Monthly Archives: October 2013

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Fantasy Sports: Trades

Being Proactive Vs. Being Annoying

I am all for trying to better your roster from the time the draft ends to the very second that you are eliminated from the playoffs.  I even love making trades during a draft.  That’s why I always prefer having a live in-person draft because you can use some of the best skills a poker player possesses to your advantage.  You can read a person’s reaction to a pick. (bad or good.)  You can use your memory of how much an owner loves a certain player to corner them into a trade.  You can even use your mathematical skills to gain an advantage when trading draft picks.

The problem I have seen with online drafts full of anonymous strangers is there is little to no advantage to be culled for trade purposes during a draft.  The message board is often filled with braggadocio and insults, and offers little useful information to the cunning owner.  The occasional, you sniped me comment, can be used, but even then the owner knows they opened their big mouth during the draft.   The trade block after a draft is filled with mistake picks that look like road side junk on the way to a theme park.

After a draft is always a delicate time for trades.  It’s easy to take a player or two off an owner’s hands that had some buyer’s remorse, but trying to pry away top draft picks is often a fruitless endeavor.  They were drafted high for a reason.  The owner believes in their talent and opportunity.  The only time I even try and go after an owner’s first few picks is when there is some post draft news that may affect how in love they really are with that player.  Is the backup all of a sudden going to be handed a bigger role.  Is there an injury that went unnoticed in the preseason.

Make Sure You See The Signs

Bear Sleeping

If an owner tells you up front that they would prefer not to talk about trades until after the season starts, take that as a big hint.  They are basically posting a huge warning sign that states CLOSED UNTIL THE SEASON.  Treat these owners like they are bears in hibernation.  You don’t really want to go prodding the bear and end up creating an enemy for life.

If an owner says a certain player is OFF LIMITS don’t cross that line.  As the great @WHUDEY says all the time, habitual line steppers will be put in their place!  No rationale or pointing out of holes in an owner’s lineup will help you pry away an untouchable.  You will only make that owner dig in deeper, like a jungle warrior trying to avoid an invading army.  You are only setting yourself up for disaster if you keep on with the assault.

If an owner says they have a certain need, make sure your trade offer solves that problem otherwise you are wasting people’s time.  Don’t try and sell your offer as a problem solver if it only puts a band-aid on an open wound.  When someone loses Reggie Wayne for the year don’t offer them Hakeem Nicks for Jimmy Graham.  Not only are you insulting their intelligence, you are bringing your own into question.

Message received

If your 100 MESSAGES aren’t being returned it’s time to rethink your strategy.  Trying to get a trade done is not a war of attrition.  You don’t try and wear down the other owner until they finally accept an offer.  You are not only alienating the owner, but you are setting yourself up for a big problem.  If you continuously set your sites on one player you can make so many offers that you may make a mistake where you give away way too much for that player. It’s especially dangerous if the owner you are trying to force a trade with is a poker player.   A good owner (poker player) could be just checking and checking every time they decline your trade offers without a reason, waiting to trap you into that one big hand where he empties your wallet. (roster.)

Being First To The Feeding Frenzy

When there is a major injury on a Sunday in fantasy football, the first thing I do is check the owner of that player’s roster for possible trade fits.  I treat that owner as if they are a stranded swimmer out in the ocean.  Life boats will be coming at them from all angles with some boats looking more inviting then others.  Being first to lend a hand with a sensible offer can put you at the head of the line if there are multiple owners with similar offers.  Remember that most owner’s worst traits tend to come out when they smell blood in the water.   They offer their waiver wire bound wide receiver and act like it’s the golden ticket from Willy Wonka.  I’m pretty sure Slugworth wouldn’t even want Miles Austin on his roster if it meant some of Wonka’s secrets.

Please use these tips as a guide of what not to do in trying to trade in fantasy sports.

Fantasy Football and Social Media

The New York Post released an article Tuesday recounting a disgusting barrage of tweets that New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was subjected to before and after the The Giants faced the Minnesota Vikings at Metlife Stadium. Jacobs exposed the idiot who threatened him and his family as well as another self-centered fantasy football participant who thought Jacobs owed him a personal injury report before fantasy lineups locked on Sunday by saving the screen-shots of the tweets.

Brandon Jacobs injured

I will not dignify the hooligan who threatened Jacobs and his family yesterday by referring to him as a fantasy football player. He is a cyber-bullying thug. He thought he could anonymously threaten a player and his family using a hobby as an excuse and nothing would be done. Well now his family and friends know what an idiot he is and hopefully some fans see this as a warning. It’s fanatics and hooligans like this guy that ruin the the social media experience for players and for real fans.

I hate to break it to some of you out there, but professional athletes care less about your fantasy sports team than I do about the dangers of carbohydrates. They literally put their lives at risk to provide entertainment for us. If you think that I’m being melodramatic please watch some clips of former Philadelphia Eagles‘ fullback Kevin Turner’s visit to former Oakland Raiders‘  fullback Steve Smith’s home. They both suffer from ALS after sacrificing their bodies on the football field each and every Sunday. Jermichael Finley suffered a terrible neck injury this weekend against the Cleveland Browns, and still some idiots had the nerve to complain about how it affected their fantasy football teams.

Cyber-bullying is a foreign concept to me. If I was bullied when I was growing up, it was to my face and I had my chance at recourse. Being the behemoth that I am it hardly ever happened and when my friends fell victim they always had me to come to the rescue. The children of today are so connected yet so isolated. They have face-time, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, snap-chat, to stay in touch at all times. Think about that. There is zero privacy. People can say whatever they want to you at any time even if you don’t want to communicate with them. When I was a kid and didn’t want to talk to people I would just hang out at home and unplug the answering machine with the very cutting edge background music taped from MTV’s Headbanger’s ball.

I was a child of the late ’70s and ’80s. I was introduced to AOL in high school and only used AIM to talk to the three or four friends who actually had a computer. I use Facebook now to keep up with family and friends who have scattered across the country, and I use Twitter to interact with like-minded sports and pop-culture fans. Whether it’s a late night conversation about a controversial call in a big game or reminiscing about how much we loved Rocky IV, it’s mainly been a positive experience.

There are the occasional wackos that berate me for telling them to bench a player that goes off, but it’s never gotten to the point of a threat. I don’t even give these fantasy football fanatics the satisfaction of a rebuttal. That’s what most of these wackos want. They want you to notice them and engage them. Any attention, even negative attention, makes them feel good. I try to be as courteous as possible because you never know who you’re dealing with. These people take the pastime or hobby of fantasy football way too far.

