Target(s) Practice
November 17, 2009
Category: 2009 Fantasy Football
Chaz Schilens – The Raiders’ top receiver is back…with a mediocre performance. I know Schilens only had three receptions for 27 yards in yet another pitiful Raider performance during which JaMarcus Russell was benched…again, and claimed he had no idea why he was benched…again. Maybe Russell should be forced to watch the atrocity that is Raider wife-beating football and then he could understand how the rest of us feel. Anyway, I digress. Schilens, in all seriousness, is a great talent. At 6-4 he can go up and get the deep ball and he has shown some good speed and quickness. Last week he received four targets, second to WWF wrestler Johnny Lee Higgins. I certainly wouldn’t waste a waiver on Schilens quite yet, but I may snag him off of free agency if you have an open spot, or I would at least keep an eye on him. It’s a shame to see such a talent go to waste and I can honestly say I haven’t seen anything like that since…well…Monday night when vowel master Massaquoi fell victim to Quinn’s ineptitude.
Kenny Britt – With Gage held back (pun intended) with multiple, yes, multiple back fractures; Britt has and will be the starter across from Nate Washington in Tennessee’s improved offense. Somehow Vince Young has managed to release the ball underneath that giant head of his and get the ball downfield without turning it over. Last week, against a stingy Bills secondary, Britt led the team with five targets, hauling in two for 55 yards. Earlier in the year, Britt showed big play ability but the geriatric Tom Collins, I mean Kerry Collins (alcoholic reference) wasn’t able to get him the rock. I am actually contemplating spending a waiver claim on him simply because I believe in his talent and he could have an even better performance against Houston this weekend.
Brandon Gibson – The Rams announced early in the week that Burton is done for the year, which makes Gibson the starter across from Donnie Avery. Last Sunday, Gibson led the Rams with nine targets, making good on seven for 93 yards. With Bulger showing glimpses of his old, pro-bowl self over the past two weeks, Gibson is looking like a viable option in deeper leagues. Additionally, Avery is now an option in shallower leagues or a must grab in deep leagues. Gibson, a guy who is almost universally available, should get a lot of opportunities going forward, especially with the play of studly Steven Jackson who eats eight men fronts for breakfast.
Laveraneus Coles – Coles is certainly not a sleeper and he is probably unavailable in your league, but Coles’ embers are burning and he just might catch on fire. With Henry done for the year, Coles seems to be the beneficiary. Coles led the team in targets last week with 9 and he contributed five catches for 67 yards in the Bengals’ defensive slug-fest with Pittsburgh. Over the last four games, Coles has averaged just over four catches for 54 yards. A difficult man to start even in deep leagues at the beginning of the year, he may just be worth a flex spot against Oakland who will focus on 85.
Legedu Naanee-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey-hey-hey, Naanee - Legedu has a sweet name and sweet potential. I certainly wouldn’t read too much into the fact that Naanee was the leading target getter last Sunday with four, or that he was the only Charger wide receiver with a red zone target, but I would feel comfortable with the fact that he made the most of those targets. Jackson was bottled up by double teams all day, which allowed Naanee to catch three passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. Naanee even stole a page out of former Boise State teammate Ian Johnson’s playbook when he “proposed” to a cheerleader on the sidelines after making his first regular season touchdown grab of his career. While Floyd is still the number two guy, Naanee has been a consistent contributor to the Chargers’ offense (though to a much lesser degree). If you are hurting badly, Naanee has matchup potential against a Denver pass defense that has been reeling as of late. Over the last four weeks, Denver has given up the 8th most fantasy points to opposing receivers with 24.3 per game and is giving up 1.7 pass touchdowns a game to receivers.
Deion Branch - yeah, I went there. As you can probably tell from the aforementioned group of gentleman that I have already discussed, I am really focusing on sleepers and waiver wire guys this week. Considering the trade deadline has passed in most leagues, I find it more practical to give you desperate owners in deep leagues some insight. That being said, let’s talk about the 2nd most targeted Seahawk receiver last Sunday. Though he is obviously a shell of his former self, Branch had nine targets last Sunday and got two red zone looks (2nd behind Housh who had three). He snagged four balls for 50 yards and is averaging three receptions over the last four games. Though I would not advise anyone to invest long term in Branch, he is facing a Minnesota pass defense that has been struggling without Winfield. The Vikings rank 28th in pass yardage allowed and have given up a dismal 14 passing touchdowns already this year. Also, over the last four weeks, the Vikings have given up the 7th most fantasy points to receivers (24.7 a game). Despite the pass rush and the loss of Julius Jones, I think it’s reasonable to start Seahawk receivers this week and if you’re incredibly desperate you could even start Branch. I’m either a genius or an idiot.
