360 Spin – Fantasy Football Game Reviews For Week 9 – Sunday 4:00 pm EST, Sunday & Monday Night Games

The purpose of reviewing each game allow owners to see each teams players’ fantasy stats in one place.  This should help owners get a feel for where their players are in their teams offenses, as well as provide a feel for other players that could become fantasy relevant in the near future.  In the end, the fantasy spin lets you the owner evaluate players by where they should be in terms of setting positional rosters each and every week.  It can also help you decide whether to go get a player off waivers, whether to try and make a trade, or whether to sit tight. 

Contributing to this week’s “360-Spin Game Reviews” are: 

Matt Hurley. Matt has been a fantasy footballer for over ten years. Matt is no stranger either to writing about fantasy football as he is a frequent contributor to a fantasy football league website, providing reviews, and player and team outlooks.  Matt is a marketing writer for one of the largest independent broker/dealers in the U.S. and we are looking forward to hearing his insight.

Giorgos Kassakos.  Giorgos formerly wrote for the Bleacher Report. He is a sports management graduate and self-described “Sports Fan/Wacko.” Follow Girogos on Twitter at @Greek_QB.

4:05 p.m. EST

VIKINGS   20   (5-4) v. SEAHAWKS   30   (5-4)

By The Fantasy Greek

Vikings

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Christian Ponder	63		23				1
RB Adrian Peterson			182	2	11
RB Toby Gerhart			14		3
WR Percy Harvin			24		10			1
WR Michael Jenkins					8
WR Jerome Simpson					14
TE Kyle Rudolph					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Vikings DST	1						385

This was definitely one of those games where things did not go as planned for the Vikings. Christian Ponder had one of his worst games of the season, and because of that, the passing game suffered all the way around. Percy Harvin (ankle injury) and Kyle Rudolph were non-factors. For Rudolph, he now has a string of games where his involvement in the offense hardly makes him worth a fantasy bench spot. Worse yet, this is not the kind of “bad game” you expect from your franchise quarterback. Still, Harvin remains a fantasy must start (when healthy) and Ponder and Rudolph should be looked at as potential match-up based plays. Thankfully, the Vikings Adrian Peterson looked like his old self and tore up the gridiron as a franchise running back should. The Vikings DST had a forgettable game allowing 385 yards of total offense and only having one sack to show for it.  

NEXT UP: Lions

Seahawks

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Russell Wilson	173	3	27
RB Marshawn Lynch			121	1	26
RB Robert Turbin			21		9
FB Michael Robinson			2		22
WR Sidney Rice					54	1
WR Golden Tate			21		28	2
TE Zach Miller					47

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Seahawks DST	4	1	1				287

While the Vikings didn’t make it easy for Russell Wilson as his meager (by today’s standards) 173 yards passing reflect, combined with 3 touchdowns and 27 yards rushing, Wilson put together a solid fantasy football performance that any fantasy player who took the chance on him as a bye week replacement or match-up based play should be proud of. Both Sidney Rice and Golden Tate got into the end-zone again, even though Golden Tate’s two touchdown catches may have been for naught in fantasy football. Tight-end  Zach Miller made some noise again this week and is beginning to look like a TE2 for fantasy purposes.  Marshawn Lynch got into the end-zone and had one of his best games of the season against what has been, up until late, a pretty good Vikings rush defense.  This week, the Seahawks defense got back on track and got all over the Vikings Christian Ponder. The Seahawks remain one of the best defensive units in the league, and a weekly must start. Russell Wilson continues to impress, and every week, it looks like Wilson is increasing his passes. A day will come for Wilson to get on the fantasy gridiron.  The SeahawksSidney Ricehas scored three times in the past four games. While Rice is still not knocking it out of the park, so to speak, Rice is worth WR3 consideration going forward. As mentioned last week, should Rice be on your waivers, he is worth adding to replace an underperforming bench player. Don’t let the two touchdowns sway you into making a waiver grab for Golden Tate just yet. His play has been streaky and but for the three games he scored in, Tate would have made for a pretty bad fantasy play in the other five games he played in. At best, Tate makes for a bye-week fill-in.

NEXT UP: Jets

 

BUCCANEERS   42   (4-4) v. RAIDERS   32   (3-5)

By The Fantasy Greek 

Buccaneers

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Josh Freeman	247	2	22					1
RB Doug Martin			251	4	21
RB DJ Ware					12
RB LaGarrette Blount			5
RB Erik Lorig					11
WR Vincent Jackson					84	1
WR Mike Williams					68	1
WR Tiquan Underwood					12
TE Dallas Clark					22

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Buccaneers DST	2	3					424

Seventy-four points of total offense was scored in this game! This was quite different than the modestly, medium scoring game that was expected. Leading the way was rookie running back phenom (we can all call him that right now) RB Doug Martin who — BOOM! — blew up the gridiron for 272 all-purpose yards and four — count them, FOUR — rushing touchdowns, on 25 rushing attempts. In non-PPR leagues, this equated to roughly 55 fantasy points!  Martin likely carried most, if not all, fantasy players to victory this weekend.  As Martin posted 214 all-purpose yards and 2 TDs last week, and had a couple of decent games the weeks before that, Martin is a must start going forward. While Martin’s performance overshadowed the other great games that player’s had on both sides of the field, Josh Freeman was solid again this week and made for a fine QB play, especially as a bye week replacement.  Both Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams got in the end-zone for a score. Jackson remains a top weekly option while Williams, because of his inconsistency, remains a WR3 consideration. 

