I think I’ve finally done it. I’ve done gone and lost my mind up in this. It’s week 12 and I’m telling you that Joe Flacco – yes that Joe Flacco – is a top ten QB this week. Man, I’m going so against the grain.  How against the grain are you, Sky?  I’m so against the grain right now, my wood shop teacher just retroactively expelled me for a week.  *Crickets* Standup routine…yeah, I’m still working on it. But here’s the scenario: as boring as Flacco can be – and is and will forever be – oil and water don’t mix and by that I mean…hold on a minute *grabs flask and fills with water and oil*. See? Ok, science class is out for the day. Back to fantasy football. I don’t know if you noticed last weeks Jets vs Bills game – and unless you’re a huge fan of either, you probably didn’t – but EJ Manuel performed what would be described as a ‘vertical pass’ many a time and found himself to be very successful doing it. The big thing about that? His top receiving threats of Wood and Stevie J weren’t in. He was chucking to Goodwin and Graham who, though decent, are still young and, well, they ain’t the #1 and #2 on that team. So the Jets gave up a combined 155 yards to these two last week and it propelled EJ into the top 12 for QBs in scoring. And so enter the Flacco. Baltimore was successful last year with their running game but also with taking long shots down the field. For as much as I rag on Flacco, he does have a strong arm and he does throw an accurate deep ball. The cool thing about that? Jets gave up at least three passing plays that cleared 30 yards, two of them clearing 40. For all the good the Jets rushing defense has been, their passing defense has been equally bad. So with that in mind, Jacoby Jones gets a bit of a bump for the week and I think Flacco has a strong chance at a 250~275 yard passing day and 2 or 3 TDs. In other points of dissent, Ryan Mathews now has 10 or more points in four of his last 5 for standard scoring and faces a KC defense that for as strong as it is, can be run on. Since KC’s offense isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, there’s plenty of time for Mathews to get in his carries and pursue his 4th 100 yard game on the year (3 in his last 5). Oh and no AP in the top 5? Yeah, could come back to bite me but there were so many great matchups this week for above average RBs. It was hard to say any of the guys I put ahead of him don’t have a great chance to outshine him. Just note Andre Brown was my breaking point Even my insanity has its limits. Meanwhile, Kenny Stills with a 40 yard bomb and a TD in your WR3 spot sounds about right to me. Cotchery? Well, Antonio is gonna be Haden his stay in Cleveland and either he or Sanders is gonna have himself a fine day. If Sanders can’t go, Cotchery will probably steal his spot in the WR rankings…and your heart. And in Miami, if He-Man doesn’t score at least a TD with 60 or 70 yards, I will have to protest. Defensively, there’s a pile of interesting ones out there. Riaders? Decent against the run, they’re at home and Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Titans starting QB. Could be an under the radar top 10 play this week. Rams I just couldn’t let linger outside the top 10 after their showing in Indy and coming off a bye while playing at home. Could get an electric crowd and a big scoring day from them. This week I made 28 paper footballs and had my wife kick field goals on the table. Inside each, there was a name of a kicker. If she missed, those kickers didn’t make the top 10 and had to try again. Then we ate hot pockets and went to bed. Still a better love story than Twilight. Wait, what? Ok, that’s a wrap. Good luck to you this week, bad luck to your opponents and game on. Here’s the week 12 rankings for 2013 Fantasy Football…
Will you explain why you’re liking Keenum and Glennon over Palmer this week?
Thanks
@Fantasy>Life: For as good as Palmer has been of late, I just don’t trust him, plain and simple. He moves slow behind a still shaky o-line and his last game where he went off was against the Jags. I’d like to see him do it against a moderately successful defense before I move him any higher.
Great work as always sky. What do you think of the tigers rangers trade?? I know its football season but that sure does shake things up. Also I know you respond with see rankings but would you start Randel over White? Also pick 2 Rice Rainey Ridley Ellington. Thanks a million sir!!
@Justin: Oooo let me do it. See rankings above.
@Justin: Yeah, the Tigers trade was all about money. I’m guessing Omar Infante becomes a utility player or he moves to short and Jose Iglesias moves to 3rd. Either way, offense does take a hit. Kinsler hasn’t been very good in a while. Can’t say I blame Detroit for the move but some of their bats are gonna have to step up in a big way. They’re gonna be mad they let Avisail go.
@Sky: What about the talk of moving castellanos back to 3rd?
It’s possible. Don’t know from all the reports if his bat+glove equates to being a plus there, though.
@Sky: Yeah Kinsler has been on a downward trend for a few years. Both AJak and Kinslers obp are not that great which may spell trouble for people getting on ahead of Miggy. Kinslers draft stock has to drop yes?? His power will be even more non existent. Hopefully ausmus gives him the green light more on the bases. Prince just might hit 50 dingers in texas… I cant wait for march.
Yeah, Prince should have himself a good time. I’m thinking they maybe give Kinsler a shot at the 2 spot in that lineup this year and move Torii down to something like 5th or 6th. Could see improved average that way. I’d hope he slid. Probably will still go higher than I’m willing to spend on him, though.
@Sky: He is a keeper on one of my teams.. Might have to re think draft strategy a bit. How often do you work on the baseball side of things during the “offseason”?
I do a bit of pre-season stuff for the baseball side; usually sleepers of the deeper variety since I play in a 12 team, 30 man roster league where you start 2 at every IF position, 2 UTIL and 5 OF. I don’t start thinking baseball until about late January, though. Too much stuff going on with football right now (yeah, duh, Sky).
@Sky: Deep league sleepers are great. Playing 2 at every position is intense. What is the hardest position to fill? Shortstop or catcher?? If you had to choose at this very moment your #1 sleeper for next year would be……….drum roll please…..
@Justin: Also what about a tab on the rankings chrat for overall ranking?? It would help with the flex questions…. Just an idea. Thanks again for your help
There’s a flex ranking via FantasyPros but it’s autogenerated and I wouldn’t feel right just throwing it out there. Plus it takes a long while to organize the positions I cover already.
Ha, man I’m not joking about not thinking baseball right now. I don’t have a good sleeper that not everyone would know. Avisail Garcia is gonna have a strong year in my opinion. Thinking .290 with 25 HRs/20 SB. Outside of that, I haven’t perused much.
