Week 1 Fantasy Football Three-Sixty

The purpose of reviewing each game allows 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 team’s offenses, as well as provide a feel for other players that could become fantasy-relevant in the near future.  In the end, the “Fantasy 360 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, to try and make a trade, or to sit tight. 

This is an abbreviated version of the Fantasy Three-Sixty where we will only highlight those fantasy-relevant players that owners will likely be interested in.  On to this week’s Fantasy Three-Sixty!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012
8:30 p.m. E.S.T. 

COWBOYS  24  (1-0) v. GIANTS  17  (0-1)

 

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Tony Romo	307	3	12				1
RB DeMarco Murray			131		9
RB Felix Jones			0
WR Dez Bryant					85
WR Miles Austin					73	1
WR Kevin Ogletree					114	2
TE Jason Witten					10
TE John Phillips					6
TE James Hanna					10

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Cowboys DST	3		1				269

Tony Romo looked great in Week 1. Give credit to an O-line that seemed to do a pretty good job keeping Romo on his feet in general, and credit Romo otherwise for looking sharp.  Kevin Ogletree looks to have laid claim to the spot vacated by Laurent Robinsion in the roster as Romo’s favorite non-top-three option.  Ogletree should be this week’s hot waiver wire add. This week, the Cowboys’ DST impressed by at times, locking down, and in generl slowing down a Giants pass offense that was top-ten in the league last season.

NEXT UP:  at Seahawks

 

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Eli Manning	213	1
RB Ahmad Bradshaw			78	1	15
RB David Wilson			4					1
WR Hakeem Nicks					38
WR Victor Cruz					58
WR Domenik Hixon					55
WR Randle Reuben					0
TE Martellus Bennett					40	1
TE Bear Pascoe					6

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Giants DST	2	1					433

The Giants looked awful in this game.  Eli Manning certainly did not look like an elite quarterback, but the Victor Cruz drops certainly didn’t help.  Lots of credit goes to Dallas whose pass defense seemed to shut down the Giants.  One highlight in this game was the play of Ahmad Bradshaw, who looked rejuvenated and fresh.  While the Giants defense seemed to start strong, it eventually let the Cowboys offense take control of the game.  The Giants get a mulligan for this Week 1 loss.  However, next week’s match-up against the Buccaneers could present its own challenges.

NEXT UP: Buccaneers

Sunday, September 9, 2012

1:00 p.m. EST

FALCONS   40  (1-0)  v. CHIEFS  24  (0-1)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Matt Ryan	299	3	25	1
RB Michael Turner			32
RB Jacquizz Rodgers			22		13
RB Jason Snelling			5
WR Julio Jones					108	2
WR Roddy White					87
WR Harry Douglas					32
TE Tony Gonzalez					53	1

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Falcons DST	3	2	1				393

Wow! The Falcons passing game exploded as expected.  Going forward, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez look to be must-starts going forward.  Unfortunately, not only was the offense more pass-centric, there was hardly any running game whatsoever.  This does not bode well for fantasy footballers who spent a high draft pick on Michael Turner, or expected Jacquizz Rodgers to have a much larger role in the offense.  On defense, the Falcons looked great. 

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Matt Cassel	258	1	20	1			2	1
RB Jamaal Charles			87
RB Peyton Hillis			16		8
RB Shawn Draughn			29	1	12
WR Dwayne Bowe					53
WR Steve Breaston					30
WR Dexter McCluster					82
WR Jonathan Baldwin					0
TE Kevin Boss					36	1
TE Tony Moeaki					37

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Chiefs DST	1						376

The Chiefs just got buried by the Falcons’ offense, and not a single playmaker stepped up to post a significant stat line. Obviously, the Matt Cassel turnovers did not help.  Also, the highly touted Chiefs defense couldn’t stop the Falcons’ passing game, even though The Fantasy Greek notes, the Chiefs were missing one or two key players.  Fantasy footballers with Peyton Hillis, please don’t panic.  It’s only Week 1.  The Chiefs will have an opportunity to bounce back next week.

