The Best Info you can have Part 2

Last night I started talking about the fantasy playoffs and the importance of match ups. Knowing who is playing who during the pivotal week 14-16 period is critical to a championship. You can find the orginal list from Jay Clemons of SI.com here.

Bears: Packers, @Ravens, Vikings

The Bears face stout defenses during the key stretch, it is time to look towards trading or backing up Matt Forte, Devin Hester, Greg Olsen and Jay Cutler.

Bengals: @Vikings, @Chargers, ChiefsAfter the initial test from the Vikings, Cedric Benson and crew should do well against the San Diego and Kansas City. It would be a good idea to grab an alternative for week 14

Bills: @Chiefs, Patriots, @Falcons

Not that anyone on the Bills is a great fantasy option, although Marshawn Lynch might be an ok #2

Broncos: @Colts, Raiders, @Eagles

Nothing horrible here, should be ok, but the defense takes a hit agains the Colts in week 14

Browns: Steelers, @Chiefs, Raiders

Skip the Browns entirely

Buccaneers: Jets, @Seahawks, @Saints

Skip the Bucs too.

Cardinals: @49ers, @Lions, Rams

Sign up as many Cards as you can. Steve Breaston could be available in your league and the Cards D might be a nice pick up with this list of offensive jugger-NOTs...

Chargers: @Cowboys, Bengals, @Titans

The first two weeks will be tough, and I think the Titan's will have their act together. Vincent Jackson and Phillip Rivers are must starts, but temper your expectations

Chiefs: Bills, Browns, @Bengals

The Chiefs passing game bears watching, especially against the Bill and Browns

Colts: Broncos, @Jaguars, Jets

Start all Colts, against whatever defenses

Cowboys: Chargers, @Saints, @Redskins

Tony Romo and company will not slow down and I like the New Orleans match up

Dolphins: @Jaguars, @Titans, Texans

If you have either Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams, get them ready for this group of cupcake defenses

Eagles: @Giants, 49ers, Broncos

Might want to get a solid back up for Donovan McNabb.

Falcons: Saints, @Jets, Bills

I would start Michael Turner, Matt Ryan and Roddy White, but the Saints and Jets match ups are not perfect

49ers: Cardinals, @Eagles, Lions

Frank Gore is a must start no matter what, and Vernon Davis is as wellGiants:

Eagles, @Redskins, Panthers

Eli and Steve Smith should do well during this stretch, but I would keep my eye on Brandon Jacobs

Jaguars: Dolphins, Colts, @Patriots

Not that you would ever sit MJD, he production will be limited in the finaly against the Pats

Jets: @Bucs, Falcons, @Colts

The Jets ground game has been solid and should be through the playoffs, although a shoot out with the Colts looms

Lions: @Ravens, Cardinals, @49ers

Forget the Lions, wait til next year

Packers: @Bears, @Steelers, Seahawks

The Steeler match up id tough, but the Bears and Hawks don't scare anyone, Rodgers will be solid, and the WR corp is a take-your-pick

Panthers: @Patriots, Vikings, @Giants

Even if you have DeAngelo Williams, have a back up. He won't get much against these three

Patriots: Panthers, @Bills, Jaguars

As I mentioned last time, keep an eye on the weather. None of these defenses scare anyone, but the New England (and Buffalo) weather can affect Air-Hoodie

Raiders: Redskins, @Broncos, @Browns

There aren't many fantasy options on the Raiders as it is, moving on...

