Week 1 Fantasy Picks: NFL Fantasy Football 2012

The first week of NFL Football is here, and that means the team you drafted a couple weeks ago finally gets to show up and follow up the hype. Week 1 is great – everyone thinks they have a chance at the Championship – but wait – Ryan Matthews is out and you’re not sure what to do (start Ronnie Brown)? Do I pick Jordy Nelson or Mike Wallace or Torrey Smith (good problem to have – go with Nelson, don’t over think this) – are there any last minute running backs I could pick up because my guys are out ) Alfred Morris, Ryan Williams, Brandon Jackson)? – I have a couple answers for you. First the five questions coming to me often.

Who is the one undrafted tight end you have to have?

Give me some Greg Olsen. I see he’s not even being owned in a ton of leagues. Hurry up, drop whomever you have right now (outside of the Top 6 guys) and grab Olsen if he’s available. Either that or drop your 6th receiver (assuming he’s someone like Steve Smith (StL), Nate Burleson, or Eddie Royal) and pick up Olsen. This guy is going to be a beast this year. I feel it. I also liked Martellus Bennett before his 40yd TD performance against Dallas on Wednesday. But I liked Olsen better.

I need a starter for Ryan Matthews and Ronnie Brown is already taken, who do you think will surprise?

I like Alfred Morris. I know Shanahan is a gong show and nobody really knows (not even the running backs that play for Washington) but someone has to get the majority of carries in Washington, and what would be crazier than this new kid? I know he passed the test against first string defenses in the pre-season. Royster and Helu both did good things and they’ve been their longer – for anyone with reason, they are the guys that would likely get carries – but this is Splinter Shanahan here, and I think Morris is my guy.

How about Tolbert? I like his prospects with Stewart likely out. He’s one tough son of a gun and maybe the Panthers want to hold off on sending their franchise guy head first into the pile this year (if possible)???

I’m digging deep here but maybe Michael Bush? The Colts were horrendous against the run last year, this year could be much of the same and Chicago has often liked to send in a bruiser to steal Forte’s touchdowns. Bush is a big bad man, at the very least.

Will list your 2 must starts at every position…

Cam Newton, Philip Rivers – LeSean McCoy, Matt Forte, (and I like DeAngelo if Jon Stewart is out – return to greatness, DeLo!) – Calvin Johnson (every week) and (ready for this, drum-roll) Malcom Floyd (and I also like me some Roddy White this week – because I think KC shades toward Julio Jones) –   Jimmy Graham and Gronk (please – but give me Olsen to have 70+ yards in Week 1) – Matt Prater and Shaun Suisham (Denver love…) – Vikings (here’s looking at you, Gabbert) and Seahawks (Sketlon, and then Kolb, are going to have a tough day).  Good luck!

We have an upset challenge in our fantasy league – pick any touchdown upset correct and we get +10 fantasy points. Who has the best chance?

Cincinnati has the best chance – can’t believe how little respect they get going into Baltimore. But I also think the Redskins have a very good chance to come in and snipe one from the mighty Saints. Listen, I don’t care what people think about coaching, the bottom line is the Saints lost a pretty good one for the season. Brees is a boss and that team is loaded with weapons, but when Sean is gone that means the best play caller in football is no longer calling plays. That, at the very least, makes the Saints less likely to produce up to expectations.

Any big guns going to fire blanks on Sunday? Who are three top-round guys you would shy away from if you could?

Ignoring the obvious injury question guys, I’m going with Peyton Manning (because you have to WAIT and see, and the Steelers D is a tough one to start with), Fred Jackson (because I really think the Jets are tough and Spiller will split carries close to 50/50, despite what people are saying), and Chris Johnson (you’re probably playing him if you picked him, but he looked awfully “paid” during the preseason – the Patriots will lend all their attention to the speedster – I just don’t see a big day), and AJ Green (Baltimore D’d him up last year). There’s 4. Good luck in Week 1!

 

2012 Fantasy Football Tight End Tiers

Tier 1 – Everybody is jumping Jimmy ahead of Gronk this year, but I don’t see why. One of the best play callers in football is taking a year off from Sainthood, and Brady has as much man-love for Gronk as his fantasy owners do. Still, these guys are in a tier all to themselves.

Rob Gronkowski
Jimmy Graham

Tier 2 – Wouldn’t mind any of these guys. Honestly if I don’t get Gronk or Jimmy in the first couple rounds, I’m waiting a long time to grab my next TE, but all of these guys would be nice. Sure, Hernandez is 2nd fiddle to Gronk, Gates is hurt often, Finley had a down year in 2011, and Witten’s spleen is lacerated – but all these guys have a chance to be right behind the Tier 1 guys, and for a much more reasonable draft pick. Davis is just a beast, if the Niners know what’s good for them he’ll be their most targeted receiver.

Antonio Gates
Aaron Hernandez
Vernon Davis
Jermichael Finley
Jason Witten

Tier 3 – Davis doesn’t even rank as a starter in most fantasy leagues (consistently outside of the top 12) but I’m going to go ahead and guarantee Top 10 for the troubled USC product. RG3 will find him… Speaking of low ranks, Greg Olsen is getting no love either. He’s another Top 10 lock for me. Bennett is a nincompoop – true, and for that he will likely go undrafted. But I’m putting him in my 3rd tier because I think he could be great. Not good, great. Worth the risk as an end-game TE starter? You bet! Brandon is nothing flashy but all kinds of solid and consistency. Tony Gonzalez has to slow down some time, right? Gresham slips onto this list, he’s easily the 2nd best receiver in Cincinnati and a lot of attention will be paid to A.J. Green.

