Author: Sky

Sky Sperling has been a contributor since 2012 for Razzball Fantasy Baseball and Fantasy Football and formerly wrote under the name 'Oregon Nut Cups'. Don't ask. He's also a lover of fine beer, fine women and fine-toothed combs. You can follow him on twitter @Sky_Razzball and in your most sweetest of dreams.

Read some of Sky's 363 posts

Cameron…Cameroff, Daniel-San

by: Sky

There are certain players that make me wish that Fantasy Football Roto were more common. I think I’ve heard them called ‘total points leagues’ before which is probably more apropos but since I love fantasy baseball and fantasy football, I always try to find a way to amalgamate the two into my understanding of the world. I actually thought it would be a great beginners league to do H2H football but with categories. You know: Passing Yards you either win or lose like baseball head to head…*Crickets*. Ok, clearly I’m talking to myself. You like the traditional tried and true. The head to head format that pits mano-a-mano, mano-a-womano and sometimes even womano-a-womano. Hrm, now I’m thinking of mud wrestling…sorry lady readers, my reptilian brain has clearly only progressed so far. But I digress, I bring up this topic of points leagues because Cam Newton is the epitome of a QB you’d want to draft in a total points league. Cam has spent the last two years floating between mediocre to living up to his moniker of Superman and this year his schism hasn’t balanced out any better. Coming into tonight, Cam had 2 games of scoring 25 or more twice on the year, and three where he scored between 12 and 16 and topped off with a 6 point performance against the Cards after scoring a season high 30. But after a 27 point night against the Bucs, Cam is back in his owner’s good graces and honestly that’s where he should stay. You drafted him to be a top 5 QB and so far, the stats say he’s well on his way. If you didn’t want the roller coaster ride, you shouldn’t have bought the ticket. To give you a different analogy, you liked it and you decidedly put a ring on it. Sometimes you get this Beyonce and sometimes you get the other Beyonce. You got 99 problems and the B!@#$ ain’t one and other times…well, yikes. It’s the life of being a Cam owner. You either hate it or embrace it but either way you lack discipline if his imbalance throws you off. In other news from TNF for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Weekly Rankings: Yeah The Boykin Play

by: Sky

Dedication. Devotion. Turning all the night time into the day. You hear that sweet little synth riff yet? No? How about the jangly blues guitar faintly being played underneath it…no? Hrm, what can I say, I tried. I’m guessing none of you will get the song which is fine. Not the finest work by those guys but the first person who can give me the name of the song and the band wins…well nothing. You googled it, cheater! Well, it’s a major bye week full of bad matchups for RBs and great matchups for WRs. So good, in fact, a guy that might not even be owned in your league in Jarrett Boykin could return a WR1 value on the week. I follow him up with Terrance Williams playing against a Detroit secondary that loves to give the secondary WR in any offense a good day. I think Greg Jennings has a ‘see what you guys are missing?’ day against his former team mates as the Vikings lose 47-10 but he had a great day so that’s all that matters, right? In other news, I haven’t given up on Andre Ellington. Hopefully Arians hasn’t either…especially without some kind of explanation. Maybe he’ll figure out throwing to the running back on screens will relieve the pressure on a beleaguered o-line and give Palmer some breathing room for those deep pass plays. I know, I know: crazy talk. It’s gonna be a weird week in ATL until we know more about their RB situation. Yahoo’s already annointing SJax the starter via their projections but he just started practicing on Wednesday…yeah, ok. That would be pretty weird for a guy who supposedly had a setback just a week ago. Well, whatever, I’m keeping my expectations on all of them low for now until I hear more news and strongly suggest the same for you. Nice possible cheap ‘this game is a blow out, here come the reserves’ RBs to throw at you would be Turbin and Hunter. Oh, and check down master Jason Campbell mutes Gordon a bit this week and increases the likelihood that the Ogre – Ogbonnaya – gets a lot of worthless checkdowns, making him flex-worthy in my book. And as always, my kickers were selected by a highly scientific process of trying to burp all the state names. Hrm…that’s not really scientific…nor does it really do anything. Yeah, they’re still kickers. But enough of that, on with the show. Here’s week 8’s rankings for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

