Studs & Duds-August 1st

It has been a wild week of MLB trades and all the craziness in the NFL.  Here is a look at a few players who you may want to add to your fantasy baseball team as we head down the home stretch. 



Bourgeois finds himself in a spot to
play everyday after the trade deadline

 With the trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn the door is wide open for Jason Bourgeois to step up and play everyday.  If Bourgeois can stay healthy he has great speed and can help your team out with batting average and stolen bases.  He has been plagued by leg injuries that have kept him sidelined for much of the year, so monitor his status closely.

While OF is a very deep position you may want to consider adding Hideki Matsui and latch on the hot streak that he is on.  Matsui is hitting nearly .500 with 11 runs and 16 RBI in the last two weeks.  He has been on a tear since the All Star break and deserves consideration for an outfield spot on your team. 

If you are hurting at catcher a good addition for your team would be Jarrod Saltalamacchia.  Salty is hitting .333 while driving in ten runs and hitting three home runs.  He will occasionally give way to Jason Varitek behind the plate, but this time of year virtually every catcher is getting time off from time to time.

Jeff Nieman was rumored to be on the trading block but has not yet been moved.  All he has done in the last two weeks is rack up 25 Ks with a sub one ERA and WHIP.  If you are in need of a starter or are streaming your pitchers down the stretch, Nieman is a guy to have on your radar and likely your roster!



Jackson's latest call is to St. Louis and
the contending Cardinals

 Edwin Jackson made a solid start in his debut for the Cards against the Cubs.  Expect Jackson to be the beneficiary of a renewed focus in a playoff race and the softer hitting NL lineups.  Jackson is a solid option for strikeouts and has managed to put together a solid couple of weeks pulling his ERA and WHIP down to respectable levels.

Keep an eye on the trades that materialize and don't underestimate post deadline deals and how they will effect teams.  Contending teams may add some pieces that end up only being platoon players on their new team and you need to be open to making daring moves to climb the standings. 

AFC South-Fantasy Football Do's And Don'ts

We are building up some steam with the recent free agent frenzy and you can feel football in the air.  Here is look at the players in the AFC South who you need to be familiar with as you prepare for your draft.

Houston Texans
The Texans have an explosive offense capable of hurting you on the ground or through the air.  Matt Schaub is a safe second tier pick for your fantasy quarterback.  He racked up over 4,000 yards and had more than 24 passing TDs for the second consecutive year in 2010.  His numbers were down a tick with the emergence of Arian Foster but the balanced attack will loosen defenses up and allow Schaub more space to work with.  Another 4,300/25 season is within reach for Schaub.



Arian Foster will not last until the
middle of your fantasy draft this season

 Arian Foster was the fantasy surprise of the year in 2010.  He won't slip to the middle of your draft this year and may even be the first overall selection.  Even more impressive than Foster's 1,600 rushing yards were his 66 catches for over 600 yards out of the backfield.  His projections in PPR leagues probably translate in to him being the number one back in your league.  There are bigger names, but Foster may be the better pick.  Ben Tate is a capable backup and a good handcuff pick for Foster owners.   

Andre Johnson's catches and yards were very similar to the previous two years despite the fact that he missed three games in 2010.  Like Foster, Johnson is the top player at his position.  You can draft Johnson late in the first round after the run on backs and quarterbacks and pencil him in for his typical productive season.  Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones are solid but unspectacular.  Neither are worth drafting but keep them on your radar through the season as possible waiver wire adds. 

How many years can a player be deemed a sleeper, before you are forced to accept that maybe he is in a coma?  Owen Daniels has the tools to be a top tier tight end but he just can't stay healthy and put together one full, productive season.  He should be drafted as a low tier starter but you may want to quickly back him up given his injury history. 

Indianapolis Colts


Will off season neck surgery slow
Peyton Manning in 2011?

 For the first time in recent memory we enter the season with many questions surrounding Peyton Manning.  Manning will enter the season coming off neck surgery and will likely miss much of the preseason while he recovers.  I would never suggest that he needs the reps but the conditioning and timing with his receivers can not be understated.  Manning should still be a low top tier QB, but don't be surprised if his early season production is a little less than normal. 

Will this be the year that Joseph Addai moves on and gives way to Donald Brown, or does Addai still have a little gas in the tank?  The two backs put up nearly identical numbers last year and either of them could emerge in 2011.  If one of the two steps up and claims the starting job they would be a decent option for a RB3 slot on your team, but not much else.  Addai may end up being cut and that would open the door for Brown to claim the job outright, so keep a close eye on the developments.

