NFL Fantasy Felony -- Fantasy FanHouse

Checking the Schedule: I Love the Colts

Posted: Nov 11th 2008 4:00 PM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

By and large, the Indianapolis Colts have been a disappointment as a fantasy squad this season. None of them have lived up to their hype. Sure, Peyton Manning has had some vintage Peyton games ... and Reggie Wayne has been himself a few times. There was even one Marvin Harrison sighting. This just hasn't been the type of offense we've grown accustomed to seeing over the past decade from Indy.

That's all about to change.

While Sean Lalley made a great case against Joseph Addai earlier this week, I'm going to have to respectfully disagree and say that I'd be mortgaging my team right now to acquire Colts. They have made it through the difficult part of their schedule, and now face a nice stretch where we'll see the return of the offensive machine. The trips to Tennessee, Green Bay, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh are safely in the rearview ... as are the home games against the Patriots, Bears, and Ravens (who the Colts pummelled anyway).

The Fantasy Hit List

Posted: Nov 6th 2008 4:00 PM ET by Ryan Dembinsky (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

4 COMMENTS

As much as we all pretend we build our fantasy teams are based solely on data, trends, matchups and depth charts, there is an undeniable emotional element involved. If you have ever played in a league with the same crew for multiple years, you know exactly what I am talking about. For instance, I know my colleague here at FanHouse, Sean Lalley, will always want Larry Fitzgerald, probably draft Chad Johnson, and will sniper any young running back that looks poised to slip into a starting role. On the other hand, if Curtis Martin, Tiki Barber, and Torry Holt played until age 75, they would probably all end up my team.

We grow attached to guys who have helped us win... and vice versa. On the contrary, we grow to despise the players who sink our teams as if they pushed our grandma to the ground in an effort to steal the last seat on a busy subway car. They are evil and we do not forget this. Thus, the following comprises a sampling of some of the guys who have burned fantasy teams beyond repair over the years. In other words, this is our fantasy hit list.

Corey Dillon - We'll date ourselves here a little, but back in 2003 fantasy team-killin' Corey Dillon came off a 1,300-plus yard and seven-touchdown rushing season with all the hype of a new Vampire Weekend album. Much like the band, Dillon proved to be totally overrated, providing owners a whopping 541 yards and two teeders.

Fantasy Football Value Meter: It's All About Brady Quinn

Posted: Nov 4th 2008 2:45 PM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Sunday Wrap-Up, Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

0 COMMENTS

Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.

Brady Quinn has never started an NFL game. He's only appeared in one, completing only three of eight passing attempts for 45 yards.

And I'll guarantee you he's the hottest waiver wire add this week in fantasy football. He may even have been rostered in many leagues (only six percent in fleaflicker leagues, though), but now the guy who did own him thinks he's struck fantasy gold.

Can he measure up?

The Browns do have some explosive options at receiver, even if they have issues with dropping balls or staph infections. They have a quality offensive line to provide protection for the youngster, and Jamal Lewis is an established feature back. The offense just put up its fair share of points against a really solid Baltimore Ravens defense, though they were missing personnel in the defensive backfield.

Also, don't discount the learning Quinn did while holding a clipboard for a season and a half, not to mention the built up proverbial fire in the belly. He's a competitor, and he's always been thought of as a smart QB.

Fantasy Football Value Meter: Joe Flacco's Stock Way Too High Right Now

Posted: Oct 28th 2008 4:15 PM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

0 COMMENTS

Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.

Joe Flacco - That was a great game, and any fantasy owners who were likely forced to starting him ended up delighted. The Ravens, however, win the game by running the football and playing defense. Their matchups don't even matter moving forward, because Flacco's never going to be a reliable starter in fantasy.

Deuce McAllister - Deuce paid off this past week for fantasy owners, but I'm weary about him moving forward. It's possible he's suspended for this whole steroid fiasco, and the Saints have a bye this week. That's two full weeks in which the NFL could decide upon a punishment. Also, Reggie Bush isn't out much longer. All owners know when Bush is coming back, at which point Deuce loses all his value. That means now is the perfect time to deal him.

David Garrard - He's the hot hand right now, and the Bengals and Lions are on tap for the next two weeks ... hold him. Please.

Injuries To Watch: Week 8

Posted: Oct 24th 2008 6:30 PM ET by Ryan Dembinsky (RSS feed)
Filed Under: NFL Injury Report, NFL Fantasy Felony

1 COMMENT

Every week when the dinner bell rings on Friday evening, we'll be here to provide you a comprehensive commentary of the key injuries for the NFL weekend to follow. For those injuries that go right down to the wire, drop by our Fantasy Fanhouse expert live chat from 10am to 1pm EST every Sunday and we'll take care of you on those bloody game-time decisions. As always, please feel free to chime in with opinions, updates, and rumors in the comments.

The Arizona Cardinals

Anquan Boldin - After a well-timed bye week affording Boldin an extra week to rest his dome, he is expected to play on Sunday. Boldin allegedly lost about ten pounds though after having his jaw wired shut and slurping his food for two weeks. I'm in this predicament myself and plan to start him, but it's not an easy decision. If you have other quality options, it is probably worth waiting to see what he does this weekend.

The Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Mason - Unfortunately for Mason owners, who saw his value tick up after his six catch, 86 yard, one touchdown game last week, he was unable to practice this week with an undisclosed illness. Mason is not reliable enough to risk starting unless the illness dissipates completely.

The Carolina Panthers

D.J. Hackett - While I doubt too many people are reeling over Hackett's day-to-day status, he looks to be practicing lightly and should be available to play.