Fred Davis
Greg Olsen
Martellus Bennett
Brandon Pettigrew
Tony Gonzalez
Jermaine Gresham

Tier 4 – Love Cook’s upside. Keller should be better than his QB allows him to look. Daniels could be back to form after healing up last year and taking back the #1 TE spot all to himself in Houston. Celek is still solid, and Boss is sneaking up my lists as a big target taking advantage of all the attention paid to Bowe on the outside and the Charles/Hillis combo in the backfield.

Jared Cook
Dustin Keller
Owen Daniels
Brent Celek
Kevin Boss

Tier 5 – Winslow is very competitive and Pete Carol could get the most out of him. But Zach Miller is very talented as well, both make this list. The highest upside play on this list may very well be Lance Kendricks who struggled to meat lofty expectations in year 1 – but he’s fallen off the radar in year 2, and all the talent is still there. I like Tamme (Peyton’s go-to TE?) and Dwayne Allen as well (very underrated all around TE), but hopefully you’re not rostering these guys unless you’re in a deep league and hoping for good luck.

Kellen Winslow
Zach Miller
Lance Kendricks
Jacob Tamme
Marcedes Lewis
Dallas Clark
Kellen Davis
Coby Fleener
Jordan Cameron
Joel Dreessen
Dwayne Allen

2012 Fantasy Football Running Back Tiers

Tier 1 – These three guys are at the top of my list. I would be really happy getting the last guy and having the better 2nd round pick. The way I figure you can get the last of these three guys almost guaranteed with the 5th or 6th pick (Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Calvin Johnson usually slip in the top 6 as well). I don’t see a clear cut number one, but I do see enough from each one of these guys to consider them at #1.

Ray Rice
LeSean McCoy
Arian Foster

Tier 2 – It’s odd that tier 2 is smaller than tier 1, but that’s the case here. Both Johnson and Forte could finish ahead of tier 1 guys, but the question marks that surround these two uber-talented runners drop them down a notch. Chris Johnson looks to become a dual threat this year (more receptions are in his future) which could help, but his struggles last year have to leave a little worry in your mind. While Matt Forte is one of the better dual threats in the league, the fact that Michael Bush (a solid dual threat in his own right, and bigger than Matt = goal line touches) is in Chicago and Jay Cutler has his old #1 WR means less action for Matt. I like both these guys, but not as much as 1-3.

Chris Johnson
Matt Forte

Tier 3 – I do have a special place in my heart for McFadden. Dude is a beast. Here’s to hoping he stays healthy! If health was a guarantee I’d consider him at the same time as those tier 1 guys – but health has never been his bag. Murray’s upside is worth a pick, Jones-Drew’s holdout and teammates make me scared, but he’s always been great. Charles is one of the most talented runners in the league, but Hillis and a return from an ACL leave me wonering… AP is a steal if he ends up playing 13+ games, but if he doesn’t do much in the first 5 games, he is a risk early. Ryan Matthews could be great this season, but hurt already, likely out for the first two weeks – his injury history scares me away. I love Lynch, and maybe this is too low for him – but I just think the Hawks will struggle to have as much running success this season.

Darren McFadden
DeMarco Murray
Maurice Jones-Drew
Jamaal Charles
Adrian Peterson
Ryan Matthews
Marshawn Lynch

Tier 4 – Jackson may be safer than any pick in the tier above, but his upside is lower as well. I still think he has a nice season and helps bring home some fantasy championships. Sproles is a steal in PPRs, but not completely lost in flat yardage/score leagues. Who knew he was a rich man’s Reggie Bush? Wait, Reggie ran much better last season, and if he is healthy for 13-14 games, he could be a steal. Fred Jackson does it all as well, but CJ Spiller’s upside, and success after taking over for Fast-Fred last season, drops him on my list. Richardson is very good, I think he’s as good as advertised. Turner drafters need to get Quiz Rodger – I’d be afraid to draft Mike, but he’ll have a solid fantasy season most likely. Gore is a solid runner but lost a little late last season, and there are lots of mouthes to feed in San Fran. Still one of my favorites, but I don’t want to own him this yea unless I get him really late. Bradshaw is really an interesting beast, one hell of a runner, always dinged, but usually tough enough to run anyway. David Wilson could help keep Bradshaw fresh.

Steven Jackson
Darren Sproles
Reggie Bush
Fred Jackson
Trent Richardson
Michael Turner
Frank Gore
Ahmad Bradshaw

Tier 5 – Green-Ellis is solid, and might pay off for owners that wait until late to grab their 3rd RB. Hillis could end up with more touches than Jamaal Charles – more touchdowns as well. J-Stew is so talented, but too many RBs in Carolina for me to trust any one of them. Best is lightening in a bottle, unfortunately the bottle has cracks. McGahee could have a great year for Denver, but his old legs have question marks as well. Helu was great at times, but brittle enough to be injured right now and have Splinter Shanahan starting someone else. Greene might be a tricky pick late, as he might finally put it together as a sure-fire starter.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Peyton Hillis
Jonathan Stewart
Jahvid Best
Willis McGahee
Roy Helu
Shonn Greene

Tier 6 – This tier is full of question marks and upside and intrigue. Upside picks are Martin, Donald Brown, Wells, Mendenhall, Williams, David Wilson, and LeShoure. Steady picks are Ingram, Benson, Blount, and Michael Bush, lots of inbetweens, but all with question marks. Donald Brown has been moving up my list, as have Mendenhall and Doug Martin.

