All in Sports Fantasy Advice
Week 10 - Football Breakdown and Rankings

Besides vampires with feelings, it seems zombies are all the rage as of late. If you haven’t had a chance to check out AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, I recommend you do so. It’s one of the better-made zombie productions and the only one successful on television (that I know of at least). The reason many people may have not heard about it yet is because it’s on AMC. They don’t have the big name shows, actors, money or even HD (okay that last one does stink a bit).

In reality, that’s the only difference between them and shows like Vampire Diaries…the name and budget. The quality and entertainment is better on the smaller channel (outside of teenage girls drooling over which pale-skinned, sharp-toothed, skinny jean wearing heartthrob will profess his “undying” love this week). Like most things, you can equate this to Fantasy Football. What’s the difference between Arian Foster and Adrian Peterson in 2010? Not much except the big name and previous experience. But what do those get you THIS year? Nothing.

You’ve seen it done before, but let’s look at some players.

Player A: 2,509 passing yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs – 17.3 FPA (Fantasy Point Average)

Player B: 2,587 passing yards, 18 TDs, 12 INTs – 16.3 FPA

Have you figured them out? Here’s some more help. Player A went mostly undrafted, Player B averaged a first round selection (foolishly, but that’s another topic). Got it yet? The first QB is Kyle Orton, and the second is Drew Brees.

Let’s do another one.

Player A: 644 yards rushing, 8 TDs (one receiving) – 15.1 FPA

Player B: 721 yards rushing, 8 TDs (all rushing) – 14.9 FPA

Let’s just say Player A wasn’t even starting the first few games, and Player B was supposed to break records. The first is Peyton Hillis and CJ2K, the first player drafted in most leagues, is the other.

Okay, one more.

Player A: 55 receptions, 770 receiving yards, 7 TDs – 14.5 FPA

Player B: 42 receptions, 878 receiving yards, 4 TDs – 13.4 FPA

If you’re smart, you caught that this one was a bit of a trick comparison. While the first is well known, Terrell Owens was not supposed to contribute much, let alone lead all WRs on the season. The second player is the better example of an unheralded name, and Orton’s teammate, Brand Lloyd. For a better comparison, let’s look at the consensus No. 1 WR going into 2010, Andre Johnson: 43 receptions, 635 yards, 3 TDs – 9.8 FPA.

At this point, the message should be clear. It’s like generic medicine – why pay for the brand name when you get the same results for less? Stop worrying when Hillis will fall off or wonder if Steve Johnson is for real or trying to upgrade your QB from Orton. Every year we see players come from nowhere to surprise everyone…again, just look at Arian Foster. I am not suggesting jumping on the one-week wonders. Nevertheless, after continuous production that matches the level of the big names, it’s time to jump on board and enjoy the ride.

Settling Up Week 9

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Aaron Rodgers

Nothing helps make up for the blues of facing the Jets like getting the Cowboys in the next game. Dallas cannot stop anyone right now, and that was again the case Sunday as Rodgers threw for 289 yards and three TDs. He will continue to be an elite level QB1 and fortunately does not play the Jets again.

Arian Foster

The number one overall running back just keeps churning out great performances. In his past three games, Foster now has an even 300 yards rushing with five TDs. He is easily one of the biggest values on the season and has another great week coming up as Jacksonville is on tap.

Terrell Owens

Who would have thought Owens would resurrect his career-playing sidekick to Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati? He was a low-round draft pick this year, and in fact, is not the sidekick but the lead dog. Through Week 9, Owens is the No. 1 ranked WR and tore up Pittsburgh for 141 yards and two TDs on ten catches.

River Rat (players who surprised everyone)

Brett Favre

He’s a zombie. No seriously, the guy just keeps coming back from the dead. Just when everyone is ready to cast off Favre, he goes and hits a new career-high in passing yards. Granted, the Cardinals defense is one of the weakest in the league. Still, no one saw a 446-yard and two TD game coming.