I regularly send tweets or messages to professional athletes on Twitter and Facebook. Probably once a month. Almost every time it has been to give them words of encouragement or ask how they were doing after a surgery or a tough loss. Many of ourNew York Giants are glad to reach out and have a short Twitter conversation to let you know they appreciate the support. If they don’t reply, I completely understand that they lead very busy lives and are not there to answer each and every tweet they receive. When they do reply I get a big kick out of having short back and forth. I can’t imagine how much a young fan would enjoy the same experience. If I was able to send a tweet to Mark Bavaro or Lawrence Taylor when I was 10 years old and they answered me back I may have died on the spot. Just recently I sent a tweet to Andre Brown about his recovery from surgery and we had a nice back and forth while he searched for ice cream.

This amount of interaction is amazing to me. I remember sitting with my neighbor growing up, and he would tell me that some of his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers used to live right on his street growing up. They would go to the same stores and even attend the same church. They would congratulate the Dodger players after a big win and try and lift their spirits after a tough loss. I was so jealous hearing this. I couldn’t imagine seeing Don Mattingly or Dave Winfield walking on my block or sitting behind me in church. I’m sure it would become old hat after a while if that was the norm, but things like that hadn’t been the norm since the 1940s.

Now we have a different kind of glimpse into the personal lives of professional athletes and celebrities. We follow them on Twitter to see their conversations. We follow them on Instagram to see all the interesting places they go. We follow them on Facebook so we can see when their next personal appearance might be. Some players use social media strictly as a platform for their business while others use it to help shape their public persona for future jobs. I remember earlier this year Chris Perez of the Cleveland Indians was one of the funniest pitchers on Twitter and regularly interacted with his fans. Then he went through a tough stretch trying to save games while he was injured and the hooligans rained down on him. He immediately closed his Twitter account and one of the best athlete Twitter feeds was lost. (This all happened before his dog received an infamous shipment).

My suggestion to everyone is to treat social media interactions as if you were being taped. Would you want your parents or co-workers to see what you typed? How about your family or friends? If the answer is no, then for the love of God, don’t hit send. People have been fired from their jobs and lost their loved ones over what has been said on social media. Even though we tend to put professional athletes and celebrities on a pedestal and think they are not of this world, they are human beings first and should be treated with respect. Even A-Rod. (at least I think he’s human)

So the next time Hakeem Nicks drops a pass or David Wilson fumbles a ball please don’t feel the need to remind them on Twitter or Facebook. I’m sure they feel bad enough as it is. Besides, a true fan would be trying to build them up instead of tearing them down.

This post originally appeared at www.bigblueview.com on Monday October 21st, 2013.

 

Fantasy Football: NY Giants Week 8 Start/Sit


Well this week I finally get to write a start/sit post after a win. We did win that game on Monday night, didn’t we?  It almost feels like a loss the way that game played out against the Vikings. After all, Josh Freeman’s incompletions got more highlights then Eli Manning’s touchdown pass to Rueben Randle.

Peyton HillisThe Giants‘ offense didn’t necessarily set the world on fire Monday night, but there were some good signs. The emergence of Peyton Hillis as a third down back is a huge thing. The Vikings were extremely susceptible to running backs in the passing game before they faced the Giants, but until Monday night there was no way of telling if the Giants could actually exploit that. Hillis proved to be a capable blocker and pass catcher as he racked up 5 receptions for 45 yards in his first game with the Giants.

The Vikings decided to keep their safeties in the middle of the field to try and containVictor Cruz and left Hakeem Nicks singled up on the outside most of the game. Nicks was unable to get going as he had his worst game of the season in a great match up.  He had a team high ten targets and managed only two receptions for twenty eight yards.  The only good news concerning Nicks is the fact that he is now facing an Eagles team that he absolutely destroyed earlier this year.

Start/Sit

Eli Manning-295.44 yards 1.28 TDs 1.29 INTs-numberFire

Well numberFire has Eli turning throwing more interceptions than touchdown this week.  Can you blame them?  The Eagles actually played a pretty good defensive game last week against the Cowboyspicking off Tony Romo twice, but were still exposed by the Cowboys outside wide receivers.  If the Eagles continue to give the same looks to the Giants I expect Eli to have to throw the ball to Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle on the outside.  If those two receivers can make plays for Eli than Eli could finish in the top 12 of fantasy quarterbacks this weekend.  If they don’t make the plays Eli will struggle.

Brandon Jacobs-12.38 carries for 43.47 yards and .24 touch downs-numberFire

If Brandon Jacobs is healthy enough to go this week he will be a RB2 in most formats.  The Eagles can be run on and Jacobs is the best runner the Giants currently have.  While I like his skills much more for standard leagues, I will be putting him in my line ups in PPR as well as there are six NFL teams on byes this week.

Peyton Hillis-5.28 carries for 16.56 yards and .09 TDs 1.86 receptions for 17.28 yards and .09 TDs-numberFire

Hillis proved that he is the Giants best asset out of the backfield in the passing game.  In PPR leagues I would be using him this week if I had injury or bye week problems.  I doubt he will get goal line looks with Jacobs back, but you never know.  Especially if the Giants go to their patented shotgun draw play at the goal line.

Victor Cruz-6.19 receptions for 89.78 yards and .59 TDs-numberFire

Cruz has gotten a lot of extra attention lately as Hakeem Nicks has struggled to get going.  He is still a must start in all formats, but Nicks needs to get going for Cruz to put up the big numbers.

Hakem Nicks-3.63 receptions for 48.39 yards and .33 TDs-numberFire

Nicks has really struggled lately, but he has a tremendous match up this week.  He still has the skills to get open.  He still has the huge hands and big catch radius.  He must come up big this week for the Giants to win and for you to win in fantasy football.

Rueben Randle-2.19 receptions for 34.32 yards and .32 TDs-numberFire

Randle was once again hit or miss last week as he made a tremendous reception for a touchdown and a terrible fumble on a punt return.  Hopefully facing the team that he torched a few short weeks ago will help him get out of the doghouse.  Randle will be in a ton of lineups because of the bye weeks and I expect him to have a very solid game.  Much higher than the numberFire projection.

Brandon Myers-3.62 receptions for 39.11 yards and .21 touchdowns-numberFire

Myers has not been a big part of the offense lately. In his last five games Myers has put up two goose-eggs and a total of seven receptions.  I am not starting him in any leagues. The Giants are simply not looking his way, because of a variety of reasons.  I would rather start the Jets‘ Jeff Cumberland or the Cardinals‘ Rob Housler if you need a bye week fill in.

Fantasy Whip Around

Injuries, injuries and more injuries. Week seven saw multiple quarterbacks go down with injuries as well as top fantasy draft picks Reggie Wayne and Doug Martin.

The quarterback injuries shouldn’t affect many fantasy teams as Sam Bradford and Jay Cutler were always 2nd string fantasy QBs.  Cutler was having a nice year, but there are plenty of good arms on the waiver wire.

