We will be answering any and all fantasy football questions this weekend before the start of the games, so feel free to get your questions in to us and we will respond in time for you to set your lineups on gameday!
-Tiger
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tampa Bay claims Albert Haynesworth off waivers
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 9, 2011, 4:23 PM EST
Bucs coach Raheem Morris has talked all year about building a “Youngry” defense full of young and hungry players.
At least Albert Haynesworth has half of that equation down.
The Bucs surprisingly claimed Haynesworth off waivers Wednesday, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They will take the rest of his contract he signed with New England.
Tampa just lost Gerald McCoy for the season, but this is still a surprising move. (Even if Alper called it yesterday.) Haynesworth has been ordinary on the field this year, and it sounds like he wasn’t giving much effort in New England.
The Bucs tried to sign Haynesworth two years ago, but the Redskins outbid them. While he’s cheaper now, Haynesworth just doesn’t sound like a player that Morris would want to take on.
The risk doesn’t seem worth the potential reward for developing team like Tampa that is unlikely to make the playoffs with or without Haynesworth.
TTR's Week 10 - Buy or Sell
BUY
Andre Johnson - Andres' status for week 10 is still up in the air, but with a bye coming in week 11 Johnson should be back at 100% by week 12. Johnson likely sits on a frustrated owners team. A guy in need of making a move to help his playoff chances. Savvy owners should take full advantage of this. You all know of what Andre does while on the field. So buy him now and add an elite WR to your roster for the fantasy playoffs at a bargain price.
Chad Ochocinco - I know. I know. This is the type of suggestion fantasy analysts get axed for. So where is the foreseen value in someone as seemingly worthless as Ochocinco? Well first off lets' take a quick look at the positives.
1. It seems laughable to say, but unlike Albert Haynesworth Ocho is still on the team, meaning Belicheck and the Patriots still have faith he can contribute.
2. Chad saw a season high 5 targets last week. Yes, a season high of 5 targets is another laugher, but it's a sign Brady is trying to get him the ball.
3. Brady is trying to get him the ball. Brady was quoted by Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald on the following, "Man, it’s frustrating to come off the field and know we’re not making plays we’re capable of making. I’m trying to get him (Chad Ochocinco) the ball and make him part of our offense."
I'm not saying Chad is going to return to his old self, but can he be a viable WR 3 down the stretch for fantasy owners? Absolutely and with very minimal investment. So go ahead and drop your plug in TE, defense or kicker and stash Ochocinco away for a couple weeks and see if productions comes.
Earl Bennett - He has always been a favorite of Cutlers' going back to their college days at Vanderbilt. Cutler threw for him at his pro day. He even pleaded with the Broncos while he was there to draft Bennett. In his first game back from injury Bennett lead the team in receiving with 5 catches for 95 yards and a score. He was Cutlers first read on numerous 3rd downs and he even took a direct snap out of the Wildcat. So why is Cutler so found of Bennett? Outside of their history and rapport together Bennett is one of the most sure handed WRs in the league. He didn't have a single dropped pass all of last season. He may not hold a lot of upside, but he has a very safe floor as Cutlers' go to WR.
Tony Romo - Romo has underwhelmed thus far in large part due to his injured ribs/lung. Last week was the first time since suffering the injuries in week 2 that Romo played without a pain killing injection. He claims to finally be 100% and it couldn't come at a more ideal time. Romos' remaining slate contains the 17th, 25th, 27th, 28th and 29th ranked defenses against the pass. Even without Miles Austin in the line up Romo should begin lighting it up through the air against such soft secondaries. If all your team needs a QB make a move for Romo and watch your QB production spike.
Ryan Mathews - The last 4 weeks for Mathews have looked like this, BYE, 39 yards rushing, 57 yards rushing, DNP. So there's plenty of reason to believe you can buy him up now at a nice discount. He was a full practice participant on Tuesday so he is good to go for this Thursday. Mathews averaged over 16 Fantasy points per game through the first 5 weeks before being hampered by injury. Another item of note is he has registered at least 3 catches in 6 of the 7 games he's played in tallying at least 51 yards on those catches in 5 of the 7 games. His added receiving totals makes for more consistant fantasy production. It also provides him a much higher week to week floor than that of guys such as Michael Turner, LeGarrette Blount, or Shonn Greene because his production isn't dependent on scoring a TD or receiving 20+ carries. Now that he's healthy again he should return to RB1 form. Buy up Mathews where you can.
