All in Sports Fantasy Advice
Week 8 - Football Breakdown and Rankings

We all know the saying, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” Or maybe you’ve even heard the extended version of, “Fool me three times, we could have a relationship.” This saying, and even the long version, came into play this past week.

Two of the top scoring players in Fantasy Football were guys that have burned many owners in the past. When the Raiders drafted Darren McFadden, they saw him as a franchise player. He has the talent to be one. Injuries and other reasons (lack of motivation? poor team chemistry? terrible offensive line?) had kept him from fulfilling his potential. Like DMC, it’s evident when watching him that Lee Evans has the talent to be a star receiver. Again, just like McFadden, inconsistency and a poor supporting cast have held him back.

Owners have drafted and started these players year after year based on promise and brief instances of high-end performance. All too often though, both had more let-down performances than solid days. That left owners feeling frustrated for wasting draft picks and or starting spots on their rosters.

What ends up happening is people buy-in to players like these more than once (“fool me twice”) and become ticked off at the player. Then, owners decide to avoid them altogether. You have probably uttered the phrase yourself, “I will never own ________ again!” Wouldn’t you know it…it always seems to be that very year the player finally fulfills his potential. Maybe we as owners should let them fool us three times to benefit from the relationship as the saying goes.

Joking aside, I am here to tell you that you can never fully write a player off for this very reason. Granted, more often than not, players who do not capitalize on their talent for multiple years end up never doing so. On the other hand, there are rare instances like McFadden and Evans where something finally clicks. Instead of being the jaded owner and avoiding these players like the plague, remember what made you such a fan in the first place (enough to own them multiple times). Sometimes, just sometimes, the one who spurned you can end up being your greatest ally.

Settling Up Week 7

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Carson Palmer, Darren McFadden, Roddy White

Carson Palmer has been as inconsistent as they come. He has two games under 200 yards passing and three games with more than one turnover. At the same time, he has three huge games on the year, most notably this past week against Atlanta with 412 yards and three TDs. Take note that the Falcons have been torn apart two weeks in a row by Kolb and now Palmer. Start your QBs against them!

And here is the prototypical case of “being burned one too many times.” Sunday morning Darren McFadden was the player I received the most questions about. I suggested that everyone start him as he would see the bulk of carries and was great before the injury. Now, as much as I love to tout that, I did not expect this…and I still don’t call them all perfectly (more on that later). More owners had him on the bench than ones that benefited from his 165 yards rushing and four TDs (one receiving). As long as he is healthy, I don’t think he’ll be on anyone’s bench for a while.

The number one projected wide receiver came through, and in any other week would have been the top scorer (if not for Kenny Britt). Roddy White’s 11 catches, 201 yards and two TDs is an impressive stat-line that only looks better for the fact that he did it against a strong Cincinnati secondary. White is on his way to being 2010’s top receiver.

River Rat (players who surprised everyone)

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Darren McFadden, Kenny Britt, Lee Evans

I wonder if the Harvard alum was smart enough to start himself in Fantasy leagues. Either way, it’s about time we started taking Ryan Fitzpatrick seriously. He has now thrown 11 TDs in four games. Now the Ravens are not the defense of old, but 374 yards and four scores against that defense is still a significant accomplishment. It’s too bad less than 10% of teams had him starting for their teams.

Darren McFadden was discussed above, but his game bears repeating. About one-third of owners had him in the lineup due to his injury concerns all week, and he has the best game of his career. What can you do?

Need another name that was left on the majority of benches? How about Kenny Britt. Most owners who did start Britt were forced to because of byes or injuries. The rest sat him because there was concern of how much, if at all, he would play after his late night run-in with the law. This where I missed the boat too, as I suggested other WR2/WR3 choices given the uncertainty. Who could have known though? Even coach Jeff Fisher admitted he was close to benching him for the entire game. Lucky for the Titans and the few owners who started him he didn’t, as Britt racked up 223 yards receiving and three TDs.

(In case you aren’t counting, that’s 83 points in standard leagues between DMC and Britt that we on benches).

The second perfect example of “I’ve been tricked before” is Lee Evans. He has always had and at times shown his talent. Nevertheless, he is inconsistent and stuck on a poor Bills team. Evans had 105 yards and three scores, but don’t get too carried away. The three touchdown receptions made up 70 of his yards. That gives him three catches for 35 yards on the rest, which is more like his past numbers. Things are looking up for Evans, Fitzgerald and Steve Johnson…but, the next coming of the Arizona passing attack, they are not.

Gut Shot (player(s) who let everyone down)

Tony Romo, Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall, Brandon Lloyd

You cannot blame Tony Romo specifically for his poor Fantasy performance. There is no way to have known he’d be knocked out of the game. Then again, maybe there was. That makes five QBs on the year the Giants’ defense have hurt so bad they couldn’t return (Matt Moore, Jay Cutler, Todd Collins, Shaun Hill and Romo). It is possible owners should be worried when their QB faces the Giants.

Would the real Chris Johnson please stand up? He switched from his only having good games on odd-numbers weeks against Jacksonville only to follow it up with another mundane performance. It’s been boom or bust for the No. 1 overall pick this year (okay maybe not bust, but certainly “meh”).

The Dolphins have been solid against the run this year, but Rashard Mendenhall was expected to have a better day that he did. Only 37 yards without a score is way less than owners want from a RB1. It was only his second non double-digit performance on the year, so expect a nice bounce-back.