The injury to Reggie Wayne will be tough to recover from for fantasy teams. DHB gets a bump and should be the first guy to take a flyer on, but I would also look to Kendall Hunter and Nate Washington in Tennessee. They are both available in a bunch of leagues and should be able to fill your flex spots.

Doug Martin has not been ruled out for the rest of the year just yet, but owners should immediately pick up Mike James just in case.  If James has been scooped up take a look around the waiver wire for high upside guys like Roy Helu Jr. or Jonathan Stewart.

I have to say that this week’s episode of my Trick Plays podcast on Itunes is our best episode yet.  Please subscribe so you never miss out. Thanks!

Feel free to ask me any start/sit or trade questions on Twitter @Coachesser or by messaging me on Facebook by liking Coachesser’s Playbook.  You can also read my articles at www.coachesser.com and listen to the definitive fantasy football podcast on Itunes or Stitcher Radio by subscribing to the Trick Plays podcast hosted by Micah James (@FFMagicMan) and myself.

Fantasy Football: Week 7 Thoughts

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

Marshawn Lynch was his usual powerful self running for over 90 yards and scoring a touchdown.  His middle finger to the sideline on a goal-line pass call was like a scene from the cutting room floor of Any Given Sunday.  If I were Lynch I would be pissed as well as he is as good as it gets at the goal line.  Russell Wilson broke the spell of underperforming QBs on Thursday night as he managed 3 TDs through the air and ran for an additional 29 yards.  Zach Miller continued the tight end dominance against the Cardinals as he had 5 grabs for 40 yards and a TD.  The return of Percy Harvin to practice this week makes him a top waiver priority, but don’t expect huge numbers in this run first offense.

The Cardinals on the other hand were lucky that the scoreboard didn’t reflect their actual play.  Waiver wire darling Andre Ellington managed 5 touches for 13 yards, as Rashard Mendenhall once again led the Cardinals’ backfield in touches with 13.  Mendenhall was once again ineffective as he had only 22 yards on 13 carries, but did manage a rushing TD.  Larry Fitzgerald was playing on a balky hamstring and it showed.  He only had 2 receptions for 17 yards on 5 targets.  Michael Floyd led the Cardinals in yardage and targets, while Rob Housler had a lot of “garbage time” looks.  Housler finished with a season high 7 receptions for 53 yards.  If Jermichael Finley was your TE1 Housler may be a better roster filler than whoever gets named Finley’s replacement.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

Mike Glennon was able to top 20 fantasy points once again as he made it a point to target Vincent Jackson whenever possible.  Jackson led all wide receivers in week 7 with 22 targets, while finishing with a tremendous 10 receptions for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Tim Wright got the bulk of the passing down snaps, but didn’t see the targets necessary to make him fantasy football relevant.  Doug Martin had juicy match up against Atlanta and of course he was injured while running the ball in the red zone.  Mike James took over and looked very capable in Martin’s absence.  Schiano won’t admit that Martin’s shoulder injury is season ending yet, but I would be targeting Mike James in all free agent systems.  The volume will be there and he is a skilled runner so it could be worth mortgaging your FAAB budget if your early round running backs didn’t pan out. (Wilson, T-Rich, Spiller, etc.)

The demise of Matt Ryan was greatly exaggerated as he had a fantastic fantasy day against the Buccaneers.  His big first half was enough to calm many a fantasy GMs nerves.  Jacquizz Rogers  had a great PPR day with 8 receptions for 46 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the Falcons as team found it difficult to run the ball as they had 18 carries for 18 total yards.  With Steven Jackson having a set back last week it only solidifies Rogers’ PPR value.  Tony Gonzalez was thought to be the beneficiary of all the lost targets from the losses of Julio Jones and Roddy White, but Harry Douglas had other plans.  Douglas had his best fantasy day as a pro with 7 receptions for 149 yards and touchdown, while Gonzo had 2 receptions for 30 yards.

Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions

The Bengals’ Andy Dalton must have heard me muttering a few weeks ago about his lack of production.  I was sold on him coming into the year as the poor man’s Matt Ryan with all the weapons at his disposal, but he had failed to breakout until the last two weeks.  Dalton had 372 yards and 3 touchdowns in a tough road game in Detroit.  AJ Green had a huge game with 6 receptions for 155 yards and a TD.  The Bengals talented tight end duo of Gresham and Eifert had 7 receptions for over 100 yards and a touchdown combined.  Giovani Bernard was held in check, but still managed over 10 points in full point PPR leagues.  Marvin Jones had a nice TD and could be taking over a the WR2 very soon.  For those of you that lost Reggie Wayne this weekend in deep leagues, I could see taking flier on the talented Jones. 

Calvin Johnson

Matthew Stafford was once again a player that many thought about benching going against a very tough Cincy Defense that never gives up 300 yard games, but if you stayed the course you were rewarded.  While Stafford wasn’t terribly efficient (28/51) he did manage to throw for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns.  That gives him 7 passing TDs over the last two weeks.  Reggie Bush got plenty of opportunities with 20 carries and 5 targets, but only managed 94 yards.  Calvin Johnson broke out big time with 9 receptions for 155 yards and 2 TDs after being a decoy last week.  Kris Durham was targeted 8 times and came away with 5 receptions for 41 yards.  Joseph Fauria was NOT the tight end to reach the end zone as Brandon Pettigrew was able to catch a touch down pass.  Fauria did see 3 targets in the end zone.  Nate Burleson is almost back and will be a welcome sight for this offense.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Thad Lewis was unable to match his week 6 fantasy output (who knew) and finished with 0 TDs.  Stevie Johnson was his favorite target with 13 total targets, but only managed 6 receptions for 61 yards.  CJ Spiller had 9 touches for 7 total yards.  7!!!!!  The future is as cloudy as it’s ever been for this top fantasy draft pick.  Fred Jackson was injured twice during the game,  but toughed it out and managed the only offensive touchdown for the Bills.

Ryan Tannehill was constantly under pressure and turned the ball over 3 times resulting in points for the Buffalo Bills.  Brandon Gibson was a PPR star with 5 receptions for 40 yards and 2 TDs.  Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline both had over 10 targets, but didn’t have the big games many expected.  Charles Clay turned his one reception into a touch down.  I was surprised he wasn’t more involved.  I was even more surprised that the annoying (for fantasy purposes) Daniel Thomas had more touches than Lamar Miller.  Miller is in a virtual time share for the foreseeable future and should be benched in most formats.