I don’t believe in positional scarcity so I kinda zig while others zag there. I said last year I didn’t care if I waited until the late teen rounds to draft a catcher/shortstop/second baseman and considering guys like Brian Dozier finished in or around the top 10 for ss/2b, I feel validated by that approach. The only thing I pursue in drafts is power. I don’t care what position it comes from, that’s what is scarce now and the hardest thing to get into your lineup.
@Sky: Alright man no more baseball questions. Thanks for the time man its appreciated.
Ha no worries on my end. Thanks for reading!
Why so low on Delanie Walker this week? He’s been fantasy number 1 TE the past 2 weeks with Fitz at the helm.
@Mike: Just another guy I don’t really believe in. Don’t think he’s terrible but Raiders defend against the TE well so I’d like to see how OAK does. Also have OAK as a top 10 defense so that’s something to note about how I see that game.
@Sky: gracias wise one!
@Mike: De nada, young pupil!
@Sky: when weighted OAK goes down to 20th.http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef
they are bad at WR’s so wright’s love is understandable, and c.johnson hate as they’re middle of pack (14th) against running.
Problem is, TEN has a bad passing attack with Fitz back there. Plus even when it’s grooving, it’s a pretty mediocre attack at best
Who do you like at flex this week, .5 ppr:
Colston
Ogre
Cameron
@Nightpandas: I like Ogre’s chance for a big game. I’d take him. Think Colston has a good one, though.
What to do at QB this week?
Foles is my guy on bye
Do you trust Rivers enough or drop for Flacco? (Glennon and Palmer also out there)
(Heavy passing league – extra points for long pass plays and every 50 yards over 300, 6pts a TD)
@Nightpandas: He has Flacco ten spots ahead of Rivers, so that should answer your question. Emphasis on ‘should’.
Who the F is Fozzy Whitaker?
@Comatose: Waka waka!
Would you trade Moreno for Nelson or Torrey smith if you were hurting at WR? I have Gordon, Fitz, and DJax. I have Charles, A Brown, and CJohnson at RB.
The guy has Dem Thomas, Nelson and Calvin Johnson at WRs and Lynch , Woodhead, R Jennings at RB
Thanks
@Ryno: The problem is, your current WRs are not bad. They are, um, good.
@Ryno: I wouldn’t say you’re hurting at RB but I would take Torrey for this playoff schedule.
PPR-league. Same problem I had last week. Josh and Jordy are must-starts. Who do I sit between Graham & Garcon. Leaning towards sitting Garcon. Thoughts?
@James R: 2nd-guessing already since Yahoo has Pierre at 17pts projection this week and Josh at 14. Don’t know wtf to do?
How about this, Sky? Fleener is on waivers. I can dump the bum Nicks, cuz I don’t need him anyway, but if I get him, I’d have to start him over Graham and I’d still have to sit 1 of these 3 along with Graham: Jordy — Garcon — Gordon
Do it?
@Sky: Ok, I Nix’d Nicks 4 Coby.
Now set my line-up using the bench players, below.
12-team PPR
WR: ______________
WR: ______________
WR/TE: ____________
BENCH:
WR: Jordy, Garcon, Gordon
TE: Graham, Fleener
@James R: I’d start Fleener this week. I stand by my rankings on your WRs and would be starting Gordon/Jordy there.
@Sky: @Sky: Ok, well, I hope you’re right because I’m vying for a 1st round bye. In 1st, playing against the 2nd place team this week.
This feels risky to me, but I’m gonna sit Garcon and Graham on the bench because you’re the expert. Not me.
It just scares me because your suggestion changes my team’s Yahoo projection from 120.66 to 111.41 thiw week.
And my opponents proj is 112.34!!!!
@James R: they mean abosolitely nothing man.. f*ck projections on yahoo..
Yahoo has been projecting for me to sit Cooper for about 4 weeks. I don’t listen to yahoo projections.
Standard league, you flexing ogre or Keenan?
@Zandy: Ogre
Sky, DST Packers or Seahawks this week? Also, Rice, Mendenhall, or DeAndre Hopkins at flex in PPR? Thanks!
@Abe Froman: Yeah….just caught that…just need help with flex!
@Sausage King: I’d flex Rice and start Packer D. They’ll be clock-sucking with Lacy all day.
Why no love for Tavon against a soft Chicago D ? I have a flex issue where I feel like I have to play Tavon for upside but then again my options are limited Montee Ball, Jacoby Jones,Shonn Greene.
What are your thoughts on Fozzy Whittaker could he over take C. OgabETC.ETC and become a late sleeper option ?
Thanks
@Brian: Not doing this to be a jerk, just feel this covers well how I feel about Tavon:
http://football.razzball.com/austin-tatious
You can shoot for the moon at flex if your week dictates it. Lineups are about putting your best guys out there but sometimes if your best can’t beat their best, you have to live a little on the wild side.
I have Fozzy pretty high in my rankings compared to most so yes, he could. I feel like he’ll probably be the COP Back, though.
Thanks for the post.
Hakeem Nicks or Ellington for FLEX? (PPR)
@Tsilaeri: Man, I wanna say Ellington here but I just can’t. Nicks.
Lost the last three in a row. Need a win. Flex in a non-PPR: Randle or Ellington?
@tim: Flex Rubick’s
2 QB league
Cam Newton, Brady, Forte, Vereen, Jordy, Dez Bryant, Reed, Colston (Flex) Gostowski
My team is friggin 4-7 gotta win the next 2 weeks to possibly squeak into the 6th spot for the playoffs in a 12 team league.
/end rant nobody cares about
Thanks for the rankings as always Sky.
@fitz: you must’ve been playing shitty def (schedule problems, bad luck) to have a record like this with this roster. except for however bad your 2nd RB used to be before vereen came back. I’m 4-7 in an RCL with the 5th most pts. Was dead for playoffs many weeks ago, but have since posted best overall week of the year (low 200’s in pts) and at least 2 of the best individual weeks in last 3 in total pts as well. I also was playing shitty defense. Lost once by .38 and two other times by less than 6.
@goodfold2: Yeah, definitely a combo of that and seeming to always go against teams that go off for seemingly their best week of the season against me and some real close losses. Plus Brady has been pretty pedestrian this year and I had Pryor up until 2 weeks ago when I traded Locker/Moreno for Cam Newton which has turned out great for me.
