Like probably a great many of you, I'm on the outside looking into my fantasy football playoffs.
I was put out of my misery after the 1 o'clock games on Sunday, when my opponent's three RBs (A.D., Ryan Grant and Jamaal Charles) racked up an amazing 95.1 points. My guys rallied in the later games, so at least I finished with a respectable 131.1 points (my third-best week of the year), but it wasn't enough against James's 152.1.
Because this regular season has been my worst ever (6-7), I was happy just to make the final 8 (out of 12). It's been such an up-and-down season that I found myself at times hating fantasy football -- which happens even when I'm having a good season. The physical nature of football leads to so many injuries, which in turn leads to players sitting out or playing sparingly and backups taking on unsurprisingly prominent roles. That nullifies the logic and reasonable guesses into lineup decisions, and leads to a lot of frustration over three months.
So that's a part of me that will enjoy being simply a Patriots fan and not obsessing over checking my iPhone for updates on Sunday. If you're still in the playoffs, all you pretty much need is lineup advice; there's probably not much in the way of player pickups that you need. There's a part of me that wants to keep tabs on some guys and trends for next year, but that's what fantasy magazines are for.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Playoffs? Playoffs?!
That's right ... I'm in! Last week I was hoping to play spoiler against someone who was trying to get into the No. 8 and last playoff spot. With a 5-7 record, I held out little hope of keeping my streak of having never missed a fantasy football playoffs.
Lo and behold, I put up 142 points -- the most in my league's Week 13 -- and actually finished with the No. 7 position. A lot of luck came into play, as the No. 8 team crapped out and scored only 71, thereby giving me a 12-point advantage over him in the tiebreaker, as we were among four teams with 6-7 records.
So as topsy turvy as this season has been, we're starting off with a clean slate. As easy as it might be to rely on the tried-and-true adage of 'stick with what got you here', I refuse to give up on playing the matchups. So no more sticking with Marion Barber, he of the disappointing last month, and in comes free-agent pickup Quinton Ganther, the newly anointed starting Redskins' RB who has a nice matchup against a porous Raiders' run defense.
Out goes Kevin Walter, who couldn't capitalize on Owen Daniels' absence, and in comes another free agent pickup in Davone Bess, fresh off his impressive performance against the woeful Patriots' pass defense.
And as much as I should thank Jason Campbell and his 24-point performance last week, I'm turning to Joe Flacco as my QB2. Yes, Flacco has struggled mightily. But the Ravens are home against the Lions -- a matchup that I can't pass up, especially considering that Campbell will be facing an actually decent Raiders pass defense.
While I might have given up on some guys, I can't sit someone like Vincent Jackson, who has slipped to being the No. 11 WR in my league. My alternative is someone like Walter or Justin Fargas, and their upside isn't as great as even an average day for V-Jax. A big day from the Chargers wideout would go a long way toward making the semifinals. Let's keep our fingers crossed ...
Lo and behold, I put up 142 points -- the most in my league's Week 13 -- and actually finished with the No. 7 position. A lot of luck came into play, as the No. 8 team crapped out and scored only 71, thereby giving me a 12-point advantage over him in the tiebreaker, as we were among four teams with 6-7 records.
So as topsy turvy as this season has been, we're starting off with a clean slate. As easy as it might be to rely on the tried-and-true adage of 'stick with what got you here', I refuse to give up on playing the matchups. So no more sticking with Marion Barber, he of the disappointing last month, and in comes free-agent pickup Quinton Ganther, the newly anointed starting Redskins' RB who has a nice matchup against a porous Raiders' run defense.
Out goes Kevin Walter, who couldn't capitalize on Owen Daniels' absence, and in comes another free agent pickup in Davone Bess, fresh off his impressive performance against the woeful Patriots' pass defense.
And as much as I should thank Jason Campbell and his 24-point performance last week, I'm turning to Joe Flacco as my QB2. Yes, Flacco has struggled mightily. But the Ravens are home against the Lions -- a matchup that I can't pass up, especially considering that Campbell will be facing an actually decent Raiders pass defense.
While I might have given up on some guys, I can't sit someone like Vincent Jackson, who has slipped to being the No. 11 WR in my league. My alternative is someone like Walter or Justin Fargas, and their upside isn't as great as even an average day for V-Jax. A big day from the Chargers wideout would go a long way toward making the semifinals. Let's keep our fingers crossed ...
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A plug for "The League"
As a fantasy football owner who is in the male 25-44 demographic group, watching "The League" is a hoot. I can't wait to tune in Thursday at 10:30 p.m. on the FX Channel to watch the Season 1 finale, when the episode will center around their fantasy football championship week.