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Tony Romo had a few bad turnovers, but still managed to top 300 yards and throw a touchdown pass.  Joseph Randle proved to be just an average talent, but did have 22 touches for 93 yards.  Miles Austin once again was riding a bike and it looks like he will be shut down for a while.  He honestly he doesn’t fit the offense anymore as their ideal set of receivers is Dez, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, and Jason Witten are much better at exploiting matchups.  Dez Bryant had 8 receptions on 16 targets for 110 yards.  Terrance Williams once again scored a touch down and looks to be more than a dynasty league target now.  He is a legitimate WR2 if Miles Austin is phased out.  If he is available make him a top priority.

Nick Foles pretty much sunk every daily fantasy line up I had as he was horrible while he was in the game and later left with a concussion.  The good new is Michael Vick should be back this week.  DeSean Jackson failed to get going with his QBs struggling and was injured on a running play.  Somehow Jason Avant had a team high 15 targets, but only turned them into 3 receptions.  Riley Cooper had 6 receptions on 7 targets for 88 yards and still managed one bad drop.  LeSean McCoy was held in check by a Dallas defense filled with no names up front.

New England Patriots at New York Jets

Gronk

Tom Brady once again disappointed, but who can blame him.  These wide receivers just can’t be relied on and he focused almost all of his attention on the returning Rob Gronkowski.  Gronk led the Patriots in targets with 17 and had 8 receptions for 114 yards.  He was tackled inside the 2 yard line on one play and failed to see a pass from Brady because of the sun being in his eyes, otherwise he would have also had a touchdown.  Brady was focusing on Gronk so much that he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown on one pass where he defender undercut Gronk’s route.  Ridley and Bolden split the touches in the backfield and both had rushing touchdowns.  Bolden getting the first crack at a goal line carry had some Ridley owners running for the exits.  Ridley is by far the best running back at their disposal, but he is nothing more than a RB2 with this usage.

Geno Smith was inefficient when throwing the football (17/33), but did manage to throw a touchdown and run for one.  Off season acquisition Chris Ivory was finally on display, but nobody decided to tell fantasy owners of Bilal Powell that Ivory would be the bell-cow for the day.  Ivory getting 34 carries for 104 yards was a nice surprise for anyone who was forced to put him in their lineups is deeeep leagues.  Jeremy Kerley was able to show off his considerable skills in the absence of Santonio Holmes by having 8 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown.  Jeff Cumberland started the game with a 25 yard reception, but managed just 2 more receptions for 16 additional yards.  I still like his skill set if you’re desperate for a tight end.

Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins

The Bears are decimated by injuries on defense and that trend continued as Lance Briggs was injured in this game.  The bigger problem for the Bears and fantasy owners is Jay Cutler was injured and looks like he will be out more than a month with a groin tear.  Matt Forte was in all my daily fantasy lineups and that paid off big time as he had his first ever 3 rushing touch down game.  Alshon Jeffrey made the most of his four receptions as he went over 100 yards and had an additional 16 on the ground.  Brandon Marshall had 6 receptions for 75 yards on a team high 10 targets.  Martellus Bennett made the most of his one reception with a seven yard TD.  The fact that the Bears will have to turn to journeyman Josh McCown for the next few games makes banking on anyone besides Forte and Marshall going forward a tough thing to do.

I expected a huge game from the Redskins running game against the Bears and boy did we get it.  The only thing is it wasn’t Alfred Morris who was the top fantasy producer.  Instead Roy Helu Jr. came off the bench and vultured 3 touch downs.  The Redskins ran for 209 yards and Morris was able to nab 95 of those yards while Robert Griffin III was able to run for 84 yards.  The big news in this game was the break out of tight end Jordan Reed.  The signs have been coming for a while that Reed was going to break out and now he has arrived.  The stage was cleared before the game as Fred Davis was a healthy scratch and Reed came through big time with 9 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown.  Somehow he is only owned in 25%of ESPN fantasy leagues.  That’s going to end big time.  If he’s on the wire he should be your top priority.

St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers

Well this game couldn’t have ended any worse for the Rams.  Their best defensive player Chris Long was shown the door for throwing a punch in a scrum and Sam Bradford was lost for the year to a torn ACL.  Janoris Jenkins decided to enrage Steve Smith of the Panthers and was the recipient of a vintage move by Smith for a receiving TD.  The only bright spot was waiver wire find Zac Stacy managed to have a nice fantasy game (87 total yards and a TD) in a terrible matchup.  The Rams should have to lean heavily on Stacy going forward, but their run game might not be able to hold up against the added attention.  Kellen Clemons is a big down grade from Sam Bradford behind a suspect offensive line.

The Panthers had a nice fantasy match up against the Rams and failed to capitalize.  Cam Newton put up pedestrian numbers and DeAngelo Williams was only able to 40 yards on 15 carries.  If you chose Mike Tolbert in any best ball leagues you got rewarded again with a short yardage touchdown.  Steve Smith had a touchdown and added 69 yards.  Greg Olsen only had 4 targets and caught all four for 47 yards.  I’m worried that he isn’t involved enough.

San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Philip Rivers was super efficient going 22/26 for 285 yards and a touchdown.  While Rivers had a very nice day it was the running backs you wanted in your lineups for this match up.  Ryan Mathews rewarded your patience by running the ball for 110 yards and 1 TD.  A running back going for 100 yards is nothing to sneeze at in today’s NFL.  Danny Woodhead once again put up over 15 PPR points and has been even better than he was last year in New England.  Eddie Royal finally got back in the end zone with a diving effort at the pylon.  Waiver wire target Keenan Allen had 3 receptions for 67 yards, but was banged up a little in this one.  Antonio Gates had 6 receptions, but managed only 31 yards.

Chad Henne had over 300 yards passing, but was sacked 6 times and threw one interception.  Justin Blackmon had a pedestrian game (6-58-0TDs) after having back to back huge games.  Cecil Shorts III was a surprise start and had a team high 8 receptions for 80 yards.  Mike Brown looked pretty good against Denver last week and he looked even better this week with 5 receptions for 120 yards.  I would only look at him in extremely deep leagues unless there’s an injury to Shorts or Blackmon.  Still a name to file away.

San Francisco 49ers at Tennessee Titans

The 49ers have decided they are a running team only apparently.  They rode Frank Gore and Colin Kaepernick’s legs to a victory on the road.  Kaepernick was once a gain not a top 10 fantasy QB, but did look more decisive and explosive when running.  Frank Gore had 70 yards rushing with 2 TDs and even added 34 yards in the air.  Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis got the bulk of the targets and had decent days as both just barely managed more than 10 fantasy points in PPR leagues.

Jake Locker made a surprise start and was a top 12 fantasy quarterback as he racked up yardage and touchdowns in catch up mode.  (326 yards 2 TDs)  Chris Johnson was only used in 1% of Draftstreet lineups because of the tough match up against the 49ers, but racked up 19 fantasy points thanks to a long catch and run. Kendall Hunter is becoming a nice flex option in PPR leagues as he had 9 receptions for 98 yards.  Nate Washington saw his targets increase (10) with Locker back , but managed only 3 receptions for 62 yards.

Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers

The Browns played like a team that knew they didn’t have a chance to win.  Even though the Packers defense was banged up the Browns failed to take advantage.  Weeden looked awful (17/42 for 149 yards 1TD 1Int) and it wouldn’t surprise me if he finds the bench next week.  McGahee was pedestrian and the Browns haven’t missed a beat with T-Rich traded.  The big surprise was the performance by Josh Gordon.  He had 2 receptions for 21 yards on 6 targets and looked almost disinterested.  Jordan Cameron got a lot of garbage time attentions and finished with a team high 7 receptions for 55 yards and 1 TD.

Finley's career may be in jeopardy after sustaining a serious neck injury

Finley’s career may be in jeopardy after sustaining a serious neck injury

Aaron Rodgers was able to have a very representative game (260 yards 3 touch downs) despite missing two of his biggest targets in Randall Cobb and James Jones.  Jarrett Boykin the owners that rushed to the waiver wire for him last week with 8 receptions for 103 yards and 1 TD.  Jordy Nelson was limited in production by Joe Haden, but still managed to grab 5 balls for 42 yards and 1 TD.  The big issue for the the Packers is the very scary injury to Jermichael Finley.  He was having a break out game with 5 receptions for 72 yards and a hard fought touch down, only to have his health come into question on a hit over the middle.  Finley has been diagnosed with a spinal contusion and if you own him you should look for a replacement ASAP.  I honestly hope he is put on IR and is able to fully heal before thinking about suiting up again.  Andrew Quarless will most likely take over tight end duties for the Packers, but I would look to some other FA names first.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Case Keenum got the chance to start for the struggling Texans.  He had a very nice game (271 yards 1 TD) even though he didn’t have a running game to take the pressure off.  Arian Foster injured his hamstring very early in the game and his back up Ben Tate apparently broke a few ribs filling in.  By the end of the game they were down to fullback Greg Jones running the ball as third string running back Cierre Wood was inactive and later released for team rules violations.  After the running backs were hurt it was impossible for Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins to build on their hot starts to the game.

What more can I say about Jamaal Charles.  He is the most consistent runningback in fantasy football.  A ho-hum 123 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the 7th game in a row.  Dwayne Bowe had a team high 9 targets, but didn’t have a big game.  The return of Anthony Fasano almost produced two touchdowns, but he was tackled inside the 5 yard line twice.  Keep an eye on him in deep leagues as Alex Smith loves to feature the tight end.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

This game was a struggle for both teams and for fans to watch.  Ray Rice continued to struggle and Torrey Smith was once again held in check.  Nothing more to report besides some injuries to the Baltimore offensive line that might need a shuffle.

The bright spot for the Steelers was the continued emergence of Le’Veon Bell.  He carried the ball 19 times for over 90 yards and showed nice patience when pressing the hole.  One of my all-time favorite tight ends Heath Miller caught the only touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger, but only caught one other pass.  PPR beast Antonio Brown was held relatively in check with 6 receptions for 55 yards.  My Trick Plays sleeper Emanuel Sanders was a big disappointment with only one reception for 7 yards.  He teased me and fantasy owners with with a long touchdown return, but stepped out of bounds by a hair.  UGH!

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning was able to put up big fantasy numbers (386 yards 3 TDs), but his passes were mostly wounded ducks that had fantasy owners scared about an injury.  The injuries along the offensive line finally proved to be costly as Manning was hit regularly by the Colts defense.  Manning tried to take advantage of two deep safeties by running the ball, but Knowshon Moreno failed to get anything going on the ground (15-40 1 TD) and his running mate Ronnie Hillman once again had a costly fumble.  Eric Decker had 8 receptions for 150 yards and 1 TD, Demaryius Thomas had 4 for 82 and 1 TD, Wes Welker was fed the ball late and had 7 receptions for 96 yards.  Tight End Julius Thomas had 5 receptions for 41 yards and 1 TD.

Andrew Luck was played heavily in daily fantasy football and he didn’t disappoint. (228 yards 3 TDs 29 yards 1 TD), but he did lose his best wide receiver Reggie Wayne to a torn ACL on a poorly thrown ball.  The injury to Wayne should be very concerning for any Andrew Luck owner as he leaned on him heavily.  The Colts are going to need TY Hilton and Coby Fleener to grow up fast and Darius Heyward-Bey to make more plays.  Trent Richardson was once again held in check as he looks completely lost running the ball.  He is indecisive and shows a real lack of vision.

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants

Adrian Peterson should have stayed on the bus for this one.  With the Vikings throwing Josh Freeman to the wolves by starting him a few short weeks aster signing him, Peterson was met  by a wall every time he tried to carry the ball.  Freeman looked rusty and out of sync with every wide receiver on the Vikings as he had over 30 in-completions.  Talking about any of the receivers would be disservice to them as they had no chance on may of Freeman’s throws.  I would stay away from starting any Viking besides AP until Freeman gets acclimated.

Eli Manning was looking at another banged up secondary and another chance to get into the good graces of fantasy owners, but once again didn’t produce. (200 yards 1 TD)  Peyton Hillis was signed off the street and found himself as many fantasy owners’ last hope of grabbing a victory.  While he totaled 81 total yards and a touchdown, it was anything but a great running back performance.  Hakeem Nicks had a case of the drops and if you hoped he would be traded to a better passing team I think that ship has sailed.  Victor Cruz had a tremendous match up and only managed 5 receptions for 50 yards.  Rueben Randle was once again hit or miss.  He made a tremendous leaping catch for a touchdown and then fumbled a punt return by using poor fundamentals.  I’m a little worried that play may land him in the doghouse next week.

Fantasy Football: NY Giants Start/Sit Week 7


Fantasy owners and Giants’ fans alike, have had a long time to stew over last week’s performance by Eli Manning.  Eli once again managed to turn the ball over multiple times, only this time he did it with the game on the line in the fourth quarter.  In retrospect he was lucky to only have only three turnovers as he made a multitude of questionable decisions with the football.

Brandon Jacobs

Eli’s struggles somewhat overshadowed a wonderful performance from the reinvigorated Brandon Jacobs.  The Giants’ offensive line were able to handle a banged up Chicago Bears front seven, allowing Brandon Jacobs to test the tackling skills of the Bears’ secondary.  While no one, including me, predicted Jacobs would have one of the best games of his career, the signs were there when looking back.