NEXT UP: at Bills

 BILLS   28   (0-1)  v. JETS  48  (1-0)

  

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick	195	3	8				3
RB Fred Jackson			15
RB C.J. Spiller			169	1	25			1
WR Steve Johnson					55	1
WR Donald Jones					41	1
WR David Nelson					31
WR TJ Graham					0
TE Scott Chandler					38	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Bills DST		1					384

There is no explanation for how poorly the Bills played in this game, especially on defense.  Except they must have played tight, and must not have expected the Jets to play as well as they did.  In fact, The Fantasy Greek does not believe anyone would have expected this — not even a hardened Jets fan.  In any case, Ryan Fitzpatrick was awful (don’t let the three TD passes, tossed when the game was out of reach fool you), telegraphing at least one of his passes returned for a touchdown.  At least Fred Jackson was not lost for the season.  Look for CJ Spiller to become the team’s main offensive weapon.

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Mark Sanchez	266	3					1
RB Tim Tebow			11
RB Shonn Greene			94	1
RB Joe McKnight			3		16
RB Bilal Powell			10		16
WR Santonio Holmes					68
WR Stephen Hill					89	2
WR Chaz Schilens					8
WR Jeremy Kerlly					45	1
TE Dustin Keller					7
TE Jeff Cumberland					33

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Jets DST		3	1	1	1		390

Where was the Jets team that couldn’t execute in the pre-season?  Mark Sanchez looked good passing the ball and Shonn Greene solidified himself as the team’s premier running back.  While it was nice to see Santonio Holmes post some decent yards, rookie Stephen Hill stretched the field and posted great stats in his first pro game.  Sanchez was the quarterback we had hoped to see since the start of the pre-season.  The Jets’ defense was dominant, even though the four touchdowns likely did not sit well with the coaching staff.

NEXT UP:  at Steelers

COLTS    21  (0-1)  v. BEARS   41  (1-0)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Andrew Luck	309	1	9				3	1
RB Donald Brown			48	1
RB Vick Ballard			6
WR  Reggie Wayne					135
WR LaVon Brazil					10			1
WR TY Hilton					0
WR Donnie Avery					37	1
TE Coby Fleener					82
TE Dwayne Allen					0

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Colts DST	2	1		1

All things considered, this was not a bad first game for rookie Andrew Luck against a tough Bears defense.  Donald Brown continued to make his presence felt, and Reggie Wayne remained football, and fantasy football-relevant.   As expected, Coby Fleener took advantage of a favorable match-up.  The Colts defense has some issues to work through, but it had its moments this week.

NEXT UP: Vikings

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Jay Cutler	333	2	-4				1
RB Matt Forte			80	1	40
RB Michael Bush			42	2
WR Brandon Marshall					119	1
WR Ashlon Jeffrey					80	1
WR Devin Hester			-4		27
WR Earl Bennett					50
TE Kellen Davis					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Bears DST	3	3	2				356

After the Bears’ offense got off on a bad foot, it exploded!  These are the kind of stats Bears fans will have to get used to seeing, because this is not the stats of team that like to control field position and time of possession.  Going forward, fantasy footballers should consider starting Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Michael Bush, and Brandon Marhsall.  Rookie Ashlon Jeffrey make a great debut and should be rostered as a WR4 or bye week replacement, at a minimum.  The Bears DST continues to remain a must-start.  However, it must be noted that the Bears could be without the services of veteran DB Charles Tillman.

NEXT UP: at Packers

JAGUARS   23   (0-1)  v. VIKINGS   26  (1-0)

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Blaine Gabbert	260	2	6					1
RB Maurice Jones-Drew			77		18
RB Rashad Jennings			31		9
WR Justin Blackmon					24
WR Laurent Robinson					66
WR Cecil Shorts					74	1
WR Mike Thomas					0
WR Brian Robiskie					0
TE Marcedes Lewis					51	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Jaguars DST	2		1				389

The Jaguars may have lost this game, but they showed they could play football.  Blaine Gabbert continued looking like a pro-ready pocket passer who is making the next step in the pro-game.  As injuries take hold during the season, do not be surprised if Gabbert becomes an add off waivers.  Also, with Rashad Jennings injured in this game, Maurice Jones-Drew will officially become the starting running back again.  Even though rookie Justin Blackmon didn’t have a good game this week, don’t lose faith.  It was a pleasant surprise to see Marcedes Lewis in the box score.  A former fantasy football starlet, Lewis could be another name you begin to hear coming off waivers. 