Kendall Hunter - Hunter is a very nice speculative stash considering his potential high end RB 2 value if Gore were to breakdown. He's a very explosive runner who is currently averaging 4.5 ypc. He's also a great receiver out of the backfield. If you have the roster space acquire Hunter either off waivers or via trade for a low end WR option.
SELL
Frank Gore - Gore has gone over the hundred yard mark in 5 straight games averaging 127 ypg over that stretch. So why sell him? His current pace is unsustainable. He won't continue to go over 100 yards a game especially with a rising NYG defense and a trip to Baltimore (3rd against the run) coming in the next two weeks. Gore has also only made it through a full season just once in his career. He is a very injury prone guy with two hard hitting defenses coming up. Injuries are obviously imposible to predict and I'm not wishing him any harm. I'm just simply stating something plausible given his history. Gores' value won't be any higher than it currently sits which is why I suggest selling high on him.
Julio Jones - Julios' week 9 explosion had a lot to do with his matchup. He drew coverage from rookie CB Jacob Lacey. Opposing QB's have completed 73.5 % of their passes against him and the Colts defense has given up the 6th most pass plays of 20 yards or more. Jones only received 4 targets in the game. Not exactly a sustainable yards to target ratio. Moving forward down the stretch the Falcons are likely to stick with their ground and pound roots to control the time of possession and let Matt Ryan slide into the role he's comfortable with. Game Manager. Sell high on Julio to someone enamored by his recent explosion and overall upside.
Demarco Murray - Murray has been stellar. There's no doubting his talent and his recent production speaks for itself. However people seem to forget just how good his backfield mate Felix Jones is. Jones talent was hard to find on stat sheets especially when he was taking on some of the leagues stingiest run defenses (including the top ranked Niners) with a seperated shoulder and sprained ankle. Meanwhile Murray has faced the last ranked Rams and the 23rd ranked Eagles. It is a "what have you done for me lately" league and Murray has done a LOT lately, but with Jones coming back this situation will likely be a 50-50 commitee split with a hot hand approach. Sell Murray to someone who believes he will continue at a similar pace the rest of the way and take your profit.
Andre Johnson - Andres' status for week 10 is still up in the air, but with a bye coming in week 11 Johnson should be back at 100% by week 12. Johnson likely sits on a frustrated owners team. A guy in need of making a move to help his playoff chances. Savvy owners should take full advantage of this. You all know of what Andre does while on the field. So buy him now and add an elite WR to your roster for the fantasy playoffs at a bargain price.
Chad Ochocinco - I know. I know. This is the type of suggestion fantasy analysts get axed for. So where is the foreseen value in someone as seemingly worthless as Ochocinco? Well first off lets' take a quick look at the positives.
1. It seems laughable to say, but unlike Albert Haynesworth Ocho is still on the team, meaning Belicheck and the Patriots still have faith he can contribute.
2. Chad saw a season high 5 targets last week. Yes, a season high of 5 targets is another laugher, but it's a sign Brady is trying to get him the ball.
3. Brady is trying to get him the ball. Brady was quoted by Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald on the following, "Man, it’s frustrating to come off the field and know we’re not making plays we’re capable of making. I’m trying to get him (Chad Ochocinco) the ball and make him part of our offense."
I'm not saying Chad is going to return to his old self, but can he be a viable WR 3 down the stretch for fantasy owners? Absolutely and with very minimal investment. So go ahead and drop your plug in TE, defense or kicker and stash Ochocinco away for a couple weeks and see if productions comes.
Earl Bennett - He has always been a favorite of Cutlers' going back to their college days at Vanderbilt. Cutler threw for him at his pro day. He even pleaded with the Broncos while he was there to draft Bennett. In his first game back from injury Bennett lead the team in receiving with 5 catches for 95 yards and a score. He was Cutlers first read on numerous 3rd downs and he even took a direct snap out of the Wildcat. So why is Cutler so found of Bennett? Outside of their history and rapport together Bennett is one of the most sure handed WRs in the league. He didn't have a single dropped pass all of last season. He may not hold a lot of upside, but he has a very safe floor as Cutlers' go to WR.
Tony Romo - Romo has underwhelmed thus far in large part due to his injured ribs/lung. Last week was the first time since suffering the injuries in week 2 that Romo played without a pain killing injection. He claims to finally be 100% and it couldn't come at a more ideal time. Romos' remaining slate contains the 17th, 25th, 27th, 28th and 29th ranked defenses against the pass. Even without Miles Austin in the line up Romo should begin lighting it up through the air against such soft secondaries. If all your team needs a QB make a move for Romo and watch your QB production spike.
