Week 8 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 5-3

178.44-128.56

A very solid week for my team. My 178.44 was the highest point total produced in the league this year. Rob Gronkowski scored an enormous 27.60 fantasy points. Stevan Ridley scored 20.70 points, Marshawn Lynch had 19.60 points. Denarius Moore scored 16.60 points, Eric Decker scored 16.30 points. Everyone on my team produced some points and it was a great week. It was nice to see my team put up  amazing points when Aaron Rodgers only put up 20.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 3-5

119.28-82.58

My team got back on track this week. I need to pretty much win out or finish at 8-6 with some other teams skidding to make the playoffs.  I could easily be 5-3 if not for very unfortunate happenings I profiled in previous posts. However that is irrelevant. It's about looking forward. I must win every game moving forward. Rob Gronkowski scored 26.60 points. Tony Romo had a horrible first half, but rallied an ended with 23.48 points. Julio Jones scored 19.20 points, while Eric Decker scored 16.30. Darren McFadden did not disappoint as he produced 13.70 points.

Week 8 Match Up

I am extremely confident in my 10 man league. I currently sit in a tie for first place, with me holding the spot due to my high point total. In my 12 man league I must win out, or only lose one. I still have faith I can. This week I must pick up a TE to replace Gronk in both leagues as he is on bye. I also must replace Gostkowski who is also on his bye week. It is a key week for me in my 12 man league, every week is! My TE pick up could be the difference between a win and a loss.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 5-3 123.84 (Not all starters in)

My Opponent 3-5 99.10 (Not all starters in)

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 3-5 83.39 (Not all starters in)

My Opponent 6-2 88.04 (Not all starters in)

Week 7 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 4-3

133.33-107.48

Aaron Rodgers gave me another solid week with 30+ points. All of my receivers put up 8 points, and Rob Gronkowski provided me with 19.80 points. All of my players put some amount of points on the board. My defense and kicker out performed by adversaries. My team is solid. I have barely had to add players to my team  thus far. I find the difficulty between a 10 team league and twelve team league is enormous.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-5

92.88-97.42

Another extremely disappointing week. I ran into CJ2K. Chirs Johnson had not had a good game all year. In our match up he put up over 30 fantasy points. Had he only put up 25 points I would have won the game. At this point in the season I pretty much need to win out. I could maybe make the playoffs at 7-7 but I highly doubt it. I need 9-5, or 8-6. Josh Gordon and Brandon Gibson provided the points I needed them to. They filled in perfectly to replace Decker and Jones who were on byes.

Week 8 Match Up

My team league has 8 playoff positions. At this point, barring very unfortunate circumstance, I will make the playoffs. My 12 team league is another story. I need to basically win out. This weeks game would be an essential win. I would be 3-5 and so would my opponent. I need to beat every team I play, however is pivotal in climbing the standings.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 4-3 143.86

My Opponent 5-2 128.49

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-5 105.24

My Opponent 3-4 95.54

Week 7 Player Pick Up

This week I have Julio Jones, Eric Decker and Reggie Bush on bye. There are several players available who could be a good option going forward or at least help you this week. These pick ups are for deeper leagues. My 12 man league has very few players on the wire, while a 10 man always has viable options. Here are my suggestions for pick up if these guys are still available.

Runningback

Felix Jones- Demarco Murray has suffered an injury. Felix Jones appears to be the new starter in Dallas. He looked decent last week against the Ravens. The Cowboys play the Panthers this week which is an extremely favorable match up. If he is available in your league pick him up!

William Powell- I picked him up last week. He is getting the majority of the carries for the Arizona Cardinals. They are not a team that runs the ball a ton, but he did manage to put up close to eight yards last year. He looks explosive and could have a decent week if the Cards are successful again the Vikings. He is basically a starting running back that could still be available.

Daryl Richardson- He and Stephen Jackson seem to be splitting the time for the Rams. Last week he put up up almost eight fantasy points. This week the Rams play Green Bay. There is a lot of speculation  that he will take over the starting job from Stephen Jackson.  I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen, but I would snap him up if you really could use someone.