Reggie Wayne put up his normal, solid fantasy star numbers in 2010 and should be counted on for consistency at the receiver slot once again.  His numbers will likely be down slightly, but he is very dependable.  Expect a 85/1,200/8 season from Wayne who is slowly creeping out of his prime.  Pierre Garcon is the current beneficiary of being the number two wideout with Peyton Manning as his quarterback.  If Garcon can get past his case of the drops from last season he has the potential to be a good WR3 on your team.  Austin Collie was a huge surprise last year before suffering three concussions.  He has good potential and could be a sleeper pick, but be aware that another concussion could end his season or career. 

Dallas Clark should return as a top tier tight end after recovering from an injury that cost him much of the 2010 season.  Clark is a favorite target of Manning's and could register close to 100 receptions if he stays healthy.  He may be undervalued due to his injury last season, but you can draft him with confidence as a top three tight end. 

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags drafted Blaine Gabbert with the intention of having his as their QB of the future.  David Garrard will likely start most of the 2011 season.  Neither option will have fantasy value this season. 

Expect another solid year for MJD

Maurice Jones-Drew had his second straight 1,300 yard season but he saw his TDs drop from 15 to 5.  He is a solid second tier back and will be looked on to carry the load for the Jags again this year.  MJD's catches were also down last year, but he may see a pickup in receptions with the lack of off season workouts for teams due to the lockout. 

Mike Sims-Walker is wildly inconsistent and disappeared for stretches last year.  He suffered through three games where he didn't even register a catch.  I can't trust him and can't suggest that you do either.  Pass on Sims-Walker and let someone else pull their hair out from week to week.  Mike Thomas is a decent sleeper option and could emerge as a WR3 option.  Don't count on him to carry your team, but he will likely fly below the radar and be a good value pick.  The only other solid receiving threat for the Jags is their tight end Marcedes Lewis.  Lewis was especially productive in scoring leagues with a ten TD season in 2010.  Sims-Walker's inconsistency and Thomas' size leave Lewis as the Jags number one red zone target and a candidate for another good season. 

Tenneessee Titans
The Titans agreed to terms with Matt Hasslebeck to be their quarterback for the 2010 and to groom Jake Locker to be the eventual suceesor.  Hasslebeck should not be drafted on draft day but could have value later in the season if you need a capable vet to fill in for injuries. 


Is Chris Johnson #1 overall?


Chris Johnson has a solid argument to be the overall number one pick in your draft.  The new coaching staff has said they intend to utilize Johnson more in the passing game and he will once again be a solid building block for your fantasy squad.  If you are picking in the top three spots in your draft you can't go wrong with Johnson on your team. 

If Kenny Britt is able to avoid suspension with the adoption of the new collective bargining agreement he has high WR2 capability with the talent to project to a WR1 now that he has a decent QB to get him the ball.  Monitor his situation and adjust him down accordingly, depending on the length of any possible suspension.  Jared Cook has the size and talent to emerge as a Antonio Gates type target at tight end.  He hasn't been able to put it together in two seasons, but enters the 2011 season as the primary receiving tight end.  He shouldn't be drafted but he warrrants some attention.  Monitor his early season performances and grab him if he shows he is ready to live up to expectations. 

With all the signings going on the last several days, all your cheatsheets and notes could find themselves obsolete from one minute to the next.  Keep checking back to see how all the moves will effect the fantasy football projections for the coming year. 

NFC West-Fantasy Football Do's & Don'ts

Teams are reporting to camp and all the craziness is starting with free agency.  Here is a look at the players who make their home in the NFC West that deserve your consideration for your fantasy football team. 

Arizona Cardinals
The QB situation in the desert will go a long way in determining the fantasy value of the surrounding cast.  The Cards are expected to make a strong push for Kevin Kolb via trade with the Eagles.  If Kolb lands in Arizona he immediately becomes their starter and has value as a solid QB2.

The backfield in Arizona is very crowded and looks to be a dreaded running back by committee situation.  Beanie Wells will likely be overvalued on draft day even after a disappointing 2010 sophomore season.  He only managed 2TDs and 397 yards while splitting time with Tim Hightower.  Hightower is a restricted free agent and will likely be resigned for the Cards.  To complicate things further, the Cardinals spent their 2nd round pick on Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams.  Williams is a talented back who could eventually have fantasy football value, but the timeshare will likely diminish the value of any of these backs. 



