Oh week 16, why do you come along and always make things weird? It’s championship week, could you f’ing not? The Fantasy Football season was trending along just fine, thank you very much, and you come in to a crowded room where everyone is dancing and fart as loudly as you could without even so much as a hint of being embarrassed. Miley Cyrus comes in like a Wrecking Ball, you just come in like William Hung. So of course in a week like this, I just have to rank Andy Dalton in a spot that makes me feel ridiculously odd but what can I say? You know the old addage: red on the head like a dick on a Dalton…or maybe not. IDK, you know I hate this guy but I try not to let my emotions get in the way when the sitch fits and this one fits like a Christina Hendricks top: it covers everything but definitely leaves you wanting to see a bit more. I think I’m mixing my analogies now so let’s just say why we like Andy now, shall we? First, he’s a different type of ginger at home with a 14:5 TD to INT ratio and almost a 20 point swing in QB rating. What makes this matchup all the bestier is the team they’re playing: the Vikings or as I like to call them ‘the second worst defense against opposing QBs behind Dallas’. That’s really hard to fit on a jersey, though, so we’ll just call that their nickname. There’s no reason Dalton shouldn’t put up top 5 numbers this week in my opinion. In other rankings ranklings, wanna know what else the Vikings can’t defend? Yeah, opposing running backs…oh heck who are we kidding, they can’t defend anything. The Illusionist GOB should have a field day, especially in PPR formats as Minnesota gives up 6 receptions a game to opposing backs. Consider BJGE a nice flex option by default while we’re at it. Meanwhile, Jordan Toddman is asking for a High Five. In other news, Greg Little…wow. Again, Championship Week, you’re making it weird. At Tight End…c’mon fellow rankers! Ertz gets a prime matchup and he usually takes advantage when they’re presented. May not be a huge day but a red zone target and about 40 yards total and we’re good for TE. My sweet Carolina defense call? The Saints just had their mardi gras beads handed to them on the road by the Rams. NOLA isn’t the same away from the dome and I think the Panthers pounce at home for a division lead. And regarding Jacksonville: when others Jig, I Jaguar. Kickers were selected by sending them to the mall for last minute christmas shopping on a Saturday. Only those who came back to retell their sad tale were chosen. But enough about the joy of the season, let’s talk shop. Here’s the rankings for week 16 of the 2013 Fantasy Football season…
Thanks for the rankings all year Sky. I’ve gotten to the finals with your help. One question.. if Aaron Rodgers winds up playing this week. How high would u have Jordy? Thanks again.
@Mike: Hey Mike, thanks for the kind words! Glad we could help. He’ll move up but not by much. I don’t trust a guy who hasn’t been cleared to play before Friday with the type of injury he has to be effective. Maybe up around the mid-20’s
@Sky: you have jordy 40th overall, even though PIT is 23rd against #1 WR’s. (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef) compared to where you have him mid-20’s would be a big upgrade.
One quick championship question:
Pick one: T.Y. Hilton, Dwayne Bowe, Michael Crabtree
Also, would you put Steven Jackson in over any of them at FLEX?
@SpeedyJohn: Steven Jackson has a horrible matchup and is playing in San Francisco. I’d take one of those WRs based on the rankings provided above.
If your league is PPR, match-up or not, you gotta at least play SJAX over Bowe. Bowe does not have as big a piece of that offense as his talent would suggest.
It’s definitely a gameflow call. I’d say Bowe’s upside is about 5/60/1. With SJax, you’re hoping he gets 12 to 15 totes for 50 and a TD at some point and maybe a few receptions but Atlanta has swapped guys in and out all year at RB. Either way, not a huge fan of starting either personally.
Why so low on Big Ben and so high on Cousins?
@SMLV1: Not sure why the low on Ben but I know he’s high on Cousins because the Cowboys gave up 5 TDs to Flynn last week.
@Chicken Dinner: *4
@Chicken Dinner: also CHI game was about the worst defense performance seen by anyone ever the week before.
@SMLV1: Not sure who I’d really bump below Ben. GB can be tough in the winter, that would play into it.
@SMLV1: I can’t rank everyone 13 or 14 or 15. He’s in QB2 range with some other good plays ahead of him. Not much I can say other than I don’t hate him but ain’t thrilled either. Cousins just had a huge game and gets to face the team that gives up the most points to opposing QBs. That’s a hard matchup to turn down.
@Sky I feel ya. Just Wilson getting benched last week with 10 mins left hurt me a little. Was gonna roll with Ben cause I’m not a fan of starting an unproven QB…dallas d or not.
Flynn has looked like crap the entire year and just dropped 299/4 on that Dallas D. He has about as many career starts as Cousins does at this point. I don’t think you need to worry.
Crabtree or Vereen for the win?
@Chicken Dinner: Tough one. If you’re the favored, I’d probably go conservative with Vereen. I think Vereen is the best NE match up against the Ravens D. If you need upside, then Crabtree could have a big game against ATL.
@Chicken Dinner:Agree w/BTD
Standard league. Are you flexing Stacey or Keenan Allen? Thanks man as always
@Zandy: I’ll lean Keenan there.
@Sky: thanks man. I just want to get a feel for floor — which two have the highest floor out of Mathews, Stacy and todman?
Mathews/Todman. I trust Stacy will get touches but you need a TD to make his day big enough to be starting him. Could see 60 to 80 total yards and you need that TD to make it all worth it.
PPR league…..made it to the championship, but held together by duct tape at this point.
Why so down on Edelman/Amendola, the match up against Bal?
I currently have my roster set as:
QB: Peyton
WR: Edelman
WR: Amendola
RB: Knowshon
RB: Todman/MJD
Flex: Hartline
Flex: Streater
BN: Fitzgerald (according to the rankings I should be starting him, but combo of concussion + SEA worries me)
BN: Welker
BN: Andre Caldwell (was going to roll the dice with him over Streater if Welker doesn’t go)
BN: Joique Bell
BN: Ace Sanders
Would you start Caldwell or Welker over Amendola depending on which one starts?
Thanks!
@eltoo: Baltimore matchs up well with Edelman and Amendola. That’s why they are ranked lower. Webb and especially Jimmy Smith have played really well this year (see Megatron last week). Plus Brady will be under pressure. And no Gronk allows linebackers to be more creative and aggressive (blitz, coverage, zones…).