Alex Green- He is the lead back right now for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are going to score, and he could be the one to punch one in the at the goal line. He will probably not be available in your league if you have any even remotely savvy players. If you can find him in your league he is a viable flex option.

Wide Receiver

Josh Gordon- He is emerging of a favorite target of Brandon Weeden. Is Weeden the best quarterback in the NFL? No. Are the Cleveland Browns good? No. But they have put up over 20 points the past two weeks, and Josh Gordon keeps getting the ball thrown his way. He is worth a pick up if you have your receivers on bye.

Brandon Gibson- He seems to be the wideout beneffiting most from Danny Amendola's injury. He had seven catches and ninety one yards last week. The Rams play Green Bay this week. If Green Bay can put up a lead or if the Rams keep it close there is a potential for big fantasy points for Gibson. Definitely a solid pick up if you have a receiver on bye.

Week 6 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 3-3

164.32-107.14

Aaron Rodgers gave me the week I had been hoping he would produce all year. The Packers exploded offensively, and he put up over 50 fantasy points. Eric Decker and Wes Welker both put up over 15 fantasy points. I obliterated my opponent this week.

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-4

87.46-90.08

Disappointing week for me. I feel to 2-4. I really need to start stringing together some wins if I have any hope of finishing in the top four. I lost my game by less then three points. If Eric Decker had not fallen in the first, or had a questionable push off called on him (nullifying a touchdown) I would have won the game. I am not panicking yet but I must win my game this week. It will be tough as a few of my starters are on byes. Joe Flacco and Romo continue to frustrate me as my quarterbacks. Whichever one I play seems to be the wrong decision for the week.

Week 7 Match Up

I need a win badly in my 12 man league. Decker, Bush, and Julio Jones are all on byes. I picked up Josh Gordon and Brandon Gibson to fill the holes. I have been picking up players all year trying to get an edge. I originally had Kevin Smith in my flex, however he was cast aside after a game or two. Only four teams make the playoffs in my 12 man league. This is the week I need to start my winning streak. I can only lose 2, possibly 3 games and hope to make the playoffs in that league. Wish me luck!

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 3-3 129.86

My Opponent 2-4 107.44

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-4 90.19

My Opponent 4-2 95.75

Week 5 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 2-3

161.76-125.72

Bad week for me. Nine of my starters under performed, and I ran into a trio of Peyton Manning, Marque Colston, and Arian Foster who all had good weeks.Eight teams make the playoffs in this league, so it is hard to worry.

My Team

QB 

Aaron Rodgers 31.10

WR

Andre Johnson 2.50

WR

Wes Welker 17.65

WR

Eric Decker 8.10

RB

Marshawn Lynch 9.40

RB

Ryan Mathews 19.90

TE

Rob Gronkowski 3.50

K

Stephen Gostkowski 6.0

D

Chad Greenway 9.50

D

Brian Cushing 4.0

D

Akeem Ayers 3.50

DB

William Moore 6.50

DB

Ed Reed 5.00

Opponents Team

QB

Peyton Manning 32.38

WR

Larry Fitzgerald 9.20

WR

Pierre Garcon 2.40

WR

Marques Colston 33.10

RB

Arian Foster 25.80

RB

Ryan Williams 3.80

TE

Kyle Rudolph 8.30

K

Mason Crosby 3.00

D

Wesley Woodyard 10.00

D

Russell Allen 4.50

D

Bernard Pollard 9.50

DB

Lardarius Webb 8.00

DB

Roman Harper 3.00

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-2

64.58-91.74

I had under performance from all but Gostkowski, Decker, Bush, and Jones. Flacco really let me down this week. I put up my lowest point total of the year. My opponent had a horrible weekend up until Sunday night. I had an outside chance of winning before Marques Colston put up 30 points, then Foster put the icing on the cake with his usual performance on Monday. I picked up Greg Little on game day. It was a mistake. He saw plenty of target the week before, however it looks like Weeden and the coaching staff may have become frustrated with his drops. The targets in the Browns game went to every receiver but little. I had to pick up Little because Lance Moore (my usual 3^rd receiver) went down. Brandon Bolden is also not my usual running back, but McFadden was on a bye. I wish I had a stable flex running back.