Culled from the show's web site, here's a synopsis of what the show is about:
"Set against the backdrop of a fantasy football league, The League, FX's new original comedy, is about friendship, marriage, parenting, and growing up ... or refusing to grow up. Fantasy football provides an outlet for good-natured competition and camaraderie between friends and colleagues, but that's not always the case. Deception, trickeration, one-upmanship and a win-at-all costs mentality are prevalent in the world of fantasy football and it's no different in The League. The emotional tentacles of fantasy football extend to personal relationships, marriages and the workplace, all fertile ground for comedy."
If you haven't checked out the show before, you can view the previous five episodes online. You don't even need to be a fantasy football geek to appreciate "The League. Even my wife can't watch an episode without laughing hysterically at least once.
Culled from the show's web site, here's a synopsis of what the show is about:
"Set against the backdrop of a fantasy football league, The League, FX's new original comedy, is about friendship, marriage, parenting, and growing up ... or refusing to grow up. Fantasy football provides an outlet for good-natured competition and camaraderie between friends and colleagues, but that's not always the case. Deception, trickeration, one-upmanship and a win-at-all costs mentality are prevalent in the world of fantasy football and it's no different in The League. The emotional tentacles of fantasy football extend to personal relationships, marriages and the workplace, all fertile ground for comedy."
If you haven't checked out the show before, you can view the previous five episodes online. You don't even need to be a fantasy football geek to appreciate "The League. Even my wife can't watch an episode without laughing hysterically at least once.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Factor in the matchups
There are times when you should pick up a guy who's going to be a starter, but most of the time you're adding guys who might help you over the long term.
Last week it was guys like Bernard Scott, Jason Snelling and Justin Forsett who were the hot pickups. This week it'll be Rock Cartwright, but outside the Redskins' new top RB, it's slim pickings. What should you do? Try targeting guys who might help you in the fantasy playoffs, which starts Week 14 for most leagues.
Again, this will depend on how deep your league is. For me, I looked at the matchups and saw Brandon Pettigrew has some nice matchups. Of course the Lions' tight end did virtually nothing in a favorable matchup against the Vikings, but did come through last week against the Browns. The Cardinals' defense is another nice play in the final few weeks. The Vikings and Seahawks will be facing some weaker-than-average defenses.
So definitely factor the remaining matchups as your trade deadline approaches. For those in keeper leagues and might be out of the playoff spot, consider trading for next year. Good luck ...
Last week it was guys like Bernard Scott, Jason Snelling and Justin Forsett who were the hot pickups. This week it'll be Rock Cartwright, but outside the Redskins' new top RB, it's slim pickings. What should you do? Try targeting guys who might help you in the fantasy playoffs, which starts Week 14 for most leagues.
Again, this will depend on how deep your league is. For me, I looked at the matchups and saw Brandon Pettigrew has some nice matchups. Of course the Lions' tight end did virtually nothing in a favorable matchup against the Vikings, but did come through last week against the Browns. The Cardinals' defense is another nice play in the final few weeks. The Vikings and Seahawks will be facing some weaker-than-average defenses.
So definitely factor the remaining matchups as your trade deadline approaches. For those in keeper leagues and might be out of the playoff spot, consider trading for next year. Good luck ...
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fantasy indeed
As a married father to two young children, NFL games aren't near the top of my priority list on Sundays. There are family commitments and outings, though I'm fortunate to have an iPhone to keep track of my fantasy players.
Last Sunday, however, was a dream come true. A getaway with one of my best friends, sleeping in, leisurely brunch ... and several hours at a sports bar. It was nachos and drinks in front of seven games (an eighth was in a different part of the establishment and out of my view).
It was great to sit in the midst of hard-core fans who were sporting jerseys and gear from the Vikings, Cowboys, Ravens, Colts, Redskins and even Browns. It was clear that there were several other hard-core fantasy owners who were swiveling their heads as much as I was from game to game. And it's far more enjoyable to be able to watch the game, as oppose to checking my in-game boxscore.
The only bummer was that we missed the Pats game, as my buddy and I had to return to our families. So the next time I get an invitation to go over a friend's house on a Sunday, I think I'll have to redirect to the local sports bar.
Last Sunday, however, was a dream come true. A getaway with one of my best friends, sleeping in, leisurely brunch ... and several hours at a sports bar. It was nachos and drinks in front of seven games (an eighth was in a different part of the establishment and out of my view).
