Fantasy Focus: NFL Fantasy Football Week 14 Projections

Well, the fantasy playoffs are here, and never is there a time more important to get the rankings right. I’ve had a solid run with my starts and such, but I haven’t been winning too many of these in-house contests of late. I’m looking to turn that around, and I’ve used a lot of match-up advantage, high touch situations for my rankings and picks this week. Here’s the fantasy focus for Week 14’s NFL Action.

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Elite Starters: Guys picked early that I love this week…

1. Drew Brees – Drew should have a great day against Atlanta’s suspect pass defense.
2. Ray Rice – Ray and the Ravens really struggled last week, but that’s why I love him to have a big week.
3. Sidney Rice – I think Favre goes back to the guy he’s most comfortable with after a tough week.
4. Ben Roethlisberger – Ben threw for 400+ yards last time they Steelers saw the Browns… again?
5. Chris Johnson – Until he does something other than score easy fantasy points, I’ll try to keep him here.

Solid Starters: Guys picked in middle rounds that should outplay their ranking/draft position this week…

1. Terrell Owens – People might lay off him after a down week, but everyone struggles against Revis.
2. Mike Sims-Walker – 5 of his 6 home games have been double digit fantasy production.
3. Thomas Jones – I think the Jets will run 45 times this week – Thomas will get about 25 of those.
4. Ricky Williams –The Jaguars are up and down, against the Dolphins rushing attack, I think down.
5. Percy Harvin –What can I say, I think the Vikigns throw more than they pass against Cincinnati.

Sleeper Starters: Guys ranked low, drafted low or not at all, but I still like them this week…

1. Justin Forsett –He’s still the best back in Seattle, and despite getting 1/3 the touches, he produced last week.
2. Michael Crabtree – Could be a big week for Crabtree, he’s been getting the targets, he’ll cash in soon.
3. Vince Young– He’s rated as the 25th QB in ESPN this week, I think he cuts that in half. At least.
4. Jamal Charles– He draws Buffalo this week, and he’s been solid, good combo start there.
5. Daunte Culpepper– The Ravens secondary isn’t awesome, and I’ll take a chance that Duante can still wing it with the best of them – go deep Calvin!

Sit ‘Em Son: I don’t care where they were drafted, I don’t like these guys starting this week…

1. Matt Forte– Bad match-up against the Pack, in Week 1, the Pack weren’t quite figured out yet, and they still held Forte to 55 yards on 25 carries.
2. Steve Smith– Matt Moore isn’t better than Jake Delhomme, I can’t believe it. Sit him against the Pats.
3. Frank Gore – It’s going to kill me, but Mike Singletary’s offense has no identity – Gore gets no looks.
4. Eli Manning –I think Eli will struggle against the Eagles, every since Plax went bang, he’s struggled.
5. T.J. Houshmanzadeh– The Hawks need to throw this guy the ball, but they don’t do things right…

***You’re taking a chance on DeSean Jackson, Michael Turner, and DeAngelo Williams, but from what I hear, the first and the last are very likely, and Turner might practice Thursday. ***

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Ask Papa Weimer: Week 7 Fantasy Football

Have some good ones early this week, why waste any more of your rancid time with my introduction, you want to get to the questions and answers like I want to get to my Philly Cheese cake that I’m not supposed to eat. So on with it. Again, you can always post your questions any time you want, just send them to me at papaweimer50@hotmail.com – I’ll be here all week!

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Kyle M-Dot of Ferndale, Washington asks, “Who do u think is the best running back in the NFL and who do u think will go to the Super Bowl?”

Thanks for the email my man. As for the best RB in the NFL, that’s a tough call. I think Adrian Peterson, as just a raw runner, is one of the toughest guys to bring down. What he did to one of the best run defenses in the league last week was pretty awesome. 140+ yards against that team is gnarly, but his strength and work ethic really makes him special. I don’t think his vision is awesome (like Jones-Drew or Brian Westbrook) but his ability to go through tacklers probably makes him the best RB in the NFL in my mind. He has awesome speed, really quick cuts, and is tough to tackle. If he didn’t have a case of the fumbles, and was a good receiver, he’d be one of the best ever.

As for the Super Bowl, I hate the Saints and have never been a big Colts fan, but they really seem tough to beat. I’ve always known they had good offenses, but the way their defenses have stepped up is pretty amazing. Also, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, two very different talent/prospect levels, are two of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. And despite losing recently, I like the chances the Eagles and Giants have of possibly upsetting the Saints and getting to the big game. Both really struggled last week, but one game is one game, and a season is a longer deal. A couple AFC teams that will give the Colts a run, the Ravens and Patriots could sneak in as well. It could also be magic for Denver, but I’m not quite buying that yet. Those are my favorites!

David from Minnesota writes, “If I had to pick up a WR who would be the best pickup? Crabtree or Lance Moore and why? It sounds like Crabtree will be starting. Will he make any type of impact?”

