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 )