Fantasy Sports Review

This post is for you, the fantasy football die hard. While 75% of the fantasy footballers out there have been eliminated or have just lost interest and given up, you are still hanging tough. I applaud you.

Welcome to week 17. One of the most difficult weeks to predict because of all the the players resting for playoff games and/or young players getting looks. But, if you closely and do your homework there is some great value out there.

Lets take a look at some of the players on my radar screen this week.

Start’em if you got’em
Kenny Watson RB (CIN) - He looked great last week and I think you can plug him in again this week against one of the NFL’s worst rushing defenses. De De Dorsey won’t be around to steal carries since he is done for the season and the odds are very good that Rudi Johnson won’t be either. Look for 125 and a touchdown or two.

Final stats: 69 yards and a TD.
Final thoughts: Looks like the Bengals just wanted to throw the ball around.

Washington defense - The redskins defense is a very solid start this weekend when you consider the fact that the chances are very good that they could be playing against Brad Johnson. Brad doesn’t have a very strong arm, holds the ball too long and is about as mobile as a rock. To me that screams sacks and interceptions especially when you consider how motivated the Skins will be to secure a playhoffs spot in front of their own fans. Look for 4 sacks, 14 points allowed, two picks, a fumble and a score.

Final stats: 6 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 turnover.
Final thoughts: Romo played longer than I expected and the Skins crushed the Cowboys in time of possession 37:08 to 22:52 so the D didn’t have many opportunities.

LaDainian Tomlinson RB (SD) - This may seem like a no-brainer to some but I bet some of you are a little worried about how much he’ll play. Don’t be. He made in clear in a press conference that he has every intention of winning the rushing title this year. Also, the Chargers still need to win to hold onto the higher seed and avoid a hot Jacksonville team. All that and he gets a horrible Raiders rushing defense. Put him in and put him down for 125 and 2 touchdowns.

Final stats: 16 for 56 yards rushing, 1 catch for 7 yards and a TD.
Final thoughts: Half hearted play perhaps?

Sit’em if you’ve got em
Antonio Gates TE (SD) - As I said above, I think that the Chargers will be playing to win, but, I don’t think you can trust Antonio this week. He hasn’t been playing the greatest lately and his back is giving him problems. I can see the Chargers using him sparingly just to make sure he is good to go next week in the playoffs. I’m thinking 2 catches 25 yards.

Final stats: 6 for 62.
Final thoughts: Who knew?

Reggie Bush RB (NO) - Even if he does play I’m not so sure you should trust him in your line-up. Not only would he be susceptible to re-injuring his knee out in the cold and besides the Saints are just to inconsistent this year anyway. Oh and lets not forget about the Bears. They have been playing iffy against the run this year but they are pretty jacked up after last weeks lopsided win against Green Bay. What else could be better than smashing the Saints playoff hopes. If he plays 35 yards rushing 0 touchdowns, 5 catches 45 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Final stats: DNP
Final thoughts: How about Pierre Thomas? Damn!

Sleepers: don’t be surprised if…
…Michael Pittman RB (TB) plays a majority of the game - while Chucky rests Graham - and has a solid day against the Panthers this Sunday. Carolina gives up 110 a week versus the run. I say he goes for 90 and a touchdown.

Final stats: 12 yards.
Final thoughts: Oh yeah, Michael Bennett is on the team too.

…Cleo Lemon QB (MIA) is able to put up some decent numbers against a Bengals team that is allowing has allowed 27 touchdowns through the air this year. Looking for someone to plug in this week he’s your man. If figure 250 passing with at least two touchdowns.

Final stats: 123 yards and 1 TD.
Final thoughts: Looks like Beck half the snaps. He had 135, a TD throw and a TD run. Add that to Lemons stats and I am pretty close. Too bad it doesn’t work that way. I just love week seventeen.

…Darrell Jackson WR (SF) has a decent game versus a Cleveland defense that is has allows 240 yards per game and has given up a whopping 28 touchdowns through the air. Since Shaun Hill has taken over, Darrell has had a game with 8 catches for 86 yards and another game with a touchdown. Look for him to accomplish both this weekend if the weather holds up.