My Team

QB

Joe Flacco 7.88

WR

Julio Jones 15.50

WR

Eric Decker 8.10

RB

Brandon Bolden 5.40

RB

Reggie Bush 13.20

TE

Rob Gronkowski 3.50

W/R

Greg Little 0.00

K

Stephen Gostkowski 10.00

DEF

Arizona 4.00

My Opponent

QB

Ryan Fitzpatrick 4.00

WR

Marques Colston 31.10

WR

Antonio Brown 8.60

RB

Arian Foster 22.80

RB

Steven Jackson 7.60

TE

Heath Miller 4.10

W/R

C.J. Spiller 2.40

K

Jay Feely 3.00

DEF

Pittsburgh 8.00

Week 6 Match Up

I have had some upsetting weeks. In my 12 man league I almost moved Julio Jones. I almost had a trade that would have had me trading Julio for Larry Fitzgerald and Donald Brown. Brown's injury obviously altered that trade. My other option was to trade Julio for DeSean Jackson and Michael Turner. I would have loved to receiver Turner, however I am unsure of Vick, and how many points Jackson will put up. The trade for Fitz would have worked out, due to the fact that he will most likely put up close to what Julio does each week. I am not looking for a 20 point week, I am looking for consistent 10+ weeks. I picked up William Powell off waivers, I am starting him in my flex over Brandon Bolden. I like Bolden, but I'm unsure of how much running he will get against the Seahawks defense. Hopefully Powell runs against the Bills and proves my move effective. I do not want to fall to 2-4 in either league. In my 12 man league I am playing a team who is 4-1. It would be great to move him to 4-2 and get back to .500.

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 2-3 146.33

My Opponent 3-2 112.65

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-3 105.50

My Opponent 4-1 76.93

Week 6 Fantasy Advice (Pick Up, Waivnner, Trade)

It is extremely difficult to find suitable players to pick up right now. It is even more difficult if your league has a maximum amount of players you can pick up for the season. If your hands are extremely tied it may be a good idea to seek a trade. In a 10 person league their is usually plenty of players to be had from the waiver wire. An example of such a player would be Andre Roberts. Andre Roberts is a good receiver, the second option in the Cardinals pass happy offense, he is available in my 10 person league. He is not available in my 12 person league.

Bye weeks are hitting which is also causing some problems. I went from an under performing McFadden alongside Reggie Bush, with Lance Moore in the flex in week 4; to playing with Bush, Brandon Bolden, and having to pick up and play Greg Little in my flex this week. You have to truly examine your team and see if the guys you have do give you a shot at making the playoffs. This week was truly the most trying on me team in terms of key players having byes. I will have one more tough week in regards to byes. However the rest of the weeks seem to have a fairly bright outlook. Therefore I would like to make a small trade to improve my flex, or pick up a good player or two through the wire. I will not blow up my team. I would only make a major move to help my team if I was receiving a dominant player like Foster.

I know I will need to pick up players to have a good starting line up in week 7. Although it is hard not to panic as I lost my game this week, I don't have to pick anyone up this week. If I see someone promising on the waiver wire I will pick them up, however if I don't I can wait till after week 6. The fantasy football season is like the real football season, it is a war not a battle. It is about having the best team over the long haul. In my 12 team league four teams make the playoffs. I predict 8-6 will be the record of the lowest seed in the playoffs, it could be tight and come down to a tie breaker. My record is currently 2-3. I need to find a way to win as many games as possible, but keep in mind that I can not lose four more games, and should try not to lose three more. If your looking at your team and feel like their is little hope to make it into the playoffs be it off projections, your current record, or other indications, that is the time to shake up your team. I need to make a small move or two to make the playoffs, but I believe my team can get me to at least 8-6.

