Time for another Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate. It’s my week to provide the topic. Here goes.
This Week’s Topic
Which unheralded player is going to play the part of Billy Volek or Drew Bennett and make a huge splash in the opening round of the fantasy playoffs?
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com:
A player that I’m loving this week is Jamaal Charles. He’s averaging 97.3 total yards and a score in his last four games since taking over for Larry Johnson. Not only has he been hot, but he faces Buffalo’s run defense that ranks dead last with 172.1 yards allowed per game. They have also allowed 16 rushing TDs, which ranks 30th.
Another player I like this week is Joe Flacco. He is facing the Detroit’s pass defense that ranks dead last in both passing yards allowed (274.8 per game) and passing TDs allowed (28). If you have Flacco paired up with Jay Cutler (vs. GB), Kyle Orton (@ INDY), Carson Palmer (@ MINN), or Eli Manning (vs. PHI), you may want to roll with Joe this week.
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com:
I think Vince Young makes a big splash going into playoffs with his light schedule: Rams, Dolphins, Chargers, then Seahawks. If you have been frustrated recently by your QB’s lack of performance then turn to Vince to carry you through the playoffs. If you are in a monster league and need to dig a bit further then go after Brady Quinn for week 15 against the Chiefs then week 17 against the Jaguars.
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com:
As Tab Bamford points out in his Playoff QB Primer Bruce Gradkowski (WAS, @ DEN, @ CLE) could arise to the occasion. “The Raiders are throwing the ball all over the place and Gradkowski’s been successful doing it. Washington’s not as bad as paper would tell you they were on Sunday, and the Broncos and Browns could get you some points in critical playoff matchups. If you’re sitting on a quarterback with a tough championship matchup (Orton, Hasselbeck, Roethlisberger), he might be a solid value add this week for the stretch.”
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com:
If you’re looking for an unheralded hero in Week 14, consider giving Steelers WR Mike Wallace the green light for your third wide receiver spot. He shouldn’t be anyone’s fantasy WR2 heading into round one of the 2009 fantasy football playoffs, but with Hines Ward a long-shot to play in Week 14 (Thursday night game), Mike Wallace could see a grip of targets against the Browns. Wallace is a rookie, and he has a lot of learning to do, but he has shown flashes of brilliance at times this season. In Week 3, Wallace pulled in seven passes for 102 yards, and he also looked good in Weeks 5-9 (bye in Week 8), where he scored touchdown in three out of those four games. Take advantage of the match-up and the situation if you own Wallace and expect a a good 4-5 receptions, 70-80 yards and a score in this one. This kid has a bright future in Pittsburgh if he can stay healthy and refine his game.
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com:
The Washington Redskins stole my thunder a bit by naming Quinton Ganther their starter at running back; he’s still works for this question … AND he should still be available in your fantasy league.
With Clinton Portis (concussion) out and now done for the year, Ganther had been sharing part of the workload carrying the ball with Rock Cartwright and Marcus Mason. The Rock had started the last two games; he totaled just 77 yards on 29 carries, though. Mason has received a few token carries in each game but with 14 yards combined and just 33 yards on 12 carries this year, he hasn’t really accomplished anything for the ‘Skins.
Which brings us to Ganther. His workload has increased in each of the last two games; he received the ball five times for 32 yards in Week 11 (6.4 yards per carry) and eight times for 46 yards last week (5.8 yards per carry). He’s 5-foot-9 and 214 pounds and can be a bull in the running game. Offensive coordinator Sherman Smith has familiarity with Ganther from their time on the Tennessee Titans together.
Ganther will get his first taste of starter’s work against the Oakland Raiders, too; they aren’t exactly a top-notch run D. His final three matchups are tough, but quarterback Jason Campbell has looked better behind center, giving teams something to think about fromWashington’s receiving game. It isn’t a ton, but it helps.
RC of www.junkyardjake.com:
Rookie Mohamed Massaquoi has been rather inconsistent, but I think he has a chance to be a week 14 fantasy playoff hero against the struggling Steelers secondary. Pittsburgh has been alarmingly bad against some awful offensive units over the past three weeks. They gave up 119 yards to Chris Chambers, and let Kansas City QB Matt Cassell throw for 248 yards and 2 TDs in week 11. Then last week against the Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh somehow permitted Bruce Gradkowski to throw for 308 yards and 3 TDs as they ended up on the wrong end of perhaps the most shocking upset of the year. If the Steelers’ recent defensive trend of folding against the worst offensive teams in the league holds up this week, you might be glad to have Mohamed Massaquoi in your lineup.