@eltoo: But no. IMO, stay with Amendola.
@eltoo: Probably one of the receivers will have a decent game for NE, I just don’t think last week was a sign of things to come. I could see the merit of Caldwell over ‘dola and especially Welker if he starts.
@Sky: Yeah, I think last week was just a matter of Brady not having other options….I was hoping the targets would still be there depending on Tompkins/Dobson returning.
How confident are you in the Sanu +41 vs ECR call? He’s on the wire. Hasn’t done much of late, but nice match up
I wouldn’t call a fringe WR3 a guy I have confidence in. Just like the matchup, he could have a solid day if Dalton and company go off like I expect them to.
Dennis Johnson or Andre Holmes? Thanks!
@joe: Johnson.
@BTD: @ sky – you agree?
@joe: Yup
ppr flex – Amendola or S-Jax?
Appreciate all the help, Sky. I started the season with a record of 3-4. After coming to the realization that the last blogger I followed was a clown, I found this site. Since then I’ve won 7 of my last 8 matchups, no joke. I don’t know whether to attribute that more to my guys getting healthy or your great advice, but it’s somewhere in the middle for sure. Cheers!
@Nathan: Was it the red nose and bright red shoes that gave the last guy away? *Washes white makeup off face* Thanks for the kind words, Nathan!
Hrm, don’t like either matchup but I’ll take ‘dola there.
Somehow I squeezed into the playoffs and lucked my way to the finals of a 14-teamer this week… I’ve been extremely questionable at RB all year and now some of the FA claims are starting to come through. I’ll probably be starting Todman and Johnson (unbelieveably) at RB1 and RB2… Yikes!
Who to start at Flex? Ivory or Colston?
I don’t see Andre Caldwell listed. Was that intentional or an oversight? I can see the big names having big games against Houston, but can still see his underneath/seam role continuing too.
@BTD: Ha, not too scary. They’re young and hungry with decent matchups. I have one or the other going in a few leagues this week.
I’ll try Ivory there.
I’m waiting for word on Welker. I’ll make some modifications this weekend. I’m pretty sure Houston won’t be smart enough to scheme like the Chargers did last week, basically pushing the ball towards Caldwell. They play a lot of man, that won’t work against a guy like DT or Decker. Should get burned a few times. That said, I’ll probably put Caldwell top 25 WRs for the week if Welker is a no go.
I was thinking of starting Moreno ahead of Bush, but you’ve got Bush ranked higher. What do you see that I don’t? Moreno may be losing some touches, but he’s in a better offense. The D match ups are similar against the run. Do you see Denver running it up quicker and pulling Moreno earlier and Bush playing longer?
Or are you banking on more Eli picks and short fields for Bush? :)
@BTD: In another league.
@BTD: Both guys catch a lot of passes. Houston doesn’t give up many to opposing backs, the Giants have given up 80+. And Reggie and company just rushed for plenty against a far harder rushing opponent in the Ravens. Moreno you’re banking on a TD. He’s playing in a split backfield at this point and they have no reason to grind him into the ground before the playoffs.
By your PPR rankings, here’s my team this week:
QB: 1
RB: 2, 8 and 9
WR: 4 & 9
TE: 3
K: 1
DEF: 5 & 6
I’m looking good for a SB victory if your rankings pan out.
Why did you drop Jordy so far down from ECR?
@James Rolfe: Nice!
I think a large part of Jordy’s rankings are people believing Rodgers will be back. Think it’s foolhardy to bank on him and to bank on him coming back and pushing Jordy back to that high level when he does.
Sky you’re blowing my mind with these rankings. I thought I was all setup and ready to go for this week and now my world got turned upside down.
Pitta over Julius Thomas – I don’t think I have the cohones to do that.
Todman over Moreno – I could see that working. Moreno has been giving up touches to Montee Ball, they want to keep him fresh for the playoffs. I may make that move.
Is Pitta a gut call for you?
With all this being said, your rankings have helped me tremendously this year. I just don’t know if I have the huevos to follow them 100% this week.
@Shake N Bacon: Pitta has a great matchup this week. Hard to go wrong with either. as we’re talking a matter of a couple of spots. Just think Flacco will rely heavily on Pitta this week with shorter routes given the knee issues.
You do what you have to do. Every man must shake his bacon in his own way, after all.
@Sky: Ha, your last sentence should be engraved on my tombstone.
Yeah it’s tough when you’re comparing two guys ranked so closely. It’s a flip of a coin really. I have a hard time not going with the guys that got me here. But that could easily back fire on me.
Ha!
Yeah, I don’t ride the guys that got me here. I’ve never been on board with that phrase unless we’re talking about the invincibles like a Graham/Gronk/PFM/Charles/McCoy…you get the gist. Orange Julius doesn’t apply for me there, personally.
@Sky: Yeah I get what you mean. I do like OJ’s consistency though. It’s a tough call. I probably won’t make my final decision until game time.
Thanks for providing ranks and funny articles all season. Has been an enjoyable fantasy season because of Razzball.
Thanks man, it’s been fun bantering with you and the good readers. I’ll catch you on the baseball side still, albeit in a smaller capacity. Go get’um!
@Shake N Bacon: Pitta will see plenty of pigskin. Only start Thomas for ceiling if you’re projected to lose by 10 or if you’re in a standard league.
One question to finish setting my roster this week for the championship! My league starts 2 DEF and I have been great in both spots all year starting SEA and KC. I had an open roster spot and noticed nobody in my league owned DET and they are playing the mess of an offense Giants. Do I go with what got me here in KC or do I give DET the championship week nod?
@Spencer: They’re all nice matchups. I don’t think you can go wrong but I ranked Detroit ahead of KC so they’d be a pickup for me.
Getting over my bitterness of my 11-2 team playing in 3rd place game… might as well try to recoup some dues… PPR.
Tannehill in Buffalo over Brees? I know, look at your rankings… just haven’t benched Brees all year. Flip a coin?
Pick 1 WR and 1 flex: Nelson, Hilton, SJax, Woodhead? Right now, it’s Hilton at WR and Nelson in the flex. SJax is the bane of my existence this year…
Happy Holidays.
@CL: I’ll put it to you this way: Fitz/Tannehill/Cousins/Cassel/Flynn all outscored Brees last week. He’s playing on the road which is not a place he does well, typically. Plus its against the Panthers who’re looking to win their division.