@fitz: nice one, as if DEN further limits Moreno to save him for real life playoffs (more than just taking away goal line TD’s) that’ll REALLY look like trade rape (ex post facto).
@goodfold2: thanks for listening to my complaints! good luck to your teams may the fantasy gods smile upon us, haha.
@fitz: Ha, no problem my man and sorry to hear that.
i see your keenum hate (sorry, subdued adoration, due to having to taste kubisnacks, awful food, that, maybe he’ll actually try to keep his job this week), wasn’t great enough to keep him out of the top 10. But you stuck to your earlier word and still have Luck higher. play Luck it is.
1.it appears I don’t need to ask kicker questions, as I dropped novak (bad entire ROS schedule, pretty much) for bailey in 3 spots back on wed early morning, pre-dating rankings.
2. non PPR. tell me if i’m wrong (you could even do it with a “wrong” (make sound like GONG), then say the right answer) k.wright over ellington at util.
3. non PPR.if Peterson plays MJD over k.wright at util.
3a. if Peterson doesn’t play k.wright over woodhead at util
thankee sai.
@goodfold2:
2. I’d go with Wright there
3. I’d still play Kendall
3a. I’d play Wright still. Woodhead’s involvement of late has been troublesome.
PPR only leagues here.
1.in league where I wanted to trade one of PT/c.johnson/vereen/a.brown due to only being able to play 3 of them, but can’t due to date being earlier than in another league with same comish. (damn yahoo b.s., and myself for not noticing it) I have 4 RB in top 19. Johnson is the bench, barely, wow. I guess you’re not as worried as I am about NO being up so much they give ingram the whole 2nd half (like in the DAL game), or at least not as worried about how good OAK must be at defending run.
2. any amount of being limited during the week that would make sanders go above allen? sort of worried about allen not being used much last 2 weeks AND playing @ KC.
@goodfold2: 1. PT should get his, especially in a PPR league. Think Sproles will be limited and a non-factor tonight, leaving plenty on the table for him
2. That’s something that I’ll have to review for the weekend when the injuries are clearer cut; Sanders has some issues as well as I mentioned in the opening. They slowed everything down against Denver. That’s a gameplan issue. Then he got hurt and the Dolphins are a stout passing defense.
I was okay with the Flacco ranking, but Dan Bailey the #1 kicker?? OMG are you insane? You’ve lost all credibility with me, sir! I’m gonna get in my car, head west…wait, sorry, got caught up in all the hoopla…*ahem*
I don’t know if you’ve done this for your own teams but do you have any playoff DEF rankings for weeks 14-16? If not, it’s cool. Just seeing if you’re strategicizing that way or playing it week to week.
@Cram It: you should like it, it reinforced my own faith in my kicker prognostications (dropped kickers for bailey in 3 leagues), thus limiting future kicker questions, and I know you don’t like those.
@goodfold2: I was totally joking about the kicker thing. I don’t even look at kicker rankings. I had Bailey for the whole season until his bye, dropped him, lost him to another owner, been playing matchups, and I’ve not lost a wink of sleep over the situation.
@Cram It: I haven ‘t done full rankings or anything, but in a couple leagues have been picking up Hou for wk 14 @ Jax and Buf on their bye week for their @ TB, @ Jax, v Mia playoff schedule.
@Cram It: Ha! I knew that Kickers would one day tear us apart!
That’s actually an interesting idea…with the buy/sell shop winding down, I might have to peek into that idea. Thanks!
Flex play, 0.5 ppr–Antonio Brown (vs Haden) or L. Bell? If Sproles is a go tonight vs the terrible Falcons, does that change your ranking of him at all?
@Steve Stevenson: Sproles hasn’t produced much of anything this year so no it doesn’t. That’s a tough call. I think Bell is the safest play. Haden made AJ Green’s day no different than sitting on the bench and that was IN Cincy.
You have the Rams DST one slot above the Texans. If already starting McCown at QB, would you start the Texans instead? Team is 5-6, so need a W badly.
@Steve Stevenson: Not seeing how the math on that works. I’d rather just go with the better defense and hope it pans out as the best of both worlds.
@Steve Stevenson: apparently heard about the “school” of thinking that says you don’t play people against each other, even if that would be best decision math wise. Where’s football bill james?
Thought I had my lineup set and then you go and put out your rankings. I’ve got these guys for four spots, who gets the nod:
Garcon
Decker
CJ?K
Rainey
Ridley
Vereen
Right now the Pats are on the bench (because I can’t put Vereen in until I drop Reed, and I’m not doing that until Saturday so he can’t make a triumphant return and light it up on Monday night for someone else). But really the only change I can see is Vereen over either CJ or Decker and I’m not sure about benching Decker in what may be a shootout and with Welker possibly not playing. Or I guess I could start him over Rainey simply because he isn’t in the circle of trust yet. What say you, sir?
0.5 PPR, 6 points per TD, 3 point bonus at 85 yards receiving/100 yards rushing, 6 point bonus at 135 yards receiving/150 yards rushing
@Wilsonian: forgot I had Donald Brown, too. He’s ahead of Ridley in your rankings in PPR.
@Wilsonian: Trying to clarify how much of this is cleared via the rankings vs what spots are flex. What’s the main question here?
@Sky: none of it is cleared via the rankings, dammit! Haha. This is my current lineup:
QB – Stafford
WR – Dez
WR – Garcon
WR – Gordon
RB – Forte
RB – CJ
TE – Graham
W/R – Decker
W/R/T – Rainey
BN – Vereen
BN – Ridley
BN – Decker
BN – Green
BN – Harvin
BN – Gio
So, really the question is: who would you bench for Vereen? Decker, CJ, or Rainey? I’m leaning Rainey just because he isn’t in the circle of trust, and I don’t suspect he’ll be running all day long this week as TB probably won’t have the lead much.
@Wilsonian: I stand by my rankings and say Vereen over CJ. OAK isn’t bad. CJ is a matchups play in my book, not an every week play. Also think TB’s offensive liine will get plenty of push. Rainey will produce.
@Wilsonian: He has Rainey ahead of Vereen and CJ.
@Sky: @Cram It: then I’ll go with your rankings there and put Vereen in over CJ. And then for the flex you like Decker over CJ, Ridley, D.Brown? That was really part of the issue: does Decker get the nod ahead of the RBs… he’s been yawnstipating as of late.