It was great to sit in the midst of hard-core fans who were sporting jerseys and gear from the Vikings, Cowboys, Ravens, Colts, Redskins and even Browns. It was clear that there were several other hard-core fantasy owners who were swiveling their heads as much as I was from game to game. And it's far more enjoyable to be able to watch the game, as oppose to checking my in-game boxscore.
The only bummer was that we missed the Pats game, as my buddy and I had to return to our families. So the next time I get an invitation to go over a friend's house on a Sunday, I think I'll have to redirect to the local sports bar.
Friday, November 20, 2009
I told me so
Two weeks ago I wrote about the importance of handcuffing your top players. I scoffed at the notion of picking up Bernard Scott as a handcuff to Cedric Benson. One hip injury later, I am regretting not following my own advice.
The thinking was that Justin Fargas would likely outscore Scott, even if Benson was out with an injury. What I neglected to factor in was that the Bengals' offensive line has been good this year, and that Scott (and now even perhaps Larry Johnson) could still be a viable fantasy starter. Add to the fact that Darren McFadden is back from injury and turned the Raiders' running attack into a three-headed monster (Michael Bush surprisingly led them in rushing last week), and I'm in a sticky situation this week. Fargas, ironically, faces Benson's Bengals, who have given up the fifth-fewest points to opposing RBs.
So what to do? I missed out on Scott based on my waiver priority, as well as on the replacements for the injured Michael Turner (Jason Snelling) and Julius Jones (Justin Forsett). Rashard Mendenhall gets elevated to my RB2 spot behind Marion Barber, leaving me to fill my RB/WR flex.
If I learned anything, it's to go after the replacement of a player who's going to be out. After learning that Dwayne Bowe was going to be suspended for 4 weeks, I jumped on Lance Long. Here's a receiver whom I was considering picking up the previous week. Long is a slot receiver in the mold of Wes Welker and whom Matt Cassel has stated he likes as a target.
As for my matchup-based free-agent pickups, I'll postpone that in time for next week's waivers (sorry, work calls).
The thinking was that Justin Fargas would likely outscore Scott, even if Benson was out with an injury. What I neglected to factor in was that the Bengals' offensive line has been good this year, and that Scott (and now even perhaps Larry Johnson) could still be a viable fantasy starter. Add to the fact that Darren McFadden is back from injury and turned the Raiders' running attack into a three-headed monster (Michael Bush surprisingly led them in rushing last week), and I'm in a sticky situation this week. Fargas, ironically, faces Benson's Bengals, who have given up the fifth-fewest points to opposing RBs.
So what to do? I missed out on Scott based on my waiver priority, as well as on the replacements for the injured Michael Turner (Jason Snelling) and Julius Jones (Justin Forsett). Rashard Mendenhall gets elevated to my RB2 spot behind Marion Barber, leaving me to fill my RB/WR flex.
If I learned anything, it's to go after the replacement of a player who's going to be out. After learning that Dwayne Bowe was going to be suspended for 4 weeks, I jumped on Lance Long. Here's a receiver whom I was considering picking up the previous week. Long is a slot receiver in the mold of Wes Welker and whom Matt Cassel has stated he likes as a target.
As for my matchup-based free-agent pickups, I'll postpone that in time for next week's waivers (sorry, work calls).
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hockey's quarter pole
Sample size is always an issue when trying to determine whether a free agent is worthy of being added, especially in leagues when there's a cap on the number of transactions. Granted, lines and pairings can still be changed, but after 20 games, fantasy hockey owners should have reasonable data to make a good decision.
I'm in two 12-team leagues but since one is a dynasty format (contracts, minors) and the other a limited keeper (3 per year), it's rare when I'm picking up the same type of players. Lo and behold, I was able to add the same three players over the last week:
I'm hoping this trio can keep my good fortune going in hockey. I finally won for the first time in my non-dynasty league and, like in my win in my keeper league, ranked among the top half of teams in terms of points scored.
It was almost a perfect fantasy weekend, but my football team was victim of some tough matchups. There's nothing you can do it when your studs are facing stiff defenses and on the road, too (Ced Benson at Pittsburgh, though he left due to injury; Rashard Mendenhall vs. Bengals; Marion Barber at Green Bay, though his injured thumb hampered his play). All that added up to the fewest points scored this week.
More later this week about factoring matchups when it comes to adding free agents in football, especially after the end of the bye-week period.
I'm in two 12-team leagues but since one is a dynasty format (contracts, minors) and the other a limited keeper (3 per year), it's rare when I'm picking up the same type of players. Lo and behold, I was able to add the same three players over the last week:
- Tomas Fleischmann, LW, Capitals: Some might have shied away from this German because of Alexander Ovechkin's impending return, but this 25-year-old has high-end talent (2nd round pick, 2004). Conversly some might have been suckered by the 'news' that Ovie was going to be out 4-5 weeks; it turns out he was pulling the leg on a Yahoo! Sports reporter. Even with an impending return to the second line shouldn't dent his value; he should continue getting power-play time (maybe even with Ovie) and the Caps have a decent second-line center in Brendan Morrison.