WRs were ranked above…I’ll give Nelson a go. Not big on Woodhead/SJax this week.
Need a flex guy –
You like Hilton or Woodhead better?
I think Woodhead is a safer pick but Hilton has the ability to go off, even vs. the Chiefs.
@fd: Hilton. Probably some garbage time work will improve his end line. Don’t like how SD has used Woodhead over the last few weeks. Mathews is taking control of that backfield.
@Sky:
ty for your valuable advice, this week and previous weeks. Definitely aided our mediocre team in getting to the championship.
GL to all!
Glad to help! Go for gold my friend
Garcon or Todman…assuming Drew is out?
@Bryan: Nice problem to have. I’ll say Todman
Hey Sky, you’ve been a damn rabbit’s foot for me all season, helping my team climb from 10th place into the finals!!! Let’s see if we can keep the magic going:
With Tate heading to the IR, I need a flex WR/RB in a standard 12-team yahoo league. Options are: James Jones, Dennis Johnson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Rashard Mendenhall or Jacoby Jones. My gut says James Jones if Rodgers is healthy and either Mendenhall or Patterson if he’s hurt. What do you think?
Thanks in advance!
@Toby: You just keep rubbing me the right way and I will!
Well, I ranked Dennis Johnson ahead of Rashard above so he wouldn’t be a part of my equation. I’d lean DJ there.
Up 35 going into the final week of championship. I have convinced myself I am comfortable starting Cousins over Smith with the championship on the line (still tough typing that out). My only current dilemma is choosing between VJax or Vereen for my flex (full PPR). I currently have Shady and Lacy at RB and Gordon and Keenan at WR. I am leaning toward Vereen at the flex, counting on a big bounce-back game. What are your thoughts?
Thanks, as always.
@Grayson Lewis: I think Vereen has a solid if unspectacular game. He’s the safest play and I think you’re making the right one. Go for it.
@Sky: Thank you. I know we all appreciate your help throughout the season.
No prob, I’m glad I could help.
Thanks, glad we could help!
Sorry, i posted a question earlier but my morning stroll through all the fantasy sites brought up a couple more, both in regards to IDP. I am trying to squeeze every point out that I can! This league counts 1 point/solo, .5/asst, 2 points/sack, 2 points/int, 1 point/fum forced, 1 point/fum rec.
DB (need 1)
Major Wright vs Phi
Antrel Rolle vs Det
LB (need 2)
Demeco Ryans vs Chi
Kiko Alonso vs Mia
Paul Worrilow vs SF (never heard of this guy from Atl, picked up this morning, has had no less than 9 tackles the last 7 weeks in a row. had 11 or more in 4 of those weeks including a 3 game span where he went for 19,19, and 16.
@Spencer: I don’t do IDP rankings. You can hit up Kevin either later today or on his post from last week with the IDP rankings there.
3 questions:
1) If A-Rod does get cleared, would you still stick w/Cutler & Cousins over inserting him for either in a QB flex spot?
2) If MJD practices today/Friday, would you start him as an RB2 instead of Dennis Johnson in PPR?
3) Crabtree, Amendola, or Andre Brown as a ppr flex?
Thanks as always, Sky. Hopefully your advice will push me into next week’s league final and a shot at my first championship ever.
@Clint (aka Pablo Death):
1) I’m not touching Rodgers this week if he starts. SHouldn’t have to wait until a Friday to know if a guy is playing for the week.
2) I’d want to know his role. I don’t think MJD will play this week, nothing to play for. I’d rather go DJ there.
3) Crabtree since he’s ranked higher than ‘dola already and Brown has a tough matchup.
You play a week 17 championship? You tell your friends to fix that…but I’ll still be ranking and wish you good luck!
@Sky:
Thanks again. Yeah, this is the first league I’ve played in since about 2004 that has a week 17 championship and despite my whining about how foolish it is, the commish wouldn’t budge on changing it. But he did take your suggestion regarding switching from 2 QB to 1 QB, 1 QB/RB/WR/TE spot so maybe I can convince him for next season?
I hope so! I’ve always thought a 2 week championship would make sense. That’s the only way I’d be comfortable involving week 17. Rarely is it the stud that gets you the win. I remember winning a week 17 championship way back when on a great game from Jerheme Urban. Stuff like that shouldn’t happen.
My savior Dan Bailey not ranked this week? Also I’m torn between Rivers and Cousins who do you think has the higher floor between the 2 you have them ranked right next to each other.
Thanks!
@Dave: Ugh…kickers…they’re a crapshoot and gameflow induced. I ranked them as best I could.
The higher floor will always be the veteran. Still think Cousins has a great week. Too good of a matchup not to.
Why is Bernard so high? I keep switching him in/out with Vereen and Jennings because I’m so damn wishy washy. Just curious as to your reasoning.
@Pigs: I read the opening paragraph, I meant moreso in relation to why Vereen and especially Jennings are so low.
@Pigs: Vereen needs a TD to have a big week. He’s Danny Woodhead with a higher floor, especially in PPR leagues. Jennings will have a good week, just don’t think it’ll be a great week.
Let me add my name to the list of satisfied readers. It’s no coincidence that, having discovered Razzball about a year ago, I’ve won two out of three baseball leagues, and am in the final of my main football league in which I’ve never finished higher than 5th. Thanks, Sky and Co.!
Also, was resigned to starting SJax at the flex, and was going to ask about starting him or Marvin Jones, but now I see Dennis Johnson is still unclaimed. I’ll be right back…
@Brown L: Internet fist bump! Thanks for the kind words.
Ha, go play that funky music, DJ.
Pick-a-Flex 0.5 PPR:
Fitz @ Sea
Roddy @ SF
Dobson @ Bal (if healthy)
Todman vs Ten (if MJD out)
.. and would you sub out J. Nelson, Wright, or Streater for any of the 1st 3 guys? Thanks Sky!
@FillyP: You’re trying to pick one flex or 3? Or 4? I’m confused. I think most of your question can be resolved with the WR rankings above. Todman is a must start if MJD is out.
@Sky:
One Flex.
Nelson/Wright/Streater are my WR 1-3. Would you put in Fitz, Roddy, or Dobson over any of them?
@FillyP: Hrm, I didn’t rank Edelman or ‘dola very high because of the matchup. Don’t think I can rank Dobson higher than either of them…yeah, it sounds like the WR rankings are gonna have you covered. If more injury updates hit, I’ll make rankings adjustments but for now, that’s how I’d run them out there.