Doug Martin
Mark Ingram
Steven Ridley
Donald Brown
Beanie Wells
Isaaac Redman
C.J. Spiller
Ben Tate
LeGarette Blount
James Starks
Cedric Benson
Kevin Smith
Ryan Williams
Rashard Mendenhall
Toby Gerhart
Jacquizz Rodgers
Tim Hightower
Bernard Scott
David Wilson
Felix Jones
Michael Bush
Mikel Leshoure

Tier 7 – I like Thomas, but the Saints seem intent on giving him moderate touches. Vareen and Royster could end up as starters and the other guys all have places on their squads. Biggest upside pick in this group is probably Vareen.

Pierre Thomas
Shane Vareen
Evan Royster
Leon Washington
Rashad Jennings
Brandon Jacobs
Dexter McCluster
Ronnie Brown
LaMichael James
Kendall Hunter
Joe McKnight
Danny Woodhead

Tier 8 – Thomas scares me a little because Bush was so great and I like this Miller kid from Miami, but he had his moments and could end up being the guy at some point. I like Pead a lot, but Steven Jackson is a very healthy back. Taiwon Jones might be the best option behind a brittle McFadden, making him worthy of a draft spot.

Montario Hardesty
Daniel Thomas
Alex Green
Chris Ivory
Mike Tolbert
Knowshon Moreno
Bernard Pierce
Jonathan Dwyer
Mike Goodson
Dion Lewis
Isaiah Pead
Taiwon Jones
Robert Turbin

2012 Wide Receiver Tiers

Here’s the Wide Receiver tiered rankings for 2012:

Tier 1 – He’s all by himself. Chances are he won’t get up toward 20 touchdowns this time around (16 last year) and his 96 grabs for 1600+ yards won’t get matched again, either. But even without those out of this world numbers, Megatron is still #1 by himself.

Calvin Johnson

Tier 2 – Either these guys have flaws (Fitz’s QB situation, Nicks’s injuries, Mike’s contract, AJ’s health) or they just had amazing one-year numbers that I’m just not sure they can double up (Welker, Jordy Nelson, Victor). But all these guys are great, and honestly, with all the ifs and buts, they are hard for me to separate. That’s why I’m not reaching for a WR – I’ll just wait patiently, stock up on RBs, and maybe even a top notch TE, and wait for one of these guys to fall to me in the 3rd or 4th round.

Larry Fitzgerald
Hakeem Nicks
Greg Jennings
Wes Welker
Andre Johnson
Mike Wallace
Jordy Nelson
Roddy White
Victor Cruz
Julio Jones

Tier 3 – Love this group, but a couple more questions surround them than Tier 2. Marshall is back with Cutler, but will it be like it was in Denver? AJ Green is all beast, but being the only guy in Cinci (and a possibility of a sophomore slump for either him or Dalton) could make it tough with all the coverage he’ll see aiming right at him. Percy Harvin doesn’t want to be in Minnesota, and while he played in all 16 last year, his history says health is a question mark (but his upside is grand). And Steve Smith – can he continue to be Cam’s only receiving threat in Carolina with success?

Brandon Marshall
A.J. Green
Percy Harvin
Steve Smith

Tier 4 – I like every guy on this list, sans maybe Dwayne Bowe, but only because of his situation (see comments on Cassel), still he deserves to be here, guy is a beast. I think Decker is going to be Manning’s go-to, but no doubt Thomas’s upside is higher. Garcon could fly to the top of this list if RG3 gets on the same page with him. Stevie Johnson is better than we’re giving him credit for, and I have a hard time not liking Brandon Lloyd’s speed and hands wearing the same uniform as Tom Brady. Vincent Jackson might be the most talented #1 WR prospect, but he’s in an offense that promises to run the ball too much next year. DeSean Jackson… Well, he can be great. This tier is a big reason for my patience in selecting WRs on draft day.

Marques Colston
Miles Austin
DeSean Jackson
Dez Bryant
Brandon Lloyd
Stevie Johnson
Eric Decker
Vincent Jackson
Jeremy Maclin
Dwayne Bowe
Antonio Brown
Pierre Garcon
Malcom Floyd
Demaryius Thomas

Tier 5 – Torrey Smith could be a big play guy if Joe Flacco ever becomes a Top 5 QB like he thinks he is. In fact, most of these guys have huge upside – and while Moss, Reggie Wayne, and Boldin are a little more limited in that department, I like their chances for a solid year in ’12.

Torrey Smith
Randy Moss
Michael Crabtree
Darius Heyward-Bey
Robert Meachem
Denarius Moore
Reggie Wayne
Anquan Boldin
Kenny Britt

Tier 6 – I think Justin Blackmon, despite all odds against him succeeding with Blaine Gabbert throwing him the ball, will have a solid year. He’s just too much of a freak athlete. Titus could be great against single covereage opposite Megatron. Rice, if healthy, is really good – then again, if grandma had balls she’d be grandpa. Greg Little will be better in year two, Wright is very fast and could be the #1 if Britt continues his career suicide, and Cobb is flat out lightning in a bottle.

Justin Blackmon
Titus Young
Santonio Holmes
Sidney Rice
Greg Little
Vincent Brown
Kendall Wright
Randall Cobb
Austin Collie

Tier 7 – It gets less interesting here, though some upside guys like Gordon, Floyd, Quick, and Baldwin still make the cut. Mike Williams could come back strong, but Vincent Jackson will be the #1 there in Tampa. Hartline could be a #1 WR in Miami, which all by itself is cause for a nice late pick.