NEXT UP:  Texans

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Christian Ponder	270	1						1
RB Adrian Peterson			84	2	3
RB Toby Gerhart			18		8
WR Percy Harvin			20		84
WR Michael Jenkins					45
WR Devin Aromashadu					61
WR Jarius Wright					0
WR Stephen Burton					0
TE Kyle Rudolph					67
TE John Carlson					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Vikings DST	2		1				355

This was a solid outing by Christian Ponder even though he should have been able to improve upon his passing touchdown total.  Adrian Peterson is clearly healthy, and is a must-start going forward.  Percy Harvin remains this ream’s second best playmaker.  Don’t look now, but Kyle Rudolph was close to blowing up the stat column, having some opportunity to score.  If he is on your waivers, Rudolph makes for a solid TE2, with upside, if you need one.  

NEXT UP: at Colts

DOLPHINS    10  (0-1)  v. TEXANS  30   (1-0)

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Ryan Tannehill	219		-1				3
RB Reggie Bush			69		46
RB Daniel Thomas			11		32
RB Lamar Miller			0		0
WR Davone Bess					45
WR Legedu Naanee					0
WR Rishard Matthews					0
WR Marlon Moore					0
WR Brian Hartline					50
TE Anthony Fasano					19

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Dolphins DST	2				1		337

One has to say, you almost saw this coming. Besides Reggie Bush, there were no other Dolphins players worth playing this week in fantasy football, and none that stepped up in the game to distinguish themselves in fantasy football.  Worse yet, Daniel Thomas seems to have sustained another injury.  The Dolphins DST played better than the box-score reflects.

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Matt Schaub	226	1	-2
RB Arian Foster			79	2	-4
RB Ben Tate			6		22
RB Justin Forsett					0
WR Andre Johnson					119	1
WR Kevin Walter					16
WR Keshawn Martin					0
WR Devier Posey					0
WR Lestar Jean					9
TE Owen Daniels					87
TE Garrett Graham					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Texans DST	2	3	1				275

This was a friendly reminder that the best fantasy football players are the usual suspects such as Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, and the Texans DST.  Another highlight in this game was that Owen Daniels had a larger role in the passing offense than in recent seasons.  If available, Daniels makes for a strong TE2, with upside, in fantasy football. For fantasy footballers who rolled with Brandon Tate because of the favorable match-up, this game was a friendly reminder that Tate is second to Foster, and can disappear from the box score on a weekly basis. Still, The Fantasy Greek was hoping that one of the other Texans wide receivers would step up this week, but that didn’t happen. Likewise, the hope was Matt Schaub would do more. 

NEXT UP: at Jaguars

PATRIOTS   34  (1-0)  v. TITANS   13  (1-0)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Tom Brady	236	2	1
RB Stevan Ridley			125	1	27
RB Shane Vereen			0		0
RB Danny Woodhead			20		0
WR Wes Welker					14
WR Brandon Lloyd					69
WR Julian Edelman					7
TE Rob Gronkowski					60	1
TE Aaron Hernandez			5		59	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Patriots DST	2	1	1	1			284

Unexpectedly, the Patriots did not get their passing game going this week, even though they tried.  As such, Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker likely disappointed many fantasy football players this weekend, while Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Henrnadez showed how they could both be effective in fantasy football even while both are on the field.  Tom Brady should obviously continue to be started regardless of the stat-line.  One of the big surprises this weekend was the performance of Stevan Ridley, who the Patriots uncharacteristically went to (and away from their passing game) often this weekend.  While fantasy footballers will keep on playing Ridley, sooner or later the Patriots could reverse course and go pass heavy.  The other big surprise this weekend was the Patriots DST, which controlled the game and the score, pressuring young Jake Locker often.  If they are on your waivers, and you need the help, pick them up.  In Week 2, the Patriots face a porous Cardinals O-line and turnover prone Kevin Kolb.