Peyton Hillis

If someone gave you 10,000:1 odds that Hillis would be in the top five for RBs, at any point let alone come Week 10, you still would have turned down that bet. Well, here we are and Hillis is ahead of big time RBs like Frank Gore, Chris Johnson and Michael Turner. Look out though because he has a big test this week against the Jets.

Seyi Ajirotutu

Try to find a site telling you how to pronounce his name correctly. Actually, try to find a site that actually has some decent information on the guy. It’s not easy, but more may be written about him now. Ajirotutu put up 111 yards receiving and two TDs on the Texans. While it’s impressive, it was more due to Philip Rivers’ amazing season, and that the Houston defense is leakier than a submarine screen door.

Gut Shot (players who let everyone down)

Peyton Manning

For only the second time this year, Manning failed to throw for two or more scores. On top of that, he threw two INTs for the first time of 2010. With his backfield in shambles, it was expected that the Colts would lean heavily on Manning’s shoulder. While the 294 yards look solid, the one TD and two picks kept Manning on the lower end of performances.

Darren McFadden

There were so many people jumping on the McFadden bandwagon that there was a good chance he would get hurt again. He’s still hanging on, but an 89-yard performance against Kansas City wasn’t what owners were expecting. Things don’t get any easier for him as Pittsburgh is on tap after the bye.

Calvin Johnson

Darrelle Revis is known as the definition for shutdown corner. However, he has been banged up this year and is not on par with his normal production. Calvin Johnson is supposed to be near matchup-proof, but that wasn’t the case, and Revis looked like the Revis of old. Johnson was held to one catch for 13 yards and had many owners in a foul mood.

What’s the Deal for Week 10?

All In (players I’m high on) Ace in the Hole

Peyton Manning

Isn’t it fun as an owner when you can say a day with only one TD-pass and 11 points is a bad game? That is the case with one of the greatest QBs of all time. Manning continues to define the quarterback position and what it is to be a game manager. What happens when he has an off game? He bounces back in a big way. Look out as Indy plays host to Cincinnati this week.

Eli Manning

Little bro isn’t so little when it comes to performance any more. The surprising fact is his numbers could be even better if his receivers didn’t tip so many passes – several leading to interceptions. Last time he faced Dallas, he threw for 306 yards and four TDs. Things have only gotten worse for the Cowboys since then, which means Eli is primed for another big day.

Michael Vick

If there was no concern over a possible injury, Vick would rank as one of the top three QBs along with Peyton and Rivers. Unfortunately, his dual-threat ability makes him a constant risk to get hurt. He faces the Redskins who are the ones responsible for his first injury. Don’t expect that to slow him down, however. He may be a bit more tentative, but even a cautionary Vick is better than most.

Arian Foster

You see the name; it’s still hard to believe. You watch him play, you still aren’t wowed like Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson wow you. None of that matters. Foster is easily an elite level RB1 now and with Jacksonville on the schedule, things cannot get much better.

Chris Johnson/Adrian Peterson

Whoever went first in drafts, the other went second. I grouped them together because you don’t need me to tell you anything about them. Simply put, you own them they start no matter what, and you know why.

Jamaal Charles

What would you do if you had one player averaging 7.14 yards a touch, and the other was at 4.19? 99.9% of you would get that first guy more touches. That 0.1%, well that is Chiefs’ coach Todd Haley, and he is enamored with Thomas Jones even though Charles’ is the superior performer. Hopefully, after last week’s game of 32 yards on 19 carries for Jones, Haley starts to lean towards Charles more (and I’m thinking he may start to). Then again, he hasn’t been logical to this point.

Reggie Wayne

The go-to receiver for Peyton is also the most consistent and healthy. While teammates have dropped like flies around Wayne, he continues to show up and produce every week. His lowest point total on the season is six and has reached double-digits three times. Look for him to make it four this week against the Bengals.