Dennis Northcutt - was 2nd to Calvin Johnson last Sunday with eight targets, catching four passes for 48 yards. Stafford is playing well but I would beware of Northcutt as he is now the third receiver with Megatron now somewhat healthy. However, Bryant Johnson or Northcutt could be a potential option this week against the dismal Browns who have given up the fourth most fantasy points per game to receivers of the last four weeks (25.7).
General Target Information From Week 10
League Leaders in Targets
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (18)
2. Desean Jackson (16)
2. Randy Moss (16)
4. Devin Hester (14)
4. Santonio Holmes (14)
6. Dwayne Bow(ped) (13)
6. Megatron (13)
6. Joshua Cribbs (13)
League Leaders in Red Zone Targets
1. Santonio Holmes (4)
1. Bernard Berrian (4)
1. Randy Moss (4)
4. Hines Ward (3)
4. Reggie Wayne (3)
4. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (3)
4. Carolina Smith (3)
8. Jeremy Maclin (2)
8. Pierre Garcon (2)
8. Desean Jackson (2)
(7 more with 2)
Players With Highest Percentage of Team Targets
1. Randy Moss (23%)
2. Santonio Holmes (22%)
3. Joshua Cribbs (21%)
4. DeSean Jackson (20.5%)
5. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (20%)
Tags: Brandon Gibson, Chaz Schilens, Chaz Shilens, Deion Branch, Dennis Northcutt, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Joshua Cribbs, Kenny Britt, Laveraneus Coles, Legedu Naanee, Pierre Garcon, Randy Moss, Santonio Holmes, T.J. Houshmandzadeh
November 17th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I got Hines Ward, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Jeremy Maclin, Felix Jones, and Shonn Greene on the bench and I got a guy shopping Clavin Johnson…he might take Steve Smith straight up…worth it? If not what would you move for him out of those guys?
November 18th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Got a deal in before the deadline, sending DeSean Jackson and Greg Jennings out the door for Boldin. Given that I had the depth at WR to make the 2-for1, how would you rate this deal?
November 18th, 2009 at 4:15 am
12 team PPR.
Do I trade my Colston and Tony Gonzalez for his Andre Johnson and Mendenhall?
Mendenhall would be my flex play behind MJD and CJ(Tenn)
I’m not dying for a WR, but Johnson looks like he’s got a cake schedule the rest of the way and there are decent TEs available like Miller, Watson, Pettigrew, etc. No one special, but serviceable.
November 18th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Please rank these RBs for this week
McCoy
Betts
Mendenhall
Lynchl
Mike Bell
Donald Brown
Thanks!
Hope springs eternal…I somehow snagged Snelling with my #5 waiver spot (dropping Kolby Smith), then dropped Denver for Dallas and Jerome Harrison for Willis McGahee (Rice handcuff). Happy waiver day!
@danimal35: Which Steve Smith? Actually, I might trade either Smith for Megatron. He had plenty of targets and catches on Sunday, and was one big play away from a really great day.
@MarkM: @MarkM: Which TE Miller is available (Heath or Zach)? I love the move from Colston to Andre, but it’s gonna hurt going from Gonzalez to a waiver TE’s especially in a PPR league. If Mendenhall is a nice upgrade at your flex position, it’s worth it, I’d say.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:21 am
from the standpoint of rest-of-the-year value as opposed to just this week, should I drop Mike Bell for Jerious Norwood? or would it be smarter to drop Bell for Rashad Jennings (as insurance for my MJD)?
November 18th, 2009 at 7:25 am
@mgeoffriau: Nice! I got both Snelling (at #10 out of 12) and Scott ont he 2nd go-round. And this is less than 24 hours after divesting myself of Bowe mere hours before his suspen sion was announced. So, yes, happy Waiver day indeed!
So, I’ve never been in this position before. I’m at 8-2 fighting for first overall. Do I trade Rodgers straight up for Warner, to really load up for the playoffs?
November 18th, 2009 at 7:33 am
@Josh: Bell is tough. I have him too, and every time it seems it’s ok to leave him for dead, he comes back with a 20+ carry game.
Everything I read says Turner’s out for a while, and might be ineffective when he comes back. But Jennings has looked good every time I’ve seen him.
I guess what I’d do is, if I had to play the player this week, I’d keep Bell (since there should be some garbage-time carries against TB). If I never had to play that roster spot, I’d go Jennings (for insurance). Also, remember that Norwood’s just coming back from an injury, too.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:35 am
@eldee: I’m in almost the exact same boat, at 7-3 with Rodgers as my QB, and I’ve thought about trying to land Warner, but I keep talking myself out of it because I can’t get comfortable at the thought of placing my entire season in the hands of a 38 year-old guy.
I would say, if you’re hell bent on getting Warner though, definitely try and get a little something else too, considering Rodgers has outperformed Kurt. Personally, I’m trying to land Brees, and if that fails (I’ve already exhausted my possibilities with getting Rivers, his owner ain’t budging), then I’m gonna stick with Aaron.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:36 am
@eldee: In my opinion you keep Rodgers, he is projected for some healthy points in the playoffs as well, and is less of a injury risk then Warner.