Ryan Mathews - The last 4 weeks for Mathews have looked like this, BYE, 39 yards rushing, 57 yards rushing, DNP. So there's plenty of reason to believe you can buy him up now at a nice discount. He was a full practice participant on Tuesday so he is good to go for this Thursday. Mathews averaged over 16 Fantasy points per game through the first 5 weeks before being hampered by injury. Another item of note is he has registered at least 3 catches in 6 of the 7 games he's played in tallying at least 51 yards on those catches in 5 of the 7 games. His added receiving totals makes for more consistant fantasy production. It also provides him a much higher week to week floor than that of guys such as Michael Turner, LeGarrette Blount, or Shonn Greene because his production isn't dependent on scoring a TD or receiving 20+ carries. Now that he's healthy again he should return to RB1 form. Buy up Mathews where you can.
Kendall Hunter - Hunter is a very nice speculative stash considering his potential high end RB 2 value if Gore were to breakdown. He's a very explosive runner who is currently averaging 4.5 ypc. He's also a great receiver out of the backfield. If you have the roster space acquire Hunter either off waivers or via trade for a low end WR option.
SELL
Frank Gore - Gore has gone over the hundred yard mark in 5 straight games averaging 127 ypg over that stretch. So why sell him? His current pace is unsustainable. He won't continue to go over 100 yards a game especially with a rising NYG defense and a trip to Baltimore (3rd against the run) coming in the next two weeks. Gore has also only made it through a full season just once in his career. He is a very injury prone guy with two hard hitting defenses coming up. Injuries are obviously imposible to predict and I'm not wishing him any harm. I'm just simply stating something plausible given his history. Gores' value won't be any higher than it currently sits which is why I suggest selling high on him.
Julio Jones - Julios' week 9 explosion had a lot to do with his matchup. He drew coverage from rookie CB Jacob Lacey. Opposing QB's have completed 73.5 % of their passes against him and the Colts defense has given up the 6th most pass plays of 20 yards or more. Jones only received 4 targets in the game. Not exactly a sustainable yards to target ratio. Moving forward down the stretch the Falcons are likely to stick with their ground and pound roots to control the time of possession and let Matt Ryan slide into the role he's comfortable with. Game Manager. Sell high on Julio to someone enamored by his recent explosion and overall upside.
Demarco Murray - Murray has been stellar. There's no doubting his talent and his recent production speaks for itself. However people seem to forget just how good his backfield mate Felix Jones is. Jones talent was hard to find on stat sheets especially when he was taking on some of the leagues stingiest run defenses (including the top ranked Niners) with a seperated shoulder and sprained ankle. Meanwhile Murray has faced the last ranked Rams and the 23rd ranked Eagles. It is a "what have you done for me lately" league and Murray has done a LOT lately, but with Jones coming back this situation will likely be a 50-50 commitee split with a hot hand approach. Sell Murray to someone who believes he will continue at a similar pace the rest of the way and take your profit.
Keith Rivers removed from non-football injury list
Posted by Mike Florio on November 9, 2011, 2:48 PM EST
The Cincinnati Bengals have cobbled together a potent defense without the services of linebacker Keith Rivers. On Wednesday, the team moved him a step closer toward contributing in 2011.
The Bengals announced that Rivers has been activated from the reserve/non-football injury list.
Rivers, who underwent wrist surgery in July, may now practice with the team. The Bengals have three weeks to put him on the active roster or shut him down for the balance of the season.
The eighth pick in the 2008 draft, Rivers started 13 games in 2010 and 13 games in 2009. He started the first seven games of his rookie season, until Hines Ward blew him up on a blindside block.
Pacman Jones trying to fire up teammates and fans for Steelers game
Posted by Mike Florio on November 9, 2011, 1:00 PM EST
Bengals cornerback Pacman Jones is fairly new to the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh rivalry. But he’s doing his best to get his teammates ready to face the Steelers.
“It’s a great week to be a Bengal , let’s go beat pitt ass and we need our 12 man,” Jones proclaimed on Twitter.
They’ll have their “12 man” on Sunday, because more than 12 people will be attending the game. For the first time this year, the Bengals have sold out Paul Brown Stadium.
It’s about time that the “12 man” step up and support a hometown team that surprisingly has won six of eight games.