Steve Smith (St. Louis)
Josh Gordon
Nate Washington
Brian Hartline
Brian Quick
Mike Williams
Danny Amdendola
Donald Jones
Michael Floyd
Jon Baldwin
Lance Moore

Tier 8 – Here’s to hoping TO is relevant in 2012! Rueben Randle is threatening to be the 3rd WR in New York, Broyels is defying odds to get healthy and be a nice slot player in Detroit, and Jacoby Ford is going to run out of bounds all season long so he stays healthy. I still like Eddie Royal, who hopefully will be used to do what he does best in San Diego.

Terrell Owens
Kevin Walter
Rueben Randle
Laurent Robinson
Ryan Broyles
Jacoby Ford
Devery Henderson
Leonard Hankerson
Brandon Lafell
James Jones
Eddie Royal
Doug Baldwin
Alshon Jeffery
Braylon Edwards
David Nelson

2012 Fantasy Football Quarterback Tiers

The best tiered rankings in the fantasy world are back for season number 4 – and I can only imagine they are better than ever. Each position will be tiered out so you can best assess the level of each position left on the board during your draft.

Many a fantasy drafter shows up on draft day with a list a mile long, positions be damned, and they do their best to follow that list as a guide to see who they are taking next. It took me a few seasons, but I’ve found that tiered rankings for each position is the best way to go. As long time fantasy footballers know, each draft is different, and position scarcity often plays a big role in draft-day value. Finding the best value is what fantasy drafts are all about, and tiered rankings are the best tool for the job.

Here’s the Quarterback tiered rankings for 2012.

Tier 1 – Rodgers is all by himself. The greatest thing about Aaron is that there are no questions, which separates him from the rest of the field. Best WRs? Check. Throw it first, second, and third offense? Yep. Lights up his division? You betcha. It’s close, but if we’re tiering (and we are) he’s all by himself.

Aaron Rodgers

Tier 2 – This is so close. Both are amazing and right on Aaron’s heels. But, I’d rather have the Packers’ star. And when it comes to these two, the questions surrounding Drew Brees (or mostly the Saints offseason/coaching change) and the loss of Meachem, move him down a notch. The addition of Brandon Lloyd (whom I think will be great for Tom) and less security at RB with the loss of BJGE will increase Tom’s totals. So, Tom gets the nod in this tier.

Tom Brady
Drew Brees

Tier 3 – Stafford was great last year. Newton was amazing in his rookie campaign. But Michael Vick is still a fantasy hero when he’s healthy and on his game. I like the Eagles more this year, expect more from them. I think Newton has half the rushing touchdowns he had last year, and I think Stafford hangs out right about the same level as he was. I’m and upside guy, and Vick gets the nod in this group.

Michael Vick
Matthew Stafford
Cam Newton

Tier 4 – Rivers had a solid finish, but he still scares me with not many proven targets, Mathews hurting, and some INTs – still, I’d be happy to have him as a starter for me. He still falls behind the Mannings (yes, I still like older brother over Eli) and think that Tony Romo has his best season ever and finishes atop this tier of solid QBs. I think Peyton has a slow start but ends up impressing with some flashy weapons in Denver. I think Eli takes a step back this year, but is still a solid starter.

Tony Romo
Peyton Manning
Eli Manning
Phillip Rivers

Tier 5 – Anyone in this tier could jump to Tier 4, but there’s a lot of risk to expect that. With Matt Ryan (the least risky of the bunch) I just don’t think he takes enough chances to go ballistic in fantasy realms – but his WRs are really good, and he’s a no-risk/solid-reward guy. Big Ben is always hurt, but he’ll huck the ball around and he has 3 very good WR options and should be throwing it more early in the season. Jay Cutler could trump the other two, but his high INT totals and just blah play over the last couple seasons makes him a low floor candidate. You could hit big with Jay, however.

Matt Ryan
Ben Roethlisberger
Jay Cutler

Tier 6 – Schaub’s all by himself, but I’m not crazy about him. They have one hell of a rushing attack in Houston, not always the best thing for fantasy QB totals. Still, he has a very good WR in Johnson and has a history of doing good things.

Matt Schaub

Tier 7 – High upside guys (Griffin III, Palmer, Freeman, and Flacco – yes Flacco) are in Tier 7 – while most of these guys also have a solid floor. I expect good solid numbers out of these guys with a couple breakout performances. Carson Palmer, in my opinion, could be a great buy-late candidate. Look at his fantasy numbers after taking the entire camp and first 7 weeks off – project those over the year – could be good.

Alex Smith
Joe Flacco
Josh Freeman
Andy Dalton
Robert Griffin III
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Andrew Luck
Carson Palmer

Tier 8 – I’ve always liked Bradford, think Flynn could be consistent and solid for a competitive Seattle team (with underrated offensive weapons all around), and maybe even San-Chez will find his potential and gain some confidence (though I certainly worry about the Tebow-effect on the former USC signal caller). All have low floors and limited upside, but if you are waiting this late, these guys are better than the next.

Sam Bradford
Matt Flynn
Mark Sanchez

Tier 9 – I don’t want any of these guys, in all honesty, but if I had to grab one or two of them I’d put them in this order (though watching Cassel is a painful process).

Matt Cassel
Kevin Kolb
Christian Ponder
Matt Hasselbeck
Jake Locker
Matt Moore
Tim Tebow
Brandon Weeden
David Garrard

Fantasy Focus Week 3: 2011 Fantasy Football Picks

Fantasy Football Rankings: Fantasy Focus Week 3 2011

Check out last week’s article if you’re interested in seeing how my picks panned out – no great performances by my top guys, though all were pretty solid. Of my solid starters group, only Stafford and Turner put up real solid numbers – but Bradshaw and Moss both had productive days. Grossman was decent (292, 2 touchdowns) while Sproles and Devery Henderson were very good for my sleepers group – the only guy that didn’t put up productive stats was Mark Sanchez. Daniel Thomas, McGehee, and Burleson were all very good if you listened and needed a very low-owned sleeper for Week 2.

