All in Sports - Fantasy Advice and Rankings Week 14

So I was in New York for the Giants-Cowboys game this past weekend. It was definitely a great game and extremely enjoyable. That said, I’m not sure I plan on attending another professional football game again (well, maybe just ONE more in the Giants’ new stadium at some point).

You see, I have the worst luck when it comes to air travel. No seriously, the worst. I have never (and that’s not an exaggeration – I mean NEVER) had a flight without complications. I am always getting delayed, re-routed, etc.

Let me give you a breakdown of my most recent headache.

The Giants trip:

I flew Southwest – the most on time and reliable flight company. You’d think I’d have no problems whatsoever. Nope. I was delayed 10 minutes out of Norfolk – not much, but it’s Southwest which is never delayed. Already an ominous sign.

My flight to New York has a layover in Baltimore. We start our descent as normal, and then a few minutes into it the wheels are brought back up. What’s going on? The pilot answers my question almost as I think it. “Sorry folks, there’s a delay on the ground so we have to swing back around.” Great! Fifteen minutes later, we start our descent again, and wouldn’t you know...the wheels come back up again! “Folks, there is some de-icing for the planes on the ground; we’ll be a few more minutes.”

I start staring at my watch because my flight for La Guardia leaves at 3:15, and it’s now 3:03! We finally land, I tell people I need to run to my flight, and everyone lets me by (except one old crank, but that’s another story, another time). I find the departure schedule board only to see my gate is (surprise) on the other end of the airport. I sprint over there, weaving in and out of people, taking two escalator steps at a time, only to see the plane not connected to the terminal. NOOO! Thankfully, the agent tells me this flight is delayed too. Now, we are departing from gate A3. Guess where I got off my last flight? A2. Ugh. I head all the back across the airport where I sit for 40 minutes as our flight is delayed quite a bit.

Quite the eventful trip huh? Well, that’s not the end of it. Now, we sit on the tarmac for 70 minutes waiting in line to get de-iced. Then, we end up 8^th in line on the runway. Finally, we take off and are in the air 20 minutes later. Yes, it’s almost 5:30 at this point if you are keeping track – and we were supposed to be in New York at 4:35.

A little over an hour later we land in New York only to find out there’s a plane occupying out terminal. Wait, you’re telling we only have ONE gate option we’re allowed to use at one of the biggest airports in the country?! Are you serious?! So, we wait another 20 minutes (my butt is sore as heck at this point) until we’re finally off the plane and on our way.

I’ll save you the details from the flights back, or my trip to Colorado, or the previous year to New York. Let’s just say there are numerous delays (hours involved), shuttling back and forth across terminals at the same airport several times for one changed flight, a middle seat between two of the larger people I’ve ever seen, a crying (no screaming child), broken bathrooms and/or air vent systems, and on and on. Wondering if I ever lost luggage? Thankfully no, but that’s because given my luck, there is no way on Earth I’m risking that so I always take one carry on (no matter how long my trip is – yea, I’ll re-use clothes, it’s worth it).

All that said, there is a lesson here (besides never flying with me – and I mean never ever). Sometimes luck just isn’t on your side. This holds true and is prevalent in fantasy sports. I’ve mentioned it before, but sometimes (or even many) you can’t do anything about your situation. You can’t help you faced the highest scoring team 10 out of the 13 weeks. You can’t change the fact you lost your stud(s) to injury. It’s all just part of the game and life.

Maybe you missed the playoffs by a game on a tough break, or you went 3-10 as the 3^rd highest scoring team, there’s always next year. That’s not much of a comfort, but at least you know you’re luck can’t be the same every time and it will be different for you – that is, unless you’re flying somewhere with me.

Week 13

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

Good luck finding any pickups at this point in the season that can actually help. The best options out there this week are Jerome Harrison, Mike Wallace, Davone Bess, Jermichael Finley and Garrett Hartley (yes, get that Saints kicker now). None of them are super attractive options. They’re sort of like that buddy you don’t mind hanging out with when you have nothing better to do, but they are not your first choice or going to impress much.