Roddy White

He’s hurt, it’s a short week for the Falcons, and there are worries. Understandable. Just know that if he can heal up, White is a must-start option with only two games in single-digits for points (one being last week during the injury).

Hakeem Nicks

Anyone think Olajuwon would be upset if Nicks stole his nickname “The Dream”? Either way, that’s exactly what Nicks has been this season. He’s a touchdown monster with nine already on the year. Like Eli, he gets a Dallas team this Sunday that he lit up just a few weeks back.

DeSean Jackson

There are two factors to Jackson’s success – his health and Vick starting at QB. As long as those two things are good to go, DJax is a Fantasy star. In the three weeks they’ve played a full game together, Vick and DJax have connected on 16 passes for 397 yards and three TDs.

Jacob Tamme

It’s Peyton Manning’s new best friend. Tamme was targeted an astounding 17 times by Peyton last week. He caught 11 of those attempts for 108 yards and a score. He’s not Dallas Clark, but with Manning looking his way that often, his value will remain near the top for TEs.

Muck ‘Em (players I’m down on) The Flop

Mark Sanchez

This guy has a built in hype machine or something. Take it easy everyone. It was one game. It was against the Lions. It was still only one TD pass. Plus, a good chunk of that yardage was Santonio Holmes’ doing. Don’t fall into the hype again.

Donovan McNabb

I mentioned last week that he has a great playoff schedule. I still don’t think he should be waived for that reason and if a big name QB goes down, he would be a better fill-in than most. But, look at the numbers and the situation – plus, look at the last game against Philly. Okay, now take some Pepto.

Chad Henne

Six straight games with an interception and two straight without a touchdown. Let’s just say Miami might be looking QB again in the draft.

LaDainian Tomlinson

LDT’s first five games’ average yardage per carry = 5.72. Since then = 3.49. It’s pretty simple. Tomlinson is wearing down a bit, and the Jets will look to get Shonn Greene more involved to keep Tomlinson ready for the stretch run. He’s not bench material, but he’s no longer the early season darling he was.

Any Carolina RB

Not only can the offense not get on track, none of the running backs can stay healthy or perform when asked. If DeAngelo Williams is out this week, Mike Goodson steps in. Yea, it’s that bad.

Marshawn Lynch

Wasn’t he supposed to be rejuvenated in Seattle? Well, that obviously hasn’t happened. Plus, as long as Charlie Whitehurst starts, the defenses will look to stop the run first. Maybe a trip to Arizona will help this week…maybe.

Wes Welker

There were concerns about Welker’s production even before Randy Moss left. Now they are compounded by the fact he’s simply not equipped to handle the No. 1 WR role. With Pittsburgh on tap, don’t expect things to get any better.

Lee Evans

Okay, maybe it’s really Lee Evans and not the Bills. Owners have passed off most of Evans’ struggles on his situation, and then were excited again by his two-week outburst. Now, he’s been passed over by Steve Johnson, and Fitzpatrick has shown he’s a capable QB and not his fault. While Detroit is a nice matchup this week, the Bills schedule is pretty tough after, and Evans is out of excuses.

Eddie Royal

There are a few things I hate in Fantasy Football – Denver WRs (behind Lloyd) and Saints WRs (after Colston) are two of them. Royal is a long forgotten piece of the puzzle in Denver. The most he’ll get you at this point is one more big game only to fool you into wasting a starting spot on him – plus, the Chiefs defense this week is underrated and tough on the pass.

Todd Heap

Speaking of players who trick you into using them…Heap seems to have a few games each year where you think he’s back to his old ways. The fact is he simply isn’t a starting Fantasy TE anymore. You can’t hope to guess right on which few weeks he’ll help because more frequently, he hurts you.

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: David Garrard (S), Shaun Hill (S), Kevin Kolb (H – Vick is bound to get hurt again, no?)