Rams: @Titans, Texans, @Cardinals

Keep Stephen Jackson in your line up, and if he starts to score, watch out, forget the rest of the Lambs

Ravens: Lions, Bears, @Steelers

Ray Rice is a must start in all formats in all weeks for all opponents, think about anyone else for the Steeler match up

Redskins: @Raiders, Giants, Cowboys

Keep your Redskins on the bench for the most part

Saints: @Falcons, Cowboys, Buccaneers

Start them all, but watch the Cowboys match up, could be a tougher game than you might think

Seahawks: @Texans, Buccaneers, @Packers

Hasselbeck should be good for the Bucs game, but think twice about the Houston and especially the Green Bay match up

Steelers: @Browns, Packers, Ravens

You are good for the first round, but watch the Packers and Ravens, both tough against the run. Mendenhall is now a must start, but if you have options, consider them

Texans: Seahawks, @Rams, @Dolphins

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are must starts and should have favorable matchups against all three

Titans: Rams, Dolphins, Chargers

Chris Johnson is all world, and these defenses don't scare anyone

Vikings: Bengals, @Panthers, @Bears

If Favre's arm is still in tact, other than the Bengals, the Viking's offense should be a strong option for playoff time

Today's Hottie: Kris Lee

The Best Info you can have!

Now that the season is hitting the home stretch and the playoff teams are identifying themselves, it is time to look to the fantasy playoffs. Whether anyone wants to admit it, fantasy football is entirely about matchups. I found this list (which can be found all over the fantasy world) that shows the week 14-16 NFL schedule. Week 14 - 16 = 95% of all fantasy football league's playoff weeks. A nice nugget provided by SI.com and Fantasy Clicks author Jay Clemons. See it here.

Bears: Packers, @Ravens, Vikings
Bengals: @Vikings, @Chargers, Chiefs
Bills: @Chiefs, Patriots, @Falcons
Broncos: @Colts, Raiders, @Eagles
Browns: Steelers, @Chiefs, Raiders
Buccaneers: Jets, @Seahawks, @Saints
Cardinals: @49ers, @Lions, Rams
Chargers: @Cowboys, Bengals, @Titans
Chiefs: Bills, Browns, @Bengals
Colts: Broncos, @Jaguars, Jets
Cowboys: Chargers, @Saints, @Redskins
Dolphins: @Jaguars, @Titans, Texans
Eagles: @Giants, 49ers, Broncos
Falcons: Saints, @Jets, Bills
49ers: Cardinals, @Eagles, Lions
Giants: Eagles, @Redskins, Panthers
Jaguars: Dolphins, Colts, @Patriots
Jets: @Bucs, Falcons, @Colts
Lions: @Ravens, Cardinals, @49ers
Packers: @Bears, @Steelers, Seahawks
Panthers: @Patriots, Vikings, @Giants
Patriots: Panthers, @Bills, Jaguars
Raiders: Redskins, @Broncos, @Browns
Rams: @Titans, Texans, @Cardinals
Ravens: Lions, Bears, @Steelers
Redskins: @Raiders, Giants, Cowboys
Saints: @Falcons, Cowboys, Buccaneers
Seahawks: @Texans, Buccaneers, @Packers
Steelers: @Browns, Packers, Ravens
Texans: Seahawks, @Rams, @Dolphins
Titans: Rams, Dolphins, Chargers
Vikings: Bengals, @Panthers, @Bears

Now this list isn't worth anything until you start delving into the ramifications. For instance, let's take a look at the Patriot's Tom Brady. Just at first blush the gauntlet they face of Carolina, Buffalo and Jacksonville seems like a match made in heaven. But take into account that all three of these games are played in the potentially blustery and cold Northeast. Anyone remember week 15 2007? That was the week that so many fantasy owner, riding the coat tails of a Brady / Moss hand cuff were sailing through the season and to their fantasy championships, only to fall flat due to foul weather. So when looking at your match ups, picking up Laurence Maroney for the stretch run might be a great idea, but having solid backups for Brady/Moss/Welker would be a good idea.

I will write more tomorrow breaking down all the match ups and pointing out some good moves that might make or break your fantasy playoffs. But one word of caution. You have GET to the playoffs to WIN the playoffs.