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com:
Injuries have opened the door for many unheralded players in the fantasy football playoffs this year, including running backs like Cleveland’s Jerome Harrison and Kansas City’s Jamaal Charles, but in Week 14, my pick to make a splash is San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith.
The San Francisco 49ers have catered to Alex Smith’s skills with a spread offense similar to the one he ran in college, and within this new offense, Smith has taken advantage of receiving options like Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Josh Morgan. In Week 14, Smith faces the Cardinals’ secondary, a unit that likes to take chances and allows plenty of scoring through the air.
According to FF Today, Arizona ranks ninth in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, allowing an average of 20.2 points to quarterbacks each week.
Coming off a 310-yard, two-touchdown performance in Seattle, I believe Smith will make a game of it and do his best to keep up with the Cardinals explosive air attack. Chances are good that he scores a place among the top 10 at quarterback once again.
If your top fantasy quarterback is bound for trouble this week, and you can’t get your hands on Joe Flacco, who faces the Lions, take a chance on Smith. Best of luck in the playoffs.
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable debate topic.
Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic:
Waivers are about to close in some leagues for the playoff’s; who should we be grabbing for the final push?
My Response:
With the fantasy playoffs in sight, I begin to align my fantasy defenses to ensure I have favorable match-ups for the most important games of the year. I try to get a core group of skill positons (QB, RB, WR), carry one Tight End, and use any extra roster spots on quality defenses.
Here’s a look at some of the defenses to grab for the fantasy playoffs:
Arizona: @SF, @DET, STL
Houston: SEA, @STL, @MIA
Cincinnati: Week 16 vs. KC
Dallas: Week 16 @WAS
Denver: Week 15 vs. OAK
New York Jets: Week 14 @TB
San Francisco: Week 16 vs. DET
Panelists
RC of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com
RC of www.junkyardjake.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable debate topic.
Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic:
Thinking back to the players that you targeted in drafts at the beginning of the season, which 1 or 2 players have been the biggest disappointments? What kind of additional information do you think you could use to avoid selecting this type of underachieving player in 2010 ?
My Response:
A couple of players that I targeted in fantasy drafts this year were Calvin Johnson and Carolina’s Steve Smith. Both Wide Receivers were coming off of big years and came with high expectations.
However, a closer look at both of their situations would have revealed some red flags. Calvin Johnson had little talent around him on offense to take away some of the pressure that he faces from week to week. He also had to rely on an unproven Rookie QB in Matthew Stafford or washed up Daunte Culpepper. When you consider that he was being drafted ahead of Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Wes Welker, and Vincent Jackson it just makes you cringe.
There were warning signs for Steve Smith as well, that many chose to ignore. First of all he plays for a run-first offense. Plus, Carolina did not provide him a legitimate complimentary receiver. They don’t have a solid #2 WR, slot receiver, or even a pass-catching Tight End. It’s Smith and that’s it. Finally, the way Jake Delhomme imploded in the playoffs, especially when the Panther didn’t solidify their QB depth, should have been the last straw.
Next year, when I am investing an early pick on a Wide Receiver I am going to make sure he has a stable QB.
Panelists
RC of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com
Eric of www.rotoprofessor.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate topic.
Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic:
What adjustments do you make to your fantasy strategy in the second half with games now being played on Thursdays?
My Response:
My first thought was the short week was hard on Running Backs since they take such a beating. I decided to look back to last year’s games to see how the RBs fared.
Week 10
Jamal Lewis: 19-60, TD (3.2 ypc)
I disregarded Denver since they didn’t have a consistent running game.
Week 11
Thomas Jones: 30-104, TD (3.5 ypc)
I disregarded New England since they didn’t have a consistent running game.
Week 12
Cedric Benson: 16-35 (2.2 ypc)
I disregarded Pittsburgh since they didn’t have a consistent running game.
Week 13
Chris Johnson: 16-125, 2 TDs (7.8 ypc)
LenDale White: 23-106, 2 TDs (4.6 ypc)
Kevin Smith: 12-22 (1.8 ypc)
Week 14
LaDainian Tomlinson: 25-91, TD (3.6 ypc)
I disregarded Oakland since they didn’t have a consistent running game.