RB: Danny Woodhead (F), Mike Goodson (B/H – if Williams is out he’s a fill-in), C.J. Spiller (H – Buffalo might want to see what they have)

WR: Mike Thomas (F), Nate Washington (F), James Jones (B), Nate Burleson (B)

TE: Jacob Tamme (S – grab if no one has, now!), Joel Dreessen (B – as long as Daniels is out)

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

QB: Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Alex Smith, Matthew Stafford

RB: Marion Barber, Ladell Betts, Ronnie Brown, Justin Forsett, Jerome Harrison, Tim Hightower, Chris Ivory, Lawrence Maroney, Clinton Portis, Steve Slaton, Jonathan Stewart, Cadillac Williams

WR: Bernard Berrian, Kenny Britt, Deon Butler, Jerricho Cotchery, Devery Henderson, Devin Hester, Robert Meachem, Legedu Naanee, Laurent Robinson, Brandon Tate, Roy Williams

TE: Brent Celek, Greg Olsen, Tony Scheffler, Jeremy Shockey

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Peyton Manning - IND ( CIN )
2 - Eli Manning - NYG ( DAL )
3 - Michael Vick - PHI ( @ WAS )
4 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( @ JAC )
5 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT ( NE )
6 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( @ ATL )
7 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( KC )
8 - David Garrard - JAC ( HOU )
9 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( BAL )
10 - Ryan Fitzpatrick - BUF ( DET )
11 - Tom Brady - NE ( @ PIT )
12 - Josh Freeman - TB ( CAR )
13 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( @ IND )
14 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( MIN )
15 - Brett Favre - MIN ( @ CHI )
16 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( @ CLE )
17 - Vince Young - TEN ( @ MIA )
18 - Matt Cassel - KC ( @ DEN )
19 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( PHI )
20 - Sam Bradford - STL ( @ SF )
21 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( @ ARZ )
22 - Troy Smith - SF ( STL )
23 - Chad Henne - MIA ( TEN )
24 - Shaun Hill - DET ( @ BUF )
25 - Jon Kitna - DAL ( @ NYG )