Coincidentally, Pacman’s college team will be playing there on Saturday. We’ve got a feeling that coach Marvin Lewis won’t be sending any fruit baskets to the locker room.
Woodson and Packers not afraid to talk about 19-0
Posted by Mike Florio on November 9, 2011, 3:02 PM EST
With the Packers halfway to an undefeated regular season, cornerback Charles Woodson wants to see his team finish the deal.
And then to win three more to cap a 19-0 perfect season.
“We can talk about it,” Woodson told Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports. “I don’t care. We’re 8-0. We’d love to be 16-0 – love to. It’s a realistic conversation now. We’re halfway there. So yeah, let’s talk about it.”
So has he talked about the goal with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers? “Yeah, at times,” Woodson said. “We know what we want.”
Ryan Clark's rant confirms confusion regarding illegal hits
Posted by Mike Florio on November 9, 2011, 2:22 PM EST
On Sunday night, the game officials missed a helmet-to-helmet hit applied by Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to Steelers receiverHines Ward.
The league office didn’t.
Later in the game, the officials properly penalized Steelers safety Ryan Clark for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Ravens tight end Ed Dickson. Since Clark is a repeat offender, he’s been hit with a fine in the amount of $40,000.
Clark’s not happy about it. He complained to reporters on Wednesday; the audio has been posted by 96.1 KISS. While his candid remarks create multiple opportunities for commentary, the most telling comments came when Clark was discussing the team’s post-game film review session.
“This is something we watched in slow-mo as a team — as a team — to say, ‘If you’re gonna try to dislodge the ball from somebody,” Clark said. “This is the way you should do it. This is the legal way you should do it.’”
Mike Vick may not even be a top 10 quarterback this year
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 9, 2011, 10:52 AM EST
When a preseason Super Bowl contender starts out at 3-5, the quarterback is going to take some of the blame.
In Philadelphia, the question is starting to be asked: What happened to Michael Vick?
Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com traces Vick’s decline to the end of last year. In his last ten games, Vick has thrown 13 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The Eagles have gone 3-7 over that span.
Vick has been good this year, but not great. He hasn’t had the superhero efforts that helped define his 2010 season.
Chargers to be without 4 players
Terry McCormick - National Football Post
The San Diego Chargers went through their Tuesday practice without four key players, and all of them are expected to miss Thursday night's game with the Oakland Raiders.
Defensive lineman Luis Castillo (leg), guard Kris Dielman (concussion), receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) did not practice on Tuesday, and none of them are expected to play on a short week this week.
There is the hope, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that three of the four could be back and playing when the Chargers take on the Chicago Bears on Nov. 20. Castillo, however, still is not expected to be available then.
Percy Harvin looks to put rib injury behind him
Percy Harvin said his rib pain subsided during the Vikings' bye week.
The rib issues have been part of the reason that Harvin's snap count was extremely limited over the last month. In Week 8, he was spotted doubled over in pain on the sideline between plays. Now closer to 100 percent, Harvin's playing time should be on the rise. And if he gets anywhere near a full complement of snaps, he'll be a high-upside WR3. Despite being used as a part-timer in the first half, Harvin is on pace for 1,032 total yards from scrimmage.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press
Bengals expect to have Jermaine Gresham for Steelers
Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) is expected to return to practice Wednesday.
Gresham should be close to 100 percent after missing two straight games. Prior to going down, he was averaging 4.1 catches for 38.5 yards with three touchdowns. Gresham's return will send veteran Donald Lee back to the bench.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer
Patriots place Josh Barrett on IR
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 9, 2011, 11:09 AM EST
New England continues to search for answers on defense, as the revolving door continues on that side of the ball.
The Patriots chose to get rid of some players: Cornerback Leigh Bodden and Albert Haynesworth were cut. Safety Josh Barrett’s absence will not be by choice.
The team placed Barrett on injured reserve Wednesday with a calf injury. He was one of the players the team has tried opposite Patrick Chung at safety. It seemed like Barrett was the team’s favorite option in that spot.
The Patriots also signed linebacker Niko Koutouvides and promoted defensive back Sterling Moore to the active roster.
11/9 Wednesday morning one-liners
Posted by Michael David Smith on November 9, 2011, 8:21 AM EST
The Bills have their work cut out for them with three straight road games.
A look at the first half of the Dolphins’ season shows many more negatives than positives.