Today's Hottie: Joey Davenport

Counter Point

Jay Clemons write a pretty entertaining column for SI.com. And like most fantasy guru's or experts or whatever you want to call them, you never agree with all of what they say. Jay writes before the weekend games on guys who are a lock for good performances. Here is this week's column and my comments:

QB Locks For 275 Yards and/or 3 TDs
1. Carson Palmer @ Pittsburgh - I know the Bengals and Palmer are on a roll, but in a tough divisional road game will slow them some... they might win, but they will be slowed
2. Drew Brees @ St. Louis - Doubling this might be reasonable!
3. Kurt Warner vs. Seattle - Locked, Seattle is a mess on defense and the Cards should shred them... again
4. Aaron Rodgers vs. Dallas - Rodgers has been steady and the Pack is going to be behind in this game
5. Donovan McNabb @ San Diego - McNabb has been hard to figure out this year, and on the road, I don't think he is going to shine against an improving Chargers team
6. Philip Rivers vs. Philadelphia - Rivers is right there with the elites, and should do well against Philly
7. Peyton Manning vs. New England - Shoot out in Indy or not? I am thinking yes...
8. Tom Brady vs. Indianapolis - ... which means Tom Terrific will shine too9. Alex Smith vs. Chicago - I am not ready to proclaim Smith's greatness yet, he has too much crud to clean off first

RB Locks -- 120 Total Yards and/or 2 TDs
1. Matt Forte @ San Francisco - I am STILL waiting for the Forte of '08 to show up, and I had to start him this week due to bye weeks, keeping my fingers crossed on this one
2. Frank Gore vs. Chicago - Yeah, Gore could gash them... IF Da Bearz didn't listen to the radio for the last two days... I fear the words of Vernon Davis will rile a game Chicago D
3. Adrian Peterson vs. Detroit - Bank it, locked
4. DeAngelo Williams vs. Atlanta - I have to admit, Williams has surprised me, I figured him for a one year wonder, and after a slow start, I was convinced, but I have to eat crow, YUM
5. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Cincinnati - I don't think Cincinnati will let Mendenhall beat them... I mean, they HAD to watch the film from last week right?
6. Ronnie Brown vs. Tampa Bay - The Packer running game is no comparison to the Dolphins... Brown will excel this weekend
7. Thomas Jones vs. Jacksonville - Jacksonville has been a surprisingly weak defense, and the Jets need to get rolling again
8. Pierre Thomas @ St. Louis - Locked, the Lambs won't put up much of a fight
9. Chris Johnson vs. Buffalo - Johnson has been incredible this year and the Bills won't slow him down one bit
10. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Philadelphia - Nope, I am officially off the Tomlinson-train
11. Ray Rice @ Cleveland - Rice could double these numbers against a pathetic Browns team

WR Locks -- 110 Total Yards and/or 1 TD
1. Reggie Wayne vs. New England - I think Wayne will get his...
2. Randy Moss @ Indianapolis - ... and so will Moss
3. Justin Gage vs. Buffalo - Not with Young tossing the rock, but you never know
4. DeSean Jackson @ San Diego - I just don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling for the Eagles in this game
5. Vincent Jackson vs. Philadelphia - Jackson is a must start stud
6. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Seattle - Locked, solid
7. Donald Driver vs. Dallas - I would put Jennings here, just have a feel
8. Marques Colston @ St. Louis - Locked.
9. Devery Henderson @ St. Louis - Nope, look for another Saint receiver to step up, not Henderson
10. Hines Ward vs. Cincinnati - Yeah, I could see this one happening, Ward loves the divisional games
11. Derrick Mason vs. Cleveland - I could see this one happening too
12. Michael Crabtree vs. Chicago - Davis is gonna get shut down, so I think Crabtree could fill that void

Today's Hottie: Kathleen Tesori

New Source

Rob Roger Rotter writes on FoxSport.com for their fantasy football coverage. Normally, I am reading and searching through Si.com, espn.com and sportsline.com, but have not really gone to the Fox pages often. That changes now. I was reading a column from Mr Rotter that was very good. You can read it here