I cautioned owners to start other receivers in place of Brandon Lloyd last week (only WR1s or high-end WR2s…not anything crazy). Last week’s game proves my point of why I have avoided all Denver receivers. There is simply no way to accurately predict who will see the most catches each game. A week after only four catches, Lloyd only managed one catch the entire day. Things are a bit easier against the 49ers this week, but there is a reason I don’t consider him a WR1.

All In or Muck Em? (Hot or Not)

All In (Hot)

Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, Darren McFadden, Frank Gore, Roddy White, Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt, Antonio Gates, Zach Miller

Granted, Philip Rivers now has two slow weeks in a row, but he’s still managed to throw a TD in each and at least 250 yards. So they are “slow” by his standards. I’ll take those numbers over hoping someone like Matt Cassel has one of his random big days. So who needs a running game? Not Aaron Rodgers. Since the opening week of the season, Rodgers’ lowest standard league score is 16 points. Like Rivers, he’s thrown for at least one TD in every game.

The only other player that was argued as the first pick in drafts was Adrian Peterson, and he has been a workhorse. He’s averaging over 20 touches a game, and with that many opportunities added to his talent, you can see why some chose him over CJ2K. Yes, McFadden can be hot after his first game coming off an injury. His performance was that impressive. Plus, before his injury he scored double-digits in each contest. It’s time to believe. Frank Gore has not scored a rushing touchdown since Week 2, but he is still the focal point of the 49ers offense and has two straight weeks of 100 yards or more. With Alex Smith out, expect Gore to see plenty of touches.

I know of two receivers who don’t want to see the bye-week. Roddy White and Hakeem Nicks have cemented their status as elite level WR1 options – White even more so than Nicks. Check out these numbers: White is on pace for 124 receptions, 1,710 yards and 11 TDs while Nicks is heading towards 103/1,202/18. Both players will likely fall short of some, if not all of those numbers (especially White’s yards and Nicks’ TDs). But, coming close to them is certainly within reach. While the overall performance was a one-week wonder for Kenny Britt, he has become a legitimate WR2. Britt now has five straight weeks with a touchdown and is the Titans clear No. 1 receiver.

Really, there is not much more to say about Antonio Gates besides the fact he is putting up WR1 numbers at the TE position. He is in a class all his own. Zach Miller has finally lived up to his sleeper status this year. Jason Campbell has hurt his value in the past, but Miller has become consistent enough that he can be valuable no matter who the QB is.

Muck Em (Not)

Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Miles Austin, Wes Welker, Jeremy Shockey

Fans were expecting much more from Donovan McNabb and his arrival in Washington. Unfortunately, for them and Fantasy owners, they were tricked without the treat. McNabb has not thrown for more than one TD in a game and has seven interceptions on the year. It’s possible that you can blame Jay Cutler’s fall from glory on the Giants defense. Since he was knocked out (literally) by the G-Men, Cutler has looked awful on the field. Hopefully, the bye-week will allow him to get his head on straight and return to form.

It was no secret that the Dolphins’ backfield was going to be a timeshare this year, but Ronnie Brown was supposed to be the better rusher. Brown has not cracked 80 yards on the year and only scored in Week 1. Ricky Williams is looking like the better and more explosive option in Miami. Speaking of not looking great, Cadillac Williams seems to have a busted wheel. His highest rushing total since Week 1 is 51 yards, and he has three games with fewer than 20. Without the touchdown last week, he would have scored five or less points for the fifth time. LeGarrette Blount received the majority of carries and looked twice as good. It’s time to park the Caddy in the garage.

Last game now gives Miles Austin three poor games to go with three amazing performances on the year. Now the Cowboys have lost Tony Romo, possibly for the year. Jon Kitna is one of the better backups in the league, but Austin was looking like a serious threat to challenge Andre Johnson as Fantasy top WR option. That dream is now long gone. It was cautioned that Wes Welker could have trouble as the lead receiver with Randy Moss leaving. That seems to be the case so far. Usually a reception-machine, Welker saw seven catches for 53 yards and four for 25 yards the past two weeks. Even in PPR leagues, Welker simply does not have the value he once did.

Jeremy Shockey is steadily losing relevance in New Orleans. Both Jimmy Graham and David Thomas are gaining ground at the tight end position. Drew Brees spreads the ball around too much, and Reggie Bush is close to returning. Shockey simply won’t see many targets from here on out.

What’s the Deal for Week 8?

Ace in the Hole (players who will increase your odds of winning)

Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Frank Gore, Steven Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Calvin Johnson, Hines Ward, Vernon Davis

He’s baaaaaack! Peyton Manning comes off the Colts bye-week to avenge an early season loss to the Texans. Remember that game? Manning threw for 433 yards and three TDs. The Colts run defense is still as vulnerable as ever, and if Arian Foster has half the game he did the first time, Manning will have to throw plenty to keep up. Ben Roethlisberger returned from his suspension in Week 6 and hasn’t missed a beat. He already has five TDs in two games, and the Saints defense won’t pose a serious threat for Big Ben.

As previously mentioned, the 49ers will rely on Frank Gore even more now with Alex Smith out. With only two weeks under 10 points on the year, it doesn’t matter if he gets a TD; Gore is a must-play every week. Another running back who has not scored much this year, but is a top option anyway is Steven Jackson. He has three straight games rushing for over 100 yards, and the Carolina run defense is one of the weaker units in the league.