Said Patriots DE Mark Anderson, “We’re going to do a little more preparation for the Jets. They had a great game last week. I know Bill [Belichick] is looking forward to this game and we are as well. We’re going to be real prepared for them and we’re going to be ready to make a statement.”
Here’s a midseason report card for the Jets.
Ravens WR Torrey Smith says he no longer feels like a rookie.
Bengals K Mike Nugent has 23 touchbacks this season after having only seven last season.
The Cleveland media are getting sick of the Peyton Hillis drama.
TTR's Week 10 Picks
Current record 85-47 (64%)
Cardinals at Eagles - I like Andy Reid for the most part. He is a coach with his own flaws and hang ups, but there are not too many coaches in the league that have won as many
Last Week 7-9 (Ouch, what a terrible week for picks.)
Thursday Night
Raiders at Chargers - Both teams come into this game at 4-4, but these teams are quite different, despite some glaring similarities. Let's face it, the Raiders loss of McFadden was huge, but the loss of Campbell could be even bigger. While Bush is no where near as explosive as Run DMC, he is still giving them a powerful running attack. The Raiders defense is terrible, so for them to win the formula was to pound the rock, and pick up a few explosive plays here and there to put points on the board. However with out the splash plays right now, the defense is being fully exposed. Blame it on rust or undeveloped timing with receivers, but Palmer is not helping them overcome that just yet. On the other side of the field you have the Chargers who are actually playing far better than the Raiders in most categories, but they are being eaten alive in the turnover department (31st with -8). I think Philip Rivers will come out of this slump and will turn the ball over less than Palmer and the Raiders. Chargers win at home 35-23.
Sunday
Raheem Morris blames Gerald McCoy for his injury
Posted by Mike Florio on November 8, 2011, 9:27 PM EST
On Sunday, Buccaneers defensive lineman Gerald McCoy was lost for the year with a torn biceps muscle. On Monday, coach Raheem Morris rubbed McCoy’s face in the injured area by blaming the incident on tackling form.
“It goes back to Pop Warner,” Morris told WDAE on Monday, via JoeBucsFan.com. “All your Pop Warner coaches tell you, ‘Don’t arm tackle.’ And that’s exactly why. You gotta put your chest on people. You gotta have your eyes up. Sky your eyes and do the right thing all the time, or it’s going to happen in football. You’re going to get hurt.”
Regardless of whether Morris is right (and he probably is), publicly calling out a key player whose error has resulted in a significant injury may not be the best way to retain the affections of the locker room.
Even Pop Warner coaches know that.
DeSean Jackson talks about his slump
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 8, 2011, 7:35 PM EST
DeSean Jackson is in a slump. He has only three games over 50 yards this year. He has eight catches for 93 yards with no scores in the last three games combined.
His struggles are coming at a particularly bad time; this is Jackson’s contract year.
On Monday night, Jackson fumbled a punt and couldn’t haul in a couple passes he had a chance to catch. He attributes his struggles to the fact defenses know the Eagles want to get the ball deep to Jackson.
“Obviously a lot of teams are on to that and trying to do everything in their power to not let us run down the field and make the big plays that we’ve been doing the past couple years,” Jackson said, via Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com. “We’ve got to find a way to make it happen and get through that.”
Jackson is one of the most exciting players in football, but he’s not that versatile of a wide receiver. Take away his vertical routes and he doesn’t necessarily have an offspeed pitch.
“The defenses are trying to take away what we do best,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to be able to figure it out.”
They need to figure it out fast. Philadelphia may very well need to sweep their last eight games in order to make the playoffs.
Video: LaVar Arrington talks about the Penn State scandal
Posted by John Taylor on November 9, 2011, 6:51 AM EST
On his Washington D.C.-area radio show Monday, former Penn State All-American linebacker LaVar Arrington attempted to work his way through the scandal that’s erupted at his alma mater. Talking about the heinous crimes his former defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, has been indicted on, Arrington said at one point he was reduced to tears upon hearing the reprehensible allegations levied against Sandusky.
“I always saw [Sandusky] giving back, I always saw him as being a part of the community, I always saw him working with kids and caring about them,” Arrington said.
“So when I heard about this information, when all of these allegations hit … it totally, and when I say totally, it totally took me off-guard. I was moved to tears. I looked at my children.”
On Tuesday’s edition of the Versus show “SportsTalk”, Arrington once again spoke out about the Sandusky arrest and how his image of Joe Paterno has been shattered.
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