(Papa wants to let you know, if you want some old-school bad-ass fantasy advice, send him emails to….. PAPAWEIMER50@HOTMAIL.COM)

Here are this week’s guys…

Elite Starters: Guys picked early that I love this week, looking for Top 5 at their position.

1. Phillip Rivers- KC Chiefs secondary is swiss cheese.
2. Vincent Jackson – Somebody pay this guy, please.
3. Chris Johnson – The law of averages says he’s too good to struggle three weeks in a row.
4. Larry Fitzgerald – Great match-up against a Seattle team that is solid against the run but struggles against the pass, especially against big receivers.
5. Tom Brady- Tough to bet against him, ever, especially now when he’s in “break all the records” mode.

Solid Starters: Guys picked in middle rounds that should outplay their ranking/draft position this week.

1. Jeremy Maclin–Really good player, should torch the Giants.
2. Percy Harvin- I’m not worried about starting him despite McNabb’s struggles, should have a big game.
3. Ryan Matthews– Chiefs… Matthews has looked very good in all aspects of the game.
4. Matt Schaub -They’ll have to throw the ball to beat the Saints, and if Houston can block for a sec, he’ll have his chances.
5. Steve Smith – Zoom-zoom!

Sleeper Starters: Guys ranked low, drafted low or falling off the charts, but I still like them this week…

1. Ben Tate– He’ll be the man for a very impressive rushing attack, even against a good run D I like him.
2. DeAngelo Williams – that’s how much his stock has dropped in 2 weeks, he’s at sleeper status…
3. Devery Henderson– Can’t not start this guy right now.
4. Shonn Greene – With nobody believing in Green these days, I think he has a chance for a great day this week.
5. Kevin Kolb– Ranked 19th by ESPN, I bet Kolb is Top 10.

Super Sleepers: Undrafted guys that are usually unowned, but in a pinch put ‘em in coach!

1. David Nelson–I like his size as a mismatch with the corners in New England.
2. Tony Scheffler– Petitgrew might be out, and Scheffler has a nice match-up against a Minnesota team that gives up big plays to TEs.
3. Tashard Choice – Owned Jamal Charles and Felix Jones and Steven Jackson? So much for that fantasy strength at RB. Maybe try Choice, could have a nice day if given touches. Dallas’s offense will need some kind of help.
4. Jabar Gaffney – He’s unowned, getting targets, and playing against that Dallas secondary. Give him a shot if you’re in a bind.
5. Tarvaris Jackson – In a two QB league, Jackson plays the Arizona Cardinals…. That secondary is bad. Bad enough to start T-Jack? It’s a chance, risky and crazy, but it might just be crazy enough to work.

Sit ‘Em Son: I don’t care where they were drafted, I don’t like these guys starting this week…

1. Denarius Moore – Great game last week, kid. This week, enjoy Revis island.
2. Hakeem Nicks– He’s great, and probably the Giants only healthy target – but that’s why I can’t buy in, the Eagles should key on him pretty much all night.
3. Pierre Thomas– Who thought Sproles would be the best option at RB for fantasy owners? Put your hand down, jerkoff, you’re lying.
4. Mark Ingram– The NO receivers do fine with a time share, but the Saints runners scare me.
5. Big Ben– I just think they run it too much for him to be a Top 20 guy.

Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings: 2011 Fantasy Projections

Focus…….
UP!!!

This is just our rankings. We’re doing these basically the same as last year, with a single addition. Every writer from the site will also rank their Top 3 players, regardless of position, every single week. We’ll call that THE BIG THREE. Like our rankings, we will keep track of that every week in an in-site competition.

Haven’t done the calculations for Week 2 yet, but my guess is that Red Red Ryan pulled off a heist. We’ll count the cards later.

Week 2 saw Papa lose The Big Three contest for the 2nd straight week, meaning that retirement winnings he’s been squandering away got a little bit lighter in the wallet, if you got me. Arse knows how to go big, and something tells me if he’s ever on the low side of a PW win, he’s going to have a tough time anteing up to make up for the big night he had on PW’s wallet last time around. Who will win in Week 3? We shall see!

-----------------------------------------------------THE BIG THREE: Week 3----------------------------------------------------

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Tom Brady	LeSean McCoy	Ray Rice	Phillip Rivers	Larry Fitzgerald
Ryan Matthews	Drew Brees	Matt Forte	Vincent Jackson	Tom Brady
Ray Rice	Tom Brady	Tom Brady	Chris Johnson	Drew Brees

***Cam Newton has gotten on our rankings, something about his “most yards ever through 2 games of a career that couldn’t keep one of us away!***

2011 Week 3 QB Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Tom Brady	Drew Brees	Tom Brady	Phillip Rivers	Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers	Tom Brady	Cam Newton	Drew Brees	Drew Brees
Phillip Rivers	Aaron Rodgers	Phillip Rivers	Tom Brady	Aaron Rodgers
Mike Vick	Phillip Rivers	Drew Brees	Matthew Stafford	Philip Rivers
Kevin Kolb	Ryan Fitzpatrick	Aaron Rodgers	Aaron Rodgers	Matthew Stafford