NEXT UP: Chargers

Raiders

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Carson Palmer	414	4	3				3
RB Darren McFadden			17
RB Michael Goodson					52
FB Marcel Reese					95	1
WR D. Moore					66
WR Rod Streator					54	1
WR D. Heyward-Bey					74
TE Brandon Myers					59	2

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Raiders DST	1		1				515

If you were a fantasy player that started both Doug Martin and Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer, you dusted your opponent in fantasy play by the time the game clock hit “0:00” in this match-up. Much of whether Carson Palmer can put together an equally impressive game like this one depends on whether Darren McFadden, who apparently sprained his ankle on the first play from scrimmage, only to re-aggravate it later in the game (a high ankle sprain), plays this weekend. After McFadden left the game, not a single yard from scrimmage was posted by running the ball. The Raiders turned exclusively to passing which explains why Carson Palmer, who completed 39 of 61 passes, amassed such quarterback friendly fantasy statistics. Each Raider referenced above would have made for a decent start this week, especially Marcel Reese, Rod Streator, and Brandon Myers, three players who were likely on fantasy pines, or waivers, this week. In a bit of irony, back-up running back Michael Goodson also left the game with a high ankle sprain and is likely questionable to play this weekend. More than likely, Marcel Reese will be the Raiders running back to add from waivers this week with the expectation that he will get the majority of touches next week. That said, while next week’s opponent will not be easy to beat, Palmer could be in line for another pass-heavy game. 

NEXT UP:  at Ravens

4:25 p.m. EST

STEELERS   24   (5-3) v. GIANTS   20   (6-3)

By Matt Hurley

Steelers

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Ben Roethlisberger	216	2	-1				1
RB Isaac Redman			147	1	4
RB Baron Batch			7		0
RB Chris Raney			4		-3
FB Will Johnson			2		5
WR Mike Wallace					66	1
WR Antonio Brown					19
WR Emmanuel Sanders					20	1
WR Jerricho Cotchery					50
TE Heath Miller					48
TE David Paulsen					7

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Steelers DST	2	1					182

In a game that seemed so much less important than the events unfolding outside MetLife Stadium, the Steelers mounted another fourth-quarter comeback to win for the third straight time. Ben Roethlisberger, who remains just out of reach of the very elite quarterbacks in the league, had another solid outing with 216 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He was complemented by healthy-back-of-the-week Isaac Redman who had 147 yards on the ground and a score. The ball was spread around quite a bit with Mike Wallace as the top receiver, gathering 66 yards and a touchdown. Emmanuel Sanders also had a touchdown grab, but no other wide-out totaled more than 50 yards receiving. The Steelers’ defense, hampered by some questionable calls, still allowed just 182 yards of offense, sacked Manning twice, and intercepted him once while allowing just two field goals in the second half.

NEXT UP:  Chiefs (Monday Night)

Giants 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Eli Manning	125						1
RB Ahmad Bradshaw			48
RB Andre Brown			20	1
RB David Wilson			0
WR Hakeem Nicks					10
WR Victor Cruz					67
WR Domenick Hixon					0
WR Reuben Randle					0
TE Martellus Bennett					40

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Giants DST	4	1	1	1			349

The Giants wanted to win one for the fans. With so many in the New York/New Jersey area reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the Giants hoped to take their minds off it for just a little while. But Eli Manning had his worst outing of the season – one of the worst of his career – as he threw for just 125 yards with an interception. Victor Cruz, the leading receiver, had only 67 yards, though he may have been slowed by a rib injury sustained in the first half. The running game didn’t fare much better as Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown combined for just 68 yards and a touchdown. The Giants’ defense may have been the lone bright spot on the field Sunday. They got to Big Ben for four sacks, intercepted him once, and recovered (what was ruled to be) a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. They did, however, give up 24 points and almost 350 yards of total offense. They’ll look to get back to their winning ways at the Bengals next week.