In The Midnight Hour She Cried ‘Mor, Mor, Morris’

October 23, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Buy/Sell | 283 Comments

by: Sky

Alright everybody. It’s that time. Grab your fingerless, studded leather gloves, tease your hair out so it looks like you stuck your finger in a light socket and send your red leather jacket through a paper shredder. Yes, we’re gonna rock out to some Billy Idol and listen to the buy low tale of Alfred Morris. But wait, what, huh? How’s a guy who’s performing well – currently a mid-range RB2 in most formats – be close to consideration as a buy low you ask? Well, under the hood there’s some stats. Morris is currently 4th in rushing yards per game (78.7), 8th in total rushing yards (472 with his bye week already passed), tied for second for 20+ yard runs on the year (5) and 4th in yards per attempt (5.2). With all of that, how in the world could he be underrated you ask? Simple: touchdowns. Morris is currently tied with a plethora – word of the day – of guys who are stuck at 3 rushing touchdowns ranging from Brandon Jacobs (yuck sauce) to Kendall Hunter (yes, a backup RB). This whole pile is 1 TD behind Morris’ teammate Roy Helu. You know, the guy who got every rushing TD in the game on Sunday. Three actually. Frustration creates opportunity if you’re ready to seize it. Given the dearth of injuries this last week and the steady nature of The Butler, a ROS RB6 or RB7 is well within sight and this could be your last chance to get in on that. Buy while you still can and let out a little Rebel Yell while you do. In other buy/sell news for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Giants RB On The Cover Of Sports Hillis-trated

October 22, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Daily Notes | 216 Comments

by: Sky

The narrative of tonight’s game would best be read in a Sam Elliott voice. No, I’m not talking about those crappy Dodge commercials. No again, I’m not talking about his turn as the Chupadogra in Marmaduke. How’d you even know he was that without Wikipedia anyways? Nah, I’m rocking The Big Lebowski on this one and going with ‘The Stranger’. Sometimes there’s a man…I won’t say a hero, ’cause, what’s a hero? But sometimes, there’s a man. And I’m talkin’ about Peyton Hillis here. Sometimes, there’s a man, well, he’s the man for his time and place. He fits right in there. And that’s Hillis, in New Jersey. And even if he’s a lazy man – and Hillis was most certainly that. Quite possibly the laziest in Bergen County, which would place him high in the runnin’ back world for laziest worldwide. But sometimes there’s a man…sometimes, there’s a man…Aw, I lost my train of thought here. But what I do know is on a night rife with Fantasy futility, the the bridge to a winning week was brought down by the unlikeliest of guys on a night of the unlikeliest suckitude we’ve seen in prime time so far this year. Hillis gave us his best Hynoski impersonation for most of the night as he rumbled for 81 tough yards and a touchdown to help hold down the first win of the NFL season for his beleaguered team mates. Indeed, sometimes there’s a man…who doesn’t really matter and will never be heard from again. You can call Peyton Hillis the dude and I’m just fine with that. But he’s not the capitalized ‘Dude’. He’s some schmo that stumbled onto an 0-6 team and whose lead back for the week got hurt and needed a spark for the night and he was it. And with this narrative, I fully expect the first question to be ‘should I pick up Hillis’ because I’ve trained you all well in the art of snark. Good lord, this game was terrible. Thank you, voice of Sam Elliott in my head, for making it palpable. In other 2013 Fantasy Football news…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Matt Fuerte