That is my general advice on how to handle a team. Always try to get good players from the wire, tread carefully when you trade. If your team is losing hope and you don't think you can squeak into the playoffs, it might be time to shake your team up and make a  big move. Below is a list of players who I believe have some fantasy upside. These players are my suggestions if you are in a fairly deep league, such as my 12 person one. If you are in a ten man league there may be better players available.

QB

• Christian Ponder- A viable starter at this point. The Vikings have looked very good.
• Kevin Kolb- Has had protection issues, however the Cards pass a ton. He will put up some numbers.

RB

• Alex Green- Cedric Benson just went down. It is possible that Alex Green will take over the RB  role. If he does he will surely put up some points in the high power Packers offense.
• William Powell- With Ryan Williams injury it could lead  to Powell getting starting reps for the Cardinals, hopefully they can start to run effectively. They play the Bills this week.
• Danny Woodhead-Always has a chance to see some action depending on the Pats game plan. He will not save your team. But it is very possible that he will score or see some decent yardage in many weeks.
• Brandon Bolden-Similar to Woodhead. He plays a much different role then Danny, however he seems to be the 2nd runningback in the powerful Pats offense. 

WR

• Jeremy Kerley-He seems to have an expanding role in the Jets offense. He gets throws from Sanchez, and also returns kicks. The only downside is the Jets offense has not been good.
• Mario Manningham-He scored a TD this week. He has seen more targets then Randy Moss thus far. He could prove to be a good pick up.
• Golden Tate-He has scored a few times. An option in the Seahawks options. Similiar to Kerley his issue is his teams offense is not very good.

TE

• Scott Chandler- A favored target of Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has had some good games.
• Greg Olsen-Cam Newton is his quarterback. If the Panthers have a good game it is possible Olsen will to.
• Joel Dressen -Peyton Manning often runs no huddle with two tight ends. Tamme and Dressen. Dressen will put up some adequate numbers.

Week 4 Fantasy Review/Thoughts

10 Team IDP/3 WR League

The Funs 2-2

161.76-125.72

I picked up the win against my opponent who happens to be one of my good friends. Aaron Rodgers finally delivered the kind of performance I drafted him for. I won big this week. I would have won by an even larger margin if I played Stevan Ridley instead of Ryan Mathews. Ridley produced 23.60, while Mathews produced 8.20. I am hoping my team can repeat this kind of point total for my upcoming game. I had solid production from everyone.

My Team

QB

Aaron Rodgers 37.06

WR

Andre Johnson 5.60

WR

Wes Welker 12.60

WR

Eric Decker 13.90

RB

Marshawn Lynch 22.50

RB

Ryan Mathews 8.20

TE

Rob Gronkowski 17.40

K

Stephen Gostkowski 10.00

D

Chad Greenway 9.00

D

Brian Cushing 8.50

D

Akeem Ayers 7.50

DB

William Moore 5.00

DB

Ed Reed 4.50

My Opponent

QB

Robert Griffin III 22.52

WR

Miles Austin 13.70

WR

Victor Cruz 17.90

WR

Greg Jennings 6.90

RB

Reggie Bush 6.70

RB

Trent Richardson 16.40

TE

Antonio Gates 5.90

K

Dan Bailey 4.00

D

James Anderson 2.50

D

Jason Pierre-Paul 2.50

D

Tim Jennings 5.00

DB

Antoine Winfield 10.00

DB

DeAngelo Hall 11.00

12 Team Flex League

Larry Eleven 2-2

94.14-108.16

My opponent had Houston's defense which gave him 23 points. That really hurt me. Darren McFadden only put up 3.80 points, while Julio Jones only put up 3 points. Those two under performing contributed heavily to my loss. The rest of my team excelled, or at least hit close to their predicted points. I need a win this week. Only four teams make the playoffs in this league, as opposed to the absurd eight team playoff structure in my other league. I must win my next game.

