Week 16 Top Plays

Quarterbacks

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: Romo has been lights out lately and the Saints defense is terrible and while they had a great week against Tampa Bay that hasn’t been the norm this season. Dallas was able to shred the best defense in the league last week and so imagine what he is going to do against one of the worst. Romo is third in the league in passing with 4,269 yards passing and has been playing his best football as of late; expect more of it against the second worst pass defense in the league.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: Newton and the Panthers have been playing a lot better and while the Raiders shut-out Kansas City last week that isn’t saying much as the Chiefs are ranked 25^th in total offense. Newton has 3,451 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions but he also has 647 yards rushing with seven rushing touchdowns. I suspect Newton will have a big week against the Oakland especially after destroying the Chargers Sunday.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are playing for a playoff spot this week, so expect everything the Colts have and then some. Luck has 3,978 yards passing and while his touchdowns and interception ratio isn’t the best expect him to be able to shred the Chiefs this weekend. The Colts would like to wrap up a playoff spot this weekend and Luck should have a monster game against a team that is headed for the first overall pick.

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys: Murray has scored a touchdown in three straight games and was able to get 81 yards rushing against the Steelers last week so expect him to gash the second worst rushing defense in the league. I can’t see the Saints being able to stop Murray this weekend, while they were able to stuff Doug Martin, I chalk that up to divisional opponents playing each other tough. The Saints have been able to stop only a few teams this season and the way the Cowboys are playing I can’t see it happening.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson is on pace to pass Eric Dickerson’s all-time rushing record for a single season, let’s remember Peterson torn his ACL and MCL in week 16 of last season. Peterson is the only running back averaging over 100 yards a game with an of  129.4 yards a game on the ground and he seems like he is getting stronger each week. I wouldn’t be surprised if Peterson gets close to another 200 yards rushing and one to two touchdowns on the ground.

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens need to get back to basics and give the ball to Ray Rice and when the Ravens give it to him more than 25 times a game they are nearly unbeatable. Rice has 1,031 yards rushing and is strong safety net for Joe Flacco; if the Ravens want to end their three-game losing streak, expect a heavy dose of Rice.

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears: The Bears are reeling and their one constant this season has been Marshall, who has just been lights out. Marshall has league high 107 receptions for 1,398 yards with 10 receiving touchdowns. Arizona finally got a win last week against the Lions, so don’t be surprised if they don’t play too well.

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys: Bryant has been on a roll lately and has scored a touchdown in six straight games and I suspect that the trend will continue against the league’s worst defense the Saints. Bryant is tied for third in the league with 10 receiving touchdowns not to mention he’s tied for the seventh most receptions with 79 and has 1,087 receiving yards, so expect a big day from him.

Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins: When Pierre Garcon is healthy is one of the best wide receivers in the game and he has proven to be a deadly connection with RG3 or Cousins, it doesn’t matter to him. The Redskins are right in the playoff mix and the Eagles have totally fallen apart, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Garcon have 100 receiving with one or two receiving touchdowns.

Sleeper of the Week: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have been on a tear the last two games and have a chance to pull within a half a game of the NFC West lead. Last week showed that San Francisco could be scored on if you open up the field on them and expect Wilson to try and do that this Sunday night. Wilson has been deadly in the air with 21 touchdowns and only nine interceptions and last weekend he showed some of his running skills, as he was able to score three on the ground last weekend against the Bills.

By Michael Ferraro

Week 14's Best Plays

Quarterback

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Eagles have been awful against the pass the past few weeks and the whole team is a disaster. Freeman has just over 3,000 yards passing and has 23 touchdowns and only eight interceptions; he should tear into the Eagles, which has shown no ability to stop anyone. While the Eagles are ranked in the middle of the pack in pass defense it seems like they have been phoning it in the past few weeks.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: Luck is fourth in the league in passing with 3,596 yards passing and while his touchdown to interception ratio hasn’t been good but he is going up against a bad Titans defense. The one problem with Luck is the turnovers but that should be expected, as he is a rookie but a great rookie. The Colts don’t have the best running game, so expect them to focus more on the passing game where Luck has been able to excel.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: Rodgers is having another great season with 29 interceptions and only nine interceptions, he also has 3,124 yards passing and has been able to have another great season. The Lions are giving up an average of 26.2 points a game and give up an average of 353.4 yards of total offense a game and are in the bottom half of the league in total defense in every category. I expect Rodgers to have a big game and the Packers will continue the Lions downward spiral this season.