2011 Week 3 RB Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Ray Rice	Ray Rice	Adrian Peterson	Chris Johnson	Ray Rice
Matt Forte	Maurice Jones Drew	Ray Rice	Adrian Peterson	Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson	Adrian Peterson	Chris Johnson	Ray Rice	Peyton Hillis
LeSean McCoy	LeSean McCoy	LeSean McCoy	LeSean McCoy	Matt Forte
Fred Jackson	Matt Forte	Maurice Jones Drew	Ryan Matthews	LeSean McCoy

2011 Week 3 WR Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Greg Jennings	Andre Johnson	Andre Johnson	Vincent Jackson	Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald	Larry Fitzgerald	Vincent Jackson	Larry Fitzgerald	Vincent Jackson
Calvin Johnson	Vincent Jackson	Larry Fitzgerald	Jeremy Maclin	Calvin Johnson
Wes Welker	Roddy White	Calvin Johnson	Steve Smith	Roddy White
Andre Johnson	Calvin Johnson	Roddy White	Andre Johnson	Greg Jennings

2011 Week 3 TE Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Jason Witten	Antonio Gates	Dallas Clark	Antonio Gates	Antonio Gates
Rob Gronkowski	Jermichael Finley	Antonio Gates	Vernon Davis	Jason Witten
Antonio Gates	Dallas Clark	Jermichael Finley	Rob Gronkowski	Rob Gronkowski
Dallas Clark	Jason Witten	Rob Gronkowski	Jason Witten	Dustin Keller
Jermichael Finley	Dustin Keller	Jason Witten	Jermichael Finley	Vernon Davis

2011 Week 3 D/ST Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Cardinals	Ravens	Jets	Packers	Steelers
Cowboys	Jets	Steelers	Jets	Jets
Bengals	Eagles	Cardinals	Steelers	Packers
Ravens	Packers	Packers	Ravens	Chargers
Browns	Ravens	Chargers	Cardinals	Cardinals

Fantasy Focus Week 2 2011: Fantasy Picks

Fantasy Football Rankings: Fantasy Focus Week 2 2011

Last week I hit some nice performances right on the head – of my Elite guys, only Calvin Johnson was a Top 5 performer, but both Phillip Rivers and Darren McFadden put up some nice numbers. Nobody really busted, but Charles didn’t look up to speed and Peterson didn’t score. My second group was mediocre at best, pretty poor in fact as nobody played great and Orton, Manningham, and Holmes all kind of fizzled. I hit a wall with James Jones in my sleepers, and Braylon Edwards wasn’t as good as I’d have liked, but three guys really stood out in that group as Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower, and Robert Meachem all played better than expected. Nate Burleson and Darren Sproles both were solid as super sleepers, but Sproles was the real gem of the weekend – finishing 7th amongst RBs is nice. I hit 4 of 5 in my “Sit’Em” category as only Miles Austin produced. Cassel was terrible, as was Mike Sims Walker, neither GB running back did much, either.

But hey, this is Week 2 and I have more tidbits for you to chew on. 5 groups of 5 with some chit chat about each pick. Good luck!

(Papa wants to let you know, if you want some old-school bad-ass fantasy advice, send him emails to….. PAPAWEIMER50@HOTMAIL.COM)

Elite Starters: Guys picked early that I love this week, looking for Top 5 at their position.

1. Peyton Hillis- The Browns will run and run and run it. The Colts will wear yards.
2. Phillip Rivers – Is it crazy to expect Rivers to outperform Tom the master of all that is football? I do… But I do!
3. Calvin Johnson – I don’t know if Revis island would be a scary place for CJ – he’s going to big brother the Chiefs all day.
4. Larry Fitzgerald – The Redskins’ CBs take chances, and Fitz will make them play – I think this will be a relatively close shootout as well, so extra points there.
5. Adrian Peterson – Because he’s dirty, that’s why.

Solid Starters: Guys picked in middle rounds that should outplay their ranking/draft position this week.

1. Michael Turner– I don’t think the Eagles can stop the run, Turner will get 25 carries this week if the Falcons know what’s good for them.
2. Ahmad Bradshaw- I like Bradshaw as a weapon to beat the Rams this week.
3. Tim Hightower– Love the “playing his old team” card – I’ll play it here.
4. Santana Moss – He’s got an even better match-up than last week, stick with me here.
5. Matthew Stafford – Seems too obvious, might even belong on the above group…

Sleeper Starters: Guys ranked low, drafted low or falling off the charts, but I still like them this week…

1. Mark Sanchez– The don’t list Mark as a starter in fantasy this week, but I bet he’s Top 8 going up against the Jags.
2. Darren Sproles –Lance Moore out. Colston out. Sproles in… He’s no longer a super sleeper after a stellar Week 1.
3. Devery Henderson– I’m gonna go ahead and expect good things from guys starting with Drew Brees at Q. Match-up isn’t good, but oh well.
4. Robert Meachem – Colston is out, I know the Bears are solid, but tough to pass up Rob any week he’s a top 2 target for Drew.
5. Rex Grossman– Cam Newton did the Cardinals dirty, same here for Sexy Rexy!

Super Sleepers: Undrafted guys that are usually unowned, but in a pinch put ‘em in coach!

1. Cadillac Williams– No Steven Jackson, if you need a guy, Caddy’s yer caddy… Not good.
2. Darren Sproles– Like Lance Moore used to gain value with Bush out, Sproles will gain more value with Lance hurting.
3. Daniel Thomas – If they can stick close to New England, it’s because they’re running it, and Thomas is the guy to carry it.
4. Willis McGahee – Oakland’s defense is not good, but I think their run defense is real bad. McGahee could be a 10-13 touch guy.
5. Nate Burleson – Nate has scored a few times in the preseason, if he’s healthy, he’s a nice play against Tampa Bay.

