak
R. Matthews vs Pitt
(C. Michael vs SF), although I probably won't play him
Dallas doesn't have the players to take advantage of that matchup. No way I'd play them over the Giants vs Kirk Cousins.
Gordon and Hyde.. I know Hyde has been all over the place but he should be useful again this week.
You expect Hyde to do a lot at Seattle? I agree he's better than those other options, but I wouldn't be expecting a ton of production from Hyde this week.
Snead vs ATL
Sims vs LA
As of now I am going with Snead in what I feel should be a pretty high scoring game.. I feel like Sims might struggle a bit against LA but I'd like to get someone else's take other than my own.
Snead vs ATL
Sims vs LA
As of now I am going with Snead in what I feel should be a pretty high scoring game.. I feel like Sims might struggle a bit against LA but I'd like to get someone else's take other than my own.
Snead for me. Brees in the dome = lots of points.
Also between the two, who do you drop...Kevin White or Derrick Henry?
Sims
Cobb
Which 2?
David.. I think I'd roll with Cobb. Watkins looked really gimpy to me in the Jets game. He's had extra rest with the long week but until he looks more like himself I'd avoid starting him if I had a viable alternative.. which Cobb should be.
RBs
Eddie Lacy
LeSean McCoy
Theo Riddick
Lagarette Blount
WRs
Doug Baldwin
Marvin Jones
RB - Miller.