@Sky:
Gotcha, thanks. Def starting Todman if MJD is out, and I don’t trust Roddy/Fitz with those matchups.
Going to bother you one last time.. I’ve got Arizona’s D going vs. Seattle. Going by your rankings I should pick up Buffalo @ Mia. Other options are SD vs Oak, TB @ StL, Jax vs. Ten. What’s the safest/conservative play?
I don’t think any of those are safe. I’d go with who I ranked highest. Buffalo performs well at home, typically.
I know u ranked Alfred quite a few spots ahead of Vereen. I’m in a PPR league. As u and I both know Alfred has not been Alfred but this match up is juicy. It’s championship week I’m playing the #1:team.
My squad Foles Cutler – play foles
Slim Shady
Then Vereen or Alfred?? Also my 3rd wide receiver is Julian?
DJAX Garçon Edelman- stick with Julian your rankings said no and pick up a Streeter like guy?
D: buffalo versus surging miami, St Louis, Ne, Miami, ST PICK ONE????
WHAT SAY YOU OH MIGHTY ONE on my 3 QUESTIONS
Can’t go against my own rankings, Jeff. I’d play them like I ranked them. If you disagree, we still cool, I promise!
@Sky: Alfred has sucked for 6 weeks since I traded for the sack. He has to score and rush for 100 yards to beat Vereen hopeful totals from PPR. Can’t win with 17-72 from Alfred unless the word touchdown is next to his name. Vereen grab 8-48 and rushes for 36 also doesn’t do it. Ugh!
Yeah, you can thank the Shannys for doing their worst in that regard. They apparently forgot how to coach and run the ball this off season.
@Jeff: can replace Edelman with Holmes streeter either guy in green bay….Marvin Jones or take a flier on Crabtree whose out there?
Ha, Jeff, I think my rankings kinda cover these questions. Not trying to be a jerk, but I did rank these receivers the way I’d play them up above.
@Sky: I only ask as your rankings don’t change for PPR leagues and in both cases Vereen and Edelman over Alfred and Crabtree work if it’s a PPR?
But they do change…click on the PPR rankings…
@Sky: he’s thinking of espn rankings, which don’t switch for PPR.
Hey my online friend and mentor,
Once again, thanks for a season full of advice and some good laughs. I’m not going to be stupid this week and ask a question that your rankings and previous comments already answer, but I have Edleman, Amendola, and Hilton competing for my WR3 spot. I’m in the finals in a PPR league and since I have McCoy and Cutler in good matchups and my opponent is dragging Brees into a bad one and has MJD/Tate injury problems at RB, I feel like I just need to play it safe.
So, I realize Hilton is up in your ranks because of garbage time upside and that BAL can ratchet down on Edelman and Amendola. But I’m wondering if I should go with Edelman just to be safe safe safe since I’m convinced he’s going to get 10 catches even if he gets swallowed up by a sea of purple immediately after. Whatchathink?
Once more, thanks, the whole Razzball blog totally ROCKS but the FF side has an especially friendly feel to it. Thank you!!!
-Greg
I don’t know if Edelman is safe, though. It’s in Baltimore going against a team that’s still in do or die mode and whose QB is dinged up. Defense will need to play big. I think it’s just tough to make a call on who the big man on campus will be from Brady and company without Gronk in there. I could see him having a 10/60 game. I guess that’s safe but I don’t know if that’s a good way to go.
Hey, thanks for reading and the kind words. It’s guys like you that keep the site going so YOU rock.
Thanks, Sky. I feel like I owe ya a beer or two.
I agree with you on that 10/60/0 line and with my PPR league’s scoring format that should be worth about 15 points, which is about half of what a RB1 scores on an average day. I also agree about the difficulty of predicting who Brady’s wubby is going to be, and it will be tough for me to watch since either Amendola or Edelman could play decoy for the other. One of those guys will be on my bench. Yuck.
One more thanks, and I’m looking forward to reading Razball in 2014!
Awesome thanks for reading Greg! You can take me to the bar when I’m in Gregtown. Brady without Gronk is just messy and unpredictable to say the least
I saw your TE rankings, but I thought I’d ask anyways. I’m in the semi-finals and need a TE.
Logan Paulsen vs. Dallas (I like the matchup, but I don’t know with Fred Davis there)
Marcedes Lewis vs. Tenn (I like the odds of an end zone target with Cecil being out)
Andrew Quarless vs. Pitt (The matchup isn’t favorable, but Quarless seems to be the last resort opton for flynn)
Thought I had inserted Lewis into the top 15…oops! I have him at 13th now, just ahead of Paulsen now in standard. Quarless probably has the highest floor but with TE, floor is 4/57. Not something I’d aim for, personally.
Thanks for advice this season sky, a lot of great advice. I’m not looking at the Fantasy SB for my league :D.
Your rankings this week have me looking at crazy moves. I’m gonna drop Aaron Rodgers (I’ve got Foles) for Todman, and starting him over Stacy.
This week looks like Foles, Marshall, Allen, Crabs, Le’veon Bell, Todman, OJ Thomas, Hauschka, and KC. Looks pretty decent :D I think Loudun said to ride the guys who got you here, so I’m gonna follow you like I have all week :D
Not = now, yes? I hope so! I’d like to think I’ve aided you in getting to 1st, not 3rd place matchup!
Yeah, you’re not starting Rodgers over Foles either way in my book. Football is too up and down. I ride hot hands rather than those that got me somewhere. There are some guys who’re hard to sit but really, the best matchup usually wins out.
@Sky: Yeah, not=now. :D
Sky,
With Thad lewis the QB, are you still high on Bills defense?
Jagan
Considering I already ranked Thad, I think we know I already considered that :)
Sky, need some advice on my 2nd RB AND FLEX spot.
I have:
Steven Jackson
Bobby Rainey
Riley Cooper
I know you have Rainey above Jackson, but it seems like Jackson’s floor is higher and Rainey is boom or bust (more bust recently). But Jackson is playing the vaunted 9ers’ D. Cooper has also been pretty quiet as of late (no scores over the past 4 games), but could reconnect with Foles any given week.
Who would you go with and why? I’ve got $500 in my pocket if I win this week!
Thanks as always.