Final stats: 3 catches for 28 yards and a TD.
Final thoughts: I would have changed my mind had I known Weinke would be starting but he did get the TD.

Also, if you are participating in any post season fantasy football, be sure to stop back early next week. I will be putting together some rankings and analysis to help you better your chances for success. I love playing post season fantasy football so it will be fun.

Here’s your last chance, if you haven’t already, to check out RotoHog.com because it is not too late to sign up, pick a great team for this week and win some of the great prizes (like 30 gig iPods). Best of all you get to see how fun it is to play, so when next year starts, you can hit the ground running and go for the big prize (this year it is $100,000…I’m 69 overall).

I just figured you might want to use your fantasy skills to win a little more before the season is over. See if you can outscore me this week. Sign up for RotoHog now!

As always, that is not all my friend. There are a few other stops you should make before finalizing your starting lineup.

First, make sure you stop by and see how the Fantasy Football Librarian can help you. Every week she posts all of the start’em sit’em articles, player ranking posts and waiver wire lists that she can find so that you don’t have to hunt for them yourself. Check her out and tell her the Goat says hi.

Second, you can get more in-depth NFL player projections throughout the week by checking out the Bruno Boys website over on MVN.com.

Third, be on the lookout for the weekly fantasy football start’em sit’em podcast I co-host with Marc Caviglia.

Well this is it, the last week of the fantasy football and NFL regular season. The last week always leaves you with a bittersweet feeling. On one hand it sucks since the season is over and there will be no more Sundays with a full slate of games. On the other hand we have the playoffs, you gotta love the play-offs.

Anyway, this week presents us with challenges unlike any other during the regular season. Who’s playing and who’s sitting. Who will be giving it their all and who will be on the bench resting in the second half.

Lets try to finish the season in style by finding that one last gem of a pick-up to surprise your opponent next week. Here we go. Oh, and before I forget, merry Christmas to you.

May be available now…
Najeh Davenport/Carey Davis RB (PIT) - It may be too late if you haven’t made a move yet but one of these guys may be decent next week. With a higher seed still on the line, which one gets the most playing time versus Baltimore may depend on the outcome of Monday nights Chargers/Broncos match-up.

Kenny Watson RB (CIN) - If Rudi is out again next week Kenny could be a good play against the Dolphins bad rush defense.

TJ Duckett RB (DET) - If you are desperate you could give TJ a look if Kevin Jones misses action. He takes on the Packers who will not be playing for anything and will be looking to stay healthy.

Dominic Rhodes RB (OAK) - Looks like he may be the guy in Oakland after Sundays 115 yard performance. Plays a San Diego team that may or may not be playing to win.

Adrian Peterson RB (CHI) - He will face the Saints lackluster defense this week.

Mike Anderson/Musa Smith RB (BAL) - McGahee suffered a rib injury of some sort and I don’t know a whole lot right now but one of these dudes could be worth something if you are desperate. They face the Steelers who may or may not be trying next week.

Kevin Curtis/Reggie Brown WR (PHI) - If you need a guy or two to replace a part-timer, these guys get Buffalo at home this week and should be able to score some points.

Seneca Wallace QB (SEA) - Atlanta sucks against the pass and Seneca could be playing a lot this week if Hasselbeck rests up for the playoffs. He has started before.

Chris Redman QB (ATL) - He has had 298 and 315 yards with touchdowns each in two of his last three starts. This week he plays the Seattle second stringers.

Cleo Lemon QB (MIA) - Could be a decent bet this week at home against the Bengals.

Luke McCown QB (TB) - Everything is set for them. The starters were pulled early last week so you have to think Luke will get the nod this week. He could be alright versus Carolina.

Keep an eye on…
Defense - Just some food for thought. There may be a few defenses that won’t play as well because starters will sitting BUT with all of the second stringers playing there could be a few other defense that could take advantage. Keep an eye on who starts and who doesn’t in the games this week.

A few that jump out at me are Washington, Tennessee and Detroit. Washington is playing for a play-off spot against a TO-less Dallas team that may be sitting others on offense. Tennessee won’t be getting Indy’s best effort. Detroit may be playing against a third string QB if Favre doesn’t play long.