The Colts have lost multiple players, especially receivers, to injuries this year. Reggie Wayne is going to benefit from this situation. You’re asking yourself, “But, won’t teams focus on him more?” To quote The Rock, “It doesn’t matter!” Wayne is an elite receiver, and with Manning throwing him the ball, there is no stopping him. Calvin Johnson has finally put together a nice string of games, and that was with Shaun Hill at quarterback. Now, Matthew Stafford returns who is more talented and has a superior arm. Expect big things from Megatron – just in time for Halloween. Know who else is happy to see Roethlisberger back besides his Fantasy owners? Hines Ward. In the two games since Ben’s return, Ward has 12 catches, 185 yards and two TDs. This is one of the better QB/WR combos in the league.

Besides Gore, Vernon Davis should also benefit from Troy Smith replacing Alex Smith at quarterback. The other Smith doesn’t have much in the terms of downfield passing skills, so expect to see lots of middle-of-the-field passes – exactly where Davis makes his living.

The Flop (players who will let you down)

Mark Sanchez, Sam Bradford, Brandon Jackson, Saints’ running backs, Steve Johnson, Davone Bess, John Carlson

Mark Sanchez threw for three TDs in Weeks 2 and 3. Since then he has three touchdowns total. He also has not eclipsed 200 yards passing for three straight weeks. The Green Bay defense may be banged up, but Sanchez needs to prove himself again before he can be relied upon. The Rams have found a terrific player for a rookie quarterback in Sam Bradford. He is not a terrific option for Fantasy purposes though. Bradford has yet to throw for over 300 yards or total more than two TDs, not to mention he has four games of one or no TDs. The Panthers pass defense is actually decent so avoid using Bradford again this week.

The Packers running game has struggled since Brandon Jackson took over for injured Ryan Grant. He did manage to score last week but now faces the Jets defense. That should send you running to other options. Chris Ivory has become the lead back in New Orleans almost by default. With no one else healthy or performing well, his decent play puts has carrying the load. That doesn’t mean you should play him as besides his one uncharacteristic game against Tampa Bay, he hasn’t done much else. Plus, the Steelers come knocking this week so stay away.

Granted, the Bills offense and Steve Johnson have been on a tear. The fact is we cannot expect Johnson to keep catching touchdowns every week. The streak might finally end as the Chiefs secondary is one of the most underrated groups in the NFL. I’m not saying sit the guy for lesser options, but don’t expect numbers like we’ve seen. Another player who could see his TD streak end is Davone Bess. He has turned into a solid PPR play averaging over six catches a game the last four weeks. In standard leagues however, his upside is limited without touchdowns, and Cincinnati is much more vulnerable to the run than pass.

Two things to note in Seattle, the defense has become a solid play, and John Carlson is done as a Fantasy option. He has four catches over his last three games and zero Fantasy points last week.

Playing the Odds (Pickups and Drops)

The Turn (players who will help you soon, grab if you can)

S = Starter (QB2/RB2/WR2 or higher)

F = QB3/RB3/WR3, Flex worthy

B = Bye-week fill-in

H = Handcuff/Injury replacement

QB: Matthew Stafford (S), Ryan Fitzpatrick (S), Josh Freeman (B)

RB: Danny Woodhead (F), LeGarrette Blount (B – with flex upside if gets more carries), Donald Brown (S – if Addai is out, B if he plays), Mike Hart (H – flex upside if Addai is out and Brown gets banged up again)

WR: Pierre Garcon (S), Steve Johnson (F – soon to be starter if keeps this up), Lee Evans (F – on the low end still), Mike Williams – SEA (S), Mike Williams – TB (F), Davone Bess (B – flex play in PPR), James Jones (B), Jacoby Jones (B), Patrick Crayton (B)

TE: Heath Miller (S), Owen Daniels (S – low end for now)

Bluffed (players who thought would help, but won’t so fold them)

QB: Brett Favre, David Garrard, Chad Henne, Kevin Kolb, Tony Romo (unless keeper league), Alex Smith

RB: Marion Barber, Ladell Betts, Correll Buckhalter, Justin Forsett, Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Maroney, Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis, Steve Slaton, Darren Sproles, Fred Taylor, Cadillac Williams

WR: Devin Aromashodu, Bernard Berrian, Chris Chambers, Jerricho Cotchery, Justin Gage, Devery Henderson, Devin Hester, Mario Manningham, Mohamed Massaquoi, Robert Meachem, Louis Murhphy, Legedu Naanee, Laurent Robinson, Brandon Tate, Nate Washington

TE: Dallas Clark, Greg Olsen, Visanthe Shiancoe, Jeremy Shockey

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Peyton Manning - IND ( HOU )
2 - Philip Rivers - SD ( TEN )
3 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( @ NYJ )
4 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT ( @ NO )
5 - Drew Brees - NO ( PIT )
6 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( @ IND )
7 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( @ SF )
8 - Tom Brady - NE ( MIN )
9 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( @ DET )
10 - Ryan Fitzpatrick - BUF ( @ KC )
11 - Matt Cassel - KC ( BUF )
12 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( MIA )
13 - Chad Henne - MIA ( @ CIN )
14 - Jon Kitna - DAL ( JAC )
15 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( GB )
16 - Matthew Stafford - DET ( WAS )
17 - Brett Favre - MIN ( @ NE )
18 - Josh Freeman - TB ( @ ARZ )
19 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( @ OAK )
20 - Sam Bradford - STL ( CAR )
21 - David Garrard - JAC ( @ DAL )
22 - Matt Moore - CAR ( @ STL )
23 - Vince Young - TEN ( @ SD )
24 - Jason Campbell - OAK ( SEA )
25 - Troy Smith - SF ( DEN )

