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Putting the final piece of your fantasy football puzzle together

I’ve uncovered some guys you can plug in if you are dealing with an injury or tough matchups.

Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo Bills - Kevin Kolb nearly threw for 400 yards in his first NFL start against New Orleans.  Edwards, with two above average WRs in T.O. and Lee Evans, should be able to find success as well.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens - I’m guessing the Ravens rushing attack is going to punish Cleveland’s defense, which should open up the passing game.  Look for Flacco to produce solid fantasy points this week.

Kevin Kolb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles - McNabb is still hurting and Kolb should be able to move the chains through the air against a bad Kansas City team.  It’s unclear how much Michael Vick will be used, but Kolb makes for a sneaky solid start this week.

Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore Ravens - McGahee has been a repeat visitor to the TD club with four in the first two weeks.  With Cleveland  on tap, there’s a good chance he’ll be clubbing again.

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys - With Marion Barber hurting, Felix gets a chance to show what he can do with a heavy workload.  Tashard Choice will be in the mix, but Jones could have a monster game against Carolina.

Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona Cardinals - Miami showed a blueprint of how to beat the Colts.  They ate up so much clock on Monday Night Football.  The Cardinals could attempt to copy that pattern, only with the weapons in the passing game to keep the Colts honest.  Wells would do the damage on the ground and Hightower with dump offs.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints - Mike Bell is banged up so this is Pierre’s chance to reclaim his starting position.  There should be room to run as the Bills will be gearing up to stop Drew Brees and the aerial assault.

Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jags don’t have a lot of options in the passing game so Sims-Walker could have his number called early in often against Houston.  They’ll likely be playing from behind most of the game, which would force them to abandon the run.

Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears - Knox has put together two solid weeks for the Bears.  As Jay Cutler gets more comfortable in the Bears offense, he’ll look to get others involved.  Right now though, Knox is a comfort zone for Cutler.

Laurent Robinson, WR, St. Louis Rams - The Packers are going to be angrier than a hornets nest after falling to the Bengals.  They are going to bring it to the Rams, but Robinson should get plenty of looks.

Devery Henderson, WR, New Orleans Saints - Devery appears to be working his way into the rotation.  There are plenty of fantasy goodies to go around.  It’s just a matter of picking the right one.

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens - Heap looks to continue his resurgence with a strong game against Cleveland.

Anthony Fasano, TE, Miami Dolphins – San Diego has been dominated by Tight Ends in the early weeks.  Fasano has struggle getting out of the gate, but this could ge hte jumpstart he needs.

Lawrence Tynes, K, New York Giants - Tampa Bay has allowed a league-high 6 FGs so far, making Tynes a nice play.

Green Bay Defense – Green Bay’s Defense should bounce back in a big way as they face St. Louis this week.

Washington Defense - Washington takes on Detroit this week, meaning the Skins could be called once again.

Written by Eric Stashin the Rotoprofessor

It was not a very good week for my sleeper picks for Week 2 (click here for the original article)

JaMarcus Russell – 7-24, 109 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
LeSean McCoy – 5 carries for 18 yards; 4 receptions for 37 yards
Antwaan Randle-El – 4 receptions for 39 yards
Vernon Davis – 2 receptions for 32 yards

Wow, none of those players did much to help fantasy owners.  Keep in mind that these weekly picks are always going to be extremely risky, that’s why they are considered sleepers.  They are more along the lines of those who have the potential to breakout and can be used in case of an emergency.

So, with that said, let’s take a look at some deep sleepers for the upcoming fantasy week:

Jason Campbell – Washington Redskins – @ Detroit
He really hasn’t been that bad, throwing for 453 yards, but only 1 TD and 1 INT.  His season did kick off against the New York Giants, where he faced constant pressure from one of the elite defenses in the game.  Last week he had the Rams, a team far less imposing.  Though they failed to find the end zone, he did throw for 242 yards.