Expect a bounce back fantasy season
from Larry Fitzgerald in 2011

 Larry Fitzgerald was a popular cornerstone for many fantasy squads last year.  If it is possible to catch 90 balls for over 1,100 yards and have your season deemed a disappointment then Fitzgerald's 2010 season qualifies, but only because of the scant six TDs and high expectations.  Should Kevin Kolb end up in Arizona then Fitzgerald's stock is solidified as a top tier WR again.  Look for 90/1,200/10 with solid QB play.  Expectations were also high for Steve Breaston last year.  He was widely expected to step in to Anquan Boldin's spot and produce impressive stats.  Instead, Breaston suffered through some injuries and only had 47 catches and one TD.  He is a free agent now, but the Cards are expected to resign him.  Again, if Arizona has a competent signal caller Breaston could be a quality reserve WR, but if not, he has no spot on your roster. 



San Francisco 49ERs
Alex Smith is expected to be back as the Niners QB and does not have fantasy value unless you play in a very deep league.

Frank Gore saw his 2010 season cut short due to injuries and will see some competition in the backfield from Anthony Dixon.  Gore has received a strong endorsement from new head coach Jim Harbaugh and should remain the workhorse back for the 49ERs again in 2011.  Gore is a solid pass catcher and will make for a solid RB1 for teams that draft towards the back of the draft and are still looking to latch onto a strong back.  Beware of his propensity for injuries and know that he will likely miss a couple of games, but you may be rewarded with a solid back capable of registering strong RB1 numbers. 

Michael Crabtree is the only WR on the Niners that deserves your consideration on draft day.  If he can continue to mature and get solid QB play he has shown the ability to be a solid WR2 option in all formats.  If you can stomach stretches where he disappears and disappoints, draft him for his talent and upside. 



Vernon Davis is arguably the best
fantasy tight end

 Vernon Davis is arguably the best fantasy TE in the game.  His TDs were down from 13 to 7 in 2010 but he still managed to pile up 914 yards and is doing his best to wrestle the best overall tight end moniker from Antonio Gates.  He should be one of the first tight ends off the board and you can draft him expecting solid WR2 type numbers.

Seattle Seahawks
Is it possible for a playoff team to have hardly any players worth picking on draft day?  The Seahawks may be that team.  Keep a close eye on the QB situation as it develops in Seattle and adjust should they sign a vet capable of stepping in and contributing.  If the job somehow falls to Charlie Whitehurst, run...fast and far!

Marshawn Lynch will always be remembered for going "beastmode" and breaking tackle after tackle on his way to one of the most memorable TDs in recent history.  If Lynch is able to get the lion share of the carries he is a solid RB3 option and capable bye week fill in.  Justin Forsett is still in the picture but saw his touches decrease last year and appears to be relegated to an injury option and third down back at this point. 

What do you make of Mike Williams?  Is the he the guy who caught 44 passes for 2 TDs from 05-07 or is the he the target that hauled in 65 catches for 751 yards in 2010?  I tend to think you can expect a similar stat line from him.  Williams appears to have matured as a person and is a good WR3 to consider.  Keep an eye on how the Seahawk's offense performs early and what Ben Obomanu's role is.  He may warrant deep league consideration if he continues to show development. 

The emergence of Mike Williams came at the expense of John Carlson.  Carlson saw his role reduced and he is now longer a reliable fantasy option.


St. Louis Rams

If Josh McDaniels is calling the plays in St. Louis this year Sam Bradford may quickly develop into a viable starting fantasy QB.  Expect a continued maturation and development from Bradford who had over 3,500 yards and 18 TDs in this rookie campaign.  I would be surprised if he doesn't surpass 3,800 yards with 24 TDs this season. 

Steven Jackson takes a pounding and just keeps on running the ball.  Just twenty eight, Jackson has still racked up over 2,200 touches in his career.  He has the ability to carry the load, but could certainly benefit from a complementary back like Reggie Bush to lighten his load.  Beware of the possibility of a drastic drop off and draft Jackson as a high to mid RB2. 