Week 15
Pierre Thomas: 22-87, TD (4.0 ypc)
Matt Forte: 11-34, TD (3.1 ypc)
Week 16
Maurice Jones-Drew: 20-91 (4.6 ypc)
I disregarded Indy since they didn’t have a consistent running game.
At first glance I noticed that the majority of the RBs had a low yards per carry ratio. I also noticed that a good portion of them score anyway. Judging by these numbers I would stick with my top backs in standard leagues and look for replacements in heavy yardage leagues.
I also decided to look at QB play.
Week 10: Cutler 447 yards, 3 TDs; Quinn 239 yards, 2 TDs
Week 11: Favre 258 yards, 2 TDs; Cassel 400 yards, 3 TDs
Week 12: Big Ben 243 yards, TD; Cincy didn’t count
Week 13:
TENN-DET game didn’t count
Romo 331 yards, 3 TDs; Hasselbeck 287 yards
McNabb 260 yards, 4 TDs; Warner 235 yards, 3 TDs
Week 14: Rivers 214 yards, 3 TDs; Oakland doesn’t count
Week 15: Brees 232 yards, 2 TDs; Chicago doesn’t count
Week 16: Peyton Manning 364 yards, 3 TDs, Garrard 329 yards, TD
Now we’re talking. Almost every QB that mattered had a monster game during the short week. Looking back to last year as guidance, I am starting QB that plays on Thursday whenever the situation arises.
Panelists
Junkyard Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate topic. Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic:
Looking ahead at the fantasy football playoffs (Weeks 14-17), what one player would you want to own during those weeks and what one player would you want to unload before Week 14?
My Response:
Looking ahead to the fantasy playoffs there are a couple of Wide Receivers that I would love to own, and one that I want no parts of.
The WRs that I love for the fantasy playoffs are Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson. Aside from being two of the best WRs in the game, there are some other reasons that make them so valuable when fantasy owners need them the most.
First of all, neither team is running away with their division meaning they will likely go full tilt the whole season as they vie for a playoff spot. While WRs like Reggie Wayne and Marques Colston are in the driver seat in their respective divisions, Fitz and AJ are not. It’s conceivable that Wayne and Colston get a reduced workload in your league’s championship game, you don’t have to worry about that with Fitz or AJ.
They also have favorable schedules in the fantasy playoffs. Fitz plays at San Francisco, at Detroit, and finishes at home against St. Louis. Week 14 could be tough for him, but the final two games could bring the monster performances you expected out of Fitz when you drafted him.
Andre Johnson schedules is also a breeze. He starts off at home against Seattle, travels to St. Louis, and finishes at Miami. Obviously I don’t like his championship opponent as much as Fitz, but if he leads you to the title game, you’re in the money anyway.
On the flip side, the player I don’t want on my team come fantasy playoffs time is Carolina’s Steve Smith. They start off on the road at New England. Weather is very much a factor in New England in December, which doesn’t bode well for members of the passing game. Next up is Minnesota at home. The pressure that Jared Allen and company put on opposing QBs could make for a long day. Finally, he finished up against the Giants on the road in the swirling winds.
Smith faces three of the best teams in the league, two in what are likely to be bad-weather games, during the fantasy playoffs. Not to mention he plays in a run-first offense. If I were a Steve Smith owner and had championship aspirations, I’d try to move him now that he’s coming off a pair of good games.
Panelists
Junkyard Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate topic. Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic:
Who is your biggest “buy-low” candidate heading into Weeks 8-16?
My Response:
There are several attractive “buy low” candidates out there. LT is coming on. Carolina’s Steve Smith finally had a good game. Greg Jennings and Santonio Holmes aren’t getting in the end zone.
The player that intrigues me the most though is Jason Witten. Witten has just 312 yards in six games (52 yards/game) with 1 TD. Not exactly elite Tight End numbers. It’s not from lack of involvement in the passing game though. He has 33 receptions, which is good for an average of 5.5 per game. With the emergence of Miles Austin, Witten should find seams in the middle of the field as they look to take away the deep threat.
There are a few reasons I think Witten could come available. Obviously whoever drafted Witten used an early pick on him. They aren’t exactly getting the return on investment they anticipated. There’s a good chance that Witten owners are struggling because of that.