My Team

QB

Joe Flacco 23.64

WR

Julio Jones 3.00

WR

Eric Decker 13.90

RB

Darren McFadden 3.80

RB

Reggie Bush 6.70

TE

Rob Gronkowski 14.40

W/R

Lance Moore 6.70

K

Stephen Gostkowski 10.00

DEF

Arizona 12.00

My Opponent

QB

Matt Ryan 25.76

WR

Jordy Nelson 15.30

WR

Stevie Johnson 2.30

RB

DeMarco Murray 8.10

RB

Matt Forte 4.90

TE

Brent Celek 5.70

W/R

Denarius Moore 7.10

K

Matt Prater 16.00

DEF

Houston 23.00

Week 5 Match Up 

McFadden is on a bye week, he is on my team in a 12 man league. It is going to be a tough week. The league has very few good players in free agency. I picked up Brandon Bolden to try and help me this week. He may not produce much against Denver, but if he can get a touchdown he will be well worth the pick up. I would like to win both my games this week, however I would REALLY like to win in my 12 man league. I estimate a 9-5 record is what will be necessary to make the playoffs in that league. 

 

10 Man League (Projected Point Total For Week)

Me 2-2 149.42

My Opponent 1-3 121.82

12 Man League (Projected Point Total for Week)

Me 2-2 102.42

My Opponent 1-3 93.99

Week 5 Power Rankings

1. Atlanta Falcons (4-0, 12 PWR) Close game against the Panthers. Amazing final drive by Matt Ryan with a great catch by Roddy White. They are still looking very strong. (LW 1, No Change )
2. Houston Texans (4-0 17.5 PWR) Still looking strong. Very winnable game this week against the Jets. (LW 2, No Change )
3. Arizona Cardinals (4-0 7.5 PWR) Did what they had to do to defeat the Dolphins. Winnable game in St.Louis on Thursday. If the offense can perform at the level of the defense the sky is the limit. (LW 3, No Change )
4. Baltimore (3-1 9.5 PWR) Defeated the Browns last week. Easy game against the Chiefs this week. Flacco and the offense look great. He is passing the ball effectively. (LW 4, No Change )
5. Chicago (3-1 10 PWR) Chicago made Dallas look weak. The defense is remarkable. Peppers, Urlacher, Briggs, they are all getting up there, but still performing at a high level. If Cutler has time to throw the offense looks effective. (LW 5, No Change )
6. San Francisco (3-1 9.75 PWR) They absolutely destroyed the Jets. Can they follow that up with destruction of another New York state team? Can they destroy the Bills? (LW 6, No Change )
7. New England (2-2 10.50 PWR) Big game against the Broncos this week. They absolutely wrecked the Bills. The offense is now clicking and the Pats look like they will be hard to stop. (LW 8, +1 Change )
8. Green Bay (2-2 1 PWR) Defeated the Saints last week. They were once again subject to some questionable officiating. Should move to 3-2 if they can pick up the win in Indy. (LW 9, +1 Change )
9. Cincinnati (3-1 0 PWR) If they beat the Dolphins this week they will be 4-1. Huge game for the Bengals. (LW 13, +4 Change )
10. Philadelphia (3-1 -4.25) Big win over the Giants. It is important to pick up divisional wins. Interesting game for them going to Pittsburgh to take on Big Ben and the Steelers. (LW 14, +4 Change ) 
11. New York Giants (2-2 6.75 PWR) Their rushing attack is abysmal. If they don't pick up a win against the Browns they will show how many holes the team has. The final drive against Philadelphia was bad on so many levels. (LW 7, -4 Change )
12. Minnesota (3-1 4.5 PWR) Winnable game this week against the Titans. They picked up a big win over the Lions last week. The Vikings are showing many around the league that they are a legitimate team. If they move to 4-1 the doubters will surely have to stop doubting. (LW 16, +4 Change )
13. Denver (2-2 7.75 PWR) They destroyed Oakland this week. Manning and company have a huge game against the Patriots this week. AFC West is going to be a toss up. Every single game counts. (LW 19, +6 Change )