Running Back
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( @ NE )
2 - Frank Gore - SF ( DEN )
3 - Arian Foster - HOU ( @ IND )
4 - Steven Jackson - STL ( CAR )
5 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( @ SD )
6 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( @ NO )
7 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( BUF )
8 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( @ DAL )
9 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( SEA )
10 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( GB )
11 - Ryan Torain - WAS ( @ DET )
12 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( MIA )
13 - Thomas Jones - KC ( BUF )
14 - Jahvid Best - DET ( WAS )
15 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( @ SF )
16 - Marshawn Lynch - SEA ( @ OAK )
17 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( TB )
18 - Felix Jones - DAL ( JAC )
19 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( @ STL )
20 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( @ CIN )
21 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( @ KC )
22 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( TEN )
23 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( @ NYJ )
24 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( GB )
25 - Donald Brown - IND ( HOU )
26 - LeGarrette Blount - TB ( @ ARZ )
27 - BenJarvus Green-Ellis - NE ( MIN )
28 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( @ STL )
29 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( @ CIN )
30 - Chris Ivory - NO ( PIT )
31 - Danny Woodhead - NE ( MIN )
32 - Michael Bush - OAK ( SEA )
33 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( @ OAK )
34 - Reggie Bush - NO ( PIT )
35 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( @ ARZ )
36 - Mike Tolbert - SD ( TEN )
37 - Marion Barber - DAL ( JAC )
38 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( TB )
39 - Mike Hart - IND ( HOU )
40 - Darren Sproles - SD ( TEN )
41 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( @ KC )
42 - Derrick Ward - HOU ( @ IND )
43 - Bernard Scott - CIN ( MIA )
44 - John Kuhn - GB ( @ NYJ )
45 - Ladell Betts - NO ( PIT )
46 - Keiland Williams - WAS ( @ DET )
47 - Javon Ringer - TEN ( @ SD )
48 - Kevin Smith - DET ( WAS )
49 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN ( @ SF )
50 - Joseph Addai - IND ( HOU )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( HOU )
2 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( @ IND )
3 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( WAS )
4 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( @ CIN )
5 - Randy Moss - MIN ( @ NE )
6 - Miles Austin - DAL ( JAC )
7 - Santana Moss - WAS ( @ DET )
8 - Hines Ward - PIT ( @ NO )
9 - Greg Jennings - GB ( @ NYJ )
10 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( MIA )
11 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( @ NE )
12 - Brandon Lloyd - DEN ( @ SF )
13 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( HOU )
14 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( @ NO )
15 - Marques Colston - NO ( PIT )
16 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( TB )
17 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( MIA )
18 - Kenny Britt - TEN ( @ SD )
19 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( BUF )
20 - Steve Smith - CAR ( @ STL )
21 - Wes Welker - NE ( MIN )
22 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( JAC )
23 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( DEN )
24 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( GB )
25 - Mike Williams - TB ( @ ARZ )
26 - Mike Williams - SEA ( @ OAK )
27 - Santonio Holmes - NYJ ( GB )
28 - Steve Johnson - BUF ( @ KC )
29 - Roy Williams - DAL ( JAC )
30 - Lee Evans - BUF ( @ KC )
31 - Donald Driver - GB ( @ NYJ )
32 - Patrick Crayton - SD ( TEN )
33 - Davone Bess - MIA ( @ CIN )
34 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( @ SF )
35 - Deion Branch - NE ( MIN )
36 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( @ DAL )
37 - Robert Meachem - NO ( PIT )
38 - Lance Moore - NO ( PIT )
39 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( @ SF )
40 - Danny Amendola - STL ( CAR )
41 - Jacoby Jones - HOU ( @ IND )
42 - Nate Burleson - DET ( WAS )
43 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( @ IND )
44 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( @ DAL )
45 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( TB )
46 - James Jones - GB ( @ NYJ )
47 - Nate Washington - TEN ( @ SD )
48 - David Gettis - CAR ( @ STL )
49 - Buster Davis - SD ( TEN )
50 - Devery Henderson - NO ( PIT )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( TEN )
2 - Vernon Davis - SF ( DEN )
3 - Zach Miller - OAK ( SEA )
4 - Jason Witten - DAL ( JAC )
5 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( GB )
6 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( MIN )
7 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( @ DET )
8 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( @ ARZ )
9 - Tony Moeaki - KC ( BUF )
10 - Heath Miller - PIT ( @ NO )
11 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( @ DAL )
12 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( @ IND )
13 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( @ NE )
14 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( WAS )
15 - Michael Hoomanawanui - STL ( CAR )
16 - Jacob Tamme - IND ( HOU )
17 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( PIT )
18 - John Carlson - SEA ( @ OAK )
19 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( MIA )
20 - Anthony Fasano - MIA ( @ CIN )
21 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( @ SD )
22 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( WAS )
23 - Rob Gronkowski - NE ( MIN )
24 - Andrew Quarless - GB ( @ NYJ )
25 - Fred Davis - WAS ( @ DET )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( @ SD )
2 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( MIN )
3 - Matt Prater - DEN ( @ SF )
4 - Mason Crosby - GB ( @ NYJ )
5 - Nick Folk - NYJ ( GB )
6 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( SEA )
7 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( @ NO )
8 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( HOU )
9 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( @ NE )
10 - Josh Scobee - JAC ( @ DAL )
11 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( @ IND )
12 - Jason Hanson - DET ( WAS )
13 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( @ CIN )
14 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( PIT )
15 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( MIA )
16 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( TB )
17 - Ryan Succop - KC ( BUF )
18 - Graham Gano - WAS ( @ DET )
19 - John Kasay - CAR ( @ STL )
20 - David Buehler - DAL ( JAC )
21 - Kris Brown - SD ( TEN )
22 - Olindo Mare - SEA ( @ OAK )
23 - Josh Brown - STL ( CAR )
24 - Rian Lindell - BUF ( @ KC )
25 - Connor Barth - TB ( @ ARZ )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Steelers ( @ NO )
2 - Jets ( GB )
3 - Titans ( @ SD )
4 - Packers ( @ NYJ )
5 - Seahawks ( @ OAK )
6 - Chiefs ( BUF )
7 - Cowboys ( JAC )
8 - Rams ( CAR )
9 - Patriots ( MIN )
10 - Redskins ( @ DET )
11 - Chargers ( TEN )
12 - 49ers ( DEN )
13 - Saints ( PIT )
14 - Vikings ( @ NE )
15 - Buccaneers ( @ ARZ )
16 - Dolphins ( @ CIN )
17 - Bengals ( MIA )
18 - Broncos ( @ SF )
19 - Raiders ( SEA )
20 - Lions ( WAS )
21 - Panthers ( @ STL )
22 - Cardinals ( TB )
23 - Colts ( HOU )
24 - Texans ( @ IND )
25 - Bills ( @ KC )