- Nicklas Bergfors, RW, Devils: Here's a Swede who's coming off a solid season in the American Hockey League and finally got a chance to skate on the first line. There's a big difference in a 22-year-old like Bergfors putting up 51 points in 66 AHL games and an over-the-hill, end-of-the-bench type. Bergfors, who was taken 23rd overall in the '04 draft, has produced while skating with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac, as well as on a makeshift third line last Saturday against Fleischmann's Caps.
- Mason Raymond, LW, Canucks: This 23-year-old was thought to be a flash-in-the-pan because he drew first-line duty due to Daniel Sedin's injury. But even if Sedin returns late this week, Raymond should be a solid producer, thanks to the continuing emergence of Ryan Kesler at second-line center and an underrated Alexandre Burrows at right wing.
I'm hoping this trio can keep my good fortune going in hockey. I finally won for the first time in my non-dynasty league and, like in my win in my keeper league, ranked among the top half of teams in terms of points scored.
It was almost a perfect fantasy weekend, but my football team was victim of some tough matchups. There's nothing you can do it when your studs are facing stiff defenses and on the road, too (Ced Benson at Pittsburgh, though he left due to injury; Rashard Mendenhall vs. Bengals; Marion Barber at Green Bay, though his injured thumb hampered his play). All that added up to the fewest points scored this week.
More later this week about factoring matchups when it comes to adding free agents in football, especially after the end of the bye-week period.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Handcuffing
For the last six weeks, most fantasy football owners have been picking up players mainly for replacing a player on a bye. Now that we're heading into the final bye week, owners need to change their approach.
At this point in the season, the available players are unlikely to be a factor in the remainder of your season. So if you're not looking for a starter, you should be looking for bench depth in the form of a handcuff, which refers to owning the backup to one of your top players.
Realize that not every backup is appropriate handcuff. As an owner of Cedric Benson, the No. 5 RB this season, I am not interested in Bernard Scott, who has a mere 16 carries this season. Scott is a rookie who has no track record of success. In thinking ahead to a worse-case scenario where Benson would get hurt, I accepted a trade for Rashard Mendenhall, whom I'd rather start than Scott if he was going to be the Bengals' starting RB.
But as an owner of Marion Barber, I am keeping Tashard Choice on my bench. Barber has had to deal with injuries to his quadriceps and thumb, and missed the Cowboys' Week 3 matchup against Carolina. Choice, who filled in well for an injured MB3 late last season, produced double-digit fantasy points from Weeks 3-5.
Another good handcuff is Matt Leinart. When I kept Kurt Warner from last year's roster, I was aware of his injury history. I decided to pick up Leinart in preseason -- an unusual move, but I thought a wise one given that we start two QBs in my 12-team league. If Leinart took over, he would be an automatic pickup and a likely above-average QB. However once I traded Warner, the need to own Leinart disappeared. I'd rather have a replacement for my own guy, rather someone else's.
A hot pickup this week is sure to be Ladell Betts. Given Clinton Portis's injury history and declining performance, Betts probably should have already been handcuffed. Granted, Portis is out next week due to a concussion and not due to his ankle and calf injuries, but Betts would have been more valuable to that Portis owner than a running-back-by-committee guy like Justin Fargas. Now I own Fargas, mostly because I think he could be a flex play, but the upside of Betts as the Redskins' No. 1 RB is higher than Fargas's, especially since Darren McFadden should return this week and split carries.
If a good handcuff is already on someone's roster, try to get that owner to throw him as an afterthought into a deal. Letting him know that you really want that player will deteriorate your negotiating and bargaining power.
At this point in the season, the available players are unlikely to be a factor in the remainder of your season. So if you're not looking for a starter, you should be looking for bench depth in the form of a handcuff, which refers to owning the backup to one of your top players.
Realize that not every backup is appropriate handcuff. As an owner of Cedric Benson, the No. 5 RB this season, I am not interested in Bernard Scott, who has a mere 16 carries this season. Scott is a rookie who has no track record of success. In thinking ahead to a worse-case scenario where Benson would get hurt, I accepted a trade for Rashard Mendenhall, whom I'd rather start than Scott if he was going to be the Bengals' starting RB.
