It’s Tuesday afternoon which means time for another installment of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. You know how we do it in this forum: No holds barred. Joe Fortenbaugh
It’s Tuesday afternoon which means time for another installment of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. You know how we do it in this forum: No holds barred. Feel free to get involved and throw some trash talk around.
THE GOOD
1. Slash & Dash: Anyone who caught last night’s game was fortunate enough to witness the most impressive rushing display of the 2008 season. Jonathan “The Bulldozer” Stewart and DeAngelo “The Sledgehammer” Williams went bonkers on Tampa Bay, carrying the pigskin a combined 34 times for 301 yards and four touchdowns in the Panthers’ 38-23 division win over the Bucs. Williams is averaging a ridiculous 5.4 yards per carry and has scored 12 touchdowns in his last 7 games. Carolina’s big win has made them the talk of the league today, with mentions of a possible showdown in New York for the NFC Championship. But I say hold the accolades. What’s most impressive about what D-Will and Stewart are doing is covering up the horrendous play of quarterback Jake Delhomme. Delhomme threw another two interceptions last night, giving him 11 on the season. That could become a big problem in January if an opposing defense figures out how to limit the Panthers’ potent rushing attack.
2. B-West: Leave it to the Philadelphia Eagles to wait until the absolute last minute before they start playing some quality football. The Birds flew into the Meadowlands this weekend and shocked the defending champion New York Giants 20-14, handing them their first home loss of the season. Westbrook was nothing short of spectacular, touching the ball 39 times for 203 total yards and 2 back-breaking touchdowns. Ever since quarterback Donovan McNabb’s second half benching at Baltimore in Week 12, Philly has been on a mission. Westbrook now has 6 scores in his past two games (both wins) and has the Eagles poised to make a run at a wild card berth.
3. Antonio “Ken Lucas’ Worst Nightmare” Bryant: How nasty was that touchdown catch Bryant made in the end zone last night? He’s running towards the sidelines, stops, turns around, and lays out to make a spectacular one-handed catch for six. He didn’t even tip the ball back to himself, but rather, just snagged it out of the air with his left hand. Although it still resulted in a loss for Tampa, Bryant put up some impressive numbers, catching 9 passes for 200 yards and two scores en route to busting up Ken Lucas worse than WR Steve Smith did to him during training camp.
THE BAD
1. Joseph “Back By Popular Demand” Addai: Even with one of the softest end-of-the season schedules in the league, Addai continues to disappoint fantasy owners on a weekly basis. His latest masterpiece? A ten-carry, 26 yard, no touchdown stinker against league doormat Cincinnati AT HOME. The mind-boggling part about this whole mess is that he has 51 total touches for only 204 yards and NO scores against the likes of San Diego, Cleveland and Cincinnati over the past three weeks. It’s clear that the knee injury is really slowing him down and limiting his effectiveness on the field. Hopefully for fantasy owners he can get healthy quick for this Sunday, when the Colts take on the NFL’s worst run defense in the Detroit Lions.
2. Coles & Cotchery: Remember back in August when the Jets acquired quarterback Brett Favre? It sent the fantasy value of Coles and Cotchery through the roof, prompting many owners to make a strong move to draft one of these guys early on and shore up their receiving unit. Mission failed. C & C Music Factory has been abysmal lately, combining for just 2 catches for 15 yards and no touchdowns in the Jets' loss at San Francisco this past Sunday. Both have had their share of ailments throughout the season, causing them to go from trendy sleepers to irrelevant bench warmers faster than MC Hammer’s fall from grace in the 90’s.
3. Eli “I Miss Plax” Manning: In Manning’s defense, his receivers dropped just about everything he threw their way this past weekend, including Domenik Hixon’s sure-thing 85-yard TD blunder that went right through his bread basket. Peyton’s younger brother completed only 13 of 27 passes for 123 yards, 1 TD and no INT’s in Big Blue’s first home loss of the season. Fantasy owners need not panic. Manning has had a very productive year and the swirling winds at the Meadowlands, coupled with his receiver’s ineptness were the main culprits in this mediocre performance. He should bounce back strong at Dallas this Sunday Night.