Running Backs

Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins: The Ravens have been terrible so far this season against the run and The Redskins are the league’s best rushing team. Morris has over 1,100 yards rushing and with Robert Griffin III, the Ravens should easily give up more than their average of 125.8 yards a game on the ground. Morris is currently third in the league in rushing and is averaging 4.8 yards a carry and has six rushing touchdowns on the season.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson torn his ACL late last season and he is even better than before, he is averaging 120.5 yards a game and already has 1,446 yards rushing and it’s only week 14. No defense has been able to stop Peterson and even though he facing Chicago this week shouldn’t give Peterson trouble. It’s a race between Peterson and Manning for comeback player of the year, they should both get it as nobody expected either to be this good this season.

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams: Jackson is having probably his worst season so far but the Buffalo Bills are ranked 30^th against the run this season. While they have gotten better, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jackson ran for over 150 yards and has at least one rushing touchdown this week.

Wide Receivers

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos: Oakland has been terrible this season and has given a ton of points recently. Thomas and Manning should have a field day against the horrible Oakland defense. Thomas has 1,114 yards receiving and eight receiving touchdowns on the season and it’s only week 14. I expect Thomas to get at least 100 yards receiving and should get at least one receiving touchdown. Oakland defense is the easiest to score on in the league giving up 31.3 points a game.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne’s career is resurgent with Andrew Luck at quarterback and it helps facing the 31^st ranked scoring defense. The Titans are giving up 29.9 points a game and Wayne should catch and run all over them this week. Wayne has 88 receptions for 1,156 yards and has three receiving touchdowns; I wouldn’t be surprised to see that total rise this week.

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: What is there to say about Calvin Johnson, he is a just a beast and has 86 receptions for 1,428 yards receiving and has five receiving touchdowns. The Lions pass more than any other team and I can’t see that changing this week, especially if they get down big early. Johnson is averaging 119.0 yards a game by far the most in the league and suspect that number will rise or stay very close to that number and I wouldn’t be surprised if Megatron made it into the end-zone this week.

Sleeper of the week

Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers: Jennings has been a big fantasy let down this season because he has been hurt for so much of it but he has a chance this week to show he’s healthy now. Jordy Nelson has all but been ruled out against the Lions this week and I expect Aaron Rodgers to go to Jennings more this week. The Lions defense has been awful this season and if there is a game that Jennings to show he still has it, this would be the ideal week for fantasy owners that have held onto all season.

Amped Plays of the Week: Edition 13

 Quarterbacks

The No Brainers

Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, RGIII, Drew Brees.

Take a Chance: 

Matthew Stafford, Lions:  This kid torched the Houston secondary for over 440 yards with a pair of scores on thanksgiving.  With the Colts coming to Ford Field this weekend, I would expect Stafford to drop a bit in the yardage department, but we like his chances to toss 3+ TD’s.

Colin Kaepernick, 49ers:  Too soon?  We don’t think so.  He has showed incredible poise and a willingness to stay in the pocket and make the big play with his rocket of an arm.   Combine that with his freakish ability to make plays with his feet and he’s a must start for any team.  Not to mention he’s playing St. Louis this week, the very team that gave him his opportunity to play by knocking out Alex Smith just over 2 weeks ago.  He put 16 fantasy points in his limited snaps that game, expect much more this week.

Take a Seat:

Tony Romo, Cowboys:  Impressive stat line last week, 440 with 3 scores and a pair of INT’s.   Best game of the season so far.  Too bad it was against one of the worst pass defense’s out there.  Philly is coming to Dallas next week and you might be tempted to give Romo the nod because of how the Eagles are reeling and have lost 7 straight.  Don’t  be fooled.  The Eagles defense has talent and could show up any given week.  Considering the bad blood between these teams, I wouldn't be surprised if this were that week.

Running Backs

The No Brainers

Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, Doug Martin, Frank Gore.