NEXT UP: Cardinals

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Jake Locker	229	1	11				1	1
RB Chris Johnson			4		47
RB Javon Ringer			0		0
WR Nate Washington					53	1
WR Damian Williams					33
WR Kendall Wright					37
WR Lavelle Hawkins					8
TE Jared Cook					64
TE Craig Stevens					5

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Titans DST	1						390

Besides having a difficult time getting points on the board, this was not a bad first outing for Jake Locker especially where the Titans were ineffective in getting a running game going a la Chris Johnson.   With respect to Johnson, The Fantasy Greek cautioned that you could expect this kind of on again, off again performances.  So, this was a week to take the bad, with hopefully the good coming down the road.  Titans offensive mainstay Nate Washington was dinged up this week, so make sure to check on his injury status for Week 2.  Rookie wide receiver Kendall Wright disappointed, but don’t give up on him just yet as a solid fantasy football reserve. The Titans Kenny Britt returns in Week 2, albeit with supposed limited snaps.  In case he is still on your waivers, Britt makes for a solid add given the talent.  The Week 2 match-up against the Chargers is a decent one where Britt can be started.  The Titans DST simply disappointed this week.

NEXT UP: at Chargers

EAGLES   17  (1-0)  v. BROWNS  16  (0-1)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Michael Vick	317	2					4
RB LeSean McCoy			110		26			1
RB Dion Lewis			0		0
WR Jeremy Maclin					96	1
WR DeSean Jackson			5		77
WR Jason Avant					27
TE Brent Celek					65
TE Clay Harbor					16	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Eagles DST	2	4					210

Put to the side the solid individual performances of LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, and DeSean Jackson.  This was a tough game for the Eagles’ offense, and especially Michael Vick.  The 4 pass interceptions are disconcerting, especially against a Browns defense that is nicked up. In terms of the Eagles defense, they were solid as expected.  Week 2 could be a rough one for the Eagles.

NEXT UP: Ravens

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Brandon Weedon	118		25				4
RB Trent Richardson			39		5
RB Montario Hardesty					20
RB Brandon Jackson			0		0
RB Chris Ogbonnaya			0		0
WR Greg Little					0
WR M.  Massaquoi					41
WR Josh Gordon					32
WR Josh Cribbs			0		0
WR Travis Benjamin			35		12
TE Ben Watson					9
TE Evan Moore					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Browns DST	2	4	1	1			456

The Browns had no answer to a stifling Eagles defense, except that the Browns defense did everything they could to keep the Eagles off the score board.  Indeed, while given every opportunity, Trent Richardson just couldn’t get the running game going, with running lanes clogged with Eagles defenders.  This was a tough first outing for Brandon Weeden, but things can only get better.  While the Browns’ defense did some good things this week, they still gave up a boat load of yards, and will now be missing stud CB Joe Haden for a few weeks.

NEXT UP: Bills

RAMS    23  (0-1)   v. LIONS   27   (1-0)

  

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Sam Bradford	198	1	3
RB Steven Jackson			53		31
RB Isaiah Pead
WR Danny Amendola			2		70
WR Brandon Gibson					51	1
WR Steve Smith					16
WR Chris Givens					0
WR Brian Quick					0
TE Lance Kendricks					15

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Rams DST	1	3		1			429

This was a great game by the Rams against a team that most, (except The Fantasy Greek), likely thought would get blown out.  What’s impressive is Sam Bradford did not turn over the football once.  Now, that having been said, the Rams lost starting C Scott Wells and starting OL Rodger Saffold to injuries this game whereby both will likely miss multiple games.  This is a situation to monitor, especially since this will likely impact Steven Jackson, and possibly more so than Bradford.  The Rams’ pass defense, led by Cortland Finnegan, impressed.  They did a great job keeping the Lions, and especially Calvin Johnson, out of the end zone until the bitter end.  Brandon Gibson and Danny Aemndola were Brdaford’s trusted receivers in this game.   

NEXT UP: Redskins

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Mathew Stafford	355	1					3
RB Kevin Smith			62	1	29	1
RB Keiland Williams			0		0
RB Stefan Logan			0		0
WR Calvin Johnson					111
WR Nate Burleson			6		69
WR Titus Young			11		14
WR Ryan Broyles					0
TE Brandon Pettigrew					77
TE Tony Scheffler					30

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Lions DST	3						251

With all those pass yards, it is amazing that the Lions didn’t score more on the Rams.  Kevin Smith made a genuine case for himself to continue carrying the load after Mikel Leshoure returns from suspension.  With all the hype that Titus Young has been given this off-season, expectations likely came to earth for those fantasy footballers who were high on him as something more than a bench player at this point in the season.  Nonetheless, keep starting the Lions playmakers in fantasy football. 