Gut Shot (player who really let you down when you thought he’d come through big)

Wow Mike Sims-Walker. That’s all I can say. “The Dash” definitely let everyone down last week. Who would have thought that he’d have a mere one-catch performance, especially at home (seriously, still look at his and Garrard’s home-away split stats)?! He has a surprising performance for sure, just not the way we all wanted.

River Rat (player who came up big that no one expected)

Could say Ocho, although, I called for a bounce back week. He had a monster game, and even I was not expecting 9 catches, more like 6-7 for a 100 and a score. That said, it’s definitely Robert Meachem. Ok, this guy just continues to defy logic. He’s on a team with more offensive weapons than anyone. There are bigger superstars ahead of him. He has weeks where he only gets 10 receiving yards. But yet again, he produces like a top ten talent. Ok Peachy Meachy (think he’d like that name…me neither), I am putting trust in you this week. I expect to be let down.

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

You can look back for who I’ve said to drop so far, and there is not many to actually add. So instead, I’m going to make a bit of a point to people.

Read this carefully: DON’T SIT YOUR STUDS! I am still surprised how many people question favorable matchups to play over guys like Peyton, Brady, AP, SJax, Wayne, etc. I’ve said it before, and I will again here, I’d MUCH rather lose with my stud in my lineup than lose with them on the bench racking up points that week because I got too cute.

That said, with the playoffs here, outside of your studs – get a bit risky now. You have to go big. Playing consistent guys could get you a loss to some team with a few “out of nowhere” (Mr. Meachem) performances. So, don’t sit Peyton for little bro Eli because of matchups. But, certainly start your Meachem’s, Miles Austin’s, and the like, who can explode for big games at any time.

Week 14

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

Ray Rice

Green Bay did a great job of bottling up Rice for the majority of the game. I think the Ravens go back to the tape and find ways to combat the shadowing technique the Packers used. Although, I don’t expect the Lions to be able to mimic that plan half as well anyway.

Marques Colston

What’s not to like? The Saints – one of the best offenses in the league. Drew Brees – one of the best QBs in the NFL. Colston – one of the better WR talents. Atlanta – among the worst in pass defense. Sounds like the makings of a big day.

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

Jamaal Charles

This actually might not be much of a surprise if you have been reading and paying attention to my posts. Also, he’s playing Buffalo, which is almost a guarantee for a big game this year. Nevertheless, in case some people are still not aware…Charles is the man in KC; he has no real competition for time, and is a good pass catcher. Another solid day for Charles is in the books.

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

Vincent Jackson

His owners are supremely frustrated right now. I even know of a few that missed the playoffs because of him. Early on, he looked like a top 5 WR for the year, and a player who could carry you. That’s not the case as of late. On the other hand, Gates has been playing out of his mind, and LT is actually contributing each game. I can see teams focusing more on Gates like they did mid-season, thereby opening up VJax for a return to pay dirt.

The Flop (player who will let you down)

Matt Forte

This could be a year-long placement for Forte. He has definitely let owners down as he went in the first round across the board and in the top 5 for the majority of leagues. This week he faces Green Bay who just shut down Rice pretty well. Fact is Forte is the lesser man’s Ray Rice this year so don’t expect him to better, or even as good.

Rankings

Rank - QB - Team (Opp)

1 - Drew Brees - NO (@Atl)

2 - Aaron Rodgers - GB (@Chi)

3 - Peyton Manning - IND (Den)

4 - Tom Brady - NE (Car)

5 - Kurt Warner - ARI (@SF)

6 - Philip Rivers - SD (@Dal)

7 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT (@Cle)

8 - Matt Schaub - HOU (Sea)

9 - Tony Romo - DAL (SD)

10 - Donovan McNabb - PHI (@NYG)

11 - Brett Favre - MIN (Cin)

12 - Joe Flacco - BAL (Det)

13 - Alex Smith - SF (Ari)

14 - Vince Young - TEN (StL)

15 - David Garrard - JAC (Mia)

16 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA (@Hou)

17 - Carson Palmer - CIN (@Min)

18 - Eli Manning - NYG (Phi)