Running Back
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Arian Foster - HOU ( @ JAC )
2 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( @ CHI )
3 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( @ MIA )
4 - Frank Gore - SF ( STL )
5 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( HOU )
6 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( NE )
7 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( @ DEN )
8 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( DAL )
9 - Michael Turner - ATL ( BAL )
10 - Steven Jackson - STL ( @ SF )
11 - Ray Rice - BAL ( @ ATL )
12 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( @ IND )
13 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( NYJ )
14 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( @ WAS )
15 - Jahvid Best - DET ( @ BUF )
16 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( @ CLE )
17 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( KC )
18 - LeGarrette Blount - TB ( CAR )
19 - Thomas Jones - KC ( @ DEN )
20 - Matt Forte - CHI ( MIN )
21 - Marshawn Lynch - SEA ( @ ARZ )
22 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( DET )
23 - Donald Brown - IND ( CIN )
24 - Ryan Torain - WAS ( PHI )
25 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( TEN )
26 - Beanie Wells - ARZ ( SEA )
27 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( DAL )
28 - Danny Woodhead - NE ( @ PIT )
29 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( @ CLE )
30 - Felix Jones - DAL ( @ NYG )
31 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( @ ATL )
32 - Mike Goodson - CAR ( @ TB )
33 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( TEN )
34 - Tim Hightower - ARZ ( SEA )
35 - BenJarvus Green-Ellis - NE ( @ PIT )
36 - C.J. Spiller - BUF ( DET )
37 - Javarris James - IND ( CIN )
38 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( MIN )
39 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( @ ARZ )
40 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( @ TB )
41 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( CAR )
42 - Derrick Ward - HOU ( @ JAC )
43 - Keiland Williams - WAS ( PHI )
44 - Kevin Smith - DET ( @ BUF )
45 - Marion Barber - DAL ( @ NYG )
46 - LaRod Stephens-Howling - ARZ ( SEA )
47 - Javon Ringer - TEN ( @ MIA )
48 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( BAL )
49 - Tashard Choice - DAL ( @ NYG )
50 - Toby Gerhart - MIN ( @ CHI )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( @ JAC )
2 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( DAL )
3 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( CIN )
4 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( @ BUF )
5 - Roddy White - ATL ( BAL )
6 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARZ ( SEA )
7 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( @ WAS )
8 - Terrell Owens - CIN ( @ IND )
9 - Brandon Lloyd - DEN ( KC )
10 - Steve Smith - NYG ( DAL )
11 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( @ ATL )
12 - Randy Moss - TEN ( @ MIA )
13 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( TEN )
14 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( NE )
15 - Steve Johnson - BUF ( DET )
16 - Hines Ward - PIT ( NE )
17 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( @ CHI )
18 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( @ DEN )
19 - Mike Williams - TB ( CAR )
20 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( @ NYG )
21 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( @ WAS )
22 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( HOU )
23 - Miles Austin - DAL ( @ NYG )
24 - Santana Moss - WAS ( PHI )
25 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( STL )
26 - Santonio Holmes - NYJ ( @ CLE )
27 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( CIN )
28 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( MIN )
29 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( @ CLE )
30 - Lee Evans - BUF ( DET )
31 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( @ IND )
32 - Steve Smith - CAR ( @ TB )
33 - Mike Williams - SEA ( @ ARZ )
34 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( @ ATL )
35 - Nate Washington - TEN ( @ MIA )
36 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( HOU )
37 - Nate Burleson - DET ( @ BUF )
38 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( KC )
39 - Davone Bess - MIA ( TEN )
40 - Steve Breaston - ARZ ( SEA )
41 - Wes Welker - NE ( @ PIT )
42 - Bernard Berrian - MIN ( @ CHI )
43 - Danny Amendola - STL ( @ SF )
44 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( DAL )
45 - Earl Bennett - CHI ( MIN )
46 - Danny Woodhead - NE ( @ PIT )
47 - Blair White - IND ( CIN )
48 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( KC )
49 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( @ JAC )
50 - Deion Branch - NE ( @ PIT )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Vernon Davis - SF ( STL )
2 - Jacob Tamme - IND ( CIN )
3 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( @ CLE )
4 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( PHI )
5 - Jason Witten - DAL ( @ NYG )
6 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( @ BUF )
7 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( HOU )
8 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( BAL )
9 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( @ PIT )
10 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( @ CHI )
11 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( CAR )
12 - Tony Moeaki - KC ( @ DEN )
13 - Todd Heap - BAL ( @ ATL )
14 - Heath Miller - PIT ( NE )
15 - Brent Celek - PHI ( @ WAS )
16 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( MIN )
17 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( @ JAC )
18 - Benjamin Watson - CLE ( NYJ )
19 - John Carlson - SEA ( @ ARZ )
20 - Joel Dreessen - HOU ( @ JAC )
21 - Anthony Fasano - MIA ( TEN )
22 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( @ BUF )
23 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( @ MIA )
24 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( DAL )
25 - Jermaine Gresham - CIN ( @ IND )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( TEN )
2 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( @ MIA )
3 - David Akers - PHI ( @ WAS )
4 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( BAL )
5 - Josh Scobee - JAC ( HOU )
6 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( CIN )
7 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( @ JAC )
8 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( DAL )
9 - Matt Prater - DEN ( KC )
10 - Nick Folk - NYJ ( @ CLE )
11 - Billy Cundiff - BAL ( @ ATL )
12 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( @ CHI )
13 - Ryan Succop - KC ( @ DEN )
14 - Mike Nugent - CIN ( @ IND )
15 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( NE )
16 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( MIN )
17 - Jay Feely - ARZ ( SEA )
18 - Josh Brown - STL ( @ SF )
19 - Phil Dawson - CLE ( NYJ )
20 - Rian Lindell - BUF ( DET )

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