Another reason he could be available is the emergence of several Tight Ends that were initially drafted to be backups. Vernon Davis, Visanthe Shiancoe, Heath Miller, and Brent Celek are a few TEs that have gained the confidence of fantasy owners. If they feel they can upgrade in another area, Witten could come available.
He still carries a big name so you’ll still have to pay to get him. The price tag is just lower right now than it’s been in years.
Panelists
Junkyard Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Time for another Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate. Bryce McRae of KFFL.com came up with this week’s topic. Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic:
Which two players are you stashing for the second half? Why?
My Response:
The two players that I am stashing away for the second half are Chris “Beanie” Wells and Michael Crabtree. Both have had tumultuous starts to their promising NFL careers, but I feel that once they get up to speed should be solid fantasy contributors.
Beanie Wells is more likely to make an impact this year. He hasn’t been given an opportunity to show what he can do, initially because of his contract situation, and later because of injuries. He also had some fumbling issues, which lost the trust of Ken Whisenhunt. I feel he’s too talented of a back to sit on the sidelines. Eventually he’s going to get a chance at the stripe and deliver. Once he gets his confidence back, along with Whisenhunt’s, the sky is the limit. That’s assuming that the Cardinals attempt to balance their offense a bit. They were at their best last season in the playoffs when ran the ball more. I believe they will get back to that at some point this year. When they do, I want to have Beanie on my roster.
The other high-profile Rookie I would stash is Michael Crabtree. I know he missed a ton of time, probably too much to make an impact this year, but I believe in his skill set and think he’ll get an opportunity down the stretch to show what he’s capable of.
I wouldn’t consider him anywhere near the level of Randy Moss, but I do see some similarities. Both believed they were wronged in the NFL Draft, and I think Crabtree shares the same motivation to prove everyone wrong who doubted him. It’s not like the 49ers have major roadblocks in his way either. Isaac Bruce and Josh Morgan aren’t high-end starters.
His role will be limited initially, but by season’s end, there is a great chance he works his way into the starting lineup. Who knows? Perhaps, he works his way into your fantasy starting lineup as well.
Panelists
Junkyard Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Time for another Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate. It’s my week to provide the topic. Here goes.
This Week’s Topic
Aside from LT, which player or two has saw his keeper value take the most significant hit and why?
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com:
The first person that comes to mind is Clinton Portis. He will turn 29 when the 2010 season kicks off, which is getting into the scary territory for Running Backs. Portis, perhaps even more so than other RBs because of the heavy workload he’s endured over his first eight seasons. He’s battle numerous injuries over the past couple of seasons and the direction of the team is tenuous at best with Jim Zorn on the hot seat.
Joseph Addai is a couple of years younger than Portis, but, unlike CP, there is already an heir apparent on the roster. Donald Brown is going to share the workload, much like Addai did in his rookie season with Dominic Rhodes, but next year, I imagine Brown will take over as the lead back. Addai will still be a useful back, but he’s no longer a lock to be kept by fantasy owners.
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com:
When looking at keepers, it’s important to remember that you want players with a good foundation, these are players that are young, have proven to be of value over two seasons, and still have room to grow.
Two seasons ago, quarterback Tony Romo and David Garrard were up-and-coming stars. Romo was coming off a 36 touchdown season and Garrard had a 6-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Fast forward to 2009, and I think neither of these quarterbacks is worth owning in a keeper league. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, but both have been prone to too many bad games.
Romo so far this season has had two decent games, and three that could kill a fantasy team. Without a “true” No. 1 wide receiver, Romo is forced to be the hero; a role I don’t believe he can excel at.
Garrard in 2009 has had three games already where he hasn’t thrown a touchdown. That has to scare any fantasy owner.
Although Romo and Garrard where the darlings of 2007, and keeper league quarterbacks, now, I don’t think they deserve to be kept. There is still plenty of time left in 2009 for these two to dial-it-up, but they better call 911 quick because these two need help right away.
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com:
Trent Edwards and Terrell Owens were set to have a big season playing in a dynamic no-huddle offense. Now it looks as if Owens and Edwards are stuck in deep mud and it doesn’t get any better down the stretch because outside of weeks 10 and 11 they face some good defenses. I’d trade Owens while his stock isn’t quite yet worth ZERO. Trent Edwards hasn’t topped 200 yards passing in any of his last three games, throwing five picks and one touchdown during that time span. Edwards has been on his back 18 times so far and like I said before it’s only going to get harder. Lesson learned here, try to avoid players that are amidst a regime change.. unless of course it’s Peyton Manning.