Take a Chance

CJ Spiller, Bills: Spiller has been incredibly efficient with his carries and for the most part pretty productive, but he hasn’t found the endzone in 5 games.  I’m sure he’s had this home game vs Jacksonville circled on the schedule, it’s a great slump buster.  Whether it’s in the passing game or the running game, this man will find pay dirt this week.  Don’t fret about Fred Jackson, he is the second option whether they admit to it or not.

Chris Johnson, Titans:  We know, this guy is frustrating, right?  Why would you play him against a stout Houston defense? Well, he’s already shown he can run on them.  He ran over and around the Texans for 140+ yards on their own turf earlier in the season, this time he get’s them at home.  The other factor?  The Titans have actually no choice but to get CJ2k involved in every way possible if they want to win.  Pass game, run game, you name it.

Take a Seat

Beanie Wells, Cardinals: Wow this guy came back and put up 16 points in his first game back!  Must have some fresh legs!  False.  Same old Beanie.  He put up a cute 48 yards on 17 carries (that’s a whopping 2.8 YPC!)  take out his 2 touchdowns, which you cant count on every week, and you’ve got nothing.  Please, temper you expectations for Beanie Wells.

Wide Receivers

The No Brainers

Aj Green, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Reggie Wayne.

Take a Chance

Stevie Johnson, Bills:  Stevie J puts up consistent yardage and reception numbers week in and week out but he hasn’t been able to buy a touchdown the past few games.  Look for that to change against Jacksonville this week.  It hasn’t been like Fitzpatrick hasn’t been looking for him, they just haven’t connected in a while.  1 TD, maybe 2.  Take it to the bank.

Hakeem Nicks, Giants:  Nicks had a productive game last week, hauling in 5 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.  This might mark the official return to health for him and if that’s the case, he will only get better.  Where better to continue his streak than in Washington next week? 

Take a Seat

Steve Smith, Panthers: Old reliable just hasn’t been the same.  He doesn’t stretch the field as much as he once did.  His catch and yardage outputs are pretty average.  He would be worth a look if he ever scored touchdowns, but he doesn’t.  He’s got just one all season long.  Avoid if you can.

Tight Ends

The No Brainers

Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, Jimmy Graham.

Take a Chance

Jermaine Gresham, Bengals: Gresham has been getting a lot of looks from Andy Dalton in the middle of the field and he’s been taking advantage.   He’s had 2 touchdowns in his last 3 games and came just a yard short of another.  He’s a good bet for a score if you need a tight end for a week.

Heath Miller, Steelers:  Whether Roethlisberger is back or not, Miller is going to be involved in the offense more in the coming weeks.  He’s going to be the safety valve for whomever is under center, just look at his 6 catches from Charlie Batch last week.

Take a Seat

Aaron Hernandez, Patriots:  With Gronk out, this would have been his time to shine and I’m sure he would have if he wasn’t hurt.  He’s a great player but you can’t trust an injury like this that can be aggravated on any play, even without contact.  He could be a feast or famine type play….just be ready for a famine.

Mike’s Week 13 Optimal Offensive Explosion Roster

Quarterback:  Aaron Rodgers

Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson

Wide Receiver: Reggie Wayne

Running Back:  Arian Foster

Mike Powers

Week 12 Must Starts

Quarterbacks

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals: There are multiple reasons why Andy Dalton is a smart play this week, first off is that the Oakland Raiders defense has been absolute terrible over the past three games.       While Dalton’s numbers are very good for a second year player, this start is more of statement to how awful the Raiders defense has been. Over the past three games Oakland has given up 42, 55 and 38 over the last three weeks.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos: Manning is almost a lock for comeback player of the year and is a strong candidate for MVP, along with Tom Brady. So far on the season Manning has 2,975 passing yards and has amassed 24 touchdowns and only thrown seven interceptions with a passer rating of 106.2. These numbers coupled with the Broncos playing the Chiefs make Manning one of best plays of the week. Expect Manning to throw more with McGahee out with a torn MCL, who expects to be out six-to-eight weeks.