NEXT UP: at Forty-Niners

REDSKINS   40   (1-0)   v. SAINTS   32   (0-1)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Robert Griffin III	320	2	42
RB Alfred Morris			96	2
RB Roy Helu			2		25
RB Evan Royster			10
WR Pierre Garcon					109	1
WR Santana Moss					47
WR Leonard Hankerson					0
WR Josh Morgan					21
WR Aldrick Robinson					52	1
TE Fred Davis					38

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Redskins DST	2	2					358

If you drafted Robert Griffin III as your primary quarterback in fantasy football or simply opted to play him against the Saints, GOOD FOR YOU!  Not only was RGIII the only rookie quarterback to lead his team to a win this weekend, but more impressive, he did so without a single turnover.  It also was apparent that Pierre Garcon is his favorite receiver, and that at least for now, Alfred Morris is a must-start in fantasy football (or must-add off waivers) until further notice, i.e., when Mike Shanahan says so. The Redskins defense was good, but not good enough from stopping the Saints’ passing game.

NEXT UP: at Rams

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Drew Brees	339	3					2
RB Mark Ingram			15		0
RB Pierre Thomas			17		12
RB Darren Sproles			0		35	1
WR Marques Colston					71
WR Lance Moore					120	1
WR Devery Henderson					11
WR Joseph Morgan					0
TE Jimmy Graham					85	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Saints DST	1			1			464

The Saints fell behind in this game early and just couldn’t catch up.  Certainly, Drew Brees uncharacteristic 2 interceptions did not help.  And, because of all this, the Saints were never able to establish a running game.  Regardless of what happened in this game, get all of your Saints fantasy football playmakers not named Drew Brees (Sproles, Colston, Moore, and Graham) into your line-up each and every week.

NEXT UP: at Panthers

Sunday, September 9, 2012

4:25 p.m. EST

PANTHERS   10  (0-1) v. BUCCANEERS   16  (1-0)

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Cam Newton	303	1	4				2
RB DeAngelo Williams			-1		5
RB Jonathan Stewart
RB Mike Tolbert			2		8
WR Steve Smith					106
WR Brandon LaFell					65	1
WR Louis Murphy					63
WR Armanti Edwards
WR  David Gettis
TE Greg Olsen					56

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Panthers DST	2						258

This was an ugly loss for the Panthers as their offense could never quite get going against the Buccaneers’ defense.  In fact, for all the fantasy footballers out there that were relying on Can Newton to total fantasy points by running the ball (an assumption The Fantasy Greek cautioned was not a good one), Newton was shut down.  Indeed, the entire Panthers rush offense was shut down even though quite frankly, the Panthers did not seem to necessarily try to establish that aspect of their game.  It was great to see both Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell in the mix, but unfortunate that DeAngelo Williams wasn’t given a bigger role in the offense.  The Panthers DST did just fine ever though it would be good to see them play against a more potent offense.

NEXT UP: Saints

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Josh Freeman	138	1	13
RB Doug Martin			95		23
RB LaGarrette Blount			8		2
RB DJ Ware			14
WR Vincent Jackson					47
WR Mike Williams					12	1
WR Arrelious Benn
WR Preston Parker
TE Dallas Clark					33
TE Luke Stocker					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Buccaneers DST	3	2					301

Much like the Panthers, the Buccaneers couldn’t quite get their offense going either.  Besides Doug Martin and Mike Williams, fantasy footballers would have been disappointed had they started Vincent Jackson or Dallas Clark.  Quite frankly, this game seemed more about the match-up as opposed to whether the Buccaneers have an offense, because obviously, they do.   For fantasy footballers paying attention, the Buccaneers DST looked like the Bucs of old against a pretty good Panthers offense.  While their rush defense was never really tested, the Bucs certainly should be able to shut down the rush with the personnel they have in place. Well, the unit will be tested in the coming weeks (Giants, Cowboys, Redskins). If the Bucs can play well during this stretch, the Bucs’ defense could be the next best thing since the Forty-Niners and the Texans.