This week the Redskins face another sub par defensive unit in the Lions, a team who has allowed 255.5 yards per game in the early going, as well as 8 TD threw the air, by far the most in the league (second place is 5).  While Drew Brees and company are partially to blame, we all honestly know that they just aren’t the best defense in the league.

Campbell also has Santana Moss at his disposal, a player who is just aching to have a huge breakout performance.  He had over 1,000 yards receiving last season, but to date has just 41 yards on 5 catches.  This week could easily be his coming out party, and with it should come a solid performance from Campbell, making owners in two-QB leagues happy.
Owned in 30% of Yahoo Leagues and 21.9% of ESPN Leagues

Chansi Stuckey – New York Jets – vs. Tennessee
The Titans have given up the most receiving yards in the game, at 339/game over the season’s first two weeks.  Mark Sanchez, who was limited in the first half to just five throws, went off in the second half and really showed that he has the potential to put up strong games no matter what the circumstances.

Stuckey has shown that he has a good rapport with the rookie, completing 8 passes for 101 yards and 1 TD.  The Jets have shown that they are willing to put the game in the hands of the passing group and given the struggles of the Titans defense, this could be the week that he really has a big game.
Owned in 14% of Yahoo Leagues and 7.9% of ESPN Leagues

Ricky Williams – Miami Dolphins – vs. San Diego
It is Ronnie Brown who garners most of the attention in Miami, thanks to the focus he gets in the Wildcat formation.  Williams, however, has been extremely impressive in the early going and certainly has the potential to bring value in those leagues that use a flex option.

He has rushed for 108 years on 26 carries, averaging over 4 yards per carry, while also catching 3 passes for 22 yards and a TD.  The Chargers are in the bottom ten in the league in rushing yards allowed (139 per game), facing two teams that do not focus as strong a running game as the Dolphins (Raiders & Ravens).

Look for the Dolphins to try and hammer out the running game once again, which could bring a big game for Williams.
Owned in 34% of Yahoo Leagues and 66.7% of ESPN Leagues

How do you think these players are going to perform in the season’s first week?  Are there any other sleepers you are eyeing?

Time for another edition of Fantasy Football Out on a Limb. I scour the rosters to select a player who I feel will outperform a higher profile player in that given week. I base my decisions on matchups, how the players are trending, and the ever-important hunch. To mix things up I’ll occasionally do some two on one matchups or even pit RB or WR duos against each other. Sometimes I’ll spot a player some points.

Scoring
6 points for rushing or receiving TD
4 points for a passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard.

Last Week:
Big Ben vs. Romo – Winner, Ben 21.65, Romo 16.65
AP vs. Forte/K.Smith – Winner – AP 17.6, Duo 15.5 (Forte – 9.3, Smith 6.2)
Ryan Grant vs. Michael Turner – Loser, Turner 17, Grant 12.8
B. Marshall vs. Andre Johnson – Loser, AJ 26.9, B. Marshall 4.8
P. Harvin vs. Ocho – Loser, Ocho 15.1, Percy 11.5
SS: L. McCoy +2 vs. S-Jax – Loser S.Jax 11.9, McCoy 7.5 (5.5 actual +2)

Regular Picks: 2-3
Super Stretch Picks:  0-1
Overall:  2-4

Season Record
Regular Picks: 3-7
Super Stretch Picks:  0-2
Overall: 3-9

Week 3 Picks

QB

Trent Edwards over Matt Ryan
The Bills take on the high-powered Saints this week so Trent Edwards is going to have to take to the air to stay in the game. He has the weapons on the outside in Lee Evans and T.O. to pile up the yardage.  Besides, Kevin Kolb threw for nearly 400 yards last week against the Saints.  Matt Ryan faces a New England team on the road coming off a divisional loss.  Bill Belichick will make sure they are extra-focused this week.