But as an owner of Marion Barber, I am keeping Tashard Choice on my bench. Barber has had to deal with injuries to his quadriceps and thumb, and missed the Cowboys' Week 3 matchup against Carolina. Choice, who filled in well for an injured MB3 late last season, produced double-digit fantasy points from Weeks 3-5.
Another good handcuff is Matt Leinart. When I kept Kurt Warner from last year's roster, I was aware of his injury history. I decided to pick up Leinart in preseason -- an unusual move, but I thought a wise one given that we start two QBs in my 12-team league. If Leinart took over, he would be an automatic pickup and a likely above-average QB. However once I traded Warner, the need to own Leinart disappeared. I'd rather have a replacement for my own guy, rather someone else's.
A hot pickup this week is sure to be Ladell Betts. Given Clinton Portis's injury history and declining performance, Betts probably should have already been handcuffed. Granted, Portis is out next week due to a concussion and not due to his ankle and calf injuries, but Betts would have been more valuable to that Portis owner than a running-back-by-committee guy like Justin Fargas. Now I own Fargas, mostly because I think he could be a flex play, but the upside of Betts as the Redskins' No. 1 RB is higher than Fargas's, especially since Darren McFadden should return this week and split carries.
If a good handcuff is already on someone's roster, try to get that owner to throw him as an afterthought into a deal. Letting him know that you really want that player will deteriorate your negotiating and bargaining power.
Two out of three ain't bad
I have a friend who is a huge sports fan, yet who would prefer if fantasy sports never existed. He was watching the Steelers/Broncos Monday night game from the perspective of a Patriot fan. I, on the other hand, was hoping Rashard Mendenhall would get 11 points and that Ben Roethlisberger would get 9 for my buddy Bill.
Admittedly I was an underdog to win, given that the Broncos had the No. 8 fantasy run defense (and No. 3 in real life). Yet I had my win wrapped up in the third quarter, while Bill sweated out most of the fourth quarter until Big Ben threw a 7-yard completion to keep a drive alive. The last-minute TD only made a 'W' seem not as close as it actually was.
I continue to be snakebitten in my non-dynasty hockey league, scoring the fourth-most points but only to lose to the #1 team last week. In my dynasty league, I held a slight lead for most of the week and maintained throughout. That's a daily transactions nleague, but I didn't have much wiggle room with injuries to Daniel Briere and Shawn Horcoff.
Back to football: I nearly ate crow on my first trade, as my opponent was livin' large on Kurt Warner's 5 TDs and 37 fantasy points. Roddy White, meanwhile, didn't find the end zone. Mendenhall obviously redeemed me from my second big trade, with Calvin Johnson nearly matching Roddy's numbers.
All this means I've moved into a first-place tie with a 5-4 record. If the season were to end today, I'd be the division winner, since I've got the most points among the three. It's so much more enjoyable checking my usual fantasy research sites coming off some Ws.
Admittedly I was an underdog to win, given that the Broncos had the No. 8 fantasy run defense (and No. 3 in real life). Yet I had my win wrapped up in the third quarter, while Bill sweated out most of the fourth quarter until Big Ben threw a 7-yard completion to keep a drive alive. The last-minute TD only made a 'W' seem not as close as it actually was.
I continue to be snakebitten in my non-dynasty hockey league, scoring the fourth-most points but only to lose to the #1 team last week. In my dynasty league, I held a slight lead for most of the week and maintained throughout. That's a daily transactions nleague, but I didn't have much wiggle room with injuries to Daniel Briere and Shawn Horcoff.
Back to football: I nearly ate crow on my first trade, as my opponent was livin' large on Kurt Warner's 5 TDs and 37 fantasy points. Roddy White, meanwhile, didn't find the end zone. Mendenhall obviously redeemed me from my second big trade, with Calvin Johnson nearly matching Roddy's numbers.
All this means I've moved into a first-place tie with a 5-4 record. If the season were to end today, I'd be the division winner, since I've got the most points among the three. It's so much more enjoyable checking my usual fantasy research sites coming off some Ws.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
There's always next year ...
The title is not a reference to your title chances in fantasy football. It's about your league's rules and settings.
Assuming you've got a commissioner who's willing to listen about improvements, this is the perfect time to think about things you'd like to change.
In my league, we've got a healthy thread on our message board full of suggestions. It was started by me after Eddie Royal scored two return touchdowns -- and I, as a Royal owner, did not get credit for them because special teams touchdowns were rolled in with defenses. Granted, I should have known that, but I felt annoyed enough to fire off a rant on the league board that also included something on defensive TDs not being worth enough.