NEXT UP: at Giants

FORTY-NINERS    30  (1-0)  v. PACKERS    22   (0-1)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Alex Smith	211	2	13
RB Frank Gore			112	1	1
RB Kendall Hunter			41		15
RB LaMichael James					0
WR Michael Crabtree					76
WR Randy Moss					47	1
WR Mario Manningham					29
WR Ted Ginn, Jr.					0
WR AJ Jenkns					0
TE Vernon Davis					43	1
TE Delanie Walker					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
49ers DST	3	1					324

Well, the Forty-Niners didn’t open up the offense for Alex Smith, but they didn’t have to.  Through ball control and field positioning, the Forty-Niners generated some good offense through their receivers (Crabtree, Moss, and Davis) and running back Frank Gore.  Indeed, Gore looked like the Gore of old except he was able to be worked in and out of the mix a little bit more.  By the way, the Forty-Niners defense frustrated a Packers offense that could never get its key weapons into the mix. 

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Aaron Rogers	303	2	27				1
RB Cedric Benson			18
RB James Starks
RB Alex Green
WR Greg Jennings					34
WR Jordy Nelson					64
WR James Jones					81	1
WR Randall Cobb					77
WR Donald Driver
TE Jermichael Finley					47	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Packers DST	4						377

To say the Packers hometown faithful were stunned by the Packers’ performance in this game is to put it mildly.  The Packers looked all too human especially quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  While Rodgers didn’t have a bad game, it certainly wasn’t optimal either.  The Packers James Jones and Randall Cobb could be popular names off the waiver wires this week.  But consider this, both Aaron Rodgers favorites Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson were effectively shut out of the offense this week. This is not likely to continue.  Besides, Jones has come into fantasy football vogue, only to fall out of fantasy football vogue just as quickly. Cobb makes for an interesting add only if your league gives players points for kick returns or yardage. Jones is looking good shouldJennings miss this Thursday’s game as is possible due to a groin injury.  So, if you add either Jones or Cobb, understand their value could either be short-lived or may only be more effective in certain fantasy football settings.

NEXT UP: Bears (Thurs. Night Football)

SEAHAWKS    16  (0-1)  v. CARDINALS   20  (1-0)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Russell Wilson	153	1	20				1	1
RB Marshawn Lynch			95		12
RB Robert Turbin			5		2
RB Leon Washington			5
WR Sidney Rice					36	1
WR Braylon Edwards					43
WR Ben Obomanu					0
WR Doug Baldwin					5
TE Zach Miller					40

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Seahawks DST	1	1	1				253

Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson did okay against what is a pretty good Cardinals defense, but certainly didn’t light the fantasy football world on fire.  The Fantasy Greek is glad Marshawn Lynch played well this week even though a touchdown run would have been nice.  The Fantasy Greek is also glad Wilson and phenom Sidney Rice connected in the end-zone. The Seahawks’ defense put up a great defensive battle that unfortunately went to waste.

NEXT UP:  Cowboys

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB John Skelton	149	0	2				1
QB Kevin Kolb	66	1	-1				0
RB Beanie Wells			14
RB Ryan Williams			9		17
RB Stephens Howling			4	1	4
RB William Powell			0
WR Larry Fitzgerald					63
WR Andre Roberts			15		54	1
WR Early Doucet					37
WR Michael Floyd					0
TE Todd Heap					32
TE Jeff King					8
TE Rob Housler					0

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Cardinals DST	3	1	1				254

Before getting knocked out of the game due to injury, quarterback John Skelton didn’t look very good even though this was a very good Seahawks defense.  Because of this, none of the team’s playmakers could get anything going except for Andre Roberts, and only because he scored a receiving touchdown.  Roberts was likely not played by anyone in fantasy football. As Skelton is likely to miss a couple of weeks, Kevin Kolb will get the start.  Hopefully, the offense can get going under him.  The Cardinals defense was very good and will likely be challenged in the coming weeks.

NEXT UP:  at Patriots

Sunday, September 9, 2012

8:20 p.m. EST

 

STEELERS    19   (0-1)   v. BRONCOS   31  (1-0)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Ben Roethlisberger	245	2	4				1
RB Isaac Redman			20		7
RB Jonathan Dwyer			43		11
RB Chris Raney			5		-1
WR Mike Wallace					37	1
WR Antonio Brown			4		74
WR Emmanuel Sanders					55
TE Heath Miller					50	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Steelers DST	2		1				334

When all is said and done, fantasy footballers expected more in terms of the passing game from the Steelers, who had a decent game against what ended up being a very good Broncos’ defense.  What was troubling was that the Broncos not only shut the Steelers’ rushing game down, but it was Jonathan Dwyer and not Isaac Redman that totaled the most yards among the running backs.  The Steelers defense was simply outplayed by “Manning The Great.”