THE UGLY
1. J.P. “Just Pretending” Losman: Just pretending to play quarterback is what Losman did in Toronto this past Sunday, prompting many Canadians to demand their money back for wasting 3 hours of their life to watch this guy stink up their country. Losman was horrendous, completing only 13 of 27 passes for 123 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception. Even the CFL wasn’t impressed by his performance, and they were the ones who gave legendary draft bust Charles Rogers a workout. The unfortunate part about this performance is that it caused this altercation in the parking lot after the game.
2. The Oakland Raiders: I’m going to make this one short. What these guys did last Thursday night was just short of embarrassing. Scratch that. It was worse. Oakland was penalized more yardage (70) than they picked up on the ground (54), en route to a 34-7 shellacking at the hands of the 5-win San Diego Chargers. The Raiders gave up three sacks, had four turnovers and picked up only 9 first downs. Brutal.
3. Santana “Fading Fast” Moss: What the heck happened to this guy? In his last FIVE outings, Moss has only 19 receptions for 218 yards and NO touchdowns. It comes as no surprise that the Redskins are 1-4 over that stretch and went from being one of the hottest teams in the league to a David Copperfield disappearing act. The good news is that Moss still has games against Cincinnati and San Francisco to look forward to. The bad news is that it may be too little, too late.
THE MENSA PLAY OF THE WEEK
I’m leaving this one up to you guys this week. My vote is for Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, when he picked up a 15-yard personal foul in the first half of their game against the Chargers. The penalty gave the Bolts a first down, and led to an eventual 90+ yard touchdown drive that ignited the rout.
Joe;
Do you think D. Rhodes is a better play this week than Addai?
What the heck is going on with Marques Colston? Is it time to bench him? Would you start Wes Welker over Colston in a non-ppr league? And if you had to choose two of the three (Addai/Rhodes, Colston, or Welker), who do you like?
My Mensa play of the week is Andy Reid's decision to try to kick the field goal into the wind with "no leg left" David Akers at the end of the first half. Block and Six the other way. Bad move in those circumstances.
After a first round bye, my regular season winning team heads to the playoffs this week, and will be a heavy underdog.
With MBIII iffy, Joseph Addai a big pansy and the likes of Larry Johnson, Derrick Ward and Tashard Choice as my likely options, I'm totally going to be screwed....UGH
Antonio Gates...zero points. Thanks, Tony, 'preciate it.
Dan - I'm with you there. I almost got lucky though, my brother had the Tampa D so I almost pulled this week out.
Joe,
Nice piece. I will be looking for the NFP carma again this week. Don't let me down.
Scot: i think there is a good chance that Rhodes is the better play. Unfortunately, that's a decision that cannot be made until Sat or Sun.
I'd lean towards Welker this week at Oakland. However, Chicago's pass defense is terrible, so if the weather is decent in Chicago on Thursday, Colston is probably the better start.
Good call on Reid. I almost gave up on the game after that play.
Jason: thats a rough setup, but dont panic yet. Addai and Johnson have decent matchups, that is, if Addai is a full go for Sunday.
Dan: believe me, you're not the first person ive heard about regarding antonio gates.
Joey: i take it everything worked out for you this past weekend? if so, great.
thanks...glad you like the article
Joe,
I traded Chris Johnson and Derek Mason for BWest two weeks ago, right before he had these two monster games. I just beat our point leader, who was not very happy, and now I am looking at #2 in points in our semis.
C & C Music Factory? That's pretty funny..LOL..
I need some help going into my first-round matchup. I'm not favored and I'm going to need more than the one touchdown (?!) I collected last week.
Colston, Wayne, Bess, or Royal at WR?
Stewart, Rhodes, or one of those receivers at the flex position?
Also, any news on Kellen Winslow? What is that guy's deal?
Oh, and what about Warner vs. Minnesota? A better start than Thigpen vs. San Diego?
Hey Joe...I know its early still but who do you give the edge to out of these 3: Schaub, Garrard, Collins? Schaub is coming off a huge game but he struggles against Tennessee (who doesn't) so that's making it tough on me. Also, thanks for the advice on Rivers over Romo last week.
Let's talk defenses.
I have Minnesota and Tampa Bay, they've been pretty good all season long. the last two weeks of the playoffs (15 and 16) look daunting.
with Minn @ ARI and TB @ ATL this week.
Championship game will be Minn at home vs ATL or TB at home vs SD. I think TB might be a good play, for next week since they host SD (aren't they bad on trips to the east coast?)
