All in Sports - Fantasy Advice and Rankings Week 13

On Monday night, a buddy of mine said Chris Johnson was having the best fantasy RB season, ever. Quickly, I said, “Wrong, remember Mr. Faulk in 2000?” It was with that statement that I realized two things. First, how quickly we forget the amazing running back performances. Even I made the mistake of going straight to Faulk, skipping LDT’s even more impressive 2006 campaign (2300 total yards, 31 TDs, 28 on the ground vs. nearly 2200 total yards with 26 TDs for Faulk). Second, I am old and have been playing fantasy sports for a long time now. I had Faulk as a keeper from ’99.

Think about that for a second, a decade of fantasy sports (football and baseball). Averaging 3 leagues per sport, that’s 6 drafts a year, 120 players to manage (16 per in football, 24 in baseball on average), and 275 days of the year spent adjusting rosters (not even including a month of pre-draft work). Let’s say I only averaged an hour a day on all of this (we all know probably more); I’ve spent 2,750 hours on fantasy sports (and don’t even get paid for this).

I think we can all safely say playing fantasy sports is more than your typical hobby. If anyone spent that much time on one hobby, they’d become a certified aficionado. And yet, no one really is. We have knowledgeable people, and those who put more time in to be considered an “expert” or advice giver (hoping I fall into that group)…but again, no one is truly a master of the game. That is what makes fantasy sports so enjoyable and time consuming. There are so many variables, competition involved, and random luck that affect your outcome each year, and even daily.

Maybe if I spent all of that time on more productive things I could be running a Fortune 500 company. Or, maybe I wouldn’t still be single. Or, I could have made millions in the stock game predicting the crash and bounce back. Then again, would these past 10 years have been as fun, interesting, and competitive (also resulting in some great friendships)? I say no chance, and for that, I wouldn’t change anything…well, maybe the single thing…

Onto the advice and rankings!

Week 12

All In (player(s) who you should put your chips on)

Let’s get the recommendations from the past weeks out of the way. The ones that by now, you should have grabbed or someone already beat you to it. And, if they are still available…what are you waiting for?

Vince Young (what more proof do you need), Jamaal Charles (again looked good), Rock Cartright, Fred Jackson (if you are lucky enough to have him as a FA), and Robert Meachem if you like risk/reward types.

For this week, Jerious Norwood is a good grab. Turner sprained his ankle again – and no, not reinjured, this is a different sprain. Who knows if he’ll play again, and play well at this rate. Plus, Snelling fumbled on one of his touches, so Norwood should at least see 50% of the carries.

Lex Hilliard is a nice sneaky grab as well. Look at Miami, do they have any problem running the ball? The man behind Ricky is Sexy Lexy (better than Sexy Rexy right?)…and Ricky is going to need more and more breathers as the season wears on (remember, he’s older and hasn’t carried a full load in years).

On the WR front, if Kenny Britt is out there, pick him up yesterday! Vince Young has developed a nice rapport with Gage out, and it looks like they’ll connect a few times a game each week.

Jason Avant is a decent pick up for the week. More so, he’s a solid play with DJax out and the Eagles facing Atlanta’s poor pass defense. Long term, as Jackson returns, his value will of course diminish, but you can’t do much better this late in the season for a one week fill-in.

Outside of the RBs and WRs, if you need a Warner (if out again) or Matt Ryan replacement, and Vince Young is taken you’re probably crap outta luck. Maybe Alex Smith is out there, and if not, there is always Campbell (not this week) and Josh Freeman, but good luck.

Muck ‘em (players who won’t help us anymore, throw them back)

I’m going to just run through a list of guys that you can throw in like they’re a 2-7 off-suited hand (some previously mentioned – so take the hint! and some new to the pile).

Shonn Greene has potential out the wazoo, and with Leon Washington getting hurt earlier, it looked like he may help some sneaky draftees this year. Nope, Thomas Jones has that running game on lockdown, move on. Toss away Jamal Lewis (rookie Chris Jennings is getting into the mix now), the Oakland backfield, Willie Parker, Laverneous Coles (he’s near irrelevant now), Braylon Edwards (yes, that one week was a fluke – he’s not an elite fantasy WR and Sanchez won’t help things change), John Carlson, Todd Heap, and any QB with the first name Matt (yes, even Hasselbeck, unless you are desperate for an injury fill-in).

Week 13

Top Pair (player(s) who guarantee a good week)

Thomas Jones

Really, who hasn’t run all over the Bills. Plus, with how poorly Sanchez has been playing, expect Jones to see the ball a ton. Simple as that.

Wes Welker

Let’s see, returning to Miami again, check. Patriots coming of a bad loss, check. Knowing that Belichick, Brady and the Pats won’t let it happen two weeks in a row, check. Divisional game and must win to have a chance at a bye week, check. I expect near double digit receptions for good ol’ Wes this week.