19 - Chad Henne - MIA (@Jac)

20 - Jay Cutler - CHI (GB)

21 - Kyle Orton - DEN (@Ind)

22 - Jason Campbell - WAS (@Oak)

23 - Ryan Fitzpatrick - BUF (@KC)

24 - Matt Cassel - KC (Buf)

25 - Kyle Boller - STL (@Ten)

Rank - RB - Team (Opp)

1 - Chris Johnson - TEN (StL)

2 - Ray Rice - BAL (Det)

3 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC (Mia)

4 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT (@Cle)

5 - Thomas Jones - NYJ (@TB)

6 - Adrian Peterson - MIN (Cin)

7 - Steven Jackson - STL (@Ten)

8 - Ricky Williams - MIA (@Jac)

9 - Joseph Addai - IND (Den)

10 - Jamaal Charles - KC (Buf)

11 - Cedric Benson - CIN (@Min)

12 - Frank Gore - SF (Ari)

13 - Ryan Grant - GB (@Chi)

14 - Fred Jackson - BUF (@KC)

15 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN (@Ind)

16 - Pierre Thomas - NO (@Atl)

17 - LeSean McCoy - PHI (@NYG)

18 - LaDainian Tomlinson - SD (@Dal)

19 - Laurence Maroney - NE (Car)

20 - Marion Barber - DAL (SD)

21 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG (Phi)

22 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR (@NE)

23 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR (@NE)

24 - Matt Forte - CHI (GB)

25 - Tim Hightower - ARI (@SF)

26 - Kevin Smith - DET (@Bal)

27 - Quinton Ganther - WAS (@Oak)

28 - Jerome Harrison - CLE (Pit)

29 - Julius Jones - SEA (@Hou)

30 - Cadillac Williams - TB (NYJ)

31 - Justin Forsett - SEA (@Hou)

32 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF (@KC)

33 - Beanie Wells - ARI (@SF)

34 - Mike Bell - NO (@Atl)

35 - Jason Snelling - ATL (NO)

36 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN (@Ind)

37 - Ryan Moats - HOU (Sea)

38 - Chris Brown - HOU (Sea)

39 - Jerious Norwood - ATL (NO)

40 - Justin Fargas - OAK (Was)

41 - Reggie Bush - NO (@Atl)

42 - Michael Turner - ATL (NO)

43 - Felix Jones - DAL (SD)

44 - Willis McGahee - BAL (Det)

45 - Darren Sproles - SD (@Dal)

46 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG (Phi)

47 - Sammy Morris - NE (Car)

48 - Darren McFadden - OAK (Was)

49 - Chester Taylor - MIN (Cin)

50 - Leonard Weaver - PHI (@NYG)

Rank - WR - Team (Opp)

1 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARI (@SF)

2 - Andre Johnson - HOU (Sea)

3 - Randy Moss - NE (Car)

4 - Wes Welker - NE (Car)

5 - Calvin Johnson - DET (@Bal)

6 - Anquan Boldin - ARI (@SF)

7 - Reggie Wayne - IND (Den)

8 - Marques Colston - NO (@Atl)

9 - Miles Austin - DAL (SD)

10 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN (@Min)

11 - Santonio Holmes - PIT (@Cle)

12 - Roddy White - ATL (NO)

13 - Brandon Marshall - DEN (@Ind)

14 - Sidney Rice - MIN (Cin)

15 - Donald Driver - GB (@Chi)

16 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC (Mia)

17 - Vincent Jackson - SD (@Dal)

18 - Robert Meachem - NO (@Atl)

19 - Derrick Mason - BAL (Det)

20 - Greg Jennings - GB (@Chi)

21 - Steve Smith - CAR (@NE)

22 - Pierre Garcon - IND (Den)

23 - Steve Smith - NYG (Phi)

24 - Terrell Owens - BUF (@KC)

25 - Percy Harvin - MIN (Cin)

26 - DeSean Jackson - PHI (@NYG)

27 - Kenny Britt - TEN (StL)

28 - Nate Burleson - SEA (@Hou)