The Bears defense was down to their fourth string defensive tackle and their defensive ends have shown little effort in stopping the run.  Thursday night games always seem to be dominated by the running game,  I’m not sure if it’s because teams tend to try and shorten the game because of the short rest, or because defensive players have a hard time recovering physically and mentally after playing a game only a few days before.  Either way, you can almost always count on teams sticking to the running game instead of airing it out on Thursday night. (exception: Peyton Manning)

Start/Sit for Week 7

Eli Manning–  300.74 yards 1.66 TDs 1.12 turnovers (NumberFire)

This match up is one I would normally be touting Eli Manning as a must start in almost all leagues as he is facing the 32nd ranked pass defense and needs a big time bounce back game.  The problem is Eli has been so poor this year that I can’t push him that far up my rankings.  If the Brandon Jacobs was healthy as I am writing this I would be more optimistic about Eli’s fantasy projections, but with the question marks currently at running back I feel like there may be too much pressure on Eli to perform. If you have Drew Brees on a bye, I think Eli would be one of my top replacement choices.

Brandon Jacobs- 14.24 carries for 61.52 yards and .38 TDs  2.55 receptions for 19.29 yards (NumberFire)

As I am writing this the news has broken that the Giants have signed Peyton Hillis.  The unknown recovery time for David Wilson coupled with the injury to Da’Rel Scott have forced the Giants to bolster their running back corps.  Brandon Jacobs was unable to practice on Monday and there were some thoughts that Michael Cox may be forced to carry the load.  Luckily for the Giants they can wait all the way until Monday night to see if Jacobs has healed up enough to carry the load.   Even if Jacobs dominates the touches I don’t see him as more than a flex option and a low end RB2 in standard formats.  The Vikings are more susceptible to the pass and running backs who can catch the ball then battering ram types.

Michael Cox- ?

Cox is a question mark because there is no way to predict his involvement in the offense.  Coughlin and Gilbride don’t have the best track record in trusting rookie running backs and I would be playing a wait and see even if he is forced to start.

Victor Cruz- 5.85 receptions for 93.63 yards for .67 TDs (NumberFire)

Victor Cruz is NumberFire’s #3 overall wide receiver play for week 7.  I am in complete agreement as I see this defense being especially vulnerable to excellent slot receiver play.  The play of Antonio Brown against the Vikings in London is just one instance of a  quick receiver having an advantage.

Hakeem Nicks-3.84 receptions for 52.88 yards and .13 TDs (NumberFire)

Nicks has been tough to handicap from a fantasy perspective.  His best two games have come against NFC East opponents who happen to be some of the worst defenses against the pass in the league.  The Vikings are right up Nicks alley and I wouldn’t shy away from playing him as a low end WR2 or flex.

Rueben Randle-2.06 receptions for 32.27 yards and .27 TDs (NumberFire)

Randle has caused some head aches for Eli Manning in the passing game with some poor communication and drops earlier in the season, but there is no denying his talent as a big play receiver.  He is a nice flex play this week in deeper leagues or if you currently have injury issues with Julio Jones, Randall Cobb, and Danny Amendola all sidelined.

Brandon Myers-4.04 receptions for 42.86 yards and .29 TDs (NumberFire)

Myers has not been a big part of the offense the last few weeks and I think that trend will continue.  The Vikings do play a lot of zone and that could play into Myers hands, but I think there are better options to start out there.

Big Blue View Fantasy Football League Update

League 1 – Well, thanks to a two-game losing streak I am now sitting in third place after suffering a loss at the hands of the clairvoyant Pataroons who predicted my teams demise. Phoenix Big Blue currently sits in first place, but Pataroons is hot on their tale riding a 4-game winning streak.

League 2-All is right in the world of League 2 as I sit in first place after week 6. Here Comes Treble is hot on my tail riding a five game winning streak.  The highest scoring team in the league Marcus’s Longshots are having a tough luck season as they also have the most points scored against and sit at 3-3.

News around the league –  The injury to Randall Cobb should be the final push for some of you to roster Keenan Allen of the San Diego Chargers.  The continued absence of Rob Gronkowski and the new injury to Danny Amendola have made Tom Brady a tough start in fantasy leagues.  Look for Jordan Reed of the Redskins to be the next break out tight end in the league as he is clearly the second best pass catching option in Washington.

Feel free to ask me any start/sit or trade questions on Twitter @Coachesser or by messaging me on Facebook by liking Coachesser’s Playbook.  You can also read my articles at www.coachesser.com and listen to the definitive fantasy football podcast on Itunes or Stitcher Radio by subscribing to the Trick Plays podcast hosted by Micah James (@FFMagicMan) and myself.

Fantasy Football: Hits and Misses

While Fantasy Football prognostication is not an exact science it is always good to look back and figure out if your reasoning in making a particular decision was sound.  Yesterday the FFCounselor hosted a round table discussion taking a look at some of the biggest hits and misses from the first 6 weeks of the fantasy football season.  Liz Lola and Sean McMahon added their excellent insight into looking back before the playoff push begins.

Fantasy Football: Redskins Run Game Problems

While many fantasy football “experts” preached that they expected a drop off from Alfred Morris this year, none expected it to be caused by game situations.  The expected statistical correction was supposed to be because of his limited talent and the fact that Robert Griffin III would be the focal point of the offense, if he was healthy.  Alfred Morris has 56 carries for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns through the first four games of the Redskins’ season.  That’s good for a 5.3 average and he has even had (3) 20+ yard runs which is better than Doug Martin, Arian Foster, and Jamal Charles combined.  The main thing holding Alfred Morris back from being a sophomore fantasy star is the the Washington Redskins’ horrid defense.

In fantasy terms the Redskins are close to as bad as it gets on defense.  They give up the 4th most fantasy points to QBs, RBs, and WRs.  That’s hard to do.  They are literally horrible at every level.  Even the old stalwart London Fletcher finds himself not being able to play like his old self.  As of today Fletcher is rated 49th out of 50 rated ILBs by Pro Football Focus.  The news doesn’t get much better when you talk about the guys that are supposed to be protecting Fletcher as Kedric Golston and Stephen Bowen are rated 38th and 42nd respectively out of 44 defensive ends by Pro Football Focus.

The fact that the Redskins have been down a combined 81-31 at the half through their first four games is a huge reason that Alfred Morris has not been able to get the touches in the running game. His high carry total of 16 carries is not what you’re looking for from a non-pass catching RB1.  Nobody was buying Morris as a PPR monster, but he used to make up the difference by rushing the ball at least 20 times a game.  From watching the tape you could see that Morris isn’t even trusting his running instincts as he tries to make a big play when his old down-hill running self would have made a solid run.

For example-  Early in the first quarter against the Raiders, the Redskins had a chance at a big play in the running game.  What you can’t see in the picture is that the Raiders had rolled the strong safety up to blitz on the strong side of the formation.  The free safety is 20+ yards deep and the middle of the defense is exposed.  The Redskins run a zone/stretch to the weak side and should be able to find a hole in the middle.