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Brian Westbrook’s value has taken a HUGE hit this season and many are starting to think that things won’t get any better in weeks 6-17. I have to admit that I’m torn on this topic. I think that it is important to note that it isn’t like that Eagles’ offense has given Westy the carries to prove himself this year, and there is still hope for Westy owners in redraft leagues… If things dont improve in the “carries per game” department for the starting rusher, Westy owners are surely in trouble moving forward. In a sense it doesn’t matter how he busts, whether it be by way of situation (carries), or by way of diminished talent (lack of production when given the touches)… A bust is a bust and if Westy does have an elite season left, this is it. His dynasty value is low. My advice is this… If you own him in redraft leagues, don’t sell cheap. Just make sure you have LeSean McCoy. If you don’t currently own the rookie, go get him now! His redraft value isn’t all that high right now, as the entire offense isn’t moving the football on the ground and Westy is healthy… Strike on all that and handcuff Westy to McCoy! Then ride this out… If Westy gets hurt, McCoy will shine. Selling low just isn’t an option given Westy’s current market value… In fact, buying low, and I mean “bargain” low, is advised, especially if you already own McCoy due to your crafty drafting.
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Players such as Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins), Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) and Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) already have low value in keeper leagues. The players below are a pair of backs that have seen their value drop this year.
The Oakland Raiders’ Darren McFadden (knee) just can’t stay healthy. He missed Week 5 and won’t be playing for at least another week. In 2008, he was slowed by shoulder and toe injuries. Even when on the field this year, he hasn’t impressed with just 3.1 yards per carry. No one will deny his physical talents, but at this point, he hasn’t show much in his 17 games. Oakland hasn’t done much to put an offense around him to relieve any pressure, either; as long as Al Davis (and quarterback JaMarcus Russell) is there, though, it isn’t likely that the Raiders will aid McFadden.
Marion Barber III, of the Dallas Cowboys, might be a bruising back, but he’s another runner that just can’t seem to stay healthy. This year, it’s his quadriceps muscle; last year it was a dislocated toe that slowed him down. He hasn’t shown he can handle a full workload. Injuries are only part of the equation. Behind him (or already equal with him), the Cowboys have Felix Jones, a first-round pick in 2008, who is arguably their biggest playmaker (9.4 yards per carry). Running back Tashard Choice, a back more in Barber’s vein, has looked impressive when called into action (5.1 yards per carry), too.
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
For me, Steve Slaton’s value has to have taken a pretty big hit over the first five weeks of the season. Generally selected among the top 15 picks on draft day, he has topped 75 rushing yards just once and only found the end zone twice (both times in Week 4). Granted, his value is not going to disappear due to his ability to contribute in the passing game, he has not quite lived up to a potential first round talent. People were expecting the player who found the end zone 10 times in 2009. They were expecting the player who rushed for at least 90 yards in four of the final five games of the season.
I would never recommend giving up on Slaton. In fact, selling him now would be a mistake because you would not get a fair value on him. Keeper league owners have to hope that this is just a sophomore slump, but at this point he has to be knocked down a few pegs right now.
Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
As far as keeper league strategy, LaDainian Tomlinson is a great example of a player who is past his peak dynasty value, and is a good candidate to include in trade offers for prospects or draft picks. Of course, running backs like Tomlinson can lose value very quickly in a keeper league context as they approach and eclipse the age of thirty. Other running backs who fit this category are Brian Westbrook, Larry Johnson,Jamal Lewis and perhaps Willis McGahee. In terms of older wide receivers and tight ends, Randy Moss,Terrell Owens and Tony Gonzalez are also good examples of players who may currently retain decent trade value, but should be considered as keeper league trade bait.
There is probably another group of players, primarily running backs, who are still desirable from an age perspective, but are in situations where their future value may be adversely affected by team situations and/or continued mediocrity. For example, Darren McFadden and Reggie Bush are rapidly losing keeper league value because of poor performance relative to their originally expected career performance. Another group of younger running backs face situations where they are in danger of being usurped by higher upside players. For example, Joseph Addai’s value could plummet in the event that Donald Brown emerges as the Colts primary running back. Similarly Tim Hightower’s keeper league value could decrease significantly if Arizona decides to get an extended look at rookie Chris Wells at some point this season.