October 21, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Daily Notes | 222 Comments

by: Sky

There was a lot of buzz about the Chicago Bears offense heading into the season. B-Marsh was gonna have a great year and Alshon was going to improve upon a decent but unhealthy rookie campaign. Cutler was going to have his most productive QB year yet. And underneath it all, Matt Forte was just kinda there. Sure, much of the offense was tailored to a guy like Forte but in most rankings, Forte wasn’t cracking the top 5 running backs. I’m not just talking for myself here – I put him 14th in PPR for RBs…you can berate me in the comments -he was getting treated like what he has been in most seasons coming into 2013. A low touchdown back who had strong PPR value and would gain you over 1000 yards on the ground. Nothing to go crazy over by any means. But clearly the value-flip has switched. After today’s effort of 19/91/3 to go with 2/18 through the air, Forte is pacing out to be a guy that’ll clear 1700 yards on the year to go with 13 touchdowns and a whopping 80 receptions. I doubt the reception numbers on many levels but if he finishes in the 60 range, color me not surprised. He’s been a bit of an unsung RB hero this year in a draft full of disappointments and here’s me standing up and saluting Matt and his efforts. Let’s hope he doesn’t have to do it much with McCown moving forward. In other news from week 7 for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Kung Fu Russell

October 18, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Daily Notes | 216 Comments

by: Sky

There are certain films where you watch it from start to finish and you say to yourself ‘some of that shouldn’t have worked…but it did’. They keep you riveted to your seat for fear of missing a great moment and even with the blunders in between that pop up you make due because the great points are just that enjoyable. And so enters Russell Wilson and his night against the Cardinals. His 18/29 for 235 to go with 3 passing touchdowns and 29 yards rushing to go with 2 fumbles was both impressive and incomprehensible at times and I dare say for the same reasons in certain moments. A play that looked like a sack in which he throws a pass that should’ve been intercepted on 3rd down and instead turns into a first down…it was on scale with Kung Fu Hustle in so many ways, I can’t begin to describe it. Ok, the real truth to this intro is to get you to watch Kung Fu Hustle. NOW. If you don’t enjoy it, I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Seriously, we can’t be friends period. There are very few movies I’ll watch multiple times. Big Lebowski? Check. Zoolander? Check. Anchorman? Please, we know that answer to that. But enough about Sky’s DVDs, how did Wilson perform tonight? He performed like a top 15 QB. I really hate typing that but it’s true. I think he’s gonna be too inconsistent week to week for us to count on and it’s not been matchup dependent so far. I really had high hopes heading into this year for fantasy purposes but he looks destined for a year that is great in real life but won’t play well in the fantasy world at this point. If you bought in on the top 10 QB hype and I’m partially to blame, mea culpa. I hope my movie suggestions assuage the situation. In other news from TNF for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Weekly Rankings: Ryan Mathews Playing At RB, P-W-N-I-N-G

October 17, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Weekly Rankings | 301 Comments

by: Sky

We might as well just call all weekly rankings ‘play whoever you own against the Jacksonville Jaguars’. Yes, I’d start Mike Glennon against them at this point. Maybe even Ryan Fitzpatrick. That’s how dirty it is in Jagsville. But the reality is, Ryan Mathews had himself a fine day on MNF, gaining over 100 yards as the Chargers ran the clock down against a surprisingly inept Colts offense. Though he didn’t find the end zone, I can’t see how the Chargers don’t take advantage of both him and Woodhead as they control the game. Sure, it might become a bit of a shootout – I trust the Chargers defense about as much as any hollywood gossip mag at the checkout counter. Tori Spelling’s face is melting off due to too much surgery and thus has moved to Minnesota for the cooler climate? Ok, not likely but if that keeps her out of future movies, I could think of worse things. Eh, where was I? Oh yeah, start all your Chargers and enjoy it while you do it. Actually, there are a lot of great matchups this week for guys that are sometimes fringe starters. Alshon Jeffery looks primed for a good day against that Redskins secondary and while Jordy battle Haden, I think James Jones has himself a mighty fine day as a great secondary option for Rodgers. Josh Freeman is being given one of the worst secondaries and I think he takes full advantage. If Jerome Simpson is still floating around out there, it’d be a good week to pick him up in my book. Important notes to note: if Roddy White is a no go, you’re gonna want your Harry D in the lineup for volume reasons and it makes Toilolo an intriguing add in deep leagues. Outside of that, Jordan Reed is quietly sitting just ahead of Rudolph. I like both having a shot at big weeks if you’re stuck with muck at TE or a Jimmy Graham bye week. And with that, let’s kick the jabba to the curb and see what we got. Here’s our week 7 rankings for the 2013 Fantasy Football season…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Buy Lamar While He’s Priced Like Miller Lite