Alfred Morris against Raiders

Alfred Morris presses the weak side and looks for a cut back lane from the Center’s right butt cheek and out.  Logan Paulsen is able handle his defensive end one on one and keep him from squeezing down.  A huge hole develops off the right side of the offensive line.

Alfred Morris not running down hill.

Morris’s eyes drift toward breaking it all the way back to the back side of the play instead of continuing to run down hill and hit the huge chasm that develops  on the right side of the line.  This play was helped by some very poor linebacker play by the Raiders as the SAM backer gets frozen by looking in the backfield at RG3.

Alfred Morris Making a cut

When Morris finally sees the hole he tries to cut back to the middle of the field, but trips over his tight end and is stopped for a four yard gain.  Instead of a first and ten at around mid-field you end up in a third and long.   I believe this is an example of Morris pressing to make plays in the running game because he knows he is not going to get as many chances as he did last year.

RG3 has not helped matters by misfiring as a passer early in games.  He is both shaky as a passer and a runner so far this season early in games.  Another example of Griffin’s rust showed up early in the Raiders game.

RG3 lines up in the pistol with the fullback lined up to the weakside of the formation.  The Redskins run a zone read with RG3 reading the SAM backer.  If the backer ducks under the block of the fullback to take Morris RG3 keeps the ball and runs around the vacated space.  If the backer comes up the field then he can give the ball to Morris for a big gainer.

RG3 Run

The SAM backer takes Morris and RG3 has a chance to run the ball.  So far so good as the blocking is excellent by the LT and TE.

RG3 Mesh Point

Here’s where I have a problem with RG3 the QB right now.  The play works to perfection, but it still needs to be executed.  Griffin pulls the ball and immediately breaks for the sideline without looking at the vacated area of the backer.  If he did, he would have seen that his fullback has leverage on his block and he would have an easy eight yards before he is touched.  Instead of running through a hole big enough to fit a tractor-trailer he decides to run to the outside.  I’m not sure he has great instincts as a runner (runningback instincts, not track instincts), but last year he would have turned this up the field.  I think he is a little afraid to get into the danger areas.

RG3 decides to run outside

I also see this as a quarterback who is trying to do too much.  The entire organization is relying on him.  The defense that the Redskins put on the field each and every week puts this young quarterback in a very difficult situation.  If the Redskins could find a way to stick to the running game and not put so much pressure on Griffin I think they could get back to their league leading ways, but if the defense continues to get gashed this offense will not be able to put up the fantasy football numbers we all expected.  I still like both Morris and Griffin long term, but game flow is going to continue to be a big hindrance on their fantasy output.

Fantasy Football: NY Giants Week 6 Start/Sit

The New York Giants decided to tease the fan base this past Sunday. The biggest tease was the anticipation leading up to the game. Everyone knew that Tom Coughlin teams always seem to win those must win games.  Backs against the wall and that’s when the Giants look like world beaters. The Giants of past years would all of a sudden get all three phases of their game going at the same time when they needed it most. The first drive of the game had every Giant fan exhaling and finally able to cheer.

The problem was that would be the last time we would cheer until the third quarter. While the Eagles put up 19 unanswered points, we struggled to make first downs. Brandon Jacobs was forced to carry the load after David Wilson was injured and reminded every Giant fan that it’s not just Wilson who can fumble. The Giants were able make a run in the third quarter, but it was fool’s gold. With the Giants being one-dimensional and putting the ball in the air almost every play bad things were bound to happen. While all three of Eli’s interceptions might not have been his fault we have to realize that at this point of the season we cannot be so one dimensional.

On with the Start/Sit Advice

Eli Manning – I have him outside my top 16 QBs this week

220 yards passing 1 TD and 2 turnovers (my projection)

NumberFire:  298.14 yards passing 1.11 TDs 1.39 INTs

Manning on a short week against the Chicago Bears in Chicago doesn’t seam like a very good matchup.  The only way he will put up numbers is by sheer volume.  If he attempts 50 passes he could have a top 15 QB week.  The Chicago Bears do have some injuries along the defensive line and haven’t been getting their trademark pressure so there is hope, but not much.

David Wilson Injured

Brandon Jacobs or Da’Rel Scott

NumberFire:  Brandon Jacobs 10.05 carries for 30.13 Yards and .04 TDs

NumberFire:  Da’Rel Scott  11.08 carries for 40.73 yards and .22 TDs  5.03 Receptions for 36.84 yards

David Wilson is injured and has been ruled out. Jacobs is starting and Scott has been re-signed and will be handling passing downs, but that doesn’t scream to me a dynamic duo. NumberFire obviously sees the Giants playing from behind and Scott getting a lot of action as the third down back.

Victor Cruz

5.49 receptions for 79.85 yards and .41 TDs (NumberFire)

Rueben Randle

2.95 receptions for 39.34 yards and .25 TDs (NumberFire)

Hakeem Nicks

3.22 receptions for 41.38 yards and .19 TDs (NumberFire)

The only thing you can count on is that the Giants will have to throw the ball.  Cruz is a must start no matter what.  A couple of mediocre weeks don’t change that. Nicks is a different story. I doubt many of you are going to bench Nicks after the stats he put up last week, but I would because of the short week. I think NumberFire has it right that Randle will outproduce Hakeem Nicks this week. I would only start Randle or Nicks if I had serious injury or bye week problems.  Nicks had 9 receptions for 142 yards last week, but it was a Tony Romo-like performance. He dropped a touchdown and then sealed the game by not finishing a route when he was exhausted at the end of the game.

Brandon Myers

4.16 receptions for 41.11 yards and .31 TDs

Myers is nursing an injury and has not had much production the last few weeks.  I wouldn’t risk playing him on Thursday night.

Quick Notes from around the league …

Julio Jones InjuryHUGE NEWS:  Julio Jones injured his foot and will miss the remainder of the season. Harry Douglas looks like the obvious waiver choice, but I would look to pick up Alshon Jeffrey, Keenan Allen, or even our very own Rueben Randle before picking up Douglas.

Zac Stacy will get another start for the Rams and Marcel Reece will be forced to start for the Raiders. If you need a running back because of injury or bye weeks look to them.

If you have a question for me you can join the conversation on Twitter by following @Coachesser or by liking my Facebook Page CoachEsser’s Playbook. You can also read any of my articles or listen to my podcasts by visiting www.coachesser.com. Make sure to head over to iTunes and download the latest TrickPlays podcast if you want to win your fantasy league this year.

Fantasy Football: St. Louis Rams Running Game


With the Rams running back situation currently in a state of disarray I wanted to take a look at who was really to blame for their running game problems.   The running backs suffer from a lack of elite talent, but they should be able to produce at least replacement level production and aren’t so far this season.  The offensive line was supposed to get a boost from the signing of Jake Long, but he hasn’t played up to expectations and the rest of the offensive line are not doing the job.  The real problem seems to be the running game concepts and the play calling.