@kidbr9: But, but, but. Not Jackson.
@Cram It: But
@kidbr9: But it’s Jackson’s moon sign this weekend.
You kinda already said why not to start SJax. Sit him
Standard league — Need a flex.
I’m choosing between Kendall Wright and Dennis Johnson.
I also have SJax, Crabtree, Woodhead, Pierre, and Ertz on the bench.
I’d lean DJ
Why do I hate hazelnut in my coffee?
My understanding is you have an aversion to nuts in general.
@Sky: strange, it was only after my trip to see you back in October or as I like to call it Oopstobger
BTW, you were a visor away from looking like Hunter S. Thompson in that pic you sent me.
@Sky: strange, it was only after my trip to see you back in October or as I like to call it Oopstobger
BTW, you were a visor away from looking like Hunter S. Thompson in that pic you sent me.
THIS IS BAT COUNTRY
I need to dress up as Hunter one day for Halloween. I pretty much have his attire in my closet, as you can tell.
@Sky: most definitely. You should have the wifey dress as Richard Nixon
I’ll make sure she doesn’t read this comment for you.
I’m not thrilled about starting Car against Brees, why so high on them this week?
They’re at home and the Saints are pretty bad as a team on the road. Plus Carolina could take the division lead with a win. Lot at stake, think they take advantage.
Hey Sky,
Flex Vereen or Cordarelle? (I’m assuming you’d hold on jennings or edelman) (non-ppr)
Thanks!
Not sure what the parenthesis statement means but I’d flex Vereen there.
Sky my main man! You’ve been quite the breath of fresh air that I was in need of when it came to Fantasy Football. I dominate the Baseball diamond but had never been able to crack the playoffs in my big money football league (probably due to my ranking of players based on Swag Factor). Now finally, I have made it to the promised land and I’m in the finals this week. Only issue is I don’t have enough spots to start everyone I want to and could use your wisdom and guidance.
It is a standard scoring league and we start 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 W/T, 1 W/R/T.
RBs: AP, Bush, Stacy, Vereen
WRs: Marshall, DJax, Garcon, KAllen, Crabtree
TE: Witten, Pitta
I currently have AP and Bush at RB, Marshall and DJax at WR, Witten at TE, Stacy and Garcon in the flex spots. It just hurts me to leave Keenan on my bench after all hes done for me since you suggested picking him up a few weeks before his breakout.
I would hate to overthink it and lose in the finals because I leave a stud on the bench. What are you thoughts? Once again, thanks for everything this season and good luck in your leagues as well!
Nice! Glad we could help you along the way. It used to be YOLO that got in my way but I learned my lesson.
That’s what happens when you have that many good players, though. Looks like you’re going with how I ranked them so I can’t complain. Think you’re on it.
If he has colsten and jimmy graham in a standard league, it makes sense for me to play Brees over Cutler because I’d roughly cancel out two of his guys correct? Rec td is 6 and throw td is 5
I know you don’t “play” the opponent typically but seems to make sense to me
Sure, you can go for it. Still think Cutler’s matchup will yield bigger points, though.
William Hung lol
HE BANGS! HE BANGS!
Who would be the better play this week? Crabtree or Andre Brown. PPR league with bonuses for 100 and 150 yards.
Thanks
Crabtree has the better matchup. I’d lean his way.
You’re telling me I should start Gio bernard, Mathews, and Knowshon over Lynch for the finals?
That’s how I’d roll
Throwing a lot of WR curveballs…not sure I want to stray from a hot Edelman or semi hot Colston and regret it on championship week. I kinda like the play your studs mentality during the Fantasy Super Bowl.
I guess I don’t put Colston/Edelman in the must start/play your studs place. There’s too much weekly parity in fantasy football outside of a few players to lean that way for my tastes. I’m not gonna tell you to sit Jamaal Charles or anything but I’ll play matchups if its the right way to go.
@Sky: I hear you on that I just would rather stick with who got me here than pick up Cordarelle or Emmanual Sanders.
@Deck: Understandable. WR of all positions has some of the biggest turnover, though, from week to week save for a few consistent players. Any time we start talking around low end WR2 types or WR3s, we’re talking fair and open game. Any of them can make you look smart or like an idiot for starting them based on gameflow/gameplanning.
Uchhh should I be concerned that Trestman said he might rest his starters if the Lions and Packers lose? I have Cutler and would be screwed in that case.
I could see there being an issue but have a hard time believing that 1) both those teams will lose and 2) they’re sitting the entire game. Not smart coaching to let your team rest too much. Get complacent.
@Sky:
To further Sky’s comment about complacency, doesn’t it make more sense to get Smokin’ Jay some reps after all those weeks on the bench? And, since McCown has proven his ability to step in, why would Trestman be terrified about the injury risk? Right?
Hi Sky (Im back from Tuesday, when you told me to wait on this questions)
12 team ppr
Me
Dalton (Rodgers)
Charles
Vereen
Garcon
Decker
Graham
Cincinatti (jets)
I need TWO flex players between F. Jax, Fitz, Streator, D.Johnson, R.Randle
HIS TEAM
Foles
Murray
Bell
Allen
J.Jones (GB)
Gates
R.Rice
Free Agent (Does have boykin on his team though)
What would you do here? I only have one waiver move left.
If Rodgers starts then should i play him over Dalton or free agent (Cutler, Cousins)? Dalton has the matchup but Rodgers is Rodgers and my opponent jones (and possibly boykin)/ My QB position has been weak most of the year (traded for Rodgers right before he got hurt) and I still manage to put up the most points in my league.
What bout the defense? Cincy, Jets or free agent (Browns, Lions)?
Who would you play at my two flex? Should I pick up a guy?
So what do you think? Any suggestions, greatly appreciated and I promise I wont email you again til Sept 2014…unless I win this week and I email you to thank you.
What chances do you think I have this week?
Go with your RBs at flex.
I wouldn’t start Rodgers. It might be great for TV and a ‘gritty performance’ but I don’t trust him. I ranked Dalton above the other two so don’t think I’d tell you to start them over him. I ranked the DST above how I’d play them.
You’ve got a solid team. You should have a good shot. Good luck!
I cant play both RBs at flex haha.
So which of the two Rbs would you play there, and which WR?
Youre the best.
Thanks for an awesome year. You are a big part of the success of my team.