The question I had is, it doesn't seem like I have a use for the Minnesota defense anymore, and I'm trying to debate if I want to drop them for Seattle vs STL this week. How does seattle's defense look in this matchup?
oh, and who do you like more. Bess at home vs SFO, or deion branch @ STL?
Joe:
Won my 1st round playoff game this past weekend and now only the #1 team during our regular season stands between me and a 4th consecutive season playing in our "Super Bowl". Needless to say, a win this weekend gives me some serious bragging rights so I'm looking once again for your sage advice...
PPR league, yardage bonus at 100/300 plus bonus for length of TD play. I have to start 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR/TE's and 2 FLEX from the following:
QB's - McNabb, Collins
RB's - BWest, Slaton, Lynch, J.Stewart
WR/TE's - S.Smith (Car), Evans, DeSean Jax, Gates
I'm thinking about:
QB - McNabb
RB - BWest, J.Stewart
WR/TE's - Smith, D.Jax
Flex - Gates, Slaton
Bench - Collins, Lynch, Evans
Thanks for everything this season!!! This column has been a key to my success so far...
Brian D.
How about Arizona D for the "Good"? Two TDs propelled me to victory.
Do you like Arizona vs hopefully Tarvarius-led Minn, Miami vs Gore-less SF, or Seattle vs woeful St Louis?
Joe,
Love the Tommy Kelly MENSA PLAY OF THE WEEK! I cannot stop F***ing talking about that idiotic play. I guess thats what 7 years, $50 million do to a man.
Joe,
Need some help. I'm really struggling on who to start at RB this week. I wasn't considering Stewart until I saw him healthy last night so now my stable consists of:
S. Jackson
J. Addai
M. Turner
J. Stewart
I need 2. Addai has a great matchup but he could easily be hampered by his injuries and Rhodes. Jackson and Turner seem like locks to get the ball 20+ times. And Stewart has the matchup of the century. It's playoff time and the decision is do or die.
Mensa Play of the Week ~ whoever was on towel watch in FOX's editing booth after the Vike's game.
Joey: that trade looks to be working out real well for ya, especailly since BWest has landed you 6 tds in his last two games. nice.
Chris: i was wondering if anyone would get a kick out of that. it came to me out of nowhere. sometimes i wonder where the hell some of this stuff comes from
Bryan: first off, im not sure how many receviers you are starting, so ill just rank em in order of personal preference.
Wayne, Royal, Colston, Bess. Flip Colston and Bess if the weather in Chicago is nasty. I like Stewart at the flex position, especially against Denver's run defense. Also, I'd stick with Warner. Thigpen should have a nice day, but Warner is unbenchable. Lastly, as long as ken dorsey is at QB, winslow is not a great option.
Nick U: no problem buddy, glad it worked out for ya. Out of that group, id probably stick with Schaub. Garrard is pretty much finished now that Matt Jones is done, and Collins may be content handing the ball off all day. Schaub will be throwing no matter what.
TV: i still like Bess over Branch. I know he played great this past weekend, but I'd like to see a little more consistency before i put him in the starting lineup.
as far as defenses go, thats a good breakdown. Tampa struggles on the road, but Minny is in for a long afternoon when they head to the desert to play AZ. the only thing that concerns me about Seattle is that they are on the road, and Steven Jackson should have a nice day against them. However, they may be worth a look
Brian D: its my pleasure...im glad to hear your doing well in your playoffs.
the only switch i would consider is Lynch for Gates. I like Gates' matchup, but he has struggled as of late and i would feel more comfortable with a RB in the lineup then a TE. good luck!
Cooper: i'd probably lean towards Miami. Arizona has been great this year, but its always a tough day when you have to face AP. Im not saying they will struggle, because i do think they are a good start, but I think Miami provides you with a nice option as well.
Jake: figured you'd like that. i couldnt believe how many personal fouls the Raiders picked up in that game.
Chris B: tough call. Thats a decision you wont want to make until Sunday. If Addai is healthy, you have to love his matchup, and Turner is a must start at home at this point in the season. If Addai is a no go, you may want to go with Stewart based on the fact that Denver's run D is suspect.
Uncle Dan: dead on. i dont think anything beats that!
Joe, Thanks for all the great advice this year. I'm seeded #1 and in the semis of a twelve team non PPR league w/ highest regular season points.