RBs

Fred Jackson over Frank Gore
Fred has one more week to show his stuff before Marshawn Lynch comes back.  He should be heavily involved in both the runnning and passing game for the Bills.  Gore is dealing with a sore ankle and facing the Vikings stout defense.  Not a good combo.

Willis McGahee over Cedric Benson
McGahee is behind Ray Rice on the depth chart, but he’s had his number called plenty in the first two weeks.  In fact, he has 4 TDs already.  Baltimore takes on Cleveland this week so he should get plenty of looks in mopup duty.  Meanwhile Benson faces and angry Steelers D coming off a loss to his former team, the Bears.

WRs

Roy Williams over Dwayne Bowe
Romo will be playing on a smaller stage this week so look for him to deliver.  Roy Williams should be one of his top recipients.  Carolina is in danger of falling to 0-3, which should make them hungry, but I think Dallas will be too tough this week.  If they drop the first two games in their palace, things will get ugly in Big D.  Bowe gets to face an Eagles team that was embarrassed by the Saints.  They too aren’t going to drop consecutive home games.

Eddie Royal over Jerricho Cotchery
Royal has been dreadful so far this year, but I think he breaks out this week against Oakland.  Even though he’s shown nothing to suggest he capable of that this year, I think he has too much talent to continue to be held down.  Cotchery faces a Tennessee team that was torched by Andre Johnson last week.  Cortland Finnegan and Co. will do their best to keep Cotchery under wraps.

SUPER STRETCH

Anthony Fasano +2 over Owen Daniels
San Diego has allowed Zach Miller and Todd Heap to have big games at Tight End in the first two weeks.  Fasano has struggled, but this looks like his chance to break out.  Jacksonville held Dallas Clark in check in Week 1 with just 39 yards.  They didn’t face a pass-catching Tight End last week against Arizona, but if they can shut down Clark, Daniels could be in trouble.

Putting the final piece of your fantasy football puzzle together

I’ve uncovered some guys you can plug in if you are dealing with an injury or tough matchups.

Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo Bills – He didn’t take any shots deep against New England, but look for that to change against Tampa Bay.  With T.O. and Lee Evans he should be able to stretch the defense.  He has great a safety valve in Fred Jackson when he can’t hit his wides.

Leon Washington, RB, New York Jets - Fred Jackson was able to do some damage in the passing game last week.  Look for Washington to do the same as the Jets try to keep it simple for Mark Sanchez.  Bill Belichick is known for trying to confuse young QBs. 

Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs - The Raiders D looked great, but playing on the road should be a little tougher.  Sproles may have looked better overall than LT, but LT still ran the ball better.  Johnson should have some success.

Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants - I have a feeling that this game is going to be a shootout.  It’s hard to predict who will score the Giants’ passing TDs, but Smith should get plenty of targets and have a respectable amount of receiving yards.

Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle Seahawks - Housh and Carlson will garner the attention, allowing Burleson to have another nice game.  San Fran allowed Arizona’s #2 WR Jerheme Urban to go for 74 yards last week.

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens - Tight Ends pretty much had their way with San Diego last year.  The trend continued this year as Zach Miller had a great game.  Of course, Oakland has limited weapons, but Heap is still a solid play this week.  He’s coming off a big game of his own.

Shaun Suisham, K, Washington Redskins - Shaun gets to take on St. Louis at home.  St. Louis got smoked last week, but allowed just 4 PATs.  I’m guessing Washington sputters a time or two in field goal range, which should lead to a multiple FG game for Suisham.

Washington Redskins D/ST – St. Louis made Seattle’s D look like the ’86 Bears last week.  Washington looks like as good of choice as any to produce fantasy points.

Time for another edition of Fantasy Football Out on a Limb.  I scour the rosters to select a player who I feel will outperform a higher profile player in that given week.  I base my decisions on matchups, how the players are trending, and the ever-important hunch.  To mix things up I’ll occasionally do some two on one matchups or even pit RB or WR duos against each other.  Sometimes I’ll spot a player some points.