All in Sports Fantasy Advice
Week 7 - Football Breakdown and Rankings

It happens every couple of weeks. I get a text or call from a buddy of mine wondering what I am up to on a Friday or Saturday night. More often than not, he ends up joining me on my plans. The thing is though, those days and even weeks in between, I rarely hear from him.

He’s what I would call a “fringe friend.” Basically, he enjoys hanging out with you, but only every so often when there is not much else going on for him. Is that wrong? Not really. Does it make him a bad friend. Certainly not. If asked and he was honest, he would admit that is all our relationship is…close enough to be friends, but not so close that we regularly hang out.

Everyone has this type of friend in their lives. Some chose to go with the flow and enjoy what that person can add to your life and enjoyment. On the other hand, some are too prideful or uptight and would rather spend a weekend night alone in order to prove a point (which the other person probably never gets). If you think about it, a friend like this is better than that potential cool person who never calls you back or never follows through on hanging out. At least the “fringe friend” brings some occasional fun times and gives you something to do.

We are at the point in the Fantasy Football season where the same concept applies. It is smack dab in the middle of bye-weeks, and teams are in need of that temporary fill-in. This time of year the names Josh Freeman, Chris Ivory and Mike Thomas become relevant. No owner is going to play the prideful card and not pick up fill-in players to replace those on a bye (or at least one would hope). However, some owners will continue to hold on players who have potential in their eyes, or even play that player, instead of picking up someone who can definitely contribute now.

What is going to help you more? Picking up a Fred Jackson who will get you a few points this week…or, holding on to and starting a LaGarrette Blount because he might take over in Tampa Bay at some point this season, and you love his upside. Basically, would you rather have fun with the “fringe friend” or sit by the phone hoping the cool guy finally agrees to hang out? If anything, I’d rather be the guy who occasionally hangs out than the one who drops everything for someone with more potential…and so should you.

Settling Up Week 6

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Drew Brees, Arian Foster, Jeremy Maclin

This was the type of performance we expect to see from Drew Brees. It is possible we expect too much from him after last year, but only throwing for one touchdown or having multiple interceptions is not what we want from a top-20 pick. Brees will look to make it three games in a row of two or more TD passes against Cleveland this week.

Arian Foster bounced back from his worst game of the year to help lead the Texans to win over the Chiefs. Derrick Ward still vultured away a touchdown, but Foster rushed for two of his own. Unfortunately for owners, he is on a bye this week.

In a week of devastating hits and injuries, DeSean Jackson was knocked out of the Eagles game after scoring a quick two touchdowns. That opened the door for the other Philadelphia receiver, Jeremy Maclin, to get his own two scores in addition to 159 yards receiving.

River Rat (players who surprised everyone)

Kevin Kolb, Ryan Torain, Dwayne Bowe

Looks like the Michael Vick versus Kevin Kolb debate has reached a new high. After two weeks of only one touchdown pass with at least one turnover, Kolb shredded the Falcons’ defense for 326 yards and three TDs. The Eagles head to Tennessee before a bye in Week 8 in what should be a big determinant in who starts for the Eagles in Week 9.

One of the biggest factors to running back success in the NFL is not having to share carries. Ryan Torain showed that against the Colts as he took full advantage of his 20 carries rushing for 100 yards and two TDs. Chicago has a better run defense than Indianapolis, but being the feature back will keep Torain Fantasy relevant.

A week after factoring in to the Chiefs loss to the Colts with his untimely drops, Dwayne Bowe possibly had his biggest game of his career. It was only the second times he’s scored twice and the first where he also had over 100-yards receiving. He’s still Dwayne Bowe though, so do not expect to see games like this often, if ever again this year.

Gut Shot (player(s) who let everyone down)

Philip Rivers, LeSean McCoy, Hakeem Nicks & Malcom Floyd

I guess Philip Rivers’ streak of games with two or more touchdown passes had to end sometime. Who would have thought it would come against St. Louis though? It’s time to stop considering the Rams as a defensive walk-over.