29 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI (@NYG)

30 - Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ (@TB)

31 - T.J. Houshmandzadeh - SEA (@Hou)

32 - Chris Chambers - KC (Buf)

33 - Michael Crabtree - SF (Ari)

34 - Roy Williams - DAL (SD)

35 - Mike Wallace - PIT (@Cle)

36 - Lee Evans - BUF (@KC)

37 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ (@TB)

38 - Kevin Walter - HOU (Sea)

39 - Davone Bess - MIA (@Jac)

40 - Antonio Bryant - TB (NYJ)

41 - Devery Henderson - NO (@Atl)

42 - Mario Manningham - NYG (Phi)

43 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG (Phi)

44 - Santana Moss - WAS (@Oak)

45 - Steve Breaston - ARI (@SF)

46 - Devin Thomas - WAS (@Oak)

47 - Jason Avant - PHI (@NYG)

48 - Donnie Avery - STL (@Ten)

49 - Mohamed Massaquoi - CLE (Pit)

50 - Austin Collie - IND (Den)

Rank - TE - Team (Opp)

1 - Vernon Davis - SF (Ari)

2 - Antonio Gates - SD (@Dal)

3 - Jason Witten - DAL (SD)

4 - Dallas Clark - IND (Den)

5 - Brent Celek - PHI (@NYG)

6 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL (NO)

7 - Heath Miller - PIT (@Cle)

8 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN (Cin)

9 - Kellen Winslow - TB (NYJ)

10 - Greg Olsen - CHI (GB)

11 - Zach Miller - OAK (Was)

12 - Jeremy Shockey - NO (@Atl)

13 - Bo Scaife - TEN (StL)

14 - Jermichael Finley - GB (@Chi)

15 - Dustin Keller - NYJ (@TB)

16 - Fred Davis - WAS (@Oak)

17 - Kevin Boss - NYG (Phi)

18 - Todd Heap - BAL (Det)

19 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC (Mia)

20 - John Carlson - SEA (@Hou)

Rank - Kicker - Team (Opp)

1 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE (Car)

2 - David Akers - PHI (@NYG)

3 - Ryan Longwell - MIN (Cin)

4 - Garrett Hartley - NO (@Atl)

5 - Nate Kaeding - SD (@Dal)

6 - Rob Bironas - TEN (StL)

7 - Mason Crosby - GB (@Chi)

8 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG (Phi)

9 - Nick Folk - DAL (SD)

10 - Neil Rackers - ARI (@SF)

11 - Shayne Graham - CIN (@Min)

12 - Matt Prater - DEN (@Ind)

13 - Matt Stover - IND (Den)

14 - Robbie Gould - CHI (GB)

15 - Dan Carpenter - MIA (@Jac)

16 - Jeff Reed - PIT (@Cle)

17 - Jay Feely - NYJ (@TB)

18 - Billy Cundiff - BAL (Det)

19 - Rian Lindell - BUF (@KC)

20 - Josh Scobee - JAC (Mia)

Rank - Def (Opp)

1 - Baltimore Ravens (Det)

2 - New Orleans Saints (@Atl)

3 - Green Bay Packers (@Chi)

4 - Pittsburgh Steelers (@Cle)

5 - New York Jets (@TB)

6 - Tennessee Titans (StL)

7 - Minnesota Vikings (Cin)

8 - New England Patriots (Car)

9 - Philadelphia Eagles (@NYG)

10 - Arizona Cardinals (@SF)

11 - Indianapolis Colts (Den)

12 - Buffalo Bills (@KC)

13 - San Diego Chargers (@Dal)

14 - New York Giants (Phi)

15 - Washington Redskins (@Oak)

16 - Dallas Cowboys (SD)

17 - Cincinnati Bengals (@Min)

18 - Miami Dolphins (@Jac)

19 - Oakland Raiders (Was)

20 - Houston Texans (Sea)

21 - San Francisco 49ers (Ari)

22 - Denver Broncos (@Ind)

23 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NYJ)

24 - Jacksonville Jaguars (Mia)

25 - Seattle Seahawks (@Hou)