For an example I picked an early play from the first quarter of the 49ers Vs. Rams game from last Thursday to demonstrate the problems.  The score was 0-0 and the Rams were driving towards the first score of the game in a big divisional game.  The situation was 2nd and 2 at the 22 yardline of the 49ers at 8:08 of the first quarter.

 

The Rams come out in 21 personnel with the Fullback (who was a college tight end) Cory Harkey lined up to the weak side.  The 49ers are in a base 3-4 and both safeties are deep.  It is an ideal situation for the Rams to pick up an easy first down.

Rams Poor Run Concept

With most running plays the design is always to leave the running back with a one on one situation with a defensive back.  Even if your lineman can’t sustain a block on a linebacker if you impede the linebacker’s path to the hole you can pick up positive yardage.  With this alignment there are a few plays that can pick up a short first down, but quite a few that could produce a long gainer.  I would be attacking the strong side of this defense.  I would block down from the RT down and bring Harkey over to wham on the defensive end.  Kendricks who has been a poor blocker this year would only be asked to wall off the outside linebacker and the RT Joe Barksdale would block down on Navarro Bowman.  You double-team Dorsey to wall off the backside ILB and Williams is asked to make sure there’s no penetration from Justin Smith.

The only glaring flaw that I could see looking at the personnel pre-snap is that Harkey is not a natural fullback and lacks running game instincts.  If Ray McDonald really squeezes down then Harkey can log him and Richardson can bounce outside the block and inside of the Kendrick’s block.   Let’s see how the Rams decided to attack this juicy defensive set up.

Rams #2

As you can see the Rams decided to run to the strong side, but had a very poor run game design.  ILB Navarro Bowman is completely left alone and the fullback is not even utilized.  I can’t  be sure that Harkey actually did the right thing on this play, but the blocking scheme on the strong side is more worrisome.  There was absolutely no reason to double team Ray McDonald on this play.  They leave the center singled up with Glenn Dorsey who immediately feels the run going to his left and takes the center for a ride.  The hole just isn’t there. If Harkey had attacked Bowman there would have been a very nice cutback seam for Richardson, but for some reason he buries his head into Justin Smith’s legs.   Daryl Richardson can’t bounce it outside because of the the way Kendricks is asked to block the OLB.  He can’t cut back inside because Bowman is left alone and is shadowing him in the hole.  He was lucky to be tackled for no gain.

Rams Play design.

This is the play I would have called.  I am not saying it would have been a touchdown, but it definitely has a much better chance at succeeding.  You have to put your players in the best situation to succeed.  If you ask too much of a player you can’t be upset if they don’t come through.

The insertion of power back Zac Stacy should help the Rams move the ball even when there is the smallest of holes.  I am hoping the Rams use a combination of Richardson and Stacy and take a look at their core running game concepts to make changes.   I don’t recommend blowing your entire budget in your fantasy football league on the news that Stacy is starting,  he is definitely worth a stash in all 12 team leagues are larger.

Fantasy Football: NY Giants Week 5 Start/Sit

Who knew that the soft part of the Giants 2013 schedule would be when we finally got to face another NFC East opponent? The Eagles looked like they had it all going in the first half of game one of the Chip Kelly era as they dominated on both sides of the ball to lead 26-7 to end the first half against the Washington Redskins. Since they stepped on the field in the second half of that game they have been outscored 131-73. The fact that the Eagles defense has looked like Swiss cheese the last few weeks must have the Giants’ offense breathing a sigh of relief after facing two very tough defenses on the road the last two weeks. The Giants’ defense also has the added benefit of seeing how the Chiefs and Broncos were able to stop Chip Kelly’s fast paced offense the last two weeks.

Eli Manning – 321 yards passing, 8 yards rushing, 3 passing touchdowns and 1 interception (my projection)

NumberFire has Eli Manning producing 289.36 yards, 1.36 touchdowns and 1.23 interceptions

If there was ever a week that could get Eli back on track it would be this one.  He watched his big brother tear apart the Eagles’ secondary in Denver last week and may have seen some ways to exploit the very same holes.

I have Eli having a big game as long as our makeshift offensive line can keep him upright. With four teams on byes Eli is very much in the mix to be a top 12 QB this week.

David Wilson – 18 carries for 78 yards, 5 receptions for 34 yards and 1 touchdown (my projection)

NumberFire has David Wilson getting 15.61 carries for 58.36 yards, 2.22 receptions for 14 yards and .46 TDs overall

Yes, I have David Wilson actually startable in leagues that use a flex position. The Eagles defense is that bad and the Giants seem to be finally giving Wilson the chance to produce. The news that Da’Rel Scott was waived Tuesday makes it even more likely that Wilson will feature against the Eagles.

Victor Cruz – 8 receptions for 108 yards and 1 touchdown (my projection)

Victor Cruz Salsa

NumberFire has Victor Cruz getting 6.67 receptions, 88.01 yards and .64 touchdowns

If I was the Eagles I would be doubling Victor Cruz every where on the field, but I am sure they will leave him open just as every other team has so far this year. Talk about earning your money.

Hakeem Nicks  5 receptions for 77 yards and 0 touchdowns (my projection)

NumberFire has Hakeem Nicks getting 3.66 receptions 50.41 yards and .65 touchdowns

NumberFire is much more optimistic than I about Nicks finding pay-dirt on Sunday, but I hope I am wrong for the Giants sake. Nicks has been so inconsistent and doesn’t seem to be half the explosive player he was just a few seasons ago.

Brandon Myers  4 receptions for 48 yards and 0 touchdowns (my projection)

NumberFire has Brandon Myers getting 4.38 receptions, 47.19 yards and .18 touchdowns

Myers had a great big goose egg last week as he was asked to block a little more than he had been before. He should get back on track this week, but I would still consider him a tight end 2 this week with so many tight ends having great starts to the season.

I wanted to give a shout out to Jared (Here Comes Treble) of Big Blue View Fantasy League 2 who is the first manager to beat the Commish this year as he had Peyton ManningArian Foster, and Torrey Smith put up huge numbers that I was not able to overcome. So far The Commish is leading BBV League 1 and Marcus’s Longshots are leading BBV League 2. I hope everyone is doing well in their leagues and would love to hear if any of my draft advice is paying dividends so far this season.

If you have a question for me you can join the conversation on Twitter by following @Coachesser or by liking my Facebook Page CoachEsser’s Playbook. You can also read any of my articles or listen to my podcasts by visiting www.coachesser.com. Make sure to head over to iTunes and download the latest TrickPlays podcast if you want to win your fantasy league this year.

This post originally appeared at www.bigblueview.com on October 2nd, 2013.

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