The Chicago Bears

Brandon Lloyd - Brandon Lloyd continues to nurse a sprained knee, so hopefully this week's bye should be the final stage in the waiting game. After a hot start to the season, owners are eagerly anticipating his return, but who knows what kind of shape he will be in upon returning.

Fantasy Football Value Machine: Is Sammy Morris For Real?

Posted: Oct 21st 2008 10:37 AM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

3 COMMENTS

Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.

Sammy Morris - That was a stellar half last night, which qualified for a great game. The problem is, there are two caveats ... he tweaked his knee, and the Broncos run defense is abysmal. I do think the Patriots will try to limit the heavy lifting done by Matt Cassel the rest of the season, but worry that Bill Belichick will be reluctant to have one man carry the entire load for the rest of the season. Now is probably the best time to deal Morris, but holding him wouldn't be horrible, in light of the knee injury limiting your possible returns.

Calvin Johnson - Megatron is the only Lions receiver worth guarding for opposing defenses. He was only able to grab two catches Sunday against a suspect, at best, Texans defense. The reason he's here, though, is because he shook free for a long catch and a ridiculously long touchdown. You can't count on that every week, despite his enormous talent.

Fantasy Value Machine - Sorting the Upside Down Week

Posted: Oct 14th 2008 3:00 PM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

0 COMMENTS

Edgerrin James -- I'm not a fan, but he's going to do more than 29 yards most weeks.

Steven Jackson -- As the Rams' confidence grows under their new regime, they'll remain competitive in games ... and when they are, Jackson's the focal point of the offense. He just faced a really strong Redskins defense.

Matt Hasselbeck -- As long as he's healthy, he's going to have a big second half. You just have to have the depth to wait on him for a few weeks.

Jake Delhomme -- I have no idea what that crap was all about. He's maddeningly inconsistent, but he also has Steve Smith.

Brett Favre -- Easy Jets schedule coming up. He'll get his.

Steve Slaton -- Detroit and Cincy the next two weeks, and the Dolphins run defense is underrated.

Jason Campbell and Santana Moss -- I'm not bailing just yet.

LeRon McClain -- That entire game was an embarrassment. Just write it off as the Ravens running into the buzzsaw known as the 2005 Colts.

FanHouse's Quasi-Weekly LIVE Fantasy Football Chat: Thursday, 1:00 PM Eastern

Posted: Oct 9th 2008 12:45 PM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: NFL Position Rankings, NFL Sleepers, NFL Waiver Wire, Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony, Expert Chats

2 COMMENTS

Sure, you can wait to set your lineup until Sunday morning -- when we tailgate -- but there are other things to be done in the middle of the fantasy week.

Need advice on any trades in the works?

Are bye weeks killing your roster, meaning you're in need of a desperation sleeper option?

We will also accept lineup questions, but there is so much more going on in the world of fantasy. You can even come check in if you just want to argue with us. You'll be wrong, but it's cool to try and stuff. We've got no problem with that.

No matter the reason, stop on in and check us out.

By the way, Larry (above right) wants me to tell you he's a must-start every week. Please don't ask about him.

Turner the Burner: Accept Him Yet?

Posted: Oct 8th 2008 12:15 PM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

2 COMMENTS

Part of being a fantasy analyst is accepting the fact that you are going be wrong. When you discuss and rank hundreds of players every week without the luxury of telepathy, it's impossible to be right about every single player.

For me, the biggest thorn in my side -- thanks now to Larry Johnson for showing everyone how much he sucks last week, by the way -- has been Michael Turner.

I don't know why I can't accept him, really. 'The Burner' is one of those guys we should all love. Went to a small college, dabbled in obscurity behind the best running back in the league for a few years, and finally struck the big contract in the offseason.

Instead, I've continually ranked him too low and tried to give you reality checks about him after his weaker opponents let him run wild. Yet he currently leads the league in rushing and fantasy points for RBs in standard scoring formats.

I have become sold on him as a fantasy starter, but I'm still not sold on him as a RB1 and I most certainly don't think he'll end up the top-scoring RB this season. He won't even end up in the top five.

Here's why:

Fantasy Value Machine: Thanks Carson!

Posted: Sep 30th 2008 11:00 AM ET by Matt Snyder (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Sunday Wrap-Up, Fantasy Football, NFL Fantasy Felony

2 COMMENTS

Value Machine checks out the overall perceived value of fantasy players. If you want to commit a fantasy felony, you'll sell high on the up arrow guys and buy low on the down arrow guys.

Hopefully you traded Rashard Mendenhall, as we insinuated last week when we said his value will never be higher. Remember, fantasy sports are all about value and perception is reality in between games. Many owners flocked to Mendenhall last week because he was "replacing" Willie Parker. His perceived value skyrockets, which means it's the perfect time to spin him. Just keep this in mind as we move forward.

Top week four

: Laveranues Coles ... He busted loose for 30 plus points in most leagues. The problem is that he didn't receive the majority of Brett Favre's attention and rarely will this result in three scores. Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, and Dustin Keller all take looks away from Coles. This was a one week ride, so hopefully you enjoyed it and can move him for good value this week.

Top week four

: Carson Palmer ... He comes off his one good game of the season -- against a solid defense, no less -- and decides to not fully disclose his injury. Owners found out he couldn't go right before game time, and surely some guys were screwed over by this. Keep an eye on his health, because if he can come back, his owners will surely be pissed enough to deal him for less than market value.