Scoring
6 points for rushing or receiving TD
4 points for a passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard.

Last Week:
Brett Favre vs. Eli Manning – I lost, Eli crushed Favre 16.5 to 9.5
Darren Sproles vs. Derrick Ward  I lost as Ward outscored Sproles 14.3 to 12.6
Chester Taylor vs. LenDale White – I lost LenDale squeaked by 3.3 to 3.0.
Chad Ochocinco vs. Dwayne Bowe – I lost by a hair.  Bowe’s 10.0 t0 Chad’s 9.7.
Marques Colston vs. Andre Johnson – Finally won.  Colston 9.0, A.J. 3.5
SS:  Peyton Hillis vs. Clinton Portis – I lost.  Portis 7.2, Hillis 0.8

Regular Picks: 1-4
Super Stretch Picks:  0-1
Overall:  1-5

Week 2 Picks:

QB

Ben Roethlisberger over Tony Romo

Both QBs threw for over 350 yards last week, but I feel Big Ben will have to answer the call again because of Pittsburgh’s lacks a running game.  Big Ben has the easier matchup against Chicago (Romo faces the Giants), but Ben is on the road while Romo is at home.  The Giants are going to put a lot of pressure on Romo, which could force him into some turnovers.  They’ll also use a mix of Marion Barber III and Felix Jones in what should be an intense game.  Chicago just lost Brian Urlacher for the  year, which should make things a little easier for Big Ben.

RBs

Adrian Peterson over Matt Forte and Kevin Smith combined

I’m doing the first 2-for-1 special of the year.  I’ll take last year’s leading rusher against two second-year backs.  I’m counting on AP to do his damage early because he could be watching the game on the sidelines in the 4th quarter as Minnesota draws Detroit.  Forte (Pittsburgh) and Smith (Minnesota) both face tough run defenses.  Although both are capable of picking up yardage in the passing game, I’m guessing neither back scores this week.

Ryan Grant over Michael Turner

Ryan Grant got off to a decent start against the Bears last week, and he should follow that up with a strong effort against Cincinnati at home.  Michael Turner had a somewhat disappointing start against Miami last week, and although he’s also at home, I would temper my expectations.  He’s playing a Carolina team that got dominated by Philadelphia.  They are going to come out firing to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.  Plus, the last time Turner played Carolina he scored 4 TDs, which I’m sure the Panthers were reminded of several times this week.

WRs

Brandon Marshall over Andre Johnson

I’m going to pick on AJ once again.  I think he has a tough matchup going on the road to Tennessee.  Schaub is going to be under heavy pressure, and Johnson is going to draw plenty of attention.  After dealing with Darrelle Revis last week, he’ll have to deal with Cortland Finnegan this week.  Meanwhile, Marshall faces Cleveland.  He has another week to get acclimated to the offense, and Orton’s getting healthier.

  
Percy Harvin over Chad Ochocinco
Brett Favre threw his first TD as a Viking to Percy, and I think the Rookie will find a way to get into the end zone again against the Lions.  He is so explosive and when the Lions try to stop AP, Harvin will get loose.  Ocho has to face Green Bay’s tough Defense.  They forced Cutler into 4 INTs.  While I don’t see Palmer making that many mistakes, the Bengals offense isn’t in sync right now.  It’s not going to happen in Lambeau this weekend.

Super Stretch

  
LeSean McCoy +2 over Steven Jackson
With McNabb out, the Eagles are going to have to run the ball more to move the chains and keep Drew Brees and company off the field.  While Westbrook should be in line for a big game, the Eagles will have to use a heavy dose of McCoy as well to make sure Westy doesn’t get banged up.  I’m taking on a top six fantasy pick in S-Jax so I’ll spot McCoy 2 points. Jackson faces Washington, who kept Brandon Jacobs in check, on the road.  Look for them to do the same to Action Jackson.