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: On paper this looks like a total mismatch, Ryan after coming off the worst game of his career against a Buccaneers defense that has been the worst in the league against the pass, but Freeman has the hot hand. Freeman has had six straight games with at least two passing touchdowns, four of those six games he has three passing touchdowns. Freeman will be hard for the Falcons to contain; it won’t be as easy as John Skelton or his back up, Arizona’s third string quarterback.

Running Backs:

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens: I don’t see Rice getting only 40 yards again this week even though the Chargers are one of the better rushing defense, ranked third in the league allowing 87.9 yards a game. Rice isn’t a running back that has multiple bad games in a row and San Diego might have a defensive letdown after losing a big divisional game against the Broncos last week.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are the league’s best rushing team going against the leagues worst rushing defense. Gore should be able to gash the Saints through the ground and the 49ers are very run oriented so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get 100-plus yards on the ground and haul in a few receptions.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: The Jaguars defense was horrible last week, while most of that was through the air but the Jaguars seem like they lose a different way each week. I expect to Johnson to have a big game especially since the Titans don’t have a receiver like Andre Johnson but then again not many teams do.

Wide Receivers:

Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears: I only like Marshall against the Vikings this week if Cutler is back in the lineup next week. The Bears looks terrible Monday night and Marshall was still able to get a receiving touchdown even though he had two receptions for 21 yards and a receiving touchdown. Expect Marshall to return to form this week and have a big game against a divisional opponent with a lot of playoff implications involved.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals: One of the league’s best young receivers is going up against a defense that is reeling. Green is having a pro bowl season with 64 receptions with 911 yards receiving with 10 receiving touchdowns. Oakland has been eaten alive the last three weeks and I believe that it will continue especially through the air, as the Bengals have been able to do nothing on the ground as of late.

Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints: This might seem like a bad play especially since the 49ers have one of the leagues best defenses but Drew Brees is a million times better than Jason Campbell. Brees has thrown a touchdown in 53 straight games and I can’t see that changing this week and I believe Colston will benefit from that. Colston has 51 receptions for 721 yards receiving and seven receiving touchdowns.

By: Michael Ferraro

Week 7 Top Plays

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: It’s hard not to play Rodgers coming off a six-touchdown performance against one of the better defenses in the league (Houston). I suspect he will have a big game even without Greg Jennings. While the Rams rank in the top five in pass defense, they haven’t come up against someone at Rodgers level.

Eli Manning, New York Giants: This is an easy choice, Manning has been lights out and the Redskins have been horrible against the pass. Eli should have all of his weapons at wide receiver, even though he might be without Ahmad Bradshaw. I expect Manning to pass 300 yards passing but division games are tough, as the Giants and Manning were horrible against the Redskins last season.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo Is due for a bust out game and it should help that he is playing against the Panthers who are in the bottom half of the league in pass defense. Romo should benefit from a good solid running attack even without star DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones should be able to step in and have a solid game.

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Freeman had a huge game last week and even though he is an erratic, every team they have played so far has shred the Saints. The Saints are ranked 26^th in the NFL in pass defense and give up an average of 283.2 yards a game and have surrendered nine touchdowns and only produced three interceptions.

Running backs

Arian Foster, Houston Texans: The Ravens are having a lot of problem stopping the run and the Kansas City Chiefs exploited that and so did the Dallas Cowboys when both teams ran for over 200 yards against the Ravens.  It doesn’t help Baltimore’s cause with the loss of Webb, Ray Lewis, possibly Ed Reid, but they are getting Terrell Suggs back. I expect Foster to run all over the Ravens and their poor defense will cost them against the Texans this week.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: Johnson finally had a decent game last week against the Steelers even though he didn’t get the rushing touchdown. The Bills have been awful in rush defense, ranking last in the NFL giving up a whopping 173.5 yards a game and allowing nine rushing touchdowns. I expect that Johnson might finally have a break out game against the Bills this week.

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: McFadden gets to face the 30^th ranked rushing defense this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars who are giving up 163.0 yards a game and have allowed seven rushing touchdowns this season. I can’t see the Jaguars being able to stop McFadden if the Raiders give him his touches.

Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins: The Giants have been average in the rushing attack this season and Washington has been one of the best running teams this season but their stats are a bit skewed with Robert Griffin III playing quarterback. I still expect Morris to get close to 100 yards unless they get down a lot early but I doubt that will be the case.