Last chance to check out RotoHog.com because it is not too late to sign up, pick a great team for this week and win some of the great prizes (like 30 gig iPods). Best of all you get to see how fun it is to play, so when next year starts, you can hit the ground running and go for the big prize (this year it is $100,000…I’m 69 overall).

I just figured you might want to use your fantasy skills to win a little more before the season is over. See if you can outscore me this week. Sign up for RotoHog now!

A few other resources you should check out are Fantasy Football Librarians waiver wire report and the Bruno Boys week 14 waiver wire report

As always I will be updating throughout the week if anyone jumps out at me. Also, I know many of you see things I don’t, feel free to throw down some of your thoughts below in the comments.

Week after week the injuries keep piling up. If you’ve been playing the waiver wire correctly over the past month you should have yourself a team that is solid and deep regardless of how good or bad you draft.

Here are some waiver wire and sleeper picks that I didn’t see on the Bruno Boys week six waiver wire report. Some of these guys could help you out now or just provide you with some depth and/or upside on your bench. Check them out:

May be available now…

Jason Wright RB (CLE) - He came in for Jamal Lewis and put up 59 yards on 15 carries against the Patriots. He also had 4 catches for 43. Not stellar but if Lewis misses an extended amount of time he could help you out. He would be a starting running back who plays Miami and St. Louis in his next two games.

Ken Darby RB (TB) - Who? The Bucs continue to lose running backs. Pittman was carted off the field with an ankle injury and could miss 3-4 weeks. Some guy named Ken Darby was listed next on the depth chart. Just thought you’d like to know.

Nate Burleson WR (SEA) and Bobby Engram WR (SEA) - Not sure at this time how bad Deion Branch is hurt but if he misses and time both of these two should benefit. Plus they have very good match-ups in the next two games getting New Orleans and St. Louis at home.

Cedrick Wilson WR (PIT) - Santonio Holmes tweaked a hammy yesterday; if it lingers and Ward continues to miss time Wilson could be the benefactor. He had 5 catches for 69 yards against Seattle. Pittsburgh does have a bye next week.

Dennis Northcutt WR (JAC) -He is not lighting it up but he seems to be emerging as the go-to guy on his team. 4 catches for 73 yards and a TD against Kansas City on Sunday.

Glenn Martinez WR (DEN) - Again…Who? Brandon Stokley went out with some sort of head injury and Martinez stepped in and posted 6 catches for 80 yards. If Stokley is out Martinez would be the number three and if Javon Walker continues to miss time he would be number two. Because their defense has been less than stellar, the Broncos have had to pass quite a bit this year. There could be some value there after the Broncos come back from their bye in two weeks.

Kurt Warner QB (ARI) - There’s a chance that he may be sitting around out on your leagues. Matt Lienart is going to be out roughly six-eight weeks with a broken collerbone and the job is all Warner’s. He’s getting up there but he has played pretty decent this year and you could do a lot worse for a starter. Need a bye weekly fill-in? Warner has Carolina at home next week.

Cleo Lemon QB (MIA) - Trent Green has to be thinking about his future after getting wheeled off with another serious concussion. Cleo Lemon may not win you a championship but he should get a few starts if you are strapped because of injury or bye week.

Keep an eye on…

Mewelde Moore RB (MIN) - The Bucs tried to get him from the Vikings last week but the Vikes wanted… Moore. If Pittman’s injury is serious enough, the Bucs might be willing to increase their offer. I’m a Vikings fan and have been watching him for a few years, although I would hate to see him go, he could be decent in a starting roll on a team like the Bucs.

Ricky Williams RB (FA) - I’m not sure if anyone will have the balls to sign him but as the injuries mount on teams with a shot you have to figure someone might come sniffing around.

Kellen Clemens QB (NYJ) - You have to wonder how long they will stick with Pennington as the season starts to slip away. Especially when Chad is throwing it to the other team.

Byron Leftwich QB (ATL) - Harrington was bench after a poor performance against the Titans. It shouldn’t be long before Leftwich gets his shot.

Also, I mentioned it earlier but if you missed it check out the Bruno Boys week six waiver wire report because it lists some of the more obvious picks that I didn’t feel the need to list twice.