Soon, people chimed in with some good ideas: adjusting the points awarded for yards, adding points for first downs, adding IDPs (individual defensive players) and adding a nominal amount for return yards.
This is also the time when commishes should be on owners who haven't paid the league dues as we're at the midway point. Trying to collect after the season is over is very difficult -- my football league nearly dissolved after a fill-in commish botched the money situation and the winner didn't get all his money.
In my league, the worst teams have a 3-5 record and the best has a 6-2 mark, so no team is out of the playoff race (the top 8 teams qualify). This parity has kept all the owners involved, so they shouldn't jeopardize a playoff spot by not paying up.
Assuming you've got a commissioner who's willing to listen about improvements, this is the perfect time to think about things you'd like to change.
In my league, we've got a healthy thread on our message board full of suggestions. It was started by me after Eddie Royal scored two return touchdowns -- and I, as a Royal owner, did not get credit for them because special teams touchdowns were rolled in with defenses. Granted, I should have known that, but I felt annoyed enough to fire off a rant on the league board that also included something on defensive TDs not being worth enough.
Soon, people chimed in with some good ideas: adjusting the points awarded for yards, adding points for first downs, adding IDPs (individual defensive players) and adding a nominal amount for return yards.
This is also the time when commishes should be on owners who haven't paid the league dues as we're at the midway point. Trying to collect after the season is over is very difficult -- my football league nearly dissolved after a fill-in commish botched the money situation and the winner didn't get all his money.
In my league, the worst teams have a 3-5 record and the best has a 6-2 mark, so no team is out of the playoff race (the top 8 teams qualify). This parity has kept all the owners involved, so they shouldn't jeopardize a playoff spot by not paying up.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Studly or not?
Frank Lampard is unknown to most of the American sporting public. His name might be a little more familiar when the World Cup soccer finals take place in South Africa next summer. Lampard is a starting midfielder for the English national team who is better known for his play for Chelsea in the English Premier League.
So why should you care? Because 2009 season is remarkably similar to Tom Brady's. And owners of such underperforming first-rounders like Steven Jackson and Steve Slaton should take heed.
Lampard has been remarkably consistent in his production. His goal totals from each of the last three seasons: 11, 10, 12. His assist totals: 12, 10, 10. It's all the more impressive considering that the 2007-08 campaign was shortened by injury, when he logged only 60% of the minutes from each of the other two full seasons (3,200-plus, or roughly 36 of 38 EPL matches).
From a fantasy perspective, Lampard has been fantasy gold. The official fantasy game through Barclays (the league's sponsor) is a salary-cap game, rather than one in which only one manager in a league can own a player. It's no surprise that Frank's salary was 12.5 million pounds -- tied for the highest with another studly midfielder, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.
But Lamps endured the worst start of his career, tallying only 1 goal and 5 assists through 9 matches. New coach Carlo Ancelotti's new diamond formation, which placed Frank at an outside midfield position rather than in a more central role, was a huge factor, yet the player himself said it was a matter of time before he began converting his chances.
Sure enough, last Saturday, he did. In a 5-0 thrashing of Blackburn, Lampard knocked in 2 goals. It should be stated that even though this slump was unprecedented for him, Lamps still ranked second in points among midfielders.
So what can be learned? Trust your studs. They have reached that plateau through years of consistency and will eventually come around.
Take a look at Tom Brady. For the first five weeks of the season, he had looked a shell of his glory days. Then came the Titans and their porous pass defense. Six touchdowns and a season-high 380 yards later, plus another solid game against the Buccaneers, put Brady at #12 in my league's scoring format (#5 among QBs).
Now there comes a time when owners have to take a hard look at their underperforming studs. Matt Forte was a near unianimous first-rounder: an RB who was a factor in the passing game and who had no viable challenger to him for touches. Yet as we roll into Week 8, Forte ranks only 27th among RBs in my league and 69th overall. Forte's yards-per-carry is lower than last year (3.5 to 3.9), but a huge difference is scoring only 1 TD, which is far off the pace from duplicating 12 from a year ago.
Given that nearly half the season is over, it might be time to trade Forte. But beware.
Like I posted earlier, I had a fellow owner who had had enough of Roddy White, a unanimous top-10 WR this season. After disappointing for the first three weeks, White came off his bye and produced a monster 210-yard, 2-TD performance. Mike couldn't sell fast enough, proposing a trade for Kurt Warner (he had poor JaMarcus Russell as his QB2).
How's that trade working out? White has scored 12.2 and 12.8 in back-to-back weeks, while Warner has scored 21 points during the same span. Given that we start two QBs, it could be said that Warner is more valuable than White. But I like White as someone in his prime (we can keep three players) and was worried about Warner's injury/health history.