November 18th, 2009 at 7:47 am
@Josh: I guess I’m stoked about getting Warner, but, seriously, has anyone seen any Green Bay games this year? I’m amazed the guy can tie his shoes, never mind continually put up huge fantasy points every week, after the beating he takes week-in and week-out. That offensive line is AWFUL. Their tight ends can’t block and Ryan Grant couldn’t pick up a blitz if it was a $20 bill lying on the sidewalk.
You’re right, no need to chase hypothetical matchup points. Best bet is to cut some lottery-ticket RB depth and add a QB I could live with starting if A-Rodg goes down.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Who to play at flex this week with Ronnie Brown out: Slaton, Greg Jennings, Breaston, or Beanie Wells (also Snelling is available)? Drop one of these to pick up Detroit Def (vs Cle) and sit Miami (at Car)? Thanks for the great blog!
November 18th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Drew, mG,
Which D do you like this week:
DET at home v CLE
CAR at home v MIA
SF on the road at GB
I’m leaning to (gulp!) DET against that weekly train wreck that is the CLE offense.
But CAR at home against a Brown-less MIA squad, with Henne throwing…yeah, they’ll need to at least slow down Williams, but I think they can do it, forcing Henne to carry the load.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:40 am
@Josh: If you’re trying to land Bree’s for Rodgers, make sure you point out the fact that Bree’s could get benched and rested in the playoffs… I have Bree’s and I’ve considered going after Rodgers for that very reason.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Also, that O-line on the Packers is just going to get better with Tauscher and Clifton coming back… and his top TE target (Jermicheal) should be back this week.
November 18th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Couple of quickies:
Non-ppr…who should I go after first, Forsett or Snelling?
0.5ppr…rank Chambers, Long and Gibson
November 18th, 2009 at 9:20 am
@mgeoffriau: something happen to rice that you need his handcuff, mcgahee? or youre just being safe?
November 18th, 2009 at 9:21 am
@Jo: well, my playoffs in that league are weeks 15 and 16. we don’t play week 17. I think it’s highly doubtful he sits week 16, don’t you? especially considering there’s a good chance they’ll still be battling for home-field advantage with Minnesota.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:37 am
3rd WR dilemma…Do I start Wallace @KC or Coles @ Oakland, .5 ppr?
November 18th, 2009 at 9:41 am
@Swass: Wallace
November 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am
@matthole: Harrison looks like he’s fallen out of favor in Cleveland, and with McGahee seeing some carries this past week it’s just insurance for the playoff run in case I lose Rice.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:37 am
would you trade Snelling and Percy Harvin for Megatron? Don’t need Snelling I have Chris Johnson, Ray Rice and Steven Jackson
November 18th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Sit/Start questions:
12-team, start 3:
Tomlinson, Moreno, Betts, Snelling (or start 2 plus Percy Harvin)
12-team PPR, start 2:
Colston, S Smith (NYG), Houshmandzadeh, Sidney Rice
Thanks!
@Bofum: Yes
@Dingo: Moreno, LT, Betts
Colston, Rice
@Commish Cauda (formerly Mike): Forsett
I’d go with that order
November 18th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
@Josh: That’s probably true… but that could talk your guy into it.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
@Doc: Should I give up Andre Johnson for R. White and T Jones? My top rec. core right now is andre/austin/maclin and my RB’s (including flex) are Westbrook, Grant, P Thomas, and Jamaal Charles.
BTW, is Westbrook dropable yet?
@Jo: AJ is going to be a beast with his schedule, but Jones has a nice schedule and you need a Westy replacement. How many RB’s can you play?
I’m waiting a little bit longer on Westy, but if I was in a tight pinch I would probably drop him.
November 18th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Whoops – my second question should’ve been for a 10-team PPR league, but I assume the answer remains the same. Thanks a lot!
November 18th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
@Doc: this is a PPR league, and I can play 3 total… one of which is in the flex spot.
what do you think about playing Jamaal Charles in the flex vs Pitt this week?
@Jo: He’s going to have a tough game, but at least he’ll get work in the passing game.
Quick impromptu poll — What weeks are your playoffs?
I am putting together another playoff schedule chart and the first time I used weeks 15/16 and then I used 14/15/16.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
15/16
November 18th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
14/15/16
November 18th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Drew, Mg,
Which D do you like this week:
DET at home v CLE
CAR at home v MIA
SF on the road at GB
I’m leaning to (gulp!) DET against that weekly train wreck that is the CLE offense.
But CAR at home against a Brown-less MIA squad, with Henne throwing…yeah, they’ll need to at least slow down Williams, but I think they can do it, forcing Henne to carry the load.
November 18th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
14/15/16
November 18th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
14-15-16
Thanks, I’ll stick with 14-16