Ah, I gotcha. I saw Decker both on your bench and in your lineup. Decker does get the nod. Could be a fun air out day for that game.
@Sky: ah, oops. The Decker on the bench was supposed to be D.Brown. I’ll leave him in and toss Vereen in for CJ. Hopefully it all works out for me. I’m playing the last place team, but that means very little. He just picked up your boy Ogre, so I hope you’re dead wrong on that one.
Wright or Donald brown for flex in ppr league?
@Gbbb: Wright
Hey Razzballers – If I wanted to find out which teams say, have given up the most pass yards the past 4 weeks, where do you suppose I could find that info easily? The Google machine is failing me and when that happens, we turn to the Razzball machine.
I can find YTD info pretty much all over the place, but if i’m trying to spot some recent trends, I’m having no luck finding that data. Not sure if anyone has a spot where they find that type of info.
Thanks everyone.
@MattTruss223: http://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/opponent-passing-yards-per-game
@Cram It: that is nice resource.
@Cram It: Perfect! Thanks Cram!
Am I crazy to consider playing Shane Vereen over Andre Brown in a PPR?
@Kobayashi Maru: I wouldn’t say crazy. Maybe eccentric. I wouldn’t.
.25 PPR leage.
Do I start Ellington or Vereen?
Also, in my TE spot, Clay or Carlson?
@attgig: Covered in rankings above.
Why aren’t you higher on Marlon Brown this week? For how high you are on Flacco, I would have thought you’d be all in on Brown too. Worried about the injury? Or just think Flacco will spread the love too much outside of Smith?
@Mark: Brown’s been hit and miss and the main thing the Jets are weak against is the verticals. Not sure Marlon is gonna bust a lot of those to warrant the attention.
What up Sky,
.5 ppr flex play between Sjax, Lamar Miller, Rishard Mathews, Miles Austin?
I’d say Lamar Miller but I don’t think there’s a huge day coming from any of these guys this week, personally.
Ahoy ahoy…
PPR… Donald Brown over Mike Wallace at flex, right?
Another PPR… I can’t roll with Ellington at flex again this week, can I? Ellington, or gamble on Miles Austin or Cotchery at flex?
In general, how are you handling SJax on your teams? Is he dumpable? Or wait and see?
@CL: with chips, I hope!
Yeah, Brown.
I could see Cotchery, especially if Sanders is limited in any way.
He’s dumpable but it has to be for the right player. Most leagues, he’s now just sitting on my bench until an opportunity presents itself.
@Sky: I was more of Monty Burns’ phone answering on the Simpsons… Ahoy-hoy.
Gotcha on SJax… seems to be the same with me… On. All. Three. Teams.
@CL: We’re living the dream…thanks Obama!
@CL: Would you grab and play STL DEF this week and ROS? I’ve been streaming… and this week it’s NO DEF.
@CL: If you have NO DEF, stick with them. Just keep playing matchups/streaming.
Sky,
Need a little help with my flex situation this week…
Shorts or MJD
Or I could drop one of those two or Ellington or Douglas for Ogbonnaya .
Your thoughts?
Thanks In Advance…,
@Mr. April: Those really the only two you have to drop? I’d want to start Ogre.
@Sky:
Yeah, that’s it. It’s a very shallow 12 teamer where we don’t have a TE slot.
This is my roster
Starters:
Eli Manning
Alfred Morris
Danny Ammendola
Dre Johnson
Pierre Garçon
***FLEX***
Browns
Dan Bailey
Bench: Gio Bernard, MJD, Ellington, Shorts, Douglas, Foles
I’m sitting in 5th but tied with 4 other teams that have scored less points so I really need a W this week. That’s why I was wondering about grabbing Ogby but not anyone I’m really excited about dropping.
@Mr. April: I’d be inclined to drop Ellington there. Bruce Arians game plan pretty much has. He’s too hard to trust from week to week.
So I guess you Antonio won’t be TOO shut down by Haden according to your rankings I’ll risk it and start him.
Also how do I read your rankings if I’m in a .5PPR do I look at PPR or standard?
@Dave: Antonio Brown is a hard guy to sit. Just gotta hope Haden slips and Brown breaks a long one. Steelers won’t forget he’s out there.
You look at the PPR for PPR rankings…
@Sky: Thanks lol I know it sounded like a dumb question but I was always confused and never asked because .5PPR always seemed to me as kinda in between.
Yeah, standard means there’s no points for receptions.
Trade Trent Richardson for Roddy White?
My other RBs are Andre Brown/Demarco Murray/Fred Jackson
If you need WR help go for it. Both are low end options at this point
in 10-team ppr league, 1 game out of the playoffs and I need to win out for a chance.
QB Big Ben
RB1 Ben Tate
RB2 Woodhead
WR1 DThomas
WR2 Torrey
WR3 Wright
TE Clay
WR/RB Donald Brown
WR/TE Boykins
Bench: Rodgers, Cobb, DMC, Powell, Ivory, Bengals
Offered 2 deals
Torrey & Shorts for Stacy (i’ve been trying to get him for woodhead/shorts) and I can make a waiver claim for stills for process tomorrow so won’t be able to get him for tonight.
Roddy & TY for DThomas (this was just offered from a team with bush, CJ1.5K, decker, douglas, jordy, andre brown, gates, colston, and bernard amongst others) so what would you recommend needing to get back if you were to part with DThomas?
That trade just creates more problems further down your lineup losing Torrey
I don’t see how that second trade helps you at all. Your WRs aren’t a problem, your RBs are and you have low end TEs. You’re gonna need to hope the team you have can get you there if those are the trades being offered. Your bench isn’t helping you with these trades, you don’t have the depth to take the hits.
thats the realization I come to everyday I look at my team.
Yeah, tough at this time of year. Gotta hope the guys you have get you there. Blowing up what you got won’t help.
@David: Do the first one for Stacy
Need one for flex in a must-win this week (PPR): Roddy, Ivory, Keenan, Vereen. Vereen is still in my IR slot; activating him would require me to drop one of the aforementioned.
Thanks, as always.
Ivory or Roddy. Depends on depth at the position
All this to say you’ll want to start Vereen this week
@Sky: Noted. My depth at RB is pretty good: Shady, Lacy, Tate, Spiller, and Ivory; just hate dropping a starting RB (I say that and Ivory will get 5 touches this week).