I'm a little week at RB. I have the Real A.P. but after that it's Justin Fargas, Maurice Morris, and Chester Taylor. Is there anyone I can pick up that would benifit more than one of these three. Tatum Bell and Fred Jackson are available and I have number 1 waiver order.
Joe, still have a couple question marks heading into the semis. Who would you choose as my RB2: Jamaal Lewis, Darren McFadden or Sproles? Or i could pick up Maurice Morris off waivers.
My WR2 is a bit of a concern as well. I currenly have Greg Jennings holding the spot, but i am worried he does not see enough throws his way. Would Antonio Bryant be a better choice?
Joe, I see you are a busy man this time of year... Allow me to pile on.
Who do you like this week at TE?:
Scheffler or Keller?
Also, I'm planning on starting LT and DWill this week at RB over Jacobs, JStewart, or DWard. Your thoughts?
Hi Joe,
This isn't exactly an original thought, but my Mensa play of the week goes to the folks who came up with the BCS. I'd love to see the top bowls match up the best eight and then follow that with a football final four...but anything is better than the current system in my opinion.
Ok, off my soapbox now and I have two questions for you. I am entering the second half this week of my semifinal match and up by five points. In my league we start two running backs, two receivers and a flex. I'm lucky to have some running back depth and am starting Adrian Peterson and Steve Slaton. If he is healthy, I am leaning toward starting Marion Barber as my flex. Do you like either of the following better than the Barbarian: Ronnie Brown, Kevin Smith. Also, Pierre Thomas is available on waivers as is Tashard Choice.
Second, I've been thinking about starting Tyler Thigpen over Matt Cassell. Have I been staring at the screen too long or does that make sense?
Sorry for the length but thanks for your help.
Steve: you got it buddy, my pleasure. Maurice Morris may be a decent start at St. Louis this weekend. Other than that, Bell will get a good deal of touches, but he is on the road at Carolina. tough call. I'd lean towards Morris, but Bell isnt a bad play.
Chris: to be honest with you, i dont like any of those options. I'd roll the dice on Sproles. He's the only guy with upside.
Steve: I'm sticking with Keller as long as the weather in New York is nice. If not, Scheffler is the way to go. I'd do the same thing at RB as well.
Patrick: dont get me started on the BCS. I love college football, but cant understand why its the only sport in the world that never has a true champion.
I like Ronnie Brown at home vs SF over Barber. Even if he manages to play, he wont be 100% and has a tough matchup with the Giants.
Thigpen is a pretty solid start this weekend. He's at home vs a weak Chargers passing D. Plus, Cassel's father just passed away, so its possible he wont play.
Joe - let's digress and talk baseball for a second. I was recently posed with a difficult question and I'd like your insight. What would your walk up song be? Can you place one that would fit me?
Now for a little football. Knocked Kurt out of the playoffs, that will probably hurt me in the end... WRs this week, having trouble choosing for one spot. Here are your choices: Andre Johnson, Lee Evans, Justin Gage, Wes Welker. I can only take one. Glad to see your saving the world one fantasy team at a time.
What up Katrina? sorry hun, we do not discuss baseball in here. even if you do work for a record setting minor leage club like the LVIP.
Walk up song for me? Probably "Loser" by Beck. i think that fits.
For you? Probably that techno mess that Robles used to walk up to. It would screw with everyone's head.
nice work bouncing kurt. while he doesnt have the best matchup, it would be real tough to sit andre Johnson. how come you can only start 1? If trent edwards comes back and the weather is nice in New York Evans is a good option.
Welker should have his typical 6 for 75-90 as well
I only have one spot b/c I think these are must starts: Eddie Royal, Roddy White, and flex-Sammy Morris against Oakland's wonderful rush defense. Let me know if you disagree. Let me know when you are ready to catch up, i'll compromise and we can go somewhere that has wi-fi.
Kat: i'd get it. Keep Welker in mind. He doesnt score very often, but he's always good for receptions and yards.
i'd love to catch up sometime very soon. the good news is i dont need a spot with Wi-Fi because i have the AT&T internet card
Thanks Joe, appreciate the advice. I am going to roll with Thigpen and wish that I had Gonzo on my team as well.
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Dec 09, 2008
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Finally, B-West is the fantasy beast that I drafted in the first round (#3 in a PPR).