Sit ‘Em Son: I don’t care where they were drafted, I don’t like these guys starting this week…

1. Dez Bryant – Tough to sit him, but that leg looked bad against the Jets. I pretty much blame his playing after the injury (so, the coaching staff) for the Cowboys losing Sunday Night.
2. Matt Ryan– I know you all loved him as a Top 10 guy this year, but he’ll hand off more this week, so huge numbers are likely out of the question. Not in the Top 15.
3. Pierre Thomas– Don’t really like him against a very tough Bears front, plus he’s in a weird time share.
4. Mike Thomas– ESPN, what are you doing? They expect 21 from Thomas, I’d divide that by 4 or 5…
5. Cam Newton– Tough to sit him after he dominated in Week 1, but I see a match-up that will be tough on Cam – not in the Top 15 this week.

Week 2 2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Fantasy Projections

Focus…….
UP!!!

This is just our rankings. We’re doing these basically the same as last year, with a single addition. Every writer from the site will also rank their Top 3 players, regardless of position, every single week. We’ll call that THE BIG THREE. Like our rankings, we will keep track of that every week in an in-site competition.

Papa Weimer (papaweimer50@hotmail.com) won the in-site contest this week, taking home the best rankings as he was 1st place in both Quarterbacks and Running backs total rankings. We are always amazed when that old man wins anything that requires intelligence… Wait, maybe I’m on to something here… Anyway, it was all made up for when Papa lost THE BIG THREE contest in Week 1, meaning he had to buy the winner all the booze he could drink… His response, good thing Red’s such a light weight. Fair enough. Ryan won though, must have been his red hair leading him through the darkness. This is what we have in Week 2…

COPY OF -----------------------------------------------------THE BIG THREE: Week 2----------------------------------------------------

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Aaron Rodgers	LeSean McCoy	Calvin Johnson	Peyton Hillis	Aaron Rodgers
Tom Brady	Tom Brady	Peyton Hillis	Phillip Rivers	Calvin Johnson
Ray Rice	Aaron Rodgers	Michael Vick	Calvin Johnson	Ray Rice

***Could Week 2 possibly out fantasy Week 1? Probably not, but we’ll be better!***

2011 Week 2 QB Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Aaron Rodgers	Michael Vick	Tom Brady	Phillip Rivers	Aaron Rodgers
Tom Brady	Tom Brady	Phillip Rivers	Michael Vick	Tom Brady
Phillip Rivers	Aaron Rodgers	Michael Vick	Aaron Rodgers	Mike Vick
Mike Vick	Phillip Rivers	Drew Brees	Matthew Stafford	Philip Rivers
Matt Schaub	Drew Brees	Aaron Rodgers	Tom Brady	Matthew Stafford

2011 Week 2 RB Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Ray Rice	Ray Rice	Peyton Hillis	Peyton Hillis	Ray Rice
Darren McFadden	Peyton Hillis	Ray Rice	Adrian Peterson	Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson	Adrian Peterson	Matt Forte	Ray Rice	Matt Forte
Peyton Hillis	Darren McFadden	LeSean McCoy	LeSean McCoy	Darren McFadden
Michael Turner	LeSean McCoy	Cedric Benson	Michael Turner	Frank Gore

2011 Week 2 WR Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Andre Johnson	Andre Johnson	Andre Johnson	Calvin Johnson	Calvin Johnson
Larry Fitzgerald	Larry Fitzgerald	Vincent Jackson	Larry Fitzgerald	Larry Fitzgerald
Calvin Johnson	Mike Wallace	Roddy White	Santana Moss	Andre Johnson
DeSean Jackson	Vincent Jackson	Calvin Johnson	Vincent Jackson	Vincent Jackson
Greg Jennings	Calvin Johnson	Greg Jennings	Mike Wallace	Roddy White

2011 Week 2 TE Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Antonio Gates	Antonio Gates	Aaron Hernandez	Jermichael Finley	Antonio Gates
Jason Witten	Jermichael Finley	Antonio Gates	Vernon Davis	Jason Witten
Owen Daniels	Dallas Clark	Jermichael Finley	Jason Witten	Vernon Davis
Aaron Hernandez	Jason Witten	Jason Witten	Antonio Gates	Jimmy Graham
Scott Chandler	Brandon Petitgrew	Jermaine Gresham	Jimmy Graham	Vernon Davis

2011 Week 2 D/ST Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Steelers	Ravens	Steelers	Ravens	Steelers
Jets	Jets	Jets	Jets	Jets
Packers	Steelers	Ravens	Packers	Packers
Ravens	Packers	Rams	Steelers	Cowboys
Broncos	Browns	Browns	Cowboys	Browns

Who’d we leave out?

QB: Tony Romo – The 49ers defensive secondary isn’t that scary.
RB: Arian Foster – People expect him to play, he still scares us off with his hammy.
WR: Kenny Britt -He tore it up in Week 1, we still left him out.
TE: Kellen Winslow – could have a nice day.
D/ST: Texans – Houston had quite a Week 1 performance, but we think it was the O they played!

Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings: 2011 Fantasy Projections

Focus…….
UP!!!

The Fantasy Focus is a little different this year, but it’s better than ever before. What we’re doing is breaking down last year’s article into 2 different articles, a little insight into 5 of my favorite players in 4 different categories, and 5 guys I don’t like regardless of ranking. That’s getting the title, Fantasy Focus, and that was written a couple days ago.

This is just our rankings. We’re doing these basically the same as last year, with a single addition. Every writer from the site will also rank their Top 3 players, regardless of position, every single week. We’ll call that THE BIG THREE. Like our rankings, we will keep track of that every week in an in-site competition.