I do lack WR depth and anticipate (wishful thinking) a return to form from Roddy. I will (gasp) drop Ivory.
Thank you.
No prob. Hard to start Ivory week to week with that offense
PPR – Pick 1 in the flex:
Chris Johnson or Keenan Allen (assuming he’s playing at or near 100%).
CJ
Amendola, Douglas, or Tate for a PPR flex spot sir?
@Clint (aka Pablo Death): Covered in rankings. Shots
@Cram It:
Sorry. Didn’t think about the multiple Tates out there: Ben Tate of the Texans. I don’t think the flex is covered in rankings but if it is somehow reconciled, let me know and I’ll stop asking flex questions.
@Clint (aka Pablo Death): It doesn’t over flex, but if you ask about 3 of the same position, it doesn’t matter if it’s RB, WR or Flex, it’s gonna be the same answer. But I thought you meant Golden Tate, so my bad.
Which Tate?
NM, Golden’s on bye. Tate
@Sky:
show me your TATES lol
@tom: 2 drink minimum to get that show outta me!
Need a 3rd receiver from this list this week and ROS
Randle
Nicks
Graham
Bennett
Fleener
Lastly do i pick up
Cobb randall (do i pick up for playoffs I’m 8-3) 4 playoffs.
.
And would love it if you wrote an article about setting up your squad for the PLAYOFFS…..DEFENSES…
Half of them aren’t receivers. Do you mean you need someone in flex? If so, Fleener for this week and probably ROS
Depends who you’re dropping Cobb for.
Will see what I can do.
Can you please explain why you have Rams D so much higher than ECR? I’m only asking because I picked them up a few days ago and I’m trying to stop myself from making a last minute switch that costs my team the victory… again… like last week when I switched Bills for Jets on Saturday.
Thanks.
At home and just came off a thrashing of the Colts at Indy. They’re a good defense.
@L-Boogie: You picked them up on your own volition believing they’re a strong play AND you have Sky’s ranking to back that up, so hold.
Due to a BYE for Mr. Cooper and a headache from Welker, I have to start Dobson this week if Welker is out. I also need some help at W/R flex because my only options are the banged up Sproles and Woodhead v. KC. I have Fleener at TE and Reed on the bench with his headache. The Ogre is available and I’d like to play him over Sproles or Woodhead at flex, but my only drops are Reed or Dobson this week. If I drop Dobson, though, and Welker doesn’t play, then I’m a man short at WR. Would you cut anyone for the Ogre?
You can drop Reed if you really need the win this week. If not, I’d hold if those are really your only drop options.
@Sky: I’m in 2nd, playing the 1st place team. We are the only two teams with playoff spots locked up. So I guess it isn’t absolutely necessary that I win this week. But I’d like to. He hasn’t lost yet.
I hear ya. The only one I’d want to drop Ogre for would be Dobson but unless you have some other way to make things work, you’re in a bad place for the week in doing that.
@Sky: yeah, I may wait for an update on Welker. If he’s good to go, then I may give Ogre a shot if he’s still there. Even though I have Fleener, I’d like to hang on to Reed for Playoff time.
I have a hard time believing Welker sits vs his former team but it’s best to play it smart. And I agree about Reed.
Gotta start two of these guys this week, 1RB and 1Flex. Is it as simple as Matthews and Ogbonnaya? Why so low on Shorts?
13 Ryan Mathews (SD) at KC
17 Chris Ogbonnaya (CLE) vs. PIT
25 Danny Woodhead (SD) at KC
22 Keenan Allen (SD) at KC
33 Cecil Shorts (JAC) at HOU
Thanks!
@ReleasetheMcCracken: Yes it’s that simple
Yup, just that simple
@Sky: Well what do you know about that. I didn’t realize the RB and WR rankings matched up ie. #15 RB = #15 WR. Thanks for answering such a simple question.
Probably doesn’t have an effect on most, but you ranked Freeman, not Ponder. I saw this morning on ESPN that Ponder got named the starter for Sunday. I’m guessing they occupy the same spot though.
That said. Ponder vs Clemons: Clemons greater floor, Ponder higher ceiling? I think I don’t want to play 2QB league next year, haha.
Yeah, same low end area. Will update shortly. Clemens has no floor nor ceiling. He’s just there. Ponder is the better play there.
I know why you like Flacco….You guys have the same unibrow
Brows of a feather, furrow together.
@Sky: I think id Flacco handle bars it like you do he might be a better QB….or at least make the defensive players stutter enough to throw it away
Every halloween he should dress as a mobster and be called Brows
@Sky: or this http://lisawallerrogers.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/frida-kahlo-frida-kahlo-172270_845_1181.jpg
You rankings remind me why my RB2/3/4 are so annoying. The guy I’m in theory going to drop if there is ever a pickup to be made (Ellington) is ranked ahead of the guy who actually has a predictable workload (MJD) and the guy I’d prefer to play if I could ever predict the week he would get the “our team is winning” workload (Ivory).
LMiller hit the wire, but he wouldn’t help this situation (PPR) at all, would he? Is there any pattern to the games where Daniel Thomas gets the extra work?
The pattern is somewhere in Philbin’s bald head. I’m too scared to go in there and find it out. You’re just gonna have to swim through the dreck and hope for the best.
Woo buddy, I’m telling ya. Dallas D’s gonna be a big scorer this week. I’m not starting them because I have SF, but consider it a challenge, a la the great “Eifert/GB TE who’s name I’ve forgotten already” debate. Let us gently touch tips and duel!
Ha! En garde! NYG is running the ball well again behind Brown, something the Cowboys can’t stop. Not to mention with Sean Lee out, their defense looks pretty bad right now even with Ware back. I don’t think the Giants are amazing but they’ve righted the ship somewhat in recent weeks. BRING IT ON!
@Sky: I’m not saying Dallas dominates. But I’m counting on Eli showing his ass when NYG is favored. Def a pick/multiple TO’s, maybe a pick 6, or strip sack fumble for a TD. It’s not something to bank on when doing rankings, but I’m dialing it up! She-li!
Alright, well then this Sunday shall be war for us. I’ll dress up in my best Braveheart/blue-painted attire. I’ll be doing a kilt lift waggle in your direction at the start of the game. It’s on!