White's re-emergence allowed me to trade Calvin Johnson and get a solid RB in Rashard Mendenhall. It's been a win-win so far -- which is how I like my trades best. It's up to you as a fantasy owner to know when to hold on and when to cut bait.
So why should you care? Because 2009 season is remarkably similar to Tom Brady's. And owners of such underperforming first-rounders like Steven Jackson and Steve Slaton should take heed.
Lampard has been remarkably consistent in his production. His goal totals from each of the last three seasons: 11, 10, 12. His assist totals: 12, 10, 10. It's all the more impressive considering that the 2007-08 campaign was shortened by injury, when he logged only 60% of the minutes from each of the other two full seasons (3,200-plus, or roughly 36 of 38 EPL matches).
From a fantasy perspective, Lampard has been fantasy gold. The official fantasy game through Barclays (the league's sponsor) is a salary-cap game, rather than one in which only one manager in a league can own a player. It's no surprise that Frank's salary was 12.5 million pounds -- tied for the highest with another studly midfielder, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.
But Lamps endured the worst start of his career, tallying only 1 goal and 5 assists through 9 matches. New coach Carlo Ancelotti's new diamond formation, which placed Frank at an outside midfield position rather than in a more central role, was a huge factor, yet the player himself said it was a matter of time before he began converting his chances.
Sure enough, last Saturday, he did. In a 5-0 thrashing of Blackburn, Lampard knocked in 2 goals. It should be stated that even though this slump was unprecedented for him, Lamps still ranked second in points among midfielders.
So what can be learned? Trust your studs. They have reached that plateau through years of consistency and will eventually come around.
Take a look at Tom Brady. For the first five weeks of the season, he had looked a shell of his glory days. Then came the Titans and their porous pass defense. Six touchdowns and a season-high 380 yards later, plus another solid game against the Buccaneers, put Brady at #12 in my league's scoring format (#5 among QBs).
Now there comes a time when owners have to take a hard look at their underperforming studs. Matt Forte was a near unianimous first-rounder: an RB who was a factor in the passing game and who had no viable challenger to him for touches. Yet as we roll into Week 8, Forte ranks only 27th among RBs in my league and 69th overall. Forte's yards-per-carry is lower than last year (3.5 to 3.9), but a huge difference is scoring only 1 TD, which is far off the pace from duplicating 12 from a year ago.
Given that nearly half the season is over, it might be time to trade Forte. But beware.
Like I posted earlier, I had a fellow owner who had had enough of Roddy White, a unanimous top-10 WR this season. After disappointing for the first three weeks, White came off his bye and produced a monster 210-yard, 2-TD performance. Mike couldn't sell fast enough, proposing a trade for Kurt Warner (he had poor JaMarcus Russell as his QB2).
How's that trade working out? White has scored 12.2 and 12.8 in back-to-back weeks, while Warner has scored 21 points during the same span. Given that we start two QBs, it could be said that Warner is more valuable than White. But I like White as someone in his prime (we can keep three players) and was worried about Warner's injury/health history.
White's re-emergence allowed me to trade Calvin Johnson and get a solid RB in Rashard Mendenhall. It's been a win-win so far -- which is how I like my trades best. It's up to you as a fantasy owner to know when to hold on and when to cut bait.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Anatomy of a trade
I was going to blog later this week about what to do underperforming studs. One fellow football owner helped solve my problem by proposing a trade for him.
The player in question is Calvin Johnson. He proposed a 1-for-1 deal, with him sending Rashard Mendenhall. I accepted.
Like most trades, this deal was made from having excess at a position. I had two WRs (Vincent Jackson and Roddy White) who were outperforming 'Megatron'. Steve had an excess at RBs (Ronnie Brown, Pierre Thomas and Tim Hightower), but did not have someone with WR1 talent (Donald Driver comes the closest for him).
Wide receivers are coveted in our 12-team league because we have two flex positions (RB/WR and WR/TE), and we reward each reception with 0.3 points. While I have Cedric Benson and the Cowboys' duo of Marion Barber and Tashard Choice, I've been looking to add a quality RB. I worry slightly about Benson's ability to hold up under what will be his most touches in a season and more about Barber's effectiveness due to his quad injury. Given the depth of the league and the quality of the owners, I've been unable to find someone on the waiver wire (I've had a fairly low priority based on my record and points scored).
So why make the deal? Johnson's hip and knee injuries have me worried; he's not a sure thing to play this week, even coming off a bye week. And of course, Johnson plays for the Lions. I've got a decent set of lesser WRs that I can use in my other flex (Nate Washington, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan), and it's easier to find a WR to use in a matchup play than a RB.