The Rams would be well served to add a quality WR for Bradford to throw to.  Sidney Rice would be a good option due to his size, skill set, and age.  The current Rams receivers are not household names but could end up producing decent numbers for your fantasy team.  Danny Amendola has far more value in a PPR league after hauling in 85 catches last year.  Donnie Avery and Mardy Gilyard will battle with a handful of draft picks to get playing time and have very little fantasy value unless they are able to separate themselves and secure more playing time. 

With all the player movement expected in the next several days, keep checking back for your division by division fantasy rundown. 

Studs & Duds-July 23

Studs and Duds will take a look at the players who you may look to pick up to give your baseball team the shot in the arm they need and the others that it may be time to give up on.

Here is this week's edition

Studs-
Edwin Encarnacion-3B, 1B Toronto Blue Jays
Encarnacion has been very hot over the last two weeks and is still available in many leagues.  He is an attractive option at either corner infield position and could be a fill in option for teams looking for a replacement for Alex Rodriguez or Chipper Jones.  Encarnacion has hit .436 the last two weeks while driving in five runs and swiping three stolen bases.



Cameron Maybin's hot streak has
earned him consideration for your
fantasy baseball roster

 Cameron Maybin-OF San Diego Padres
Maybin has been on fire lately and may be the best player on the Padres right now.  He was phenomenal compiling nine hits in a three game series against the Florida Marlins.  Maybin has good speed and will be a good option to sneak a couple of steals in if you can plug him in positive match ups. 

Alexi Casilla 2B, SS Minnesota Twins
If you were unfortunate enough to have lost Stephen Drew to the DL earlier in the week you may be scrambling for middle infield help.  Casilla has come on strong of late and his numbers are actually very similar to Drew's with a trade off for RBI for stolen bases.  His seventeen hits in the last two weeks ties him for third in the majors.  His ability to get on base and score runs make him a valuable fantasy option. 

Brandon Morrow SP Toronto Blue Jays
Morrow has not been spectacular but he registers a good number of Ks and has logged two solid starts since the All Star break.  His next start is against Texas so be careful, but he could provide you with some starter help down the stretch. 

The next guy in line RP...potentially, lots of teams
This isn't an endorsement of any one individual player, but rather a call to be on the look out at the moves that develop in MLB at the trade deadlines.  Several relief pitchers are being shopped and are expected to find new homes in the next week.  Make sure you are on top of how this might effect your current staff and who the key guys are to step in, in the event that a team trades it's current closer.  Here are the guys I would take note of and have on my radar. 
Edward Mujica-Florida
Mike Adams-San Diego
Luke Gregerson-San Diego (if Bell & Adams get traded)


Duds
Jason Bay-OF New York Mets
Bay evidently turned back into a pumpkin when the calender hit July.  His hot streak is gone and he is battling through some injuries that have kept him out of the lineup.  If Carlos Beltran is dealt at the deadline, Bay will be looked at to provide much of the Mets' offense but he is not proving capable lately.

Mike Trout-OF LA Angels
If you latched on to Trout when he got called up expecting to catch lightening in a bottle, you have been disappointed.  He is only batting .133 and is simply not hitting well enough to warrant a spot on your roster.  He has all the tools to be a fantasy contributor for many years, but for this year...look elsewhere.

Matt Capps-RP Minnesota Twins
Joe Nathan is back in as the closer for the Twins barring a major setback.  Given his recent performances, Capps may actually fallen behind Glen Perkins at having a shot at closing should the Twins look to replace Nathan later in the season. 

Jhoulys Chacin-SP Colorado Rockies
Chacin has had two shaky outings and you may be better served to look for a different option to send to the mound.  His 5.50 ERA in the last two weeks is concerning, but it could actually be worse considering all the base runners he has allowed via walk as he struggles with control issues. 

AFC West-Fantasy Football Do's And Don'ts

Here is a snapshot of the AFC West teams and the key fantasy players who deserve your attention on draft day. 

San Diego Chargers


Philip Rivers will put up top three
QB numbers in 2011

 Philip Rivers will rank near the top of your QB rankings.  He is surrounded by a strong cast of offensive weapons that will give him opportunities that other QBs only dream of.  After posting over 4,700 passing yards with 30 TDs despite the Vincent Jackson drama you can expect similar numbers in 2011.  If you miss out on Rodgers and Brees, grab Rivers and don't feel bad for yourself. 