Basically, it is an mid-season awards list, but at the end, he writes about some of the coming second-half and he has some good thoughts. I have pasted the good stuff below:

These top players are projected for the fantasy regular season (Weeks 10-13) and the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 14-16) based upon each player's talent and productivity, and his NFL team's schedule. Owners may want to acquire players who have favorable schedules and trade those who have difficult ones. A few may be available on the waiver wire to claim as well.
Rookie most likely to improve: Michael Crabtree
QB Most likely to succeed: Drew Brees
QB Most likely to improve: Joe Flacco
RB Most likely to succeed: Cedric Benson Runnerup: Adrian Peterson/Maurice Jones-Drew/Ronnie Brown
RB Most likely to improve: Marshawn Lynch
WR Most likely to succeed: Larry Fitzgerald
WR Most likely to improve: Greg JenningsRunnerup: Calvin Johnson
TE Most likely to succeed: Tony GonzalezRunnerup: Visanthe Shiancoe
TE Most likely to improve: Brent Celek
D/ST Most likely to succeed: Minnesota
D/ST Most likely to improve: Arizona
QB Most likely to succeed in fantasy playoffs: Kurt WarnerRunnerup: Tom Brady
RB Most likely to succeed in fantasy playoffs: Michael Turner
WR Most likely to succeed in fantasy playoffs: Larry FitzgeraldRunnerup: Randy Moss/Andre Johnson
TE Most likely to succeed in fantasy playoffs: Vernon DavisRunnerup: Jeremy Shockey
D/ST Most likely to succeed in fantasy playoffs: ArizonaRunnerup: Baltimore/Pittsburgh
QB Most difficult schedule: Tony Romo
RB Most difficult schedule: Brandon JacobsRunnerup: Clinton Portis
WR Most difficult schedule: Miles Austin
TE Most difficult schedule: Dallas Clark
D/ST Most difficult schedule: New York Giants
QB Most difficult schedule in fantasy playoffs: Jay CutlerRunnerup: Tony Romo
RB Most difficult schedule in fantasy playoffs: DeAngelo Williams Runnerup: Maurice Jones-Drew
WR Most difficult schedule in fantasy playoffs: Steve Smith, CarolinaRunnerup: Brandon Marshall/Miles Austin
TE Most difficult schedule in fantasy playoffs: Antonio Gates
D/ST Most difficult schedule in fantasy playoffs: Dallas

I will keep this column on my must read list and let you know about these nice little nuggets!

Today's Hottie: Rachelle

Short Night

Hello! It was a short night tonight, out of time. But to ease your worries, ofcourse, I didn't forget to include tonights Hottie!

Today's Hottie: Ariel Elizabeth

Ramblings

Injury Impacts - early injury updates from the weekend and their impact, plus some other tidbits and nuggets

Clinton Portis suffered a concussion in Sunday's game against Atlanta and is listed as doubtful for next week. LaDell Betts will replace him if he cannot start and if you need a spot starter, he is worth considering.

Chris Henry suffered a broken arm against the Ravens and is done for the year, picking up the rookie Andre Caldwell makes some sense, as there will be a few more targets to go around.

Larry Johnson is not injured, but he got cut today, which only increases the value of Jamal Charles and while Charles didn't light up the world, he is now a starting fantasy back.

Brian Westbrook is still having difficulty with his concussion suffered a week ago and is doubtful for next week. LeSean McCoy is playing solid, if not spectacular in his place, and is worth starting if Westbrook is out.

What's up? - Some players whose stock is up and are worth notice.

Chris Chambers - As mentioned last week in this very column, Chris Chambers joined the Chiefs and immediately paid dividends, with a pair of TDs. Guess he is not a washed up as the Chargers thought he was. He will be a heavy waiver wire pick up this week on a thin wire.