Mendenhall is not without issues. He is on bye this week, though I wasn't confident of starting Johnson in one of my flex spots anyways. The second-year back has had to deal with a knee injury and has fumbled twice in two weeks. And the traditional run-heavy Steelers have been passing more this season.
Still, when in doubt, I tend to pull the trigger on a trade. Making a deal sends a signal to other owners that you're open to moving players (this will be my league-high third trade) and, like I've posted before, it's just more fun trading. In this case, I think it's a win-win for both.
The player in question is Calvin Johnson. He proposed a 1-for-1 deal, with him sending Rashard Mendenhall. I accepted.
Like most trades, this deal was made from having excess at a position. I had two WRs (Vincent Jackson and Roddy White) who were outperforming 'Megatron'. Steve had an excess at RBs (Ronnie Brown, Pierre Thomas and Tim Hightower), but did not have someone with WR1 talent (Donald Driver comes the closest for him).
Wide receivers are coveted in our 12-team league because we have two flex positions (RB/WR and WR/TE), and we reward each reception with 0.3 points. While I have Cedric Benson and the Cowboys' duo of Marion Barber and Tashard Choice, I've been looking to add a quality RB. I worry slightly about Benson's ability to hold up under what will be his most touches in a season and more about Barber's effectiveness due to his quad injury. Given the depth of the league and the quality of the owners, I've been unable to find someone on the waiver wire (I've had a fairly low priority based on my record and points scored).
So why make the deal? Johnson's hip and knee injuries have me worried; he's not a sure thing to play this week, even coming off a bye week. And of course, Johnson plays for the Lions. I've got a decent set of lesser WRs that I can use in my other flex (Nate Washington, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan), and it's easier to find a WR to use in a matchup play than a RB.
Mendenhall is not without issues. He is on bye this week, though I wasn't confident of starting Johnson in one of my flex spots anyways. The second-year back has had to deal with a knee injury and has fumbled twice in two weeks. And the traditional run-heavy Steelers have been passing more this season.
Still, when in doubt, I tend to pull the trigger on a trade. Making a deal sends a signal to other owners that you're open to moving players (this will be my league-high third trade) and, like I've posted before, it's just more fun trading. In this case, I think it's a win-win for both.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
NFL: Consider trading
It's not ideal to start blogging about any sport in midseason, but good advice is better late than never. As we approach the midway point of the fantasy football season (most regular seasons go through Week 13, since experienced commissioners are wise enough not to use Week 17 at all), here's something to consider, no matter where you are in the standings: Trading.
With only four more weeks to deal with bye weeks, you might be able to strike a deal that you would otherwise couldn't. Case in point: a recent trade in my 12-team league.
After trading Kurt Warner for Roddy White, (I'm already starting Joe Flacco and Tony Romo in a 2-QB league), I realized that I had a hole this week since Romo and the Cowboys are on a bye. Checking the other rosters in my league revealed one owner with a decent QB (Jason Campbell) on his bench with little chance of starting; Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger are solidly his starters.
My friend Bill was willing to deal Campbell and get some value for him, whereas if he waited after Week 10, Campbell would likely have netted little back in trade. Even though Big Ben is on bye in Week 8, Bill was willing to take a potential hit to get a TE with upside (Jermichael Finley) and a backup QB (Matt Leinart) who might play in Week 8 given Warner's injury/health history.
If you had told me a week ago I could have traded Warner, Leinart and Finley for Roddy White and Jason Campbell, I would have been ecstatic. And that's what I am, heading into this weekend's action.
With only four more weeks to deal with bye weeks, you might be able to strike a deal that you would otherwise couldn't. Case in point: a recent trade in my 12-team league.
After trading Kurt Warner for Roddy White, (I'm already starting Joe Flacco and Tony Romo in a 2-QB league), I realized that I had a hole this week since Romo and the Cowboys are on a bye. Checking the other rosters in my league revealed one owner with a decent QB (Jason Campbell) on his bench with little chance of starting; Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger are solidly his starters.
My friend Bill was willing to deal Campbell and get some value for him, whereas if he waited after Week 10, Campbell would likely have netted little back in trade. Even though Big Ben is on bye in Week 8, Bill was willing to take a potential hit to get a TE with upside (Jermichael Finley) and a backup QB (Matt Leinart) who might play in Week 8 given Warner's injury/health history.
If you had told me a week ago I could have traded Warner, Leinart and Finley for Roddy White and Jason Campbell, I would have been ecstatic. And that's what I am, heading into this weekend's action.
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