NEXT UP: at Bengals

8:20 p.m. EST

COWBOYS   13   (3-5) v. FALCONS   19   (8-0)

By Giorgos Kassakos

Cowboys

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Tony Romo	321	1
RB Felix Jones			39		70
RB Phillip Tanner			0
WR Dez Bryant					15
WR Miles Austin					76
WR Kevin Ogletree					96	1
TE Jason Witten					51
TE John Phillips					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Cowboys DST	3						453

The Cowboys are really trying to turn their season around, but for various reasons, can’t quite get it done. While the Cowboys put up a fight, the Cowboys eventually fell to the undefeated Falcons. Tony Romo went over the 300-yard mark and found Kevin Ogletree in the endzone. Ogletree impressed for the first time since Week 1, with 96 yards receiving and a score. Dez Bryant disappointed as he posted only 15 yards against the Falcons. On the other hand, Miles Austin, the most viable option among the Cowboys wide-receivers right now, finished the game with 76 yards receiving. The Cowboys’ running game had limited production, with Felix Jones rushing for just 39 yards and rookie Lance Dunbar rushing for 26 yards. Phillip Tanner had a carry too. Jones was used as a receiver too, adding 70 yards to his total yardage. Jason Witten’s numbers returned to an “earthly” status, as he caught 7 passes for 51 yards. The Cowboys DST sacked Matt Ryan three times, but outside that, they allowed a ton of yards and 13 points in the last quarter, when stopping the Falcons mattered most. Next week, the Cowboys play the Eagles in a game where both teams and their head coaches need to prove their worth.  

NEXT UP:  at Eagles

Falcons 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Matt Ryan	342		8
RB Michael Turner			102	1
RB Jacquizz Rodgers			0		53
RB Jason Snelling			5		1
WR Julio Jones			8		129
WR Roddy White					118
TE Tony Gonzalez					36

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Falcons DST	1						377

The Falcons look unbeatable at 8-0. To be fair, the Cowboys gave the Falcons a run for their money, limiting the Falcons to 19 points scored. Matt Ryan completed 24 passes for 342 yards, but none of them a score. Michael Turner, who rushed for over 100 yards and scored once once, gave the Falcons the lead for the first time at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Jazquizz Rodgers added 53 yards came through the air. Julio Jones and Roddy White were great, despite not scoring, with 137 and 118 total yards receiving, respectively. Tony Gonzalez was held out of the end zone and finished the game with only 36 receiving yards. As for the Falcons DST, fantasy players expected more than one sack against a team whose offensive line has struggled and a quarterback prone to turnovers. The Falcons play the Saints in Week 10 in what should be a high scoring aerial game. 

NEXT UP:  at Saints

Monday, November 5, 2012

EAGLES   13   (3-5) v. SAINTS   28   (3-5) 

By Giorgos Kassakos

Eagles

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Michael Vick	272	1	53				1
RB LeSean McCoy			119		14
RB Bryce Brown			49		0
WR DeSean Jackson					100	1
WR Jeremy Maclin					28
WR Jason Avant					56
WR C. Harbor					20
TE Brent Celek					47			1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Eagles DST	2		1				371

The Eagles have dug themselves into a hole. After a strong start at 3-1, the Eagles ; they threw away their quick start and after losing 4 straight, they are stuck at a 3-5 record. The offensive line has more holhave now lost four straight. On Monday night, Michael Vick was hit several times by the Saints defense. He still threw for 272 yards, one touchdown and one interception and he gained 53 yards on the ground. But, that wasn’t enough even against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. LeSean McCoy went over 100 rushing yards and added an extra 14 through the air, while his backup, Bryce Brown rushed for 49. DeSean Jackson was very good with 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. Jeremy Maclin, on the other hand, finished the game with just 28 yards receiving, less than Jason Avant (56 yards) and Brent Celek (47 yards, one fumble). The Eagles DST got to the quarterback two times and managed to recover a fumble, but they couldn’t stop the Saints in the air or on the ground. The Eagles host the Cowboys next week and both teams desperately need a win.

NEXT UP: Cowboys

Saints 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Drew Brees	239	2	-1					1
RB Mark Ingram			44		23
RB Pierre Thomas			44		26
RB Chris Ivory			48	1	2
RB Travis Cadet			5					1
WR Marques Colston					46	1
WR Lance Moore					61
WR Devery Henderson					8
TE Jimmy Graham					72	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Saints DST	7	1	1	1			447

The Saints played solid football both offensively and defensively and won the game. Drew Brees threw for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns and his numbers would have been greater if the Saints didn’t switch to running the ball, pounding the Eagles defensive line. The Saints used all four running backs and the three of them posted some nice stats. Chris Ivory stole the show with some powerful runs and finished with 48 rushing yards and a touchdown. Mark Ingram had 44 on the ground and 23 in the air and Pierre Thomas totaled 70 yards. Jimmy Graham (72 yards) and Marques Colston (46 yards) scored for the Saints and Lance Moore managed to gain 61 yards with just 2 catches. Devery Henderson was a non-factor again, this week. The Saints DST had its best game of the season, with 7 sacks, a pick-six and a recovered fumble. They also held the Eagles to just 13 points scoring. Another home game is coming up next, this time against the rival Falcons. 

NEXT UP: Falcons