Tough call, everyone in New Orleans seems like a crap shoot every week because they are all open and Drew doesn’t seem to have a favorite, but I think lance had the 2nd most amount of targets with 7, and last year he certainly was Drew’s favorite guy to go to. But Crabtree has soooo much talent, and the 49ers seem determined to use him. I’m personally stunned that a Mike Singletary team would start Crabtree right out of the gate, unless he’s been dominating at practice, in which case he’s worth a look. I think both these guys are solid pick-ups. Lance is in a group of productive receivers while Crabtree is in a run first offense and has been out of football for a while, both have their downsides. I think Lance is the safe pick, Crabtree is the wildcard. I imagine Lance will end up with more fantasy points from now until the end of the season. But it will likely be close.

Tim Lynch says, “Papa, This year we allow return men to get the yards and touchdowns. There are two on the waiver wire this week. I have a spot for one of them, Which should I pick up? Domenik Hixon (They are playing Arizona: should be a lot of opportunities) or Sammie Straughter (They are playing NE and should also get a lot of opportunities. Thanks for the help!”

Tim, I think both guys are great options, but Sammie Stroughter just took the job in Tampa, and I know they will be allowing lots of scores all year long. I’m not sure that the job is his to keep, but I think they like his speed in the open field, so I imagine he’ll stay there. I think the Giants will allow a lot less scores than the Bucs, obviously, so Hixon won’t get as many returns as the season goes forward, but this week, Arizona might be able to put some points on the board and give Hixon chances. But you might want to take into account Niel Rackers, he is one of the top Touch back kickers in the league, booming 9 into the end zone already this season on just 24 attempts. Then again, Stephen Gostkowski has 10 touch backs, but on 13 more kick offs attempts. Tough call for sure. I think the Patriots end up kicking off about 7-10 times, and that would have me give the nod to Stroughter. But in both situations there’s upside. I just think Sammie gets more looks as the season goes forward. Plus, I’ve always thought a lot of the guys since he was a youngster at Oregon State. Thanks for the email.

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Mark B from San Antonio, Texas asks, “I’m being asked for a trade for either Gore or Forte straight up for Steve Smith (CAR). I’ve been starting Knox because players receive return yards in our league and scores double digits for me. The other WR slot I haven’t settled on, and then I run 3 backs. My RBs and WRs are as follows: Forte, Slaton, Ray Rice, Mendenhall, Frank Gore, Jonathan Stewart – Braylon Edwards, Vincent Jackson, Johnny Knox, and Eddie Royal. Should I take this trade in hopes for a bigger outing from Smith later this season? Thanks for your help on this.”

Boy, you have some great running back options – Gore, Mend, Ray, and Forte, and then Jonathan Stewart just in case, gotta love that group, and yes, that leaves you room to make a trade for a solid receiver. While I absolutely love Steve Smith’s game, it seems like the Panthers and mostly Jake Delhomme, don’t have the ability to use Steve. I think Knox is a solid option in return yardage leagues – he gets catches as a receiver, makes big plays, and that extra 100 or so yardage from kick returns is nice too. I would not trade Gore for Steve Smith. Gore is an awesome back that IS his team’s offense. Keep holding on to him. Forte, I don’t know, he’s a tough gamble – he’s been bad to start the year, his value seems to be gone, and maybe him for Steve would be a decent trade -but I feel like you might be able to trade for a better receiving option with one of those backs. I like Steve, one of my favorite players in the game, but questions abound in that passing game. I would probably pass on this trade, but Forte for Smith has possible upside for you, definitely, just a little bit too much risk for something that seems all but sure. With Eddie Royal getting some kick return duties for the Broncos, you have yet another option, a starting receiver that also gets those precious kick return yardage. I think you’re okay at WR, and am not sure how much SS would upgrade you right now. If Joe Montana signs with Carolina, then Steve’s value might go up….
Papa

Fantasy Focus: Week 4

Sorry for the late start on Week 4’s Fantasy Focus – lets just say I was under the weather for I’m sure you don’t have as much interest in hearing about my  2 day battle as I have sharing it. Us writers, what can you say, we like to describe things. All in all, it’s been a tough week, but better ones will come, and at least Sunday is just around the corner. Last week, for the 3rd straight, I pulled off the top spot in the fantasy picks ranking system. This week, Red Red Ryan, Josh Arsenault, and Papa Weimer will once again try to do their best to dethrone the fantasy king. Rankings below, my 20 guys to watch at the top. Enjoy!

Elite Starters: Guys picked early that I love this week…

1. Phillip Rivers – The Steelers kill the run and can’t stop the pass. Phillip can toss the ball around. I like it.
2. Adrian Peterson – I think the Packers are a great match-up for AP, they’ll score, he’ll score… a lot.
3. Brandon Jacobs – With Bradshaw spending time in a boot, and the Chiefs up next, Jacobs will be huge.
4. Tom Brady – The Ravens D struggles against prolific passers, I’m still one that thinks Tom can do it.
5. Reggie Wayne – I think Reggie is the surest thing WR this week in fantasy, not as much upside as Moss, but definite.