‘I need TWO flex players between F. Jax, Fitz, Streator, D.Johnson, R.Randle’ – So this is true or false? Clarify and I’ll do my best to help.
Yea, Sorry bout that.
Its a WR/TE and a WR/RB flex in Yahoo.
Ok, well I think that question is kinda solved by the rankings above. I’m assuming your statement about ‘I know I can look at your rankings’ is tied to this question. I don’t think there’s really much conversation to be had in that department with whom you’re choosing from. I’d go with the one I had highest in each scenario, personally.
Ok sounds good.
Thanks. Good luck to you if you have anything going on.
I have my friends league I’m still alive in. 12 team, 12 startable spots + DEF. Going for the three-peat. Should be a good matchup.
I know I can look at your rankings generally but im looking for which 2 could be the most consistent, opposed to overall upside? Its my biy guys who I need to step up, and these other guys to not flake out.
Is Pittsburgh d not ranked because you expect Rodgers to play? If he doesn’t play would you like them more than the Tampa d?
Eh, they don’t do much. They’re like the Eagles: you’re relying on them holding the opponents down in points while getting nothing in the sacks/TOs department. I’m not a Flynn believer but there’s enough there for GB to make it not worth starting them in my book.
I feel like I’m the guy who just watched Ferris and is lingering in the audience long enough to be told to go home. Have a set lineup for a relatively meaningless (no $) 3rd place game after running out of bullets against Dez, DJax and Tucker, but I am still having fun lingering and reading all the comments. Great site and appreciate the advice, everyone.
Hey, you’re what makes this gig fun/good. Thanks in return. And 3rd place doesn’t mean nothing! At least I tell that to myself in the leagues for no money that I’m doing the same thing in…
@Sky: Definitely more to FF than the $ prize (and this is not big $ by any means) so I’m sure I’ll feel prideful if I can nab 3rd…just a flatter week since I had more competitive desire to take out the 2 time champ last week than my best bud this week. Looking at this week as a friendly where I don’t have to make 8 wire moves and 20 lineup flip flops to feel like I’m getting the team ready. Good luck in your championship match.
Thanks man. I almost took a 5-8 team to the promised land. One of the top scorers in the league w/Foles and Gordon running the show but tricking Tucker booted me out of any shot there
@Sky: Sorry Tucker stymied that team too, but I don’t have a right to complain about Tucker since I had Bailey to cancel him out. My team needed even more from Gordon and Forte in a shootout that left my 3rd best game on the season 15 pts short. Fun game to end the competitive year since it got down to MNF and all.
Ah gotcha. At least there’s that for me, too. It was down to the wire. Had Jacoby going but Flacco failed again. Man that guy has turned Tucker into a superstar. That team can’t convert when they get there.
I’m glad I found your site, sounds like a lot of happy followers. Our playoffs start this week with champ game wk 17, yuk! After looking at your rankings I have 1 questions. Zac Stacy or Kendall Wright @ flex (standard). I win and its on to champ game. Looking forward to following you next year!
Thanks,
Tom
Hey Tom, glad to have you around. We’ll be doing football stuff here as well but you can catch me and a few of the other writers as contributors on the baseball side of the site as well if that’s also your bag.
That’s a tough one. In PPR, I’d be tempted to lean Wright for the high floor but if you need upside I think Zac is your man even with a tough matchup.
Thank you for the confirmation! I had him penciled in just had to check your thoughts. On my way to my first championship but have a tough match up this week to get there. Also starting Cousins over Romo as opponent has Garcon and I just don’t trust Romo. You think I’m doing right?
I ranked Romo higher up above but they both have good matchups. I think you’ll have a hard time going wrong.
with this lineup (many pickups this week to block opp just in case) 14 team finals non PPR
cousins/tannehill
stacy/todman/MJD/peterson/ivory/d.johnson (able to get him really recently)
jeffery/allen/wright/crabtree
pitta/ertz
1.wright or d.johnson if peterson doesn’t play?
2. wright or stacy if peterson does play?
3. also, if MJD does play does it bump both him and todman down, thus changing my RB order to something like Peterson/stacy/d.johnson and thus having a third wright question, him vs d.johnson?
1. DJ for upside/Wright for floor. Two very different beasts there. I guess Wright for safety.
2. Similar, Wright.
3. If MJD plays, it’s probably a split role for both. They become flex options and behind your guys you have.
@Sky: just noticed the matchup question in #3 was the same as #1.
different non-PPR. d.johnson or hilton
Think Hilton has a good week. I’d lean his way.
with this lineup
cousins/rodgers (by tomorrow i might drop for cutler or tannehill, just so opp doesn’t wise up and put in either of those ahead of his a.smith, pretty funny that one dude (ME) with plug and play since rodgers and another with a. freakin smith are the 2 in the superbowl). pretty disturbing to say the least.
charles/bush/vereen/j.bell/kniles davis (start 2)
d-jax/nelson/crabs/jennings/floyd
v.davis/clay
dawson
CAR
safe to say i’m all in on SF this week with 3 of them. REALLY hope ATL can score enough pts to make sure SF doesn’t stop throwing the ball at all. Dawson should kick ass regardless what kind of game this is. Might end up being glad we chopped half of the original prize pool and are only playing for 200.
Ha, good luck.
best keeper pick 1.
rodgers (GB)/j.jones (ATL)/jeffery/cobb/a.foster/gronk.
@Aubrey Plaza’s Pillow: PPR.
@Aubrey Plaza’s Pillow: this team right now has jeffery and rodgers, and used to have gronk and cobb. but any of them could be picked up till sunday as best keeper for next year. could also do what I did last year and load my bench with all of them, making it look like i had the best team ever, except at RB (vereen/a.brown/sproles/moreno)
Alshon
Supposed to be 70% chance of thunderstorms at FedEx field
in MD this Sunday. Will that bump down Kirk Cousins in the
rankings? Is Andrew Luck the better\safer play vs KC? Aah Aah Aah!
The pressure!
Thunderstorms don’t do anything to a passing game…
Sky so I can’t sleep because I can’t stop thinking about setting my lineup for the SB this week. I hate these kinds of posts but given it is the final week i figured id go for it. (Although Cram is going to crush me) I know you said you’d lean Keenan over Stacy at the flex but I wanted to give you more context.
My Team
Brees
Calvin and DJax
Todman and Mathews
Stacy or Keenan?