Roy Williams - The chemistry between Romo and his "#1" wide out might be on the uptick. Williams had 5 receptions for 75 yards and a target or two in the red zone. If owners gave up on him, pick up him if you have room to stash him.

Justine Gage - Gage showed signs of some early chemistry with Vince Young and if you need a wideout in pinch, he could be available on the wires.

Robert Mecham - While there are too many targets in New Orleans and Drew Brees does not play favorites, Mecham has tons of talent and could emerge as the #2 option and help an owner at fantasy time.

Brandon Pettigrew - Pettigrew has loads of talent and the Matthew Stafford is starting to find him, he posted a strong TE game against the Saints. This bears watching if the trend continues. There is nothing better for a young QB than a solid TE.

Ahman Green - Green, just signed by the Packers, bears some watching. He added spark and toughness to the Packer running game, with 45 yards on 6 touches and a reception for 10 yards. If Grant continues to struggle, Green could see increased playing time.

That is it for tonight!

Today's Hottie: Shannon Kay Richards

Sunday Observations

This week's musings from the day in the NFL.

1) Michael Turner was a one man wrecking crew against Washington carrying 18 times for 166 and 2 scores, so far his year has been a quiet one, steady, but quiet, perhaps he will start rolling in the second half

2) I hate to keep ripping on him, but Jason Campbell is a complete fantasy waste of a roster spot

3) Last week, I was spouting off on how bad a good quarterback Kurt Warner can be. Today, he was great, with 5 TDs, and Larry Fitzgerald is solid with 9-123 and 2 TDs.

4) Jay Culter had a nice game in a losing effort, with 350+ and 3 TDs, but what is up the Bears running game... 5, I mean FIVE carries for Matt Forte? While Forte had touches in the passing game, and I know they were behind, but FIVE?

5) Cedric Benson is all in Cincinnati that he never was in Chicago, posting 34 carries, 117 yards and a TD against the vaunted Ravens D, he plain wore them out

6) Ray Rice is the real deal, almost 150+ combined and a score, who said he was too small... right now he is a legitimate top 5 fantasy back

7) Could Ryan Grant be re-emerging into fantasy relevance, almost 100 on the ground and a score; it would help if he got involved in the short passing game.

8) Josh Freeman is not a fantasy QB worth owning... yet... but he bears watching

9) In the "fantasy relevance" category, but don't look now, but Laurence Maroney posted another solid game for NE.

10) Randy Moss continues to roll, posting 6 receptions, nearly 150 yards and a score

11) Mike Sim-Walker is really surprising me, for a guy who no one heard of before the year, he just keeps posting solid games. A shout out to MJD on a strong game too.

12) The Jamal Charles experiment didn't go anywhere in KC. Neither did the Moats experiment in Houston.

13) The Manning steam roller just keep going. And a shout out to Joseph Addai, posting 100 combined and 2 scores. He is a much stronger runner than I have recently thought him to be; guess all the Donald Brown talk had me convinced he wasn't all that

14) Looks like both Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter saw increased production with the loss of Owen Daniels

15) Tough game for the Rook, Stafford in Detroit, 5 INTs is almost Warner-esque.

16) Matt Hasselbeck was solid with 300+ and a score.

17) DeAngelo Williams looks to have regained his form from last year, with 21 carries, almost 150 and 2 scroes.

18) Drew Brees was strong with 330 yards, and a single TD.

19) VInce Young sure doesn't put up great fantasy stats, he leaves that to Chris Johnson (150+ combined and 2 TDs, but he sure does win games

20) Frank Gore is back, with 150+ combined and a TD; and I have to acknowledge the continued solid play of Vernon Davis, 10 grabs for 100+... sweet!

21) I have to shout out to Chris Chambers, just signed this week in KC and all he does, after being completely forgotten in San Diego, is 70 yards and 2 TDs.

Today's Hottie: Adrianna HeartThief