@Sky: Perfect! I’m more of a Gladiator guy, so I’ll be donning my closely cropped toga and leather armor. You will be entertained…by Eli’s shenanigans!
I’m going to really enjoy his 200/2 while Andre Brown rolls for 150 total yards and another score this week.
@Sky: Hey those numbers are still attainable even with a few sacks, a couple TO’s and a defensive TD thrown in. Double digit points for that D. (I’m in too deep now to back off it.)
This is the week ‘Debbie Does Dallas’ becomes ‘Dallas Does Cram It’. Book it!
Chris Ivory, Cecil Shorts, or Roddy White- Flex, Thank you love the unibrow and article
Haha, Roddy
Flex Andre Brown or Jimmy Graham?
Brown
Hmm, Rice or James Jones at flex, PPR?
They’re pretty close in the rankings, I’m leaning jones because of Rice’s snowsuit and the Jets D
I like the boykin over Twilliams call, although after the start of the season it just feels wrong benching receivers against the Giants haha.
Thanks!
@brick: Yeah, try JJ
Yeah, T-Wil is trending downward. Hard to trust him.
Sky must win Ppr Rainey or decker?
@Brett: I’d want Rainey
Why so low on Witten this week? He’s historically gotten his against the Giants… I have Fleener, too, so I’m in a quandry with picking between the two this week.
@Owen: He’s also been pretty poor this year overall. He might go off but his recent play gives me zero confidence in him.
I grabbed the Chiefs in week 2 and the Panthers a couple weeks ago in an RCL. I am so f**king pissed the RCL trade dealing is past. Can’t drop em, can’t play both
@J-FOH: #FantasyFootballProblems
@Sky: wrong site, sorry the brain is still mushy, doing actual work and covering for two people including the dad/boss is making me age faster than…..uh I have no analogy here
@J-FOH: How is talking fantasy football on a fantasy football site being the wrong site?
@Sky: I meant twitter
#whatevs
@Sky: #hashtag
I used to put ‘Team Slogan’ in that yahoo ‘team slogan’ box. Very hipster of me.
Giants D unranked? They’re coming into this game pretty hot. Couple of recent soft matchups but they did shut down PHI recently. Oversight or are they really a worse play this week than NYJets who I’m currently starting…
@ReleasetheMcCracken: They played an Eagles offense that was starting a hurt Vick and a 3rd string QB after him…and OAK had a broken Pryor. Not buying it. Cowboys are a decent offense.
So I see you’ve given your blessing to drop Ellington, but would you rather drop him or Joique if lineup problems arise?
@Brown L: Other RBs, for context: J.Charles, P.Thomas, Rainey.
@Brown L: …and SJax.
Last one, I swear!
@Brown L: Still Ellington. Bell has a role. Can’t say Ellington has a role from week to week.
Why the negative 5 on Big Ben this week?
After the Kubiaking that Keenum took last week, can we trust he will play all four quarters?
Cleveland DEF is legit, especially at home. Not many QBs have gone into the dogpound and lit it up this year.
I can’t trust him but I can’t ignore the matchup either. He’s their starter. If he performs, he stays in and has a top 10 day in my book.
@Sky: true, i dropped keenum because of the Kubiaking and can’t lose because coach inserted his head up his ass two weeks in a row
Yeah, did you hear the Kubiak excuse? Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Pretty clear he’s gone after the season, sucks he’s being like this on a young QB.
@Sky: no i didn’t, did he claim to have another mini stoke?
Ha no he claimed he did it to save the young mans confidence. What kind of shit is that? Texans were still in the game with him out there. He literally did 100% the opposite of saving his confidence. Now he doesn’t know what getting pulled from the game even means. Stroke or no stroke, you’re F’ing dumb Kubiak
@Sky: go back to holding a clip board Kubiak
Poor Kubs…
Hey Sky! PPR If Peterson doesn’t play do I start Gerhart over V E reen? (thanks for clearing that up by the way. Now there are no excuses)
@Chicken Dinner: No
Ha, glad I could help. And I agree with Cram, you want to go Vereen.
@Sky: The respect everyone’s opinion. Especially from those of your pedigree. Thank you gentlemen.
See honey! Mr. Dinner called me a gentleman!
I have FLEX someone with too many options at my disposal: H. Miller, Miles Austin, Burleson, Montee Ball, J-Stew, Santonio, T-Rich, Joique Bell, and Lafell. Pretty gross list if you ask me, but my QB is Stafford and I’m thinking about gambling with Burleson to double up. Joique is probably out of the running because I have Reggie too.
Most of these guys could be eliminated via the rankings above. I’d lean J-Stew
Quick general question about rankings. Obviously point prediction is a difficult thing and rankings allow us to play who we believe will be better. But how much of a discrepancy is there between someone in the 15 range compared to the 20 range?
For example the scenario that I have right now is I own Ridley as my #2 RB for this week. Ogboynaya is available as a free agent but I would need to drop one of my bench guys that I’m holding so others don’t get them and use them against me(not THAT big of deal, but it was part of my playoff plan). The difference between the two RBs are 4 spots (17 and 21). Does that correlate to a large difference in potential points which makes it worth to drop a bench person that I’m currently hoarding?
As a side note: Think CLE will run that often against PIT?
@Ryan: Just realized you talked about him in a few other comments prior. Was wondering who the “Ogre” was haha. OOPS!
Ha! No worries.
That question depends a lot on position and the layout of the week.
Ridley is facing a defense that gives very little on the ground/to opposing RBs. Just ask Jamaal Charles’ owners from last week. Ogre is not. That said, I don’t know who you’re hoarding or whether they have a better ROS value so it’s hard to answer your question. I’d want to start Ogre this week if I could.
PIT’s defense can be run on and has been most of the year. I do think they can and they will to limit exposing Campbell to much.
@Sky: Ok. Makes sense.
On my bench during the playoffs I’ll have Kendall Wright, Shane Vereen(in standard league though), Ridley(Lynch is on bye this week so that’s why i’m playing him this week) and currently Jordan Reed(who if he wasn’t injured this wouldn’t be an issue).
With that being said, I know my easiest solution is to drop the Bills defense(that I grabbed yesterday) in which I planned on using week 16 when they played Miami. Currently Carolina is my DEF and I RARELY have 2 def’s, but I’m planning ahead since I’m currently in 1st place. Carolina plays New Orleans week 16, so I’m thinking about swapping that out to be safe.