Thanks to everyone that participated. Feel free to share the keepers you feel are losing value.
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Darren McFadden’s keeper value has fallen off a cliff this season as a member of the Oakland Raiders. Once thought of as a challenger to Adrian Peterson’s crown as the best running back in the game, McFadden has seen his fantasy value plummet not because of a lack of talent or lack of opportunity, but because his team is simply terrible.
The Oakland Raiders are the worst offense in football. JaMarcus Russell is the worst starting quarterback in football, and it doesn’t seem like either is going to get better anytime soon. The Raiders will probably have to begin a whole new rebuilding process this offseason with a new coaching staff, and during that period of transition, there’s no telling how McFadden shakes out. He might end up lost in the shuffle and buried on a terrible franchise that squanders his value for his entire career.
And as if things couldn’t be worse, McFadden’s already injured this season after struggling with turf toe through his entire rookie year. Without the proper protection to support his run game, his career could be a short one if he can’t get out of Oakland.
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
When the Eagles used a draft pick on LeSean McCoy people started to wonder if Brian Westbrook’s injuries and age were catching up to him. In newer Dynasty and Keeper leagues his stock dropped, it may have been easier to look the younger route. In established leagues, where Westbrook has been a huge part of some teams over recent years, it was time for owners to wonder if they should make some moves to move on. When they both get on the field in the same game it is Westbrook that comes out shining. Each game Westy does not get out there the more McCoy is going to be able to show the Eagles they will be okay and he will eventually surpass Westbrook’s production while his rises and Westy’s declines. Tip for the Westbrook owner, get some value while you can.
Speaking of getting value while you can. I thinking this may be the year that guys that took Darren McFaddenhigh in rookie drafts would see some production. Not so much. While the RBBC and the fact of being on the Raiders continue to drag him down it might be time to go ahead and try to get some value now instead of waiting on potential out of the guy, If he can pull off a big game might want to try and sell high and get yourself out of Oakland and the land of inconsistency.
Time for another Fourth & 1 Roundtable Debate. Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com came up with this week’s topic. Click here to see the full article.
This Week’s Topic
Going into Week 5 some teams have struggled out of the gate. For those teams that are 2-2 or 1-3, what “expert” strategies would you suggest to help teams try to get back into the chase.
My Response
It depends on what type of struggling team you are. Are you scoring points yourself? Perhaps you happened to draw Drew Brees when he erupted for 6 TDs in Week 1, and Chris Johnson, Frank Gore, or Andre Johnson when they exploded in Week 2, and maybe you faced MoJo in Week 3 when he went for 3 TDs, and San Fran D last week for good measure. If you have been snakebitten by top scorers, but are holding your own in points, I would say don’t do anything drastic. Work the waiver wire like you normally would. Don’t make any desperate moves. Either the matchups will have a way of evening things out or it’s just not your year.
However, if you are struggling to score points yourself, that’s when you need to take action. Take a look at your team and don’t be afraid to cut any dead weight. If your guy is still struggling through four weeks, perhaps it’s time to cut bait. Be aggressive. If you have Chris Johnson and a bunch of nobodies, perhaps it’s time to see what you can get for him. If you can get a mid-level RB like Joseph Addai and a rock solid WR, it’s will probably help you in the long run. You get an adequate RB and a major upgrade at a key position. I know it’s tough because if you’re not scoring points you likely don’t have many Sell High guys. Another thing you can do is be aggressive with your Defenses and Kickers. If you don’t have an elite D, you’ll have to play the matchup game. Don’t simply plan week to week though. Everyone does that. Look two weeks out. That way when everyone is scrambling to make great pickups this week, you’re a step ahead of the game. With Kickers, look to see which teams are allowing the most Kicker points. It’s not necessarily the worst teams, because often they allow more PATs than anything. You want to find a bent-but-don’t-break D that gives up yards, but gets tough in the red zone. That way you are likely to get multiple FG opportunities.
It’s not impossible to climb out of the hole. You just have to work a little harder and get some luck on your side.
Panelists
Junkyard Jake of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Eric Stashin of www.rotoprofessor.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