Solid Starters: Guys picked in middle rounds that should outplay their ranking/draft position this week…

1. Julius Jones– I think the Hawks keep it close, how? by running the ball a lot with Julius.
2. Devin Hester – He’s the #1 receiver against the worst pass defense in the league, should be good this week.
3. Darren McFadden– Houston is just one of those defenses, McFadden’s talent and homerun ability is there.
4. Carson Palmer – Against Cleveland, I like his chances. He’s getting better every week.
5. Hines Ward –Steelers should find plenty of passing room against the Chargers this weekend.

Sleeper Starters: Guys ranked low, drafted low or not at all, but I still like them this week…

1. Tashard Choice – Even as Barber’s back up, which I think he will be, the Cowboys can run on anyone – he should be good.
2. Mike Sims-Walker – Should be owned in every single league, but isn’t owned in half, great option against Tennessee.
3. Mario Manningham –He’ll have a couple chances this week, here’s thinking he makes the most of them against KC.
4. Rashard Mendenhall– If you are looking deep, Mendenhall could be there, Willie might not play, SD has no run D…
5. Eddie Royal – Got dropped in a lot of leagues this week, bet he makes those people even more upset with a big day.

Sit ‘Em Son: I don’t care where they were drafted, I don’t like these guys starting this week…

1. Matt Cassel – This one seems easy, but not right now, and not against the Giants D – stay away from Cassel.
2. Steven Jackson – If in a PPR, not too shabby cuz he catches balls, but running room will be limited by 49ers.
3. Nate Burleson – A lot of people like Nate this week, against the Colts I do not. A few catches, less than 50 yards.
4. Bernard Berrien or Percy Harvin –If I had to choose, would start Percy over BB, but both can be sat against GB’s CBs.
5. Reggie Bush – I think the Jets are too fast in the linebacking and secondary for a less than 100% Bush.

PS – Bye weeks are back, and here for some time, recognize! Mind the gap!

Week 4 Fantasy Rankings

Ryan Kauffman	        Josh Arsenault		Papa Weimer		Lucky Lester

QBs----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.Peyton Manning   	1.Peyton Manning	1.Peyton Manning	1.Phillip Rivers
2.Ben Roethlisberger	2.Carson Palmer 	2.Tom Brady     	2.Matt Schaub
3.Jason Campbell 	3.Jay Cutler     	3.Jay Cutler     	3.Tom Brady
4.Jay Cutler     	4.Tom Brady     	4.David Garrard 	4.Peyton Manning
5.Eli Manning   	5.Aaron Rodgers   	5.Aaron Rodgers		5.Drew Brees
RBs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.Adrian Peterson	1.Cedric Benson 	1.Adrian Peterson	1.Adrian Peterson
2.Chris Johnson 	2.Adrian Peterson 	2.Steve Slaton  	2.Brandon Jacobs
3.Brandon Jacobs	3.Chris Johnson  	3.Maurice Jones-Drew	3.Chris Johnson
4.Maurice Jones-Drew	4.Brandon Jacobs    	4.Fred Jackson  	4.Matt Forte
5.Cedric Benson 	5.Glen Coffee   	5.Clinton Portis  	5.Julius Jones

WRs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.Reggie Wayne	        1.Reggie Wayne          1.Steve Smith (NY) 	1.Reggie Wayne
2.Santonio Holmes	2.Calvin Johnson   	2.Reggie Wayne		2.Randy Moss
3.Terrell Owens  	3.Jericho Cotchery	3.Randy Moss    	3.Chad Ochocinco
4.Johnny Knox    	4.Nate Burleson 	4.Andre Johnson 	4.Vincent Jackson
5.Mike Sims-Walker  	5.Braylon Edwards	5.Devin Hester  	5.Terrell Owens

TEs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.Jason Witten  	1.Jason Witten  	1.Dallas Clark  	1.Antonio Gates
2.Owen Daniels		2.Chris Cooley		2.Dustin Keller 	2.Chris Cooley
3.Dallas Clark		3.Owen Daniels		3.Vernon Davis  	3.Jason Witten
4.Chris Cooley   	4.Dustin Keller  	4.Chris Cooley		4.Dallas Clark
5.John Carlson   	5.Dallas Clark   	5.Jason Witten		5.Greg Olsen

DSTs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.49ers 		1.Giants		1.Bears 		1.Giants
2.Redskins		2.Vikings       	2.Steelers		2.Bengals
3.Bears 		3.Cowboys		3.Titans		3.Bears
4.Giants		4.Titans  		4.Texans		4.49ers
5.Bengals		5.49ers 		5.Giants		5.Redskins

Kickers-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Papa Weimer says, "I'll take Reggie Roby every time!" As for the rest of us, we won't even go
that far, we don't rank no stinking kickers man! (But we are all rooting for Michael Koenen to
get in for a 63 yard game winner)