Wide Receivers

Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints: Only Washington has a worse pass defense than Tampa Bay, so I suspect Drew Brees and the Saints will be able to put big numbers against the Buccaneers this weekend. Colston is a beast when he gets going and should be hard to stop this weekend. The Saints have the top rated pass offense and they are playing the second to worst pass defense do the math.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne doesn’t seem to take that Andrew Luck took over for Peyton Manning as he is just shredding opposing defenses this season. It doesn’t hurt when you are facing off against the Browns who are an average pass defense but it seems like they have been shredded the last few weeks.

Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings: Harvin is having a pro-bowl caliber season and is a dual threat as he can come out of the backfield and run for big yardage. Arizona has a good defense but I think Harvin is just better and will be able to expose some of the weaknesses in the Cardinals secondary.

Victor Cruz, New York Giants: When Manning and Cruz are on, no one in the NFL is better than these two right now if they are clicking on all cylinders. With the Redskins pass defense, along with Manning who is having one his best passing seasons to date, it’s hard not to play Cruz this week, especially at home where he tends to play his best.

How Much Longer Can You Keep These Underachievers?

       If you have been an owner of Chris Johnson this year, you have been very displeased with his effort this year.  Same would go for Antonio Gates, who hasn’t had much to talk about so far this year.  Many others would fit into this role and it is time to take a look at your fantasy team going into week five with some well-known players.  Here we take a look at players who are struggling, and how they project going forward.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee: Johnson thus far has been a disaster for fantasy owners, as he has only 27 points in a regular public league this year.  The next couple of games do not look very promising for Johnson either to drastically increase his total as the Titans face Minnesota and Pittsburgh.  The only games I would recommend playing Johnson is Buffalo, and both Indianapolis games.  Otherwise try to get him for trade bait with someone who believes Johnson will break out.

Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego: Matthews is a bit of a mystery, mainly because he was injured throughout the pre-season and that hampered his early season stats.  Matthews only has 14 points in a public standard points league and the injury and the success has stalled Matthews.  The difference between Matthews and Johnson though is that Matthews will improve, and it won’t take long for him to.  This weekend is New Orleans, who is terrible defensively, and will play opponents like Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Oakland for him to get better stats.  If you still have Matthews, his outlook is very bright, assuming he stays healthy.

Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago: Cutler is capable of producing games like he had against Dallas, but also games like he had against Green Bay.  I would expect against Green Bay, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona to have everyone sit Cutler, but the other seven games that Cutler will rack up many points and is a high start priority.  In a short sentence, approach with caution to starting Cutler but as long as you play the matchups right and he keeps his head in check, he will be just fine for you.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona: It’s hard to picture Fitzgerald as a guy underperforming so far this year, but it has a lot to do with a lot of defenses doubling up on him and leaving others open in a suddenly high-powered Cardinals offense.  Even with Fitzgerald’s stats not being so high, I would not worried on this bit, he is one of the game’s best and will get points very soon and in bunches.

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego: This is a double edged sword with Gates.  In many ways he is looked at defenses more since the Chargers lost Vincent Jackson over the off-season, so they have to look at different receivers to produce, so it is a mass amount of reasons why the tight end has struggled thus far.  I would not expect those struggles to continue much further as Gates is still one of the favorite targets for quarterback Phillip Rivers.  Keep him around and in the lineup and await the best.

Pittsburgh’s Defense: If you have a league where there are defenses then it would be very frustrating for an owner of the Pittsburgh defense to have the results they have had.  Only five sacks and three takeaways have been to show for this year for the Steelers.  They will get chances in the future as Philadelphia, Tennessee, and Cincinnati do not feature the best offensive lines, but they will need to get turnovers as three just is not enough.  I would approach with caution going forward with Pittsburgh’s defense.

By: David Folz

Must Starts for Week 4

Quarterbacks:

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: The reigning MVP hasn’t played up to his caliber this season but playing against the disaster known as the Saints defense, expect Rodgers to have huge numbers. The Saints defense has given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and with a healthy Greg Jennings, Rodger’s weapons will be just too much for the Saints to handle.

2) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: Ryan has been amazing this season; he has thrown multiple touchdowns passes in each of the first three games he has played this season. The Panthers haven’t been able to stop anyone and I don’t expect them to start this week, so Ryan is a must start.

3) Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: The Chiefs defense is prone to giving up a lot of passing yards because they have a bend but not break philosophy so expect Rivers to have a big game. Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem should be able use their height advantage to have big games. After a terrible game last week I suspect that the Chargers should bounce back in a big way.

4) Peyton & Eli Manning, Denver Broncos/New York Giants: The Manning brothers should both have big games; Peyton is playing against an Oakland defense that has been shredded this season. Eli has been a monster so far this season, already having over 1000 yards passing, granted half came against Tampa Bay. I think both will put good numbers and the Manning’s usually don’t disappoint.

Will they stick around?

Michael Ferraro has compiled a list of top performers in the first two weeks of the season and discusses why  they have a chance to stick around.

1) Andre Brown, running back, New York Giants: Ahmad Bradshaw should be worried after the performance Brown had this week. When Bradshaw is healthy don’t expect Brown to put up the kind of numbers he posted today but he is good back running back that should get a lot of touches instead of David Wilson.

2) Alfred Morris, running back, Washington Redskins: Morris took Roy Helu’s starting job but he looks like he might be the real. I would continue to check his performances because Mike Shanahan is notorious for changing running backs.

3) Martellus Bennett, tight end, New York Giants: Leaving Dallas was the best thing that could have ever happened to Bennett, being the starting tight end he has already eclipsed his 2011 season total with 3 receiving touchdowns in as many games.

4) Kevin Olgetree, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys: After having a monster week 1, Olgetree cooled off in Seattle but it wasn't just him, it was the entire Dallas offense.

5) C.J. Spiller, running back, Buffalo Bills: Fred Jackson might lose his job by the time he returns from his ankle injury. Spiller has been an absolute fantasy beast and I only see good things from him to come.

6) Stevan Ridley, running backs, New England Patriots:  Ridley is a nice surprise with the law firm leaving for the Bengals and he should continue to have solid numbers.  He is a smart pick up and his workload will likely increase.

7) Danny Amendola, wide receiver, St. Louis Rams: Had a career day last week against the Redskins and one would suspect he will only get better as the year progresses.

8) Dennis Pitta, tight end, Baltimore Ravens: Pitta has become Joe Flacco’s new favorite target and will figure to get a lot of targets and receptions, he is a definite waiver wire pick up.

9) Donnie Avery, wide receiver, Indianapolis Colts: Without Austin Collie, Donnie Avery is quickly becoming Andrew Luck’s second favorite target behind Reggie Wayne. Expect a breakout season from him.

10) Reggie Bush, running back, Miami Dolphins: Bush exploded last week against the Raiders and should be taken in most leagues but I figure that his success should continue.

11) Brian Hartline, wide receiver, Miami Dolphins: Without Brandon Marshall, Hartline is the clear No.1 receiver in Miami.

12) Alex Smith, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers: Finally having the same offensive system seems to have really helped Smith this season. He is a underrated quarterback and should put solid numbers with a much improved offense.

13) Matt Cassel, quarterback, Kansas City Chiefs: While the Chiefs are 0-2, Cassel when healthy is a solid back up fantasy quarterback. If the Chiefs continue to get down early his numbers should be a nice boost.

14) Brandon Gibson, wide receiver, St. Louis Rams: He is the clear No.2 receiver for the St. Louis Rams behind Danny Amendola. Expect his targets and numbers to rise and could be a good solid fantasy player.

15) Dante Rosario, tight end, San Diego Chargers: Rosario might be a tempting pick up for some people but I would avoid him at all costs. He is a illusion, if Gates is healthy we might not see him get a target in week 3, he is a fluke of the week player that might cause more damage than good.

By: Michael Ferraro

Week 2 Injury Report

One of the big fantasy question marks this week is Pierre Garcon and if his foot is ready to go against the Rams he should have a monster game.  If Garcon is unavailable, which is looking more and more likely, Aldrick Robinson should get the start and will be a nice fantasy pickup.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said that both Steve Smith and Jonathan Stewart should play this week, even though both were limited in practice this week. Smith will have a huge game this week seeing how he lit up the Saints last year and their pass defense didn’t look good at all last week against Robert Griffin III and the Redskins.