LeSean McCoy was coming off two good weeks even with fractured ribs. He actually had more rushing attempts that he’s seen all year in the game against Atlanta. The Falcons simply played the run much better than the pass (as previously mentioned with Kolb).

The most common frustration I’ve seen this week comes from Hakeem Nicks and Malcom Floyd owners. A week after being the top two scoring WRs, they both put up stinkers. Nicks was double covered most of the game and Eli Manning took the easy options, and Floyd got hurt. These were huge letdowns.

All In or Muck Em? (Hot or Not)

All In (Hot)

Philip Rivers, Kyle Orton, Chris Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall, Jeremy Maclin, Calvin Johnson, Vernon Davis, Aaron Hernandez

What? Philip Rivers is still listed here after last week (you’re wondering)? Absolutely. He still threw for a score and 250 yards and now faces the Patriots defense who cannot stop anyone through the air. Rivers will return to his multi-score ways this week. Okay, I get Rivers, but Kyle Orton too (you now ask)? Again, let me tell you why. Against a top-notch Jets defense, Orton still threw over 200-yards and a touchdown with no turnovers – the latter being the most important part. He has thrown a TD in every game, and it was only the second time he didn’t break 300-yards passing.

It was close to being another off-week for Chris Johnson (on even numbered weeks mind you). That was until a long garbage-time TD run helped his day. With Tennessee using Johnson both during the game and in garbage time, he is a threat for big numbers any given week. Many thought Rashard Mendenhall would be hurt by Ben Roethlisberger’s return. Not so. If anything, it will soften the opposing defenses in the box. He will finish in the top-10 and possibly top-5 for RBs this year.

Jeremy Maclin relied on touchdowns early this year for his value. With DeSean Jackson now out due to a concussion, his value will be at its peak for the next few weeks. Note this is also a good time to sell high. For a guy who could barely lift his arm on Friday, Calvin Johnson sure looked great on Sunday. The bye-week comes at a good and bad time for him. It’s good because Matthew Stafford will be healed and return afterwards, but bad because he was really on a roll of late.

Another player who relies on TDs for much of his value is Vernon Davis. Even though that’s the case, you have to enjoy his current hot-streak, and he has a solid chance to keep it going with the number of redzone targets he sees. Aaron Hernandez has four or more catches in each game after Week 1. Even without a touchdown on the year, that makes Hernandez a good option at tight end, especially with all of the injuries to tight ends so far…and even more so in PPR leagues.

Muck Em (Not)

Mark Sanchez, Matt Hasselbeck, Oakland’s backfield, New England’s backfield, Miami’s backfield, Eddie Royal, Chad Ochocinco, Brent Celek

People were ready to hand Mark Sanchez the city and even a Super Bowl after Weeks 2 and 3. Since then, he has not passed for over 200-yards and has only three TDs and three turnovers to match. The Jets are on a bye, and face a weakened Packers’ defense followed by the Lions and Browns. There is a good chance he can turn things around with those matchups. It’s time to stick a fork in Matt Hasselbeck for Fantasy purposes. If Seattle had better options, they probably would do the same for the team. Hasselbeck has five TDs and six INTs on the year. He is not someone you want to put your faith in, even as a bye-week fill-in.

There is a common theme with Oakland, New England and Miami when it comes to their running back situations – you never know what to expect. With Darren McFadden returning for Oakland, all three of these teams could have a different leader at RB in any given week.

Someone had to get the short end in Denver’s passing game, and it looks like Eddie Royal is the unlucky one. He does have two huge weeks on the year, but the rest of the time shows there just are not enough passes to make him a sure-starter each week for your team. Wait, who was supposed to be Batman and who was Robin in Cincinnati? Whatever the plan was, Terrell Owens is the lead dog. Chad Ochocinco is getting left out, and we all know what is coming when Ocho is unhappy.

Michael Vick was supposed to be a big reason why Brent Celek was less involved this year. However, even with two games in a row with a touchdown scored, Celek still does not have more than four receptions in a game. Last week showed that without a TD his value is rather limited no matter who is at QB for the Eagles.

What’s the Deal for Week 7?

Ace in the Hole (players who will increase your odds of winning)

Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Frank Gore, Jamaal Charles, Randy Moss, Anquan Boldin, Jason Witten

See how well Ben Roethlisberger did in his first week back against the Browns? Well, when you take that situation and add in Drew Brees who is also in mid-season form, you have a matchup made in Fantasy heaven. I spent some time on why Philip Rivers is still considered “hot”. The main point to keep it short and sweet…he faces the Patriots’ seconday this week – easy pickings.

As bad as Carolina is this year, their pass defense is still quality. As a result, expect to see a healthy dose of Frank Gore for the 49ers on this week. He could easily replicate last week’s totals (25 carries and 149 yards). The Chiefs face one of the weakest overall defenses in the league when they host Jacksonville Sunday. Jamaal Charles has more explosiveness than fellow RB Thomas Jones and is why he is a better bet for a bigger game.

Randy Moss has one good game and one so-so performance for the Vikings so far. The Packers defense is hurting and Brett Favre will step up his game against his old team. Expect at least one deep pass this week headed in Moss’ direction. By Anquan Boldin’s standards, the last two weeks have been a bit slow. He did score last week in New England but did not top 100-yards for the third straight game. You can expect Boldin to make every effort to end that streak.

As good as the Giants’ defense has been playing, there is still one area they are weak in – defending the tight end. That is good news for Jason Witten owners as he already is one of the better pass-catching TEs in the league.

