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.