How we grade our rankings out is based on how many points each fantasy player gets. We add those points up from a single category, and each of us gets rated out based on our finish (1st through 5th). The person with the smallest overall ranking gets the top prize, and down the list. So, if I score 120 quarterback points, and that’s the best score, I get 1 for the QB category. We add ‘em up, low man wins. Easy? You bet. Because I’m wordy, there might be some tidbits here and there, but we’re basically going for easy to read rankings to help you all out. Hope it does! Good luck in Week 1, where every owner thinks they have a shot at the elusive fantasy title….

------------------------------------------------THE BIG THREE: Week 1 RANKINGS--------------------------------------------

Ryan Kauffman (73)	Josh Arsenault (45)	Papa Weimer (40)	Lucky Lester (66)	Nate B Kuhns (62)
Aaron Rodgers (27)	Adrian Peterson (12)	Adrian Peterson (12)	Dar McFadden (18)	Roddy White (14)
Michael Vick (24)	Michael Vick (24)	Peyton Hillis (14)	Phillip Rivers (22)	Andre Johnson (22)
Phillip Rivers (22)	Larry Fitzgerald (9)	Jamaal Charles (14)	Calvin Johnson (26)	Calvin Johnson (26)

Red Red Ryan goes with an all princess front line, taking quarterbacks to do all his damage. He has flag football dreams as a QB, and right off the bat he’s showing the world his true colors. Arse was a little more well rounded, taking his best match-up from each position. Papa continued his RB love, but added Vick to the bottom because “he’s one of the best running backs in the league, he just gets to pass a lot too” – fair enough. There’s my picks, very similar to my Top 3 in the Fantasy Focus. Nate went with Vick and a couple receivers, the only guy to leave out RBs from his Top 3. He says, “It’s a throwing league, and those guys catch it.” I’m excited to see how the scheming picks up as this competition goes forward – we’re playing for drinks (which is cheap for me, but gets real spendy with Papa) – the loser each week buys the winner’s drinks on the night of the winner’s choice – drinks unlimited, but there’s always NEXT week. The middle three play for free! If there’s a tie, the guy who has the highest scoring player in their top spot wins. If that’s a tie the heaviest guy wins (the big guys out-voted the littlest guy) – the 2nd tie breaker will always go Papa, Josh, Lucky, Red, then Nate…

***Nothing Like Opening Weekend!***

2011 Week 1 QB Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Aaron Rodgers	Michael Vick	Tom Brady	Phillip Rivers	Michael Vick
Michael Vick	Phillip Rivers	Phillip Rivers	Tom Brady	Aaron Rodgers
Phillip Rivers	Aaron Rodgers	Michael Vick	Aaron Rodgers	Philip Rivers
Matthew Stafford	Kyle Orton	Drew Brees	Michael Vick	Tom Brady
Drew Brees	Tom Brady	Aaron Rodgers	Josh Freeman	Matt Ryan

2011 Week 1 RB Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Darren McFadden	Adrian Peterson	Adrian Peterson	Darren McFadden	Adrian Peterson
Jamaal Charles	Peyton Hillis	Peyton Hillis	Jamaal Charles	Maurice JonesDrew
LeSean McCoy	Chris Johnson	Jamaal Charles	Adrian Peterson	Darren McFadden
Ahmad Bradshaw	Maurice JonesDrew	LeSean McCoy	Peyton Hillis	Chris Johnson
Frank Gore	LeSean McCoy	Darren McFadden	Knowshon Moreno	Beanie Wells

2011 Week 1 WR Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Roddy White	Andre Johnson	Larry Fitzgerald	Calvin Johnson	Roddy White
Hakeem Nicks	Larry Fitzgerald	Mike Williams (TB)	Andre Johnson	Andre Johnson
Andre Johnson	Roddy White	Andre Johnson	Stevie Johnson	Calvin Johnson
Calvin Johnson	Vincent Jackson	Roddy White	Vincent Jackson	Hakeem Nicks
Mike Wallace	Calvin Johnson	Calvin Johnson	Brandon Lloyd	Greg Jennings

2011 Week 1 TE Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Jason Witten	Antonio Gates	Owen Daniels	Jason Witten	Antonio Gates
Vernon Davis	Jermichael Finley	Antonio Gates	Jermichael Finley	Jason Witten
Antonio Gates	Dallas Clark	Jermichael Finley	Owen Daniels	Vernon Davis
Jermichael Finley	Jason Witten	Vernon Davis	Antonio Gates	Jermichael Finley
Brandon Petitgrew	Kellen Winslow	Jason Witten	Lance Kendricks	Dallas Clark

2011 Week 1 D/ST Predictions

Ryan Kauffman	Josh Arsenault	Papa Weimer	Lucky Lester	Nate B Kuhns
Chiefs	Cardinals	Patriots	Browns	Chiefs
Giants	Patriots	Eagles	Cardinals	Falcons
Browns	Browns	Cowboys	Patriots	Giants
Patriots	Eagles	Cardinals	49ers	Patriots
49ers	Seahawks	Browns	Falcons	Browns

Who’d we leave out?

QB: Eli Manning – big plays against the Redskins and a QB that starts out hot.
RB: Arian Foster – we were all worried about his hammy, if he plays, he’ll kill the Colts.
WR: Kenny Britt – nobody in JAX can guard this guy, that’s for certain.
TE: Greg Olsen – could be a go to guy for a young QB, and Arizona’s not great on D.
D/ST: Jets – Nobody picked the Jets? Hmm… Apparently we all believe the Dallas hype????

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