Packers vs Bears Fantasy Preview: TNF

With Green Bay and Chicago having a Thursday night game, it makes for a short week for teams and fantasy owners alike.  There are a few more things for fantasy owners to consider when exploring the idea of starting a player on a short week.

Must Starts for Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers, Jermichael Finley, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby.

Must Starts for Chicago: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery.

Aaron Rodgers should have a big game: Rodgers torched the Bears in Week 16 last year for five touchdowns after coming off a loss to Kansas City.  This time around, Brian Urlacher is back but the Packers again are coming off a loss in which Rodgers did not play all that bad against San Francisco.  Look for Rodgers to have a big game like he usually does against the Bears in Lambeau.

Sit Greg Jennings: Usually I would have a start next to his name but Jennings has a strained groin.  Even if the Packers decide that Jennings can go, groin injuries are a risky thing to go against.  The most biggest thing working against Jennings is the short week, which gives him only three days to get healthy as opposed to a full week in most cases so in all cases. 

Pick up Randall Cobb and start him: The Packers introduced a new package with Cobb last week against San Francisco that got him the ball as a receiver more.  The situation is that they will line him up more in the back field and use him on short screen passes and if they get to the goal-line, it could result in a touchdown.  Also he is a threat on special teams any time he has room to return.

2012 WR Ranks

Here is Michael Ferraro's WR Rankings for the upcoming season.  Come back tomorrow for the grand finale; Tight Ends!

Wide Receivers

1) Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson is near unstoppable as a receiver averaging 17.5 yards a reception and he had 96 last season with 16 touchdowns. While I don’t think Johnson will have as many touchdowns, expect him to have around 90 receptions and 1500 yards receiving. No one has been able to stop Megatron, not even the dreaded Madden curse.

2) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals: Without an elite quarterback, Fitzgerald will still have 80-plus receptions and nearly 1400 receiving because like Johnson no one has been able to stop Fitzgerald since he has been a pro. He is a money in the bank receiver and will continue to be so even with Skelton as his quarterback.

3) Andre Johnson, Houston Texans: The real question with Johnson is if he can remain healthy because he only played in 7 games last season so his numbers should resemble Fitzgerald’s numbers as he is the main target of Schaub. As long as Johnson remains healthy which has been his biggest problem he will be a monster.

4) Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons: White had 100 receptions last season, only second to Wes Welker and you might want to take White ahead of Johnson in points per reception league. One of the few downsides to White is he drops way too many balls and will now have to deal with Julio Jones, who is another stud receiver.

5) Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers: Jennings had 67 receptions and 949 yards receiving last season without the benefit of playing the final month of the season with a sprained knee. Even with the rise of Jordy Nelson last season, Jennings should have 70-plus receptions and 1100 yards with close to 10 touchdowns, a definite fantasy starter.

2012 RB Ranks

This is Mike Ferraro's second installment of 2012 position ranks.  Today is running backs.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for WR's, K, and team D.

Running Backs

1) Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens: Rice has been a money running back since his rookie season, he should get 1300-1400 yards rushing with a dozen or so rushing touchdowns. Where Rice really pays off is in the receiving game where he averages 70 catches a season and averages almost 10 yards per catch.

2) Arian Foster, Houston Texans: The main concern with Foster is if he can stay healthy.  He will be a dominant back in both the rushing and receiving games. You can’t go wrong with either Foster or Rice, either one would make an excellent No. 1 pick in your fantasy league and a great play in our daily games.

3) LeSean McCoy- Philadelphia Eagles: McCoy was an absolute fantasy beast last season with 17 rushing touchdowns and 1294 rushing yards. This season he should have another great season but I don’t believe he will have 17 rushing touchdowns, more like 12 and he wont get as many receptions as Rice or Foster.

4) Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: Last season was Chris Johnson’s worst season even though he still eclipsed 1000 yards rushing but did so in the last game of the season. He should rush for a little over 1300 yards and get at least 6 rushing touchdowns and is still a threat to get 30 to 40 receptions on the season.