The Flop (players who will let you down)

Matt Ryan, Chad Henne, Beanie Wells, Brandon Jackson, Mike Sims-Walker, Roy Williams, Greg Olsen

One of the more underrated secondary units in the league is Cincinnati’s. Atlanta hosts the Bengals this week, and while Matt Ryan won’t ever lose a week for you, this won’t be one of the weeks he wins it. Is there any defense more intimidating than the Steelers in the league right now? Probably not. And that is a major reason why Chad Henne is in for a long day.

The only offense worse than the Cardinals is the Carolina Panthers (who actually have a better rushing game). That is why Beanie Wells still won’t be able to break through on the year as Arizona faces a Seattle defense that has been on fire as of late. If Green Bay wants to hold off Minnesota, it will have to be through the air. The Packers have struggled in the run game ever since they lost Ryan Grant. That is partly due to Brandon Jackson’s mediocre play. He won’t fare much better against the Vikings’ front line.

Mike Sims-Walker may seem like an easy target to pick on right now. Nevertheless, in case anyone is still hoping for a Week 2 repeat at some point, there are a few things to keep in mind. He has two weeks of zero receptions on the year, and the Kansas City defense is much improved. Week 2 may turn out to be an aberration more than a potential of his ability. Dallas was supposed to be moving on from Roy Williams to rookie sensation Dez Bryant this year. Well, Williams has stepped up and said, “I don’t think so.” Okay, so he didn’t SAY that, but his play has. He has five TDs in the past three games. That is actually why he is a bit overrated right now. I am not advising you to sit him, but don’t expect a two TD game against a Giants defense playing at a high level of late.

I warned early in the season that Mike Martz is the death of tight ends. Do you need any more proof now? Certainly Greg Olsen cannot continue to catch zero passes, but the days when he was a top option at the TE position are gone.

Playing the Odds (Pickups and Drops)

The Turn (players who will help you soon, grab if you can)

S = Starter (RB2/WR2 or higher)

F = RB3/WR3, Flex worthy

B = Bye-week fill-in

H = Handcuff/Injury replacement

QB: Matthew Stafford (S), Matt Cassel (B), David Garrard (B)

RB: Chris Ivory (B), Danny Woodhead (B and flex play in PPR)

WR: Roy Williams (S), Pierre Garcon (F), Mike Williams – SEA (F), Deion Branch (B with potential for better), Denario Alexander (B with upside), Patrick Crayton (B)

TE: Heath Miller (S), Owen Daniels (S), Ben Watson (B)

Bluffed (players who thought would help, but won’t so fold them)

QB: Derek Anderson, Jake Delhomme, David Garrard, Chad Henne, Carson Palmer, Alex Smith

RB: Marion Barber, Correll Buckhalter, Justin Forsett, Jerome Harrison, Lawrence Maroney, Willis McGahee, Clinton Portis, Steve Slaton, Darren Sproles, Fred Taylor

WR: Devin Aromashodu, Bernard Berrian, Jerricho Cotchery, Justin Gage, Devery Henderson, Devin Hester, Darrius Heyward-Bay, Mario Manningham, Mohamed Massaquoi, Robert Meachem, Laurent Robinson

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Drew Brees - NO ( CLE )
2 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( MIN )
3 - Philip Rivers - SD ( NE )
4 - Tony Romo - DAL ( NYG )
5 - Tom Brady - NE ( @ SD )
6 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( OAK )
7 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT ( @ MIA )
8 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( BUF )
9 - Eli Manning - NYG ( @ DAL )
10 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( WAS )
11 - Kevin Kolb - PHI ( @ TEN )
12 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( CIN )
13 - Brett Favre - MIN ( @ GB )
14 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( @ CHI )
15 - Matt Cassel - KC ( JAC )
16 - Chad Henne - MIA ( PIT )
17 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( @ ATL )
18 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( ARZ )
19 - Sam Bradford - STL ( @ TB )
20 - Josh Freeman - TB ( STL )
21 - Alex Smith - SF ( @ CAR )
22 - Vince Young - TEN ( PHI )
23 - Ryan Fitzpatrick - BUF ( @ BAL )
24 - Colt McCoy - CLE ( @ NO )
25 - David Garrard - JAC ( @ KC )