October 16, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Buy/Sell | 345 Comments

by: Sky

I’m gonna start this buy/sell off saying I’m sorry to those who think Miller Lite is a good beer. I’m not here to tell you that you’re wrong – though you are…just saying that’s not why I’m here – I will say there’s been plenty of brewers over the last 20+ years who’ve come out and I strongly suggest you take a swig or two of some other brews out there. Heck, I’m not even gonna tell you I’m all about the microbrews. I like me some Blue Moon and I’ll drink a Corona. What I’m trying to tell you is that you and I aren’t so different from each other. I wake up and put my assless chaps on just like everyone else. The main difference is, when I’m done I go buy a local IPA most likely and you buy Molson Ice. Wait, what are we talking about? Oh yeah, Lamar Miller. I’ve been getting a lot of ‘should I sell this guy for a bag of doritos and signed photos of from Menudo’ questions lately and I want them to stop. NOW. So I’m making him my buy feature. Ok, that’s not the only reason of course. The kid’s been good or at the least ‘not as bad as people think he’s been’ good. The first real game Lamar’s been given a chance to be the man started week 4 against the Saints. Wanna know what he did? Well, 11/62/1 on the ground. Not overly excited? Keep in mind most of that happened in the first half before NOLA went for the jugular in the second half and put the Dolphins on pass-heavy alert for the remainder of the game. The next week against Baltimore was tough sledding – only 7 for 15 on the ground – but few have run the ball well against the Ravens defense so far this year. It seems that maybe expectations have clouded judgement concerning Lamar coming into the year. He still looks like a solid low end RB2/flex play most weeks but I think people think he’s their bench RB at this stage. I can’t promise sexy numbers but I think there are plenty of 80 yard games in his future with a touchdown here and there just waiting for him. Take advantage before the market on him goes dry…Bud Dry…yeah, I’m gonna stop talking about beer now. In other buy/sell news for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Getting Keen On Allen

October 15, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Daily Notes | 269 Comments

by: Sky

Now I think there’s been enough touting of Keenan Allen around the world that I’m not gonna make any claims to being the first to get you in on this action. But just in case, I will point out my sage Sunday advice from two weeks ago here. At first I thought I’d mentioned him in a buy/sell up to that point or at least a writeup but…nope. I didn’t even really talk about him in the writeup that Sunday. Snoozing at the wheel, apparently, or perhaps I talked about him so much in comments I assumed I’d already mentioned it. Well whatever the case, owners coming into tonight’s MNF game were rewarded for either their draft day patience or their waiver wire savant ways as Allen went off. After a 9 catch 107 yard night that was capped off by a 22 yard touchdown (and a later RZ target) to go with 12 targets overall, it’s safe to say the battle in Chargers country for #1 target not named Gates went to Allen. I really thought it would go to Vincent but hey, I’m no Rivers over here. Allen adjusts to the ball well and makes the job of the QB easy. That’s what I liked when I tweeted about him and that’s clearly what Philip likes about him. I’m not gonna fight it. With DX and Floyd out, someone had to step up in San Diego and it looks like it’s time to go all-in on Allen. In other news from MNF for the 2013 Fantasy Football season…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Coming Foles Circle