Ryan Mathews entered the league last year with a lot of promise and expectations.  He put up solid numbers but was hobbled by injuries.  While Mathews was on the shelf the Chargers discovered Mike Tolbert was a capable option in the backfield.  Expect a timeshare with Mathews getting the majority of the carries.  Mathews should be monitored to make sure he bounces back from his injuries and to verify his role as the primary back.  Target him as a strong RB2 if his role develops as expected. 

The Chargers' receiving situation requires a crystal ball to sort out.  Keep an eye on the contract issues with Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd right up until draft day.  If both stay put and are paired with Rivers, Jackson is a strong WR1 option and Floyd is a low end WR2 with upside.  Jackson and Antonio Gates will demand a lot of attention and should shift the coverage to allow Floyd the opportunity to shine.  If Jackson were to end up elsewhere, Floyd shoots up the draft board as a high WR2.  Gates is again atop the list of tight ends.  He missed six games last year but still has the skills, and offense to put up the type of numbers you would normally expect to see from a top tier receiver. 

Denver Broncos


 The Broncos are in a rebuilding mode and have hired John Fox to be their coach going forward.  Fox who is known for his stubbornness in playing vets over younger players will have his natural tendencies challenged in his new post.  The Broncos are expected to look for a trading partner to move Kyle Orton, leaving the door open for Tim Tebow to take over at quarterback.  Tebow's name power will likely result in him being overvalued and drafted before savvy owners are willing to take the chance on his unconventional approach and upside.  He will have success in the right match ups, but I suggest you wait and see how he develops this year and what his role is moving forward. 

Denver's backfield is a mess and may be one of those situations that has to be worked out through the pre-season.  Knoshown Moreno has been criticized for his willingness to put in the work it takes to be an elite back in the NFL.  The Broncos may pursue another running back in free agency to share the load with Moreno.  Fox negotiated a successful RBBC in Carolina with Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stweart and this season may bring more of the same.  Interestingly, if the Panthers elect to not throw a bunch of money at Williams he may be heavily pursued by his old coach and end up lining up in the Bronco's backfield. 

The Broncos receivers are led by Brandon Lloyd.  Lloyd had a terrific year last year with a stat line of 77/1,448/11.  He will anchor their wideouts in 2011 and should be picked as a very high end WR2.  Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney are the other two guys who expect to catch the ball for the Broncos this year.  Neither player is worth investing a whole lot in, but if you are looking for a sleeper wide receiver who has put up good numbers in the past, I would target Royal. 


Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel is an excellent choice for your QB2 slot.  He improved a great deal last year tossing 27 TDs and only 7 interceptions.  For owners who like to take two mid range QBs and play the matchup week to week, Cassel would be a solid option to pursue. 

The Chiefs may keep Thomas Jones around for 2011 and may even  list him as their primary back, but no logical person can justify not feeding Jamaal Charles the ball 20+ times per game.  Despite only three games where he logged more than 20 carries last year Charles managed to have over 1,400 yards on the strength of a 6.4 YPC average.  Expect Charles to get a greater share this year and put up eye popping numbers.  His projections deserve top five status on draft day.

Dwayne Bowe hauled in fifteen TDs last year on his way to a great fantasy football season.  I believe that Bowe has the potential to be a bust in the upcoming season.  He was able to catch only 72 passes last year and with such a gaudy TD total unlikely again(the 15 TDs in 2010 was only one less than his total the last three seasons combined), expect his numbers to take a dip.  He is certainly still a player to target, but don't overvalue him on draft day.  Pick him with the expectation of getting mid WR2 stats.  Unless they may a free agent acquisition no other WR deserves draft day consideration. 

Tony Moeacki had a solid season with 47/556/3 numbers.  He is not worth drafting but could be on your radar in the season for a bye week or injury pickup.     

Oakland Raiders

Darren McFadden will be a popular choice for owners who miss out on the top half of the first round and are looking to grab a solid running back.  McFadden is a strong candidate to build on his 1,000 yard season last year, but his injury history and the Raiders willingness to give the ball to Michael Bush at the goal line are concerning.  McFadden is a strong pass catcher and I would target him as a mid to low RB1 choice.  Keep an eye on what happens to Bush in the pre-season.  He may find his way onto fantasy rosters as a handcuff pick or as a candidate to steal some TDs with those goal line carries. 

Zach Miller has had three consecutive seasons with strong numbers for a second tier tight end.  Pencil him in for 65/700/5 and pick him with confidence.

Two divisions down, six to go.  Keep checking back in for the divisional breakdown of fantasy players around the league.