14. San Diego (3-1 7.25 PWR) Will they beat the Saints this week? I believe a victory over the Saints could really show San Diego's worth. (LW 18, +4 Change )
15. Seattle (2-2 3 PWR) Lost to the Rams. Marshawn and the defense are the only real upsides on this team. Battling the Panthers this week. If they lose to Carolina they will really be exposed. (LW 10, -5 Change )
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2 0.66 PWR) Big game against Vick and the Eagles this week. A win would bring them back to .500. (LW 15, -1 Change )
17. New York Jets (2-2 -7 PWR) Destroyed by the 49ers. Offense is looking terrible, defense is not faring much better. Tough game against the Texans this week. (LW 11, -6 Change )
18. Buffalo Bills (2-2 -4 PWR) They were absolutely destroyed by the Pats. Will the 49ers be the team to do it this week, or will Buffalo surprise many? (LW 12, -6 Change )
19. Dallas Cowboys (2-2 -5.75 PWR) Looked terrible against Chicago. I would not give up hope on the season yet. Their is still time to reroute the ship. They are 2-2, not 0-4. (LW 17, -2 Change )
20. Washington Redskins (2-2 0 PWR) Snuck one out against the Bucs. I personally believe the Redskins are going to get dusted by the Falcons this week. (LW 21, 1+ Change )
21. Oakland Raiders (2-2 -14.5 PWR) Oakland has a bye this week. I think it will help McFadden and company. They need to start retooling their game plan and need a few players to get healthy. This could be an extremely helpful week of rest. (LW 20, -1 Change )
22. St. Louis Rams (2-2 -3 PWR) Defeated the Seahawks last week. Can they beat the Cardinals? I don't think so. Their offense is just to poor. (LW 31, +8 Change )
23. Miami Dolphins (1-3 -2.65 PWR) Key game against Cincinnati. Reggie Bush has looked good, the offense has had some burst of success. If they beat the Bengals this week it will say a lot about their team.(LW 22, -1 Change )
24. Detroit Lions (1-3 -3.5 PWR) The Lions have not looked good. Hopefully this bye week will allow them to get rest and alter their plans. I was upset they gave up on Kevin Smith so quickly. Matt Stafford certainly does not look like 2011 Matt Stafford. (LW 23, -1 Change )
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3 -2.25 PWR) Could have two more wins if things went a little differently. Hopefully they can regroup during the bye week. (LW 24, -1 Change )
26. Indianapolis Colts (1-2 -7.33 PWR) How will they play the Packers? 2-2 would look much better then 1-3. I personally believe they will lose to the Pack but a win is always possible. (LW 25, -1 Change )
27. Carolina Panthers (1-3 -7.25 PWR) If they do not beat Seattle this week they will fall to 1-4. Not something you want to happen. (LW 26, -1 Change )
28. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3 -12 PWR) Tough game against Baltimore this week. The AFC West is a toss up. Can Kansas City win and keep hope? (LW 27, -1 Change )
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3 -8.75 PWR) Tough game against Chicago this week. Will the Jags sneak a win? I don't think so. (LW 27, No Change ) (LW 28, -1 Change )
30. New Orleans Saints (0-4 -5 PWR) They are in shambles without Peyton. Brees is close to a record. The Saints are almost 0-5. Will they beat San Diego and get a win at home, or will they fall to 0-5? (LW 29, -1 Change )
31. Tennessee Titans (1-3 -17.5 PWR) The Titans are not doing well and I don't believe it will change soon. (LW 30, -1 Change )
32. Cleveland Browns (0-4 -6.25 PWR) Unless Richardson can have 200+ yard games, and Little can start holding on to balls, things look bleak. (LW 32, No Change )