Gut Shot (player who will surprise you with a good week)

Mike Sims-Walker

Have I mentioned it enough times about David Garrard’s home and away stats? Well, Jacksonville is back home. I think it will be a higher end performance for “the Dash” this week versus the mediocre ones sprinkled in lately.

The Turn (player is going to come back around, so buy in now)

Chad Ochocinco

Really, the only thing holding him back is Carson Palmer. He’s too talented, too motivated, and too entertaining to continue having these below average performances (for his ability). He, and Carson, will have a solid week against, guess who? the Lions. Can you say pay dirt?

The Flop (player who will let you down)

Fred Jackson

I say FJax, not because I don’t think he’s the more talented Buffalo running back. The thing is, the Bills are finally realizing this as well and giving him the ball more, even looking like the starting gig too. However, they get the Jets this week, who are stout against the run, and then always play tougher as a divisional opponent. Don’t bench the guy, but don’t expect to take him to elevate his stats from flex play to top-level #2 back this week.

Rankings

Rank - QB - Team (Opp)

1 - Peyton Manning - IND (Ten)

2 - Tom Brady - NE (@Mia)

3 - Drew Brees - NO (@Was)

4 - Philip Rivers - SD (@Cle)

5 - Brett Favre - MIN (@Ari)

6 - Matt Schaub - HOU (@Jac)

7 - Aaron Rodgers - GB (Bal)

8 - Donovan McNabb - PHI (@Atl)

9 - Carson Palmer - CIN (Det)

10 - Tony Romo - DAL (@NYG)

11 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT (Oak)

12 - Jay Cutler - CHI (StL)

13 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA (SF)

14 - Kyle Orton - DEN (@KC)

15 - Alex Smith - SF (@Sea)

16 - Vince Young - TEN (@Ind)

17 - Kurt Warner - ARI (Min)

18 - Eli Manning - NYG (Dal)

19 - David Garrard - JAC (Hou)

20 - Joe Flacco - BAL (@GB)

21 - Jason Campbell - WAS (NO)

22 - Matt Cassel - KC (Den)

23 - Kyle Boller - STL (@Chi)

24 - Chris Redman - ATL (Phi)

25 - Matt Moore - CAR (TB)

Rank - RB - Team (Opp)

1 - Chris Johnson - TEN (@Ind)

2 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC (Hou)

3 - Adrian Peterson - MIN (@Ari)

4 - Thomas Jones - NYJ (@Buf)

5 - Frank Gore - SF (@Sea)

6 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR (TB)

7 - Ray Rice - BAL (@GB)

8 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT (Oak)

9 - Steven Jackson - STL (@Chi)

10 - Cedric Benson - CIN (Det)

11 - Ricky Williams - MIA (NE)

12 - LaDainian Tomlinson - SD (@Cle)

13 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN (@KC)

14 - LeSean McCoy - PHI (@Atl)

15 - Matt Forte - CHI (StL)

16 - Joseph Addai - IND (Ten)

17 - Pierre Thomas - NO (@Was)

18 - Jamaal Charles - KC (Den)

19 - Laurence Maroney - NE (@Mia)

20 - Ryan Grant - GB (Bal)

21 - Justin Forsett - SEA (SF)

22 - Marion Barber - DAL (@NYG)

23 - Fred Jackson - BUF (NYJ)

24 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG (Dal)

25 - Steve Slaton - HOU (@Jac)

26 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR (TB)

27 - Kevin Smith - DET (@Cin)

28 - Cadillac Williams - TB (@Car)

29 - Tim Hightower - ARI (Min)

30 - Rock Cartwright - WAS (NO)

31 - Jerious Norwood - ATL (Phi)

32 - Jason Snelling - ATL (Phi)

33 - Felix Jones - DAL (@NYG)

34 - Mike Bell - NO (@Was)

35 - Beanie Wells - ARI (Min)

36 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN (@KC)

37 - Darren Sproles - SD (@Cle)

38 - Justin Fargas - OAK (@Pit)

39 - Larry Johnson - CIN (Det)

40 - Chris Brown - HOU (@Jac)

41 - Jamal Lewis - CLE (SD)

42 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF (NYJ)

43 - Chester Taylor - MIN (@Ari)

44 - Reggie Bush - NO (@Was)

45 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG (Dal)

46 - Darren McFadden - OAK (@Pit)

47 - Willis McGahee - BAL (@GB)

48 - Donald Brown - IND (Ten)

49 - Derrick Ward - TB (@Car)

50 - Willie Parker - PIT (Oak)

Rank - WR - Team (Opp)

1 - Andre Johnson - HOU (@Jac)

2 - Randy Moss - NE (@Mia)

3 - Reggie Wayne - IND (Ten)

4 - Sidney Rice - MIN (@Ari)

5 - Wes Welker - NE (@Mia)

6 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARI (Min)

7 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN (Det)

8 - Vincent Jackson - SD (@Cle)

9 - Brandon Marshall - DEN (@KC)

10 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC (Hou)

11 - Miles Austin - DAL (@NYG)