Witten
Nugent
Browns
His Team
Stafford
Colsten and Deandre
JCharles and GOB
Vereen
Jimmy Graham
Crosby
Lions
The question is Keenan or Stacy? And also how do you like my chances? Any other changes you’d make?
Thank you again for all your help. 1000% would not be here if it wasn’t for you (and Jb too)
@Zandy: standard league with 5 pts for passing tds
Hey glad to help but asking the same question and posting a different way won’t change the answer. It’s still Keenan. Good luck!
@Sky: thanks sky! Just wanted to make sure that the floor for Stacy didn’t change your view when looking at the overal matchup. You’re right tho. Gotta keep trusting what got me here – haha your advice
You have to play your best players. Who your opponent is starting shouldn’t affect your lineup 99% of the time. You have to play your players and who’s going to help you. Who they have means nothing in that regards.
@Zandy: Straight up freak.
One more sky, stacy or dj at flex. You have stacy ranked only one above dj who has more upside. Thanks again
Thats as a flex (McCoy 1, Lacy 2)
Stacy
Why so low on Colston this week?
Out of the following who would you start? I can guess based on rankings, but want to make sure.
Todman or Andre Brown for RB2?
And if Todman for RB2, who you recommend for flex? Colston, Boldin, Brown or L. Miller?
Thanks for the help. Sorry if I made it more confusing. So far, for sure starting R. Mathews, AJ Green, and K Allen.
I don’t trust the Saints offensive parts on the road. They’re a different team there.
Rankings aren’t a guess, they’re how I ranked them :) I’d start Boldin at flex. Good luck!
im in the championship game in my standard scoring league and just lost jordan cameron. it is a 10 team league but there is not much available on the waiver. i was thinking about picking up ryan griffin but he is pretty low on your rankings. it appears garret graham will not be returning and griffin will be playing all the snaps against denver who doesnt defend the TE particularly well and they will most likely be playing from behind with schaub who seems to like his TEs in the red zone. would the news of graham not making it back this week change the rankings at all? Thanks for all your help this season in advance!
No problem, glad to help. He’s low because he’s got low upside. I like his matchup but last week was a guilty pleasure 6/60 week. He could repeat that, just don’t know how much he and Schaub are on the same page. I’ll reevaluate a bit this weekend, though, since both Graham and Daniels are out.
@Sky: ok thanks alot. i will be checking in later in the week to see if anything changes but for now ive picked up both griffen and zach miller but im not feeling too good about miller’s possible dud.
my general opinion is a dud at TE isn’t as bad as a mediocre line when your ‘dud’ could have a huge day. It’s a position that shouldn’t overly influence the outcome. I prefer upside for that reason.
Sky,
Why are you so low on Zac Stacy?
I am worried to start GOB over him.
Also I am scared to play Dalton over Kirk Cousins.I know his matchup is gr8 but i am worried he is as always inconsistent at his best.
Jagan
http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/pointsagainst?&positionId=2
There’s not much to like about playing TB for RBs. 5 total TDs on the year to opposing backs. You’re hoping his volume gets you 50 to 60 yards and a TD or he gets a freak big play.
Cousins has started 2 games in his entire career…I don’t think ‘Dalton’s inconsistent’ is a good argument to start Cousins, personally. Covered why I like Dalton in the opening paragraph.
Sky,
Also sorry to question quite a few of your rankings.I hope you understand.
You literally drove me to madness as I was thinking i got my lineup set on Wednesday but now its all over the place.:)
You ranked Witten over Orange Julius .Can you pls explain why?
Jagan
http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/pointsagainst?&positionId=4
WAS gives up plenty of fantasy points to opposing TEs.
Thanks for the rankings, Sky!
Need some advice on my WR options… PPR and I’m a 16 point underdog in the championship right now…
Antonio Brown
Rod Streater
Andre Caldwell
Doug Baldwin
Marvin Jones
Jacoby Jones
Wes Welker (OUT)
Brown and Streater seem like locks, but I’m having a hard time choosing the 3rd. I’m leaning Caldwell, but Baldwin has been solid (esp for PPR), and Marvin has a big upside given the matchup against the Vikes.
The ballsier choice to consider is whether or not to double down my bet for the matchup…
Hey Dale, no problem. I have your WR question covered with the rankings above.
Hey, just trying to get a sense of how you’d rank these
flex options against one another (as opposed to just within their
positions): Michael Crabtree Danny Amendola Michael Floyd Rashard
Mendenhall Dennis Johnson Chris Ivory Standard scoring non-PPR.
Thanks, man! Half the fun of fantasy football is just having an
excuse to read you stuff.
I think we can chop off a million of those names based on rankings alone, no? Either way, I’ll say Crabtree. Like his upside this week.
@Sky:
Sorry man, I meant ranked if it’s no trouble. I have some spots to fill.
@Zwei: Just to clarify, what spots are you trying to fill? Would help to know what it is we’re ranking for. Not a problem but would like to be as clear as I can.
@Sky:
That’s cool. I have one WR slot, one RB slot, and two W/R/Ts. It shouldn’t be too hard to plug in the top four guys on the list as long as they’re not all RBs (which if Crabtree’s on the top as I’d thought, isn’t a concern).
Ok, so the WR/RB slots are covered by the rankings. So you just need two.
Ivory/Floyd/’dola/Mendenhall
@Sky:
Thanks, man. I was going to make a joke about the Ivory Tower, but then, well… you know. Eesh.
Ha, glad I didn’t hit that mark. Good luck!
Oh and thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoy the read!
Ppr flex Rainey white Nelson?
@Brett: I’d lean Rainey
Hey sky ive got one more question because its seems daniel thomas might not play this week. if he is out for the game would lamar miller go up in the rankings? ive got jordan todman, dennis johnson, deangelo williams and lamar miller for a RB2 slot and a flex. right now ive got todman and johnson but if mjd somehow does play and daniel thomas doesnt, who are my best options?
If DT is a no go, Lamar is above DeAngelo but still behind the other two. If MJD plays, Todman is behind them all.
now that the weather report in BUF is for rain, but warmish (about 40), but not that windy (until around 3:00 or 4, would tannehill be over fitz (@JAX)?
Not seeing a reason to make a change
Is there a general rule for you about whether is better for RB or WR in flex positions?