Running Back
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Ray Rice - BAL ( BUF )
2 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( PHI )
3 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( @ GB )
4 - Steven Jackson - STL ( @ TB )
5 - Frank Gore - SF ( @ CAR )
6 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( @ MIA )
7 - Michael Turner - ATL ( CIN )
8 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( @ KC )
9 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( JAC )
10 - Matt Forte - CHI ( WAS )
11 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( @ DAL )
12 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( @ TEN )
13 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( @ NO )
14 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( @ ATL )
15 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( SF )
16 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( OAK )
17 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( NE )
18 - Ryan Torain - WAS ( @ CHI )
19 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( @ DEN )
20 - Marshawn Lynch - SEA ( ARZ )
21 - Felix Jones - DAL ( NYG )
22 - Thomas Jones - KC ( JAC )
23 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( @ SEA )
24 - BenJarvus Green-Ellis - NE ( @ SD )
25 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( PIT )
26 - Chris Ivory - NO ( CLE )
27 - Michael Bush - OAK ( @ DEN )
28 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( @ DAL )
29 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( @ BAL )
30 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( MIN )
31 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( SF )
32 - Marion Barber - DAL ( NYG )
33 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( PIT )
34 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( ARZ )
35 - Mike Tolbert - SD ( NE )
36 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( STL )
37 - Danny Woodhead - NE ( @ SD )
38 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( @ BAL )
39 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( @ SEA )
40 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( BUF )
41 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( CLE )
42 - Earnest Graham - TB ( STL )
43 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( WAS )
44 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( CIN )
45 - Ladell Betts - NO ( CLE )
46 - John Kuhn - GB ( MIN )
47 - Darren Sproles - SD ( NE )
48 - Laurence Maroney - DEN ( OAK )
49 - Keiland Williams - WAS ( @ CHI )
50 - LaGarrette Blount - TB ( STL )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Roddy White - ATL ( CIN )
2 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( PIT )
3 - Miles Austin - DAL ( NYG )
4 - Randy Moss - MIN ( @ GB )
5 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( BUF )
6 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( @ SEA )
7 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( @ TEN )
8 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( @ DAL )
9 - Greg Jennings - GB ( MIN )
10 - Brandon Lloyd - DEN ( OAK )
11 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( @ ATL )
12 - Wes Welker - NE ( @ SD )
13 - Marques Colston - NO ( CLE )
14 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( @ GB )
15 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( @ MIA )
16 - Santana Moss - WAS ( @ CHI )
17 - Steve Smith - NYG ( @ DAL )
18 - Hines Ward - PIT ( @ MIA )
19 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( @ CAR )
20 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( @ ATL )
21 - Donald Driver - GB ( MIN )
22 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( JAC )
23 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( WAS )
24 - Mike Williams - TB ( STL )
25 - Roy Williams - DAL ( NYG )
26 - Kenny Britt - TEN ( PHI )
27 - Deion Branch - NE ( @ SD )
28 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( OAK )
29 - Patrick Crayton - SD ( NE )
30 - Mike Williams - SEA ( ARZ )
31 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( NYG )
32 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( BUF )
33 - Lance Moore - NO ( CLE )
34 - Davone Bess - MIA ( PIT )
35 - Robert Meachem - NO ( CLE )
36 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( @ KC )
37 - Danario Alexander - STL ( @ TB )
38 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( @ KC )
39 - Deon Butler - SEA ( ARZ )
40 - Danny Amendola - STL ( @ TB )
41 - Lee Evans - BUF ( @ BAL )
42 - Steve Johnson - BUF ( @ BAL )
43 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( NE )
44 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( @ DEN )
45 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( OAK )
46 - Buster Davis - SD ( NE )
47 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( @ SEA )
48 - Nate Washington - TEN ( PHI )
49 - Jason Avant - PHI ( @ TEN )
50 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( @ DAL )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Vernon Davis - SF ( @ CAR )
2 - Antonio Gates - SD ( NE )
3 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( CIN )
4 - Zach Miller - OAK ( @ DEN )
5 - Jason Witten - DAL ( NYG )
6 - Brent Celek - PHI ( @ TEN )
7 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( @ SD )
8 - Heath Miller - PIT ( @ MIA )
9 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( @ KC )
10 - Tony Moeaki - KC ( JAC )
11 - Benjamin Watson - CLE ( @ NO )
12 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( STL )
13 - Todd Heap - BAL ( BUF )
14 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( @ GB )
15 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( @ CHI )
16 - John Carlson - SEA ( ARZ )
17 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( CLE )
18 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( WAS )
19 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( @ ATL )
20 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( PHI )
21 - Fred Davis - WAS ( @ CHI )
22 - Anthony Fasano - MIA ( PIT )
23 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( @ DAL )
24 - Rob Gronkowski - NE ( @ SD )
25 - Donald Lee - GB ( MIN )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( PHI )
2 - Mason Crosby - GB ( MIN )
3 - Matt Prater - DEN ( OAK )
4 - David Akers - PHI ( @ TEN )
5 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( @ SD )
6 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( CIN )
7 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( @ GB )
8 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( WAS )
9 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( @ MIA )
10 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( @ ATL )
11 - Josh Scobee - JAC ( @ KC )
12 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( @ DEN )
13 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( PIT )
14 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( @ SEA )
15 - Ryan Succop - KC ( JAC )
16 - Billy Cundiff - BAL ( BUF )
17 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( CLE )
18 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( NE )
19 - Graham Gano - WAS ( @ CHI )
20 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( @ DAL )
21 - Josh Brown - STL ( @ TB )
22 - Olindo Mare - SEA ( ARZ )
23 - Phil Dawson - CLE ( @ NO )
24 - David Buehler - DAL ( NYG )
25 - Connor Barth - TB ( STL )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Ravens ( BUF )
2 - Steelers ( @ MIA )
3 - Saints ( CLE )
4 - 49ers ( @ CAR )
5 - Packers ( MIN )
6 - Seahawks ( ARZ )
7 - Giants ( @ DAL )
8 - Vikings ( @ GB )
9 - Bears ( WAS )
10 - Titans ( PHI )
11 - Falcons ( CIN )
12 - Eagles ( @ TEN )
13 - Cowboys ( NYG )
14 - Broncos ( OAK )
15 - Redskins ( @ CHI )
16 - Chiefs ( JAC )
17 - Bengals ( @ ATL )
18 - Rams ( @ TB )
19 - Buccaneers ( STL )
20 - Chargers ( NE )
21 - Patriots ( @ SD )
22 - Dolphins ( PIT )
23 - Panthers ( SF )
24 - Cardinals ( @ SEA )
25 - Raiders ( @ DEN )