October 14, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Daily Notes | 260 Comments

by: Sky

When the off-season began for the Eagles, it was clear that times would be changing. How much things would change was merely the question. Would they overhaul the roster? Would they resign Vick? Would their defensive ineptitude come close to improving? Well, to answer those questions, no, yes, and no. When I originally saw the signing of Chip Kelly, I was surprised by how many people assumed that Vick would be the starter in Philly. Too many people assume that Chip’s offense is solely built for a running quarterback when the truth was nowhere near that. Chip’s offense relies on his QB to be quick. Quick on his reads, that is. So when people heard that there was actually a camp battle for starting QB, many assumed it was just the media hyping things to make drama. Normally, I’d side with the hype-train side of the argument but there was definitely a case for Nick Foles to become the starter in Philly. For all intents and purposes, I saw Foles as the future for the Eagles barring any major trades or draft picks heading into 2014 so to see him step up against a strong defense in the Bucs and dismantle them – going 22/31 for 296 and 3 passing touchdowns to go with one on the ground – you could say I wasn’t overly surprised. Ok, I was surprised he scored THAT much but still the fact remains that Foles is quality QB and Chip knows how to handle one of those. It’s gonna be hard to tell how this whole scenario plays out given that Vick was named the starter heading into the year but has been very erratic in terms of how he’s run the offense so far. Don’t be surprised if Vick’s hamstring ‘isn’t quite ready’ next week so the Eagles can see what they have in this young Philly. In other news from week 6 of the 2013 Fantasy Football season…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Turn Your Head And Coughlin

October 11, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Daily Notes | 170 Comments

by: Sky

Well, Thursday Night the New York Giants called their primary physician to see what their status was. They’re PP – I’m not touching this joke with a ten foot pole…the joke is a Giant’s PP…maybe you shouldn’t touch it either; might be infected – decided that because it was the NFC East that maybe they could just take another penicillin shot. I don’t care how much penicillin you take at this point, the problem still exists. Tom Coughlin has been a great coach. Well, ok, a good, so-so, ok great coach. But now you’re gonna talk to me about Super Bowl rings as your shining note, arncha? Well, here’s some math that might calm your nerves. One of these coaches has a record of 83-67 since 2004 since the 2004 season. The other, an 84 and 64 record since the same season. Both have 3 NFC East titles at this point in history. So what’s the difference? Super Bowls. Mainly, two of them. Tom Coughlin and his Giants can hang their hat on 2 SB rings while Andy Reid and the Eagles have none. Yet only one team has moved on from it’s coach. Fair? Given the 0-6 start to the Giants, it doesn’t matter whether it’s fair. What matter is, ‘what Giants are retainable vs trade-worthy’ and at this point, I’m considering all the receivers as buy lows. The defense is stopping nothing at this point, no reason to think the wide outs can’t benefit on some level. The RBs? Ehhhhh, not interested until Andre’s back. The QB? That…that is a question wrapped within an enigma trapped inside a riddle and folded up inside a used baby diaper. It was a night only an 0-6 team could muster and I’m pretty sure Tom Coughlin’s gonna be the scapegoat when this mess of a season is finally over. Is he partially to blame? Sure, his treatment of David Wilson was extremely poor given his other choices behind him. You don’t play mind games with your lead running back when he’s backed up by a guy nicknamed ‘Frankenstein’ but Coughlin isn’t the only problem in New York for this extremely overdone season. In other news from TNF for 2013 Fantasy Football…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Weekly Rankings: Gronk With Power

October 10, 2013 | 2013 Fantasy Football, Weekly Rankings | 403 Comments

by: Sky

You’ve been patient but anxious. Excited and yet nervous. Yearning for your top TE to return but realizing when he returns it’s gonna be glorious. Well, McLovin, it looks like your moment has come. Barring any unforeseen reports of a thumbs down from Dr. James Andrews, it looks like Rob Gronkowski will finally grace active […]

Please, blog, may I have some more?