NEXT UP:  Jets

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Peyton Manning	253	2	3
RB Willis McGahee			64					1
RB Knowshon Moreno			13	1
RB Lance Ball			14
WR Demaryius Thomas					110	1
WR Eric Decker					54
WR Brandon Stokley					26
WR Matt Willis					14
TE Jacob Tamme					43	1
TE Joel Dreesen					6

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Broncos DST	5	1					284

Not a bad game for Peyton Manning to acclimate himself to playing in the NFL again.  It was great to see Manning connect with DemaryiusThomas and Jacob Tamme, even though another TD to Eric Decker would have been nice for fantasy footballers.  Besides Manning, the next biggest story in this game was the defensive job the Broncos did in holding the Steelers to less than 20 points.  Make no doubt about it that the Broncos defense will be challenged in the coming weeks. However, based on their personnel and performance in this game, the Broncos defense could be useful in fantasy football as the season progresses.

 

Monday, September 10, 2012

7:00 p.m. EST

BENGALS    13   (0-1)   v. RAVENS    44  (1-0)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Andy Dalton	221			11			1	1
RB B Green-Ellis			91	1	4
RB Cedric Peerman	22
RB Brian Leonard	5
WR A.J. Green					70
WR Brandon Tate					3
WR Armon Binns					28
WR Mohamed Sanu					0
WR Andrew Hawkins					86
TE Germaine Gresham

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allowed
Bengals DST	3						430

No surprise in this game that the Ravens dominated both the offensive side and defensive side of the ball.  The one surprise worth noting, however, is that the BenJarvus Green-Ellis had an outstanding game against a Ravens rush defense that allowed the fourth-least fantasy points to opposing running backs last season. 

NEXT UP:  Browns

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Joe Flacco	299	2	-1
RB Ray Rice			68	2	25
RB Bernard Pierce			19
RB Anthony Allen			13
WR Anquan Boldin			3		63	1
WR Torrey Smith			13		57
WR Jacoby Jones					46
WR Deonte Thomas					25
TE Ed Dickson					22
TE Dennis Pitta					73	1

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Ravens DST	4	1	1	1			322

Isn’t this new Ravens’ offense just great?  It gives every playmaker on the team the opportunity to create offense.  While you might feel that the offensive totals for some of the team’s playmakers were low, don’t forget that this is a pretty strong Bengals defense the Ravens were playing. As for Dennis Pitta, understand that both he and Ed Dickson are very much a part of the Ravens’ offense.  So while Pitta may have had the good week this week, Dickson could have the good week next week.  Consider this before adding Pitta from waivers.

NEXT UP:  at Eagles 

Monday, September 10, 2012

10:15 p.m. EST

CHARGERS    22   (1-0)  v. RAIDERS   14  (1-0)

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Phillip Rivers	231	1	-2
RB Ronnie Brown			5		26
RB Curtis Brinkley			12		28
WR Malcolm Floyd					66	1
WR Robert Meachem					49
WR Eddie Royal			12		4
TE Antonio Gates					43

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Chargers DST	3						321

The Chargers had to fight for the victory this week.  And, with good field position, and a “kicker feeling” on a Monday night, the Chargers pulled out the victory.  Expect better stats from the Chargers’ offense.  This was just a tough game, in a tough environment, against a tough defense.  Speaking of defense, the Chargers’ defense looked pretty good.

 

Player	Pass Yds	Pass TDs	Rush Yds	Rush TDs	Rec Yds	Rec TDs	INTs	F
QB Carson Palmer	297	1
RB Darren McFadden			32		86
RB Michael Goodson			13
FB Marcel Reece					20
WR D. Heyward-Bey					43
WR Derek Hagan					44
WR Rod Streator					27	1		1
WR Juron Criner					0
TE Brandon Myers					65
TE Richard Gordon					0
TE David Ausberry					12

 

	Sacks	INTs	DFR	DTD	KRTD	SFY	Yds Allwd
Raiders DST	1						258

That was a really good Raiders’ defense that limited or otherwise shut down the Chargers’ running and passing game.  The Raiders could never quite really get their offense going. So, we are hoping for better things ahead.

NEXT UP:  at Dolphins

Good luck this week!