So drop the Bills D for Ogre then?
Yeah, I’d go that route.
What do you think of Jordan Reed? seems like he wasn’t doing much before his concussion – would delanie walker be better in the long run?
By ‘doing much before’ I assume you mean simply week 11, a week where the ‘skins got nothing going until the 4th quarter after he’d left the game. Considering what he did in the weeks leading up to last, that’s pretty shortsighted in my book. I’d hold.
All wise Sky,
Is it worth dropping Ellington, McFadden or S. Jackson for Donald Brown?
Also, who out of those possible four would you start as #2RB?
Many thanks!
Any of the above are reasonable but I’d drop DMC. Based on rankings above, gotta be Brown.
Would you move Brees for nick foles as part of your sell high? Example deal is
Brees RyanMat Ellington for Foles and Lacy
Then team would be
Foles Stacy lacy Calvin Hilton Keenan/rainey witten/reed
Would still have ogre, shonn and Lamar
Brees/Ryan/Ellington for Foles/Lacy, right? Think you can get away with Brees/Ellington there. Start with that. No reason to give away everything.
@Sky: I can try that… You think the downgrade from Brees is worth doing for foles? Assume you’d like Russell Wilson or romo way more..
As a starter, Foles’ lowest output was the concussion game at 5 points. The rest of the time: 29/45/22/21. I’m saying I don’t think the downgrade is severe as people think. Just a name recognition thing; the matchups are good down the stretch. Actually, I’d want Foles over Romo/Wilson. It sounds scary but the kid’s onto something.
@Sky: do you like Ryan Mathews over Rainey Ros given schedules?
Ryan. @kc cin nyg @den oak
Rainey @det @car buf sf @Stl
@Zandy: also Ros for a standard league, how would you rank demaryius, Gordon, garçon, alshon
Thanks buddy, Tmw is the waiver deadline so I’m trying to just lock in a move or two
I don’t mind giving input on these but you’re not dropping any of these guys for FA slop…can I ask how the ROS helps at this point? Maybe I’m reading it wrong.
@Sky: whoops! Trade deadline**
My bad
For the foles deal he’s hesitant on lacy so I figured I’d look at his wrs to try to find someone that would move Hilton to my flex and let me start just two rbs… Instead of a lacy Stacy Matthews/Rainey combo
Sorry about the confusion
No worries,
Rainey/Mathews
DT/Gordon/Garcon/Alshon
If he’s hesitant, the big thing in that deal to me was selling Brees like his name means something. If you need to throw in Ryan to get him, dive in.
@Sky: sorry last two as before I send out proposals…
View on stashing Aaron Rodgers?
Marshawn better Ros than lacy right?
I’m fine with stashing Rodgers. Just depends on who I have to give up to do it. Nothing wrong with a wild card on the bench.
Yes on Marshawn > Lacy but the line isn’t as strong as it would’ve been about 2 or 3 weeks ago.
@Sky: btw you’re the man. Every week you continue to impress me more and more! I’ve also learned a ton from you in my first fantasy football season, so thank you!!
Ha, thanks Zandy! Appreciate the kind words and for your continued reading!
Colston or DeMarco in my flex?
Close but I like Colston’s matchup too much. Make sure if you’re playing him tonight he goes in a WR spot, though. You never know when an injury will hit.
@Sky: cheers
I’ll drink to that
I’m having to decide between Stacy, Dre brown, Pt Cruiser and Tate this week. i know Stacy and Tate are must starts, But damn I am having a hell of a time with Brown vs. PT in a PPR, it’s close but I’m agonizing over this one. Most likely I start Brown and leave my PT Cruiser in the garage…..why didn’t I make two flexes in this league.
Was kinda wondering that myself. The more flex/positions, the less luck is involved. Flog away, though. You deserve it!
@Sky: but it hurts when i flog myself
No excuses, 50 lashings
@Sky: speaking of 50 lashes have you taken the old bud light drinkin wifey to the arcade bar yet? order another of those magnificent cocktails I turned you onto? I want my street fighter re-match!
She’s in school all the time. There’s literally zero days in the week the two of us could go do that right now. Very much looking forward to June when this crap is over…I haven’t had another one since but I will if I go out again. I finally got the wifey to like white russians…how can you NOT like them? I don’t know but now that she does, the next step is to get her to enjoy The Big Lebowski. Oddly, that’s the tougher task.
Haha, another Street Fighter mash! I’m game. No E-Honda, though. Dude is a cheat code. But I will read up on the special moves of everyone. I’ll be coming prepared, son, you best do the same!
@Sky: Be careful what you ask for, if I come up with baby’s mama in Dec, as long as the ducks win out I’ll be able to get smashed and well….I’m a sore loser and might try to street fighter you outside. You better hope it doesn’t turn into grappling is all I got to say.
I love white russians, some of my best blackouts started with a few of those. The best way if you are home making them is use half and half. Back in the day, bars always carried half and half and now they all use milk. Damn cheap asses.
So that would be Zangeif vs Dhalsim…Zangief sucked!
Milk is bullshit. Never used it when making one. Though when I went to china, my best bud ordered a long island Ice tea and I ordered my WR. I got soy milk and he got actual tea. I don’t know which one was worse.
@Sky: when i’m sick i make a hot tottie with tea and tequila and makes the cough syrup kick a little harder.
I always thought I looked good in a mohawk
That sounds like grandpa’s cough syrup alright. I usually just curl up and slowly die until come back.
I can only imagine. I look good tanned and leather-skinned?
16 team super deep league, have to start 1 rb, 1 wr and 3 flex. My choices are: Moreno, Stacy, Donald Brown, Bobby Rainey, Cordarelle Patterson and Julius Thomas. Fitzgerald is starting at WR since he’s the only thing I have close to a consistent receiver. I think it’s basically down to Donald Brown and Julius Thomas, but Thomas has the late game on Sunday night. T rich also has a new injury, should I start Thomas or just go with Brown? Thanks, its .5 ppr as well.
Not sure about JT’s health right now. My initial response is him but keep your eye on his status on the injury reports/Sunday morning.