12 - Marques Colston - NO (@Was)

13 - Donald Driver - GB (Bal)

14 - Calvin Johnson - DET (@Cin)

15 - Hines Ward - PIT (Oak)

16 - Roddy White - ATL (Phi)

17 - Anquan Boldin - ARI (Min)

18 - Greg Jennings - GB (Bal)

19 - Steve Smith - NYG (Dal)

20 - Nate Burleson - SEA (SF)

21 - Derrick Mason - BAL (@GB)

22 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI (@Atl)

23 - Percy Harvin - MIN (@Ari)

24 - Steve Smith - CAR (TB)

25 - Pierre Garcon - IND (Ten)

26 - Santonio Holmes - PIT (Oak)

27 - Michael Crabtree - SF (@Sea)

28 - T.J. Houshmandzadeh - SEA (SF)

29 - Chris Chambers - KC (Den)

30 - Devin Hester - CHI (StL)

31 - Jason Avant - PHI (@Atl)

32 - Terrell Owens - BUF (NYJ)

33 - Robert Meachem - NO (@Was)

34 - Kevin Walter - HOU (@Jac)

35 - Donnie Avery - STL (@Chi)

36 - Kenny Britt - TEN (@Ind)

37 - Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ (@Buf)

38 - Mario Manningham - NYG (Dal)

39 - Antonio Bryant - TB (@Car)

40 - Lee Evans - BUF (NYJ)

41 - Laveranues Coles - CIN (Det)

42 - Devery Henderson - NO (@Was)

43 - Bernard Berrian - MIN (@Ari)

44 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ (@Buf)

45 - Santana Moss - WAS (NO)

46 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG (Dal)

47 - Steve Breaston - ARI (Min)

48 - Roy Williams - DAL (@NYG)

49 - Nate Washington - TEN (@Ind)

50 - Austin Collie - IND (Ten)

Rank - TE - Team (Opp)

1 - Antonio Gates - SD (@Cle)

2 - Dallas Clark - IND (Ten)

3 - Vernon Davis - SF (@Sea)

4 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL (Phi)

5 - Jason Witten - DAL (@NYG)

6 - Greg Olsen - CHI (StL)

7 - Brent Celek - PHI (@Atl)

8 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN (@Ari)

9 - Kellen Winslow - TB (@Car)

10 - Heath Miller - PIT (Oak)

11 - Kevin Boss - NYG (Dal)

12 - Jeremy Shockey - NO (@Was)

13 - Jermichael Finley - GB (Bal)

14 - Dustin Keller - NYJ (@Buf)

15 - Zach Miller - OAK (@Pit)

16 - Fred Davis - WAS (NO)

17 - Benjamin Watson - NE (@Mia)

18 - John Carlson - SEA (SF)

19 - Tony Scheffler - DEN (@KC)

20 - Todd Heap - BAL (@GB)

Rank - Kicker - Team (Opp)

1 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE (@Mia)

2 - Ryan Longwell - MIN (@Ari)

3 - David Akers - PHI (@Atl)

4 - Nate Kaeding - SD (@Cle)

5 - John Carney - NO (@Was)

6 - Rob Bironas - TEN (@Ind)

7 - Mason Crosby - GB (Bal)

8 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG (Dal)

9 - Shayne Graham - CIN (Det)

10 - Neil Rackers - ARI (Min)

11 - Nick Folk - DAL (@NYG)

12 - Robbie Gould - CHI (StL)

13 - Matt Prater - DEN (@KC)

14 - Matt Stover - IND (Ten)

15 - Dan Carpenter - MIA (NE)

16 - Olindo Mare - SEA (SF)

17 - Jeff Reed - PIT (Oak)

18 - John Kasay - CAR (TB)

19 - Billy Cundiff - BAL (@GB)

20 - Ryan Succop - KC (Den)

Rank - Def (Opp)

1 - Pittsburgh Steelers (Oak)

2 - San Diego Chargers (@Cle)

3 - Cincinnati Bengals (Det)

4 - New Orleans Saints (@Was)

5 - Philadelphia Eagles (@Atl)

6 - Minnesota Vikings (@Ari)

7 - Denver Broncos (@KC)

8 - New York Jets (@Buf)

9 - Chicago Bears (StL)

10 - Dallas Cowboys (@NYG)

11 - New England Patriots (@Mia)

12 - San Francisco 49ers (@Sea)

13 - Buffalo Bills (NYJ)

14 - Carolina Panthers (TB)

15 - Green Bay Packers (Bal)

16 - Baltimore Ravens (@GB)

17 - Indianapolis Colts (Ten)

18 - New York Giants (Dal)

19 - Houston Texans (@Jac)

20 - Seattle Seahawks (SF)

21 - Tennessee Titans (@Ind)

22 - Arizona Cardinals (Min)

23 - Tampa Bay Bucs (@Car)

24 - Atlanta Falcons (Phi)

25 - Oakland Raiders (@Pit)