5) Maurice-Jones Drew- Jacksonville Jaguars: Even though he has missed all of preseason and training camp, and not starting week 1, Maurice-Jones Drew is still a top five fantasy running back. He should easily get 1200 yards rushing and have anywhere between 5-10 rushing touchdowns.

See the rest of the list after the jump!

NFL Kickoff: Game 1 Fantasy Recap

The Dallas Cowboys defeat the New York Giants 24-17 in a game where Kevin Olgetree is the breakout fantasy star of the game.  The game was very slow to start as the Giants took an early 3-0 lead after a Tony Romo interception gave the Giants first and goal from the inside the 5-yard line. Romo then connected with Olgetree for his first touchdown to give Dallas the 7-3 halftime lead.

            During the first drive of the second half, Romo again connected with Olgetree on a big 40-yard touchdown reception to make it 14-3. The Giants answered with an Ahmad Bradshaw 10-yard rushing touchdown to cut the lead to 14-10.  Then DeMarco Murray showed up and created a 48-yard run that should have been a 5-yard loss and that set up a 33-yard field goal from Dan Bailey.

            The Dallas defense was able to hold the Giants on the next drive and then on 1^st and 30 from the Giants 34, Romo connected with Miles Austin for a touchdown reception to make it 24-10. The Giants scored a late touchdown to M.  Bennett but never recaptured possession.

            It was fitting that Olgetree made the game clinching reception as he now is the Cowboys No.3 receiver and he had a career game with 8 receptions for 114 yards and 2 TDS. Romo had an amazing game with 307 yards and 3 TDS that made up for his earlier interception. Murray carried the ball 20 times for 131 yards rushing, not bad for a makeshift offensive line. The Giants secondary was torched and it was clear that Dallas’ defense has vastly improved with the additions of Carr and Claiborne.

            Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz weren’t factors in the game as they were effectively shut down. Nicks had only 4 catches for 38 yards receiving and Victor Cruz had 6 receptions for 58 yards but dropped at least three balls. Ahmad Bradshaw was a non-factor aside from a 33-yard run on the last Giants drive. Manning had 213 yards in the air and had the one touchdown to Bennett with 2:36 remaining in the 4^th quarter. This can only be a good sign for Dallas and they should get a much healthier Jason Witten in week 2 against the Seahawks. The Giants have Tampa Bay in week 2. 

By: Michael Ferraro

2012 QB Ranks

This is part 1 of a 4 part series where our fantasy expert, Mike Ferraro, will be releasing his official position rankings for the upcoming season.  Check back tomorrow for his RB rankings.

Quarterbacks

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: There is no surprise here; Rodgers was an absolute fantasy machine last season and this season should be no different. He is expected to have around 4500 yards passing with at least 40 touchdowns and under 10 interceptions on the season. Rodgers is able to scramble and run the ball effectively so 5 rushing touchdowns would also be a reasonable number.

2) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: It’s hard to put the man that broke the single season passing yards as the second ranked quarterback, but Rodgers is more mobile than Brees and Brady.  I expect Brees to throw 4500-5000 yards and have anywhere from 40-45 touchdowns with 10-15 interceptions.

3) Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Barring a season ending injury, Brady will have another All-Pro season, he is money in bank; New England is not a rushing team so Brady could easily reach 5000 yards passing this season. With the addition of Brandon Lloyd and the departure of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Brady will not lose many touchdowns to the running backs.

4) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions: The third 5000 yard passer of 2011, Stafford should have another monster season with Calvin Johnson but I don’t expect him to hit 5000 yards again. Stafford is on a younger team than Rodgers, Brees or Brady and thus I suspect he will be more prone to interceptions but Stafford is clearly a top five-fantasy quarterback.

5) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: While Newton will not have as many passing yards and touchdowns he will certainly make it up for in his rushing attack. He should have close to 400 yards passing with mid-low 20’s passing touchdowns. He will have close to 1:1 touchdown to interception ratio. Newton will rush for at least 700 yards and with around 7 rushing touchdowns, not bad for a sophomore year.

Click the link find the rest of his QB rankings after the jump!

Welcome

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Good luck this season,

        The AmpedFantasy team.

                                                                 Don't be this guy.