Should I trade marshall and woodhead for morris and garcon? woodhead is currently my RB2 in a 0.5 ppr
It’s fair given your needs but I’d hold, personally.
What up Skyronne … If I use your rankings I have A.Brown and Ridley as my RB 1&2. Wide receiver Calvin and Gordon as WR 1&2… I’m trying to figure out who to Flex… Boykin, K.Wright or Steven Jackson? It’s a 1pt PPR league. Thanks dude
Hey Tyronne! I’ll go Kendall there. I’d expect plenty of receptions
@Sky: @Ty:
10-4 on that.. Thanks my man
No prob
Good afternoon Sky, I already have a lock and game 1 bye for playoffs….PPR..Have Rb’s Mcoy, Gore, Vereen, Woodhead…Wr’s Marshall, Gordon, Stevie Johnson, Cotchry and R. Matthews…Qb Luck…Te’s Reed and Clay.. Been offered a trade Colston for Gore….(Gore is the only one he will take) Would you pull this one for depth???? Thanks for your input Dude….
Nice!
I think you got that first week bye for a good reason. I’d hold there. Gore is worth more than that.
@Sky: Thanks…I have been in this league the past 20 yrs….I am my own worst problem….Thanks…Keep on advising!!!!
20 year vets…thanks for playing. You paved the way for us all!
@Sky: We used to have to get the Monday and Tuesday Chicago Sun Times for Sunday’s stats and calculate them for to determine the outcome of our scores……Go out shovel the snow…..Come back in look at those stats…..and think “Looks like I had my ass kicked again”…Looking back “It was a real pain in the ass.” But we didn’t really know any better back then…..But it was all good back then….and nowadays with your column we can Get a few laughs and some good info before we head out for work…….Instead of the dreaded Monday paper……..
That is dedication and that is awesome. I think many who write/research nowadays do a lot of different stat looking up work but as you know, it’s a labor of love…and thanks for the kind words! Glad to give a chuckle out when and where I can.
Gut feeling, who are you starting in a PPR league, Cecil Shorts or Roddy White?
My gut says I’d go by how I ranked them up above. Nice name, BTW.
@Sky:
They’re so close I figured you’d have to have a better gut feeling. Does White get a bunch of targets in tonight’s shootout or does Cecil get a bunch after calling Henne a pussy?
Better chance White performs well as Falcons play from behind. I get the squeaky wheel argument but still don’t think the Jags have it this year.
Ben tate, vehreen, josh gordon pick 2 ppr thanks
Tate/Gordon
Two questions for you Sky
PPR- pick one to start this week
Decker vs Pats
Jeffrey vs Rams
Hilton vs Cards
And my second question is would you keep Hilton or Jeffrey as a keeper? to go along with my two keepers already(RW3 and Gronk)
Thanks Sky
GoHawks!
Hey my man, GoHawks indeed. Have the first part covered with the rankings aove.
Man, that’s a tough choice. I almost have to say Alshon because I don’t trust the Colts to let him excel like this. They don’t seem as committed to him as they should be, especially with how the beginning of the year started.
Sky…you rank Colston and Antonio Brown really close? Do you view them as a toss up this week? Im concerned about Haden on Brown. WR are averaging 48 yards against him and only one td has been scored. He has faced Green twice, Jordy, Calvin, Torrey twice and Wallace….you’re not worried?
Oh I’m worried, trust me. Just hard to say to sit one of the best WRs in the game right now. Don’t think I can do that. Maybe the Steelers find other ways to get him going and the ball in his hands to make up for it. Plus Big Ben is a much smarter QB than Andy Dalton is. I think that part helps alot.
Making some progress….
Which do you prefer for ROS
Foles Calvin Demarius Stacy Mathews flex: either Rainey/Hilton
Foles Calvin Hilton Stacy Lacey flex: either Rainey/Keenan
I like the RBs more on the second team. I’d take that one.
weird counter… would you send witten or reed for andre brown or ray rice? assume no to ray but curious how you think brown fits in with stacey mathews rainey ogre and lamar
Solid RB2 when healthy. Have no problem trading Reed or Witten there for him. Actually would trade Witten there
@Sky: Is reed going to be able to play this week? Or should i also pick up a TE in case? Does that change ur view at all?
@Zandy: Like for instance could pla carlson if reed is out and ive sent witten away…
@Zandy: If John is out there, you’ll be fine. Just play him if Reed can’t go. I don’t know if he’ll play.
Standard league trade
My Dez for Stacy and K. Allen
Current lineup:
Morris
Ellington
Dez
Cruz
Shorts
Bench WR: S. Johnson, Terrance Williams, Miles Austin.
No bench RB worth noting.
Hold, yes, or hell yes?
Thanks
Yes
I must hate myself. I can’t stop starting Matt Ryan. I started him over Big Ben today banking on a shoot out. Along with Roddy White. Eff. I’m in contention and can’t keep making these mistakes. Eli and Palmer are on waivers and I wish I could drop Ryan to get rid of the temptation. Eli looking better yet? My league doesn’t count INT’s.
Thanks y’all!
@Biz: If your league doesn’t count INTs, then Eli and/or Ben are safe.
The run game has improved Eli’s passing game quite a bit. Overall, I’d play matchups down the stretch. Ryan will have a few good ones but he’s not an every week start/must hold at this point.
Jimmy Graham’s 21 points are sitting on my bench, right now. Fleener better earn at least HALF of that or I’m coming back here to say something about it. : /
You gonna go AVGN on me?
@James R: lol why would you bench jimmy graham?
Because his snap count has been limited and he’s become a bigger gamble week to week than everyone thinks.
Also aside from the above, Hilton and Ellington for desean?
I’d take DeSean there.
Hey Sky,
Long time reader first time writer.
For my flex in PPR league, do I start Antonio Brown, Alshon, or Shane V?
Thanks
Rob T
I think Vereen has the highest floor, I’d roll with him. Glad to have you around Rob!
Any changes w/ weather?
Boykin or Randle .5 PPR
Would you bench Prater w/ the high winds/snow in NE for say Zuerlin or Bollock?
4 pts for 51 +
-1 all misses
@Must Win!:
Nicks could be out according to early rumors…
Thanks for the heads up!
Boykin and nah stick with Prater
12 team ppr which three wr, garcon, Cruz, Larry Fitz, Josh Gordon
Have you covered with the rankings above my good man