I am struggling with Crabtree or Rashard Jennings in a 10 team ppr with 2 flexes (I have Vereen in one of the Flex spots now)
In 8 team ppr, I can’t decide between demarius Thomas and Reggie bush, their projections are close although your rankings clearly favor Bush …right? Do you see either Den or Det getting way ahead and pulling back on these guys?
Thanks for all your responses this year, I couldn’t have made it without you.
(You helped me stream QB’s when I lost Rodgers. I am so happy to have grabbed Cutler, hopefully he gets me over the finish line! Streaming QB’s sucks!)
Hey Chris, glad we could help! There’s no general rule, moreso it just depends on matchups. If they’re close, I lean towards the RB. As much as I like Crabtrees matchup this week, I think Roughshod has the higher floor so it depends on needs there. I like Reggie’s situation more than DTs. I’d lean his way.
@Sky: ok thanks again for taking the time.
Helps to get unbiased opinions. Good luck to you too
Thanks for the help this year. One last question: Kaepernik vs ATL or Cousins vs DAL?
Glad to hear we could help! We got you covered in the rankings above.
How much do you trust Johnson with Schaub throwing to him? Would you replace him with Crabtree? Also, would you then put in Pitta, Douglas, Hunter, Ellington or Rodgers at Flex?
Right now I have Johnson, D.Thomas at WR and Crabtree at flex
Thanks!’
Rankings above say Andre over Crabtree…keep crabs in your flex
@SKY:
[email protected] PHI or Wilson vs ARI Alex SMith vs IND ( Choose 1 )
Kendal Wright @ JAC Hartline @ BUF Bowe vs IND ( choose 1 )
Hey Anthony, have you covered with the rankings above. Good luck!
sky emergency issues here man….
so mjd is starting and todman goes to the bench so assume hes a bench now
Megatron is now a full blown game time decision for his 4pm game
i of course know the ranking but time of games is the issue
standard league need 2 rb, 2 wr and 1 flex what would you do?
WR: Calvin 4pm, Djax 8pm, Keenan 4pm
RB: Stacy 1pm, Rainey 1pm, Mathews 4pm
Also have Pitta at 4pm
Do I plan on playing Keenan, Djax, Stacy, Mathews and if Calvin is good to go flex him and otherwise flex pitta? or is better to play stacy, rainey, mathews?
@Zandy: could also pick up andre holmes or bubba caldwell as a 4pm flex over pitta
@Zandy: Zandy, I love you but the rankings do tell you what’s going on here. Time of game is not an issue. You really think Megatron is going to sit with the playoffs on the line? You play the guys that you want but I ranked them the way I ranked them.
Hit me back if you have a full flex question but you’re asking me to re-rank and I already moved Todman/MJD around where I felt they should be.
@Sky: youre right in terms of rolling the dice on calvin playing. i guess what i was trying to ask was triangular….
given calvins risk, does playing rainey over keenan make sense?
bc if calvin is out, i play keenan and rainey
if calvin is in, id play calvin and rainey
or the triangle… if calvin is out, play keenan and pitta bc id have sat rainey earlier in the day
@Zandy: i understand your response whihc says plan on playing calvin bc unlikely he sits.
im going to sit rainey as you suggest.
i guess for insurance do you prefer pitta or andre holmes in the flex? if calvin ends up not going at 4pm and i need to fill in
Thanks man as always!
No problem Zandy! If you’re worried and feel you need a backup, I still think Pitta is the go there. More reliable part of his own offense than Holmes is at this point.
If you are worried about Calvin, though, pick up Holmes and start him as your WR3. Then make your late Flex decision later w/Megatron or Pitta.
@Sky: perfect you got it man!!!
Thanks again for all the help!!!!! lets do this!!!!
Take it to the promised land Zandy!
@SKY: LAST MINUTE HELP
MEGATRON MIGHT NOT PLAY
Should I roll with him or?
Bowe @ IND
Hartline @ BUF
@Anthony: hopefully you stuck with megatron
Flacco or Rothlisberger? Help
In this weathet
Hey Joe, sorry I missed this. Would’ve referred you to the rankings above, though.
Need it quick Matthews , Bell or Mccoy? Projected to win by 40 already…whats the smart move?
Sorry I missed this. I would’ve referred back to the rankings though since nothing has changed.
@Sky: I was asking because the Eagles don’t need to win today…playoff matchups changed which is why I asked…took sure points with Mathews and the big lead. Instead of a Sunday night scratch on McCoy
They actually do need the win though…they don’t want to play in SEA in the second round. Kelly has said all week starters won’t sit.
@Sky: Ha I know I found that out just after that post and just before the Mathews TD which had me panicking for a second.
Have McCoy in in the championship I am down by 20 in at least.
Probably dodged a bullet.
Gotcha. Well here’s to Shady going off for you where you need him. Good luck!
damn HOU coaching, d.johnson only got 12 carries, 1 catch. Didn’t notice they put Schaub in again. Should’ve went with ivory or even MJD. Good thing that league is free. Gotta have jeffery/allen/DET/crosby/pitta outscore d-jax/l.fitz/SF def/suisham by at least 12 now. benched 16 pts more than johnson in ivory, but thank god I played cousins over tannehill or fitzpatrick. could’ve also just kept luck. didn’t think he’d do that well today (only 3 pts more than cousins)
@Aubrey Plaza’s Pillow: now allen and pitta have combined for 18 yards on 1 target for 1st half. great. 2nd place it is.
wow, i should be big favorite by this point in bigger money league, but nelson’s 1 target in 1st half and bush’s terribleness are starting to make this look like a close match. now j.bell is stealing all of bush’s short catches too. not cool. still sold favorite, as I just need bush/nelson/v.davis/crabtree/dawson/d-jax to outscore a.brown and gostkowski by 31.45. i’ll have 4 late game/mon game players vs none.
@goodfold2: F’ing piece of shit coaches giving J.bell three straight 2 yard to go runs. dammit. wish bush was hurt I could’ve put in j.bell or vereen.
@goodfold2: at least nelson is getting targeted now.
@goodfold2: now with d-jax getting barely used I will (at least) need VD/crabtree/dawson to get their season averages, or better, one of VD/Crabtree go off for at least 18 pts, still down 35.45 pts. Pretty sick watching Bush get benched, Nelson wide open at end of game but not thrown to, d-jax not utilized when I really only would’ve needed one of them to have a good game.
Good luck!